The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has commenced the probe into the multi-crore online trading scam in Assam, an official said on Monday.
IANS | New Delhi | October 15, 2024 : The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has commenced the probe into the multi-crore online trading scam in Assam, an official said on Monday.
A senior official of Assam Police said: “A CBI team reached the state and began investigating the trading scam. They are set to reach Dibrugarh in a day or two where the controversial actress Sumi Borah, her husband Tarkik Borah and another prime accused Bishal Phukan were lodged. The CBI team will interrogate the accused persons very soon.
Meanwhile, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of Assam Police handed over key information regarding the online trading scam to the CBI officials.
Earlier, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that the CBI would be investigating 32 cases pertaining to the multi-crore online trading scam.
“We have filed 32 cases against the online trading fraudsters. The state government decided to hand over all of these cases to the CBI. I spoke with Union Home Minister Amit Shah about this, and he agreed to let the CBI probe the scam. I went to Delhi to apprise him about the latest development”, he had said.
Sarma also warned that nobody will be spared who has been involved with the online trading scam.
To recall, an online trading scam amounting to Rs. 2,200 crore was busted in Assam in September after a kingpin of this fraud, Bishal Phukan was arrested from his Dibrugarh residence.
Controversial Assamese actress Sumi Borah and her husband Tarkik Borah, accused in the multi-crore online trading scam surrendered before the police later.
The couple was arrested after they surrendered in Dibrugarh. Notably, the duo was on the run since the huge scam surfaced and it was revealed that Borah was well connected with the kingpin of the Rs. 2,200 crore fraud—Bishal Phukan.
Before the arrest, Sumi Borah circulated a video on social media claiming that she had not fled but she had been hiding due to propaganda being run against her. She alleged that plenty of misinformation was being spread and her family has been suffering a lot due to it.
Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, October12, 2024, Kavaripettai : In a tragic incident near Kavaripettai station, a freight train collided with the Mysore-Dwarbhanga Bagmati Express, resulting in severe damage and reports of multiple injuries. The express train, which was en route to Andhra Pradesh, collided with the freight train around 8:30 PM, shortly after departing from Perambu station.
Eyewitness accounts suggest that the passenger express, initially traveling at speeds of up to 109 km/h, began to decelerate as it approached the loop line. However, it was still reportedly running at approximately 90 km/h when it struck the rear of a freight car that was stationed on the loop line.
The impact of the collision was catastrophic, causing four air-conditioned coaches to overturn and damaging two additional coaches. In a further escalation of the disaster, a power car and a motor van caught fire due to the collision. Emergency services have been deployed to the scene, with firefighters working to extinguish the blaze and rescue operations underway.
Railway authorities have confirmed that they are conducting a thorough investigation into the incident, which has drawn comparisons to previous train accidents in the region, including the notorious Karmandal disaster.
Survivors have described scenes of chaos and panic as passengers scrambled to escape the overturned coaches. “It was terrifying. We heard a loud crash, and everything went dark,” said one survivor. “Many of us were trapped and had to help each other out.”
As rescue efforts continue, medical teams have been dispatched to treat those injured, and the railway administration is coordinating with local hospitals to ensure all affected receive prompt care. The full extent of injuries and fatalities is still being assessed.
Railway Minister has expressed deep concern over the incident, stating, “We are closely monitoring the situation and will ensure that all necessary measures are taken to assist those affected.”
Families of passengers are anxiously awaiting news as authorities work to identify victims and provide updates. This tragic incident underscores ongoing safety concerns in India’s rail system, prompting calls for urgent reforms to improve infrastructure and prevent future accidents.
As investigations unfold, the nation watches closely, hoping for swift answers and justice for those impacted by this devastating collision.
Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, Mumbai, October 11, 2024: After months of speculation, the Tata Trusts have finally named their new leader. On Friday, it was officially announced that Noel Tata, half-brother of the late Ratan Tata, will take over as Chairman of the prestigious Tata Trusts. This appointment brings an end to widespread conjecture about the future of the conglomerate after the passing of Ratan Tata, the business magnate who played an iconic role in shaping the legacy of the Tata Group.
Noel Tata, a veteran in the Tata ecosystem, has been with the group for over 40 years. His vast experience and longstanding association with Tata companies made him a natural choice for the position. At present, Noel Tata holds several prominent roles, including Chairman of Tata International, Voltas, and Tata Investment Corporation. He also serves as Vice Chairman of Tata Steel and Titan Company Limited, two of the group’s flagship firms. Additionally, he is a trustee on the boards of the Sir Ratan Tata Trust and Sir Dorabji Tata Trust, further solidifying his influence within the Tata family.
The decision to appoint Noel Tata was made unanimously during a meeting of the Sir Ratan Tata Trust and Sir Dorabji Tata Trust, held earlier today in Mumbai. At 67 years old, Noel brings with him a wealth of experience and leadership acumen. A graduate of Sussex University in the UK, Noel also gained corporate experience early in his career working at Nestlé. His deep-rooted ties to the business world are further strengthened by his marriage to Aloo Mistry, the daughter of the late Palonji Mistry, who was the largest individual shareholder of Tata Sons.
Family Tree of Tatas
Noel and Aloo have three children—Leah, Maya, and Neville—who have also taken on various roles within the Tata Group. Although they prefer to maintain a low profile, Leah Tata is known to be involved in the family’s hotel business. The entire family is poised to continue the Tata legacy, managing a conglomerate with a global presence in over 100 countries, spanning industries from steel to hospitality to technology.
Leah, Neville, and Maya
Noel Tata, who always looked up to his half-brother Ratan as a mentor and business guide, now assumes one of the most powerful roles in Indian industry. As the new Chairman of Tata Trusts, Noel is expected to safeguard the group’s values while steering the company into the future. This appointment ensures continuity, stability, and a reinforcement of the Tata Group’s long-standing commitment to ethical business practices and philanthropic efforts.
The Tata Group, one of India’s most respected and enduring industrial houses, has long been a symbol of national pride, and Noel Tata’s leadership is expected to further strengthen that legacy.
The Tata Family Ancestry And History
New Delhi: Tatas, a brand that has for more than 150 years instilled a feeling of trust and reassurance, has always seen a line of succession where the people at the helm have set the very highest standards and ethics in the world of business. Their personalities cannot be separated from what the brand has evolved into.
Founded in 1868, Tatas have become one of largest and most diverse global conglomerates. It is a name heard in almost every home in India and tens of millions overseas.
Ratan Tata, the kind and graceful gentleman-industrialist and philanthropist, who is credited with taking brand Tata to over 100 countries under his leadership, died at a hospital in Mumbai earlier this week. His stewardship of the Tata behemoth has left a void that few can fill, or not – only time will tell.
Ratan Tata is being succeeded by his half-brother Noel Tata. Ratan Tata’s parents Naval Tata and Soonoo Commissariat got divorced when Ratan and his younger brother Jimmy were very young. Years later their father married Simone Dunoyer, and the two had a son Noel.
Ratan Tata and his half-brother Noel Tata with their father Naval Tata. Noel Tata is 20 years younger than Ratan Tata. Ratan Tata and his half-brother Noel Tata with their father Naval Tata. Noel Tata is 20 years younger than Ratan Tata.
THE TATA FAMILY ANCESTRY
Ancestors of the Tata family migrated to India from Persia, now Iran, in the 8th century AD. They were part of a large group of Parsis (people from Persia), a Zoroastrian ethnic community, who fled persecution during the Islamic Conquest of Persia.
According to the Tata Central Archives, the Tatas settled in Navsari in Gujarat and lived there for 25 generations before business took them to Bombay – then the Bombay Presidency under the British Raj. At the time Bombay Province included the western two-thirds of Maharashtra, northwestern Karnataka, all of Gujarat, all of Sindh (now in Pakistan), and Aden (in present-day Yemen).
The journey of the Tata family’s business began with Jamsetji Nusserwanji Tata, who stated a trading company in Bombay in 1868, which has today become the Tata Group. The Tatas have always believed in the concept of country and society – building and uplifting the people and the community over personal gains – and right from the very beginning, Jamsetji and his two sons – Sir Dorabji Tata and Sir Ratan Tata – left most of their estate and shares in the company to charitable trusts.
Today, there are 14 different trusts run by the Tatas which work in different sectors, each independent of the other in the nature and field of work they do. All of these however, come under an umbrella organisation called Tata Trust.
Ratan Tata was the Chairman of the Tata Trusts and Chairman Emeritus of the Tata Group. After his demise, his half-brother Noel Tata has become the Chairman of Tata Trusts while Natarajan Chandrasekaran is Chairman of the Tata Group, whose largest stakeholder is the Tata Trust.
NOEL TATA – NEW CHAIRMAN – TATA TRUSTS
Born in December 1957, Noel Tata is twenty years younger than his half-brother Ratan Tata. He is the son of Naval Tata and Simone Dunoyer, a French-Swiss Catholic and businesswoman from Switzerland.
Noel Tata holds a degree from Sussex University (UK) and has completed the International Executive Programme (IEP) at INSEAD..
He is an Indian-Irish businessman and has been appointed as the Chairman of the Tata Trust. He is married to Aloo Mistry, who is Cyrus Mistry’s sister and Shapoorji Pallonji Mistry’s granddaughter. They have three children – Neville, Maya, and Leah – all of whom are actively involved in the Tata conglomerate.
Leah Tata is the Vice President at the Indian Hotels Company. While Maya Tata is associated with Tata Capital, Neville Tata is part of Trent and leadership team at Star Bazaar.
Noel Tata’s most prominent role before this new appointment was as Managing Director of Tata International Ltd, the group’s trading and distribution arm.
Under his leadership from 2010 to 2021, the company grew from a turnover of $500 million to over $3 billion.
As Managing Director of Trent Ltd, Tata’s retail arm, he expanded its operations from a single store in 1998 to over 700 stores across various formats.
Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, October 7, 2024, Chennai: A tragic incident unfolded at Marina Beach in Chennai during a much-anticipated Air Force exercise, leading to the deaths of at least five individuals due to overwhelming crowd pressure. The event, held in celebration of the Indian Air Force’s 92nd anniversary, attracted approximately 1.6 million spectators, resulting in a chaotic scene as attendees gathered to witness the aerial display.
The massive turnout turned Marina Beach into a sea of people, with many eager visitors arriving as early as 7 AM to secure a good viewing spot. The exercise was scheduled to take place between 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM, showcasing fighter jets in action—a spectacle not seen in Chennai for over two decades. Organizers aimed to set a record in the Limca Book of World Records for the largest gathering at such an event.
As the day progressed, the crowd density escalated, leading to numerous attendees suffering from heat-related illnesses. Reports indicate that about 150 individuals required first aid, and many were later admitted to hospitals for further treatment. Eyewitness accounts describe a suffocating environment, with little room to move, exacerbating the distress among the crowd.
Criticism has emerged regarding the police and event management, with allegations that there was no effective plan to manage the large influx of spectators. Many attendees have questioned why such a significant gathering was allowed without adequate crowd control measures, especially given the safety risks involved.
One visitor recounted the overwhelming experience, stating, “The crowd was suffocating. There was no room to move. People were falling ill all around me.” The incident has raised urgent questions about the preparedness of authorities to handle large public events and the measures in place to ensure the safety of attendees.
As investigations begin into this tragic occurrence, there are calls for accountability from both the police and the Air Force regarding the management of the event. Community leaders and citizens alike are urging for a thorough review of safety protocols to prevent future tragedies at large gatherings. The impact of this event has left a somber mark on what was intended to be a celebratory occasion, reminding all of the critical importance of crowd safety and management. Traffic was stopped on the road next to Marina Beach, forcing attendees to walk 3-4 kilometers in intense heat, which caused many to fall ill.
Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, October 7, 2024, New Delhi: In a move signaling renewed friendship between Maldives and India, President Mohammed Muijju of the Maldives has officially arrived in India, emphasizing his country’s commitment to maintaining security and stability in the region. During his four-day visit, President Muijju stated, “Maldives will not take any action that would disturb India’s security,” reinforcing a message of cooperation and mutual respect.
Addressing reporters, he underscored the importance of the Maldives-India relationship, which he described as rooted in “mutual respect and interest.” He highlighted India as a key partner in trade, development, and defense, asserting, “It is in our DNA to respect our neighbors and friends.” In an invitation aimed at fostering goodwill, Muijju encouraged Indian tourists to visit the Maldives, a nation known for its stunning landscapes and vibrant culture.
This visit comes in the wake of diplomatic tensions that have arisen since Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s trip to Lakshadweep in January 2024. Recent comments from Maldivian officials had sparked controversy, leading to a social media campaign in India advocating a boycott of Maldives. The escalating situation had put pressure on the Maldivian government and strained bilateral relations.
President Muijju’s visit is seen as a strategic effort to mend these ties and restore amicable relations with India. Notably, he had attended Prime Minister Modi’s swearing-in ceremony just four months ago, highlighting the significance of ongoing diplomatic engagement.
As part of his itinerary, President Muijju visited Rajghat on Monday morning, paying his respects at the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi, a symbol of peace and non-violence. He is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Modi later in the day to discuss ways to strengthen the partnership between the two nations.
This diplomatic engagement marks a crucial step towards rebuilding trust and collaboration, with both countries looking to reinforce their historical bonds for mutual benefit in the future.
Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, October 7, 2024, New Delhi: In a significant legal development, Lalu Prasad Yadav, former Railway Minister, along with his family, has been granted bail on a personal bond of Rs 1 lakh each by Delhi’s Rouse Avenue court. This ruling comes amid ongoing investigations into a corruption case linked to alleged land grabbing for railway jobs during Yadav’s tenure from 2004 to 2009.
The court’s decision stipulates that the Yadav family—comprising Lalu Prasad, his son Tejashwi Yadav, wife Rabri Devi, and daughters Misa and Hema—will not be arrested during the investigation phase. The case, which has drawn considerable public attention, involves accusations that Lalu and his associates illegally recruited individuals for Group D positions in exchange for land and monetary compensation.
According to reports, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) initiated the investigation based on a single complaint, leading to scrutiny of land transactions purportedly involving the Yadav family and the company ‘AK Infosystems’. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is also actively investigating the matter, having filed a charge sheet against the Yadavs in July 2023.
As part of the bail conditions, the court has imposed several restrictions on the family. They are required to assist in the ongoing investigation, refrain from leaving the country, and must not attempt to influence any witnesses. Additionally, they are required to surrender their passports to the authorities.
This development marks a crucial juncture in the case, as the Yadav family continues to assert their innocence amid the allegations. The public and political observers will be keenly watching how this situation unfolds in the coming months.
Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, October 6, 2024, Kolkata : In a heartbreaking incident early Sunday morning, seven members of the same family tragically lost their lives in a devastating fire that engulfed their home in Siddhant Colony, Chembur East, Mumbai. Among the deceased are three children, ages 7, 10, and 15.
The fire erupted around 5:20 AM, originating from a shop on the first floor of the building, which sold electrical equipment. Fire officials believe the blaze was ignited by a short circuit, quickly spreading to the family’s living quarters on the second floor, where they were asleep at the time. Tragically, the inferno consumed their home and its contents, leaving little behind.
Local residents noticed the flames and promptly alerted the fire department, which worked tirelessly to control the situation. Despite their efforts, the Gupta family could not be saved, with all seven victims pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital. The deceased have been identified as Manjuprem Gupta (30), Anita Gupta (30), Prem Gupta (30), and their elder relative, Geeta Gupta. The children lost in the fire were identified as Paris Gupta (7), Narendra Gupta (10), and 15-year-old Vidhi Chediram Gupta.
Fire officials have raised concerns regarding the building’s construction, suggesting that improper design may have contributed to the rapid spread of the flames. Fortunately, two individuals were rescued unharmed, highlighting the urgency and bravery of the firefighting efforts.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has confirmed the tragic loss, and the community is in mourning as they come to terms with this devastating event. Local leaders are calling for enhanced safety regulations to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.
Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, October 6, 2024, Kolkata: As the counting of votes for the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections approaches on October 8, the Congress party has expressed fierce opposition to the central government’s decision to nominate five members to the assembly prior to the election results.
The Congress leadership has condemned this move as a direct assault on democratic principles and constitutional integrity. They have formally requested Jammu and Kashmir’s Lt. Governor, Manoj Sinha, to withhold approval for these nominations, emphasizing that such actions undermine the electorate’s mandate.
According to the stringent amendments to the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act of 2019, the assembly is set to include five nominated members, with their selection to be approved by the Lt. Governor based on recommendations from the Ministry of Home Affairs. To achieve a majority, a party must secure 48 members.
Ravinder Sharma, vice-president of the Jammu-Kashmir Pradesh Congress, stated, “We oppose the nomination of five MLAs by the Lieutenant Governor before the government formation in Jammu and Kashmir. This is an attack on the fundamental principles of democracy, the people’s verdict, and the Constitution.” The Congress insists that nominations should only occur after a new government is formed, warning that any other course of action would betray the voters’ will.
Baby Chakraborty, Kalimnews – October 5, 2024. New Delhi : In a significant anti-terror operation, two militants were killed in a joint raid conducted by the Indian Army and Kashmir Police in Kupwara, Jammu and Kashmir, late Friday night. The operation, carried out in the Gugladhar area, marked a major success in the ongoing fight against terrorism in the region, especially ahead of the crucial vote counting for the recently concluded assembly elections.
Acting on intelligence reports, security forces launched a search operation in the area, suspecting militant activity. During the search, the militants opened fire on the joint forces, prompting a fierce gun battle. In the ensuing exchange, two militants were neutralized. A large cache of weapons and ammunition, including advanced firearms, was recovered from the militants’ hideout, indicating the scale of their planned attacks.
According to army officials, the militants had been operating from a well-fortified location, which served as a base for planning potential sabotage operations. Given the upcoming vote counting and the discovery of these weapons, security forces are on high alert, fearing further attempts to destabilize the region.
The operation in Kupwara is ongoing, with security personnel combing the area for any remaining militants who may be in hiding. Officials believe that this recent success could prevent more serious incidents during this sensitive period in Kashmir.
The assembly elections, which concluded last week, have seen heightened security, as several militant attacks have occurred in the region. Just days before the final round of voting, a security guard was martyred in a gunfight with militants in the Kathura region, underscoring the ongoing threat of insurgency.
The discovery of weapons and militant hideouts so close to the vote counting has raised concerns within the security establishment. Forces remain vigilant to ensure that no further violence disrupts the democratic process in the volatile region.
Despite these challenges, the joint efforts of the army and police have been praised for their swift and coordinated action in curbing militancy. However, the situation remains tense as forces continue their operations in the region to ensure peace and stability.
Baby Chakraborty, Kalimnews, October 5, 2024, Pauri (Uttarakhand) : In a devastating accident on Friday night, at least 30 people lost their lives, and several others were critically injured when a bus carrying a wedding party plunged into a deep gorge in Uttarakhand’s Pauri district. The incident occurred around 8 p.m. as the bus, en route from Laldhang in Haridwar to Biran Khal village, lost control and fell nearly 200 feet into a ditch, just two kilometers from the bride’s home.
The bus was carrying 40 to 50 passengers, mostly family and friends of the groom. Eyewitnesses reported that the vehicle suddenly swerved off the road, leading to the catastrophic fall. Local villagers rushed to the scene after hearing the cries of the trapped passengers, and emergency services were immediately alerted. Teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and local police arrived quickly, launching a large-scale rescue operation.
While 25 to 30 people were declared dead on the spot, the remaining survivors, many of them severely injured, were rushed to nearby hospitals. Authorities fear the death toll may rise, given the critical condition of several victims.
Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly Speaker Ritu Khanduri visited the accident site shortly after news broke. However, her arrival was met with protests from grieving and angry villagers, reflecting the deep shock and sorrow felt by both families involved in the wedding.
The rescue operations continued through the night, as officials worked tirelessly to retrieve bodies and aid survivors. The exact cause of the accident remains under investigation, though authorities are considering factors like road conditions and possible mechanical failure.
This tragic event has cast a shadow over what should have been a joyous occasion, leaving two families shattered by grief. The local administration has vowed to provide assistance to the affected families, but the sense of loss remains overwhelming as the region mourns this heartbreaking accident.
Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, October 4, 2024, New York: A novel and impactful protest took place on the Hudson River in New York, aiming to rally the global Hindu community to take action against the ongoing genocide of Hindus in Bangladesh. Activists gathered to draw attention to the alarming decline of the Hindu population in the country and to commemorate the atrocities committed during the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971.
During the war, an estimated 2.8 million people were killed, with the Hindu community bearing a significant brunt of the violence. Reports indicate that over 200,000 women were subjected to sexual assault, reflecting the brutal realities of that era. At the time, Hindus comprised approximately 20% of Bangladesh’s population; however, this figure has since plummeted to just 9%. Ongoing issues such as riots, kidnappings, and forced resignations continue to threaten the safety and rights of Hindus in the region. Activists report that there have been 250 attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh since August of this year alone.
The protesters, led by activists Pankaj Mehta and Sitangshu Guha, emphasized the urgent need for the international community to recognize the 1971 genocide as one of the largest genocides since World War II. They called on the United Nations to formally classify the events of that period as genocide, asserting that recognition is a crucial step toward justice and accountability.
Participants of the protest carried banners and placards urging global leaders to take a stand against the ongoing violence and to support the rights of the Hindu community in Bangladesh. The event served as a reminder of the historical atrocities faced by Hindus and called for solidarity among Hindus worldwide to ensure that such atrocities are not forgotten.
As the situation continues to develop in Bangladesh, the protesters hope that their actions on the Hudson River will inspire broader awareness and mobilization among the global Hindu community and prompt international organizations to take meaningful action against the violence and discrimination faced by minorities in Bangladesh.
Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, October 4, 2024, New Delhi: The ongoing turmoil in the Middle East took center stage during a crucial cabinet committee meeting on Thursday, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressing deep concern over the escalating situation. As violence intensifies in the region, key government officials gathered to assess potential impacts on India’s trade and oil imports.
During the meeting, discussions focused on the critical nature of the conflict and its implications for India, particularly in light of rising oil prices and disrupted maritime trade routes. Informants indicate that the deteriorating circumstances in West Asia could lead to increased instability, with the potential for unrest to reverberate within India.
Prime Minister Modi underscored the need for peaceful resolutions, emphasizing that New Delhi has consistently urged warring nations to cease hostilities and engage in constructive dialogue. However, the situation remains precarious, with countries such as Israel and Iran remaining entrenched in their positions. Tensions escalated further on Tuesday when Tehran launched an attack targeting Tel Aviv, heightening concerns over regional security.
The cabinet members acknowledged that rising oil prices, spurred by the conflict, would have significant repercussions for the Indian economy, particularly since India is a major importer of oil from nations like Iran. An increase in oil costs could lead to higher domestic prices, impacting consumers across the country. Additionally, disruptions in maritime trade could exacerbate economic challenges.
Key figures present at the emergency cabinet meeting included Union Home Minister Amit Shah, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and Defense Minister Rajnath Singh. The meeting underscored the government’s urgent need to formulate strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of the ongoing conflict while navigating the complexities of international diplomacy.
As the situation in the Middle East continues to unfold, India remains vigilant, with government officials closely monitoring developments and preparing to respond to any further escalations that may arise.
Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, October 1, 2024, New Delhi: In a recent announcement, the price of commercial gas cylinders has been increased by ₹48, effective October 1. This change comes amidst rising costs of essential goods, adding to the financial strain faced by consumers.
While the hike in commercial gas prices is significant, domestic cooking gas rates have remained stable, maintaining the price of the 14.2 kg cylinder. Prior to the Lok Sabha elections, the government had reduced prices for both domestic and commercial cylinders, providing some relief to the public. However, this relief appears to be short-lived, as the prices for commercial cooking gas have surged again.
Specifically, the price for a 19 kg commercial cylinder has risen from ₹1,802.50 to ₹1,850 in Delhi. In Mumbai, the price is now ₹1,692, while in Chennai, it stands at ₹1,903. This upward trend in commercial gas prices is concerning, especially as inflation affects daily necessities.
As the government faces scrutiny over the rising cost of living, consumers continue to feel the pinch. The unchanged domestic rates may provide a temporary reprieve for households, but many remain anxious about potential future increases. With the elections approaching, the stability of gas prices will likely remain a crucial issue for the electorate.
Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, October 1, 2024, New Delhi: In a critical statement, Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi urged caution regarding Israel’s strategic maneuvers, particularly in the realm of technology imports. Speaking at a recent conference, General Dwivedi highlighted Israel’s “master plan” aimed at dismantling Hezbollah, following a recent explosion that underscored the volatility of the region.
The explosion, linked to Hezbollah’s communication network, resulted in the deaths of 40 individuals and significantly disrupted the group’s operations. Reports suggest that the Israeli intelligence agency Mossad developed a covert shell company to engineer explosive devices concealed within the walkie-talkies used by Hezbollah operatives. This operation has drawn attention from military strategists, including General Dwivedi, who has previously commended Israel’s innovative tactics.
Following the explosion, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah ordered a shift to mobile phones in an attempt to evade Israeli surveillance, believing it would obscure the group’s movements from Mossad. However, this move prompted a swift counterstrategy from Israel. According to the New York Times, the shell company was established prior to Nasrallah’s directive, allowing Mossad to swiftly create specialized pagers tailored for Hezbollah. These devices, equipped with a mere three grams of explosive, were engineered to exploit vulnerabilities in the group’s communication protocols.
General Dwivedi’s remarks serve as a stark reminder for India to remain vigilant about the implications of Israel’s technological advancements and intelligence operations. As regional tensions escalate, the need for strategic awareness and preparedness has never been more critical for Indian defense operations. The Indian military community continues to monitor these developments closely, recognizing the potential impact on national security and regional stability.
Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, 30 September 2024, Kolkata: In a significant step towards mitigating the perennial flood crisis in West Bengal’s Ghatal region, the state government has committed ₹1,500 crore for the implementation of the much-anticipated Ghatal Master Plan. The ambitious project, which has been in the pipeline for years, aims to provide lasting relief to the flood-ravaged residents of the Ghatal subdivision in East and West Midnapore. A Detailed Project Report (DPR) has already been prepared, with a targeted completion timeline of two years.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, emphasizing the urgency of the project, held a high-level meeting at Nabanna to fast-track its execution. “The Ghatal Master Plan has been stalled for far too long. We must expedite this crucial work. There is also a need for a similar master plan for the Sundarbans, where rising water levels near Kapil Muni Ashram in Gangesagar are becoming a growing concern,” the Chief Minister said during the meeting.
Ghatal, located about 120 km west of Kolkata, has become synonymous with devastating annual floods that impact both urban and rural areas. Local residents, many of whom live on or below the poverty line, have faced the brunt of these floods for decades. Every year, heavy monsoon rains and post-monsoon tropical cyclones from the Bay of Bengal inundate the region, causing immense damage to property and livelihoods.
The Ghatal region’s geographical challenges exacerbate the situation. It lies in a basin-shaped topography, surrounded by rivers like the Shilabati, Dwarkeshwar, and Rupnarayan, which frequently overflow during the monsoon season. The stagnant floodwaters make recovery even more difficult for the affected communities. Moreover, the release of excess water from upstream reservoirs of the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) and the Kangsabati Project adds to the problem, contributing to prolonged waterlogging in the area.
The Ghatal Master Plan, seen as a long-term solution, will include extensive dredging of riverbeds and the reinforcement of embankments. The project is expected to alleviate the flood situation by improving drainage systems and controlling the water flow. Experts, like Dr. Sayantan Das of Dum Dum Motijheel College’s Geography Department, have emphasized the importance of managing the water released from the DVC and Kangsabati reservoirs, which frequently leads to severe flooding in the region.
For decades, the Ghatal area has seen little progress despite repeated promises from successive governments. Residents like Ashok Santra, a long-time CPI(M) worker, have expressed frustration over the delayed action. “The Left Front government tried for years to address this issue, but it remained unresolved. Even before that, Congress ruled for 30 years, yet the problem persists. The original funding structure, with a 60-40 split between the central and state governments, never materialized,” Santra lamented.
With the ₹1,500 crore allocation, the state government hopes to bring about tangible improvements. As Paschim Medinipur heads to the polls in May 2025, the success of the Ghatal Master Plan will be a critical issue for local voters. The project’s implementation is not only a matter of infrastructure but a lifeline for the region’s flood-weary residents who have endured decades of hardship.
The urgency and scale of the project mark a turning point in the state’s flood management strategy, offering renewed hope for the people of Ghatal.
Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, September 29, 2024, New Delhi: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is intensifying its efforts to unravel the mysterious circumstances surrounding the death of a doctor at RG Kar Hospital, particularly focusing on the autopsy report’s reference to the term “antimortem.” The agency is eager to clarify several critical questions regarding the injuries found on the victim’s body.
The CBI has meticulously compared witness statements with the injury descriptions detailed in the post-mortem report. As part of their investigation, they have interrogated the doctors responsible for conducting the autopsy, as well as the morgue staff, in an effort to solve this complex case. Key questions include whether the injuries were inflicted before or after death and whether the victim, Tilottama, was sexually assaulted prior to or following her murder. The post-mortem report indicates multiple injuries that were allegedly sustained before death, although investigators are casting doubt on the report’s accuracy.
According to CBI sources, their multiple visits to RG Kar Hospital and scrutiny of the post-mortem report have led them to believe that while Sanjay Roy may have brutally tortured the victim, the actual murder could have been committed by someone else. This revelation, along with the possibility that sexual assault occurred after death, adds a new layer of complexity to the investigation.
The CBI has summoned Dr. Apurba Biswas, the post-mortem doctor, along with other staff members for further questioning at the CGO complex. Additionally, two seized mobile phones have been sent for forensic analysis. Notably, one of these phones belonged to an influential doctor with ties to former RG Kar chief Sandeep Ghosh. Investigators discovered that many crucial images, call recordings, and messages had been deleted from both devices, raising concerns that vital evidence related to the conspiracy may have been lost.
Details regarding the alleged conspiracy and evidence tampering by Dr. Sandeep Ghosh, who has been arrested, have emerged in court. If the CBI successfully proves the charges against him, Ghosh could face the death penalty for his involvement in evidence tampering and conspiracy. In a recent directive, a judge noted, “The scale of the charges is serious. If proved, this could lead to capital punishment, which is reserved for the rarest of cases. Therefore, it would be unjust to grant bail on these charges.”
As the investigation unfolds, the CBI is working diligently to piece together the facts surrounding this troubling case, seeking justice for the victim while holding accountable those who may have attempted to obstruct the truth.
Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, September 29, 2024, New Delhi: The security situation in Jammu and Kashmir intensified over the weekend amid ongoing assembly elections, as two militants from the Lashkar-e-Taiba were killed during a gunfight in Kul village. The encounter took place late Saturday night, resulting in injuries to five security personnel.
According to reports, the incident began when a joint operation was launched by the nine Rashtriya Rifles and local Kashmir Police after intelligence indicated a militant presence in the Arigam village of the Debsar area in Kulgam district. As security forces cordoned off the area, suspected militants opened fire, prompting a swift response from the guards. In the ensuing gunfight, two jihadi militants were killed, and four security personnel, including an officer of ASP rank, sustained injuries.
Police sources indicated that the slain militants were believed to be plotting to incite unrest in the region during the electoral process. A cache of sophisticated firearms and ammunition was recovered from the scene, along with several suspicious documents that could provide further insight into their operations.
The two deceased militants have been identified as local residents: Umesh Wani from Kulgam and Aqib Ahmed Shergajri from Budgam. Both are reportedly affiliated with Lashkar’s offshoot, the Resistance Front, which has been linked to various militant activities in the region.
The recent encounter underscores the challenges facing security forces in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly during this crucial election period. Authorities are on high alert as they work to ensure a peaceful voting process amid ongoing threats from militant groups.
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