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Andhra Pradesh: 17-year-old polytechnic student ends life after telling her family that she was facing sexual harassment, probe committee formed

OpIndia Staff
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Andhra Pradesh: 17-year-old polytechnic student ends life after telling her family that she was facing sexual harassment, probe committee formed

On 29th March, a 17-year-old student in Vishakhapatnam allegedly committed suicide by jumping off her college building. Minutes before she took the plunge, the victim had a long conversation over text with her family where she said she was sexually harassed at the college. She further informed her family that the harassers took her photos and threatened to post them on social media; thus, she could not complain to the institute’s authorities or the police.

The student told her family over WhatsApp messages that she was allegedly facing sexual harassment by a faculty member and some students. The victim studied at a private polytechnic college and hailed from district Anakapalle of Andhra Pradesh. At around 10 PM on 28th March, the college authorities informed her family that she had gone missing. Her family called her, but she did not answer the phone.

At around 12:50 AM on 29th March, she finally responded to the family and told them not to be tense. In the conversation in Telugu, she said, “Don’t get tense. Listen to me. I cannot tell you why I am leaving; even if I do, you will not understand. Please forget about me. I am sorry. Mom and Dad, I am grateful that you gave birth to me and brought me up. My chapter is coming to an end.”

She then congratulated her sister, who is expecting a baby soon. She continued with a message for her younger sister and said, “Focus on your future and study whatever you like. Do not get distracted. Do not be influenced by others, unlike me. Always be happy and have a good life.”

The 17-year-old student wrote in a message to her father, “You may ask why I am not complaining to the faculty, but that won’t help. They (her harassers) have taken my photos and are threatening me. There are other girls as well. We aren’t able to tell anyone, and we are not able to avoid college, either. We are caught in between. If I file a police complaint or approach the authorities, they will release my photos on social media.”

“I am taking this decision because if I leave now, you will feel bad for a few years and forget later. But, if I am around, you will look at me and feel bad all the time,” she told her father before leaving a final message for her elder sister: “Sorry didi, I made you all tense, but I have to go,” she added.

Soon after getting the message, the family responded and told her that the police were on their way. They pleaded with her not to take harsh steps, but the 17-year-old student did not respond. Later, her dead body was recovered from the college premises.

In a complaint to the police, the father of the victim said, “I need to know why my daughter died. I brought her up with great love and care. She got good marks in her Class 10 exams, and we got her admitted to this college believing she would get a good education here.”

On the other hand, the diploma section principal, Dr G Bhanu Praveen, said men cannot access the women’s hostel. He claimed, “We keep observing all students. Men cannot go to the girls’ hostel. There are women wardens, so there is no chance of sexual harassment.” Notably, the principal claimed she was an average student and emphasised “there was no scope of sexual harassment in the college”.

Technical Education Commissioner Chadalavada Nagarani issued an order on 30th March to conduct a full investigation. A three-member team was formed for the investigation. Principal of Government Polytechnic, Pendurthi, Dr N Chandra Shekhar, has been appointed as the inquiry officer along with Dr K Ratan Kumar and Dr K Rajya Lakshmi, both from Government Polytechnic, Visakhapatnam.

A case was registered against the college management for abetment to suicide, besides other sections under Pocso and Andhra Pradesh Prohibition of Ragging Acts. Two police officers, including a woman sub-inspector, Nidigattu Sunita, visited the College for investigation. The phone of the girl has been seized and an investigation into the matter is underway. The WhatsApp messages in Telugu and English are being considered suicide note by the police.

Trouble mounts for Congress: IT department sends fresh notice for pending dues over Rs 1,745 crore for years 2014-15 to 2016-17, total outstanding now Rs 3,567 crore

OpIndia Staff
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Trouble mounts for Congress: IT department sends fresh notice for pending dues over Rs 1,745 crore for years 2014-15 to 2016-17, total outstanding now Rs 3,567 crore

The cash-strapped Congress is facing further difficulties as the Income Tax Department, on 30th March, sent new notices for the assessment years 2014–15 to 2016–17 and asked for pending payments of Rs 1,745 crore. The total demand by the IT department has increased to Rs 3,567 crore after these notices were added with the notice for the assessment years 1994–1995, and 2017–18 to 2020–21.

The new notifications for the assessment years 2014–15 to 2016–17 were received on the evening of 30th March. The new tax notifications, based on sources, are related to 2014–15 (around Rs 663 crore), 2015–16 (approximately Rs 664 crore), and 2016–17 (about Rs 417 crore). They added that political parties are no longer eligible for tax exemptions from the government and are now subject to full collection of taxes.

The sources revealed that “third-party entries” recorded in diaries, taken from some of the Congress’ leaders by investigation agencies during searches, have also been levied against the party. The main opposition party announced on 29th March that the IT department issued letters demanding payment of approximately Rs 1,823 crore. A tax claim for prior years has already resulted in the tax authorities taking out Rs 135 crore from the party’s coffers.

The Congress party reported that the Income Tax department had delivered notifications for five years (Assessment Year 1994-95 and AYs 2017-18 to 2020-21) asking for Rs 1,823 crore. According to media sources, the grand old party has a net worth of over Rs 1,430 crore. In addition, the IT Department handed Congress a notice for Rs 1,800 crore, which included interest and penalties for the fiscal years 2017–18 through 2020–21. This development transpired following the Delhi High Court’s denial of the Congress’ appeals against the department’s tax reassessment procedures.

The Delhi High Court’s bench of Justices Yashwant Varma and Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav stated that the pleas were turned down in accordance with their previous ruling that they would not tamper with the reassessment’s opening for an additional year.

The party had lost a case challenging the IT department’s raids in the Delhi High Court on 22nd March.

Additionally, the Congress party disclosed a total corpus of Rs 657 crore, net assets of around Rs 340 crore and cash equivalents of about Rs 388 crore for a total estimated value of Rs 1,430 crore in its most recent income tax return for AY 2023–2024. The move was prompted by the IT Department’s assertion that it found “incriminating material” during searches on two corporate entities in 2019, which exposed financial payments of approximately Rs 520 crore made to the Congress party.

According to the Income Tax Department, there are inconsistencies in Section 13 (A) of the Income Tax Act that prevent Congress from obtaining an exemption from paying income tax. Due to inaccuracies in IT reports for the assessment year 2018–19, the Income Tax Department has retrieved Rs 135 crore from bank accounts belonging to Congress.

Meanwhile, Congress intends to petition the Supreme Court to stop the IT Department from acting against its accounts. An amount of Rs 918 crore was raised in the demand notices they received for a number of fiscal years, with the greatest demand occurring in 2018–19, the year of the Lok Sabha elections.

President Murmu confers Bharat Ratna to former Deputy PM and BJP stalwart LK Advani at his residence

ANI
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President Murmu confers Bharat Ratna to former Deputy PM and BJP stalwart LK Advani at his residence

President Droupadi Murmu conferred the Bharat Ratna upon veteran Bharatiya Janata Party leader LK Advani at the latter’s residence in Delhi on Sunday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, former Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu were also present on this occasion.

President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday conferred Bharat Ratna on four eminent personalities, including two former Prime Ministers, Chaudhary Charan Singh and PV Narasimha Rao. Former Bihar Chief Minister Karpoori Thakur and agronomist MS Swaminathan were also conferred with the country’s highest civilian award.

The visit to Advani’s residence was decided keeping in view the ailing health of the veteran BJP leader.

Earlier in February, PM Modi announced that the senior BJP leader would be conferred the Bharat Ratna.Taking to the social media platform, PM Modi said the former Union Minister’s contribution to the development of India is monumental.

“I am very happy to share that Shri LK Advani Ji will be conferred the Bharat Ratna. I also spoke to him and congratulated him on being conferred this honour. One of the most respected statesmen of our times, his contribution to the development of India is monumental. His is a life that started from working at the grassroots to serving the nation as our Deputy Prime Minister. He distinguished himself as our Home Minister and I&B Minister as well. His Parliamentary interventions have always been exemplary, full of rich insights,” PM posted on X.

Born in Karachi, in present day Pakistan, on November 8, 1927, Advani through the years had served as the President of the Bharatiya Janata Party for the longest period since its inception in 1980.

Capping a parliamentary career of nearly three decades, he was, first, the Home Minister and, later, the Deputy Prime Minister in the cabinet of Atal Bihari Vajpayee (1999-2004).

Advani is widely regarded as an individual of great intellectual ability, strong principles, and unwavering support for the idea of a strong and prosperous India.

As confirmed by Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Advani has ‘never compromised on his core belief in nationalism, and yet has displayed flexibility in political responses whenever it was demanded by the situation’. 

(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

Sita offers beef to Ravana, dances with him: Play insulting Hindu deities staged at Pondicherry University, ABVP launches protest

OpIndia Staff
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Sita offers beef to Ravana, dances with him: Play insulting Hindu deities staged at Pondicherry University, ABVP launches protest

On Friday (29th March), the Department of Performing Arts of Pondicherry University staged a play in the annual cultural festival Ezhini 2K24. However, the play insulted Hindu deities including Goddess Sita and Lord Hanuman. The ABVP (Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad) protested against this in the university on 30th March. A statement in this regard was also issued by the student organisation on 31st March.

In an X post of ABVP Tamil Nadu, it was mentioned that the play showed Sita offering beef to Ravana and distorted Hanumanji’s character. The play also depicted Sita not objecting to her abduction by Ravana, and then it showed her dancing with Ravana, and. Massive protests were held by the outfit in the university campus against this play. ABVP posted, “ABVP PU Students protested against the recent incident held on 29th March 2024 at a fest organised by DPA, Pondicherry University Ezhini 2K24, where a play mockery of the Ramayana, including depicting Sita offering beef to Ravana and distorting Hanumanji’s character.”

In a statement, the ABVP said, “The ABVP Pondicherry University vehemently condemns the disgraceful incident that occurred during Ezhini 2K24, a department fest of the Department of Performing Arts, held on March 29, 2024. The event took a distressing turn when a play titled “SOMAYANAM” was staged, portraying a distorted and disrespectful depiction of characters from the revered epic, Ramayana.”

It added, “The drama depicted Sita’s character as “Geeta” dancing with “Ravana” portrayed as “Bhavana.” Shockingly, the portrayal included Sita offering beef to Ravana, and during the scene of Sita’s kidnapping, she was shown uttering, “I’m married, but we can be friends.” Such flagrant disregard for the sanctity of the Ramayana and its characters is deeply offensive and disrespectful to the beliefs of millions of people who hold this epic in the highest regard.”

ABVP further said in the statement, “This malicious act to present Ramayanam is a well-planned act by Communist and Left-led outfits on the Pondicherry University campus. Communist and Left-led outfits deliberately wanted to malign Lord Ram and question the sanctity of Maa Sita for which they had charted this play. Furthermore, in another disturbing scene, Hanumanji, portrayed as “Kanjaneya,” was subjected to mockery, with his tail depicted as an antenna used for communication with Lord Rama. These grievous acts not only ridicule the revered characters of Hindu Dharma but also incite communal disharmony by demeaning the beliefs and sentiments of the majority community.”

ABVP added, “ABVP firmly believes in the principle of freedom of expression but asserts that this freedom must be exercised responsibly, with due respect for religious beliefs and cultural sensitivities. While creative expression is encouraged, it should never be at the expense of hurting religious sentiments or fostering communal discord.”

ABVP further mentioned, “In light of this reprehensible incident, ABVP Pondicherry University demands swift and decisive action from the administration of Pondicherry University: 1. Immediate dismissal of the writer and director of the drama, Pushparaj (MPA 1st year), and the actors involved, namely Mithun Krishna, SreeParvathy, Adithya Baby and Vishakh Bhasi to serve as a deterrent against future instances of religious mockery and disrespect. 2. Stringent disciplinary action against Dr. Sharvanan Velu, Head of the Department of Performing Arts and other faculty (who else are involved), for overseeing and permitting the production of the offensive drama.”

Concluding its statement, the Hindu student organisation said, “ABVP stands unwaveringly in defence of the sanctity of beliefs and cultural heritage for all religions and thus demands the administration of Pondicherry University to take immediate against the Urban Naxals of Pondicherry University for fouling the greatest literature of Indian Culture Ramayanam to restore faith in the Pondicherry University’s commitment to tolerance, respect and diversity.”

Delhi: Instagram ‘influencer’ Pradeep Dhaka performs stunts on flyover to make reels, burns police barricade, arrested

OpIndia Staff
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Delhi: Instagram ‘influencer’ Pradeep Dhaka performs stunts on flyover to make reels, burns police barricade, arrested

A 25-year-old YouTuber and Instagram influencer was arrested for doing stunts with his SUV on a busy flyover, and setting a police barricade on fire. The influencer, Pradeep Dhaka, was reportedly doing these stunts to record reels for his social media accounts. Dhanka has been charged with causing damage to public property and impeding the performance of official responsibilities, according to Deputy Commissioner of Police (outer) Jimmy Chiram. A fine of Rs 36,000 has also been slapped on him.

The car used for the stunts was seized at the Paschim Vihar East police station in accordance with the 39/112 MV Act, 100.2/177 MV Act, and 184 Motor Vehicles Act. Pradeep Dhaka had also posted videos of him pulling over on the main flyover at the outer ring road in Paschim Vihar during rush hour which led to road blockade and traffic congestion. Additionally, he was observed driving the vehicle with the door open on the flyover. Pradeep Dhaka also shared the video online where he is setting police barricades on fire.

On their X profile, Delhi Police posted a video ridiculing Pradeep Dhaka, demonstrating how his car was seized and a charge was brought against him. The authorities said, “Delhi Police took strict action under the Motor Vehicles Act against the accused who violated various traffic provisions for making reels, issued a challan, seized the vehicle, and registered a case under IPC sections for misbehaviour and assault on policemen and arrested him.”

Authorities confirmed that Dhaka was taken into custody and charged with assaulting police officers under the applicable provisions of the Indian Penal Code. It was discovered that the car was registered under Pradeep Dhaka’s mother’s name.

Jimmy Chiram provided information regarding the arrest, stating that on 29th March the police became aware of the incident after seeing footage of a “modified golden car” obstructing traffic close to Paschim Vihar. A man was seen in the video hindering traffic by standing in the centre of the main flyover at Ring Road in Paschim Vihar with his automobile parked behind him.

Using the social media profiles that were tagged in the reels, a group of Outer District officers identified the individual as Pradeep Dhaka, a Nangloi resident. He resisted arrest when a police team arrived at his house. Following a brief struggle, he was apprehended and his SUV was confiscated at the Paschim Vihar East police station under the applicable sections of the Motor Vehicles Act. The DCP noted, “The vehicle, ISUZU Hi-Lander, has been seized. It is registered in the name of his mother.”

According to the authorities, the accused has been charged with arson at the Nihal Vihar police station after seeing the second video, in which he set a barricade on fire. He and his family members were also booked for preventing public servants from discharging their duty as they resisted the police officers who went to arrest him from his house.

“He violated traffic rules and damaged government property. We request all content creators to follow traffic rules and obtain proper permission before shooting such videos,” the official stated.

Pradeep Dhaka describes himself as a producer, financier and real estate trader in his social media bio. He has over 857K followers on his Instagram account.

Recounting the 2008 Attack: Retired IPS officer Brij Lal details how Yogi Adityanath narrowly escaped ambush on his convoy by Mukhtar Ansari’s gang

OpIndia Staff
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Recounting the 2008 Attack: Retired IPS officer Brij Lal details how Yogi Adityanath narrowly escaped ambush on his convoy by Mukhtar Ansari’s gang

Among his long list of criminal cases, gangster-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari was also an accused in the 2005 communal riots that broke out in Mau, where he and his gang members had terrorised the public by brandishing an AK-47 from an open jeep. Further, he was also accused of attacking the convoy of then Gorakhpur MP Yogi Adityanath who had challenged him and vowed to get Justice for victims of Mau communal violence.  

In 2008, Ansari and his henchmen ambushed the convoy of then-sitting MP from Gorakhpur Yogi Adityanath while it was en route to Azamgarh. Initially, the convoy was attacked by hurling stones, later petrol bombs were thrown to torch vehicles part of the convoy which was followed by indiscriminate gunfire. One person lost his life while six others were injured in the attack. However, Yogi Adityanath narrowly escaped the ambush because of the last-minute decision to switch to another car within the convoy, rather than remaining in his usual vehicle.

Speaking to News18, retired IPS officer Brij Lal who was then ADG Law and Order, recounted details of the 7th September 2008 attack on Yogi Adityanath’s convoy. The 1977 batch officer recalled that to bring the situation under control he had to be airdropped from the chopper along with an AK-47 rifle.

According to the retired IPS officer, the story goes back to 2005, when communal riots erupted in Mau. Brij Lal said, “During this time, the five-time MLA and mafia-turned-politician whose name cropped up for inciting the riots in Mau was seen waving an AK-47 from an open jeep.” 

The then Gorakhpur MP Yogi Adityanath had tried to visit Mau to meet the victims but he was not allowed to enter the district. He was stopped at Dohrighat, from where he was forced to return to Gorakhpur. At that time, SP patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav was the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh.

Later, in 2008, Yogi Adityanath challenged Mukhtar Ansari and vowed that he would get justice for the victims of the Mau riots. For this, he had announced to take out a rally in Azamgarh against terrorism under the leadership of his Hindu Yuva Vahini. 

Speaking with News18, Brij Lal said, “Yogi ji had announced a rally against terrorism in Azamgarh under the leadership of the Hindu Yuva Vahini.” He added, “The chosen date was 7 September 2008 and DAV College ground was chosen as the venue for the rally.”

According to Brij Lal, Yogi Adityanath was thought to be travelling in a red SUV, which was part of a 40-vehicle convoy. Just before the cavalcade touched Azamgarh, it came under stone-pelting, followed by the hurling of petrol bombs and gun-firing. Following the attack on his convoy, Yogi Adityanath’s gunner also opened fire.

The former IPS officer added, “It was just a matter of coincidence that he changed the vehicle at the last moment and left his red SUV so his life was saved. It was a planned attack.” 

He remembered that when he heard about the attack, he quickly flew to Azamgarh in a helicopter and landed in Civil Lines.

He stated, “Since all other officials were already engaged, I took an AK-47 and asked the then-divisional commissioner to inspect the affected areas. I remember moving in the lanes of Azamgarh along with the AK-47. We carried out frequent raids and booked several people who indulged in violence.” 

According to the officer, it was a planned attack and Yogi Adityanath had a narrow escape because of the last-minute decision to switch to another car within the convoy. 

Nine years after the attack, he became the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh in 2017. Since then, the Yogi Adityanath government has launched a crackdown on organised crime and criminals in the state, clamping down on gangs and their activities. 

He had said, “Mafia dons and professional criminals are begging for their lives. There is no place for any mafia dons or criminals in UP.” 

Meanwhile, gangster-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari had been behind bars since 2005. He had over 60 criminal cases pending against him and was lodged in the Banda Jail when his health deteriorated. Later, he was rushed to hospital where he died of cardiac arrest. On Saturday (30th March), he was laid to rest amid heavy security presence in Ghazipur’s Mohammadabad Darzi Tola. 

Riyas Maulavi murder case: All three RSS members acquitted by Kerala Court after spending 7 years in jail

OpIndia Staff
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Riyas Maulavi murder case: All three RSS members acquitted by Kerala Court after spending 7 years in jail

The Kasaragod Sessions Court on 30th March acquitted all three accused in the murder case of the 34-year-old muezzin (person who proclaims the call to the daily prayer) and madrasa teacher in Kasaragod named Mohammed Riyas Maulavi. The three accused, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)-Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) activists and residents of Kelugude in Kasaragod town, S Ajesh, N Akhilesh and S Nithin spent the last seven years in prison awaiting trial.

The trio was finally released when Judge Balakrishnan K K of the Session Court found them not guilty. A native of Karnataka’s Kodagu area, Riyas Maulavi served as the muezzin of the Muhayuddin Juma Masjid at Choori, which is located outside Kasaragod town. Furthermore, he taught at the mosque’s religious school, Issathul Islam Madrasa.

“Three individuals were unjustly detained in prison for seven years without being granted bail. From the beginning, police started the investigation with the presumption that the murder was committed by the RSS. The police attempted to salvage their reputation by apprehending these individuals. However, the accused had no prior connection with the victim, and they were unfamiliar with the location where the incident took place,” voiced advocate Binu Kulammakad, who represented them.

Following the development, their attorney T Sunil Kumar, stated that the prosecution had not only failed to prove the charges against the trio, but had also deliberately placed evidence against them. Riyas Maulavi suffered 14 stab wounds above his waist prior to his death. Sunil Kumar mentioned, “The wounds were on his head and shoulders, too. The prosecution produced Maulavi’s lungi as evidence. The lungi had these 14 stab marks. If we have to believe the prosecution, then we would have to assume Maulavi was sleeping with the lungi over his head when he was attacked.”

The counsel also pointed out, “The accused were under 25 years old. But the police line-up had men who were above 38 years old. The line-up also had Muslims who wore their lungis differently, making identification easier. Above all, the police showed the photos of the accused to the witnesses making the exercise a mockery.”

He added that when the first accused’s outfit and alleged weapons were sent for DNA testing, the police failed to seal them. Additionally, the defence contended that the scissors designated as the murder weapon were manufactured and that the blood on them was from the location of the crime. “So when the weapon and the clothes were not sealed separately, the DNA could get transferred because of the proximity”, he added.

Background of the case

On the intervening night of 20th and 21st March 2017, unknown culprits broke into the mosque compound and might have knocked on Riyas Maulavi’s door. According to authorities, when he opened the door, they stabbed him fourteen times and left him to die. The senseless and unmotivated killing brought Kasaragod dangerously close to communal conflict. The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) issued a strike call on 21st March. On the same day, A Srinivas, the Kannur Crime Branch Superintendent of Police at the time, led a special investigation team appointed by the State Police Chief.

The special team apprehended 19-year-old Nitin, 20-year-old Ajesh and 25-year-old Akhilesh on the third day of the murder. According to A Srinivas, the victim was unknown to the accused and the murder was driven by communal hate. He remarked, “I don’t see any other reason.” The final report was filed by the police against the trio under Sections 449 (house trespass), 302 (murder), 153A (promoting enmity on the ground of religion), 295 (defiling place of worship), 201 (destruction of evidence) r/w 34 (common intention) of Indian Penal Code.

The chargesheet was filed within ninety days and was examined by the court with 97 witnesses, 215 documents and 45 pieces of material evidence. The accused weren’t eligible for bail benefits because the chargesheet in the case was submitted within ninety days of the crime. The COVID-19 pandemic and transfer of judges have been used as reasons for the case’s repeated postponements.

All big rating agencies revise India’s growth projection upwards, predict it will be fastest fastest-growing economy among G-20 nations this year

ANI
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All big rating agencies revise India’s growth projection upwards, predict it will be fastest fastest-growing economy among G-20 nations this year

India will be the fastest growing economy among the G-20 nations in 2024. In the previous three quarters, India’s economy expanded at 7.8 per cent in Q1, 7.6 per cent in Q2 and 8.4 per cent in Q3.

On Saturday, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said in an event at Mumbai that India will grow over 8 per cent in the January-March quarter of 2024. The country has become the 5th largest economy of the world and the Modi government has pledged to make it the 3rd largest by 2027.

The 8.4 per cent growth in Q3 has surpassed expectations, post that various institutions have upgraded their GDP growth forecast for India. The most recent upgrade came from Goldman Sachs, which has raised India’s 2024 growth projections to 6.6 per cent, a 10 basis point improvement from its previous forecast.

Earlier this month S&P, Morgan Stanley and Moody’s too have revised India’s growth projections upwards. S&P revises India’s growth projections from 6.4 per cent to 6.8 per cent, Morgan Stanley from 6.1 per cent to 6.8 per cent and Moody’s from 6.6 per cent to 8 per cent for the current fiscal.

The growth projections were revised upward by rating agencies, reflecting both global and domestic optimism in the country’s economy on the back of robust manufacturing activity and infrastructure spending.

Moody expects India to be the fastest growing economy among the G-20 countries on the back of strong government expenditure and domestic consumption. The Modi government has raised capital expenditure from 2 per cent of GDP nine years ago to 3.8 per cent of GDP in the interim budget of 2024, that is about 4.5 times since 2014-15.

The government has allocated Rs 11.11 lakh crore as capital expenditure in the interim budget on February 1, 2024. This is an increase of 11.1 per cent from the last budget. In the 2023 budget CAPEX was increased by a whopping 33 per cent to Rs 10 lakh crore.

S&P says, “We have revised up 2024’s growth forecast for India due to stronger than expected momentum at the start of the year. An improving global economic environment and an expected gradual easing of domestic financial conditions will support economic activity.”

The global analytics firm has also raised India’s FY24 forecast upward to 7.3 per cent from 6.9 per cent projected earlier. On the inflation front, the analytics firm was more optimistic as it projected inflation to decline to 5.1 per cent in FY25 from 5.6 per cent earlier. India’s inflation is likely to average at 5.7 per cent in FY24.

However, the latest government forecast for the growth of the economy stands at 7.6 per cent in FY24. But growth figures of the last three quarters showed that the economy expanded at 8.2 per cent in the first three quarters of this fiscal and adding to this finance minister statement that India’s GDP will grow by over 8 per cent will give rating agencies a thought to re-write India’s growth story.

This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

Pakistan: Rioters burn down KFC in Mirpur to support Hamas in Israel-Hamas war

OpIndia Staff
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Pakistan: Rioters burn down KFC in Mirpur to support Hamas in Israel-Hamas war

On 29th March, rioters attacked a KFC restaurant in Mirpur, Pakistan and burned it to the ground. The attack was to support Palestinians in Gaza, as Pakistanis are attacking foreign companies in Pakistan, including McDonalds, KFC, Starbucks and others. The police reportedly used tear gas to disperse the rioters.

Images and videos of the incident went viral on social media. It appeared that the rioters opened fire at the windows of the restaurant as there were holes, which possibly occurred due to gunshots. A man in a viral video was heard shouting “We have burned down KFC” while cheering.

In a video posted on social media, the restaurant was engulfed in flames. The customers who were inside the restaurant at the time of the attack were seen running out to escape the fire. The rioters were chanting slogans including “We burnt KFC”.

Reports suggest that the rioters were shouting anti-Israel and pro-Palestine slogans as they burnt down the store. Around 50 rioters were arrested by the police. Several raids took place in search of more culprits.

Daily Mail quoted a British national in the city for a holiday who saw the riots. Speaking to the media house, he described the scene as aggressive and frightening. He pointed out that the police present at the scene were useless as the rioters outnumbered them.

KFC is one of the most popular fast-food destinations in the city. However, the rioters destroyed it completely, aiming to attack the foreign company that they claimed was a supporter of Israel in the Israel-Hamas war. Earlier on 21st March, a KFC branch was shut down by the protesters in Peshawar.

In February this year, Pakistanis called for a boycott of the Pakistan Super League cricket tournament, as KFC was one of the sponsors. KFC’s Middle East unit has reported a decline of 5% in sales for the last quarter as many Muslim countries are facing similar boycott movements against the fast food chain.

CEO David Gibbs reportedly said during an earnings call to the investors that the conflict impacted the top line sales across the Middle East, Malaysia and Indonesia.

Starbucks is also facing similar boycott calls. Last year, McDonald’s also faced identical attacks after it gave away thousands of free means to Israeli forces and citizens after the gruesome 7th October terrorist attack by Hamas.

7th October terrorist attacks by Hamas on Israel

On 7th October, Hamas terrorists launched an all-out attack on Israel from sea, land, and air. At least 5,000 rockets were launched into Israel from Gaza, and tunnels were used to breach the Israeli territory and butcher Israeli civilians, particularly in the border villages. A music festival hosting more than 200 people was turned into a slaughter ground with many women raped, mutilated and abducted to Gaza. At least 1,300 people, including some foreign nationals, babies, women and senior citizens, died in the attacks. More than 200 were abducted and taken to Gaza. Following the attack, Israel launched a counterattack to eliminate Hamas. The Israel-Hamas war entered its 176th day on 31st March 2024.

Maharashtra: CSK fan celebrates Rohit Sharma’s dismissal in an IPL match against SRH, dies after MI fans hit him in the head

OpIndia Staff
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Maharashtra: CSK fan celebrates Rohit Sharma’s dismissal in an IPL match against SRH, dies after MI fans hit him in the head

The ongoing IPL season coincides with the Lok Sabha elections, stirring up fervent discussions among cricket enthusiasts. While IPL teams and players rake in substantial earnings, fans passionately debate the victories and losses of their favourite teams. Tragically, a dispute over cricket led to a fatal incident in Kolhapur in Maharashtra, where a man lost his life.

On 27th March, an IPL match was played between teams Mumbai Indians and Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad. The incident took place when the victim and the accused were together watching the match on TV. The deceased has been identified as Bandopant Bapuso Tibile (63), a resident of Hanmantwadi. The accused, Balwant Mahadev Jhanjage (50), and Sagar Sadashiv Jhanjage (35), both residents of Hanmantwadi, have been arrested.

Accused Balwant Jhanjage and Sagar Jhanjage and some people from their locality were watching an IPL match in a man’s house. Both the accused are fans of Mumbai Indians. During the match, Hyderabad tabled a big score, and they were not happy with this.

When Rohit Sharma of Mumbai Indians was dismissed, Bandopant Tibile, who is a Chennai Super Kings fan, started a celebration. He said, “Mumbai Indians will not win now as Rohit Sharma is dismissed.” Enraged accused Balwant Jhanjage and Sagar Jhanjage beat him on his head with sticks. Tibile was seriously injured in the incident and fell unconscious on the spot. He was rushed to the hospital. However, he succumbed to his injuries during treatment on 31st March.

The police were also taken aback by the incident of assault over a very minor issue. Police registered a case against both the suspects and arrested them. Further investigation into this case is going on.

In the meanwhile, Mumbai Indians lost the match to Sunrisers Hyderabad by 31 runs.

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