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Entertainment / India / Main Slide / News

Netflix Releases Indrani Mukerjea Series as Court Rejects CBI Plea

- by Chirag Goyal

Netflix debuted “The Indrani Mukerjea Story: The Buried Truth,” a documentary series focusing on the Sheena Bora murder case, on Thursday, following the Bombay High Court’s dismissal of a plea by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to halt its streaming.

In summary:

  • Netflix releases documentary on Indrani Mukerjea on Thursday
  • Release follows Bombay High Court’s rejection of CBI’s petition against streaming
  • Indrani Mukerjea accused of murdering daughter Sheena Bora in 2012; trial ongoing

The documentary series explores the case of Indrani Mukerjea, who stands accused of killing her daughter Sheena Bora. Originally set to premiere on Netflix on February 23, the series, titled ‘The Indrani Mukerjea Story: The Buried Truth’, centers on the disappearance of 25-year-old Bora.

Following objections from the CBI, expressing concerns about the potential influence on the judicial process, the High Court initially instructed the documentary makers to postpone its release. However, on Thursday, the court permitted its release, dismissing the CBI’s plea for a stay until the conclusion of the trial.

Sheena Bora was allegedly strangled to death in a car by Mukerjea, her former driver Shyamvar Rai, and ex-husband Sanjeev Khanna in April 2012. Bora was Mukerjea’s daughter from a previous relationship, and her body was subsequently burnt in a forest in Maharashtra’s Raigad district.

The murder case gained attention in 2015 when Rai disclosed the killing following his arrest in an unrelated case. Mukerjea was arrested in August 2015 but was granted bail in May 2022. The other accused, Rai, Khanna, and Peter Mukerjea, Indrani’s ex-husband, are also out on bail.

While the CBI argued that the documentary could sway public opinion and potentially influence the judicial process, the court, having watched the series itself, determined that the CBI’s concerns were unfounded and permitted the release to proceed.

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India / Main Slide / Technology

Google Takes Down Matrimony.com, Naukri, 99acres, Altt, and Other Indian Apps from Play Store

- by Chirag Goyal

Google has taken down the apps of 10 Indian companies, including Info Edge, 99acres, BharatMatrimony, Truly Madly, QuackQuack, Stage, Altt, and Kuku FM, due to non-payment of service fees. In response, Sanjeev Bikhchandani and Murugavel Janakiraman have made statements, and Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has been tagged in a post.

On Friday, March 1, Google initiated the removal of apps belonging to 10 Indian companies due to their failure to pay service fees. This action came after Google published a blog earlier in the day, stating that despite being “very established”, these companies hadn’t paid the required fees for using the platform. Although Google didn’t disclose the company names initially, it was revealed that the affected apps included matrimonial services.

Google emphasized its right to charge fees, stating, “For years, no court or regulator has denied Google Play’s right to charge,” adding that the Supreme Court had also declined to intervene.

Reports indicate that Info Edge’s flagship apps Naukri.com and 99acres, along with BharatMatrimony and Shaadi.com, were removed by Google. Additionally, online dating apps Truly Madly and QuackQuack, vernacular video-streaming platform Stage, Balaji Telefilms’ Altt, and audio streaming and podcast app Kuku FM were among those taken down.

The dispute revolves around Google’s imposition of fees ranging from 11% to 26% on in-app payments after the Competition Commission of India (CCI) ordered the elimination of the previous fee structure of 15% to 30%.

Google claims to have provided over three years for developers to prepare for the changes, including three weeks after the Supreme Court’s order. As a result, the company asserts it is taking necessary steps to enforce its policies consistently across the ecosystem.

In response, Info Edge founder Sanjeev Bikhchandani stated that the company had settled all outstanding Google invoices promptly and complied with policies. He urged for the establishment of an App Store/Play Store integrated into Digital Public Infrastructure, akin to UPI and ONDC. Meanwhile, Bharat Matrimony founder Murugavel Janakiraman described Google’s actions as a “dark day” for the internet in India.

Google Takes Down Matrimony.com, Naukri, 99acres, Altt, and Other Indian Apps from Play Store Read More
Crime / India / Main Slide / News

16-Year-Old Assaulted in Maharashtra Madrasa Over Alleged Theft of ₹100 Watch

- by Chirag Goyal

A shocking incident unfolded at a Madrasa in Maharashtra, where a 16-year-old student faced brutal corporal punishment from both his teacher and peers over the alleged theft of a ₹100 watch. The distressing episode came to light after CCTV footage of the incident surfaced, prompting the victim’s family to take immediate action by filing a complaint with the local authorities.

The victim, hailing from Surat, was attending the Jamia Burhanul Uloom Madrasa in Aurangabad, recently renamed Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar. The incident occurred when the teenager was accused of stealing an automatic watch from a nearby shop, captured on surveillance cameras in the area.

Following the theft complaint lodged by the shopkeeper, the stolen item was recovered. However, matters escalated when the Madrasa cleric, identified as Maulana Syed Omar Ali, took it upon himself to mete out what has been described as “brutal punishment” to the young student. Stripped partially and subjected to spitting and physical assault by his fellow students, allegedly under the cleric’s instructions, the teenager endured a harrowing ordeal.

The incident, captured on camera, reached the victim’s family, prompting them to lodge a formal complaint with the police. The cleric was subsequently booked under the Minor Students Protection Act, while counseling was provided to the minors involved in the assault. Legal proceedings against the cleric are currently underway as authorities address this disturbing incident.

 

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Delhi / Education / Main Slide / Politics

“Clash at JNU: ABVP and Leftist Groups Engage in Violence, 3 Students Injured”

- by Chirag Goyal

The Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) administration has yet to respond to the recent incident of clashes among students, and no information has been provided regarding the number of injured students.

New Delhi: Once again, an incident of student clashes has emerged at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in Delhi. The clash occurred during the School of Languages’ General Body Meeting (GBM). During the altercation between ABVP and leftist-supported groups over the selection of election committee members, some students were injured on Thursday night. A university official stated that some students have been admitted to Safdarjung Hospital. A purported video of the incident has surfaced, showing an individual assaulting some students with a stick, while another clip shows a person throwing a bicycle at students.

Clashes between ABVP and Leftist Groups:
Another purported video of the incident shows some individuals assaulting others, while university security personnel attempt to intervene. Members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and leftist groups have lodged complaints against each other with the police.


Students Injured in JNU Clash:
As of now, the university administration has not responded to this incident, and no information has been provided about the number of injured students. According to Delhi Police, a quarrel among students was reported late at night. Sources indicate that medical treatment has been provided to three injured students. The police have not yet received any written complaints in this matter, but necessary action is being taken.

Previous Clashes in JNU:
It’s worth noting that such incidents of clashes among students in JNU are not unprecedented. On February 10, a clash erupted between ABVP and leftist supporters during a student union election meeting, during which both sides claimed injuries to some of their members. Both sides have accused each other of the clash, while the JNU administration has yet to respond. The University General Body Meeting (UGBM) was convened at the Sabarmati Dhaba on campus to elect members of the election commission for the 2024 JNU Student Union elections, during which a clash ensued between student groups.

“Clash at JNU: ABVP and Leftist Groups Engage in Violence, 3 Students Injured” Read More
India / Main Slide / News / Technology

PM Narendra Modi Inaugurates World’s First Vedic Clock: What Makes It Special?

- by Chirag Goyal

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the world’s first Vedic clock at the Jantar Mantar observatory in Ujjain, a city known as the center for astronomical calculations, on Thursday. The Vedic clock holds significance not only for astrologers but also for the religious city of Ujjain, attracting visitors from far and wide.

PM Modi inaugurates the clock During the virtual inauguration, PM Modi stated that Ujjain holds significant importance. The installation of the world’s first Vedic clock in the city, known as the abode of Lord Mahakal, will become a center of attraction for devotees. Ram Tiwari, the director of Maharaja Vikramaditya Research Institute, mentioned that the Vedic clock will gradually also provide horoscope predictions.

Pride for Ujjain One of the twelve Jyotirlingas, Ujjain has always been the center for astronomical calculations. The Tropic of Cancer passes through here, and it is considered the birthplace of the planet Mars. It is also from here that the Vikram Samvat calendar originated, which is used worldwide for timekeeping and auspicious occasions. Hence, the world’s first Vedic clock has been installed on an 80-foot tower in the Jivajirao Vedshala.

Clock at an 80-foot height;
The world’s first Vedic clock has been installed on an 80-foot tower in the Jivajirao Vedshala. The specialty of this clock is that it will display a duration of 30 hours between one sunrise to another. Contrary to the Indian Standard Time, which has an hour of 48 minutes, this Vedic clock follows Vedic time and will also display different auspicious moments.

Operational via Mobile App;
Technician Sushil Gupta explained that our old method of timekeeping has been used to create this Vedic clock. This clock with Vedic calculations will display auspicious moments and can also be operated via a mobile app. Using a crane nearly 150 feet tall, the clock was installed on the watchtower. Testing of the clock will be conducted before its official operation.

Special Efforts by Mohan Yadav Dr. Mohan Yadav played a crucial role in installing the world’s first Vedic clock. He initiated efforts while serving as the Minister of Higher Education. This unique clock was made possible by his efforts. PM Modi and CM Yadav are scheduled to inaugurate it on March 1. Subsequently, Municipal Commissioner Ashish Pathak inspected the work of installing the Vedic clock and gathered information from Sushil Gupta, who is in charge of the installation work.

PM Narendra Modi Inaugurates World’s First Vedic Clock: What Makes It Special? Read More
Delhi / Main Slide / News

₹26 Lakh Gold Concealed in Luggage Trolley, Seized from Passenger Returning from Colombo

- by Chirag Goyal

Delhi: A person involved in gold smuggling at the airport has been arrested. This passenger had returned from Colombo. The passenger was caught during inspection at Terminal 3. He had concealed gold worth more than ₹26 lakh in the wheels of his luggage trolley bag.

According to Navin Nishchal, New Delhi: A person has been caught at Delhi Airport for smuggling gold. The Customs team at the IGI Airport seized gold biscuits worth more than ₹26 lakh from a passenger. These gold biscuits were being smuggled. A passenger has also been caught by the Customs team in this case. Joint Commissioner of Customs N Varun Kandinya informed about the incident. N Varun said that the caught passenger is Nirnjan.

Came from Colombo According to customs officials, this passenger arrived in Delhi from Colombo by flight. After that, he reached Terminal 3 of the airport. After that, when he placed his luggage on the trolley and came out, it was checked. During the inspection, yellow-colored metal biscuits were recovered from inside the wheels of the trolley. Later, when it was checked, it turned out to be gold biscuits. Its weight was found to be 490 grams. This gold biscuit was concealed by wrapping it in black-colored tape. After this, it was kept inside the cavity made in the trolley bag.

Gold worth ₹26 Lakh The seized gold bar was valued at ₹26,26,993. The Customs team has confiscated the gold biscuit under Section 110 and is taking action against the accused. This is not the first case where a case of gold smuggling at the airport has come to light. Cases of smuggling gold by concealing it at the airport often come to light. In such cases, they are often caught in the investigation of customs officials.

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Crime / Health / Main Slide / News / World

Doctor Performs Vasectomy Instead of Gallbladder Surgery, Patient’s Future Plans Ruined in an Instant

- by Chirag Goyal

A man arrived at the hospital to undergo surgery for his gallbladder, but due to the negligence of doctors, instead of performing the gallbladder surgery, they sterilized the man.

The incident occurred in Argentina, where 41-year-old Jorge Besto had gone to the Florencio Diaz Provincial Hospital in Cordoba for his gallbladder surgery. His operation was scheduled for February 28th. However, due to some reasons, his surgery was postponed until Wednesday, and here began the series of unfortunate events.

Gallbladder surgery turned into a vasectomy;
On the day of the surgery, hospital staff came to fetch Jorge from his room. Without asking him anything and without checking his chart, they took him to the operating room. The doctors also failed to verify his health chart, and quickly proceeded with Jorge’s operation. Unbeknownst to the doctors, Jorge’s operation had been rescheduled for the next day, which was intended for another patient to undergo a vasectomy. Unfortunately, the doctors mistook Jorge for that patient and performed a vasectomy on him instead of the gallbladder surgery he needed.

Patient’s feet slipped under the ground after surgery;
Upon waking up after the operation, Jorge was unaware that he had been sterilized. It wasn’t until a doctor came to examine him that the truth came out. Seeing Jorge’s chart, the doctor informed him that instead of his gallbladder surgery, he had been sterilized by mistake. Upon hearing this, Jorge felt as if the ground had slipped from under his feet. Since Jorge had not yet undergone the gallbladder surgery, he was immediately taken back to the operating room for the correct procedure.

Doctors gave such a response to the patient;
After the second surgery, Jorge Besto wanted to know how his sterilization happened and whether it could be corrected or not. But no one gave him a clear answer. Doctors kept blaming each other. When the dispute between the doctors ended, they told Jorge Besto that if he wished, he could still become a father through artificial insemination. Sterilization could not be corrected now.

Patient expressed his pain after sterilization –
After this incident, Jorge said that no one here is taking responsibility. Doctors are saying that you can still become a father through artificial insemination. Gallbladder surgery was written in my health chart, they just had to read it. They didn’t even have to work hard for it. Still, in their negligence, they sterilized me.

 

Doctor Performs Vasectomy Instead of Gallbladder Surgery, Patient’s Future Plans Ruined in an Instant Read More
Entertainment / Main Slide / News

“Mohanlal’s ‘Drishyam’ Franchise Ventures into Hollywood with Upcoming Remake”

- by Chirag Goyal

Following its success in various Indian languages with Kamal Haasan, Venkatesh, and Ajay Devgn leading the casts, “Drishyam” is now poised for an English remake.

Having seen numerous adaptations across Indian languages and even a Chinese version, Jeetu Joseph’s “Drishyam” is set to make its mark in Hollywood. The 2013 Malayalam original, featuring Mohanlal, Meena, Ansiba Hassan, and Esther Anil, is primed for an English-language remake.

The Remake: “The iconic #Drishyam franchise is gearing up for global domination following its immense popularity in India and China. Producers Kumar Mangat Pathak and Abhishek Pathak announced the Korean remake of this thrilling franchise at the Cannes Film Festival 2023. Now, they unveil the next milestone for the franchise,” wrote trade analyst Ramesh Bala on X, adding, “Panorama Studios, along with Gulfstream Pictures and JOAT Films, are collaborating to bring ‘Drishyam’ to Hollywood, marking a historic moment for Indian cinema! (sic).”


Sreedhar Pillai also shared on X that the international remake rights have been secured from the original producers, stating, “Panorama Studios has acquired the international remake rights to ‘Drishyam 1 & 2′ from the original producers, Aashirvad Cinemas.”

The Drishyam Franchise: Since its debut in 2013, the Malayalam blockbuster has inspired filmmakers across borders, leading to multiple remakes. In 2014, it was adapted in Kannada as “Drishya” and in Telugu as “Drushyam” with Ravichandran and Venkatesh in the lead roles, respectively. In 2015, Tamil audiences witnessed “Papanasam,” while Hindi viewers embraced “Drishyam” starring Kamal Haasan and Ajay Devgn, respectively.

Further adaptations followed suit, with a Sinhala version titled “Dharmayuddhaya” in 2017, featuring Jackson Anthony, and a Mandarin Chinese rendition titled “Sheep Without a Shepherd” in 2019, starring Xiao Yang. Various directors helmed the different language versions, with Jeetu Joseph directing only the Tamil iteration. Indonesian and Korean remakes are currently in development.

The Sequel:
In a rare feat, “Drishyam 2,” released in 2021, was hailed as a fitting continuation of the original narrative. Picking up from where its predecessor left off, the sequel delves deeper into the trials faced by Georgekutty, portrayed by Mohanlal, and his family in the aftermath of a crime. Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi remakes of the sequel are also in progress.

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India / Main Slide / Top News

GDP Surges at 8.4% in December Quarter; PM Narendra Modi Applauds Indian Economy’s Strength and Potential

- by Chirag Goyal

The most recent government data reveals that India’s GDP soared by 8.4% in the October-December quarter, a significant leap from 4.3% in the corresponding period last year.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, responding to the data unveiled by the government, took to the social media platform X to express his sentiments on Thursday regarding India’s economic performance in the December quarter.

“Recording a robust 8.4% GDP growth in Q3 2023-24 underscores the resilience and potential of the Indian economy. Our steadfast efforts will persist in fostering rapid economic expansion, ensuring a better quality of life for the 1.4 billion Indians and nurturing a developed India!” the Prime Minister shared on X.

The latest data from the National Statistical Office (NSO) indicates that the GDP expanded by 8.4% in the October-December quarter of 2023, compared to a growth rate of 4.3% in the same quarter of 2022.

In the third quarter of this fiscal year, the manufacturing sector exhibited notable growth, with its output, as measured by gross value added, escalating by 11.6%, contrasting sharply with a contraction of 4.8% witnessed in the corresponding period of the previous year.

According to a government statement, “The real GDP, or GDP at Constant (2011-12) Prices, for the year 2023-24 is projected to reach ₹172.90 lakh crore, surpassing the first revised GDP estimates for 2022-23, which stood at ₹160.71 lakh crore. The GDP growth rate for 2023-24 is estimated at 7.6%, compared to the 7.0% growth recorded in 2022-23.”

The statement further notes that the GDP at current prices in the third quarter of 2023-24 is estimated at ₹75.49 lakh crore, reflecting a growth rate of 10.1%, as opposed to ₹68.58 lakh crore recorded in the third quarter of 2022-23.

Additionally, the NSO has revised downward the GDP growth estimate for 2022-23 to 7% from the earlier projection of 7.2%.

Furthermore, GDP estimates for the first and second quarters of the current fiscal have been revised upward to 8.2% and 8.1%, respectively, from 7.8% and 7.6%.

Overall, the economy has expanded by 8.2% during April-December 2023, compared to 7.3% growth observed in the corresponding period of the previous year.

GDP Surges at 8.4% in December Quarter; PM Narendra Modi Applauds Indian Economy’s Strength and Potential Read More
India / Main Slide / News

Air India Penalized with Rs30 Lakh Fine for Death of 80-Year-Old Passenger Denied Wheelchair Assistance

- by Chirag Goyal

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has imposed a fine of Rs. 30 lakh on Air India following the recent demise of an 80-year-old traveler. The passenger, who required wheelchair assistance, was compelled to traverse from the aircraft to the terminal due to a deficiency of available wheelchairs. In response, an advisory has been disseminated to all airlines mandating the provision of adequate wheelchair facilities for passengers in need of assistance.

In Mumbai, the DGCA has sanctioned a penalty of Rs. 30 lakh against Air India subsequent to the death of an 80-year-old passenger who opted to walk from the aircraft to the terminal building due to the airline’s shortage of wheelchairs.

After a report was published in the TOI on February 16, the regulator issued a show cause notice to the airline for non-compliance with the provisions outlined in the “CAR SECTION 3, SERIES ‘M’, PART I on ‘Carriage by Air – Persons with Disability (Divyangjan) and/or Persons with Reduced Mobility’,” constituting a violation of Aircraft Rules, 1937.

Air India responded to the notice on February 20. However, the airline failed to demonstrate compliance with the CAR by neglecting to provide a wheelchair to the elderly passenger. Furthermore, Air India did not report any action taken against the responsible employee(s), nor did it submit any corrective measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Consequently, the DGCA announced a financial penalty of Rs. 30 lakh on Air India in accordance with Aircraft Rules, 1937, for contravening the provisions of the aforementioned CAR. Additionally, an advisory has been issued to all airlines to ensure the availability of a sufficient number of wheelchairs for passengers requiring assistance during embarkation or disembarkation.

The incident occurred on February 12 when the 80-year-old US citizen of Indian origin, accompanied by his wife, arrived in Mumbai from New York on an Air India flight. Although both had requested wheelchair assistance, only one was provided due to the shortage, leaving the elderly passenger to walk alongside his wife, who utilized the wheelchair. Tragically, he collapsed and passed away at the airport immigration counter.

On February 20, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) took suo motu cognizance of the passenger’s demise and issued a notice to the DGCA, requesting a report within four weeks.

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