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India To Have 1.2 Billion Smartphone Connections By 2030, Half Of Them 5G

By
The Commune
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India To Have 1.2 Billion Smartphone Connections By 2030, Half Of Them 5G

India is projected to have 1.2 billion smartphone connections by 2030, with half of the users on 5G smartphones, according to a new report.

According to global mobile network body GSMA, the country is projected to have over 641 million 5G subscribers by 2030, growing at 49 per cent.

“India will see an unprecedented growth in the number of 5G mobile subscribers, and an explosion of data usage in the next six years,” according to GSMA Intelligence projections.

This stupendous growth in 5G subscribers will also lead to a huge expansion of data consumption, impelling Indian telcos to make large investments.

The data consumption per subscriber is likely to grow at a CAGR of 15 per cent between 2023 and 2029, to reach 68 GB per month per subscriber in India.

In the Asia-Pacific region, India and Indonesia are uniquely positioned to leverage digitalisation to drive economic resilience, job creation, and innovation.

According to the latest ‘GSMA Mobile Economy Asia Pacific 2024 Report’, India is projected to have 1.2 billion smartphone connections by 2030, while Indonesia is expected to reach 387 million connections by the same year,” said the organisation.

Furthermore, mobile technologies and services generated 5.3 per cent of GDP across the APAC region in 2023, contributing $880 billion in economic value, and supporting approximately 13 million jobs across the region.

“India and Indonesia are not just the largest democracies in the APAC region; they are the future engines of digital and economic growth for the region. By fostering partnerships and collaboration, we are laying the foundation for a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable digital future for both nations.” said Mats Granryd, Director General, GSMA.

Meanwhile, the widespread availability of spectrum for 5G is likely to contribute about $27 billion to India’s gross domestic product (GDP) by 2030, according to a recent GSMA report.

The organisation, which represents mobile networks worldwide, said the upper 6 GHz band must also be part of the spectrum roadmap of the country. The launch of 5G has emerged as a significant catalyst for the growth in data usage.

–IANS

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Supreme Court Dismisses Habeas Corpus Case Against Isha Yoga Centre, Affirms Voluntary Stay of Petitioner’s Daughters

By
The Commune
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Supreme Court Dismisses Habeas Corpus Case Against Isha Yoga Centre, Affirms Voluntary Stay of Petitioner's Daughters

The Supreme Court has dismissed a habeas corpus petition filed by a father who claimed that his two daughters were being held against their will and brainwashed at the Isha Yoga Centre.

The court noted the statements of the two women, aged 39 and 42, confirming that they are legal adults and are voluntarily staying at the ashram, with the freedom to leave whenever they wish. As a result, the court concluded that no further action was necessary, and the case was closed.

During the hearing, the bench personally interacted with the two women, who affirmed that they were free to move and had participated in various activities at the Ashram. The Court noted that one of the women had even recently completed a 10-kilometer marathon.

However, the court clarified that the closure of this habeas corpus case does not exempt the Isha Yoga Centre from fulfilling any other legal or regulatory obligations.

The Supreme Court also criticized the Madras High Court’s previous decision to direct a police inquiry into other allegations against the Isha Yoga Centre based on the habeas corpus petition. The bench, led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and comprising Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, noted that the High Court overstepped its jurisdiction, stating, “Since both women are adults, and the purpose of the habeas corpus petition has been fulfilled, no further directions are needed from the High Court.”

The petition, originally filed by the father of the two women, claimed that his daughters were being held against their will and brainwashed by the Ashram. However, Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing the Isha Foundation, pointed out that the Tamil Nadu police’s status report indicated the women were staying at the Ashram voluntarily. Rohatgi also argued that the High Court’s directions for an inquiry were unwarranted, given the nature of the habeas corpus petition.

Senior Advocate Siddharth Luthra, representing the Tamil Nadu government, requested the Court to clarify that the closure of the habeas corpus petition would not prevent the police from investigating other allegations related to regulatory compliance at the Isha Foundation. The bench agreed, stating that the closure of the habeas corpus case would not affect any ongoing or future regulatory requirements that the Foundation must comply with.

(With inputs from Live Law)

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Paneerselvam Calls For Unity In AIADMK Ahead Of 2026 Elections

By
The Commune
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O. Paneerselvam Calls For Unity In AIADMK Ahead Of 2026 Elections

On 18 October 2024, O Paneerselvam, the former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and ousted senior leader of the AIADMK, sharply criticized party General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami for his forgetfulness of past support and perceived betrayal. He urged party members to unite and work diligently in preparation for the 2026 state assembly elections to restore the party’s influence, warning that otherwise, all the efforts of previous leaders would be in vain.

This appeal comes as the AIADMK celebrates its 53rd anniversary on 17 October 2024. Founded by MG Ramachandran (MGR), the party has historically been a major force in Tamil Nadu politics, winning a majority in the state assembly seven times. However, since 2019, it has faced significant electoral setbacks, failing to win any recent elections and placing third in various regions during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, indicating a decline in popularity.

In this context, O. Paneerselvam, through his official X account, stated, “Let us all work together in the general assembly election of 2026 to fulfill the idea of ​​the honorable revolutionary leader Amma,  ‘Even after me, no matter how many centuries come, the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam will work for the people’ and pledge to put the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam in power.”

The statement read, “Speaking about betrayal and sacrifice is like Satan reading scriptures! All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, a great people’s movement that was started by revolutionary leader MGR to give golden rule to the people of Tamilnadu, formed the government under the leadership of revolutionary leader MGR for three consecutive terms. The revolutionary leader MGR achieved various milestones such as the Nutritious meal scheme, increased the reservation for the backward from 31 percent to 50 percent, created various universities including Tamil University in Thanjavur, introduced the free Dhothi and Saree scheme, and held the Fifth World Tamil Conference.”

“After the death of the revolutionary leader MGR, the revolutionary leader Amma took over as the general secretary of the organization and formed the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam regime in Tamil Nadu for four terms. They achieved success by implementing various welfare programs like Cradle Baby Scheme, All Women Police Station, Women Self Help Groups, Free Rice, Free Education. Hon’ble Amma is credited with making the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam the third largest party in the Lok Sabha.” the statement added

“After the demise of the honorable revolutionary leader Amma, as a result of treachery entering in, unrighteousness increased and treacherous acts became rampant and the party went to the bottom. The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, which was the third largest party in the parliamentary Lok Sabha, now appears empty due to its status as a party for all being undermined by the treacherous mob. All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam met with a heavy defeat in the Lok Sabha elections which ended with loss of deposit in seven Lok Sabha constituencies, third place out of 12 constituencies, fourth place in Kanyakumari and fourth place in Puducherry Union Territory.” the statement accused.

“From this, it is clear that the people are not ready to trust the traitor who has backstabbed everyone: the person who recommended for the post of Chief Minister, the person who appointed him as the Chief Minister, and those who supported him to continue as the Chief Minister. Due to this treacherous act, the vote bank which was 45 percent during the regime of revolutionary leader Amma has reduced to 20 percent today. To speak of such a “betrayal” sacrifice seems Satan reading Scriptures.” the statement further said.

“If this situation continues, not only will the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam not be able to form a government for many years, but its vote percentage will decrease and the fruit of victory will become unattainable. Thinaiththunai Nandri Seyinum Panaiththunaiyaak Kolvar Payandheri Vaar’ That is, Thirukkural says that even if the help given to him is the size of a millet, the gentleman will consider it as the size of a palm. If the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam wants to rise, the divided people must unite. if the separated are to unite a able man must come to leadership.” the statement further said.

At this moment, I would like to point out the words of Valluvar “Ennandri Kondraarkkum Uyvuntaam Uyvillai
Seynnandri Kondra Makarku” Thiruvalluvar says whoever commits any sin has a way to escape from it but there is no other way to get rid of the sin of forgetting the help done. Hence, let us all work together in the general assembly election of 2026 to fulfill the idea of ​​the honorable revolutionary leader Amma,  ‘Even after me, no matter how many centuries come, the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam will work for the people’ and pledge to put the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam in power.” the statement further said.

On 17 October 2024, Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Jana Sena Party leader Pawan Kalyan also extended greeting on the 53nd anniversary of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) expressing his admiration and support for the party. In a heartfelt message, he paid tribute to AIADMK founder M.G. Ramachandran (MGR), whom he praised as a “revolutionary leader” whose visionary policies significantly transformed Tamil Nadu, particularly for the disadvantaged.

Kalyan emphasized MGR’s commitment to enhancing the lives of ordinary people, noting how his leadership propelled Tamil Nadu to become one of India’s foremost states. He also recognized the contributions of MGR’s successor, Jayalalithaa, commending her as an exceptional leader whose efforts earned her the endearing title of “Amma.”

In his message, Kalyan extended his best wishes to Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS), the current AIADMK leader, expressing hope that the party would continue to realize MGR’s vision for the state’s development and welfare. He also notably commended O. Panneerselvam (OPS) for his leadership as Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister, highlighting how he effectively guided the AIADMK government during and after the passing of Puratchi Thalaivi Selvi Jayalalithaa, genuinely continuing her legacy. Then highlighted the cultural ties between Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, acknowledging Jayalalithaa’s respect and affection for the Telugu-speaking community.

Political Crisis in the AIADMK

After leaving the AIADMK in 2017, O. Panneerselvam and his supporters appealed to the Election Commission for action against party General Secretary V.K. Sasikala and Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami. Panneerselvam argued for the party’s iconic two-leaf symbol to contest in the RK Nagar election. In response, Palaniswami’s faction also lodged complaints, but the Election Commission dismissed both appeals, assigning different symbols to each faction.

In August 2017, the factions led by Edappadi K. Palaniswami and O. Panneerselvam came together, with Panneerselvam becoming Deputy Chief Minister and taking on the finance portfolio.

Leadership Struggle with Edappadi K Palaniswami

On 14 June 2022, amid ongoing electoral challenges, AIADMK district secretaries and senior members advocated for a shift away from the “dual leadership” system, calling for a single, strong leader to strengthen the party.

Supporters of Palaniswami initiated a political maneuver against Panneerselvam, who was losing influence within the party. Reports indicated that only about 10 of the AIADMK’s 75 district secretaries backed Panneerselvam, and among the 66 MLAs, only five were reportedly on his side. Less than 20% of the general council members supported him ahead of a pivotal meeting 23 on June 2022, aimed at establishing a unitary leadership.

On 30 June 2022, Palaniswami sent a letter to Panneerselvam, stating that the latter was no longer the party coordinator, as changes made to the party bylaws in December 2021 were not recognized in the 23  June general council meeting. On 11 July 2022, the AIADMK General Council formally abolished the dual leadership model and empowered Palaniswami as the party leader.

Expulsion from the AIADMK

On the same day, Panneerselvam was expelled from his roles as Party Treasurer and primary member due to alleged “anti-party” activities. Dindigul Sreenivasan succeeded him as Party Treasurer. On 17 August 2022, the Madras High Court ruled Panneerselvam’s expulsion and the General Council’s decisions as invalid. However, on 2 September 2022, a division bench of the High Court upheld the General Council’s actions from 11 July, effectively restoring unitary leadership.

The Supreme Court later dismissed Panneerselvam’s appeal against the Madras High Court ruling, which handed leadership to Palaniswami. On 23 February 2023, the Supreme Court affirmed the 11 July 2022 General Council decisions, reinforcing Palaniswami’s leadership. Subsequently, on 28 March 2023, the Madras High Court ruled in favor of Palaniswami and dismissed Panneerselvam’s challenges regarding the General Council resolutions. On that same day, AIADMK announced Palaniswami’s election as General Secretary, which the Election Commission recognized on 20 April 2023.

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India’s Content Creation Market To Reach $480 Billion By 2035: Minister

By
The Commune
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India’s Content Creation Market To Reach $480 Billion By 2035: Minister

India is poised to become the content creation capital of the world, with the market projected to grow from the current $30 billion to $480 billion by 2035.

Addressing a panel discussion during the ‘India Mobile Congress 2024’ in the national capital, Union Minister for Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia emphasised the democratisation of information access and India’s readiness to embrace next-gen technologies like 6G to lead the digital revolution. According to a recent report by EY, the Indian content industry was expected to hit $30.6 billion this year.

The experts emphasised that AI in content creation is an opportunity to expand revenue streams, reduce costs and tap into new markets, especially in tier 2 and 3 cities in India where content consumption patterns are evolving. As AI facilitates real-time personalisation and interaction with audiences, the creative economy is set to grow exponentially, they added.

The conversation centred on AI’s ability to complement, not replace, human creativity. AI is enhancing regional content, with 95 per cent of YouTube consumption in India now being in regional languages, reflecting a shift from the predominantly English-speaking digital sphere just a few years ago.

AI-driven content can help educate and raise awareness, offering unprecedented opportunities for spreading meaningful information, said industry experts.

The 8th edition of the ‘India Mobile Congress’ was kicked off with its inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Bharat Mandapam in the national capital. PM Modi took a walkthrough of the exhibition area before officially inaugurating the event.

The ‘India Mobile Congress 2024’ is hosting over 400 exhibitors, about 900 startups and participation from over 120 countries. The event is also showcasing more than 900 technology use case scenarios, hosting more than 100 sessions with over 600 global and Indian speakers. India is also hosting the prestigious World Telecommunication Standardisation Assembly (WTSA) 2024 from October 14-24.

–IANS

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US Charges Former RAW Officer Vikash Yadav Over Plot To Murder Khalistani American-Canadian Terrorist Pannun

By
The Commune
-
US Charges Former RAW Officer Vikash Yadav Over Plot To Murder Khalistani American-Canadian Terrorist Pannun

US prosecutors have charged a former Senior Field Officer of RAW, Vikash Yadav, in an alleged murder-for-hire plot against Khalistani American-Candian terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun residing in New York City.

In a strongly worded statement, Attorney General Merrick Garland said on Thursday, “Today’s charges demonstrate that the Justice Department will not tolerate attempts to target and endanger Americans and to undermine the rights to which every US citizen is entitled”. Describing Yadav as “an Indian government employee“, he said, “The Justice Department will be relentless in holding accountable any person — regardless of their position or proximity to power – who seeks to harm and silence American citizens”.

Assistant Attorney General Matthew Olsen who heads the Justice Department’s National Security Division, was more blunt: “To the governments around the world who may be considering such criminal activity and to the communities they would target, let there be no doubt that the Department of Justice is committed to disrupting and exposing these plots and to holding the wrongful actors accountable no matter who they are or where they reside”.

The charges filed against Yadav and his alleged co-conspirator Nikhil Gupta, were unsealed in the Federal Southern District of New York Court on Thursday.

The charges were framed by a grand jury, a panel of citizens that first decides if there is a prima facie case after the prosecution makes a preliminary presentation of the case.

Yadav faces three charges along with Gupta: conspiracy to hire a hitman, the actual “murder-for-hire” plot, and money laundering. The charging document filed by the prosecutors makes a reference to the killing of a Canada-based Sikh separatist, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, in British Columbia, that has led to a serious deterioration of relations between India and Canada. It says that Yadav told Gupta that “Nijjar was also the target” and “we have many targets”, and sent him a video of Nijjar’s body slumped in his car.

It appears that US law enforcement intercepted or had access to the electronic communications between Yadav and Gupta, even those on encrypted apps because extensive quotes from those are included in the court document. Gupta, who was arrested in the Czech Republic at the request of the US, was extradited to the US in June and produced in court.

Many of the details in the court document filed by the prosecutors repeat the same narratives made in earlier documents filed against Gupta, but this time, Yadav is identified by name.

The indictment presents Vikash Yadav as the alleged mastermind who recruited Gupta to carry out the plot in exchange for helping him get criminal cases against him dismissed, and directed him. It says that “Yadav recruited Gupta to orchestrate the assassination of the Victim in the United States” and that under Yadav’s “directions,” Gupta contacted a government “confidential source” who he thought was “a criminal associate”.

This person, in turn, put him in touch with the “purported hitman” who was, in fact, an undercover US law enforcement officer, unravelling the plot, according to the court document, which also included a photograph of Yadav dressed in military fatigues. The charges were filed a day after an Indian Enquiry Committee set up to investigate the allegations visited Washington to discuss the case with US officials. Judge Victor Marrero, who is presiding over the case against Vikash Yadav, has set a status conference on Friday when the prosecutors and the defence lawyer are to discuss handling the evidence and proceeding with the case. The 18-page document filed by the prosecutors does not name any other Indian official.

Neither does it name the American-Canadian terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the leader of the separatist group, Sikhs for Justice, who was reportedly the target of the alleged plot. It only says that the “Victim” was “an attorney and political activist who is a US citizen of Indian origin living in New York City” and leads “a US-based organisation that advocates for the secession of Punjab” to establish Khalistan.

The Indian government has banned the “Victim” and his separatist organisation, it noted. The document says that Yadav, who used the aliases Amant and Vikas, was “employed by the Cabinet Secretariat of the Government of India which houses India’s foreign intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW)”.

Yadav has described himself as a “Senior Field Officer” with responsibilities in “Security Management” and “Intelligence” and has served in the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), “India’s largest paramilitary force”, according to the court paper. He said that he was an “assistant commandant” in CRPF with 135 men under his command and that he had received “paratrooper”, “battlecraft”, and counterintelligence training, the document said.

He also gave his address as “CGO Complex” in New Delhi, where according to the document RAW is headquartered. It said that in June 2023, they agreed with the “hitman” on a payment of $100,000 to allegedly kill the “victim” and Yadav and Gupta arranged through an “associate of Yadav” to give $15,000 as advance. Yadav gave Gupta the details about the “Victim”, including his address in New York and his phone numbers, which were passed on to the undercover agent, the indictment said. The document said that the alleged plot began around May 6 last year with Yadav sending Gupta a message on an encrypted app, “This is Vikas … save my name as Aman”. A few minutes later, he received a call from Yadav who told him that he had a “target in New York” and another in “California”, and Gupta replied, “We will hit all our targets”, it said. A week later, Yadav assured him that he had “spoke(n) to his boss” about Yadav’s case and it was closed, and they proceeded with the alleged plot, according to the court document. The document says that during a video call, Vikash Yadav turned the camera towards three men in business attire at a conference room and said, “We are all counting on you”.

Yadav discussed at length how the money was to be transferred and also told him to hold off on the plot during the time of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the US last June. Gupta is being held without bail in a notorious federal jail, the Metropolitan Detention Center, where the rapper Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs is also held.

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“There’s No One More Qualified Than Thirumavalavan To Be CM”, Says VCK’s Vanni Arasu Voicing Discontent Against DMK

By
The Commune
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VCK's Vanni Arasu Voicing Discontent Against DMK

Once again, the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) has indirectly expressed its displeasure with its ally, the ruling DMK. Deputy General Secretary Vanni Arasu has accused the DMK of failing to address caste-related atrocities in the state. He lamented that while VCK chief and Chidambaram MP Thol. Thirumavalavan is more than capable of serving as the Chief Minister, the alliance remains reluctant to support him for the position, believing that doing so would alienate voters from dominant castes.

In a recent interview with a private news channel, Deputy General Secretary Vanni Arasu was asked about his concerns regarding the DMK, his alliance partner. He openly criticized the DMK’s handling of caste-related issues, citing incidents in Vengaivayal and Melpathi. He suggested that the government should take greater interest in abolishing caste distinctions and implementing laws against honor killings.

Vanni Arasu said, “In caste-related issues like Vengaivayal or Melpathi, where people are not allowed inside the temple, today all over Tamil Nadu there are caste-related issues. We are asking to enact an act against honor killings, which they have not done. People like me think that this government should focus more on caste eradication and work on it.”. He later accused the DMK of treating these issues lightly, warning that this approach could exacerbate the problems.

When the host asked whether anyone was trying to prevent others from attaining prominent positions based on caste, to that Vanni Arasu lamented although his party chief, Thirumavalavan, is fully capable, the alliance is unwilling to propose his name, which has sparked considerable controversy.

Vanni Arasu said, “Today in Tamil Nadu, I can challenge and even argue. Can you suggest an alternative who is as qualified as our leader Thirumavalavan to be the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, considering everything? In today’s situation, he is a leader who can speak on everything – every problem, whether it be Iran and Iraq issues, other worldly issues, Mullai Periyar issue, Eelam related issues, state rights issues, central government related issues, or handling central government matters. If there is a qualified and talented leader today, it is him. However, why people are hesitating to propose him as the chief minister. Even in the Makkal Nala Kootani (People’s Welfare Front), our party’s general secretary Ravi Kumar proposed that the chief minister candidate should be from our party. However, the Makkal Nala Kootani itself did not accept it, hesitating due to the rigidity of the caste structure and the attitude that other castes will not vote. This is a big threat here.”

Then the host asked the General Secretary about the VCK’s aspirations. He replied that the party’s dream is to see Thirumavalavan become Chief Minister. He subtly hinted that the initial plan was for Thirumavalavan to take the role of Deputy Chief Minister, but instead, DMK scion Udhayanidhi Stalin was appointed. By stating this, he indirectly expressed the VCK’s displeasure with the appointment and reaffirmed their desire for their leader to be the Chief Minister. He ridiculed the position of Deputy Chief Minister, describing it as merely an honorary role not specified in the constitution, and expressed his disdain for it.

Vanni Arasu said, “VCK’s dream or our dream is to see our chief come to power and become the chief minister, not a deputy chief minister. We wish he should become chief minister because the position of deputy chief minister is honorary and not specified in the constitution. Chief minister is the goal and its has the power.”

Later, he criticized the DMK’s policy, stating that while the VCK advocates for the prohibition of liquor, the DMK’s claim that it has implemented a billing system is misguided. He emphasized that the government should work towards abolishing liquor altogether.

This accusation comes against the backdrop of growing discontent among the DMK’s alliance partners, including the VCK, Congress, and the Communists, who are dissatisfied with the DMK’s policy decisions since it came to power in 2021. The rift has become more apparent following reports that suggested DMK scion Udhayanidhi Stalin is set to become the next Deputy Chief Minister. Later, with his appointment, the allies have been openly criticizing the party at every opportunity.

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Aavin’s Green Magic Plus: A Stealthy Price Hike Disguised As New Variant? TN Milk Dealers Labourers Welfare Association Head Reveals

By
The Commune
-
Aavin's Green Magic Plus: A Stealthy Price Hike Disguised As New Variant?

The Tamil Nadu Cooperative Milk Producers’ Federation Limited (Aavin) has come under intense scrutiny following its latest move to introduce a new milk variant, Green Magic Plus. The rebranding appears to be a veiled attempt to hike prices, with the newly packaged 450 ml Green Magic Plus priced at ₹25, translating to approximately ₹50 per 900 ml. This marks a significant increase from the existing Green Magic, which is sold at ₹44 per litre. The reduced pack size and increased price have raised questions about Aavin’s pricing strategies and its commitment to providing affordable milk to the public.

Same Nutritional Value, Higher Price

The introduction of Green Magic Plus, which is set to be fortified with vitamins A and D, raises the question of whether the added fortification truly justifies the price hike. The original Green Magic already offers a 4.5% fat content and 9% Solids-Not-Fat (SNF), and the newly announced variant maintains the same nutritional values. The only substantial change appears to be the packaging size reduction and the 11-rupee increase per litre. The fortification of vitamins, while potentially beneficial, seems more like a marketing ploy than a significant upgrade in product quality.

An Attempt To Minimize Losses?

Aavin has acknowledged that it incurs a loss of ₹4 to ₹5 per litre on the Green Magic variant, which is sold at highly subsidized rates. With private milk brands in the market priced between ₹54 and ₹58 per litre, Aavin’s strategy may be to close the gap to reduce financial losses. While the Federation has to contend with higher production costs due to subsidies, critics argue that burdening consumers with a higher price and smaller volume is not a fair solution.

Deceptive Packaging Tactics

The rebranding of Green Magic to Green Magic Plus echoes a familiar pattern of reducing product quantities while simultaneously increasing prices. The tactic of repackaging a 500 ml product into a 450 ml pack, while increasing the price, is seen by many as a “backdoor price increase.” Such practices are not uncommon in the private sector, but when a cooperative like Aavin resorts to these strategies, it raises concerns about transparency and fairness toward consumers.

Criticism From Milk Dealers

The TN Milk Dealers Labourers Welfare Association president, S. A. Ponnusamy, did not mince words, calling the rebranding a “backdoor price increase.” He further accused Aavin of adopting the practices of private firms, such as reducing supply and pushing costlier alternatives onto consumers. For instance, since 2023, the supply of Green Magic has been restricted, compelling dealers to sell Delite, which has a lower fat content (3.5%) but costs the same ₹44 per litre. This shift suggests that Aavin has been steadily moving towards higher profit margins at the expense of the consumer.

High Production Costs: A Factor, But Not An Excuse

Aavin’s higher production costs are partly attributed to the necessity of meeting Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) requirements. The Federation incurs expenses to either buy butter or use it to meet the required fat content standards, pushing the production cost up to ₹49-₹51 per litre. However, the decision to shift these costs onto consumers through smaller packaging and higher prices feels like a direct contradiction to the cooperative’s mission of offering affordable dairy products.

Consumer Trust at Risk

The controversy surrounding Green Magic Plus comes when there is already high demand for Green Magic in Chennai. In November 2023, Aavin had considered discontinuing Green Magic, only to withdraw the plan after facing backlash. Such instances highlight a pattern of inconsistent decisions that risk eroding consumer trust. Aavin’s lack of transparent communication and the seemingly covert approach to price adjustments might alienate long-time customers who have supported the cooperative for decades.

Previous Product Price Hikes

This is not the first time that Aavin has hiked the prices of its products. In 2023, just as the festive season was kicking off, Aavin increased the prices of its ghee and butter products. The price of 5-litre Aavin Green Magic milk packets was also hiked by ₹10 in 2023.

The quality of the milk also seemed to have deteriorated – worms were found in purple milk packets in Thoothukudi and in orange milk packets in Nilgiris.

Aavin’s introduction of Green Magic Plus seems less about offering a new product and more about disguising a price increase. By maintaining the same nutritional content, reducing the pack size, and raising the price, the Federation effectively passes on its operational costs to consumers. This approach appears to be a step in the wrong direction for a cooperative founded on principles of fair pricing and public service.

(With inputs from TNIE)

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BJP Tamil Nadu Alleges ₹100 Crore Pulse Procurement Scam In State

By
The Commune
-
BJP Tamil Nadu Alleges ₹100 Crore Pulse Procurement Scam In State

Senior BJP leader and party Tamil Nadu Spokesperson A N S Prasad has alleged that the Tamil Nadu government has indulged in ₹100 crore corruption in pulse procurement for the Deepavali festival.

He said that Tamil Nadu Civil Supplies Corporation invited tenders on September 10, 2024, but awarded contracts to five companies at Rs 131 per kilogram, resulting in a loss of at least ₹100 crore.

The BJP leader said that despite state Civil Supplies Minister R Sakkarapani’s assurance of sufficient supplies, there are severe shortages of pulses and palm oil in ration shops. People are frustrated due to delayed pulse supplies. He demanded that the Chief Minister investigate and take action against those responsible.

“Shortages persist even in the Chief Minister’s constituency, Kolathur. Ration shop CB 047 has no toor dal stock, contradicting Minister Sakkarapani’s claims of adequate supplies,” he said.

He said that the companies involved were, Puds (47,00 metric tons) Integrated Service Bond (4,700 metric tons) Mumbai Patta International Limited (4,700 metric tons) Vasumathi Traders (4,700 metric tons) Muthurthy Traders (3,000 metric tons).

He added that of 20,000 metric tons, only 4,000 have been supplied, despite the contract requiring delivery by October 16.

“Contractors are allegedly trying to maximise profits by supplying lower-priced pulses at ₹131, despite insufficient stock,” he said. The BJP urged the Tamil Nadu government to address the shortage, investigate the scam, and ensure quality supply to the public.

–IANS

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Canadian Police Runs For Cover After Making Baseless Allegations Against India

By
The Commune
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Under mounting pressure for its botched-up and without “hard evidentiary proof” investigation on the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) is now evading international media even as the government led by Justin Trudeau continues to work on its deliberate strategy of smearing India for domestic political gains.

The RCMP on Monday held a much-publicised media conference, stating that an “extraordinary situation” compelled it to speak about what its multiple ongoing investigations into the “involvement of agents of the Government of India in serious criminal activity in Canada” have discovered.

RCMP Commissioner Michael (Mike) Duheme alleged that investigations revealed that Indian diplomats and consular officials based in Canada leveraged their official positions to engage in clandestine activities and the information collected was then used to target members of the South Asian community.

It was widely expected that Duheme would provide substantial evidence to back the claims made by Canada’s national police force. However, it never happened.

When approached by IANS to provide his insights into the complexities of the issue, Duheme responded through RCMP’s Acting Media Relations Office with his colleague Camille Boily-Lavoie suggesting that RCMP spokesperson Brigitte Gauvi could be made available for the interview.

However, on Thursday, the RCMP backed out completely, insisting that they would not be able to accommodate the interview request and RCMP’s statement on the issue remains sufficient.

The RCMP, which serves as the police of jurisdiction in Canada’s eight provinces, three territories, and hundreds of municipalities, is already in an eye of storm over its failure to prevent growing violent extremism in the country.

On Thursday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) took a dig at the RCMP and the Trudeau government for sitting on India’s 26 extradition requests, including those of some hardcore Khalistani extremists and criminals who are also involved in creating ruckus in Canada.

“So far no action has been taken by the Canadian side on our requests. This is very serious. Also we find it very strange that the people we asked to be deported, on whom we asked action to be taken, we are being told – the RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) is blaming the Indian side – that these people are committing crimes in Canada for which India is to be blamed. So, this is a contradiction which we don’t understand,” said MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal during a weekly media briefing.

–IANS

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Telangana To Go Ahead With Group-I Exam As Aspirants Continue Protest

By
The Commune
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Telangana To Go Ahead With Group-I Exam As Aspirants Continue Protest

The government of Telangana is going ahead with the Group-I Main examination to be conducted by the Telangana Public Service Commission (TGSPSC) even as the aspirants continued their protest for a second day demanding their postponement citing short-time for preparation and demanding revision of a Government Order (GO) that tweaked the reservation policy.

Chief Secretary Santhi Kumari on Thursday held a meeting with officials of various departments and directed them to make fool-proof arrangements for the exams scheduled from October 21 to 27.

A section of aspirants of the Group-I Main examination staged a protest at Gandhi Nagar Park in Hyderabad on Thursday demanding the rescheduling of the exam. Police detained the protestors, who have threatened to go on hunger strike if the government fails to postpone the exam.

The aspirants began that protest in Ashok Nagar on Wednesday night demanding the postponement of the exam. Dozens of students came out of hostel rooms and classrooms of the coaching centres to stage a protest, demanding that the government postpone the exams till the High Court decides on the petitions challenging Government Order 29.

The protestors were detained by the police. Police stepped up security in Ashok Nagar to prevent any further protests. A large number of policemen were deployed in the area. Some aspirants met Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president K. T. Rama Rao on Thursday and sought his support for their protest.

A group of aspirants also reached Congress headquarters Gandhi Bhavan to meet state Congress chief Mahesh Kumar Goud. Meanwhile, the Chief Secretary held a video conference with district Collectors, police commissioners and senior officials concerned to review the arrangements for the exams.

TGSPSC Chairman Mahender Reddy and members, Secretary E. Naveen Nicolas, Director General of Police Jitender, district collectors of Hyderabad, Rangareddy and Medchal Malkajgiri and other officials participated in the video conference.

The Chief Secretary said that a total of 31,383 candidates will appear in the exam to be conducted at 46 centres in Hyderabad, Rangareddy and Medchal Malkajgiri districts. She directed officials to make necessary security arrangements around the exam centres to prevent any irregularities or untoward incidents.

A total of 31,382 candidates have qualified for the Group-1 Mains examination out of around 3.02 lakh who appeared for the preliminary examination conducted to fill 563 posts in various departments.

Mahender Reddy said that since Group-I Mains are being held for the first time since 2011, the officials should take all precautions to ensure the smooth conduct of the exam.

Mahender Reddy said that in the current situation where social media is active, the conduct of exams is also challenging and in this context, proper precautions should be taken to avoid any misconceptions and rumours.

DGP Jitender said that elaborate arrangements have been made at all the examination centres where Group 1 will be held and all measures have been taken to ensure the peaceful conduct of the examinations.

The candidates demanding the postponement of exams argue that GO 29 will rearrange the prelims list upside down. About 22 cases challenging the GO are pending in the High Court.

They say that the GO tweaked the reservation policy and this would limit the chances of candidates from reserved categories. On October 15, the Telangana High Court dismissed writ petitions, seeking orders to postpone the examination.

–IANS

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