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Won’t Let Pak Run Its Agenda In J&K: PM Modi Thunders At Katra Rally

By
The Commune
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Elect BJP Govt To Protect 'Roti, Beti, Maati': PM Modi Urges People Of Jharkhand

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday sent a strong message to neighbouring Pakistan amid its attempts to “hobnob with like-minded” parties in Jammu and Kashmir and said that no power in the world could bring back Article 370. “I am saying loud and clear that we will not allow Pakistan to run its agenda in Jammu and Kashmir,” thundered PM Modi while addressing his second poll rally in Jammu’s Katra.

PM Modi also launched a blistering attack on the Congress-National Conference (NC) alliance in the Union Territory and slammed it for sharing a “common agenda” with the Pakistani establishment. Taking note of Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif’s statement on Article 370, PM Modi said that the neighbouring country’s admiration of the Congress-NC manifesto “exposes their unholy alliance”.

He said that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would never allow such a thing to happen. “Pakistani Defence Minister said that the agenda of the Congress-NC alliance on Article 370 and 35A is the same as that of Pakistan. Congress and NC stand exposed today with the Pakistani minister openly expressing support for their poll promises on Article 370. This means that the NC-Congress alliance wants to impose Pakistan’s agenda in Kashmir,” PM Modi told the gathering in Katra.

“The BJP will never allow their agenda to succeed,” he said. PM Modi accused the Congress and NC of “working against India’s interests”, despite knowing that Pakistani infiltrators inflicted deep wounds on residents of Jammu and Kashmir.

“Pakistan’s wicked and nefarious plots killed our brothers and sisters but they want to align with them. For decades, they have been doing the same thing that their Pakistani bosses wanted them to do,” he said. He also said that for the BJP, the nation is first and foremost and will always go the whole hog in defending the country’s frontiers and punishing its enemies.

Earlier in the day, Home Minister Amit Shah also came down heavily on the NC-Congress alliance over its demand for the restoration of Article 370, thereby giving a handle to Pakistani elements to ‘influence’ the poll process.

“Pakistan minister’s statement again clarifies that Congress and Pakistan have the same intentions and agenda. For the last few years, Rahul Gandhi has been standing with every anti-India force, hurting the sentiments of the countrymen,” he said.

“Modi will not allow Pakistan’s agenda to come to reality. They want Article 370 restored and I tell them that no power on earth can get Article 370 back. For the BJP, nothing is dearer than the country,” the Prime Minister said.

He said this election will decide the future of Jammu and Kashmir. “This election will help take the BJP concept of ‘Naya Kashmir’ to new heights. NC, Congress and PDP have injured the sentiments of this region for many years. It is now for you to see that the political sun of these parties sets forever. BJP has removed years-old discrimination against you,” PM Modi said while speaking at the Katra rally.

“They have in the past accused the Dogra heritage. In the name of selling love, Congress sells hatred. They said the Dogra Maharajas were corrupt. They can’t see anything beyond the vote bank. They increased the chasm between Jammu and the Valley. The BJP declared Maharaja Hari Singh’s birthday as a holiday to honour his memory. You suffered discrimination at the hands of the NC-Congress governments. Today, your Chenab Railway Bridge is much higher than the Eiffel Tower of Paris. Today, pictures of this bridge are circulated worldwide,” PM Modi said.

PM Modi further said the Katra region symbolises “our faith and tradition because this is the abode of Mata Vaishno Devi”.

“We need a government that will foster this faith and tradition. The Congress cannot protect this faith. The Congress scion said abroad recently that the gods and goddesses of Hindu religion do not represent real God. Congress says ‘Devtas’ are not gods. In our country, our gods and goddesses are worshipped. Isn’t this an insult to our gods and goddesses?” PM Modi wondered.

He said the Congress is doing everything under a well-thought-out plan. “This is a Naxalite (Maoist) ideology brought from foreign countries. Naxalite thinking has overtaken the thought process of the Congress party.”

The Prime Minister said: “When I came here as a BJP worker, my friends here, some of whom I see at this gathering today, would give me ‘Kradi’ (Milk Bread), which was very famous. The BJP government got the ‘Kradi’ of Udhampur GI tag. We got  GI tag for Basohli Pashmina also. We want all-round progress in this region. From here, our Para athlete, Rakesh and our shooter, Sheetal, got us Bronze at the Olympics. And this happened due to the blessings of Mata Vaishno Devi.”

PM Modi also spoke on the government’s focus on improving the railway infrastructure. “When we started semi high-speed Vande Bharat train services, one train chugged from Delhi to Katra town. Katra and Reasi railway stations were in shambles, we built new ones. No government in the past had the guts to build dams on rivers, and they would allow the untapped water to go to Pakistan. We built the Shahpur Kandi dam that has benefitted thousands of farmers whose lands had remained parched.”

The Prime Minister said that after Article 370 abrogation, terrorism and violence came down. “Jammu and Kashmir is moving on the path to progress. With your support, we will eliminate terrorism. BJP will bring out a white paper on who suffered due to terrorism,” PM Modi assured.

The Prime Minister further said that giving statehood is not a mere electoral slogan for the BJP since the government has stated on the floor of the Parliament that statehood would be restored to J&K. He also said that he knows about the demands of the Baridar Samaj.

“We started a scholarship for students of Baridar Samaj up to 12th class. We have spent Re 3.50 crore for marriages of daughters of this Samaj.” PM Modi concluded his speech by urging the voters to give a massive mandate to the BJP to form a strong government in Jammu and Kashmir.

–IANS

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EPS Promises Door-to-Door Vegetable Garden Scheme If AIADMK Returns To Power

By
The Commune
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EPS Promises Door-to-Door Vegetable Garden Scheme If AIADMK Returns To Power

If AIADMK returns to power, a comprehensive door-to-door vegetable garden scheme will be launched, stated Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS), AIADMK general secretary and current leader of the opposition, during the inaugural function of the Spectra Auditorium at MIT College of Agriculture and Technology in Musiri, Trichy district.

During the inauguration of the new building on 19 September 2024, Edappadi K. Palaniswami highlighted that his plans for a forward-looking initiative like the vegetable garden scheme were hindered by the change in government, which could have significantly reduced expenses for the average citizen. He urged agricultural students to recognize the importance of irrigation projects for enhancing agriculture in Tamil Nadu. Noting that cows in the U.S. produce 60 to 70 litres of milk daily, he announced the establishment of a livestock park and research farm in Thalaivasal, Salem district, at the cost of ₹1,000 crores on 1,000 acres to boost milk production in the state.

However, Palaniswami criticized the DMK government for not opening the cattle farm in the past two years. He pointed out that during the AIADMK’s tenure, farmers enjoyed 24-hour uninterrupted three-phase electricity, unlike the current situation under the DMK, where power cuts are frequent, causing significant hardship for farmers.

The AIADMK general secretary also reminded the audience that his party government had waived farm loans twice, which total to ₹1,200 crores. He expressed concern about the rise of drug issues in the state, urging college students to stay vigilant and focus on their education, as they are the future leaders of the country. Palaniswami emphasized that hard work and a commitment to education are crucial for success and encouraged students to prioritize their studies over alternative paths.

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Tamil Nadu: One Killed, One Injured In Firework Factory Explosion

By
The Commune
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Tamil Nadu: One Killed, One Injured In Firework Factory Explosion

An autorickshaw driver from Sevalpatti was killed on the spot, and another worker from Sivakasi was critically injured after a fire broke out at the Sri Lakshmi fireworks factory unit at Sevalpatti in Virudhunagar district of Tamil Nadu on Thursday.

The deceased has been identified as G. Govindaraj (29), and the injured worker as P. Gurumurthy (19). The police said that Govindaraj was unloading materials from his vehicle at the unit when an explosion in the chemical filling room brought down the firework factory shed. He was trapped under the debris and was killed on the spot. Fire and rescue personnel rushed to the site to put out the flames and pulled out the body of the deceased. Gurumoorthi, who was working inside the room, suffered 100 per cent burns and was rushed to the hospital.

The workers of the firework unit told the Fire and Rescue officials that they had suspected that another worker was missing from the accident site. Immediately, the fire and rescue personnel used an earthmover to search under the debris to ensure no one was trapped inside. The Vembakottai police have registered a case and are investigating.

The Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization licenses the firework factory unit. Virudhunagar in Tamil Nadu is the biggest producer of fireworks in the country, while Sivakasi in Virudhunagar district is the hub of the fireworks industry of Tamil Nadu. Dindigul and other adjoining districts of the state also have a few fireworks factories.

Tamil Nadu fireworks industry has a turnover of Rs 6,000 crore annually and employs around 1lakh people directly and indirectly. According to the industry association, over one thousand units are engaged in fireworks production in and around Sivakasi. However, in recent years, the fireworks industry in Sivakasi has become dispersed, with smaller units (both legal and illegal) coming up all over Tamil Nadu. High-profit margins in the fireworks industry induce smaller players, and workers engaged in Sivakasi firework plants to start their own plants across Tamil Nadu.

–IANS

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Lab Report Confirms Presence Of Beef Tallow, Fish Oil, And Fat-Derived From Pig Tissue In Tirupati Laddus

By
The Commune
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Lab Report Confirms Presence Of Beef Tallow, Fish Oil, And Fat-Derived From Pig Tissue In Tirupati Laddus

A laboratory report revealed that beef tallow, fish oil, and palm oil were used to prepare laddus, which were distributed as prasad at the renowned Sri Venkateswara temple in Tirupati.

On Wednesday, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu accused the former YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) government of using substandard ingredients, including animal fat, in the famous Tirupati laddu. However, YSRCP has denied these allegations.

The report’s findings indicate that the ghee used to prepare the iconic Tirupati laddu prasadam during the YSRCP regime contained traces of animal fat, including beef tallow and fish oil, leading to widespread outrage and claims of disrespect toward religious sentiments.

A lab analysis conducted by the Centre of Analysis and Learning in Livestock and Food (CALF) at Gujarat’s National Dairy Development Board found animal fat in the ghee used for the laddus during YSRCP’s tenure. The report detected elements like fish oil, beef tallow, and lard, the latter being a semi-solid white fat derived from pig tissue.

State IT Minister Nara Lokesh also criticized the YS Jagan Mohan Reddy government, expressing shock that animal fat had replaced ghee in the Tirupati prasadam under its administration. The laddus are an offering at the sacred Sri Venkateswara temple, operated by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD). During a party meeting, the Chief Minister pointed out that substandard ingredients were used previously.

Earlier, Chandrababu Naidu accused the YSR Congress (YSRCP) government of degrading the quality of Tirupati laddus, a revered temple offering. His comments sparked intense political and religious discussions, particularly affecting the relationship between his Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and YSRCP.

Addressing a National Democratic Alliance (NDA) gathering in Mangalagiri, Naidu claimed that during the YSRCP’s rule, animal fat was substituted for cow ghee, calling this a grave offense against the sanctity of Lord Venkateswara. He emphasized the need to preserve Tirumala’s religious importance, noting that his government had reinstated the practice of using pure ghee and had improved hygiene standards.

YSRCP’s Response

The YSRCP has refuted these accusations. YV Subba Reddy, a former Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) chairman, labelled Naidu’s allegations as “baseless.” He accused Naidu of harming the temple’s sanctity and stirring doubts among devotees. Reddy challenged Naidu to prove his claims with a public oath, dismissing the accusations as politically driven.

Ghee Quality Concerns

The quality of ghee used for making the laddus has become a central issue. The TTD oversees the temple’s operations and has proactively ensured high standards for prasadam ingredients. Official reports confirm that several batches of substandard ghee were rejected.

Between July 2022 and June 2023, the TTD rejected 42 truckloads of cow ghee for failing to meet required standards. The rejected ghee, totaling 18 tons per truckload, underwent testing for moisture content, fatty acids, and other quality indicators. Non-compliant suppliers were blacklisted.

TTD Executive Officer J Syamala Rao confirmed that one supplier’s ghee was adulterated with vegetable oils. The affected ghee was returned, and the supplier was banned. Rao emphasized strict measures to prevent future violations, ensuring only top-quality cow ghee would be accepted.

To safeguard the quality of offerings, TTD has implemented rigorous quality control procedures. Each consignment of ghee is tested for specific criteria, such as moisture content and fatty acid composition, before approval. Delivery trucks are required to maintain temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees Celsius to ensure the freshness of the ghee.

In July 2024, TTD announced plans to establish an in-house Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) certified laboratory at Tirumala, expediting testing processes and improving operational efficiency by reducing the need for external laboratory checks.

(With inputs from NDTV)

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MMK Protests Toll Fee Hikes In TN, Vandalize Trichy Toll Booth Amid Widespread Demonstrations

By
The Commune
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MMK Protests Toll Fee Hikes In TN, Vandalize Trichy Toll Booth Amid Widespread Demonstrations

On 16 September 2024, members of the Manithaneya Makkal Katchi (MMK) party vandalized a toll booth in Trichy, breaking glass frames, as part of their protest against ongoing toll fee increases. This demonstration was part of a larger movement at various toll booths across Tamil Nadu, leading to significant traffic disruptions throughout the region.

Participants included party members from Madurai, Trichy, Chengalpattu, and other southern districts, who attempted to block operations at the Kappalur toll plaza in Tirumangalam and the Thuvakkudi toll booth in Trichy. The protest was led by MH Jawahirullah, President of MMK, at the Paranur toll plaza in Chengalpattu.

In Trichy, MMK MLA Abdul Samad spearheaded the agitation, staging a road blockade near the Thuvakkudi toll booth on the Tiruchi-Thanjavur national highway. Protesters demanded an end to the rising toll rates and urged the government to stop the establishment of new toll plazas in the state.

MMK argued that biannual toll fee hikes burden commuters and increase prices for essential goods due to higher transportation costs. MLA Abdul Samad highlighted that Tamil Nadu currently has 67 toll booths, three of which recently opened in Villupuram. He noted that these toll booths collectively generate around ₹50 crore daily, resulting in an annual toll collection of approximately ₹18,000 crore.

The protests followed a recent increase in vehicle user fees by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). The NHAI raised toll charges by ₹5 to ₹25 at 34 toll plazas across Tamil Nadu after the June Lok Sabha elections, depending on the type of vehicle.

(With inputs from The Hindu)

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“Political Islam Is Becoming A Dangerous Influence, Leading Youth To Terrorism”, Says CPI(M) Leader P Jayarajan On Youth Radicalization In Kerala

By
The Commune
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"Political Islam Is Becoming A Dangerous Influence, Leading Youth To Terrorism", Says CPI(M) Leader P Jayarajan On Youth Radicalization In Kerala

Kerala CPI(M) state committee member P Jayarajan has ignited a heated debate with his recent comments on the influence of political Islam in Kerala, particularly concerning the recruitment of youth to extremist organizations such as the Islamic State (IS). His remarks, made during an interview with Prime 21, a regional channel based in Kannur, have triggered reactions across the political spectrum in the southern state.

Political Islam Leading Youth To Terrorism

Jayarajan stated that while only a few individuals from Kannur have joined extremist groups, the influence of political Islam on young people is a growing concern. He emphasized that the situation demands serious attention, as even a small number of youths being drawn towards terrorism is alarming. His comments came in the context of the forthcoming release of his book, ‘Keralam, Muslim Rashtreeyam-Rashtreeya Islam,’ which discusses the rise of political Islam and its impact on Kerala’s Muslim community.

Jayarajan’s upcoming book, set to release in October, delves deeper into the ideological underpinnings of political Islam and the activities of organizations like PFI and Jamaat-e-Islami. The book also addresses sensitive issues such as IS recruitment modules in Kerala that were busted in the past few years and the controversial ‘Kashmir recruitment case,’ which saw four youths from Kerala die in an encounter with the Indian Army in Kupwara.

Political Islam

According to Jayarajan, political Islam differs from Muslim politics, which is intended to represent and uplift the Muslim community. He warned that political Islamic ideologies are dangerous and have led to the rise of extremist groups like Jamaat-e-Islami and the Popular Front of India (PFI) in Kerala. He said, “Today political Islam is becoming a dangerous influence in the world. We hear about youths joining in Islamic State (IS) and moving to Syria and Afghanistan. We need not exaggerate such cases, but some youths are being influenced by ‘Political Islam’.”

Extremism & IS Recruitment In Kerala

Jayarajan’s comments also touched on the sensitive issue of Islamic extremism and recruitment to the Islamic State from Kerala. He revealed that groups like SIMI (Students Islamic Movement of India) and PFI have facilitated the recruitment of indoctrinated youth into IS, with Kannur and Kasaragod being key recruitment hubs. According to him, the influence of these organizations on vulnerable youth has led to several individuals from Kerala joining IS, a fact that has been of increasing concern over recent years. He pointed out that some operatives of SIMI and PFI have even infiltrated the CPI(M), enabling the recruitment of these youths. Jayarajan disclosed statistics that highlight an increase in Islamic extremism, stating that many recruits have been lured through religious fundamentalism.

He said, “Most importantly, after the demolition of Babri Masjid in 1992, youths have been going in the wrong direction. They were not addressed properly. Recruitments into IS have taken place. A few youths from Kannur had joined IS and went to Syria and Afghanistan. Four others joined terror groups in Kupwara in Kashmir, and they were killed in an encounter by the Indian Army. We don’t want to exaggerate it. But youths are being influenced by ‘Political Islam‘. These youths are made to believe that they will not be able to live with the idea of secularism but instead, religious politics will help them survive in this country.”

This is not the first time such concerns have been raised. Jayarajan’s remarks echo the earlier statements made by V S Achuthanandan, former Chief Minister of Kerala, who in 2010 warned that Islamic organizations like SIMI and PFI were using tactics like “money and marriages” to turn Kerala into an Islamic state. Achuthanandan’s statements were criticized by sections of both the CPI(M) and the Congress, and he was subsequently marginalized for his strong stance against films like The Kerala Story which spoke about Love Jihad. Jayarajan’s recent remarks appear to bring those concerns back into focus.

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DMK Govt Makes U-Turn In Madras Race Club Lease Case, Takes Possession Of Land Contradicting Its Own AG Statement

By
The Commune
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DMK Govt Gets A Knock On Its Head From Madras High Court For Attempting To Take Over MRC Property Without Notice

In a surprising reversal, the Tamil Nadu government informed the Madras High Court on Thursday that it had already taken possession of 160.68 acres of land leased to the Madras Race Club (MRC) as of 9 September 2024. This was contrary to the earlier statement made by Advocate-General P.S. Raman on 5 September 2024, where it was claimed that the government had yet to take possession and had only issued a termination of lease notice.

The contradiction emerged during a hearing on a civil suit filed by MRC, challenging the lease termination and seeking time to hand over possession of the land. Based on the Advocate-General’s earlier statement, the court refused to grant MRC any interim relief on 9 September 2024, allowing the revenue department to seal the MRC premises in Guindy due to ₹730 crore in unpaid rental arrears.

When the case was heard again, senior advocate P. Wilson, representing the revenue department, informed the court that there was no urgency in the matter since the government had already taken possession of the land. However, this raised eyebrows in court, as it conflicted with the earlier statement made by the Advocate-General before a division bench, which had indicated that the land was yet to be taken. If one were to go by Wilson’s statement, the DMK government is effectively disowning its own Advocate General.

Justice R.M.T. Teekaa Raman questioned whether the revenue department was now disputing the Advocate-General’s previous submission, given his constitutional authority. Additional Advocate-General J. Ravindran and senior advocate Wilson explained that a modification petition had been filed to alter the previous statement made by the Advocate-General, although the petition has yet to be listed. 

The court, while recording these developments, remarked, “You (the government) wanted to tie the hands of the division bench by the Advocate-General’s submission, and now you want the submission to be lifted.” The hearing was adjourned until 23 September 2024, allowing the revenue department time to file its response.

This case follows the issuance of G.O.(Ms.) No. 343 by the Revenue and Disaster Management Department on 6 September 2024, which officially terminated the lease granted to MRC and directed the district collector to take immediate possession of the land. Although this government order has not yet been challenged in court, MRC’s senior counsel has indicated that legal action may follow.

The Advocate-General is a constitutional position, and is the legal representative of the state government. The DMK government in effect has countered its own advocate who is a Constitutional Authority. It is highly unethical for the state to abandon a constitutional authority like the AG, who provided a clear undertaking. 

The controversy has escalated due to the government’s actions, including deploying police forces at the MRC premises to prevent what MRC claims is an unlawful eviction.

(With inputs from TOI)

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Aasife Biryani Banner Promoting Special Offer For ‘Non-Veg’ During Sacred Purattasi Month Removed After Hindu Munnani’s Intervention

By
The Commune
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Aasife Biryani Banner Promoting Special Offer For 'Non-Veg' During Sacred Purattasi Month Removed After Hindu Munnani's Intervention

Law enforcement authorities have removed a banner from a Muslim restaurant named Aasife Biryani in Chidambaram that was deemed offensive to local Hindus for promoting non-vegetarian food during the sacred Purattasi month, which many found disrespectful.

The non-vegetarian restaurant Aasife Biryani displayed a banner promoting a special offer for the month of Purattasi: free parottas with the purchase of non-veg gravy as part of a “Parotta Mela.”

Given that Purattasi is considered a sacred month in Hinduism, especially for Perumal (Lord Vishnu), local residents expressed their discontent, stating that such promotions were disrespectful and hurtful to their sentiments. In response, members of the Hindu organization “Hindu Munnani” filed a complaint with the police to have the banner removed, arguing that the slogans mocked their beliefs and insulted their religion. Following this complaint, law enforcement took swift action and removed the offending advertisements from the area.

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India Overtakes China as Largest Emerging Market

By
The Commune
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India overtakes China in yet another global benchmark

India has recently surpassed China as the largest market in the MSCI Emerging Markets Index. This significant shift reflects India’s robust stock market performance and economic growth.

According to MSCI IMI, India holds the top position among emerging markets. According to a September 17 Morgan Stanley report, India has steadily improved its weight in the index, with 2.35 percent compared to 2.24 percent for China. That makes India the sixth largest market globally, narrowly behind France, while China’s has significantly declined.

This trend is attributed to India’s strong corporate earnings, new listings, and improved market liquidity.

Morgan Stanley, a leading financial institution, has predicted that India will continue to gain market share in the global stock market. The firm remains optimistic about India’s prospects and maintains an “Overweight” rating. In contrast, Morgan Stanley has rated China as “Underweight.” The US tops the list with 63.23% market weight.

India Stock Market Surpasses China

Reports indicate that India is outpacing China in nominal GDP growth, which is marked by a widening gap in corporate earnings and operational performance between the two countries.

India is among the best-performing markets globally this year, with its benchmark indexes, NSE Nifty 50 and S&P BSE Sensex, up 17% and 15%, respectively. China’s Shanghai Composite Index is down about 9% this year amid concerns over the economy and the property sector.

The MSCI Emerging Markets Index captures large and mid-cap representation across 24 Emerging Markets countries. With 1,328 constituents, the index covers approximately 85% of each country’s free float-adjusted market capitalization.

The persistent weakness in Chinese equities has eroded the confidence of even the most ardent Wall Street supporters. As the world’s second-largest economy grapples with challenges, hopes for a swift turnaround are dwindling.

Over the past two weeks, several prominent investment firms, including UBS Global Wealth Management, Nomura Holdings Inc., and JPMorgan Chase & Co., have downgraded their outlook for Chinese equities. These downgrades reflect growing concerns about various factors, including the ongoing downturn in China’s real estate sector, the government’s piecemeal approach to economic stimulus, and the escalating tensions between the United States and China.

These factors have created a challenging environment for Chinese equities, leading to a decline in investor sentiment and a potential shift away from the country’s markets. As the situation evolves, it remains to be seen whether China can successfully address these challenges and regain the confidence of global investors.

(With Inputs From The Economic Times)

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Eggs Meant For Noon Meal Scheme In Govt Schools Sold Illegally To Private Restaurant In Tiruchi

By
The Commune
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Dravidian Model Egg Procurement Scandal:

A significant controversy has erupted following the discovery that nutritious eggs, meant for distribution through government programs, were being sold at a private restaurant in Thuraiyur, Tiruchi. The Tamil Nadu government, which provides free eggs as part of the mid-day meal scheme in more than 25 Anganwadi centers, orphanages, government schools, and government-aided schools in the Tiruchi district, has now launched a full-scale investigation into the incident.

The Tamil Nadu government distributes eggs as part of its nutrition programme aimed at enhancing the health of children in Anganwadi centers and schools. These nutritious eggs are provided daily as part of free lunches to ensure that children receive essential dietary benefits. The distribution program, which covers a large part of the state, is a crucial component of the government’s efforts to improve public health.

The Allegation

A private restaurant, located on the road from Thuraiyur to Trichy, was found to be purchasing nutritious eggs marked with the Tamil Nadu government’s stamp. The eggs, purchased at a suspiciously low price of ₹2 per egg, were reportedly being used to prepare various dishes, including omelettes, which were sold to the public at a high price. Community activists and locals expressed their outrage, alleging that the restaurant was not only selling these eggs but also receiving other items meant for government programs, such as palm oil, rice, and pulses.

Official Action Taken

After complaints were raised by the public and social activists, officials from the district administration and the Food Safety Department conducted a surprise inspection of the restaurant. During the inspection, they confirmed the presence of Tamil Nadu government-branded nutritious eggs. The restaurant was immediately sealed, and the eggs were confiscated.

Ongoing Investigation

Following the restaurant’s closure, authorities are investigating the source of the nutritious eggs. The focus of the investigation is to identify who within the government’s distribution system sold the eggs to the private restaurant. The District Collector has ordered a thorough probe into the matter, while the police are actively questioning the restaurant’s owner to determine the extent of the illegal activity.

Vasanthakumari, Nutrition Program Organizer: An immediate inquiry led to the suspension of Vasanthakumari, a nutrition program organizer in Madurapuri, after it was revealed that she had allegedly sold the government eggs to the restaurant. Vasanthakumari has been dismissed from her post, and a case has been registered against her.

Restaurant Owner: A case has also been filed against the restaurant’s owner for illegally purchasing and using government-provided nutritious eggs for private profit. The police are continuing their investigation into the restaurant’s role in the illegal sale of government supplies.

Public Reaction and Media Uproar

The discovery has caused widespread outrage among parents, social activists, and the general public. Many are angered that nutritious eggs intended for underprivileged school children were being used for private gain. The news has quickly spread across the region, and social media platforms have amplified the issue, demanding stringent action against those involved.

Social activists have urged the District Collector and the Food Safety Department to carry out inspections of other private restaurants in the district to ensure that similar illegal activities are not taking place elsewhere. There have also been calls for stricter monitoring of the distribution of nutritious food provided by the government.

For all the chest-beating that the ruling DMK government does about the noon-meal scheme and providing eggs in the meals for government school children, it seems as if these things are only on paper, and in reality, the eggs meant for the children are being sold to restaurants.

(With inputs from Dinamani)

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