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Indian Economy Capable Of Handling Global Shocks: RBI Governor

Indian Economy Capable Of Handling Global Shocks: RBI Governor.

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Shaktikanta Das has said that the Indian economy is strong enough to handle any adverse fallout from global events. “Today, the growth of the Indian economy presents a picture of stability and strength,” Das said while addressing an event at the launch of the Kochi International Foundation here.

The country’s external sector is also strong, and the current account deficit (CAD) has remained within manageable limits, standing at 1.1 percent of GDP. Earlier, in 2010 and 2011, it was in the range of six to seven per cent, he added. The central bank chief also pointed out that India has one of the largest foreign exchange reserves in the world at about $675 billion. He further stated that the country’s inflation was expected to be moderate despite periodic humps. India’s inflation rose to 6.2 per cent in October from 5.5 per cent in September because of food inflation, he said. Referring to inflation as an elephant in the room, Das remarked: “Now the elephant has gone out of the room for a walk, then it will go back to the forest.”

He also pointed out that when the Ukraine war started, inflation went up but the RBI followed the right monetary policy, unlike some other countries, and succeeded in keeping the price spiral in check. “What we did not do in India is also important. RBI did not print notes because if we start printing notes the problems we are trying to resolve will expand and go beyond handling. In many countries the inflation was deep-rooted but ours is moderating,” he added.

“We kept our interest rate 4 per cent, therefore making our recovery much easier,” he pointed out. Das also highlighted how the RBI is bringing about a transformational change in credit delivery, especially to small entrepreneurs and farmers, through the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and the Unified Lending Interface (ULI) launched recently.

–IANS

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For Us, The Whole World Is One Family: PM Modi In Nigeria

For Us, The Whole World Is One Family: PM Modi In Nigeria

Lauding the Indian community’s contribution to the development of Nigeria, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday asserted that Indians never forget their values even while pursuing the global common good. “You all have not only given your hard work and effort to Nigeria, but also your hearts to Nigeria. The Indian community here has always stood by Nigeria in both its joys and sorrows… There are many Indian doctors here who are serving the people of Nigeria,” said PM Modi while interacting with the Indian diaspora at a community event in Abuja before wrapping up his State Visit to the West African nation – the first by an Indian PM in 17 years.

“Even if we go to other countries, we never forget our values that serve the greater good. We are those people who have lived for centuries with values that consider the whole world as one family. For us, the entire world is one family. the pride you have brought to Indian culture in Nigeria is evident everywhere. Yoga is becoming increasingly popular among the people here…” he added. The 60-000 strong Indian diaspora in Nigeria is the largest in West Africa, ensuring people-to-people contact between the two countries for decades. PM Modi met hundreds of Indians immediately after holding bilateral discussions with Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, following which he was conferred the national honour of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON).

Prime Minister Modi is the first foreign leader to be conferred with the Nigerian national honour since 1969. “President Tinubu has honoured me with Nigeria’s National Award. This honour belongs to the people of India. This honour belongs to all of you – Indians living here in Nigeria,” he stated. PM Modi asserted that stepping out of the comfort zone, innovating and creating new paths has now become the very essence of today’s India. “In the past decade, India has added nearly two trillion dollars to its GDP. In just 10 years, the size of India’s economy has doubled. Today, India is the fifth-largest economy in the world… We often hear that those who step out of their comfort zones are the ones who achieve something big. Now, you don’t need me to explain this to you because you’ve already made it this far. Today, India and its youth are moving forward with this very spirit. That’s why India is rapidly growing in new sectors today. India’s startup ecosystem, which you may not have heard of 10-15 years ago, is thriving,” he told the large gathering.

A confident India, said PM Modi, has embarked on a new journey with the ultimate goal of building a ‘Viksit Bharat’. As the bilateral trade between India and Nigeria continues to grow, reaching about $15 billion, PM Modi mentioned the strong presence of Indians and the Indian companies in Nigeria that are involved in a variety of sectors. The PM mentioned that whenever a challenge arises anywhere in the world, India rises as the first responder to extend its support. At the same, he highlighted that over the years, India has made every possible effort to raise Africa’s voice on global platforms. “Gandhiji spent a long time in Africa. He shared a deep bond with the people of Africa. During the era of slavery, both the people of India and Nigeria left no stone unturned in their struggle for independence. When India gained independence, it also inspired Nigeria’s own movement for freedom. Today, India and Nigeria are moving forward together, like comrades from the days of struggle. India is the mother of democracy, and Nigeria is the largest democracy in Africa,” he said.

This was also PM Modi’s first visit to the West African region. The Nigerian President had visited India last year for the G20 Summit as a guest country at PM Modi’s invitation that eventually also paved the way for the African nation to participate in the upcoming G20 Summit in Brazil as an invitee country.

–IANS

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Nigeria Confers Its Highest National Honour On PM Modi, Says India A Global Powerhouse Under His Visionary Leadership

Nigeria Confers Its Highest National Honour On PM Modi, Says India A Global Powerhouse Under His Visionary Leadership.

Nigeria on Sunday conferred the national honour of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) on Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his first official visit to the country while emphasising that India has positioned itself as a global powerhouse under PM Modi’s visionary leadership.

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu honoured PM Modi after their bilateral meeting held at Abuja’s Aso Rock Villa which serves as the office and residence of the Nigerian Presidency. The award citation notes that under PM’s visionary leadership, India has been positioned as a global powerhouse and his transformative governance has fostered unity, peace and shared prosperity for all. PM Modi thanked President Tinubu and the people of Nigeria for the honour, which he dedicated to the people of India and to the longstanding friendship between India and Nigeria. “Honoured to be conferred with the ‘Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger’ Award by Nigeria. I accept it with great humility and dedicate it to the people of India,” said PM Modi.

The Indian PM is the first foreign leader to be conferred with this award since 1969 when Queen Elizabeth received Nigeria’s highest national honour. “Nigeria values its excellent relationship with India, and we work to deepen and broaden the same to the mutual benefit of our two friendly countries. You represent a very strong commitment in democratic values and norms. You have been doing a good job historically, winning three consecutive elections in a complex society is a feat that we respect so much,” said Tinubu. “I will confer on you today, the Prime Minister of India, Nigeria’s National Honour, the Grand Commander of the Order of Niger. This to signify Nigerian appreciation and commitment to India as a partner,” he added.

Earlier this week, Dominica had announced its highest national honour, the ‘Dominica Award of Honour,’ for PM Modi in acknowledgement of his pivotal support during the Covid-19 pandemic and his commitment to fostering India-Dominica relations. Dominica’s President Sylvanie Burton is set to confer the award during the India-CARICOM Summit in Guyana, which Prime Minister Modi will be attending personally in the coming week after wrapping up his engagements in the G20 Summit at Rio de Janeiro. This would eventually take the number of civilian honours received by PM Modi to a record 17, highlighting his leadership and India’s growing stature on the global stage. It is also a reflection of India’s strengthened diplomatic relationships and the country’s expanding influence.

PM Modi has been conferred highest civilian honours in Saudi Arabia (King Abdulaziz Sash, 2016), Afghanistan (State Order of Ghazi Amir Amanullah Khan, 2016), Palestine (Grand Collar of the State of Palestine Award, 2018), UAE (Order of Zayed Award, 2019), Russia (Order of St. Andrew the Apostle, 2019 – received by PM Modi in July 2024), Maldives (Order of the Distinguished Rule of Nishan Izzuddin, 2019), Bahrain (King Hamad Order of the Renaissance, 2019), US (Legion of Merit by the US Armed Forces in 2020), Bhutan (Order of the Druk Gyalpo, 2021) Papua New Guinea (Ebakl Award, 2023), Fiji (Companion of the Order of Fiji, 2023), Papua New Guinea (Grand Companion of the Order of Logohu, 2023), Egypt (Order of Nile, 2023), France (Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, 2023), Greece (Grand Cross of the Order of Honour, 2023).

In addition to these highest civilian honours, PM Modi has received several prestigious awards from renowned global organisations. In 2018, he was awarded the Seoul Peace Prize by the Seoul Peace Prize Cultural Foundation, in recognition of his contributions to global harmony and world peace. In the same year, the United Nations honoured PM Modi with its highest environmental accolade, the Champions of The Earth Award, for his bold environmental leadership. In 2019, PM Modi received the first-ever Philip Kotler Presidential Award, which is annually awarded to leaders who demonstrate outstanding national leadership.

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation awarded PM Modi the Global Goalkeeper Award in 2019, in recognition of his efforts to transform India’s Swachh Bharat Abhiyan into a mass movement for cleanliness. In 2021, PM Modi received the Global Energy and Environment Leadership Award from Cambridge Energy Research Associates (CERA), in recognition of his leadership on global energy and environmental sustainability.

–IANS

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PM Modi Scripts History In Nigeria, Only Second Foreign Leader After Queen Elizabeth To Receive National Honour

PM Modi Scripts History In Nigeria, Only Second Foreign Leader After Queen Elizabeth To Receive National Honour

Nigeria on Sunday conferred the national honour of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) on Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his first official visit to the country. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu honoured PM Modi during the bilateral meeting held at Abuja’s Aso Rock Villa which serves as the office and residence of the Nigerian Presidency.

“Nigeria values its excellent relationship with India, and we work to deepen and broaden the same to the mutual benefit of our two friendly countries. You represent a very strong commitment in democratic values and norms. You have been doing a good job historically, winning three consecutive elections in a complex society is a feat that we respect so much,” said Tinubu.

“I will confer on you today, the Prime Minister of India, Nigeria’s National Honour, the Grand Commander of the Order of Niger. This to signify Nigerian appreciation and commitment to India as a partner,” he added. The only foreign dignitary to have previously received the award was Queen Elizabeth in 1969.

Earlier this week, Dominica had announced its highest national honour, the ‘Dominica Award of Honour,’ for PM Modi in acknowledgement of his pivotal support during the Covid-19 pandemic and his commitment to fostering India-Dominica relations. Dominica’s President Sylvanie Burton is set to confer the award during the India-CARICOM Summit in Guyana, which Prime Minister Modi will be attending personally in the coming week after wrapping up his engagements in the G20 Summit at Rio de Janeiro. This would eventually take the number of civilian honours received by PM Modi to a record 17, highlighting his leadership and India’s growing stature on the global stage. It is also a reflection of India’s strengthened diplomatic relationships and the country’s expanding influence.

PM Modi has been conferred highest civilian honours in Saudi Arabia (King Abdulaziz Sash, 2016), Afghanistan (State Order of Ghazi Amir Amanullah Khan, 2016), Palestine (Grand Collar of the State of Palestine Award, 2018), UAE (Order of Zayed Award, 2019), Russia (Order of St. Andrew the Apostle, 2019 – received by PM Modi in July 2024), Maldives (Order of the Distinguished Rule of Nishan Izzuddin, 2019), Bahrain (King Hamad Order of the Renaissance, 2019), US (Legion of Merit by the US Armed Forces in 2020), Bhutan (Order of the Druk Gyalpo, 2021) Papua New Guinea (Ebakl Award, 2023), Fiji (Companion of the Order of Fiji, 2023), Papua New Guinea (Grand Companion of the Order of Logohu, 2023), Egypt (Order of Nile, 2023), France (Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, 2023), Greece (Grand Cross of the Order of Honour, 2023). In addition to these highest civilian honours, PM Modi has received several prestigious awards from renowned global organisations. In 2018, he was awarded the Seoul Peace Prize by the Seoul Peace Prize Cultural Foundation, in recognition of his contributions to global harmony and world peace.

In the same year, the United Nations honoured PM Modi with its highest environmental accolade, the Champions of The Earth Award, for his bold environmental leadership. In 2019, PM Modi received the first-ever Philip Kotler Presidential Award, which is annually awarded to leaders who demonstrate outstanding national leadership. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation awarded PM Modi the Global Goalkeeper Award in 2019, in recognition of his efforts to transform India’s Swachh Bharat Abhiyan into a mass movement for cleanliness. In 2021, PM Modi received the Global Energy and Environment Leadership Award from Cambridge Energy Research Associates (CERA), in recognition of his leadership on global energy and environmental sustainability.

–IANS

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ED Probe Reveals How Ex-DMK Functionary And Drug Lord Jaffer Sadiq Funneled Drug Money Into Films Directed By Dravidianist Director Ameer Sultan

ED Probe Reveals How Ex-DMK Functionary And Drug Lord Jaffer Sadiq Funneled Drug Money Into Films Directed By Dravidianist Director Ameer Sultan.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has revealed that Jaffer Sadiq, a former DMK functionary under investigation for running international drug trafficking ring, used black money to finance movies made by Dravidianist filmmaker Ameer Sultan.

According to an investigation by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), Sadiq invested at least ₹10 crore into film production as part of an effort to disguise and launder profits from an international drug trafficking network he reportedly ran alongside his brothers, Mohammed Saleem and Mydeen Gani. Notably, Sadiq launched Mydeen as the lead actor in an upcoming film titled Iraivan Miga Periyavan, directed by Ameer Sulthan.

According to the report by The New Indian Express, the ED’s investigation reveals that Sadiq established JSM Pictures, a partnership with his stepbrother Nagoor Kani, and JSM Pictures (OPC) Pvt Ltd around 2021, initiating six films under production. Director Ameer Sulthan, identified as Sadiq’s close associate for over a decade, allegedly played a significant role in guiding Sadiq’s entry into the film industry. Sadiq and Ameer were also business partners in Zuko Overseas Pvt Ltd, a company set up to import and sell dry fruits in Chennai.

The probe uncovered that Sadiq utilized a middleman, AVS Marimuthu, to funnel ₹10 crore of illicit funds into JSM Pictures. Marimuthu reportedly distributed cash from Sadiq to various financiers, who then deposited the money into JSM Pictures’ account as loans, with interest rates of 9-12% over a three-month period. In return, financiers and Marimuthu earned a 3% commission, while multiple bank accounts belonging to Marwaris in North Chennai were used to facilitate these transactions, netting commissions between ₹30,000 and ₹2 lakh.

The ED searched Marimuthu’s premises after filing a money laundering case. During their investigation, they discovered a yellow diary and several Excel sheets at JSM Pictures, which revealed that actors and technicians working on Sadiq’s films were compensated with cash allegedly sourced from drug exports. The agency recorded ₹6.31 crore in cash payments for film-related expenses.

Additionally, the ED identified cash injections into films like Mayavalai and Iraivan Miga Periyavan, the former being co-produced by Sadiq and Ameer. The investigation also highlighted ₹3.3 crore in cash deposits in bank accounts associated with Ameer, suspected to be drug money from Sadiq’s operations, suggesting a deep financial link between Ameer, Sadiq, and his brothers.

Ameer has been named as the 12th accused in the ED’s chargesheet. Ameer tried to wash his hands off of Sadiq by claiming that he was unaware of Sadiq’s “other face” and also stated that the shooting of the film Iraivan Miga Periyavan was halted abruptly following the news of the ₹2000 crore drug bust. However, during launch function of his film “Iraivan Miga Periyavan” in February 2022, Ameer is seen saying Jaffer Sadiq is a distant relative of his. He also mentions that Sadiq had been requesting Ameer to direct a film under his banner for 5 years.

The ED has already attached assets worth ₹55.3 crore, including properties linked to Sadiq, his wife, and other associates. Ameer Sultan, is accused of benefiting from Sadiq’s illicit activities by investing the laundered funds into movies produced under his banner, JSM Pictures.

Director Ameer and Jaffer Sadiq have also launched a coffee shop named 4AMCoffee and Kitchen under the Mahyan Pvt Ltd incorporation at ECR near Chennai. The managing director of this organisation, Abdul Basith, is also a director of Zuko Overseas Pvt Ltd along with Jaffer Sadiq. Interestingly, Ameer is also a director of Zuko Overseas Pvt Ltd.

Jaffer Sadiq’s production company, JSM Pictures, currently has six films in various stages of development. These include Iraivan Miga Periyavan, directed by Ameer and starring Mydeen, and Mangai, helmed by Gubenthiran with Anandhi in the lead role. Another project, Indra, is directed by Sabari and features Vasanth Ravi. Additionally, there are two untitled films in the works—one directed and headlined by Dheena, and another directed by Vivek with Mydeen in a starring role. The sixth film, Maayavalai, is co-produced with Ameer, directed by Ramesh, and stars Satya. Interestingly, Sadiq’s X handle’s cover pic had 4 posters – the three mentioned above and a film named Maayavalai which is produced by Ameer’s own production house and co-produced by Vetrimaran’s Grass Root Film along with Jaffer Sadiq.

It is noteworthy that DMK Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin’s wife Kiruthiga Udhayanidhi was the chief guest at the launch of a single from the film Mangai.

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DMK Govt’s Police Goes All The Way To Hyderabad To Arrest Kasthuri Despite Her Apologies For Her Remarks About Telugu Community, No Action Taken On YouTuber Irfan And Other Serious Violators

DMK Govt's Police Goes All The Way To Hyderabad To Arrest Kasturi Despite Her Apologies For Her Remarks About Telugu Community, No Action Taken On YouTuber Irfan And Other Serious Violators.

Actress Kasthuri Shankar was arrested by a special team of the Greater Chennai Police, which had travelled all the way to Hyderabad to apprehend her.

A police officer from Greater Chennai Police confirmed her arrest, stating that she would be presented before a local court in Hyderabad and then transferred to Chennai following a transit remand.

According to a senior officer from Cyberabad, the Egmore police team arrived in Hyderabad on Saturday and detained the actor at her residence in Narsingi around 8:30 p.m.

Kasthuri allegedly made offensive remarks about certain Telugu-speaking communities in Tamil Nadu during a protest in Chennai on November 3, which focused on Brahmin rights and alleged discrimination against Hindus. A YouTube channel circulated a video of her statements.

On November 5, the All India Telugu Federation filed a complaint with the City Police Commissioner, accusing the actor of defaming Telugu-speaking women.

The Egmore police subsequently charged her under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including Sections 192 (provocation with intent to incite a riot), 196(1)(a) (promoting enmity between different groups based on religion, race, or language), 353(1)(b) (statements likely to cause public alarm), and 353(2) (circulation of such statements, including via electronic means).

Meanwhile, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court recently rejected Kasthuri’s request for anticipatory bail in a separate case filed by the Thirunagar police in Madurai for allegedly making disparaging remarks against women from a specific community.

Meanwhile, no action has been taken against YouTuber Irfan, who blatantly violated medical protocols by cutting his newborn baby’s umbilical cord in a hospital. Despite the seriousness of this breach, DMK Minister Ma Subramanian, who initially vowed to pursue legal action, later downplayed the incident, dismissing it as “not a heinous crime.”

There have been many instances of Dravidianists unleashing venom against the Hindu community particularly Brahmins.

No action has been taken against Dravidianist Thirumurugan Gandhi who had recently insinuated that martyred Major Mukund Varadarajan was a war criminal.

Despite filing an FIR against Dravidianist YouTuber Mukhtar Ahmed and hate spewer Dr. Kantharaj for their crass video derogating and objectifying cinema actresses, no arrest has been made.

Piyush Manush, another Dravidianist who fashions himself as an environmental activist had made baseless allegations against Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi. Prior to that he made hate speech against Chidambaram Deekshitars calling them as “people who want to marry 8-year-old girls”.

A rabid anti-Hindu YouTube channel named U2 Brutus released a video titled “This is the reason why Nataraja stands with his leg lifted“, in which a person who identifies himself as ‘Minor’ resorts to slandering Hindu God Siva and Goddess Kaali.

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Jyotika Who Questioned Donations To Temples Defends Her Husband Suriya’s Mega Flop Kanguva, Blames “Negative Reviewers” For Film’s Poor Performance

Jyotika Defends Husband Suriya's Mega Flop Kanguva, Blames "Negative Reviewers" For Film's Poor Performance

In an unexpected move, actor Jyotika has taken to social media to defend her husband Suriya’s latest film Kanguva, which has faced harsh criticism from both reviewers and audiences alike. The actress, voiced her disappointment over what she perceives as an “unfair backlash” against the big-budget film.

Writing passionately, Jyotika clarified that her statement comes not as Suriya’s wife, but as a cinema lover. “I pen this note as Jyotika and a cinema lover, and not actor Suriya’s wife,” she began, expressing her pride in Suriya’s daring attempt to push the boundaries of Tamil cinema with this ambitious project.

Acknowledging Flaws But Calls It “Never Before Seen Cinematic Experience”

While acknowledging that the first half-hour of Kanguva “doesn’t work” and describing the sound as “jarring,” Jyotika argued that flaws are a part of most Indian films, especially those that experiment on a large scale. She emphasized that despite its early missteps, Kanguva offers a “never before seen” cinematic experience in Tamil cinema, praising the camera work and execution led by cinematographer Vetri Palanisamy.

Definitely the first 1/2 hr doesn’t work n the sound is jarring! Flaws r a part of most Iindian films, so that’s only fair, especially in this kind of a film wherein one experiments largely! N it’s just the first 1/2 hr from the whole 3 hrs. But to be true, it’s an absolute cinematic experience!“, she defended film which has been rubbished by people.

However, her praise for the film did not stop there. Jyotika highlighted the unique elements of Kanguva, particularly the women’s action sequence in the second half and the emotional storyline involving a young boy’s love and betrayal, which she felt were overlooked by critics.

Blames Critics And Audience

What truly seemed to frustrate Jyotika was the overwhelmingly negative response the film received right from its release. She expressed surprise at the media and certain “fraternities” for their harsh reviews, which she believes were disproportionately severe compared to their reception of other big-budget Tamil films. According to her, these films often feature age-old plots filled with problematic tropes like stalking, double entendre dialogues, and exaggerated action scenes, yet escape the kind of scrutiny Kanguva faced.

“It’s sad that they chose this much negativity for Kanguva on day one, even before the first show was over. It seemed more like multiple group propagandas,” Jyotika wrote, implying a targeted campaign against the film.

In a call to action, Jyotika urged the Kanguva team to hold their heads high despite the criticism. She believes the film deserves applause for its concept and the effort taken to create a “3D visual spectacle”. She also questioned whether reviewers and audiences can truly be trusted, given what she perceives as their selective negativity.

Be proud, Team Kanguva, as the ones commenting negative are doing just that and nothing else to their credit to uplift cinema!” she concluded, clearly standing in solidarity with the film’s cast and crew.

Contrary to her claims, it’s not just a group of negative reviewers or Suriya’s rival fan bases who have rubbished the film. Critics ranging from Baradwaj Rangan to Blue Sattai Maaran have slammed the film for its pathetic content and for taking the Tamil audience for granted by offering them garbage in the name of a film.

Jyotika who had questioned about people giving donations to temples instead of hospitals, now wants people to purchase tickets with their hard-earned money and watch her husband’s flop film just so that they can make money that will fund their exorbitant life in Mumbai.

The Kanguva Disaster

Alleged actor Suriya’s latest flop buster,  Kanguva, left audiences numb and deaf at the end of the three-hour cringefest. For all the promotion and hype created around virtue-signalling actor Suriya, his multilingual “period film” Kanguva has turned out to be a disaster of the highest order.

During the movie promotions for Kanguva, Suriya made several statements making tall claims about the film. His producer KE Gnanavel Raja of Studio Green who is also said to be his close relative claimed that the film would be a hit and urging people to keep their promotional tickets for a success celebration event. 

However, people who went into the theatres with great expectations set in motion by all the noise the PR team was creating for the film, came out numb, deaf, and agitated.  They have criticized the constant shouting throughout the film, and note that Suriya hasn’t changed his acting style at all; the only difference is the makeup. 

With audiences in the north too slamming the film, Kanguva became the most nationally trolled film after Indian 2.

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Kanguva Scam? Questions To Suriya And Film Producer KE Gnanavel Raja

Kanguva Disaster: Full Noise And No Substance, Audience Left Numb And Deaf, Another Flop In Suriya's Downhill Career

Despite lofty promises from the actor Suriya and producer KE Gnanavel Raja, who projected Kanguva as a major hit, the film’s underwhelming box office performance has raised eyebrows. With questions over its inflated budget, the film’s financial transparency is now under scrutiny.

Are Tamil Films Focussing On Entertainment?

With the growing awareness and increased interest in movies with well-crafted, intriguing plots in recent years, both movie enthusiasts and the general public are now quick to label films like Rajinikanth’s Vettaiyan, and Director Ranjith’s Thangalaan as flops, ignoring their budgets and promotions. People are beginning to realize that these films are not made to entertain, but are instead agenda-driven projects designed to impose specific ideologies and cater to the interests of their political masters, nothing more.

In this regard, the latest addition to the list of flops this year is ‘Kanguva’, starring the Dravidianist actor Suriya. Suriya is known for virtue signaling and promoting anti-Hindi politics of DMK, peddling hate against Brahmins and Vanniyars in Jai Bhim, and distorting the story of Air Deccan founder Gopinath by portraying him as a follower of anti-Hindu bigot EV Ramasamy Naicker (hailed as ‘Periyar’ by his followers).

During the movie promotions for Kanguva, Suriya made several statements making tall claims about the film. His producer KE Gnanavel Raja of Studio Green who is also said to be his close relative claimed that the film would be a hit and urging people to keep their promotional tickets for a success celebration event. However, after two days of its release, fans across all languages are complaining, with many questioning, “What kind of dumb jarring movie is this?” They criticize the constant shouting throughout the film, and note that Suriya hasn’t changed his acting style at all; the only difference is the makeup.

Although producer KE Gnanavel Raja initially expressed hopes that the film would earn ₹2000 crore worldwide, he adjusted his expectations during a press conference on 15 November 2024 as the first day collection they claim it to be ₹56 crore. He stated, “I had anticipated a much higher opening day figure, but even so, the results we’ve seen are remarkable. The film performed well despite its Thursday release on a weekday. I still believe it will become Suriya’s highest-grossing film by Monday.”

But now, after the Dravidianist actor Suriya’s virtue signaling, it has come back to haunt him, as the political commentators are questioning him in return.

1. RRR, the biggest 3D epic film that became a world sensation, was made with a budget of ₹550 crore with superb production and great 3D effect. Kanguva, a crap of a movie, which doesn’t even match 1% of RRR is claimed to have been made with ₹300-350 crores. The producer anticipated it would generate a revenue of ₹2000 crores—an impressive 7 times return. Could there be any possibility of money laundering involved in such a situation?

2. Will the virtue-signalling Suriya and his team issue a White Paper report detailing the actual expenditure and revenue of the film, starting from their initial movie pooja day to the distribution of the movie?

3. Will the virtue-signaller Suriya, disclose his real salary for the film and the taxes he paid to the government?

4. Did Suriya, Gnanavel and his team not see the final output of the film? If they did, on what basis did they make such tall claims about the film?

5. Did Suriya and his team misled people through their promotion overdrive to fool people and bring them to the theatres?

6. Studio Green claims that the worlwide collections crossed ₹89.32 Crore gross in two days. Can they produce the GST challan for the same. Because, going by the ticket booking trends, the occupancy has been below par.

https://x.com/trackerdmk/status/1857336761891926293

7. With Thangalaan also failing at the box office, from where did KE Gnanavel Raja get money to fund this “mega budget” film which has flopped?

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ED Uncovers Massive Money Laundering Operation By Ex-DMK Functionary Jaffer Sadiq, Involving 21 Tamil Nadu Businesses And Drug Trade Profits

Ex-DMK Functionary Jaffer Sadiq's Global Drug Syndicate Modus Operandi: From Using Indian Front Companies Like 'Ganesh Chemicals' And 'Krishna Chemicals' To Recruiting Drivers With International License To Move Drugs

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has revealed that Jaffer Sadiq, a former DMK functionary under investigation for running international drug trafficking ring, used black money from the illegal trade to launder funds through investments in 21 businesses across Tamil Nadu. According to report by The New Indian Express, these businesses spanned various sectors, including iron and steel scrap, seafood, imported dates and perfume, indoor sports facilities, restaurants, and Tamil film production.

Sadiq, who is being probed for his role in trafficking controlled substances like pseudoephedrine and ketamine between 2014 and 2024 to countries such as Australia, New Zealand, and Malaysia, ran a complex money laundering operation. The illicit funds were funneled into the bank accounts of Sadiq, his associates, and their companies, disguised as unsecured loans.

Agents facilitated this by depositing unaccounted cash from the drug trade into these accounts, earning commissions of 1% to 3% for their role in the process. These transactions, described as “accommodation entries,” have been detailed in the ED’s chargesheet submitted to a CBI court in Chennai.

The illicit funds were also funneled into at least 14 properties valued at ₹52.5 crore and nine luxury cars worth ₹4.38 crore, all registered in the names of Sadiq, his family, and close associates. The purchase of these assets was similarly structured through accommodation entries, with payments made using Demand Drafts (DDs). Furthermore, the construction of the properties was paid for entirely in cash. The ED also found substantial unexplained cash deposits amounting to ₹33.9 crore in the accounts of Sadiq, his family, associates, and associated companies.

(Image Credit: TNIE)

Although many of these businesses reported losses and generated no profits, both Sadiq and his brother Saleem, who co-owned several ventures, paid themselves substantial salaries. The Income Tax Returns (ITRs) of these companies were found to be falsified, containing inconsistencies and inaccuracies. For example, JSM Residency, a hotel built by Sadiq in Purasawalkam in 2015, failed to account for electricity expenses despite offering air-conditioned rooms. Similarly, a biryani shop run by Saleem in 2020 showed a revenue of ₹1.5 crore, but lacked proper invoices for the purchase of spices and condiments, with only doctored bills for chicken and mutton purchases.

Sadiq’s fish trading ventures claimed an impressive 32% profit, despite daily records showing a more realistic margin of around 8%. The ED also noted suspicious inter-business transactions, which suggested money laundering. For example, Vistara Iron and Steel, a scrap dealership owned by Sadiq, transferred funds to a chit fund for an investment on his behalf, with the earnings from this fund subsequently routed into his personal accounts.

Analysis of the ITRs for Sadiq and his family revealed significant financial anomalies. His capital account showed an increase from ₹7.15 lakh in FY13 to ₹2.3 crore in FY14, with the figure rising progressively to ₹13.86 crore by FY18, according to the ED’s investigation.

Political critics argue that without the intervention of the central government, the DMK would not have taken any action or uncovered the massive drug ring in question. They point to several instances that highlight the party’s questionable involvement. For example, the JSM Residency in Chennai, which was a two-star hotel, was inaugurated by DMK’s HRCE Minister PK Sekar Babu. Additionally, the promotion of Saleem Bhai’s biryani was done in collaboration with Dravidianist director Ameer Sulthan. Furthermore, JSM Productions, which produced the film ‘Mangai‘, saw Kiruthiga Udhayanidhi (DMK scion Udhayanidhi Stalin’s wife) as the chief guest for the launch of the film’s single.

One of the businesses of Jaffer Sadiq is Pitch n Play which was inaugurated by DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran.

In the video shared by ADMK functionary CTR Nirmalkumar, YouTuber Mohamed Irfan can be seen playing in the Pitch N Play (as part of promotion?). It is noteworthy that Irfan, known for frequently flouting laws, shares a close relationship with the DMK scion. He did a public relations video with DMK scion and Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin in November 2022. Recently Irfan found himself in soup after he posted a video on his YouTube channel, “Irfan’s View”, filmed at a private hospital in Chennai. The video depicted Irfan cutting his newborn’s umbilical cord on camera as he and his wife, Aaliya, celebrated the birth of their first child. The Health Department took immediate action against the hospital while Irfan remains untouched.

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ISRO To Launch Communication Satellite Aboard Elon Musk’s SpaceX Rocket

ISRO To Launch Communication Satellite Aboard Elon Musk’s SpaceX Rocket

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is all set to launch its communication satellite aboard the Elon Musk-owned SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket. The 4700-kilogram GSAT-N2 satellite aims to provide data or Internet services to remote areas. It will also enable the availability of the Internet in aeroplanes across the Indian region. ISRO’s launch vehicle Mark-3 can put 4,000 kg into a geostationary transfer orbit, however, as GSAT-N2 weighs 4,700 kg, the space agency is using SpaceX’s launch vehicle.

This marks ISRO’s first commercial launch using SpaceX. GSAT-N2 (GSAT-20) is a Ka-band high-throughput communication satellite of NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), under the Department of Space and the commercial arm of ISRO. The satellite features multiple spot beams and aims to support a large subscriber base with small user terminals. According to ISRO: “GSAT-N2 has a mission life of 14 years… and is equipped with 32 user beams, comprising 8 narrow spot beams over the Northeast region and 24 wide spot beams over the rest of India. These 32 beams will be supported by hub stations located within mainland India. The Ka-Band HTS communication payload provides a throughput of approximately 48 Gbps”. “This homegrown satellite when operational will fill that big hole of in-flight Internet connectivity that exists over India on the world Internet map,” said Dr M Sankaran, Director of UR Rao Satellite Centre in Bengaluru.

“This is India’s highest throughput satellite and the only one operating exclusively in the much sought-after Ka-band,” says Dr Sankaran. Till now, whenever international flights enter the Indian air space, they have to switch off the Internet as India does not allow this service. But recently, India amended rules to permit in-flight internet access over India. As per the new rules, Wi-Fi services can be provided inside aircraft at an altitude of over 3,000 metres. However, passengers would only be able to use these services when electronic devices are allowed for use on the aircraft.

–IANS

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