With No Big Win, BCCI Says No To Hike In Annual Retainership For Women

The annual retainership announced for the national women’s team by the BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia in a way reflects the national governing body’s unhappiness with the team’s performance in multi-nation tournaments. The Indian team lost to New Zealand and Australia in the Twenty20 World Cup held in the UAE last year and these two outcomes eliminated the women in blue team from semi-finals. India had also lost to Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup final in July 2024. In fact, the Indian team has not figured in the final of an ICC Twenty20 World Cup after it lost to Australia by 85 runs in the 2019-20 final played in Melbourne. India had reached the 50-over World Cup final in 2017 when it lost to England by nine runs. Clearly, the BCCI which has been governing women’s cricket for around two decades and has taken steps to bring parity in match fee, allowances and other facilities, wants the team that has experienced players like Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, Deepti Sharma, Jemima Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh, Shafali Verma, Pooja Vastrakar; Renuka Singh Thakur, Radha Yadav to win a big ICC title. The retainership announced for October 2024-September 2025 has three players in Group A (Rs 50 lakh), four in Group B (Rs 30 lakh) and nine players in Group C (Rs 10 lakh). That the team doesn’t play a reasonable number of Tests in comparison with the men’s team is also a reason for a big gap in the annual retainership. Meanwhile the annual retainership for the senior men is keenly awaited. The team has already been given Rs 183 crore for winning the ICC World Twenty 20 and the Champions Trophy.  (By G Viswanath)

RSS Amused As Rahul Gandhi, Pinarayi Link A Catholic Paper To Sangh

Looks like the RSS mouthpiece Organiser is now the most watched X handle for its posts, particularly by those looking for disagreements within the Modi government over the path-breaking Waqf Amendment Bill. That is why when Organiser reposted an old article — about Catholic Church’s expansive land holding in India published in Indian Catholic Matters in May 2024, both Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan latched on to it just to tell Kerala Christians, not to get swayed by the BJP as it may now come after the land held by the churches. That is because Christians in Kerala have decidedly moved towards the BJP after the Waqf Bill became law. Surprised by the interest shown in the year-old article that the Organiser had posted, editor Praful Ketkar found it odd that both Rahul and Kerala CM should link the article by “Indian Catholic Matters” to the RSS. “Even biased media have no shame in linking everything to the RSS. We have the guts to review the data as the reporter filed a story on secondary sources”, he posted on X. Meanwhile, in a separate post the mouthpiece quoted media reports to suggest that the Church of North India (CNI) has announced plans to take forward its project of cow conservation and protection in other states of the country. Quoting from a report of Nai Duniya, it announced how the CNI would set up ‘Gaushalas’ (cow shelter homes) on properties owned by the Church in Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. Recently, the diocese along with other Hindu groups had also organised a Janjagran (public awareness) meeting alongside carrying out a 50-kilometre Dandawat Yatra (prostration march) to stop cow slaughtering in Chhattisgarh last month. (By Lakshmi Iyer)

After Kolar, Odisha May Soon Become A Hot Spot For Gold Mining

When one talks about gold mining, the immediate name that comes to mind is Kolar gold fields in Karnataka. This region produces 94% of the country’s gold ore and 93% of primary gold. Now this monopoly is set to end soon as the Odisha government has discovered a significant treasure trove of gold reserves in the state’s Deogarh district. It is learnt that Odisha is all set to auction its first gold mining hub in Deogarh district sometime in 2026. This new development gives it a big fillip to the state’s economic development besides its traditional business of iron ore, chromite, coal mining and rare earth minerals.  What is interesting about gold exploration by GSI in Odisha reveals that the gold rush is not confined to Deogarh district only but also includes Keonjhar, Nabarangpur, Sundargarh and Mayurbhanj districts while other places like Malkangiri, Sambalpur and Boudh are also being explored. Apart from focus on gold, the Odisha government seems to be eyeing the big potential for reducing import dependence on titanium by strengthening Odisha’s domestic production capabilities. Already Odisha government’s High Level Clearance Authority has green signalled Odisha Metallurgical Industry (P) Ltd’s investment proposal of Rs 8,000 crore for setting up a titanium plant complex to produce titanium slag, titanium pigment and titanium sponge in Ganjam district. With all these developments, Odisha’s economic growth rate will be at a faster clip. (By Sangram Mohanty)

Is Devendra Fadnavis Facing Pressure From The High Command?

Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis stands cited for his continued vacillation over ‘Hindutva’, overdependence upon bureaucracy, failure to move ahead on ‘Love Jihad’, Uniform Civil Code, mob lynching case of ‘sadhus’ in Palghar, Disha Salian death case according to sources. The high command is believed to have reiterated its ‘Perform or Perish’ diktat while expressing dissatisfaction based on the litany of complaints against Fadnavis. Delay in prosecuting government officials beyond mere suspensions (25,000 birth certificates issued to illegal Bangladeshis, Rohingyas exposed by former BJP MP Kirit Somaiya) and Fadnavis’ predilection leaving the sensitive Home department under control of bureaucracy has irked the party’s high command. BJP’s former Maharashtra deputy CM, late Gopinath Munde’s daughter, cabinet minister Pankaja Munde was similarly cited for leaving her ministerial portfolios (including women and child development department) to bureaucratic discretion during Fadnavis’ 1.0 tenure (2014 and 2019) costing her dearly and being kept out of government under Fadnavis’ 76 hour 2.0 tenure and, CM Eknath Shinde’s 2.5-year tenure in 2022. Pankaja Munde is back in government, however, CM Fadnavis’ constant comparison with Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Assam counterparts over apparent ‘Hindutva’ shortcomings bodes ill for him. Maharashtra will likely witness major overhauling in coming days, a bureaucratic reshuffle on the cards at the very least. Meanwhile, only days after MoS (fisheries) Nitesh Rane conducted ‘Bhoomipujan’ for crucial jetty infrastructure off the eastern coastline of south Mumbai, BJP’s speaker in state legislative assembly Rahul Narvekar, close confidante of Fadnavis, started courting opponents of the project (falling within his assembly constituency) opening up a new political battleground for Fadnavis. (By Renni Abraham)

Will Ajay Devgn’s ‘Raid 2’ Draw Crowds To Cinemas?

Ajay Devgn’s recent trajectory at the box office has raised concerns about his ability to draw audiences to cinemas. While films like Shaitan achieved sleeper hit status, others, such as Auro Kahan Dham Tha were significant disappointments. The much-anticipated Maidan which faced numerous delays, also underperformed upon release, further complicating Devgn’s box office appeal. His filmography in recent years reveals a troubling pattern: while Singham was just average at the box office, it too fell short of expectations of the masses. As audiences increasingly gravitate towards larger-than-life spectacles like Pushpa, RRR or the Marvel franchise, there’s a growing sentiment that they prefer to experience such grand narratives on the big screen. In contrast, Raid 2, a sequel to a content-driven film, may struggle to capture the same level of excitement. The film, while part of a successful franchise, lacks the extravagant elements that draw crowds. Today’s viewers are more inclined to enjoy nuanced storytelling and character-driven narratives from the comfort of their homes on OTT platforms rather than making the effort to visit cinemas for films that don’t promise a spectacular experience. The current cinematic landscape is shifting, and Raid 2 may find it challenging to achieve the box office success that Ajay Devgn once enjoyed. The trailer, while satisfactory, does not evoke the mass appeal needed to draw large audiences. It seems that the class-driven appeal of such films may resonate more with multiplex audiences, but this demographic alone may not suffice to meet the financial expectations that filmmakers have for a big box office return. (By Girish Wankhede)

Another Maharashtra Minister Faces Illicit Sex Charges

The mud-slinging against political opponents is not uncommon but in Maharashtra, it is reaching another level. At the receiving end in this case is senior minister Girish Mahajan from Jalgaon in north Maharashtra. The attacker is his former mentor and BJP boss Eknath Khadse, who is now in the Nationalist Congress party led by Sharad Pawar. Challenging Khadse to prove the charges, Mahajan has refuted the insinuations. Over the past few years, Mahajan has emerged as a confidant of chief minister Devendra Fadnavis. He has turned the district saffron to the discomfiture of Khadse, who was then leader Gopinath Munde’s right hand. Hit by domestic tragedies, Khadse left the BJP some time ago to join Sharad Pawar. Even then, the BJP granted candidatures to his family members. But unsatisfied and angry with Fadnavis for various reasons, Khadse walked out of the party. However, hurt by successive setbacks suffered by the NCP, he desperately knocked on the BJP’s doors for readmission. However, his efforts have been thwarted. At the same time, Mahajan’s star has been rising. Unable to control his chagrin, Khadse has alleged that Mahajan has extra-marital ties with a senior woman IAS officer in the state. As evidence, he has quoted a journalist, who first made the allegation in a podcast. As the Fadnavis government is buffeted by the sordid deeds of sacked minister Dhananjay Munde, it will have to tread carefully while dealing with the serious charges against Mahajan. It is for the first time that the bureaucracy is made a target of such scandals. (By Dilip Chaware)

Thackeray Cousins Fight For Marathi Language In Their Unique Ways

While Raj Thackeray’s Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) revived its campaign for Marathi language, this time targeting non-Marathi speaking bank officials, before chief minister Devendra Fadnavis got them to wind it up, the sober Uddhav Thackeray wing chose to do things differently. In response to Raj Thackeray’s agitation, Uddhav’’s Sena launched a drive to teach Marathi to those unfamiliar with the language. Party scion Aaditya Thackeray explained that this was for those unfamiliar with the Marathi language, particularly those working with MNC’s and those who have recently shifted to the city. For those unfamiliar with the party history, the Thackeray cousins essentially split up over their ways of taking up the cause of the Marathi manoos. In 2003, while Uddhav Thackeray had launched an inclusive ‘Mee Mumbaikar’ campaign to woo the North Indian voters, Raj Thackeray had derailed his campaign by attacking North Indian students appearing for railway exams in November 2003. Post-2006, when Raj Thackeray quit the Shiv Sena and set up MNS, he continued with his tirade beating hawkers, taxi drivers while Uddhav wooed the North Indians. The North Indians today comprise about 20% of Mumbai’s electorate making them an indispensable vote bank for all political parties in the forthcoming crucial BMC elections slated close to Diwali.  While Uddhav seeks to woo them, Raj has been trying to polarise his way into the hearts of the weakened 39 % Marathi manoos voter base. Their divergent views continue long after they have gone their own ways in different political parties. This probably explains why despite extending warm relations with each other in their private family functions, the Thackeray cousins fail to find common grounds for political reconciliation. (By Hepzi Anthony)

Supreme Court Ruling On Teachers Recruitment Scam Puts Trinamool In A Spot, Is It Advantage BJP?

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee and her party the Trinamool Congress (TMC) face a significant challenge following the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the Calcutta High Court’s annulment of over 25,000 teachers and non-teaching staff appointments in West Bengal. The SC’s ruling, which cited a selection process “tainted beyond resolution” and mandated a fresh recruitment within three months, has prompted Banerjee to take immediate action. She has pledged to meet with affected individuals on April 7, promising comprehensive support. In her public address, Banerjee sought to deflect blame onto the CPI(M) and the BJP, while emphasising the possibility of rectifying the situation through the mandated new recruitment process. She also highlighted the independence and efficiency of the newly formed School Service Commission (SSC) and drew parallels to the Vyapam scam, attempting to shift the narrative. However, the TMC is confronting a growing image problem, compounded by the recent R G Kar rape and murder case. Insiders express concern that further unfavorable court rulings, particularly regarding the Other Backward Classes (OBC) matter and another teacher-related case, could exacerbate the situation. Despite these challenges, some TMC leaders remain optimistic, citing the party’s resilience and the time available before the next Assembly elections. They point to the BJP’s reduced Lok Sabha seat count in West Bengal, despite the earlier High Court ruling, as evidence of limited electoral impact. Conversely, some academics suggest that the BJP’s approach might inadvertently bolster the Left’s standing, as aggressive criticism of the TMC could revive support for the Left. (By Tanya Bagchi)

BJD Changes Its Stand On Waqf Bill, Says Ayes In Rajya Sabha

In Odisha, ever since the BJP turfed out Naveen Patnaik’s well entrenched Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in both the Assembly and Lok Sabha elections in 2024, the relationship between him and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has become frosty. Since then the former CM has been opposing the Modi government tooth and nail on various issues at both the Centre and State. The latest one is Waqf Bill. In the Lok Sabha, Patnaik’s BJD opposed it while in the Rajya Sabha it supported it. This brought to fore the internal dissensions within the party or whether Patnaik had a change of heart towards BJP. Reportedly, BJD’s floor leader in Rajya Sabha Sasmit Patra, a Christian, along with four BJD members voted in favour of Waqf Bill while BJD’s two Muslim MP’s Muzibulla Khan, and Munna Khan opposed the Bill in Rajya Sabha. Senior party leaders are saying that BJD has traditionally led an equidistant policy. BJD leaders are now demanding immediate probe as to who took this decision to vote for Waqf Bill and if this had Naveen Patnaik’s formal approval. Patra had tweeted that there would be no party whip and members should vote “exercising their conscience”. BJD leader Badri Prasad is wondering if someone else has played a game, clearly hinting if Patra has taken this decision on his own or at the behest of Patnaik’s right hand VK Pandian. BJD MP Debashish Samantaray who abstained from voting has launched scathing attack on Pandian as the main person playing behind the scene role. He said Patra was simply following Pandian’s orders. (By Sangram Mohanty)

Sharad Pawar Once Again Trips MVA, Now Over Waqf Bill

The Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi is facing a humiliation, this time over the Waqf Amendment Act as Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray has refused to move the Supreme Court over the matter. MVA was already facing tensions since veteran leader Sharad Pawar had stayed over in Mumbai when the Rajya Sabha was voting on the Bill to amend the Waqf Act. When quizzed about his absence at such a crucial juncture, his followers had merely said that his appointments in Mumbai had been decided much earlier. Although both, the Sena (UBT) and Pawar’s Nationalist Congress Party had opposed the Bill in the Lok Sabha, their sudden change of heart when voting started in the RS had sent out confusing signals. For a long time, no single party or leader can say with certainty what policy Pawar will adopt for a particular matter. Pawar goes ahead with what he feels needs to be done. For instance, his cosy relationship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi has remained a matter of political intrigue. Similarly, his free access to industrialist Gautam Adani has rubbed the Congress party the wrong way since its leader Rahul Gandhi does not spare a single opportunity to abuse Adani and Ambani groups. Despite this, Pawar is unfazed. It was owing to his unambiguous stand that no Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) could be set up when there was a furore against Adani over the Hindenburg disclosures. Pawar’s stance about the Waqf Act is just one more example and MVA will have to gulp it without complaining. (By Dilip Chaware)

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