‘Economic offences’ put Shivakumar in deep trouble

September 4, 2019

Bengaluru: Nemesis appears to have caught up with Karnataka Congress troubleshooter D.K. Shivakumar for the ‘economic offences’ he is alleged to have committed over the years, leading to the former minister’s dramatic arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a money laundering case in New Delhi late on Tuesday.

“Shivakumar’s arrest is not surprising as it was coming after the Karnataka High Court on August 30 declined interim protection to him. Though the ED summoned him for only interrogation in the money laundering case, he knew the inevitable,” a political analyst told IANS on Wednesday.

Although the financial probe agency had summoned the 57-year-old lawmaker from the Kanakapura Assembly segment to quiz him in the money laundering case in December 2018, he had dodged and delayed by filing a writ petition against the summon in the state high court, denying illegal (hawala) transactions or disproportionate assets valued at hundreds of crores of rupees.

When the single judge bench of Justice Aravind Kumar declined to quash the summons on August 29, the ED ordered Shivakumar on the same night (Thursday) to appear before its probe team at its New Delhi office on August 30 afternoon for alleged ‘hawala’ transactions under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.

In his nomination to the Election Commission for contesting the 2018 state Assembly elections, Shivakumar had declared in an affidavit that he and his family had a whopping Rs 840 crore worth assets, including lands, houses, investments, bank balances and properties as against Rs 251 crore he had before the 2013 Assembly polls, a staggering 235 per cent jump in five years.

“Shivakumar has been under the scanner of the Income Tax (I-T) department over the last five years for various real estate and commercial deals he struck as a businessman and an investor. Raids on his residential and official premises in early August 2017 led to the recovery of incriminating documents, files, records and Rs 8.9 crore unaccounted cash from his Delhi flat, indicating illegal transactions running into hundreds of crores of rupees,” a tax official told IANS on the condition of anonymity.

Accusing Shivakumar and his party of politicising his economic offences and provoking his supporters to indulge in violence after his arrest, state BJP spokesman A. Vamanacharya said the law had caught up with him for the sins of commissions he indulged in over the years as a feudal businessman, rather than a decent politician.

“If Shivakumar is honest and has not committed any economic offence, he is free to defend himself in the courts and get acquitted honourably rather than blaming our party and leaders for his shenanigans. He was given ample time and opportunities to come clean on his deals but failed when confronted with evidence of misdemeanours,” a charged Vamanacharya said.

Defending Shivakumar’s arrest for custodial interrogation, the tax official said the ED was forced to detain him, as he was evasive in replies and non-cooperative in explaining the various deals and assets disproportionate to his known sources of income.

The opposition Congress, however, held Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah responsible for Shivakumara’s arrest because he had helped veteran Congress leader Ahmed Patel win again in the August 2017 Rajya Sabha by-election by hosting party legislators from Gujarat in a holiday resort near Bengaluru to prevent the BJP from poaching them.

“Shivakumar’s arrest is a political vendetta by Modi and Shah for Patel’s victory in Gujarat. By misusing probe agencies like the ED, I-T and the CBI, they are indulging in revenge politics as the raids on his premises and that of his friends and business partners were conducted after he hosted our party’s Gujarat MLAs and thwarted their attempt to indulge in horse-trading around the same time,” state Congress legislator and spokesman V.S. Ugrappa told IANS.

Denying that Shivakumar was involved in money laundering or illegal deals, Ugarappa said the BJP wanted to finish off the Congress in the southern state by targeting its leaders and humiliating them to settle scores and revel in punishing them for no fault of theirs.

“The BJP wants to finish off Shivakumar politically as its leaders fear him as a threat to its illegal return to power and continuation owing to his popularity in the state and the politically dominant Vokkaliga community. We stand by him and support him in this hour of crisis for his contributions to our party’s growth and survival,” claimed Ugrappa.

Sops, controversial moves mark Jagan’s 100 days in office

September 4, 2019

Hyderabad: A slew of sops to fulfill his poll promises, some controversial moves like reserving 75 per cent jobs for locals in industries, and lack of clarity on the fate of the state capital Amaravati, have marked Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy’s 100 days in office.

Unfazed by the precarious financial position of the state, Reddy has gone on a freebie announcement spree, but a few decisions of his have also sparked apprehension among the industry and trade circles.

Jagan Reddy, who led the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) to a massive victory in the state to end the five-year rule of Telugu Desam Party (TDP), has also faced allegations of doing vendetta politics by targeting his predecessor N. Chandrababu Naidu.

Alleging corruption in awarding contracts for various projects by the previous government, Reddy decided to review all of these projects soon after taking over. It was announced that wherever irregularities were found, the government would go for reverse-tendering, allow wider participation of bidders, ensure transparency and save public money.

The first contract to be terminated was the one awarded to Navayuga Engineering Company Ltd (NECL) which had bagged the Rs 3,000 crore Polavaram project.

Besides Polavaram, the construction of the state capital Amaravati too has come to a halt. The World Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIM) have pulled out of the $300 million state capital project.

Reddy’s allegations of a land scandal in Amaravati during the TDP regime, as well as various statements by Ministers and YSRCP leaders, have triggered speculation that the government may not continue with Amaravati as the capital. The uncertainty has hit the real estate sector and stoked fears among the farmers who have surrendered 33,000 acres of land for building the new capital.

Past Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) have also come under the scrutiny of the new Chief Minister. The agreements were signed with renewable energy producers during the TDP government. Jagan Reddy argues that the PPAs to buy power at a high rate will cause Rs 2,766 crore loss to the state exchequer every year. The Centre, however, has cautioned the state government that if contracts are not honoured it could affect the flow of investments.

In another major move, the state government has announced the setting up of a judicial commission to review all projects of the value of Rs 100 crore and above, to check corruption and bring transparency in the tendering process and awarding of contracts.

The government has also shut down Anna canteens, under which the poor and the middle class were getting a meal for only Rs 5.

During his first 100 days of governance, Jagan Reddy took steps to implement one of his major poll promises to impose prohibition in a phased manner.

In the first phase, he ordered a crackdown on the illegal liquor outlets and the government claims that liquor consumption has come down during the last two months. The second step saw the government taking over the liquor business from private traders.

The major schemes announced by the government include “Amma Vodi” under which every mother will be paid Rs 15,000 annually for sending their children to schools and junior colleges, both government-run and private.

Under “YSR Bharosa”, every farmer will get an annual investment support of Rs 12,500.

In a move to take governance to doorsteps, Reddy has announced the recruitment of four lakh village and ward volunteers, who will ensure that benefits of government schemes reaches the people both in villages and urban areas.

According to political analysts here people are waiting for the implementation of the schemes announced by the Chief Minister.

“It appears that nothing much has happened on the ground. Except for announcing the posts for gram or ward volunteers who are likely to be from the YSRCP cadres only, most promises seem to be in the state of ‘work in progress’,” said political analyst P. Raghava Reddy.

“Jagan is currently enjoying the honeymoon period, but time is running out for the Chief Minister to act on his promises. It is important that he raises the bar of governance and fulfills his promises,” he added.

Vijay Deverakonda’s Dos and Don’ts to Puri Jagannath

September 4, 2019

Vijay Deverakonda’s decision to star in the next film of Puri Jagannath, known for his mass-masala flicks, has taken everyone by surprise.

For many, this is seeming like Vijay’s career compromise after his latest outing ‘Dear Comrade’ underperformed at the box office.

However, our sources say that this is far from the truth. Apparently, Vijay has put forth several pre-conditions before accepting Puri’s project.

Puri has a particular code of conduct as far as characterization and storytelling are concerned. Vijay would not be comfortable to take up a role that treats women the way Puri’s protagonist in the film normally would. Therefore, that probably will change in this film.

The action sequences, too, have to be more relatable. Vijay is also not suitable to play a character that would thrash 20 goons single-handedly.

“So the rhythm and tenor of the narrative have to be changed,” says a source.

We only hope that there will be no conflict of interests between Puri and Vijay, because this collaboration is akin to Zomato partnering with the government’s day mid-day meal scheme!

pHOTo Alert: Superstar Daughter’s Sizzling Show!

September 4, 2019

Superstar Shahrukh Khan’s teenage daughter Suhana Khan is waiting for her turn to set the screens ablaze.

Suhana looks Bollywood ready going by her Instagram posts.

She doesn’t have qualms over doing hot photo shoots which made her popular on social media.

Suhana is yet to enter B town, but she already has around three lakh followers on Instagram.

She is very active on social media and makes sure to post some sizzling pictures to please her fans and followers.

Suhana will soon be launched on silver screen with a Dharma Productions movie.

Jagan gives fresh look to old schemes!

September 4, 2019

The YSR Congress government headed by chief minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy has introduced three welfare schemes in the name of his father and former chief minister late Y S Rajasekhar Reddy.

The schemes – YSR arthika pathakam for auto and taxi drivers, YSR Pelli Kanuka and YSR Sports Incentive scheme — were approved by the state cabinet met at Secretariat under the auspices of Jagan Mohan Reddy on Wednesday.

Of course, these schemes are not exactly new, but had been introduced by the previous Telugu Desam Party government just before the elections to garner political mileage.

The schemes have been revamped and re-introduced with new guidelines and better funding.

According to financial assistance to taxi and auto drivers, the cabinet decided to extend financial assistance of Rs 10,000 per annum to those who have their own taxi and maxi cabs.

While wife and husband are counted as one unit, assistance would be given even to son or daughter having own vehicles.

It’s estimated that Rs 400 crore will be annually spent on this scheme that would benefit nearly four lakh people.

Under the YSR Sports Incentive scheme, cash incentives would be given to those who win medals at the national level.

The gold medalists would be given Rs 5 lakh, silver medalists Rs 4 lakh, and bronze medalist will get Rs 3 lakh. Rs 5 crore has been allocated for this scheme.

The third scheme YSR Pelli Kanuka is similar to Chandranna Pelli Kanuka of AP and Kalyana Lakshmi of Telangana.

Under this scheme, for which the government would spend Rs 750 crore every year, financial assistance will be provided to brides.

An amount of Rs 1 lakh each would be given for SCs and STs and Rs 1.25 lakh for inter-caste marriages among them. Similarly, BCs will get Rs 50,000 within their caste and , Rs 75,000 for inter-caste marriages.

Minorities will get Rs 1 lakh, disabled Rs 1.50 lakh and construction labourers Rs 1 lakh under this scheme.

Who are left in Telangana TDP now?

September 4, 2019

The defection of Revuri Prakash Reddy, former Telugu Desam Party MLA from Narsampet in Warangal district and one of the members of the TDP politburo, into the Bharatiya Janata Party was like a proverbial last straw for the party in Telangana.

The TDP, which had bitten to dust in the recent assembly elections in Andhra Pradesh, is virtually on ventilator in Telangana.

Following the defection of several senior leaders like E Peddi Reddy, N Narsi Reddy, Garikapati Mohan Rao and Sama Ranga Reddy, there are hardly any leaders left with the TDP in Telangana.

And the defection of Revuri Prakash Reddy showed the desperation in the party leaders in the state. Former minister T Devender Goud and his son Virendra Goud are most likely to join the BJP sooner or later.

So, who are left in the TDP in Telangana?

One can count them on fingers: Party president of Telangana unit L Ramana, former MP Ravula Chandrasekhar Reddy, Aravind Kumar Goud and of course, lone TDP legislator in the assembly Mecha Nageshwar Rao.

There is still some party cadre who are committed to the TDP right from the beginning. But with the leaders looking for greener pastures, what would the cadre do in Telangana?

So, it is better for TDP president N Chandrababu Naidu to wind up the party in the state!

Pic Talk: Akkineni Brothers and Sam In Holiday Mood

September 4, 2019

Akkineni family is currently holidaying in Ibiza Spain. They went there to celebrate the sixtieth birthday of Nagarjuna.

Akkineni brothers took a brief break from their movie works in spite of being busy.

It is evident from their pictures that everyone is having gala time in one of the best holiday destinations in the world.

Chay, Akhil and Samantha planned this trip a year ago, which is why Nagarjuna had to break the contract rules of Bigg Boss and skip hosting one of the weekend episodes.

Pic Talk: Rashmika Goes Bold In Mumbai

September 4, 2019

Other day, Kannada hottie Rashmika Mandanna who is making it big in Tollywood, had a gala time in Mumbai. A web portal along with PVR cinemas and Amazon Prime has arranged the special screening of Dear Comrade movie, for which Vijay Devarakonda and Rashmika, the leads of the film, have attended as Chief Guests.

Flaunting her gorgeous looks in a short length dress, Rashmika made sure that she lives up to the Bollywood fashion demands at this screening. Surely she got the attention for looking like a spicy heroine from Bolly circuits rather appearing like a conservating south beauty.

Given this bold statement, one could also recollect that Rashmika is also looking forward to debut in Bollywood very soon. With offer flowing her way from various big houses, she’s said to have locked Jersey Hindi remake opposite Shahid Kapoor.

Mithali Raj Announces Retirement From T20s

September 4, 2019

The 36-year-old Mithali Raj has announced her retirement from T20 International career today. She claimed that she wants to concentrate on one-day cricket and meticulously focus on 2021 50-over World Cup. So far, Mithali has made the country proud by playing in 32 T20Is, including the three women’s WT20 World Cups in 2012 (Sri Lanka), 2014 (Bangladesh) and 2016 (India).

One of the greatest batswomen of all times, Mithali, said “After representing India in T20 internationals since 2006, I wish to retire from T20Is to focus my energies on readying myself for the 2021 One Day World Cup”. The T20s career ends for Mithali with the title, India’s top-scorer, with 2364 runs from 89 matches.

In 1999, Mithali made her T20I debut and in March this year, she played her last against England. Her other milestone was that she is the first Indian woman to reach 2000 T20I runs. “It remains my dream to win a World Cup for my country and I want to give it my best. I thank the BCCI for their continuous support and wish the Indian T20 team good luck as they prepare for the home series against South Africa Women,” she said in a BCCI press release.

Overall, Mithali played 203 ODIs and scored 6720 runs and also played in 10 Tests with 663 runs. This prolific run-scorer retirement news has left her fans a bit sad, however, she is an epitome for her fierce individualism. Congratulating Mithali over her successful career, we certainly believe that, Mithali is an inspiration to many girls out there. Her contribution to Indian cricket will never be forgotten.

Shalini Pandey to romance Ranveer Singh!

September 4, 2019

The lovely face Shalini Pandey, after basking In the fame with Arjun Reddy, is presently busy with a huge number of projects in hand. It is heard that she is also taking a plunge into Bollywood and that too, opposite Ranveer Singh. The duo will be seen in Yash Raj Films’, titled Jayeshbhai jordaar.

The sources confirm that Shalini Pandey was approached for Yash Raj Films after getting impressed with her work in South and it is rumoured that she also signed a three-film deal with the production company. The film will have Ranveer as a Gujarati businessman and the actor called the concept as a ‘miracle script’.

Ranveer went on to praise that Jayeshbhai Jordaar is a family entertainer and the beautiful script made him agree without a second thought. The story has been written by debutant writer-director Divyang Thakkar.

The film will go on floors this October and we look forward to Shalini on making her grand debut up in North. Produced by Aditya Chopra under his banner, the film will now have huge expectations both from North and South moviegoers.

‘Rice Pulling’ Behind AP Doctor Family’s Suicide

September 4, 2019

Back in 2018, the Reserve Bank of India had cautioned the public not to fall prey for ‘rice pulling.’ Over the last one year many got cheated and despite this, a doctor from Andhra Pradesh was duped and he lost Rs 5.50 crore which eventually cost his and his family lives.

Going into details, Dr Penmetsa Ramakrishnam Raju from Amalapuram was cheated by a gang of four that they have special grains of rice and with that the wealth of a person will get doubled in quick time. Believing it to be true Ramakrishnam Raju paid the gang Rs 5.50 crore in installments and he had borrowed money from financiers at huge interest.

However, after a few days, Ramakrishnam Raju realized that it is completely rubbish while the money, he borrowed went for no use. As the lenders were forcing Ramakrishnam Raju to pay the money, to extreme pressure, he along with his wife Lakshmi Devi, 45, and physician-son Krishna Sandeep, 25, committed suicide by taking high dose of anaesthetic drug sucol.

The police deployed special teams to hunt the culprits who cheated Ramakrishnam Raju. A person by name Prasad who hails from Koduru village in Krishna district was arrested by the cops and remaining three were identified as Shawalin, Anantharam and Srinivasa Rao. They are absconding and the police are in search of them.

‘I have grown up in India but Pakistan is my home’

September 4, 2019

Singer Adnan Sami, who impressed Telugu music lovers with songs like, O Madhu from Julai, Oh Priya Piya from Ishq, Shankar Dada Zindabad and many more, was born in Pakistan but he opted for Indian citizenship in 2015.

However, the latest sensation is that his son Azaan Sami Khan called Pakistan as his home and his words triggered a huge buzz among fans. Azaan is the son of Adnan Sami and his first wife, Zeba, who is a Pakistani actress. They both got divorced after three years of marriage in 1993.

Azaan, who is a music composer himself, stated that “My father has made certain decisions of where he wants to live and which country he wants to call home, and I respect that. What I choose to call home now is my choice and I chose to work in Pakistan”.

Azaan spent most of his teen days in India. But now, he prefers to call Pakistan his home. “I have great friends in India, but Pakistan is my home. In spite of growing up in India, I feel Pakistan industry is my family. There is immense pride for me, and hope and ambition, that I contribute to an industry which I call home,” he said.

He went on to say that Adnan Sami and he shares a good relationship despite growing up with his mother all the while. He called his father more of a friend and mentor than a father.

“I go to my father to get any advice in life. Sometimes we may not speak for months but when we do, we just get each other.” The statements from Azaan have been fodder to many trolls and abuses. However, a few suggested that he shouldn’t apologize for his words and wished that he contributes well to the industry irrespective of the country.

Have A Look At ‘World’s first SPACE hotel’

September 4, 2019

It’s been quite a long time people have always imagined a space hotel and in fact, many have speculated that a hotel will soon start up in space somewhere around 2025. But there is no gravity up there.

How can anyone enjoy hotel amenities? Well, the centrifugal force of the spinning building will create a force that keeps you anchored to the ground, making it easity like a gravity.

After enjoying luxurious 5-star hotels on Earth, it is high time we should witness something like a space hotel in our lifetime. Now, the latest reports suggest that the design for the “first space hotel” has been unveiled and it is absolutely unbelievable to us. While we also want to experience it, it is also eccentric and surrel.

The space station, namely, Von Braun, has been designed by the Gateway Foundation. Accommodating nearly 400 guests, it goes on to offer facilities and benefits that a normal luxury would provide. The design will have technology that is already being used in the International Space Station (ISS).

As we discussed in the beginning, the wheel-shaped design will help with the gravity and guests can walk around normally instead of floating. The rooms inside will have furniture with soft materials.

As of now, the first space hotel will be opened by 2025 and nearly 100 people a week is estimated. Though getting water up there is difficult, a swimming pool is also on the minds of the designers. We also wonder what would be the cost of the hotel room for one night. It could burn a hole in your pocket. But, the idea is mind-blowingly awesome and intriguing to find that space is no longer for the astronaut.