Latest news with #MahaKumbh
The Hindu
10 hours ago
- Business
- The Hindu
Growing pains: Economic performance, Viksit Bharat
The data on India's economic performance in 2024-25, released on Friday, have something for everybody. Those with an optimistic outlook can rejoice at the seemingly robust growth in the fourth quarter. Pessimists can despair over the four-year low annual growth figure. The realist's assessment, however, is that there is cause for some restrained celebration, and more than a healthy dose of disappointment. The Q4 growth of 7.4% was considerably higher than what was expected for the quarter, and the fastest seen in an otherwise dismal financial year. The main drivers were the construction sector returning to double-digit growth, and the agriculture sector posting a strong showing. These are also two major employment drivers. Services, too, continued their steady and strong growth. The manufacturing sector, on the other hand, grew at just 4.8%, down from 11.3% in Q4 of the previous year. There is a reality check hiding in the aggregate numbers, as well. The GDP growth rate of 7.4% was achieved in large part due to a 12.7% growth in net taxes. This bump in tax collections provided a statistical boost without which growth in actual economic activity would have come in at around 6.8%. The much-hyped 'Maha Kumbh effect' on consumption expenditure also does not seem to have materialised. Growth in Private Final Consumption Expenditure in Q4 — the Kumbh quarter — came in at 6%, the slowest in five quarters. Capital formation, however, grew a robust 9.4% as the government finally sped up its sluggish capital investments. Government officials and Union Ministers have expressed their satisfaction at the 6.5% growth in 2024-25, the slowest since the pandemic, saying it is still the fastest among major economies, and not bad in the context of a 'growth-scarce' global environment. All of this is true. Yet, 'not bad' is not nearly good enough for India. The race is not with the rest of the world, but is an effort to keep pace with the country's growing requirements. The Modi government, with its sights set on a 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047, must be held to a higher standard in line with its aspirations. If, as the Economic Survey points out, Viksit Bharat by 2047 requires 'sustained economic growth of close to 8% every year for at least a decade', then India is decidedly moving very slowly, even if in the right direction. In his press conference, Chief Economic Adviser V. Anantha Nageswaran said India was entering a phase of low inflation and stable growth. Stability can be good, since it implies lower chances of growth slowing. Yet, it also implies growth is unlikely to accelerate significantly either. The government needs to consider whether this is truly a satisfactory situation for a transitioning economy.
Deccan Herald
2 days ago
- Deccan Herald
India one of most competitive aviation markets; cost leadership crucial: IndiGo CEO
In recent months, the civil aviation ministry has intervened and asked airlines to ensure that airfares are not too high at least on two occasions, including during the Maha Kumbh.
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
UP CM inaugurates advocate chambers, parking building at Allahabad High Court
Prayagraj , Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday said that in the rule of law, the litigant is as important as the bar and bench, a statement said. Adityanath addressed a gathering after the inauguration ceremony of advocate chambers and parking building constructed for ₹680 crore within the Allahabad High Court premises. Chief Justice of India Justice Bhushan Ramakrishna Gavai was also present at the event. Adityanath said, "In the rule of law, the litigant is as important as the bar and bench." During the event, Adityanath recalled the 2017 programme organised at the Allahabad High Court where the prime minister had emphasised that the first condition of good governance is the rule of law, the statement read. He expressed empathy for advocates, noting that despite working under difficult conditions such as broken chambers or even under trees they continue to strive for justice. Highlighting the significance of the day, the chief minister said, "Today marks the 300th birth anniversary of Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar. This year is also the Amrit Mahotsav year of the implementation of the Constitution of India." Adityanath said that once the Integrated Court Complex is constructed, litigants will have access to all judicial services under one roof, including chambers and parking for advocates, as well as housing facilities for judicial officers. Adityanath also said that although multilevel parking structures have been built, they often remain unused. He urged urban bodies to allow commercial use of some parking space to ensure success. "At times, either the chief justice or we did not like the proposed designs. Eventually, we instructed the executing agencies to create a model that could serve as a standard. Along with integrated court complexes, provisions for parking and advocate chambers were included." "Of the proposals we submitted, approvals have been received for seven districts from here, and ₹1,700 crore has already been released for those. Cases of the remaining three districts have also been resolved by the court," he said. He emphasised that this initiative to build quality complexes will become a model. Both the Centre and state governments are committed to providing maximum facilities at district courts and addressing advocates' challenges. The chief minister highlighted that the Advocate Fund amount has been increased from ₹1.5 lakh to ₹5 lakh, and the age limit raised from 60 to 70 years. Additionally, a separate corpus fund of ₹500 crore has been established. In case of an accident involving an advocate, the trustee committee will utilise this fund to support the affected family. New advocates are also receiving assistance for journals, magazines, and books during their first three years. Adityanath recalled the successful Maha Kumbh held in Prayagraj, which attracted over 66 crore devotees from across India and abroad. The Allahabad High Court played a significant role in it. He said that if everyone fulfils their responsibilities in line with the spirit of the Constitution envisioned by Baba Saheb, meaningful results can be achieved. He stated that the multilevel parking and advocate chambers have been constructed excellently. He assured that any funds required for their expansion would be made available soon, enabling even better infrastructure in the land of justice, knowledge, and religion. On this occasion, Supreme Court judges Justice Suryakant, Justice Vikram Nath, Justice J.K. Maheshwari, Justice Pankaj Mittal, Justice Manoj Mishra, Chief Justice of Allahabad High Court Justice Arun Bhansali, Chief Justice of Delhi High Court Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyay, Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, UP Advocate General Ajay Kumar Mishra, and others were present.
News18
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Mamta Kulkarni Breaks Silence On Mahamandleshwar Controversy: ‘It Was All in God's Hands'
Last Updated: Former Bollywood actress Mamta Kulkarni stepped down as Mahamandaleshwar of Kinnar Akhada at Maha Kumbh Mela after a dispute. She will continue her spiritual path as a Sadhvi. Former Bollywood actress Mamta Kulkarni had recently stepped down from her role as Mahamandaleshwar of the Kinnar Akhada at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj. She said she will continue her spiritual path as a 'Sadhvi" (a female spiritual seeker). This came after a dispute between Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Laxmi Narayan Tripathi and the Kinnar Akhada's founder, Rishi Ajay Das, over giving Mamta the title of Mahamandaleshwar. Mamta has now talked about the controversy for the first time. Speaking to ANI, she said, '…It was all in God's hands for me to become Mahamandaleshwar in that Kumbh, which was such a holy occasion in 140 years. God provided me with the fruits of 25 years of my 'tapasya'. So, that happened." Mamta Kulkarni left her worldly life behind to begin a spiritual journey. She took on a new name — 'Shri Yamai Mamta Nandgiri." She became a Mahamandaleshwar (a respected spiritual leader) on January 24 during the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev openly criticised the actor's anointment as the Mahamandleshwar, saying that nobody can attain sainthood 'in a single day." 'The great Kumbh festival of Sanatana, where our roots are connected, is a grand celebration. This is a sacred festival Some people associate vulgarity, intoxication, and inappropriate behaviour in the name of Kumbh – this is not the true essence of the Maha Kumbh," Baba Ramdev was quoted as saying by news agency PTI. 'Some individuals, who were indulged in worldly pleasures just yesterday, suddenly become saints or even attain titles like Mahamandaleshwar in a single day," the yoga guru added. Since Kulkarni was appointed the Mahamandleshwar, several saints have opposed the decision. Later, both Mamta Kulkarni and Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Lakshmi Narayan Tripathi were expelled from the Akhada by Rishi Ajay Das, the founder of Kinnar Akhada. According to a press release issued on January 30, 2025, Rishi Ajay Das said, 'As the founder of Kinnar Akhada, I am hereby relieving Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Lakshmi Narayan Tripathi from his position as Acharya Mahamandaleshwar of the Kinnar Akhada, effective immediately. His appointment was made with the goal of promoting religious activities and uplifting the transgender community, but he has deviated from these responsibilities." In the 1990s, Mamta Kulkarni rose to fame with blockbuster films like Karan Arjun and Baazi. In the early 2000s, she stepped away from the film industry and relocated abroad. First Published:
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Mamta Kulkarni opens up on controversy over her appointment as Mahamandleshwar of Kinnar Akhada
Former Bollywood actor Mamta Kulkarni talked about the controversy around her appointment as Mahamandleshwar of Kinnar Akhada at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj. (Also Read | Mamta Kulkarni denies claims of paying ₹10 crore to become Mahamandaleshwar) In January, Acharya Mahamandleshwar of Kinnar Akhada, Laxmi Narayan, announced that Mamta Kulkarni has embarked on a spiritual role as the Mahamandleshwar. However, later, Rishi Ajay Das, the founder of Kinnar Akhada, expelled both Mamta Kulkarni and Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Lakshmi Narayan Tripathi from the Akhada. The decision came in the wake of the controversial appointment of Mamta Kulkarni, with a checkered past, as Mahamandaleshwar. Lakshmi had allegedly appointed Kulkarni without the founder's consent, an act that has sparked considerable outrage. Speaking to ANI, she said, "...It was all in God's hands for me to become Mahamandaleshwar in that Kumbh, which was such a holy occasion in 140 years. God provided me with the fruits of 25 years of my 'tapasya'. So, that happened." According to a press release issued on January 30, 2025, Rishi Ajay Das noted, "As the founder of Kinnar Akhada, I am hereby relieving Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Lakshmi Narayan Tripathi from his position as Acharya Mahamandaleshwar of the Kinnar Akhada, effective immediately. His appointment was made with the goal of promoting religious activities and uplifting the transgender community, but he has deviated from these responsibilities." The controversy revolves around an agreement Lakshmi entered into with Juna Akhada in 2019, which Ajay Das claims was allegedly done without his approval. He further alleged that the contract between the two Akhadas was legally invalid due to the lack of his consent and signature. Moreover, Ajay Das accused Lakshmi of undermining the tenets of the Kinnar Akhada by allowing Mamta to join and take on the prestigious role of Mahamandaleshwar despite her past involvement in criminal activities. The founder emphasised that this appointment was not only unethical but also a betrayal of the Akhada's religious values. The expulsion of both individuals ignited debates within the spiritual community, with the President of the Akhil Bharatiya Akhada Parishad, Mahant Ravindra Puri, speaking out in support of Lakshmi and Mamta. Ravindra Puri challenged the legitimacy of Ajay Das's decision, saying, "I want to ask, who is he (Rishi Ajay Das) to expel Laxmi Narayan Tripathi?" He also reiterated that both Lakshmi and Mamta would continue their roles within the Akhada and participate in the upcoming Amrit Snan. The controversy over Mamta's appointment as Mahamandaleshwar began when Lakshmi publicly announced the decision during the Maha Kumbh. Mamta, who was known for her roles in popular 1990s Bollywood films, had stepped away from the limelight in the early 2000s. However, she made a return to India and was granted the position of Mahamandaleshwar by Lakshmi, an act which has now come under heavy scrutiny. Transgender Kathavachak Jagatguru Himangi Sakhi Maa had earlier raised concerns over Mamta's appointment, questioning her credibility and linking her past to criminal activities. "Mamta Kulkarni has been made Mahamandaleshwar for publicity. Society knows her past very well. She was even jailed in the past in connection with drug cases. This needs investigation," Himangi Sakhi said in a conversation with ANI. Mamta later stepped down from her role as Mahamandaleshwar of the Kinnar Akhada after facing heavy backlash and internal disputes. Her resignation followed questions about her spiritual standing and her past in the film industry. The Kinnar Akhada had earlier expelled Lakshmi and Mamta, citing tensions within the religious group. Mamta announced her resignation in a video shared on her Instagram.
