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Hindustan Times
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Rift between J&K CM, Srinagar MP widens
All doesn't seem well between Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah and National Conference (NC) MP from Srinagar Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi. While the NC denied that Mehdi had walked out of the party's working body meeting last week, the sarcastic poetry posted by him on X smacks of defiance by the outspoken MP. 'Either rise and become such a 'sukhanvar' (orator/poet/speaker) who serves a purpose for the nation; Or sit in the comfort of the 'zanpaan' (palanquin),' he posted in translation of a Kashmiri couplet. Mehdi posted the couplet hours after NC spokesperson Imran Nabi Dar criticised an online portal for reporting that the MP had walked out of the working committee meeting after an argument with Abdullah last Wednesday. 'Shameful that a reputable outlet would publish such a planted story without cross-checking with the party. Contrary to false claims, Aga Ruhullah did not walk out of the meeting — in fact, he was present from morning till evening,' Nabi said. According to reports, Mehdi was upset with the party toning down its promise of struggling for the restoration of Article 370 and cosying up to the Centre. Abdullah had retorted that Mehdi should fight the byelection and be part of the government. Mehdi feels that his party has not lived up to the manifesto on which it won the election last year. 'We feel that there is a gap between what people want and what these political parties represent. This is a language that comes from Delhi. It is not the language of people of Jammu and Kashmir. We were on the same page. I feel lost after the elections. We are somehow justifying the narrative we fought against. We are defeating the reason for which we got the mandate,' Mehdi said in an interview, the clip of which he uploaded on X on Friday. The differences between the CM and the MP first emerged when Mehdi led a protest of students along with opposition leaders against the new reservation policy soon after the elections. Mehdi said since the protest, there has been virtually no communication of the party with him. 'Until the assembly elections, my opinions mattered. Even if the party disagreed with my methods, it supported my ideas. But after the reservation protest, the party has stopped engaging with me,' Mehdi had said in April.
Time of India
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Omar's party goes unrepresented as party MP opts out of outreach trip
SRINAGAR: J&K's National Conference (NC) has no plans to nominate another representative for the all-party delegations briefing foreign nations and UN members about India's anti-terrorism position and after party MP Mian Altaf Ahmad declined to join the team currently visiting key countries. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now NC will not have political representation in any of the seven delegations. Centre had nominated the Anantnag–Rajouri MP for the delegation led by DMK MP Kanimozhi in his capacity as NC's parliamentary head, party sources said Sunday. The team includes Rajiv Rai (SP), Capt Brijesh Chowta (BJP), Prem Chand Gupta (RJD), and ambassador Jawed Ashraf. It was in Russia Saturday. Three politicians from J&K — (Democratic Progressive Azad Party), Mian Altaf (NC), and Ghulam Ali Khatana (BJP) — had been named for these outreach efforts. Altaf opted out as he is engaged with the annual religious ceremony of Hazrat Mian Nizamuddin Kiyanvi, popularly known as Baba Nagri, held in early June at Wangath in Kangan of Ganderbal district. The event draws thousands of devotees across J&K. A senior NC functionary said while the party was consulted and Altaf's consent was sought, the nomination was Centre's decision. 'Centre didn't ask us for his replacement after he declined,' the functionary said. 'Since he was nominated as parliamentary head, I don't think anyone else can represent NC now.' Tensions within NC also surfaced Sunday, as MP Aga Ruhullah Mehdi accused party brass of yielding to Centre on . On X, Mehdi wrote: 'Oh leader! Either rise and speak up for your people, or step down, wear bangles, and remain confined to a palanquin.' The post appeared to target CM , who had earlier posted: 'Sunday musing. There are doers & there are talkers. That's why I don't talk as much as some people I know.' The internal rift became public during NC's working committee meeting on May 21, where Mehdi voiced frustration over lack of progress on restoring Article 370.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘The Party's Over' Review: South of France-Set Satire Follows an Escalating Class Conflict
'The Party's Over' is a mostly entertaining satire that follows the escalating conflict between an entitled rich couple, the Trousselards, and the Azizis, the husband and wife they employ (off the books and at less than market rates) to look after their luxurious holiday home. Both families have young adult daughters, near in age, albeit not in circumstance. Compared to a similarly-themed film such as 'Parasite,' it lacks the sharpness of plot and empathetic characters that would make it truly memorable. Nonetheless, the piece has a number of things going for it: top actors obviously relishing their roles, some amusing dialogue, a lovely villa location in the south of France and an attractive musical score by Clémence Ducreux that sounds both serious and mocking. Festivals and screening platforms rep the most likely venues outside of French-speaking countries to host the 'Party.' Snobbish, self-important Philippe (Laurent Lafitte, suitably obnoxious), a lawyer given to throwing obscure Latin locutions into his everyday speech, and his former actress wife Laurence (the elegant Élodie Bouchez) welcome young law graduate Mehdi (Sami Outabali, the most sympathetic character), the latest boyfriend of their wannabe actress daughter Garance (Noée Abita). That Mehdi comes from a different – and lower– social class is immediately obvious. Not only has he worked his way through school as a waiter and delivery boy, but he lacks the social graces of his hosts. From their point of view, everything he does is slightly off, from his clothing choices to his hostess gift to his conversation. More from Variety Neon Takes North America on Jafar Panahi's 'It Was Just an Accident' Mubi Buys Jafar Panahi's 'It Was Just an Accident' for Multiple International Territories (EXCLUSIVE) Lu Chuan on U.S.-China Tensions, New Projects 'Puffer Fish Girl' and 'You Are My Daughter,' Plus 'Qinghai-Tibet Plateau Wildlife Park' Doc (EXCLUSIVE) For the Trousselards, cushioned as they are by their money, seem to feel that those in service to them should be at their beck and call. Thus, Philippe feels justified in interrupting the Azizi's birthday dinner celebration for their daughter Marylou (Mahia Zrouki) to get Tony (Ramzy Bedia) to fix a clogged sink. And Laurence feels free to tell Tony to refrain from going about his chores shirtless and to ask his wife Nadine (Laure Calamy, delightful) to be careful of smears when she cleans their windows. The Trousselards don't hesitate to dispense unsolicited advice to Mehdi, too. Laurence explains that the reason that Philippe's firm hires sons of lawyers as interns is because they have confidence and know the milieu of the clients. She tells Mehdi that he is too polite and apologetic. When Philippe's condescending manner finally provokes Tony, who likes a drink or two, into an attack that Philippe considers unforgivable, he decides to dismiss the Azizis. But Tony and Nadine prove resistant. As tensions rise, Mehdi offers himself for the dangerous role of go-between, to negotiate a settlement between the warring sides. Along the way, the screenplay aptly skewers Philippe's type, the sort of man who delights in cooking the produce of his organic garden, pairing expensive wines with his meals, yet doesn't know the correct temperature at which to wash a load of whites. The acting profession also comes in for a few jabs. Laurence launched her career as a skimpily-clad ingenue. When Mehdi tells her the name of his father's favorite film, she notes wryly, 'That film captured the male imagination. But don't worry, I've made some with clothes on too.' To prepare for her first role, Garance tries and fails to summon tears, but by the film's end, she finds that she can make them flow all too easily when recounting a fiction of supreme importance to her family. Helmer Cordier assembles an ace ensemble, whose acting choices are always fun to watch. A particular standout scene comes when Calamy insists that Bouchez (who also lounges by a pool in a swimsuit in the Directors' Fortnight opener 'Enzo') join her in a hot tub. 'Party' marks Cordier's fourth feature. It screens in the Directors' Fortnight 20 years after his feature debut, 'Cold Showers.' Best of Variety The Best Albums of the Decade
Express Tribune
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
SBBU to launch nursing, DPT courses
Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University (SBBU) in Lyari is set to expand its academic offerings by launching two professional degree programmes — BS Nursing and Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) — from the academic session of 2026 in a development being seen as an important shift from traditional to professional education at the varsity. According to VC Prof Dr Hussain Mehdi, the university's academic council has granted approval for both programmes. Preparations are currently under way, pending financial clearance from the relevant authorities, to start admissions in the upcoming session. While speaking to The Express Tribune, Prof Mehdi also said that admissions in other disciplines, especially International Relations, Media Sciences, and Sports Sciences, had been temporarily suspended following objections raised by the Sindh Higher Education Commission (HEC). The concerns centered on the lack of permanent faculty in these departments. "We have submitted a request to the chief minister for approval to appoint qualified faculty. Once granted, we will issue an advertisement and aim to resume admissions from the next academic session," he added. The vice chancellor confirmed that the university had not collected examination or affiliation fees from its affiliated colleges for the past 10 years. During this period, the university continued to bear the cost of conducting examinations, resulting in considerable financial strain. However, recent efforts by the current administration have led to the recovery of Rs3.5 million in dues over the last three months. These funds have been allocated towards much-needed campus development. Prof Mehdi outlined the improvements, which include upgraded lighting in classrooms and corridors, new paintwork, installation of false ceilings, and the construction of a new syndicate hall equipped with recording facilities. A designated faculty lounge named 'Lyari Jeans' has also been created, designed with a strong aesthetic focus. A new cafeteria is under construction for students, and renovations are ongoing at the university's gymnasium hall. Reflecting on the university's condition upon assuming office, Prof Mehdi described a dismal environment — broken windows, deteriorating ceilings, exposed electrical wiring, and classrooms without basic amenities such as fans. "It did not resemble a functioning university. Despite receiving no federal or provincial funding for these upgrades, we initiated and executed all renovation work independently to create a more conducive and respectable learning environment," he added.
Ya Biladi
18-05-2025
- Automotive
- Ya Biladi
Does the new ONDA directive threaten the survival of small Moroccan car rental agencies ?
DR The recent directive from the National Airports Office (ONDA), widely seen as harsh and selective, has drawn sharp criticism from the Federation of Car Rental Associations in Morocco (FALAM), which warns it poses a direct threat to the survival of small businesses in the sector. ONDA's New Framework Until now, many rental companies—especially local small businesses—operated under a flexible system that allowed them to deliver cars directly at airports upon customer request. These deliveries were organized through reservations and offered travelers a convenient, often more affordable alternative to major brands. The new regulation changes everything: without a physical commercial presence inside the airports and without a signed agreement with ONDA, no agency can deliver vehicles on-site. This stricter rule effectively shuts out the majority of market players. FALAM's Response: Disguised Discrimination? FALAM was quick to respond, with its president, Abdellah Achnan, publicly denouncing the measure as discriminatory. He argues that this decision systematically excludes small and medium-sized agencies, which cannot afford the costly airport locations or the additional expenses tied to partnerships with ONDA. In a letter to the Ministry of Transport, the federation has called for the cancellation or at least an urgent revision of the directive, emphasizing the need to protect a free and competitive market. Access Costs Are Out of Reach for Independents One of the biggest hurdles cited by professionals is the exorbitant rent for commercial spaces inside airports—figures as high as 3 million dirhams have been mentioned. For most local agencies, which operate on a leaner model often without physical offices, such costs are simply impossible to bear. For many, losing the ability to deliver cars at airports means sacrificing up to 50% of their revenue. Airports are key entry points for tourists and Moroccans living abroad (MRE), who frequently reserve vehicles even before arriving. Independent Renters Voice Their Frustration Many industry players are outraged by the regulation, calling it unfair. Mehdi, who runs a rental agency in Fez, explains: «We've always operated professionally. Our clients book through WhatsApp or our website, and we deliver their cars on time at the airport. Why should that be banned now?» Others accuse major international brands of lobbying to edge out local competitors and create near-monopolies within airport zones. The consequences extend beyond rental companies. With fewer agencies allowed to operate at airports, competition shrinks, potentially driving prices up and limiting the variety of available vehicles. Additionally, customers might have to rely on taxis or shuttles to reach off-site pick-up points, losing convenience and flexibility. FALAM Proposes a Digital Solution In response to the tightening market, FALAM suggests creating a national digital platform, authorized by the authorities, enabling all agencies—including those without airport locations—to arrange deliveries within a regulated, transparent, and fair system. This approach would maintain healthy competition while respecting the security and operational standards ONDA requires. What Are Customers Saying? On social media, many customers have voiced support for small agencies, praising their personalized service, availability, and flexibility compared to large brands. A regular customer at Marrakech airport shared: «I've always preferred booking with local agencies. Their prices are better, and the service feels more personal. Banning them takes away our choice». Time to Rethink Regulation? This debate raises bigger questions about how to regulate commercial activity within public infrastructure while remaining inclusive. How can quality service be ensured without unfairly favoring some businesses? Better dialogue between authorities, industry stakeholders, and consumer representatives might hold the key. Possible solutions include open tenders or shared delivery zones at terminal peripheries. ONDA's decision marks a turning point for Morocco's car rental sector. While it aims to bring more structure to airport operations, it risks undermining a network largely made up of small local businesses. It's now up to the authorities to reconsider this approach, taking market realities and consumer needs into account. The sector's future depends on integrating all players into a fairer, modern system that meets Morocco's tourism and mobility challenges.
