Latest news with #Samant
Otago Daily Times
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Otago Daily Times
Critic stripped of automatic right to return to India
Dr Sapna Samant. Photo: Supplied via RNZ An Indian New Zealander has been stripped of her automatic right to return to her home country, being told she has tried to "fuel disharmony" among the community. GP and filmmaker Dr Sapna Samant was warned in January her Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) status could be revoked, but she was allowed a written appeal. The decision has now been upheld by the Indian High Commission in Wellington. It has not replied to requests for comment. "It has been brought to the notice of the government of India that [Samant] has reportedly involved herself in activities that are inimicable to the sovereignty and integrity of India and the interests of the general public," the High Commission's letter said. It named her Twitter account, YouTube Channel, and a broadcast on radio station 95bFM. "Contents used by the foreigner on the said platforms can cause disharmony among various members and sections of the diaspora and Indian society. "She has been active in anti-India activities, and is often found carrying out anti-India propaganda. She has been issuing posts/tweets extensively, calling India an 'authoritarian country' and a 'majoritarian terrorist regime'. She has been trying to fuel disharmony among various members and sections of the Indian of the India community." The Commission's decision did not mention one of the more controversial grounds given in January for rescinding her OCI - her involvement with the Green Party, or specifically, her presence on its website. She stood as a candidate in the 2023 elections. It said her appeal was "bereft of plausible explanation" and had not clarified or submitted facts which denied her role in the activities it had named. First in New Zealand The Indian government has cancelled more than 100 OCI cards over the last decade, but hers is believed to be the first in New Zealand. The OCI is a status given to Indians who become New Zealand citizens, allowing them to keep certain birthrights - including travelling to India. Samant said the appeal's outcome was not unexpected but was still disappointing, as she had held onto a little hope of a change of heart. "It still makes me sad that we have to reach such a stage where India has fallen from being this vibrant democracy where arguing is a national trait," she said. "And all kinds of perspectives were perfectly valid, because we all knew that we all loved India, and we want this country to flourish. "India is an authoritarian regime country at this point. It's an electoral autocracy, so you have elections in the name of democracy, but your representatives are actually not about democracy." It meant she could not visit India unless the Government changed, and she worried about Indians at home and overseas being 'silenced' by the government's approach, she said. Supporters of Indian PM Narendra Modi deny the administration is a threat to an inclusive society. Samant said she had been hoping to take her foster son to India this year, and that she had received 'solidarity' from activist colleagues and friends. "Nothing lasts forever. And I have great faith that I will visit my ancestral temple one day, which is on the west coast of India in a little village. I'm not sad that I can't ever go or I won't ever go, but I am sad in the moment. But I also know that there's a bigger cause. I'm not trying to make myself into a martyr, but it's a collective force."
Time of India
22-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Min Samant assures infra push, steady power supply in city's industrial corridors
Pune: Maharashtra industries minister Uday Samant on Thursday said the govt is working on to resolve power supply issues, infrastructural challenges and security problems in industrial and technology hubs in the city. Samant, while talking during a meeting with industries representatives on Thursday, directed the power utility to immediately formulate a solution to rectify frequent power related issues during the monsoon. In an elaborated post on social media platform X, Samant directed the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) to initiate works of up to Rs1,000 crore in Chakan, Pimpri Chinchwad, Talegaon industrial areas and the IT park in Hinjewadi. The govt has issued work orders worth Rs450 crore to solve the power supply problem by the next year. The tender process for projects of up to Rs650 crore was under way, he wrote. For the Chakan industrial area, he said the work on roads from Nashik Phata to Khed junction and Talegaon-Chakan-Shikrapur would start in Feb on a build-operate-transfer (BOT) basis. The govt has also facilitated the allocation of eight acres of land for a 350-bed super speciality hospital for workers and restrooms for women workers. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo He directed the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) officials to conduct a survey to gauge availability of land for MSMEs as a separate cluster. "The plan is to accommodate 1,000 to 1,200 MSMEs at a single place as a cluster in each MIDC. Industries seeking land in such a cluster will have to follow the process, but they will be allotted the required land by MIDC. A decision will be taken after discussing the matter with the chief minister, deputy chief minister and the guardian minister," Samant said. For improving traffic flow and reduce accident, he said the police department would be issued three cranes in addition to premises for a new police station. He added that the govt will install 350 to 400 CCTV cameras in the Chakan industrial area for improved security, especially for workers returning from late shifts. Samant also issued survey orders for two to three new terminals in Chakan for robust logistics movement. The MIDC approved a road widening project worth Rs 762 crore in Hinjewadi. The work is expected to start in three to four months through the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA), Samant said.
CBC
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CBC
Joseph Shabason and Dawn Richard's ode to Sade, and 3 more songs you need to hear this week
Songs you need to hear is CBC Music's weekly list of hot new Canadian tracks. Scroll down to discover the songs our producers are loving right now. Broken Hearted Sade, Joseph Shabason and Dawn Richard There are covers, there are mash-ups and then there's Joseph Shabason and Dawn Richard's latest collaboration. On Broken Hearted Sade, the Toronto saxophonist and producer creates a new hybrid form of sorts by repurposing his track Broken Hearted Kota, off his 2019 Anne, EP, and bringing R&B artist Richard on to sing a mash-up of the Sade hits, No Ordinary Love, Is It a Crime and Cherish the Day. While each element comes from pre-existing releases, there's a laidback sense of improvisation throughout, and as Shabason explains in a statement, that's exactly how this collaboration started. While touring with Richard and Spencer Zahn last fall, Shabason would soundcheck with Broken Hearted Kota. "Almost immediately after the first soundcheck, Dawn would come in and start singing Sade songs over the chords," he said. "It worked so seamlessly that we made it part of the show every night." With Broken Hearted Sade, they've created the ultimate homage to one of music's most singular acts. — Melody Lau 6REASONSWHY, Samant Samant is back with another single from his upcoming debut album, and this time he enlisted the help of another one of my fave emerging Montrealers, Koko Love. 6ReasonsWhy was co-written by Koko Love, who also lends his voice to the song. The pair make an impressive songwriting duo: 6ReasonsWhy is infinitely catchy, tackling a tough subject with the brightest of vibes. As Samant's falsetto glides over bopping synths and drums, he paints the picture of an ill-fated relationship that he's not too sad to see come to an end: "You and I never felt that good." From avoidant behaviour, the fear of rejection and unreciprocated emotions, it seems the relationship was doomed from the start, but Samant and Koko Love made a banger out of the ashes. — Kelsey Adams Hypnotized, Kola "What happens when you combine bass, drums, keys, talkbox and falsetto vocals?" Montreal producer Kola asked on Instagram about his newest funk R&B jam, Hypnotized. The answer? A temperature-raising contender for song of the summer. Kola brings a sultry touch to the track, sliding over polished beats and Bootsy Collins-inspired instrumentals. "You got me hypnotized," he sings, sounding enamoured and eager to win over his love interest. His vocals, which sound a little Thundercat-like thanks to his use of his silky upper register, easily glide up before dipping into some gloriously distorted, talk-boxed ad libs. The song's groove is mesmerizing, and the break at the 3:08 mark really hits it home with its smooth bassline bumping along. Fans of Silk Sonic or the Free Nationals will likely consider the hip-swinging song to be a natural fit on their playlists. — Natalie Harmsen Borrow My Boots, Tami Neilson Tami Neilson returns this year with her first release of original music since 2022's chart-topping Kingmaker, and her most recent single is a country banger and empowerment anthem rolled into one. Featuring American country singers Shelly Fairchild and Ashley McBryde (whose friendship inspired the song), as well as rising guitarist Grace Bowers (who recently played for Dolly Parton and toured with Slash), Borrow My Boots shares its shine-theory message while riding a banjo line primed to fight for your song of the summer. "Hey hey sister, sometimes the only way through/ is to knock it down, break it loose, kick it in/ and borrow my boots," Neilson's powerhouse voice announces on the chorus. As a fun bonus, the video for Borrow My Boots features all four women onstage for Neilson's Grand Ole Opry debut. Neon Cowgirl, Neilson's 10th album, will be out July 11. — Holly Gordon
Time of India
18-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Vinayak Samant named Bihar head coach for next season
Former Mumbai wicketkeeper-turned-coach Vinayak Samant will be the head coach of Bihar for the upcoming domestic season. This news comes in light of 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi 's exploits in IPL 2025. Samant was Mumbai's head coach for two seasons, from 2018 to 2020. He was also the fielding coach at the Assam Cricket Association's cricket academy in the 2023-24 season. The former stumper, who played 101 first-class matches for Mumbai and Tripura before retiring in 2011, was known as a gutsy cricketer. Samant coached the Mumbai Under-23 team to the Col CK Nayudu Trophy title in the 2023-24 season and is currently the batting coach of Belgium, which is playing in the European League. "Yes, I've joined Bihar as their head coach. I'm looking forward to working with some exciting talent there and contributing to the development of Bihar cricket ," Samant told Mumbai Mirror from Brussels. Commenting on the chance to coach Suryavanshi, who smashed a sensational 35-ball century for Rajasthan Royals against Gujarat Titans in the IPL, Samant said, "He's a phenomenal talent, as we all saw in the IPL. He's too young at the moment, and I don't want to curb his natural game, but yes, I'll be looking to guide him in making minor adjustments in improving his red-ball match, so that he can perform well in the Ranji Trophy too," the 52-year-old said. Samant was appointed for the job by former Mumbai cricketer and selector Anand Yalvigi, who is currently the Director — Game Development & Operations of the Bihar Cricket Association . "When I was appointed as the director of the BCA, I wanted a coach who has worked at different levels. Vinayak has worked at the grassroots level and also with the state teams. He has himself come through the grassroots. Most importantly, he was the head coach of the Mumbai team, which is a big credential. He's somebody who played 101 first-class matches, so he has tremendous experience. Also, I've played with Vinayak since my childhood. So, I'm aware of his brilliant commitment and dedication levels. He will help Bihar to develop their cricket in the coming season," said Yalvigi. "The face of Bihar cricket is changing. We want to involve the best of coaches and selectors to hone the emerging talent of Bihar. As part of this process, we are getting new people on board for Bihar cricket," said Bihar Cricket Association President Rakesh Tiwary from Patna. Samant will be making his maiden trip to Patna in Bihar later this month, as the BCA plans to launch its inaugural T20 league next month. "I could never go to Bihar as a player, so this will be a new experience for me," he said.
Time of India
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Vinayak Samant is Bihar head coach for next season
Vinayak Samant MUMBAI: Former Mumbai wicketkeeper-turned coach Vinayak Samant will be the head coach of Bihar, in the news due to 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi 's exploits in IPL-2025 , for the upcoming domestic season. Samant was Mumbai's head coach for two seasons, from 2018 to 2020. He was also the fielding coach at the Assam Cricket Association's cricket academy in the 2023-24 season. The former stumper, who played 101 first-class matches for Mumbai and Tripura before retiring in 2011, was known as a gutsy cricketer. Samant had coached the Mumbai Under-23 team to the Col CK Nayudu Trophy title in the 2023-24 season, and is currently the batting coach of Belgium, which is playing in the European League. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! "Yes, I've joined Bihar as their head coach. I'm looking forward to working with some exciting talent there and contributing to the development of Bihar cricket ," Samant told TOI from Brussels. Commenting on the chance to coach Suryavanshi, who smashed a sensational 35-ball century for Rajasthan Royals against Gujarat Titans in the IPL, Samant said, "He's a phenomenal talent, as we all saw in the IPL. He's too young at the moment and I don't want to curb his natural game, but yes, I'll be looking to guide him in making minor adjustments in improving his red-ball match, so that he can perform well in the Ranji Trophy too," the 52-year-old said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Get Intel Laptops With Exclusive Student Perks Intel Laptops | Search Ads Learn More Undo Who's that IPL player? Samant was appointed for the job by former Mumbai cricketer and selector Anand Yalvigi , who is currently the Director — Game Development & Operations, of the Bihar Cricket Association . "When I was appointed as the director of the BCA, I wanted a coach who has worked at different levels-Vinayak has worked at the grassroots level and also with the state teams. He has himself come through the grassroots. Most importantly, he has been the head coach of the Mumbai team, which is a big credential. He's somebody who has played 101 first-class matches, so he had tremendous experience. Also, I've played with Vinayak since my childhood. So, I'm aware of his brilliant commitment and dedication levels. He will help Bihar to develop their cricket in the coming season," said Yalvigi. Bombay Sport Exchange Ep 5: Shane Watson on IPL, India-Australia rivalry | Part 1 'The face of Bihar cricket is changing. We want to involve the best of coaches and selectors to hone the emerging talent of Bihar. As part of this process, we are getting new people on board for Bihar cricket,' said Bihar Cricket Association president Rakesh Tiwary from Patna. Samant will be making his maiden trip to Patna in Bihar later this month, as the BCA plans to launch its inaugural T20 league next month. 'I could never go to Bihar as a player, so this will be a new experience for me' he said. Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
