[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Searches in connection with Natarajan’s approval to divert 55.79 hectares of forest land in Jharkhand’s Singhbhum district in violation of the forest conservation law when she was minister
Former Union environment minister Jayanthi Natarajan – who had a bitter falling out with the Congress party in 2015 – was on Saturday raided by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection with a corruption case that raises serious questions over her decision to divert forest land in Jharkhand during her ministerial stint in UPA-II government.
The CBI has registered a case of corruption against Natarajan and raided her Chennai residence. The premier investigation agency has alleged that Natarajan, as Union environment minister in Dr Manmohan Singh’s UPA-II government, had abused her official position while giving clearances to Electosteel Casting Limited, a private company in Jharkhand, in violation of the existing mining laws, environment laws and directions of the Supreme Court.
“Jayanthi Natarajan accorded the approval for diversion of 55.79 hectares of forest land for non-forestry use to ECL, though the same had been rejected by the earlier minister of state (Jairam Ramesh)… without any change in the circumstances after rejection,” the CBI said in its FIR against the former Congress leader.
The central anti-corruption probe agency had registered five Preliminary Enquiries (PEs) in 2015 to probe alleged irregularities committed by Natarajan and others while giving clearances to several projects.
Soon after the irregularities had become public, Natarajan had sought to project her innocence by writing a damning letter to Congress president and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi alleging that all major decisions of her ministry were taken at the behest of party vice president Rahul Gandhi. Natarajan, who had been with the Congress for nearly 30 years and was once a close-aide of both Sonia and her husband, former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, had also alleged that while Rahul had first asked her to protect the environment, he had then gone public and criticised her for stalling crucial development projects in the name of conserving the environment so that he could woo Indian industrialists in the run up to the 2014 Lok Sabha polls.
Natarajan had then quit the party after making a public outburst against Rahul and it though it was rumoured that she might be joining the BJP, the saffron party – along with some other political parties – had begun taking digs at the minister and the Congress party for imposing a “Jayanthi tax” on industries that sought forest and environment clearances from the UPA government during her stint as environment minister.
Natarajan had later also called on BJP national president Amit Shah but the saffron party, it was indicated then, was not keen on absorbing her because it was felt that the allegations against her could become a problem for the BJP at a later stage and also because she didn’t bring any substantial political strength to the table.
CBI sources said that Natarajan may soon be summoned for interrogation in the case and that former director of Electosteel, Umang Kejriwal, had also been named in the FIR.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
The much-anticipated teaser for L2: Empuraan, the second chapter of the planned trilogy directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran, has been unveiled, offering a glimpse of a darker, more brutal narrative. Starring Malayalam cinema legend Mohanlal, the film continues the story of Stephen Nedumpally, also known as Khureshi Ab’raam, a character that mesmerized audiences in Lucifer.
The teaser debuted at a grand event attended by the film’s key players, including Mohanlal, Prithviraj, and Mammootty, who released the teaser in style. Clocking in at 143 seconds, the preview immediately sets a grim tone, beginning in Qaraqosh, a war-torn town in Iraq. The atmosphere is tense, underscored by the chilling phrase, “Death to the Evil.”
One of the standout moments in the teaser recalls PK Ramdas (Sachin Khedekar) advising Priyadarshini (Manju Warrier) in the first film: “If one day you feel everything is falling apart and I’m not around, the only person you can turn to is Stephen.” This sentiment reverberates through the teaser as it shifts to Stephen’s iconic black Ambassador car, now layered with dust—an ominous sign of his long absence.
The suspense builds as a voice declares, “He leads the most powerful mercenary group in Asia,” introducing audiences to Stephen’s transformation into a figure commanding immense influence and fear. The teaser’s climactic moments highlight Mohanlal’s commanding return as Khureshi Ab’raam, warning of the perils of dealing with the devil.
Star-Studded Cast and Stellar Crew
Joining Mohanlal in this cinematic spectacle are Manju Warrier, Indrajith Sukumaran, Tovino Thomas, and others reprising their roles from Lucifer. The film also features Saniya Iyappan, Saikumar, Baiju Santhosh, Fazil, and Sachin Khedekar in key roles.
The story, penned by Murali Gopy, is brought to life with the expertise of cinematographer Sujith Vaassudev, editor Akhilesh Mohan, and composer Deepak Dev, whose score amplifies the teaser’s intensity.
As the teaser hints at power struggles, deceit, and vengeance, L2: Empuraan sets the stage for an explosive continuation of this gripping saga, leaving fans eagerly awaiting its release.
The Maharashtra State Board of Technical Education (MSBTE) has officially announced the results for the Winter 2024 diploma exams. Students who appeared for these exams, held in December 2024, can now access their results on MSBTE’s official website, msbte.org.in.
To check the MSBTE Winter Exam Result 2025, candidates must have their enrollment or seat numbers ready. The results are accessible via a direct link available on the website.
Navigate to the “Examination” section and click on “Winter 2024 Exam Result.”
Enter your enrollment number or seat number in the required fields.
Click on the “Show Result” button to view your marksheet.
Download and save the PDF for future reference.
Details mentioned on the MSBTE Winter Diploma results:
The MSBTE Winter Diploma Marksheet 2025 includes the following information:
Student’s name
Register number
Course name
Marks obtained in each subject
Subject codes and names
Total marks
Maximum marks
Result status (Pass/Fail)
The announcement is crucial for diploma students across Maharashtra as it determines their academic progress and eligibility for future courses or career opportunities.
Students are advised to verify all details on their marksheets and contact the board in case of discrepancies. For further updates, visit the official MSBTE website.
The Waqf Amendment Bill is poised for a final vote on January 29 in the Joint Parliamentary Committee. The committee had been tasked with reviewing the bill by November 29, which was then extended to February 13, approved 14 changes to the draft. The 44 amendments proposed by the Opposition were rejected by its chairman BJP MP Jagadambika Pal.
The Opposition had accused the BJP of bias in several sittings of the committee leading to the suspension of several MPs, including Kalyan Banerjee of Trinamool Congress and Asaduddin Owaisi of the AIMIM, both vocal critics of the Bill.
The Opposition MPs had also written to Speaker Om Birla against Pal, saying he was rushing the Bill to gain political mileage ahead of the Delhi Assembly election due to be held on February 5.
Earlier, reports had said Banerjee had broken a glass during a verbal altercation while in deliberations with BJP MP and former Calcutta HC judge Abhijit Gangopadhyay.
The Bill aims to reform Waqf Board administration, mandating the inclusion of non-Muslim and women members. The Central Waqf Council’s composition would also change, incorporating a Union minister, MPs, ex-judges, and individuals of national repute, regardless of religious affiliation. Crucially, the Council’s land acquisition powers would be removed. A controversial clause restricts donations to Muslims practicing their faith for at least five years, prompting concerns about religious freedom.
While proponents claim the bill empowers Muslim women and children, critics, including the Congress and the DMK, allege it infringes upon Articles 15 and 30 of the Constitution, which guarantee freedom of religion and the right of minorities to administer educational institutions. The final report is expected by January 31.
APN News is today the most watched and the most credible and respected news channel in India. APN has been at the forefront of every single news revolution. The channel is being recognized for its in-depth, analytical reportage and hard hitting discussions on burning issues; without any bias or vested interests.