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“Only the rich has benefited from the growth”

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Mudda panelists discuss Gross Domestic Product of December quarter; wonder if country has recovered from demonetisation even as heat wave looms ahead

Growth in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was at 6.5% in the second quarter of this financial year which revised the full year’s growth upwards to 6.6% from its earlier estimate of 6.5%, according to official data released by the Central Statistical Office (CSO) on Wednesday. It reported a GDP growth of 7.2% in the December quarter (Q3) of 2017-18—the fastest in the entire financial year so far. With this estimate economy is projected to grow to $2.6 trillion at the end of March.

Just when India seems to be recovering from the disruptions caused by GST and demonetization the Meteorological Department issued a grave warning to the nation. It warned of heat wave like conditions in parts of India, which already had touched 38 degree Celsius on February 28. Most parts of Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha recorded the highest spike in temperature. The summers of 2018 will be hotter than normal with a minimum of 1 degree or more rise in maximum temperatures. It will affect agriculture the most.

Thursday’s edition of Mudda, APN’s daily current affairs show, discussed the issue. Moderated by Anurag Singh, the guests were economist JD Agarwal, political expert Ravindra Singh, climatologist Manu Singh, Congress spokesperson Onkar Nath Singh and APN consulting editor Govind Pant Raju.

JD Agarwal said: “India is recovering from the disruptions in its economy by GST demonetization. In the previous quarter growth rate was 6.6% which was estimated to be 5.5%. there has been growth in the agriculture, refinery, cement and electricity sectors. The standard of living has improved. There are indications that growth rate will increase over the years. but we have one big challenge in front of us— only the rich has benefitted from the growth; we have to make it accessible to the poor too. How we should increase the farmers’ income and solve the problem of unemployment in the country. Reports stated that last winter agriculture suffered some loss due to deficient rain and the weather. Since official body stated that there will be a heat wave we should look into solving the problem of deficient rainfall… Now agriculture is not dependent on climate only. Fertilizer, soil testing, technology has decreased the effects of the climate on agriculture… There is another problem in the country which is the increase in NPAs and bad loans. We should solve that too.”

Govind Pant Raju too said the growth rate proves that our economy is improving.

Manu Singh said every year global warming is becoming worse. “As this year summer temperatures will increase too much, it will have opposite effect on the monsoon. There will be drought in some areas and flood in others… Next war would be fought for water, not land. And it will start from Asia,” he said.

Ravindra Singh however said not to rejoice too much for the growth rate as the problems of unemployment, poverty, farmer’s poor conditions still exist. He said: “Only the conditions of the rich improved. The poor are still suffering from the effects of the GST and demonetization… The government should be blamed for this. They have not been able to fulfill its promises in four years.”

—Compiled by Usha Rani Das

India News

Abhishek Banerjee says will not bow to BJP after nearly 11 hours of ED questioning

After spending nearly 11 hours before the Enforcement Directorate, TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee said he would not bow to the BJP and accused the ruling party of using investigative agencies for political purposes.

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Abhishek Banerjee

Trinamool Congress leader and Diamond Harbour MP Abhishek Banerjee on Tuesday said he would not bow to the BJP after spending nearly 11 hours being questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with an ongoing investigation.

Speaking after the questioning, Banerjee alleged that central agencies were being used to target opposition leaders and asserted that he would continue his political fight despite what he described as sustained pressure.

The TMC leader has repeatedly maintained that investigations involving him are politically motivated, a charge he has made on several previous occasions while appearing before central agencies.

His appearance before the ED comes amid a period of heightened political activity and multiple investigations involving leaders in West Bengal. Recent days have also seen Banerjee face summons and questioning in separate matters by state investigative agencies.

After leaving the ED office, Banerjee reiterated that he would not be intimidated and said he remained committed to his political responsibilities. He also accused the BJP of attempting to weaken opposition parties through investigative action, an allegation that the BJP has rejected in the past.

The Enforcement Directorate has not publicly commented on Banerjee’s remarks. The investigation related to the questioning remains ongoing.

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India News

DMK attacks Rahul Gandhi, accuses him of weakening opposition unity

DMK has intensified its criticism of Rahul Gandhi, alleging that the Congress leader’s actions have weakened opposition unity and strained relations within the INDIA bloc.

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Rahul-Gandhi

The war of words between the DMK and Congress has intensified, with the DMK launching a strong attack on Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and accusing him of contributing to divisions within the opposition alliance. The criticism comes amid strained ties between the two parties following their political split in Tamil Nadu.

According to the DMK, Rahul Gandhi’s political approach has weakened unity among opposition parties. The party’s IT wing mocked the Congress leader on social media, while an editorial published in the DMK’s official mouthpiece Murasoli questioned his recent remarks on opposition solidarity.

DMK questions Rahul Gandhi’s remarks on opposition unity

In its editorial, Murasoli argued that Rahul Gandhi was speaking about opposition unity despite, according to the DMK, contributing to disagreements among alliance partners in several states. The publication cited criticism directed at Congress by various opposition parties and suggested that the party’s actions had often created tensions within the INDIA bloc.

The editorial also referred to past political disputes involving Congress and Left parties, particularly in Kerala, claiming such episodes had raised concerns among opposition allies about Congress’s approach toward its partners.

Tamil Nadu political fallout adds to tensions

The attack comes after a major political realignment in Tamil Nadu. Following the 2026 Assembly elections, Congress ended its alliance with the DMK and joined the government led by Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). The move left the DMK in the opposition and significantly altered the political equation between the two former allies.

The DMK has alleged that Congress benefited from the alliance during the election and later abandoned its partner. The party’s editorial questioned whether assurances from Congress leadership would be trusted by alliance partners after the developments in Tamil Nadu.

Congress rejects allegations

Congress has not issued a detailed official response to the editorial, but party sources have rejected the allegations. According to the party, its decisions in Tamil Nadu were made in line with the mandate delivered by voters and were not intended to undermine either the DMK or the broader opposition alliance.

The latest exchange highlights growing strains between two key opposition parties even as leaders continue to stress cooperation on national issues. Just days earlier, Rahul Gandhi had said that the DMK remained aligned with the opposition on defending the “idea of India” despite political differences.

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Entertainment

Kumkum Bhagya actor Sanchita Ugale dies by suicide near Mumbai at 22

Television actor Sanchita Ugale, known for Kumkum Bhagya and Wagle Ki Duniya, died by suicide at her residence near Mumbai. Police have launched an investigation.

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Sanchita Ugale

Television actor Sanchita Ugale, known for her appearances in Kumkum Bhagya, Wagle Ki Duniya and Dilwali Dulha Le Jayegi, died by suicide at her residence in Nalasopara East near Mumbai on June 14. She was 22.

According to police officials, the incident took place at her home in Achole village, Nalasopara East. Authorities said Ugale had locked herself inside her bedroom and was later found hanging from a ceiling fan. Family members and local residents rushed her to a hospital, where doctors declared her dead.

Police have registered an Accidental Death Report (ADR) and launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death. Officials said inquiries are underway and the exact reason behind the incident has not yet been established.

Career across television, OTT and films

Ugale had built a growing presence in the entertainment industry through television, streaming projects and films. Apart from Kumkum Bhagya and Wagle Ki Duniya, she played a lead role in Dilwali Dulha Le Jayegi. She also appeared in OTT projects such as Crime Aaj Kal and Silence 2.

The actor was also associated with the film Chhaava, which contributed to her growing recognition among audiences.

Last social media post draws attention

Following news of her death, social media users shared and commented on Ugale’s final Instagram post, which had been uploaded hours before the incident. The post showed the actor in traditional attire lip-syncing to a classic Bollywood song. Fans expressed shock and grief after learning of her death.

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