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Economy
Wed, 19 Nov 2025
Ajit Pawar’s son Parth Pawar is notably absent from the official report concerning the highly scrutinized Rs 300-crore land deal in Pune, despite being a partner in the firm involved. A recent investigation committee headed by the Joint Inspector General of Registration probed the controversial purchase of a 40-acre plot in Pune’s upscale Mundhwa area by Amadea Enterprises LLP, a company in which Parth holds partnership.​ The land deal has been under intense examination due to significant irregularities. The plot, reportedly valued at around Rs 1,800 crore, was sold for just Rs 300 crore. Moreover, the land belongs to the government under the Mahar Watan category, traditionally linked to land rights of the Scheduled Caste Mahar community. What adds to the controversy is that the stamp duty for the transaction, which should have been approximately Rs 21 crore, was allegedly reduced to a mere Rs 500, causing a substantial financial loss to the state exchequer.​ The three-member inquiry committee’s report singled out three individuals: Digvijay Patil (Parth Pawar’s cousin and business partner), Sheetal Tejwani (the power of attorney holder for the sellers), and Ravindra Taru (the sub-registrar who registered the sale deed without proper government permissions). However, Parth Pawar was not named in the report because his name does not appear in the sale deed or related documents, according to official sources. This absence prevents legal indictment of Parth under the current investigation.​ The deal was eventually cancelled by the Maharashtra government after the land’s government ownership and the irregularities came to light. Ajit Pawar has stated that Parth was unaware that the land belonged to the government and emphasized that the transaction was never completed, with no possession transferred or money exchanged at the time.​​ This case highlights the challenges in government land transactions and the critical importance of due diligence in verifying ownership and legal permissions. The Maharashtra government has set up a high-level committee to further investigate the procedures and financial losses involved, aiming for comprehensive accountability and recovery of dues. This ongoing scrutiny adds a political dimension, with calls for transparency in land deals linked to influential figures.​ Parth Pawar’s firm was part of the controversial Rs 300-crore Pune land transaction, the official probe report explicitly excludes his name due to the absence of direct documentary evidence of his involvement. The focus remains on other accused parties, with the government determined to resolve procedural lapses and recover state losses. Disclaimer: This image is taken from NDTV.
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Opinions
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Tanishq Verma
World Legacy will sail from Singapore on December 18 with options for a day cruise or an overnight stay.

Have you ever wanted to go on a cruise without committing to an overnight stay? Next month, that option will become available. The new World Legacy cruise allows guests the flexibility to either spend a few hours on the ship or extend their stay to an overnight or a three-day two-night experience, according to World Cruises in a press release on November 18. Unlike most cruises that typically require a minimum one-night stay depending on the itinerary, this cruise offers more freedom for travelers.

Guests can board and disembark the ship via a ferry system, with departures from both the Singapore Cruise Centre and JB Puteri Harbour Cruise Centre at various times throughout the day. In addition to these daily ferry transfers, World Legacy will make weekly stops at Harbourfront Centre every Friday, allowing passengers to board directly from Singapore without needing a ferry. Preview voyages will begin on December 18, with embarkation via a dedicated ferry from the Singapore Cruise Centre at Harbourfront Centre.

According to Martin Blanar, vice president of the brand's hotel operations, World Legacy was designed for those seeking a quick getaway without the limitations of a traditional holiday. Guests can enjoy nightlife, dining, and entertainment at their own pace. Visitors can come aboard, relax, indulge, and even party through the night before disembarking whenever they choose. With the rising cost of a typical night out, this cruise offers a refreshing duty-free alternative where passengers can disconnect, recharge, and enjoy themselves.

During the day, the ship offers wellness activities such as spa services, while evenings are filled with entertainment, drinks, and live music. Clubhouse 88 serves as a sports bar featuring live screenings of international sporting events, themed nights, and a curated bar menu. Illusion Bar provides a theatrical speakeasy experience with immersive cocktails and entertainment, while Legacy Theatre hosts live performances by renowned singers from across Asia in an intimate livehouse setting. Other onboard activities include a kids arcade and private karaoke suites. By 2026, guests will also be able to enjoy panoramic views of the Straits from the Sunset Deck, which will host activities throughout the day including morning wellness sessions, golden hour music and drinks, and nightlong entertainment, while also serving as a space for private events.

Food lovers will find a variety of dining options onboard. The Legacy Buffet offers an international selection of cuisines, while Uncle Wu Cafe provides Asian-inspired casual meals around the clock. For a more refined experience, guests can dine at Orchid Pavilion, which serves traditional Chinese dishes.

The ship features approximately 300 cabins, ranging from small two-person rooms to larger family cabins that can accommodate three to four people, with VIP suites available for those seeking a luxurious stay. Cabin rates for a three-day two-night stay start at 128 USD for a Standard Two Single Interior room. Ferry tickets are priced at 58 USD online and 78 USD walk-in for adults, 38 USD online and 58 USD walk-in for senior citizens aged 60 and above, and 10 USD online and 20 USD walk-in for children aged 12 and below. Tickets include port and local taxes, non-halal meals on Deck 3, and a luggage allowance of one hand carry bag of seven kilograms and one check-in bag of 20 kilograms per guest. Ferry tickets also allow passengers to remain on board for up to 20 hours without a cabin, with extension fees applicable. To mark the launch, the cruise is offering a promotional package at 89 USD per person for a three-day two-night stay for two guests. This package includes ferry transfers, buffet breakfast, and full-day meals on Deck 3, giving passengers a chance to experience the cruise in style.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from World Cruises.

Lifestyle
Wed, 19 Nov 2025
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Siddhant Jaiswal
The Hyundai CEO stated that the US has issued an apology following an ICE raid at a battery factory.

Hyundai Motor Co. CEO José Muñoz said the South Korean automaker received an apology from the US government for an immigration raid that delayed construction at its battery plant in Georgia. Despite the setback, the company plans to continue expanding its operations in the US. The September raid, in which federal agents detained 475 workers—mostly Korean—at the Hyundai-LG Energy Solution facility, was an unexpected shock, Muñoz told the Bloomberg New Economy Forum in Singapore. However, he emphasized that the incident has not affected Hyundai’s long-term commitment to investing in the US. “Even with an incident like this, and apologies from the US president, it doesn’t change our plans,” he said. “We want to maintain our investments, believing that conditions will improve in the mid to long term.”

The raid highlighted potential risks to South Korea’s billions in clean energy investments in the US, including Hyundai’s $26 billion investment plan. Images of detained workers in restraints created a stir both within the industry and in diplomatic relations between Seoul and Washington. Muñoz recounted receiving a call from the Georgia governor, noting that misinformation had led to the raid. Authorities and companies have since worked to resolve visa issues exposed by the incident.

Hyundai expects construction delays of at least two to three months due to labor shortages, compounding challenges from US tariffs on Korean imports, which cost the company about 1.2 billion USD in Q3. The company has adjusted its 2025 profit expectations while increasing revenue forecasts as it continues investing in the US to mitigate the impact of tariffs. Muñoz stressed the importance of reshaping supply chains through local investment and operational improvements.

Beyond these issues, Muñoz highlighted Hyundai’s use of artificial intelligence and robotics to enhance productivity, noting the shift in employment requirements. The company is converting its Singapore facility into a “dark factory,” which is highly automated and can operate without lights. He stated, “We are a tech company in the automotive business. We aim to maximize human potential, not eliminate jobs, focusing more on engineering roles than traditional manufacturing.” Muñoz, the first foreign CEO of Hyundai, credited the company’s success to the fast-paced ‘hurry hurry’ mindset of Korean business culture, which allows Hyundai to adapt quickly to changes in the auto industry.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Bloomberg.

World
Wed, 19 Nov 2025
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Diya Pradhan
Owaisi rejected Nabi's video remarks, saying suicide and killing innocents are major sins in Islam.

AIMIM Chief and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi on Wednesday strongly condemned an “undated video” featuring Delhi Blast accused Dr. Umar Un Nabi, in which he justified suicide bombings as “martyrdom” and described the concept as “misunderstood.” In a post on X, Owaisi emphasized that suicide is haram in Islam and that killing innocent people is a grave sin. He stated, “Suicide is haram in Islam and the killing of innocents is a grave sin. Such acts are also against the law of the land. They are not ‘misunderstood’ in any way. This is terrorism and nothing else.”

Owaisi also questioned the accountability of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who had previously assured Parliament that no local Kashmiri had joined terror groups in the past six months. He asked, “During Operation Sindoor and Mahadev, Amit Shah had assured Parliament that no local Kashmiri had joined terror groups in the last six months. Where did this group come from, then? Who is accountable for the failure to detect this group?”

In the viral video, Umar Nabi defended suicide bombing as “martyrdom” and claimed it was “misunderstood.” The November 10 attack, carried out using a moving Hyundai i20 near the Red Fort, resulted in 15 deaths and over two dozen injuries. A special NIA court at Patiala House remanded Jasir Bilal Wani, also known as Danish, to 10 days’ NIA custody. Investigations revealed that Jasir allegedly provided technical support for the attack by modifying drones and attempting to make rockets. A resident of Qazigund, Anantnag, J&K, he worked closely with Umar Nabi in planning the terror strike.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.

Politics
Wed, 19 Nov 2025
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Kiran Devnath
Anmol Bishnoi arrived in Delhi and was taken to Patiala House Court by the NIA.

Anmol Bishnoi, one of India’s most wanted fugitives and younger brother of jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, arrived in Delhi on Wednesday after being deported from the United States. The NIA took him to Patiala House Court soon after his landing. He was deported on November 18, marking a major breakthrough for Indian agencies investigating him in several high-profile cases. ANI shared the first image of him in NIA custody, showing him being escorted by officials.

Anmol faces at least 18 criminal cases in India, including the conspiracy to murder former minister Baba Siddiqui, involvement in the killing of rapper Sidhu Moose Wala in May 2022, and the firing incident outside Salman Khan’s home. His cousin, Ramesh Bishnoi, appealed to the central government to ensure Anmol’s safety, claiming he is being targeted only because he is Lawrence Bishnoi’s younger brother. He added that their family respects the law and trusts the investigation process.

Originally from Punjab’s Fazilka district, Anmol fled India in 2021 using a forged passport. Investigators say he travelled through Nepal, Dubai, and Kenya before reaching the US, where he was last publicly seen in April 2023 in California. He was arrested earlier this year, which started his deportation process.

Zeeshan, son of Baba Siddiqui, said their family had registered as victims of crime in the US and received updates on the case. They were informed on November 18 that Anmol had been removed from US territory. Zeeshan urged Mumbai Police to question Anmol, calling him a threat to society and demanding answers about his father's killing and the Salman Khan firing case.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Hindustan Times.

News
Wed, 19 Nov 2025
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Residents in Balakliia, located in Ukraine’s Kharkiv region, are seen carrying and distributing humanitarian aid near apartment buildings that were severely damaged by Russian missile strikes. Local volunteers and community members have come together to provide essential supplies to affected families, offering immediate relief amid the ongoing conflict and destruction.

 Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.

World
Wed, 19 Nov 2025
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Podcasts
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Shaurya Iyer
Are Australian-made weapons likely to be used in the atrocities in Sudan?

Australia exports more weapons and ammunition to the United Arab Emirates than to any other nation. This week, Team Defence Australia occupies a prominent spot at a weapons exhibition in Dubai. However, human rights groups are urging the government to halt defence exports to the UAE amid reports that its arms are being supplied to a militia accused of mass killings in Sudan. Senior journalists Ben Doherty and Henry Belot discuss with Nour Haydar Australia’s expanding involvement in the global arms trade.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.

World
Wed, 19 Nov 2025
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Pranay Vardhan
Frances Wong, an anti-scam specialist, immediately took action when her mother...

Frances Wong, who led a global anti-scam team at an international bank, discovered that her own mother had fallen prey to a scam. Motivated by this, she left her position and founded White Byte, a company dedicated to educating vulnerable individuals and businesses about scam prevention. Frances discusses how she connects with the elderly, migrant workers, and other at-risk groups, the advice she gives to victims, and the guidance she would offer her younger self.

Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA.

News
Mon, 17 Nov 2025
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Anirudh Varma
In what way is your personal identity connected to online scams?

Authorities are alerting the public to a new scam that uses fake digital identity cards. Could our tendency to casually share NRIC or passport scans via messages or email be making it easier for scammers? Daniel Martin discusses this with Matthias Yeo, CEO of CyberXCenter, a company dedicated to strengthening cybersecurity in Singapore.
Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA.

Technology
Fri, 14 Nov 2025
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Aditya Rajan
Is Trump planning to start a war with Venezuela?

The US government released blurry footage showing a fishing boat moving through the Caribbean Sea before disappearing in a flash of light. Andrew Roth, the Guardian’s global affairs correspondent, tells Annie Kelly that this US airstrike near Venezuela’s coast was just the first in a series targeting what President Donald Trump calls “narco-terrorists.” With US aircraft carriers and 10,000 troops now being sent to the region, Roth explains what is known about US plans for Venezuela, the diplomatic breakdown that led to this situation, and which members of the Trump administration are pushing this aggressive policy. Tom Phillips, the Guardian’s Latin America correspondent, examines Trump’s claim that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro leads an organized crime syndicate. He details the corrupt system Maduro has built to shield himself, compares the current situation to previous US interventions in the region, and discusses how other Latin American countries are responding to the US threat.

Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from The Guardian

World
Thu, 13 Nov 2025