The Free Press Journal - Mumbai - December 18, 2024

In this issue

December 18, 2024

'We empower, they undermine'

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday concluded the debate on Constitution in the Rajya Sabha by launching a scathing attack on the Congress for amending it off and on to \"curtail the freedom of expression\".

1 min

Cops pull over 'swaying' bus, nab drunk driver

On board the hired vehicle were 40 primary schoolkids & a teacher going on a field trip

2 mins

250-yr-old Shiva temple found in Varanasi's Muslim pocket

In a striking discovery reminiscent of the unearthing of a Shiva temple in Sambhal, a 250-year-old Shiva temple has been found in the Muslim-majority Madanpura area of Varanasi.

2 mins

Add MLCs as respondents to plea, says HC

GOVERNOR'S QUOTA APPOINTMENTS

1 min

Oppn leaders to visit Parbhani and Beed over police atrocities

Opposition members staged protests and raised slogans against the government on issues such as alleged police atrocities in Beed and Parbhani, on the second day of the Winter Session of the assembly on Tuesday, and announced plans to visit the two cities.

1 min

State green-lights rally to mark Tipu Sultan's anniv

The Bombay High Court was informed on Tuesday that the government has granted permission to hold a procession on December 24 in Pune's Baramati area to commemorate Constitution Day and also to celebrate the birth anniversaries of Bharat Ratna Maulana Azad and Tipu Sultan.

1 min

WhatsApp chat key evidence in TDS case

A special PMLA court has rejected the bail application of Purushottam Chavan, the husband of a Maharashtra-cadre IPS officer, in the alleged Rs263.95 crore Income Tax TDS refund fraud case, observing that there is enough material against him.

1 min

Court refuses interim bail to Rona Wilson

The special NIA court last week refused to grant interim bail to activist Rona Wilson, an accused in the Elgar-Parishad case, who sought to attend his niece's wedding.

1 min

Naked man enters local train; FIR filed

A shocking incident aboard the CSMT-Kalyan fast AC local train on Monday left women commuters in panic after a nude man was spotted in the women's compartment.

1 min

HC: Med bail to ease terminally ill prisoners' suffering

The Bombay High Court has expressed concern over terminally ill prisoners languishing in jails and urged the state government to implement a 2010 advisory by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs for granting medical bail or house arrest to such inmates.

1 min

3 IIT-B teams win top prize

IIT Bombay teams dominated the Smart India Hackathon (SIH) 2024, winning top honours in their categories.

1 min

Asia's biggest fest, Mood Indigo back

Over 50 competitions spanning dance, music, literature, and art will be held

1 min

NGO urges BMC to take over reserved plot

March, an NGO addressing Mumbai's infrastructural gaps, has written to the BMC commissioner demanding the immediate handover of the reserved plot within Growel's 101 Mall in Kandivali (E).

1 min

With fake porn charge, frauds extract ₹11L

A 55-year-old woman lost Rs11 lakh after the scammers trapped her in the digital arrest scam by falsely accusing her of circulating porn.

1 min

HC seeks MPCB reply on 'harmful' Thane RMC plant

Residents, green activists demand to relocate plant away from township

2 mins

Singing legends to be honoured with Urdu award

Urdu Markaz, a Mumbai-based organisation promoting the language, will honour singers Asha Bhosale, Sudha Malhotra and Suman Kalyanpur, for their \"contribution in popularising Urdu/Hindustani\".

1 min

EMPOWER WOMEN FOR A NEW INDIA

Padma Vibhushan Raghunath Mashelkar was the chief guest at the EmpowHER Foundation's inaugural function of the 'Hirkani' scheme

2 mins

Sawai Gandharv Bhimsen Mahotsav starts

Pune's iconic Sawai Gandharv Bhimsen Mahotsav, a revered music festival, starts today, Dec 18, and will continue until Dec 22 at the Maharashtriya Mandal Krida Sankul in Mukundnagar.

1 min

Tree falling spikes in 4 years

Activists link urban planning flaws to tree hazards

1 min

Workshop on meteorology in agriculture

A unique workshop focusing on the application of meteorology in agriculture will be organised on Dec 21 at Shrimane Hall, Agricultural College, Shivajinagar.

1 min

Keep ego at bay: RSS chief Bhagwat

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat has said one should keep ego at bay or else he or she may fall into a hole.

1 min

Five firms seek govt nod to set up e-comm export hubs

Shiprocket and Cargo Service Centre (CSC) have already been selected by the government on a pilot basis to set up these hubs in the country

1 min

India doubles RE capacity to 15GW in Apr-Nov: Min

Says India to become world's RE capital

1 min

Only 6.68% of population filed income tax returns in FY24

Only 6.68 per cent of India's population filed income tax returns in 2023-24 fiscal, Parliament was informed on Tuesday.

1 min

CBDT launches campaign to intimate taxpayers on mismatch in ITR filed and AIS

The income tax department on Tuesday said it is sending SMS and emails to taxpayers and non-filers where it has identified a mismatch between transactions reported in Annual Information Statement (AIS) and income disclosed in ITRs for the financial years 2023-24 and 2021-22.

1 min

Gilts fall on rise in US yields; traders await FOMC outcome

On Wednesday, prices of government bonds and overnight indexed swap rates may take their opening cues from overnight movement in US Treasury yields.

1 min

BN Group to invest $1 bn in Africa to expand edible oil biz

Edible oil manufacturer BN Group announced on Tuesday a USD 1 billion (approx Rs 8000 crore) investment to expand its operations across Africa, targeting emerging markets with a phased deployment over the next five years.

1 min

Maruti Suzuki India achieves 2 mn units in a calendar year for 1st time

Maruti Suzuki India on Tuesday announced a production milestone of 2 million vehicles in a calendar year for the first time in its history.

1 min

Taiwanese laptop maker MSI begins India mfg with Chennai facility

Taiwanese laptop maker MSI on Tuesday announced the commencement of its manufacturing operations in India with its first facility in Chennai.

1 min

WR's Mumbai Central Division organises 'Pension Adalat'

Mumbai Central Division of Western Railway successfully organised the Second Pension Adalat of the year on 16th December 2024.

1 min

Wayanad horror: Two held

The Kerala police Tuesday arrested two of four accused in connection with the Wayanad horror in which a 49-year-old tribal man was dragged by a car in Mananthavady.

1 min

BAGHI? OF JHOLAS, BAGS, JIBES & JABS

Priyanka doubles down with 'Bangladesh', tote after 'Palestine' controversy, Parliament has a field day

2 mins

DOVAL LANDS IN BEIJING

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval arrived here on Tuesday to take part in the India-China Special Representatives' talks to be held on Wednesday aimed at restoring the bilateral ties stalled for over four years due to the military standoff in eastern Ladakh.

1 min

Moving ahead with shared goals

At the invitation of the Royal Government of Bhutan, Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, who is undertaking a four-day official visit to the kingdom, met Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck today and discussed strengthening the historical ties between Assam and Bhutan and advancing collaborative efforts between the two regions.

1 min

Panic over 'blast' in Amritsar

Panic gripped the Islamabad area of Punjab's Amritsar city after a \"blast\" took place at the Islamabad police station in the wee hours of Tuesday.

1 min

Constitutional rights suspended in Manipur yet no BJP MP raised issue

Opposition members from TMC and CPI(M) on Tuesday alleged that constitutional rights in Manipur had been suspended and slammed the BJP MPs for not raising the issue during the debate on the Constitution.

1 min

Cong played water politics: PM Modi

Laying the foundation of the crucial and much-awaited river-linking Parvati Kalsindh-Chambal-ERCP project here on Tuesday on the first anniversary of the Bhajan Lal Sharma government, Prime Minister Narendra Modi levelled allegations against Congress for delaying and creating water disputes between adjoining states.

1 min

Gauhati HC bans buffalo, bird fights

The Gauhati High Court has banned buffalo and bulbul fights in Assam.

1 min

Cocaine worth ₹14.2cr seized

Kenyan woman coming from Ethiopia was held for smuggling

1 min

Goa eyes higher central tax share to fuel development

TO MAKE CASE FOR INCREASING SHARE TO 50% FINANCE COMMISSION TO VISIT NEXT MONTH

2 mins

LS debates reservation bill for Goa's ST community

LIKELY TO BE TABLED IN THE RAJYA SABHA TODAY

2 mins

Daybreak break-in bid at Margao chemist shop sparks outrage

A daring but abortive attempt by a thief to break into a chemist's shop on the main road, just metres away from the Margao flyover, has sparked outrage among Margao residents.

1 min

State takes digital route to manage waste

DIGITAL PLATFORM: FROM TRASH TO TECH

2 mins

SCR safety awards to 13 members, employee of month.

Arun Kumar Jain, General Manager, South Central Railway (SCR) presented \"Employee of the Month\" safety awards for the months of October and November to 13 employees during a safety review meeting held on Monday at Rail Nilayam, Secunderabad.

1 min

President Murmu urges doctors to serve rural areas

Degree conferred to AIIMS Mangalagiri's first batch of 49 graduates

2 mins

Bengaluru police to challenge bail granted to Darshan, others

Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayananda on Tuesday said that efforts are on to file an appeal in the Supreme Court, against the bail granted to Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa and other accused in the Renukaswamy murder case.

1 min

Gukesh's World C'ship exploits could prove a boon for chess fans

Following the incredible victory of D Gukesh, who won the Chess World Championship crown against Ding Liren, the enthusiasm to play chess, both in Bengaluru and across the state has seen a meteoric rise with the interest skyrocketing amongst parents and children.

1 min

Gender violence laws and suicides: The need for balanced reform

The tragic suicides of Atul Subhash and police constable Tippanna Alagur in Karnataka have reignited contentious debates surrounding the alleged misuse of gender violence laws, particularly IPC 498A and the Dowry Prohibition Act.

1 min

Deaths at Ballari hospital spark health reforms

Recent maternal deaths at the Ballari District Hospital have raised concerns, prompting swift action by Karnataka's Health and Family Welfare Department.

1 min

COMEDK UGET '25 exam on May 10

The Consortium of Medical, Engineering, and Dental Colleges of Karnataka (COMEDK) has officially announced the exam date for the Undergraduate Entrance Test (UGET) 2025.

1 min

Gowda to Parl:Think over caste-based quota

Former prime minister and JD(S) leader H D Deve Gowda on Tuesday called upon Parliament to contemplate whether reservation should continue to be given on the basis of caste or it should be changed to economic criteria.

1 min

Bengaluru cops bust drug racket, seize banned MDMA crystals worth Rs 24 cr; foreigner held

A foreign national was arrested for allegedly running a drug racket and 12 kg banned MDMA crystals worth an estimated Rs 24 crore were seized from her possession here, police said on Tuesday.

1 min

Tigress rescued for safety

A tigress roaming the residential areas of Municipal Corporation Chirmiri in Koriya Forest Division for the past week has been safely rescued after being tranquilized.

1 min

'Smritiyaan' opens

As part of the Silver Jubilee celebrations of the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly, an exhibition titled \"Memories\" was inaugurated on Tuesday in the Assembly premises.

1 min

Orbital atherectomy procedure saves two heart patients

In a significant medical breakthrough, the Advanced Cardiac Institute (ACI) at Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Memorial Hospital, affiliated with Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Medical College, Raipur, has successfully performed the orbital atherectomy procedure to treat two heart patients with severe arterial calcification.

2 mins

Heart disease cases rise by 14% in 2024

Gujarat is witnessing a significant rise in heart-related diseases, with 14,701 cases recorded in just October and November this year.

1 min

PMJAY card scam unearthed

Khyati Hospital among those involved; fake health cards issued without eligibility checks, six detained as nationwide fraud comes to light

1 min

NOW, SPITTING, CUTTING TREES TO ATTRACT PENALTY

MP JAN VISHWAS VIDEYAK, 2024

1 min

Indore trails in making Ayushman card for elderly

Despite being a frontrunner in many areas, Indore district is struggling to issue Ayushman cards for senior citizens under the Ayushman Bharat Vaya Vandana Yojana.

1 min

Parents remarried; 12-yr-old girl seeks maintenance from father

Man wanted son; divorced his wife when she gave birth to a girl Minor is living with her 71-yr-old Nani, who has no source of income

1 min

Day temp rises over 30°C after a month

The gradual rise in temperature provided relief to citizens from cold as the day temperature rose over 30 degrees Celsius, after one month, on Tuesday.

1 min

Justin Trudeau's Troubles

At home, Trudeau's problems are piling up. More MPs are openly calling for him to step down, and polls show that fewer than one in four Canadians think he deserves another term

1 min

Mandate barely meets deadline

Key among the commitments is the pledge to raise the monthly payout for women from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,100. This is a lifeline for thousands of women struggling in poverty, and any delay will rightly evoke their ire

1 min

Oz state proposes ban on protests at places of worship

The government of Victoria, an Australian state, on Tuesday proposed new restrictions on protesters in response to rising anti-semitism, including a ban on demonstrations outside places of worship.

1 min

Can't toss Trump's hush money case conviction: Judge

A judge Monday refused to throw out President-elect Donald Trump's hush money conviction because of the US Supreme Court's recent ruling on presidential immunity.

1 min

Rebel factions to be disbanded: Syrian leader

Islamist group's Jolani calls for lifting of sanctions by West

1 min

Mathews' whirlwind knock of 85 powers WI home

Hayley Matthews' scintillating knock of 85 powered the West Indies to a nine-wicket victory against India as they levelled the three-match women's T20I series 1-1 at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Tuesday.

1 min

GRITTY INDIA PUT UP A FIGHT

Rahul, Jadeja and brave tailenders help visitors avoid follow-on

2 mins

Chotrani eyeing spot at LA28

The Indian squash star is elated with the sport's inclusion at the Olympics

2 mins

Final match evenly poised: MES coach

Subramanian feels they can repeat Giles Shield feat, while Anjuman Allana coach Kadir eyes history

1 min

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The Free Press Journal - Mumbai Newspaper Description:

The Free Press Journal is one of the oldest English Daily newspapers from Mumbai with a heritage of more than 90 years. And yet, The Free Press Journal is a contemporary paper and rooted in current urban realities.

In keeping with the international trend, it has reinvented itself in terms of design, get up and content. It means different thing to different people – a platform for the articulate, a trendsetter for the young and a chronicle for the old.

It was at the forefront of freedom struggle against the British and continues with the free and fearless journalism till date. Indeed, the history of The Free Press Journalism mirrors that of Indian independence.

Swaminath Sadanand, a 30-year-old idealist from Madras trudged his way to Bombay and with a vision that was to prove uncomfortably ahead of his day, brought out a newspaper as unorthodox in character as it was innovative in concept. For Swaminath Sadanand, the Free Press Journal was not so much a business venture as a cause.

The spirit with which he launched the paper and ran it for almost three decades helped it make it an integral part of two great Indian movements — the struggle for independence and the evolution of Indian publishing.