The Free Press Journal - Mumbai - January 06, 2025

In this issue

January 06, 2025

A bathroom break turns into a grand escape

In a wedding that could rival any comedy show, a Khajni bride took a \"bathroom break\" during her wedding and never returned, leaving her groom high and dry.

2 mins

$1mn for decoding Indus Valley script

In one of the biggest prizes ever promised for a historical pursuit, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Sunday announced in Chennai one million dollar as prize for experts or organisations that succeed in \"deciphering the scripts of the Indus Valley Civilisation\", so that everyone could understand it.

1 min

Kejri was splurging during Covid: Modi

In a searing attack on Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has condemned the AAP government's blatant disregard for the public while splurging money on opulence during the COVID-19 crisis.

2 mins

Coldplay gets notice

The Gujarat District Child Protection Unit has issued a legal notice to Coldplay ahead of their highly anticipated concert at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on January 25 and 26, 2025.

1 min

Shinde MLA Launches Tirade Against Voters

Before elections, leaders who treat voters like kings, kneeling at their feet to implore for votes, often reveal their true nature once the elections are over.

1 min

'Poll results a slap on face of detractors'

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Sunday called the 2024 assembly poll results a slap on the face of his detractors, who he said had also criticised the Election Commission and the Supreme Court.

1 min

Will revitalise school infra, overall quality of education

School Education Minister Dadaji Bhuse on Sunday held a significant meeting with representatives from all 65 teaching and non-teaching associations in Maharashtra, marking his first major engagement with stakeholders since taking charge on December 30.

1 min

Crackdown on reckless drivers

RACING TO RUIN | Reckless driving can lead to imprisonment, fines and licence suspension; citizens reporting violators can help authorities take timely action

2 mins

Borivali jeweller duped of gold worth ₹1.6 crore

The LT Marg police have filed a case of fraud and embezzlement against two persons, including a jeweller from Hyderabad and a supplier, for duping a Borivali-based jeweller out of gold worth Rs1.60 crore.

1 min

Bank deposits must be fully insured

Q. I read with interest Mumbai Grahak Panchayat's (MGP) initiative (in FPJ on January 2) to protect bank depositors against digital frauds and provide full insurance coverage for bank deposits.

2 mins

Scholars Discuss Plans for Prophet's 1,500th Birth Anniv

Sunni scholars met at Islam Gymkhana to discuss celebrations of the 1500th birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad, which will be observed on September 5, 2025.

1 min

13 Illegal Bangladeshis Arrested

In a continued crackdown against illegal Bangladeshi immigrants in Mumbai and Maharashtra, the Ghatkopar police arrested 13 Bangladeshis from Achole village in Nalasopara.

1 min

Convict in death of cyclist freed by court

6-MONTH SENTENCE | Court quashes previous orders; cites insufficient evidence in 2018 case

2 mins

One dead in traffic pile-up on Sion-Panvel Highway

A dumper misjudged the speed of the vehicle ahead and crashed into it, setting off a series of collisions

1 min

NCB seizes 74k illicit capsules, 2.4L cigarettes

INT'L DRUG SYNDICATE -The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) launched a search operation at the Air Cargo Terminal, Mumbai Airport and seized 74,000 capsules (29.6kg) of illicitly diverted pharmaceutical drugs worth Rs75 lakh and 2,44,400 cigarettes linked with an international syndicate, which were destined for London, United Kingdom.

1 min

Woman who gives birth to Taimur can't be role model

Rithambara gives provocative speech at event

1 min

Anti-drug rally held in Shivaji Nagar

The 'Hazrat Khwaja Garib Nawaz Maharashtra Committee' organised an anti-drug rally on January 3 in the Shivaji Nagar area to create awareness and promote a drug-free community.

1 min

Petition in HC against SPPU's protest rules

A petition has been filed in the Bombay High Court against the Savitribai Phule Pune University's (SPPU) new rule, issued on Dec 30, that makes it mandatory for students to obtain prior permission at least eight days before staging protests or organising agitation.

1 min

App for APD seat booking

Pune is set to host the prestigious Army Day Parade (ADP) this year, a significant event showcasing the strength, tradition, and technological advancements of the Indian Armed Forces.

1 min

Firefighters gear up for advanced firefighting

FIRE-PREPAREDNESS | Pune Fire Brigade's expansion aims to tackle ongoing urban growth and challenges effectively

1 min

Committee finds flaws in Paithan water pipeline

Solutions sought; focus on alternatives

1 min

One dies after tractor slides into farm well

While levelling land in a farm for constructing a cow shelter, a tractor suddenly slid into a well at Eklahare village on Saturday evening.

1 min

Working on strategy to push growth of exports in goods, services: Piyush Goyal

The government is working on an export strategy to further accelerate the country's goods and services shipments, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has said.

1 min

Punjab & Sind Bank to Roll Out Instant Loan Scheme for MSMEs Based on GST Return

State-owned Punjab & Sind Bank plans to launch an instant loan scheme up to Rs 25 lakh for the MSME sector during this month as part of its initiative to push credit through its digital platform.

1 min

NTPC REL bags 1,000-MW solar power project

NTPC Renewable Energy (RE) Ltd has secured a 1,000-MW solar power project from Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Ltd (UPPCL).

1 min

FMCG Cos Expect Inflation to Hit Volume Growth, Operating Profit in Q3

Hit by inflation, higher input costs and pricing measures, fast-moving consumer goods companies are expected to see a contraction in their gross margin and a modest-to-flat operating profit in the October-December quarter.

1 min

Govt to Launch Another Round of PLI Scheme for Steel Sector Today

The government will launch another round of production-linked incentive scheme for the steel sector on Monday.

1 min

BPSC stir: PK seeks Rahul, Tejashwi support

Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor on Sunday sought the intervention of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and RJD leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav for ending the stalemate over retest of the 70th BPSC Combined (Preliminary) Competitive Examination across the state.

1 min

Mela to open new dimensions in research and sustainability

The upcoming Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj is set to establish new benchmarks in the field of research, with extensive studies being conducted on various aspects such as water quality, weather conditions, waste management and the religious, social, and economic impact of the event.

1 min

Waqf land used for Maha Kumbh: Islamic cleric

Islamic cleric and President of the All India Muslim Jamat, Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi fired a fresh salvo by claiming that the upcoming Prayagraj's Maha Kumbh event is being held on land owned by the Waqf Board.

1 min

Voters Will Ensure Exit Door Darshan For AAP: PM

Poll Pourri | While Modi Tore Into Aam Aadmi Party, Kejriwal Said The Projects Were A Collaboration Between The City And The Central Governments

2 mins

Akhilesh Rallies for 'PDA Sarkar' in 2027

Samajwadi Party (SP) president Akhilesh Yadav laid out his party's roadmap for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, aiming to form what he termed a \"PDA government\" (a coalition of backwards, Dalits, and minorities).

1 min

Lalu Offer to Team Up: Nitish Again Says No

Within 24 hours, Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar on Sunday once again asserted that he would stay with the NDA, contending that joining hands with RJD twice was a mistake even as RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav asserted that no offer was given to the JD(U) leader to rejoin INDIA bloc.

1 min

Patanjali Marks 30th Anniversary With Five New Initiatives

The 30th foundation day of the Patanjali institution was celebrated at Yog Bhavan Auditorium, located at Patanjali Wellness, Haridwar in the presence of Swami Ramdev Maharaj, the President of Patanjali Yogpeeth, and Acharya Balkrishna, the General Secretary.

1 min

Mauvin's 'Hindu' remark: Politics or identity crisis?

MY ROOTS INDICATE THAT I AM HINDU, SAYS MINISTER

1 min

All eyes on NGT as Loutolim farmers seek stay on Borim bridge project

Petition to come up for hearing on January 7

2 mins

Over 36% survey Nos out of Pvt forest classification

Over 36 percent of the survey numbers identified as private forest by the Thomas and Araujo Committees have been removed from the Private Forest areas by the State government appointed Review Committee after failing to meet the criteria set to determine it as private forest.

1 min

Five-Storied Building Demolished by HYDRA in Madhapur

Hydra Commissioner Ranganath said that GHMC officials issued show cause notices to all of them. The building owner did not pay attention even after the GHMC officials gave a show cause notice.

1 min

Revanth, Bhatti Extend Financial Assistance to Civil Services Aspirants

Financial assistance of Rs. 1 lakh for 20 students who cleared Civils interview

1 min

CM to inaugurate Aramghar to Zoo Park flyover today

The state government has allocated Rs 7032 crores for 38 more projects to further improve Hyderabad's infrastructure

1 min

Agri Minister Calls For Adoption Of Mechanization

Andhra Pradesh Agriculture Minister Atchannaidu said that mechanization is necessary in agriculture.

1 min

Yediyurappa Urges Congress Govt to Withdraw Bus Fare Hike

Veteran BJP leader and former Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa on Sunday condemned the Congress government's decision to hike the fare of state transport buses in Karnataka and urged it to withdraw the decision immediately.

1 min

BU Establishes IPR Cell to Foster Innovation, Research

Bangalore University has taken a step in promoting innovation and safeguarding academic research with the establishment of its Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Cell.

1 min

Dalai Lama arrives at Bylakuppe

Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama, arrived at Bylakuppe Tibetan settlement in Mysuru district on Sunday as part of his South India tour.

1 min

Committed to internal reservation for SCs: CM

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Sunday said his government was committed towards providing internal reservation among Scheduled Castes (SC).

1 min

Drunk Man Killed as Paver Block Thrown from Terrace Hits Him

A man, who was in an inebriated condition and was abusing the public after teasing an anganwadi worker in Sadar Bazar area, died when a youth dropped a heavy object on his head from the third floor of a building there, police said on Sunday.

1 min

11-year-old girl killed, two injured as e-bike explodes

A battery-operated electric scooter exploded in Ratlam's P and T Colony on Sunday, killing an 11-year-old girl.

1 min

Public reps' visit debunks 'container missing' rumour

UCC WASTE DISPOSAL | Delegation inspects toxic waste containers at incineration site in Pithampur, gives all clear

1 min

China's Border Game

China knows how to provoke its neighbours when they least expect it. Beijing's actions contradict the spirit of dialogue and diplomacy

2 mins

India must recalibrate 'look east' strategy amid Arakan resurgence

Arakan victories reshape Myanmar dynamics. India must carve out its sphere of influence in the Arakan region

3 mins

Bangladesh police seeks independent commission

ROOTING OUT CORRUPTION

1 min

IDF may extend Lebanon stay by 30 days

REASON FOR MOVE | Israel says it is weighing on whether to move out of southern Lebanon as the latter's army has failed to deploy in the area within the 60-day stipulated period in the ceasefire deal

2 mins

Ways to use apple cider vinegar for sinus infection

Apple cider vinegar for sinus infection

2 mins

Are bananas safe for diabetics?

Diabetic individuals need to be conscious about many high-sugar fruits and food items they consume as they may spike the glucose level in the body.

2 mins

Teetotaler tales unfold

Sonu Sood reveals Dabangg co-star Salman Khan attempted to make him drink alcohol

1 min

Different Strokes For Different Folks

Neeraj Senguttuvan tells us how Godrej Consumer Products aims to crack the Indian market through diverse offerings, multi-use products and a van distribution service.

3 mins

Cummins feels Kohli brings theatrics to game

Aus skipper says he would be sad if India star was touring for last time

1 min

Western SF Thrash Somaiya in YCF

Controlling 54% of the possession, Western SF showcased their attacking prowess with 15 shots, 13 of which were on target, leaving Somaiya's defense struggling

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.