National News
P. Chidambaram poses 20 tough questions on Rs 6 lakh Cr NMP
Senior Congress leader and former Union Finance Minister P. Chidambaram on Friday posed 20 questions on the Centre’s proposed National Monetization Pipeline (NMP) intended to ‘monetise’ certain assets and earn Rs 6,00,000 crore revenue over the next four years.
Stating that the government should answer the questions, he demanded to know the NMP objectives and whether it was solely intended to raise the revenues over the next four years.
Referring to the criteria adopted upfront to identify the PSUs that would be disinvested or privatised during the previous UPA government, Chidambaram queried whether the same is the case with the current NDA regime.
Pointing out that for infra projects like roads/highways, a PPP policy already exists, he asked what is the difference, if any, between this (PPP) model and the one that would be adopted by the Centre under the NMP, while addressing the media in the country’s commercial capital.
Moreover, if an asset is ‘monetised’ for 30-50 years, what is the value of the piece of paper that declares the government to be the ‘owner’ of that asset, what kind of asset will be returned to the government at the end of the period or would it be a “fully depreciated asset” worth practically nothing.
“Since the NMP is silent on the subject, will the government stipulate in the contract that the amount of depreciation should be put in a Depreciation Reserve Account which was used only to maintain, upgrade or add to the asset so that at the end of the lease period a valuable asset is returned to the government,” Chidambaram asked.
He also sought answers on whether there will be provision in the contract to prevent asset-stripping by the lessee, the terms included in the Invitation to Bid (ITB) to ensure that the ‘monetisation’ process does not create monopolies or duopolies in that sector, especially to prevent such (monopolies/duopolies) emerging in the ports, airports, telecom and power sectors.
The finance expert queried whether the lessee will manage the current levels of employment and the policy of reservations, or other policies, subject to sectoral regulators, etc., in the ‘monetised’ asset.
Harking to the UPA which identified the Railways as a ‘strategic sector’, he asked what are the other sectors the Centre has identified as ‘core’ or ‘strategic’ that would be kept out of the NMP purview.
“Has the government examined the impact of implementation of the NMP on the prices of goods and services in the sector/industry concerned? What will the government or the regulator do in case prices are increased by the lessee of the ‘monetized’ asset,” Chidambaram demanded.
Referring to the government’s revelation of the expected revenue of Rs 6,00,000 crore in four years, he asked whether the government would shed light on the total capital investment in the identified assets that are expected to yield the aforesaid revenue.
“The identified assets must be currently yielding a certain revenue every year. Has the government calculated the difference between the current revenue (undisclosed) and the expected revenue (of Rs 6,00,000 crore) over a period of four years? If so, what is the difference between the two amounts each year during the four year period,” Chidambaram asked.
On the government’s announcement that the NMP would be co-terminus with the National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP) that is expected to require Rs 100 lakh crore, the ex-FM sought to know how the Rs 6,00,000 crore over a four year period be sufficient to finance a Rs 100 lakh crore NIP.
Furthermore, he sought an assurance from the Centre that the expected sum of Rs 6,00,000 crore “would not be merged with general revenues or used for general expenditure”.
Chidambaram further posed if the Rs 6,00,000 crore, when released, would not be diverted to partly-finance the fiscal deficit (Rs 5,50,000-crore in 2021-2022) or retiring old debts.
The Congress leader asked if the government floated a consultation paper on NMP, consulted various stakeholders including the workers or trade unions and demanded to know the outcome/minutes of these consultations.
He also asked whether the NMP was discussed in Parliament, and if not, whether the Centre plans to consult the Opposition Parties or debate in parliament.
Chidambaram said that the US is contemplating measures to contain monopolization and unfair trade practices of giants like Google, Amazon and Facebook, China has announced plans to rein in its giant tech firms and South Korea contained the influence of its huge family-controlled business conglomerates.
“Does the government intend to introduce similar measures while implementing the NMP,” Chidambaram asked, saying the Centre “is obliged to answer these questions”, and the media must demand replies from the government.
Crime
Module busted by Delhi Police reveals Dawood still operating from Clifton Road, Karachi

New Delhi, June 2: The Special Cell of the Delhi Police busted a major terror module being run by the Dawood Ibrahim syndicate. The terror module was planning on carrying out attacks in Delhi and Mumbai, said the police following the arrests of the eight people. During the questioning of the accused, one interesting point that came up is that Clifton Road in Karachi continues to remain a safe house of notorious underworld don, Dawood Ibrahim.
The accused told the police that they mainly interacted with a key aide of Dawood Ibrahim Muddasar Hussain Sayyed, alias Munna Jhingada.
An official said that the very fact that the operation was being handled from Clifton Road area makes it clear that Dawood Ibrahim is residing out there.
This is his most well-known address and the ISI keeps him there are it is his safest bet.
Dawood has many other addresses in Pakistan, but for major operations, he operates from Karachi as this is the safest place for him to be in Pakistan.
The official said that Dawood has five addresses, all in Karachi. While the main one is at Clifton, near the Saudi Mosque in Karachi, the others are the Defence Housing Authority, the Noorbad area and the 617 CP Berar Society. In fact he has two addresses in Clifton itself, the official explained.
Another official said the probe into the busting of the recent module reveals that all Dawood’s close aides reside around him. The drug operations or terror modules being set up are all monitored from the Clifton area, near the Saudi Mosque in Karachi, the official further explained.
Post ‘Operation Sindoor’, there were reports about Dawood Ibrahim being shifted out. An Intelligence Bureau official said that he was moved around the five addresses briefly to avoid being hit by the Indian armed forces.
However, once the heat was down, he was back at his Clifton address, the official added.
Officials also say that the location is strategic and also safe. It is the ISI’s regional directorate in Karachi which oversees his protection.
Although the ISI’s national headquarter is based in Islamabad, Karachi houses a massive ISI Regional Directorate (Field Office).
The probe by the Delhi Police also revealed that several ISI officials were part of the planning. They would regularly meet with Jhingada and give him instructions on how to go about the attacks in India.
Investigators have found that the primary targets of the module were Delhi and Mumbai. They were planning on carrying out attacks in other cities depending on the success of the first wave of attacks, investigations have found.
Jhingada established the command centre near Dawood’s residence. This centre was being fully monitored by the ISI officials. They not only ensured that operations ran smoothly, but also heavily guarded the premises, an official said.
The accused persons said that Jhingada along with his associates monitored every aspect, right from recruitment to procurement of arms.
The Dawood Syndicate had earmarked Rs 20 lakh for the module after the successful completion of the project.
Officials say that they were not being treated as run of the mill terror operatives. This was more of a hit job that the ISI wanted to undertake and this explains why the agency wanted the underworld to be involved.
The probe further revealed that the ISI even ensured that the weapons reach India safely.
Jhingada, with the help of the ISI operatives, managed to drop off hand grenades in Gurdaspur Punjab.
The Delhi Police had seized a large cache of weapons and hand grenades during their operation. The idea was to hurl grenades at important locations, the probe found.
Such an operation is not only easy to execute, but it is also cost effective, an official said.
The accused persons had even asked about their exit plan once the attacks were executed. Jhingada assured them a safe passage into Nepal, following which they would be flown to Dubai.
National News
Not just a leader, MP Dr. Shrikant Shinde became an example of humanity, assured workers, “I will empower every worker”

In politics, leaders are often identified by their speeches and rallies, but sometimes there are times when the human face of a leader touches the hearts of people. Shiv Sena MP Dr. Shrikant Shinde has set such an example. Rasool Ghafoor Syed, who lost his son ten days ago, went to meet MP Dr. Shrikant Shinde in Kejriwal to share his grief. There, he suffered a sudden heart attack. He was immediately taken to the hospital but died during treatment. Two major tragedies have befallen a single family in a few days. As soon as the news of the incident was received, MP Dr. Shrikant Shinde went straight to the family home. He not only offered his condolences but also sat with the family and shared their grief. During this, Dr. Shinde provided financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh and assured the responsibility of the children’s education. This incident once again proved that Dr. Shrikant Shinde is not just a politician but also a sensitive human being who understands the pain and suffering of the common people. The way he supported his family in difficult times and showed humanity is being talked about in the entire region. Minister Bharat Sheth Gogawale, MP Sandipan Bhumare, former MLA Sangeeta Thombare and Yuva Sena Inspector Bajirao Chavan were also present with Shrikant Shinde during the event.
Shiv Sena Parliamentary Party leader and MP Dr. Shrikant Shinde, who is on a visit to Maharashtra, said that Marathwada has always been the stronghold of Shiv Sena, and the party will work to empower every worker there. As part of his “Shiv Samavad” tour, he interacted with workers and office bearers in Bed district to review the preparations for the upcoming elections. At a meeting held in Kej, MP Dr. Shinde said that it is necessary to strengthen the organisation at the booth level in view of the Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections. He urged the workers to go to the villages and strengthen the party. He said that the party leadership is also focusing on the common workers and those who work hard will get organizational responsibilities. He said that appointments for Taluka Heads, Deputy Taluka Heads, Branch Heads and Deputy Branch Heads in Parli and Kej assembly constituencies will be made soon. Minister Bharat Sheth Gogawale highlighted the important role of BLA in the voter list revision campaign and stressed the need to collect accurate voter information at every booth. He urged the workers to work diligently for the organization. Meanwhile, MP Dr. Shinde addressed three separate meetings from Kej, Parli, Beed, Majalgaon, Ashti, and Giurai assembly constituencies of Beed district. A large number of Shiv Sena members were present in the meetings.
During his tour of the “Shiv Samavad”, Dr. Shrikant Shinde visited 23 assembly constituencies of Marathwada in the last three days, directly interacted with party workers, and conveyed the message of strengthening the organization.
National News
US President Donald Trump’s Daughter Tiffany Visits India’s Iconic Taj Mahal With Husband During Private Trip

India’s most iconic monument just welcomed another high-profile visitor. Tiffany Trump, daughter of US President Donald Trump, made a stop at the world-famous Taj Mahal on May 30 during her private trip to India, accompanied by her husband, Michael Boulos.
The couple reportedly arrived in Agra on Saturday and spent time exploring the historic marble mausoleum before continuing their travels to Rajasthan. Videos from the visit, shared by press, showed Tiffany embracing the Indian summer in a breezy floral dress, while Michael opted for a relaxed casual look as they admired one of the world’s most celebrated architectural wonders.
Inside Tiffany Trump’s India visit with husband
Tiffany travelled to Agra via a chartered aircraft. Given the family’s global profile, authorities made special security arrangements during the visit. However, officials have clarified that the trip is entirely personal, with no political meetings or official engagements on the schedule.
Before arriving in Agra, Tiffany also visited Swaminarayan Akshardham in Delhi. Sharing her experience on social media, she described the visit as an “Incredible visit to Akshardham Temple,” offering followers a glimpse into her cultural tour across India.
The visit has naturally sparked interest, not only because of Tiffany’s famous family name but also due to the Trump family’s longstanding connection with India. Over the years, members of the family have frequently expressed admiration for India’s culture, heritage, and historic landmarks.
Tiffany, the daughter of Donald Trump and actress Marla Maples, married Michael Boulos in 2022. Since then, the couple has often been spotted together at family celebrations, public appearances, and international events.
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