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Author: Shaizan Shaikh

Sao Paulo Grand Prix: Preview and Predictions

Final round in the triple header, Sao Paulo Grand Prix is here. The Interlagos circuit in Sao Paulo, Brazil is famous for providing blockbusters one after another. Previous races at Austin and Mexico city shifted the momentum towards Ferrari. It wasn’t just back-to-back wins, it was 1-2 and 1-3 results. Ferrari snatched most points from there, and is the only team in top 3 with both drivers in red-hot form. Oscar Piastri for McLaren has been out of sync since Singapore, while Red Bull’s Sergio Perez is struggling since China. Its a sprint weekend, it means serious business. Teams so close and championship on stake, maximizing every result is crucial. Whoever bags most point from sprints will have edge over its rivals.

Interlagos is filled with twisty turns, long straights, significant changes in elevation. The geographical location of this circuit is a cherry on the cake. It is located in a region that witnesses rapid changes in weather. The weather can swing 2-4 times a race, going from dry to drizzle or maybe heavy rain and dry again. Rain and Interlagos is a matchmade in heaven.

This is where F1 has witnessed its most dramatic races and seasons endings. Sebastian Vettel’s title charge in 2012 after a first lap disaster or Lewis Hamilton’s last corner deciding championship while Ferrari was celebrating thinking they won, this track has so many iconic moments. An entire book can be written on the classics it has produced over the years. Even the most boring race here would surpass greatest races of few tracks.

McLaren leads constructors with 566 points

Ferrari is 2nd with 537 points

Red Bull is third with 512 points

Upgrades & Schedule:

F1 2024 cars have nearly ended their development cycle. Even if any team brings an update, it would only be track specific minor upgrade or sorting out issues with their car. Teams like McLaren and Mercedes haven’t gained anything significant from their Austin upgrades. While Mercedes was in no man’s land, McLaren lost grounds to its rivals since the update. The team’s philosophy to bring upgrades one after another hasn’t worked this time. However this same philosophy proved instrumental in their miraculous comeback within 2 years.

Practice and Sprint Qualifying will take place on Friday (November 1), on Saturday (November 2), it will be the 100 km sprint and qualifying for main race, and Sunday (November 3), will be the race day.

Predictions:

In a closely contested sprint qualifying, Lando Norris will take pole. While Max Verstappen would win the sprint race. Both Ferraris will be in top 4 and Mercedes will spoil party for one of the drivers in the top 3 teams.

Now qualifying for the race, Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc will battle for the pole. Max Verstappen, Carlos Sainz and Oscar Piastri/George Russell will finish top 5. Sergio Perez won’t make it to Q3, Franco Colapinto and Liam Lawson will outqualify their senior teammates. Both Haas will be in top 10.

Charles Leclerc or Carlos Sainz will win by barest of margins. 2 McLarens, 2 Ferraris and Max Verstappen will be involved in a race long battle for podiums. One of those 5 cars will end in a disaster. Haas will certainly will extend its lead on VCARB.

30/10/2024
Soren v/s Soren: The JMM mess in Jharkhand

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested Jharkhand CM and JMM leader Hemant Soren in January this year on charges of money laundering and land scam. Following his arrest, Soren resigned as the chief minister of Jharkhand and Champai Soren was made new CM in February. Champai resigned in July, Hemant was given bail in June and reclaimed his position of CM in the state. Champai Soren later joined BJP alleging that he was humiliated by leaders of JMM.

Hemant Soren was the incumbent CM of Jharkhand at the time of being investigated by ED. The ED has accused him of running a scheme to manipulate records, via fictitious transactions and forged documents, and acquired 8.86 acres of land in Ranchi worth crores. He skipped nine summons from the ED, and was declared by ED has “untraceable” and “missing” for 30 hours on January 29. On January 30, he arrived at his official residence in Ranchi, handed his resignation to Jharkhand Governor CP Radhakrishnan and was arrested by ED on January 31. Champai Soren was immediately appointed by Radhakrishnan as the replacement for Hemant Soren as CM. He took the oath as Jharkhand CM on February 2, 2024.

Jharkhand High Court granted bail to Hemant Soren on June 28 for a payment of a bail bond of ₹ 50,000 and two sureties of the same amount each. The court in its order- “broad probabilities do not specifically, or indirectly, assign the petitioner to be involved in the acquisition and possession, as well as concealment (of land)”. He was out after spending nearly 5 months in jail.

July 3, 2024, Champai resigns from his post of CM. Following this, Hemant Soren put forward his claim of forming the government to the Governor Radhakrishnan. It was accepted and Hemant is again the Chief Minister of Jharkhand. “A few days ago, I was made the Chief Minister and I got the responsibility of the state. After Hemant Soren was back, our alliance took this decision and we chose Hemant Soren as our leader. Now, I have resigned from the post of Chief Minister,” Champai told the media.

Another twist in the tale came in August. Champai Soren resigned from JMM and his ministerial role. He alleged the party of humiliating him. There is also an angle of spying on Soren. BJP state president Babulal Marandi demanded an investigation by a sitting High Court judge. Marandi said, “Two special branch officials have been arrested in Delhi and there are allegations of attempts to honey trap Champai Soren ji. This is a serious issue. Champai’s short tenure was marred with instability. His dissatisfaction was further fueled by abrupt cancellations of his government programs in July. He said that BJP is the only party serious about addressing the issues of tribals, Dalits and other marginalized communities in the state. He was also unhappy with infiltrations from Bangladesh in Santhal Pargana which he believes threatens tribal identity and local society. His strategic move to BJP is backed by his efforts to find solutions for these issues, and also because BJP embraced him with dignity.

आज झारखंड मुक्ति मोर्चा की प्राथमिक सदस्यता एवं सभी पदों से त्याग-पत्र दिया।

झारखंड के आदिवासियों, मूलवासियों, दलितों, पिछड़ों एवं आम लोगों के मुद्दों को लेकर हमारा संघर्ष जारी रहेगा। pic.twitter.com/ZpAmm2dopr

— Champai Soren (@ChampaiSoren) August 28, 2024

Champai Soren will contest on a BJP ticket against JMM’s Ganesh Mahali in Seraikella. He is also known as the “Jharkhand’s Tiger” for his contribution in 1990s in getting a separate state for the region of Jharkhand, which was a part of (then) undivided Bihar. His allegations and the way JMM handled this Champai-Hemant CM situation can be pivotal in deciding the fate of the elections. Champai Soren’s decision to leave JMM and join rival BJP-led NDA leaves a dent in JMM and Mahagathbandhan as a whole.

It gave NDA a luxury to attack Mahagathbandhan on the grounds of ‘Dynasty Politics’. Hemant Soren is the son of former Jharkhand CM and JMM founder Shibu Soren. Dynasty Politics is one of the key talking point in Jharkhand politics. Champai Soren’s exit is also attributed to the same by leaders from the opposition.

30/10/2024
ED raids Hemant Soren’s ex-secretary in Ranchi

Input from the agencies: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) raids several locations of an IAS officer and Joint Excise Commissioner in Ranchi in a liquor case filed in Chhattisgarh. ED so far carried out its search operations in around 15 locations in Ranchi and Raipur. The case alleged 7 people, including IAS officer and the Excise Commissioner, for changing state liquor laws causing a major loss to state exchequer.

Chhattisgarh’s Anti-Corruption Bureau and Economic Offences Wing (EOW) filed an FIR against senior IAS officer Vinay Choubey, Joint Secretary (commercial and industrial department) in Chhattisgarh, Anil Tuneja and 4 more for amending state liqour laws, leading to losses worth crores to the government, as per sources.

Joint Excise Commissioner requested the Supreme Court to quash the FIR, which the apex court denied. ED is been investigating on the basis of ACB’s FIR which accused Choubey and others of introducing new eligibility criteria in tenders awarding contracts to the liqour syndicate.

Vinay Choubey, is a 1999 Jharkhand cadre IAS officer. He previously served as secretary to state chief minister and JMM leader Hemant Soren. His portfolio also consists of serving as secretary in Excise and Urban Development. Following Soren’s resignation in January 2024 in a land scam case, Choubey was transferred to Panchayati Raj department.

JMM general secretary Supriyo Bhattacharya accused BJP of using Central Agencies as political tools. “BJP is using central agencies as political tools in the elections. More raids would be conducted and leaked in the media. The fear that we had expressed before the state assembly elections has become a reality,” said Bhattacharya.

Refuting the allegations, BJP’ state spokesperson Ajay Shah said- “It is an old habit of JMM to raise questions over actions of constitutional agencies like Election Commission of India and the ED. JMM is sensing defeat and is making excuses.”

30/10/2024
Luxury Living Awaits: Supreme Universal Launches 70 Villas Near Lonavala

Mumbai: Mumbai-based real estate developer Supreme Universal has launched a new phase of its luxury villa project, Supreme Villagio, near the popular hill station of Lonavala. This latest phase features 70 villas, each priced at approximately ₹2.65 crore, targeting a total revenue potential of ₹200 crore. The demand for these properties is largely driven by tech professionals based in Pune seeking second homes or end-use residences.

Vishal Jumani, Joint Managing Director of Supreme Universal, highlighted the project’s appeal, stating, “We are constructing a total of 225 villas in our project, of which 100 were launched last year, and we are excited to introduce the remaining 70 during this festive season. The proximity to Pune, particularly to the Hinjewadi IT hub, makes it a lucrative option for first-time homebuyers and investors alike.”

The project, spanning approximately 16 acres, is strategically located near Gahunje Cricket Stadium, close to the Pune-Mumbai Expressway. This prime location offers excellent connectivity, particularly with the upcoming 105 km eastern ring road set to alleviate traffic congestion in Talegaon and surrounding areas. The MahaRERA completion deadline for this ambitious project is December 2027.

Jumani noted a growing interest from various buyers, stating, “Several first-time homebuyers are purchasing villas for end-use, given the location’s accessibility. We have also seen significant interest from investors based in the US, Dubai, and Singapore who are looking for weekend homes.” He added that buyers from areas like Baner, Wakad, and Hinjewadi are particularly drawn to the project based on positive experiences from the earlier launch.

While Lonavala remains a popular destination for second homes, real estate brokers indicate that the area is becoming congested due to increased tourism. Buyers are now looking for properties within a 10 to 30 km radius of Lonavala to escape the growing crowds. The per square foot rate for villas in Lonavala can reach up to ₹15,000, with 3-4 BHK villas and serviced apartments priced between ₹2 crore and ₹5 crore. Local brokers report a rental yield ranging from 5% to 10%, depending on various market factors.

In conclusion, the launch of Supreme Villagio reflects the ongoing demand for luxury properties in the Pune-Lonavala corridor, driven by its strategic location and the burgeoning tech industry in Pune. As Supreme Universal continues to develop its presence in the luxury real estate market, the company aims to meet the needs of discerning buyers seeking both investment opportunities and serene retreats.

(Sumit Singh, Web Team at C6N)

29/10/2024
Williamson ruled of 3rd Test against India

Mumbai: New Zealand cricket announced that Kane Williamson will not travel to Mumbai for the final test against India. The Kiwi batter had already missed first two Test in the series. NZ wants him to be fit for home series against England.

“Kane continues to show good signs, but isn’t quite ready to jump on a plane and join us,” Gary Stead, New Zealand’s head coach said. “While things are looking promising, we think the best course of action is for him to stay in New Zealand and focus on the final part of his rehabilitation so he’ll be good to go for England. The England series is still a month away so taking the cautious approach now will ensure he is ready for the first Test in Christchurch.”

Williamson’s groin injury has kept him out of action for most of time. Though he missed the series against India, NZ didn’t let it affect their performance. Led by Tom Latham, they have taken invincible lead against toughest Test side in their own backyard.

29/10/2024
Senior citizen duped by cyber frauds in Mumbai

Mumbai: A 67-year-old woman from Mumbai was defrauded of ₹14 lakh by online scammers who convinced her she was implicated in a money laundering case. The fraudsters posed as officials from the Delhi Telecom Department and the Cyber Crime branch, as reported by the police.

The incident occurred between September 1 and 5. Living in Kandivali West with her sister-in-law, the victim received a call from someone claiming to be from the Delhi Telecom Department, who informed her that her Aadhaar card had been misused in a money laundering case. She was then connected to another scammer impersonating a cyber crime officer named Rakesh Kumar, who displayed fake letters from the Delhi Police and warned her of possible jail time, inflicting fear in her mind. Another scamster, pretended to be officer named Shobha Sharma, instructed the victim to deposit her bank savings, mutual funs and fixed deposits into a specified bank account for supposed verification purposes.

“On Sharma’s instructions, the victim went to the bank, broke fixed deposits, mutual funds as well as savings and deposited Rs 14 lakh in the given account number through RTGS,” a police official said. The woman realized she had been deceived after discussing the situation with her son and subsequently reported the incident to the police.

She only realized she had been scammed after discussing the situation with her son and promptly reported it to the police. A case was registered at the North Region Cyber Police Station on Saturday, and an investigation is underway.

29/10/2024
MVA, Mahayuti seat sharing troubles

Mumbai: Nominations for the Maharashtra assembly elections close today, but the Mahayuti and Maha Vikas Aghadi still haven’t finalized their seat-sharing arrangements. Candidates can withdraw until November 4, with voting for all 288 seats scheduled for November 20.

So far, over 3,259 candidates have registered, with the BJP fielding 146 candidates, the NCP-Ajit Pawar 49, and the Shiv Sena-Shinde faction 65. The alliances are still undecided on about 26 seats each. Meanwhile, the Maha Vikas Aghadi is grappling with seat-sharing disputes in 27 constituencies, with Congress announcing 102 candidates, Shiv Sena-UBT 84, and NCP-Sharad Pawar 76.

The Congress faces pressure from the Samajwadi Party for 12-18 seats. Some leaders and sitting MLAs, unhappy with being denied tickets, are considering running as independents. Notably, Shiv Sena’s Srinivas Vanga has gone “missing” after not receiving a ticket, while former BJP MLA Atul Shah is contesting as an independent in Mumbadevi after being denied a nomination.

Maha Vikas Aghadi is worst affected in this matter. It has earlier dedided on 85 formula but then a Congress leader changed to 90. It led to refusal from leaders within the coalition. Congress is adamant at its attempt to contest most seats.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut threatened to field candidates opposite Congress from Solapur (South). He also claimed that it could lead to similar actions and will create problems within the coaliton.

29/10/2024
10-Year-Old Spiritual Orator Abhinav Arora Receives Death Threats from Lawrence Bishnoi Gang

Input from the agencies: Abhinav Arora, a 10-year-old spiritual influencer known as ‘Bal Sant Baba,’ is facing death threats from the notorious Lawrence Bishnoi gang. His mother, Jyoti Arora, reported that the threats escalated following a viral video where Hindu spiritual leader Swami Rambhadracharya reprimanded him during a religious event. Jyoti stated, “Abhinav has not done anything to deserve these threats; he is just devoted to his faith”.

On October 28, 2024, Jyoti disclosed that they received threatening messages and calls from the gang, warning that Abhinav would be killed if he continued to gain popularity online. The family has since filed a complaint with the Mathura police, seeking legal protection against these threats. The Lawrence Bishnoi gang, infamous for targeting public figures, has previously threatened celebrities like Salman Khan.

Abhinav, who has garnered a significant following on social media for his spiritual content, expressed his distress over the situation. He noted, “There’s chaos outside our house… how long will we tolerate this?” Despite the threats, he emphasized that his focus remains on spirituality, sharing, “People are only discussing the scolding I received but not the blessings I got afterward”.

The incident highlights the volatile intersection of fame and spirituality in today’s digital age, raising concerns about the safety of young influencers and the power of social media in shaping public perception. Abhinav’s case has sparked widespread discussions on social media, with many supporting him and condemning the threats.

(By Sumit Singh, Web Team at C6N)

29/10/2024
Political Uncertainty Reigns in Japan: A Coalition in Crisis!

Japan’s political landscape is in disarray following a recent snap election that left no party with a clear majority. The ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), led by Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, suffered a significant setback, securing only 215 seats in the 465-member lower house, down from 279. This outcome marks the LDP’s worst electoral performance since it lost power in 2009, reflecting widespread voter dissatisfaction linked to a funding scandal and rising living costs.

The election results prompted a swift decline in the yen, reaching a three-month low, as markets braced for an extended period of political negotiations. Ishiba, who assumed leadership just weeks prior, vowed to remain as Prime Minister despite the coalition’s electoral drubbing. During a press conference, he stated, “We cannot allow not even a moment of stagnation as we face very difficult situations both in our security and economic environments,” underscoring the urgent need for stable governance amid economic challenges and regional security threats from China and North Korea.

In contrast, the main opposition party, the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDPJ), emerged as a significant victor, increasing its seat count from 98 to 148 but still falling short of the majority threshold of 233. CDPJ leader Yoshihiko Noda expressed a desire to collaborate with other parties to unseat the incumbents, though this remains a challenging prospect.

The electoral turmoil has raised questions about Ishiba’s leadership, with analysts suggesting that his position could be tenuous. Political risk advisory expert Tobias Harris noted, “It seems unlikely that he will survive to lead a new government as prime minister, though it is possible he could stay on as caretaker”.

As the political jockeying begins, smaller parties, including the Democratic Party for the People (DPP) and the Japan Innovation Party (JIP), could play pivotal roles in negotiations. While both parties have ruled out joining a coalition, they are open to cooperation on specific issues. DPP leader Yuichiro Tamaki and JIP leader Nobuyuki Baba’s positions may influence the formation of a new government.

In a notable development, the election also saw a record number of women elected to Japan’s parliament, with 73 seats filled by female candidates, surpassing the previous record set in 2009.

As Japan faces pressing economic and security challenges, the next few weeks will be critical in determining the future direction of its government. With a parliamentary vote on the premiership anticipated on November 11, the political landscape remains fraught with uncertainty.

(By Sumit Singh, Web Team at C6N)

(Input from the agencies)

29/10/2024
Maharashtra’s ‘Freedom’ at Stake: Akhilesh Speaks Out

Mumbai: Ahead of the Maharashtra assembly elections scheduled for November 20, Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav has ramped up his criticisms of the BJP-led Mahayuti coalition, which includes the Shiv Sena faction led by Eknath Shinde and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP. Yadav, in a series of statements, has labeled the BJP’s governance as divisive and detrimental to Maharashtra’s economic and social unity, calling for a united front among opposition parties to counter the alliance’s influence.

Akhilesh Yadav’s message, shared on X (formerly Twitter), highlights what he perceives as BJP’s “negative politics” aimed at disrupting Maharashtra’s harmony and economic stability. He contends that the party’s strategies could undermine the state’s position as a leader in India’s economy, potentially transferring economic control to other regions. According to Yadav, the upcoming election is a chance for Maharashtra’s citizens to “liberate” themselves from the “sabotage” brought by the ruling coalition’s communal tactics.

Yadav also praised the media and social activists in Maharashtra who, despite challenges, continue to counter BJP’s “propaganda” by exposing alleged corruption and malpractice. He voiced confidence that Maharashtra’s “awakened political and social consciousness” will prevent what he calls the BJP’s attempt to dismantle the state’s historic brotherhood. Furthermore, he urged impartial media figures to resist any misleading narratives from the BJP, asserting their role as democracy’s “fourth pillar”.

This stance from Akhilesh Yadav aligns with efforts by other opposition leaders who are strategizing to leverage public dissatisfaction over issues like unemployment and rising inflation. In his statements, Yadav encouraged voters to focus on creating a government that represents Maharashtra’s true democratic choice rather than one pieced together through political deals and alliances.

The Maharashtra assembly elections for the 288 seats will be followed by the results on November 23, with the opposition hoping for a notable shift in the state’s leadership and policy direction.(Input From Agencies)

Sumit Singh, Web Team at C6N

29/10/2024