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“PM Modi: ‘I Apologize to Delhi and Bengal’s Elderly’ as Ayushman Bharat Faces Opposition”

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently expressed regret over the limited access elderly citizens in Delhi and West Bengal have to healthcare benefits due to these states’ non-participation in the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY). During a rally, he extended an apology to elderly residents, highlighting that despite the nationwide health scheme’s extensive benefits, senior citizens in these regions remain underserved due to political resistance.

The Ayushman Bharat scheme, designed to offer up to ₹5 lakh annually in healthcare coverage per family, has become a lifeline for millions across the country. With the recent decision to extend benefits specifically to citizens aged 70 and above, irrespective of income, Modi emphasized that this additional coverage could be transformative for Delhi and Bengal’s elderly populations. He stated that the scheme’s expansion aims to cover approximately 6 crore senior citizens across India, a move that signals the government’s commitment to providing accessible healthcare for all.

Modi underscored the scheme’s success in participating states, where it has covered over 7.3 crore hospital admissions since its inception, saving countless families from financial hardship due to medical costs. The Prime Minister’s statement also pointed out that in non-participating states like Delhi and West Bengal, citizens are missing out on these critical benefits due to local opposition to the scheme. He called on state leaders to prioritize citizens’ well-being over political differences, encouraging them to integrate Ayushman Bharat for better healthcare coverage.

The Prime Minister’s remarks aim to bring awareness to the benefits of Ayushman Bharat, urging Delhi and West Bengal to reconsider their stance so that elderly citizens in these states, too, can benefit from its provisions.(Inputs from agencies)

C6N Web Team, New Delhi

Abhishek Bachchan Shuts Down Divorce Rumors: “Still Married, Nothing New”

Rumors of a potential separation between Bollywood couple Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan have once again surfaced, fueled by their recent appearance at Anant Ambani’s sangeet ceremony. Attendees noted that Aishwarya attended with their daughter, Aaradhya, while Abhishek was seen celebrating with his family, leading to speculation about their marital status.

In light of the swirling rumors, an old video from 2016 featuring Abhishek has resurfaced on social media. In this clip, he was questioned about divorce speculation. He firmly responded, “I have no comment to make regarding it. Unfortunately for you all, you have really turned it into something far worse than it is. I understand why you do it. There are some stories you must file. Oh well, we are celebs; we can’t do anything about it. So sorry, still married, nothing new or controversial to tell you.”

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C-nLqzVv5_C/?igsh=MXc1aTVyaHhqZ28yeA==

Despite the renewed chatter, neither Aishwarya nor Abhishek has officially addressed the latest divorce rumors. Industry insiders have noted that the couple has previously faced similar speculation, often dismissing it as part and parcel of celebrity life.

Abhishek was last seen in the 2023 sports drama “Ghoomer,” where he received praise for his performance. He is set to appear next in “King,” which has generated buzz among fans. Meanwhile, Aishwarya’s latest film, “Ponniyin Selvan 2,” has garnered significant commercial success, earning over Rs 345 crore worldwide.

As the couple continues to navigate their public personas amidst the media scrutiny, fans remain hopeful for clarity on their relationship status. Until then, both Abhishek and Aishwarya seem focused on their careers while handling the relentless speculation surrounding their personal lives.

Emaar Enters Alibaug: Luxury Homes by the Coast

Emaar India Limited  acquired a 25-acre plot in Alibaug, Maharashtra. Finalized on October 15, 2024, this transaction allows Emaar India, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Shitij Buildcon Private Limited, to expand its footprint into one of Maharashtra’s most rapidly developing real estate markets. Located near Mumbai, Alibaug is increasingly popular for premium vacation homes, driven by its scenic coastal setting and proximity to urban centers.

This acquisition signifies Emaar India’s strategic pivot toward catering to India’s growing demand for luxury living spaces outside metropolitan areas. The upcoming project will target buyers seeking exclusive holiday residences, aligning with Alibaug’s trend as a preferred getaway location for Mumbai’s affluent. In addition to facilitating the purchase, SAMCo was instrumental in preparing regulatory documentation for compliance with the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA), an essential step for project transparency and legal alignment. RERA registration is expected to further enhance buyer confidence in the project, a significant advantage in the competitive Alibaug market.

Also Read: Blinkit Customer Claims Discrepancy in Gold Coin Order, Faces Customer Support Frustration

Bhoumick Vaidya, Partner at SAMCo, led the advisory team alongside Senior Associates Harshini Kotecha and Sona Phogaat and Associate Yash Bhansali. Commenting on the acquisition, Vaidya emphasized that SAMCo’s guidance went beyond the transactional aspects. “Our role was comprehensive, ensuring regulatory ease for Emaar as they enter Alibaug’s promising market,” he remarked. He further noted that the venture aligns with Emaar’s vision to create luxury destinations catering to aspirational Indian buyers who are increasingly interested in high-end second homes.

Emaar India echoed this vision, stating, “Alibaug represents a unique opportunity to create a luxury holiday destination. Our goal is to redefine luxury living experiences along India’s coastline.” The company anticipates that this venture will strengthen its presence in India’s real estate market, tapping into a demand surge among those seeking high-quality holiday homes near urban areas.

The Alibaug project aligns with Emaar’s strategy to establish a stronger footprint in India’s premium real estate sector, which is witnessing substantial growth. With urban dwellers looking to balance work and leisure, Alibaug’s proximity to Mumbai offers a blend of accessibility and exclusivity. SAMCo’s comprehensive advisory approach on this project reinforces its reputation as a top choice for complex real estate transactions in India.

(By Sumit Singh)

Milind Deora Challenges Aaditya Thackeray in High-Stakes Worli Showdown

Mumbai: Ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly elections on November 20, political dynamics are heating up in Mumbai’s Worli constituency, where former Congress leader Milind Deora will challenge Shiv Sena (UBT)’s Aaditya Thackeray. Deora, now aligned with Eknath Shinde’s Sena faction, is making his debut in state politics, following a notable career as a two-time MP for South Mumbai. He criticized the existing “speed-breaker politics” in Worli, citing stalled development under the Thackeray administration and pledging to bring more effective progress.

During his campaign, Deora highlighted his longstanding connection to the region, claiming it has given him insights into the area’s challenges. He expressed confidence in addressing the community’s core issues through development-focused initiatives under the Shinde-led administration. His campaign has been strongly backed by Shrikant Shinde, who declared that Worli would turn “saffron” under Deora’s leadership.

Also Read: After 500 Years, Lord Ram Returns’: PM Modi Highlights Historic Diwali at Ayodhya Temple

Aaditya Thackeray, meanwhile, showcased his own rally before filing his nomination, stressing that Worli voters have seen his efforts to improve the area. He criticized the ruling alliance of the BJP, Shinde’s Sena, and Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction, accusing them of “looting Maharashtra.” Confident about his re-election, Aaditya believes Worli residents recognize his dedication and will continue to support him and the MVA, which includes his faction of the Sena, Congress, and Sharad Pawar’s NCP.

Adding another layer to this rivalry, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) might also enter the contest, potentially complicating the vote dynamics. The MNS, which supported Aaditya in 2019, may now capitalize on any waning support, especially following the narrow Lok Sabha margin between Thackeray’s Sena and Deora’s former constituency.

The electoral battle for Worli promises a dramatic clash of ideologies, personal history, and regional loyalty, as each candidate strives to prove they hold the key to the future of Maharashtra’s politics.

(By Sumit Singh)

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.

Cinematic Titans Unite: Amitabh Bachchan Celebrates Chiranjeevi at ANR National Awards 2024

At the ANR National Awards 2024, Amitabh Bachchan paid a heartfelt tribute to Chiranjeevi, presenting him with an award that celebrates lifetime contributions to cinema. This prestigious recognition, instituted by the Akkineni International Foundation, highlights the enduring impact of artists on the film industry.

During the ceremony, held in Hyderabad, an emotional Bachchan expressed his admiration for Chiranjeevi and the Telugu film industry. He remarked, “I am proud to be a part of the Telugu film industry,” emphasizing the importance of collaboration across regional cinema. Bachchan lauded the late Akkineni Nageswara Rao, a stalwart of Telugu cinema, stating, “His legacy brings so much joy in entertainment and culture.”

FotoJet 6In a touching moment, Chiranjeevi honored Bachchan by touching his feet, showcasing the deep respect between the two cinematic icons. Bachchan delivered a poignant speech, reflecting on familial legacies and the values instilled by his father through a poem titled Vasihatnama. He shared a thought-provoking line: “You can’t become my inheritor just because you are my son; my true inheritors would be my true sons.” This sentiment resonated deeply with the audience, highlighting the essence of merit and legacy in the film industry.

Chiranjeevi, visibly moved, expressed gratitude for the honor, while also emphasizing the collective spirit of Telugu cinema. “It’s a great moment for all of us in the industry. Amitabh’s presence here reflects the unity of Indian cinema,” he stated.

Bachchan also humorously recalled the generous lunches Chiranjeevi provided, stating, “You sent me so much lunch that I could have fed the whole hotel today.” He concluded his speech with a light-hearted request to be considered a member of the Telugu film fraternity, hoping for future collaborations.

The event not only celebrated individual achievements but also reinforced the unity and cultural richness of Indian cinema. Bachchan’s last project was Nag Ashwin’s Kalki 2898 AD, featuring a star-studded cast, further solidifying his connection to contemporary Telugu cinema.

Blinkit Customer Claims Discrepancy in Gold Coin Order, Faces Customer Support Frustration

New Delhi: A Blinkit customer in Delhi recently stirred online discussions after reporting that his order for a 1-gram gold coin from the app resulted in a delivery of only 0.5 grams, leaving him with a loss of approximately ₹4,124. Mohit Jain, the customer, took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), expressing frustration over the platform’s customer service response, which he described as ineffective and reliant solely on automated bots.

According to Jain, he placed an order through Blinkit for a 1-gram gold coin and a 10-gram silver coin from Malabar Gold & Diamonds. However, upon delivery, Jain’s brother accepted the package, and Jain discovered later that he had only received a 0.5-gram coin. Attempting to lodge a complaint, he found the complaint window closed, thus prompting him to contact Blinkit’s customer service, which directed him to chat with an AI bot. Unable to resolve the issue, he eventually contacted the delivery agent, who could not assist further.

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This incident highlights growing concerns about quick commerce platforms managing higher-value items, particularly as apps like Blinkit have expanded offerings to include gold coins and jewelry, promoted heavily during festivals like Akshaya Tritiya. These platforms have been known for fast delivery of essentials, but high-ticket purchases like gold coins introduce new expectations for quality control and customer service standards, which could impact user trust.

In response, some consumers are calling for Blinkit and similar platforms to improve the accessibility of customer service support, particularly for resolving issues involving valuable products. As Jain’s post gains traction, industry experts point out the need for better safeguards to enhance customer experience, especially in transactions involving high-value goods.

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.

After 500 Years, Lord Ram Returns’: PM Modi Highlights Historic Diwali at Ayodhya Temple

Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked the festive occasion of Dhanteras by extending greetings to the nation and emphasizing the significance of Diwali 2024. In a virtual address, he declared this Diwali “special,” as it will be the first time in 500 years that Lord Ram is celebrated in the newly built Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

Modi highlighted the importance of this moment, noting that countless individuals had made sacrifices to see this day realized. Following the Supreme Court’s 2019 verdict paving the way for the temple’s construction, the grand Ram Mandir was inaugurated earlier this year, making this the first Diwali to be observed with Lord Ram enshrined in his temple.

Also Read: MVA, Mahayuti seat sharing troubles

In addition to these celebrations, the Prime Minister virtually distributed appointment letters to over 51,000 youth under the Rozgar Mela. He also lauded efforts in Haryana, where thousands of young people have secured government jobs without bureaucratic hurdles.

The PM emphasized that employment initiatives reflect the government’s focus on empowering youth and creating meaningful job opportunities across India. This event, according to Modi, symbolizes the progress toward building a prosperous and developed nation.

(By Ankita Singh)

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.