Revolt-hit TMC to move HC over Ritabrata Banerjee's appointment as Bengal Leader of Oppn
The TMC is rattled by a rebellion after 58 MLAs staked claim to become the principal Opposition party in Bengal, vertically splitting the party.
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ํํฐ ๋ณด๊ธฐํ์ฌ ์ง์
50.0
0 = ๋ถ์ ์ฐ์ธ
50 = ์ค๋ฆฝ
100 = ๊ธ์ ์ฐ์ธ
์ต๊ทผ 7์ผ ๊ธฐ์ค 6,066๊ฑด์ ๋ถ์ํ ๊ฒฐ๊ณผ, ๋ด์ค ์ฌ๋ฆฌ์ง์๋ 50.0(๊ท ํ)์ ๋๋ค. ๊ธ์ 0๊ฑด(0.0%)ยท์ค๋ฆฝ 6,066๊ฑด(100.0%)ยท๋ถ์ 0๊ฑด(0.0%)์ด๋ฉฐ, ์ค๋ฆฝ ๋น์ค์ด ๋๋ ทํ๊ฒ ๋์ต๋๋ค. ์ฑํฅ ์ง์๋ ์ข ํฉ 0.0(์ค๋ ๊ท ํ)์ ๋๋ค.
The TMC is rattled by a rebellion after 58 MLAs staked claim to become the principal Opposition party in Bengal, vertically splitting the party.
APPTA submits representations to HRD Minister Nara Lokesh, Education Principal Secretary Kona Sasidhar and School Education Commissioner Thameem Ansariya
The institution is among the oldest Catholic convents in north Karnataka
Mumbai: It is India's fourth biggest company by revenue, but the managing director of precious metals trader Rajesh Exports (REL) apparently doesn't know how and from where it gets the biggest chunk of the revenue, show the findings of a regulatory investigation.In its investigation report, the Securities and Exchange Board of India observed allegedly unscrupulous activities by REL's promoters, such as accounting irregularities and siphoning off of company funds into personal accounts, and also pointed out lapses by its auditors. The regulator said the company and its auditors were non-cooperative."The acts of REL constitute a deliberate device, scheme and artifice to mislead and defraud investors dealing in the shares of REL by portraying an inflated and misleading picture of its operational scale, revenue and financial health," Sebi observed in its report.The company, eponymously named after its chairman Rajesh Mehta, is accused of committing an elaborate financial fraud that includes dressing-up of revenues of โน15.15 lakh crore over the years, personal gold trades covered up as corporate sales and phoney gold mine investments of โน1,035 crore, according to the interim report.REL denied the charges of misdeeds. In a press release Thursday, the company said the revenues stated in its financials were correct and that the confusion arose because of a mix-up between Ebitda and revenue numbers at Swiss refiner Valcambi SA, an indirect subsidiary.Sebi has not made any adverse observation with regard to earnings, the company said, claiming that the regulator has only observed suspicion with regard to revenues which was primarily because of confusion over the Valcambi numbers.Numbers don't add upIn fiscal 2025, REL reported consolidated revenue of โน4.23 lakh crore against a profit after tax of just โน95 crore, translating into a net margin of barely 0.02%. The year before, on โน2.8 lakh crore revenue, profit was โน336 crore.Experts who have studied the Sebi report and the company's annual reports say the numbers did not add up. The business appeared to be operating at margins that were not merely thin but structurally negligible, they said."It looks like a case of pass-through accounting. There is no value creation. It was 'flow of gold' being booked as revenue," said a leading auditor on the condition of anonymity.Sebi, which began the investigations in March 2024 following a shareholder complaint about suspected accounting malpractices, said it found that about 97-99% of REL's consolidated revenues were attributed to its overseas subsidiaries, principally Valcambi. But Valcambi's own accounts, audited by KPMG SA, recorded only processing fees that were about โน3,027 crore across five years.Valcambi refined gold on behalf of clients and never took ownership of the precious metal or recognised the value of gold as revenue in its books. Yet, Global Gold Refineries AG (GGR), the parent of Valcambi that had no independent operating business, recorded gross revenues running into hundreds of crores by including the gross value of gold that actually belonged to others, according to the Sebi report.Rajesh Exports, which owns GGR through a Singapore subsidiary, used those unaudited figures in its financial statements, significantly bumping up the company's revenue, it said.In its press release, REL said: "The core observation in the order is with regard to the misreporting of the revenues. This has emerged primarily due to confusion because Sebi has considered the Ebitda of Valcambi instead of revenue hence it has stated that there is a difference of about 97% in the revenue.""There is no reason for any listed entity to inflate revenue and maintain the earnings, this will only reduce the margins of the company, which would be adverse to the company," it said.Senior management in the darkThe senior management of REL told regulators that most of them were in the dark about the company's overseas operations and only the promoter, Rajesh Mehta, dealt with those activities."Valcambi SA does not have any gold mine on its own," managing director Suresh Gowda was quoted in the Sebi order as saying. "It refines the raw gold purchased by it from various entities, whose names I do not recollect, as these things are exclusively handled by Rajesh Mehta, chairman of REL. I have never interacted nor involved with any subsidiary/step-down subsidiary of REL, as these were exclusively taken care of by Rajesh Mehta," he told the investigators, as per the order.According to the report, REL booked โน11,487 crore in sales between 2021-22 and 2023-24 to Affluence Shares and Stocks, a broker that made up to 66% of the company's standalone revenue for that period. But Affluence, in formal depositions to the regulator, said it had not done any business with REL.Following the transaction trail, the investigators found out that the transactions were personal gold derivative trades executed by promoter Mehta using his own brokerage account and then recorded in the company's books as corporate sales, the order said.The investigators also found that Mehta used corporate funds. As per the Sebi observations, bank records show REL transferred โน338.90 crore directly into Mehta's personal accounts between April 2020 and September 2025.Unlike in the case of Nirav Modi or Gitanjali Gems, who are accused of bank fraud, Rajesh Exports doesn't appear to have borrowed big from banks or through sale of bonds, according to regulatory filings.The company's market cap was just over โน3,000 crore, as per Thursday's closing share price. LIC (10.8%) and Bridge India Fund (8.46%) are its major institutional shareholders."It is striking that, even at a peak market capitalisation of โน25,000 crore, the company did not hold any analyst calls, a basic expectation for a listed company of that scale," said Shriram Subramanian, founder and managing director of InGovern Research Services, a corporate governance advisory firm.The regulator in 2024 hired BDO India Services to investigate. But the forensic audit faced problems at almost every stage of the investigation. It was denied access to ERP systems and was not provided a complete journal dump, preventing independent verification of transactions recorded in the books, according to the regulatory report.And the company declined to share subsidiary-level records with the investigator, citing Swiss data protection laws, limiting auditors largely to reviewing financial statements prepared by the management itself rather than underlying evidence, it said.What's also come under the scanner was the conduct of statutory auditors for the last few years: CA PV Ramana Reddy, the proprietor at PV Ramana Reddy & Co, and CA PL Venkatadri, partner at BSD & Co.The company's FY24 and FY25 annual reports, filed with the stock exchanges, carry an unqualified opinion from BSD & Co, which concluded that the financial statements presented a "true and fair view" in line with Indian Accounting Standards.The company's FY24 Directors' Report noted that the statutory and secretarial auditors had made no qualifications, reservations or adverse remarks.The Sebi report said for over five months, the auditors sat on the regulator's request for missing documents and statements.Emails sent to both audit firms did not elicit any response.REL closed 5% lower at โน103.92 Thursday on the NSE. The shares are down from their peak of โน1,028.40 on February 6, 2023.
Expelled TMC MLA Sandipan Saha alleges fake signature row and lack of democracy in Trinamool Congress, vows to act as principal opposition.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the biggest tournament in soccer history, spread across 16 cities in the United States, Canada and Mexico. For millions of fans, getting to the games may prove almost as challenging as the matches themselves.With airfares climbing, gasoline prices rising and airport security lines stretching patience to the limit, North America's rail and bus operators see the month-long tournament as a rare opportunity: a chance to persuade travelers to swap planes and cars for trains, buses and public transit.For transportation providers, the World Cup is more than a sporting spectacle. It is a high-stakes audition before a global audience."We want you to be able to use our system seamlessly from the minute you decide to come to the World Cup, all the way into the games, and after that to get home," said Conan Cheung, chief operations officer for LA Metro, the public transportation authority serving the Los Angeles region.Los Angeles, which will host eight matches including the U.S. team's opening game, hopes the tournament will help reshape perceptions of a city often synonymous with traffic jams and sprawling freeways.For Cheung, the objective extends beyond impressing foreign visitors. The World Cup is also an opportunity to convince more Angelenos to embrace a public transportation system that has expanded significantly in recent years.That challenge resonates across much of the United States and Canada, where public transit networks are often less extensive than those found in Europe or Asia and where private vehicles remain the preferred mode of transport."Transit providers have an opportunity to provide service to a group of people who do not typically use transit on a day-to-day basis," said Yonah Freemark, a principal research associate at the Washington-based Urban Institute."Many of the World Cup fans coming from the U.S. or Canada do not necessarily use transit services regularly."The impressions those travelers form during the tournament could have lasting consequences."They should be making sure that the services they provide are high quality and not too expensive, because the people who are riding them are going to form an impression of those transit agencies โ and there's a chance to really prove that they can provide a good service," Freemark said.Opportunity meets realityYet attracting new riders may prove easier than accommodating them.The World Cup's 104 matches will unfold across four time zones and thousands of miles, placing enormous demands on transportation networks already operating close to capacity.Ground transportation companies are eager to capitalize on soaring airline costs, but many are also wrestling with higher operating expenses of their own, particularly fuel prices.That leaves operators balancing competing priorities: attracting new customers while avoiding disruptions or price increases that could alienate the commuters who rely on them every day.For intercity bus giant FlixBus, the tournament represents a significant growth opportunity.Together with sister brand Greyhound, the company operates one of North America's largest transportation networks and says demand between host cities is already accelerating, with some departures sold out and others filling rapidly.Ahead of the tournament, the company has invested heavily in new buses and technology while placing renewed emphasis on punctuality."What is critical here is every Flix experience needs to be a happy one. That's how we actually grow our business. And this is a great opportunity," said Flix North America CEO Kai Boysan."We will welcome all the new customers and we want them to see what a change we've done and what a great experience they're going to have."Boysan believes buses are well-positioned to benefit from frustrations increasingly associated with air travel."Airports are congested and the costs are rising. And clearly travelers are naturally looking for alternatives. And there we come into effect," he said.The price problemWhile operators hope to lure travelers away from planes, some transit agencies have faced criticism for sharply increasing fares during the tournament.Few examples generated more backlash than New Jersey Transit, whose train service between Manhattan and MetLife Stadium โ venue for eight matches including the July 19 final โ initially carried a round-trip fare of $150 for a journey that normally costs less than $13.NJ Transit argued that the increase was necessary to cover approximately $48 million in additional costs related to security, crowd management and World Cup operations.Public criticism forced a rethink.The agency subsequently lowered the fare to $98 after securing additional advertising revenue, while shuttle bus prices on the same route were cut to $20 from the originally proposed $80 after organizers arranged additional capacity through local school buses.Boston has also announced higher event-day transportation prices. Round-trip rail tickets between downtown Boston and the stadium hosting seven World Cup matches will cost $80, compared with the usual $20 to $30, while a bus ride will cost $95.The fare hikes have drawn criticism from politicians, including U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer."Charging more than 11 times the normal fare for a train ride is a ripoff, plain and simple. FIFA is making billions from this World Cup," Schumer said after the original New Jersey fare was announced."FIFA should cover the ride, not stick New York fans with the bill."FIFA has countered that high transit costs could encourage fans to seek alternative ways to reach stadiums and noted that comparable international sporting events have generally not required organizers to fund transportation impacts.Different approachesNot every city has opted for higher prices.In Los Angeles, riders heading to World Cup matches will pay standard fares."Our regular fare is $1.75, so people will be able to pay that," said Cheung. "We will honor all of the discounts we have."Philadelphia is going a step further.Fans attending matches in the city will pay just $2.90 to travel to the stadium by train and receive a free ride home, courtesy of tournament sponsor Airbnb.National rail operator Amtrak is also preparing for increased demand as supporters move between host cities throughout the month-long competition."We are fully committed to running a world-class railroad ... and ensuring our infrastructure is ready to accommodate new and returning guests," said W. Kyle Anderson, Amtrak's director of communications.For transportation providers across North America, the World Cup offers a fleeting but valuable chance to showcase what their systems can do.The tournament will crown a world champion on the field. Away from the stadiums, trains, buses and transit networks will be competing in a contest of their own โ to convince millions of travelers that public transportation can be fast, reliable and worth returning to long after the final whistle.
The crisis deepened on Wednesday when 59 rebel TMC MLAs arrived at the West Bengal Assembly in Kolkata to stake claim as the principal opposition group.
Kerala ex-principal moves court, Commissions over dismissal, terror links claims
Rashtriya Janata Dal principal national general secretary Abdul Bari Siddiqui accused the government of โtargeting the oppositionโ for criticising its policies
VD Satheesan on Saturday directed that the suspension be withdrawn
Principal was suspended just two days before his retirement for allegedly sharing through his Facebook account content insulting the Chief Minister
India's Social Stock Exchange (SSE) is set to receive a fresh boost after the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) permitted companies to route a part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) expenditure through the platform. The change is expected to widen funding avenues for non-profit organisations and strengthen transparency and accountability in the social impact ecosystem.The MCA has amended Schedule VII of the Companies Act, 2013, to recognise investments in certain Social Stock Exchange instruments as an eligible CSR activity. As per a Gazette Notification issued on May 27, 2026, "subscription to zero coupon zero principal instruments on Social Stock Exchange" has now been added to the list of approved CSR activities.The amendment allows companies to allocate up to 10% of their total annual CSR budget towards not-for-profit organisations (NPOs) registered on the Social Stock Exchange through Zero Coupon Zero Principal (ZCZP) instruments.The Social Stock Exchange serves as a dedicated platform that connects social enterprises and NPOs with donors, investors and other funding sources. Unlike conventional stock exchanges, where investments are made with the expectation of financial returns, the SSE is designed to facilitate measurable social impact.According to the National Stock Exchange (NSE), the latest policy change could help scale up social financing in India by providing corporates with a regulated and disclosure-based channel to support impact-focused organisations. The exchange said the framework is expected to enhance transparency, credibility and the overall reach of funding within the social sector.The idea of a Social Stock Exchange was first outlined by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during the 2019 Budget, with the aim of bringing capital markets closer to the masses while advancing inclusive growth and financial inclusion.With the amendment now in place, companies can incorporate SSE-based contributions into their CSR programmes through a structured and regulated mechanism. NSE said the move is likely to improve funding access for verified NPOs, strengthen governance and disclosure standards, encourage outcome-oriented philanthropy and foster greater trust and accountability across the social impact landscape.Sriram Krishnan, Chief Business Development Officer at NSE, described the amendment as a significant development for India's social sector. He said the provision would enable corporates to channel CSR funds through a transparent, regulated and impact-driven platform, helping improve trust, accountability and access to capital for social enterprises.The MCA notification has come into effect immediately upon its publication in the Official Gazette.(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)
The Congress remains the principal opposition but faces structural challenges.
New Delhi, In a significant move, the government has allowed companies to invest up to 10 per cent of their CSR funds in zero coupon zero principal instruments issued by not for profit organisations through a social stock exchange.Under the Companies Act, 2013, a certain class of profitable companies are required to shell out at least two per cent of their three-year average annual net profit towards CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) activities in a particular financial year.The corporate affairs ministry has introduced the item 'subscription to zero coupon zero principal instruments on Social Stock Exchange' in Schedule VII, which pertains to activities allowed for CSR activities under the Companies Act."This amendment is aimed at providing significant ease of compliance to the companies and will also help Not for Profit Organisations (NPOs), to raise funding for public welfare projects in a transparent and regulated manner."These NPOs will be able to issue zero-coupon, zero-principal instruments on the Social Stock Exchange (SSE) in accordance with the Securities and Exchange Board of India's Regulations," the ministry said in a release on Friday.Expenditure incurred by the CSR-mandated companies for such instruments shall not exceed ten per cent of the total CSR expenditure for the particular financial year.To facilitate the implementation of CSR through zero coupon zero principal instrument, amendments have been done in the CSR Policy Rules, 2014.Now, under the rules, the definition of NPO and zero coupon zero principal instrument' has been introduced.Anshul Jain, Partner Regulatory at consultancy PwC India, said companies can now invest their CSR funds into such instruments issued through an SSE.It helps in furtherance of a transparent and credible mode of funding CSR projects by the companies and enables social enterprises to access a wider pool of capital, Jain said.
A total of 297 awards presented to students, teachers, principals and staff for their outstanding performance in the 2025โ26 SSC and Intermediate examinations
He was suspended just two days before his retirement on May 31; ADGP had recommended department-level action against Javad
The principals used similar language โ describing the OSM system as โtransparentโ, โaccurateโ, โfasterโ and โtechnology-drivenโ while backing the decision.
CBSE circulated a scripted social media toolkit to school principals directing them to publicly defend its controversial on-screen marking system, with hundreds of schools posting videos echoing the board's talking points.