Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju Calls On Congress Chief

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju met Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday, a week ahead of the first session of the new Lok Sabha.

Mr Rijiju met Mr Kharge at the Congress chief's 10, Rajaji Marg residence in what was said to be a courtesy call.

The minister later shared a picture of the meeting in a post on X.

I had a pleasant courtesy meeting with Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha and Congress Party President Shri Mallikarjun Kharge ji. He shared with me about many valuable experiences of his life. Together, we all will work for the nation. pic.twitter.com/FLekmdzepi

— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) June 16, 2024

"I had a pleasant courtesy meeting with Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha and Congress party president Shri Mallikarjun Kharge ji. He shared with me about many valuable experiences of his life. Together, we all will work for the nation," he said in the post.

Assuming charge of the ministry last week, Mr Rijiju had said there was no need for the government or the opposition to pull each other down on the basis of numerical strength and asserted that he would reach out to everyone for smooth functioning of Parliament.

The first session of the 18th Lok Sabha will begin on June 24 during which new members of the Lower House will take oath and the speaker elected.

President Droupadi Murmu will address a joint sitting of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha on June 27 and is likely to outline the new government's roadmap for the next five years.

The session will conclude on July 3.

The first three days of the session will see the newly-elected MPs taking oath and electing the speaker of the Lower House.

Both Houses of Parliament are expected to reconvene in the third week of July for the presentation of the Union Budget. 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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Pushpa 2 Avoids Clash With Stree 2 And Khel Khel Mein. Postponed To...

The Allu Arjun's film Pushpa 2: The Rule will not hit the screens as scheduled on August 15, 2024, sources said. As per Track Tollywood, the release of the film has been indefinitely postponed because of some post-production work. The original editor of the film, Karthika Srinivas, has left the project with Navin Nooli, who is currently working on the final cuts of the film, taking over his role.

Sources said director Sukumar is considering revisiting some parts of the film because of the VFX and wants to reshoot them for better quality.

Although no official confirmation on the postponement has come from the makers of the film, Pushpa 2 is now expected to release during Diwali.

With reports of Pushpa 2 release date getting postponed, producers of Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu films are now booking August 15 as the release date for their films, sources said.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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'Impossibly Unaffordable': These 10 Cities Top The List of High-Cost Living

Finding an affordable home is becoming increasingly difficult, not just in 1 or 2 big cities, but around the world. A new report reveals the cities where this struggle is most prominent, including the top five least affordable metropolitan areas in the United States.

The annual Demographic International Housing Affordability report has been tracking housing costs for two decades. This year's edition identifies the top 10 most expensive housing markets globally, alongside the most affordable ones.

Ranking the Unaffordability:

The rankings are based on data collected in the third quarter of 2023 from 94 major markets across eight countries: Australia, Canada, China, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The report utilizes a "median multiple" to measure affordability. This ratio divides the median house price by the median household income.

The markets are then categorized into five affordability brackets based on their median multiple:

1. Affordable (3.0 and under)
2. Moderately Unaffordable (3.1 to 4.0)
3. Seriously Unaffordable (4.1 to 5.0)
4. Severely Unaffordable (5.1 to 8.9)
5. Impossibly Unaffordable (9.0 and over)

According to the report, Hong Kong holds the dubious distinction of being the least affordable housing market in the English-speaking world.

Here's a breakdown of the top 10 most expensive cities:

1. Hong Kong (16.7)
2. Sydney, Australia (13.3)
3. Vancouver, Canada (12.3)
4. San Jose, California (11.9)
5. Los Angeles, California (10.9)
6. Honolulu, Hawaii (10.5)
7. Melbourne, Australia (9.8)
8. San Francisco, California (9.7) (tie)
9. Adelaide, Australia (9.7) (tie)
10. San Diego, California (9.5) (Bonus) Toronto, Canada (9.3)

Why So Unaffordable?

The report cites several factors contributing to the affordability crisis. The rise of remote work during the pandemic fueled a surge in demand for housing, particularly in suburban and even more remote areas. This demand surge pushed house prices significantly higher as people sought more space, both within the house and in surrounding yards or gardens.

The report also blames "urban containment policies" aimed at limiting sprawl and increasing density in desirable areas. While these policies are intended with good intentions, the report argues that they severely restrict the available land for housing development. In already constrained markets, higher land values translate directly into dramatically higher house prices.

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Cricketer-Turned-MP Yusuf Pathan Gets Notice For Encroachment In Gujarat

The BJP-ruled Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) in Gujarat has issued a notice to former India cricketer and recently elected Trinamool Congress (TMC) Lok Sabha MP from Baharampur Yusuf Pathan for allegedly encroaching on a plot of land the civic body said belongs to it.

While the notice was served to Mr Pathan on June 6, VMC's standing committee chairman Shital Mistry informed the media on Thursday after the issue was highlighted by former BJP corporator Vijay Pawar.

Talking to reporters earlier in the day, Mr Pawar had alleged that though the state government had rejected VMC's proposal to sell the plot to Mr Pathan in 2012, the newly elected MP had encroached on the plot by constructing a compound wall.

"I don't have any grudge against Yusuf Pathan. A plot in Tanadalja area under TP 22 is a residential plot owned by VMC. In 2012, Mr Pathan had demanded this plot from VMC because his house, which was under construction at that time, was adjacent to that plot. He had offered nearly Rs 57,000 per square meter," Mr Pawar told reporters.

The proposal was cleared by the VMC at that time and it was passed in the general board meeting. However, the state government, which is the final authority in such matters, did not give its approval, he said.

"Though the proposal was rejected, the VMC did not put up a fence around the plot. Then I came to know that Mr Pathan has encroached upon the plot by constructing a compound wall around it. Thus, I have asked the municipal corporation to conduct an inquiry," said Mr Pawar.

Mr Mistry confirmed the sequence of events leading to the state government not approving the sale of the 978 square metre plot to Mr Pathan and said a notice had been served to him for alleged encroachment.

"Recently, we received some representations about him constructing a compound wall. Thus, on June 6, we served a notice to Mr Pathan and asked him to remove all the encroachments. We will wait for a couple of weeks and then we will decide further course of action. This land belongs to VMC and we will claim it back," Mr Mistry asserted.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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Why Was USA's Five Runs Deducted vs India In Tense T20 WC Chase: Explained

USA gave India a run for their money in a tense T20 World Cup 2024 match on Wednesday. USA, who had earlier beaten Canada and former champions Pakistan, put pressure on India right from the start. On a tricky pitch in New York, India scored 110/8 in 20 overs. Then, they reduced India to 39/3 with Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Rishabh Pant back in the hut. Though India did not lose any more wickets to reach the target in 18.2 overs, unbeaten batters Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube did not have it easy. 

India got an unexpected help as USA were docked five runs and they received penalty. USA stand-in captain Aaron Jones was not happy and had a lengthy chat with the umpires. The hosts were docked five runs due to  a new penalty rule. It was because USA went past 60 seconds to start a new over 3 times in the innings. As per the new rules, that's a penalty.

Talking about the game, Arshdeep Singh and Suryakumar Yadav played lead roles as India defeated USA by seven wickets to enter the Super Eight of the T20 World Cup on Wednesday.

Suryakumar made a well-judged unbeaten 50 off 49 balls and Shivam Dube a laboured to a 31 off 35 balls as India overhauled USA's 110/8 in 18.2 overs. India ended up at 111/3.

Earlier, pacer Arshdeep was brilliant with the ball while taking four wickets as India restricted the USA to 110/8.

Nitish Kumar (27, 23b, 2x4 1x6) batted well in the company of former New Zealand all-rounder Corey Anderson (15, 12b, 1x4, 1x6) for the USA.

For India, Arshdeep (4/9) and Hardik Pandya (2/14) were the best in the park, picking up six wickets between them.

Brief scores: USA: 110/8 in 20 overs (Steven Taylor 24, Nitish Kumar 27, Corey Anderson 14; Arshdeep Singh 4/9, Hardik Pandya 2/14) lost to India: 111/3 in 18.2 overs (Suryakumar Yadav 50 not out, Shivam Dube 31 not out; Saurabh Netravalkar 2/18) by 7 wickets

 With PTI inputs

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In First Odisha Cabinet Meet, A Big Decision On Puri Jagannath Temple

Odisha's BJP government in its first Cabinet meeting approved a proposal to re-open all four gates of Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri on early Thursday morning and set up a corpus fund for immediate requirement of the 12th-century shrine.

This was stated by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi after chairing a meeting with his ministers at the state secretariat Lok Seva Bhawan.

"The state government decided to re-open all the four gates of the Puri Jagannath temple in early morning tomorrow in the presence of all ministers. Devotees will have access to the temple through all four gates," Majhi said.

Stating that opening all the temple gates was one of the promises of the BJP's election manifesto, the chief minister said that the devotees were facing problems due to closure of the gates.

The previous BJD administration continued to keep the four gates of the temple closed since the COVID-19 pandemic. The devotees can enter through only one gate and there were demands that all gates be opened.

For the sake of conservation and preservation of the temple, Majhi said the Cabinet decided to constitute a corpus fund of Rs 500 crore to look after the issues related to the shrine.

Replying to a question, the chief minister said that all ministers will leave for Puri on Wednesday night and stay in the pilgrim town so that they can be present when all four gates will be opened on Thursday morning.

Majhi said that the state government will also take steps to raise the minimum support price (MSP) of paddy to Rs 3100 per quintal and the department concerned has been asked to take measures in this regard.

A committee will be formed very soon for implementation of the proposal to increase the MSP for paddy to Rs 3100 per quintal, he said.

This apart, a special policy "Samruddha Krushak Niti Yojana" will be framed to deal with the problems of farmers including the MSP to farmers.

"The departments have been asked to prepare a proper guideline and roadmap in this regard and present it before the government.

"This will be done within a span of first 100 days of the government," the chief minister said.

Majhi also claimed that efforts of the previous BJD regime for women empowerment and child welfare have failed.

Therefore, the new government will implement the Subhdra Yojana within 100 days under which the women will get a Rs 50,000 cash voucher each.

"The departments are told to prepare guidelines and roadmaps for the implementation of the Subhadra Yojana," the chief minister said. 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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Want To Make Dharavi A Model For Global Urban Redevelopment: Company

One of the main objectives behind Dharavi's redevelopment is elevating the living standards of its residents and those opposing the project are doing them a disservice, Dharavi Redevelopment Project Private Limited, a joint venture between the Maharashtra government and the Adani Group, has said. 

In a statement, Dharavi Redevelopment Project Private Limited said all eligible people will get new homes measuring 350 square feet for free in Dharavi, which is 17% more than any other slum rehabilitation project in Mumbai. Even those who are ineligible, it said, will be given housing in Mumbai, in line with the policy of the Maharashtra government. 

Commercial establishments will also get a 'gala' (unit) and premises as per the government's scheme.

"The vision for the new Dharavi is to develop it according to international standards, with the expertise of globally renowned planners and architects. The comprehensive plan encompasses not only residential units but also community halls, recreational areas, public gardens, dispensaries, daycare centers, schools, and hospitals. Additionally, a multi-modal transport facility that brings all plans to converge at one rail and road location is being planned," the statement said.

Every eligible business in the redeveloped Dharavi, the DRPPL said, will benefit from a five-year reimbursement of the State Goods and Services Tax (SGST) to foster economic growth and support local businesses.

"Regrettably, the redevelopment project has encountered challenges, particularly from certain vested political interests who have interrupted the necessary survey work in various areas. While many local residents support the survey process, these disruptions by a few, driven by their own interests, have prevented many from moving into ready-to-occupy homes, causing them to endure unnecessary hardship," it said. 

"DRPPL believes that the redevelopment of Dharavi should not be politicized but viewed as a collective effort for the common good of Mumbai and the country. The project represents a significant step towards a brighter future for Dharavi, Nav Dharavi, and its residents, aiming to transform the areas into a modern and thriving urban space," the DRPPL said. 

The company said it is committed to engaging with the community, addressing concerns and ensuring transparency at every level in its quest to create a Dharavi and Nav Dharavi that stand out as a model for urban redevelopment globally.

(Disclaimer: New Delhi Television is a subsidiary of AMG Media Networks Limited, an Adani Group Company.)

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