Mumbai, May 15 (IANS) Shares of Muthoot Finance on Thursday slipped 7.25 per cent or Rs 163.90 to hit an intra-day low of Rs 2,096 on the national Stock Exchange (NSE) amid Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) draft loan-to-value (LTV) norms..On the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), the shares were trading at Rs 2,096.40, down by Rs 166.35 or 7.35 per cent during the intra-day session.The decline in Muthoot Finance’s share price was driven by concerns over the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) draft regulations on LTV norms for gold loans.According to analysts, the RBI’s draft guidelines, if implemented, could have a near-term impact on the disbursement LTV of Muthoot Finance and its peer non-banking financial companies (NBFCs).As per a note by Motilal Oswal, “Until the final gold-lending guidelines are published by the RBI, the growth outlook on gold loans will remain uncertain.”The fall in share price came a day after the stock closed 2 per cent higher at Rs 2,262.75.However, the company reported strong financial results for the fourth quarter (Q4) and full financial year 2024–25 (FY25).In the March quarter, Muthoot Finance posted a 22 per cent year-on-year (YoY) rise in consolidated profit after tax (PAT), reaching Rs 1,444 crore, compared to Rs 1,182 crore in the same quarter last fiscal (Q4 FY24).For the full year, the company reported its highest-ever standalone PAT of Rs 5,201 crore, showing a 28 per cent growth from the previous financial year (FY24).The company also achieved a major milestone by crossing Rs 1 lakh crore in both standalone loan assets under management (AUM) and gold loan AUM.Overall, the consolidated gross loan AUM increased by 37 per cent YoY to Rs 1,22,181 crore in Q4 FY25, up from Rs 89,079 crore in Q4 FY24.On a quarter-on-quarter (QoQ) basis, this was a 10 per cent rise. Muthoot Finance’s branch network expanded to 7,391 branches across the country, a 13 per cent growth from the previous year’s 6,541 branches.In addition, the company announced its highest-ever dividend of Rs 26 per share (260 per cent on a face value of Rs 10), rewarding its shareholders after a strong year.–IANSpk/na

Mumbai, May 15 (IANS) As their first feature film “99” completed 16 years in Hindi cinema, makers Raj & DK took a trip down memory lane and recalled the time “before streaming and hashtags” were a thing.

The filmmaker duo took to Instagram, where they shared pictures from the making of the crime comedy movie, which also stars Kunal Kemmu, Soha Ali Khan, Vinod Khanna, Boman Irani and Cyrus Broacha.The duo wrote as the caption: “Throwback to the time before streaming, before ‘content’, before hashtags were a thing, and before we had beards. Our first Hindi feature. Our first hustle. Thanks to everyone who took this quirky ride with us! #99TheFilm #VinodKhanna #AmitMistry @kunalkemmu @boman_irani @sakpataudi @cyrus_broacha @maheshmanjrekar @anupammittal.me @mensit @rajasen @simonesinghs @pitobash @chintan.gandhi.376”The film is set in the year 1999, with cricket controversies of that year as the backdrop. It tells the story of a gangster who deploys two of his trusted men in different cities to extort money from people who have escaped. While on their mission, they find themselves in various adventurous situations.Raj & DK are best known for their work as creators, directors, writers, and producers of the Hindi-language thriller series The Family Man, Farzi, and Guns & Gulaabs. They have also directed the films 99, Shor in the City, Go Goa Gone, Happy Ending and A Gentleman, and written the comedy horror film Stree.Their latest work includes “Citadel: Honey Bunny”, a spin-off/prequel to the American television series Citadel and revolves around the story of Honey and Bunny, who are the parents of the character Nadia Sinh.The series stars Varun Dhawan and Samantha Ruth Prabhu as the title characters with Kay Kay Menon, Simran, Sikandar Kher, Saqib Saleem, Soham Majumdar, Shivankit Singh Parihar and Thalaivaasal Vijay in supporting roles.–IANSdc/

New Delhi, May 15 (IANS) The Indian telecom sector continues its stable trajectory in workforce…

Mumbai, May 15 (IANS) Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur took to social media to share a heartfelt reflection on the lost charm of old-fashioned train travel.

Reminiscing about the chaotic yet joyful family journeys of his childhood—from last-minute dashes to catch the train to the familiar sounds of the station whistle—Kapur painted a vivid picture of a time when travel was as much about the adventure as the destination.On Thursday, Shekhar took to his Instagram handle and posted a photo of people at a bustling train station. Along with the image, he reflected on the chaotic yet cherished memories of old-fashioned train travel, capturing the magic and madness of family journeys from his childhood.Kapur wrote, “Travelling today..it’s all about efficiency. Efficiency and Security. About minutes and seconds to spare. About taking your computers and Electronics out and repacking them. Making sure you’ve not forgotten anything. I have. Often. What happened ? Travel used to be so much fun! Especially train travel. Remember? Those family holidays? Where your father was always late to the train station. ( mine was) .. your Granmother insisting on carrying those jars of pickle just in case ..”“Stuffing your ‘Hold All’s’ ( remember them? Beddings rolled up with all your clothes and toiletries inside.. the arguing with Coolies .. the grabbing for your seats before someone else’s took them .. arguing with the guard because he gave your booked seats to someone else .. and your dad has still not arrived ..”“The Guard blows his whistle .. And the noise .. the din .. families desperately saying last minute goodbyes.. luggage being stuffed through windows .. the whistle blows again .. the train chugs a little .. the wheels desperately strain to move .. slipping a little .. your Dad has still has not arrived .. you break out into tears .. your mom trying to calm you down..”And then the train does not move. False Alarm .. A sudden silence all over the station .. all goodbyyes have been said .. the station is awkwardly silent .. nothing more to say .. why does the train not move ? My Dad arrives .. smiling as if nothing was wrong .. it was completely normal .. The guards whistle goes again .. the station erupts .. all that was not said earlier is said again .. the wheels move and strain the train moves .. people screaming goodbye all over again..” the filmmaker added.Shekhar Kapur concluded the post by recalling the thrilling and chaotic moments that marked the start of train journeys in the past.He also reminisces about the excitement of running alongside a moving train, daring to be the last one to jump aboard before the platform ended — a wild and unforgettable experience that added a sense of adventure to travel. His closing line, mentioning the air hostess asking him to switch off his phone, signals that he’s shared these memories while on a flight.–IANSps/

Chennai, May 15 (IANS) With the India Meteorological Department forecasting an early onset of the southwest monsoon, farmers across Tamil Nadu have begun preparations for the Kuruvai paddy cultivation season. The promising storage levels at the Mettur Dam, along with intermittent summer showers in the catchment areas, have further encouraged farmers in the Delta districts to commence early field work.In anticipation of the upcoming season, the Tamil Nadu Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Department has swung into action.Officials have begun stocking up on seeds of short-duration paddy varieties and preparing for large-scale distribution to meet the expected demand.It may be recalled that in 2024, Tamil Nadu achieved a historic milestone in Kuruvai paddy cultivation by covering approximately 5.599 lakh acres (about 2.27 lakh hectares) — the highest in 48 years.This record acreage was made possible primarily due to the timely release of water from the Mettur Dam on June 12, the traditional date for starting Kuruvai cultivation, and the early arrival of the southwest monsoon which ensured ample water supply.The Delta region, the heartland of Kuruvai cultivation, contributed significantly to last year’s achievement with the following acreages: Thanjavur saw cultivation in 1.30 lakh acres, Tiruvarur in 92,500 acres, Mayiladuthurai 90,000 acres, Tiruchy 16,105 acres and Nagapattinam 3,750 acres.These figures were further supported by increased dependence on groundwater in areas where Cauvery water was insufficient or delayed.Looking ahead to the 2025 season, officials remain optimistic. As of May 11, 2025, the water level at the Mettur Dam stood at 108.30 feet significantly higher than the corresponding period last year.The favourable monsoon forecast has led to expectations that the area under Kuruvai cultivation may surpass 2024 levels.Agriculture department officials confirmed that arrangements are in place to supply farmers with seeds of all recommended short-term paddy varieties, including CO 51, CO 55, ASD 16, ASD 21, TPS 5, and ADT 36.Although traditional varieties such as ADT 36 and ASD 16 do not qualify for government subsidies, they remain popular among farmers for their specific agronomic benefits.Officials also noted that a special Kuruvai cultivation package is expected to be announced by the government shortly.In addition to seed supply, a considerable volume of fertilisers is being stocked to support farmers throughout the season.Seed distribution will be based on farmers’ preferences to ensure they receive the varieties best suited to their local conditions.–IANSaal/rad

Chennai, May 15 (IANS) With the water level in the Mettur dam nearing 110 feet and just a month remaining for the customary release of water for delta irrigation, the Water Resources Department (WRD) in Tiruchy has submitted a proposal to the Tamil Nadu government to clear dense vegetation from the Cauvery riverbed. The proposal focuses on the stretch between Musiri and Kallanai, where overgrowth is reportedly obstructing the natural flow of water.Officials from the River Conservation Sub-Division of the WRD confirmed, in a Right to Information (RTI) response to C. Yoganathan, president of the Ayyaru River Protection and Tanks Rejuvenation Association, that a formal request has been submitted seeking fund allocation for the clearance project.Once approval is granted, a detailed estimate will be prepared and sent to the government for financial sanction.According to Yoganathan, the Cauvery bed between Thottiyam and Kallanai has become overrun with trees and vegetation, significantly reducing the river’s water-carrying capacity and posing a potential flood threat during the monsoon season.Once a vital source of irrigation and drinking water, the river is now struggling due to unchecked vegetative growth.Farmers, especially those in and around Musiri, have urged the state government to expedite the clearing process before the scheduled release of water from the Mettur dam on June 12. They also blamed rampant sand mining for the riverbed’s degradation.According to them, miners have replaced the river’s natural sandy base with uneven, clay-heavy stretches, which promote dense plant growth.A senior WRD official explained that the process of preparing an estimate requires coordination among the WRD, Forest, and Revenue Departments.”The Forest Department must enumerate and evaluate the number and types of trees present, while the Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) must approve any tree-felling operations,” the official said.Once funds are sanctioned, the department will begin clearing the vegetation, removing dunes, and dismantling temporary roads laid for sand mining.The government typically allots Rs 5.94 per square metre of area cleared, the officials added.–IANSaal/svn

New Delhi, May 15 (IANS) The Indian men’s hockey team is preparing for their European leg of the FIH Hockey Pro League 2024-25, where they will face the likes of the Netherlands, Argentina, Australia and Belgium. And making his comeback in the national camp is the forward Selvam Karthi.Speaking on being drafted back into the national team set-up for the first time since the Asian Champions Trophy Chennai 2023, Karthi said, “I am very happy to be back in the national camp. But there is work to do, and my aim is to make it to the final squad for the FIH Hockey Pro League. I had been working hard on my own, and now the focus is solely to continue with my efforts so that I am part of the Indian team in the major tournaments that are coming up in the future.”Team will have their task cut out in June during the FIH Hockey Pro League, and the 23-year-old forward is looking to make a mark. Speaking on what he hopes to achieve in the next month, Karthi, who has toured with the national team in Europe, said, “I have played in Europe before this so it won’t be a new place for me in that sense, but my aim is to do well for the team and score important goals, and make an impact for the team.”He added, “My aim was to first make a comeback in the national team, and now that I am here in the camp, I want to do well, so that I am part of the Indian team that travels to Europe. Over there, I hope to do my best and help the team go forward.”Hailing from Tamil Nadu, Karthi opened up about the conversations he has been having with the leadership group of the Indian men’s team. He said, “The coaches encouraged me a lot, and they told me to work hard, mainly on fitness and also on my finishing in front of goal. These are some of the aspects I am working on continuously.”Looking ahead to the opposition that the Indian men’s team will face in the upcoming leg of the FIH Hockey Pro League, Karthi explained that no game is going to be easy.“The Netherlands are the Olympic gold medallists, and they will be a tough opponent for sure but we are confident that we can counter them with our strengths. Belgium, Australia and Argentina are also teams that play a very fast brand of hockey, just like the Indian team. So, we have to read the situations well and play accordingly during the matches, so that we can return with positive results,” he said.“Currently, we are working hard in training and also doing a few extra sessions as we prepare for the matches that are coming up. I have been working with the group and on my own as well in the camp to improve my game,” Kanthi signed off.–IANSbc/ab

Sydney, May 15 (IANS) The death toll from an outbreak of a tropical disease linked to heavy rainfall and flooding in northern Australia has increased to 31.According to the latest data from the health department in Queensland reported by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) on Wednesday, 31 people have died from melioidosis in the state in 2025.It said that one person, from the coastal city of Townsville in tropical northern Queensland, died from melioidosis in the past week.In the same period, there were four new reported cases; one in Townsville and three in the city of Cairns, further north. It takes the total number of reported cases in Queensland in 2025 to 221, an increase of 163 compared to the same point in 2024.Townsville, Cairns and surrounding areas received record-breaking rainfall in February that caused widespread devastating flooding, Xinhua news agency reported.Steven Donohue, director of the Townsville Public Health Unit, told the ABC that cases have slowed down significantly since the weather dried up and authorities believe the outbreak is “probably over.””It is a pretty nasty disease, particularly when it happens to the sick and elderly. Deaths are not uncommon,” he said.Queensland Health previously advised people to be alert for symptoms, including a cough, fever and difficulty breathing, and to wear protective footwear, gloves and a mask when coming into contact with muddy water or soil and when using a hose or high-pressure cleaner.Melioidosis is a rare tropical disease caused by bacteria commonly found in soil and water in Southeast Asia and northern Australia. After heavy rainfall it becomes airborne.Melioidosis has a wide range of signs and symptoms. You usually develop symptoms of melioidosis within 1 to 4 weeks after you’ve been exposed to it. Some cases have developed symptoms months or years after exposure. The disease can affect one body system or affect the entire body. Because of these factors, melioidosis is hard to diagnose and may be mistaken for other diseases.Sometimes the illness is just in one area (localised), and it may look like an ulcer or skin sore. You might have a fever, swelling, and muscle aches.–IANSint/jk/rad

Kolkata, May 15 (IANS) The West Bengal Police, investigating a multi-crore fake passport racket, have uncovered documents indicating that several passports were issued to individuals who do not exist at all.In a recent report submitted to the Calcutta High Court, investigators claimed that at least 37 such passports were found to have been issued to persons who could not be traced at the addresses mentioned in the documents.During interrogation and field verification, officials could not find any evidence suggesting these individuals ever lived at the listed addresses.Sources familiar with the investigation said the findings point to serious lapses in the physical verification process, which is mandatory for passport issuance.As per norms, police verification officers are required to visit the applicant’s address in person for on-ground verification before clearing the application.Two police personnel tasked with this verification process have already been named as accused in the case. They are Abdul Hai, a retired sub-inspector of Kolkata Police, and Mohammad Imran, a home guard attached to the Chandernagore Police Commissionerate in Hooghly district.According to insiders in the state police, the discovery of passports issued to non-existent individuals raises serious concerns, especially in light of several cases involving Bangladeshi nationals living in West Bengal with both Indian and Bangladeshi passports.Investigations have revealed that many of these individuals initially entered India legally on valid visas and subsequently acquired fake Indian identity documents, including passports, through such rackets.In a related development, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) recently arrested a former Pakistani national, Azad Mullick, from his residence on the northern outskirts of Kolkata. He was allegedly operating a network dealing in fake passports, visas, and hawala transactions. What made his case more complex was that he had first obtained Bangladeshi citizenship using forged documents and then used a similar method to acquire an Indian passport.–IANSsrc/skp

Seoul, May 15 (IANS) South Korean Democratic Party (DP) candidate, Lee Jae-myung, held a campaign rally in South Jeolla Province on Thursday, while People Power Party (PPP) candidate Kim Moon-soo apologised for the failed martial law bid by former President Yoon Suk Yeol, with less than three weeks to go before the presidential election.Lee, Kim and Lee Jun-seok of the minor New Reform Party have formed a three-way race for the June 3 presidential vote to pick a successor to former President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was ousted over his failed martial law bid. So far, the DP’s Lee has maintained a comfortable lead in opinion polls.A National Barometer Survey conducted this week showed that Lee of the DP was leading Kim with 49 per cent support against Kim’s 27 per cent, with the minor party’s Lee in third with 7 per cent.South Jeolla Province is considered a stronghold for the DP, and Kim of the PPP, which remains at odds over Yoon’s ouster, issued his second public apology for Yoon’s failed martial law bid.In Seoul, Kim said he “sincerely” apologised for Yoon’s martial law debacle, in an apparent move to broaden his support base as he struggled to catch up with the DP candidate.Lee of the DP kicked off the fourth day of his official campaign by holding live YouTube talks with the youth at Hwagae Market in Hadong, South Gyeongsang Province, to address concerns related to employment, housing and child care.Lee then travelled to the cities of Gwangyang, Yeosu and Suncheon, and is set to visit Mokpo in Jeolla Province, commonly known as Honam, a traditional support base of the liberal DP, to appeal to voters.In a Facebook post, Lee also expressed his “sincere” gratitude to teachers and acknowledged their dedication in guiding students in commemoration of Teacher’s Day, which fell on Thursday.Kim of the PPP, on the other hand, focussed on the Seoul Metropolitan Area the same day, starting off with a breakfast meeting on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and corporate strategies at the Korea Federation of Small and Medium Business.During the meeting, Kim pledged to amend the Serious Accidents Punishment Act, which penalises employers and corporations for fatal accidents in public places.”If I become the decision-maker, I will make sure that this harmful law no longer disturbs you,” Kim said.Kim then visited Sindorim Station in southwestern Seoul to greet commuters.He also held a luncheon meeting with Joseph Yun, acting US ambassador to South Korea, at the US Ambassador’s residence in central Seoul.The two sides are likely to have discussed various bilateral issues, including US tariffs and security under US President Donald Trump’s second administration, Yonhap news agency reported.Kim’s emphasis on economic and foreign policy issues reflects his strategy to appeal to voters in the Seoul Metropolitan Area, who tend to be less influenced by regional sentiment and are more sensitive to policies.Kim campaigned in Daegu, Busan and other parts of the Yeongnam region in the country’s southeast earlier this week to rally support from conservative voters before returning to Seoul.–IANSint/jk/rad