Latest news with #Basu
NDTV
2 days ago
- Politics
- NDTV
"Do Something Quickly": Top Court Asks Centre To Find Russian Woman, Child
New Delhi: Victoria Basu, the Russian woman who is missing with her four-year-old child, has not left India through legal channels, the Central government informed the Supreme Court on Friday. The woman-- who allegedly absconded with her son from her marriage to an Indian man, Saikat Basu-- remains 'untraceable', the centre said. Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Aishwarya Bhati, who appeared for the Centre and Delhi police, told the top court that 'look out notices' and 'hue and cry' notices have been issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs asking all senior police officials across the country to trace the missing woman. ASG Bhati told the court that the Russian embassy is fully cooperating with Indian authorities in the matter. Ms Basu's father is reportedly a retired officer with the FSB, i.e., Russian intelligence. "The Russian ambassador has informed that the woman approached the embassy on July 5 and made a complaint about her husband's misbehaviour. However, the embassy asked her to reach out to the police," she said. On July 10, the woman's mother lodged a complaint with the embassy, saying her daughter was missing. But she was also reportedly advised to contact the Delhi Police. The woman's husband, Saikat Basu, had alleged his estranged wife -- as divorce proceedings are pending before a family court in Delhi's Saket -- had been seen furtively entering the Russian embassy in Delhi via the back gate earlier this month with luggage. He claimed she had been accompanied by an embassy official. While hearing submissions, a bench led by Justice Surya Kant flagged several issues and directed the authorities to immediately inquire with the Railway officials and other means of public transport to trace any moment of the missing woman and the child. The bench also directed the Delhi police to check CCTV footage of all entry and exits of Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) in their ongoing probe to find the woman and the child. "They need to do something very quickly", Justice Surya Kant stated, flagging concern over the circumstances in which the missing woman may be and the safety of the child. After issuing directions, the Supreme Court posted the matter to Monday, July 21. According to the woman's husband, there was a custody deal in place that would see the boy spend three days a week with his mother and the rest with him. On May 22, she took custody of the boy, which was the last time Mr Basu saw him, he told the court on Thursday. The couple initially met in China, where the husband worked as an engineer for a software company and subsequently married in India in 2017.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Construction costs rise as tariff clock ticks
This story was originally published on Construction Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Construction Dive newsletter. Dive Brief: Construction input prices ticked up 0.2% in June, driven by increases in key materials such as copper and fabricated structural metal products, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Producer Price Index data. Input costs now sit 2.1% higher overall and 2.5% higher for nonresidential construction compared to a year ago, according to the report. Through the first half of 2025, nonresidential prices climbed at a 6% annualized rate. The June data predates the steepest tariffs set to take effect Aug. 1, leaving contractors bracing for more volatility as additional duties loom. Dive Insight: Contractors absorbed another round of steady cost increases in June, even before the most aggressive tariffs take hold later this summer, according to the Associated General Contractors of America. Aluminum mill shapes climbed 6.3% over the past year, steel mill products rose 5.1% and lumber and wood products increased 4.8%, according to the report. More extreme increases hit certain structural steel components, including a 22.5% spike in fabricated metal for bridges and 8.3% for bar joists and rebar. 'The fact that construction materials prices are rising even before the steepest proposed tariffs have taken effect doesn't bode well for what will happen in August if the promised new tariffs are implemented,' said Ken Simonson, AGC chief economist. 'Rising construction costs and economic uncertainty are already causing some owners to put projects on hold, which will only get worse if costs jump again.' The Trump administration raised steel and aluminum tariffs to 50% last month and plans to impose a similar 50% duty on copper on Aug. 1. Broader import restrictions also still remain under consideration. At the same time, inflation appears once again to be gaining momentum. Core good prices, excluding automobiles, increased at their fastest pace since late 2021 in the June Consumer Price Index report, signaling additional risk for contractors on the horizon, said Anirban Basu, ABC chief economist. 'Nonresidential input price escalation has accelerated in 2025," said Basu. 'While it is unclear how and when trade policy will affect construction materials prices, the impact was evident in June's CPI release.' Nevertheless, Basu said many contractors remain upbeat about their margins. That outlook may reflect federal tax changes under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which made 100% bonus depreciation permanent and helped offset some pressure from rising input costs. 'Economic uncertainty remains extraordinarily elevated,' said Basu. 'What is all but certain is that the Federal Reserve will not be cutting interest rates at its July meeting. Despite higher-for-longer interest rates and rising input prices, contractors remain relatively optimistic.' Still, AGC officials warn confidence may erode if tariff-driven increases persist. If costs spike too sharply, more developers may choose to delay or cancel projects outright, according to the report. 'The construction industry is poised to benefit from greater tax certainty as well as the administration's efforts to streamline permitting and reduce needless regulatory burdens,' said AGC CEO Jeffrey Shoaf in the release. 'Finding a way to provide greater certainty on materials prices is the best way to make sure the new tax and regulatory approach have the best possible impact on economic activity.' Recommended Reading Construction costs jump at a 6% annualized rate
News18
2 days ago
- Politics
- News18
Jyoti Basu Could Have Been India's First Communist PM But Declined The Offer In 1996
Last Updated: Despite being offered the PM's post, Jyoti Basu declined—later calling it a 'historic blunder' and a missed opportunity for India's communist movement On the 111th birth anniversary of Jyoti Basu, India remembers one of its most towering communist leaders. Known for his crisp white attire and composed Bengali Babu persona, Basu served as West Bengal's Chief Minister for over 23 years—making him the country's longest-serving CM until Sikkim's Pawan Kumar Chamling surpassed him. Offered PM Post In 1996, But Left Said No A stalwart of the Left, Basu came close to becoming India's first communist Prime Minister in 1996—a moment that remains one of the most debated turning points in Indian politics. Though often criticised for his one-sided style of governance, Basu was widely respected for his political acumen and decisive leadership. Despite being offered the position, he declined, later referring to this decision as a 'historical blunder', a missed opportunity for India's leftist movement. In the 1996 Lok Sabha elections, a fractured mandate led various regional and leftist parties to form a coalition called the United Front, which offered Basu the Prime Minister's post to bring stability to the country. Although Basu was willing to accept, his party's central committee objected, citing concerns about effectively implementing Marxist policies with only 32 MPs in the Lok Sabha. This decision, they argued, would compromise the party's credibility. Father Was A Renowned Homeopath Jyoti Basu was born on July 8, 1914 in Kolkata to Nishikanta Basu, a renowned homeopath, and Hemlata Devi. He received his early education in private schools, completing his Senior Cambridge and Intermediate from St. Xavier's School. He went on to earn a degree with honours in English from Presidency College, Kolkata, before moving to Britain in 1935 to study law. As a child, Basu was deeply moved by the 1930 armed uprising led by Surya Sen in Chittagong. During his time in Britain, he became increasingly drawn to leftist ideology. He attended lectures by Harold Laski, a prominent Marxist thinker and chairman of the British Labour Party, and joined the India League, a political organisation of Indian students led by V.K. Krishna Menon. These experiences played a formative role in shaping Basu's political outlook. Embraced Communism While Studying In London While studying in London, Jyoti Basu embraced communist ideology and became actively involved with the Communist Party of Great Britain. He participated in Marxist study circles and engaged with communist groups in London, Oxford, and Cambridge. Although he expressed a desire to formally join the party, its general secretary, Harry Pollitt, advised him against it. Determined to pursue his political convictions, Basu resolved to join the Communist movement upon his return to India and remained committed to the cause of India's independence. During his time in Britain, he also worked with Indian dignitaries, including Jawaharlal Nehru. After returning to India in 1940, Basu registered as a barrister with the Calcutta High Court. In 1944, following the formation of the Bengal Assam Railroad Workers Union, he became its first secretary, marking the beginning of his active role in the labour movement. From Underground Leader To Chief Minister After India gained independence, Jyoti Basu was elected to the Bengal Legislative Assembly from Baranagar in 1952. Through the 1950s and 60s, he remained largely a provincial politician, frequently facing arrest and often going underground to evade the police. Following the dramatic split in the communist movement, Basu became a founding member of the CPI(M) Polit Bureau. He was the last surviving member of the original nine-member body, often referred to as the party's 'Navratna'. In 1977, after the Emergency, the Left Front came to power in West Bengal, and Basu was elected Chief Minister—marking the beginning of a record-breaking tenure in Indian politics. Reforms And Initiatives Over the next 23 years, the CPI(M) under Basu's leadership built a formidable base in West Bengal—one that was often perceived as authoritarian, according to The Guardian. Under his leadership, landmark initiatives such as land reforms, minimum wages for agricultural labourers, and the introduction of a three-tier panchayat system were implemented. His popularity surged following the redistribution of land in Bengal's deeply feudal rural landscape. However, Basu's time in office also drew criticism. His government was faulted for unchecked urbanisation and the steady decline of industrial growth in the state. One of his most controversial moves was the phasing out of English from primary education— a decision that continues to be debated. Basu's leadership style was often described as centralised, with many viewing his tenure as a one-man show. He also faced backlash for his dismissive response to sensitive issues. In one instance, when asked about the rape of a Bangladeshi pavement dweller by a policeman at a Kolkata police station, Basu tersely remarked, 'These things happen"—a comment considered shockingly blunt at the time. Retirement And Death top videos View all Jyoti Basu retired from active politics in 2000, handing over the reins to his deputy, Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, on November 6 that year. Due to declining health, he was removed from the CPI(M) Polit Bureau in 2008, though he continued to serve as a special invitee to the party's Central Committee until his death. Basu passed away on January 17, 2010. Remembered as the 'Iron Man of Bengal', he was widely respected for the tough and often transformative decisions he took in the public interest during his long tenure. First Published:
NDTV
3 days ago
- Politics
- NDTV
'Trace Them...': Supreme Court Orders Hunt For Russian Woman, Child
New Delhi: In a rather unusual child custody case, the Supreme Court has directed the External Affairs and Home ministries to issue look-out notices for a Russian woman - Victoria Basu - who has allegedly absconded with a five-year-old son from her marriage to an Indian man, Saikat Basu. A bench of Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi also directed the Delhi Police to 'trace the missing child without any loss of time' and hand custody to the father, who claimed Ms Basu and his son - who was with his mother per a custody deal - have been 'missing' since July 7. The court also ordered Ms Basu's passport seized. Further, border officials have been directed to monitor airports and ports. And in another dramatic twist, the court also took note of the doubtful conduct of Ms Basu's counsel, who claimed not to know her whereabouts. Justice Kant shot back, "You people know everything... you think you can play with us? We will take counsels also to task... You wait..." Mr Basu had alleged his estranged wife - divorce proceedings are pending before a family court in Delhi's Saket - had been seen furtively entering the Russian embassy in Delhi via the back gate earlier this month with luggage. He claimed she had been accompanied by an embassy official. A photo allegedly showing Victoria Basu entering the Russian embassy. He told the court he feared mother and child may have since fled India. The bench also noted his allegation of an affair with a Russian embassy official; it is unclear if this is the same official who allegedly helped her enter the building undetected. The court has asked the External Affairs Ministry to request permission to search this official's home in Delhi. Ms Basu's father is reportedly a retired officer with the FSB, i.e., Russian intelligence. According to the father there was a custody deal in place that would see the boy spend three days a week with his mother. She took custody of the boy on May 22, which was the last time the Mr Basu saw him, he told the court. He claimed she was seen entering the embassy on July 4. The couple initially met in China where the husband worked as an engineer for a software company and subsequently married in India in 2017.
Hans India
3 days ago
- Sport
- Hans India
Indian football has gone from bad to worse in last 24 months
New Delhi: Indian football has gone from bad to worse in the past 24 months and a new book that has recently hit the stands gives a blow by blow account of how the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and its president Kalyan Chaubey allegedly lost the plot. Indian men's team's FIFA rankings has plummeted to a lowly 133, the worst in nine years, and the top tier Indian Super League's upcoming season which was supposed to start in a couple of months is still in a limbo as its organisers Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) and the AIFF are yet to renew the Masters Rights Agreement (MRA). In his book 'Who Stole My Football', renowned journalist Jaydeep Basu has given an insider's account of what he termed as a systemic breakdown of Indian football, including financial mismanagement, under Chaubey's stewardship. Basu had worked as AIFF's Media Director and has been privy to the developments in the organization which he has chronicled in detail. 'The entire professional structure of the AIFF secretariat suffered a breakdown since 2024. The laid down process of appointments was not followed in many instances,' Basu wrote in his book. According to Basu, the situation 'reached its lowest ebb after Anilkumar took over as the secretary general'. Anilkumar, who became AIFF Secretary General after Shaji Prabhakaran was sacked in November 2023, had to leave his post earlier this year after his appointment was stayed by the Delhi High Court. The book also gives detailed account of how ill-prepared Indian football team was when it played in the Asian Games in Hangzhou in 2023. The Indian football team played its first group match just hours after reaching the Games Village in Hangzhou as the AIFF was able to stitch a second-rung squad in the last minute. The team had failed to advance to the knock-out round. Chaubey's frosty relations with Croatian legend and former India head coach Igor Stimac also found mention in the book. 'Stimac was bitterly disappointed when Chaubey, without consulting the national coach, finalised India's participation in the Merdeka Cup in 2024 during FIFA international window.
