🖋️ From the desk of Abhijeet Rane
- dhadakkamgarunion0
- Jul 27
- 4 min read
🖋️ From the desk of Abhijeet Rane:
The central government’s move to ban 25 OTT apps and websites—including Ullu, Alt Balaji, and Desiflix—on grounds of obscene and vulgar content is a major assertion of digital regulation in India. While OTT platforms have given rise to democratized content creation and regional storytelling, many of them have increasingly blurred the lines between creativity and soft pornography. The fact that such apps often market themselves under the guise of “bold content” but serve purely titillating material has long been a subject of concern. The ban sends a clear message that unregulated digital spaces won’t be spared if they misuse freedom of expression to exploit vulnerable sections of society or promote content that degrades womenHowever, the larger concern lies in the loopholes of enforcement. As mentioned in the report, even after similar bans in 2022, these platforms have re-emerged under different names or domain redirects, continuing to operate in a disguised manner. The digital black market is smart, fast, and difficult to pin down. Without a strong tech framework and real-time monitoring, such bans might remain symbolic. There is also a need to strike a balance between regulation and censorship, so genuine creative voices don’t get throttled in the name of moral policing.
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🖋️ From the desk of Abhijeet Rane:
The revelation that 1,44,298 men have availed benefits under the Maharashtra government's ‘Ladki Bahin’ scheme—intended solely for women—raises critical questions about transparency, beneficiary verification, and the efficiency of state-run welfare programs. This glaring error has cost the exchequer over ₹21 crore and signals a systemic breakdown in identity verification mechanisms. The primary goal of this initiative was to uplift economically vulnerable women, but such a misuse highlights the urgent need for reforms in documentation and real-time data validation. The excuse that some male names resembled female ones is weak at best, considering Aadhaar and bank-linked gender identification systems are already in place.This incident also casts a shadow over the credibility of other social welfare schemes. If such blatant misuse can happen at this scale, it undermines the intention and execution of all government-driven inclusion efforts. While the state has promised to conduct a paper audit, what’s needed more is a robust digital verification pipeline integrated with UIDAI, PAN, and banking databases. Until then, fraudulent beneficiaries will continue to game the system, depriving genuine women of the support they rightly deserve. Accountability must not stop at recovery—it must lead to punitive action against those enabling such lapses, both inside and outside the system.
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🖋️ From the desk of Abhijeet Rane:
In a strategic and politically timed move ahead of the municipal elections, the free bus service initiative by the Maharashtra government for Ganeshotsav-bound Konkan residents appears to be more than just a goodwill gesture. With 198 ST buses allocated from Mumbai to Konkan during the festive season, the government has tapped into a culturally significant migration moment to reinforce voter loyalty. The decision caters to a key voter base from Konkan residing in Mumbai, who often struggle with high travel costs during the Ganpati festival. Offering free transport helps not only in easing their journey but also cements emotional and political connections at a grassroots level.What makes this initiative notable is the scale of its execution and the intent behind its timing. With 1,09,923 bookings from Mumbai Central and other depots already received, and the distribution beginning on August 2, it is evident the demand is substantial. The ruling parties appear to be leveraging cultural traditions as a soft campaign tool, using public funds to appeal to specific demographics. While it benefits common citizens in the short term, such schemes also raise questions on election-time populism and the sustainability of such subsidies. Nonetheless, for now, it’s a win-win for both the Konkan residents and the political leadership seeking to strengthen their grassroots connect.
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🖋️ From the desk of Abhijeet Rane:
The India-UK Free Trade Agreement marks a pivotal development in international commerce, promising substantial benefits for both countries. For India, the deal opens up British markets for several key exports, including textiles, leather goods, agricultural products, and automobiles. Importantly, it grants zero-duty access to over 90% of Indian goods entering the UK—this could massively boost India's export volume. Additionally, India's manufacturing and IT sectors stand to gain as skilled Indian professionals will have smoother access to UK jobs. The agreement also promises to inject life into employment sectors back home, potentially creating opportunities for more than 75,000 Indian workers.On the flip side, Britain eyes this deal as a way to revitalize its post-Brexit trade standing. With tariff reductions on whiskey, cheese, cars, and other UK specialties, British exporters could gain a stronger foothold in India’s vast consumer market. Moreover, British investments in India could rise, especially in sectors like education, legal services, and insurance. The entry of luxury UK cars and goods at reduced duties signals a shift toward greater trade liberalization.
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🖋️ From the desk of Abhijeet Rane:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the Maldives is a strategic masterstroke in India’s neighborhood diplomacy. After months of tension under President Muizzu’s openly pro-China stance and the "India Out" campaign, this visit marks a turning point in India-Maldives relations. By offering a ₹4,850 crore credit line and easing repayment terms on earlier loans, India has shown that soft power, economic support, and regional partnership are far more effective than confrontation. It’s a calculated move to regain trust and influence in a geopolitically sensitive zone of the Indian Ocean, especially when China’s shadow looms large.This visit also carries strong symbolic weight. Modi being invited as the first state guest of Muizzu’s term signals the Maldivian government’s desire to recalibrate its foreign policy and re-engage with India. The announcement of future trade agreements, infrastructure projects, and defense partnerships shows that India is no longer reacting to China’s moves but proactively shaping the regional narrative. It is not just diplomacy—it’s a message to the world: India is back in the Maldives, not as a dominant force, but as a stable, reliable, and generous partner.
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