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			<title>The Weekend Leader</title>
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<title><![CDATA[How a Small-Town Man Turned His Family?s Biryani Business into a Rs 600 Crore Global Chain]]></title>
<pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000]]></pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[After completing his MBA in the UK, Sathish Nagasamy returned to India in 2008 to scale his family's small-town biryani business. He expanded it from two outlets into a Rs 600 crore turnover, 97-outlet international chain with 10 overseas locations ]]></description>
<link>https://www.theweekendleader.com/Success/3369/taking-biryani-beyond-borders.html</link>
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<title><![CDATA[Every 2nd Real-Time Payment Globally Is Processed Through India's UPI: Govt]]></title>
<pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000]]></pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[India's unified payments interface (UPI) now accounts for nearly 49 per cent of the world's real-time payment transaction volume, making it the largest real-time payment system globally, the government said on Wednesday. 

The achievement comes as the Digital India programme completes 11 years since its launch on July 1, 2015. According to the government, the initiative has transformed the country's digital public infrastructure, enabling faster payments, improving public service delivery and creating new economic opportunities across urban and rural India.

The government said India has transitioned from being a predominantly cash-based economy to one where digital payments have become the preferred mode of transaction for millions of consumers and merchants. UPI, launched in 2016-17, allows instant person-to-person and person-to-merchant transactions across banks through interoperable digital payment platforms.

It attributed the growth of digital payments to a combination of interoperable banking infrastructure, Aadhaar-based digital identity, affordable internet services, expanding 5G and optical fibre connectivity, rising smartphone penetration and a growing ecosystem of user-friendly payment applications.

According to the government, these factors have enabled secure and seamless digital transactions across the country, extending digital payments from metropolitan cities to remote rural areas while reducing dependence on cash.

India's digital payments ecosystem is also gaining international acceptance. The government said Greece recently became the 10th country to enable UPI services, allowing Indian travellers and businesses to make seamless digital payments overseas.

Beyond payments, the government highlighted the role of Digital India in strengthening public welfare programmes through digital platforms.

It said the Poshan Tracker, developed under Saksham Anganwadi and Mission Poshan 2.0 by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, has digitised nutrition service delivery across the country. As of May 2026, the platform had over 13.3 lakh registered Anganwadi workers serving 8.93 crore beneficiaries, including pregnant women, lactating mothers, young children and adolescent girls. The government added that nearly 99.89 per cent of beneficiaries have been Aadhaar verified.

The platform, which integrates Aadhaar authentication, geo-tagging, geo-fencing and face recognition for ration distribution, now maintains a live database tracking nutrition indicators for more than 77 million children, enabling real-time monitoring and data-driven policymaking, it said.&nbsp;--IANS]]></description>
<link>https://www.theweekendleader.com/Headlines/81232/every-2nd-realtime-payment-globally-is-processed-through-indias-upi-govt.html</link>
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<title><![CDATA[Bengal: Mahua Moitra Faces Protest in Nadia; Eggs, Cow Dung Thrown at Her]]></title>
<pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000]]></pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra on Wednesday faced protests from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers in Nadia district's Kaliganj area, with eggs, cow dung and stones thrown at her.
On Wednesday, Mahua Moitra was holding a meeting at the Trinamool office on the side of National Highway 34 in Kaliganj. Several party leaders and activists were also present. 

While Mahua was holding the meeting, several BJP workers and supporters gathered in front of the Trinamool office and kept shouting slogans against the Krishnanagar MP.

It was initially known that when Mahua got out of the car and entered the party office, some people showed her black flags. The Trinamool MP entered the office saying, "Who are you? Come forward."  The situation became heated after that. Mahua started doing a Facebook live from the second floor of the office. 

She alleged that even though BJP leaders and activists were doing such things, the police were playing the role of silent spectators.

Mahua's Facebook video shows eggs, stones and even cow dung being thrown at the second-story window. Mahua herself was not spared from the egg attack. Four policemen from Kaliganj police station went to the spot after receiving the news of the incident, but they could not bring the situation under control. 

Finally, the central forces went to the spot and brought the situation under control. However, the tension has not subsided yet.

A few workers of the BJP's Mahila Morcha are still protesting in front of the Trinamool office. A few women workers of the Trinamool have also arrived in front of the office and are shouting slogans in response. 

The Trinamool Congress MP was, however, not hurt in the attack and continues to remain inside the party office and hold meetings with her party workers. 

The BJP, however, said that it was a spontaneous protest by the people in her constituency after she failed to usher in development for them.&nbsp;--IANS]]></description>
<link>https://www.theweekendleader.com/Headlines/81231/bengal-mahua-moitra-faces-protest-in-nadia-eggs-cow-dung-thrown-at-her.html</link>
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<title><![CDATA[DMK Seeks FIR Over Alleged Presence of Private Individuals in TN Cabinet Meetings]]></title>
<pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000]]></pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has sought criminal action against two alleged close associates of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, urging the state Director General of Police (DGP) to register a First Information Report (FIR) and launch an investigation into their alleged participation in Cabinet meetings and other confidential government deliberations.  

In a complaint submitted to the DGP, DMK's Organisation Secretary R.S. Bharathi alleged that two private individuals, John Arockiasamy and Vishnu Reddy, had attended Cabinet meetings, official review meetings and other high-level discussions chaired by the Chief Minister despite holding no official position in the government.

Describing the allegations as a serious breach of constitutional and legal safeguards, Bharathi sought the registration of an FIR and a comprehensive investigation into the alleged offences under the Official Secrets Act, 1923, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and other applicable laws.

"The information disclosed herein prima facie reveals the unlawful communication, receipt and access to confidential government information by unauthorised private individuals, together with possible abuse of public office, criminal conspiracy and other offences requiring immediate criminal investigation," the complaint said.

Bharathi contended that the Chief Minister, by virtue of the oath of office and secrecy prescribed under Article 164(3) of the Constitution and the Third Schedule, is under a continuing legal obligation to preserve the confidentiality of Cabinet proceedings and other sensitive government business.

He argued that if the allegations are found to be true, they would amount to a violation of constitutional obligations, statutory duties and criminal law, warranting immediate police intervention.

According to the complaint, Arockiasamy and Reddy, whom the DMK described as close associates of the Chief Minister and residents of Andhra Pradesh, had allegedly been present during Cabinet meetings, official review sessions and other confidential deliberations held at the state Secretariat.

The DMK urged the police to conduct a thorough investigation to determine how the two individuals gained access to highly restricted government meetings, whether any confidential information was shared with them, and whether public servants had facilitated their participation in violation of established rules and procedures.

The party also sought action against all those found responsible for any breach of confidentiality or misuse of official authority, asserting that the allegations raised issues of significant constitutional importance and public interest.&nbsp;--IANS]]></description>
<link>https://www.theweekendleader.com/Headlines/81230/dmk-seeks-fir-over-alleged-presence-of-private-individuals-in-tn-cabinet-meetings.html</link>
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<title><![CDATA[Three Held in Alleged Plot to Poach TVK MLA; Two DMK Functionaries Arrested]]></title>
<pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000]]></pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[An alleged attempt to engineer defections from the ruling Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) government snowballed on Wednesday after Chennai police arrested three persons, including a YouTuber and two DMK functionaries from Karur, in connection with an alleged plot to induce a ruling party legislator to switch over. 

The case stems from a complaint lodged by TVK MLA N. Elaiyaraja, who represents the Uthangarai Assembly constituency in Krishnagiri district.

In his complaint, he alleged that repeated attempts were made to persuade him to defect from the ruling party. He also claimed that YouTuber I.P.D.S. Thirunavukkarasu had repeatedly contacted him, negotiated on behalf of others and threatened him in an effort to secure his support.

Based on the complaint, the Triplicane police in Chennai registered a case and arrested Thirunavukkarasu. During interrogation, he allegedly disclosed the involvement of two individuals from Karur who had participated in negotiations with the MLA.

Acting on the information, a Chennai police team travelled to Karur and arrested Karthik and Ramesh, both identified as local DMK functionaries who operate a restaurant named Sakthi Mess.

Investigators are examining their alleged role in the conspiracy and whether they acted independently or on behalf of others.

According to police, the two arrested men are considered close associates of former Tamil Nadu minister V. Senthil Balaji and are said to have links with his business interests in Karur.

Karthik also holds the post of Deputy Secretary of the DMK?s sports wing.

Following the arrests, police conducted searches at the residences and other premises linked to the accused. Officials confirmed that cash was seized during the searches, though the exact amount has not been officially disclosed.

Investigators are examining whether the money is connected to the alleged attempt to influence elected representatives.

The arrests come a day after Minister Nirmal Kumar alleged that attempts were under way to destabilise the TVK government by luring its legislators. Investigators are probing claims that as many as three TVK MLAs were targeted and that each was allegedly offered Rs 15 crore to switch allegiance.

The case has triggered a political storm, particularly after the arrest of two DMK functionaries said to be close to former minister Senthil Balaji. Police said further investigation is under way to identify others who may have been involved in the alleged conspiracy.&nbsp;--IANS]]></description>
<link>https://www.theweekendleader.com/Headlines/81229/three-held-in-alleged-plot-to-poach-tvk-mla-two-dmk-functionaries-arrested.html</link>
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<title><![CDATA[Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri Gets One-Year Extension Till July 2027]]></title>
<pubDate><![CDATA[Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000]]></pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri's tenure has been extended by a year beyond its scheduled end in mid-July, it was announced on Wednesday.
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the extension of service for the 1989 batch Indian Foreign Service officer for a period of one year beyond his original tenure ending on July 14, 2026 -- that is, up to July 14, 2027, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.

The order, issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, invokes provisions of Fundamental Rule 56(d).

Misri, a seasoned diplomat with extensive experience in key bilateral and multilateral assignments, has been at the helm of India?s foreign policy apparatus since his appointment as Foreign Secretary in 2024. His tenure has coincided with a period of intense global geopolitical flux, including ongoing tensions in West Asia and Ukraine, evolving dynamics in the Indo-Pacific, India?s assertive role in the Global South, and critical neighbourhood engagements with China, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.

Sources indicate that the extension reflects the government?s confidence in Misri?s leadership and the need for continuity in steering India?s foreign policy during a crucial phase.

Misri, who has served in Pakistan, Europe, and the US and has been the Ambassador to Myanmar and China, has played a pivotal role in strengthening strategic partnerships with the United States, Quad nations, and European countries, while navigating complex economic diplomacy and diaspora welfare issues. His steady hand has been particularly valued in crisis management, such as the evacuation of Indian nationals from conflict zones and advancing key defence and technology collaborations.

The move comes at a time when India is preparing for high-profile diplomatic engagements, including the events as its present tenure of Chair of BRICS, potential G20-related follow-ups, and bilateral summits.

This is not the first extension for senior officials under the current dispensation, which has increasingly relied on experienced hands for critical positions requiring institutional memory and nuanced international navigation. The development is expected to be welcomed by the diplomatic community, as continuity at the top of the foreign service often translates into stronger policy consistency and better outcomes in India?s global outreach.&nbsp;--IANS]]></description>
<link>https://www.theweekendleader.com/Headlines/81228/foreign-secretary-vikram-misri-gets-oneyear-extension-till-july-2027.html</link>
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