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Ranveer Singh to play Shaktimaan, Basil Joseph directorial to go on floors in 2025: Report

The shoot for Ranveer Singh-starrer Shaktimaan begins in May next year with Basil Joseph as director, as per a new report.

Ranveer Singh, who was last seen in Karan Johar’s Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, co-starring Alia Bhatt, will be busy filming for his upcoming movies in the next two years. As per a report by Pinkvilla, apart from Don 3 and Singham Again, the actor is gearing up for another big film, Shaktimaan. It will reportedly be directed by Basil Joseph. 

Per the portal, Don 3 will be shot in India and abroad over a period of seven months and is expected to wrap up by March 2025, after which Ranveer Singh will get busy with Shaktimaan in May 2025. “Right after Don 3, it’s time for Shaktimaan. The film has been in the writing stage for over three years now and the team has finally cracked a script that’s worthy of doing justice to the legacy of Shaktimaan. The film will be directed by Basil Joseph, with Sony Pictures India and Sajid Nadiadwala as the producers,” a source told Pinkvilla.

When Tovino almost confirmed Ranveer’s film

In September 2023, Tovino Thomas had hinted at a possible collaboration between Ranveer Singh and Basil Joseph during an Instagram live session. Tovino went live to celebrate the news that his film 2018 was announced as India’s official entry for the Oscars. Ranveer had crashed the live by dropping in the comments, writing, “Love from Mumbai.”

Tovino saw his comment and praised him. It was during this time that Tovino started sharing he was talking to director Basil Joseph about how Ranveer is going to have a good time working with him. Although the actor did not reveal the name of the project, he hinted that indeed Ranveer and Basil are collaborating on a project, which is scheduled to go on floors soon.

Ranveer’s upcoming projects

While Ranveer’s Singham Again releases in 2024, Don 3, helmed by Farhan Akhtar, is touted to be a big 2025 release with Shaktimaan expected to be released in 2026. Recently, there were also reports that Ranveer was speaking to several other directors, exploring a south collaboration and looking to do a pan-Indian film.

This article was originally published on Hindustantimes News!

Also Read : LUDHIANA: Family friend Rapes 17-year-old girl, impregnates her!

LUDHIANA: Family friend Rapes 17-year-old girl, impregnates her!

The victim is eight-month pregnant; after the victim filed a complaint, the Payal police lodged an FIR against the accused and arrested him.

The Payal police arrested a 45-year-old man for allegedly raping a family friend’s minor girl repeatedly for one-and-a-half years and later impregnating her on the pretext of sending her abroad.

The victim is eight-month pregnant. After the victim filed a complaint, the Payal police lodged an FIR against the accused and arrested him.

The accused has been identified as Ajamdeep Singh alias Dhanna of Ward number 11 of Payal.

The complainant, aged 17, stated that the accused was their family friend and a frequent visitor of their house. The accused lured her and her parents stating that he would send her to the US.

The accused won their confidence and took her to his home on the pretext of clearing IELTS and making other arrangements. Meanwhile, the accused, who used to live alone, established physical relations with her. When she resisted, the accused threatened her that he would not send her abroad if she shared this with anyone.

Meanwhile, she got pregnant, but concealed her pregnancy from her parents, but later narrated the incident to them, who took her to the police and filed a complaint.

Deputy superintendent of police (DSP, Payal) Nikhil Garg said that during medical examination, the doctors found that the girl is eight-month pregnant. The Payal police lodged an FIR under section 376 of the IPC and section 4 of Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

This article was originally published on Hindustantimes News!

Also Read : Bharat Bandh LIVE Updates: Gridlock expected in Delhi, Noida as farmers block borders!

Bharat Bandh LIVE Updates: Gridlock expected in Delhi, Noida as farmers block borders!

Bharat Bandh LIVE Updates: The SKM requested all like-minded farmers’ organisations to come together and be a part of the Bharat Bandh!

Bharat Bandh LIVE Updates: Various farmers’ unions, including the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), called for a Gramin Bharat Bandh, a nationwide strike, on Friday, February 16, in order to press for their demands in front of the Centre. The SKM requested all like-minded farmers’ organisations to come together and be a part of the Bharat Bandh, which is called by the central trade unions.

The Bharat bandh call has come amid the ‘Delhi Chalo’ protests by hundreds of farmers, who are marching from Haryana, Punjab and have been stopped at the Haryana borders near Ambala, which is around 200 kilometres away from Delhi. Haryana security forces have been using tear gas on the farmers trying to disperse them.

The SKM (non-political) has asked all the like-minded farmer organisations to come forward and participate in the Bharat bandh, which is a day-long protest beginning from 6am to 4pm.

The farmers will be participating in a widespread chakka jam on major roads across India from 12 pm to 4 pm. In Punjab, a large part of state and national highways would be closed for at least the four hours.

What will be affected:

  • Transportation
  • Agricultural activities
  • Activities related to the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA)
  • Private offices
  • Village shops
  • Rural industrial and service establishments.

What are farmers demanding:

  • Guaranteed Minimum Support Price (MSP) for all crops through legislation.
  • Strengthen the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS).
  • Reinstitute the old pension scheme for wider coverage.
  • Ensure pension and social security for all workers (formal & informal).
  • Provide free 300 units of power for both farming and domestic use.
  • Implement comprehensive crop insurance for better risk management.
  • Increase existing pensions to ₹10,000 per month.

This article was originally published on Hindustantimes News!

Also Read : Surprising benefits of drinking Hing water on empty stomach every day!

Performing her own stunts in Crakk, Amy Jackson looks forward to Andreas, her son, seeing “mom do action on screen” | Exclusive!

Amy Jackson

British actress Amy Jackson was a regular face in Indian cinema, from down south to even Bollywood, before she took a break for maternity, which got stretched longer due to Covid. Now, the actress is returning after years in a supporting role in the Vidyut Jammwal and Arjun Rampal-starrer action thriller Crakk. In an exclusive chat with DNA, Amy talks about her comeback and doing her own stunts.

Far from being a damsel in distress, in Crakk, Amy plays a Polish Europol agent, who kicks butt. “I definitely had to amp up the action to keep up with Vidyut,” she says laughing, “He is the inspiration behind Crakk. My research involved watching his Commando films to kind of set the tone for what to expect on the set. Luckily enough, I do incorporate boxing and muay thai in my fitness regimen on a day-to-day basis. I have done that since 2019 when I had my little boy. I also follow the sport closely too. I think because I am into martial arts, I can translate that well on screen.

Also Read: Surprising benefits of drinking Hing water on empty stomach every day!

And if that’s not all, Amy has performed all her action and stunts in Crakk herself. “It’s all me. There was no stunt double,” she says, beaming, “I take a lot of pride in that. The training that has been going on in the background unknowingly over the last five years has helped. I dubbed for myself too because it adds to the character.”

Crakk will mark Amy’s return to Hindi films after almost eight years. Her last release in the language was Freaky Ali back in 2016. After that, she appeared in Rajinikanth’s Tamil blockbuster 2.0, before taking a five-year break from acting. She returned with the Tamil film Mission last month and now follows it up with Crakk. Talking about what made her choose these two titles for her comeback, she says, “We have had a lot of scripts come in and lots of narrations over the past 18 months. These are the two films that I said yes to. It was a sort of a comeback because of the gap due to Covid and having my little boy. I fell in love with these two because of the really strong female roles. It’s not a female-centric film but the character itself defies the stereotypes of women that have been seen over the past 20-30 years worldwide in cinema.”

For Amy, Crakk is also special since it is her foray into Bollywood action, and that is a genre her four-year-old son Andreas loves a lot. Talking about his reaction to the film, Amy says, “I am laughing thinking about it. I am very much looking forward to it. He actually came to the sets of Mission with me. He spent Diwali there and was on set sitting in the director’s chair. It was such an incredible experience for him because it took me 17 years for me to land up on a film set and he is seeing this world now. I am very much looking forward to seeing his response because he was impressed with what I did on Mission. Mummy definitely earned some brownie points for that.”

Crakk, which also stars Vidyut Jammwal, Arjun Rampal, and Nora Fatehi, releases in theatres on February 23. The film, described as an extreme sports film, is directed by Aditya Datt.

Also Read: List Of Colleges, Central/State Universities That Accept CUET Exam Scores: CUET Participating Universities 2024!

This Article Was Originally Published On DNAIndia.com!

Surprising benefits of drinking Hing water on empty stomach every day!

From stimulating digestive enzymes, preventing sugar spikes to easing respiratory issues, a glass of hing water every morning can address many health woes.

drinking Hing water

Hing water is a superfood you must include in your daily diet for reaping a wealth of health benefits from smooth digestion to weight loss. Also known as asafoetida, hing is derived from the roots of the Ferula plant. It is a popular spice that’s used in Indian kitchen extensively. Easy to make, hing water can be prepared by adding a pinch of hing in a glass of boiling water. After giving it some time to steep, the water is strained and consumed. Alternatively, for those who prefer to incorporate it into their meals, hing can be added during tempering to enhance flavour and improve digestibility.

Hing water has a variety of antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. Drinking it first thing in the morning can boost digestive enzymes which can support gut health and help with chronic constipation. The spice is also known to relieve symptoms of indigestion such as bloating and gas. Hing can also be beneficial for people with diabetes as it can prevent sugar spikes. Having hing water on empty stomach can help clear airways, making breathing easy for people with respiratory issues.

In the quest for optimal health, individuals often seek out various remedies and practices that promise to boost wellness. Among these, the consumption of hing water on an empty stomach has gained traction for its purported health benefits. Hing, also known as asafoetida, is a resin derived from the roots of the Ferula plant, commonly used as a spice in Indian cuisine. While it adds flavour to dishes, its potential health benefits extend beyond the kitchen,” says Eshanka Wahi, a nutritionist, Holistic Wellness Coach, and the founder of Eat Clean with Eshanka.

Benefits of hing water

Wahi shares many benefits of hing water consumption early in the morning be it aiding digestion to regulating blood sugar.

1. Aids digestion: Hing has been traditionally used to aid digestion due to its carminative properties. Drinking hing water on an empty stomach stimulates the production of digestive enzymes, facilitating the breakdown of food and relieving symptoms of indigestion such as bloating and gas. This makes it an excellent choice for those with sensitive stomachs or digestive issues.

2. Relieves flatulence and bloating: Hing contains compounds like umbrelliprenin and ferulic acid, which have anti-flatulent properties. Consuming hing water regularly can help alleviate bloating and discomfort caused by excessive gas accumulation in the gastrointestinal tract, promoting better digestive health and comfort throughout the day.

3. Anti-inflammatory effects: Chronic inflammation is linked to various health issues, including digestive disorders. Hing possesses anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce inflammation in the gut, potentially providing relief from conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and gastritis. Drinking hing water regularly may contribute to a healthier gut environment.

4. Improves respiratory health: Hing is known for its expectorant properties, which can help alleviate respiratory issues such as asthma, bronchitis, and coughing. Drinking hing water on an empty stomach may help clear mucus from the airways, making breathing easier and promoting overall respiratory health.

5. Regulates blood sugar levels: Preliminary studies suggest that hing may have hypoglycaemic properties, meaning it can help lower blood sugar levels. By consuming hing water on an empty stomach, individuals with diabetes or those at risk of developing the condition may potentially benefit from improved blood sugar control.

6. Boosts immunity: Hing contains antioxidants and antimicrobial compounds that may help strengthen the immune system and protect against infections. Starting your day with hing water can bolster your body’s defences, making you less susceptible to common illnesses such as colds and flu.

Wahi, however, warns that individual responses may vary with hing water and it should not be considered a cure-all solution. Moderation is the key, and it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or nutritionist before making significant changes to your diet.

This article was originally published on Hindustantimes News!

Also Read : ‘Electoral Bonds Unconstitutional…’: SC Strikes Down Controversial Scheme Ahead Of Lok Sabha Polls!

‘Electoral Bonds Unconstitutional…’: SC Strikes Down Controversial Scheme Ahead Of Lok Sabha Polls!

The Supreme Court has struck down Electoral Bonds Scheme on Thursday.The court said that the Electoral Bond Scheme violates right to information, can lead to quid pro quo

Just months ahead of the Lok Sabha election, the Supreme Court on Thursday scrapped Electoral Bond Scheme that allowed anonymous funding to political parties. Supreme Court’s five-judge CJI DY Chandrachud, and Justices Sanjiv Khanna, BR Gavai, JB Pardiwala, and Manoj Misra pronounced the judgement. The apex court said that the Scheme violates right to information, can lead to quid pro quo. “Electoral bonds scheme is not the only scheme to curb black money. There are other alternatives,” the top court added.

Electoral Bonds Scheme verdict LIVE: ‘Important step in ensuring transparency’: AAP

The Aam Aadmi Party on Thursday welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision on electoral bonds, saying it is an important step in ensuring transparency in election funding.

“We welcome this decision. This is an important step in the transparency of election funding. Otherwise through electoral bonds, it was not known which person was giving funds to which party. It is important for country’s democracy that it is known which person is giving how much money to which political party,” Delhi Cabinet minister Atishi said.

Electoral Bonds Scheme verdict LIVE: Chronology of events

2017: The Electoral bond scheme was introduced in the Finance Bill

September 14, 2017: NGO ‘Association for Democratic Reforms’, lead petitioner, moves SC challenging the scheme.

October 3, 2017: SC issues notices to Centre and EC on PIL filed by the NGO.

January 2, 2018: The Central government notifies the Electoral Bond Scheme.

November 7, 2022: The electoral bond scheme was amended to increase the sale days from 70 to 85 in a year where any assembly election may be scheduled.

October 16, 2023: The SC bench headed by CJI DY Chandrachud refers pleas against the scheme to a five-judge Constitution bench.

October 31, 2023: A five-judge Constitution bench headed by CJI D Y Chandrachud commences hearing on pleas against the scheme.

November 2, 2023: Supreme Court reserves verdict

February 15, 2024: SC delivers unanimous judgment annulling the scheme.

This article was originally published on Hindustantimes News!

Also Read : Day 3 protest: Farmers to block trains today, hold round 3 talks with Centre!

List Of Colleges, Central/State Universities That Accept CUET Exam Scores: CUET Participating Universities 2024!

CUET 2024: With no official statement as to when the National Testing Agency(NTA) will begin the CUET registration process, media reports claim that the application for the Common University Entrance

CUET 2024: With no official statement as to when the National Testing Agency(NTA) will begin the CUET registration process, media reports claim that the application for the Common University Entrance Test for the undergraduate programme and courses is expected to begin from February 19, 2024. Along with the CUET UG 2024 application form, NTA will release the information bulletin, paper pattern, mode of examination, and list of participating colleges and universities – central, state, deemed, private, and other universities.NTA is expected to release a new website for the CUET UG registration process; however, this is tentative. This year, NTA has activated a series of designated new websites for the competitive examination it is conducting and so this can be expected same for CUET UG.

CUET Participating Universities 2024: List of Central Universities That Accepts CUET Exam Score

  • Aligarh Muslim University
  • Assam University
  • Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University
  • Banaras Hindu University
  • Central University of Andhra Pradesh
  • Central University of South Bihar
  • Central University of Gujarat
  • Central University of Haryana
  • Central University of Himachal Pradesh
  • Central University of Jammu
  • Central University of Jharkhand
  • Central University of Karnataka
  • Central University of Kashmir
  • Central University of Kerala
  • Central University of Odisha
  • Central University of Punjab
  • Central University of Rajasthan
  • Central University of Tamil Nadu
  • Dr. Harisingh Gaur Vishwa Vidyalaya
  • Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya
  • Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University
  • Indira Gandhi National Tribal University
  • Jamia Millia Islamia
  • Jawaharlal Nehru University
  • Mahatma Gandhi Antarrashtriya Hindi Vishwavidyalaya
  • Manipur University
  • Maulana Azad National Urdu University
  • Mizoram University
  • Nagaland University
  • North Eastern Hill University
  • Pondicherry University
  • Rajiv Gandhi University
  • Sikkim University
  • Tezpur University
  • The English and Foreign Languages University
  • Tripura University
  • University of Allahabad
  • University of Delhi
  • University of Hyderabad
  • Visva Bharati University
  • Mahatma Gandhi Central University
  • Central Sanskrit University, Delhi
  • Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri National Sanskrit University
  • National Sanskrit University

Also Read: Unexpectedly entering a recession, Japan loses its ranking as the third-largest economy in the world to this nation!

CUET (UG) – 2024 State University

  • Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University
  • Barkatullah University
  • Bhattadev University
  • Binod Bihari Mahto Koyalanchal University, Dhanbad
  • Cluster University Of Jammu
  • Cluster University Of Srinagar
  • Cotton University
  • Delhi Skill And Entrepreneurship University
  • Delhi Technological University
  • Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya
  • Dr. A.p.j. Abdul Kalam Technical University
  • Dr. B.r. Ambedkar School Of Economics University
  • Dr. B.r. Ambedkar University Delhi
  • Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee University
  • Govt. College For Women, Parade Ground, Jammu
  • Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University
  • Harcourt Butler Technical University, Kanpur
  • Indira Gandhi Delhi Technical University For Women
  • Islamia College Of Science And Commerce
  • Islamic University Of Science And Technology, Kashmir
  • Jamshedpur Women’s University
  • Jharkhand Raksha Shakti University
  • Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti Language University
  • Kolhan University
  • Madan Mohan Malaviya University Of Technology
  • Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Rohilkhand University
  • Netaji Subhas University Of Technology
  • Nilamber Pitamber University
  • Opjs University Churu, Rajasthan
  • Ranchi University
  • Sardar Patel University Of Police Security And Criminal Justice
  • Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University
  • Sido Kanhu Murmu University, Dumka
  • University Of Jammu
  • University Of Kashmir
  • Vikram University
  • Vinoba Bhave University

Also Read: What We Know So Far: Farmers Will Block Trains and Step Up Protest On Day 3; Likely To Hold Talks With Center Today!

CUET (UG) – 2024 Deemed University

  • Avinashilingam Institute For Home Science And Higher Education For Women
  • Chinmaya Vishwavidyapeeth
  • Datta Meghe Institute Of Higher Education And ResearchDayalbagh Educational Institute
  • Footwear Design And Development Institute
  • Gandhi Institute Of Technology And Management – Bengaluru, Karnataka (off Campus)
  • Gandhi Institute Of Technology And Management – Hyderabad, Telangana (off Campus)
  • Gandhi Institute Of Technology And Management – Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh (Main Campus)Govt. Degree College (autonomous), Baramulla
  • Graphic Era University
  • Gujarat Vidyapith
  • Gurukula Kangri
  • Hindustan Institute Of Technology And Science
  • Jain (deemed-to-be University) , Bangalore (karnataka)
  • Jamia Hamdard
  • Jaypee Institute Of Information Technology
  • Kalasalingam Academy Of Research And Education
  • Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation (deemed To Be University)
  • Lakshmibai National Institute Of Physical Education
  • Lingaya’s Vidyapeeth
  • Maharishi Markandeshwar (deemed To Be University), Mullana – Ambala
  • Manav Rachna International Institute Of Research And Studies
  • Nehru Gram Bharati
  • Noorul Islam Centre For Higher Education
  • Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational And Research Institute
  • Shobhit University
  • SRM Institute Of Science And Technology (deemed University), Ncr Campus
  • Tata Institute Of Social Sciences (TISS)
  • The Gandhigram Rural Institute (DTBU)
  • Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth
  • Vinayaka Mission’s Research Foundation
  • Yenepoya University

Also Read: JEE Mains 2024 Exam Live: NTA JEE Paper 1 exam begins, exam day guidelines here!

This Article Was Originally Published On India.com!

What We Know So Far: Farmers Will Block Trains and Step Up Protest On Day 3; Likely To Hold Talks With Center Today!

Farmers Protest: there Union ministers will meet farmer leaders in Chandigarh for another round of talks as the standoff between the protesters and police at the Punjab-Haryana border entered its third day

Farmers Protest

Farmers Protest Live Updates: To intensify their protest further, the agitating farmers on Thursday said they will block trains on various routes to press forth their demands. The Bharatiya Kisan Union-Ugrahan (BKU-Ugrahan) is likely to block train routes from 12 PM to 4 PM on Thursday and the train services are likely to be affected on Bathinda/Barnala route, Ludhiana/Jakhal/Delhi route, Rajpura /Delhi route and Amritsar/Fatehgarh Sahib route.

Farmer-Centre Talks Likely Again Today

In the meantime, there Union ministers will meet farmer leaders in Chandigarh for another round of talks as the standoff between the protesters and police at the Punjab-Haryana border entered its third day, marked by more clashes between the two sides.

At Shambhu border point near Ambala, there was intermittent shelling Wednesday by security personnel at the Delhi Chalo’ protesters who are demanding minimum support price for their crops. Tear smoke was used whenever any group of farmers moved towards the barricades.

Tight Security at Delhi Borders

Security personnel faced stone-pelting from the protesters. A similar standoff continued at the at Data Singhwala-Khanauri border in Haryana’s Jind district.

But the situation remained less volatile compared to Tuesday, when farmers tried to shift cement barriers at Shambhu with their tractors, attempting to push towards Delhi.

Farmer leaders claimed that over 100 protesters were injured on Tuesday, hit by rubber bullets and tear gas shells. Police said 24 of their own men were injured in the stone-pelting by protesters during the first day of the protest.

Also Read: Putin says he prefers ‘more predictable’ Biden over Trump


What Farmers Say on Meeting With Centre

Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee leader Sarwan Singh Pandher said the meeting will with ministers Arjun Munda, Piyush Goyal and Nityanand Rai will take place at 5 pm Thursday.

It will be the third round of meetings between the farmer leaders and the Centre in Chandigarh after farm organisations announced their plan to march to Delhi. The two earlier meetings, held before the march began, remained inconclusive.

Know All About ‘Delhi Chalo’ March

The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha are spearheading the ‘Delhi Chalo’ agitation to put pressure on the Centre for their demands, including a law on MSP, loan waivers and implementation of the Swaminathan Commission recommendations.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda too held discussions in Delhi on addressing the farmers’ issues, sources said. Singh is a former agriculture minister.

The Congress again indicated its support for the protest with party leader Rahul Gandhi speaking to a farmer injured in police action.

“Talked on phone with former soldier Gurmeet Singh ji who was seriously injured in police atrocities during the farmers’ movement,” Gandhi wrote in Hindi on social media.

“We are with you. Don’t worry,” Gandhi told the farmer in the conversation brought about by Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring.

“You are fighting for what is important for the country. You earlier worked for the country and you are doing it now as well. ‘Shabash’ (Well done). Best of luck,” Gandhi told the farmer, while slamming the Narendra Modi government’s “dictatorial attitude”.

Farmers Protest

Traffic Jams Witnessed at Delhi Borders

Delhi-Sonipat traffic at Singhu and the movement of vehicles to Bahadurgarh through Tikri are suspended, an official said.

Security personnel in anti-riot gear are deployed and drones used to keep an eye on the situation. People had to cross the Singhu border on foot Tuesday with buses from Delhi dropping them off much ahead of the Haryana border.

Back at the Shambhu border between Punjab and Haryana, protesters have arranged tankers for water to counter the irritation caused in the eyes due to tear smoke. They also flew kites, hoping this would interfere with the movement of a drone spotted again on Wednesday.

Also Read: Unexpectedly entering a recession, Japan loses its ranking as the third-largest economy in the world to this nation!

This Article Was Originally Published On India.com!

Unexpectedly entering a recession, Japan loses its ranking as the third-largest economy in the world to this nation!

Japan Two consecutive quarters of contraction are typically considered the definition of a technical recession.

Japan

Japan unexpectedly slipped into a recession at the end of last year, losing its title as the world’s third-biggest economy to Germany and raising doubts about when the central bank would begin to exit its decade-long ultra-loose monetary policy.

Some analysts are warning of another contraction in the current quarter as weak demand in China, sluggish consumption and production halts at a unit of Toyota Motor Corp, opens new tab all point to a challenging path to an economic recovery.

Also Read: Democrat Suozzi wins US House election in New York, eroding Republican majority

“What’s particularly striking is the sluggishness in consumption and capital expenditure that are key pillars of domestic demand,” said Yoshiki Shinke, senior executive economist at Dai-ichi Life Research Institute.

“The economy will continue to lack momentum for the time being with no key drivers of growth.”

Japan’s gross domestic product (GDP) fell an annualised 0.4% in the October-December period after a 3.3% slump in the previous quarter, government data showed on Thursday, confounding market forecasts for a 1.4% increase.

Two consecutive quarters of contraction are typically considered the definition of a technical recession.

While many analysts still expect the Bank of Japan to phase out its massive monetary stimulus this year, the weak data may cast doubt on its forecast that rising wages will underpin consumption and keep inflation durably around its 2% target.

“Two consecutive declines in GDP and three consecutive declines in domestic demand are bad news, even if revisions may change the final numbers at the margin,” said Stephan Angrick, senior economist at Moody’s Analytics.

Japan

“This makes it harder for the central bank to justify a rate hike, let alone a series of hikes.”

Economy minister Yoshitaka Shindo stressed the need to achieve solid wage growth to underpin consumption, which he described as “lacking momentum” due to rising prices.

“Our understanding is that the BOJ looks comprehensively at various data, including consumption, and risks to the economy in guiding monetary policy,” he told a news conference after the data’s release, when asked about the impact on BOJ policy.

The yen was steady following the release of the data and last stood at 150.22 per dollar, pinned near a three-month low hit earlier in the week.

The Nikkei, opens new tab rose 0.8%, reversing some of its losses made from the previous session, possibly on expectations the BOJ may continue with its massive easing programme for longer than expected.

On a quarterly basis, GDP slid 0.1% against median forecasts of a 0.3% gain, and compared with a 0.8% contraction in the previous quarter.

Private consumption, which makes up more than half of economic activity, fell 0.2%, weaker than a market forecast for a 0.1% gain, as rising living costs and warm weather discouraged households from dining out and buying winter clothes.

Capital expenditure, another key private-sector growth engine, fell 0.1%, compared with forecasts of a 0.3% gain, as supply constraints delayed construction projects.

External demand, or exports minus imports, contributed 0.2 percentage point to GDP as exports rose 2.6% from the previous quarter, the data showed.

The BOJ has been laying the groundwork to end negative rates by April and overhaul other parts of its ultra-loose monetary framework, but is likely to go slow on any subsequent policy tightening amid lingering risks, sources have told Reuters.

While BOJ officials have not offered clues on when exactly they could end negative rates, many market players expect such an action to happen either in March or April. A Reuters poll taken in January showed April as the top choice among economists for the negative rate policy to be abandoned.

Some analysts say Japan’s tight labour market and robust corporate spending plans are keeping alive the chance of an early exit from ultra-loose policy.

“While the second consecutive contraction in GDP in Q4 would suggest that Japan’s economy is now in recession, business surveys and the labour market tell a different story. 

Either way, growth is set to remain sluggish this year as the household savings rate has turned negative,” said Marcel Thieliant, head of Asia-Pacific at Capital Economics.

“The (BOJ) has been arguing that private consumption has ‘continued to increase moderately’ and we suspect that it will continue to strike an optimistic tone at its upcoming meeting in March,” Thieliant said, sticking to his proje

Also Read: Joe Biden calls Benjamin Netanyahu ‘as***ole’, slams Gaza operations: Report

This Article Was Originally Published On DNAIndia.com!

Prithvi Shaw takes Centre Stage as India Stroll to Victory: A look at the last Test played in Rajkot!

India vs England 3rd Test: Prithvi Shaw was front and centre the last time India played a Test match in Rajkot.

Prithvi Shaw cricketer

There have only been two Test matches thus far at the Saurashtra Cricket Association (SCA) Stadium and India face England starting Thursday to play the third. The first of the two Tests was between the same two sides which ended in a draw in November 2016. In the second, India ended up running away to their biggest ever Test victory against the West Indies in October 2018.

The match was memorable in multiple ways for Indian fans and the biggest take away from it was Prithvi Shaw making a dream international debut. Shaw opened the innings with KL Rahul as India batted first and ended up smashing 134 runs in just 154 balls. He was the youngest Indian Test centurion on debut and the second youngest Test centurion for the team since the great Sachin Tendulkar. While Rahul fell for a duck, Shaw posted a partnership of 206 runs for the second wicket with Cheteshwar Pujara, in which he contributed 113 in 124 balls. The stand ended when Pujara fell to Devendra Bishoo on 86. Shaw fell soon thereafter but India then piled on more misery on the West Indies.

Captain Virat Kohli scored 139, sharing a 105-run partnership with Ajinkya Rahane and then a blistering 133-run stand off just 148 balls with Rishabh Pant, with the latter unsurprisingly doing most of the heavy lifting in the partnership. Kohli fell after a 64-run partnership with Ravindra Jadeja after which the latter went on to score 100 in 132 balls. India declared on 649/9.

The West Indies were then blown away for 181 and 196. Ravichandran Ashwin took four wickets in just 11 overs in the first innings after which Kuldeep Yadav picked five and Jadeja three in the second. India won by an innings and 272 runs, their highest margin of victory against the West Indies in Test cricket. Shaw was player of the match and, considering the reputation he had built throughout his time in Mumbai’s junior circuits, the Mumbai first class team and leading India to the U19 World Cup title, it was regarded as the start of a potentially great career. However, he has ended up playing only four more Test matches since then, the last of which came in December 2020. Shaw managed to score two more half-centuries in the eight innings after that. While he has put up extraordinary performances in domestic first class cricket since 2020, a return to Test cricket or the Indian team in any format looks far away for the 24-year-old at the moment.

This article was originally published on Hindustantimes News!

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