Karan Johar reviews Mirzapur: The Movie: Solid, kadak, masaledar ride
Karan Johar has shared his reaction to Mirzapur: The Movie, praising the film after its theatrical release. The filmmaker and Dharma Productions head took to Instagram Stories to share the films trailer along with a positive review, particularly highlighting the returning characters and the new additions to the franchise. Johar wrote, Mirzapur is a solid, Kadak, masaledar ride! I love the series and I thoroughly enjoyed the film!!!! All the epic characters shine and make way for the new ones with aplomb! Even if you havent seen the series you will love the film!!! His comments come as Mirzapur: The Movie brings the popular streaming franchise to cinemas for the first time. The film continues the story of the Mirzapur universe while expanding its cast with several new characters. Jitendra Kumar takes over as Bablu Pandit The film features Ali Fazal, Pankaj Tripathi and Divyenndu, with Jitendra Kumar joining the franchise as Bablu Pandit. The character was previously played by Vikrant Massey in the first season of the series. Ravi Kishan is also introduced as a new addition to the cast, while Abhishek Banerjee, Rasika Dugal, Sheeba Chadha, Rajesh Tailang, Shriya Pilgaonkar, Harshita Shekhar Gaur and Shweta Tripathi return to their respective roles from the series. Mirzapur: The Movie heads to theatres Presented by Amazon MGM Studios and Excel Entertainment, Mirzapur: The Movie is directed by Gurmeet Singh and written by Puneet Krishna. Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar have produced the film under the Excel Entertainment banner, with Kassim Jagmagia and Vishal Ramchandani serving as co-producers. The film marks the theatrical continuation of a franchise that began as a streaming series and developed a substantial following over its three seasons. Karan Johars reaction adds to the public response surrounding the film following its release in cinemas on September 4. Also Read:Vikrant Massey extends support to Mirzapur: The Movie after theatrical release, urges fans to go and watch
Director Farah Khan recently explored the stunning farmhouse of Vishal Dadlani located near Pune. This impressive white duplex is surrounded by vibrant greenery, a serene lake, and the breathtaking hills of Pune. Inside, the design harmoniously blends modernity with rustic charm, featuring expansive glass windows. Among its highlights is a well-equipped music studio adorned with cherished memorabilia. Farah expressed deep admiration for the enchanting surroundings throughout her visit.
Pune citizens to rally in support of assaulted activist Vidyanand Bapat
Pune activist Vidyanand Bapat vows to join anti-noise rally despite Thursdays assault
Microsofts Puneet Chandok calls learning AI a full contact body sport; Shaping the new tech order
In an exclusive interaction with YourStory, Microsoft India & South Asia President Puneet Chandok outlines a practical blueprint for how knowledge workers and enterprises can navigate rapid AI adoption.
Digital marketing company loses Rs16.17 lakh after social media ad account hacked
Fraudsters pose as civic officials to dupe woman of Rs3.68 lakh over water bill
Dahi Handi celebrations: Traffic diversions, road restrictions in Pune, Pimpri Chinchwad
Pimpri Chinchwad cops freeze Rs55-lakh property linked to drug trade
17-year-old college student found hanging at home in Chinchwad
Dengue and chikungunya cases surge in Pune following rain break; PMC intensifies anti-larval drives
Protest opposing new garbage processing plant in Uruli-Phursungi withdrawn
Maharashtra contractors to protest on Sept 7 over unpaid dues worth 86,000 crore
Poor response to handing over land for water supply project in merged areas of Pune
Overuse of DJs will be curbed through public participation than enforcement of law: CM Fadnavis
Pune police bust statewide fake sports certificate racket, 2 held, quota jobs under scanner
Court convicts 3 for violating SC loudspeaker norms during procession last week
PMPML buses continue to ply with doors open despite strict safety directives after womans death
Checks on 10% RTE admissions across state, FIR against parents for false info
Junior college teachers protest change in staffing norms
Shilpa Gaware death: Womens Commission directs cops to expedite probe
Maharashtra State Commission for Women Member Secretary Nandini Awade held a meeting at the Women and Child Development Commissionerate in Pune to review the case
SPML Infra sets up BESS manufacturing unit in Pune, develops 104.4 kWh battery pack
The company announced that its new battery pack has passed key international safety and performance certifications, advancing its commercial deployment
Govt eyes to make Pune, its metropolitan region one of most sought-after areas in 2 years: Fadnavis
Maharashtra's Chief Minister unveiled a vibrant plan for Pune's transformation. This initiative aims to enhance urban infrastructure over the next two years. The government will finance and implement this comprehensive development strategy. Mobility improvements and new metro operations are also planned for the region. Pune is targeted to become a leading destination for global capability centers.
Pune activist protesting loudspeakers and DJ sets assaulted
Pune activist protesting loudspeakers and DJ sets assaulted
Manoj Bajpayee praises Tukaram Mundhes dedication; says, Honesty makes you a celebrity
Manoj Bajpayee has praised Maharashtra food safety commissioner Tukaram Mundhe for his commitment to duty and public service. Mundhe has been receiving attention for his strict approach to food safety since taking charge of the department, with his inspections and action against businesses violating safety regulations drawing public notice. Speaking to ANI, Bajpayee reflected on how society perceives people who perform their responsibilities with honesty and dedication. According to the actor, it is surprising that individuals who simply carry out their assigned duties sincerely often end up becoming widely recognised. A police officer, or, lets say, Tukaram, is appointed to do a certain job. When he performs his duties with complete honesty and dedication, people find it surprising that he starts going viral. Have you realised this? Bajpayee said. The actor further pointed out that the popularity such officials receive says something about the current state of society. He added, This simply means that when someone is performing their duty with complete honesty, he becomes a celebrity. And that itself tells us where we, as a society, have reached. Mundhe, who recently took charge as commissioner of Maharashtras food safety body, has been conducting inspections and taking action against food establishments found to be flouting food safety rules. His strict working style has brought increased attention to the importance of maintaining food safety standards. Meanwhile, Bajpayee is gearing up for the release of his upcoming film Last Man in Tower. Directed by Ben Rekhi and produced by Rana Daggubatis Spirit Media, the film is based on Aravind Adigas novel of the same name. The movie also stars Divya Dutta and Boman Irani. In the film, Bajpayee plays Masterji, a retired schoolteacher whose decision to oppose the wishes of his community creates tension among the residents of his building. The story explores the choices, relationships and conflicts that emerge when the residents are confronted with a major change. Last Man in Tower is scheduled to arrive in cinemas across India on September 11. Also Read : Manoj Bajpayee buys 4.45-acre land parcel in Punes Mulshi for Rs 1.37 crore: Report
Mirzapur The Movie review: New beast, same pulse
In the cinematic transition of the popular OTT series, director Gurmeet Singh and writer Puneet Krishna get the mood, moments, and the motivations right but flatten the political nuance.
Sanjay Raut demands statewide policy after Pune activist assault case
Vidyanand Bapat, an activist who has been campaigning against DJs, loudspeakers and noise pollution during festivals, was assaulted on Thursday on Tilak Road in Pune
In this episode of AIQ Talks, Puneet Gupt, COO, Times Internet, joins Mayank, Founder & CEO, ADROSONIC, shares his perspective on the evolving AI landscape, the opportunities it presents, and how businesses can navigate this transformation to build whats next.A conversation that brings together technology, business and the possibilities AI can unlock.Watch the full conversation now. #TOIAIQTalks #ADROSONIC#AI #Leadership
Pune poised to become India's GCC capital, says Maha CM
SPPU Result 2026 Out - Direct Link to Check 2nd Year M.A
SPPU has declared the Second Year M.A & M.Sc result on 3 September 2026. Check your result online, learn the login steps, and find answers to common questions on the official Savitribai Phule Pune University result portal.
Raut Demands Maharashtra Policy on Loud DJs, Laser Lights During Festivals
Criticising the state government following the attack on an activist opposing loud sound systems in Pune, Raut said isolated bans in cities were inadequate, as the issue concerns public health.
Star Cast: Ali Fazal, Pankaj Tripathi, Divyenndu, Jitendra Kumar Director: Gurmmeet Singh Mirzapur The Movie Review Synopsis: MIRZAPUR THE MOVIE is the story of power and ambition. Akhandanand Tripathi aka Kaleen Bhaiyya (Pankaj Tripathi) is the undisputed king, or baahubali, of Mirzapur. He has little faith in his son, Phoolchand Tripathi aka Munna (Divyenndu), and is far more impressed by the abilities of Govind Pandit aka Guddu (Ali Fazal) and Vinay Pandit aka Bablu (Jitendra Kumar). Meanwhile, J P Yadav (Pramod Pathak) puts pressure on Kaleen Bhaiyya to arrange funds for his upcoming election campaign. In order to raise the money, Kaleen begins looking for a new supplier. This is when Bablu gets a tip about Babban Yadav (Ravi Kishan), a Jaisalmer-based businessman who is looking to sell seven truckloads of drugs. However, Babban has an ulterior motive he intends to eliminate Kaleen Bhaiyya. What happens next forms the rest of the film. Mirzapur The Movie Story Review: Puneet Krishna's story is impressive and organically fits into the MIRZAPUR universe. Puneet Krishna's screenplay is very captivating and peppered with strong confrontational and action sequences. However, the writing in the middle of the second half leaves a lot to be desired. Puneet Krishna's dialogues are one of the highlights. A few one-liners are sure to be lapped up by the masses and could also go viral on social media. Gurmmeet Singh's direction is mass-appealing. MIRZAPUR THE MOVIE is a unique experiment as it takes a popular web-series universe to the big screen. Moreover, it is not a continuation of the most recent season that dropped digitally. Instead, its story is set between Episodes 6 and 7 of the first season. This is a challenging proposition since the developments in the film cannot contradict or affect what happens subsequently in the series. In this regard, the writer emerges victorious, while Gurmmeet Singh also ensures that the continuity and essence of the MIRZAPUR universe remain intact. The film has a runtime of more than three hours, and yet, one doesn't get bored even for a moment. The action sequences may not be in abundance, but the film compensates with several powerful dramatic face-offs that elevate the impact. Some of the scenes that leave a mark are Guddus tu-tu main-main with his father while his mother tries on the woollen clothes, Guddu and Munnas encounter at the salon, Babbans argument with Vasudha Pandit (Sheeba Chaddha) and Guddus first meeting with Babban. However, the scene that takes the cake is the one in which Munna admonishes J P Yadav. It is sure to create a frenzy among the masses. The finale, too, is bound to get a roaring response in cinemas. On the flipside, the film gets a bit stretched in the post-interval portions, while the romantic sequences feel forced. In fact, except for Beena Tripathi (Rasika Dugal) and Mumtaz Bibi (Sonal Chauhan), the rest of the actresses dont have much to do. Babbans decision to eliminate Kaleen Bhaiyya also seems unconvincing, as he doesnt have a strong enough motive to take such an extreme step. Moreover, the film is predictable because, as mentioned earlier, it is set in the middle of the first season. Hence, one is already aware of the fate of several characters. As a result, a crucial scene in which a characters heart stops beating has limited impact since the viewer knows that the character will survive. Mirzapur The Movie Review Performances: Pankaj Tripathi delivers a supreme performance. Right from the first sequence, he ensures one forgets his light-hearted and comic avatars and sees him as the King of Mirzapur. Ali Fazal is terrific in his massiest performance to date. He plays to the gallery perfectly without going overboard. Divyenndu, too, puts his best foot forward and ensures that viewers get their moneys worth. Apart from his massy scenes, his emotional portion in the beginning also stands out. Jitendra Kumar had a big responsibility as hes replacing Vikrant Massey. But he manages to effortlessly slip into the character. Ravi Kishan is too good. His fan following has gone through the roof lately and thankfully, the makers here have done full justice to his character, especially in the finale. Pramod Pathak, Sheeba Chaddha and Rasika Dugal have limited screen time, but they leave a tremendous mark. Sonal Chauhan looks stunning and delivers a fair performance; an actress who deserves to be seen more. Abhishek Banerjee (Subodh aka Compunder), Kulbhushan Kharbanda (Satyanand Tripathi), Shaji Choudhary (Maqbool) and Anangsha Biswas (Zarina) lend able support. Shweta Tripathi (Golu) and Shriya Pilgaonkar (Sweety) are impressive. Sadly, they dont have much to do. Harshita Gaur (Dimpy) is wasted. Sushant Singh (Bhairav Singh Karnawat) and Rajesh Tailang (Ramakant Pandit) are dependable. Mohitt Maalik (Birju Lohar) delivers a decent performance. Satendra Soni (Chandu Puncture) is entertaining and the surprise of the film. Mirzapur The Movie music and other technical aspects: The songs dont register at all. 'Ghoom Ghoom' is the best of the lot, more due to the picturization and placement. 'Vaaroon Forever', 'Do Numbari', 'Sanson Ki Mala' and 'Vindhyvasini Ki Jao Ho' are average. John Stewart Eduri's background score is much better and enhances the impact of several scenes. Sanjay Kapoor's cinematography is top-notch and lends the film a grandeur that surpasses the web series, giving it the much-needed cinematic feel. Amin Khatib's action is gory, and it works well for the film in this zone. Sonam Singh and Abhijit Gaonkar's production design is classy, while Darshan Jalan and Neelanchal Ghosh's costumes are realistic yet stylish. Manan Ashwin Mehta's editing is functional but could have been sharper in some scenes. Mirzapur The Movie Review Conclusion: On the whole, MIRZAPUR THE MOVIE is a paisa-vasool big-screen entertainer that successfully transports the much-loved world of MIRZAPUR from OTT to cinemas. The powerhouse performances, whistle-worthy dialogues, gripping confrontations, massy moments and a rousing finale compensate for the stretched portions and predictable nature of the narrative. The film has opened strongly at the box office and is on course to enter the Rs. 100 crore club over the opening weekend. With Rs. 200 crore well within reach, its strong audience response and franchise value could translate into a major theatrical success.
Pune(Maharashtra) [India], September 4: A compelling collection of books brings together ten distinctive authors whose work explores some of the most relevant questions of modern life-from emotional growth and conscious living to relationships, career success, wellness, travel, spirituality, and the evolving world of real estate.
Employee WhatsApp Group Excludes Boss, Pune Entrepreneur's Reaction Goes Viral
Gaur said the experience showed the importance of hiring capable people and giving them the freedom to make decisions.
The death of Ajit Pawar should not be politicised and hardly anyone could feel the pain through which the late leaders' family is going through, feels Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) national president Sunetra Pawar. 66-year-old Ajit, along with four others, died on January 28 in plane crash near the Baramati airstrip in Pune district.
No one should politicise Ajitdada
No one should politicise Ajitdadas death, Sunetra Pawar responds to Supriya Sule Pune: NCP president and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar on Thursday, in her response to NCP (SP) working president and MP Supriya Sule, said that no one can understand the void and pain left by the demise of Nationalist Congress Party leader [] The post No one should politicise Ajitdadas death, Sunetra Pawar responds to Supriya Sule appeared first on Mangalorean.com .
Economy in a tight spot, but government ignoring real problems: Sharad Pawar
Talking to reporters in his hometown Baramati in Pune district, the veteran leader also claimed that in order to divert peoples attention from core matters, some issues were being raked up with the consent of the government
Pune Ganeshotsav DJ row: Activist allegedly beaten while speaking to media
Activist, who has been vocal against high-decibel DJ systems and excessive noise during Ganeshotsav processions in Pune, was allegedly assaulted on September 3 while speaking to the media on Tilak Road
Mirzapur: The Movie is finally here. The much-awaited theatrical chapter of the popular crime drama franchise has been released in cinemas today, September 4. The film brings back Pankaj Tripathi as Kaleen Bhaiya, Ali Fazal as Guddu Pandit and Divyenndu as Munna Tripathi, alongside several familiar faces from the series. Directed by Gurmmeet Singh and created by Puneet Krishna, the film expands the Mirzapur universe beyond Amazon Prime Video and takes its battle for power to the big screen.
Get AI to work on your terms: Microsoft Puneet Chandok's advice to everyone in the modern tech race
Microsofts Puneet Chandok offers a blueprint for navigating the future of work. Young engineers must master AI skills; alongside they must nurture empathy and filter. Enterprises must look at a clear path to ROI and build a team of frontier professionals who balance automation with human judgement.
CARA Strengthens Regional Cooperation for Adoption of Children with Special Needs in Pune
Pune, September 4: The Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA), under the Ministry of Women and Child Development, successfully conducted its fourth Regional Consultative Workshop for the Western Zone in Pune, Maharashtra, on Thursday. This workshop was organized in collaboration with the Maharashtra government and the State Adoption Resource Agency (SARA). The workshop is part of ... Read more CARA Strengthens Regional Cooperation for Adoption of Children with Special Needs in Pune
PMC urges Ganapati mandals to avoid obtaining power supply at pandals illegally
Ganapati mandals in Pune volunteer to cut down on noise levels, to use four top & four base speakers
Two cars of former minister Dilip Kamble vandalised outside his house in Ghorpadi
Ganapati mandals in Pune plan oath-taking programmes to restrict use of high-decibel sound systems
Porsche crash victims parents seek law change to treat 16-year-olds as adults in heinous crimes
Traffic relief for Bhugaon delayed as PMC scraps project tenders over inflated rates
SpiceJets Pune-Dubai flight delayed by 11 hours; airline blames ATC congestion
Maharashtra establishes dedicated Urban Health Commissionerate to streamline city healthcare
PM, FM trying to portray positive picture of India economy but reality is quite grim: Sharad Pawar
Flatowners seldom factor in rise in property tax before redevelopment: Start-up founder
From towering pyramids to 24-hour kirtans, Pune gets festive for Janmashtami
Traffic curbs, diversions for Dahi Handi in Pune
Dont politicise my husbands death, says Sunetra
CARA Strengthens Regional Collaboration for Adoption of Children with Special Needs in Pune
CARA hosted a workshop in Pune to enhance adoption processes for children with special needs, promoting family-based care. CARA Strengthens Regional Collaboration for Adoption of Children with Special Needs in Pune
Companies not cutting jobs due to AI, nature of work changing: Microsoft
Microsoft India and South Asia President Puneet Chandok says the transition to AI requires new skills, ways of working and organisational structures across companies
Two sons booked for assaulting parents in Pune over land dispute; shocking video goes viral
Two brothers have been booked for allegedly assaulting their 65-year-old father and mother with wooden sticks during a land dispute in Indapur on Aug 30, with a Tata Nexon seen in connection with the incident. The incident took place around 6 pm to 6.30 pm in the Tarangwadi area near Salim Lawns, according to reports based on the complaint
Where AI Meets The Future Of Digital Business
As AI continues to reshape the digital ecosystem, businesses are looking at new ways to leverage technology, build smarter products and create meaningful value in a rapidly evolving landscape.Puneet Gupt, COO, Times Internet, joins Mayank, Founder & CEO, ADROSONIC, for an insightful conversation on the evolving role of AI in digital businesses, the opportunities it presents, and what it will take to build for the future.Stay tuned to TOI AIQ Talks for the full episode.#TOIAIQTalks #TOIAIQuotientAwards #ADROSONIC
Janmashtami 2026 Gift Idea: Planning to gift a smartphone this Janmashtami? Learn about the price, features, EMI options, and special offers on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 and Vivo S2.Give these gifts to your loved ones on Janmashtami 2026Pune, September 02, 2026: Janmashtami is an occasion to...
Activist assaulted over DJ ban controversy in Pune
The incident took place when technology professional Vidyanand Bapat was speaking to a media channel in Pune district; in the video of the assault went viral wherein an unidentified attacker slapped him, saying: 'He is against our Ganeshotsav. He is atheist. He is against our Hindu festivals, and should be slapped more.
Pune activist opposing loud DJs during Ganpati processions slapped, video surfaces
Activist Vidyanand Bapat faced an alleged assault on Thursday morning. He was speaking to media persons about his opposition to loud festival music. A video shows a man slapping Bapat during his statement to reporters. Police are working to identify the attacker and ensure Bapat's safety. Bapat's campaign against loud DJs has gained significant public support statewide.
YouTuber arrested over obscene posts on Maha Minister
Pune: Social media influencer Santosh Pandit was arrested from his residence in Pune during the early hours of Thursday, September 3, in connection with a case of posting obscene and sexually suggestive content targeting Maharashtra Minister Chandrakant Patil and Pune Municipal Corporation corporator Mitali Kuldeep Salvekar. Pune Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 3), Sagar Kawade, Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Indian worker stranded in Dubai after paying Rs 60,000 to agent
A viral video showing an Indian worker from Bihar stranded in Dubai for three months after paying an agent Rs 60,000 for a job has prompted an appeal to Indian authorities for intervention and help in returning home. The worker, Sheikh Meraj, is from Bettiah district in Bihar. He travelled from Pune to Dubai on Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Man seeking ban on DJs, loudspeakers assaulted in Pune
Pune activist Vidyanand Bapat, a prominent voice against high-decibel DJ systems and loudspeakers during festivals, was allegedly assaulted.
Pune: Activist Seeking Ban On DJ Music And Loudspeakers Assaulted
Bapat's stance against the use of loudspeakers has evolved into a statewide talking point, triggering a powerful wave of public support
Monkey business ends: 75 primates caught in Malharpeth & relocated
Pune: Elderly Father Beaten On The Road By Sons Over Land Dispute
According to the complaint, the two sons questioned their 65-year-old father, Tukaram Kisan Raut, over the sale of land that was reportedly registered in the name of their mother
Pune YouTuber-activist arrested at 1 am over obscene remarks against women
Pune YouTuberactivist arrested at am over obscene remarks against women
YouTuber Santosh Pandit detained for defamatory video against Maharashtra minister Chandrakant Patil
'Abused, thrashed with sticks': How mothers land sale turned sons against parents in Pune
MNS worker arrested over removal of PM Modi photo at Pune college
The News Mill
Something is brewing at J&K Bank. A trial balloon has been floated that the J&K Bank should grow its rest-of-India (ROI) business by recruiting there. Unidentified financial experts, talking to unnamed reporters of a prominent Jammu-based English daily, have advocated more lending outside the local economy. The ROI portfolio, it is contended, is no longer just a growth target but an existential necessity for the Banks long-term financial viability. Were it not so flawed in economic and financial reasoning, this could be laughed off as a bad joke. The amateurish narrative, and the agenda behind it, needs to be called out. The outward-looking strategy is flawed financially, commercially, economically and developmentally. It is a bad bargain for the Bank, the people and the government of J&K. The inward-looking policy from 2006 rested on a self-evident opportunity: J&K, with 0.70 per cent of national GDP, received only 0.30 per cent of national credit. With about one per cent of the population, its share of the national personal-loan stock was 0.27 per cent. The state was credit-starved despite SBI, PNB and the other big daddies of Indian banking. That strategy set out in the 2006-07 Annual Report doubled credit inflow even as the share in national output rose only marginally. As on March 2026, J&K accounts for 0.79 per cent of national output and absorbs 0.62 per cent of overall credit. The region remains under-banked on the asset side relative to output, and more so relative to its own deposits. The Bank mobilises about Rs 1,45,000 crore i.e. 80 per cent of its deposits locally yet ploughs back only Rs 80,000 crore into the local economy. By contrast, it raises about Rs 30,000 crore in ROI and has deployed Rs 50,000 crore in credit as of June 2026: a credit-deposit ratio of nearly 170 per cent, almost three times the local ratio. The proposed strategy would widen this disparity through deposit arbitrage. Local savings are five times those raised in ROI, and cheaper. With CASA of 47 per cent the highest in India, better than SBI and HDFC the cost of deposits in J&K is around 4.5 per cent. In ROI, CASA of just 12 per cent lifts the cost to around 6.5 per cent: a gap of 200 basis points. The plain fact is that if the balance sheet of the bank is split into local and ROI books, it will not be profitable for J&K Bank to lend outside without access to the low-cost deposits of the state. What makes the rest of India look profitable is an internal transfer-price mechanism that charges the ROI loan book the average cost of funds anchored in low-cost home deposits and not the higher cost of contracting deposits outside. This under-pricing socialises a home surplus into a common pool and makes outside lending look better than it is. It also hides the risk of a 170 per cent CD ratio: a liquidity threat and an asset-liability mismatch. The Bank should de-risk by cutting ROI exposure. It cannot raise low-cost deposits outside. Facing growing competition at home, the Bank must protect the liability franchise given it by the government and people of J&K and not explore the national field as some self-proclaimed experts advise. If this is altered -- government accounts moving, households shifting to other banks, or CASA migrating to term money -- the pool shrinks, the internal subsidy disappears, and the outside book cannot fund itself at anything like todays cost. Asset-side diversification is liability-side concentration. The ROI loan book looks worse once asset pricing, asset quality and the regulatory cost of capital are counted. Reported NPAs of around Rs 700 crore are understated by restructurings, settlements and write-offs. Off the balance sheet, impaired assets in Delhi and Mumbai must be around Rs 2,000 crore each. Add unapplied interest and the stock of impaired ROI assets be close to half the loan book of ROI. The comparable figure for J&K, on a bigger asset base, is far less. Localised, restructured and rehabilitated books in the local economy perform better than national averages, with slippage on specific state-rehabilitated portfolios held under 1 per cent. What the management and its experts call concentration risk; the stock market treats as the Banks main asset: the home franchise. Analysts and rating agencies cite the regional monopoly as the reason to own the stock. Long-term equity notes describe a safe regional monopoly, not a pan-India lender. Diluting that monopoly to chase ROI volume would strip away what the market still values without first curing the discount that comes from a thin float. The Bank leadership with little feel for the regional economy, may not recognise that J&K Bank is more integral to the J&K economy than even the government. The government is the principal pump-primer; the supply side is driven by the Bank. Set against this macroeconomics, the outward strategy makes even less commercial sense. When J&K Bank lends local deposits inside J&K, the money is spent locally. Wages, purchases and fresh deposits stay in the region. That is the multiplier. When it lends those same deposits in the rest of India, the income is earned elsewhere. J&K only exports its savings. Its creditdeposit ratio falls. That is leakage. A loan to a Pulwama horticulturist does much more for J&K than a housing loan in Pune. Local lending is a development instrument; out-of-region lending is a portfolio choice. Together they can form a virtuous cycle of credit, income and savings. When a hinterland instead exports scarce capital and imports labour outside recruitment is the equivalent despite a domestic labour surplus, it invites distortion. The real risk is not the erosion faceless experts predict if the Bank stays home focused. It is a small, under-served economy shipping its savings to finance the rest of India. Finally, let it be recognised that the people of J&K have invested a lot of emotional equity into the bank which far outweighs the financial equity invested by the Dogra Maharaja and the state government over time. It has been the only profitable and well-functioning institution of the state and it carries an aspirational model. To grow with stability, the Bank must return its focus to J&K and consolidate a slipping home position. Its share of local lending is already falling while rivals compete for the one asset that distinguishes it: low-cost deposits. The next battle will not be who books another corporate loan in the rest of India; it will be who peels CASA and government floats away from J&K Bank. An ROI-first strategy accelerates that loss. It exports the cheap surplus instead of defending the home book, trains the organisation to grow where the franchise is weak, and leaves the Bank thinner on the liabilities that fund its margin. That is not a hedge. It is a smaller franchise at home and a dearer, less stable book abroad and it is best avoided. Tail piece: The consequences of this adventurous strategy are already clear. The banks topline growth has been nearly stagnant for two years and turned negative in the June quarter. Nothing shows the failure of the outbound strategy more clearly than this: despite 60 per cent YoY growth in RoI advances and deposits, earnings growth stagnated despite a change in the accounting practice vis-a-vis PLCs to add Rs 50 odd crores to the net profit. Markets recognised this is not good banking and gave the results a thumbs down. On results day the stock fell almost Rs 30 in half an hour, and the slide has continued since. (The author is a former Chairman of J&K Bank.)
Suzuki Motorcycle India hosts Burgman hangout parade in Jammu
Suzuki Motorcycle India Pvt. Ltd. (SMIPL), the two-wheeler subsidiary of Suzuki Motor Corporation, Japan, hosted the Burgman Hangout Parade in Jammu, bringing together Burgman and Avenis riders for a community ride through the city. The Jammu edition followed earlier events in Hyderabad and Pune and was aimed at bringing Suzuki scooter owners together while providing an opportunity to interact with fellow riders and showcase the Burgmans urban styling. The convoy began at Hari Niwas Palace and passed through prominent city routes before concluding at Wave Mall. The ride attracted attention from commuters and visitors along the way, while participants interacted with fellow riders, captured photographs and shared their riding experiences. Speaking about the initiative, Deepak Mutreja, Vice-President, Sales & Marketing, Suzuki Motorcycle India, said the event was intended to strengthen the companys connection with its riding community. The Burgman Hangout Parade is about bringing our riders together and celebrating the unique bond they share with the brand. Our customers are the strongest advocates of the Burgman experience, and this initiative provides a platform for them to connect, share their ownership journeys, and showcase the style, comfort, and performance that make Burgman stand out, he said. At the concluding venue, SMIPL organised a series of engagement activities for riders and visitors. These included displays of the new Burgman Street and Avenis Special Edition scooters, a Suzuki merchandise zone, customer interaction activities and photo opportunities. The event also featured a Post & Win social media contest, encouraging participants to share their experiences from the ride online. The company said the Jammu edition was part of its efforts to expand the Burgman community experience to more cities and strengthen engagement with Suzuki scooter owners.
Pune brothers beat elderly parents with sticks on road over selling property
Pune brothers beat elderly parents with sticks on road over selling property
Elderly father assaulted by sons over land dispute in Pune
The News Mill
Chancellors Medal for excellence at Nagpur, Mumbai, Pune varsities
Rahul Gandhi Backs Tribal Students Agitation
Gandhi interacted with protesting tribal students from Nashik, Pune, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Nagpur to understand their issues and assured them that the Congress party stands with them in their struggle.
NHRC notice to MPCB over noise pollution during Ganeshotsav
PMC to begin 24x7 water supply project trials in 60 city zones from next month
Enough is enough: 350 residents join hands to take on DJ noise ahead of festive season
