Wednesday, December 24, 2025

TCS expands partnership with M&G Prudential, pact worth nearly $1.2 billion

By
Tehelka Web Desk
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Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), India’s biggest software exporter, has expanded its agreement with M&G Prudential (UK and European savings and investments business of Prudential plc), which will likely to expand the pact size to more than $1.2 billion. Earlier in January 2018, TCS had announced its 10-year partnership with M&G Prudential which was worth $690 million.

“We are delighted to have expanded this partnership which will help accelerate the growth agenda for M&G Prudential,” Suresh Muthuswami, President and Global Head, Banking, Financial Services and Insurance Platform, said in a statement.

The agreement according to the TCS statement:

  • The agreement has now been expanded to cover an additional 1.8 million customer policies which will move from M&G Prudential to TCS.
  • This will eventually bring the total number of policies covered by the partnership to 5.8 million.
  • The addition of no of policies will worth an additional $668 million over the term of the contract today.
  • TCS will take nearly around 400 employees from M&G Prudential across a number of UK sites under the TUPE (transfer of undertakings) arrangements to the TCS’ UK subsidiary.
  • Another 183 employees in India are also expected to move from M&G Prudential to TCS.

“We are confident that extending our strategic partnership is the right thing to do. Our customers will benefit from a better experience, digitally enhanced systems, tools and service, while the colleagues who have been central to our success in servicing our customers will join a rapidly growing business…,” Prudential UK Chief Executive Clare Bousfield said.

Muthuswami, said the company remains committed to deliver greater speed, agility and flexibility through its BFSI (Banking, Financial services and Insurance) digital platform.

Bus accident in Uttar Pradesh kills 17, dozen injured

By
Tehelka Web Desk
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Seventeen people were killed and 13 others got injured in a major bus accident in Uttar Pradesh’s Mainpuri District’s Danhara area on the morning of June 13. The bus was carrying mostly labourers who worked in brick kilns and were returning to their native villages.

Initial probe reveals accident took place when the driver of the bus was speeding and the bus lost its control near Kiratpur village in Mainpuri and rammed into the road divider.

Mainpuri District Magistrate Pradeep Kumar has confirmed the death of 17 passengers and said that 13 people were injured. Three of the victims sustained severe injuries and were shifted to the Safai hospital in Etawah District, one of whom died during the treatment.

“The bus, with around 60-70 people onboard, was on its way to Farrrukhabad from Rajasthan’s Jaipur when the accident occurred in Tirathpur village at around 5.30am,” Om Prakash Singh, Mainpuri additional superintendent of police (ASP) said.

ASP also confirmed, “The bus driver has lost his left leg and is currently admitted to a hospital in Saifai”

According to a passenger “Many of the deceased were passengers who were travelling on the roof of the bus.”

Yogi Adityanath, Chief Minister Uttar Pradesh extended condolences to the victims and their families. He has asked the administration to provide appropriate medical treatment to the injured passengers.

US Government approves sale of Apache attack helicopters to India for $930 million

By
Tehelka Web Desk
-


The US government has approved a deal to sell 6 Boeing AH-64E Apache attack helicopters for $930 million to India, US State Department confirms on June 12.
“This support for the AH-64E will provide an increase in India’s defensive capability to counter ground-armored threats and modernize its armed forces,” the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency said, in a statement.
The statement further read, “India will have no difficulty absorbing the helicopters and support equipment into its armed forces. The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region”
The Apache is manufactured by Boeing (world’s leading manufacturer of commercial jetliners and defense, space and security systems) and Indian partner Tata at a plant in India.
The deal  which is said to be $930 million includes:
1.       Four AN/APG-78 Fire Control Radars
2.       180 AGM-114L-3 Hellfire Longbow missiles
3.       200  Stinger Block I-92H missiles
4.       90 AGM-114R-3 Hellfire II missiles
5.       Embedded GPS Inertial Navigation System
6.       30mm cannons
7.       Transponders
8.       Simulators
9.       Training equipment
10.   Stinger air-to-air missiles
11.   Night vision sensors

Railways registered best ever safety record in 2017-18, says Piyush Goel

By
Tehelka Web Desk
-

Safety was the first priority of the Indian railways and that passengers were well aware why trains were getting delayed, said Railway Minister Piyush Goyal, at a press conference highlighting the achievements of the ministry in four years.

He said, “Maintenance of the tracks, which was due for decades, is causing train delays. The passengers are well aware why the trains are getting delayed and they know that the Indian Railways is getting future-ready. Everyone knows what we have received in inheritance.”

He added the railways had registered its best ever safety record in 2017-18 with major train accidents now reduced to 62 percent – from 118 in 2013-14 to 73 in the year 2017-18.

 “As much as Rs 16,000 crore from the total Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh fund of Rs 1 lakh crore has already been spent by the Ministry in a bid to improve safety. We are totally in the process of replacing of old tracks with the new ones. From 2,296 kms in 2013-15, the number rose to 4,405 kms in 2017-18,” he added.

He released the statement in wake of the report that stated that the Railways’ punctuality score has largely fallen to 65% in the last three months, which was recorded as one of the lowest figures reported by Indian railways in recent times.

“This compromise on punctuality to some extent was unavoidable. We have to get traffic blocked, stop the trains when all these works are going on as that reduces accidents,” Goel said.

He also launched two mobile applications during the conference to improve the travel experiences:

1. Rail Madad: This app is for grievance redressal and will allow passengers to lodge complaints through mobile app/web platform

  This madad app will provide direct calling facility for immediate assistance

2.  Menu on Rail: This app will allow passengers to check the list of meals and beverages served on all type of trains and their prices.

    The app will cover four categories namely beverages, breakfast, meals and a-la-carte.

Assam lynching: Police arrest 30 persons involved in killing 2 men in Karbi Anglong

By
Tehelka Web Desk
-

Assam police have arrested 30 persons so far for their alleged involvement in the lynching of two men named Niloptal Das and Abhijeet Nath in Karbi Anglong on June 8. A mob consisted of people of the Karbi and Bodo tribes suspected that Das and Nath were child abductors and they were beaten to death.

They were beaten to death when they were reportedly on their way to a waterfall at Kangthilangso. People got suspicious while they were asking for directions at the village of Panjuri Kachari.

Director General Police Kuladhar Saikia said “Officials were closely monitoring social media. The police have around 230 suspects in the case. Most of the people arrested so far had been identified after an analysis of video clips of the incident.”

In a video of the attack that was circulated on social media, Das is heard pleading with the attackers. “Do not kill me…please do not beat me,” he said .
“I am an Assamese. Believe me, I am speaking the truth. “

Following the deaths, people protested which triggered a violent response in Guwahati against the lynching demanding the resignation of Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

On June 12 people assembled at Judge’s Field ground and held huge demonstrations demanding strict punishment for the accused and penalization of police personnel who failed to protect the victims.

Even Police resort to baton charge to control the protestors.

The Coordination Committee of Tribal Organisations of Assam issued a statement on June 11 urging people to refrain from adding a communal angle to the incident.

“Some elements with vested interest are trying to add communal and political colour to the unfortunate incident which was actually the result of deep-rooted superstitious beliefs among a backward community living in an interior place,” the committee further said.

Spiritual Leader Bhaiyyu Maharaj Shoots Himself, Dead!

By
Tehelka Web Desk
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Spiritual leader Bhaiyyu Maharaj allegedly shot himself on Tuesday at his residence in Indore, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Indore H C Mishra said.

Bhaiyyu Maharaj, whose original name is Uday Singh Deshmukh, was rushed to the Bombay Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries, its General Manager Rahul Parashar said.

The saint is very popular in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh because of his spiritual and social works. His ashram is situated in Indore city and top political leaders including Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis, legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar among others are his disciples.

Bhaiyyu Maharaj was offered MoS rank by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Chouhan but he rejected the offer. 

Rahul Gandhi Pleads ‘Not Guilty’ In RSS Defamation Case

By
Tehelka Web Desk
-

Congress president Rahul Gandhi appeared before a local court in Bhiwandi on Tuesday, amid heavy security cover and pleaded “not guilty” in a defamation suit filed against him by an Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader.

The court framed charges against Rahul Gandhi under Sections 499 and 500 (defamation) of the IPC.

When civil judge AI Sheikh read out the charges against him, Gandhi said, “I plead not guilty.”

Rahul Gandhi, on March 6, 2014, made a speech in Bhiwandi and had said, . “RSS people killed Mahatama Gandhi ji and today their people talk of him. They opposed Sardar Patel and Gandhi ji,”

After watching Rahul’s speech, Rajesh Kunte, secretary of the Bhiwandi unit of the RSS had registered a case against him under Section 499 (defamation) and Section 500 (punishment for defamation) of the Indian Penal Code.

The court had on May 2 asked Congress President to appear before it to record his plea in the defamation case. The next hearing in the case is on August 10.

US President, North Korean leader shake hands to open historic summit in Singapore

By
Tehelka Web Desk
-

US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un met in Singapore on June 12 in a historic summit that could lead in bringing peace between the two nations.

The Trump Kim Summit is “going great. A really fantastic meeting. A lot of progress. Really very positive. I think better than anybody could have expected. Top of the line. Really good,”  Trump told the press.

“I think the entire world is watching this moment. Many people in the world will think of this as a scene from a fantasy…science fiction movie,” Kim said to Trump’s translator.

“We overcame all kinds of scepticism and speculations about this summit and I believe that this is good for the peace…I believe this is a good prelude for peace,” said Kim

“It wasn’t easy for us to come here. There was a past that grabbed our ankles and wrong prejudices and practices that at times covered our eyes and ears. We overcame all that and we are here now,” he added.

“We will have a terrific relationship, I have no doubt,”  Trump replied.

Updates from the summit:

This meeting is historic as it is the first time that a serving US President sat down with the leader of North Korea.

Both the leaders warmly shook hands for around 13 seconds in front of a row of alternating US and North Korean flags.

Both the leaders, including their interpreters, held a one-on-one meeting, for bilateral talks.

US President and North Korean leader will sign an agreement to acknowledge the progress of the talks and pledge to keep the momentum going.

President Trump showed the interior of presidential limousine to Kim as they walked during the summit.

Donald Trump, North Korean leader held a working lunch in Singapore.

AAP will campaign for BJP in 2019 Lok Sabha Polls If Delhi gets statehood, says Kejriwal

By
Tehelka Web Desk
-

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on June 11 announced that his party – Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) would campaign for the BJP in the 2019 Lok Sabha election if Delhi is granted statehood.

Kejriwal said, “I want to tell BJP that if before 2019 Elections, Delhi is granted statehood, we’ll make sure that each and every vote from Delhi goes in your favour, we’ll campaign for you. If you don’t do so Delhi residents will put up boards saying ‘BJP leave Delhi’.”

The news of AAP supporting BJP came in wake of a huge buzz around AAP and Congress party considering alliance in Delhi, Haryana and Punjab for 2019 polls.

“If he (Kejriwal) was serious about the issue, he should have raised it in the Parliament through his MPs which is the right forum. But, his real intent behind bringing it up on completion of three years and four months is to divert public attention from his misgovernance, incompetence and failures,” Vijender Gupta, BJP legislator and leader of opposition said.

“The AAP government was raking up the issue to hide its failures,” Delhi Congress chief Ajay Maken said.

Currently, Delhi has only partial statehood, which readily means that major areas like land, law and order and police still remain under the central government.

On June 11, Delhi CM Kejriwal accused LG Anil Baijal and other central probe agencies of stalling his government’s functioning. While demanding to table the Bill in Parliament to grant Delhi full statehood, he also held a demonstration and staged a sit-in with 3 other ministers: Gopal Rai, Manish Sisodia, Satyendra Jain and spent the night at the Lieutenant Governor’s Raj Niwas in protest. Meanwhile, Satyendra Jain, has launched an indefinite fast at the L-G’s residence.

Omesh Saigal, former Delhi chief secretary, while speaking on Kejriwal’s demand for statehood said “The demand for full statehood for Delhi has been carefully considered by experts for years and it will lead to major revenue losses for the state. Privileges that the citizens here enjoy will also be snatched away.”

Skeletons in Trimex cupboard

By
Charanjit Ahuja
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When Tehelka (issue May 15) reported that illegal mining scam, plundering and export of atomic minerals to China was much bigger than the infamous coal block scam, little did we know that the lead will take us to former CBI Chief. The messages exchanged between Trimex Group CEO Pradeep Koneru, his representatives, India’s largest meat exporter Moin Qureshi and the then CBI Chief, AP Singh clearly show allegedly how huge money bags were exchanged to protect Trimex Group which is in the eye of storm for illegal mining. We reproduce for our readers extracts from the messages exchanged, copy of FIR and observations of Enforcement Directorate alluding references to huge bribes.

Pradeep Koneru to Moin Qureshi “Madhu Koneru, dad and I are in Delhi tomorrow. Can we meet boss”?

Moin Qureshi “Boss in Europe. Back 22nd”

Pradeep Koneru calls after few days “Got call from K’s office asking for your number. I have given 9711305614”

Moin Qureshi “Also give 9810035614”

Pradeep Koneru “Let us fix up in the afternoon to avoid boss being drunk by evening”

Moin Qureshi “2 pm Defence Colony”

Pradeep Koneru “Hyderabad dog is coming to Delhi. Dog going off tomorrow. Handing over charge to Arunachalam JD as Additional”

Pradeep Koneru “Dog is spreading all gossip around the boss is bad/all garbage ”

Moin Qureshi “OK will inform boss”

Moin Qureshi to AP Singh (then Director CBI) “Sir 500 words essay is good. Size of your jacket and shirt please”

AP Singh “500/ 40cm and 16 collar size”

Moin Qureshi “Dear sir Do I have to write Amar Pratap Singh IPS or without IPS for the stationery. Please confirm”.

Moin Qureshi to Aditay “What news Pradeep”

Aditay to Moin Qureshi “Process for 1 on the way”

Moin Qureshi “One more he told me two”

Aditay “Received 90 rest 10 tomorrow”

Moin Qureshi “Other one more”

Moin Qureshi “Pradeep one what happened”

Aditay “For mark hotel Pradeep work on way”

Moin Qureshi “One more getting today”

Aditay “On way”

Moin Qureshi “Received 1 from Pradip”

Aditay to Moin “Received 85 rest 15 to tomorrow morning. Can I pay 50 to Ram Bhai”

Aditay “Received 50 L from Pradip”

Aditay to Moin Qureshi “Received 1 from Gautam also. Received 50 from Pradip A/C. Wait for 20 is on the way”

Adity to Moin Qureshi “Received 50 from Pradip”

Moin Qureshi “OK”

Aditay to Moin Qureshi “Received 45 L rest tomorrow morning”

Aditay “Received 10 L Pradip”

Aditay “Received 15 L rest tomorrow”

Aditay to Moin Qureshi “Received 44.50 rest balance 35.50 tomorrow”

Aditay to Moin Qureshi “Done 1 for DBX”

Aditay to Moin Qureshi “Received 35.50 L final A/C”

Moin to AP Singh “Sir please look into the issue I spoke to you yesterday. I just got call from dial also to have it cleared Asap. Thanks”

AP Singh to Moin Qureshi “OK Let me know when you are coming. You may need to go through Shinde”

Enquiries reveal that an FIR was lodged on behalf of Arun Kumar, Assistant Director, Directorate of Enforcement, Delhi Zonal Office, MTNL building, JL Nehru Marg, New Delhi against Moin Akhtar Qureshi of AMQ Group of Companies, Aditya Sharma, an employee of Moin Akhtar Qureshi, Pradeep Koneru son of Rajendra Prasad Koneru, owners of Trimex Group of Companies, Hyderabad, AP Singh, Former Director, CBI and other unknown persons/public servants. Karnail Singh, Director of Enforcement, New Delhi vide letter No. DE(KS)/Misc/2016 forwarded a complaint of Investigating Officer, Arun Kumar, Directorate of Enforcement. He had stated in his letter that during the course of investigations under Foreign Exchange Management Act,1999, it was revealed that Qureshi had been indulging as a middleman for certain public servants and the analysis of records disclosed commission of cognizable offences.

The complaint of Investigating Officer Arun Kumar sought investigation by registering a case. The FIR points out that the complaint of Arun Kumar on being scrutinised, prima facie finds commission of offences under Sections 120-B of IPC read with Sections 8,9 and 13(2) read with 13(1) ofPC Act, 1988 against Pradeep Koneru of Trimex Group and others. Following this a regular case was registered and entrusted to Devinder Kumar, DSP, Special Investigation Team of CBI. The Superintendent of Police, CBI, Jagroop S.Gusinha sent a copy of FIR to Special Judge, CBI Cases, Patiala House Court, to Joint Secretary and CVO, DoPT, Secretary, CVC, Satarkata Bhawan, DIG, SIT, CBI New Delhi and others for necessary action.

A series of complaints have been filed within the last year by Dr. E.A.S Sarma, a retired Secretary, Government of India with various departments including the PMO praying that a “multi-agency task force including ED, CBI, Income Tax, DRI under the direct supervision of Prime Minister’s Office be set up to probe the illegal activities of Trimex Group and its promoters in consultation with Central Vigilance Commission and further directions be issued to Ministry of Mines, Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change and Department of Atomic Energy.

The complaints have also sought that the sum of 1,295 crores be recovered from the Koneru family which has been siphoning off thousands of crores of their ill gotten money to their offshore companies. The 1,295.63 crore is the amount Vigilance and Enforcement Department, Government of Andhra Pradesh has found to have been siphoned off by Trimex through illegal mining over 304.40 acres of disputed land and illegal export of huge quantities of atomic minerals including Monazite to countries like China and Iran.

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