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Don't you feel guilty about selling Bharat Mata Rahul Gandhi criticizes the US accord and the Center
Speaking in the Lok Sabha following days of deadlock, Rahul Gandhi criticized the Central government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for the recently concluded trade agreement with the United States, saying the administration should be embarrassed of it. In a vicious attack, Gandhi said that the Center "sold India" and that the government was endangering farmers' livelihoods by permitting US goods to enter."India is no longer yours. Do you not feel guilty for selling India? In reference to the trade deal, he declared, "You have sold our mother, Bharat Mata." He added that it was a "wholesale surrender" in which the interests of farmers were jeopardized and India's energy security was given to America. Gandhi went on to say that Donald Trump would have been advised to treat India equally if an INDIA Bloc administration had negotiated the trade deal with the US."This is total capitulation. The fact that it is a capitulation by more than simply the prime minister makes it tragic. He has given up the 1.5 billion Indians' future. Gandhi claimed that he had given up the future in order to save the BJP's financial structure, which is the subject of a case in the US.Gandhi claimed that the farmers' interests had been compromised and that they were facing a "storm" as American agricultural products flooded Indian markets. Additionally, he claimed that the Indian textile sector is "finished."We are about to enter a period of unrest, and the country has been sold. The country is sold out. "Its farmers and data have been sold," Gandhi reaffirmed as he wrapped up his remarks.Following Rahul Gandhi's address, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju declared that no one could sell India and charged that the Congress party was undermining the nation. "Congress is sad because India is progressing," he stated, asserting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is India's strongest PM. He claimed that before leaving Parliament, the Congress MP gave speeches full of falsehoods and unfounded accusations. Rijiju remarked, "He never stays back to hear the minister's response."It is regrettable that we lack a serious personality or a person with a serious character that would be appropriate for the role of opposition leader. Rahul Gandhi's lies will be refuted by our party both within and outside the House.
Published 11 Feb 2026 11:10 PM
Updates for the 10th day of the Parliament Budget Session The Government-Opposition deadlock ends, and both Houses begin discussing the budget
The Lok Sabha began discussing the Union Budget on Tuesday, February 10, 2025, in the afternoon, signaling the end of the impasse between the opposition and treasury benches. The discussion had been delayed for days due to the opposition's insistence that LoP Rahul Gandhi be given the opportunity to speak on a number of topics. Following two adjournments, the House reconvened at 2 p.m., and the Speaker, Krishna Prasad Tenneti, invited Congressman Shashi Tharoor to commence the debate. The Thiruvananthapuram MP then began discussing the matter. Soon after opposition parties filed a notice to introduce a motion to oust Om Birla as Speaker of the Lok Sabha, the thaw occurred. Sukhendu Sekhar Roy of the Trinamool Congress emphasized that rising inequality could cause a "social upheaval," akin to what was seen in neighboring countries, as opposition parties criticized the government for failing to address issues like unemployment and inflation in the Union Budget during the budget discussion."If the situation is not brought under control, I fear that the country will soon experience social unrest similar to what has recently occurred in some of our neighboring countries. We have never witnessed such skyrocketing inequality between the rich, super rich, upper middle class, middle class, and the poor," Mr. Roy stated.
Published 11 Feb 2026 11:06 PM
India displays its entire armed might on the 77th Republic Day, with Operation Sindoor taking front stage on the Kartavya Path.
Top national leaders and prominent foreign visitors joined the festivities, which had as their subject 150 years of "Vande Mataram." About 10,000 distinguished guests saw the parade, which combined military might with cultural cohesion.At its 77th Republic Day parade on Monday, January 26, 2026, India put military might front and centre. Kartavya Path was transformed into a sweeping display of missiles, armour, mechanised columns, and combat aircraft, with a keen focus on weapon systems related to Operation Sindoor, the high-intensity military operation carried out in May of last year.The BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, Akash air defence system, Suryastra rocket launcher, and Arjun Main Battle Tank were among the major armament systems on exhibit at the start of the military demonstration, which emphasised India's focus on battlefield readiness and domestic defence manufacturing. A large portion of the equipment on exhibit was either used in Operation Sindoor, the confrontation with Pakistan that took place from May 7–10, or it was directly inspired by lessons learnt.A tri-services tableau featuring replicas of key weapon systems used during the operation was a big draw. A glass-cased integrated operational command centre served as its focal point, providing a visual representation of Operation Sindoor's execution through the coordinated use of systems including the S-400 air defence system and BrahMos. Akash and S-400 systems were depicted as offering a protective air-defense shield during the fight, while BrahMos missiles were predicted to perform decisive offensive attacks.Lt. General Bhavnish Kumar, a second-generation officer and General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area, led the procession. The Indian Army demonstrated a phased "Battle Array Format," including its airborne component, for the first time. The reconnaissance element included high-mobility reconnaissance vehicles after the historic 61 Cavalry in active battle uniform. Flying in Prahar formation, the domestic Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter and its armed counterpart Rudra displayed aerial battlefield shaping.
Published 27 Jan 2026 09:07 PM
Why rising demonstrations are centered around India's Aravalli hills
The Supreme Court's redefinition of the Aravalli hills, one of the oldest geological formations in the world, which encompass the states of Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, and Delhi, has sparked protests throughout northern India. Any landform rising at least 100 meters (328 feet) above the surrounding terrain is considered an Aravalli hill under the revised definition, which the court adopted in response to proposals from the federal government. An Aravalli range consists of two or more of these hills within 500 meters of one another, as well as the terrain in between. Environmentalists contend that classifying Aravalli hills according to height runs the risk of leaving many lower, scrub-covered but ecologically significant slopes vulnerable to mining and development. However, according to the federal government, the new definition is intended to increase uniformity and reinforce regulations rather than weaken rights.Protests have erupted across northern India after the Supreme Court redefined the Aravalli hills - one of the world's oldest geological formations spanning the states of Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, and the capital, Delhi.
Published 22 Dec 2025 10:25 PM
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Prince Harrys visit to see King Charles III amid cancer news cost him…
Prince Harry's recent meeting with his father, King Charles III, amid his cancer news, has been doing the rounds in media circles. The long journey from the US to London reportedly took him more than 10 hours, lasted than an hour, but cost him a lot of pounds. The unfortunate cancer diagnosis reunited the Duke of Sussex with his father and his homeland for the first time since September. Flying overnight from California, he landed at Heathrow alone as his wife Meghan Markle and two children stayed back in California. After stepping down from their royal posts, the nuclear family unit has lived there since 2020. It's quite likely that Harry may have spent more than £18,000 on plane tickets alone. Security and other transport charges are yet to be added to the cost. Daily Express confirmed that a flight from LA to Heathrow costs £1,317 (Economy). The rising charges for Premium Economy, Business and First Class are £2685, £7040 and £8624, respectively (as listed on the British Airways website on February 7). The return flight may cost £1,458 for Economy, £2,929 for Premium Economy, £7,284 for Business, and £8,868 for First Class. Therefore, a return First-Class ticket would have cost him a whopping £17,492 overall. On top of that, the Prince's private security cost estimation is listed as around £1.5million to £2.3million a year. This would possibly also include guards posted at Harry and Meghan's California home, and other scouting teams. Former reports from royal experts also suggest that even otherwise, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's 'spending problem' vexes the Palace.
Americans have record-high credit card debts totalling $1.05 trillion amid historic inflation
Americans started 2024 on a hopeful note, but it seems a chunk of spending landed on credit cards. The average balance per cardholder hit a record high, reaching $6,360, contributing to a total credit card balance of $1.05 trillion in the fourth quarter. Economic pressures from historic inflation and 11 Federal Reserve rate hikes led many to rely on credit cards to make ends meet, says Michele Raneri from TransUnion. Higher interest rates and elevated living costs worsened the situation. Gen Z and millennials are bearing the brunt. About 10% of those aged 18 to 29 and 8% of those aged 30 to 39 are 90 days past due on their credit cards. Subprime borrowers, with less favourable interest rates, saw balances grow by 32% to $105 billion. Serious-level delinquencies are at their highest since the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis. This includes both normal credit cards (2.59% delinquency rate) and private label credit cards (1.79% delinquency rate). The surge in credit card usage contrasts with a dip in credit originations, showing lenders' cautiousness amidst increasing delinquencies. However, millennials accounted for 29.6% of all new credit card originations. Over the past years, there has been a shift towards credit card reliance, especially post-pandemic. While stimulus payments temporarily eased the burden, reliance on credit cards surged afterwards leading to an increase in cardholders carrying balances month to month. The potential for Federal Reserve interest rate cuts later in the year could provide relief. Lower interest rates might make refinancing an attractive option, allowing consolidation of high-cost debt into lower-interest products. The road ahead is uncertain, but understanding the causes and trends can help individuals navigate the storm of credit card debt. Awareness, budgeting, and seeking financial advice are crucial steps towards financial stability.
"Person Who Does Good Work Never Gets Respect": Nitin Gadkari
Union minister Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday raised concern about opportunistic politicians wanting to remain associated with the ruling party of the day and said such "deterioration in ideology" was not good for democracy. He also said there are leaders who stand firm in their ideology but their number is gradually declining. "I always say this jokingly that no matter which party's government it is, one thing is sure that the one who does good work never gets respect and those who do bad work are never punished," Mr Gadkari said, without taking names. The minister was addressing an event organised by the Lokmat media group here to present awards to parliamentarians for their exemplary contributions. "In our debates and discussion, differences of opinion is not our problem. Our problem is lack of ideas," the senior BJP leader said. "There are people who stand firm with conviction based on their ideology but the number of such people is declining. And deterioration in ideology, which is happening, is not good for democracy," he said. "Neither rightist nor leftist, we are known opportunists, some people write like this. And all want to remain associated with the ruling party," he added.Mr Gadkari said India is the world's largest democracy and in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's words, India is the mother of democracy."It is because of this speciality, our democratic governance system is an ideal for the rest of the world," he added.
Ian Lavender, the last surviving star of British sitcom ‘Dad’s Army,’ has died
LONDON (AP) — Actor Ian Lavender, who played a hapless Home Guard soldier in the classic British sitcom “Dad’s Army,” has died, his agent said Monday. He was 77. Agent Hilary Gagan said Lavender had been ill for some time and died with his wife and sons at his side. Lavender was the last surviving main cast member of “Dad’s Army,” about a ragtag volunteer unit assembled to defend their seaside English town from potential Nazi invasion during World War II.Originally broadcast between 1968 and 1977, it attracted as many as 18 million viewers an episode -- a third of the British population -- and remains perennially popular in reruns. Lavender played Private Frank Pike, the youngest member of the unit and frequent butt of the epithet “stupid boy!” from commanding officer Captain Mainwaring. Another scene, in which a captured German officer demands the young private’s name and Mainwaring thunders: “Don’t tell him, Pike” is routinely voted one of Britain’s funniest TV moments.Born in 1946, Lavender was 22 and just out of the Bristol Old Vic theater school when he was cast in the show alongside a troupe of stage and screen veterans.He later acknowledged that his iconic role in “Dad’s Army” had led to him being typecast, but said he’d “be a fool to have regrets.”
Poonam Pandey Says "Didn Die Of Cervical Cancer", Day After "Death" Post
Poonam Pandey, model and reality TV star, today announced that she hasn't died of cervical cancer. Her announcement on Instagram came a day after the model's manager announced that she had died of cervical cancer."I am alive. I didn't die of cervical cancer. Unfortunately, I cannot say the same about the hundreds and thousands of women who have lost their lives due to cervical cancer. I am sorry caused this tear and I am sorry to those I have hurt. My intention: to shock everyone into the conversation that we are not talking enough about - cervical cancer," she said in another post. She said that her "death" post was an effort to initiate a conversation and spread awareness about cervical cancer. "Unlike some other cancers, Cervical Cancer is entirely preventable. The key lies in the HPV vaccine and early detection tests. We have the means to ensure no one loses their life to this disease," she said.The model is being heavily criticised by social media users for "faking her death" to spread awareness about the disease. Yesterday, Poonam Pandey's team had put out a statement saying that the model died of cervical cancer. The announcement had shocked everyone in the entertainment industry. The reactions ranged from disbelief to scepticism as many had seen the model at an event in Goa three days ago.In 2022, she drew wide attention with a stint in the Kangana Ranaut-led reality show 'Lock Upp'. She also acted in some films. The 32-year-old shot to fame during the 2011 Cricket World Cup when she posted a video message saying she would strip if team India won. She did not, but did post a nude photo when her favourite team Kolkata Knight Riders won the IPL the next year. Over the years, she has gathered a legion of social media followers with her controversial statements and was often seen in explicit videos.
PM Modi banters with MPs during surprise lunch, reveals he sleeps for 3.5 hours, doesn eat after 6 pm
Prime Minister Narendra Modi surprised MPs on Friday after stopping for a meal at the Parliament canteen during the ongoing Budget session. The senior politician was joined by eight lawmakers from different parties for a platter of platter of rice, khichdi, paneer, daal, til and ragi sweets. The NDA politicians dubbed it a 'casual cordial meeting' that spanned a variety of topics — from the Prime Minister's lifestyle to his foreign trips.“Everyone was surprised and happy at the same time. PM Modi talked about his daily routine, his exercise, his foreign trips, when he visited Karachi. We got to spend 45 minutes with him. We learnt so many inspiring things from him. He said he sleeps for 3.5 hours and does not eat after 6pm," Union minister and MP L Murugan later told ANI. The Winter Session of Parliament ends on Saturday. It is the final session for both Houses before the Lok Sabha elections — likely in April-May.“Enjoyed a sumptuous lunch, made even better thanks to the company of parliamentary colleagues from various parties and different parts of India," the PM later tweeted. He also shared photos of their repast.
Cannot afford any further delays in decision-making: AAP to INDIA bloc
Ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha Elections, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) announced its contenders for three seats in Assam, signalling its readiness to contest the polls independently, outside the INDIA alliance if necessary. AAP MP Sandeep Pathak expressed frustration over prolonged discussions with the INDIA bloc, urging the need for swift decisions in securing victory in the elections.Addressing the media, Sandeep Pathak stated, "Talks with the INDIA alliance have been ongoing for months. We are growing weary of mere discussions. It's time to not just talk but also to contest and emerge victorious. We cannot afford to delay any further. We stand in solidarity with the INDIA alliance and hope that these three seats announced today will be allotted to the AAP." Highlighting the urgency of the situation, Pathak stressed the importance of time and strategy in the electoral process. "When aiming for victory through an alliance, time and strategy are crucial. We cannot afford further delays in decision-making. It's time to expedite all processes and take decisive actions," he asserted. AAP's declaration of candidates for the Assam seats includes Manoj Dhanohar for Dibrugarh, Bhaven Chaudhary for Guwahati, and Rishi Raj for Sonitpur. Pathak expressed confidence in the maturity of the alliance and expressed hope that the INDIA bloc would endorse the AAP's candidates. Pathak also called for urgency ahead of the polls, he said, "With time slipping away, the window for contesting the polls is narrowing. We must accelerate all proceedings. Talks have been ongoing for months, yet no concrete results have emerged. All decisions regarding the alliance must be made promptly," he urged. The Congress and AAP party held a meeting on Monday to gear up for the elections, particularly in Delhi. Delhi Congress chief Arvinder Singh Lovely stated at the time that the party was in the process of finalising a panel of candidates for the seven Lok Sabha seats in the capital.
Uttarakhand Assembly passes UCC Bill; becomes Indias first state to implement Uniform Civil Code
A day after Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami introduced the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill, the state Assembly passed it on Wednesday. With the House nod, Uttarakhand became the first state in the country to implement a Uniform Civil Code, which presents common law for marriage, divorce, inheritance of property, etc. The UCC Bill, which will now become an Act is based on the draft submitted by a high-level committee formed by the Uttarakhand government under the chairmanship of retired Supreme Court judge Justice Ranjana P Desai. The implementation of the Uniform Civil Code in Uttarakhand comes months ahead of the Lok Sabha elections in 2024. The reports have claimed that the Union Government is planning to bring a similar law at the national level and BJP-ruled states like Gujarat and Assam are already in the process of passing UCC law in their respective states. The Uniform Civil Code has been one of the foundational items of BJP's agenda apart from the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir and the construction of Ram Temple in Ayodhya. The Uniform Civil Code brings a common law for marriage, divorce, inheritance of property, etc., which were earlier governed by personal laws of every religion. The common code bars bigamy (marrying one person while still legally married to another) and polygamy (having multiple spouses simultaneously). The Uttarakhand government has cleared that the members belonging to the Scheduled Tribes (ST) community will remain out of the purview of the Uniform Civil Code. The UCC will not apply to "members of any Scheduled Tribes within the meaning of clause (25) of Article 366 read with Article 142 of the Constitution of India and the persons and group of persons whose customary rights are protected under Part XXI of the Constitution of India."
Rahul Gandhi bats for caste census after Modis iggest OBC remark
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi reiterated calls for a caste census on Monday following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's assertion that he was the ‘biggest OBC’. The Wayanad MP — currently travelling through Jharkhand for the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra — said the PM appeared to ‘get confused’ during his address in Parliament and urged him to ‘decide first’. Gandhi said that it was necessary to count members of the community if the administration ‘wanted to give them participation’. The question is in front of everyone. PM calls himself OBC. In between he got confused and then started saying that there are only two castes in the country – rich and poor. So he should decide first...We want caste census to be done…" Gandhi said. Prime Minister Modi had come down heavily on the Congress and other Opposition parties during an address in Parliament on Sunday, accusing the UPA government of not delivering justice with OBCs. “Congress can't tolerate OBCs...They keep counting how many OBCs are there in government. Can't you (Congress) see the biggest OBC here (pointing towards himself)?" PM Modi said during his reply to the 'Motion of Thanks' on the President's address. This question is not just of one person but of the people of India. As an example, there are only three OBCs out of 90 IAS in Delhi. You will not find Dalits and tribals in the health and education system. Name any OBC owner among the top 100 corporate companies in India. You might have heard the names of Adani, Tata, and Birla but there is no name of any OBC. What kind of country would there be in India of injustice?" he added
Champai Soren to face floor test in Jharkhand Assembly today, Section 144 imposed
Jharkhand Assembly will witness crucial ‘floor test’ on Monday, 5 February, of the ruling alliance led by JMM leader and chief minister Champai Soren. Last week Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) leader Hemant Soren was arrested by Enforcement Directorate in land fraud case, necessitating another senior JMM leader Champai Soren to take over. The Assembly will convene for a two-day session on 5 February. The newly formed Mahagathbandhan (grand alliance) in Jharkhand under the leadership of Chief Minister Champai Soren will face the floor test today. Section 144 has been imposed near Jharkhand assembly. A special court in Ranchi allowed former Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren to participate in the trust vote in the state assembly on February 5. JMM leader Manoj Pandey said, "I think it is just a formality. The spirit of the opposition is already low seeing the numbers and the unity of the INDIA alliance. The figure can also cross 48. Our party, our alliance is united...Former Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren will also be present and will vote during the floor test. The ruling alliance of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), Congress, and Lalu Prasad Yadav's Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) had sent off their MLAs to Congress-ruled Telangana to prevent any poaching by Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP).
Arvind Kejriwal sympathises with Delhi police action after MLA poaching charges.
On Delhi Police serving notice to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, he said ‘Sympathise with police, they're being made to do drama instead of stopping crime.’Earlier in the day, a team of Delhi Police Crime Branch officials arrived at the residence of AAP leader and issued notice alleging that his party charged that Bharatiya Janata Party "of trying to buy AAP MLAs". They also sought a reply from him in the next three days Police officials also came to serve notice on Friday and asked him to provide evidence that BJP "of trying to buy AAP MLAs". They also visited the residence of AAP minister Atishi.Sources close to ANI cited that both the AAP leaders were not present at their respective residences.Atishi also revealed that the AAP possesses a recording of one such "Operation Lotus 2.0" conversation, hinting at its potential release if necessary. The Aam Aadmi Party accuses the BJP of attempting to destabilize the elected Delhi government through "Operation Lotus 2.0," and also alleged that BJP has offered bribes and threats to AAP MLAs to induce defection.Atishi said “BJP has started 'Operation Lotus 2.0', and is trying to topple the democratically elected AAP government in Delhi. 7 MLAs of the AAP have been contacted by the BJP, and have been told, that Arvind Kejriwal will be arrested soon, after which AAP MLAs will be rifted apart. They are in touch with 21 of our MLAs, using whom they aim to topple the Delhi government. Those 7 MLAs have been offered ₹25 crores each. Operation Lotus is the tactic used by the BJP to come into power in states, where they are not democratically elected. Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Arunachal Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh are examples,"
Backward classes panel chief slams Rahul Gandhi over PMs caste remarks
National Commission for Backward Classes Chairman Hansraj Ahir on Friday condemned Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's remarks related to the caste of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and sought an apology from him. Ahir alleged that Gandhi and the Congress are trying to sow the seeds of division in the country through his "mindless utterances" on castes."Crores of OBC people across India are seething with anger at the pathetic conduct of Rahul Gandhi because of his mindless utterances against our respected Prime Minister Narendra Modiji," Ahir said. The notification to include the "Modh Ghanchi" community in the Other Backward Classes (OBC) list was issued by the Gujarat government on July 25, 1994 after a survey, he said, adding that even the Mandal Commission had included the community in the OBC list.He said the National Commission for Backward Classes had advised the Union government to include Modh Ghanchi, the community to which the prime minister belongs, in the central OBC list for Gujarat in 1997 and a notification in this connection was issued on October 27, 1999. "When both decisions were taken, Modi held no legislative or executive position," Ahir said.It is appalling to see the hatred that Gandhi has for the OBC, he said, adding that the former Congress president has clearly inherited it from his ancestors.Ahir said Modi, while speaking in Parliament, highlighted the anti-reservation attitude of the country's first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, and that former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi had opposed the Mandal Commission. "The Congress under Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi did not even want constitutional status to the National Commission for Backward Classes," the former Union minister said.
NHAI’s total asset monetization program crosses Rs 1 lakh crore
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has raised the highest ever concession value of Rs 15,624.90 crore through ’InvIT Round-3’ which includes monetizing 10 stretches with an aggregate length of about 890 km. This is spread across Assam, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. The monetized value is expected to be realized in March 2024, the ministry of road transport and highways said on Tuesday. Earlier, two rounds of InvIT with aggregate length of about 635 km worth Rs 10,200 crore were monetized. With this, NHAI’s total asset monetization program has crossed Rs 1 lakh crore which includes Rs 42,334 crore through toll-operate-transfer (TOT), Rs 26,125 crore through InvIT and Rs 42,000 crore through securitization,” it added. ET had reported on January 18 that NHAI will surpass Rs 1 lakh crore of asset monetisation in the current fiscal with the highest ever receipts in 2023-24. The monetized sections in ’InvIT Round-3’ include Chichira-Kharagpur, Orai-Bara, Rewa-Katni-Jabalpur-Lakhnadon, Kachugaon to Rakhaldubi Bus Junction and Rakhaldubi Bus Junction to Kaljhar, Kaljhar to Patacharkuchi, Lakhnadon to Mahagaon, Mahagaon to Khawasa, Hubli to Haveri, Davangere to Haveri and Davangere to Chitradurga. NHAI has adopted three modes for asset monetization which includes Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvITs), toll operate transfer (TOT), and project based securitization. During FY 2024, NHAI has already awarded and executed Concession Agreements for four TOT Bundles, which include TOT Bundles 11, 12, 13 and 14 for a total value of Rs 15,968 crore, which is higher than its monetization target of Rs 10,000 crore for the current fiscal year. The success rate in TOT mode during FY’24 was 100%. At present, TOT bundles 15 & 16 are in the bidding stage and are expected to be issued by the end of FY’24. Further, NHAI has also monetized Delhi-Mumbai Expressway through project based securitization garnering Rs 4,600 crore in FY’24.
India suspends Free Movement Regime with Myanmar
Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on February 8 that the Government has decided to scrap the Free Movement Regime (FMR) along Myanmar border to ensure the internal security of the country and to maintain the demographic structure of India’s North Eastern States. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has recommended the immediate suspension of FMR, he said. It is Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji’s resolve to secure our borders. MHA has decided that the FMR between India and Myanmar be scrapped to ensure the internal security of the country and to maintain the demographic structure of India’s North Eastern States bordering Myanmar. Since the Ministry of External Affairs is currently in the process of scrapping it, MHA has recommended the immediate suspension of the FMR,” Mr. Shah posted on X. Under the FMR, any member of a hill tribe, who is a citizen of either India or Myanmar, and who resides within 16 km of the border on either side, can cross on the production of a border pass, usually valid for a year, and can stay up to two weeks per visit. India and Myanmar share an unfenced 1,643 km-long border and people on either side have familial and ethnic ties, which had initially prompted the arrangement. A 1968 government notification limited the free movement of people up to 40 km on either side of the border, which was further reduced to 16 km in 2004. The FMR’s provisions were last revised in 2016. In its 2011-12 annual report, the MHA observed that the FMR makes the international border extremely porous, and the hilly and inhospitable terrain provides cover to the activities of various Indian Insurgent Groups (IIGs). “The unfenced Indo-Myanmar border with FMR is thus being exploited by various IIGs,” the report said. The India-Myanmar border passes through the States of Arunachal Pradesh (520 km), Nagaland (215 km), Manipur (398 km), and Mizoram (510 km).
SC to hear DMRC plea against arbitration award
The five-judge Supreme Court (SC) bench will on February 15 hear the Delhi Metro Rail Corp's (DMRC) curative petition seeking reversal of the apex court's 2021 judgment upholding a ₹4,700-crore arbitration award that Delhi Airport Metro Express (DAMEPL), a subsidiary of Reliance Infrastructure, won against the former in May 2017. At the outset, a bench led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud said that its tentative view is to constitute a five-judge bench to hear the case. "...Normally, the two judges who wrote the judgment have to sit (in curative). They have retired... My tentative view is we can hear in combination of five (judges)," it said. Meanwhile, senior counsel Harish Salve and Mukul Rohatgi said the grounds for filing the curative petition by DMRC were not met in the case, therefore, it should be rejected.Salve argued, "I am flabbergasted that no ground for entertaining a curative petition is made out. Let them state specifically the ground on which curative is sought." Rohatgi, also appearing for the RInfra subsidiary, said, "We have taken a preliminary objection to this petition. Neither violation of natural justice nor any other ground mentioned in Rupa Ashok Hurra case is made out." DAMEPL operated the Capital's airport metro service until 2013 before cancelling the contract with DMRC citing safety issues and invoked arbitration. In 2017, Delhi Airport Metro Express had won a ₹4,700 crore arbitration award against Delhi Metro Rail Corp. The arbitral tribunal had accepted the claim of the RInfra firm that running trains on the airport line wasn't viable due to structural defects in the viaduct made by Delhi Metro Rail. Since then, the amount with interest has swelled to round ₹9,000 crore.
Mustard acreage up by 5 per cent, says trade body SEA
The acreage under mustard, the biggest oilseed crop of the rabi season has increased by 5% over the previous year, said trade body Solvent Extractors' Association (SEA). Industry and trade are expecting the cooking oil prices to soften after the harvest begins starting March. "All India mustard crop acreage was reported at 100.39 lakh hectare which is 5% more than the last year’s remote sensing-based estimate of 95.76 lakh hectare. In the current year mustard crop acreage has reduced in many states and districts due to socio-economic reasons. The farmers in many districts in Gujarat and Rajasthan have opted for other crops instead of mustard due to the price offered which is even lower than MSP," said SEA in a release. Uttar Pradesh has recorded the highest year-on-year increase of 27% in area under mustard, followed by Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, which have reported an increase of 5% and 3% respectively. Rajasthan, which is the largest mustard growing state, has reported an increase of 1% in area sown under mustard that stood at 37.43 lakh hectare area under the oilseed crop. States like Chhattisgarh, Gujarat and West Bengal have reported a decline of 8% each in the mustard acreage. "We carried out an analysis in the mustard-growing districts using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). Normal Crop health condition is when the NDVI value is beyond 0.45. Better moisture content in the crop canopy represents healthier vegetation and its optimal growth. Crop health was found to be optimal in states like Assam, Gujarat, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan indicating good crop condition till date whereas crop condition was found to be moderate in Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan," said SEA.
Delhi Crime Branch team at Arvind Kejriwals residence to serve notice
Earlier, Police officials on Friday also came to serve notice in connection with the Aam Aadmi Party's allegation against the BJP "of trying to buy AAP MLAs" and asked him to provide evidence.A team of Delhi Police Crime Branch officials had arrived at the residence of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in Delhi. Delhi Police Crime Branch officials on Saturday issued notice to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in connection with Aam Aadmi Party's allegation against Bharatiya Janata Party "of trying to buy AAP MLAs" and has sought a reply from the AAP supremo within three days, sources said.Earlier on Friday, apart from Kejriwal, the police officials, seeking evidence, also knocked on the doors of AAP minister Atishi's residence.However, as per sources, both the AAP leaders were not present at their respective residences.The Aam Aadmi Party has accused the BJP of trying to topple the elected Delhi government through a campaign dubbed "Operation Lotus 2.0". Atishi claimed that the BJP has approached several AAP MLAs with bribes and threats in a bid to induce defection."BJP has started 'Operation Lotus 2.0', and is trying to topple the democratically elected AAP government in Delhi. 7 MLAs of the AAP have been contacted by the BJP, and have been told, that Arvind Kejriwal will be arrested soon, after which AAP MLAs will be rifted apart. They are in touch with 21 of our MLAs, using whom they aim to topple the Delhi government. Those 7 MLAs have been offered Rs 25 crores each.Atishi also revealed that the AAP possesses a recording of one such "Operation Lotus 2.0" conversation, hinting at its potential release if necessary."Currently, 7 MLAs have been offered by BJP; we have the recording of one of them and will release it when required," said Atishi." Arvind Kejriwal is again lying as he has done since the last seven times. Not once has been able to tell which phone number was used to contact them, who contacted them, and where was the meeting held. he just gives out statements and goes into hiding.His partners are in jail, and he is repeatedly avoiding ED summons because he knows he does not have answers to the ED questions," said BJP leader Kapil Mishra.
TCS sounds final call for staff to work from office
MUMBAI: Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has extended the period by which employees should return to office by another quarter, to March end, but has informed them that this will be the last deadline for doing so. Failure to resume work from office (WFO) by then will lead to "consequences," chief operating officer NG Subramaniam, told ET, citing work culture as well as security issues. "We are exercising patience but have taken a principled stand that employees have to get back to offices," he said. "We have sent employees the final communication on this and if they do not, there will be consequences to face." He said working from home made employees and employers vulnerable. With the kind of cyberattacks in today's context, an organisation can inadvertently get into trouble," he said. "One cannot have the kind of controls at home and there can be security risks to businesses. In the fiscal third quarter, India's second largest IT firm Infosys said one of its US units was affected by a cyber security issue, resulting in the unavailability of several applications. In December, HCLTech reported a ransomware incident, adding that it had made no impact. TCS is aiming to revive the pre-pandemic work culture in a shift away from the 25-by-25 hybrid model it had announced during the Covid-19 outbreak. It had said in 2020 that once all employees returned to office, a fourth of them would work from home by 2025. At the December quarter earnings announcement on January 11, the company said 65% of the workforce had been coming to the office up to three days a week.
