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.  

Citroen to add more safety features, plans to come with six airbags

French automobile company Citroen has recently announced adding six airbags as a standard to raise the safety standards of its offerings in India. The French carmaker is not going to produce the updated cars right away. They are going to update the safety feature in the second half of the year, i.e., from July 2024.Citroen currently has four models in India, i.e., ë-C3, C3 Aircross SUV, C3 and C5 Aircross. The six-airbag system will come with front airbags, side airbags, and curtain airbags, which provide extra protection in the event of a collision. This will provide a safe mobility solution for its customers.Citroen cars will also come with ISOFIX seat anchorage and rear seatbelt reminder as standard fitment. Citroen has recently introduced an automatic transmission option for the C3 Aircross. The compact SUV is powered by a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine that comes with a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque-converted automatic.Power output is identical at 109bhp for both versions, but torque output stands at 190 Nm and 205Nm, respectively. Aditya Jairaj, MD & CEO at Stellantis India, recently said that customers are now more evolved to understand safety as an equally important requirement for driving comfort and features. Citroen is trying to continuously evaluate and meet the evolving needs of consumer requirements.This year, Citroen is planning to introduce a crossover with sedan in India. Namely, the C3X which will share its platform with C3 and C3 Aircross. C3X will get an all-electric version, similar to the C3 hatchback. The images of India-spec C3X also surfaced over the internet.    

Govt urges RBI to issue FAQs for Paytm users

“The action against Paytm should be followed up by some sort of clarification. RBI has been urged to bring in FAQs as many customers won't be aware of many issues,” an official said. Given the broad customer base of Paytm — India’s biggest fintech that has a wide presence among both individual users and merchants — the government is learnt to have nudged the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to issue a follow-up clarification in the form of frequently asked questions (FAQs). “The action against Paytm should be followed up by some sort of clarification. RBI has been urged to bring in FAQs as many customers won’t be aware of many issues,” an official said. Onboarding of customers without proper verification of know-your-customer (KYC) norms is learnt to have been one of the key issues for prompting the action by the RBI against Paytm last week. The RBI had taken action in the form of imposing penalty against Paytm Payments Bank last year and even then the issue did not get resolved, so the action by the RBI this time around is unlikely to be rolled back, the official said. On Tuesday, Paytm founder and CEO Vijay Shekhar Sharma had met Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and RBI officials, days after the regulator imposed a ban on Paytm Payments Bank (PPBL). On January 31, the RBI barred Paytm Payments Bank from accepting deposits or top-ups in any customer account, prepaid instruments, wallets, FASTags and NCMC card after February 29, 2024, in the wake of persistent non-compliances and material supervisory concerns. The crackdown on PPBL came after a comprehensive system audit report and subsequent compliance validation report of the external auditors, the RBI had said. The RBI had directed that the Nodal Accounts of One97 Communications Ltd (OCL), which owns Paytm, and Paytm Payments Services Ltd are to be terminated at the earliest, in any case not later than February 29, 2024. Paytm Payments Bank has been facing RBI scrutiny since 2018. The RBI’s recent action on PPBL came after it was found that the bank had violated KYC norms and also had linked the same PAN to multiple customers. It was also observed that the bank was allowing transactions above the permissible limit, which raised concerns over money laundering.   

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Last Day To Update Aadhaar Information

Those who have not yet updated their Aadhaar information have more than a month to do so without incurring any fees; after March 14, 2024, a fee will be applicable for this service. It is recommended to take advantage of the remaining free updating period to avoid additional costs. The free Aadhaar updating service was first extended for three months in December 2023. This deadline has been extended multiple times in the past.This program is consistent with the government's ongoing efforts to streamline administrative processes and provide citizens the tools they need to properly manage their Aadhaar data.   Deadline for free Aadhaar updates: March 14, 2024 (This serves as the last extension.) Who is eligible for a free update: Anyone whose Aadhaar details haven't been updated yet   What is freely updateable: Name, address, and phone number are examples of demographic information (biometric updates still require visiting an Aadhaar center)   Following March 14th, there will be a fee for Aadhaar updates.

The Telangana government will open a youth help desk in the United States and overseas.

Telangana nationals living overseas are becoming increasingly concerned about their safety, thus Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has announced the creation of a special support center. This program is designed to meet the various needs of Telangana students and young professionals who are studying or working overseas.According to Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, the State government will establish a special help desk to cater to the requirements of all young people, particularly students, who are studying overseas.  Attack on Indian students: Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy announced that his government would establish a special help desk for all young people living in the USA and other countries, especially students, to ensure that all of their needs are met. This came a day after a student from Hyderabad was attacked and robbed by armed men in Chicago, United States.In response to the recent student deaths in the US earlier this year, the decision was made public.Assistance desk for all young people "Very disturbed to hear of the Chicago robbery that four thieves committed against Hyderabadi student Syed Mazhar Ali. This comes after B. Shreyas Reddy was fatally attacked in Ohio.   The Telangana CMO wrote on X, "I humbly ask Hon'ble External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar to kindly convey our concerns over the safety of our students and citizens living there.""To make sure all of the demands of young people residing in the United States and other nations are satisfied, my government will establish a special assistance desk for students. The Congress government is always present for all Telangana residents, no matter where they are in the world, the statement continued.Chicago robbers attack a Hyderabadi student Another story surfaced about armed guys robbing and attacking a man in Hyderabad in Chicago. Syed Mazahir Ali, who traveled to the US to obtain a master's degree at Indiana Wesleyan University, has been identified as the student. In a video, a bloodied Ali describes how the assailants pummeled and kicked him while also stealing his phone. In the CCTV clip, Ali can also be seen trying to escape the attackers as soon as he feels threatened. The graduate student went on to explain in the audio that the attackers kicked and punched him as he staggered close to his home while trying to flee.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

Hemant Soren Arrested At Raj Bhavan

Jalpaiguri On Thursday, Governor CP Radhakrishnan refuted claims that Raj Bhavan had anything to do with the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) arrest of former chief minister Hemant Soren in connection with a money laundering case involving a purported land scam. Hemant Soren, the executive president of JMM as well, was taken into custody on January 31 following a seven-hour interrogation by federal agency detectives. A few days later, he claimed that the Centre had hatched a "conspiracy" to get him arrested, and Raj Bhavan had played a key role in it."There is no indication that Raj Bhavan has been misused. We have adhered to every democratic standard with extreme strictness...The former chief minister himself has agreed in his letter that he resigned before being taken to ED custody," he added.   I'm never sure who works in the ED. Their faces and names elude me. For a short while, I was with them. "I won't recognize them if you want me to," CP Radhakrishnan said at a press conference held here.     It was the CMO who announced that Hemant Soren would be filing for resignation, according to CP Radhakrishnan, not Raj Bhavan.   "Our principal secretary received a call from the ED stating that we have taken custody The second message was from the chief secretary, who declared himself to be the prime minister. My principal secretary then clarified that he would remain so until his resignation. Additionally, I was told by the CMO that he would be resigning today. The governor remarked, "I waited for three hours straight."   According to CP Radhakrishnan, after that, the chief secretary called his principal secretary and told him that the chief minister couldn't accompany the ED officials alone and that a few senior ministers should be permitted to accompany him.   The governor went on, "I told him three of the most senior ministers can accompany him."

Jeff Bezos plans to sell 50 million Amazon shares over next year

The disclosure came through a filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), where Amazon revealed Bezos' trading plan.In a move that has captured market attention, Amazon's founder Jeff Bezos is set to offload a significant portion of his company shares over the next year. Reports from various media outlets indicate Bezos' intention to divest at least 50 million shares of the e-commerce giant. The disclosure came through a filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), where Amazon revealed Bezos' trading plan. As the executive chair of the company, Bezos' move signals a strategic adjustment in his investment portfolio. The plan outlines the potential sale of up to 50 million shares by January 25 of the following year, subject to specific conditions. While Bezos, who recently marked his 60th birthday, retains a vast holding of nearly one billion Amazon shares, this divestment plan represents a substantial reduction in his stake. Additionally, the filing reveals that seven other top executives at Amazon have formulated similar trading plans to sell shares.Bezos' shareholding in Amazon is a cornerstone of his considerable personal wealth, currently estimated at $193.3 billion. The planned divestment underscores a deliberate repositioning of assets by one of the world's wealthiest individuals. Amazon's financial performance remains robust, with impressive figures reported for the holiday quarter ending December 31, 2023. The company saw a 14% increase in net sales, reaching $170 billion compared to $149.2 billion in the same period of the previous year. Net income also surged to $10.6 billion in Q4 2023, compared to $0.3 billion in Q4 2022. Notably, the Amazon Web Services (AWS) segment reported a 13% year-over-year increase in sales, totaling $24.2 billion. CEO Andy Jassy commented on the exceptional performance, describing the holiday season as "record-breaking." Jassy expressed optimism for the company's trajectory in 2024, highlighting ongoing efforts and forthcoming opportunities.As Bezos prepares to execute his share sale plan, the market will closely monitor its impact on both Amazon's stock value and Bezos' personal financial landscape.    

When SRK-Salman Fight Was Put Out by Former Congress Leader Baba Siddique

After almost 50 years of affiliation with the Congress, former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddique announced his resignation today. Veteran of the Maharashtra political scene, Mr. Siddique held ministerial positions during the administrations of both the Congress and the NCP coalition led by Sharad Pawar. In addition to his cross-party political connections, Mr. Siddique is well-known for throwing extravagant parties. During one such gathering in 2013, Mr. Siddique unintentionally helped bring Bollywood superstars Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan together.Over the years, the two actors have remained close despite their publicized arguments and sporadic clashes. Their five-year cold war came to an end in 2013 at Baba Siddique's Iftaar party, marking a pivotal point in their relationship. The highly anticipated reunion between the Khans took place against the backdrop of Mr. Siddique's Iftaar party. After an intense argument at Katrina Kaif's birthday party in 2008, Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan avoided each other until they finally met. They gave each other a warm greeting and a sincere hug, which instantly relieved the tension that had been hanging over their relationship. That moment was captured in a picture that quickly went viral on social media and news outlets.  After an incredible 48 years, Mr. Siddique announced his resignation from the Congress in a social media post today. "It has been a noteworthy 48-year journey for me to become a member of the Indian National Congress party when I was a young teenager. With immediate effect, I am leaving the Indian National Congress Party @INCIndia as of today. I would have liked to say a lot, but sometimes it's better to keep things quiet. I express my gratitude to everyone who has shared in this journey," he wrote.      

Chandigarh Mayor Polls Postponed Until February 6 Amid BJP-AAP Conflict

"Chandigarh's mayoral elections, which were postponed earlier today amidst much controversy, will now take place on February 6, according to the Union Territory's Deputy Commissioner. A statement from the Commissioner's office stated, ""This decision follows a thorough assessment of the security and law and order situation by the Senior Superintendent of Police, UT, Chandigarh.""""As the Prescribed Authority for this important meeting, Shri Anil Masih, a councilor, has been nominated by Vinay Pratap Singh, Deputy Commissioner, Chandigarh. The statement stated that the meeting to elect the mayor will be chaired by Councilor Sh. Anil Masih and will follow the prescribed rules and procedures.The presiding officer became ill, so the election that the Aam Aadmi Party and the Congress had partnered for was postponed. The AAP and the Congress both claimed that the BJP had scuttled it because they expected to lose.He went on to say, "BJP is like a disgruntled child who takes away the bat and declares an end to the game when they are called out in gully cricket." He questioned why elections had to be postponed if the BJP was losing.The Congress is running for the deputy mayor and senior deputy mayor positions, and the AAP is running for mayor. The parties asserted that because of their combined strength, the BJP had yielded and they were the first party in the Opposition INDIA grouping.             "  

Gupta Rajendra Prasad Selected as the New Advocate General of Rajasthan

Governor Kalraj Mishra approved the appointment of Senior Advocate Rajendra Prasad Gupta as the new Advocate General of Rajasthan. As the replacement for the outgoing governor in December, this appointment represents a major shift in the legal leadership of the state. As MS Singhvi's replacement, Rajendra Prasad Gupta begins a new chapter in his tenure as Rajasthan's 19th Advocate General. Visit https://www.bankersadda.com/current-affairs-6-february-2024 for more informatiom.Legislative Authority and Obligations The Advocate General may attend State Legislature sessions and contribute to the legislative process without having a vote, as per Article 177 of the Constitution. Because of his special position, the Advocate General can provide legal insights into legislative discussions, improving the quality and ensuring that the legislative framework complies with legal requirements.   Crucial Exam Questions Who has been named Rajasthan's new Advocate General? When was the office of Advocate General of Rajasthan established, and who was the first person to hold it? What is the main constitutional authority that appoints the Advocate General, and what are their duties? What special privilege does the Advocate General have in the legislative process, as per Article 177 of the Constitution? 

What Made Jaya Bachchan Lose Her Composure in Parliament? "We e Not Schoolchildren

Samajwadi Party MP Jaya Bachchan responded sharply to Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar's comment about a Congress leader during an outcry by opposition members over the omission of a question, stating that the members are "not schoolchildren" and would have understood if the matter had been explained to them. She added that respect should be shown for the MPs.  During Tuesday's Question Hour, Deputy Chairman Harivansh of the Rajya Sabha was questioned by Ms Bachchan, Congressman Deepender Singh Hooda, and other opposition members about why a question on aviation had been skipped. Vice President and Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, Jagdeep Dhankhar, asked the opposition members to take their seats amid the commotion and announced he would come back to the question. "You are not her (Ms. Bachchan's) spokesperson," Mr. Dhankhar remarked as Mr. Hooda persisted in his protest. She is one of the more senior members. She is a very senior member, so you don't need to help her."   In an attempt to diffuse the tension a bit later, Mr. Dhankhar stated he had mentioned that the answer to question number 18, which had been overlooked, would be addressed following the completion of the response to question number 19. It will be addressed calmly and an attempt will be made to find a solution. Since Jaya Bachchan ji is a very senior member, she can be trusted to take her feelings seriously when they come to me ", she remarked. The chairman cut Ms. Bachchan off mid-sentence, saying, "Jaya Bachchan ji, you are a very senior member. I would like to make a request. Anything you say is respected in the nation, even if it isn't otherwise.  You will lift our spirits all together, and I have no doubt that a talented actor such as yourself had to retake a lot of scenes.   Ms. Bachchan stepped in to say that she should be given the opportunity to speak and emphasized how much she respects the deputy chairman.

Finance Secretary: "No Conscious Discrimination" Regarding the Center-States Funds Row

According to TV Somanathan, the finance secretary, financial allocations to states—whether through tax devolution or money from federally sponsored welfare programs—are determined by consistent rules that prohibit discrimination. She made this statement in an exclusive interview with NDTV. The remarks made by Mr. Somanathan coincide with a day after a heated argument between Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman over claims that non-BJP states are "deprived of (financial) dues.""In the operation of the Finance Ministry as regards funding to states, we go by formulae that have been laid down by the Finance Commission... we have not discriminated, for or against, any state government," Mr. Somanathan explained today, emphasizing what the Finance Minister had stated.There doesn't seem to be any intentional discrimination, but I won't get into the political aspects."   He stated that the distribution of GST, or the sharing of tax revenue, is based on percentages established by the Finance Commission and examined by the Comptroller and Auditor General. Bengal and Punjab, among other states, have regularly claimed withholding dues. This issue has been contentious for years. He emphasized that these were immutable and that funds were disbursed in accordance with the guidelines; yesterday, Ms. Sitharaman reiterated this and added that she was unable to modify them "as per my whims".   According to Mr. Somanathan, the distribution of funds for the center's sponsored schemes is also based on predetermined percentages: 60-40 for "mainstream" states and 90-10 for northeastern or hill states.   We disburse money in percentages, so long as the prior installment was used, the funds will be disbursed. Thus, I can state unequivocally that the Finance Ministry is nondiscriminatory. I am unable to comment on the complaints that some states may have regarding the Finance Commission's percentages.However, we have followed the Finance Commission's recommendations exactly," Mr. Somanathan stated.   In response to a query regarding the conflict between the center and the ruling Trinamool Congress of Bengal—wherein Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee staged a protest event last week to demand the state's "dues"—the Finance Secretary informed NDTV that the Prime Minister's Office had emphasized that Bengal receive its fair share.