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What is the reason behind Punjab Governor Kataria's abrupt praise of the Bhagwant Mann government in contrast to cooperation
The Punjab Assembly's budget session began earlier this week when Governor Gulab Chand Kataria gave a speech that mainly commended the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government's performance, despite opposition protests interfering with Assembly business and the governor's own anti-drug march weeks prior continuing to garner political attention.In sharp contrast to his predecessor, Banwarilal Purohit, who had multiple run-ins with the Punjab government, Kataria praises the initiatives of the Bhagwant Mann-led AAP government. The government drafts the governor's address, which summarizes their accomplishments.Governors Thaawar Chand Gehlot and R N Ravi, who has since been named governor of West Bengal, have recently omitted portions of their speeches that commended the state governments in states like Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, where the governors are perceived to have a tumultuous relationship with the state government.Mann's AAP government and Purohit had a number of issues between 2022 and 2024. One such disagreement occurred in early 2023 when the Governor first refused to approve the Budget session, which forced the state government to petition the Supreme Court.However, Kataria's 51-page speech on March 6 detailed the state government's efforts in a number of areas, including welfare programs, infrastructure development, healthcare, education, and anti-drug campaigns.The extension of Aam Aadmi Clinics throughout the state was one of the efforts that were emphasized. According to the governor, hundreds of clinics are currently in operation and have given locals crores of free consultations and medications. The speech also mentioned the government's "Yudh Nashean Virudh" anti-drug program, which includes outpatient opioid-assisted treatment clinics and de-addiction centers for drug addicts' rehabilitation.In order to improve government education, Kataria mentioned hiring thousands of instructors and creating Schools of Eminence. The address also mentioned road infrastructure upgrades, irrigation facilities, 300 units of free power for the majority of homes, and farmer welfare programs including increased sugarcane prices.Leader of the Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa and other Congress lawmakers frequently interrupted the speech by shouting slogans about things like law and order. Assuring the lawmakers that they could voice their objections during the discussion later, Kataria pleaded with them to let him finish the constitutional address first. Congress MLAs eventually organized a walkout as the protests persisted. Following the speech, the Governor spoke at a joint press conference with Mann, praising the Punjab government's efforts to combat drug misuse and enhance education. According to him, the Opposition ought to have let the speech end before voicing its opinions in the House so that their complaints could be legally documented.
Published 09 Mar 2026 05:58 PM
Unauthorized reviews, dubious log-ins, and fuzzy documents: TMC MP to Supreme Court on SIR
TMC MP Dola Sen told the Supreme Court that Election Commission-appointed micro-observers were allegedly overriding decisions made by Electoral Registration Officers (EROs), the statutory authority for including and deleting electors, raising concerns that eligible voters could be removed from the final electoral roll during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in West Bengal.In two applications filed on February 16 and 18, Sen, a petitioner before the Supreme Court contesting the SIR, also claimed that documents uploaded to the system were becoming "blurry" after submission and that officials were allegedly logging into the ECINET portal from locations other than where they were deputed. On February 28, West Bengal's final electoral roll is expected to be released. The Indian Express asked the EC for comment on Sen's claims, but the EC did not reply.The EC only deployed micro-observers in West Bengal, which was a first, despite announcing the SIR in nine states and three Union Territories on October 27 of last year. The EC informed the Supreme Court on February 4 that the purpose of the 8,100 micro-observers, who work for the Central Government, was to support EROs and Assistant EROs (AEROs). The EC had stated, "It is false to suggest that statutory powers have been vested in the micro-observers."
Published 25 Feb 2026 05:54 PM
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
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Ram Mandir Ayodhya Pran Pratishtha
The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) estimates that the Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha Ceremony in Ayodhya generated business revenue worth Rs 1.25 lakh crore nationwide.The CAIT study claims that before to the famous 'Pran Pratishtha' event of Ayodhya's Ram temple, people went on a shopping binge. According to the CIAT report, Delhi generated revenue of Rs 25,000 crore, while Uttar Pradesh registered commerce of Rs 40,000 crore.According to CAIT's National Secretary General Praveen Khandelwal, small traders have benefited the most. The "Har Sheher Ayodhya, Har Ghar Ayodhya" campaign was also praised by him. Almost 1.5 million programs were hosted by small and major corporate organizations nationwide as part of the campaign, which ran from January 1 to 22.According to CAIT, sales of candies, decorations, devotional souvenirs, and other spiritual things contributed to the enterprises' significant growth. A CAIT had previously predicted that the dedication of the Ram temple will bring in commerce of up to Rs 1 trillion. The estimate provided by CAIT was derived from input gathered from thirty different state trade associations.Khandelwal had said that there is a lot of demand in the marketplaces for printed "kurtas," caps, t-shirts, banners, flags, and banners with images of the Ram temple. On January 22, the freshly built Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Mandir in Ayodhya hosted the Pran Pratishtha ritual for Lord Ram.PM Modi is praised by Swami Govind Dev Giri: Lord Shri Ram is seated at the temple of Ayodhya. Ram Lalla was ceremoniously sanctified by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This gathering was graced by the presence of numerous national leaders. The saint who broke PM Modi's fast has made a significant announcement about the politician.
Passenger volume at Mumbai International Airport increased by 35% in 2023.
Passenger traffic at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport increased by 35% to 51.58 million. This was facilitated by the over 25.4 million arrivals and 26.1 million exits of passengers, respectively. A 20% rise in aircraft movements (334,391) was observed by CSMIA in tandem with an increase in both domestic and international passenger traffic.In addition to reaching a record-breaking single-day passenger peak of 167,132 on November 25 and a single-day record of 1,032 aircraft movements on November 11, the CSMIA had its highest monthly traffic of 4.89 million in December. When compared to pre-pandemic levels, it showed a 110% recovery.CSMIA’s travel trends in 2023 reveal Delhi, Bangalore, and Chennai to be favored domestic destinations, while Dubai, London, and Abu Dhabi continue to attract international travelers. On the airline front, IndiGo, Vistara, and Air India maintain their stronghold on the domestic market, while IndiGo, Air India, and Emirates remain the top choices for international travel through CSMIA.It demonstrated a 110% return to pre-pandemic levels.Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) in Mumbai saw record-breaking 51.58 million passengers in 2023—the greatest amount of travelers it has ever seen. It was a 35% increase over 2022 (38.33 million).Following three years of fluctuations in air travel demand caused by the Covid epidemic, things stabilized in 2023. During the travel season that started in October of 2023, demand increased significantly in the second half of the year and reached all-time highs. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) in Mumbai saw record-breaking 51.58 million passengers in 2023—the greatest amount of travelers it has ever seen.The passenger volume at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) has increased by an astounding 35% between 2022 and the present. Mumbai Airport achieved a record in 2023 by handling an amazing 51.58 million passengers, with November and December seeing the highest numbers. There have been around 25.4 million recorded arrivals and 26.1 million exits under the same.A remarkable 20% growth in ATMs was seen by CSMIA, with 3,34,391 Air Traffic Movements (ATMs) registered in CY 2022 as opposed to 2,77,052 ATMs in CY 2023. On November 11, 2023, CSMIA recorded record-breaking ATMs and on November 25, 2023, the highest-ever single-day passenger movement, achieving an astounding 110% recovery in passenger traffic compared to the pre-pandemic era.On the other hand, December 2023 saw 4.89 million passengers pass through the airport each month, a significant 13% increase over December 2022. Without a doubt, CSMIA is riding the aviation wave with unmatched success.
Hand baggage, additional air travel regulations to be aware of if you e flying on January 26; airport on high alert
For a hassle-free check-in experience on January 26, the AAI advises travelers to travel light, bring just necessities, and review airline policies.The AAI requests that travelers refrain from bringing liquids and objects that are sharp, such scissors and nail clippers, in their hand luggage.Bangalore Aviation, an aviation news portal, has released a set of guidelines to be adhered to as airports throughout India stay on high alert ahead of the Republic Day celebrations on January 26. It is advised that you take note of the following if you want to fly on January 26.-As per Bangalore Aviation, there will be further limitations on what may be brought on board as carry-on luggage. These include lighters, masalas, talcum powder, powdered spices, and toys that look like guns.Furthermore, suggestions have been issued by the Airport Authority of India (AAI) for travelers on January 26. -Always carry your travel documentation with you. -Travel documents can be requested at any time to verify identity. -For a hassle-free check-in experience on January 26, the AAI advises travelers to travel light, bring just necessities, and review airline policies.-Passengers are asked by the AAI to refrain from bringing liquids and sharp objects like scissors and nail clippers in their hand luggage. -To minimize last-minute bother, the government advises travelers to check in their luggage without power banks or lighters and to make sure that nothing forbidden is within.From January 19 to January 26, 2024, flights at the nation's capital's Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) were suspended for more than two hours each day. According to sources, due to Republic Day celebrations and preparations, there would be no planes arriving or departing from Delhi airport between 10:20 am and 12:45 pm. The additional limitations have been added to the NOTAM (notice to airmen) by the Airport Authority of India (AAI). A notice that is necessary for those working in flight operations is called a NOTAM. The national capital's airspace has been restricted due to Republic Day preparations and celebrations. The restriction is in place from January 19 to January 29, 2024. Between 10 a.m. and 1:45 p.m., neither scheduled airline non-scheduled flights nor charter planes may land or take off. These regulations will be in effect from January 26 to 29, 2024, from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.Delhi's limitations on traffic on the roads On Friday, the procession will begin at Vijay Chowk and travel along Kartavya Path, C-Hexagon, Tilak Marg, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, and Netaji Subhas Marg before coming to an end at the Red Fort. This may cause traffic congestion in Central Delhi. The C-Hexagon-India Gate will stay closed until the procession passes over Tilak Marg. According to the advise, travelers should schedule their travel ahead of time in order to avoid the parade route between 9:30 am and 1 pm.
Gives Tough Challenge To Chameleons": Nitish Kumar is the target of the INDIA Bloc.
Although Nitish Kumar's exit from the Opposition ranks is a serious setback, it has also provided them with a great opportunity to criticize both Nitish Kumar and the BJP. Although this has restored Mr. Kumar's former reputation as "Paltu Ram," he has also accrued a few derogatory terms, such as "tired" and "chameleon." This was Mr. Kumar's second time abandoning the Opposition to pursue more fertile ground under the NDA's auspices. The last time he did so was in 2017, in response to accusations of corruption against Lalu Yadav and his son, Tejashwi Yadav, who was then the deputy chief minister, he declined to stay in the Grand Alliance. Nevertheless, Mr. Kumar left the BJP and joined the Mahagathbandhan in 2022.Today, Mr. Kumar was attacked by leaders of the Trinamool Congress, AAP, DMK, RJD, JMM, CPI(ML)-L, and Congress. After Nitish Kumar's return, Tejashwi Yadav regained his position as Deputy Chief Minister and was not happy about it. "The Chief Minister appeared exhausted. I can guarantee you that the JDU party will conclude by 2024. The people support us," he declared. Mr. Kumar was dubbed a "chameleon" by the Congress. The party's media in-charge, Jairam Ramesh, wrote on X, the former Twitter platform, saying: "Nitish Kumar, who frequently changes political partners, is giving chameleons in changing colors a tough competition." He continued, saying that the people of Bihar would not forgive this "expert of betrayal" and those forcing him to dance to their songs.Sharad Pawar took a jab at Nitish Kumar, saying that he "has created a new record of forming the government with all the parties in a single term." "In the past, the proverb 'Aayaram Gayaram' had gained immense fame in Haryana. However, Nitish also left it in Bihar," he continued. Uddhav Thackeray, his alliance partner, was scathing. "We are living under the rule of the 'Paltu Rams,' not Ram Rajya. Manoj Jarange would not have been required to travel to Mumbai in order to support the Maratha quota demand if Ram Rajya had existed, Mr. Thackeray stated.
PM Modi hails Nari Shakti at NCC rally, says govt removed obstacles for women
The world is watching how India’s women are projecting Nari Shakti and proving their mettle in every field, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday, a day after women stole the limelight at the 75th Republic Day parade, with ample representation in every element of India’s biggest ceremonial event: in the flypast, in mechanised columns, in marching contingents, in bands and in the cultural show. “The 75th Republic Day parade on Kartavya Path was dedicated to ‘Nari Shakti’. We have opened up opportunities for daughters in sectors where their entry was previously restricted or limited,” the PM said addressing the customary National Cadet Corps (NCC) rally at the Cariappa parade ground in Delhi Cantt. He highlighted the contribution of women to different fields including the armed forces, the country’s space programme, start-ups, banking and insurance. The PM said the government has removed obstacles to the entry of women in different areas, while speaking about the opening of frontline roles to women in the military, including command roles, combat positions and permanent commission. “Be it Agniveers or fighter pilots, the participation of women is only increasing in the armed forces,” he said. An all-women tri-service contingent consisting of Agniveers (recruited for short-term in the personnel below officer rank cadre under the Agnipath scheme), led by women officers, took part in the Republic Day parade for the first time. Also, 15 women pilots, including six fighter pilots, were a part of the spectacular flypast. They flew Rafales, Sukhoi-30s and helicopters.Women in uniform are no longer on the fringes but are being assigned central roles on a par with their male counterparts. Women were in the driver’s seat at the parade and 80% of all activities involved them, including the heralding of the parade by 112 women artistes playing a variety of Indian musical instruments from across the country and the Vande Bharatam cultural extravaganza involving 1,500 women. The national flag was also unfurled on the arrival of President Droupadi Murmu by a woman officer, Major Saumya Shukla, amid the roar of a 21-gun salute.The number of women in Central Armed Police Forces has more than doubled during the last 10 years and states are being encouraged to recruit more women in the police force, the PM said. More than 400 sarpanchs of ‘vibrant villages’ and around 100 women belonging to various self-help groups from different parts of the country attended the NCC rally as special guests. The government’s vibrant village programme is aimed at the comprehensive development of select villages along the country’s northern border with China, and covers areas of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim and Ladakh.“When the country gives equal opportunity to the talent of sons and daughters, its talent pool becomes enormous,” Modi said.He encouraged the youth to leverage the opportunities presented by Digital India.
Amid Political Turmoil In Bihar, Dozens Of Senior Bureaucrats Transferred
Bihar politics crisis: According to a notification of the state government, IPS Sushil Mansingh Khopde, who was posted as the Additional Director General (Operations) of the Special Task Force, has been appointed as ADG (Prohibition).According to a notification of the state government, IPS Sushil Mansingh Khopde, who was posted as the Additional Director General (Operations) of the Special Task Force, has been appointed as ADG (Prohibition).IPS Amrit Raj (1998-batch IPS), who was the ADG (Prohibition), has been appointed as the ADG (Operations). IPS officer Deepak Ranjan, who is the current Superintendent of Police of Jehanabad, has been transferred as the commandant of Bihar Special Armed Police, Bodh Gaya. Ashok Kumar Singh who is the current Superintendent of Police (Araria) has been appointed as the new commandant of Bihar Special Armed Police, Sasaram, the government notification added.Meanwhile, speculation is rife that CM Nitish Kumar may cross over to the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) again, an alliance he left in 2022 to join hands with the opposition and form 'Mahagathbandhan'.Several NDA leaders including former Bihar CM Jitan Ram Manjhi have indicated an alliance breakdown between JD(U)-RJD.Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) chief Jitan Ram Manjhi said that the ruling Mahagathbandhan (grand alliance) government will not last for long. The HAM president said that by seeing the statements of his former ally and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, he had sensed earlier that there would be a change in the state.Recently I had said that there would be a change in Bihar after January 20 and the basis of this was Nitish Kumar's statement. He has said many things against RJD...On this basis, we said that the alliance would not work. Their alliance will not last for long. Nitish Kumar's dream of becoming PM has been shattered... Therefore, after breaking the alliance, he may contest the Lok Sabha elections independently or join the other alliance," Manjhi said.Senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader Sushil Kumar Modi on Friday said that the door can be opened if needed, indicating a possible revival of ties between Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar -led JDU.
Nitish Kumar NDA alliance news: How RJD, Congress plan to deal with JDUs possible switch
The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the Congress have geared up to deal with any unexpected developments in case Bihar Chief Minister and JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar switches alliances and return to the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Speculations are rife that Nitish Kumar would soon resign as the Bihar Chief Minister and take oath for the ninth time, with an NDA cabinet. Nitish Kumar's JD(U) is currently in alliance with the RJD and the Left parties in Bihar. His move to snap ties with the Lalu Yadav's party would come as major hit to the Opposition's INDIA bloc ahead of the Lok Sabha Elections 2024. At a press conference, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel has been given the task to handle the situation, likely to unfold in next "two-three days" in Bihar. Meanwhile, Lalu Yadav's party, the RJD, reportedly has a "game plan". RJD leader Manoj Jha said on Saturday that Lalu Prasad Yadav, the chief of the party, has been authorised to take all the decisions. After holding a meeting with RJD leaders, Jha said, "Discussion on several things was done. All the issues, whether from the national or state level, everything were discussed during the meeting. It was a legislature meeting, Lalu Yadav, Deputy CM (Tejashwi Yadav) all MLAs, everyone was present. We all have authorised Lalu Yadav to take the decision. Besides, Lalu Prasad Yadav reportedly asked all MPs to stay in Patna for the next few days. Sources told India Today that the former Bihar chief minister has also asked MPs not to switch off their mobile phones and be prepared for all adverse situations.
Nitish Kumar set to resign as Bihar CM again? When and what is expected to happen amid JDU-NDA alliance buzz
Nitish Kumar is likely to resign as the Bihar Chief Minister soon. Reports emerged on Saturday claiming that the JD(U) chief may resign on Sunday, January 28. He might take oath later in the day, by 4 pm, AajTak reported while cited sources. According to reports, Nitish Kumar is likely to take oath as the chief minister for the ninth time on Sunday. This time, the JD(U) may form government with the new NDA cabinet on Sunday, they added. Earlier, Jan Ki Baat had cited sources as saying that Nitish Kumar may resign by 7pm on Saturday. However, there has been no official confirmation on the same.Times Now reported on Saturday evening that the JD(U) will hold a legislative meeting on Sunday morning. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders and MPs will also meet at 10 am on Sunday at the Party office in Patna to further chalk out the strategy over the latest political situation in Bihar. The reports came amid speculations that Nitish Kumar will leave the Opposition's INDIA bloc and return to the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). In case Nitish Kumar decides to return to the NDA fold, the opposition united front will take a major hit ahead of the crucial Lok Sabha Election 2024. Earlier in the day, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh held a press conference and said party chief Mallikarjun Kharge is “trying to speak with the Bihar chief minister". Ramesh said Kharge made several attempts to speak with Nitish Kumar, but as both of them are very busy, no conversation could be held between them. Meanwhile, RJD leaders gathered at party supremo Lalu Prasad's home in Patna on Saturday to attend an emergency meeting convened by Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav. Sources told ANI that during the meet, Tejashwi had hinted at many unexpected developments in the state."The Chief Minister used to sit with me on the stage and ask, "What was there in Bihar before 2005?" I never reacted... Now, more people are with us. Whatever remained undone in two decades, we managed to get it done within a short time- be it jobs, caste census, increasing reservation, etc. 'Bihar mein abhi khel hona baki hain' (The game is yet to begin in Bihar) Yadav reportedly said.
Prominent celebrity lawyer pleads guilty to leaking documents to reporters in Fugees rapper’s case
WASHINGTON (AP) — A prominent defense attorney whose star clients have included Snoop Dogg pleaded guilty Friday to leaking grand jury information to reporters about a political conspiracy case against a rapper from the Fugees. David Kenner, a California-based attorney known for his representation of celebrities like Suge Knight and Tory Lanez, was sentenced to a year of unsupervised probation after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor contempt of court charge. He also agreed to pay a $5,000 fine. Federal prosecutors say Kenner was representing Prakazrel “Pras” Michel, a founding member of the Fugees, when he gave grand jury information and photos to two reporters for Bloomberg News for “defense-oriented” stories that ran in March 2023, shortly before the start of the Washington, D.C. trial. Michel’s trial included testimony from such figures as actor Leonardo DiCaprio and former U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions. As is typical in criminal cases, Kenner had gotten access to evidence in order to prepare Michel’s defense, but had been ordered by the court not to share the information, prosecutors said. Kenner’s attorney said in court documents that the reporters originally agreed to sign a protective order, but later changed their minds. A Bloomberg News spokesperson declined to comment.Kenner, 82, told the judge who sentenced him that he was reckless for not taking steps to terminate the reporters’ access to grand jury information. He described it as a “low point” in his 56-year legal career.
ICJ verdict looms: What if interim ruling goes against Israel on January 26
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is poised to deliver a highly anticipated verdict on January 26, responding to South Africa's request for an interim ruling against Israel.South Africa brought the case to the court, accusing Israel of "grave violence and genocidal acts" in Gaza and seeking an immediate ceasefire. Israel rebuffed the allegations, characterising them as a "partial and deeply flawed picture." After hearing the arguments on January 11 and 12 at The Hague, the ICJ is now on the verge of delivering its ruling."The ICJ will currently only look at 'provisional measures of protection,' which is the equivalent of the term' interim orders' used in Indian courts,"explained Pratik Bakshi, co-founder at World Law Forum.Bakshi clarified that these measures are designed to prevent ongoing conflicts or disputes from escalating further. "The ICJ will not be deciding on whether Israel is guilty of genocide, and it may be years before the court comes to a conclusion on this point," he noted.Legal experts suggest that if the ICJ issues provisional measure orders against Israel, they will be legally binding and final. However, the path to enforcement may prove challenging. "Orders of the International Court of Justice, including orders indicating provisional measures, are in theory legally binding on the Contracting States to the Genocide Convention, i.e. Israel and South Africa. Such orders are final and without appeal," stated Bindi Dave, senior partner at Wadia Ghandy & Co.Despite the legal binding, Bakshi highlighted that the ICJ lacks real enforcement power. "Israel has the choice to ignore the ICJ's ruling and proceed with its operations in Gaza, as the ICJ lacks an independent enforcement mechanism for ensuring compliance with its decisions," echoed Ankur Mahindro, managing partner at Kred Jure.In such a scenario, the ICJ can turn to the United Nations Security Council to take appropriate measures. "Given, however, that enforcement of sanctions is subject to the veto of any of the five permanent members of the Security Council, a proposed resolution for actual or effective enforcement of any provisional measures is susceptible to getting embroiled in political wrangling, especially given the perceived proximity of the United States to Israel," added Dave. Previous decisions by the ICJ in comparable cases, such as provisional measures against Russia to halt its invasion of Ukraine or to prevent Myanmar's violence against Rohingyas, have not proven effective in improving conflict situations. Nevertheless, experts suggest that Israel might have to temper the intensity of its attacks due to international pressure if the ruling goes against it.
IEA will expedite 2025 oil demand forecast after Opecs early move
The International Energy Agency plans to bring forward publication of its first 2025 oil demand forecast in its monthly report by two or three months to April, the agency told Reuters, after OPEC expedited its forecast by six months. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and the IEA are the two most closely watched oil forecasters, whose monthly reports can move oil prices and provide insight into the assumptions behind OPEC supply policy. "We plan to publish the 2025 forecast in April as opposed to June/July previously," Toril Bosoni, head of the IEA's Oil Industry and Markets Division, told Reuters in response to an emailed question. "The reason for this is that we will publish the Medium Term outlook in June so to avoid the overlap and get a first detailed view on 2025 before looking out to 2030 - we advanced the date." The IEA and OPEC disagree on the strength of demand growth in 2024, reflecting their divergent forecasts on how quickly the world will shift from fossil fuels. OPEC believes oil use will keep rising over the next two decades, while the IEA, which represents industrialised countries, predicts it will peak by 2030. Their differing views have led the bodies to clash over investment in new oil supply. The IEA says the end of the growth era for fossil fuels undercuts the rationale for investment. In a break with its tradition of publishing its first forecast for the next year in July, OPEC last week predicted demand will rise by 1.8 million bpd in 2025 and said it brought publication forward to give "long-term guidance for the market". On the same day, OPEC Secretary General Haitham Al Ghais published an article disputing that demand was near a peak, and reiterated the group's call for continued oil industry investment. So far this year, the oil market has been buffeted by uncertainty as doubts about the global economy and demand strength have offset the more bullish impact of possible supply disruption. OPEC forecasts world oil demand will expand by 2.25 million barrels per day (bpd) in 2024, a mild slowdown from 2.46 million bpd in 2023, with total oil use averaging 104.4 million bpd in 2024, bolstered by air travel and road fuel demand. The IEA expects oil demand growth in 2024 to halve to 1.24 million bpd, from its figure for growth of 2.3 million bpd in 2023, partly because an increasing global electric vehicle fleet is curbing gasoline demand. The difference between the OPEC and IEA demand forecasts for this year is about 1% of world demand, almost equivalent to OPEC member Libya's production. A source with knowledge of the matter did not provide details of what the IEA would forecast for 2025 demand, but said it was expected to show further deceleration towards the 2030 peak demand timeline.
Gujarat: Independent MLA Dharmendrasinh Vaghela resigns, to return to BJP
Ahmedabad, Independent MLA Dharmendrasinh Vaghela tendered his resignation as a member of the Gujarat legislative assembly on Thursday, and announced that he would soon return to the BJP along with his supporters.Vaghela, who represented the Vaghodia assembly constituency in Vadodara district, claimed that the motive behind his resignation was to strengthen the hands of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah in their endeavour to establish 'Ram Rajya' in the country. Vaghela is one of the three independent candidates who won the 2022 Gujarat assembly elections. He was with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) prior to the assembly elections, but rebelled against the party and fought the polls as an independent candidate after being denied the ticket. He subsequently defeated BJP's Ashvin Patel by over 14,000 votes. Vaghela on Thursday handed over his resignation to assembly Speaker Shankar Chaudhary in Gandhinagar in the morning, and it has been accepted, an official said. The move comes ahead of the Lok Sabha elections that are likely to be held in April.Talking to reporters after tendering his resignation, Vaghela said he will join the BJP soon and was not promised any post or renomination by the ruling party. "I have taken this decision after consulting the people from my constituency. I have resigned because I want to strengthen the hands of PM Modi and Amit Shah in their endeavour to establish Ram Rajya in the country. Neither the party has promised anything, be it ministership in the Gujarat government or renomination, nor have I placed any demand," he claimed.Vaghela and two other candidates were suspended by the BJP for contesting the polls as independents against the party candidates. The two others are Dhavalsinh Zala and Mavjibhai Desai. But after the election, the trio had announced their support to the BJP government saying they were inspired by the pro-people work of PM Modi.Vaghela is the third MLA who has resigned as a member of the state assembly in two months. In December, AAP MLA Bhupendra Bhayani, who represented the Visavadar seat, resigned as member of the state legislative assembly. Recently, Congress MLA CJ Chavda also resigned as the MLA of Vijapur seat.
Rahul Gandhi to be arrested after Lok Sabha elections, says Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Wednesday that action will be taken against Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, on the charges of instigating violence during his ‘Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra’ and he will be arrested after the Lok Sabha elections 2024. The remarks came a day after the Assam police registered a suo motu FIR against Rahul Gandhi for “wanton acts of violence" in Guwahati during his nationwide Yatra. ''We have filed an FIR. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) will conduct the investigation and he (Gandhi) will be arrested after the Lok Sabha elections," Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on the sidelines of the event in the Sibsagar district of the state.Himanta Biswa Sarma directed the Director General of Police G P Singh to register a case against Rahul Gandhi for provoking the crowds, who clashed with police as the Congress leader wanted to enter Guwahati city. In the scuffle with the police, several Congress workers were injured including the state party President Bhupen Bora, and the leader of the opposition in the state assembly.Assam police said that four police personnel sustained injuries after Congress workers attempted to break barricades. They have charged Congress leaders including Rahul Gandhi under criminal conspiracy, unlawful assembly, rioting, assault, or criminal force to deter public servants from discharging their duty, damaging public property and others. The DGP said that the case has been transferred to the state Crime Investigation Department (CID) for a thorough investigation and the special investigation team (SIT) headed by the Additional Director General of Police (CID) will conduct the probe into the matter.‘Himanta Biswa Sarma is the most corrupt CM’: Rahul Gandhi. Rahul Gandhi resumed his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra from Assam's Barpeta on Wednesday and trained his guns on the Assam Chief Minister calling him “the most corrupt CM." "The Chief Minister of Assam (Himanta Biswa Sarma) spreads hate all the time and takes away your (referring to the public) lands. He is the most corrupt chief minister," the Congress leader said.
She is our didi, we respect her’: INDIA parties deny rift as Mamata Banerjee decides to fight LS polls alone in Bengal
After West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerje's announcement that her Trinamool Congress (TMC) party will fight Lok Sabha polls alone in the state, other parties in the INDIA bloc have been trying to alleviate the situation and hoping for a reunification of the TMC with the bloc. Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Jha said the statement was given in some particular situation and said that the INDIA parties will solve the conflict.PROMOTED "Please wait for some time. Maybe the statement was given in some particular situation. If there is a conflict then the alliance (INDIA) would solve it." said Manoj Jha. INDIA bloc alliance is facing internal disagreements over seat-sharing in different states. Another INDIA bloc member, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), is also locked in hectic negotiations with the Congress on seat sharing in Delhi and Punjab. The Arvind Kejriwal-led party believes that the TMC, the Congress and the alliance will resolve any differences. "The TMC is a big party in West Bengal, the Congress and the Left have always been fighting against them. So seat-sharing with the TMC will be a little difficult. The issues between them will be resolved. Mamata Banerjee and Rahul Gandhi are committed to the success of the INDIA bloc. We are hopeful that all parties in the INDIA bloc will fight elections together," said AAP leader and Delhi Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj.Earlier on Wednesday, NCP working president Supriya Sule denied any internal rift in the alliance and said that all the member parties are in frequent conversation with each other. "She is our didi and we love and respect her. The alliance (INDIA) is united and we will all fight together. There will be no loss to the alliance. The model in every state will be different. There is no infight in the alliance. We are in frequent conversation," Sule told ANI on Wednesday.Amid speculations over the TMC's stance on Lok Sabha elections, Mamata Banerjee announced that the TMC would fight polls alone in Bengal."I had no discussions with the Congress party. I have always said that in Bengal, we will fight alone. I am not concerned about what will be done in the country but we are a secular party and in Bengal, we alone will defeat the BJP. I gave many proposals but they rejected them from the beginning. From then, we have decided to fight the elections in Bengal alone" the TMC supremo said.She also claimed that the grand old party didn't inform her about the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra's schedule of passing through Bengal. Her remark is in contrast with the Congress' claim that it had invited all INDIA bloc parties to join the Yatra.
Tantia Constructions bags ₹7 crore contract from Tripura Govt
Tantia Constructions wins ₹7 crore government contract in Tripura to build seven residential quarters for Judicial Officers with associated infrastructure.Tantia Constructions has received a ₹7 crore work order from the Government of Tripura, Office of the Executive Engineer, PWD (R&B), Kailashahar Division, Kailashahar, Unakoli.The contract pertains to the construction of seven residential quarters for Judicial Officers at various grades, storied at Kailashahar, Unakoti District, including internal water supply, sanitary installation, sewage, drainage works, underground tank, boundary wall and internal electrification works. L&T Construction’s power transmission and distribution business has secured contracts in West Asia. In the UAE, the construction arm of L&T Ltd was awarded an order for the engineering, supply, construction, installation, testing, and commissioning of a 400/132 kV substation. The project entails providing a range of critical components, including transformers, reactors, and substation control and monitoring systems.In Kuwait, L&T Construction secured an order for the establishment of 400 kV overhead transmission lines, complemented by associated 400 kV underground cable interconnections. This 100-km transmission network is designed to enhance power evacuation and generation capabilities.The company also bagged contracts related to ongoing substation projects in the region.However, the shares were down by 0.36 per cent to Rs 3,530.75 at 10.22 am on the BSE.
Government reopens bids for Advanced Chemistry Cell manufacturing
Prospective applicants can submit bids to set up manufacturing facilities for ACC, which will help them qualify for incentives under PLI ACC scheme. The government on Wednesday announced re-bidding of production-linked incentives (PLI) for 10 Giga Watt hours (GWh) Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) manufacturing. India for finding solution to food stockholding issue first at WTO; then talk on other agri matters With this bidding process, the prospective applicants can submit bids to set up manufacturing facility for ACC, which will help them qualify for incentives under PLI ACC scheme, the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) said.In May 2021, the Cabinet approved the technology-agnostic PLI Scheme on ‘National Programme on Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) Battery Storage’ for achieving a manufacturing capacity of 50 Giga Watt hours (GWh) of ACC with an outlay of ₹18,100 crore. The first round of the ACC PLI bidding concluded in March 2022, and three companies were allocated a total capacity of 30 GWh, the program agreement with selected companies was signed in July 2022. The three companies are Ola Electric Mobility Pvt Ltd which bagged 20 GWh, Reliance New Energy Solar Ltd, and Rajesh Exports won 5 GWh each.The MHI said its has released a fresh Request for Proposal (RfP) for shortlisting and selection of bidders under the PLI Scheme ‘National Programme on Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) Battery Storage’ for setting up of battery manufacturing units with a total manufacturing capacity of 10 GWh with maximum budgetary outlay of ₹3,620 crore. “MHI is supporting the growth of India’s manufacturing capabilities and exports in the automobile and automobile component sector...Keeping this in mind, in recent years, the MHI has taken several initiatives to promote environment friendly product manufacturing in the automotive industry, such as PLI-Auto, PLI - Advanced Chemistry Cell and FAME-II schemes,” Mahendra Nath Pandey, Minister of Heavy Industries said. MHI is also committed to provide clean and green public transport through Faster Adoption and Manufacturing Electric Vehicles (FAME-II) scheme with the aim to reduce dependence on fossil fuel and to address the issue of vehicular emissions, he said.Also, through the PLI Auto and Auto components scheme, MHI is supporting enhancement in India’s manufacturing capabilities and exports in the automobile and the automobile components sector with the prime objectives of deep localisation, creating economies of scale and building a robust supply chain in areas of Advanced Automotive Technology (AAT) products, he added.
Encourage India to continue to lead by example, work to bridge divides around the world: UN PGA Francis
Francis expressed concerns about the outdated structure of the Security Council, which he believes fails to reflect the current geopolitical realities."The Security Council of the UN as it currently exists harks back to a period in world history that no longer exists. Since then, the world has changed radically," remarked Francis, highlighting the council's inability to make crucial decisions for international peace and security, often due to geopolitical influences leading to the use of the veto."The fact of the matter is that the council has, in recent years, been progressively unable to take the decisions necessary in order to assist and support the strengthening of international peace and security. Largely for geopolitical reasons. The geopolitics, the global dynamics of the geopolitics, get imported into the council and that results invariably in the use of the veto by one or the other party," he added. On India's inclusion in the UNSC, the UNGA President said, "India is a mature, highly respected member of the United Nations. It is a leader in many ways. And I'm sure that that fact is not lost on the members of the General Assembly.""So I wish the government and people of India every success in their quest to assume membership of the council on a permanent basis. Whether that occurs or not will be a matter for the members to determine," he also saidIndia has long sought a permanent seat on the Security Council to better represent the interests of the developing world. The nation's quest has gained momentum with support from influential figures like Dennis Francis, who believes in India's capability to contribute positively to global peace and security.India has been a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for eight terms (16 years). India is a member of the G4, a group of nations that back each other to seek permanent membership in the UNSC. The countries advocate for reform in the UNSC. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his France visit in July 2023, made a strong pitch for India's permanent membership in the UN Security Council, saying the primary UN body cannot claim to be speaking for the world when its most populous country and the largest democracy is not a permanent member. (ANI)
Bharat Ratna award to Karpoori Thakur reflects Modi governments desperation, hypocrisy: Congress
The Congress on Wednesday welcomed the decision to confer Bharat Ratna to former Bihar chief minister Karpoori Thakur and said it reflects the Narendra Modi government's desperation and hypocrisy. Thakur was a champion of social justice and conducting a nationwide caste census would be an appropriate tribute to him, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said."Even though it reflects the Modi Govt's desperation and hypocrisy, the Indian National Congress welcomes the posthumously awarded Bharat Ratna to the champion of social justice Jannayak Karpoori Thakurji," Ramesh said in a post on X. "'Bhagidari Nyay' is one of the five pillars of the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra. It will need a nation-wide caste census as a starting point."Rahul Gandhi has been consistently advocating this but the Modi Government has all along refused to release the results of the Socio Economic Caste Census 2011 and also refused to commit itself to conduct an updated nation-wide caste census which will be the most appropriate tribute to Jannayak Karpoori Thakurji," he said. Two-time Bihar chief minister Karpoori Thakur has been named for the country's highest civilian award Bharat Ratna posthumously, a Rashtrapati Bhawan communique said on Tuesday on the eve of the birth centenary of the fountainhead of OBC politics in Bihar.Thakur, who passed away in 1988, was the first non-Congress socialist leader who became chief minister twice -- first for seven months in December 1970 and later for two years in 1977."The President has been pleased to award Bharat Ratna to Shri Karpoori Thakur (posthumously)," the communique said. Thakur, known affectionately as 'Jan Nayak' (people's leader), is the 49th recipient of the country's highest civilian award. The award was last conferred on late president Pranab Mukherjee in 2019.Born on January 24, 1924 in Nai samaj (barber society), Thakur is credited in Bihar politics for enforcing total prohibition of alcohol in 1970. The village where he was born in Samistupur district was renamed after him as Karpuri Gram.
