Top Trending Government News News & Highlights
Indian Railways Launches 'RailOne': A One-Stop App for All Train Travelers
Indian Railways has launched RailOne, a new all-in-one mobile app designed to make train travel easier, faster, and more convenient for passengers across the country. Instead of juggling multiple apps for booking tickets, tracking trains, ordering food, or filing complaints, travelers can now do it all in one place. Available for free on Android and iOS, the app has been developed by the Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS) and brings together key services previously spread across different platforms like IRCTC, UTS, Rail Madad, and NTES. RailOne allows users to book both reserved and unreserved tickets, buy platform tickets and monthly passes, check PNR status, track live train movement, find coach positions, and order food directly to their seat. It also offers a journey planner, digital wallet (R-Wallet) for payments, and a built-in complaint and refund system. What makes the app especially user-friendly is the option to log in with your IRCTC or UTS credentials—or simply use an OTP as a guest, which is ideal for occasional travelers or those unfamiliar with railway apps. One of the app's biggest strengths is its clean and intuitive interface. Whether you're a daily commuter or someone planning a long-distance journey, you can find everything in one place without needing tech expertise. A standout feature is the new R-Wallet, a digital wallet built into the app that lets you pay securely and even gives a small discount on certain bookings. RailOne also supports multiple Indian languages and has a clean, user-friendly design, making it accessible for a wide range of users, regardless of their familiarity with technology. Overall, RailOne feels like a much-needed upgrade in how we interact with Indian Railways. It’s convenient, comprehensive, and built with real-world travel needs in mind. Whether you're planning a long journey or just heading to work, this app is a simple way to stay connected to everything you need—without the clutter. While the app is still fresh and may face a few technical hiccups, Indian Railways is actively working to smooth out the experience. They’re also rolling out a powerful new backend system that can handle heavy booking traffic, set to be fully in place by the end of 2025. This means faster response times and fewer delays when booking tickets or checking train status. The RailOne app marks a big step forward in simplifying train travel in India, offering passengers a smoother, smarter, and more connected experience. If you travel by train often—or even just once in a while—RailOne is worth checking out. From booking tickets and tracking your train to grabbing a meal en route or filing a complaint, this app is built to save time and reduce hassle, all from your phone.
Published 02 Jul 2025 06:02 PM
To accelerate development, PM Modi calls on states to cooperate with the center.
Punjab laments "step motherly treatment," T.N. demands a larger portion of Central tax income, and the PM encourages States to create world-class tourism destinations and incorporate women into the workforce at the Niti Aayog Governing Council meeting.Some States, including Tamil Nadu and Punjab, complained to the Center while others offered proposals to accelerate their growth, despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for the States to unite with the Center to accelerate national development.Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a strong case for cooperative federalism on Saturday, emphasizing the value of coordinated action between the federal government and the states. He said that no goal is impossible when India works as "Team India." The Prime Minister, who chaired the 10th meeting of Niti Aayog's Governing Council, emphasized the importance of accelerating development efforts in order to achieve a "Viksit Bharat" by 2047. The purpose of the gathering, which had as its topic "Viksit Rajya for Viksit Bharat@2047," was to synchronize national and state developmental goals. "Every Indian aspires to Viksit Bharat. Bharat will be Viksit once all the states are Viksit. Prime Minister Modi stated, "This is what its 140 crore citizens want."The chief ministers of every state, lieutenant governors of Union Territories, and a number of Union ministers make up the Governing Council, the highest authority within Niti Aayog. The Prime Minister promoted a bottom-up approach to development while serving as the council's head. "Our goal should be to make every state, city, Nagar Palika, and hamlet viksit. We won't have to wait till 2047 to achieve Viksit Bharat if we continue along these lines," he continued.He suggested that every state choose and create at least one internationally renowned tourism destination with all the amenities and infrastructure of today. "One State: One Worldwide Location." The Prime Minister pointed out that it will also result in the growth of nearby cities as tourism destinations.He called for an emphasis on creating "future-ready cities" with development driven by growth, innovation, and sustainability, acknowledging the rapid rate of urbanization in India. In addition, the Prime Minister emphasized the significance of boosting women's employment. He stated that in order for them to be politely included into the labor, rules and procedures must be created.
Published 28 May 2025 07:55 PM
Lower bond purchase amounts are accepted by RBI in the first FY26 OMO auction.
Mumbai: Despite market participants' attempts to sell assets worth twice the publicized offer on the table, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) accepted a lower-than-notified sum to buy bonds during its open market operations on Monday. This most likely means that the central bank is content with the liquidity as it stands right now.At this OMO, the RBI received bids totaling ₹19,203 crore, which was less than the ₹25,000 crore notified amount. Bids of ₹50,369 crore were received by RBI. The RBI has accepted a smaller amount in this first FY26 OMO auction. The actions taken by the RBI have improved system liquidity. The auction on Monday included government notes with maturities in 2029, 2032, 2033, 2034, and 2036. On Monday, the 10-year benchmark yield ended the day at 6.24%. "For the semi-liquid 20, the auction cut-off prices were nearly in line with market levels."It seems that the majority of HTM stock that might be sold in OMOs has either hit or is close to a limit. "Most banks are selective and don't have excess," stated Ritesh Bhusari, joint general manager of South Indian Bank.
Published 20 May 2025 05:10 PM
The Citizenship Law CAA is expected to become a reality today, four years after it was passed.
According to sources who spoke with NDTV on Monday afternoon, the Union Home Ministry may announce the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act later tonight. The CAA, which for the first time makes religion a citizenship test, was approved by Parliament in December 2019 in the midst of nationwide violent protests and strong opposition from opposition lawmakers and chief ministers of non-BJP states. These protests resulted in the deaths of over 100 people.Non-Muslim immigrants from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan who arrived in India prior to 2015 may be granted Indian nationality by the government once it is granted. News agency ANI was informed by an unidentified official that "the regulations are prepared and an online portal is already set up... applicants can disclose year of entry without travel documents". There will be no need for any further paperwork, the official stated.This occurs less than a month after Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized that the CAA will be put into effect prior to the April/May Lok Sabha elections. "CAA is a national act; it will undoubtedly be informed. CAA will take effect prior to the election, so there's no need for confusion."Last month, Mr. Shah made an effort to downplay concerns that minority communities would be singled out by the combination of the controversial National Register of Citizens (NRC) and the Citizens Act (CAA). "Muslim brothers of ours are being incited and misled." Citizenship by Assurance (CAA) is only intended for individuals who arrived in India as a result of persecution in Bangladesh, Afghanistan, or Pakistan. It's not intended to take away someone's citizenship."Along with passing resolutions against all three, the then-ruling Bharat Rashtra Samithi of former Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao called on the government to "remove all references to any religion, or to any foreign country" in Telangana, citing concerns voiced by thousands of people nationwide. A resolution was also passed by the Madhya Pradesh government, which was then ruled by the Congress. Interestingly, a number of state legislators and leaders of the BJP also opposed the legislation.
Published 11 Mar 2024 06:10 PM
Government News
Government News & Trends where we share you the latest updates under the government authorities globally starting from India to USA, China, Russia, Pakistan, UK and many more nations.
Senior IPS officers N. Venu Gopal and A.Y.V. Krishna have been named additional directors in the CBI.
A Y V Krishna and N Venu Gopal, two senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officers, have been named as new directors of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).The appointment of senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officials A Y V Krishna and N Venu Gopal as additional directors in the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is a noteworthy step. Their nominations demonstrate the government's dedication to strengthening the top investigative agency's investigation skills.The CBI Appoints A Y V Krishna as a Director The CBI has nominated A Y V Krishna, a renowned IPS officer from the Assam-Meghalaya cadre who graduated in 1995, as an additional director. Krishna brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to his current position as Inspector General of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). His appointment as an additional director is valid until August 6, 2028, per the Personnel Ministry's directive.N Venu Gopal's Consultation N An additional director in the CBI has also been appointed: Venu Gopal, a seasoned Himachal Pradesh cadre IPS officer. In his capacity as the CBI's joint director, Venu Gopal has proven to be an excellent leader and investigator. As per an extra order issued by the Personnel Ministry, his employment as an additional director is valid until May 24, 2027. The government prioritizes bolstering the CBI The government's priority on fortifying the Central Bureau of Investigation is shown in the appointments of A Y V Krishna and N Venu Gopal. Due to their established backgrounds in law enforcement and investigative procedures, both officers will be highly valuable in helping the CBI fulfill its mission of enforcing the law and fighting crime on a national scale.Goals and Obstacles A Y V Krishna and N Venu Gopal, as additional directors in the CBI, are expected to handle complicated investigations, work with other law enforcement agencies, and maintain the highest standards of professionalism and integrity. They will be essential in improving the CBI's ability to combat financial crimes, corruption, and other severe crimes with efficacy and efficiency.
IMD issued a red signal for heavy rainfall through May 21 and the possibility of a heatwave in UPs Haryana.
Updates on the Latest News Today Live: On this platform, we compile news for you from a variety of sources. Here, we provide you with up-to-date information on both local and international events, including the most recent advancements. We can provide you with important political news, crucial economic reports, company highlights, and/or breaking news alerts. Stay tuned for our ongoing coverage, professional analysis, and expert views. With our thorough and timely news coverage, never miss a beat.The IMD bulletin states that throughout the next five days, heatwave conditions are expected to impact portions of Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Madhya Pradesh. It is probable that heatwaves may also affect Odisha and Gangetic West Bengal on May 20–21.From May 16 to May 18, heatwave conditions are expected in several northern and northwest states, including Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The IMD prediction predicts that till Saturday, May 18, the temperature in Delhi and the surrounding states will climb steadily. The MeT department reported that over the weekend, the temperature in Delhi is probably going to reach 45 degrees Celsius. Dry westerly and northwesterly breezes, along with clear skies that allow for direct sunshine in northern states starting on Thursday, have been blamed for the skyrocketing temperature.Since there isn't projected to be any rain or western disturbance, the mercury has been climbing in Delhi over the previous three days and is likely to stay there into the weekend. By Friday, the highest might be 44°C, and on Saturday, it might be 45°C. An IMD representative stated that certain stations might fit the description of a heatwave.The most recent IMD forecast states that a heatwave will affect western Rajasthan from May 15 to May 18, and that a heatwave will affect western Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and southern Haryana from this morning until Saturday.
Live blog for SBFC Finance Share Price on May 17, 2024
Live updates on the share price of SBFC Finance today: The price of SBFC Finance's shares decreased by 3.19% today, May 17, 2024. Shares of the stock closed at 84.29. At the moment, the stock is selling at 81.6 per share. In the upcoming days and weeks, investors should keep a close eye on SBFC Finance's stock price to see how it responds to the news.Live updates on the share price of SBFC Finance today: With an opening price of ₹84.34 and a closing price of ₹84.29, SBFC Finance had a steady day. The shares closed at ₹81.10, having touched a high of ₹84.34. With ₹8746.61 crore, the market capitalization was recorded. The values for the 52-week high and low were ₹97.99 and ₹72.23, respectively. There were 143,247 shares traded on the BSE during the day.Live share price for SBFC Finance today: short- and long-term trends Live share price for SBFC Finance today: The technical analysis indicates that the SBFC Finance share's short-term and long-term trends are both bearish.Live Updates on SBFC Finance Share Price: Hold is the consensus analyst rating. Live Updates on SBFC Finance Share Price: The trend of analyst recommendations is displayed here, with a hold rating as of right now. 10.29% more than the current market price, at ₹90.0, is the consensus price goal. ₹80.0 is the lowest target price according to analyst forecasts. ₹115.0 is the highest goal price according to analyst forecasts.Live updates on the price of SBFC Finance shares: SBFC Finance share price live: The price range as of today Live Updates on SBFC Finance Share Price: The day's high and low for the SBFC Finance shares were ₹84.34 and ₹81.1, respectively.Live Updates on SBFC Finance Share Price: Peers in Stock Live Updates on SBFC Finance Share Price: The stock price of SBFC Finance fell by 3.19% today to ₹81.6, however the tendencies of its competitors are different. While Crop Life Science, Trident Techlabs, and Shri Balaji Valve Components are witnessing growth, Sahaj Fashions and Chavda Infra are seeing declines. The major indices, the Nifty and Sensex, have generally increased by 0.25% and 0.37%, respectively.
The nation is threatened by the Modi administration. Gandhi, Dr. Dharamvira
Gandhi made fun of the AAP-led state administration in Punjab, claiming that rather than delivering services to the populace, it is making the state's debt worse.During his campaign trail in Dera Bassi on Tuesday, Congress candidate for Patiala Lok Sabha Dr. Dharamvira Gandhi charged that the national government had anti-farmer and anti-democratic agendas.Gandhi traveled to several villages in the Dera Bassi constituency, including Karkaur, Bhankharpur, Haripur Hinduan, Samgauli, Mirpur, Mubarikpur, and Gulabgarh.Gandhi declared: "It is imperative that every citizen work toward the overthrow of the BJP government, which is anti-farmer, anti-labor, and believes in dividing people in the name of religion and caste."Gandhi made fun of the AAP-led state administration in Punjab by claiming that it is growing the state's debt rather than delivering services to the populace.Gandhi continued, "The strength of the people will carry me to the Parliament, and if I win, I will bring development projects for Dera Bassi, which currently needs a lot of upliftment, including infrastructure for health and education. "According to the Swaminathan Commission report, Gandhi assured farmers of a legally binding guarantee of the minimum support price (MSP) after forming the central government.Gandhi charged that PM Modi was betraying farmers and paying off businessmen' loans, saying that "both the BJP and AAP have treated farmers as enemies." While Modi cancelled Ambani and Adani's loans, the Congress party would cancel all of the debt owed by laborers and farmers.
Check Out The Best City-By-City (Delhi, Noida, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata) Gas Prices In India
In Mumbai, India, the cost of 14.2 kg of domestic LPG is ₹802.50. The price of LPG has not changed from the previous month. Since March 2024, the price of LPG has been constant at ₹802.50. The LPG price trend has been declining over the last 12 months, falling ₹300 between June 2023 and May 2024. In August 2023, the price dropped by ₹200, the most amount. Visit https://www.goodreturns.in/lpg-price.html to learn more.The state-run oil corporations in India set the price of LPG, and they update it every month. In India, practically every home has an LPG hookup, which is mostly utilized for cooking. The average person will be impacted by an increase in LPG costs since, under the current market conditions, they bear the burden of increased fuel costs. The best thing is that consumers can already purchase home LPG cylinders at a discounted price thanks to an Indian government subsidy. Following the purchase of the cylinder, the subsidy amount is instantly credited to the individual's bank account. The monthly subsidy amount is subject to fluctuations in the average international benchmark LPG prices.The state-run oil corporations in India set the price of LPG (Liquified Petroleum Gas), which is updated every month. The cost of LPG is significant since it directly affects average people's kitchens. Nearly every home has an LPG connection, as do hotels and restaurants that are used for business purposes. Since they suffer the brunt of the growing fuel prices, even a slight fluctuation in price might set off a massive chain reaction across the nation. LPG is priced differently for residential and commercial use. When compared to household use LPG cylinders, commercial LPG is significantly more expensive. Visit https://www.goodreturns.in/lpg-price.html to learn more.The two main variables that determine the cost of LPG cylinders in India are the rupee's value in relation to the US dollar and the global benchmark rate. Each family is eligible for up to 12 free cylinders annually. You have to pay market price for any additional cylinders that you require. LPG prices in India are based on the global market price from the previous month. Visit https://www.goodreturns.in/lpg-price.html to learn more.Currently, domestic users are receiving the subsidy from the Indian government. The money is deposited straight into the recipient's account, which is the nicest aspect of the subsidy. The amount of the subsidy varies from month to month based on fluctuations in the foreign exchange rate and average worldwide benchmark LPG costs. The top three companies in the nation for LPG gas cylinder connections are HP Gas (owned by Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited), Indane Gas (owned by Indian Oil Corporation Limited), and Bharat Gas (owned by Bharat Petroleum Gas). Visit https://www.goodreturns.in/lpg-price.html to learn more.
Interview with Eknath Shinde I should gain credit for that because Uddhav is no longer wearing his neck collar and is walking about.
With less than two months left in his tenure as Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Eknath Shinde is going all out in his campaign. Shinde talks about Uddhav Thackeray, the Maratha quota issue, the prospects for the ruling Mahayuti alliance in the state, and the opposition's claim that the BJP wants to amend the Constitution if it wins back power in the state as 11 constituencies in Maharashtra go to polls on Monday for the fourth phase of the election.The Opposition is conducting all of the conversations outside. We will have more seats than the previous time, I'm sure of it. This is as a result of the work we have done over the past two years. Prior to the election of our government, almost all work was on hold. We are concentrating on all parties involved today, including women and farmers as well as young people and senior persons. The work of Prime Minister Narendra Modi (Modi ji) throughout the past ten years and our government's recent two years have been noticed by the public. We have a lot of plans for developing infrastructure in the future. Our goal is to strengthen the country and restore Modi ji to his position as prime minister. This holds significance for the advancement of a nation.It is a subjective matter. The Opposition began spreading rumors that the Constitution will be altered as soon as they realized they would not win the election. Is it possible to amend the Constitution, in your opinion? The Congress has amended the Constitution 82 times. Babasaheb, who opposed the Congress and declared that it was like a burning house, was defeated by the Congress in elections. Constitution Day: Who started it? It was Modi.
School Holidays Delhi, Haryana Schools Start Their Winter Break Today
Delhi's schools will be closed for the winter starting today, January 1, 2024. The winter break will go through January 6. Delhi schools now only have six days off this year instead of the previous fifteen. This is because the national capital's extreme air pollution forced a section of the winter vacation to be rescheduled from November 9 to November 18. "Nevertheless, a portion of winter vacation was observed from November 9 to November 18 to ensure that our students are not adversely affected due to the poor air quality in Delhi," the Department of Education stated.Additionally, the state of Haryana has stated that all public and private schools in the state will be closed for winter break beginning today. The state's schools will be closed from January 1 to January 15 for a total of 15 days. "The Haryana government has announced winter vacation from January 1 to January 15, 2024 in all government and private schools of the state," the Haryana Chief Minister's Office had stated, citing the growing cold. There will be no schooling during this time.Winter vacations are predicted to rise in many states because of the anticipated sharp decrease in temperature at the start of the year. There will be ample time for students to study for the exams, which are scheduled for February and March of 2024. Schools will reopen in the second week if the weather clears up. In the event that this doesn't occur, holidays will continue until January 14, 2024. Following this, during holidays like Lohri and Makar Sankranti, schools will be closed for business during the third week. In addition, numerous states will observe holidays in honor of Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti.
Indias election of 2024 opponents and Modi battle in the fourth phase of the Lok Sabha voting
Live updates for Phase 4 of the Lok Sabha Election 2024: All 17 of Telangana's LS seats, all 25 of Andhra Pradesh's, 13 of Uttar Pradesh's, five of Bihar's, four of Jharkhand's, eight of Madhya Pradesh's, eleven of Maharashtra's, four of Odisha, eight of West Bengal, and one of J-K are having polls.Live updates on the Lok Sabha Polls 2024 Phase 4: The fourth phase of the Lok Sabha election is currently taking place in 96 constituencies spread over nine states and one Union Territory, Jammu and Kashmir. As of 1 pm, the approximate voter turnout was registered at 40.32 percent. Out of all the states that held polls, West Bengal recorded the highest turnout of 51.87 percent, while Jammu & Kashmir recorded the lowest turnout of 23.57 percent. This number remains greater than the turnout in Srinagar in 2019. Simultaneous state assembly elections are being held in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.
Results of the CBSE 2024: Class 10 announced. Where to look, vanishing patterns, & additional
On May 13, the Central Board of Secondary Education announced the results for Class 10. The board had previously declared the 2024 Class 12 Results. The Class 10 board exam was administered by CBSE this year from February 15 to March 13.On May 13, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) declared the Class 10 results. This year, 93.60 percent of candidates passed. Twenty-95,467 out of the 22,38,827 candidates that took the exam this year succeeded. There has been a 0.48 percent increase in the pass percentage this year. The Class 10 pass percentage in 2023 was 92.12%.According to officials, more than 47,000 pupils received grades above 95%, and more than 2.12 lakh received grades above 90%.With a 99.75% pass rate, Trivandrum topped the list among the regions, closely followed by Vijaywada with 99.60%. Ajmer, Bengaluru, and Chennai received scores of 97.10%, 99.26%, and 99.30%, respectively.Girls have outperformed boys so far this year. This year, girls have a 2.04% higher pass rate than boys. Girls pass with an overall percentage of 94.75 percent, while boys pass with a proportion of 92.71 percent. The Class 10 board exam was held this year by CBSE from February 15 to March 13. Students can verify and download their results by visiting the official website, cbse.nic.in, whenever the board declares the Class 10 result for 2024.Today, the board declared the Class 12 Result for 2024, revealing an 87.98 percent pass rate. According to officials, 91.52 percent of girls passed the exam, which is 6.40 percentage points more than the success rate for boys.
Indias opposition is ecstatic that Kejriwal, a critic of Modi, has been granted bail to run for office.
May 10, 2018 (Reuters) - Arvind Kejriwal, the chief minister of Delhi, was granted temporary bail by India's highest court on Friday in connection with a graft case. This allowed him to campaign in the ongoing general elections and strengthened the opposition alliance, of which he is a well-known member.Kejriwal, a vocal opponent of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will be released on bail until June 1, the final day of the seven-phase national election, according to the Supreme Court, and must go back to pre-trial custody on June 2.After the vote's third phase on May 7, which saw the completion of polls for more than half of India's 543 parliamentary seats, the country started holding elections on April 19.Elections are scheduled for May 25 and June 1, respectively, in the two regions controlled by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal: the northern state of Punjab and the National Capital Territory, which comprises New Delhi.On June 4, the votes will be tallied, and the results should be made public that same day.Soon after being released from Tihar jail in Delhi, Kejriwal told supporters through the sunroof of a car, "It feels good to be back among you," while sporting a dark collarless T-shirt. Thousands of AAP supporters had arrived, chanting slogans, passing out candy, and flying the party's yellow and blue flags. "I have only one request for you, we have to come together to save the country from dictatorship," Kejriwal stated. "I'm doing everything in my power to oppose this regime. However, 1.4 billion people—that is, the entire population of India—will have to struggle against dictatorship," he remarked.The court had stated last week that, given the length of the appeal against Kejriwal's arrest, it might think about granting him temporary bail "because of the elections" until the case was being considered. The administration of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been accused by opposition parties of employing investigative agencies to harm its competitors; the government disputes these claims. Over the years, Kejriwal has accused Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of a number of offenses, including undermining the federal framework of the constitution, fostering corruption, undermining Delhi's ability to govern, and harming democracy.
Indias highest court releases opposition leader Arvind Kejriwal on bail.
The Supreme Court grants the chief minister of Delhi permission to leave detention till June 1 in order to conduct an election campaign.Important opposition figure Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of Delhi, was imprisoned. The Supreme Court of India has allowed his temporary release on bail so he can run for office in the current general elections.Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta of the Supreme Court ruled on Friday that Kejriwal might remain in detention until June 1, which is the final day of voting in the seven-phase election that began on April 19.Kejriwal was detained in March for allegations of corruption, and the court ordered him to turn himself in on June 2.According to their decision, "He has not been found guilty, despite the fact that serious accusations have been made." "He has never been involved in any criminal activity. He poses no threat to the community.The results of the biggest election in history will be declared on June 4. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is running for a third term in a row, ran a contentious campaign against a coalition of 26 opposition parties led by the Indian National Congress, and his Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).The Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA), of which Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is a member, has referred to the lawsuit against him as politically driven and contrived.The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) faces competition from the AAP in Delhi and Punjab, where elections are scheduled for May 25 and June 1, respectively. The accusations directed on Kejriwal are a result of his government's choice to forgo a large government investment in the liquor industry and enact a program that would have liberalized the sale of alcohol in 2021.The following year, the policy was reversed, but not before his associates were imprisoned as part of the probe into the purportedly dishonest licensing process.Kejriwal's party and ministers are accused by the federal financial crimes investigation agency, the Directorate of Enforcement, of taking bribes from liquor contractors totaling one billion rupees ($12 million).Following his detention, pro-Kejriwal rallies were staged in many places throughout the nation.Since taking office about ten years ago, Kejriwal has served as chief minister. Prior to that, he was an outspoken opponent of corruption. He has refuted the allegations and is still Delhi's most senior elected official.The directorate opposed Kejriwal's release on Friday, arguing that allowing him to run for office would show that the legal system treated civilians and politicians differently.It stated that Kejriwal is not a candidate in these elections and that "the right to campaign for an election is neither a fundamental right nor a constitutional right and not even a legal right." Opponents of the government have charged Modi of using the nation's investigative agencies as a weapon to intimidate his political enemies. According to Modi, the agencies are operating independently of the government and carrying out their mandate.
Arvind Kejriwals first roadshow following his release on bail will be held by PM Modi in Bengaluru.
A number of political and athletic events are scheduled to take place in India, including PM Modi, Priyanka Gandhi, and other leaders' nationwide campaigns for the Lok Sabha. In addition, today at the Bharat Mandapam, the Arbitration Bar of India will be established, with Union Ministers S. Jaishankar and Ashwini Vaishnaw attending as Chief Guests. View the main May 11 events listed below.Today, PM Modi is scheduled to campaign in Odisha and Bengal. He is also scheduled to attend a public meeting in Balangir. He will then travel to West Bengal, where he would spend the next two days campaigning for the Lok Sabha elections.The prime minister will be in the Howrah district on May 11 to support the twin party candidates from the district, Arun Uday Pal Chaudhury from Uluberia and Rathin Chakraborty from Howrah, according to sources close to the BJP.Along with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will embark on his maiden roadshow today in South Delhi following the granting of temporary bail in the Delhi Excise Policy case. Priyanka Gandhi, general secretary of the AICC, is scheduled to campaign in Telangana today for the Lok Sabha elections of 2024. She is scheduled to speak at public gatherings in Tandoor (in Chevella) and Kamareddy (in Zaheerabad).Arbitration Bar of India inaugaration.
BJP MP Dilip Ghosh courts controversy with identify her own father jibe against Mamata Banerjee, TMC fumes
BJP MP Dilip Ghosh has courted controversy with his offensive remarks against West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee. Ghosh, in a personal attack, asked Banerjee to ‘identify her own father’.In a video that went viral, Ghosh is seen saying that ‘didi’ calls herself the daughter of whichever state she visits. When Didi (CM Mamata Banerjee) goes to Goa, she calls herself daughter of Goa. When she goes to Tripura, she says that she is the daughter of Tripura. She should first identify her own father," he said. TMC has filed a complaint with the West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer against Ghosh for "passing derogatory and offensive comment personally attacking Mamata Banerjee, thereby violating Model Code of Conduct (MCC)" To this, the TMC said that Ghosh has ‘zero respect for women of Bengal’ and called him a disgrace ‘in the name of political leadership’. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the office handle of Trinamool Congress posted the video of Ghosh and wrote: “Dilip Ghosh is a disgrace in the name of political leadership! From challenging the lineage of Maa Durga to now questioning the ancestry of Smt. Mamata Banerjee, he has wallowed in the filthiest depths of moral bankruptcy." “One thing is crystal clear: Ghosh has ZERO RESPECT for the women of Bengal, whether it be the revered goddess of Hinduism or the only woman Chief Minister of India," the post added.Dilip Ghosh is frustrated. The kind of statements that he has made against Mamata Banerjee - that she should first give an identity of her father - has never before been heard against a woman in this country," she said. Dev also contested that the ‘kind of statements’ that the BJP is making against the West Bengal CM, is against the politics and traditions of India. “For the past two days, the leaders of BJP have been giving long speeches against the insult of one of their women candidates. But the kind of statements BJP is issuing against the only woman CM of this country is against the politics and traditions of this country. BJP is frustrated in Bengal. It is losing. The more the BJP insults Mamata Banerjee, the more people will be with her." Slamming Ghosh for his remarks against Banerjee, the TMC leader claimed that his ‘filthy thinking’ is that of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). “I would like to tell Dilip Ghosh that we know where this filthy thinking of yours against women comes from. This is RSS' thinking - that which is against women..." She also called the National Commission for Women (NCW) ‘hypocrite’ for being silent when the BJP insults Mamata Banerjee. "The respect that the people of Bengal give Mamata Didi, she is considered the daughter of the country. You are insulting her again and again, and you get a befitting reply of this in 2024. I would like to tell the BJP leaders and NCW chief - you are so concerned about the woman candidate of BJP but people like you should be ashamed that whenever Mamata Didi is insulted by the BJP, you stay silent. This is your hypocrisy. Country would give you a reply for the same."
48% of “entitled” MPLAD funds in Gujarat remained unutilised between 2019-24, says ADR
About 48 per cent of the total ₹442 crore that were to be spent as MPLAD funds in Gujarat between 2019 and 2024, remained “unutilised”, stated Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR). “The Member of Parliament Local Area Development (MPLAD) Scheme was started in December 1993. Between 2019 and 2024, the Covid pandemic had caused the scheme to be frozen for 1.5 years. Each MP was entitled to spend ₹17 crore instead of ₹25 crore in their respective constituencies. Thus the total entitled amount was ₹442 crore for the 26 MPs in Gujarat,” Pankti Jog, the state coordinator for Gujarat told businessline. All the 26 seats in the State belong to the BJP. “However, the 26 MPs together recommended works worth ₹354 crore, of which ₹269 crore worth of works were sanctioned and ₹220 crore funds were released by the Government of India. This allocated amount of ₹220 crore is just 49.77 per cent of the total entitled amount of the MPs. If MPs do not recommend work, then the government will not allocate more funds. The onus of recommending works within their constituency lies with the MP,” she said. The 26 BJP MPs incurred an expenditure of ₹230 crore (including interest) which is about 52 per cent of the entitled amount of ₹442 crore. Despite just ₹220 crore being released, the MPs failed to spend ₹31 crore which is about 13.5 per cent of the funds released by the government. According to the data shared by ADR, Union home minister Amit Shah’s constituency of Gandhinagar had the highest unspent balance of ₹3.54 crore, followed by Vinod Chavda of Kutch ( ₹2.35 crore of unspent balance), Devusinh Chauhan of Kheda ( ₹2.35 crore) Poonamben Madam of Jamnagar ( ₹2.19 crore) and Bharattsinji Dabhi of Patan ( ₹2.01 crore). “Each MP could have easily used ₹17 crore during these five years. However, they have spent less than this amount,” Jog said. Of the total sanctioned works in Gujarat, the highest –₹114.81 crore – has been spent on railways, roads, pathways and bridges. And ₹71.32 crore on “other public facilities.”
PM Modi inaugurates modern hospital built with Indian assistance in Bhutan
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bhutanese counterpart Tshering Tobgay on Saturday inaugurated a modern hospital built with Indian assistance here which will be a shining example of India-Bhutan development cooperation.The Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema Wangchuk Mother and Child Hospital is a state-of-the-art 150-bedded facility that has been built with the assistance of the Government of India in Thimphu. "A boost to partnership in healthcare. PM @narendramodi together with PM @tsheringtobgay of Bhutan inaugurated the Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema Mother and Child Hospital in Thimphu. The state-of-the-art hospital is a shining example of India-Bhutan development cooperation,” External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a post on X. India has supported the development of the hospital in two phases. The first phase was constructed at a cost of ₹22 crore and has been operational since 2019. The construction of the second phase was taken up in 2019, as part of the 12th Five Year Plan at a cost of ₹119 crore, and was completed recently, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a press release. It said that the newly constructed hospital would add value to the quality of mother and child health services in Bhutan. The new facility will house state-of-the-art facilities for Pediatrics, Gynecology and Obstetrics, Anesthesiology, Operation Theatre, Neonatal Intensive Care and Pediatric Intensive Care. “The Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema Wangchuk Mother and Child Hospital stands as a shining example of India-Bhutan partnership in health care,” it added."Bhutan has been receiving a lot of support from India, especially in the health sector, starting from the three referral hospitals and also other health facilities,” Bhutan Health Minister Tandin Wangchuk told PTI Videos. “It is an honour for us to have Shri Narendra Modi here, inaugurating the Gyaltsuen Jetsun Pema Mother and Child Hospital," he said, adding that this hospital is purely dedicated to the mothers and the children of Bhutan. He added that there is a proposal for a cancer hospital which will come up on this campus only. “We are referring all the cancer patients to India. So after the completion of the cancer hospital, I think this will also enhance the tertiary care of health services in Bhutan,” he added. Modi, who arrived in Bhutan on Friday for a two-day State visit to further cement India's unique relations with the Himalayan nation, called on the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and held talks with Prime Minister Tobgay on Friday.He also announced that India will provide support of ₹10,000 crore to Bhutan over the next five years. Bhutan's King Wangchuck conferred the ‘Order of the Druk Glyalpo’ to Prime Minister Modi at a public ceremony here on Friday, making him the first foreign Head of the Government to receive the honour.The award recognises Prime Minister Modi’s contribution to strengthening the India-Bhutan friendship and his people-centric leadership. "It is with great humility that I accept the Order of the Druk Gyalpo. I am grateful to HM the King of Bhutan for presenting the Award. I dedicate it to the 140 crore people of India. I am also confident that India-Bhutan relations will keep growing and benefit our citizens," Modi wrote in a post on X on Friday night. India and Bhutan established diplomatic relations in 1968.The basic framework of India- Bhutan relations has been the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation signed in 1949 between the two countries, which was revised in February 2007.
Manorama Online CEO Mariam Mammen Mathew appointed DNPA chairperson
Mariam Mammen Mathew, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Manorama Online, has been appointed as the chairperson of the Digital News Publishers’ Association (DNPA) for a two-year term starting from April 1, 2024.She will be succeeding Tanmay Maheshwari, the Managing Director (MD) of Amar Ujala. Mathew served as the vice-chairperson during Maheshwari’s chairmanship. Expressing her gratitude, Mariam Mammen Mathew stated, “I am honoured to take on the role as chairperson of DNPA and contribute to the country’s digital media landscape. My main goal will be to amplify the scale, influence, and durability of digital news media entities. An integral part of this vision is embracing Artificial Intelligence (AI) to augment our capabilities and drive transformative change. Additionally, I am committed to nurturing a culture of Diversity, Inclusion and Equity within our organisation, which will play a pivotal role in reshaping the media landscape.”Puneet Gupt, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Times Internet, has been appointed as the new vice-chairman of DNPA, while Puneet Jain, the CEO of Digital HT Media, continues in his role as the treasurer. DNPA serves as a vital umbrella organisation for digital media businesses, including print and broadcasting, and comprises 18 prominent media organisations. These include Dainik Jagran, Dainik Bhaskar, The Indian Express, Malayala Manorama, ETV, India Today Group, Times Group, Amar Ujala, Hindustan Times, Zee Media, ABP Network, Lokmat, NDTV, The New Indian Express, Mathrubhumi, The Hindu, Network 18 and India TV. Tanmay Maheshwari said, “Having served as DNPA chairman for two years, I was pleased to contribute to the endeavour of democratising India's digital news landscape. I am confident that Mariam Mathew will bring valuable insights to our shared mission.”.Sujata Gupta, the secretary general of DNPA, highlighted the organisation's efforts in making India’s digital news landscape increasingly equitable. “Through events and activities, DNPA seeks to safeguard the interests of India’s digital news media houses. During Tanmay Maheshwari’s tenure as chairman and under his guidance, we made significant strides in making India’s digital news landscape increasingly equitable,” said Sujata Gupta, secretary general, DNPA. DNPA’s endeavours to democratise the digital news space coincide with efforts by Indian regulators to ensure fairness in the operations of Big Tech platforms in the country, led by the Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology, Rajeev Chandrasekhar.
SC stays Centre’s March 20 notification establishing PIB ‘Fact Checking Units’
The stay will operate till third judge in the Bombay HC decides the question of validity of provisions of the Rule 3(1)(b)(v) of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.The Supreme Court on Thursday stayed a government notification of March 20 establishing the Press Information Bureau’s Fact Checking Unit (PIB FCU) to act as a “deterrent” against the creation and dissemination of fake news or misinformation regarding the “business” of the Centre. The order was passed by a three-judge Bench headed by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud on petitions filed by the Editors Guild of India and stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra. The Bench said the implementation of the March 20, 2024 notification would remain stayed until a third judge of the Bombay High Court takes a final call on the validity of provisions of the Rule 3(1)(b)(v) of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.It is under this provision that the March 20 notification was issued. The case had gone to the third judge of the High Court following a split verdict by a Division Bench.The notification was issued by the Centre after the third judge found no reason to stay Rule 3 on March 11.The apex court did not comment on the merits or legality of Rule 3(1)(b)(v), saying the impact of the provision on the fundamental rights to free speech and expression would be analysed by the High Court. Appearing for Mr. Kamra, senior advocate Darius Khambata said the establishment of the FCU would result in “every social media intermediary pulling down content for fear of consequences”.“This will set a deep chilling effect on free speech,” he submitted.Mr. Khambata said the Centre setting up a FCU to protect the “business” of the Centre was like “Ceasar judging Caesar”. “Why not an independent unit? Why does only the business of the Central government need protection from misinformation and fake content?” Mr. Khambata asked.He said individuals need more protection from fake content than the state. Mr. Khambata informed the Bench that the Centre had assured the High Court on April 27 last year that it would not implement Rule 3 till a final decision was taken by the court. He pointed to the timing of the issuance of the March 20 notification barely days before the Lok Sabha polls were due to start. Advocate Shadan Farasat, for the Editors Guild, said the implementation of the FCU run by the government would ensure that only the Centre would have monopoly over the truth. “There will be a singularity of truth,” he said.Solicitor General Tushar Mehta referred to several instances in the past when fake news had proliferated on social media, causing harm and even violence. He said the statutory mechanism was found inadequate to combat the viral dissemination of false content.He said, except for a few petitioners, the social media intermediaries have not challenged the Rule.Mr. Kamra, in his petition, argued that the sweep of the Rule operated to “muzzle speech against the Central government”. “By threatening intermediaries with the loss of their statutory safe harbour should they fail to take down content that the Central government’s FCU identifies as fake, false or misleading, the Rule coerces intermediaries to execute a regime of self-interested censorship of online content relating to the business of the Central government,” the petition argued. It said the intermediaries, who were profit-making, commercial enterprises, would choose to bend rather than risk civil or criminal liability for third-party content on their online platforms.
Indias solar waste could reach 600 kilotonnes by 2030, shows study
India's current installed 66.7 GW capacity (as of FY23) has already generated about 100 kilotonnes of waste, which will increase to 340 kilotonnes by 2030. This will include about 10 kilotonnes of silicon, 12-18 tonnes of silver, and 16 tonnes of cadmium and tellurium the majority of which are critical minerals for India, the study titled "Enabling a Circular Economy in India's Solar Industry: Assessing the Solar Waste Quantum" said.India's solar waste could reach a staggering 600 kilotonnes by 2030 equivalent to filling up 720 Olympic-size swimming pools according to a new study released on Wednesday. The study by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy and independent think tank Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) said around 67 per cent of this waste will come from five states: Rajasthan, Gujarat, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.Recycling solar waste to recover these materials will reduce import dependency and enhance India's mineral security. The study found that the rest of the 260 kilotonnes of waste will come from new capacity that will be deployed in this decade (from 2024 to 2030). The solar waste will increase to about 19,000 kilotonnes by 2050; 77 per cent of which will arise from new capacities, CEEW said, adding this is an opportunity for India to emerge as a leading hub of circular economy for the solar industry and ensure resilient solar supply chains. India plans to amass around 292 gigawatt of solar capacity by 2030, making solar PV waste management crucial for environmental, economic, and social reasons.The study, conducted under Niti Aayog's Action Plan for Circular Economy - Solar Panels, for the first time, estimates India-specific solar waste generation from various streams, excluding manufacturing. This information is crucial for creating data-driven waste management policies. India is already implementing several measures to tackle the waste. Last year, the environment ministry issued amended E-waste Management Rules 2022 bringing solar photovoltaic cells, panels, and modules under its ambit. These rules mandate the producers of solar cells and modules to manage their waste under the extended producer responsibility (EPR) framework. Arunabha Ghosh, CEO, CEEW, said, India must proactively address solar waste, not just as an environmental imperative but as a strategic necessity for ensuring energy security and building a circular economy. As we witness the remarkable growth of solar from only 4 GW in March 2015 to 73 GW in December 2023, robust recycling mechanisms become increasingly crucial. They safeguard renewable ecosystems, create green jobs, enhance mineral security, foster innovation, and build resilient, circular supply chains.
