India's political landscape is ablaze with activity! From the ongoing debates surrounding the new farm bills and their impact on rural India, to the upcoming state elections shaping the national narrative, the stakes couldn't be higher. Key political figures are maneuvering strategically, with alliances shifting and power dynamics constantly in flux. The opposition's challenge to the ruling party is intensifying, sparking vigorous debates on crucial policy matters including economic reforms and social justice initiatives. Parliamentary proceedings are filled with heated exchanges, reflecting the deep divisions within the nation. This evolving political climate directly impacts the lives of every Indian citizen, influencing everything from economic opportunities to social welfare programs. Stay informed about the latest developments in Indian politics, from crucial legislative decisions to grassroots movements, by exploring Abtak.com for in-depth analysis and breaking news updates. Understanding the intricacies of our political system is crucial; stay engaged, stay informed, and stay ahead.
New Delhi: U.S. President Donald Trump calls it his "Big Beautiful Bill". Behind the grand name lies a controversial piece of legislation. It mixes tax cuts, deep spending shifts, new defense boosts and changes to healthcare and social aid. The Senate passed it after a marathon session. Now, it heads to the House, where the debate could get even more intense. Here's a breakdown of what the bill actually does and why it is causing so much uproar. At the centre of the bill lies Trump's push to extend the 2017 tax cuts. Those cuts were due to expire in 2025. This bill makes most of them permanent. High earners stand to benefit the most. Wealthier families would keep their deductions and lower tax rates. A few new benefits are added too such as deductions on tips, car loan interest (if the car is made in the US) and overtime pay. One major change - the state and local tax (SALT) deduction cap would rise from $10,000 to $40,000 but only for five years. Estimated cost of all tax breaks - $4.5 trillion over a decade. Without the bill, the current child tax credit - $2,000 per child - would fall to $1,000 by 2026. With the bill, the credit increases to $2,200 per child. It is not a dramatic jump, but a politically safe one. The bill pushes $350 billion toward national security and border enforcement. That includes $46 billion for Trump's Mexico border wall, $45 billion for migrant detention beds and billions more to hire 10,000 new ICE agents. This part of the bill closely mirrors Trump's immigration crackdown promises. To help fund tax breaks and defense spending, the bill slashes safety net programmes. That includes Medicaid and SNAP (food aid). Republicans say the goal is to "refocus" these programmes on the most vulnerable - children, pregnant women and disabled citizens. But the Congressional Budget Office says around 11.8 million Americans could lose health coverage if the bill becomes law. The bill guts tax credits for solar, wind and electric vehicles. A tax break for electric car buyers would end this year, not 2032, as current law allows. This rollback hits the core of former President Joe Biden's climate policy, especially his Inflation Reduction Act. The U.S. debt already stands at $36.2 trillion. Trump's bill adds another $3.3 trillion over 10 years and raises the debt ceiling by $5 trillion - higher than what the House had approved earlier. According to Yale's Budget Lab, top earners gain 2.2% in income and lowest earners lose 2.5%, mainly from cuts to food and healthcare support. Wealthier Americans keep more money. Low-income families may face new struggles. Senate passed it with 51-50 votes. Every Democrat opposed the bill. Vice President JD Vance cast the deciding vote. Republican support was shaky but held after last-minute amendments. The bill now goes to the House. If the House changes anything, the Senate will have to vote again. Both chambers must agree on a final version before Trump can sign it into law. He is hoping to do that by July 4, but even he admitted, "It is going to be hard." Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill" is huge in size and impact. It brings major tax relief to some, while pulling back on healthcare and aid for others. It fuels defense and border spending, but balloons national debt. And it could redefine America's budget if it survives the House.
A question. Which party played identity politics in the 2024 campaign? Donald Trump and the Republicans or Kamala Harris and the Democrats? Left-leaning pundits think they know. Political consultant James Carville blamed Democrats' defeat on their "stupid, Goddamn identitarian mission." CNN anchor and Washington Post columnist Fareed Zakaria argued that one of the big mistakes Harris made was "elevating identity politics." New York Times columnist Maureen Dowd declared that "woke is broke." This one-sided attack on identity politics happens like clockwork when Democrats lose an election, eve ...Read More >
New Delhi, June 8 (SocialNews.XYZ) Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, J.P. Nadda, on Sunday emphasised the role of key government initiatives in transforming the lives of women across India, marking "11 years of Sashakt Nari" -- a sustained efforts toward women's empowerment under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "Initiatives such as the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, PM Ujjwala Yojana, Drone Didi, the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan with its focus on toilet construction, Mahila Shakti Kendras, and Beti Bachao Beti Padhao have empowered our sisters and opened countless new oppor ...Read More >
New Delhi, July 1 (SocialNews.XYZ) India's Goods and Services Tax (GST) system has emerged as one of the biggest success stories in the last decade, reflecting a growing formal economy and rising compliance, noted economist and former IMF Executive Director, Dr Surjit Bhalla, said on Tuesday. In an exclusive interaction with IANS, Bhalla highlighted that GST has not only increased tax revenue significantly but has also brought more businesses and individuals under the formal tax net. "The GST has performed well, and more individuals have entered the formal tax net. That's a good sign," he sa ...Read More >
The incoming US president has vowed to press for a quick deal to end Russia's war - leaving Kyiv scrambling to position itself ahead of his January inauguration Nato foreign ministers looked set to rebuff Tuesday a push from Ukraine for progress on joining their alliance ahead of Donald Trump taking power in the United States. The incoming US president has vowed to press for a quick deal to end Russia's war - leaving Kyiv scrambling to position itself ahead of his January inauguration. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said getting security guarantees from the Western alliance and ...Read More >
AMRITSAR, India (AP) -- A U.S. military plane carrying 104 deported Indian migrants arrived in a northern Indian city on Wednesday, the first such flight to the country as part of a crackdown ordered by the Trump administration, airport officials said. The Indians who returned home had illegally entered the United States over the years and came from various Indian states. The move came ahead of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Washington, which is expected next week. U.S. President Donald Trump and Modi discussed immigration in a phone call last week and Trump stressed the impo ...Read More >
Srinagar, Jun 06: Political leaders in Jammu and Kashmir have extended greetings to the people on the auspicious occasion of Eid-ul-Adha. They expressed hope that the revered occasion brings peace and prosperity to the region. Dr Farooq Abdullah National Conference (NC) president, Dr Farooq Abdullah conveyed his heartfelt greetings to the people on Eid-ul-Adha, wishing them peace, prosperity and unity. In his message, Dr Abdullah reflected on the profound significance of the day, saying, "As the Muslim Ummah comes together in celebration of Eid-ul-Azha, I extend my warmest greetings to ever ...Read More >
June 30 (Reuters) - Futures tracking the S&P 500 and Nasdaq touched record highs on Monday, as optimism over U.S. trade negotiations with its key partners helped support upward momentum in markets. Shares of technology heavyweights rose premarket after Canada scrapped its digital services tax targeting U.S. tech firms, just hours before it was due to take effect, in a bid to advance stalled trade negotiations with the United States. Shares of Amazon (AMZN.O), opens new tab, Meta Platforms (META ...Read More >
Trump warns BRICS nations against replacing US dollar Dec 2 (Reuters) - A gauge of emerging market stocks rose on Monday, driven by positive manufacturing data from China and expectations of continued policy support from Beijing, while India's rupee hit a record low because of weaker-than-expected economic data. As of 0932 GMT, the MSCI's index for emerging market stocks had risen by 0.7%, on track for its biggest percentage gain in over three weeks. China's blue-chip CSI 300 climbed 0.8%, and the Shanghai Composite index jumped 1.1% after a private survey indicated that Chinese factory act ...Read More >
Dharamshala (Himachal Pradesh) [India], December 11 (ANI): A parliamentary delegation from New Zealand and Fiji on Wednesday highlighted their solidarity with the Tibetan people's ongoing struggle for freedom. The event, which was held on Tuesday, followed the Central Tibetan Administration's official commemoration of the 35th anniversary of the Dalai Lama receiving the Nobel Peace Prize. Also Read | Joe Biden Slams US President-Elect Donald Trump's Tariff Approach, Calls 'Action a Major Mistake'. The delegation, which included New Zealand Members of Parliament (MPs) Joseph Mooney, Ingrid L ...Read More >
After the banned CPI (Maoist)'s general secretary Nambala Keshava Rao alias Basavaraju was killed in an encounter with security forces on May 22, Union Home Minister Amit Shah reiterated that Naxalism will be eliminated from the country by March 31, 2026. In the Congress-ruled Telangana, however, B Mahesh Kumar Goud, the Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) president, says that the government should not use iron fist to wipe out Maoists but deal with them through "legal and constitutional means". He has urged the Centre to hold "peace talks" with the Maoists and declare a "ceasefire" w ...Read More >
New Delhi: Alleging "blatant misuse" of agencies to defame its leaders, AAP on Thursday questioned why the first information report filed against former Delhi ministers Saurabh Bharadwaj and Satyendar Jain was being kept under wraps and "selective" press notes were being leaked to the media.Bharadwaj, who is Delhi AAP convener, alleged that only two former ministers were named in the case without any reasonable cause while all the officers of the health and public works departments, who were actually responsible for executing the hospital projects, were spared. "Is the FIR so baseless that BJP ...Read More >
Tihar jail authorities on Friday issued a statement dismissing reports concerning the critical health of Jammu and Kashmir separatist leader Shabir Ahmad Shah, saying that he is receiving regular medical attention and his condition remains stable. The statement comes in the backdrop of appeals from Jammu and Kashmir's various political parties and his daughter for proper medical care for Shah, who they claim is suffering from a life-threatening illness. "Some rumours are reportedly being circul ...Read More >
Mumbai: Uddhav and Raj Thackeray will hold a joint protest march of their parties in the city on July 5 against what they allege is imposition of Hindi in the state's schools from Class 1 through the new three-language policy. This will be the first time they will come together on a political platform after Raj Thackeray's decision to quit Shiv Sena to form MNS nearly two decades ago.There has been speculation of a reunion of the estranged cousins for the coming civic polls, and the protest march is being seen as the first step in that direction, reports Chaitanya Marpakwar.Uddhav and Raj had ...Read More >
The U.S. dollar continued its strong run on Monday, bolstered by soaring Treasury yields and expectations of limited Federal Reserve rate cuts. Meanwhile, the yen steadied ahead of a key speech by Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda, where he may hint at a possible rate hike in December, with markets pricing a 55% chance of such a move. Japanese Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato's warning on yen intervention caused a temporary pullback, while the dollar index touched a one-year high of 107.07. Analysts forecast further dollar gains as U.S. economic policies and performance outshine global peers. K ...Read More >
Uber has launched India's first Shikara ride on Srinagar's Dal Lake, offering a unique and scenic experience. This new service allows passengers to enjoy the tranquil beauty of the lake while riding in a traditional Shikara boat. Booking is easy through the Uber app, with rides available daily from 10 AM to 6 PM. This initiative aims to boost tourism in the region while providing locals with a new way to experience the lake. With Uber's entry into the Shikara market, visitors can now enjoy a blend of modern convenience and traditional charm on Dal Lake. ...Read More >
New Delhi [India] January 22 (ANI): Congress MP Randeep Singh Surjewala on Wednesday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take a stand in defending the rights of Indian immigrants in the United States. Surjewala also highlighted the contributions of over 20,000 Indian immigrants and expressed concerns over the government's silence on the deportation orders under President Donald Trump's administration. Sharing a detailed post on X Surjewala said, "Dear Prime Minister Modi ji, Pls spare a few moments to watch Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde speaking the truth to President of United States of Amer ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], June 5 (ANI): Silver prices on Thursday, crossed USD 35 mark per ounce and hit its highest level since March 2012, boosted by a combination of factors such as weaker US dollar, rising geopoltical tension and robust industrial demand. 'With the trust in dollar decreasing silver appears to be a good avenue for money to move to and the Gold Silver ratio was recently above 1.10 so the only way forward was either silver prices rise up or gold prices fall, and thats what has happened silver has risen far more than gold,' said Mrinesh Jain Director, Bombay Bullion Metal Hub LLP. ...Read More >
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New Delhi: In his latest rant against the administration and the 'Big Beautiful Bill', Tesla CEO Elon Musk on June 5 claimed that US President Donald Trump would have lost the 2024 election without his support. The billionaire further accused Trump of "ingratitude". "Without me, Trump would have lost the election, the Democrats would control the House, and the Republicans would be 51-49 in the Senate," he posted on X. This comes after President Trump said that he is disappointed with the former DOGE chief, who recently stepped down as his senior adviser. Now, Musk is going after the administ ...Read More >
Patna, June 6 (SocialNews.XYZ) On a day-long visit to Bihar on Friday, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging that the government "surrendered" during Operation Sindoor under pressure from former US President Donald Trump. Speaking at the Samvidhan Sammelan (Constitutional Dialogue) in Rajgir, Gandhi cited Trump's repeated public claims about mediating a ceasefire between India and Pakistan and questioned the Prime Minister's silence on the matter. "US President Donald Trump has publicly claimed 11 times that he forced PM Modi to a ...Read More >
GENEVA -- India's push toward winning the 2036 Olympics hosting contest seemed to stall a little on Thursday in the first big decision of Kirsty Coventry's IOC presidency. Coventry paused the fast tracking of a preferred bidder -- a signature policy of her predecessor and mentor Thomas Bach -- in a concession to International Olympic Committee members who have wanted more say in decisions under new leadership. "Members want to be engaged more in the process" of picking Olympic hosts, Coventry acknowledged, citing "overwhelming support" at meetings this week to stop and review how it is done ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], June 29 (ANI): The world paused on June 13 when Israel targeted major military and nuclear facilities, and crucial personalities in Iran as it launched a series of attacks to disempower the West Asian country. Also Read | Hakham Muhammad Issa Al-Issa Dead: IDF Eliminates Hamas Mastermind Behind October 2023 Attack in Israel. The involvement of the Houthis of Yemen and the US in this high-tension conflict stopped short of a nuclear apocalypse--but this was not entirely unexpected. Some saw this coming. Supporting Israel, the US went ahead and struck three key nuclear sites ...Read More >
Thiruvananthapuram: Ravada A Chandrasekhar took charge as the new State Police Chief on Tuesday. He succeeds Shaik Darvesh Saheb, who retired on June 30. His tenure will run until July 1, 2027. A 1991-batch IPS officer currently serving as Special Director with the Intelligence Bureau, Chandrasekhar is on central deputation. He was selected over Nitin Agarwal, who topped the official list of probables. The appointment order, issued by Kerala Chief Secretary Dr A Jayathilak on behalf of the Governor, was released soon after a cabinet meeting held on Monday. Hailing from Andhra Pradesh's Godav ...Read More >
Still, the ongoing U.N. climate talks have thrown a spotlight on their efforts to tackle global warming. While the COP29 summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, is tasked with agreeing a goal to mobilize hundreds of billions of dollars for climate, leaders of the Group of 20 major economies half a world away in Rio are holding the purse strings. G20 countries account for 85% of the world's economy and are the largest contributors to multilateral development banks helping to steer climate finance. "The spotlight is naturally on the G20. They account for 80 percent of global emissions," U.N. Secretary Ge ...Read More >
Bengaluru: The Karnataka government on Thursday took strong action against the police officers allegedly responsible for the Bengaluru stampede, suspending several high-ranking officials, including the city's police commissioner. Addressing a press conference, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also announced a one-man commission to probe the lapses that triggered the deadly stampede. "Cubbon Park Police Station police inspector, station house master, station house officer, ACP, Central Division DCP, cricket stadium in-charge, additional commissioner of police, commissioner of police have been susp ...Read More >
After the banned CPI (Maoist)'s general secretary Nambala Keshava Rao alias Basavaraju was killed in an encounter between Maoists and security forces on May 22, Union Home Minister Amit Shah reiterated that Naxalism will be eliminated from the country by March 31, 2026. In the Congress-ruled Telangana, however, B Mahesh Kumar Goud, the Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) president, says that the government should not use iron fist to wipe out Maoists but deal with them through "legal and constitutional means". He has urged the Centre to hold "peace talks" with the Maoists and declare ...Read More >
Those persons who are staying illegally in the US or have committed visa fraud will be held responsible, the country's embassy in India said on Saturday. The US Embassy in a brief statement on X also said if anyone breaks the US law, they will be punished with "significant criminal penalties". "Those who are in the United States illegally or commit visa fraud will be held responsible. If you break US law, you will be punished with significant criminal penalties," the embassy said in its post. ...Read More >
New Delhi: Indian expats in the U.S. may soon get some relief on money transfers back home. The final draft of the 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act', backed by former President Donald Trump, now proposes slashing the remittance tax to just 1 per cent. This is a major reduction from earlier versions which suggested a 5 per cent levy, later brought down to 3.5 per cent in the House proposal. The revised proposal is expected to benefit around 2.9 million Indians living in the U.S. -- the second-largest immigrant group in the country, according to the Migration Policy Institute. As per The Economic Ti ...Read More >
The United States congressional subcommittee's final report on the Covid-19 pandemic has pointed to the "lab leak" theory, making it the latest US report pinning the origins of the SARS-CoV-2 virus to the Wuhan lab in China. "Four years after the onset of the worst pandemic in 100 years, the weight of the evidence increasingly supports the lab leak hypothesis," the 500-plus page report said, adding that since they began their work in February 2023, more senior intelligence officials, politicians, science editors, and scientists had "endorsed the hypothesis that COVID-19 emerged as the result ...Read More >
Jaipur: Chief minister Bhajan Lal Sharma Friday flagged off the first air-conditioned 'Rajasthan Vahini Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train' from Durgapura railway station under the Devasthan department's Senior Citizens Pilgrimage Scheme-2025. This initiative marked the beginning of the pilgrimage to Rameshwaram, carrying around 800 passengers.Under the scheme, 50,000 senior citizens will travel to 13 different pilgrimage sites via AC trains for the first time this year. The eight-day journey is the longest among the Devasthan department's pilgrimages, including visits to the Ramanathaswamy Jyotirlin ...Read More >
GENEVA - India's push toward winning the 2036 Olympics hosting contest seemed to stall a little on Thursday in the first big decision of Kirsty Coventry's IOC presidency. Coventry paused the fast tracking of a preferred bidder -- a signature policy of her predecessor and mentor Thomas Bach -- in a concession to International Olympic Committee members who have wanted more say in decisions under new leadership. Recommended Videos "Members want to be engaged more in the process" of picking Olympic hosts, Coventry acknowledged, citing "overwhelming support" at meetings this week to stop and rev ...Read More >