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 [India], December 16 (ANI): Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Tuesday defended the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill, stating that there was a need to establish a "uniform pattern" in regulation, standard-setting, and university accreditation, aligning it with the National Education Policy (NEP). Pradhan introduced the Bill in Parliament on Monday, and it was later referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee amid opposition. Also Read | Hyderabad Shocker: Mentally Unstable Woman Pushes 7-Year-Old Daughter From 3rd Floor of Residential Building in Telangana. Addressing a press conference in the national capital today, Pradhan stated that the Bill establishes three councils for regulation, standard-setting, and accreditation, which will work in coordination with the Viksit Bharat Shikshah Adhishthan. The Union Minister said, "There are multiple regulators, standard-setting bodies and accreditation bodies. The makers of the NEP noted that, if we are to bring higher education to global standards, the Act needs to be amended. UGC was all-in-one: a regulator, a standard-setting body, and an accreditor. We faced a problem as there was a conflict of interest and a lack of objectivity. UGC was implemented in 1956, then in the 1980s, the AICTE Act came, and the NCTE Act came in the 90s. With time, the Institutions of National Importance were formed based on Acts passed in Parliament." Also Read | Aroop Biswas Resigns: West Bengal Sports Minister Quits From His Post Following Chaos During Lionel Messi's GOAT India Tour in Kolkata; SIT Constituted To Probe Negligence. "Then there is also the Council of Architecture, which is a standards and licensing body. There was a need to bring these under a uniform pattern. The Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan will have three councils: Viksit Bharat Shiksha Viniyaman Parishad as a regulatory council, Viksit Bharat Shiksha Gunvatta Parishad as an accreditation council, and Viksit Bharat Shiksha Manak Parishad as a standards council. All three councils will be autonomous, and Shiksha Adhisthan will work for coordination," he added. Addressing the concern for State Universities, he stated, "A problem was that there was no role of states in the UGC. State Universities will remain the same, and the coordination will work on the existing framework." The Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill, 2025, establishes the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan to enable universities and other higher education institutions to become independent, self-governing bodies. The Bill also proposes to constitute Viksit Bharat Shiksha Viniyaman Parishad as a regulatory council, Viksit Bharat Shiksha Gunvatta Parishad as an accreditation council, and Viksit Bharat Shiksha Manak Parishad as a standards council. The Bill aligns with the NEP 2020. The Bill has been sent to a Joint Parliamentary Committee. The Bill seeks to repeal the University Grants Commission Act (UGC), 1956; the All India Council for Technical Education Act (AICTE), 1987; and the National Council for Teacher Education Act (NCTE), 1993. The Council of Architecture (CoA) shall function as a Professional Standard Setting Body (PSSB) as envisioned in the NEP, 2020. The Bill ensures the upholding of the current level of autonomy accorded to the Institutions of National Importance. (ANI) (The above story is verified and authored by ANI staff, ANI is South Asia's leading multimedia news agency with over 100 bureaus in India, South Asia and across the globe. ANI brings the latest news on Politics and Current Affairs in India & around the World, Sports, Health, Fitness, Entertainment, & News. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)
IMPHAL, Nov 17: The NPP on Sunday withdrew support from the BJP-led Government in Manipur, even as violence continued to rock the state as offices of the Congress and the saffron party were ransacked in the hill district of Jiribam where an unidentified body was found earlier in the day, officials said. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp A BJP MLA's ancestral house was vandalised in Imphal Valley while a building owned by Ashab Uddin, the Independent legislator of Jiribam, was ransacked, officials said. The incidents occurred a day after irate mobs set fire to the residences of ...Read More >
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], December 4 (ANI): BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis, Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde and NCP chief Ajit Pawar on Wednesday met Governor CP Radhakrishnan to stake claim to form the Mahayuti government. BJP's Central Observers for the state, Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Vijay Rupani were also present at the meet. Also Read | Stock Market Today: Indian Stock Market Ends in Green, All Eyes on RBI's MPC Decision on Repo Rate. Fadnavis is scheduled to take oath as the Chief Minister on December 5 after being unanimously chosen as Leader of Maharashtra BJP Legislati ...Read More >
OCCRP had published news articles against Adani; BJP MP Sambit Patra calls Rahul 'traitor of highest order' After a hiatus of two days, the Winter Session of Parliament plunged into chaos again Thursday, this time due to the ruling BJP targeting Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi and the Congress, accusing them of being part of a plan to "derail" India's economy and "disrupt" its democracy. Senior BJP MP Nishikant Dubey raised the matter in the Lok Sabha, alleging that a "dangerous triangle" ...Read More >
In this edition of Frontline Conversations, former Maharashtra Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare discusses how the Ladki Bahin scheme, which provided direct cash transfers to 2.35 crore women, transformed both the economic landscape and political dynamics of the State. The programme, which distributed Rs.7,500 across five instalments to women earning less than Rs. 2.5 lakh annually, not only empowered women with financial independence but also proved to be a decisive factor in Mahayuti's electoral victory, marking a shift in Maharashtra's traditionally male-dominated political ...Read More >
Lakhimpur Kheri, December 3: Talent knows no boundaries. A testament to this is 28-year-old Muneer Khan from Lakhimpur Kheri in Uttar Pradesh, whose innovations and technical skills have gained him global recognition. From a 'smart water bottle' to 'smart soil testing device,' and more recently, 'AI-enabled eye-glasses,' what makes his innovations stand out is their ability to improve everyday convenience for ordinary people. Born in a humble and poor family in Kheri's Gauriya village, Muneer lost his father when he was just one year old. His four older brothers and mother worked tirelessly t ...Read More >
Hyderabad, December 4: After an earthquake of 5.3 magnitude hit the Mulugu district of Telangana on Wednesday morning, Dr Prakash Kumar, Director of CSIR-NGRI said that the state capital is generally considered as a stable and low-risk area for seismic activity, making an earthquake of this magnitude rare for the region. The official said that since Hyderabad is not in a major seismic zone, such an event may not pose immediate cause for alarm, but it is still valuable to monitor the scientific background behind it. Earthquake in Telangana: Quake of Magnitude 5.3 on Richter Scale Hits Mulugu, ...Read More >
Pointing to the increase in the country's stature in the world forum, he asked how, under these circumstances, the promises made to farmers cannot be fulfilled. "Policy-making is not on right track," he added.. Jagdeep Dhankhar's comments come amid a spike in farmer protests. Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar took up the farmers' issue and questioned the government on their behalf today, directing most of his queries at the Union agriculture minister. Pointing to the increase in the country's sta ...Read More >
Lalu Yadav was reacting to Nitish Kumar's plans to launch the Mahila Samwad Yatra, an initiative aimed at directly engaging with women in Bihar. RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav on Tuesday stoked controversy after passing a sexist remark at Nitish Kumar's upcoming women's rally, saying that the Bihar Chief Minister was attending it to "ogle at women." Yadav was reacting to Kumar's plans to launch the Mahila Samwad Yatra, an initiative aimed at directly engaging with women in Bihar. "Nain sekne ja ra ...Read More >
Union Minister of Rural Development and Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched the third edition of Nayi Chetna - Pahal Badlaav Ki, a national campaign against gender-based violence, at Rang Bhawan Auditorium, New Delhi yesterday. Delivering his address, Shri Chouhan stated that the Government has taken a slew of initiatives for women's economic and social development. He stressed that gender-based violence is not an issue that persists in rural areas, but in urban areas as well. He said with the presence of Union Minister of Women and Child Development Smt. Annpurn ...Read More >
Across the United States, rural students are feeling shortchanged and frustrated, as many of the comparatively few universities that serve them are eliminating large numbers of programs and majors, blaming plummeting enrollment and resulting financial crises, local media reported. "Nationwide, college enrollment has declined by 2 million students, or 10 per cent, in the 10 years ending in 2022, hitting rural schools particularly hard," report Xinhua news agency, quoting The Washington Post on Tuesday. "An increasing number of rural private, nonprofit colleges are not only cutting majors but ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], December 6 (ANI): The Lok Sabha as part of the Winter Session of the Parliament has been adjourned until 11:00 am on December 9, as announced by the Speaker on Friday. The proceedings of the lower house were adjourned until 12 pm earlier in the day as disruptions continued for the ninth consecutive day of the winter session, with opposition members raising slogans and creating ruckus over various contentious issues. Also Read | Hashimpura Massacre Case: Supreme Court Grants Bail to 8 Convicts in Infamous 1987 Massacre Case. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla made a fervent appeal ...Read More >
Agartala (Tripura) [India], December 10 (ANI): Union Home Minister Amit Shah will visit Tripura on December 20 as the state will host the 72nd Plenary Session of the North Eastern Council (NEC) on December 20-21, said Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha. It is the first time that Tripura will host a Plenary Session of the North Eastern Council (NEC). Also Read | Morena: Former Serviceman Shoots Wife, Tries To Kill His 2 Sons Before Turning Pistol on Himself After Dispute in Madhya Pradesh; Probe On. CM Saha said that it is a matter of great happiness for the state and preparations are being m ...Read More >
New Delhi: University Grant Commission (UGC) Chairman M Jagadesh Kumar has announced changes in the Common University Entrance Test (CUET), undergraduate and postgraduate 2025, saying the total number of subjects has been reduced to 37 from 63 and there will be uniform exam duration of 60 minutes. He said 20 language subjects have been discontinued and admissions to the dropped subjects can be done based on General Aptitude Test (GAT) scores. The domain-specific subjects were 29 earlier, but the UGC has decided to discontinue six subjects, bringing the number down to 23, Kumar added. The cha ...Read More >
New Delhi, December 5: Uttar Pradesh's Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh expressed confidence that Mahakumbh 2025 will play a pivotal role in showcasing India's rich cultural heritage and Sanatan traditions globally. Speaking on the progress of preparations, he told IANS, "The arrangements for Mahakumbh are progressing in full swing. We are committed to welcoming all devotees, irrespective of their origin -- whether from different states of India or other countries. We aim to host them with unmatched arrangements that combine magnificence, divinity, and cultural vibrancy." "This gran ...Read More >
New Delhi: Chaos erupted in political circles after Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar informed the house on Friday that a bundle of cash was found on a seat allotted to senior Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi. "I hereby inform the members that during the routine anti-sabotage check of the chamber after the adjournment of the House yesterday. Apparently, a wad of currency notes was recovered by the security officials from seat number 222 which is presently allotted to Abhishek Manu Singhvi, elected from the state of Telangana..The matter was brought to my notice, and I made sure an in ...Read More >
New Delhi: From 2025, the CUET-UG will be conducted exclusively as a computer-based test (CBT), and students will have the flexibility to appear for any subject, regardless of what they studied in class 12. This decision follows a review conducted by an expert panel set up by the University Grants Commission (UGC), as explained by UGC Chairman Jagadesh Kumar. What are the major changes? In an interview with PTI, Kumar elaborated on the changes saying, "The exam will be conducted only in CBT mode from 2025, unlike the hybrid mode used last year. We have also reduced the number of subjects fr ...Read More >
Bhubaneswar (Odisha) [India], December 3 (ANI): Producer Ektaa R Kapoor on Tuesday met with Odisha Chief Minister Charan Majhi in Bhubaneshwar. Visuals from the meeting surfaced online in which CM Mohan Charan Majhi and Ektaa could be seen exchanging warm pleasantries. Also Read | 'The Sabarmati Report': Union Home Minister Amit Shah Praises Vikrant Massey Starrer for Revealing the Truth Behind Godhra (View Post). Ektaa also visited Lingaraja Temple and offered prayers there. Notably, on Monday, Ektaa along with the team of 'The Sabarmati Report' attended a special screening of the film wi ...Read More >
The BJP has accused Rahul Gandhi of collaborating with "anti-India international forces," citing a Mediapart report on OCCRP's funding and Gandhi's meetings with alleged Modi government critics. The party highlighted the timing of reports critical of India coinciding with parliamentary sessions, including those on farmers, Pegasus, Hindenburg, and the BBC documentary.BJP on Thursday accused Lok Sabha's Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi of colluding with 'anti-India international forces'. The ruli ...Read More >
Mumbai, Dec 3 (PTI) Maharashtra's caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Tuesday visited a private hospital in Thane for a "check-up," two days before a new CM is sworn in at an open ground ceremony in south Mumbai. Even as it is not known yet who would take oath as chief minister at Azad Maidan on the evening of December 5, preparations are in full swing for the ceremony, to be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, about 2,000 VVIPs and some 40,000 supporters. Shinde, who had been staying at his private residence in Thane for the last few days, visited the hospital in the morning. "I ...Read More >
New Delhi, December 4 (IANS): Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday asserted that Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla put up an excellent leadership coupled with a commitment to uphold the traditions in the lower house of the Parliament. Sarma, who has been in the national capital for the last three days, paid a courtesy visit to Birla in his chamber in Lok Sabha. Taking to X, the Chief Minister wrote, "As Speaker of the Lok Sabha, Shri @ombirlakota ji has always displayed distinguished leadership and commitment to upholding parliamentary traditions. It was a pleasure meeting him in S ...Read More >
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], December 4 (ANI): Bharatiya Janata Pary (BJP) leader Devendra Fadnavis said on Wednesday that Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan has invited the Mahayuti alliance to form the next government and the oath taking ceremony will take place tomorrow. Fadnavis said the Mahayuti leaders met the Governor and handed over letters of support. Also Read | Why Is Maharashtra Assembly Winter Session Held in Nagpur? Know History and Reason Behind Nagpur Being State's Winter Capital. Fadnavis along with Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde and NCP chief Ajit Pawar on Wednesday met ...Read More >
INDIA bloc MPs, donning black jackets with slogans like "Modi Adani Ek Hai", protested at Parliament demanding a joint probe into the Adani issue. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra accused PM Modi of evading discussion on the "Adani mega scam" while defending Adani's alleged corruption. Rahul Gandhi asserted that Modi won't investigate Adani as it would be like investigating himself.Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra Thursday said the country's people want the "Adani mega scam" to be discussed in Parliame ...Read More >
Bengaluru: Ex-Karnataka Chief Minister and former External Affairs Minister SM Krishna died here early on Tuesday, leaving behind a rich legacy of statesmanship and public service that saw the 92-year-old leader scale all heights of political achievements. Suave, sophisticated and a man with enviable academic credentials, Somanahalli Mallaiah Krishna started off his political innings as an independent MLA from Maddur in 1962, stunning a then Congress veteran in the elections, and went on to become the state's CM and later the country's External Affairs Minister. Tributes poured in for the fo ...Read More >
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], December 10 (ANI): The stock market ended Tuesday's trading session on a subdued note, with the benchmark indices showing little movement. The Sensex edged up by 1.59 points, closing at 81,510.05, while the Nifty declined by 8.95 points to end at 24,610.05. Also Read | Parliament Winter Session 2024: Congress, INDIA Bloc Allies Move No-Trust Motion Against Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar; Alleges 'Proceedings in Upper House Conducted in Partisan Manner'. In the Nifty pack, 23 stocks advanced, while 27 ended in the red. Among the top gainers were Shriram F ...Read More >
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan launched the TeacherApp, a digital platform designed to equip educators with future-ready skills and enhance the learning experience for students. Developed by Bharti Airtel Foundation, the app offers teachers access to a wide range of resources and best practices from around the world. The TeacherApp is available for free across the Web, iOS, and Android platforms and features over 260 hours of high-quality content. This includes created and curated courses, learning bytes, short videos, podcasts, interactive webinars, thematic fests, competitions, ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], November 29 (ANI): Aam Aadmi Party MPs on Friay staged a protest in the premises of the Parliament, alleging deteriorating law and order situation in the national capital. The protest was held by AAP leaders Sanjay Singh, Raghav Chadha, Sandeep Pathak and other party leaders. On Thursday, an explosion was reported in Delhi's Prashant Vihar on Thursday. Fire tenders were at rushed to the site and teams of National Security Guard (NSG) commandos Delhi Police Crime Branch, Special Cell and Bomb Disposal Squad also reached. A high alert was sounded in the national capital afte ...Read More >
The Huddle was a two-day conclave featuring thought leaders from the world of politics, business, academics, sports and the arts. This conclave saw Sri Lanka's the then leader of Opposition, Mahinda Rajapaksa, politicians Jairam Ramesh, Arif Mohammed Khan, tennis player Sania Mirza, the then Home Minister Rajnath Singh, among other leaders and academics share their ideas. Photo: MURALI KUMAR K A Mixed Legacy: The many facets of Indira Gandhi : Srinath Raghavan, Academic & Author, Jairam Ramesh, Economist & Politician, Shekhar Gupta, Journalist In conversation with Mini Kapoor, Ideas Editor, ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], December 4 (ANI): Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Naresh Gujral dubbed the attack on party leader and former Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal as an "attack by extremists on the moderate forces of Punjab" and called for a probe by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) into the matter. Speaking to ANI on Wednesday, the SAD leader also alleged that the attacker has 'Khalistani connections,' and that the incident was an attempt to "destabilise" Punjab. Also Read | Banda Road Accident: 12-Year-Old Among 3 Killed As Unidentified Vehicle Hits Auto-Rickshaw in Uttar Pradesh. ...Read More >
Agartala (Tripura) [India], December 4 (ANI): In light of the ongoing unrest and volatility in Bangladesh, the Border Security Force (BSF) has heightened security measures along the Indo-Bangla border. The precautionary step comes as a response to the recent escalation in tension following incidents of violence and instability in Bangladesh. Also Read | Naresh Balyan in Trouble: Delhi Police Seeks Arrest of AAP MLA in Fresh Case, Moves Court. The situation was further aggravated by an incident on December 2 at the office of the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Agartala, which has int ...Read More >
New Delhi: CUET-UG will be conducted only as a computer-based test (CBT) from 2025 and students will be allowed to appear for any subject irrespective of the subjects studied in class 12, according to UGC Chairman Jagadesh Kumar. In an interaction with PTI, Kumar said an expert panel set up by the University Grants Commission (UGC) conducted a review of the exam and proposed several changes. "The exam will be conducted only in CBT mode from 2025 unlike hybrid mode last year. We have also reduced the number of subjects from 63 to 37 and admissions for the dropped subjects will be conducted on ...Read More >