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.
Thiruvananthapuram, Apr 3 (PTI) Reaching out to the Christian community on Good Friday, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju who is in Kerala campaigning for the BJP said there was no cause for concern regarding the proposed FCRA amendments. The Union Minority Affairs Minister held discussions with representatives of the various churches and Christian organisations in the state in the evening and said that they raised concerns with regard to cancellation of FCRA licenses. The concerns raised by them were "genuine", Rijiju told reporters after the meeting. The union minister said that no person or organisation working genuinely for the welfare of the people will be penalised. At the same time, he said that those trying to damage national security will not be spared. Rijiju said that the Centre will target illegal people and anti-Indian groups, while protecting genuine people who are contributing to the development of the country. He said that it was the duty of the government to listen to its citizens. "After the election, I will meet them again," he said, and requested the Congress and Communists not to mislead people by spreading rumours about the FCRA amendments. Father Eugene Pereira, a representative of the Latin Archdiocese here, who was present for the discussion with Rijiju, said that the union minister has promised a special designated authority to enquire into the concerns raised by the church and the Christian organisations. Pereira also said that the minister promised to hold the amendment bill and have further discussions. "We presented our concerns to him. He understood that our organisations play a key role in development. This bill will not be put forward in this Parliament proceedings. The minister was very positive, and he told us that he would make a representation to the prime minister, sharing our concerns," he said. Besides Pereira, representatives from the Syro Malabar Church, the Believers Eastern Church, the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church and the Latin Catholic Archdiocese also attended the discussion. Earlier, Rijiju, in a social media video, assured that minority communities, especially Christian missionaries, need not worry, as the Narendra Modi-led government will protect their interests and offer support wherever possible. Rijiju claimed that the Communists and Congress in Kerala are spreading rumours and misleading NGOs, especially those working for the welfare of the people, regarding the proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act. His remarks come amid opposition to the proposed FCRA amendments from various Christian churches and priests in poll-bound Kerala. Rijiju said that the BJP government is only seeking to "improve" the provisions of the Act to check the "illegal flow of funds for unlawful and anti-national activities." "I would like to assure that no innocent person or legitimate organisation will be targeted wrongfully," he said. "The foreign funds that come to India should be used for good purposes, for the welfare of the people. If those funds are used for radical purposes, to mislead the youth against India's interests, they must be checked," he added. He also assured that all minorities in India are well taken care of by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, following the spirit of 'sabka saath, sabka vikas.' (with all, for the development of all). "We work for everyone, unlike Congress, which used to make Muslims their vote bank and mislead the Christian community. That is absolutely wrong," he claimed. "For us, everyone is equal. Every Indian has to be treated by the same yardstick. So there is nothing to worry regarding the FCRA provisions," Rijiju added. The minister contended that Kerala is now witnessing massive support for the NDA parties, and therefore, the Congress and Communists are "nervous and spreading lies." "This kind of misinformation campaign is not good for democracy," he added. Rijiju questioned what the Congress and Communists have done for Kerala after ruling it for a long time, turn by turn. "In the last 12 years, many major initiatives of the Narendra Modi government have not been properly implemented in Kerala. It deserves a better government. So, without going into detail, I would like to assure you that whatever concerns minority communities, particularly Christian missionaries, may have, there is nothing to worry about," he said. "Our government will protect your interests and offer support wherever possible, he added. He claimed that before he became Minority Affairs minister, micro-minorities "faced unfair treatment, and Muslims were misled." "So, we need to be careful during the election period. In a democracy, there should be free and fair polls, and nobody should be misled," he said. Though the Bill was listed for consideration in Wednesday's Lok Sabha agenda, it was not taken up for discussion. Later, Rijiju said the decision was based on "legislative priorities and not politics". The FCRA Amendment Bill, introduced in the Lok Sabha on March 25 by Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai, seeks to enhance transparency and ensure proper utilisation of foreign funds, while preventing their misuse against national security and national interests. PTI NDN HMP HMP ADB
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 >
Pune (Maharashtra) [India], November 19 (ANI): With the Maharashtra elections approaching, wrestler and Congress MLA from Haryana's Julana, Vinesh Phogat, held a roadshow in Pune to support Congress candidate Datta Bahirat from the Shivajinagar Assembly constituency. She urged voters to ensure a victory for the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), criticising the Mahayuti government for "injustice" by toppling the government elected by the people. "Everything is going well... If people shower their blessings on us on the 20th, we will win with a bigger margin this time. I appeal to voters to respond to ...Read More >
Story so far: India celebrated its 75th year of adoption of its Constitution on Tuesday (November 26, 2024) with President Droupadi Murmu addressing a joint session of parliament. While the Constitution of India hits its diamond jubilee this year, event commemorating is as 'Constitution Day' was started only in 2015. Prior to this, it was called 'National Law Day' -- first initiated by former Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) president Laxmi Mall Singhvi in 1979. "The Indian Constitution is a live, progressive document," said Ms. Murmu adding, "I urge all citizens to imbibe the constitutio ...Read More >
Congress MP Ranjeet Ranjan has called for the replacement of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) with ballot papers, citing concerns over the legitimacy of election results. Ranjan raised doubts about the EVM's accuracy, suggesting that the results may be influenced and advocating for a ballot paper system like many other countries. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also echoed similar sentiments, accusing EVMs of wasting votes from marginalized communities. This comes after the Congress' defeat in the Maharashtra Assembly election. The Supreme Court, however, dismissed a petition seeking th ...Read More >
Filmmaker Jayan K Cherian; stills from his latest film 'Rhythm of Dammam', on the Siddi Community of Yellapur in Uttara Kannada (north Karnataka). The stunningly shot and evocative Rhythm of Dammam, in Siddi Bhasha, is the first fictional feature ever to be made on the Indian Siddi community that traces its ancestry to Africa. In the film, the pre-teen Jayaram, who lives in Karnataka's Yellapura, is afflicted by his dead grandfather's visions, as his impoverished family fights over supposed buried treasure. But Jayaram is a chosen one, the visitations will lead him to discover his community's ...Read More >
Hindus and members of other minority groups say they have faced more attacks than ever since an interim government replaced the ousted prime minister, as Islamist groups have become more prominent and demoralized security agencies have left a security vacuum. The government says the threat to Hindus has been exaggerated. Around 91% of Bangladeshs population is Muslim, with Hindus making up almost all of the rest. Officials, witnesses and local media reports said that Krishna Das Prabhu, also known as Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, was arrested in Dhakas main airport on Monday while traveli ...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 >
The Congress leadership was aware it was losing ground to the ruling Mahayuti following the gains made during the Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra, several party leaders privy to an internal survey less than a month ahead of the November 20 elections have said, adding that the outcome shouldn't exactly come as a shock. As per a report in The Indian Express, several party leaders it spoke to admitted that a survey conducted in 103 "strong MVA seats" showed the Maha Vikas Aghadi ahead in only 44 seats out of 54 it was ahead in during the Lok Sabha elections. On the contrary, the Mahayuti, wh ...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 (Telangana) [India] November 18 (ANI): Bharatiya Janata Party MP K Laxman slammed Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, accusing the Congress party of 'misleading' people. He further said that the people of Maharashtra know "how to teach a lesson" to Congress. "Revanth Reddy as a CM of Telangana and as a Congress leader is misleading the public. Maharashtra people are clever enough they know how to teach a lesson to these Congress people and Revanth Reddy you will come to know what has happened in Haryana that is going to be repeated in Maharashtra, and Jharkhand also," K Laxman ...Read More >
New Delhi, Nov 26: The Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking directions to the Election Commission of India (ECI) to introduce ballot paper in place of EVMs (Electronic Voting Machines). A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and P.B. Varale rejected the prayer to return to the ballot system due to the alleged manipulability of EVMs. "When you lose, EVMs are tampered with; when you win, EVMs are fine," remarked the apex court, when the petitioner referred to the statements made by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and his predecessor Jagan Mohan ...Read More >
The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition is now gearing up for a national protest after losing Maharashtra state elections. The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition, which suffered a crushing defeat in last week's Maharashtra state elections, is now gearing up for a national protest against the credibility of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), which it blames for its loss. The MVA, led by the Congress, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray faction), and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) (led by Sharad Pawar), is planning to challenge the use of EVMs in court and demand a return to ballot paper voting. Fo ...Read More >
Guwahati: A group of intellectuals and prominent citizens met the officials of the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Agartala and demanded the immediate release of Hindu priest Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari in Bangladesh. Various other organisations also organised protest rallies and demonstrations against the arrest of Hindu priest Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari. The intellectuals under the banner of 'Forum for Protection of Minorities in Bangladesh' urged the Bangladesh caretaker government led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus to make all efforts to protect the minorities in Bangla ...Read More >
PNB shares 1.69 per cent in Friday's trading sessionNaga Chaitanya-Sobhita pre-wedding celebrations are on! Check pictures from their Haldi ceremonyWelfare pension fraud: Luxury car owners, affluent individuals found on beneficiary listsAshok Leyland shares 0.49% as Sensex risesRealty sector business sentiment signals growth, sustained optimism, surveyInfo Edge stock price 0.81 per cent as SensexWho is Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari; the ex-Iskcon member caught in the middle of communal tensions in Bangladesh?Amid suspense over Maharashtra CM, major Mahayuti meet cancelledMarico shares 0.52% ...Read More >
Mumbai: Two days ahead of the Maharashtra government formation, top sources have said that Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena is likely to be allotted eight portfolios including the Urban Development Ministry. Sources also said that Ajit Pawar's NCP will retain the Finance Ministry. Sources have further said that there is no dispute between Shiv Sena and the BJP over the Chief Minister's which is yet to be revealed by the Mahayuti alliance. Meanwhile, reports are doing the rounds that Sena wants swearing in of its ministers on December 5 itself, along with oath taking of Chief Minister and Deputy Chie ...Read More >
New Delhi: The annual all-India conference of directors general of police and inspectors general of police will begin in Bhubaneswar on Friday where issues related to internal security, Jammu and Kashmir, and pro-Khalistan elements, among others are likely to be discussed, officials said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval, among others will attend the three-day conference where cyber crimes, challenges posed by AI tools and threats emanating from drones are also expected to be discussed. About 250 officers of DGP and IGP ...Read More >
Sources said during the crucial Mahayuti leaders' meeting in New Delhi on Thursday night, Maharashtra's caretaker Chief Minister Eknath Shinde sought 12 ministerial berths for his party It's been six days since the Maharashtra assembly election results were declared and the Mahayuti alliance emerged victorious, but suspense over the new head of the state and fresh cabinet minister is not over yet. Sources have said that the key alliance leaders will finalise a list and fly to Delhi on Monday to meet with the BJP top brass before making an announcement. Sources said during the crucial Mahayut ...Read More >
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Modi and the Union Cabinet for approving 3 multitracking projects of the Railway Ministry worth Rs 7 thousand 927 crore. Chief Minister Yadav said that the state is making rapid progress under the able leadership of Prime Minister Modi, due to the increasing network of railways in the state, and transportation for the people of the state has also become fast and easier. The people of the state are grateful to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for the continuous new developments and contri ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha proceedings were adjourned till 12 noon on Monday amid protests by opposition members over the Adani indictment row, recent violence in Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal and other issues. As soon as the lower House met after the weekend break, many opposition members, including those from the Congress, were on their feet, raising the indictment of industrialist Gautam Adani in a US court on bribery charges, among other issues. Some members were in the Well of the House while other opposition members stood in the aisle and raised slogans. Speaker Om Birla asked the ...Read More >
New Delhi, Nov 26 (UNI) Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, and party general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Tuesday greeted the people on the occasion of 75th Constitution Day. On social media handle X, Kharge said, "The Constitution of India, painstakingly and carefully drafted by our foremothers and forefathers, is the lifeblood of our nation. It guarantees us social, economic and political rights. It constitutes India into a SOVEREIGN SOCIALIST SECULAR DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC". He said, "Justice, Liberty, Equality and Fraternity are not ...Read More >
BJP leaders, including Amit Malviya, CR Kesavan, and Pradeep Bhandari, accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of arrogance after he allegedly failed to greet President Droupadi Murmu, a tribal woman, during her speech on Constitution Day. Malviya claimed that Gandhi's refusal to acknowledge the President stemmed from her tribal background, while Kesavan and Bhandari pointed to Gandhi's "dynastic entitlement" and anti-tribal sentiments. The President, addressing Parliament, highlighted the significance of India's Constitution and lauded the government's efforts in social justice and inclusive dev ...Read More >
New Delhi, November 26: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that the government at the Centre has strengthened the spirit of the Constitution over the last 10 years. Addressing the Constitution Day celebrations at the Supreme Court, PM Modi highlighted that in the last 10 years, more than 53 crore bank accounts were opened, more than 4 crore pukka houses were given and more than 10 crore free gas connections were given. "In the last 5-6 years, by providing tap water facilities in more than 12 crore houses, the government made the lives of citizens easy, particularly of women," he sai ...Read More >
Shinde accepts BJP's decision, likely to receive key ministries Shinde has agreed to BJP's decision to make a Chief Minister from its ranks. He is expected to be given important portfolios like Urban Development, Public Works Department, and Water Resources. Sources also say that two Deputy Chief Ministers will be appointed, one each from Shiv Sena and NCP. Pawar has told his party leaders that the swearing-in ceremony could take place this weekend. Despite initial resistance, Shinde announced his party's support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah's decision on the ...Read More >
Bill Gates' comments on India's potential as a 'laboratory to try things' during a podcast have sparked backlash among Indian social media users, who felt the remark was disrespectful. While some saw it as reducing India to a testing ground, others defended Gates, claiming his statement was misinterpreted. Bill Gates' latest comments on a podcast with Reid Hoffman have set off a firestorm of controversy among Indian commentators. In a discussion, he referred to India as a "kind of laboratory to try things," which has caused great outrage and accusations of disrespect. The tech mogul has faced ...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 >
Chennai, Dec 3 (PTI) Danfoss, a leader in heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and compressors has set a target to progressively ramp up local manufacturing capabilities over the next five years, supporting the Centre's Make in India campaign, the company said on Tuesday. Danfoss India, a subsidiary of Denmark-based Danfoss, earlier this year committed to a Rs 500 crore investment aimed at developing local manufacturing for HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air-conditioning), and refrigeration compressors and controls. As the country's heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeratio ...Read More >
ABUJA, Nov 17: Nigeria on Sunday conferred its second-highest national award - the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger - on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, making him the second foreign dignitary to receive the distinction. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp "Honoured to be conferred with the 'Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger' Award by Nigeria. I accept it with great humility and dedicate it to the 140 crore people of India and the friendship of India and Nigeria," Modi said after receiving the award from Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Click here to watch vid ...Read More >
Campaigning for the November 20 assembly bypolls to four seats in Punjab ended on Monday evening with the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Opposition Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party making last-ditch efforts to mobilise support for their respective candidates. Hours before the campaign ended at 6 pm, major political outfits intensified their efforts to woo the voters. Bypolls to four assembly segments -- Gidderbaha, Dera Baba Nanak, Chabbewal (SC) and Barnala -- will be held on November 20 from 7 am to 6 pm, and the results will be out on November 23. The bypolls were necessitated afte ...Read More >
A crucial meeting of Manipur's National Democratic Alliance, chaired by Chief Minister N Biren Singh, saw significant absences, with only 27 out of 45 MLAs attending. The meeting, convened amidst rising ethnic violence, resulted in a seven-point resolution demanding immediate action on issues like the reimposition of AFSPA and mass operations against Kuki militants. Tensions within the ruling coalition were evident, as several lawmakers, including a cabinet minister, skipped the meeting without explanation. The resolution included a threat of political consequences if decisions were not implem ...Read More >
Defying pollsters, exit polls, and predictions, the BJP scored a hat trick in Haryana, albeit with a narrow lead in the recent Assembly election. It formed a government on its own sans any ally, and Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini assumed office for a second consecutive term with relative ease. But the euphoria did not last long. In the first Assembly session convened after the new government took over, the opposition, led by the Congress and the electorally diminished Indian National Lok Dal, attacked the government on the issue of fertilizer shortages in the sowing season. The government d ...Read More >