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Government Earns Rs 2,364 Crore from Scrap Sales in Three Years Under DPIIT

November 10, 2024, 3:54 pm

In a notable achievement for efficiency and sustainability, the Government of India has earned Rs 2,364 crore over the past three years through the sale of scrap materials from various government offices. Prime Minister Narendra Modi commended the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) for its success, responding to Union Minister of State Jitendra Singh’s social media post with, “Commendable! This effort showcases how efficient management and collective efforts can yield sustainable results, promoting cleanliness and economic prudence.”

Special Campaign 4.0 Promotes Cleanliness and Revenue Generation

Launched as part of Special Campaign 4.0, the initiative has significantly contributed to the state exchequer while advancing cleanliness across government departments. In a separate statement on November 7, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry announced that DPIIT’s efforts to eliminate physical files and dispose of scrap materials had freed 15,847 square feet of office space and generated Rs 16,39,452 in additional revenue.

Focus on Efficiency and Improved Work Environment

Under Special Campaign 4.0, DPIIT completed various initiatives aimed at institutionalizing cleanliness and minimizing backlog within government offices. Over 58,500 physical files were reviewed, with 15,816 files removed. This streamlined approach, paired with 300 cleanliness drives across 70 locations, reflects DPIIT’s focus on enhancing work environments.

The DPIIT, under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, was established in 1995 and merged with the Department of Industrial Development in 2000. It remains integral to formulating policies that support industrial growth aligned with India’s socio-economic goals.

Government Issues Advisory to States and UTs to Prevent Mpox Spread

September 26, 2024, 7:34 pm

Health Secretary Apurva Chandra has issued a crucial advisory to all States and Union Territories (UTs) in India, urging the implementation of essential public health measures to prevent and minimize the spread of Mpox, previously known as monkeypox. This advisory underscores the necessity of raising public awareness regarding the disease, its modes of transmission, and the importance of timely reporting.

Key Public Health Measures Highlighted

The advisory emphasizes the need for states and UTs to undertake comprehensive activities aimed at educating communities about Mpox, including its symptoms and preventive measures. Key recommendations include:

Dos:

Increase Public Awareness: Engage communities to disseminate information on Mpox symptoms, transmission methods, and the significance of timely reporting.
Isolate Suspected Cases: Immediate isolation of any suspected Mpox cases, accompanied by stringent infection prevention protocols.
Set Up Isolation Facilities: Ensure hospitals are equipped with adequate isolation facilities for both suspected and confirmed cases, staffed by trained personnel.
Symptomatic Treatment: Follow current treatment guidelines focusing on symptomatic management.
Send Samples for Testing: Collect and send samples from patients with suspected Mpox symptoms to designated laboratories. Positive cases should be sent to ICMR-NIV for genome sequencing to identify the Mpox clade.
Strengthen Diagnostic Capabilities: Utilize ICMR-approved laboratories and PCR kits for early detection and containment of the virus.
Monitor Public Health Infrastructure: Senior health officials are advised to routinely assess public health preparedness at state and district levels.

Don’ts:

Avoid Panic: Prevent mass panic by ensuring clear public communication regarding preventive measures.
Do Not Delay Reporting: Timely reporting of suspected cases is essential to prevent further spread.
Avoid Unnecessary Crowding: Only admit symptomatic cases or those needing isolation to healthcare facilities to avoid overwhelming the system.
Do Not Overlook Mild Cases: All suspected cases, regardless of severity, should be tested and isolated as needed to curb unnoticed transmission.

The health ministry reassured the public that robust testing capabilities are in place, with 36 ICMR-supported labs nationwide and approved PCR kits available for early diagnosis.

Who Wants the Modi Govt to Fall?

September 18, 2024, 4:05 am

The Modi Government has completed 100 days in office during its third term. What is interesting is that this is an event that the Opposition has taken note of more than the government. The Congress specially went all guns blazing with multiple press conferences in various cities to point out all that the government had not delivered. It is never difficult to spot shortfalls and sure enough the feisty Supriya Shrinate came armed with a list of how the Modi Government had failed the farmers, youth, middle class, railways, infrastructure and the social fabric of the country. Former Finance Minister P Chidambaram called this a government of U turns. Certainly there have been one to many rollbacks in the first few months from the decision on indexation of property to lateral entry for bureaucrats, the broadcast bill and the Wakq Board Amendment bill.

Added to that the repeated criticisms from the RSS and the now open rebellion in election going states from those who have been left out of the candidate list this is certainly not a picture either the PRime Minister or the Home Minister would be comfortable with.
But having said that, the duo are carrying on with business as usual from Day One. Whether it was the decision to appoint the same cabinet as the one in Modi 2.0 (the big four remained the same), or to appoint a Lok Sabha speaker of this choice (again this was a repeat of Modi 2.0), or even the decision to defer the election/selection of a new BJP Chief, there is little in terms of optics to show that the all powerful duo are rattled by the opposition attack. Until the allies pull out the Modi Government is here to stay, which is why one can see some very subtle (and some not so subtle as in the budget grants) to appease Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. If these two are content then the rest dont really matter because if you look at it closely, no one wants this government to fall. The Opposition for all its hue and cry is in no position to form an alternate government. If the Congress was to take the lead, it would be at the mercy of its allies and in a much more precarious position than the current Modi government. If a smaller regional party leader gets to be prime minister then it would be the case of the tail wagging the dog. The Congress does not make for a reliable ally when it is in a supporting role. We have the United Front Experiment as a case in point (1996-1998). This is something Chandrababu Naidu also recalls all too well.

That leaves the RSS. For all its (implied) criticism of Narendra Modi’s style of functioning the RSS leadership is also all too aware that without Modi’s leadership the tally would have been much lower for the BJP. Coming back for a third term is no easy feat and Modi is still the BJPs best bet to stay on in power.

So in the end, the BJP may end up losing the Haryana, Maharashtra, Jharkhand and J&K polls as the pollsters are predicting. Yes it will be a loss of face, but will it lead to anything more than that, I doubt it. The Modi Government will last out its full term, because that is what all the political parties want.
Priya Sahgal

Bangladesh: Implications for Regional, Global Security

September 12, 2024, 3:21 am

Introduction: The recent resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on 5th August 2024 has thrown Bangladesh into chaos, raising concerns that go beyond its borders. The crisis, marked by protests and violence, has been worsened by police brutality, enforced disappearances, and the involvement of groups like Jamaat e Islami. Hasina’s increasingly autocratic tendencies in her later years of leadership drew uncomfortable parallels with her father’s governance. As Bangladesh grapples with these issues, the impact on South Asia and the global community is significant.

Political Unrest and Governance Challenges: The unrest stemmed from discontent over the government’s job reservation policies, particularly a controversial quota system favoring families of veterans from the 1971 war. Despite the Supreme Court’s decision to reduce this quota, protests continued, fuelled by dissatisfaction with Hasina’s administration. This discontent is deeply rooted in Hasina’s undemocratic governance style, which became more pronounced in her final years in office.

Since her second term, Hasina sought to centralize power, suppressing opposition voices and burdening dissenters with legal cases. Her administration cracked down on political opponents, particularly the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its leader, Khaleda Zia, whom Hasina imprisoned on charges widely seen as politically motivated. Hasina’s obsession with the legacy of the 1971 Liberation War permeated her policies, from reserving government jobs for war veterans’ descendants to invoking freedom struggle memories in her rhetoric against political adversaries.

Jamaat’s role in the recent protests has been significant. The group infiltrated the protests using its network of schools and colleges, which served as breeding grounds for its ideology, allowing Jamaat to mobilize young people and transform spontaneous demonstrations into a coordinated movement against Hasina’s government. Jamaat infused the protests with religious and communal elements, consolidating opposition to Hasina along religious lines. Slogans like “Hasina, Bharoter Dalal” (Hasina, India’s stooge) polarized the protests by insinuating that her government favored India and Hindus over Bangladesh’s Muslim population.

The government’s harsh reactions, including banning Jamaat e Islami and its student wing, and the arrests and use of force against protestors, ironically played into Jamaat’s hands. Measures like enforcing curfews, shutting off internet access, and resorting to live ammunition escalated tensions, drawing criticism from both local and global corners. This heavy-handed approach solidified the perception of oppression, triggering increased radicalization among opposition groups and solidifying Jamaat’s position as a leading force against Hasina’s leadership.

Impact on South Asia and Beyond: The unrest in Bangladesh presents a challenge not only for the South Asian region but also for the global community. The recent removal of Sheikh Hasina and the potential emergence of groups like Jamaat e Islami, which has opposed Bangladesh’s core democratic principles, have raised concerns among religious minorities and progressives. Jamaat’s possible involvement in government has created doubts about the resurgence of extremist elements in Bangladesh, especially given Jamaat’s ties to organizations such as Harkat ul Jihad al Islami (HuJI) and Jamaat ul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB).

The thought of Jamaat e Islami regaining power raises concerns about Bangladesh potentially becoming a breeding ground for extremist activities once more. This is especially worrisome for South Asia, as the resurgence of such groups could spark similar movements in neighboring countries, reigniting cross-border terrorism. The spread of these extremist ideologies could disrupt efforts to combat terrorism and impede economic progress, particularly in areas like India’s northeastern region.
The current political unrest in Bangladesh, if not managed, could jeopardize peace and stability in the region and hinder the region’s potential to become a manufacturing powerhouse in Asia. Projects like Padma Bridge Rail Link, the 400KV Dhalkebar-Muzaffarpur tri-country transmission lines, and the transshipment terminals at Chittagong and Mongla ports are essential for enhancing connectivity and trade within South Asia. However, instability within Bangladesh may lead to project delays or cancellations, especially if a new government influenced by Islamist factions proves less cooperative with neighboring partners.

Policy Recommendations for the International Community: The transition of power to an interim government led by Nobel laureate Mohammad Yunus in Bangladesh presents challenges. The top priority now is to disarm the protestors to prevent any formation of armed groups. This disarmament effort should also involve addressing grievances in a sincere manner, akin to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in South Africa. It is crucial to have a fair investigation into abuses of power during Hasina’s time in office, conducted openly to avoid the distrust seen in Lebanon after their civil war.
Subsequent free and fair elections are essential for allowing citizens to freely express their political preferences. The interim government needs to stand against anti-secular narratives and safeguard minority rights to prevent a refugee crisis with wide-reaching regional consequences.

The involvement of the international community plays a significant role in reinstating democratic processes. Heavy-handed external interventions often lead to backlash and foster anti-foreign sentiments. Therefore, it is important to handle diplomatic relations with Bangladesh thoughtfully, encouraging open dialogue while avoiding escalating tensions.
Supporting civil society is also crucial. In South Sudan, non-governmental organizations played key roles in maintaining social unity during periods of change. Collaborative efforts among South Asian countries on counterterrorism are vital, especially considering Jamaat e Islami’s involvement in extremist activities. Nations like India and Myanmar must work together with Bangladesh to prevent the kind of fragmented approaches seen in Iraq and Libya that allowed extremism to flourish.

Ensuring economic stability is another key aspect. The current crisis poses a threat to important infrastructure projects like the Padma Bridge Rail Link or ongoing negotiations on river water sharing between Indo-Bangladesh or Myanmar and Bangladesh. International financial institutions should collaborate closely with Bangladesh to ensure the continuity of these projects and promote economic inclusivity as a means to counter extremism.
Lastly, preparations should be made by the global community for a potential refugee crisis by taking lessons from humanitarian efforts seen in Syria. Effective aid delivery in Bangladesh can be ensured through remote management and strong local partnerships.

Conclusion: The current political unrest in Bangladesh fuelled by Sheikh Hasina’s autocratic rule and the resurgence of Islamist factions brings forth risks not only to the country’s stability but also to regional and global security. It is essential for world leaders to closely monitor this situation to prevent further turmoil and encourage a peaceful resolution. Stability in Bangladesh is crucial for maintaining security in South Asia, highlighting the pressing need for humanitarian support for peace and reconciliation.

Author is Assistant Editor, International Studies Quarterly (Sage Publications)

JP Nadda: “Bihar is Advancing on the Path of Development”

September 7, 2024, 4:13 am

On Friday, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National President and Union Minister JP Nadda emphasized the importance of maintaining the current government in Bihar to drive the state’s development. Praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Nadda highlighted that under his leadership, Bihar is progressing on the development path.

Nadda stated, “To truly transform Bihar, it’s crucial to support the existing government. Under Prime Minister Modi’s guidance and the current administration’s efforts, Bihar is making significant strides in development.” He further noted, “Previously considered ‘bimaru rajya’ or backward states, Bihar, along with Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and others, are now evolving into developing regions under the leadership of PM Modi and the respective Chief Ministers.”

Earlier in the day, Nadda inaugurated the new eye care building at the Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Science (IGIMS) hospital in Patna, alongside other medical facilities in Bihar. Reflecting on the event, he remarked, “In 2019, the last foundation stone I laid was for the ophthalmology department here, with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar present. Now, as a minister again, my first inauguration is also at IGIMS.”

Nadda also highlighted the achievements of the Modi government in the health sector over the past decade, mentioning the expansion from 6 to 22 All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) institutions. He expressed gratitude to Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for facilitating the land for an AIIMS in Darbhanga.

Addressing the impact of the Ayushman Bharat health coverage scheme, Nadda pointed out that India now boasts the world’s largest health coverage program, supporting 55 crore individuals with up to 5 lakh rupees each. He concluded by emphasizing that India leads globally in universal health coverage.

THE POLITICS OF A COMEBACK

September 4, 2024, 2:15 am

Why is there so much focus on the coming state elections, and how will they impact the politics of the Centre. Each state election is important in itself, but there is also a larger impact that this will have on the Central government. There is a psychological impact that is felt when the ruling government at the center wins or loses a state election, more so in the era of Modi when the Prime Minister has emerged as the party’s star campaigner and made each election a referendum on his leadership credibility.

Unfortunately for the BJP, the coming spate of state elections in Haryana, J&K and later on in Maharashtra and Jharkhand seemed veered towards the opposition more than the BJP. The BJP is in power in Haryana and Maharashtra and there is governor’s rule in J&K. Hence the first problem will be that of anti-incumbency. In the past the BJP under Narendra Modi has successfully warded off the perils of anti incumbancy but that has also been there has been a strong CM at the helm of the state. Here, the Haryana CM has not had much time to consolidate himself against a two term anti-incumbency while Maharashtra is a coalition government with a non BJP CM at the helm. It is not going to be easy for the party specially at a time when the Congress and its allies fancy their chances for a comeback.

Having said that, should the BJP fare poorly in the coming elections, how will it impact the Prime Minister. Here again, a lot depends on the individual. Any other Prime Minister would be affected by the optics of a resurgent opposition but so far Narendra Modi has shown no such qualms. He wasted no time in calling the newly elected BJP government as an NDA government and then went to fill the cabinet with his own team. Likewise with the Speaker of the Lok Sabha. Yes there have been some rollbacks on key issues but they have been dealt with swiftly as coalition compulsions. And since the PM did not dwell on them much but moved on to the next order of business it did not impact the governance optics all that much.

That, in a nutshell, is the secret of Narendra Modi. Go with the flow, manage the optics and bide your time for a comeback. Because if there is anyone who knows how to come out of a corner, it is Modi. It is now up to the Opposition led by a resurgent Rahul Gandhi to figure out how to contain this phenomenon. All in all, it does make for some interesting politics

Youtubers Dhruv Rathee And Gaurav Taneja Debate Over Government’s New Social Media Policy

August 30, 2024, 9:30 am

YouTubers Dhruv Rathee and Gaurav Taneja are at odds once again, this time over Uttar Pradesh’s controversial new social media policy. The debate has intensified following Rathee’s criticism of the policy, which allows influencers to earn up to Rs 8 lakh per month for promoting government initiatives.

Rathee’s Criticism: ‘Legalized Bribery’

Dhruv Rathee, known for his critical analysis of government policies, took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his disapproval. In a viral post that garnered over 2 million views, Rathee labeled the policy as “Legalized Bribery,” accusing the Uttar Pradesh government of using taxpayer money to fund influencer promotions. He argued that this practice undermines the integrity of influencers and should be publicly condemned.

HAVE A LOOK AT IT:

Should all Newspapers and TV Channels, be also shamed, who show paid ads to promote any govt in power ? https://t.co/SeeuAEB7KU

— Gaurav Taneja (@flyingbeast320) August 28, 2024

Taneja’s Defense: Comparing with Traditional Media

In response, Gaurav Taneja, a former pilot and IITian, defended the scheme. He questioned whether media outlets such as newspapers and TV channels, which also receive government advertisements, should face similar criticism. Taneja argued that the policy could be seen as a modern extension of traditional media practices, rather than an isolated issue of bribery.

Overview of the UP Government’s Social Media Policy

The Uttar Pradesh government’s new social media policy, approved by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s Cabinet, aims to incentivize influencers to promote government schemes and achievements. Under this policy, influencers will be categorized into four groups based on their follower counts and will receive payments for their promotional activities on platforms like X, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

The government asserts that the policy will provide income opportunities for individuals from Uttar Pradesh residing outside the state, while also enhancing the reach of its initiatives through social media.

Public Reactions and Implications

The exchange between Rathee and Taneja has sparked a range of reactions from the online community. Some view Rathee’s stance as a necessary critique of government spending, while others agree with Taneja’s perspective that such payments are part of a broader media strategy. This debate reflects ongoing discussions about the role of social media in modern governance and public relations.

Previous Clashes

This latest confrontation is not the first between the two YouTubers. Earlier in June 2024, Rathee and Taneja clashed over the “India vs. Bharat” issue, showcasing their differing views on national identity and politics.

As the debate continues, the implications of the Uttar Pradesh social media policy remain a topic of public and political interest.

Narsi Kularia Hands Over The Primary Health Centre To Rajasthan government In Nokha

August 2, 2024, 4:55 pm

In a significant move towards enhancing healthcare infrastructure, Chief Minister of Rajasthan Bhajan Lal Sharma, inaugurated the newly built Sant Shri Dularam Kularia Primary Health Center (PHC) in Molwas Silwa village of Nokha block of Bikaner, Rajasthan, on Sunday, 28^th July.

Constructed by Narsi Kularia, CMD of Interior Infrastructure Mumbai and his group director Jagdish Kularia in memory of their father, Sant Shri Dularam Kularia, the Narsi family officially handed over the hospital to the state government, aiming to serve the community and promote social welfare.

The inauguration ceremony witnessed the presence of several distinguished guests, including Union Law Minister Arjun Meghwal, Union Tourism and Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, State Health Minister Gajendra Singh Khimsar, and Food Supply Minister Sumit Godara, who all lauded the noble initiative.

Equipped with high-tech medical facilities, the PHC spans over 12100 Square yards and was constructed at the cost of Rs 15 crores. Along with an operation theatre, the hospital features include an X-ray, CBC facilities, a 24-hour pharmacy, and an OPD for first aid. Additionally, the PHC offers 8 beds for men and 14 for women. A notable feature of the health center is a 50,000-liter rainwater harvesting tank, emphasizing sustainable development.

Union Minister of Tourism and Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, who was present as a special guest, thanked the Narsi family in his native language, Marwari. He said, “I thank the Kularia family for investing the money in the right place and repaying the debt of the motherland. In addition to the health center, the Narsi family designed the interior of the new Parliament building and Bharat Mandapam. The Kularia family invests its earnings in social welfare without any hesitation.”

Praising Narsi Kularia, the Chief Minister said, “Service is considered the ultimate religion here. We imbibe the principle of ‘Nar Seva Hi Narayan Seva’. We work with the feeling that if you serve a man, it will be equal to serving the Hindu god Narayan. The government will also give full support in such pious works.” The Chief Minister has also promised to turn this primary health center into a community health center.

On the occasion of the inauguration of the hospital, industrialist and social worker Narsi Kularia said that thousands of villagers from more than a dozen villages including Charakda, Silwa, Dawa, Tant, Kedli, Badhda will benefit from this hospital.

Government to Introduce Satellite-Based Toll System; Learn How is It Different from FASTag

July 26, 2024, 10:36 am

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is set to introduce a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)-based toll collection system on select national highways. This system will complement the existing FASTag system.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari announced this initiative in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha. Pilot studies for the GNSS system have been completed on the Bengaluru-Mysore section of NH-275 in Karnataka and the Panipat-Hisar section of NH-709 in Haryana. The goal is to improve toll collection efficiency and reduce congestion at toll plazas.

Key details include:

Pilot Studies & EOI: The system was discussed in an international workshop on June 25, 2024, followed by a global expression of interest (EOI) launched on June 7, 2024, with submissions due by July 22, 2024.

FASTag vs GNSS-Based Tolling:

FASTag: Uses RFID technology with a windshield sticker for automatic toll payments but still requires stopping at toll booths, leading to potential delays. Users need to maintain a prepaid balance.

GNSS-Based System: Utilizes satellite communication to track vehicle locations and calculate tolls based on distance travelled. This system aims to eliminate physical toll booths, allowing for seamless travel without stops and offering flexible payment options.

Initially, the GNSS system will operate alongside FASTag in a hybrid model, allowing for a gradual transition. While FASTag users won’t need to replace their tags immediately, GNSS-enabled devices may become necessary in the future.

Ranjit Chautala remains minister in Nayab Saini govt as non-MLA for the last 4 months

July 25, 2024, 10:56 pm

In the current Nayab Singh Saini-led BJP government of Haryana, Ranjit Singh Chautala, the Cabinet Minister of Energy (Electricity) and Jail departments, completed four months as a minister without being an MLA on July 23.

On March 12 this year, when the then Chief Minister of the state Manohar Lal Khattar was replaced by the then BJP MP from Kurukshetra Lok Sabha seat Nayab Saini as the Chief Minister of Haryana, Ranjit Singh was among the five cabinet ministers who took the oath with him. At that time, Ranjit Singh was an independent MLA from the Rania assembly seat of Sirsa district. He had also been the minister of the said departments in the previous Manohar Lal government of the state.

Ranjit Singh joined the BJP on the evening of March 24, shortly after which he was declared the party candidate from the Hisar Lok Sabha seat. Due to this, Ranjit resigned from the post of MLA on the same day since no person can join any political party while being an independent MLA without facing disqualification under the anti-defection law. However, along with his resignation from the post of MLA, Ranjit did not resign from his position as a cabinet minister in the state government.

After more than a month had passed since his resignation from the post of MLA from the Rania assembly seat, on April 30, 2024, Haryana Assembly Speaker Gian Chand Gupta accepted Ranjit’s resignation from the post of MLA, backdating it to March 24. On June 4, Ranjit, contesting from the Hisar Lok Sabha seat on a BJP ticket, was defeated by Jai Prakash of the Congress by 63,381 votes.

Meanwhile, Nayab Saini was elected as an MLA two and a half months after becoming the Chief Minister by winning a by-election held on May 25 in the Karnal assembly seat, which became vacant due to the resignation of former Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar. In the current government, Ranjit has remained a non-MLA since March 24 and has continued as a cabinet minister without taking a fresh oath.

On May 2, Hemant Kumar, an expert and advocate in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, wrote to the President of India, Draupadi Murmu, raising an important legal and constitutional question. He questioned why Ranjit Singh, who was a member (MLA) of the present 14th Haryana Legislative Assembly on March 12, the day he took the oath of office and secrecy as a minister in the Nayab Saini government, was still holding the post of minister after resigning as an MLA on March 24. According to Article 164(4) of the Indian Constitution, a minister who is not an MLA can hold office for a maximum period of six months, but for this, he should be administered a fresh oath of office and secrecy as a minister by the Governor of Haryana.

The Under Secretary of the President’s Secretariat wrote to the Chief Secretary of Haryana on this subject on May 9, asking him to address the matter and inform the petitioner. However, even after more than two and a half months, no reply has been received from the Haryana government.

Hemant Kumar pointed out that whenever the election of a minister appointed in the Central Government or State Government (as an MP or MLA) is canceled or declared invalid by the concerned High Court or the Supreme Court of India, the minister must immediately resign. Such a person cannot argue that they can continue as a minister for a maximum of six months from the date of disqualification.

He further noted that if the Prime Minister or the Chief Minister wants, such a person, whose election as MP or MLA has been canceled, can be reappointed as a minister for one term of up to six months. However, this requires that the person is administered a new oath of office and secrecy by the President of India or the Governor of the state.

Why Does India Need a Strong and Stable Government?

June 1, 2024, 3:47 am

India will complete 2024 general elections with 57 seats voting on Saturday. Voters verdict is in EVMs, the biggest question to all our minds is who is winning 2024?, whether it’s NDA or INDIA alliance. People of India are smart enough to elect strong leadership. The global circumstances are volatile due to various ongoing issues like the Russia-Ukraine war, Israel-Gaza-Iran, China- Taiwan and on India borders too. These ongoing issues in the world likely will not end quickly, strong leadership with networking, standing, respect and stable government in India can try to address these issues in the world. Not only world issues, strong leadership can also help in building Viksit Bharat-2047, making the third largest economy in the next couple of years and to build a powerful economy in the world.

One of the recent ongoing issues started when newly elected president of Taiwan William Lai was buzzing China over its independence last week. In his inaugural speech he urged China to stop threatening Taiwan and asked them to recognise the existing democracy in his country. In a response to his statement, a rude China stated that Taiwan independence is dead and holds military drills around Taiwan as strong punishment. On another hand some lawmakers of the USA visited Taiwan and showed their solidarity to the newly elected president against China. As the West concentrated on the Middle East, China-Russia were working closely and China was aiding russia. China and Russia’s close relations are not a good sign for India and the West also. In a triangular dynamics between China, Russia and India, China must accept India-Russia deeper ties or it should risk by pushing India to USA closely. Many experts in China are criticizing Russia’s support of S400 missiles to India and its close association. Some experts went ahead and stated that Russia is back stabbing China on S400 missiles. A strong leadership and close friend of Moscow is able to maintain good deals with Russia and also a strong leadership can check China using Taiwan as a tool.

The Middle East is on fire with Israel’s war with Gaza, death of Iran president, US-Saudi arabia mega deal etc.The US and Saudis are closer in finalizing the mega deal including mutual defense pact, cooperation on emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence and Machine learning, and civilian nuclear deal. Experts fear that Saudi Arabia is not trustful and reliable in their human rights records. Saudi Arabia may use civilian nuclear deals to make nuclear bombs for military usage. Initially this deal was planned to normalize the ties between Saudi Arabia and Israel. However, both the countries are insistent on palestine statehood and have different opinions on palestine statehood. After Israel’s attack on rafah, some of the European countries such as Spain, Norway, and Ireland took the decision to recognize the Palestine state. Of the 27 members of the European Union, Sweden, Cyprus, Hungary, Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, Romania and Bulgaria are already recognised palestinian states. These EU countries are pressuring Israel to stop the attacks on Gaza.

These ongoing issues in the middle east may hamper India’s ambition to build India- Middle East- Europe corridor, International North South Corridor. After the long discussions, India and Iran signed a bilateral agreement on Chabahar port in the second week of this month. Only a strong and stable leadership can take forward these agreements effectively to improve the trade relations between India and the region.

A stable and strong leadership needs not only to address world issues.It also needs to realize India’s ambition to reach USD 5 trillion economy by 2025-26 surpassing Japan and Germany. Strong and stable government can only give confidence and trust in the investors to attract the investments and FDIs. To become a developed nation by 2047, GDP does not grow automatically in progressive manner, the government has to take many measurements at micro, macro level and on the ground without any corruption. The perception of the government over the world is also important to attract the investors along with the rankings in ease of doing business etc.

To enhance the ease of living for the middle class, below poverty line people many policy decisions need to be made whether digitalization of manufacturing sector, jobs generation, building the expressways, enabling the modern infrastructure etc. The world is gearing up for the fourth Industrial re volution in various prominent sectors such as human machine interaction, technological revolution etc. Stable government can encash the digital revolution, new age digital technology and technological transformation over the world to attract new investments. Digital economy has grown 2.5 times faster than the normal economy in the last five years. It needs to be scaled up to the next level using AI and ML.

Roads, highways, houses, dams, tunnels and infrastructure facilities can be enhanced in the next five years. This infrastructure enhancement and investments in this sector will have a larger impact on GDP growth and employment generation.

Author is Dr. K. Venkatakrishna Rao, Assistant Professor, Indian Institute of Information Technology, Kurnool and Visiting Fellow, India Foundation.

“Murder of democracy, insult to Constitution”: Supriya Sule on suspension of 143 Opposition MPs

December 21, 2023, 3:52 pm

Nationalist Congress Party leader Supriya Sule, who actively rallied outside the BJP-led Centre, said on Thursday that the expulsion of opposition MPs from both Houses of Parliament was a ‘murder of democracy.’ 143 opposition members of both houses were arrested for demanding Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s statement on December 13 breach of security in Parliament for creating ruckus and disrupting proceedings.

The suspended MP compared the prevailing situation to the state of emergency that was imposed in the country during Indira Gandhi’s prime ministership in 1975 and said it seemed like an undeclared emergency. She stated, “This is the murder of democracy, a violation of the constitution. The country is governed according to the constitution and I condemn the fact that (more than) 140 members of parliament have been suspended. It seems that a state of emergency has been established in the country.” Sule said that three bills dealing with penal laws of the colonial past – Bharatiya Nyaya (Second) Sanhita Bill, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha (Second) Sanhita Bill and Bharatiya Sakshya (Second) Bill – were passed without 97 opposition members in the Lok Sabha.

On December 13, a total of 143 MPs – 97 from the Lok Sabha and 46 from the Rajya Sabha were suspended for creating ruckus and disrupting proceedings in both houses to demand a statement from a Union minister on the security breach. John Brittas of the CPI(M), another member of parliament who took part in the protest march, said the Center should now amend the Constitution to say “India is a monarchy”. He added, “We protest against the brutal killing of democracy. Our democracy was murdered. One could see the Union home minister on one side (by pushing through the draft penal law). This is the opposition Mukti Parliament. They (the Centre) should now amend the constitution to say that India is a monarchy!”

Meanwhile, Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge posted on his X-handle that passing important laws by blocking opposition MPs is not democracy but authoritarianism and citizens of India must save democracy. Passing major legislation by firing opposition MPs is not democracy she published a post on X commenting, “We, the people of India need to Save Democracy. Passing important legislation by suspending Opposition MPs is not Democracy. It is the worst kind of authoritarianism. Our future generations will not forgive us, if we do not raise our voices against this dictatorship, NOW !”

Erisha E-Mobility join hands with MAHAPREIT to pave the way for a Sustainable Future with Renewable Energy Project

July 31, 2023, 9:49 pm

Erisha E Mobility Private Limited, one of the Rana Group venture, is a leading innovator in clean energy solutions, is proud to announce its collaboration as a Knowledge Partner with the Mahatma Phule Renewable Energy and Infrastructure Technology Limited, (MAHAPREIT), a subsidiary of MPBCDC, Government of Maharashtra, in a groundbreaking initiative to promote and develop Green Hydrogen, Electric Vehicles and Solar/ Wind Park technology under Renewable Energy project. This strategic partnership marks a significant step towards achieving a sustainable, low-carbon future while driving economic growth and innovation.

Mahatma Phule Renewable Energy and Infrastructure Technology Limited (MAHAPREIT) is engaged in Renewable Energy and Infrastructure Technology. MAHAPREIT has separate verticals of Emerging Technology areas, Infrastructure, Affordable housing and Renewable Energy-E Mobility (EV).

Green Hydrogen, produced through renewable energy-powered electrolysis of water, is an essential component of the global efforts to combat climate change and achieve carbon neutrality. By harnessing renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and hydropower, Green Hydrogen offers a clean and scalable alternative to traditional hydrogen production methods, which often rely on fossil fuels and contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.

Through this collaboration, Erisha E Mobility Private Limited and MAHAPREIT are committed to accelerating the deployment of Renewable Energy infrastructure, technology, and expertise across state of Maharashtra. Together, we aim to:

Foster Research and Innovation: Collaborate on research and development initiatives to advance the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of Green Hydrogen and other renewable energies production, storage, and utilization technologies. By investing in cutting-edge solutions, we aspire to drive innovation that will benefit multiple sectors, including transportation, industry, and power generation.
Assist in establishing Sustainable Supply Chains: Strategically locating production facilities near renewable energy sources, enabling seamless integration and distribution of Renewable energy to end-users across the country.
Support Policy and Regulatory Frameworks: Work in tandem with the MAHAPREIT to create a supportive policy environment that incentivizes the adoption of Green Hydrogen and other renewable energy technology and its applications. Policy alignment will play a pivotal role in accelerating the transition to a greener energy landscape.
Empower Local Communities: Prioritize the inclusion of local communities in project development and execution, creating job opportunities and promoting skills training to facilitate a just energy transition.

By leveraging Erisha E Mobility Private Limited ‘s expertise in clean energy solutions and the MAHAPREIT ‘s commitment to sustainability and environmental preservation, this partnership will act as a catalyst in driving significant positive impact. Shri. BipinShrimali, IAS Charmain and Managing Director, MAHAPREIT guided the event.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with the MAHAPREIT on this transformative journey towards a sustainable and carbon-neutral future,” said Dr. Darshan Rana, Chairman and Managing Director of Erisha E Mobility Private Limited. “By combining our technological capabilities with the MAHAPREIT’s visionary approach, we are confident that our joint efforts will contribute to a cleaner, greener, and more resilient tomorrow.”

9 to 5 timing for govt offices comes into effect in Punjab

July 17, 2023, 11:37 am

The Punjab Government’s new office hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. went into effect today in all government offices across the state.
The schedules for government offices have been modified, according to Deputy Commissioner Ludhiana Surbhi Malik. Malik further stated that around 9 a.m. today, all officers and personnel arrived in the Deputy Commissioner’s office. “In Punjab, once again the timings of government offices have been changed from 9 am to 5 pm. Officers and staff reached the Deputy Commissioner’s office at 9 am. On the orders of the state government, the earlier timings were from 7:30 am to 2 pm and today once again the old timings have been implemented,” said Malik.

Odisha approves ‘Mo Ghara’ housing scheme for rural residents

May 29, 2023, 4:38 pm

The Odisha government has granted approval to a new housing initiative named ‘MO GHARA,’ meaning ‘My Home’ in the local language. This program aims to provide financial aid to rural households with lower and lower-middle incomes.

It caters to families who were previously excluded from existing housing schemes due to strict eligibility criteria or inadequate allocations. Additionally, it welcomes individuals who had previously received smaller housing assistance and now desire to enhance or expand their homes. The scheme operates on a credit-linked basis, with the entire capital subsidy being funded by the state’s budget.

Eligible beneficiaries can obtain a housing loan of up to Rs 3 lakh, repayable over a period of 10 years. This repayment period excludes a one-year moratorium period and can be completed through manageable installments. The loan amount options are categorized into four slabs: Rs 1 lakh, Rs 1.5 lakh, Rs 2 lakh, or Rs 3 lakh. Banks will not charge any processing fee from the beneficiary for the sanction of the loan.

Eligibility criteria under the scheme-

A family staying in a kutcha house or one pucca room with an RCC roof that has either not availed of any government housing assistance or has availed of assistance of below Rs 70,000 in the past and whose income per month is below Rs 25, 000, among others, will be able to be part of the scheme.
An enhanced capital subsidy will be available to vulnerable categories like SC/ST and PWD-headed households, the release said.

Congress’s ‘9 saal 9 sawal’ document releases for Modi govt

May 26, 2023, 5:25 pm

On Friday, as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) marked its 9th year in power at the Centre, the Congress party presented a series of nine inquiries to the ruling party. These questions spanned various topics such as the economy, farmers’ issues, corruption, democracy, and national security.

To commemorate the occasion, the Congress party released a document titled ‘9 Saal 9 Sawaal’ (9 Years 9 Questions). Congress leader Jairam Ramesh announced the intent to pose these questions to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a press conference.

In a tweet, the Congress party shared the nine questions and urged the Prime Minister to respond to them before the BJP began celebrating. The document raised concerns about rising inflation and unemployment in India, the increasing wealth gap between the rich and poor, and the alleged favoritism towards PM Modi’s associates in the sale of public assets, alongside growing economic disparities.

The party also questioned the government’s progress in doubling farmers’ income and the absence of legal guarantees for the Minimum Support Price (MSP). The document inquired about the government’s failure to honor agreements made with farmers during the repeal of the three controversial farm laws and the lack of income growth for farmers over the past nine years.

Additionally, the document scrutinized the government’s decisions that allegedly put people’s savings in institutions like LIC and SBI at risk for the benefit of industrialist Adani. It criticized the perceived leniency towards corrupt individuals and questioned the BJP’s silence on corruption cases in states under their rule, while highlighting the suffering of the Indian population.

Concerning national security and the China issue, Congress queried why, despite the government’s previous exoneration of China in 2020, the Chinese military continued to occupy Indian territory. They questioned the effectiveness of the 18 meetings held with China, as the Indian territory remained under Chinese control, with no signs of their withdrawal.

In summary, as the BJP completed its 9th year in power, the Congress party raised a series of nine questions covering economic, agricultural, corruption, and national security concerns. They released a document titled ‘9 Saal 9 Sawaal’ and urged the Prime Minister to address these queries before the BJP’s celebratory events commenced.

Cough syrups made in India for export will be checked in government labs

May 23, 2023, 4:10 pm

The Indian government has introduced new testing requirements for the export of cough syrups. Effective from June 1, exporters will need to obtain a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) from specified laboratories in order to export cough syrups. The designated laboratories include Indian Pharmacopoeia Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh Commission, CDL Kolkata in West Bengal, CDTL Chennai in Tamil Nadu, CDTL Mumbai in Maharashtra, CDTL Hyderabad in Telangana, RDTL Chandigarh, and RDTL Guwahati in Assam. Additionally, any NABL-accredited state drugs testing laboratory can issue the CoA.

This decision comes in response to reports linking the deaths of children in Gambia and Uzbekistan to syrups manufactured in India. Following these allegations, the Health Ministry initiated an investigation and temporarily suspended the production licenses of the concerned pharmaceutical firms. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) also submitted a proposal to the Union Health Ministry in relation to these allegations.

According to statistics from the Indian Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), the domestic pharmaceutical market in India was valued at USD 42 billion in 2021. It is projected to reach USD 65 billion by 2024 and is expected to expand further, reaching USD 120-130 billion by 2030. With this exponential growth, India aims to become a reliable provider of high-quality medicines to the global market. The Indian pharmaceutical market encompasses various therapeutic segments, including anti-infectives, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, anti-diabetic, respiratory, dermatological, musculo-skeletal, nervous system, and others. It can also be categorized based on drug types, such as prescription drugs and over-the-counter drugs.

Maharashtra govt revokes suspension of ex-top cop Param Bir, drops charges

May 13, 2023, 4:25 am

The Maharashtra government has dropped all charges against former Mumbai Police Commissioner Param Bir Singh brought during a departmental enquiry, and also revoked his suspension order issued in December 2021, an official said on Friday.
However, the CBI will continue to investigate five cases filed by it against Singh, he said.
The retired IPS officer is facing multiple cases of extortion, corruption and misconduct.
The order revoking the suspension of Singh and withdrawing all charges against him related to the departmental enquiry initiated in 2021 were issued by the state home department on Wednesday, he said.
According to the order, the period of the former IPS officer’s suspension should be treated as he was on duty. At least four cases of extortion were registered against.

Singh in Mumbai and adjoining Thane. During his long police career, he served as commissioner of Mumbai and also Thane.
Singh was transferred from the post of Mumbai Police Commissioner in March 2021 after the arrest of Assistant Police Inspector Sachin Waze by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in connection with the seizure of an explosives-laden SUV from near industrialist Mukesh Ambani’s residence ‘Antilia’ in South Mumbai in February that year.
The 1988-batch IPS officer had written an explosive letter to then-Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, alleging home minister Anil Deshmukh of the NCP had asked police officers to collect Rs 100 crore a month from hotels in Mumbai. Deshmukh has denied the charge.
The then-Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government placed Singh under suspension and put his salary on hold.
The government had initiated a departmental enquiry against the senior police officer and eight serious charges were applied against him during the proceedings, the order mentioned.
Singh had submitted his statement of defence in December 2021 through an email and denied all charges levelled against him during the enquiry. He had filed a petition in the Bombay High Court seeking quashing of enquiry initiated against him by the Maharashtra government, but the plea was rejected.
He had later moved the Supreme Court which had noted certain observations regarding the departmental enquiry and the suspension of Singh, the home department order stated.

SAD approaches ECI over poll code defiance by aap-led govt

May 13, 2023, 12:59 am

The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) today filed a written complaint with the Chief Election Commissioner of India regarding brazen violations of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) by the AAP government, its MLAs, and other leaders during the Jalandhar Parliamentary bypoll and implicating leaders of the Opposition party in fake cases.

The complaint was filed through its legal cell president Advocate Arshdeep Singh Kler in which, it was stated that there was a murder of democracy in broad daylight during the Jalandhar bypoll. The government machinery brazenly violated the guidelines issued by the Election Commission of India as people were not allowed to exercise their right to vote freely and without fear.

Talking with reporters after giving copy of complaint to Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Punjab, Advocate Kler said that at some places, even the vote was cast before the person could even reach the booth. He said that from the day the election process started, the ruling Aam Admi Party (AAP) started threatening leaders and workers of Opposition parties. He alleged that the roles of the Deputy Commissioner, Jalandhar, Jaspreet Singh, IAS, and Senior Superintendent of Police Mukhwinder Singh Bhullar are highly condemnable and against the very principles and that they completely failed to ensure fair election process by colluding with ruling Aam Aadmi Party.

He further said that the incidents of grave violation of Model code of conduct and misuse of the government machinery raise a serious question on the role of Chief Electoral Officer, Punjab, C. Sibin, IAS, who himself is facing a vigilance inquiry in 700-crore Philips-Signify Plot Scam for transferring 25 acres of prime industrial plot in Mohali. Even after so many incidents of brazen violation of model code of Conduct, no strict action was taken by the Chief Electoral Officer, Punjab. This clearly shows that the Chief Electoral Officer, Punjab failed to discharge his duties under the pressure of the pending inquiry against him.
Advocate Kler said that the leaders and MLAs of AAP violated the guidelines issued by the Election Commission of India and on the polling day, a large number of MLA were present in the Jalandhar Parliament Constituency which is contrary to the guidelines of the ECI.
He said that the number of AAP MLAs, including S. Dalbir Singh Tong, MLA Baba Bakala, S. Jasbir Singh Sandhu, MLA Amritsar East, Gurpreet Gogi, MLA Ludhiana West, Madan Lal Bagga, MLA Ludhiana North, S. Daljit Grewal, MLA Ludhiana East, S. Amolak Singh MLA, Jaito, Ajay Gupta and MLA Amritsar Central, were seen sitting on the booths along with their respective supporters and were alluring the voters and the proof in this respect has already been given to the ECI.

Kler alleged that the local administration of Jalandhar, including Deputy Commissioner and the Senior Superintendent of Police, worked in a complete hostile manner by following the dictates of the ruling Aam Aadmi Party in letter and spirit. He further said that shockingly, police registered a false case U/s 354, 323, 34, 506 IPC and Section 3 & 4 of SC and ST (Prevention of atrocities) ACT, 1989 on the workers of Shiromani Akali Dal.v

DK Shivakumar predicts Congress government in Karnataka

May 12, 2023, 4:51 pm

Karnataka Congress chief DK Shivakumar is looking confident just a day before the assembly result. He went on to say that his party would emerge victorious and form the government, dismissing any chance of an alliance between Congress and the Janata Dal-Secular.

Mr Shivakumar, who has been hoping to be the next Chief Minister of the state, said on Friday that he and his party have predicted winning 150 seats out of the 224 member assembly, and the magic figure for making a government is 113 seats.

“I will not change my numbers. The grand old party is sure to unseat the BJP. We have tall leaders, and our national leaders came here and did a commendable job. Senior party leader Siddaramaiah and others travelled across the state. “Consequently, we will have good numbers,” he said.

He rejected the idea that there were any talks with JD-S which is likely to play the role of kingmaker in case of a hung assembly.

He said that the Congress itself would form the next government in Karnataka, and he denied commenting on the saffron party regarding its attempt to make the JD-S an ally.

But he remained tight lipped when asked who will be the next CM of the state he or Siddaramaiah if Congress comes to power. “Decision will be taken by two former Congress presidents, Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandh”, he said.

The ruling BJP is hoping to win the election in Karnataka, which is the only stronghold of the saffron party in South India.

However, former Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa believes that the BJP will get more than 115 seats. CM Basavaraj Bommai speaks the same language and certain that party will get a ‘comfortable majority ’.

Himachal students bring back from violence-hit Manipur

May 9, 2023, 5:59 pm

On Tuesday, five students from Himachal Pradesh, who were stranded in Manipur amidst the ongoing violence and were transported to Delhi a day earlier, expressed their gratitude to Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu for rescuing them.

The five students were identified as Simran, Sujal Kaundal, Ashwani Kumar, Chhering, and Keshav Singh.

The students were airlifted through a special flights from Imphal to Kolkata and from there to New Delhi. State Education Minister Rohit Thakur and Rural Development Minister Anirudh Singh received the students late Monday evening at Himachal Bhawan.

“The Himachal Pradesh CM had borne the entire travel expenses from his pocket to bring the children back from the strife-torn state.” according to a statement by the CMO.

Earlier, chief minister Sukhu had given directions to the concerned officials of the state to ensure the safety and security of five students from the state stuck in violence-hit Manipur, a spokesperson of the state government informed here on Monday.

55-year-old man killed in Delhi

May 9, 2023, 4:07 pm

On Tuesday, a 55-year-old man who was admitted to the Aruna Asif Ali Government Hospital in an injured state in the National Capital succumbed to his injuries, as per police information.

The deceased has been identified as Virender Singh Rawat, from Burari, New Delhi. On May 8, information was received from the Aruna Asif Hospital that a person was admitted to the hospital in an injured state by his relative Manoj Singh Rawat and was subsequently declared dead,” as per the police information.

Kerala government to establish second rubber park in Kollam

May 4, 2023, 5:02 pm

The Kerala government has announced plans to establish a rubber park in the Kollam district, in collaboration with the Rubber Board and the Kerala Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (KINFRA).

According to Rubber Park M.D. George V. James, the second phase of the park will be established at Priavanthur, with a focus on developing infrastructure facilities such as power, water, and transportation to promote rubber and rubber wood-based product manufacturing industrial units.

The park will only permit rubber-based and rubber wood industries, which are classified by the Pollution Control Board (PCB) as environmentally safe.

George also mentioned that the park is located in an environmentally sensitive area, and thus no common effluent treatment plant has been constructed.

Approximately 10 acres of land will be available for lease for thirty years for industrial use, with the hope of attracting new industries to promote the growth of the rubber industry in the state.

‘Akhilesh Yadav accuses BJP of prioritizing drain opening over smart city development

April 25, 2023, 4:19 pm

On Tuesday, Akhilesh Yadav, chief of the Samajwadi Party, took a dig at the BJP over the ‘problems in cities’ and said that the party did not make them ‘smart’ in spite of having its own mayors and instead ‘opened drains.’ He made the remark about the BJP ahead of the municipal elections in Uttar Pradesh.

All the issues in the city are due to the BJP. These cities have had mayors from the BJP for the maximum and longest duration, but still, they have not provided smart cities. “BJP did not make a sustainable city but opened drains and dug roads, and corruption happened in every city. All the buildings that were built are the same. There have been only scams in the name of smart cities, he said while attending a press conference.

SP chief, Akhilesh Yadav claimed that all of the work completed in the cities occurred during his time as chief minister and that no work was carried out under the BJP’s rule.

“The work that is being seen today in Lucknow is the work of the SP. Samajwadi government gave the metro to Lucknow,” Akhilesh Yadav said.

Taking a dig at PM Modi, he claimed, “PM Narendra Modi had created a factory in Lucknow itself to generate electricity from the rubbish. However, power was never produced.
He continued, “They (the UP administration) destroyed the Varun River and the Gomti Riverfront. There is no such thing as a road without any traffic. We think that cities ought to be clean. That is why we have presented our concerns.

MQM leader appeals to Pakistanis worldwide to think about state discrimination

April 14, 2023, 2:28 pm

Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) leader Altaf Hussain on Thursday appealed to Pakistanis across the world to become the ‘judge’ in his case against the biased nature of the state and the harassment approach of the establishment.

MQM was founded by Altaf Hussain in 1984, and it is considered a secular political party. He raised the question about former PM Nawaz Sharif not visiting his country despite getting a diplomatic passport during his stay in London. Who is obstructing the return of Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, the elder brother of Pakistan’s PM, Shahbaz Sharif?

Altaf Hussain lashed out at one of the sitting judges of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, Justice Qazi Faiz Issa, who is known as a daring judge in the country. He claimed that the judge said he derived his courage and strength from God and the Constitution on the occasion of the Golden Jubilee of the Constitution of Pakistan.

However, the military dictators of the country have made a mess of the constitution.

Justice Mazahir Ali Naqvi imposed an embargo on Altaf Hussain. The embargo was only for six months. “The embargo restricted Pakistan’s mainstream media and newspapers from carrying, broadcasting, or publishing any of my statements, photos, or speeches since September 2015,” he claimed.

“However, the unconstitutional embargo has exceeded the 6-month limit dozens of times, and the embargo has entered the year 2023.”Alas!” he added.

In a question to Justice Issa, Hussain asked, “Do you feel this unlawful embargo is in line with the universal declaration on freedom of expression and personal and collective basic human rights?”

India cuts all windfall tax on crude oil

April 4, 2023, 1:59 pm

According to a government notification on Tuesday, the central government has withdrawn all windfall taxes on crude oil with immediate effect.

Windfall tax is levied by governments when an industry unexpectedly earns large profits. The tax was levied in July last year as high energy prices led to soaring profits for oil producers.

The government has cut the windfall tax on crude oil production to zero which was Rs 3500 per tonne earlier.

The windfall tax on diesel has been slashed to Rs 0.5 per litre from Rs 1 per litre earlier. The tax on petroleum and ATF has been removed.

This decision comes when global crude oil prices rose after the group of oil-producing countries decided to cut output come May this year.

Further output cuts of around 1.16 million barrels per day has been announced by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting countries (OPEC) and oil producers. The Centre imposed a cess of Rs 23,250 per tonne on crude oil after taking into account huge margins being accumulated by the domestic crude producers due to rising global crude prices. After that, the government had been reducing the windfall tax on crude oil from timed to time.

SIA conduct raids at eight different places in J&K

March 18, 2023, 3:36 pm

In order to look into the recipients of slush funds moving through the well-known secessionist Maulavi Sarjan Barkati of south Kashmir, the J&K State Investigation Agency (SIA) started a search operation on Saturday at eight different locations.

Government sources claim that more than Rs 1.5 crore in funds were raised through crowdfunding and from allegedly terrorist sources and used for profiteering, personal gain, and the advancement of secessionist-terrorist campaigns.

According to government officials, Maulavi Sarjan Barkati of South Kashmir “is known for mobilizing thousands onto the streets during the violent agitation through his inflammatory oratory.” According to additional sources, Sarjan Barkati, also known as the pied piper, “used to publicly call and incite youth to take to violence and pull down the Indian state in J&K.”.

Jammu & Kashmir Police said on Saturday that security personnel and militants had previously engaged in combat in Pulwama’s Mitrigam neighborhood.

‘Low MSP’ to farmers due to excessive supply of potatoes

March 11, 2023, 4:57 pm

Due to an excessive supply of potatoes, prices have fallen by half from a year earlier in several states, including Uttar Pradesh. The farmers are staring at a loss as the wholesale price has dipped below the production cost. As per some reports, the common variety of potatoes is priced at Rs 12–15 a kg, while the better variety is fetching Rs 18–19, which is half as compared to last year.

As per some reports, Uttar Pradesh, which is the largest producer of the potato crop, has witnessed a 15 percent increase in production in the latest crop season compared with a year earlier, when the state had produced 15.5 million metric tons of potatoes.

Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav on Saturday slammed the central government for offering low minimum support prices to the farmers, which would not cover the cost of production.

Taking to Twitter, the SP chief said, “Problems of potato-producing farmers in UP in a BJP government: Continuous increase in the cost of potatoes.” “It is also difficult to extract the cost due to the low price: not getting tokens for storage, spending nights outside in cold storage, continuous rejection of the demand for MSP by the BJP government; potatoes will change the government this time,” he added.

Meanwhile, Shivpal Singh Yadav said, “Government’s order to buy potatoes at the rate of Rs 650 per quintal… Not enough sir! This support price is a joke for a farmer who buys seeds at the rate of Rs 2,500 per quintal.”

Today, PM Modi addressed the “Rozgar Mela” event virtually

February 20, 2023, 8:58 am

On Monday, Pm modi virtually addressed Rozgar Mela via video conferencing. On the occasion of Dhanteras in the year 2022, rozgar mela was launched at the central level by the Prime Minister. This campaign was started to provide 10 lakh jobs at the central level of the government. Since then, the PM has addressed Rozgar. Melas of various states along with Maharashtra, Jammu and Kashmir and Gujarat. For online orientation, he also launched a Kamarayogi Prarambh module for new candidates in several government departments while distributing around 71,000 appointment letters to new candidates.