The UP government has introduced strict guidelines for implementing the Gangsters and Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act, mandating police to complete investigations within six months. Gang members will be barred from government jobs and schemes. Confiscation of assets is emphasized, prioritizing trials under the Act over others, reflecting a stringent stance on organized crime.
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Bihar CM Nitish Kumar assured Union home minister Amit Shah he would remain in the BJP-led NDA alliance, attributing prior departures to mistakes. Kumar highlighted developmental work under his leadership and criticized previous governments ahead of the state assembly elections.
British lawmaker Bob Blackman raised concerns in the House of Commons over an attack on India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar by Khalistani activists in London. The incident, described as an affront to democracy, led to calls for a statement from the Home Secretary on visitor safety. The UK Foreign Office condemned the attack, and the Metropolitan Police ensured Jaishankar's safety, making no arrests.
In celebration of International Women's Day, the Central Railways operates the Vande Bharat Express between CSMT and Shirdi with an all-women crew. This initiative includes loco pilots, train managers, and other staff, showcasing the efforts to empower women in the Indian Railways.
Congress leader Digvijaya Singh dismissed Union minister Jyotiraditya Scindia's remarks, calling him a "child." Singh noted his role in introducing Jyotiraditya's father, Madhavrao Scindia, to the Congress. The feud escalated after Singh demanded a probe into alleged corruption, which Scindia dismissed as targeting his family. The tensions trace back to the Congress government's collapse in 2020.
Prashant Kishor has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the Bihar government to resolve the demands of protesting students who were allegedly beaten during a demonstration over exam irregularities. He condemned the police action and warned of legal consequences if the students were harmed further. He stressed the importance of accountability and urged leaders to stand with the students.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's eighth Union Budget for 2025-26 included significant announcements for Bihar ahead of elections, sparking criticisms of political bias. Opposition leaders also pointed out the neglect of Andhra Pradesh and accused the government of ignoring vital welfare policies. Measures include new airports in Bihar, increased FDI in insurance, and initiatives for the marine sector.
Telangana CM Revanth Reddy praised the distribution of fine rice as a historic welfare scheme, stating it would feel like a daily festival for the poor. However, Union Minister Bandi Sanjay argued that PM Narendra Modi's photo should be displayed at ration shops, highlighting the Centre's significant contribution to the initiative.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has sought the President of India's approval to prosecute former Delhi minister Satyendar Jain under Section 218 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Suraksha Sanhita, 2023. This decision is based on evidence provided by the Enforcement Directorate, highlighting alleged financial irregularities linked to Jain.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar confirmed a bilateral trade agreement discussion with US Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, who is in the US. This follows President Donald Trump's announcement of reciprocal tariffs, citing unfair high tariffs from India and other nations. Trump emphasized equivalent tariffs to level the playing field.
India is finalising a $450 million deal to export BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to Indonesia, making it the second ASEAN country after the Philippines to purchase them. Discussions have advanced despite budget constraints. India is also looking to export Akash air defence missile systems to countries like the Philippines, Indonesia, and Vietnam amid China's aggressive actions in the Indo-Pacific.