Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge criticized the Modi government, highlighting a decline in GDP growth from 7.8 per cent under the UPA to 5.8 per cent currently, questioning job creation prospects. He also condemned the government over farmer suicides, claiming 100,000 in the last decade, and demanded transparency on the Maha Kumbh stampede death toll. Kharge further criticized the falling value of the rupee, and was urged by Rajya Sabha chairman to provide evidence for his allegations.
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Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar denounced VIP culture in religious institutions, advocating for egalitarian practices. He also stressed the importance of dialogue in democracy, the need to lower political divisiveness, and urged corporates to support religious institutions through CSR for educational and infrastructural development.
The Department of Government Efficiency led by Elon Musk announced major spending cuts, including canceling $21 million for increasing voter turnout in India. Other cancellations include $29 million for political strengthening in Bangladesh and $40 million for a gender equality hub. These actions align with DOGE's mission to cut 'wasteful' spending, but have sparked controversy.
On the 99th birth anniversary of Shiv Sena founder, the Shiv Sena (UBT) demands the Bharat Ratna for Bal Thackeray, citing his contributions to Hindutva. Senior leader Sanjay Raut criticized the BJP-led government for neglecting Thackeray while honoring undeserving individuals and accused Prime Minister Modi and Amit Shah of hypocrisy regarding Thackeray's legacy.
Isro successfully completed its first satellite docking manoeuvre, marking a significant step for future missions like Chandrayaan-4 and India's space station. The manoeuvre involved two satellites uniting at an orbital altitude of around 475km. PM Modi and Union minister Jitendra Singh praised the achievement, highlighting its importance for India's space ambitions. The docking process included various stages and validations.
The parliamentary panel on transport has urged for CAG audits of highway project consultants' work, especially under the Bharatmala Pariyojna, to enhance accountability. It highlighted irregularities in the project reports and contractors' poor performances. The panel recommended stricter financial screening of contractors due to issues of financial capacity leading to stalled infrastructure projects.
Havaldar Baldev Singh, a veteran who fought in all three wars against Pakistan, passed away at the age of 93. Singh joined the Bal Sena Force at 16 and later served in the Indian Army for nearly 30 years. He was recalled from retirement for the 1971 war. Singh’s last rites were performed with military honours.
Tibetan protesters in New Delhi clashed with police as they marked the 66th anniversary of their uprising against China. Demonstrators in Dharamshala and New Delhi protested with anti-China slogans and Tibetan flags. The exiled Tibetan government accused China of denying human rights and erasing Tibetan identity. The Dalai Lama advocates for substantial autonomy and protection of Tibetan culture.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized focusing on improving infrastructure, amenities, and transportation networks in naturally growing urban zones. He suggests prioritizing vertical development over creating new cities to better manage growth and decongestion. The housing ministry aims to develop a framework for transit-oriented development while collaborating with states.
Three Indian space startups, Digantara, Pixxel, and XDLINX Spacelabs, are set for satellite launches via SpaceX’s Transporter-12 from Vandenberg Space Force Base. Pixxel will deploy satellites for its Firefly constellation, providing advanced hyper-spectral imaging. Digantara's satellite aims to enhance space traffic management. XDLINX will launch satellites developed for US-based Almagest Space Corporation.
Kiren Rijiju highlighted the support of Christian bodies for the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in the Rajya Sabha, citing the case of 600 Christian families from Munambam, Kerala, contesting the Waqf board's claim over their ancestral land. He emphasized the misuse of Waqf Act provisions, affecting ordinary people.