Opposition MPs in the Rajya Sabha critiqued the Union Budget, highlighting reduced allocations for minority welfare schemes and overlooking farmers, SC, and ST needs. They accused the government of neglecting the 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas' promise. MPs called for addressing inflation, unemployment, and the budget's insufficient support for marginalized communities and farmers.
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Lloyds Metals and Energy Limited allotted shares worth Rs 1,260 each at a nominal value of Rs 4 to its 6,000 workers in Maoist-affected Gadchiroli. The shares, distributed on tenure basis, make the workforce stakeholders in the company. The company plans to expand its steel plant operations significantly.
Kannada actor Ranya Rao was caught smuggling 14.2 kg gold at Bengaluru airport. Her father, DGP Ramachandra Rao, has been sent on 'compulsory leave' to avoid embarrassment. Three central agencies are investigating, with Rao's involvement denied by Ranya, who claims she was coerced into signing documents. The central agencies might summon Rao for questioning.
Two brothers from Baramulla district, Jammu and Kashmir, died after their truck, loaded with iron bars, plunged into a gorge in Ramban district late Thursday night. The accident occurred near Monkey Morh Battery-Chashma along the national highway. Rescue operations faced challenges due to difficult terrain and resumed on Friday morning.
An advisory committee advised strict penalties for men who proxy for elected women in gram panchayats. Recommendations include capacity-building for women leaders, reporting mechanisms for proxy cases, and leveraging technology for real-time support and monitoring of women's participation.
Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar highlighted concerns about misinformation and manipulation via social media during elections. He urged the creation of a plan where algorithms clarify rather than distort information. Kumar also called for big tech companies to implement measures to prevent fake content and emphasized judicial oversight and robust cyber defense mechanisms to protect the electoral process.
Renowned Hindi writer Vinod Kumar Shukla has been honored with the 59th Jnanpith Award. At 88, he becomes the first author from Chhattisgarh to receive this prestigious accolade. Shukla's notable works include 'Naukar Ki Kameez' and 'Deewar Mein Ek Khirkee Rahati Thi'. The Jnanpith Award includes a Rs 11 lakh cash prize and a Saraswati bronze statue.
Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah thanked PM Narendra Modi for facilitating timely elections and emphasised the importance of the newly inaugurated Z-Morh tunnel. He acknowledged the sacrifices of those who died in the terror attack on tunnel workers and highlighted Modi's efforts in addressing regional issues.
Arvind Kejriwal accuses the BJP of manipulating the voter list in the New Delhi assembly constituency by adding fake voter entries. He highlights an application for adding 33 votes at BJP candidate Parvesh Verma's residence and urges for strict action and disqualification if proven true. Kejriwal demands an urgent investigation by the Election Commission to maintain electoral integrity.
Tourists at Sela Pass in Arunachal Pradesh had a close call when a frozen lake they were on collapsed. Quick-thinking bystanders rescued them. Union minister Kiren Rijiju warned travelers of such dangers and urged precautions. The incident, caught on video, underscores the importance of proper preparation and experienced guides in winter tourism.
"Health experts have clarified that HMPV is not a new virus. It was first identified in 2001... HMPV spreads through the air and can affect people of all age groups. The virus spreads more during the winter and early spring months," Union Health Minister JP Nadda said.