Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman responded to Jaya Bachchan’s criticism, clarifying that entertainment tax falls under state jurisdiction. She highlighted GST reductions on movie tickets and detailed government initiatives supporting the film industry, including hosting WAVES 2025 and establishing a National Centre for Excellence for Animation and Visual Effects.
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Amid the Israel-Hamas conflict, Indian workers are now the majority in Israel's construction sector, replacing Palestinian laborers. Attracted by high earnings, around 16,000 Indians have come over the past year, with plans for more. Despite regional tensions, workers like Raju Nishad continue their tasks, driven by future investments and family support.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India arrived in France for a two-day visit, greeted by French President Emmanuel Macron. PM Modi met US Vice President JD Vance and congratulated him on his electoral victory. Both leaders will co-chair the AI Action Summit in Paris. PM Modi will also launch India's first consulate in Marseille before heading to the United States.
The UGC's draft guidelines on faculty recruitment and promotions have sparked political conflict between states like Tamil Nadu and Kerala, who claim increased control for governors in Vice Chancellor appointments undermines state power in higher education. The Centre counters this by stating the process remains unchanged from prior regulations.
US President Donald Trump announced a plan for 'reciprocal tariffs' on both allies and rivals before meeting PM Modi. The tariffs aim to address unfair trade practices and trade deficits, with emerging markets like India and Thailand potentially facing significant impacts. The plan also includes non-tariff considerations such as VAT.
Union home minister Amit Shah said he spoke with Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami regarding the rescue of 57 workers trapped in Mana village after an avalanche in Chamoli. He also consulted ITBP and NDRF officials, emphasizing that rescuing those trapped is the top priority. Shah assured that all necessary measures are being taken, with the local administration fully engaged and two NDRF teams en route to assist in the operations.
Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar asserts that the updation of electoral rolls in Delhi follows strict protocols ensuring transparency and accountability. He rejects allegations of tampering, stating deletions require documentation and field verification, and political parties are consulted at all stages, emphasizing the integrity of the process.
About 6.21 lakh applications have been received for 1.27 lakh internships under the Prime Minister's Internship Scheme, with the selection process ongoing. The scheme aims to provide 1 crore internships in top-500 companies over five years. Interns receive a monthly financial assistance of Rs 5,000 and a one-time grant of Rs 6,000.
Priyanka Gandhi led a rally in Belagavi, criticizing the BJP and RSS for allegedly insulting the Constitution and its architect B.R. Ambedkar. She accused the Centre of anti-Constitutional and anti-poor policies, referencing Amit Shah’s remarks in Parliament. Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge condemned BJP for creating divisions and troubling Dalits and backward communities.
SP MLA Rafiq Ansari was acquitted in a 1995 riot and arson case by the MP-MLA court due to lack of evidence. The case involved allegations of rioting and arson during a protest against slaughtered animals. Ansari faced multiple warrants and was detained for nearly 50 days, but all co-accused were previously acquitted.
A 21-year-old woman from Muzaffarnagar was gang-raped, murdered, and set on fire by her brother-in-law. He took a Rs 40,000 bank loan to hire two killers for the crime. The victim’s remains were identified through partially-burnt belongings. The brother-in-law, involved in an illicit relationship with her, was arrested, while two accomplices are on the run.