External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar stated that India aims to reclaim Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) to fully resolve the Kashmir issue. In response, Omar Abdullah and Farooq Abdullah challenged the Centre, questioning why no action has been taken to reclaim PoK yet and the absence of discussion on China's controlled land.
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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.
US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, discussed the potential for strengthened ties between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President-elect Donald Trump. While unsure about Modi's invitation to Trump's swearing-in, he noted the leaders' strong camaraderie and anticipated future meetings to further the evolving India-US partnership.
A CAG report has identified major irregularities in Delhi's excise policy from 2017 to 2021, costing the exchequer Rs 2,027 crore. Key issues include unauthorized pricing discretion for liquor manufacturers, lack of quality control, and ignored expert recommendations, leading to political criticisms against the AAP government.
Tamil Nadu's governor criticized chief minister MK Stalin for calling his walkout 'childish,' after Ravi protested the omission of the National Anthem at the assembly's opening session. Stalin defended the state's tradition of playing the Tamil Anthem at the start and the National Anthem at the end.
State Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha urged 394 newly inducted sub inspectors, including 97 women, to work towards a crime-free Andhra Pradesh during a passing out parade in Anantapur. She emphasized prompt case resolution, women's and children's safety, and strict action against narcotics. The event saw participation from State DGP Harish Kumar Gupta and other officials.
Punjab minister Harpal Singh Cheema accused Congress of "backstabbing" AAP in Chandigarh mayoral polls by secretly aligning with BJP, leading to BJP's victory. Cheema alleged that this alliance also helped Congress secure deputy and senior deputy mayor posts. He warned Delhi voters against supporting Congress, claiming any vote for them benefits BJP.
BJP's Manohar Lal Khattar called Nehru's appointment as India's first PM 'accidental', suggesting Vallabhbhai Patel or BR Ambedkar were more deserving. Congress leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda retaliated, calling Khattar an 'accidental chief minister' and critiquing BJP's governance in Haryana for poor economic performance.
Canada’s Liberal Party revoked Indian-origin MP Chandra Arya’s bid for the party leadership and his nomination in his own constituency due to alleged ties with the Indian government, including undisclosed meetings with Indian officials. Arya denies these allegations and cites his opposition to the Khalistan movement as a possible reason.
India's tax policy has evolved significantly since the 1970s, when Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's government imposed a 97.5% income tax rate to promote economic equality. This policy led to massive tax evasion and a shrinking tax base, prompting reforms. By Budget 2025, a more progressive tax framework is anticipated, focusing on growth and taxpayer relief.
Road transport minister Nitin Gadkari criticized engineers, consultants, and contractors for neglecting road safety, citing faulty planning and poor signage as primary causes of accidents. He urged collaboration between the industry and government to improve infrastructure, enforcement, and education. Experts highlighted the aim of achieving zero fatalities through improved road design and management.