The Lok Sabha has approved additional government spending of Rs 51,463 crore for the current financial year, primarily for repaying high-cost debt and providing financial aid to Manipur. This includes provisions for Manipur's 2025-26 budget, with estimated receipts at Rs 35,368 crore and expenditures at Rs 35,104 crore.
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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.
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor condemned Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane's derogatory remarks on EVMs, emphasizing that targeting any community is wrong and everyone is an equal citizen. Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader Brinda Karat also criticized Rane, calling for his arrest and removal from his post for making communal statements that undermine the Constitution.
In 2024, 13 people were arrested in connection with hoax bomb threats to airlines, according to the Indian government. A total of 728 bomb threats were reported, with 714 targeting domestic carriers. IndiGo received the highest number of threats (216), followed by Air India (179) and Vistara (153). The civil aviation ministry emphasized the implementation of strict security protocols by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) to handle such threats effectively.
A seven-year-old girl was killed and her aunt injured in an IED blast planted by Maoists while collecting firewood in Saranda Forest, Jharkhand. Despite efforts to save her, the girl succumbed to injuries at a local health centre. Security forces later recovered four IEDs in nearby forest areas.
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.
In the ongoing row over stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra's recent remarks, several political figures, including Samajwadi Party (SP) MP Jaya Bachchan, have come forward to defend the comedian's freedom of expression, and criticized the actions of those who vandalized the Mumbai venue where his show was filmed.
Union Minister Chirag Paswan has questioned Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind's decision to boycott his party's Iftaar gathering, urging them to reconsider their stance. He highlighted his father's efforts to support a Muslim candidate for Bihar’s chief ministership and criticised Nitish Kumar for rising crime and broken promises to protect minorities.
Mallikarjun Kharge accuses BJP governments of discrimination against deprived sections, citing recent cases of Dalit and tribal abuse in BJP-ruled states. He highlights instances of violence and neglect and condemns such acts under the Modi government, pledging Congress's opposition to these actions.
On National Girl Child Day, Congress leaders Priyanka Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, along with PM Narendra Modi, emphasized the importance of empowering girls and ensuring equality. Priyanka highlighted women as symbols of strength and progress, quoting Dr Ambedkar. PM Modi reaffirmed the government's efforts in education, technology, and healthcare to empower girls. Rahul stressed the responsibility to secure a bright future for daughters. The day, initiated in 2008, underscores the significance of... Expand
Jammu and Kashmir Assembly approved Rs 7,019.18 crore for key departments, targeting infrastructure expansion, job creation, and industrial growth. Deputy CM Choudhary highlighted initiatives like PMGSY, CRIF projects, startup support, and measures to curb illegal mining. The government aims to augment governance, digital reforms, and modernise vocational training, fostering overall regional economic development.