India Political Highlights | J&K candidates to be decided at BJP’s Central Election Committee meeting in Delhi today

Centre approves Unified Pension Scheme, govt employees to get 50% of salary as pension

The Union Cabinet on Saturday approved an assured 50 per cent of salary as pension for 23 lakh government employees who joined service under the National Pension System (NPS).

Read more

'No Dalit, Adivasi in Miss India list, I checked,' says Rahul Gandhi

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday said he checked the list of former Miss India but found no Dalit, tribal, or OBC among the winners.

Gandhi made the remark during a 'Samvidhan Samman Sammelan' here, while pressing for a nationwide "caste census".

Read more

Dignity, resolution of Kashmir issue more important than seat-sharing agreement: Mehbooba Mufti

People's Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday criticised the National Conference (NC)-Congress alliance, asserting that her party's focus in the upcoming Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir would be on dignity and a permanent resolution of the region's issues rather than merely statehood or seat-sharing arrangements.

Read more

PM Modi to visit Maharashtra, Rajasthan today

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Jalgaon in Maharashtra on Sunday to felicitate 11 lakh new 'Lakhpati Didis' who achieved the mark during the third term of his government.

A statement on Saturday said Modi would also release a revolving fund of Rs 2,500 crore that would benefit about 48 lakh members of 4.3 lakh self-help groups (SHGs).

Source: PTI

Ambedkar followers will never forgive Congress: Mayawati

BSP supremo Mayawati took potshots at Congress and Samajwadi Party on Sunday for not honouring Babsaheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar during his lifetime and organising 'Samvidhan Samman Samaroh' now.

Manish Sisodia to pay obeisance at Shri Harmandir Sahib

Senior AAP leader Manish Sisodia will pay obeisance at Shri Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar on Sunday. He will be accompanied by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, said the Aam Aadmi Party.

Congress slams govt over 'unprecedented decline' in real wages

The Congress on Sunday claimed that a combination of slow wage growth and "back-breaking" inflation has caused an unprecedented decline in real wages and said that like the "proverbial ostrich", the government continues to remain blind to the most fundamental challenge faced by the Indian economy.

Rahul talking about Constitution akin to Satan teaching Gita, Quran: BJP

TMC MP Derek O'Brien writes to FM Sitharaman to review 18% GST on medical, life insurance

WATCH | BJP national president JP Nadda listens to PM Modi's monthly radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat'

'...2.5-3% of people will keep deciding fate of 96% people', says RJD's Manoj Kumar Jha on census

On the statement of Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding the census, RJD leader Manoj Kumar Jha said, "There has been no census after 2021. This has happened for the first time in this country. Why is it being stopped? There is concern, and doubt that in such a huge country, where the census did not stop even in the most difficult times."

"No rocket science is needed for this, but a column has to be added and the reality of the society will be revealed based on that column...If we do not want to achieve this, then obviously we want to maintain the same system that 2.5-3 per cent of people keep deciding the fate of 96 per cent of people," he added.

Source: ANI

‘U’ in UPS stands for Modi govt’s U turns: Kharge takes dig at Unified Pension Scheme's similarities with Old Pension Scheme

'Govt's don't select Miss India...' Rijiju hits back at Rahul's 'lesser representation of Dalits' remark

Rahul Gandhi needs treatment: Manoj Tiwari

On the Opposition's demand of a caste census, BJP MP Manoj Tiwari said "Rahul Gandhi needs treatment, his mental health check-up needs to be done. The most worrying is that he wants to know the caste of everyone but he doesn't want to reveal his. When it was asked to him, he said that he has been abused, then asking other people's caste would also be abuse."

He further added, "Since he was in habit of being in government, and since he is out of power, he is reacting as if a fish has been taken out of water."

Source: PTI

WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi hands over certificates to 'Lakhpati Didis' during programme in Jalgaon

People of Poland respect Maharashtrians a lot: PM Modi

Addressing the Lakhpati Didi Sammelan in Jalgaon, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that people of Poland respect Maharashtrians a lot.

"Yesterday, I returned from a trip abroad. I went to a European country, Poland. The people of Poland respect the people of Maharashtra a lot. There is a Kolhapur Memorial in the capital there. The people of Poland have built this memorial to honour the spirit of service and hospitality of the people of Kolhapur," he said.

He further added that during the Second World War, thousands of mothers and children from Poland were given shelter by the royal family of Kolhapur.

Source: ANI

'Strengthening laws to ensure stringent punishment for crimes against women,' says PM Modi in Maharashtra

Glad that Amit Shah mentioned our manifesto: Omar Abdullah

Ahead of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly polls, National Conference leader Omar Abdullah said, "I am grateful to the home minister that he mentioned our manifesto. After that, many other people read it. He only saw one paragraph, he also mentioned many things that we did not mention in manifesto. I read the manifesto again but I did not find them."

Source: PTI

Chirag Paswan has been re-elected as Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief for 5 years at its national executive meeting in Jharkhand

My govt did more for women in 10 years than was done since Independence: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said his government has done more for women in the last 10 years than was done by all the previous regimes since Independence. “Till 2014, less than Rs 25,000 crore loans were given to women self-help groups but in the last 10 years, Rs 9 lakh crore was given,” Modi said. After meeting with the Lakhpati Didis at Jalgaon, he released the Rs 2,500 crore revolving fund benefiting 48 lakh members of 4.3 lakh self-help groups. The Lakhpati Didi scheme is not only about boosting the income of women, but also about empowering future generations, Modi said.

Five AAP Councillors join BJP in the presence of Delhi BJP president Virendraa Sachdeva and BJP leader Ramvir Singh Bidhuri

After five AAP councillors joined BJP, the party's Delhi president, Virendraa Sachdeva, said: "AAP's corruption and them not doing any work, because of these reasons, these 5 people have joined BJP. They all have one intention only, the way PM Modi is giving direction to development and carrying everyone forward, we also want to work in Delhi for our people and we welcome such people."

No one will be forced to leave Bihar for a job of Rs 10,000-12,000. We have prepared blueprint for this: Jan Suraaj chief Prashant Kishor

Jan Suraaj chief Prashant Kishor promised more lucrative economic opportunities within Bihar and spear-heading a movement to give more women the chance to become leaders in the 'true sense' as part of his plan for a 'Jan Suraaj government' in the state.

He said, "In 2025, Jan Suraaj will contest on 243 seats and at least 40 women candidates will be nominated. We have also said that in 2030, 70-80 women will be made leaders from Jan Suraaj. This was not a meeting of the women's cell, it was an effort to make women leaders in the true sense. Till the time women do not get economic independence, their equal participation is not possible. The females should get loan on 4 pc for earning their livelihood. It should be given on government guarantee... In 2025, when the Jan Suraaj government is formed, then no one will be forced to leave Bihar for a job of Rs 10,000-12,000. We have prepared a complete blueprint for this."

Congress spokesperson Surendra Rajput slams BJP and the party's MP Kangana who alleged that rapes and murders took place during farmers' protests as she accused China and America of trying to create a 'Bangladesh-like' situation in India

PM Modi to inaugurate Subhadra Yojana in Odisha where a woman will get a total of Rs 50,000 in five years: Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan

If today Nitish Kumar joins Mahagathbandhan, Bihar will again start looking great to Tejashwi: Jan Suraaj chief Prashant Kishor

Getting various examples that the law and order system of Assam has become completely weak: Gaurav Gogoi on Assam minor girl's rape case

Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi said the incident showed the that Assam's law and order system was 'completely weak'. He said, "The society is angry and agitated because of the crime that happened with a minor girl in Nagaon. The minor girl is being treated in the hospital. I request the hospital staff and doctors to ensure that the girl is treated properly. In this difficult time, we are with her family and the people of Nagaon demand the harshest punishment against those criminals. Those criminals died due to various reasons. We are seeing that such incidents are happening again and again in Assam and I think that somewhere the Assam government will have to take responsibility for this because today women are not safe. We are getting various examples that the law and order system of Assam has become completely weak..."

President Droupadi Murmu sends citizens message on the eve of Janmashtami

Union Minister Chirag Paswan re-elected as the National President of Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas)

After rape of minor in Assam, CM Himanta releases chart to show incidences of rape going down in recent years

Assam CM Himanta launches attack on Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren about unemployment in state as polls loom near

"(Hemant Soren) promised at Nirmal Mahato’s shrine that you would give 5 lakh jobs to youth and if you could not fulfil that promise, then you would retire from politics. You can try as hard as possible till September and then tell us what your retirement day is," said Assam CM Himanta as BJP's Jharkhand in-charge. The state's assembly polls are slated for November–December 2024 to elect all 81 members of the Jharkhand Legislative Assembly.

PM Modi felicitated during Platinum Jubilee celebrations of Rajasthan High Court

The duration of service was increased from 20 to 25 years (in the Unified Pension Scheme), making the paramilitary ineligible for UPS. It needs to be brought back to 20 years: AAP MP Sanjay Singh

PM Modi brings up Constitution's 75th year of existence during Rajasthan High Court's platinum jubilee event, refers to Independence Day remark on 'secular civil code'

“Rajasthan High Court is completing its 75 years at a time when our Constitution is also going to complete 75 years. It is an occasion to celebrate many people’s sacrifices and an example of our faith. I congratulate the people of Rajasthan,” said PM Modi while addressing platinum jubilee celebrations of Rajasthan High Court in Jodhpur.

He added, "In the past one decade, our country has undergone fast changes. We have become the fifth largest economy in the world. It is essential that we carry out innovations according to the new India and modernise our facilities. This is also important for ‘Justice for All’. Today, more than 18,000 courses have been computerised. There are more than 3,000 court complexes and 1,200 jails are now connected by video conferencing. I am happy that Rajasthan is also working towards this.”

PM Modi also referred to his Independence Day remark on 'secular civil code', claiming that the judiciary has been advocating this for decades. He also emphasised that it was the "collective responsibility" of Indians to simplify our laws to "make them clear".

Yogi Adityanath lauds Lakhpati Didi scheme and 'respected' PM Modi on handing scheme's certificate to 11 lakh sisters in Maharashtra, hopes the same for 'new' UP.

“Self-reliant and empowered women power is the resolve of the double engine government and the basis of building a developed India. The certificate of 'Lakhpati Didi' given to 11 lakh sisters in Maharashtra today by the hands of respected Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji is an extension of that resolve. With the inspiration of the Prime Minister, the 'new Uttar Pradesh' of the 'new India' is also fully committed to making its women power #LakhpatiDidi," posts Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath.

Maharashtra cabinet has approved the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) which was passed by Union cabinet yesterday

Aam Aadmi Party announces first list of seven candidates for Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Election

Aam Aadmi Party also released the list of star campaigners for the Jammu & Kashmir assembly elections. The list of 40 campaigners includes names of AAP National convener Arvind Kejriwal, wife Sunita Kejriwal, Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann, party leader Manish Sisodia, AAP Ministers Atishi, Sanjay Singh, Gopal Rai, MP Raghav Chadha among others.

BJP leaders start arriving for BJP’s Central Election Committee meeting at party headquarters in Delhi

'First, fulfil your promises. We will give employment if you give us Rs 1.36 lakh crore now': JMM leader Supriyo Bhattacharya over Assam CM Himanta wanting Hemant Soren to resign 'for failing to fulfil promise' to provide jobs

An irate Supriyo Bhattacharya, JMM leader, said, "Jharkhand has been made with a lot of sacrifices and hardwork of people. We will take it forward with our hardwork only not with your suggestion… You created tough situations for us through your political conspiracies and investigation agencies. We will give employment if you give us Rs 1.36 lakh crore now. First, fulfil your promises."

Special team formed to probe atrocities faced by women in cinema industry: Kerala govt

"All of a sudden his conversation turned sexual and by the time I realized it was a trap, the door was locked": Actress Revathy Sampath details actor Siddique's sexual assault

Actress Revathy Sampath has detailed the circumstances under which actor Siddique took adavantage of her. She said, "I got in contact with actor Siddique during my 10+2 time. He used to message me from an account that looked fake and he was in contact with me for 2 years and used to address me as ‘daughter’. He got to know that I am interested in acting and he is a criminal and he must have planned everything. First, he invited me to watch a preview, I used to call him Siddique uncle. My parents and I went to watch preview but later I told my parents to leave and that I would come after the discussion (for movie). Everything looked professional at first…after some discussion, all of a sudden his conversation turned sexual and by the time I realized it was a trap, the door was locked…I was helpless and I was scared…he physically assaulted me without my consent. I was numb…he even went for a press conference while I was locked. I tried to escape, call somebody but nothing worked…he came back and (sexually) assaulted me…he also threatened me that even if I spoke out about the assault, nobody was going to believe me and I am nothing and I would never be an actor. He told me that he could cast me for various movies but for every opportunity I would have to sleep with him and this is how everyone has come…when I got a chance I escaped and I just wanted to go home…I was mentally disturbed after that...I went through a lot. I lost my self-esteem and I blamed myself, I felt I did something wrong. I was given names like ‘troublemaker’ and ‘attention seeker’…"

Chhattisgarh Youth Congress holds ‘jail bharo’ andolan in Raipur against Chhattisgarh government over Satnami community issue

J&K candidates to be decided at BJP’s Central Election Committee meeting in Delhi today

The BJP Central Election Committee meeting is currently underway at the party headquarters, ahead of J&K assembly polls.

Seat-sharing formula for Mumbai's 36 assembly constituencies '99 pc finalised': Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut

PM Modi leaves party HQ after attending BJP Central Election Committee meeting