Category: Politics

  • Delhi Elections 2025 Announced: Parties Gear Up

    Delhi Elections 2025 Announced: Parties Gear Up

    1.55 crore voters to decide Delhi’s next government; voting on February 5; results to be declared on February 8.

    The Election Commission of India (ECI) has officially announced February 5 as the voting date for the 70-member Delhi Legislative Assembly, with results to be declared on February 8. The election process must be completed by February 10, ahead of the term’s end on February 23.

    Key dates include:

    • Gazette Notification Issue: January 10
    • Last Date for Nominations: January 17
    • Scrutiny of Nominations: January 18
    • Last Date for Withdrawal: January 20

    Speaking at a press conference at Vigyan Bhawan, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Gyanesh Kumar and Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, detailed the election logistics. Delhi’s 70 constituencies include 58 general and 12 reserved for Scheduled Castes, spanning 11 districts.

    Key Stats:

    • Total Voters: 1.55 crore
      • Male: 83.49 lakh
      • Female: 71.74 lakh
      • Young Voters: 25.89 lakh
    • Polling Stations: 13,033, including 70 each managed by women and PwD staff

    “Delhi’s voter base has grown significantly, with 1.67 lakh new voters added in just two months.”

    Tech-Enabled Elections:

    The CEC highlighted the introduction of the Saksham App for PwD voters, Home Voting for senior citizens, and CVIGIL for lodging complaints.

    Voter Growth:

    Delhi’s voter base has grown significantly, with 1.67 lakh new electors added since October 2024. The revised voter count now stands at 1,55,24,858. The ECI has cautioned against fraudulent submissions during voter registration.

    With a robust voter base and a well-planned election process, Delhi is gearing up for a high-stakes battle among political heavyweights.

    ALSO READ: India Hits $1 Trillion FDI Milestone

  • Trudeau Steps Down as Canadian Prime Minister Amid Controversies

    Trudeau Steps Down as Canadian Prime Minister Amid Controversies

    Trudeau Ends 11-Year Leadership, Confronting India and Domestic Challenges…reports Asian Lite News

    Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his resignation on Monday, ending an 11-year leadership role, including nine years as Prime Minister. His tenure has been marked by strained relations with India and domestic political challenges.

    Trudeau, 53, confirmed he would step down as the leader of the Liberal Party and Prime Minister once a new leader is elected. Speaking outside his official residence, he stated, “I intend to resign as party leader, as Prime Minister, after the party selects its next leader through a robust, nationwide, competitive process.”

    The House of Commons will be prorogued until March 24, preventing the opposition from forcing a no-confidence vote during this period. Trudeau’s decision follows mounting pressure from his party and declining public approval.

    Trudeau’s leadership faced significant challenges, notably his confrontation with India over the alleged involvement in the killing of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Accusations against Indian leaders were made without concrete evidence, leading to tensions between the two nations.

    Domestically, Trudeau struggled with growing unpopularity, partly due to his handling of issues related to Khalistanis and rising dissatisfaction with his government’s performance. His former ally, Jagmeet Singh, leader of the New Democratic Party, called for his resignation as support for the Liberal Party dwindled.

    Trudeau’s government faced criticism for its perceived mishandling of national security. A report by the Canadian Customs and Border Protection Service indicated 358 individuals on terror watch lists were apprehended attempting to cross into the U.S. from Canada in 2024, fueling concerns over lax policies.

    The resignation follows the ousting of Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, whose departure intensified calls for Trudeau to step down. Freeland, a popular figure, resigned citing differences in the direction for Canada’s future.

    Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre, who has criticized Trudeau for damaging Canada-India relations, is poised to capitalize on the Liberal Party’s instability. Poilievre labeled Trudeau’s leadership as “incompetent and unprofessional,” arguing it has strained Canada’s global relationships.

    As Trudeau exits, the Liberal Party faces the challenge of electing a new leader to stabilize the government. If no consensus is reached, early elections may be inevitable, potentially giving the Conservative Party an edge.

    Trudeau’s political legacy includes a mixture of early acclaim and later discontent, as rising living costs and concerns over crime affected his popularity. His approval rating plummeted to 22 percent, reflecting the nation’s disillusionment with his leadership.

    Despite his resignation, Trudeau expressed his ongoing commitment to Canada, stating, “I’m a fighter. Every bone in my body has always told me to fight because I care deeply about Canadians.”

    Trudeau’s resignation marks the end of a significant era in Canadian politics, as the country prepares for a potential shift in leadership and policy direction.

    ALSO READ-Trump Rekindles Proposal to Annex Canada Following Trudeau’s Resignation

  • US Congress Certifies Donald Trump’s 2024 Presidential Victory

    US Congress Certifies Donald Trump’s 2024 Presidential Victory

    Peaceful Certification Marks New Era Amid Reminders of Past Unrest…reports Asian Lite News

    The U.S. Congress officially certified President-elect Donald Trump’s victory in the November 2024 election on Monday, concluding a process that was marred by violence four years prior. The certification was presided over by Vice-President Kamala Harris, who oversaw the peaceful proceedings on a snowy day in Washington, D.C.

    “The whole number of the electors appointed to vote for President of the United States is 538; within that whole number, the majority is 270,” Harris declared, certifying the results. “The votes for President of the United States are as follows: Donald J. Trump of the State of Florida has received 312 votes. Kamala D. Harris of the State of California has received 226 votes.”

    In her concluding remarks, Harris affirmed the election results, noting that both Trump and Vice-President-elect J.D. Vance had received 312 electoral votes each. “This announcement of the state of the vote by the President of the Senate shall be deemed a sufficient declaration of the persons elected President and Vice-President of the United States each for a term beginning on the 20th day of January 2025,” she stated.

    The certification ceremony marked a stark contrast to the events of January 6, 2021, when Trump supporters stormed the Capitol in a violent attempt to overturn Joe Biden’s election victory. The insurrection resulted in the deaths of five people and left a lasting impact on American democracy.

    During his first transition, Trump broke from tradition by refusing to invite then-President-elect Biden to the White House and skipping the inauguration ceremony, opting instead to travel to Mar-a-Lago in Florida. This time, Trump has made no public acknowledgment of the certification process, focusing instead on criticizing the current administration’s policies on his social media platform, Truth Social.

    “Biden is doing everything possible to make the TRANSITION as difficult as possible, from Lawfare such as has never been seen before, to costly and ridiculous Executive Orders on the Green New Scam and other money-wasting Hoaxes,” Trump posted. “Fear not, these ‘Orders’ will all be terminated shortly, and we will become a Nation of Common Sense and Strength. MAGA!!!”

    President-elect Trump is set to be inaugurated on January 20, with President Biden indicating his intention to attend the ceremony, underscoring a commitment to a peaceful transition of power.

    ALSO READ-Trump Rekindles Proposal to Annex Canada Following Trudeau’s Resignation

  • Trump’s 2024 Pardon Plan for January 6 Rioters?

    Trump’s 2024 Pardon Plan for January 6 Rioters?

    The inauguration of Trump as US President is scheduled to take place on January 20…reports Asian Lite News

    Four years after the January 6 Capitol riots, attention has turned to the possibility that President-elect Donald Trump may issue pardons to many of the more than 1,500 individuals charged in connection with the attack, NBC News reported.

    The inauguration of Trump as US President is scheduled to take place on January 20.

    In an interview, Trump had pledged to prioritise relief for his supporters on his first day in office, criticising their treatment within what he described as a “corrupt” justice system and vowing quick action. Although, Trump hinted at exceptions for those he deemed “radical” or “crazy.”

    In an exclusive interview with NBC News’ “Meet the Press,” Trump said that on his first day in office, he will bring legal relief to the January 6 rioters who he said have been put through a “very nasty system.”
    “I’m going to be acting very quickly. First day. They have been in there for years, and they’re in a filthy, disgusting place that shouldn’t even be allowed to be open,” Trump added.

    Supporters of U.S. President Donald Trump gather near the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C., the United States, on Jan. 6, 2020. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)



    Trump further said that there “may be some exceptions” to his pardons “if somebody was radical, crazy.”

    On being asked about over 900 other people who had pleaded guilty in connection to the attack but weren’t accused of assaulting officers, Trump said, “I know the system. The system’s a very corrupt system. They say to a guy, ‘You’re going to go to jail for two years or for 30 years.’ And these guys are looking, their whole lives have been destroyed. For two years, they have been destroyed. But the system is a very nasty system,” NBC News reported.

    During his campaign events last year, Trump had frequently brought up the events of January 6, and denounced the 2020 elections that he lost.

    While addressing a rally in March 2024 near Ohio’s Dayton, he had announced to issue pardons for Trump supporting ‘hostages’ on the first day of his presidency. Referring to the people imprisoned in connection with the January 6 Capitol riots as hostages, Trump, in his opening remarks had said, “You see the spirit from the hostages. And that’s what they are — hostages.”

    In a post on social media platform Truth Social, Trump in March 2024 wrote, “”My first acts as your next President will be to Close the Border, DRILL, BABY, DRILL, and Free the January 6 Hostages being wrongfully imprisoned!”

    Notably, over 1,350 people were charged in nearly all 50 US States for crimes related to the breach of the US Capitol, according to the US Department of Justice, after rioters stormed the building to protest former President Trump’s election loss and the validity of Biden’s win.
    Of those, at least 560 defendants received sentences while at least 335 were sentenced to periods of incarceration, the DOJ had said. (ANI)

    ALSO READ: PM tells Trump to stand with Ukraine 

    ALSO READ: Trump threatens reciprocal tax on India 

  • No-confidence motion against V-P dismissed 

    No-confidence motion against V-P dismissed 

    At least 60 opposition members had signed the notice for removal of Dhankhar from his post on December 10, alleging that they did not have trust in him and that he was “biased”….reports Asian Lite news

    Rajya Sabha deputy chairman Harivansh on Thursday dismissed the impeachment notice given by the opposition seeking the removal of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar while ruling it as an act of impropriety, being severely flawed and drawn in haste to mar his reputation, sources said. 

    In his ruling, which was tabled in the House by Rajya Sabha secretary general P C Mody, the deputy chairman said the impeachment notice is part of a design to denigrate the nation’s constitutional institutions and malign the incumbent Vice President, the sources said. 

    At least 60 opposition members had signed the notice for removal of Dhankhar from his post on December 10, alleging that they did not have trust in him and that he was “biased”. 

    The deputy chairman ruled that the gravity of this “personally targeted” notice which is bereft of facts and aimed at securing publicity. 

    He also held that the notice was a “misadventure” in “deliberate trivialising and demeaning” of the high constitutional office of the Vice President of the largest democracy. 

    Worrisomely for the prestige of Parliament and its members, the notice is replete with assertions only to malign the incumbent Vice President, the deputy chairman ruled, the sources added. The deputy chairman was entrusted to deal with the notice after Chairman Dhankhar recused himself from it. 

    The notice, he remarked, appeared “casual and cavalier, wanting on every conceivable aspect,” casting doubts on its bona fides. “Worrisomely for the prestige of Parliament and its members, the notice is replete with assertions only to malign the incumbent Vice President asserting events from the time he assumed office in August 2022.” 

    Harivansh added that “subsequent events unfolding revealed it being a calculated unwholesome attempt to garnish publicity; run down the constitutional institution; insinuate the the personal image of the incumbent Vice President.” He cited a similar removal notice in September 2020 which was rejected by then-Chairman Venkaiah Naidu for procedural lapses under a provision similar to Article 67(b). 

    The ruling pointed to “orchestration of a coordinated media campaign” by the Congress and highlighted press conferences and social media posts by opposition leaders, including the Leader of Opposition (LoP), which Harivansh described as attempts to create a misleading narrative. “The gravity of this personally targeted notice bereft of facts and aimed at securing publicity makes its expose expedient, being misadventure in deliberate trivialising and demeaning of the high constitutional office of Vice President of the largest democracy,” it added. 

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  • Protests at Parliament gates banned 

    Protests at Parliament gates banned 

    The Speaker’s office stressed that the move is aimed at safeguarding the sanctity of Parliament and ensuring that its proceedings are not disrupted…reports Asian Lite News

    In a decisive move aimed at maintaining decorum and ensuring the smooth functioning of Parliament, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla Thursday issued strict instructions that no political party, Member of Parliament (MP), or groups of MPs will be allowed to hold any dharna (protest) or demonstration at the gates of Parliament House. 

    The directive explicitly prohibits such gatherings at any of the building’s gates. The Speaker’s office stressed that the move is aimed at safeguarding the sanctity of Parliament and ensuring that its proceedings are not disrupted. “No member, group of members, or political parties shall hold any dharna or demonstration at any of the gates of Parliament House,” sources said. 

    Earlier in the day, a controversy erupted after a heated confrontation between opposition and NDA MPs in the Parliament premises, allegedly triggered by an insult to BR Ambedkar.  The BJP alleged that two of its MPs, Pratap Chandra Sarangi from Balasore in Odisha and Mukesh Rajput from Farrukhabad in Uttar Pradesh, were injured after being allegedly pushed by Opposition MPs as both sides protested over the B R Ambedkar issue. BJP MP Pratap Chandra Sarangi claimed he was injured when Gandhi pushed a senior BJP member, leading to Sarangi falling. 

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi is said to have called up the two MPs, who were taken to RML Hospital, to enquire about their health. Rajput is said to be admitted in the ICU. 

    In response to the allegations, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, in a press conference, said, “We were peacefully protesting in a line, but they stopped us at the Makar Dwar gate. To show their muscle power, they brought many male MPs. We had our female MPs with us, and they were also stopped,” Kharge said. He added that BJP MPs forcefully attacked Congress leaders, causing him to lose his balance. “I’m in no condition to push anyone. I couldn’t handle my balance, and I sat down. Now they are alleging we pushed them,” he stated. 

    Speaking in Rajya Sabha, BJP MP from Nagaland S Phangnon Konyak alleged that Gandhi came in her “close proximity” and shouted at her during the protest outside the Parliament’s Makar Dwar which made her feel “extremely uncomfortable”. 

    In a letter to the Rajya Sabha chairman, she claimed that Rahul Gandhi along with other party MPs came in front of her despite there being a passage created for them by security personnel. 

    “He misbehaved with me in a loud voice and his physical proximity to me was so close that I being a lady member felt extremely uncomfortable… I belong to the ST community and I am a lady member. My dignity and self-esteem have been deeply hurt by LoP Shri Rahul Gandhi ji. Therefore, Hon’ble Chairman sir, I seek your protection,” she wrote. 

    Rahul Gandhi booked 

    The Delhi police on Thursday registered an FIR against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, hours after the Bharatiya Janata Party filed a complaint, accusing him of physical assault and incitement” during a scuffle in Parliament premises. 

    A police officer said that the FIR has been registered under sections 115 (voluntary causing hurt), 117 (voluntary causing grievous hurt), 125 (act of endangering life or personal safety of others), 131 (use of criminal force), 351 (criminal intimidation) and 3(5) (common intention) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. 

    The officer said police are likely to call Gandhi for questioning in connection with the case. The police will request the Lok Sabha Secretariat to provide the CCTV footage of the area where the alleged incident happened. 

    Another officer said all sections imposed against Gandhi are bailable, except section 117, punishment for which depends on the severity of the injury caused, ranging from seven years to life imprisonment. 

    After the incident, the BJP filed police complaint against Gandhi, accusing him of “physical assault and incitement” and sought his indictment under sections of attempt to murder and other charges. 

    Earlier in the day, BJP MP Hemang Joshi, accompanied by party colleagues Anurag Thakur and Bansuri Swaraj, visited the Parliament Street Police Station and filed the complaint. 

    The Congress strongly rejected the claim, alleging that BJP MPs pushed its chief Mallikarjun Kharge and “physically manhandled” Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi. Congress also lodged a complaint in connection the matter. 

    In his two-page complaint, BJP MP from Vadodara Hemang Joshi said, “At around 10, I along with Mukesh Rajput ji, Pratap Rao Sarangi ji and other large numbers of my fellow Members of Parliament belonging to the National Democratic Alliance, were peacefully demonstrating at the Makar Dwar entrance of Parliament.” 

    He said they were protesting against the “blatant misinformation being propagated by opposition parties, particularly led by the Indian National Congress.” 

    “During this peaceful demonstration, Rahul Gandhi, arrived at the scene around 10.40 am to 10.45 am. Despite request from Parliament security to take the designated entry path, Rahul Gandhi with a malicious intent to disrupt the protest and physically harm NDA Members of Parliament ignored the instructions and forcefully barged toward the peaceful demonstrators,” Joshi said in the complaint. 

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  • Labour In A Fix Over Waspi 

    Labour In A Fix Over Waspi 

    The Women Against State Pension Inequality (Waspi) campaign group say that 3.6 million women born in the 1950s were not properly informed of the rise in state pension age to bring them into line with men 

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer has defended the decision to reject compensation for women hit by changes to the state pension age, arguing that the taxpayer “simply can’t afford the tens of billions of pounds” in payments. He added that “90% of those impacted knew about the changes that were taking place”. 

    However, during Prime Minister’s Questions, Starmer was repeatedly pressed on the government’s decision, with one MP calling for a vote. The Women Against State Pension Inequality (Waspi) campaign group say that 3.6 million women born in the 1950s were not properly informed of the rise in state pension age to bring them into line with men. 

    In 1995, the government increased the pension age for women from 60 to 65, phasing in the change between 2010 and 2020. The coalition government of 2010 opted to speed up the process, bringing forward the qualifying age of 65 to 2018. 

    Waspi says many of the affected women had made financial plans based on the old state pension age and some retired before realising they could not claim their pension. The group been pushing for compensation, previously suggesting that some women should receive £10,000 each, at a cost of £36bn. 

    The current government’s decision not to award payments comes despite an independent government review in March which recommended compensation of between £1,000 and £2,950 for each of those affected. 

    Rebecca Hilsenrath, head of the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman, which wrote the review, told Times Radio that although the government had accepted that it had delayed writing to 1950s-born women by 28 months, and apologised, it had rejected paying compensation. 

    “What we don’t expect is for an acknowledgement to be made by a public body that it’s got it wrong but then refuse to make it right for those affected,” she said. Before this year’s general election, several senior Labour figures had backed the campaign and Sir Keir himself signed a pledge for “fair and fast compensation” in 2022. 

    In 2019, Angela Rayner, now the deputy prime minister, said, “They [the government] stole their pensions…we’ve said we’d right that injustice and within the five years of the Labour government we’ll compensate them for the money that they’ve lost.” 

    In the first Prime Minister’s Questions since the government announced they would not be providing compensation, veteran Labour MP Diane Abbott said the Waspi women had “fought one of the most sustained and passionate campaigns for justice that I can remember, year in, year out. Does the prime minister really understand how let down Waspi women feel today?” she asked. 

    Ian Byrne, an independent MP, said the women were owed compensation for the “injustice done to them” and urged the prime minister to hold a vote on the subject. 

    And Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said Labour had “played politics” with the group by previously supporting their campaign. “She [Rayner] promised to compensate them in full… now they admit we were right all along.” 

    Responding to the criticism, Starmer said the delays to telling women about pension changes were “unacceptable”. “I’m afraid to say that taxpayers simply can’t afford the tens of billions of pounds in compensation when the evidence shows that 90% of those impacted did know about it, that’s because of the state of our economy.” 

    Following PMQs, a No 10 spokesman said that since winning the election, the government had “had the chance” to look at the ombudsman’s report, which said the women “faced no direct financial loss as a result of the delays”. The government has said compensation could cost up to £10.5bn. 

    But De Spon said many Waspi women “didn’t know” about the pensions changes, and added that even to this day women were saying: “I never even received a letter, let alone when I received a letter.” 

    She added that former Conservative Chancellor George Osborne had saved more than £180bn by raising the state pension age and “boasted that it was easiest money he had ever saved”. 

    “We’re asking for a tiny fraction of that back as compensation for government failure,” she said. 

    The Waspi campaign also accused the prime minister of spreading “dangerous misinformation” by saying 90% of women had been aware of changes to the pension age. 

    “The fact that 90% of women had some general awareness of potential changes in the future does not mean they knew this would impact them personally,” said Waspi chair Angela Madden. 

    Diane Abbott is one of a small group of Labour MPs objecting to their leader’s approach. Kate Osborne and Emma Lewell-Buck have also publicly opposed the decision. The SNP is calling for a vote in Parliament on compensation. The party’s Westminster leader Stephen Flynn said: “Labour Party politicians posed with Waspi women before the election only to leave them high and dry when they got into government.” 

    Earlier, Conservative shadow business secretary Andrew Griffith also said the decision was “a betrayal”, adding that Cabinet ministers had “queued up, had their photo taken with Waspi women, talked about how they were going to remedy that injustice.” He said “we won’t know” whether a Conservative government would have paid compensation as they were voted out of government before making that decision. 

    The then Conservative-run Department of Work and Pensions told the ombudsman at the time of its report in March why it could not pay out. It cited “the costs involved, the time it would take, the amount of resource it would involve, and the negative impact delivering a remedy would have on it being able to maintain other services”. The Liberal Democrats had earlier said the stance “sets an extremely worrying precedent” in its rejection of the ombudsman’s findings. 

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  • Shah in a spot over Ambedkar comments 

    Shah in a spot over Ambedkar comments 

    Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, marched from Ambedkar’s statue within the Parliament complex to Parliament House raising slogans of ‘Jai Bhim’ and carrying photographs of the leader against Amit Shah’s statement …reports Asian Lite News

    Dressed in blue, a colour associated with B R Ambedkar, Opposition INDIA bloc members on Thursday took out a protest march in Parliament premises demanding the resignation of Home Minister Amit Shah for his remarks related to the architect of the Constitution. 

    BJP-led NDA parliamentarians also carried out a march within Parliament premises raising slogans and carrying placards demanding an apology from the opposition Congress for allegedly insulting Ambedkar. 

    Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, marched from Ambedkar’s statue within Parliament complex to Parliament House raising slogans of ‘Jai Bhim’ and carrying photographs of the leader. 

    A massive political row erupted on Wednesday as the Congress and other opposition parties launched an all-out attack on Shah for his remarks on Ambedkar and demanded his sacking, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other top BJP leaders rallied to his defence and said he has exposed Congress’ “anti-Ambedkar” stand. 

    ‘Shah’s remarks show old mentality of BJP’ 

    Babasaheb Ambedkar’s grandson Prakash Ambedkar alleged on Wednesday that Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s remarks on the father of the Constitution reflected the BJP’s “same old mentality”. 

    Several MPs of the INDIA bloc staged a protest in Parliament premises demanding Shah’s apology for his remarks on B R Ambedkar which they claimed were an insult to B R Ambedkar. 

    The Congress also demanded that Shah apologise publicly and in Parliament. 

    “Before the BJP came into existence, its forerunners Jan Sangh and RSS had opposed Babasaheb while the Constitution was being adopted,” Prakash Ambedkar, who heads Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi, told reporters in Pune. 

    He said Shah’s statement has brought the same old mentality of the BJP to the fore. 

    “There is nothing new in the statement. They are not able to execute their old plans. Not because of Congress, but because of Babasaheb Ambedkar and they will continue to sulk,” said Prakash Ambedkar. 

    Congress general secretary-in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh had shared a video snippet on X from Shah’s speech in Rajya Sabha. 

    “Abhi ek fashion ho gaya hai – Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar. Itna naam agar bhagwan ka lete to saat janmon tak swarg mil jata (It has become a fashion to say Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar’. 

    If they had taken God’s name so many times, they would have got a place in heaven),” Shah had said, taking a swipe at the opposition. 

    Prakash Ambedkar, meanwhile, demanded a Rs 1 crore compensation to the kin of Somnath Suryawanshi who allegedly died in judicial custody after he was arrested in connection with violence in Parbhani city over the desecration of the replica of the Constitution. 

    He said Shah’s remarks imply that one should revere God and not B R Ambedkar because revering the father of the Constitution means accepting the freedom of speech. 

    “Revering God is as good as accepting ‘manuwad’,” he said. 

    He accused MVA leaders of seeking votes in the name of Jyotiba Phule, Shahu Maharaj, and B R Ambedkar but did not bother to visit Parbhani. “The violence in Parbhani was an attempt to create a Godhra-like situation,” he alleged. 

    The violence was a fallout of a dispute between two Maratha leaders, he claimed and announced the formation of a fact-finding committee to expose perpetrators. He said the passage of bills to introduce the mechanism for simultaneous polls in Lok Sabha would mean the end of political parties. 

    “The Congress has only five to six days to take a concrete stand on the bills. The failure to take a stand and the passage of the bills means the end of political parties. Sharad Pawar led NCP’s stand will be crucial,” Prakash Ambedkar added. 

    The passage of the bill for synchronised polls will pave the way for dictatorship and dismantling the basic structure of parliamentary democracy, he alleged. 

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  • Trudeau’s troubles mount as finance minister quits 

    Trudeau’s troubles mount as finance minister quits 

    Freeland revealed that Canadian PM Justin Trudeau had offered her a different Cabinet position after deciding she would no longer serve as Finance Minister. …reports Asian Lite News

    Hours before the statement on Canada’s economy, Chrystia Freeland, Canada’s Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister announced her resignation from the Cabinet. Notably, Freeland was scheduled to present the 2024 Fall Economic Statement on Monday. 

    In a letter shared on her social media platform X, Freeland revealed that Canadian PM Justin Trudeau had offered her a different Cabinet position after deciding she would no longer serve as Finance Minister. 

    In the letter addressed to PM Trudeau, Freeland wrote, “It has been the honour of my life to serve in government, working for Canada and Canadians. We have accomplished a lot together. On Friday, you told me you no longer want me to serve as your Finance Minister and offered me another position in the Cabinet.” 

    “Upon reflection, I have concluded that the only honest and viable path is for me to resign from the Cabinet. To be effective, a Minister must speak on behalf of the Prime Minister and with his full confidence. In making your decision, you made clear that I no longer credibly enjoy that confidence and possess the authority that comes with it. For the past number of weeks, you and I have found ourselves at odds about the best path forward for Canada,” the letter added. 

    She further said that Canada faces a “grave challenge” from the United States’ “aggressive economic nationalism.” 

    The letter said, “Our country today faces a grave challenge. The incoming administration in the United States is pursuing a policy of aggressive economic nationalism, including a threat of 25 per cent tariffs. We need to take that threat extremely seriously. That means keeping our fiscal powder dry today, so we have the reserves we may need for a coming tariff war. That means eschewing costly political gimmicks, which we can ill afford and which make Canadians doubt that we recognize the gravity of the moment.” 

    “That means pushing back against ‘America First’ economic nationalism with a determined effort to fight for capital and investment and the jobs they bring. That means working in good faith and humility with the Premiers of the provinces and territories of our great and diverse country and building a true Team Canada response. I know Canadians would recognize and respect such an approach. They know when we are working for them, and they equally know when we are focused on ourselves. Inevitably, our time in government will come to an end. But how we deal with the threat our country currently faces will define us for a generation, and perhaps longer. Canada will win if we are strong, smart, and united,” the letter added. 

    She further wrote, “It is this conviction which has driven my strenuous efforts this fall to manage our spending in ways that will give us the flexibility we will need to meet the serious challenges presented by the United States.” 

    She further said that she will always be grateful for the chance to have served in the Canadian government. “I will always be proud of our government’s work for Canada and Canadians. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues as a Liberal Member of Parliament, and I am committed to running again for my seat in Toronto in the next federal election,” the letter said. 

    In a statement, she said, “Our government is focused on delivering fairness for every generation. We are building four million more homes, making life more affordable for all Canadians, and growing the economy to create more good jobs. And we are doing this in a fiscally responsible way. I look forward to presenting the next steps in our economic plan to deliver a good middle-class life for everyone.” 

    As Finance Minister, Freeland has been at the forefront of Canada’s response to various economic challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. She’s also been instrumental in shaping Canada’s climate strategy and implementing policies to promote economic growth and stability.  

    Trump takes dig at Trudeau  

    President-elect Donald Trump took a dig at the troubles in the Canadian ruling party after the resignation of Canadian Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland . In a post on Truth Social the President elect once again dubbed Candian PM Justin Trudeau as the Governor of Canada and said that Freeland’s behaviour had not been conducive towards making good decisions for the Canadian citizens. 

    In a post on his social media platform, Truth, Donald Trump wrote, “The Great State of Canada is stunned as the Finance Minister resigns, or was fired, from her position by Governor Justin Trudeau. Her behavior was totally toxic, and not at all conducive to making deals which are good for the very unhappy citizens of Canada. She will not be missed!!!” 

    The statement by Donald Trump comes after on Monday, hours before the statement on Canada’s economy, Chrystia Freeland announced her resignation from the Cabinet. Notably, Freeland was scheduled to present the 2024 Fall Economic Statement on Monday. (ANI) 

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  • NCERT cuts prices of textbooks for classes 9-12 by 20% 

    NCERT cuts prices of textbooks for classes 9-12 by 20% 

    Speaking at an event, Saklani said this is the first time that the price of textbooks has been significantly reduced. …reports Asian Lite News

    The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) on Monday announced a 20 per cent reduction in textbook prices for classes 9 to 12, effective from the upcoming academic year. 

    This was announced by NCERT Director Dinesh Prasad Saklani during an event here. 

    Speaking at an event, Saklani said this is the first time that the price of textbooks has been significantly reduced. 

    “This year, NCERT has brought in a lot of efficiency in paper procurement and also onboarded printers with the latest printing machines. NCERT has decided to pass on this benefit to the students of the country,” Saklani said. 

    “All textbooks of grades 9-12 for the next academic year shall be retailed by NCERT at 20 percent lower price than the existing price. This is unprecedented in the history of NCERT,” he added. 

    Meanwhile, the textbooks for grades 1-8 will continue to be retailed at Rs 65 per copy. 

    Saklani was speaking during the Bhumi Pujan for the construction of the auditorium at NCERT Headquarters. 

    The event was presided over by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. An MoU was signed between NCERT and Flipkart to widen the reach of NCERT textbooks during the event. 

    Every year, NCERT prints around 4-5 crore textbooks in around 300 titles. 

    NCERT has recently expanded its reach through partnerships with e-commerce platforms such as Amazon, further facilitating nationwide access to genuine textbooks. 

    Meanwhile, Union Minister for Education, Dharmendra Pradhan, performed the ‘bhoomi poojan’ for a new NCERT auditorium, which can accommodate approximately 900 persons. 

    The minister also presided over the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between NCERT and e-commerce marketplace, Flipkart to ensure the affordable and seamless availability of NCERT publications across the country, especially in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. 

    The minister also inaugurated the Google Learning Centre, which will facilitate the capacity building of teachers and educators on digital tools including AI. This state-of-the-art lab has been created for 40 people with adequate computers and networking facilities. Along with this, 200 YouTube channels have been created for simulcast of PMeVIDYA DTH TV Channels. The Minister also released NISTHA Integrated Teacher Training Modules, NISHTHA-ET, Kaushal and Edu-Leader. 

    Pradhan, while addressing the audience, stated that the signing of the MoU between NCERT and Flipkart will enhance the availability of NCERT textbooks, delivering them to learners’ doorsteps across the length and breadth of the country. He further emphasized that initiatives like the NISHTHA teachers’ training modules and the experiential learning centre by Google India will strengthen the capacities of teachers and empower both educators and students. 

    Pradhan highlighted that NCERT is Bharat’s pride and a cornerstone of the nation’s education system. He described it as not just an institution but a collective academic repository for the country. The Minister also noted that as NCERT transitions into a research university, it must aspire to become a melting pot, integrating content development, syllabus design, pedagogical approaches, innovative educational practices, teacher capacity building, and technology infusion under one roof. 

    Expressing his confidence in NCERT, Pradhan encouraged the institution to adopt and assimilate innovative and best educational practices from across the country to develop textbooks enriched with locally driven content. He underlined NCERT’s responsibility to prepare Bharat’s new generation–and those in other emerging economies–for 21st-century education and learning. 

    Aimed at democratizing access to education and complementing the Government of India’s mission to promote inclusive learning opportunities nationwide, this collaboration will facilitate the sale and distribution of NCERT publications through the online marketplace of Flipkart, ensuring greater accessibility through authorized sellers designated by NCERT. 

    Flipkart will ensure wider reach by making NCERT publications accessible to students and parents across urban and rural India, enabling last-mile connectivity through its platform. Additionally, Flipkart and NCERT will work together to guarantee the availability of authentic, high-quality content. 

    Rajneesh Kumar, in his address, said that by leveraging the technological expertise and extensive reach of the Company, the aim will be to bridge the gap in access to affordable educational materials, supporting the nation’s vision for an empowered and educated youth. 

    Sanjay Jain, in his speech, mentioned that the goal of the Google Centre is to support the vision of NEP 2020 of bridging the digital divide, providing equitable access to teachers and students across the country, and offering training in emerging digital skills like AI and ML. (ANI) 

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