Natioanal

New Delhi: Despite strong opposition protests, the Lok Sabha on Thursday passed the Viksit Bharat – G RAM G Bill, 2025, replacing the MNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act). Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan sharply criticized opposition parties during the proceedings. Opposition Protests and Disruptions The debate over the bill on Wednesday extended late into the night, with opposition members demanding that the legislation be referred to the Departmental Parliamentary Standing Committee for further scrutiny. Congress leader K.C. Venugopal renewed this demand on Thursday before the minister responded, but the Speaker rejected the request. During the discussions, some opposition members reportedly tore copies of the bill and threw papers in the...

New Delhi: The second joint military exercise between India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), named Desert Cyclone-2, commenced today in Abu Dhabi. Scheduled to run from December 18 to 30, the exercise involves 45 Indian soldiers, primarily from the Mechanized Infantry Regiment, alongside 53 soldiers from the UAE’s Mechanized Infantry Battalion. Training for Urban Warfare and Heliborne Operations Over the two-week exercise, troops from both countries will conduct operations in constructed urban environments, practicing heliborne operations including helicopter insertion into simulated terrorist zones, as well as rescue and relief drills. Strengthening Defence Cooperation According to the Ministry of Defence, the primary objective of Desert Cyclone-2 is to enhance coordination...

New Delhi: The Congress party has landed itself in hot water over 51 cartons of documents related to former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, which have not yet been returned. The central government has now directly questioned Congress leader Sonia Gandhi on why these papers, handed to the family in accordance with legal procedures, have not been returned to the Prime Minister Museum and Library (PMML). Shekhawat Demands Answers Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat criticized Congress and tweeted, “The 51 boxes of documents related to Jawaharlal Nehru were taken back by the Gandhi family from PMML (then NMML) in 2008. These documents were legally handed over to the family, and their records and catalogues exist at PMML. The key question is why these document...

New Delhi: BJP MP Kangana Ranaut has voiced strong criticism against opposition parties over disruptions in Parliament concerning the renaming of government schemes. The controversy centers on MGNREGA, now rebranded as “G RAM G” (G Vikas Bharat – Guarantee for Rural Employment and Livelihood Mission). Ranaut Targets Opposition Speaking on the issue, Kangana Ranaut said, “Parliament is being obstructed, which creates inconvenience for everyone. Several schemes have had their names changed in the past, including by the Congress party itself. Governments often update and improve schemes to introduce novelty and efficiency.” About the New Scheme Name MGNREGA has been officially renamed “G RAM G”, standing for “G Vikas Bharat – Guarantee for Employment and Livelihood Mission (Rural)...

Amid rising global pressure and the firm stance of U.S. President Donald Trump, India has officially taken over the chairmanship of BRICS from Brazil. The symbolic transfer underscores the commitment to sustainable development and mutual cooperation, signaling a new phase for the group with India at the helm. A Symbolic HandoverThe transition from Brazil to India was not merely ceremonial. Following the symbolic “steel hammer” from Russia in 2024, Brazil presented India with a gavel made from recycled Amazon rainforest wood, symbolizing sustainability and trust in India’s upcoming leadership. BRICS Sherpa Mauricio Lirio emphasized that this gesture reflects confidence in India’s approach and commitment to collaborative growth. India will formally assume BRICS chairmanship from 1 January...

Rising tensions between India and Bangladesh are raising serious concerns in New Delhi. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has summoned the Bangladeshi High Commissioner to lodge a formal protest over recent incidents targeting Indian missions in Dhaka. Here’s an analysis of the situation and its possible implications. Protests in Dhaka EscalateAs Bangladesh approaches its February 2026 elections, India-Bangladesh relations are witnessing increased strain. Once known for close ties, particularly under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the relationship has deteriorated in recent times. Demonstrations in Dhaka, including marches towards the Indian High Commission, have raised security concerns. During the protests, two Indian visa centers were temporarily closed for safety reasons. Who...

It seems the formula for winning elections in India has caught the attention of U.S. President Donald Trump. Ahead of the upcoming mid-term elections, Trump has decided to distribute “freebies” in America, mirroring tactics commonly used in Indian politics. Freebies for Service MembersIn a recent announcement, President Trump declared that 1.45 million U.S. service members will receive $1,776 each—approximately ₹1.6 lakh—just before Christmas. The initiative, named the “Warrior Dividend,” is reportedly funded from revenues generated through tariffs. Trump’s gesture aims to reduce financial pressure on military families and is being seen as a strategic pre-election move. Trump’s TimingThe timing of this announcement is significant. With mid-term elections scheduled for March 2026, Tru...

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Car Diplomacy” has once again captured global attention. Known for his distinctive approach to building personal relationships with world leaders, Modi’s style goes beyond protocol—it fosters trust, camaraderie, and deeper diplomatic connections. Recently, Jordan’s Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II personally drove PM Modi to the Jordan Museum, while Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali welcomed him at the airport and accompanied him to his hotel. These gestures underline the warmth and personal rapport Modi shares with international leaders. This is not Modi’s first ride in the vehicles of world leaders. Over the years, he has traveled in cars alongside prominent figures such as Russian President Vladimir Putin, former U.S. President Barack O...