Tuesday, April 7

Nation

Explainer: Understanding Parliamentary Rules 349, 358, and 389 Amid Rahul Gandhi–Amit Shah Lok Sabha Clash
Nation

Explainer: Understanding Parliamentary Rules 349, 358, and 389 Amid Rahul Gandhi–Amit Shah Lok Sabha Clash

New Delhi: The Budget Session of Parliament has witnessed repeated uproars, the latest triggered when Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi raised the China-Doklam issue in the Lok Sabha. During the discussion on the President’s address, Rahul Gandhi cited excerpts from former Army Chief General M.M. Naravane’s unpublished book, alleging that Chinese tanks had been stationed near the Indian border at Doklam. The ruling party immediately objected, and Speaker Om Birla stopped Rahul Gandhi from reading the excerpts, citing parliamentary procedure. During the heated exchange, Minister of Home Affairs Amit Shah also referenced Rules 349, 358, and 389, calling for action against the Leader of the Opposition. Here’s a breakdown of what these rules entail. Rule 349: Maintaining Decorum During P...
“Why Is the Leader of Opposition Not Allowed to Speak?” Rahul Gandhi Sparks Lok Sabha Uproar Over China Issue
Nation

“Why Is the Leader of Opposition Not Allowed to Speak?” Rahul Gandhi Sparks Lok Sabha Uproar Over China Issue

New Delhi: The Lok Sabha witnessed a fiery uproar on Tuesday as Congress leader Rahul Gandhi raised concerns over China and national security, highlighting tensions over parliamentary procedures. The chaos erupted shortly after the afternoon session began around 2 PM, when Rahul Gandhi referred to the book by former Army Chief General Manoj Naravane while discussing national security issues. He said, “I am raising the issue of national security,” prompting immediate objections from the ruling party. Opposition MPs protested, questioning why the Leader of the Opposition was not being allowed to speak. The parliamentary session was subsequently adjourned until 3 PM. Speaking to journalists, Rahul Gandhi also criticized the Modi government over the India-US trade deal. He claimed that P...
“Leave India if You Cannot Comply”: CJI Suryakant Slams WhatsApp Over Privacy Rights
Nation

“Leave India if You Cannot Comply”: CJI Suryakant Slams WhatsApp Over Privacy Rights

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday sharply reprimanded social media giant WhatsApp and its parent company Meta over concerns regarding data sharing and violations of citizens’ privacy rights. Chief Justice of India (CJI) Suryakant warned that if these companies cannot comply with Indian law, they are free to leave the country. The court emphasized that neither technology nor business processes can be used as an excuse to compromise citizens’ right to privacy. WhatsApp and Meta had approached the Supreme Court challenging last year’s decision by the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT). The apex court has directed the central government to be made a party in the matter and is expected to issue an interim order on February 9. “If You Cannot Follow the Constitution, Leav...
“Be it Trade or Ceasefire, Trump is Taking Decisions for India,” Congress Attacks Modi Government over US Trade Deal
Nation

“Be it Trade or Ceasefire, Trump is Taking Decisions for India,” Congress Attacks Modi Government over US Trade Deal

New Delhi: The Congress party has raised questions over the India-US trade deal, criticizing the Modi government for its handling of negotiations. In a post on its official X (formerly Twitter) account, Congress said, “Just like the ceasefire, the trade deal announcement is coming from Trump. It is being claimed that the deal is being done at the request of the government.” The party expressed concern that key announcements affecting India are being made by US President Donald Trump, calling the situation “regrettable.” Congress further stated that Trump has promised that India will reduce tariffs and non-tariff barriers for the US to zero, effectively opening the Indian market completely for American goods. “This will cause severe harm to Indian industries. Our traders and farmers are ...
CBI Launches ‘Operation Cystrike’, Busts International Digital Fraud Network; ₹60 Lakh and Incriminating Hardware Seized
Nation

CBI Launches ‘Operation Cystrike’, Busts International Digital Fraud Network; ₹60 Lakh and Incriminating Hardware Seized

New Delhi: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has cracked down on a sprawling international cyber-financial crime network under a coordinated crackdown titled Operation Cystrike. Conducted in collaboration with the FBI, Interpol, and law enforcement agencies from the United Kingdom, Kuwait, Ireland, and Singapore, the operation involved simultaneous raids across Delhi-NCR, Uttar Pradesh, and several other states. During the searches, investigators recovered ₹60 lakh in cash along with incriminating electronic hardware. The agency also froze multiple “mule accounts” allegedly used to route illicit funds. The operation was launched on January 30 following intelligence inputs shared by foreign agencies about ongoing cross-border cyber scams. A senior official said the syndicate w...
Indigenous Aircraft Carrier INS Vikrant to Feature in International Fleet Review, Showcasing Indian Navy’s Strength
Nation

Indigenous Aircraft Carrier INS Vikrant to Feature in International Fleet Review, Showcasing Indian Navy’s Strength

India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, will participate in the upcoming International Fleet Review (IFR), giving the world a firsthand look at the capabilities of the Indian Navy. Showcasing Naval Power During Operation Sindur, the Indian Navy maintained a forward presence in the Arabian Sea, effectively restricting Pakistan’s limited warships from venturing out of their harbors. Now, the IFR will allow global observers to witness the full strength of India’s carrier battle group. The Vikrant will be accompanied by submarines and 8–10 warships, including Nilgiri-class frigates, demonstrating India’s maritime operational readiness. President Draupadi Murmu to Review the Fleet The IFR is scheduled for 18 February at Visakhapatnam, where President Draupadi Murmu, ...
India Makes History: Signs Five Major Trade Deals in a Year, Accounting for Over 50% of Global GDP
Nation

India Makes History: Signs Five Major Trade Deals in a Year, Accounting for Over 50% of Global GDP

New Delhi: India has achieved a historic milestone in its economic history by signing five major trade deals in a single year, collectively accounting for over 50% of global GDP. The latest agreement with the United States marks a significant step in strengthening bilateral trade relations and comes after months of negotiation between the two countries. Historic India-US Trade DealThe U.S. President, Donald Trump, spoke with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and agreed to reduce tariffs on Indian goods from 25% to 18%. Additionally, the U.S. will lift the extra 25% tariff imposed on Russian oil imports, benefiting India’s trade landscape. The United States is India’s largest trading partner, accounting for around 20% of India’s total exports and 6.3% of imports in the 2025 fiscal year. The c...
Supreme Court Rules No Automatic Arrest Over Social Media Posts; Upholds Telangana High Court Guidelines
Nation

Supreme Court Rules No Automatic Arrest Over Social Media Posts; Upholds Telangana High Court Guidelines

New Delhi: The Supreme Court has delivered a significant ruling regarding social media posts, upholding the guidelines laid down by the Telangana High Court. The apex court clarified that posting content on social media will not automatically lead to arrest. Key Takeaways from the SC RulingThe Supreme Court emphasized that police cannot register cases against individuals for critical, objectionable, or political posts on social media without verifying the validity of the complaint and conducting a preliminary investigation. This decision offers relief to those who express dissent or critique the government or ruling party online, safeguarding their fundamental rights. According to the guidelines: Police must verify whether the complainant qualifies as a legally aggrieved party be...
BJP President Nitin Nabin Allotted Type-8 Government Bungalow, Formerly Shibu Soren’s Residence
Nation, Politics

BJP President Nitin Nabin Allotted Type-8 Government Bungalow, Formerly Shibu Soren’s Residence

New Delhi: The central government has allotted a Type-S government residence to Nitin Nabin, the national president of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). According to sources, he has been given the prestigious bungalow at 1 Motilal Nehru Marg in Lutyens’ Delhi, which was earlier the official residence of former Jharkhand Chief Minister and JMM leader Shibu Soren. Earlier, Nitin Nabin was offered the bungalow at 9 Sunheri Bagh Lane, but sources say he did not prefer that property. The allotment follows the Directorate of Estates rules, which allow national political party presidents who are not central ministers or MPs to be allotted government accommodation in the Type-S category. Facilities at the Type-8 BungalowThe Type-8 government bungalow is considered a high-grade official resid...
The Secret to a Long Life Unveiled: New Research Reveals the Role of DNA in Aging
Nation

The Secret to a Long Life Unveiled: New Research Reveals the Role of DNA in Aging

While we often wish our loved ones a long life, science shows that longevity is not just a matter of blessings—it’s deeply influenced by our genes. According to a groundbreaking new study, how long we live is determined not only by lifestyle choices but also by our genetic makeup. Genes Play a Key RoleThe research, published in the journal Science, suggests that nearly half of a person’s lifespan is influenced by genetics. This challenges the long-held belief that lifestyle and environment are the sole determinants of longevity. By analyzing data from Danish and Swedish centenarians and their twins born between 1870 and 1935, researchers found that once deaths caused by external factors like accidents and infections were excluded, about 55% of lifespan variation could be attributed t...