Politics – Page 15 – SD NEWS agency

India-US Trade Deal Seals, Bangladesh Faces Competitive Pressure

3Feb

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Politics, world

India-US Trade Deal Seals, Bangladesh Faces Competitive Pressure

Dhaka/Washington: Following India’s landmark trade agreement with the European Union, India has now signed a trade deal with the United States, confirmed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. President Donald Trump. The agreement reduces the U.S. tariff on Indian goods from 50 percent to 18 percent, marking a major win for India and a potential setback for neighboring countries like Bangladesh and Pakistan. The deal comes as a double blow to these regional economies, which were already grappling with the India-EU trade agreement. Currently, the U.S. imposes tariffs of 20 percent on Bangladeshi products and 19 percent on Pakistani goods, making Indian exports more competitive under the new arrangement. Mohammad Yunus’ Earlier RemarksYou may recall how Mohammad Yunus, advisor to Ban...

Merger Between Two NCP Factions in Limbo, Sunil Tatkare Makes It Clear: ‘We Are Part of NDA’

3Feb

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Maharashtra, Politics, State

Merger Between Two NCP Factions in Limbo, Sunil Tatkare Makes It Clear: ‘We Are Part of NDA’

Mumbai: Speculation over a possible merger between Ajit Pawar’s NCP and Sharad Pawar’s NCP (SP) has hit a dead end. Maharashtra State President Sunil Tatkare of Ajit Pawar’s NCP clarified that his party is part of the NDA, while Sharad Pawar’s faction has instructed its leaders not to make any statements regarding a merger. Merger Talks Put on HoldSunil Tatkare said that anyone discussing a merger should first clarify whether they are personally in favor of it. He emphasized that Ajit Pawar’s NCP remains committed to the NDA alliance. On the other hand, Sharad Pawar’s leaders have been directed to avoid giving comments on merger talks and to speak only after consulting senior party leadership. Merger Rumors DismissedFollowing Ajit Pawar’s tragic death in a plane crash, reports emerge...

Who Will Become Mayor of Vasai-Virar? BJP Enters the Fray, Increasing Challenges for Hitendra Thakur

3Feb

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Maharashtra, Politics, State

Who Will Become Mayor of Vasai-Virar? BJP Enters the Fray, Increasing Challenges for Hitendra Thakur

Mumbai: In a surprising twist in the Vasai-Virar mayoral race, the BJP has made the contest more interesting ahead of the election. Despite a sweeping victory in the Maharashtra municipal elections overall, the BJP had fallen short in Vasai-Virar, where the Bahujan Vikas Aghadi (BVA) led by Hitendra Thakur had performed strongly. Now, BJP legislator Rajan Naik has officially thrown his hat in the ring, challenging Thakur in the mayoral election. With the vote scheduled for February 3, all eyes are on Vasai-Virar, as the contest promises a tight and dramatic showdown. Understanding the NumbersThe Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation has 29 wards, with a total of 115 seats contested by 547 candidates. The BVA secured a commanding 70 seats, while the BJP managed only 43. Congress and Shiv ...

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

3Feb

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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...

Budget 2026: CM Vishnudeo Sai Hails Centre’s Budget, Highlights Benefits for Chhattisgarh

3Feb

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Chhattisgarh, Politics, State

Budget 2026: CM Vishnudeo Sai Hails Centre’s Budget, Highlights Benefits for Chhattisgarh

Raipur, Chhattisgarh: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnudeo Sai praised the Union Budget 2026-27 presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Parliament on Sunday, calling it a historic document aimed at India’s golden and developed future. According to CM Sai, the budget will provide direct benefits to states like Chhattisgarh and foster inclusive growth across the country. The budget emphasizes three key objectives: accelerating economic growth and employment, meeting the expectations of the public, and ensuring the principle of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” (Collective Effort, Inclusive Growth). Boost to Farmers’ Income CM Sai highlighted that the budget includes several measures to increase farmers’ income and strengthen the rural economy. Initiatives include improving agr...

OBC-MBC Groups Raise Strong Voice Ahead of Rajasthan Panchayat and Urban Local Body Elections, Challenge BAP, BJP, and Congress

3Feb

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Politics, Rajasthan, State

OBC-MBC Groups Raise Strong Voice Ahead of Rajasthan Panchayat and Urban Local Body Elections, Challenge BAP, BJP, and Congress

Jaipur, Rajasthan: Just ahead of the Panchayat and urban local body elections scheduled for March-April, the OBC-MBC reservation issue has intensified in Rajasthan’s tribal belt. In districts such as Udaipur, Dungarpur, and Banswara, OBC and MBC organizations have put up posters calling for a complete boycott of the elections, claiming zero representation despite constituting around 25% of the population. The protesters have warned that unless they are granted 13% reservation without altering the ST quota, no political leader will be allowed to campaign in their villages. Roots of the Controversy Under the current reservation system in Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) areas, Scheduled Tribes (ST) receive 45%, Scheduled Castes (SC) 5%, and the remaining 50% is for the general category. OBC Ad...

Renowned Speaker Jaya Kishori Meets Rajasthan CM Bhajan Lal Sharma, Highlights Five Impressive Qualities

3Feb

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Politics, Rajasthan, State

Renowned Speaker Jaya Kishori Meets Rajasthan CM Bhajan Lal Sharma, Highlights Five Impressive Qualities

Jaipur, Rajasthan: Renowned storyteller and motivational speaker Jaya Kishori met with Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma on Monday. Following the meeting, she shared her impressions of the CM’s personality, vision, and leadership style, describing the encounter as both inspiring and positively surprising. Here are the five key qualities of CM Sharma, according to Jaya Kishori: 1. A Balanced Personality Beyond PoliticsJaya Kishori noted that while meetings with politicians often focus solely on politics, her interaction with CM Sharma went beyond this expectation. She observed a harmonious balance in his personality, blending political acumen with devotion, values, and cultural awareness. 2. Integration of Devotion, Culture, and ValuesThe speaker highlighted that CM Sharma...

Rajasthan Gets Record Railway Allocation; PM Modi to Inaugurate Redeveloped Jaisalmer Station Soon

3Feb

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Politics, Rajasthan, State

Rajasthan Gets Record Railway Allocation; PM Modi to Inaugurate Redeveloped Jaisalmer Station Soon

Jaipur, Rajasthan: Rajasthan has received a historic allocation of ₹10,228 crore in the 2026-27 Railway Budget, marking a significant boost for the state’s rail infrastructure. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the redeveloped Jaisalmer Railway Station in the coming weeks. Record Allocation and Ongoing Projects Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that the allocation for Rajasthan this year is nearly 15 times higher than what the state received during the Congress regime. Currently, multiple railway projects are underway in Rajasthan, with an estimated combined cost of ₹56,000 crore. Rail Electrification Near Completion Vaishnaw highlighted that railway electrification across Rajasthan is in its final stages, with only a few tracks pending completion. “As...

Rajasthan Panchayat Elections Likely to Be Announced in First Week of March; OBC Reservation Seats to Be Finalized Soon

3Feb

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Politics, Rajasthan, State

Rajasthan Panchayat Elections Likely to Be Announced in First Week of March; OBC Reservation Seats to Be Finalized Soon

Jaipur, Rajasthan: The long-awaited Panchayat elections in Rajasthan are likely to be announced in the first week of March, signaling the enforcement of the model code of conduct across the state. The State Election Commission is planning to conduct the elections in three phases, while preparations for the urban local body elections are underway for April. Speaking at the outgoing Sarpanch (Administrator) state convention held in Jaipur on Monday, State Election Commissioner Rajeshwar Singh confirmed that the elections will proceed as scheduled, irrespective of the timing of the OBC (political representation) commission’s report. The report, which will determine the allocation of OBC-reserved seats, is expected soon. Singh assured that once the report is received, the reservation of sea...

“Confidence is the Power That Makes Everything Possible”: PM Modi Elated Over U.S. Tariff Relief

3Feb

By sd newsNo Comments

Nation, Politics

“Confidence is the Power That Makes Everything Possible”: PM Modi Elated Over U.S. Tariff Relief

Following the India-U.S. trade deal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a verse from the Mahabharata on social media, highlighting the power of confidence as the nation celebrates a major economic breakthrough. The announcement comes after the U.S. reduced tariffs on Indian goods from 50% to 18% following direct talks between PM Modi and U.S. President Donald Trump. PM Modi’s Message of ConfidenceOn platform X, PM Modi wrote:"Confidence is the power by which everything becomes possible. The strength of our citizens will be instrumental in realizing the dream of a developed India."He also included the Sanskrit verse:"Śrīrmangalāt prabhavati prāgalbhyāt sampravardhate. Dākṣyāt tu kurute mūlaṃ saṃyamāt pratitiṣṭhati." Positive Impact of the Tariff ReductionThe agreement is expected to ...