Menu
Search
Home Blog

Opposition Marches Out of Rajya Sabha Over Rejection of Discussions on Voter ID

By
Dhruv
-
0
Rajya Sabha
Rajya Sabha

Opposition parties, including the Congress and the TMC, staged a walkout from the Rajya Sabha on Monday after their request for a discussion on the Election Commission’s alleged lapses in issuing multiple duplicate voter ID cards and delimitation was denied.

MPs from the Trinamool Congress, Congress, and Left parties had submitted notices under Rule 267, which allows the suspension of scheduled business to discuss urgent matters. However, Deputy Chairman Harivansh rejected the notices, stating they did not conform to the chair’s rulings on such submissions.

While TMC and Congress MPs sought a debate on the alleged issuance of duplicate voter ID cards, Tamil parties raised concerns about the potential impact of the upcoming delimitation exercise on southern states. Opposition members protested, chanting slogans and demanding a discussion, but walked out after Harivansh reiterated that their notices had not been accepted and their statements would not be recorded.

A total of 10 MPs had submitted notices under Rule 267. Among them, TMC’s Sukhendu Sekhar Roy, Mausam B Noo, and Sushmita Dev, along with Congress’s Pramod Tiwari, called for a discussion on the Election Commission’s alleged lapses in issuing duplicate Electronic Electoral Photo Identity Cards across states.

DMK’s P. Wilson and CPM’s V. Sivadasan sought a debate on the implications of the upcoming delimitation process on southern states. Meanwhile, BJP’s Samik Bhattacharya raised concerns over rising atrocities against SCs, STs, and OBCs in West Bengal. CPI’s P. Santhosh Kumar sought to discuss the impact of Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio’s deal with Elon Musk’s Starlink for satellite broadband services in India.

Additionally, AAP’s Sanjay Singh called for a debate on rising crime and the deteriorating law-and-order situation in Delhi, while IUML’s Haris Beeran highlighted concerns over increasing drug addiction among youth and students in Kerala.

BJP Wants Arrest of Mahatma Gandhi’s Great-Grandson Over Comments Against Party

By
Dhruv
-
0
Tushar Gandhi
Tushar Gandhi's new comments on BJP.

Tushar Gandhi, great-grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, stated on Friday that he would neither retract nor apologize for his recent remarks against the RSS and BJP, despite demands from the two organizations for his arrest.

During the unveiling of a statue of the late Gandhian P. Gopinathan Nair in Neyyattinkara, Thiruvananthapuram, Gandhi described the BJP and RSS as “dangerous and insidious enemies” that have infiltrated Kerala. He also referred to the RSS as “poison,” prompting BJP-RSS workers to protest by shouting slogans and blocking his vehicle.

Speaking at an event in Aluva near Kochi on Friday, Gandhi reiterated that he stands by his words and refuses to retract or apologize.

“This incident has only strengthened my resolve to continue exposing traitors. This fight is even more crucial than the freedom struggle. We now have a common enemy—the Sangh—and they must be exposed,” he said.

He further expressed concerns that “the descendants of my great-grandfather’s murderers” might fire bullets at Mahatma Gandhi’s statue, as they are “accustomed to doing.”

In response, the BJP accused him of exploiting his lineage for personal gain. Former Union Minister and BJP leader V. Muraleedharan alleged that Tushar Gandhi has been attempting to “monetize” Mahatma Gandhi’s name for years.

During a BJP protest in Neyyattinkara, Muraleedharan suggested that those who invited Tushar Gandhi for the statue unveiling may not have been aware of his views. He argued that bearing the Gandhi surname does not automatically entitle him to the same respect as the Father of the Nation.

The BJP demanded his arrest, filing a complaint against him. Muraleedharan also criticized the Pinarayi Vijayan-led Kerala government for arresting five RSS-BJP workers the previous day for raising slogans against Tushar Gandhi.

A case was registered against the five individuals under Sections 189(2), 191(2), 190, and 126(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) on charges of unlawful assembly, rioting, and wrongful restraint.

According to the police, a small group, allegedly affiliated with the Sangh Parivar, protested against Tushar Gandhi at the conclusion of the Neyyattinkara event on Wednesday evening.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan strongly condemned the “Sangh Parivar attack” on Gandhi, asserting that any attempt to suppress freedom of expression would not be tolerated in a democratic society.

Indian Wrestling is Facing a Revival After Years of Chaos

By
Dhruv
-
0
Indian Wrestling.
Policies to revive Indian wrestling.

A day after the union sports ministry lifted the suspension on the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), efforts to rejuvenate the sport began. WFI’s primary focus is on re-establishing a structured domestic calendar, resuming national training camps, and sending teams for international tournaments and exposure trips.

On Wednesday, WFI removed the selection criteria for trials ahead of the Asian Wrestling Championships, allowing medallists from all major international events to compete. The trials are scheduled for Saturday.

Wrestlers from the Railways Sports Promotion Board (RSPB) were unable to participate in this year’s senior nationals in Bengaluru due to WFI’s suspension. “Many of our top wrestlers have expressed their desire to compete. Medallists from the World Championships (senior and junior), Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and Paris Olympians are eligible for the trials. Given the numerous missed competitions, we want to ensure no one is left out,” said a WFI official.

Among those competing are Paris Olympics medallist Aman Sehrawat, as well as Olympians Deepak Punia, Antim Panghal, and Reetika Hooda. These trials will also determine national campers (four per weight category), marking the first national camps in nearly two years. Due to the prolonged suspension, wrestlers had been training individually, hoping for a resolution. India’s absence from two ranking series events in Croatia and Albania earlier this year, along with six missed tournaments overall, underscored the urgency of lifting the suspension.

Paris Olympian and U23 World medallist Reetika Hooda expressed relief over the development. “The situation was grim, and our future felt uncertain. Now, there is celebration in our akhada,” she told HT.

She highlighted how the lack of national camps affected young wrestlers. “Many young athletes and their parents considered quitting the sport. Camps provide exposure to different training partners, superior facilities, and discipline, which are crucial for international success,” she added.

The last two years have seen a drastic reduction in national competitions. In 2022, WFI organized 18 domestic tournaments, including five National Championships (Senior, U15, U17, U20, and U23), as well as Federation Cups, Open Ranking Nationals, and Grand Prix events. However, in 2023, only five tournaments took place, with separate senior nationals conducted by WFI and the IOA’s ad hoc committee.

To restore competitive momentum, WFI plans to restart the domestic calendar in April, ensuring young wrestlers gain the necessary international exposure. The governance crisis has severely impacted emerging talent in a sport that has consistently won India Olympic medals since Beijing 2008.

EU Puts Counter Tariffs on US After Trump’s Duties on Aluminum and Steel Active

By
Dhruv
-
0
EU President
EU President moves with new duties.

The European Union announced on Wednesday that it would impose retaliatory tariffs on US imports in response to Donald Trump’s decision to implement a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum imports.

The EU’s countermeasures, effective from April 1, target a range of industrial and agricultural products. The tariffs will apply to US goods worth approximately 26 billion euros ($28 billion), including steel, aluminum, textiles, home appliances, and agricultural products.

“As the US is imposing tariffs worth $28 billion, we are responding with countermeasures valued at 26 billion euros,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated, according to the Associated Press. The European Commission, which oversees trade policy for the 27-member bloc, manages such disputes on their behalf.

Von der Leyen emphasized the EU’s openness to negotiation, stating, “We firmly believe that, in a world facing geopolitical and economic uncertainties, burdening our economies with tariffs is not in our common interest.”

In addition to steel and aluminum, the EU’s tariffs will affect a wide range of US exports, including textiles, leather goods, home appliances, household tools, plastics, and wood. Agricultural products such as poultry, beef, seafood, nuts, eggs, sugar, and vegetables will also be impacted.

The EU had anticipated the US tariffs and prepared countermeasures in advance. However, the trade dispute further strains transatlantic relations, which have already been tense. Just last month, Washington warned Europe that it would need to take greater responsibility for its own security in the future.

Trump Defends Tariffs, Von der Leyen Calls Them ‘Bad for Business’

While former US President Donald Trump argued that the tariffs would boost domestic manufacturing jobs, von der Leyen warned that they would instead put jobs at risk and drive up prices on both sides of the Atlantic.

“We deeply regret this measure. Tariffs are taxes. They are bad for business and even worse for consumers. These tariffs are disrupting supply chains and creating economic uncertainty,” she said.

This is not the first time Trump has imposed such tariffs. During his first term, he implemented similar duties on EU steel and aluminum, sparking European retaliation. At the time, the EU responded by raising tariffs on American-made motorcycles, bourbon, peanut butter, and jeans, among other products.

Trade Relations Between the US and EU

The EU estimates that trade between the two economies amounts to approximately $1.5 trillion annually, accounting for about 30% of global trade. While the EU maintains a trade surplus in goods, it argues that this is partially offset by the US surplus in services.

In 2023, the EU reported trade in goods worth 851 billion euros ($878 billion), with a 156 billion euro ($161 billion) surplus. Meanwhile, trade in services totaled 688 billion euros ($710 billion), with the EU running a 104 billion euro ($107 billion) deficit.

Rajasthan Governor States That Rapists Should be Sterilized like Dogs

By
Dhruv
-
0
Rajasthan governor
Rajasthan governor on rapists.

Bharatpur – Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Kisanrao Bagade on Monday advocated for strict and immediate punishment for rape accused, suggesting they should be beaten on the spot and sterilized like stray dogs.

Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony of the Bharatpur Bar Council at Mahatma Gandhi Veterinary College, Bagade remarked, “Despite numerous laws and punishments, criminals continue to act without fear. Rapists should be caught immediately and punished by the public. When the population of stray dogs becomes uncontrollable, municipalities sterilize them. Similarly, rapists should also be sterilized.”

He also condemned bystanders who record such crimes instead of helping the victims. “Women are molested and raped in public, yet people hesitate to intervene. Instead, they film such incidents, indirectly enabling these crimes. Action should also be taken against them,” he stated.

Bagade’s remarks come amid ongoing protests in southern Rajasthan, following the arrest of at least 11 individuals accused of sexually assaulting five minors over a month in Beawar’s Vijainagar.

NASA Reduces Workforce and Eliminates Key Positions; Following Trump’s Orders

By
Dhruv
-
0
NASA
NASA cuts workforce.

NASA has initiated workforce reductions, leading to the closure of several key offices, including the Office of the Chief Scientist and the Office of Technology, Policy, and Strategy.

According to an internal email reviewed by ANI, the decision aligns with an executive order issued by former President Trump aimed at streamlining federal agencies. NASA is implementing these restructuring efforts in collaboration with the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

In an email to NASA employees, Acting Administrator Janet Petro acknowledged the challenges posed by these changes but described them as necessary to align with administration priorities while maintaining operational efficiency. She noted that all federal agencies had been directed to submit plans for workforce reductions and restructuring, with NASA actively working with OPM to ensure compliance. While recognizing the difficulties ahead, Petro assured employees that the process would be handled thoughtfully, balancing statutory responsibilities with the goal of maintaining an effective and efficient agency.

As part of this phased reduction, NASA has begun implementing workforce adjustments ahead of its broader reorganization plan. These changes include the closure of the Office of Technology, Policy, and Strategy, the Office of the Chief Scientist, and the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility branch within the Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity. These offices have played a crucial role in shaping NASA’s policies and scientific initiatives, and their closure represents a significant structural shift for the agency.

Petro acknowledged the contributions of employees affected by these closures, recognizing their efforts in advancing NASA’s goals in recent years. She expressed gratitude for their dedication and assured them that the agency remains committed to providing support during the transition.

While specific details of the reorganization are still being finalized, Petro reiterated NASA’s commitment to transparency throughout the process. Affected employees are encouraged to utilize available support resources, including the Employee Assistance Program, as they navigate these changes.

She acknowledged the uncertainty that comes with such a transition, urging employees to remain resilient and support one another. Despite the challenges, Petro reaffirmed NASA’s dedication to its core mission and workforce, emphasizing that the agency’s strength lies in its shared commitment to exploration and innovation.

Air India Flight Bound for New York Makes a Return to Mumbai; Security Threat

By
Dhruv
-
0
Air India flight
Air India Flight returns.

Air India Flight AI119, en route from Mumbai to New York, was forced to return on Monday after a potential security threat was detected mid-flight.

Following established safety protocols, the aircraft landed safely at 10:25 AM local time. Air India confirmed that security agencies are conducting mandatory checks on the plane and that the airline is fully cooperating with authorities.

“The aircraft is undergoing mandatory security inspections, and Air India is working closely with the authorities. The flight has been rescheduled to depart at 05:00 AM on March 11, 2025. Meanwhile, all passengers have been provided with hotel accommodation, meals, and necessary assistance,” the airline said in a statement.

Emphasizing passenger safety as its top priority, Air India assured that efforts are being made to minimize disruptions.

“Our ground staff is working diligently to reduce inconvenience to passengers. As always, Air India prioritizes the safety of its passengers and crew,” the statement added.

The Boeing 777, carrying 303 passengers and 19 crew members, altered its flight path over Azerbaijan before returning to Mumbai. After landing, bomb-detection procedures were carried out, but the threat was later confirmed to be a hoax, according to NDTV.

The incident comes amid rising concerns over aviation security. In 2024, a series of bomb threats targeting multiple flights disrupted airline operations and caused significant inconvenience to passengers, despite all threats later being deemed false alarms.

When a flight receives a mid-air bomb threat, an alert is triggered, and the Bomb Threat Assessment Committee (BTAC) at the airport is immediately convened. The committee then evaluates the threat’s credibility and determines the appropriate course of action.

PM Egede Speaks Out Against Donald Trump; ‘Greenland Deserves Respect’

By
Dhruv
-
0
Greenland's PM
Greenland PM speaks against Trump's comments.

Greenland’s Prime Minister, Mute Egede, has criticized U.S. President Donald Trump for failing to treat Greenlanders with respect, stating that his actions have distanced the island’s people from the United States.

“We deserve to be treated with respect, and I don’t believe the U.S. president has done that recently. His recent actions have made people less inclined to move closer to the U.S. than they might have in the past,” Egede was quoted as saying by Reuters.

He emphasized the need to strengthen ties with nations that respect Greenland’s vision for its future. “We must set clear boundaries and prioritize relationships with countries that acknowledge and support our aspirations,” he added.

Egede has consistently asserted that Greenland, home to just 57,000 people, belongs to its inhabitants and that they alone should decide its future.

Greenland, an autonomous territory of the Kingdom of Denmark, has been the focus of renewed U.S. interest since Trump’s second term began, with the president making promises of prosperity to the island.

“We will continue to keep you safe, as we have since World War II. We are prepared to invest billions of dollars to create new jobs and bring you wealth,” Trump wrote.

The island, whose capital Nuuk is geographically closer to New York than to Copenhagen, possesses significant reserves of minerals, oil, and natural gas but remains underdeveloped.

Earlier this month, Trump made it clear that the U.S. is determined to acquire Greenland.

“We fully support your right to determine your own future, and if you choose, we welcome you into the United States of America… One way or another, we’re going to get it,” he stated.

J&K’s First Budget Since Article 370 Presented by Omar Abdullah

By
Dhruv
-
0
J&K CM Omar Abdullah
Omar Abdullah presents J&K budget

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah presented the Union Territory’s first budget on Friday since the abrogation of Article 370.

Abdullah stated that J&K is on the “brink of a new era of peace and prosperity,” with a sense of normalcy gradually returning after more than three decades of unrest.

While delivering the budget speech, he acknowledged the support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in various sectors.

The last budget session in J&K was held in 2018 under the PDP-BJP government before the erstwhile state was reorganized into a Union Territory on August 5, 2019, following the revocation of Article 370 and the separation of Ladakh as a distinct UT.

Key Budget Highlights

  1. Youth and Women Empowerment, Regional Balance, and Statehood Restoration
    Abdullah emphasized that the budget prioritizes youth and women empowerment, reducing regional disparities, and working towards the restoration of statehood.
  2. Agriculture and Rural Economy
    A total of ₹815 crore has been allocated to the agriculture sector, expected to generate 2.88 lakh jobs. The state plans to promote a two-crop pattern, expand horticulture, and strengthen the wool processing and leather tanning industries to stimulate the local economy, ANI quoted Abdullah as saying.
  3. Tourism Development
    With ₹390.20 crore set aside for tourism, the government aims to boost homestays, introduce water sports, and develop Sonmarg into a winter sports hub. Additionally, Jammu will get a new water park in Sidhra, while Basholi is set to become an adventure tourism destination.
  4. Transparency and Welfare Initiatives
    Abdullah reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transparency in welfare schemes, with a focus on agriculture, tourism, and local industries.
  5. New Film Policy and Infrastructure Expansion
    The government plans to launch a new film policy to position J&K as a prime destination for film production and eco-tourism. Additionally, 500 new Panchayat Ghars will be constructed to enhance local governance infrastructure.
  6. Financial Discipline and Budget Allocation
    Abdullah revealed that 70% of the budget is allocated to salaries, placing a significant financial burden on the Union Territory. He acknowledged high Administrative, Technical, and Non-Commercial (ATNC) losses and rising state debt but assured that borrowing remains within prescribed limits to maintain financial stability.
  7. Industrial Growth and Promotion of Local Products
    Plans are underway to establish 64 industrial estates while addressing traders’ concerns with a new policy offering price preferences. Efforts to promote Pashmina and other regional products include obtaining Geographical Indication (GI) tags for seven additional items.
  8. Healthcare Improvements
    The budget includes provisions for two new AIIMS institutions and ten fully-equipped nursing colleges. Additionally, a ₹5 lakh health insurance scheme will be introduced for all residents, alongside the expansion of telemedicine services across J&K.
  9. Enhanced Medical Infrastructure
    To strengthen healthcare facilities, three new Cath Labs will be established, MRI machines will be installed in all government hospitals, and dialysis services will be made available in every district hospital.
  10. Revenue and Financial Estimates
    Abdullah highlighted that J&K’s own tax and non-tax revenue is projected at ₹31,905 crore. Additionally, the Union Territory expects ₹41,000 crore in central assistance and ₹13,522 crore under the Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) and the Prime Minister’s Development Package (PMDP).

Paris’ Train Station Closed After Discovery of World War II Bomb

By
Dhruv
-
0
Paris train station
WW2 bomb found in Paris train station

Train traffic at Paris’ Gare du Nord station came to a standstill after an unexploded World War II bomb was discovered on the tracks leading to France’s busiest rail hub, officials confirmed.

The explosive device was found overnight during routine maintenance work in the Saint-Denis suburb, according to the French national railway company, SNCF. The suburban RER B train service stated on X (formerly Twitter) that the bomb dated back to World War II.

Gare du Nord, a key European transit hub, connects France to international destinations such as Brussels and the Netherlands, as well as Paris’ main airport and several regional routes.

Following the discovery, authorities immediately suspended all train services to and from the station, including high-speed TGV and Eurostar operations. With approximately 700,000 passengers passing through daily, the shutdown caused significant disruptions as police and bomb disposal teams worked to neutralize the threat.

According to Eurostar’s website, at least three morning departures were canceled as a precaution, leading to major delays for travelers heading to London, Brussels, and other destinations.

While officials have not yet confirmed the bomb’s origins, unexploded ordnance from World War II is occasionally unearthed in Europe during construction and maintenance projects.

French Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot warned that train traffic would remain “severely disrupted” throughout the day, with only limited service expected to resume in the afternoon. He advised travelers to delay their journeys if possible.

The bomb was discovered around 4 a.m. by workers conducting earth-moving operations near the tracks in the Seine-Saint-Denis area. Minesweepers were deployed to the site, and their work remains ongoing. Stranded passengers gathered at the station as it reopened on Friday.

Although unexploded bombs from both World Wars are frequently found in France, it is rare for them to be discovered in such a densely populated area.

Speaking on Sud Radio, Tabarot reassured the public that there was no immediate risk of explosion, emphasizing that established safety protocols were in place for defusing and removing such devices.

123...203Page 1 of 203

About us

At The News Grill, we're your trusted source for a diverse menu of news and insights, served hot and fresh daily. Our passionate team of journalists, writers, and experts covers a wide range of topics, from global headlines to local stories, technology trends, lifestyle, and beyond.

Usefull Links

The latest

Opposition Marches Out of Rajya Sabha Over Rejection of Discussions on Voter ID

National 0
Opposition parties, including the Congress and the TMC, staged...

BJP Wants Arrest of Mahatma Gandhi’s Great-Grandson Over Comments Against Party

Politics 0
Tushar Gandhi, great-grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, stated on Friday...

Indian Wrestling is Facing a Revival After Years of Chaos

Sports 0
A day after the union sports ministry lifted...

© 2023 The News Grill. All Rights Reserved.