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Rahul Gandhi Leads Charge Against Lok Sabha Speaker; ‘Did not let me speak’

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Dhruv
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Rahul Gandhi
Rahul Gandhi speaks against Speaker.

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday alleged that Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla denied him the opportunity to speak in Parliament. As the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Gandhi criticized the way proceedings were being conducted, calling them “undemocratic” and claiming that his repeated requests to address key issues were ignored.

“I have no idea what is happening… I requested the Speaker to allow me to speak, but he simply walked away and refused to let me talk. This is not how the House should function,” Gandhi told reporters outside Parliament.

He further stated that he wanted to raise concerns about the upcoming Maha Kumbh Mela and the rising unemployment crisis but was consistently prevented from speaking. “I was just sitting quietly, yet every time I stood up, I was stopped. There is no space for democracy here,” he remarked.

Speaker Om Birla Calls for Adherence to House Rules

Gandhi’s comments came after Speaker Om Birla emphasized the need for all members to follow procedural rules and maintain the dignity of the House. The Speaker noted that he had observed several instances where members failed to uphold these standards.

“In this House, we have seen fathers and daughters, mothers and daughters, husbands and wives as members. In that spirit, I expect the Leader of the Opposition to conduct himself in accordance with Rule 349, which outlines the code of conduct for members,” Birla stated.

The Speaker further stressed that it was especially important for the Leader of the Opposition to adhere to these rules.

Gandhi, however, accused the Speaker of making remarks about him and then adjourning the House without giving him a chance to respond. He also claimed that he had been denied the opportunity to speak throughout the past week.

In protest, around 70 Congress Lok Sabha MPs, including Deputy Leader Gaurav Gogoi, party General Secretary KC Venugopal, and party whip Manickam Tagore, met the Speaker to raise concerns over what they called the “denial” of Gandhi’s right to speak, according to party sources.

Oscar-Winning Palestine Director Goes Missing After Israel Attack

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Dhruv
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Oscar
Hamdan Ballal wins Oscar.

Hamdan Ballal, a Palestinian co-director of the Oscar-winning documentary No Other Land (2024), has been arrested by Israeli forces in the occupied West Bank, in his home village of Susiya in Masafer Yatta, after being brutally attacked and seriously injured by Israeli settlers. The news was confirmed by his fellow co-director, Yuval Abraham, who shared the alarming update on social media. “A group of settlers just lynched Hamdan Ballal, co-director of our film No Other Land,” Abraham wrote on X. “They beat him, and he has injuries to his head and stomach, bleeding.” He further revealed, “Soldiers invaded the ambulance he called and took him. No sign of him since.”

Ballal’s arrest and assault are part of a broader pattern of escalating violence against activists and supporters of Palestine. A harrowing video from the Center for Jewish Nonviolence captured masked settlers attacking activists in a dusty field at night. The footage shows a settler forcefully shoving and striking two activists, who quickly retreat to their car while calling for safety. “Back to the car, back to the car!” one of them shouts as rocks slam against the vehicle. “Car window was broken,” the driver says as they speed away. The masked settlers also targeted American-Jewish activists, hurling stones and sticks, smashing car windows, and slashing tires.

The crackdown on Palestinian activists and their allies has intensified, with figures like student activist Mahmoud Khalil currently detained for “exercising his right to free speech while advocating for a free Palestine.” Similarly, Ranjani Srinivasan was forced to flee to Canada after her U.S. student visa was revoked amid a government crackdown on pro-Palestinian protesters. Srinivasan feared for her safety after immigration authorities arrived at her door, highlighting the increasing repression as airstrikes continue across Gaza despite January’s ceasefire. These events underscore the urgent need to address the ongoing oppression faced by Palestinians in the occupied territories.

In this context, No Other Land—which recently earned Oscar recognition—carries even greater significance. Filmed between 2019 and 2023, the documentary chronicles the destruction of Masafer Yatta by Israeli forces and the unlikely alliance between Palestinian activist Basel and Israeli journalist Yuval. It exposes the Israeli military’s forced displacement tactics and the community’s resistance against the imposition of a “firing zone” on their land. With Ballal’s arrest, the film’s message is more urgent than ever, shedding light on the continued struggle of Palestinians in the face of systemic violence.

Japan Supports Close Security Ties With India and South Korea

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Dhruv
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Japan
Japan on India ties.

Japan has expressed its support for closer security cooperation with South Korea and India in the Indo-Pacific, just days after the Philippines’ military chief revealed that a U.S.-backed security alliance was seeking their inclusion to counter China in the region.

In a statement to Reuters on Monday, Japan’s Ministry of Defense emphasized its backing for a multi-layered network of alliances but refrained from confirming whether it had formally agreed to or considered expanding the Squad group.

The Squad, an informal multilateral alliance comprising Australia, Japan, the Philippines, and the United States, focuses on defense cooperation, intelligence sharing, and joint military operations.

“Building organic and multi-layered networks among allies and like-minded nations, as well as expanding these networks to enhance deterrence, is crucial as Japan faces its most severe and complex security environment since World War II,” the ministry stated.

It further stressed that “close cooperation among regional partners, including Australia, the Philippines, South Korea, and India, is essential for realizing a ‘Free and Open Indo-Pacific,’ with the Japan-U.S. alliance remaining central.”

Philippines’ military chief, General Romeo S. Brawner, disclosed at a security forum in New Delhi last week that Squad nations were working to bring India and South Korea into the alliance to counter China’s influence. His remarks came amid ongoing tensions between Manila and Beijing over territorial disputes in the South China Sea.

India’s defense ministry and South Korea’s embassy in India did not respond to requests for comment.

Meanwhile, Christopher Elms, spokesperson for the U.S. Embassy in India, told Reuters that “the United States will continue working with all partners to promote a more secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.” Australia’s defense ministry also declined to comment.

Brad Pitt Faces Lawsuit by Hurricane Katrina Victims

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Dhruv
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Brad Pitt
Brad Pitt deals with lawsuit.

Homeowners in New Orleans affected by Hurricane Katrina have filed a class action lawsuit against Brad Pitt and his Make It Right Foundation, alleging that the organization provided them with defective homes. Represented by Ron Austin Law, the plaintiffs recently secured a significant court victory, as a district judge ruled that Make It Right must release key documents during the discovery phase of the case.

Brad Pitt Seeks to Block Deposition Amid Legal Battle

According to The US Sun, Pitt has attempted to avoid being deposed in the lawsuit, citing conflicts with his busy filming schedule. Although he was listed as a witness by Ron Austin’s legal team, his attorneys filed a motion to exempt him from testifying.

The court documents stated, “Mr. Pitt’s motion picture production schedule presents concerns that extend beyond his personal time and attention. Most notably, his absence from film production for a deposition could lead to major scheduling conflicts with potential legal and financial repercussions for the studio.”

The filings also noted that Pitt is expected to be in Europe for several months, making an in-person deposition costly and time-consuming.

This motion, initially filed in April 2024, had not been publicly disclosed until now. In June, the judge ruled that the motion was moot, as the discovery process was still ongoing.

The Make It Right legal team has requested additional time to review the foundation’s extensive documentation. Court records indicate that the evidence includes “approximately 195 boxes, 13 filing cabinets, an IT server, and 13 desktop and laptop computers,” filling three entire rooms. According to The US Sun, Ron Austin Law has already received 70,000 documents, along with 30,000 pages of financial records from the defendants.

To strengthen their case, the plaintiffs’ legal team is bringing in forensic accountants and has already enlisted architectural and engineering experts. With a status conference set for next month, the legal battle is far from over.

US and Russian Officials Meet in Saudi Arabia For Talks on Ukraine War Deal

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Dhruv
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US-Russian officials
US-Russian officials

Washington is striving to secure a Black Sea ceasefire agreement before finalizing a broader peace deal. These negotiations take place against the backdrop of U.S. President Donald Trump’s intensified efforts to end the three-year-long war. Last week, he held discussions with both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, leading to an agreement on a 30-day pause in attacks on energy infrastructure.

According to a Reuters report citing sources, the U.S. delegation is being led by Andrew Peek, senior director at the White House National Security Council, and Michael Anton, a senior State Department official. The goal of implementing a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea is to ensure the free flow of shipping in the region.

Representing Russia in the talks are Grigory Karasin, a former diplomat who now chairs the Federation Council’s foreign affairs committee, and Sergei Beseda, an advisor to the director of the Federal Security Service.

Earlier discussions between U.S. officials and the Ukrainian side were led by Kyiv’s Defense Minister Rustem Umerov. He described the talks as “productive and focused,” emphasizing key topics such as energy and reiterating Ukraine’s commitment to achieving a “just and lasting peace.”

Meanwhile, in a Sunday evening address, Zelensky accused Russia of prolonging the war, stating, “No matter what we discuss with our partners, we must push Putin to issue a real order to stop the strikes. The one who started this war must end it.”

K-Pop Group NewJeans Gets Blocked From Leaving Agency by Court

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Dhruv
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NewJeans
NewJeans group.

A South Korean court has issued an injunction preventing K-pop group NewJeans from pursuing independent projects, further escalating the ongoing dispute between the group and their label, ADOR.

The Seoul Central District Court ruled in favor of ADOR on Friday, affirming the label’s exclusive management rights over the group. The injunction prohibits NewJeans members from engaging in commercial activities without ADOR’s approval, the court stated.

Last November, the five-member group announced their departure from ADOR, rebranded as NJZ, and planned to release new music this month. However, the court’s ruling casts uncertainty over those plans.

In response, the group stated, “NJZ respects the court’s decision. However, we believe it does not fully acknowledge the complete breakdown of trust between the members and ADOR.”

The dispute stems from internal conflicts between ADOR’s parent company and the group’s creative director, who has since left the label. NewJeans members have expressed their desire to continue working with the director, accusing ADOR of mistreatment—claims the label has denied, asserting the contract remains valid.

ADOR, a subsidiary of HYBE, the powerhouse behind BTS, welcomed the court’s ruling. “With our legal status as NewJeans’ exclusive agency reaffirmed, we are fully committed to supporting the artists,” ADOR said, adding that it would be present at the group’s upcoming performance in Hong Kong.

The controversy surrounding NewJeans has dominated headlines in South Korea and beyond, involving allegations, audits, and an emotional press conference by the group.

Rahul Gandhi Believes Caste Census to Bring Out Truth of Inequality

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Dhruv
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Rahul Gandhi
Rahul Gandhi favors caste census

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has once again emphasized the need for a caste census, describing it as a crucial step in uncovering the “truth of inequality and discrimination.”

In a post on X, Gandhi shared a video of his discussion with former University Grants Commission (UGC) chairman and academician Sukhdeo Thorat.

“I had an in-depth conversation with Prof. Thorat, a distinguished academician, economist, and expert on Dalit issues. He is also a member of the study committee on the caste census in Telangana. We discussed the Mahad Satyagraha and the ongoing struggle of Dalits for fair representation in administration, education, bureaucracy, and access to resources,” Gandhi stated on Thursday.

Recalling Ambedkar’s historic protest, Gandhi noted, “On March 20, 1927, Ambedkar directly challenged caste discrimination through the Mahad Satyagraha. It was not just about the right to water but about equality and dignity. This fight for a ‘rightful share,’ which began 98 years ago, continues today.”

He further asserted, “A caste census is vital to exposing the truth about inequality and discrimination—something its opponents want to suppress. Babasaheb’s dream remains unfulfilled. His fight is not just history; it is a battle of the present, and we will carry it forward with full force.”

BJP Responds to Rahul Gandhi’s Remarks

The BJP strongly criticized Gandhi’s statements.

“Rahul Gandhi’s shocking comments on merit reveal the Congress party’s nepotistic and feudal mindset. The dynastic Congress has a history of undermining meritorious leaders from SC, ST, and OBC communities who have risen through hard work and dedication,” BJP leader CR Kesavan told PTI.

He further accused the Congress of maintaining an anti-Dalit stance, stating, “The party has always suppressed merit and worked against the interests of Dalits.”

Govt Preparing to Introduce Annual Pass System to Replace Highway Tolls

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Dhruv
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Nitin Gadkari
Nitin Gadkari on highway tolls.

The government plans to introduce an annual pass system to replace toll collection on national highways, aiming to improve operational efficiency and enhance convenience for road users, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari announced in the Lok Sabha on Thursday.

Gadkari highlighted a pilot project for barrier-free toll collection at locations such as Gharonda, Choryasi, Nemili, UER-II, and the Dwarka Expressway. He mentioned that a satellite-based toll system had been introduced, as exclusively reported by Hindustan Times earlier this month. Additionally, he noted that pilot locations would alternatively operate using an Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) FASTag-based system for seamless toll collection.

He explained that satellite-based tolling requires additional satellite constellations to ensure precise positioning, along with the development of compatible receivers to integrate with India’s navigation system. “Therefore, transitioning to satellite-based tolling requires further deliberation,” Gadkari said while responding to lawmakers Dineshbhai Makwana and Dharambir Singh’s queries regarding transparency in toll fees.

According to Gadkari, toll rates are determined by the National Highway-Fee Rules, 2008, and displayed at each plaza as well as on the National Highway Authority of India’s website. Any revisions in toll charges for a financial year are announced in newspapers and made publicly available to ensure transparency and avoid discrepancies.

Gadkari also shared that the Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS) has been installed on 325 national highway projects, covering approximately 20,000 km. Responding to a query from lawmaker Rajkumar Chahar, he stated that highways with four or more lanes are gradually being equipped with ATMS.

Donald Trump Appreciates Barron’s Aptitude in Technology; ‘a very smart guy’

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Dhruv
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Donald Trump with Barron
Donald Trump's comments on Barron

Donald Trump praised his youngest son, Barron Trump, as a “smart guy” ahead of his birthday on March 20, highlighting the teenager’s technological skills and their strong bond.

Speaking with Fox News’s Laura Ingraham on March 19, Trump described Barron as having a natural talent for technology. The former president expressed his admiration for his son, a freshman at New York University, and his impressive computer skills.

‘He has an incredible aptitude for technology’
When asked whether Barron was more inclined toward politics or business, Trump suggested it might be technology. He recounted an incident where he tried to turn off Barron’s laptop, only to find it back on moments later. When he asked how it happened, Barron simply replied, “None of your business, dad.”

“He has an unbelievable aptitude for technology,” Trump remarked.

Beyond Barron, Trump also praised his other four children—Eric, Don Jr., Ivanka, and Tiffany—for their intelligence and dedication. He described himself as fortunate to be the father of five hardworking children, all of whom attended prestigious universities and are deeply patriotic.

“I’m lucky. You need a bit of luck too,” Trump said. “They are very smart, hardworking, and they love our country. They are proud of their father, and we have a great relationship.”

Barron is also preparing to launch a luxury real estate venture with two business partners. The company, Trump, Fulcher & Roxburgh Capital Inc., was briefly incorporated in Wyoming last July before being dissolved four months later. However, it is set to relaunch in spring 2025, with Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach listed as its principal address, according to records obtained by the New York Post.

Cameron Roxburgh, Barron’s co-founder and former high school classmate, previously stated that they were still finalizing logistics and “might relaunch” in the spring. While the venture is independent, Roxburgh noted that Barron had received “private advice” from his father, though there has been no financial backing from the Trump Organization so far.

Malaysia Ready to Restart MH370 Investigations

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Dhruv
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Malaysia MH370
Malaysia MH370 findings.

Malaysia has finalized an agreement with exploration firm Ocean Infinity to restart the search for Malaysia Airlines flight MH370, Transport Minister Loke Siew Fook announced on Wednesday. Flight MH370, a Boeing 777 carrying 227 passengers and 12 crew members, disappeared in 2014 while en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing, marking one of the most perplexing aviation mysteries in history.

The renewed search effort will focus on a 15,000 sq km area in the southern Indian Ocean, operating under a “no find, no fee” arrangement. Ocean Infinity will receive $70 million only if the wreckage is found, Loke confirmed.

“The government remains committed to continuing the search and providing closure for the families of those on board MH370,” he said in a statement.

Malaysia had initially agreed in principle to Ocean Infinity’s proposal in December. The company previously conducted an unsuccessful search for the plane in 2018, following earlier efforts by Malaysia, Australia, and China, which had covered a 120,000 sq km area based on satellite data from Inmarsat.

Ship tracking data revealed that a vessel deployed for the search had already reached the designated Indian Ocean zone late last month, even before the agreement was finalized. While the exact duration of the contract remains unclear, Loke had previously indicated it would span 18 months.

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