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Former Reserve Bank of India Governor Shaktikanta Das has been appointed as Principal Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, according to a government notification. His appointment will last until the Prime Minister's term ends or until further orders. Additionally, the tenure of NITI Aayog's CEO BVR Subrahmanyam has been extended by one year, starting February 24, 2025; he was initially appointed for a two-year term in February 2023. Das, who served as RBI chief for six years from December 2018, brings four decades of governance experience across various sectors, including finance and infrastructure. Notably, during the COVID-19 pandemic, he led the RBI's response with a range of policy measures aimed at bolstering financial stability and supporting economic growth, implementing both conventional and innovative strategies to mitigate the pandemic's impact. 
Published: Feb 22 2025, 5 pmeznews.inRJD leader Tejashwi Yadav expressed support for Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's son, Nishant, potentially entering politics, stating it could rejuvenate the JD(U) amidst its challenges with the BJP and other allies. Speaking to reporters in Patna, Yadav dismissed Nishant's claims about his father's fitness, asserting, "My father is fitter than his father," while highlighting Lalu Prasad Yadav's contributions to the downtrodden in Bihar. He described Nishant as a "brother" and wished him well, even suggesting that his entry into politics could benefit the JD(U). Speculations about Nishant's political ambitions arise as assembly elections approach, although neither he nor Kumar has confirmed intentions. Yadav also questioned the JD(U)'s readiness for early elections, hinting at a possible alliance with the Election Commission, and criticized the ruling BJP's focus on power rather than the state's needs.
Published: Feb 23 2025, 2 ameznews.inThiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor is facing backlash from Kerala Congress leaders after he praised certain policies of the CPI(M) government led by Pinarayi Vijayan. Amidst the controversy, Tharoor shared a quote by English poet Thomas Gray on X, suggesting that wisdom can sometimes be a mistake. He defended his comments on Prime Minister Modi's recent US visit, emphasizing that his focus was on India's interests rather than party lines. Tharoor also acknowledged the entrepreneurial achievements in Kerala, attributing the state's startup growth to former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy's initiatives. This has sparked criticism from the Congress party, with an editorial in Veekshanam Daily urging him not to let down party workers ahead of local elections. The situation escalated when Tharoor deleted a Facebook post that referred to CPI(M) members as "cannibals," following his earlier tribute to two Youth Congress members killed by CPI(M) activists.
Published: Feb 23 2025, 12 ameznews.inMaharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has suspended state transport bus services to Karnataka following an attack on a Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) bus by pro-Kannada activists in Chitradurga. The incident occurred on Friday night, during which the bus driver, Bhaskar Jadhav, was assaulted and had his face blackened. Sarnaik stated that services would not resume until the Karnataka government clarifies its position on the matter. On the same day, a Karnataka bus conductor was assaulted in Belagavi for not responding to a girl in Marathi, leading to further tensions. Four individuals have been arrested in connection with that incident, while a counter-complaint has been filed against the conductor under the POCSO Act. Protests erupted in Belagavi, with activists demanding justice for the conductor and condemning the charges against him. The situation remains tense amid ongoing border disputes between the two states.
Published: Feb 22 2025, 10 pmeznews.inExternal Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has expressed concerns regarding allegations from the US that $21 million was sent to India to influence elections, a claim initially raised by former President Donald Trump. Speaking at the Delhi University Literature Festival, Jaishankar highlighted the potential risks posed by external influences on public perceptions and narratives, asserting that the Indian government is investigating the matter. He emphasized that organizations like USAID have historically operated in India with good intentions, but recent suggestions imply malicious activities warranting scrutiny. The BJP has called for an investigation into the alleged US funding, suggesting it was used to support "deep state assets" within India. In response, Indian authorities, including the Enforcement Directorate, have begun preliminary investigations into local entities linked to the funding, focusing on potential violations of anti-money laundering laws in what has been described as a transnational conspiracy.
Published: Feb 22 2025, 9 pmeznews.inFarmers and the Union government, led by Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, engaged in talks on Saturday in Chandigarh to resolve a year-long deadlock over various demands, notably a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Prices (MSPs). The meeting, which lasted over two hours, included a 28-member farmers' delegation, Union ministers Piyush Goyal and Pralhad Joshi, and Punjab Cabinet ministers. While the specifics of the discussions remain undisclosed, another meeting is scheduled for March 19. Chouhan emphasized the government's commitment to farmers' welfare, indicating a positive dialogue. The farmers, camped at the Punjab-Haryana border since February 2022, are advocating for demands such as debt waivers, pensions, and justice for victims of past protests. Jagjit Singh Dallewal, a key figure in the protests, has been on a hunger strike since November to press for these issues, which also include the reinstatement of the Land Acquisition Act and compensation for deceased farmers' families.
Published: Feb 22 2025, 9 pmeznews.inTamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has reaffirmed his opposition to the National Education Policy (NEP), rejecting the possibility of its implementation even if the Centre offers ₹10,000 crore in funding. Speaking at a Parent-Teachers Association event in Cuddalore, Stalin emphasized that the opposition to the NEP extends beyond the perceived imposition of Hindi, citing concerns over its regressive nature and potential negative impacts on students and social justice. He criticized the NEP for proposing public exams for lower grades and a common entrance test for college admissions, which he believes could deter students from attending school. The conflict escalated following allegations that the Centre threatened to withhold ₹2,000 crore for the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan unless the NEP was adopted. In response, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan accused Stalin of creating a false narrative around Hindi imposition and emphasized the NEP's goal of promoting Indian languages.
Published: Feb 22 2025, 7 pmeznews.inThe Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has called for an investigation into alleged US funding of $21 million aimed at increasing voter turnout in India, labeling it a "kickback scheme." This follows remarks by former President Donald Trump, who raised concerns about the allocation during a Republican Governors Association meeting, questioning why the US would fund voter turnout in India when domestic issues persist. Trump suggested this funding is linked to sustaining "deep state assets" in India, a claim echoed by BJP leaders Amit Malviya and Pradeep Bhandari, who implicated Congress MP Rahul Gandhi as a potential beneficiary. The US Department of Government Efficiency recently announced the cancellation of this funding, further fueling the controversy. Trump has previously compared this situation to foreign interference in US elections, emphasizing the need to prioritize domestic voter engagement over international initiatives.
Published: Feb 22 2025, 5 pmeznews.inThe Mumbai Coastal Road Project, a ₹14,000 crore initiative, is under scrutiny following a viral video revealing poor patchwork on a crucial stretch. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is contemplating an additional exit at Nepean Sea Road amid ongoing concerns regarding the road's quality. Shiv Sena (UBT) has criticized the previous Eknath Shinde-led government for allegedly favoring specific contractors, while the Prime Minister's Office has taken note of the situation, prompting concerns to be raised with Maharashtra's chief secretary. Aaditya Thackeray of Shiv Sena (UBT) condemned the project's execution, claiming that under his party's governance, the road would have been completed to a higher standard. Opened in phases since March 12, 2024, the 10.58 km road has seen over 5 million vehicles, featuring embankment roads, bridges, and twin underground tunnels designed to ease traffic between South and North Mumbai.
Published: Feb 22 2025, 5 pmeznews.inNEW DELHI: Tensions flared in the Rajasthan Assembly as Congress leaders staged a protest following remarks made by state minister Avinash Gehlot, who referred to former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi as "aapki dadi" (your grandmother). In response, Congress MLA Anil Sharma organized a home-cooked meal for the protesting MLAs, continuing a family tradition of providing food during political standoffs. The protest escalated overnight, with Congress leaders, including Leader of Opposition Tikaram Jully, demanding the expunging of Gehlot's comments, which they viewed as disrespectful. Deputy Chief Minister Premchand Bairwa defended the minister, claiming his words were misinterpreted. As tensions rose, Speaker Vasudev Devnani suspended six Congress MLAs for the remainder of the budget session, a move that Congress leaders criticized as an attempt to provoke the opposition and divert attention from the ruling party's issues.
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