Month: March 2025

A Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report on the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC), tabled by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta in the Assembly on Monday, highlighted operational inefficiencies and financial losses, leading to criticism of the previous Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government.

The report evaluates DTC’s key operational and financial aspects, pointing to inefficiencies and areas needing improvement. It examines fleet management, revenue generation, operational sustainability, and adherence to public transport policies.

Following the tabling of the CAG report, BJP MLA Harish Khurana slammed the previous AAP government, accusing it of mismanaging the public transport system, which resulted in financial losses and a decline in DTC’s bus fleet.

Khurana, in the Delhi Assembly session, pointed out that while AAP had promised 11,000 new buses in 2013-15, the number of DTC buses decreased from 4,344 in 2015 to 3,937.

He further alleged that under former Chief Minister Madan Lal Khurana, DTC was profitable, but under AAP, the corporation’s overall losses surged to Rs 8,498.33 crore, increasing by Rs 5,000 crore during AAP’s tenure.

Highlighting the revenue decline, he stated that DTC’s operating income dropped from Rs 914 crore when AAP took power to Rs 558 crore. He also alleged financial irregularities, questioning why the AAP government allotted 3.18 lakh square meters of DTC land to private cluster buses without collecting Rs 225 crore in rent.

Furthermore, he slammed the administration for failing to procure new buses despite having Rs 223 crore in 2022 for the Delhi Transport Department.

Khurana credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s intervention for providing electric buses to Delhi, stating that 1,770 CNG buses had exceeded their operational age but were not replaced by the AAP government.

Earlier in the day, the Delhi Legislative Assembly convened for its Budget Session, ahead of which CM Gupta prepared the ceremonial ‘Kheer’. The first budget of the newly elected Delhi government will also be presented today.

Marking a unique start to the financial proceedings, the newly elected Chief Minister extended her gratitude to those involved in the budget-making process.

The budget session, running from March 24 to March 28 with provisions for extension, marks an important moment for the BJP government, which returned to power after 27 years in the recent 2025 Delhi Legislative Assembly election.

The BJP government tabled two CAG reports on the now-scrapped excise policy and the healthcare system of the national capital during the first assembly session last month.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta will move a motion to elect nine members each for the Committee on Public Accounts, Committee on Estimates, and Committee on Government Undertakings.

This election will be crucial in shaping the financial governance of the National Capital Territory of Delhi.

These presentations and discussions demonstrate the Delhi Assembly’s commitment to addressing key issues affecting the national capital territory.

The Budget Session is a crucial period in the legislative calendar, during which key financial and policy matters will be discussed and decided upon. The session is tentatively scheduled to run from March 24 to March 28, 2025, with provisions for extension if required. (ANI)

The Supreme Court Collegium on Monday recommended the transfer of Justice Yashwant Varma, Judge of the High Court of Delhi, back to his parent court, the Allahabad High Court.

The resolution of the Collegium stated, “In its meetings held on 20th and 24th March 2025, has recommended repatriation of Justice Yashwant Varma, Judge, High Court of Delhi, to the High Court of Judicature at Allahabad.”

The Allahabad High Court Bar Association had raised an objection over the Supreme Court Collegium’s decision to transfer Justice Varma to the Allahabad High Court.

Justice Varma has been in controversy since a stash of cash was allegedly recovered from his official residence here.

As per the media reports, a fire at the judge’s house had inadvertently led to the recovery of cash by the firefighter.

Media reports said the cash was found initially by fire tenders when a fire broke out in the judge’s residence on March 14. The judge was not present at his house.

The Chief Justice of India, Sanjiv Khanna, on Saturday constituted a three-member Committee consisting of High Court judges for conducting an inquiry into the allegations.

The committee consists of Justice Sheel Nagu, Chief Justice of the High Court of Punjab & Haryana, Justice GS Sandhawalia, Chief Justice of the High Court of Himachal Pradesh, and Anu Sivaraman, judge of the High Court of Karnataka.

The Chief Justice of the High Court of Delhi, Devendra Upadhyaya, for the time being has been asked not to assign any judicial work to Justice Varma.

The Supreme Court had also released the inquiry report of the High Court Chief Justice into the controversy relating to Justice Varma. In his report, the Delhi High Court Chief Justice said that he is of the prima facie opinion that the entire matter warrants a “deeper probe.”

It also released the response of Justice Varma, who has denied the allegations and said that it clearly appeared to be a “conspiracy to frame and malign” him.

Justice Varma had said that no cash was ever placed in that storeroom either by him or any of his family members and said he strongly denounce the suggestion that the alleged cash belonged to them.

Justice Verma had also stated that the room which caught fire and where cash was allegedly found was an outhouse and not the main building where the judge and family resides.

On Friday, the Supreme Court brushed aside any connection between the transfer of Justice Varma to his parent Allahabad High Court and the alleged recovery of a stash of cash from his official residence here. (ANI)

In the ongoing row over stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra’s recent remarks, several political figures, including Samajwadi Party (SP) MP Jaya Bachchan and Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs, have come forward to defend Kamra’s freedom of expression and criticize the actions of those who vandalized the Mumbai venue where his show was filmed.

Speaking to mediapersons at the Parliament premises, Jaya Bachchan questioned the limits placed on freedom of expression in the country.

Reacting to the controversy and vandalism of the comedy club, the actor-turned-politician said, “If there is a restriction on speaking, what will become of you? You are anyway in a bad situation. There are restrictions on you. You would be told to speak just on this and nothing else, that do not interview Jaya Bachchan.”

She added, “Where is freedom of speech? There is freedom of action only when there is a ruckus – beat up the opposition, rape women, murder them. What else? You (Eknath Shinde) left your real party and formed another party for power. Isn’t that an insult of Balasaheb?”

Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant came out in defence of Kunal Kamra, asserting that every remark made by the comedian in his comedy special, Naya Bharat, was accurate.

Speaking to ANI, Sawant emphasized, “As far as what Kunal Kamra did, I think every word, every sentence said by him is correct. That is what everyone in opposition is alleging against him. He said that in the form of a poem. If we say there is democracy in this country and we believe in that, then we must accept all of this.”

Sawant further drew comparisons to the past, referencing the late Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray’s legacy as a cartoonist, who often made caricatures of prominent political figures.

“Criticism is criticism. Sometimes, someone does mimicry. Balasaheb Thackeray was a renowned cartoonist; he made caricatures of Sharad Pawar, Sonia Gandhi, Indira Gandhi, and Nehru. Had it been the present time, they would have filed cases against him every day,” he said.

Sawant also called for action against those responsible for vandalizing the Habitat Comedy Club in Khar, Mumbai, where Kamra’s show was filmed.

“FIR should be registered against those who vandalized… Can’t they accept criticism?” Sawant questioned.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi also voiced her condemnation of the vandalism, calling it an example of growing intolerance in the country.

“They ignited a fire like this in Nagpur. They are now doing this in Mumbai. What kind of intolerance is this? If you don’t like something, file a Police complaint but if there is such behavior, I think people of Mumbai are watching; Maharashtra is watching how law and order is being taken into hand, and they have stooped to hooliganism,” Chaturvedi told ANI.

She also pointed out that the controversy was over a joke that did not even directly mention the Deputy Chief Minister’s name, but rather hinted at it.

“They are threatening over a joke where Eknath Shinde’s name was not even mentioned; only the intelligent would have gotten the hint,” she added.

According to Chaturvedi, the response to Kamra’s joke only reflected the underlying truth in his remarks.

The incident at Habitat Comedy Club in Mumbai escalated when a group from the Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde) youth wing entered the venue while another live show was ongoing, forced the show to be shut down, and caused significant damage to the set.

An FIR has since been filed against both Kunal Kamra for his controversial remarks and the youth wing of the Shiv Sena for the vandalism.

According to Sub Inspector Vijay from Khar police station, the group targeted the venue after Kamra’s stand-up special Naya Bharat was released.

The Shiv Sena youth wing’s actions have sparked significant debate about the limits of protest and the right to free expression. (ANI)

Miss Universe 2024 Victoria Kjaer Theilvig and Miss Universe India 2024 Rhea Singha visited the Taj Mahal in Agra on Sunday.

Victoria and Rhea, the beautiful Miss Universes decided to visit one of the seven wonders of the world, Taj Mahal. Both wore their crowns as they greeted their fans and posed for photographs.

The models wore sparkling dresses for the visit. Miss Universe India Rhea Singha complimented her outfit with a white pearl necklace.

Taj Mahal is considered one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture, a style that combines elements from Persian, Indian, and Islamic architectural styles.

It was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan for his wife Mumtaz Mahal.

Meanwhile, Rhea Singha was crowned Miss Universe India 2024 in September last year. She began her pageantry at the age of 15.

In an earlier interview with ANI, Rhea said, “My pageantry began when I was 15, I was back in school. I was fully dedicated, stayed up all night and practised my walk and talk.”

She added, “I would say when you love something so much so you don’t feel like putting in hard work so much, you feel like it is going in a flow. So, this entire pageantry was a dream for me and I really enjoyed it.”

On asking about the difference between modelling and pageantry, Rhea gave her opinion and shared, “Models, everyone knows they are models but pageantry are girls, are queens, they are role models, they all are inspiring.”

“I think pageantry is all hard work. It also has scope for improvement. They are all here to make themselves,” she added.

She concluded by saying, “It is not about the looks, it is about the beauty within the girls.”

The grand finale of Miss Universe India 2024 was held in Jaipur, Rajasthan where has been crowned Miss Universe India 2024. (ANI)

The Mumbai police arrested 11 members of the Yuva Sena, the youth faction of Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena on Monday for vandalising the Habitat comedy venue.

The group was protesting against the alleged derogatory remarks made by standup comedian Kunal Kamra on his recent comedy special, ‘Naya Bharat,’ uploaded on Youtube. According to police, the youth group went inside the venue while a live show of comedian Rajat Sood was going on, forcing it to stop and vandalised it.

Shiv Sena has strongly objected to the comments made by Kamra, meanwhile the Opposition alliance in Maharahstra has criticised the Mahayuti government for the “break down of law and order”, which UBT’s Arvind Sawant saying that every word spoken by Kamra is correct.

Earlier, Officials had registered a FIR it under Sections 132, 189(2), 189(3), 190, 191(2), 324(5), 324(6), 223, 351(2), 352, 333, 37(1), and 135 of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), 2023 and also under sections 37 (1) and 135 under the Maharashtra Police Act.

Shinde Sena’s Sanjay Nirupam alleged that the booking money for the show came from Matoshree, the residence of former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray.

“The place where this show was recorded, the booking money for it came from Matoshree from Uddav Thackeray and that is why Eknath Shinde has been targeted,” Nirupam said during a press conference in Mumbai.

He further alleged that Kamra is part of the “Rahul Gandhi and Congress ecosystem.”

An FIR has also been registered against Kunal Kamra for his alleged derogatory remarks. However, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Arvind Sawat backed the comments made by Kamra, saying that every sentence he made was correct.

Speaking to ANI, Sawant emphasized that if democracy truly exists in the country, Kamra’s remarks must be respected.

“As far as what Kunal Kamra did, I think every word, every sentence said by him is correct. That is what everyone in opposition is alleging against him. He said that in the form of a poem. If we say there is democracy in this country and we believe in that, then we must accept all of this,” Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant said.

He added, “Criticism is criticism. Sometimes, someone does mimicry. Balasaheb Thackeray was a renowned cartoonist; he made caricatures of Sharad Pawar, Sonia Gandhi, Indira Gandhi and Nehru. Had it been the present time, they would have filed cases against him every day… FIR should be registered against those who vandalized… Can’t they accept criticism?” (ANI)

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday stated that targeting a single community would only escalate tensions.

Speaking to the media regarding protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, Abdullah explained that the charitable activities of the Muslim community are carried out through the Waqf Board.

“There is no religion that does not do charitable activities. The charitable activities of the Muslim community happen through Waqf… Only one community is being targeted. It is obvious there would be tensions surrounding it,” Abdullah said.

A day earlier, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) announced a nationwide agitation against the proposed Waqf Amendment Bill.

A statement issued by Mohd Vaquar Uddin Latifi, Office Secretary of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), said, “Following a massive and successful protest in Delhi on March 17, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has announced a nationwide agitation against the proposed Waqf Amendment Bill.

SQR Ilyas, spokesperson of AIMPLB and Convener of the Action Committee Against the Waqf Bill, expressed gratitude on behalf of the Board to all Muslim organizations, civil society groups, and leaders from Dalit, Adivasi, OBC, and other minority communities.

“Without the grace of Allah and the united support of these groups, the success of the Delhi demonstration would not have been possible,” he said. He also extended thanks to the opposition parties and Members of Parliament who not only participated in large numbers but also firmly rejected the proposed legislation.

The statement stated that the AIMPLB’s 31-member Action Committee has resolved to adopt all constitutional, legal, and democratic means to “oppose” what it has termed a “controversial, discriminatory, and damaging” bill. “As part of the first phase of the agitation, large protest sit-ins have been planned in front of the state assemblies in Patna on March 26 and Vijayawada on March 29.”

Public conferences, seminars, symposiums, and dharnas will be organized at the district level, and memorandums will be submitted to the President of India through District Magistrates, the statement added.

However, reacting to the protests, Waqf JPC Chairman and BJP MP Jaagdambika Pal on Monday said that they are trying to create “instability” in the nation.

“Whether it is Imran Masood or AIMPLB, they are trying to misguide the minorities. They are trying to create instability in the nation through their protests… We had called AIMPLB in front of the Waqf JPC. We recorded and incorporated their views… What is the AIMPLB protesting against when the government has not even brought the amended bill yet?” the Waqf JPC Chairman told ANI.

“The law has not even been made yet, so why are they warning for a nationwide protest? … Imran Masoon was a member of the JPC, and he took part in the clause-by-clause voting process. He knows that a better act is on its way… The new law will benefit the poor and remove those who benefitted themselves, yet they are protesting to spread anarchy,” Pal added.

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, aims to address these challenges by introducing reforms such as digitization, enhanced audits, improved transparency, and legal mechanisms to reclaim illegally occupied properties. (ANI)

Pakistan’s Police has registered an FIR against Mahrang Baloch, chief organiser of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), along with 150 others, on charges of forcibly taking away bodies from a morgue, incitement to violence and other alleged offences, as reported by Dawn.

Dawn reported that the case relates to an incident at Civil Hospital Quetta, where BYC members allegedly stormed the morgue and took away the bodies of five people who were killed during the Jaffar train accident.

The FIR, which was registered at the Sariab Police Station on March 22, includes charges under different sections of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) and the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC).

As per Dawn, the charges cover offences like terrorism, murder and attempted murder, incitement to violence and rebellion, creating disorder and promoting racial hatred, and property damage.

Notably, the FIR also names several other key BYC leaders, including Beebow Baloch, Gulzadi Satakzai, Sabiha Baloch, Sabatullah Baloch, Gulzar Dost, Riaz Gashkori and Shali Baloch.

As reported by Dawn, Pakistani authorities had arrested Mahrang Baloch and 17 others on Saturday morning, and put them in Quetta district jail under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Ordinance.

As per the FIR cited by Dawn, the BYC leadership allegedly incited rioters to open fire on police officers, passersby and their own protesters, resulting in the deaths of three individuals and injuries to 15 police officers.

Another FIR registered at Civil Lines Police Station accuses 100 to 150 BYC supporters of storming Civil Hospital, breaking into the morgue and forcibly taking the bodies. The FIR states that the accused also intercepted a private ambulance at Hockey Chowk, assaulted the driver and loaded the bodies into the vehicle, as noted by Dawn.

A third FIR was lodged at Brewery Police Station against BYC leaders Gulzadi Baloch, Ali Jan, Shoaib, Syed Noor Shah, Waheed, Jahanzeb, Zohaib Baloch and over 100 others for blocking the Western Bypass Road in Quetta on Saturday, chanting anti-state slogans and inciting public unrest.

Citing police officials, Dawn reported that Mahrang Baloch’s arrest has not been officially disclosed. She is not in the custody of Civil Lines Police and remains in Quetta District Jail under MPO provisions.

Meanwhile, internet services in Quetta and surrounding areas remained suspended for the fourth consecutive day on Sunday as per Dawn.

Although PTCL officials claimed late on Sunday evening that services had been restored, users continued facing disruptions, Dawn noted. (ANI)

Delhi Power Minister Ashish Sood on Monday indicated a potential rise in electricity prices, attributing it to a Rs 27,000 crore debt left by the previous AAP government with power distribution companies (Discoms) through the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC).

Responding to a question by AAP MLA Imran Hussain in the Delhi Assembly on the expected increase in electricity tariffs, Sood stated that Discoms are authorised to hike rates to recover the outstanding amount.

He noted that during the previous government’s tenure, the Delhi High Court had directed DERC to issue a tariff order, but the administration failed to safeguard public interests.

“The previous government has left a debt of Rs 27 thousand crores of regulatory assets with the discoms through DERC. To recover this, the companies are authorised to increase the electricity rates. During the tenure of the previous government, on the orders of the High Court, DERC was ordered to bring tariff orders,” he said.

“That government could not protect the interests of the public. In the coming time, electricity prices will rise, and perhaps some people even want this for their political gains. However, the government remains in touch with DERC and is closely monitoring the situation,” Sood added.

Meanwhile, former Delhi Chief Minister and AAP leader Atishi on Monday criticised the BJP-led central government, alleging that the promised Rs 2,500 financial assistance for women had not been delivered and expressed hope that the ruling party would fulfil its commitments during the Budget Session on Monday.

Speaking to ANI, the Leader of the Opposition said, “The BJP made a lot of promises before the elections. We hope that those promises are fulfilled in this budget session. The first and most important promise was that Delhi’s women would receive Rs 2,500 on March 8. Till today, even the registration of that scheme has not started. It is clear that PM Modi lied and betrayed the people of Delhi.”

“We hope the people of Delhi are not betrayed in this budget,” she asserted

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Monday prepared the ceremonial ‘Kheer’ ahead of the inaugural budget session of the newly elected government in the Delhi Legislative Assembly.

Marking a unique start to the financial proceedings, the newly elected Chief Minister extended her gratitude to those involved in the budget-making process.

The budget session, running from March 24 to March 28 with provisions for extension, marks a significant moment for the BJP government, which returned to power after 27 years in the recent 2025 Delhi Legislative Assembly election.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta will move a motion for the election of financial committees, marking an important step in the assembly’s financial governance, according to the List of Business of the House.

“Rekha Gupta Chief Minister to move the following motion: “That the Members of this House do proceed to elect in the manner required under Rule 192(2), Rule 194(2) and Rule 196(2) of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Legislative Assembly of National Capital Territory of Delhi, nine Members each from amongst themselves to serve as Members of the Committee on Public Accounts, Committee on Estimates and Committee on Government Undertakings beginning from 1st April 2025,” the list read.

Additionally, Deputy Speaker Mohan Singh Bisht and Member Om Prakash Sharma will present the First Report of the Business Advisory Committee. This report is expected to provide valuable insights into the assembly’s business and legislative agenda. Members Sanjay Goyal and Poonam Sharma will present the First Report of the Committee on Private Members’ Bills, according to LoB.

This Budget Session is significant, as it follows the recent 2025 Delhi Legislative Assembly election, which saw the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) return to power after 27 years.

Earlier, the BJP government tabled two CAG reports on the now scrapped excise policy and the healthcare system of the national capital, during the first assembly session held last month.

Meanwhile, members Surya Prakash Khatri, Mohan Singh Bisht and Raj Kumar Bhatia will continue the discussion regarding water shortage, water logging, sewerage blockage and desilting of drains in Delhi initiated on 3rd March 2025 as directed by the Speaker.

In Question Hour, Members will pose starred questions, and the respective authorities will provide replies. Un-starred questions will be laid on the table for future discussion.

Special Mention (Rule-280): Members will raise matters under Rule-280 with the Chair’s permission, allowing for discussions on pressing issues.

Moreover, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta will move a motion to elect nine members each for the Committee on Public Accounts, Committee on Estimates, and Committee on Government Undertakings.

This election will be crucial in shaping the financial governance of the National Capital Territory of Delhi.

These presentations and discussions demonstrate the Delhi Assembly’s commitment to addressing key issues affecting the national capital territory.

The Budget Session is a crucial period in the legislative calendar, during which key financial and policy matters will be discussed and decided upon. The session is tentatively scheduled to run from March 24 to March 28, 2025, with provisions for extension if required. (ANI)

Israel reported a sharp increase in the number of wounded security personnel on Sunday morning, ahead of its first international rehabilitation conference on Tuesday.

According to data released by the Israeli Defense Ministry’s Rehabilitation Division, more than 78,000 wounded individuals are currently receiving care, including 16,000 who have been admitted since Hamas’s attack on October 7, 2023.

Among those wounded, 66 per cent are reserve soldiers, and more than half (51 per cent) are between 18 and 30 years old. Seven percent of the injured are women. Approximately 10,900 are coping with physical injuries, while half of those treated are suffering from psychological trauma. Around 2,900 individuals have sustained both physical and mental injuries.

The severity of injuries varies, with 6 per cent classified as moderate and 4 per cent as severe. Seventy-two wounded individuals have undergone amputations and received prosthetic limbs.

The Ministry of Defense estimates that the average annual cost of treating and supporting a war-wounded individual is approximately NIS 150,000 (USD 40,300). By 2030, the division is expected to be responsible for about 100,000 disabled IDF veterans, with half suffering from psychological conditions.

Additionally, 8,300 individuals who sustained injuries in past conflicts have sought recognition for their disabilities.

The first international conference of the ministry’s Rehabilitation Division will be held on Tuesday at Tel Aviv University, with the participation of representatives from over 20 countries, including medical and rehabilitation experts from militaries, defense ministries, and health ministries around the world.

The upcoming international conference will provide a platform for discussing rehabilitation strategies and strengthening global partnerships in veteran care.

At least 1,180 people were killed, and 252 Israelis and foreigners were taken hostage in Hamas’s attacks on Israeli communities near the Gaza border on October 7. Of the 59 remaining hostages, 36 are believed to be dead. (ANI/TPS)