Month: June 2025

Reacting to Congress MP Rahul Gandhi’s recent statements on elections, Union Minister Chirag Paswan on Sunday said that the Congress MP has already accepted defeat in the Bihar Assembly elections which is why he is making such statements.

Paswan further said that if Rahul Gandhi needs to find faults in any institution, it should be his own party Congress.

“… The problem with Congress and its leaders is that when introspection is needed, they look for excuses for losing elections… If Rahul Gandhi needs to find faults in any institution, it should not be a constitutional institution, but his own Congress party… Blaming the Election Commission, accusing someone of fixing elections, saying that the EVM is faulty, all this shows that Rahul Gandhi has already accepted defeat in the Bihar Assembly elections… After Bihar, these people will lose states like Assam and Bengal,” Chirag Paswan told reporters.

Bihar assembly polls will be held later this year.

Meanwhile, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader and Bihar assembly LoP, Tejashwi Yadav, strongly backed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s allegations against the Election Commission of India (ECI), accusing the BJP of hijacking constitutional institutions under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rule.

Speaking to the mediapersons on Sunday, Tejashwi said, “Ever since Narendra Modi has become the Prime Minister, all constitutional institutions have been hijacked. Before the ECI announces the elections, the BJP IT Cell knows the schedule. We have our eyes on everything. The constitutional institutions must carry out their duties honestly… Everyone needs to stay alert. Everyone knows that all institutions work as a proxy of the BJP.”

“Everyone is working together, not to form the government, but to strengthen Bihar,” he added.

Earlier on Saturday, in a post on X, Rahul Gandhi, who is Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, referred to the ECI’s response to his allegations concerning Maharashtra polls and said “releasing unsigned, evasive notes to intermediaries is not the way to respond to serious questions”.

In response, ECI described Rahul Gandhi’s Maharashtra election poll rigging as “unsubstantiated allegations.”

“Unsubstantiated allegations raised against the Electoral Rolls of Maharashtra are affront to the rule of law. The Election Commission had brought out all these facts in its reply to the INC on 24th December 2024 itself, which is available on ECI’s website. It appears that all these facts are completely being ignored while raising such issues again and again,” it said.

“Any misinformation being spread, by anyone, is not only a sign of disrespect towards the Law, but also brings disrepute to the thousands of representatives appointed by their own political party and demotivates lakhs of election staff who work untiringly and transparently during elections. After any unfavourable verdict by the voters, trying to defame the Election Commission by saying that it is compromised, is completely absurd,” it added. (ANI)

A sea of 1000 cyclists and fitness enthusiasts created a lively atmosphere at the JLN Stadium here on Sunday morning in the 26th edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle. Organised in collaboration with Indian Railways as special partners, the event saw the presence of Indian actress Madhurima Tuli, wrestler Anirudh Kumar, and mountaineer Narender Kumar, among the special guests.

Madhurima Tuli, who has starred in the Bollywood movie ‘Baby’ opposite Akshay Kumar, was formally recognised as a Fit India Icon on the occasion by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. She has been a state-level track and field athlete as well as a hurdles race runner.

Expressing her gratitude, Madhurima said, as quoted by the SAI Media press release, “I feel honoured to be here. Cycling has been my childhood hobby. Our Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya have rightly spoken about the dangers of obesity–it brings many diseases. Cycling is affordable, liberating, and keeps you mentally fit too.”

With Indian Railways serving as special partners, this edition marked a significant expansion of outreach and participation with railway officials and sportspersons associated with the railways also present in large numbers. These cycling drives were conducted by several Khelo India Centres (KICs), Khelo India State Centres of Excellence (KISCEs), SAI Training Centres (STCs), Khelo India Accredited Academies (KIAAs), Regional Centres (RCs), National Centres of Excellence (NCOEs) and more than 2600 cycling clubs all across the country, who roped in railways employees, officials and staff to make the event a resounding success on Sunday.

The activities stretched from Alwar to Tinsukia and Kurukshetra to Bolpur. The fitness activities which included Zumba, yoga and rope skipping were guided by My Bharat, Rope skipping federation of India and Yogasana Bharat.

Wrestler Anirudh Kumar, who won the gold at the 2024 U23 & U17 Asian Championships, called the initiative very important for the youth of the country. “I’ve had a long relationship with cycling since childhood. It improves stamina, power, and helps with fat loss. It’s great to see so many young faces today embracing fitness,” Anirudh said.

Mountaineer Narender Kumar, who is now preparing for his upcoming expedition to Mount Elbrus–Europe’s highest peak–hailed the movement as a transformative national force. “The clarion call of PM Narendra Modi ji has reached every corner of India. It’s heartening to see the youth join in, away from distractions and addictions. The love and energy of young Indians are taking this movement forward,” he mentioned.

The Fit India Sundays on Cycle initiative, launched in December 2024, has already touched more than 3.5 lakh citizens across 10,000+ locations nationwide. It started with 150-odd cyclists and the participation figure has grown by leaps in a span of six months. Credit for this huge surge goes to partners such as the CISF, Armed Forces, Indian Medical Association, Journalist Associations, Teachers, Corporates, Celebrities and myriad professionals from several walks of life. (ANI)

Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson ANS Prasad criticised the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) over its remarks on the Census and the upcoming delimitation exercise, alleging that the party is attempting to mislead the public.

In a press statement, Prasad said that Chief Minister MK Stalin and DMK MP Kanimozhi should refrain from making “baseless allegations” against the Central Government. He asserted that such comments appear politically motivated and distract from administrative failures in Tamil Nadu.

“The DMK government’s policies have plunged the state into turmoil, with rampant crimes, soaring essential costs, and a deteriorating law and order situation. Rather than addressing these pressing issues, the DMK is spreading misinformation to divert attention from its failures,” he said.

Prasad added that attempts to malign the Central Government would not succeed, given the clarity provided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. He further said that the DMK’s actions raise constitutional concerns, calling their statements “unconstitutional and unlawful.”

Responding to remarks made by DMK MP Kanimozhi, Prasad said her accusations against AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami are “baseless and unsupported by evidence.” He said Palaniswami’s criticism of corruption and dynastic politics in Tamil Nadu is legitimate, given the prevailing circumstances in Tamil Nadu.

“The allegations of betrayal levelled against Palaniswami by Kanimozhi are unsubstantiated and seem to be a deflection from the real issues plaguing the state. The DMK’s stance on delimitation appears driven by political opportunism rather than genuine concern for the state’s interests,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Prasad said that Home Minister Amit Shah has clarified that no state’s rights will be compromised during the delimitation process. This clarification should alleviate concerns about the potential impact on Tamil Nadu. CM Stalin’s continued propagation of misinformation regarding delimitation, despite Amit Shah’s clarification, is concerning.

It appears to be a deliberate attempt to create confusion and mislead the public. The people of Tamil Nadu deserve accurate information and transparent governance. Politicians should prioritise the state’s welfare over partisan interests.

He further said that the constitutional delimitation process should proceed without political interference and that any concerns should be addressed through constructive dialogue between the state and the Centre.

Ultimately, the people of Tamil Nadu will judge the DMK’s actions and statements on delimitation. It is crucial for politicians to prioritise the state’s interests and work towards its progress rather than engage in divisive politics.

Meanwhile, on Friday, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin remarked that the delay in the Census is “no accident,” and the proposed delimitation exercise is “no coincidence.” (ANI)

US President Donald Trump has signed a presidential memorandum deploying 2,000 National Guardsmen to Los Angeles to respond to escalating protests following immigration enforcement raids, CNN reported. The move comes amid growing tensions between federal authorities and demonstrators over what critics have called “mass chaos” and “paramilitary operations” targeting immigrant communities.

The protests began Friday after dozens were detained in raids across Los Angeles. In response to the unrest, the Department of Defense has begun mobilizing the National Guard to assist federal law enforcement. US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, in a post on X, described the demonstrations as “violent mob assaults” intended to block the removal of “criminal illegal aliens.”

“The violent mob assaults on ICE and Federal Law Enforcement are designed to prevent the removal of Criminal Illegal Aliens from our soil; a dangerous invasion facilitated by criminal cartels (aka Foreign Terrorist Organizations) and a huge NATIONAL SECURITY RISK,” Hegseth wrote. He added that if the violence continues, active duty Marines stationed at Camp Pendleton are on high alert and may also be deployed.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the deployment was essential to “halting and reversing the invasion of illegal criminals” and blamed California’s Democratic leadership for allowing lawlessness to fester. “Violent mobs attacked ICE Officers and Federal Law Enforcement Agents,” she said.

However, California Governor Gavin Newsom slammed the federal response, calling it “purposefully inflammatory” and warning that such deployments would erode public trust. “Donald Trump’s chaos is eroding trust, tearing families apart, and undermining the workers and industries that power America’s economy,” Newsom said.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass also criticized the federal raids, stating that she had not been informed in advance. “ICE was literally chasing people down the street,” Bass said, describing the arrests as “mass chaos.” She added that the city was working closely with law enforcement to find a safe and effective path forward.

According to CNN, protests in downtown Los Angeles remained mostly peaceful, with demonstrators chanting “Free them all” and holding signs such as “Full Rights for All Immigrants” and “Stop the Deportations.” However, clashes intensified in areas like Paramount and Compton. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department reported that crowds became “increasingly agitated,” throwing objects and exhibiting violent behavior.

In Compton, a vehicle was set on fire, while outside a federal detention center in downtown Los Angeles, protestors vandalized property and confronted federal agents. Videos showed law enforcement using riot gear, batons, and smoke bombs to disperse the crowd.

David Huerta, president of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) California, was among those arrested. Federal authorities alleged he attempted to obstruct access to a worksite. “Let me be clear: I don’t care who you are–if you impede federal agents, you will be arrested and prosecuted,” said US Attorney Bill Essayli. Huerta condemned the raids after being treated for injuries sustained during his arrest, calling the operations unjust.

Meanwhile, the LAPD distanced itself from federal immigration actions. “We will not assist or participate in any sort of mass deportations, nor will the LAPD try to determine an individual’s immigration status,” said Police Chief Jim McDonnell. The department emphasized its commitment to maintaining public safety without compromising community trust.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) issued a statement calling on elected officials to take immediate action to halt what it called a “vile paramilitary operation.” The organization urged leaders to protect the rights and safety of all residents, regardless of immigration status.

CNN reported that Friday’s raids targeted multiple sites, including a business in the Fashion District allegedly using fake documents for workers. At least 44 people were arrested in the operations, with the FBI investigating reports of demonstrators obstructing enforcement.

As of Saturday evening, law enforcement officials said dozens of potentially violent demonstrators were being monitored, and additional resources had been deployed countywide. (ANI)

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Sunday said that the demolition drive conducted at Madrasi Camp was action taken in strict compliance with court directives.

She stated that the court had ordered the removal of this slum four times in order to clean the Barapulla drain aimed at preventing future flood-related disasters in the capital.

Chief Minister Gupta asserted that the residents of the Madrasi camp have been allotted houses and have been moved there.

Speaking to reporters, Gupta stated, “I have clearly said, that if the court has ordered something, neither the government, nor the administration can do anything about it. The truth about the demolition of Madrasi Camp is that it was set up on the banks of the Barapullah drain. The court had ordered the removal of this slum four times so that machines could be deployed to clean the drain. Otherwise, 2023-like floods would be seen again in Delhi. No one can defy court orders. Residents of that camp have been allotted houses and shifted there.”

Delhi Chief Minister noted that similar actions have been taken to another places, including Railway Colony.

Targeting Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders for politicising the matter, the Chief Minister asked who will be held responsible if there would be a loss of life.

She said, “Action was taken in three places in Delhi, including Railway Colony, a slum set up near the railway tracks. The railways took action. Who would be held accountable if there is a loss of life? Should Saurabh Bharadwaj, Atishi, or Arvind Kejriwal be held accountable? The court knows what it is doing and hence has given orders.”

Further, noting that the BJP-led Delhi government is working for the welfare of the capital territory, the Chief Minister said, “Apart from this, development work is going on throughout Delhi at a cost of Rs 700 crores which was never done by Kejriwal or Congress government.”

Earlier on June 4, AAP leader and Delhi Assembly LoP Atishi launched a scathing attack on the BJP following the demolition drive at Madrasi Camp in Jangpura, South East Delhi on June 1 following a court order.

In a post on X, Atishi posted, “BJP had promised ‘jahan jhuggi, wahan makaan’ (where there is a slum, there will be a house), but as soon as it won the election, it bulldozed the Madrasi camp.”

“Today, when I went there, women, elderly, youth – everyone cried bitterly. They were saying that they made a mistake by voting for the BJP. If Kejriwal were here, he would not have let our slums be demolished,” posted Atishi.

The operation was carried out to resolve the flooding issues caused by the narrowed drain, which obstructs water flow during heavy rains.

370 encroachments have been demolished, with 189 residents deemed eligible for resettlement and allocated flats in Narela, while 181 are ineligible for resettlement. (ANI)

BJP MP and leader of the all-party delegation Ravi Shankar Prasad on Saturday sharply criticised Pakistan’s military establishment, asserting that its Generals orchestrate conflicts to remain relevant, using terrorists as tools to destabilise India.

During a community event with the Indian diaspora in Berlin, Prasad highlighted India’s remarkable progress in IT, space, and digital transformation under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, contrasting it with Pakistan’s repeated failures in wars while referring to the repeated incidents of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism and the military’s dominant role in the country’s politics.

“India and Pakistan were born the same day. Where are we in India, and where are they (Pakistan)? India has become a major global IT power in the world. India has become an emerging space power in the world. The startup movements here are now globally recognised. India has also become the second biggest mobile phone manufacturer in the world. We have brought digital transformation with equity and justice,” Prasad said.

“What Pakistan is doing is creating terror machines. How to create world-class terrorists under their (military) Generals. They attacked us four times and lost every time. We never attacked; they were the ones who always started the war. It is because they are under the control of Generals and not political leaders. Generals want conflict to keep themselves relevant, and terrorists are the instruments through which they execute. Wherever there is a terrorist, either he is a Pakistani or trained in Pakistan,” he added.

He emphasised India’s economic achievements, including a 51 per cent share of global digital payments and its status as the second-largest mobile manufacturer, attributing this to PM Modi’s 2014 vision of “IT+IT=IT” (Information Technology + India’s Talent = India Tomorrow).

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi used to say in 2014 that if he became the PM, he would make an India where IT+IT=IT, which means Information Technology + India’s Talent = India Tomorrow. Digital payment in India is at 51 per cent of the world,” the BJP MP stated.

Prasad also spoke about the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and India’s decisive response through Operation Sindoor on May 7, noting that Operation Sindoor remains paused but ready to resume based on Pakistan’s actions.

“Pahalgam attack happened on April 22. We attacked on May 7 and hit the terrorist camps. If Pakistan has to talk, it must directly speak to us. Our message was stern and straight: If you stop, we stop. If you fire, we will give a stronger reply. Operation Sindoor is on pause, subject to the good behaviour of Pakistan. It has not ended,” he stated.

The delegation, led by Ravi Shankar Prasad, includes BJP MPs Daggubati Purandeswari and Samik Bhattacharya, Congress MP Amar Singh and Gulam Ali Khatana, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi, AIADMK MP M Thambidurai, former Union Minister MJ Akbar and former diplomat Pankaj Saran.

The delegation arrived in Germany after concluding their visit to Belgium to convey India’s resolute and united stand against terrorism. (ANI)

While the World Bank’s revision to global poverty estimates led to a global increase in the count of extreme poverty by 125 million, India emerged as a statistical outlier in a positive direction, according to the government’s factsheet analysis.

The World Bank recently raised the International Poverty Line (IPL) from USD 2.15 to USD 3.00 per day (based on 2021 purchasing power parity). The revision was intended to reflect updated costs of living and more accurate consumption data.

The global poverty measures produced by the World Bank use purchasing power parities (PPPs) to account for differences in price levels across the world. These PPPs are periodically revised in light of new data on relative living costs.

This adjustment was expected to sharply increase the global count of those living in extreme poverty which was visible on poverty figures, estimated at 226 million people. However, India’s newly revised poverty data significantly softened the blow, reducing the count by 125 million. These figures offsets more than half the global increase.

India’s standout performance is largely attributed to improvements in data collection and measurement methods. The country’s latest Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) adopted the Modified Mixed Recall Period (MMRP) method, replacing the outdated Uniform Reference Period. This change provided a more accurate picture of household consumption, capturing actual spending more effectively.

As a result, India’s poverty rate in 2022-23 stood at just 5.25 per cent under the new USD 3.00 poverty line, and 2.35 per cent under the older USD 2.15 line — a dramatic decline from earlier decades.

The data also showed rising household spending: average monthly per capita expenditure rose to Rs 4,122 in rural areas and Rs 6,996 in urban areas, excluding the value of items received free through social welfare programs. Additionally, consumption inequality fell, with the Gini coefficient declining in both rural and urban regions.

The government’s factsheet detail added that India’s example shows how methodological integrity, better data, and sustained policy efforts can work together to deliver real developmental outcomes. (ANI)

After ‘Jawan’, actor Deepika Padukone and director Atlee have reunited for a sci-fi action film, which also stars Allu Arjun in the lead role.

On Saturday, the makers made the announcement with a special video. In the clip, we can see Atlee and Deepika discussing about the film. Later, we saw the ‘Piku’ star seamlessly transitioning into full prep mode as she donned elaborate headgear and stepped onto set in full costume.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DKloFQbRw2x/?hl=en

On having Deepika on board, Atlee in a press note shared, “Collaborating with Deepika Padukone mam on Jawan was incredible–her range, power, and grace shine in every frame. She drives the story. Now, with her and Allu Arjun sir together, we’re creating something truly unforgettable–real filmmaker’s dream synergy.”

Sun Pictures added, “Having Deepika Padukone on board elevates this project to a whole new level. She brings gravitas, star power, and an unmatched presence that will leave a lasting impact. With Atlee’s vision, Allu Arjun’s magnetic energy, and Deepika’s commanding brilliance, we’re creating something iconic for audiences across the globe.”

While not much has been revealed about the film, Deepika’s casting opposite Allu Arjun has surely left fans excited.

As soon as the announcement was made, fans chimed in the comment section and expressed excitement. Deepika’s husband and actor Ranveer Singh, too, got super excited.

He wrote, “Whuoa!”

The film is tentatively titled Project AA22 x A6. (ANI)

In view of rising pollution levels, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has enforced Stage-I of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR with immediate effect.

The action came after Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 209, which falls under the ‘Poor’ category.

The decision was a comprehensive review by the CAQM Sub-Committee, which convened on Saturday and reviewed the air quality scenario in the region, as well as the IMD/IITM forecasts and air quality index of Delhi comprehensively.

“The AQI of Delhi has shown an increasing trend and has been recorded at 209 for 07.06.2025. Further, the forecast by IMD/IITM also predicts AQI to mainly remain in ‘Poor’ category in coming days,” said the statement from CAQM

“The Sub-Committee, accordingly, decides to invoke all actions under Stage-I (‘Poor’ Air Quality) of the extant GRAP in the entire NCR, with immediate effect,” it added.

On May 18 following the subsequent decrease in the air pollution levels, the CAQM revoked the Stage-I measures of the Graded Response Action Plan across the entire NCR.

An AQI rating is categorised as follows: 0-50 (good), 51-100 (satisfactory), 101-200 (moderate), 201-300 (poor), 301-400 (very poor), and 401-500 (severe). (ANI)