LOK SABHA APPROVAL
Statement: Midnight mining claims shake politics in Uttarakhand, IAS officer Sujata, wife of Pandian, takes VRS, and A new chapter in Kerala: Private Univs
Former Uttarakhand CM Trivendra Singh Rawat raised concerns about illegal mining in the state, which the state government denied, citing high revenue from legal operations. Meanwhile, senior Odisha IAS officer Sujata Karthikeyan took voluntary retirement. Also, Kerala passed a bill allowing private universities for the first time, aiming to make the state an international education hub.
Waqf Bill to be introduced in Parliament's ongoing session: Amit Shah
Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced that the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, previously referred to a joint parliamentary committee in August 2024, will be reintroduced in the current parliamentary session. Shah emphasized that the amendments align the Waqf Act with the Constitution and addressed concerns about the proposed changes, asserting that they will safeguard the rights of Muslims.
India will not tolerate insult to Rana Sanga: BJP MPs in Lok Sabha
BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad condemned SP MP Ramji Lal Suman's remarks against Rajput king Rana Sanga, emphasizing that such insults are intolerable. Suman had controversially called Rana Sanga a traitor for inviting Babur to defeat Ibrahim Lodi. This sentiment was echoed by BJP's Rao Rajendra Singh in the Lok Sabha.
SBI earns Rs 331 cr from ATM withdrawals, while other state-owned banks face losses
State Bank of India earned Rs 331 crore from ATM cash withdrawals in 2023-24, while other state-owned banks collectively lost Rs 925 crore. SBI dominates the ATM market with over 65,000 ATMs. Customers get limited free ATM transactions; fees apply beyond those limits. Despite fewer transactions, cash remains vital. Increased fees boosted the ATM network.
Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025 gets Lok Sabha nod
The Lok Sabha passed the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, enforcing stricter immigration regulations in India. The bill aims to replace four existing laws while introducing stringent penalties for violations like fake passport use. It emphasizes national security, mandates the reporting of foreigners' details, and eases visa processes, improving compliance and security measures.
Taking relentless action against bank loan defaulters, fugitives: Nirmala Sitharaman
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman assured the Rajya Sabha that stringent measures are being taken against bank loan defaulters, including fugitives. She highlighted the recovery actions and reiterated the government's commitment to addressing NPAs and financial inclusion. The Rajya Sabha passed the Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill 2024.
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Safety cornerstone of India' s nuclear energy policy: Minister
Union Minister Jitendra Singh emphasized that safety is the core of India's nuclear energy policy, with a focus on "safety first, production next." He announced plans to increase nuclear power capacity from 8,180 MW to 22,480 MW by 2031-32. Singh highlighted strict safety protocols and international oversight, with radiation levels well below global benchmarks.
Amit Shah defends PM-CARES, alleges PM NRF under UPA was headed by Cong President
Union home minister Amit Shah defended the transparency of the PM-CARES Fund, contrasting it with the Congress-era National Relief Fund. Shah emphasized that the fund's allocation is decided methodically and is not influenced by political bias. He assured that the amendments would not harm India's federal structure.
PM-CARES much more transparent than UPA's relief fund, says Amit Shah
Union Home Minister Amit Shah dismissed Opposition allegations regarding a lack of transparency in the PM-CARES Fund, emphasizing its oversight by the Cabinet Committee on Security. He contrasted this with the PM National Relief Fund during UPA rule, asserting the current structure ensures greater accountability.
Taxmen to determine only undisclosed income for block assessments in search cases: Finance Bill
The government has amended the Finance Bill, 2025, to focus on assessing undisclosed income in search cases, effective retrospectively from September 1, 2024. This change reverts to the pre-2003 block assessment regime and relies on taxpayers to declare regular income in their returns.
Income tax department to compare your last year ITR with current year’s ITR for any irregularities: How taxpayers will be impacted?
Compare last year's ITR with the current ITR: The income tax department will check and match your current income tax return filed with the previous year's ITR from next year onward. This is done to check for any inconsistencies and irregularities in the current year's ITR. The question arises: Is it good news or bad news for the taxpayers?
Lok Sabha passes Finance Bill, 2025 after including 35 government amendments
The Lok Sabha passed the Finance Bill 2025, including 35 amendments, such as abolishing a 6% digital tax on online ads. The total expenditure for 2025-26 is Rs 50.65 lakh crore, with a projected fiscal deficit of 4.4%. Capital expenditure is set at Rs 11.22 lakh crore, while resources for states will increase by Rs 4.91 lakh crore.
Lok Sabha approves motion to extend tenure of JPC on 'One Nation, One Election'
The Lok Sabha approved extending the tenure of the Joint Parliamentary Committee on 'One Nation, One Election' to the first day of the last week of the Monsoon Session, 2025. The JPC, chaired by PP Chaudhary, will review significant constitutional and Union Territory law changes. Distinguished legal experts, including former Supreme Court judges, are scheduled for discussions.
Lok Sabha to resume discussion on Finance Bill
During the Lok Sabha discussion on the Finance Bill, 2025, opposition members criticized the government's economic policies, highlighting the challenges in GST and structural issues. BJP members, on the other hand, praised the economic performance. The debate touched on topics such as taxpayer burdens and the divide between economic classes.
FinMin launches BAANKNET, e-BKray to enhance PSU bank e-auctions for asset sales
New Delhi, The Finance Ministry has launched a revamped e-auction portal 'BAANKNET' to enhance transparency and efficiency in disposing of banks' non-performing assets. The portal, designed to streamline the auction process, incorporates automated KYC tools and secure payment gateways. All 12 public sector banks and IBBI are utilizing the platform.
Discussions yet to take place on modalities of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra resumption: MEA
The Ministry of External Affairs announced that the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is set to resume in 2025, following an understanding between India and China. However, the specific details are yet to be finalized. This comes after a series of constructive engagements between the two nations.
Lok Sabha approves Demands for Grants for various ministries
On Friday, the Lok Sabha passed the Demands for Grants for various ministries for the fiscal year 2025-26, approving an expenditure of over Rs 50 lakh crore. The House passed the Demands for Grants by applying the guillotine, a procedure that considers the Demands for Grants approved without further discussion.
CCI cleared seven M&A deals in media sector over past five years: I&B ministry
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) approved seven media and entertainment sector M&A deals in the last five years, ensuring competition safeguards. Key transactions include the Disney-Reliance media merger, Comcast's investment in Viacom18, and Tata Sons' increased stake in Tata Play.
Himachal Pradesh High Court directs BFI to allow Anurag Thakur's nomination in its polls
Anurag Thakur's disqualification from the Boxing Federation of India's presidential election was stayed by the Himachal Pradesh High Court, allowing him to represent Himachal Pradesh Boxing Association and contest the March 28 polls. The court found the March 7 disqualification order by BFI President Ajay Singh unauthorised and directed BFI to extend the nomination date.
IndiaAI Mission draws 120 more proposals for sovereign AI models
The IndiaAI Mission received 120 applications in its second round, doubling the first round’s 67. With 187 total proposals, approvals are expected soon. Global interest grows as firms plan to incorporate in India for government-backed AI model development.
Union Cabinet approves Rs 10,601 crore for Namrup IV Fertilizer plant in Assam
The Union Cabinet has approved Rs 10,601 Crore for the new Namrup IV Fertilizer Plant in Assam, which will enhance fertilizer security and boost industrial growth in the Northeast. The project aims to address the region's rising fertilizer demand and create direct and indirect employment opportunities.
India's household debt-to-GDP ratio lower than peers: FM Nirmala Sitharaman
Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted that India's household debt-to-GDP ratio is lower than many emerging and advanced economies. She lauded the success of 'Make in India', with PLI schemes attracting ?1.5 lakh crore investments and creating 950,000 jobs. The 'Made in Bihar' boots for the Russian Army exemplify the program's achievements in the defense sector.
Strongly taken up trade restrictive measures with EU: Govt to Parliament
The government is addressing trade restrictions with the EU and focusing on sectors like Agri-food, APIs, and Clean Technologies. Aiming for a fair Free Trade Agreement, it also highlights the importance of imports from China for various industries and introduces stringent quality controls to curb sub-standard imports.
TMC MP Saket Gokhale demands Bharat Ratna for TN Seshan
TMC leader Saket Gokhale has called for the Bharat Ratna for former Chief Election Commissioner TN Seshan, highlighting his role in preserving the Election Commission's independence. Gokhale raised concerns about government influence on the ECI and alleged the mishandling of the Model Code of Conduct.
Believe in Make In India, it is giving good results: FM Sitharaman to Opposition
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman defended the "Make in India" initiative in the Rajya Sabha, dismissing opposition criticism and highlighting its positive outcomes. She pointed out that the scheme has attracted Rs 1.5 lakh crore in investments and created nearly 9.5 lakh jobs, particularly in the manufacturing and defense sectors.
Parliament clears Rs 51,463 cr extra spending for FY25, Manipur Budget for FY26
Parliament has approved the supplementary demands for grants involving additional spending of Rs 51,463 crore for the current fiscal and the Manipur Budget for 2025-26. The Rajya Sabha returned four bills to the Lok Sabha after Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's reply. The Vote on Account asks for Rs 17,947 crore for Manipur, which is presently under President's Rule.
Centre with farmers without any discrimination, says Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan
Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan assured that the Centre would support farmers from all states during natural disasters, without discrimination. Modi govt will stick to its promise of ensuring farmers' welfare, the minister said.
4% quota for Muslim contractors: BJP to challenge K'taka's 'unconstitutional move' in court
The BJP has criticized Karnataka's proposed 4% reservation for Muslims in government contracts, calling it an unconstitutional move aimed at appeasement. Tajasvi Surya vowed legal and parliamentary action to stop the proposal. The BJP argues the decision threatens national unity and contradicts the constitution, citing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's budget provisions for the Muslim community.
Banks write off bad loans worth Rs 16.35 lakh crore in last 10 years
Banks have written off bad loans worth around Rs 16.35 lakh crore over the past decade, with the highest write-off of Rs 2.36 lakh crore in 2018-19. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman clarified that write-offs don't benefit borrowers, and banks continue recovery actions. Currently, 29 major companies have NPAs totaling Rs 61,027 crore.
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