Politics / The Times of India
India ranked as the fifth most polluted country in the world in 2024, with Byrnihat, Meghalaya, recognized as the most polluted metropolitan area globally. Despite a 7% decline in PM2.5 levels, New Delhi remained the most polluted capital. Major pollution sources include industrial emissions, vehicular pollution, and crop residue burning.
Amit Shah has announced an investment of Rs 2.5 lakh crore for the northeastern states, ensuring job opportunities within the region in the next 10 years. Under Modi's leadership, a 153% budget increase for the northeast and improved connectivity aims to end insurgency and promote development.
Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi in Lok Sabha demanded a statement from Prime Minister Modi over his discussions with US President Trump on trade and tariffs. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman responded by accusing the opposition of frequently abusing the PM and demanded an apology.
Internal discord in the Punjab Congress surfaces as Sukhpal Singh Khaira criticizes MLA Rana Gurjeet Singh for promoting private maize purchase. Despite party directives, Khaira questions the timing and motives, suggesting disruption ahead of the 2027 elections. Khaira also accuses Rana of promoting privatisation, pointing out unresolved sugarcane arrears and alleged business interests influencing his silence on government criticism.
Justice Surya Kant of the Supreme Court emphasizes that the true measure of a court's success is its impact on litigants and timely justice delivery. He praises the Kenyan Supreme Court for its efficiency and stresses that technology in case management should not compromise fairness. Judicial independence and transparency are key to combating corruption and ensuring public trust.
Former Jammu and Kashmir DGP SP Vaid claims that Pakistan's government and military have lost control over Balochistan, predicting a potential breakup of the country. The Baloch Liberation Army's recent hijacking of the Jaffar Express and hostage-taking of over 100 passengers highlights the region's escalating insurgency and instability.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Indian diaspora in Mauritius, highlighting the deep historical and cultural ties between the two nations. He announced the extension of Overseas Citizen India cards to the seventh generation of the Indian diaspora and expressed gratitude for receiving the highest civilian award from Mauritius.
A Mumbai court has granted anticipatory bail to Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Azmi regarding his controversial remarks about Aurangzeb. Azmi has been directed to cooperate with the investigation on specified dates and times. He claims his comments were misrepresented by the media and has requested his suspension be revoked.
The Election Commission of India has assured the Trinamool Congress that concerns about duplicate EPIC numbers, dead voters, and illegal migrants will be resolved. TMC MP Sagarika Ghose highlighted the seriousness of duplicate EPIC cards and the need for transparency. The opposition demanded discussion on voter list irregularities, stressing their importance for democracy and the Constitution.
The central government banned the Awami Action Committee (AAC) and Jammu and Kashmir Ittihadul Muslimeen (JKIM) for five years. They were accused of spreading anti-India propaganda and promoting secessionism in the Union territory. The Ministry of Home Affairs declared them unlawful under the Unlawful Activities Act. The groups were also accused of supporting separatists and raising funds for terrorist activities.
The Odisha assembly descended into chaos as BJP and Congress leaders engaged in a scuffle, with accusations of physical altercation. The unrest began during question hour when senior BJP lawmaker Jaynarayan Mishra allegedly pushed Congress MLA Taraprasad Bahinipati. Speaker Surama Padhy allowed proceedings to continue despite the turmoil.
Congress MP Gowaal K Padavi has called for banning the Chinese AI app DeepSeek in India, citing its refusal to acknowledge Arunachal Pradesh as part of India. He urged the Ministry of External Affairs to issue a notice to China, stressing the development of indigenous AI technology instead of relying on foreign tech.
Jammu and Kashmir's chief minister responded to RSS general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale's suggestion to replace 'India' with 'Bharat' as the country's name. Abdullah highlighted that the country has historically been referred to as Bharat, India, and Hindustan, allowing individuals to choose their preferred name.
Tamil Nadu's DMK delegation met Odisha's Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik to seek support against the Centre's proposal for delimitation based on population. The DMK also invited Patnaik to join a Joint Action Committee meeting in Chennai on March 22. The DMK is reaching out to various leaders to collectively oppose the delimitation exercise.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Mauritius highlights the strong historical and cultural ties between the two nations, reinforced by a large Indian-origin population. His engagements included a warm reception by the local diaspora, homage to Mahatma Gandhi, and revisiting significant spiritual sites.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a warm welcome in Mauritius, marked by a traditional Geet Gawai performance. During his visit, Modi will participate in National Day celebrations and inaugurate various India-funded projects, highlighting bilateral ties and mutual cooperation between India and Mauritius.
The interim govt is preparing to introduce a law via ordinance to expedite the recovery of billions allegedly siphoned off to foreign countries. Investigations are ongoing into 11 prominent individuals and companies, including former PM Hasina. Steps are being taken to collaborate with international law firms.
The Modi government and the DMK clashed in the resumed Budget session over the three-language policy and the NEP MoU. Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan accused DMK of reversing their stance under pressure, leading to protests. DMK's Kanimozhi alleged diversion of TN funds and filed a privilege motion against Pradhan for misleading and indecent remarks.
Ukraine surpassed India as the world's top arms importer in 2020-24, with its imports rising significantly due to its war with Russia. India's arms imports, driven by tensions with China and Pakistan, accounted for 8.3% of global imports. India's imports from Russia decreased, while imports from France and Israel increased.
The Swadeshi Jagran Manch (SJM) urged the Indian government to protect farmers and small businesses during bilateral trade negotiations, particularly with the US. They emphasized focusing on bilateral trade deals over multilateral agreements. SJM criticized President Trump for his stance on India's tariffs and highlighted the need for national interests to be maintained.
Leader of the House J P Nadda expressed the government's readiness to discuss any issue but criticized the opposition for attempting to disrupt proceedings through Rule 267. He condemned their walkout and reassured that there will be opportunities for discussions during the Union Budget debates over the next 10 days.
Tamil Nadu chief minister M K Stalin condemned Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan's remarks calling DMK MPs uncivilised. DMK MP Kanimozhi also criticized Pradhan for his comments. Pradhan's remarks led to DMK cadres protesting across Tamil Nadu, demanding an apology from the minister. Pradhan defended his stance on the National Education Policy, while BJP MPs supported the promotion of Sanskrit.
Air India urged passengers to use lavatories for their intended purposes after a flight from Chicago to Delhi diverted back due to clogged toilets. Items like polythene bags, rags, and clothes were found in lavatory plumbing. The airline emphasized passenger safety and provided immediate assistance, including hotel accommodations and alternative flight options.
A 30-year-old chef from a five-star hotel in Nagpur was arrested for flashing women on Wardha Road, sparking public outrage after a video of the incident went viral. The chef, who frequently filmed vulgar acts, was apprehended due to the footage captured by a college student. His phone contained explicit videos, including many filmed within his house.
Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj's coronation as jathedar of Takht Kesgarh Sahib and Akal Takht was marked by a notable absence of traditional rituals and high-ranking community members. Key Sikh organizations were also not present. Former Jathedar Bhai Ranjit Singh criticized the lack of reverence, while Panthic Talmel Sangathan announced protests against SGPC members who supported the decision.
Kannada actress Ranya Rao was arrested for allegedly smuggling gold worth Rs 12 crore from Dubai, triggering a political battle between Congress and BJP in Karnataka. BJP alleged involvement of an influential minister in shielding her, while Congress accused BJP of favoring her with land allotment for an industrial project.
Justice Joymalya Bagchi of Calcutta High Court has been appointed to the Supreme Court by the President. He is scheduled to become the Chief Justice of India on May 26, 2031. Justice Bagchi is the second judge from Calcutta HC to rise to the top post in 40 years after Justice Altamas Kabir.
Punjab BJP media in-charge Vineet Joshi accused AAP of influencing young voters through exam questions highlighting AAP policies. AAP rebutted the allegation, calling it baseless and accused BJP of creating controversy. Joshi cited a Class XII political science question from March 4, while AAP stated that such questions are typical in political science exams.
A parliamentary committee has raised concerns over the meagre Rs 575 crore allocation in the 2025-26 Budget for census and NPR updation and recommended completing the census promptly. The panel also suggested establishing a separate central police force to address the surge in cybercrimes and urged the home ministry to seek increased funding for central police forces.
Justice B R Gavai emphasized the integral role of personal data protection in the digital age as part of the right to privacy and life. Addressing challenges like misinformation, online harassment, and emerging technologies, he highlighted the need for judiciaries in developing countries to define limits on digital rights and governmental regulation.
Rajasthan CM Bhajan Lal Sharma caused a political stir by referring to PM Narendra Modi as his favourite actor. Congress used this to criticize Modi, claiming the PM is more of an actor than a leader. BJP defended Modi, asserting the question was about a 'hero.' The dispute gained significant attention on social media.