The political turmoil in Parliament escalated on Thursday after Amit Shah’s controversial remarks about BR Ambedkar, leading to a dramatic protest by the Opposition. Members of the ‘INDIA’ alliance, including Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, climbed the Makar Dwar demanding an apology and the resignation of the Home Minister. The protest followed Shah’s statement in the Rajya Sabha, where he criticized Congress leaders for invoking Ambedkar’s name but not demonstrating true reverence for him. Amid the chaos, two BJP MPs were injured, with one in serious condition and hospitalized. The incident further fueled tensions, with the Opposition accusing the BJP of obstructing their entry into Parliament.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari recently criticized live-in relationships and same-sex marriages, calling them "against the rules of society" and warning they could lead to the collapse of the social structure. In an interview with independent journalist Samdish Bhatia, Gadkari emphasized that children should be raised with responsibility, noting that dismantling traditional family structures would have long-term negative consequences. He also spoke about the importance of maintaining a balanced gender ratio for societal stability, suggesting that any disruption could lead to serious social issues. Gadkari concluded by stating that society would ultimately decide its norms, but he felt it necessary to highlight what he believes to be wrong.
Five terrorists were killed in an encounter with security forces in Kulgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on Thursday. The operation began after a cordon and search was launched in the Behibagh area based on intelligence about the presence of militants. The situation escalated into a gunfight when the terrorists opened fire on the forces, resulting in two security personnel being injured. The Indian Army confirmed the successful operation, emphasizing the swift retaliation to the heavy fire from the militants. This incident follows a series of security operations in the region aimed at combating militancy.
Delhi's air quality worsened significantly on Wednesday evening as the Air Quality Index (AQI) crossed the 450-mark, entering the 'severe plus' category. The worsening pollution, exacerbated by low temperatures and weak winds, has led to discomfort in several areas, with Nehru Nagar and Wazirpur being the worst affected. As a result, Delhi remains under Stage-IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which has triggered stringent anti-pollution measures, including a ban on construction and restrictions on non-essential trucks. In response to the deteriorating conditions, schools in Delhi-NCR have switched to hybrid mode for most grades.
A speedboat, identified as an Indian Navy craft, lost control during engine trials off the Mumbai coast on Wednesday, colliding with a passenger ferry and causing it to capsize. The incident resulted in 13 fatalities, including 10 civilians and three Navy personnel. The Navy confirmed that an engine malfunction caused the loss of control, and a large-scale rescue operation was launched, with 101 survivors rescued so far. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed condolences to the victims' families, and search efforts are ongoing to locate missing persons.
Surendra Singh, a BJP leader from Ballia, Uttar Pradesh, has launched an indefinite sit-in protest against the demolition of the party’s camp office by the municipal corporation. The office, located in Indira Market, was demolished as part of an anti-encroachment drive by the local authorities. Singh, who has been running the office for over 40 years, condemned the demolition, accusing the district administration of acting under the influence of the Samajwadi Party. He submitted a petition to the District Magistrate, notifying them of his protest. The Sub-Divisional Magistrate confirmed that the demolition was part of a routine exercise.
A joint parliamentary committee (JPC) has been formed to study the "One Nation One Election" bills, introduced in Parliament on Tuesday. The committee, led by BJP's PP Chaudhary, includes 21 Lok Sabha MPs, such as Congress's Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, NCP's Supriya Sule, and Union Minister Anurag Thakur, as well as 10 Rajya Sabha members. The JPC will review the proposed amendments and consult stakeholders over the next 90 days, with a report expected in the next session's final week. While the BJP defends the bill as a cost-saving measure, opposition parties argue it could centralize power and diminish states' autonomy.
BJP leader Amit Shah responded to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge's demand for his resignation, stating that it would not change the Congress's electoral fate. Shah dismissed the demand, saying, "My resignation will not change his problems because he will have to sit in the opposition for the next 15 years." This comes after Shah’s controversial remarks about Dalit icon Dr. B.R. Ambedkar in the Rajya Sabha, which led to Kharge demanding his resignation. Shah defended his position, accusing Congress of distorting his words and claiming the party was against Ambedkar's ideals and the Constitution. He also criticized Congress for not awarding Ambedkar the Bharat Ratna until 1990, pointing to the BJP's role in honoring him.
A Delhi court has granted seven days' interim bail to Umar Khalid, the former JNU student activist, to attend his cousin’s wedding. Khalid, who has been in custody since September 2020 on charges related to the 2020 Northeast Delhi riots, had his most recent bail plea rejected by the Delhi High Court earlier this month. His legal team argued that Khalid was not involved in the riots and was not present in Northeast Delhi during the violence. The court’s decision allows him temporary relief under strict conditions.
Maruti Suzuki’s WagonR has celebrated 25 years in India, a remarkable milestone since its launch in 1999. With over 3.2 million units sold, the WagonR remains one of the brand’s most successful models. Known for its spacious interior, reliability, and fuel-efficient engine, the WagonR continues to be a popular choice among budget-conscious buyers. Despite facing challenges such as increased competition from SUVs and concerns over safety ratings, the WagonR’s enduring strengths—its practicality, frugality, and strong resale value—ensure its continued success in the Indian market.
"Girls Will Be Girls marks a striking debut from director Shuchi Talati. The film, a complex mother-daughter coming-of-age story, explores the delicate balance of sexual awakening and family dynamics. Sixteen-year-old Mira (Preeti Panigrahi), the first female head prefect at her strict boarding school, finds her carefully composed world shaken with the arrival of Sri, a charming new student. As Mira's quiet interest in Sri clashes with her mother's watchful presence, a subtle yet intense emotional battle ensues. Talati handles this delicate shift in tone with sensitivity, capturing the unspoken tension between mother and daughter through powerful silences and fleeting glances. The performances from Panigrahi and Kani Kusruti are exceptional, breathing life into the film’s nuanced exploration of adolescence, identity, and the complexities of growing up."*
Two Indian Army soldiers, Ashutosh Mishra and Jitendra, tragically died in an explosion at Bikaner's Mahajan Field Firing Range while loading ammunition into a tank during a training exercise. A third soldier was seriously injured and airlifted to Chandigarh. The explosion, believed to have been caused by a mistake during the loading process, occurred during a routine exercise. This incident follows another fatality at the range on December 15, where Havildar Chandra Prakash Patel lost his life during an artillery deployment exercise. Both incidents are under investigation.
