Himalayan Express

Category: NEW DELHI

  • Rahul Gandhi Says Modi Government Will Go, Calls for ‘Repair of Democracy’

    Rahul Gandhi Says Modi Government Will Go, Calls for ‘Repair of Democracy’

    Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Saturday said Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar would leave office and the Narendra Modi-led government would also go, asserting that the process of “repair of democracy” would begin thereafter.

    In a post in Hindi on X, Gandhi wrote, “Gyanesh Kumar will go. This government will go. Then the repair of democracy will begin.” He also shared a video clip of his address to INDIA bloc MPs at the Central Hall of Parliament.

    On Friday, Gandhi had alleged that the issue extended beyond Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, describing it as a “much deeper problem” that, according to him, required the termination of the current government.

    Addressing INDIA bloc MPs at the Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan, Gandhi claimed that the Opposition’s protests had shaken the government’s foundations and alleged that it was now under pressure.

    “There is a much deeper problem than Gyanesh Kumar and it requires termination of this current government,” he had said, adding that the issue was worth fighting for.

    Gandhi also asserted that continued pressure from the Opposition could bring down the government. “If we continue to push the way we have in the last three-four days, I guarantee this government will fall,” he said.

    The Opposition’s campaign comes amid a controversy over reported disagreements within the Election Commission of India. A report by The Indian Express stated that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had recorded objections on at least 14 occasions over the preceding 10 months, largely concerning decisions and orders related to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

    Responding to the reported objections, the Election Commission maintained that differing views and observations were a normal part of institutional deliberations. It also asserted that its orders carried full legal sanction and followed established statutory procedures.

    The issue has intensified the political confrontation between the Opposition and the ruling government, with electoral processes and the functioning of constitutional institutions emerging as key points of debate.

  • Panama-Flagged Oil Tanker Carrying 22 Indian Seafarers Attacked by Drone Near Sharjah

    Panama-Flagged Oil Tanker Carrying 22 Indian Seafarers Attacked by Drone Near Sharjah

    A Panama-flagged crude oil tanker, MT GEM NO. 2, carrying 22 Indian nationals as crew members, was subjected to a drone attack at Sharjah Anchorage on October 9, Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said.

    In a post on X, Sonowal said he was relieved to report that all 22 Indian seafarers onboard the vessel were safe following the incident.

    The minister added that the government was continuously monitoring the situation and remained in contact with the ship management company to ensure the safety and security of the Indian crew members.

    The incident has raised concerns over maritime security in the region, where commercial vessels remain vulnerable to emerging security threats.

    The government is keeping a close watch on developments and coordinating with the relevant authorities and the ship management company to monitor the situation and safeguard the interests of Indian seafarers.

  • Congress Highlights Decline in Real Wages, Calls for Nationwide Minimum Wage

    Congress Highlights Decline in Real Wages, Calls for Nationwide Minimum Wage

    New Delhi, July 18: Addressing concerns over the “decline in real wages,” the Congress party underscored Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s electoral setbacks and advocated for a nationwide minimum wage of Rs. 400 per day in the upcoming Union Budget.

    Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh emphasized that multiple data sources, including government statistics, indicate a significant erosion in purchasing power for workers over the past decade. He cited the Labour Bureau’s wage rate index, highlighting stagnation in real wages between 2014 and 2023, with a decline observed from 2019 to 2024.

    Ramesh contrasted the economic performance under former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, noting a growth of 6.8% annually in real wages for agricultural labourers, against a decline of minus 1.3% per year under Modi’s tenure.

    Referring to the Periodic Labour Force Survey Series and data from the Centre for Labour Research and Action, Ramesh pointed out that real earnings across various employment types, including salaried, casual, and self-employed workers, have remained stagnant between 2017 and 2022.

    He also highlighted the plight of brick kiln workers, whose real wages have either stagnated or declined from 2014 to 2022, describing brick kiln labour as low-paying and labor-intensive, often the last resort for India’s poorest.

    In advocating for a nationwide minimum wage of Rs. 400 per day, a promise outlined in the Congress’ ‘Nyay Patra’ manifesto, Ramesh proposed this as a crucial step towards addressing the cycle of stagnant wages and delivering justice to workers.

    “The self-anointed non-biological PM has been delivered a stinging rebuke by voters in his efforts to reach 400 paar in the Lok Sabha,” Ramesh stated, suggesting that achieving “Asli 400 paar” through the proposed minimum wage could rectify economic disparities.

    The call for a substantial increase in minimum wages underscores the Congress’ commitment to economic equity and social justice in India.

  • “One Killed, Six Injured in Roof Collapse at Delhi Airport’s T-1”

    “One Killed, Six Injured in Roof Collapse at Delhi Airport’s T-1”

    New Delhi, June 28 — One person died and six were injured after a portion of the roof at Delhi Airport’s Terminal-1 collapsed on cars, including taxis, amid heavy rain early Friday, leading to the suspension of flight departures, according to officials.

    Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu stated that he was monitoring the situation and confirmed that the injured had been hospitalized.

    Delhi Fire Services (DFS) officials reported that three fire tenders were dispatched to Terminal-1 (T1) of the airport following a call about the incident around 5:30 am. The collapse involved not just the roof sheet but also the support beams, which damaged cars parked in the pick-up and drop area of the terminal. A search operation was conducted to ensure no one was trapped inside the damaged vehicles.

    The injured persons have been admitted to Medanta Hospital near the airport. Of the six injured, one person was rescued from a car on which an iron beam had fallen.

    Efforts were underway to clear the debris. Deputy Commissioner of Police (IGI) Usha Rangnani stated that due to heavy rains, the shed outside Terminal-1 of the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), spanning from departure gate no. 1 to gate no. 2, collapsed around 5 am, damaging four vehicles. One person died, and six were injured in the incident, all of whom are stable.

    Teams from Delhi Police, DFS, Central Industrial Security Force, and National Disaster Response Force are present at the site, the DCP said.

    In a post on X, Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu said, “Personally monitoring the roof collapse incident at T1 Delhi Airport. First responders are working at the site. Also advised the airlines to assist all affected passengers at T1. The injured have been evacuated to the hospital. Rescue operations are still ongoing.”

    Sources indicated that flight departures at T1, which handles only domestic flight operations, have been suspended until 2 pm, and the airport operator is considering temporarily shifting operations to T2 and T3. Passengers already inside the terminal were able to board their flights.

    A Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) spokesperson stated, “Due to heavy rain since early this morning, a portion of the canopy at the old departure forecourt of the Delhi airport’s Terminal-1 collapsed around 5 am. There are injuries reported, and emergency personnel are working to provide all necessary assistance and medical aid to those affected.”

    As a result, all departures from Terminal 1 are temporarily suspended, and check-in counters have been closed as a safety measure. The suspension of departures also led to the cancellation of some flights.

    In a statement, an IndiGo spokesperson said flight operations are impacted due to structural damage at T1 caused by adverse weather conditions. “This has led to flight cancellations in Delhi as passengers are not able to enter the terminal. Passengers already inside the terminal will be able to board their planned flights, but those with flights later in the day will be offered alternatives.”

    SpiceJet also announced on X that flights have been canceled as T1 will remain partially closed for operations until further notice.

  • NTA Announces Retest for NEET-UG Candidates with “Grace Marks”

    NTA Announces Retest for NEET-UG Candidates with “Grace Marks”

    New Delhi, June 13: In a significant development, the National Testing Agency (NTA) informed the Supreme Court today that the score-cards of 1563 candidates who received “grace marks” in the 2024 National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (Undergraduate) exam will be revoked. These candidates will have the opportunity to reappear for the exam.

    According to NTA, a committee has been formed to reassess the results of the aforementioned candidates who were granted “grace marks” to compensate for time lost during the NEET-UG exam. The agency stated, “The Committee has decided to cancel the score-cards of 1563 NEET-UG 2024 candidates who were given grace marks and these students will be given the option to take a re-test.”

    The retest is scheduled to be held on June 23, with results set to be declared before June 30 to ensure minimal disruption to the upcoming counselling process. The Supreme Court, reiterating its stance, declared that NEET-UG counselling will proceed as scheduled, with no stay granted on the process.

    Alakh Pandey, CEO of Physics Wallah and petitioner in the case, expressed satisfaction with NTA’s acknowledgment of the discrepancy in awarding grace marks. He emphasized the importance of trust in NTA and raised concerns about potential undisclosed discrepancies.

    Advocate Shwetank, representing petitioners in the case, highlighted the issue of paper leakage and malpractices by NTA. The Court directed that a re-examination will be conducted on June 23 in response to the PIL filed regarding the NEET exam issue.

    The NEET-UG examination, administered by NTA, serves as the gateway for admissions into various medical and dental courses across the country. Multiple petitions were filed in the apex court seeking the recall of NEET-UG 2024 results and a fresh examination due to allegations of paper leakage and malpractices during the test held on May 5.

    Aspirants have raised concerns regarding the fairness and integrity of the NEET-UG 2024 examination, prompting rigorous scrutiny and remedial measures by the concerned authorities.

    Stay tuned for further updates and analysis.

  • Rahul Gandhi Takes a Jibe at PM Modi’s Victory Margin in Varanasi

    Rahul Gandhi Takes a Jibe at PM Modi’s Victory Margin in Varanasi

    Kerala, June 12: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi took a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the narrow margin of victory in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections, suggesting that the Prime Minister “barely escaped” in Varanasi, the parliamentary constituency he contested.

    Speaking at a public meeting in Kerala’s Malappuram, Gandhi remarked, “The truth is the Prime Minister barely escaped (from losing) in Varanasi, and he would have been defeated in Varanasi….”

    He also interpreted the unexpected defeat of the BJP in Faizabad (Ayodhya) as “a message against hatred and violence.”

    “Modi faced a stiff challenge in Varanasi from Congress candidate Ajay Rai. At one stage, Modi was even trailing behind his Congress rival,” Gandhi stated.

    While Modi secured victory for the third consecutive time, his victory margin reduced to just over 1.5 lakh votes compared to 4.79 lakh in 2019 and 3.71 lakh in 2014.

    Moreover, the BJP suffered significant losses in several parts of Uttar Pradesh, with its tally dropping from 62 in 2019 to 33 seats in 2024. The Samajwadi Party and the Congress secured 39 seats together.

    Rahul Gandhi had earlier claimed that Modi would have been defeated from Varanasi had Priyanka Gandhi contested against him.

    During the “Aabhaar Sabha” (thanksgiving meeting) of party workers in Rae Bareli, Gandhi stated, “The Prime Minister escaped with his life in Varanasi…. Had my sister contested the Varanasi seat, the Prime Minister would have been defeated by 2 to 3 lakh votes.”

     

     

  • Vishwa Hindu Parishad Protests Against Terror Attack

    Vishwa Hindu Parishad Protests Against Terror Attack

    New Delhi, June 12: Members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) staged a protest in the national capital on Wednesday following the terror attack on a bus in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district, which resulted in the deaths of nine people.

    The VHP and Bajrang Dal organized the protest, demanding strict action against the terrorists responsible for the attack. The victims, who lost their lives or were injured, were en route to the Vaishno Devi shrine for darshan, stated a VHP functionary.

    Protesters aimed to deliver a memorandum to senior officials, addressed to the President of India, urging stringent measures against those accountable for the terrorist assault.

    The attack occurred when terrorists fired upon a 53-seater bus traveling from the Shiv Khori temple to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Katra. The bus veered off the road and plunged into a deep gorge near the Teryath village in Reasi, resulting in nine fatalities and 41 injuries.

    The pilgrims aboard hailed from Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Delhi, underlining the nationwide impact of the tragic incident.

     

  • India Slips Two Places on WEF’s Global Gender Gap Index

    India Slips Two Places on WEF’s Global Gender Gap Index

    New Delhi, June 12: India has slipped two places on the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Global Gender Gap index to 129th place, while Iceland retained its top position in the rankings published on June 12.

    Within South Asia, India was ranked fifth after Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan, while Pakistan was ranked last. Globally, Sudan was ranked last on the index of 146 countries, while Pakistan slipped three places to 145th.

    India figured among the economies with the lowest levels of economic parity, alongside Bangladesh, Sudan, Iran, Pakistan, and Morocco. All of them registered less than 30% gender parity in estimated earned income.

    However, India showed the best gender parity in terms of enrolment in secondary education, while it scored well on political empowerment of women at 65th rank globally. With regard to parity in the number of years with female/male heads of state for the last 50 years, India was ranked 10th.

    With a population of more than 1.4 billion, India has closed 64.1% of its gender gap in 2024, with the decline of two places from 127th last year, mainly due to small declines in ‘Educational Attainment’ and ‘Political Empowerment,’ parameters, while ‘Economic Participation’ and ‘Opportunity’ scores slightly improved. The WEF said India’s economic parity score has trended upwards for the past four years.

    “In the Political Empowerment subindex, India scored within the top-10 on the head-of-state indicator, but its scores for women’s representation at the federal level, in Ministerial positions (6.9%), and in Parliament (17.2%), remain relatively low,” it added.

    The WEF said the world has closed 68.5% of the gender gap, but at the current pace, it will take another 134 years — equivalent to five generations — to achieve full gender parity. Since last year, the gender gap has closed by 0.1 percentage points.

    “Despite some bright spots, the slow and incremental gains highlighted in this year’s Global Gender Gap Report underscore the urgent need for a renewed global commitment to achieving gender parity, particularly in economic and political spheres,” WEF Managing Director Saadia Zahidi said.

    “We cannot wait until 2158 for parity. The time for decisive action is now,” she added. Iceland was followed by Finland, Norway, New Zealand, and Sweden in the top five. The U.K. was ranked 14th, while the USA was at the 43rd place.

  • Nitin Gadkari Assumes Office as Minister of Road Transport and Highways

    Nitin Gadkari Assumes Office as Minister of Road Transport and Highways

    NEW DELHI: Continuing his longstanding tenure in public service, Senior BJP leader Nitin Gadkari has once again taken charge as the Minister of Road Transport and Highways. The seasoned politician’s reassignment to this crucial role in the Modi 3.0 government has been met with widespread approval and anticipation for accelerated infrastructural development across India.

    In a statement shared on X (formerly known as Twitter), Gadkari expressed his profound gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for entrusting him with this responsibility. He lauded Modi’s visionary leadership and pledged to propel India towards a future adorned with world-class, modern infrastructure.

    Gadkari, affectionately known as the ‘Highway Man of India’, boasts an impressive track record, having overseen the construction of over 54,858 km of national highways during his tenure in the last decade. His relentless efforts have significantly contributed to enhancing connectivity and facilitating smoother transportation networks nationwide.

    Hailing from Nagpur in Maharashtra, the 67-year-old leader holds the distinction of being the longest-serving Minister of Road Transport and Highways. Under his astute guidance, the ministry has set ambitious targets, including the completion of the 1,386-km Delhi-Mumbai Expressway by December of this year.

    Gadkari’s unwavering commitment to public service and his remarkable political journey have earned him widespread acclaim. As a three-time consecutive winner from the Nagpur parliamentary constituency, he has remained deeply rooted in the ethos of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the ideological fountainhead of the BJP.

    His recent induction into the NDA government as a cabinet minister underscores his pivotal role in shaping national policies and agendas. Gadkari’s tryst with national politics commenced in 2009 when he assumed the mantle of BJP president, marking the onset of a distinguished career marked by notable achievements.

    Since his electoral debut in the Lok Sabha polls of 2014, Gadkari has held various ministerial portfolios, demonstrating his versatility and administrative acumen. From overseeing the micro, small, and medium enterprises to spearheading initiatives in shipping, water resources, and rural development, his tenure has been characterized by dynamic leadership and transformative reforms.

    As Nitin Gadkari embarks on his new term as Minister of Road Transport and Highways, the nation eagerly awaits the realization of his vision for a robust, interconnected infrastructure network that serves as the backbone of India’s progress.

    Stay tuned for updates on the latest developments in governance and public affairs.

  • “Maldivian President Muizzu Accepts Invitation to PM Modi’s Swearing-In Ceremony, Signals Strengthening of Bilateral Ties”

    “Maldivian President Muizzu Accepts Invitation to PM Modi’s Swearing-In Ceremony, Signals Strengthening of Bilateral Ties”

    Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu has graciously accepted the invitation to attend Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s swearing-in ceremony, marking a significant gesture in strengthening bilateral ties between Maldives and India. This move underscores the positive trajectory of the relationship between the two nations. During a courtesy call at the President’s Office, India’s High Commissioner to Maldives, Munu Mahawar, conveyed Prime Minister Modi’s warm regards and anticipation for President Muizzu’s presence at the historic event. President Muizzu reciprocated, expressing his gratitude for the invitation and affirming his eagerness to participate in the ceremony. He also emphasized his commitment to further enhancing the close relations between Maldives and India. President Muizzu’s attendance at the swearing-in ceremony signals a step towards deepening cooperation and fostering mutual prosperity between the two countries. This significant diplomatic engagement reflects the importance both nations attach to nurturing strong and enduring ties.