Parl highlights: Lok Sabha adjourned sine die as Budget session concludes

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11:22 PM

Communists here are trying to capture JNUSU: ABVP President

''The communists here are trying to capture JNUSU. They are running a campaign called 'ABVP Go Back'. They don't want us to participate in JNUSU. They bring anti-national elements (who aren't students) inside the JNU campus.", says ABVP President, Umesh Chandra.

10:44 PM

2024 Lok Sabha polls should be fought on people-centric issues: Sachin Pilot

Congress leader Sachin Pilot emphasized on Saturday that the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections should revolve around issues pertinent to the people. He disclosed that he has urged the party high-command to permit individuals with clean reputations to contest in the elections. Pilot stressed that the opposition INDIA bloc aims to engage in issue-based politics. "I advocate for elections to be fought on issues. It is crucial to address the everyday problems faced by people and provide a roadmap for resolving them. These issues should be openly discussed," he conveyed to reporters in Tonk.

9:59 PM

UP lawmakers to visit Ayodhya's Ram Temple tomorrow, Akhilesh declines invitation

Several members of both Houses of the Uttar Pradesh legislature will visit the Ram temple in Ayodhya even as Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav declined the invitation. During a discussion on the budget in the House on Saturday, the speaker said to Yadav, "You come with us to Ayodhya tomorrow."

9:54 PM

Most escalators in Connaught Place found non-functional: NDMC vice chairman

NDMC Vice Chairman Satish Upadhyay on Saturday said most of the escalators in Connaught Place here were found non-functional during an inspection. In response, he has directed the electricity, civil, security, and all relevant departments to take swift action and bolster security measures.

9:28 PM

Centre can't help if states empty coffers via tall poll promises: Amit Shah

Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated on Saturday that the central government cannot assist states that deplete their treasuries by making unrealistic election promises. He emphasized that all states should formulate their budgets while considering development programs and social welfare commitments. His remarks came during an event when he was questioned about allegations of discrimination against certain states in the allocation of funds by the Centre.

9:17 PM

BJP Yuva Morcha holds a protest at Swami Vivekananda House in Bengal

9:07 PM

Roads between Akshardham and Noida will be rehabilitated

PWD Minister Atishi has given approval to projects focused on rehabilitating roads between Akshardham and Noida to enhance traffic flow, according to an official statement released on Saturday. The Delhi government is actively pursuing a mission to enhance the quality, aesthetics, and safety of the city's roads, the statement added, emphasizing its commitment to improving the commuting experience for Delhi's residents.

8:56 PM

Farmers' 'Delhi Chalo' call: Haryana orders suspension of mobile internet, bulk SMS in 7 districts

The Haryana government issued an order on Saturday, directing the suspension of mobile internet services and bulk SMS in seven districts ahead of the farmers' proposed 'Delhi Chalo' march on February 13. As per the official directive, mobile internet services will be suspended in Ambala, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Jind, Hisar, Fatehabad, and Sirsa districts from 6 am on February 11 until 23:59 pm on February 13.

8:39 PM

Haldwani violence: Probe ordered, curfew lifted from outer areas of town

A magisterial probe was initiated into the riots that erupted on February 8 following the demolition of an "illegal" madrassa in Haldwani. Although curfew restrictions were lifted from the outer areas of the town, they remained enforced in Banbhoolpura, which served as the epicenter of the mob violence. Authorities disclosed that they have commenced a search for Abdul Malik, the individual responsible for constructing the structure. To prevent the dissemination of rumors via social media platforms, internet services remained suspended in the town. Police continued to patrol the affected areas, which appeared deserted as shops and schools remained closed.

8:20 PM

Telangana govt allots Rs 53,196 cr to fulfill poll promise of 6 guarantees

The Congress government in Telangana unveiled its inaugural budget on Saturday, presenting a vote on account and allocating Rs 53,196 crore for the execution of its six election 'guarantees,' with the total outlay set at Rs 2,75,891 crore. Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka introduced the budget in the Assembly, emphasizing that it aims to fulfill the Congress government's pledge of establishing 'Indiramma Rajyam' (welfare governance inspired by former PM Indira Gandhi) in Telangana.

8:02 PM

India should be atmanirbhar in all aspects: Principal secretary to PM Modi

India should go beyond achieving the desired level of per capita income and be 'atmanirbhar' in all aspects, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister PK Mishra said on Saturday. Speaking at the 56th annual conference of the Odisha Economic Association in Sambalpur, Mishra underscored the importance of sustainable growth while pursuing a high growth trajectory to transform into a developed nation by 2047. He emphasized that growth, if not sustainable, would lack significance.

7:36 PM

Banks should be mindful of legal, cyber risks emanating from AI: RBI dy guv

RBI Deputy Governor T Rabi Sankar has emphasized the importance of the banking sector and related entities being vigilant about legal and cyber risks, as well as addressing skill gaps arising from Artificial Intelligence (AI) integration. He highlighted the necessity for redefining laws with the adoption of AI and GenAI. Sankar further mentioned that the industry should anticipate the imminent implementation of rules under the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act. He advised banks to begin preparing for compliance to avoid potential violations.

7:18 PM

NIA carries out raids at 15 locations in JEI terror funding case in J&K

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted raids at 15 locations across Jammu and Kashmir as part of its efforts to crack down on the proscribed Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) in a terror funding case, according to an official statement. The raids were carried out in the twin capitals of Srinagar and Jammu, as well as in Budgam in central Kashmir, and Kulgam and Anantnag in south Kashmir. During the operation, incriminating documents and digital devices associated with the activities of JeI and its related Trusts were seized, along with more than Rs 20 lakh in cash, as confirmed by a spokesperson of the federal agency.

7:12 PM

DMRC chief Kumar conducts night inspection after Gokulpuri station incident

DMRC chief Vikas Kumar conducted a late-night inspection of several metro stations on the Pink Line following an incident where a portion of a wall collapsed at Gokulpuri station, as reported by officials on Saturday. The collapse, which occurred on Thursday morning, resulted in the tragic death of a 53-year-old man and left four others injured.

7:09 PM

Books alone will help us define our identity: Education minister Pradhan

Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan emphasized the importance of fostering a society that values books during his remarks on Saturday. He highlighted the significance of books in shaping identity and guiding the future, advocating for the promotion of a culture that embraces reading. Pradhan made these comments during the inauguration ceremony of the 52nd New Delhi World Book Fair (NDWBF), where he praised India's abundant literary heritage and the contributions of books to society.

6:20 PM

Lok Sabha adjourned sine die

The last Lok Sabha session before the upcoming election has been adjourned.

6:16 PM

561 prisoners on death row in India, highest in two decades: Report

The country currently has 561 prisoners on death row, marking the highest number at the end of a calendar year in two decades, According to the eighth edition of the 'Death Penalty in India: Annual Statistics Report' published by Project 39A at the National Law University, Delhi. This represents a 45.71 per cent increase in such inmates since 2015. In 2023, trial courts imposed 120 death sentences. However, the year also witnessed the lowest rate of death sentence confirmations by appellate courts since 2000. Notably, the Supreme Court did not confirm any death sentences for the second consecutive calendar year after 2021.

6:08 PM

ESIC extends benefits to superannuated insured persons with relaxed norms

The Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) announced on Saturday its decision to extend medical benefits to superannuated insured persons, with relaxed norms. This decision was made during the 193rd meeting of ESIC, chaired by Union Minister Bhupender Yadav, as stated in a labor ministry announcement.

5:45 PM

More quickly govt gets out of people's day-to-day lives stronger democracy will be: PM Modi in LS

I believe that the more quickly government gets out of people's day-to-day lives the stronger democracy will be: PM Modi in Lok Sabha.

5:36 PM

Under Om Birla's leadership the country received this new Parliament building: PM Modi

"Everyone used to discuss that there should be a new building of the Parliament. But no decision used to be taken. It was your (Lok Sabha Speaker) leadership that decided this, too matters forward, held meetings with the government and as a result, the country received this new Parliament building.", said PM Modi in Lok Sabha.

5:33 PM

India received the opportunity of G20 presidency: PM Modi in Lok Sabha

"India received the opportunity of G20 presidency. India received a great honour. Every state of the country displayed India's capability and their own identity before the world. Its impact continues on the mind of the world even to this day.", said PM Modi.

5:28 PM

PM cites decisions to criminalise triple talaq, passage of women reservation bill to praise outgoing LS

PM Modi cites decisions to criminalise instant triple talaq, passage of women reservation bill to praise outgoing Lok Sabha.

5:28 PM

During this LS's term, decisions for which many generations waited for long were taken: PM Modi

PM Modi says during this Lok Sabha's term, decisions for which many generations waited for long were taken, cites repeal of Article 370.

5:26 PM

Reforms which will lay foundation of strong India took place in 5 yrs: PM in Lok Sabha

Many game-changing reforms which will lay foundation of strong India took place in last five years: PM Modi in Lok Sabha.

5:24 PM

17th Lok Sabha has 97% productivity, over 100% in seven sessions: PM Modi

17th Lok Sabha has 97 per cent productivity, it was over 100 per cent in seven sessions: PM Modi on last day of this Lok Sabha before polls.

5:18 PM

You guided this House in balanced, impartial manner in several instances: PM Modi to Om Birla

PM Narendra Modi speaks to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and tells him, ''You were ever-smiling. Your smile never faded. You guided this House in a balanced and impartial manner in several instances, for this, I appreciate you. There were moments of anger, allegations but you controlled the situation patiently and ran the House and guided us. I express my gratitude to you for this."

5:08 PM

We have seen 'reform, perform and transform' in five years: PM Modi

We have seen 'reform, perform and transform' in five years, I am sure country will continue to bless 17th Lok Sabha, says PM Modi.

4:34 PM

Ram Temple verdict reflected India's secularism: Home minister Amit Shah

Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized on Saturday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi effectively brought all sections of society together on the Ram temple issue. He described the Supreme Court's verdict on the matter as a testament to India's secular character on the global stage. During a discussion in Lok Sabha regarding the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya and the consecration ceremony on January 22, Shah highlighted that no other country has seen the majority community wait as patiently for matters related to its faith. He commended all individuals who contributed to the prolonged struggle on various fronts concerning the Ram temple issue. According to Shah, the Supreme Court's verdict regarding the Ram temple reflects India's secular values to the world.

4:24 PM

PM Modi will be on official visit to UAE from February 13 to 14

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be on official visit to United Arab Emirates from February 13 to 14: MEA

4:10 PM

Jailed ex-Pak PM Imran Khan gets bail in military installation attack cases

An anti-terrorism court in Pakistan granted bail to the imprisoned former Pak Prime Minister Imran Khan in 12 cases associated with the May 9 attacks on military installations by his supporters, which occurred following his arrest in an alleged corruption case. ATC Judge Malik Ejaz Asif issued bail to Imran Khan, the founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, after he fulfilled a surety bond of Rs 0.1 million in all 12 cases, which included the attacks on the General Headquarters (Pakistan Army) and the Army Museum.