Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Azmi has apologised for remarks praising Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, stating they were based on historical facts. He clarified that his words were misrepresented and not meant to disrespect other historical figures. Following controversy, Mumbai Police launched an investigation, and an FIR was filed, later transferring the case to Marine Drive police station.
At a post-Budget seminar on MSMEs, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also announced a new committee to review regulations in the non-financial sector.
Karnataka minister Eshwara Khandre defended the installation of recliners in the assembly lounge, emphasizing that 80% of legislators are over 60 and work under significant pressure. He accused the BJP of unnecessary criticism. Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao also supported the decision, stating it was made with good intentions to help MLAs rest without leaving the assembly premises.
Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge criticizes the Modi-led government for undermining the RTI Act under the guise of data protection. He emphasizes the importance of public access to information such as ration card lists, MGNREGA beneficiaries, and loan defaulters. Kharge vows that the Congress party will continue to oppose these changes and safeguard citizens’ rights.
TMC leader Saket Gokhale accuses the Election Commission of India of covering up alleged voter list frauds, highlighting duplication in Voter IDs. He questions the ECI’s claims about EPIC numbers and asserts that such duplications could lead to voter suppression. The TMC demands the EC accept the error and rectify the rolls within 100 days to avoid further exposure.
The Bombay High Court stayed a special court’s order for an FIR against ex-SEBI chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch and five others for alleged regulatory violations. Justice Shivkumar Dige highlighted the lack of specific allegations. Four weeks are given for a reply affidavit. The case involves allegations of fraud related to a 1994 BSE company listing.
Bihar’s government on Monday unveiled a whopping Rs 3.17 lakh crore budget for the financial year 2025-26, marking a significant 13.6 per cent increase from the previous year’s Rs 2.79 lakh crore allocation.
Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin criticized the BJP-led central government for the alleged Hindi imposition through NEP’s three-language formula. He emphasized the South’s lack of Tamil promotion in the North. Tamil Nadu opposes the policy, fearing Hindi dominance over regional languages, while BJP refutes claims, maintaining NEP’s focus on promoting all Indian languages.
India rebuked the UN’s human rights chief for ‘unfounded and baseless’ comments on Kashmir and Manipur. Arindam Bagchi, India’s UN representative, defended India’s democracy and diversity. He pointed out high voter turnout, tourism growth, and rapid development in the region, criticizing the UN update as oversimplified and lacking thorough understanding.