Latest news with #AmritKaal
India Gazette
a day ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
"Election Commission runs like PM Modi's puppet": Cong leader Pawan Khera on ECI's decision to revise electoral roll ahead of Bihar polls
Patna (Bihar) [India], June 27 (ANI): Following the Election Commission of India's (ECI) decision to revise the electoral roll ahead of Bihar Assembly Elections, Congress leader Pawan Khera on Friday called ECI Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'puppet.' 'We will talk about the Election Commission... Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge and various leaders of the INDIA bloc are continuously discussing these issues. But the Election Commission runs like PM Modi's puppet,' Khera told the reporters during his visit to Bihar. He added, 'For a long time, we have been pressuring the Election Commission and saying their process is not transparent. With this new conspiracy, lakhs of people in Bihar and across India will be deprived of their right to vote.' Meanwhile, as the BJP leaders demand an apology from Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge for allegedly calling Bihar a 'small' state, Pawan Khera said that the BJP is misrepresenting the issue. He added that Kharge used the term 'small nations' and then proceeded to discuss Bihar. 'I was sitting next to him (Kharge), He did not make any such comment about Bihar. He said 'small nations' and then spoke about Bihar. This misrepresentation is not new to the BJP,' Khera said on Friday. As the BJP observed the 50 years of the Emergency as Samvidhan Hatya Divas, Khera hit back and called 'Amrit Kaal' an undeclared emergency. 'What they call Amrit Kaal is an undeclared emergency. The leader and the party in power used the Constitution to impose the Emergency, remove it and also apologised for it. The public forgave her, and the same leader, same party returned to power with 353 seats,' he told the reporters. Earlier, on Thursday, Khera took to X to oppose the ECI's decision to revise the electoral roll. Sharing All India Congress Committee's statement, he wrote, 'The proposed Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls carries a huge risk of willful exclusion of voters using the power of the state machinery. 'Our statement on @ECISVEEP announcement of Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls for Bihar.' (ANI)
Hans India
a day ago
- Science
- Hans India
Science centre to be named after physicist Swami Jnanananda
Rajamahendravaram: Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan on Thursday said that the newly inaugurated Science Centre at Bommuru, built with a cost of Rs 15.20 crore by the State Government, is likely to be named after renowned physicist Swami Jnanananda, who hailed from Goraganamudi village in West Godavari district. The science centre was inaugurated by Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, along with State Tourism and Culture Minister Kandula Durgesh and Rajamahendravaram MP Daggubati Purandeswari, in the presence of Pawan Kalyan. Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy CM said that the science centre will play a crucial role in promoting scientific curiosity and awareness among students. He said that the design was provided by the Visvesvaraya Industrial & Technological Museum, and the project was developed with the support of the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), under the Union Ministry of Culture. 'This Centre will stand as a milestone in promoting science and technology in Andhra Pradesh, especially in the Godavari districts,' he said. Union Minister Shekhawat, in his remarks, described Rajamahendravaram as the cultural capital of Andhra Pradesh. 'Such institutions will help realise Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of making India a developed nation during the Amrit Kaal,' he added. The dignitaries also launched the official brochure of the science centre and toured its various sections. These include a Water Resources Gallery showcasing models related to water issues and conservation, a Fun Science Gallery featuring interactive exhibits, a Planetarium offering a digital space experience, and an Innovation Hub designed to nurture student creativity. Additionally, a special exhibition on India's 75 years of progress in science and technology is also on display. An Activity Hall has been set up for workshops and demonstrations. East Godavari Collector P Prasanthi, Rajahmundry Rural MLA Gorantla Butchaiah Chowdary, Anaparthi MLA Nallamilli Ramakrishna Reddy, Rajanagaram MLA Battula Balaramakrishna, Kakinada Rural MLA Pantam Nanaji, MLC Somu Veerraju, NCSM Director General AD Choudhary, VIT-AP Director Saju Bhaskaran, Joint Collector S Chinna Ramudu, APCOST Member Secretary Prof Dr K Sharath Kumar, and Director Srinivas participated in this event.
Fashion Value Chain
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Fashion Value Chain
PLI, EVs & Skills Drive India's Auto Growth: ASDC Forum
The Automotive Skills Development Council (ASDC) hosted its Annual Partners Forum 2025 under the theme 'Stronger Together, Transform Tomorrow', convening over 250 stakeholders from government, academia, and industry to chart a collaborative path for India's auto sector. Dr. Hanif Qureshi, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Heavy Industries, underscored the sector's $240 billion economic contribution and emphasized the government's focus on net-zero goals by 2070, bolstered by the ₹26,000 crore PLI scheme for electric and hydrogen mobility. Noting progress with over 12 companies surpassing 50% localization, Dr. Qureshi stressed the urgent need for workforce upskilling in next-gen technologies to increase India's share in the global $700 billion auto components market. Prof. T.G. Sitharam, Chairman, AICTE, referred to the current era as India's 'Amrit Kaal', encouraging deeper participation in robotics and tech-led skilling. He lauded ASDC's contributions to making India a global automotive leader. Dr. Suhas Deshmukh from NCVET highlighted the NEP 2020's role in integrating skilling with education, aiming to make students job-ready and future-proof through hands-on and interdisciplinary learning. F. R. Singhvi, President of ASDC, emphasized aligning technical skills with human values and soft skills to build globally competitive professionals. Dr. Rodney Riviere, GIZ India, echoed this synergy, stating that AI would augment—not replace—human workers, making training and services smarter and more personalized. Key moments included: Recognition of CSR partners Project Saksham's convocation for female candidates Signing of MoUs with HCL Foundation, Hero MotoCorp, Lucas Indian Services Ltd, and Victora Foundation Two panels: 'Classroom to Career' and 'Sustainable Skilling via CSR' With support from sponsors including George Telegraph, ISIE India, and Ascensive Educare, the event concluded with a strong consensus on shaping India into a global hub for skilled automotive talent, driven by sustainability, innovation, and collaboration.
The Hindu
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Bombay Bar Association slams ED summons to senior advocates, warns of legal action
In a sharply worded statement, the Bombay Bar Association (BBA) has condemned the issuance of summons by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to two prominent Senior Advocates, Arvind Datar and Pratap Venugopal — in connection with an ongoing money laundering investigation. Although the summons has since been withdrawn, the Association said the act itself represents a direct affront to the legal profession and the rule of law. Calling the move 'a direct attack on the legal community as a whole,' the BBA said the incident has 'shocked the collective conscience' of lawyers across India. The Association expressed grave concern over what it views as a misuse of power by the investigative agency, warning that such actions risk setting a dangerous precedent for the intimidation of advocates performing their professional duties. 'Advocates accept any professional assignment on the basis that during the course of such professional work, they would not have to face intimidation or threats of any kind,' the statement read. It added that the rule of law cannot be preserved if advocates feel threatened merely by representing clients. The Association underlined that the powers of the ED, while statutory, must be exercised within the legal framework of the country, which includes protections enshrined in the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 — particularly provisions safeguarding professional and confidential communication between advocates and their clients. The BBA also linked the issue to broader constitutional values, noting that any interference with the legal profession undermines fundamental rights, including the right to a fair trial and legal aid under Article 21 of the Constitution. 'Any attack on an Advocate, direct or indirect, has the consequence of destroying these constitutional ideals — a situation which is antithetical to the rule of law in a democratic country like India,' the statement said. In a pointed remark, the Association said: 'Surely, this is not the Amrit Kaal,which we want to see,' adding that 'lessons in Constitutional law are required to be taught in law colleges only and not to officers of investigative agencies, on a daily basis by the respected Constitutional Courts.' Pledging full support to any legal professional targeted by overreach from investigative agencies, the Association stated that it will 'leave no stone unturned' in defending the independence and dignity of the legal profession. It also indicated its readiness to initiate legal proceedings before High Courts or the Supreme Court of India, if necessary. 'The right to practice the legal profession is a fundamental right,' the BBA emphasised, 'and we shall not hesitate to take every legal step to preserve and protect it.' The ED issued summons to the advocates during its probe into the grant of ₹250 crore worth of Employee Stock Option Plans (ESOPs) by Care Health Insurance to former Religare chairperson Rashmi Saluja. Mr. Datar had provided legal opinion on the ESOPs, while Mr. Venugopal was the advocate-on-Record. Following the backlash from legal bodies, the ED withdrew the summons and issued a directive barring such notices to advocates without prior approval from its Director, in line with Section 132 of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023. The June 20, 2025, statement issued by the ED said, 'In view of the fact that Shri Pratap Venugopal is a Senior Advocate in the Hon'ble Supreme Court, the summons issued to him has been withdrawn and same has been communicated to him. In the said communication, it has also been stated that if any documents will be required from him in his capacity as an Independent Director of CHIL, the same will be requested from him to be submitted by email.' The statement further said that the ED has also issued a Circular for the guidance of the field formations that no summons shall be issued to any advocate in violation of Section 132 of the Bhartiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023. 'Further if any summons needs to be issued under the exceptions carved out in proviso to section 132 of the BSA, 2023, the same shall be issued only with the prior approval of the Director, ED.'
The Hindu
6 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Dalits have been truly empowered under NDA rule, says BJP
The BJP on Sunday asserted that Dalits were truly empowered under the NDA Government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and accused the Congress party of using the name of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar only for political gains, while ignoring his vision and disrespecting his ideals. Addressing the media after the State Executive meeting of the BJP SC Morcha at the party office here, MP and SC Morcha national general secretary Bhola Singh said its activists across the country had been actively taking the NDA Government's welfare initiatives to the grassroots. Despite chanting 'Garibi Hatao', the Congress party failed to eradicate poverty, or uplift the poor, Mr. Singh alleged. 'From Nehru to Rajiv Gandhi, no Congress leader truly worked for the poor,' he said. Lauding Mr. Modi's leadership for launching numerous welfare schemes and significantly expanding healthcare infrastructure, he said, 'In the last 11 years, the number of medical colleges has grown substantially, benefitting the underprivileged.' The 'AmritKaal' that Mr. Modi had ushered in saw women empowerment and SC representation in governance, he claimed. 'It is under Mr. Modi's rule that Dalits have been given power. They have been made Governors, Deputy Chief Ministers, and Union Cabinet Ministers,' Mr. Singh said. He also recalled Mr. Modi's tribute to Dr. Ambedkar through development of the 'Panch Teerth' — the five sites marking the birth, education, and contributions of the late leader. Referring to Andhra Pradesh, Mr. Singh said the State was benefitting from the 'double-engine sarkar'. Dalit Sammelans State BJP president and Rajamahendravaram MP D. Purandeswari said the party planned to organise 'Dalit Sammelans' across Dalit colonies to create awareness about the party's welfare initiatives and counter misinformation. 'The BJP is the only party that has truly honored Dr. Ambedkar,' she said, recalling Mr. Modi's visit to Dr. Ambedkar's London residence and the government's development of Panch Teerth. Condemning the Congress party for using Dr. Ambedkar's name for political gains, she questioned, 'Can the Congress explain what it has truly done for Ambedkar?' 'Malicious propaganda' Mr. Modi's vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047 envisaged inclusive development, benefiting farmers, women, and youth, she said. Rejecting the claims of opposition parties that the BJP was anti-Dalit, she pointed to the expansion of welfare programmes, representation in top offices, and SC-focused policies. 'Despite malicious propaganda, people trust Mr. Modi's leadership,' she asserted. Defending the government's constitutional amendments as pro-people, she denounced the Congress for historically disrespecting Dr. Ambedkar and his ideals. 'Only the BJP has respected and implemented Dr. Ambedkar's vision,' she claimed. Earlier, the executive meeting decided to pay tributes to Shyama Prasad Mukherjee on June 23 (observed by the party as Balidan Diwas) and undertake a special plantation drive to mark the imposition of Emergency, encouraging citizens to plant a sapling in their mother's name. Ms. Purandeswari also expressed delight that Andhra Pradesh secured two Guinness records on International Day of Yoga, and described it as a proud moment for the State. The meeting was chaired by SC Morcha State president Gudise Devanand. Ms. Purandeswari, SC Morcha national secretaries S. Kumar and P.S. Ashok, BJP State general secretaries B. Sivannarayana and P. Nagabhushanam, and former MLA D. Sambayya were among others who participated.
