Amid preparations for the crucial Delhi assembly elections in 2025, the Congress has appointed Qazi Nizamuddin as the AICC in-charge of the state, replacing Deepak Babaria. This comes after all Shiv Sena MLAs unanimously chose Eknath Shinde as the leader of the legislative party. Meanwhile, Haryana Assembly Speaker Harvinder Kalyan has formed committees of the assembly which will work till March 31, 2025, with members from various political parties. Additionally, Nepal's trade deficit has crossed Rs 460 billion in the first four months of the current fiscal year, highlighting the economic challenges faced by the country.
Congress Appoints New Delhi AICC In-Charge Amid Assembly Election Preparations
In preparation for the upcoming 2025 Delhi assembly elections, the Indian National Congress (INC) has appointed Qazi Nizamuddin as the All India Congress Committee (AICC) in-charge of the state. Nizamuddin replaces Deepak Babaria, who held the position for two years.
The appointment comes amid efforts by the Congress to strengthen its organization and electoral prospects in the national capital. The party has been out of power in Delhi since 2015, when the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) came to power with a landslide victory.
Eknath Shinde Elected Shiv Sena Leader
In another significant political development, all Shiv Sena MLAs have unanimously elected Eknath Shinde as the leader of the legislative party in Maharashtra. Shinde was appointed by Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray to the position after the party's original leader, Sunil Prabhu, resigned from his post.
This appointment is a further indication of the deepening political crisis within the Shiv Sena, which has been plagued by factionalism and internal disputes.
Haryana Assembly Committees Formed
Haryana Assembly Speaker Harvinder Kalyan has constituted committees of the assembly that will function until March 31, 2025. These committees consist of members from various political parties and will be tasked with examining various issues and policies.
The committees include the Business Advisory Committee, Rules Committee, Privileges Committee, Public Accounts Committee, and Committee on Petitions.
Nepal's Widening Trade Deficit
Nepal's trade deficit has crossed Rs 460 billion in the first four months of the current fiscal year. This represents a significant increase compared to the same period last year, highlighting the economic challenges faced by the country.
The widening trade deficit is primarily due to a surge in imports and a decline in exports. Nepal imports a range of goods, including fuel, machinery, and manufactured products, while its exports are dominated by agricultural products and handicrafts.
FAQs
1. When are the next Delhi assembly elections scheduled to be held? Answer: 2025
2. Who led the Shiv Sena legislative party before Eknath Shinde? Answer: Sunil Prabhu
3. How many committees has the Haryana Assembly Speaker constituted? Answer: 5
4. What is the primary reason for Nepal's widening trade deficit? Answer: Increased imports and declining exports
5. When was the last time the Congress held power in Delhi? Answer: 2015
In a strongly worded statement, politician Shashi Tharoor expressed his opposition to the VB-G RAM G Bill that aims to replace MNREGA. Tharoor argued that the removal of Mahatma Gandhi's name from the scheme goes against its core values and also criticized other proposed changes such as financial alterations and a shift of responsibility to states. The politician believes that the Bill poses a threat to the principles of federalism and that the scheme should not be made subject to executive notification.
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In a significant move to improve academic standards, India's new Viksit Bharat Adhishthan Bill, 2025, places student feedback at the heart of higher education accreditation. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, citing the National Education Policy 2020, announced that for the first time, students will have a direct impact on accreditation outcomes. The new framework will also increase institutional autonomy and encourage innovation, but with a strong emphasis on accountability through transparent student-led evaluations. The consolidation of regulators and accreditation bodies aims to streamline and strengthen the quality of higher education in India.
On the occasion of Vijay Diwas, a day commemorating India's 1971 victory over Pakistan, Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, paid his respects to the brave soldiers who showed indomitable courage, leading to the liberation of East Pakistan and the formation of Bangladesh. The date also marks the surrender of 93,000 Pakistani soldiers to the Indian Armed Forces and is a tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of Indian soldiers. Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge also highlighted the 1971 victory as a great example of humanity and justice under the leadership of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
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India commemorates Vijay Diwas every year on December 16 to honour the soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the 1971 war with Pakistan, which resulted in the creation of Bangladesh. As part of this year's celebrations, the Indian Army displayed a reconstructed Turkish armed drone, Yiiha, which was shot down by India during Operation Sindoor on May 10. The Kamikaze class of drones, also known as "suicide drones," were used by Pakistan to target Indian military and civilian installations, but were almost all destroyed by the Indian military.
India celebrates the 54th Vijay Diwas, honoring the bravery and sacrifice of its soldiers in the 1971 war that led to the liberation of Bangladesh. Political leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu, pay glowing tributes to the armed forces and their unmatched courage. The Army marks the occasion by recalling the historic triumph and the flawless coordination between different branches of the military, with an impressive Military Tattoo in Kolkata.
Renowned spiritual leader and former BJP MP, Ram Vilas Vedanti, passed away at the age of 67 due to a heart attack. Known for his significant role in the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, Vedanti had been admitted to a hospital in Rewa for a blood infection and low blood pressure. Attempts to transport him to a better medical facility were unsuccessful due to bad weather. Political leaders, including Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, expressed their condolences and praised Vedanti's contributions to society.
Indian Ambassador to the United Nations, Harish P, slammed Pakistan for misusing international platforms for its hostile agenda against India at the UNSC Open Debate on “Leadership for Peace”. He objected to Pakistan’s reference to Jammu and Kashmir and questioned its democratic credentials while reaffirming India’s stance on cross-border terrorism. This reflects the ongoing strain in India-Pakistan relations and New Delhi’s determination to counter any attempt by Islamabad to internationalise bilateral disputes.