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
BJP MP Nishikant Dubey has caused a stir with his sharp allegations against the Supreme Court, accusing the apex court of inciting anarchy and religious wars in India. This came on the heels of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar's remarks about Article 142 being a "nuclear missile" against democratic forces. The opposition Congress claims that this is part of a larger effort to weaken the Supreme Court's authority.
In the wake of the tragic landslide and flash floods in Ramban, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has expressed his deep sorrow over the loss of lives and destruction of property in the Union Territory. He also announced plans to review the ongoing restoration efforts later in the day. This natural calamity has once again highlighted the vulnerability of the region and the urgent need for sustained disaster management measures.
In a major development, the Andhra Pradesh government has announced the recruitment of 16,347 teachers through the Mega DSC (District Selection Committee). Aspiring teachers can submit their applications online from April 20 to May 15 through the official website–apdsc.apcfss.in. The computer-based tests for the AP DSC Recruitment will be held from June 6 to July 6. This move fulfills the election manifesto promise of the ruling TDP-led NDA government in the run-up to the 2024 polls. Aspirants are advised to stay updated on the official website for further updates on the recruitment process.
BJP President JP Nadda took to Twitter to clarify that the party does not endorse the recent statements made by two of its leaders, Nishikant Dubey and Dinesh Sharma, regarding the judiciary and Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna. Nadda emphasized that the party has always respected the judiciary and its decisions and does not agree with or support such comments. He also directed all party members to refrain from making such statements in the future. Meanwhile, Dubey has accused the CJI of causing civil wars and the Supreme Court of overstepping its authority, leading to a heated controversy within the party.
BJP Lok Sabha member Nishikant Dubey has called out former Chief Election Commissioner S.Y. Quraishi, claiming he acted as a "Muslim commissioner" instead of an election commissioner during his tenure. Dubey cited the case of Jharkhand's Santhalpargana, where he alleged that Quraishi allowed the registration of a large number of Bangladeshi infiltrators as voters. This accusation comes after Quraishi criticized the Wakf Act, calling it a ploy by the government to take control of Muslim lands. Dubey responded by presenting historical evidence of a village in India that was burned down in 1189 by invaders.
BJP president J P Nadda has distanced his party from the statements made by BJP MPs Nishikant Dubey and Dinesh Sharma against the judiciary and CJI Sanjiv Khanna. Nadda emphasized that the BJP respects the judiciary and its role in upholding the Constitution of India. He also instructed the MPs to refrain from making such statements in the future. This comes after Dubey had accused the Supreme Court of inciting religious wars in the country and declared that it was responsible for all civil conflicts.
President Donald Trump has taken to the social media platform Truth Social and issued a White House statement recognizing the importance of Holy Week and Easter for Christians. He wished believers a happy holiday and called for the protection of religious liberty in public policy. Trump also reflected on the significance of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross and the promise of everlasting life through his resurrection.
BJP National President JP Nadda stated that the party does not endorse the personal views expressed by BJP MPs Nishikant Dubey and Dinesh Sharma on the judiciary and the Chief Justice of India. The party reaffirmed its respect for the judiciary and its belief in the strengthening of democracy through the courts. Nadda also instructed the MPs to refrain from making such statements in the future.
In a show of strong unity and determination, thousands of Jains from Mumbai took to the streets to protest against the proposed demolition of a 90-year-old Jain temple by the BMC. Political figures such as Minister of Skill Mangal Prabhat Lodha and Vile Parle MLA Parag Alavani joined the rally in solidarity with the community. The protest halted after the BMC agreed to remove debris, signaling a potential resolution to the issue.
In his speech during the ongoing Budget session, Prime Minister Narendra Modi commended the efforts of Indian citizens in making the Maha Kumbh a successful event, citing its record-breaking attendance of 66 crore devotees. He also acknowledged the unity in diversity seen at the event, which reflected India's strength. However, the Congress criticized PM Modi for not addressing the stampede deaths that occurred during the Maha Kumbh.