In a historic move, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah presents a budget of Rs 1.12 lakh crore for the fiscal year 2025-26, aiming to bring peace and prosperity to the region. The budget includes provisions for ways and means advances and overdrafts, highlighting the fiscal constraints faced by the region. Despite challenges, the Chief Minister is optimistic about J&K's future and envisions it as a key contributor to India's development by 2047.
On April 14th, India observes Ambedkar Jayanti to honor the birth anniversary of Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, the visionary who played a foundational role in shaping modern India and drafting its Constitution. Dr. Ambedkar was a towering intellectual, social reformer, and fierce advocate for the rights of the oppressed. In recognition of his immense contributions, he was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honor, in 1990. As we commemorate this significant day, let's draw inspiration from Dr. Ambedkar's words and commit to building a fairer, more inclusive society.
As the nation celebrates the 135th birth anniversary of Dr B R Ambedkar, his grandson and Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi chief Prakash Ambedkar discusses Dr Ambedkar's contributions and the relevance of his thoughts in today's political and social landscape. He highlights the importance of upholding the Constitution and its principles of equality, brotherhood, and freedom of speech, while also discussing Dr Ambedkar's views on economic policies and the role of Parliament in decision-making. He also raises concerns about the current state of the economy and its impact on the common man's livelihood, and the need for policies that promote social justice and equal opportunities.
After living in Antwerp, Belgium for some time, Mehul Choksi, the main accused in the PNB loan fraud case, has been detained by Belgian authorities following an extradition request by India. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate have been working together to bring Choksi back to India to face charges. He is currently facing proceedings under the Fugitive Economic Offenders (FEO) Act, and his nephew Nirav Modi is already lodged in a London jail awaiting extradition.
Union Youth Affairs and Sports Minister, Mansukh Mandaviya, led a Jai Bhim Padyatra to honour the life and vision of B.R. Ambedkar and other great leaders. The Minister highlighted the importance of youth engagement and the enduring values of the Constitution in shaping a developed India. The event, attended by over 6,000 MY Bharat Youth Volunteers, was aimed at celebrating the legacy of Ambedkar and inspiring youth towards nation building.
On Saturday, MLA Vedma Bojju Patel organized a rally called 'Jai Bapu, Jai Bheem, Jai Samvidhan' in Khanapur, urging the community to protect the Constitution. He emphasized the importance of non-violent means and praised Mahatma Gandhi for his efforts to liberate the country from darkness. Patel also criticized the BJP government for their actions of trying to abolish the Constitution and urged people to join the Congress Party in their fight for the rights of the marginalized.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has announced plans to revive a long-standing dream project to make Amaravati the state capital. The project, with an estimated cost of Rs 64,000 crore, aims to develop Amaravati as a world-class city with an international airport, modern roads and highways, and nine theme cities. Naidu plans to acquire 30,000-40,000 acres for this project, which has been hailed as a step towards development and progress for the state.
The leader of the Lok Jan Shakti Party (LJP), Chirag Paswan, spoke at the Baba Chauharmal Festival about the immense support he received from the people during his difficult time as the only MP of his party. The festival, which holds cultural and political significance for the Paswan community, comes at a crucial time as the Bihar Legislative Assembly election draws near. This highlights the growing political mobilization in the state.
As the Songkran holiday approaches in Thailand, several anti-alcohol groups have come together to host a seminar addressing the potential risks of the government's relaxed alcohol regulations. The chair of the Social Synergy Network Foundation expressed his worries about increased drinking during the festival, and a lecturer from Walailak University's School of Medicine criticized the government for allowing alcohol sales on religious holidays before the revised law was enforced. While the government promotes Songkran as a tourism initiative, activists are urging stricter enforcement of current laws to protect public safety.
The Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Mohan Yadav, held an emergency meeting with officials to address the scarcity of fertilizers in the state. With China's halt in supplying DAP, India's major source of the fertilizer, the government has resorted to distributing remaining stock to farmers at old rates. However, this may not be enough to meet the rising demand for NPK, causing prices to go up and sparking resentment among farmers. The Centre's delay in supplying the promised amount of DAP and NPK has further added to the concern.
On the eve of Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar's birth anniversary, UP Higher Education Minister Yogendra Upadhyay led a 'Jai Bhim Padyatra' in Lucknow to commemorate the social reformer's legacy. Upadhyay highlighted Ambedkar's belief in education as a tool for social change and urged the youth to embrace constitutional values for an inclusive society. The event drew hundreds of youths and emphasized the dissemination of social justice and equality, reflecting Ambedkar's vision under PM Modi's leadership.