The 17th Lok Sabha Assembly concluded and the 18th Lok Sabha Assembly began with the BJP-led NDA retaining its position as the central government. The newly formed cabinet for Modi Government 3.0, which consists of 30 Cabinet ministers, 36 Minister of State, and 5 Ministers of State with independent charge, has been announced. Among them, some new names have been added while some big names from the previous cabinet remain. However, the portfolios of the ministers have yet to be announced.
Modi Cabinet: Transformation and Continuity
Introduction
With the conclusion of the 17th Lok Sabha Assembly and the formation of the 18th, the BJP-led NDA government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi has embarked on its third term. Following the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the newly formed Modi Cabinet 3.0 boasts significant changes while retaining some key figures from the previous term.
New Faces and Portfolio Changes
Among the most notable additions to the cabinet is former BJP President Amit Shah, who has been appointed as the Union Home Minister. Other new faces include Piyush Goyal, who takes over as the Railway Minister, and Nitin Gadkari, who has been reappointed as the Road Transport and Highways Minister.
Several ministers from the previous cabinet have been reshuffled or given additional responsibilities. Rajnath Singh, for instance, has been shifted from the Home Ministry to the Ministry of Defence, while Nirmala Sitharaman continues as the Finance Minister.
Background
The Modi Cabinet has undergone several transformations since its inception in 2014. In its first term, the government focused on implementing a range of initiatives, including the Swachh Bharat Mission, the Make in India campaign, and the Digital India program.
The second term saw the introduction of significant reforms, such as the Goods and Services Tax (GST), the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), and the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana. The government also implemented various infrastructure projects and launched new social welfare schemes.
FAQs
1. Who are the top 5 ministers in the Modi Cabinet 3.0?
2. What are some of the key challenges facing the Modi government?
3. What are the major achievements of the Modi government in its previous terms?
4. What are the expectations from the Modi government in its third term?
5. What impact will the Modi Cabinet 3.0 have on India?
The decisions and policies implemented by the Modi Cabinet 3.0 will have a significant impact on India's economy, politics, and society. It is expected to continue the government's focus on economic development, infrastructure, and social welfare, while also addressing emerging challenges and aspirations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Gulf Spic Labour Camp during his two-day visit to Kuwait and interacted with Indian workers, recognizing their contributions to the country's development. He also shared his vision for a "Viksit Bharat 2047" that is supported by the aspirations of these workers. Modi also emphasized on the hard work of Indian farmers and laborers saying that it motivates him to work even harder. The Prime Minister also mentioned the cost-effective data rates in India that facilitate easy communication for people around the world.
A controversial Indian guru known as Rampal and 14 of his followers have been given a life sentence for the murder of four women and a young child at his ashram in 2014. The victims died from suffocation after being locked in a room during a stand off between the guru's supporters and police. This sentencing comes after years of legal battles and controversies surrounding the guru and his followers.
The 55th GST Council meeting in Jaisalmer resulted in a flood of demands for disaster-specific levy by several states, following a request from Andhra Pradesh for a 1% GST levy to fund their flood recovery efforts. A Group of Ministers has been formed to examine the legal and structural issues surrounding this proposal, which was discussed in detail during the council meeting. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated that other states such as Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Telangana have also expressed interest in being a part of the committee. The issue of a similar flood-cess levy by Kerala in 2019 was also brought up, with other states showing support for Andhra Pradesh's demand.
After highly anticipated negotiations, the Mahayuti alliance announced its cabinet portfolios for Maharashtra's ministers on Saturday evening. Highlights include CM Devendra Fadnavis retaining the Home Ministry and Eknath Shinde of the Shiv Sena receiving the Urban Development portfolio. This comes after the alliance dropped several leaders from its cabinet expansion. The winter session of the Maharashtra legislative assembly concluded today with six days of intense discussions and debates. Additional key meetings will take place today regarding the portfolio distribution for the new cabinet, with several key players vying for key positions.
The Foreign Secretary has confirmed that the UK has had "diplomatic contact" with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the group responsible for overthrowing Syrian President Bashar-al Assad. This comes after a period of uncertainty about whether the UK should engage with HTS due to its designation as a terrorist organization. Despite its proscription, the UK maintains diplomatic contact with HTS as a necessary measure.
The National Students’ Union of India Punjab President, Isherpreet Singh Sidhu, strongly condemns the arrest of Aden Karanveer Singh by SHO Narinder for peacefully protesting for Senate Elections at the Panjab University Bachao Morcha. Sidhu highlights how such actions not only violate the democratic right to dissent but also lead to the loss of Punjab's bright minds and the creation of figures like Lawrence Bishnoi. He calls for immediate action against SHO Narinder and urges higher authorities to intervene and ensure justice for the students. Sidhu reaffirms NSUI Punjab's support for the students and their demand to be heard, respected, and empowered.
The Assembly was abuzz with discussions on the tragic Sandhya Theater stampede, with AIMIM floor leader Akbaruddin calling for a thorough investigation into the incident. He also criticized Allu Arjun for not visiting the hospital to meet the victims. CM Revanth Reddy assured that a comprehensive investigation would be conducted and necessary action would be taken in response to the incident.
Isherpreet Singh Sidhu, the National Students' Union of India Punjab President, strongly denounces the arrest of Karanveer Singh for peacefully protesting at the Panjab University Bachao Morcha and the alleged manhandling by SHO Narinder. Sidhu considers this a violation of democratic principles and a tactic used to suppress the voices of Punjab's youth. He demands immediate and strict action against the police officer and urges higher authorities to intervene and ensure justice for the students. The NSUI Punjab stands in solidarity with the students, emphasizing the need to respect their voices and empower them.
In a fiery speech, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy addressed the criticism from opposition leaders regarding the Rythu Bharosa scheme. He assured citizens that the government is committed to fulfilling all promises made and provided updates on the scheme's implementation. Reddy also highlighted the inclusivity of the process and denounced the previous government for misusing funds meant for farmers.
Congress leader Laxmi Hebbalkar, who is known for her feisty demeanor, has been embroiled in a recent controversy where she has accused BJP MLC C T Ravi of using derogatory terms against her. She has taken a stand for women's rights and filed a complaint of sexual harassment against Ravi, leading to his arrest. Hebbalkar, who is considered a close associate of Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, has managed to secure the support of the Congress leadership in her fight against injustices. However, her political career has not been without drama and controversies, including a falling out with the Jarkiholi brothers.