Prime Minister Narendra Modi's third consecutive term as Prime Minister of India has begun, with a new Cabinet of 71 ministers being announced. Senior ministers including Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari, S Jaishankar, and Nirmala Sitharaman have retained their previous portfolios, while nine new faces have also joined the Cabinet. With 30 holding Cabinet rank and 35 as Ministers of State, it is an inclusive cabinet with representation from allies as well. Stay up-to-date with live updates on The Quint.
Rajnath Singh is a renowned Indian politician and defense minister who has held several prominent positions in the Indian government. He is currently serving as India's Defense Minister for a second term under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Background and Career:
Born on July 10, 1951, in Uttar Pradesh, Singh began his political career as a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 1974. He gained prominence as a fiery orator and a staunch advocate of Hindu nationalism.
Singh has held various positions in the BJP, including General Secretary and President. He served as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh from 2000 to 2002 and as the President of the BJP from 2005 to 2009.
As Defense Minister:
Singh first served as Defense Minister from 2014 to 2019 under Modi's first government. During his first term, he oversaw several key developments, including:
In 2019, Singh was reappointed as Defense Minister in Modi's second government. He has continued to focus on modernizing the Indian military and enhancing its operational capabilities.
Key Initiatives:
Some of Singh's notable initiatives during his tenure as Defense Minister include:
Top 5 FAQs and Answers:
Q1: What is Rajnath Singh's political background? A: He is a prominent member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and has served as Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and President of the BJP.
Q2: When did he first become Defense Minister? A: He first served as Defense Minister from 2014 to 2019.
Q3: What are some of his key initiatives as Defense Minister? A: Some of his initiatives include the Rafale Deal, Tejas Mk II development, Defense Space Agency, Agnipath Scheme, and handling the Galwan Valley clash.
Q4: How many times has he served as Defense Minister? A: He has served as Defense Minister for two terms, from 2014 to 2019 and from 2019 to present.
Q5: What are his main responsibilities as Defense Minister? A: As Defense Minister, Singh oversees the Indian military, develops defense policies, and coordinates with foreign countries on defense matters.
BJP spokesperson Sandeep Varier's defection to the Congress in the final phase of the campaigning for the Palakkad bypoll has come as a major blow to the BJP's State leadership. Varier, who hails from a significant electoral community in the Palakkad constituency, was reportedly one of the top choices for the party's candidate. However, he publicly expressed his displeasure over the candidate selection and garnered ire from the State leadership for his controversial social media posts. The Congress, on the other hand, saw Varier's defection as a political jackpot and welcomed him to their party, sensing a better chance at winning the bypoll.
As campaigning for the Maharashtra Assembly elections comes to an end, Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not hold back in criticizing the Shiv Sena (UBT) and Congress. He accused the Shiv Sena of giving its remote control to the Congress and challenged them to get the party to praise the late Balasaheb Thackeray. Modi also slammed the Congress for being desperate for power and highlighted the reduced number of terror attacks in India under his government.
Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, has resigned following the release of a report exposing a cover-up of child abuse by John Smyth in the Church of England. Smyth was not brought to justice before his death in 2018, leading to increasing pressure on Welby. The resignation comes after private discussions with King Charles, who is the supreme governor of the Church of England.
The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, expressed his deepest condolences for the loss of innocent children in a devastating fire at a medical college in Uttar Pradesh. The District Magistrate confirmed that the fire, believed to be caused by an electrical short circuit, broke out in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. President Droupadi Murmu and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath have also voiced their grief and directed officials to provide proper treatment to the injured infants.
After securing a historic win in Haryana, the BJP has shifted its focus and strategy for the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections. With a strong emphasis on reaching out to non-dominant communities and ensuring unity among its allies, the party aims to address anti-incumbency and secure a comeback after a disappointing performance in the Lok Sabha elections. The party's focus on issues of identity and tackling alliances with the opposition, along with appealing to the core Shiv Sena voter base, could prove to be advantageous in their endeavor for a successful campaign.
Vinh Dang, a 54-year-old from Oklahoma City, was arrested by Chickasaw Nation Lighthorse Police after being caught with 150 pounds of marijuana. He was released on bond the following day but could face up to 20 years in prison if found guilty. This incident highlights ongoing debates and conflicts surrounding marijuana legalization and enforcement in various states.
To commemorate Janjatiya Gaurav Divas, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage to tribal freedom fighter Bhagwan Birsa Munda on his birth anniversary. The day holds significance as it celebrates the sacrifices of tribal freedom fighters and aims to honor their legacy. On this occasion, popular social media handle "Modi Archive" highlighted Modi's personal and close interaction with the tribal communities and how these experiences have shaped his dedication towards their inclusive growth. From extensive travels to first-hand experiences, the handle reveals the Prime Minister's deep understanding and connection with tribal communities.
The Chief Justice of India, DY Chandrachud, addressed the controversy surrounding his earlier remark about praying to God for a solution to the Ayodhya dispute. He clarified that his faith does not affect his ability to deliver justice to people of different religions. During a recent event in his village, the CJI stated that seeking guidance from divine powers is not the job of judges and called out those who misinterpreted his statement. Chandrachud reiterated that every person has their own way of finding peace and his personal faith does not interfere with his duties as a judge.
A 28-year-old man from Houston, Texas has been arrested and charged with attempting to provide material support to ISIS. Anas Said was caught after new video footage surfaced showing his intention to join and carry out attacks for the designated foreign terrorist organization. Despite previously denying any involvement with ISIS, Said allegedly admitted to multiple connections and expressed desire to return to Lebanon if released from jail. The arrest was not without resistance, as Said threw his phone and tried to run from FBI agents during the arrest in West Houston.
Trump's latest appointments signal a strict immigration policy will continue in his second term. Stephen Miller, a long-time advisor known for his hardline stance on immigration, has been named Deputy Chief of Policy and Tom Homan, a former acting director of ICE, will serve as Border Czar. Miller's influence could lead to major changes for H-1B visa holders, including higher salary requirements and longer processing times. This could have a significant impact on Indian citizens seeking employment in the U.S.