The portfolios for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Council of Ministers have been announced with a focus on maintaining continuity in key areas while also introducing changes. The Cabinet Cabinet on Security remains unchanged, while former Chief Ministers have been inducted to bring their experience and expertise to the national level. The BJP has kept key portfolios, signaling a mix of continuity and change in the Modi government's third term.
Nirmala Sitharaman: A Leader with a Proven Track Record
Nirmala Sitharaman is an Indian politician who has served as the Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs since 2019. She is a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and has held various cabinet positions in the Modi government.
Background
Sitharaman was born in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, in 1959. She graduated with a Master's degree in Economics from Jawaharlal Nehru University and worked as a Research Analyst and Project Lead in a private company for several years.
She entered politics in 2006 when she joined the BJP. She was elected to the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Indian parliament, in 2012. Sitharaman served as the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Commerce and Industry from 2014 to 2017, and as the Minister of Defense from 2017 to 2019.
Current Responsibilities
As the Minister of Finance, Sitharaman has been responsible for managing the Indian economy during the COVID-19 pandemic. She has introduced a number of measures to support businesses and individuals, including a fiscal stimulus package and interest rate cuts. She has also been instrumental in implementing reforms such as the Goods and Services Tax (GST).
FAQs
1. What is Nirmala Sitharaman's educational background? Nirmala Sitharaman holds a Master's degree in Economics from Jawaharlal Nehru University.
2. What cabinet positions has she held under the Modi government? Sitharaman has served as the Minister of Commerce and Industry, the Minister of Defense, and the Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs.
3. What are some of her key achievements as Finance Minister? Sitharaman has introduced a fiscal stimulus package and interest rate cuts to support the economy during the COVID-19 pandemic. She has also implemented the Goods and Services Tax (GST).
4. Is Nirmala Sitharaman the first woman to hold the position of Finance Minister in India? Yes, Nirmala Sitharaman is the first woman to hold the position of Finance Minister in India.
5. What are her future plans? Sitharaman is expected to continue to play a key role in the Modi government's economic reforms. She is also seen as a potential successor to Prime Minister Modi.
The Supreme Court has directed the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to conduct a fact-finding inquiry against Vantara, an animal rescue and rehabilitation center in Gujarat, following allegations of non-compliance with laws and acquisition of animals. The SIT, headed by former apex court judge J Chelameswar, will also look into reports of irregularities and complaints from NGOs and wildlife organizations. Vantara has assured full cooperation to the probe and reaffirmed their commitment to animal welfare.
The ongoing family feud within the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) continues to escalate as three more daughters of party patriarch Lalu Prasad Yadav have left the family residence in Bihar's capital Patna. This comes just a day after another daughter, Rohini Acharya, publicly denounced the family and quit politics following the party's poor performance in the recent elections. Amidst allegations of insults and mistreatment, the saga continues to unfold within the Yadav family.
In a special lecture series in Bengaluru, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat emphasized on the Hindu identity as a responsible and proud son of Bharat Mata. He urged the Hindu society to come together and share the message of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' with the rest of the world. Bhagwat also recalled the RSS founder and its journey of facing opposition and growth through dedication and sacrifice of its volunteers.
As the West Bengal Assembly elections near, the political battle between Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Trinamool Congress (TMC) has intensified on social media. Following the BJP's victory in Bihar, the party declared its hopes to defeat TMC in Bengal on a popular platform, while TMC leader Kunal Ghosh responded with a proverb highlighting the BJP's potential failure in Bengal. Despite BJP's confidence, TMC remains unfazed and asserts their strong hold in the state.
Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, was criticized by BJP's Shehzad Poonawalla for going on a jungle safari in Madhya Pradesh's Satpura Tiger Reserve instead of focusing on the ongoing Bihar elections. Gandhi had earlier claimed that "vote theft" had taken place in several states, including Madhya Pradesh. BJP's Poonawalla mocked Gandhi's "priorities" and referred to him as the "Leader of Paryatan and partying."
The sudden blast in Delhi that left several people dead has shocked everyone, including Bollywood stars Raveena Tandon, Thalapathy Vijay, Vineet Kumar Singh, and Riddhima Kapoor Sahni. While police are investigating all possible angles, including a terrorist conspiracy, Raveena's comments on social media suggest a link to terrorist activity. The celebrities also expressed their condolences to the victims and their families.
In a historic move, the Madhya Pradesh government has announced that it will be releasing 32 prisoners, including nine from tribal communities, on November 15 to mark Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas or Tribal Pride Day. This decision, initiated by Governor Mangubhai C Patel, aims to recognize and celebrate the contributions of tribal communities on the birth anniversary of their icon, Birsa Munda. This is the first time in India that prisoners will be released on grounds of good conduct while serving jail terms. However, it should be noted that the release will not apply to convicts in cases of rape or the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO), as well as those convicted in multiple murder cases.
Today marks the birth anniversary of Birsa Munda, a fearless leader and freedom fighter who fought against British colonial oppression and the exploitation of tribal communities. His legacy of social justice and environmental protection continues to inspire movements in India today. As Jharkhand celebrates his birth anniversary, Birsa Munda's life serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice and sustainability.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will visit Gujarat on 15th November for various ceremonies and inaugurations. At a programme in Dediapada, he will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of multiple development projects worth over ₹9,700 crore, with a particular focus on improving infrastructure and empowering tribal communities. These include residential schools, multi-purpose centres, medical institutions, and marketing centres, among others. The projects aim to uplift marginalized communities and promote the preservation of tribal culture and heritage.
As the NDA secures a clear victory in the Bihar elections, social media has been abuzz with questions about the whereabouts of Rahul Gandhi, the leader of the opposition and supposed face of the Congress in the state. With rumours circulating about him being in London or Muscat, there has been no official confirmation from the party or credible media outlets. This has sparked conversations about leadership and commitment within the party.