In a heated exchange in the Parliament, Union Minister Rajnath Singh accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of misleading the public with false information about the Agnipath scheme. Gandhi had alleged that the scheme deprives soldiers and their families of financial security and respect. Singh countered by saying that the scheme provides financial assistance of Rs. 1 crore to families of Agniveers who die in the line of duty and clarified that Gandhi's claims were baseless.
Agnipath Scheme: Rahul Gandhi's Accusations and Government's Response
The Agnipath scheme, introduced by the Indian government in June 2022, has sparked controversy and debate. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has been a vocal critic of the scheme, accusing it of depriving soldiers and their families of financial security and respect.
Rahul Gandhi's Accusations
Gandhi has alleged that the Agnipath scheme, which recruits soldiers for a four-year period with no guarantee of continuation in service, will leave many soldiers without jobs and benefits after their initial tenure. He has also claimed that the scheme will reduce the morale and efficiency of the armed forces.
Government's Response
Union Minister Rajnath Singh has countered Gandhi's accusations, stating that the Agnipath scheme provides financial assistance of Rs. 1 crore to families of Agniveers (soldiers recruited under the scheme) who die in the line of duty. He has also clarified that Agniveers will receive a monthly salary and other allowances during their four-year service.
Background
The Agnipath scheme was introduced to reduce the average age of the Indian armed forces and to make them more efficient and youthful. The scheme involves recruiting soldiers for a four-year period, with approximately 25% of them being retained for regular service. The remaining 75% will be released from service with a severance package and opportunities for vocational training.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
1. What is the Agnipath scheme? The Agnipath scheme is a recruitment program for the Indian armed forces that recruits soldiers for a four-year period.
2. What are the benefits of the Agnipath scheme? Agniveers will receive a monthly salary and other allowances during their four-year service. Families of Agniveers who die in the line of duty will receive financial assistance of Rs. 1 crore.
3. What are the disadvantages of the Agnipath scheme? Approximately 75% of Agniveers will be released from service after four years without a guarantee of continuation in service. This has raised concerns about their future employment prospects.
4. What are the concerns raised by Rahul Gandhi? Gandhi has accused the Agnipath scheme of depriving soldiers and their families of financial security and respect. He has also claimed that the scheme will reduce the morale and efficiency of the armed forces.
5. What is the government's response to Gandhi's accusations? The government has countered Gandhi's accusations, stating that the Agnipath scheme provides financial assistance to families of Agniveers who die in the line of duty and clarifies that Gandhi's claims are baseless.
After nine years in office, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his resignation as leader of the ruling Liberal Party. He cited the need for a "real choice" in the upcoming election and acknowledged the decline in his popularity due to issues such as inflation and housing crisis. A Liberal Party MP further explained that Canadian's fatigue with Trudeau played a role in his decision to step down.
Patna District Magistrate, Dr. Chandrashekhar Singh, has defended the detention of 43 individuals, including political strategist Prashant Kishor, during protests over BPSC exams. Singh stated that the protest at Gandhi Maidan was illegal and despite warnings, protesters refused to vacate. An FIR was filed and 15 vehicles were seized. Verification has shown that 30 out of the 43 detained individuals were not students, and Dr. Singh has warned of strict action against any future illegal protests.
In a historic statement, Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau announced his resignation as the leader of the Liberal Party, citing the need for a new leader to be chosen before the next election. This resignation comes after mounting pressure and internal conflicts within the party, leading to a call for Parliament to be prorogued until March 24. Despite support from party leaders Pierre Poilievre and Jagmeet Singh, some are calling for Canadians to put their faith in a new party, with even U.S. President-elect Donald Trump weighing in on the matter.
On Friday night, Jan. 3, multiple reports were received about gunshots being fired into a home in Magalia, California. The Butte County Sheriff's Office (BCSO) later arrested two individuals in connection to the incident. Although no injuries were reported, deputies found evidence that the home had been shot at multiple times.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk has taken aim at US President Joe Biden for awarding the Presidential Medal of Freedom to philanthropist George Soros, calling it a "travesty." This comes after Soros' son accepted the award on his behalf, with Alex Soros stating that his father's legacy is one of fighting for freedom and human rights. The move has sparked criticism from MAGA supporters and Republican leaders, who view it as a "slap in the face" to America.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk made headlines for openly condemning President Joe Biden's decision to give billionaire philanthropist George Soros the highly prestigious Presidential Medal of Freedom. Musk expressed his disapproval on his social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, and called Biden's decision a "travesty." Biden announced the list of 19 honorees for this year, citing Soros' focus on global initiatives for democracy, human rights, education, and social justice as the reason for his selection. However, Musk's public criticism has sparked debate and raised questions about the controversial awardee.
The murder of journalist Mukesh Chandrakar in Chhattisgarh has led to the arrest of three suspects, including key accused Ritesh Chandrakar, who is a relative of Congress leader Suresh Chandrakar. Investigations have also revealed that the victim and the accused were cousins. Chandrakar's murder has drawn attention to an alleged corruption expose, which allegedly led to his death. In light of these developments, the state has launched an inquiry and seized illegally possessed land from the Congress leader's family.
The Bharatiya Janata Party has released its first list of candidates for the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections, including big names such as former MP Parvesh Sahib Singh Verma and MLA Kailash Gahlot. The list also features candidates from different backgrounds, such as former Congress MLA Rajkumar Chauhan and former Delhi University Students Union president Rekha Gupta. With this bold move, the BJP aims to secure a strong position in the upcoming elections.
Amidst the highly anticipated Delhi assembly elections, all eyes are on the Kalkaji constituency as Chief Minister Atishi of the ruling Aam Aadmi Party, former MP Ramesh Bidhuri of the Bharatiya Janata Party, and senior leader Alka Lamba of the Congress all vie for the seat. With a history of multiple party wins and changing loyalties, the race for Kalkaji is bound to be an intense one. As Atishi, Bidhuri, and Lamba all bring their unique strengths and experiences to the table, the outcome of this election will be crucial for all three parties involved.
The BJP has announced its candidate list for the upcoming Delhi elections, with Parvesh Verma set to contest against incumbent CM Arvind Kejriwal in the New Delhi seat. In response, Verma has openly challenged Kejriwal and called for accountability for his actions as CM. The BJP has also fielded other notable candidates, including Ramesh Bidhuri in Kalkaji, leading to speculation about the party's confidence in their own candidates.