In a dramatic and unprecedented meeting, US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy clashed over ongoing negotiations between the two countries. Despite pressure from Trump to accept a ceasefire in the peace agreement with Russia, Zelenskyy stood firm on Ukraine's stance towards their neighbour. The heated exchange has caused a rift between the two leaders, with other world leaders expressing support for Ukraine's position. However, it seems that Trump's priority in these negotiations is his image at home, rather than international diplomacy.
Bihar's Finance Minister Samrat Choudhary presented a budget of Rs 3.15 lakh crore in the state Assembly, with a significant increase from the previous year. The budget prioritizes the education sector with an allocation of Rs 60,954 crore, along with a boost for healthcare and the home department. In line with the government's focus on women's empowerment, the budget also includes initiatives such as a women's marketplace, pink toilets, and pink buses. The government will also provide job opportunities and housing facilities for women, including women constables near police stations.
Congress leader Shama Mohamed's remarks on Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma sparked a political controversy, with the Trinamool Congress showing support for her statements. While Trinamool Congress MP Sougata Ray defended Mohamed's remarks on Sharma's fitness and captaincy, the Congress distanced itself from her views, emphasizing that they were personal and did not reflect the party's stance. The BJP capitalized on the situation, accusing the Congress of targeting the national cricket captain and insulting Indian cricket supporters.
The Indian National Congress party faced backlash after a party spokesperson made inappropriate comments about cricket star Rohit Sharma on social media. The BJP has condemned the incident and criticized the Congress party for promoting body-shaming. Meanwhile, the Congress party has distanced itself from the comments and has asked the spokesperson to delete the post. The party chairman also clarified that the Congress respects sports icons like Rohit Sharma and does not support such behavior.
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has announced its plans to challenge a special Anti-Corruption (ACB) court's decision to direct an FIR against former chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch and other officials. The court's order was based on a petition that the board claims is "frivolous" and did not allow them to present their side. This decision highlights the ongoing battle between SEBI and the court system as they continue to navigate allegations of stock market fraud.
In a major shake-up, BSP chief Mayawati has announced the removal of her nephew Akash Anand from all party posts, and the appointment of Anand Kumar and Ramji Gautam as new national coordinators. She firmly stated that no one will succeed her in the party until she is alive, emphasizing the importance of the development of the Bahujan community in Uttar Pradesh for the progress of the state and the country.
As the holy month of Ramzan begins, Indian politicians from various parties including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra took to social media to extend their wishes to the people. While PM Modi highlighted the importance of peace and harmony during this month, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi emphasized the values of compassion, kindness, and service that Ramzan represents. The messages from these political leaders showcase a message of unity and understanding during this important religious period.
A shocking case of sexual abuse and blackmail in Rajasthan has taken a communal turn, with right-wing groups exploiting the situation for their own gain. The scandal involves the exploitation of five Hindu minor girls by a group of Muslim men, leading to calls for severe punishment and even "bulldozer action" against the accused. However, municipal authorities have gone as far as issuing notice for demolition of a local mosque and other religious establishments, causing further tension and fear among the families of the accused.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on his three-day tour of Gujarat, visited Vantara animal rescue centre and will later visit Sasan, the headquarters of Gir National Park. He will also chair a meeting of Shree Somnath Trust, which manages the famous Somnath temple. Meanwhile, in Jammu and Kashmir, NC and Congress have convened separate meetings ahead of the first budget session in seven years, with expected tensions over the abrogation of Article 370. In Haryana, elections for various municipalities are scheduled to take place with the Congress urging for the use of ballot papers instead of EVMs.
The Delhi Court has recently acquitted a man involved in the 2020 North-East Delhi riots case, where a mob allegedly caused vandalism and set fire to a sweet shop resulting in the death of a 22-year-old boy. The court found no substantive evidence against the accused, Mohd. Shahnawaz, who was the only remaining accused after 11 other men were discharged earlier. The court noted that Mohd. Shahnawaz's name was never mentioned in the initial FIR and that the evidence presented was not enough to prove his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
In a highly anticipated meeting at the White House, tensions flared between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky when US Vice President JD Vance insisted that diplomacy is the key to resolving the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Despite starting off on a positive note with compliments exchanged, the conversation quickly turned into a shouting match, with Zelensky questioning Vance's understanding of the situation and Trump stepping in to defend his vice president. The intense exchange caught the attention of many, including former NFL player Brett Favre who called the interaction "unreal" and praised Trump and Vance for standing up for America.