In a move to preserve and celebrate India's diverse cultural heritage, the Union Cabinet has approved the status of classical language to five Indian languages: Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali. This brings the total number of recognized classical languages to 11, with the government acknowledging their significance in preserving the country's rich history and tradition. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee both took to social media to express their delight at this decision, emphasizing the importance of promoting regional languages in India.
The state cabinet of Karnataka expressed its disappointment over the National Wildlife Board's decision to not clear the Kalasa-Banduri Nala (Mahadayi) drinking water project. In response, the cabinet has decided to hold an all-party meeting to discuss the matter and petition Prime Minister Narendra Modi against what they see as a grave injustice to the people of Karnataka. They have also directed the law department to seek legal counsel on filing a petition in the Supreme Court challenging the NWB's decision. Additionally, the cabinet discussed objections raised by Pramoda Devi Wadiyar regarding the Chamundeshwari Development Authority and clarified that they are within their rights to hold the meeting.
The Congress party has raised fresh allegations of conflict of interest against former SEBI Chairperson Madhabi Buch, who is currently working with ICICI Bank. The party questioned the bank's statement that it did not pay Buch any salary after her retirement and alleged that she was receiving a non-uniform "retiral benefit" from the bank. The party's media and publicity head, Pawan Khera, pointed out discrepancies in the amount and frequency of payments made to Buch and questioned whether a person's retiral benefit can exceed their annual salary. The party has asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as the head of the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, to clarify on Buch's appointment.
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the BioE3 Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment Policy which aims to drive innovation and accelerate India's transition to a Net Zero carbon economy. This policy will also support the government's initiatives towards a sustainable and circular bioeconomy. With a focus on strategic sectors such as high value bio-based chemicals, precision biotherapeutics and climate resilient agriculture, the BioE3 Policy aims to foster a more resilient biomanufacturing ecosystem and promote job creation.
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved a new "unified pension scheme" for over 23 lakh Central government employees. This scheme guarantees 50% of salary as pension and aims to provide dignity and financial security for government employees. With the option to choose between the existing National Pension System (NPS) or the new pension scheme, the UPS will be implemented from April 1, 2025. This move comes amid protests from non-BJP ruled states over the NPS and will provide a minimum pension of Rs 10,000 per month after 10 years of service.
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that the NDA government is bound to follow the Constitution drafted by BR Ambedkar, which does not include any provision for creamy layer in SC/ST reservation. The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, discussed the recent Supreme Court ruling on sub-categorisation of SC/ST reservation. The top court ruled that states can sub-classify SC/STs and even identify the creamy layer to exclude them from affirmative action, but the Union Minister ensured that the government is committed to Ambedkar's constitutional provisions.
With a rise in the Congress party's popular vote share in the recent elections, Rahul Gandhi has taken on the position of Leader of the Opposition in India's government. This move marks a significant step for the Congress leader as he previously held the position of interim party president but continued to make major decisions behind the scenes. Gandhi's new role comes with perks like Cabinet rank and meetings with visiting heads of state, allowing him to have a more prominent presence in Indian politics and potentially pose as a formidable challenger to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
On the 123rd birth anniversary of Bharatiya Jana Sangh founder Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah paid tribute to the nationalist leader. Shah said that every Indian is indebted to Mookerjee for his tireless efforts towards the unity and integrity of the country. Mookerjee was also remembered for his resignation from Jawaharlal Nehru's cabinet and the founding of Jana Sangh, which later became the ideological parent organization of the BJP.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the ongoing Parliament session by expressing his condolences over the tragic stampede at Phulrai village in Hathras. He criticized Congress for their dictatorial mentality and suppression of media, while also addressing the NEET controversy and promising necessary steps. Additionally, Modi accused Congress of historical injustices towards Dalits and backward communities, citing Baba Saheb Ambedkar's resignation from Nehru's cabinet.
After being sworn in for his third consecutive term, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with former President Pratibha Patil and former PMs Manmohan Singh and HD Deve Gowda to seek their blessings. The newly formed Modi government 3.0 held its first cabinet meeting, which was attended by many of the 72 ministers assigned to their respective portfolios. The cabinet includes notable minority representatives and sees familiar faces retaining top ministries, while also assigning new ministers to important roles.