Thursday, December 25, 2025
Home Blog Page 1262

Indian Coast Guard Seizes Record 5-Ton Drug Haul in Andaman Waters

The Indian Coast Guard intercepted a fishing boat in the Andaman waters, uncovering approximately five tons of illicit drugs in what is being described as its largest-ever drug seizure. Defense officials confirmed the massive haul on Monday, marking a significant victory in the ongoing battle against narcotics trafficking.

This operation is the latest in a series of successful crackdowns on drug smuggling. Earlier this month, anti-narcotics agencies seized 700 kilograms of methamphetamine and arrested eight Iranian nationals off Gujarat’s coast. The Indian Coast Guard’s largest-ever drug seizure, aided by various agencies, highlights ongoing efforts against international trafficking.

Supreme Court to Rule on Validity of ‘Socialist’ and ‘Secular’ Terms in Constitution’s Preamble

The Supreme Court of India is set to deliver its verdict on November 25 regarding petitions that challenge the inclusion of the terms ‘socialist’ and ‘secular’ in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution. These terms entered the Preamble through the 42nd Constitutional Amendment during the Emergency period under Indira Gandhi’s government in 1976.

The bench, headed by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, emphasized that the amendment had undergone extensive judicial scrutiny over the years. The judicial system has reviewed the 42nd Amendment. We cannot say that everything Parliament did at that time is null and void,” noted the Chief Justice during the proceedings. The challenge, led by individuals like Subramanian Swamy and advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, questions the legitimacy of the terms added to the Preamble.

The court also addressed the nature of ‘socialism’ in India, clarifying that it aligns with the concept of a “welfare state,” different from global interpretations. Chief Justice Khanna stated that the Indian model allows for private sector growth alongside state-driven welfare policies. Additionally, the bench reaffirmed that secularism, as outlined in the 1994 S R Bommai case, remains a foundational principle of the Constitution.

Subramanian Swamy suggested placing the terms ‘socialist’ and ‘secular’ in a separate paragraph within the Preamble, rather than integrating them into the original text. Despite these discussions, the court decided not to refer the matter to a larger bench, indicating that these terms are integral to India’s constitutional identity.

This ruling comes amid ongoing debates on the historical context and relevance of the terms introduced during the Emergency, with the final judgment expected to clarify their place in India’s constitutional framework.

Maharashtra Poll Setback Limits Rajya Sabha Prospects for Sharad Pawar and Allies

The BJP-led Mahayuti coalition’s landslide victory in Maharashtra has diminished the re-election chances of prominent Opposition leaders Sharad Pawar, Priyanka Chaturvedi, and Sanjay Raut in the Rajya Sabha. The coalition secured 235 out of 288 seats in the state elections, leaving the MVA alliance with only 49 seats, weakening its influence in the Upper House.

Sharad Pawar, whose Rajya Sabha term ends in April 2026, earlier hinted at this being his final tenure. However, political analysts attribute the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction)’s weakened standing to the party split and low support from allies. Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders Chaturvedi and Raut face similar challenges, with the latter’s term expiring in 2028.

Political expert Suhas Palshikar remarked, “The BJP’s dominance in Maharashtra underscores the dwindling power of traditional players like Pawar, marking a significant shift in state politics.”

Maharashtra’s representation in the Rajya Sabha plays a critical role nationally, as the state elects 19 members. Currently, the BJP holds seven of these seats, bolstered by allies, with the MVA factions holding fewer seats combined. The BJP’s growing majority could further consolidate its influence in the 245-member Rajya Sabha, potentially crossing the halfway mark with upcoming vacancies in other states.

Priyanka Chaturvedi responded to the developments, stating, “While setbacks are part of politics, our fight for democratic principles continues.” Sharad Pawar echoed a similar sentiment, emphasizing his focus on rebuilding NCP’s presence amid political turmoil.

With no immediate vacancies in Maharashtra and the BJP likely to gain from upcoming elections elsewhere, the Opposition faces an uphill battle to regain its footing, both in the state and nationally.

PM Modi Inaugurates Winter Session of Parliament with a Call for Unity and Constructive Dialogue

Text of PM’s speech at the beginning of Winter Session of Parliament

Hello friends,
It is the winter session and the atmosphere will also remain cold. This is the last period of 2024, the country is also preparing to welcome 2025 with full enthusiasm and zeal. Friends, This session of Parliament is special in many ways. And the biggest thing is the 75-year journey of our Constitution, its entry into the 75th year. This in itself is a very bright occasion for democracy. And tomorrow in the Constitution House, everyone will together start the celebration of the 75th year of this Constitution. The Constitution makers have debated each point in great detail while making the Constitution, and only then we have received such an excellent document. And an important unit of it is our Parliament. Our MPs and our Parliament. There should be healthy discussions in the Parliament, more and more people should contribute to the discussion. Unfortunately, some people who have been rejected by the public for their political interests are constantly trying to control the Parliament with the hooliganism of a handful of people. Their own aim is not more successful than stopping the activities of the Parliament, and the people of the country count all their actions. And when the time comes, they also punish them.

But the most painful thing is that the new MPs come with new ideas, no, energy, and they do not come from any one party but from all parties. Some people usurp their rights. They do not even get a chance to speak in the House. In the democratic tradition, it is the job of every generation to prepare the coming generations, but those who have been continuously rejected by the public 80-90 times, neither allow discussions to take place in the Parliament, nor do they respect the spirit of democracy, nor do they understand the importance of the aspirations of the people…they have no responsibility towards them, they understand anything. And the result is that they never live up to the expectations of the public. And as a result, the public has to reject them again and again.

Friends,
This House of Democracy, after the 2024 Parliamentary elections, the people of the country have got an opportunity to express their sentiments, their views, their expectations at some places in their respective states. In that too, the results of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections have been given more strength by the states, more force has been provided, and the scope of support has increased. And it is the condition of democracy that we respect the sentiments of the people, work hard day and night to live up to their hopes and expectations. I have been repeatedly requesting especially the colleagues of the opposition, and some of the opposition also behave very responsibly. They also wish that the work in the House should be done smoothly. But those who have been continuously rejected by the people, they used to suppress the words of their colleagues, disrespect their sentiments, disrespect the sentiments of democracy.

I hope that our new colleagues get an opportunity, there are new colleagues in all parties. They have new ideas, new imaginations to take India forward. And today the world is looking towards India with great hope, then our use of time as MPs should be such that it strengthens the respect that India has gained at the global level, the attraction towards India. India rarely gets such opportunities in the world as it has received today. And the message from the Indian Parliament should also go out that the voters of India, their dedication towards democracy, their dedication towards the Constitution, their faith in the parliamentary working system, all of us sitting in the Parliament will have to live up to these sentiments of the people. And the need of the hour is that we should repent a little for the time we have lost so far, and the way to rectify it is that we should highlight various aspects of every subject in the Parliament House in a very healthy manner. The coming generations will also read it and take inspiration from it.

I hope that this session will be very fruitful, will enhance the glory of the 75th year of the Constitution, will strengthen India’s global dignity, will provide opportunities to new MPs, will welcome new ideas. With this feeling, I once again invite and welcome all the honourable MPs to take this session forward with zeal and enthusiasm. Many thanks to all of you colleagues too.

Namaskar.

For Text of PM’s speech on PIB, Click ” Here “

Source: PIB, NEW DELHI. Posted on25.11.2024

Web Team, C6N

Maharashtra Elections 2024: Alliance Rifts Expose Fragile Coalitions

The Maharashtra assembly election results have not only reshaped the political landscape but also uncovered deep divisions within both the Mahayuti and the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliances. Allegations of sabotage and internal strife have intensified, challenging the unity of these coalitions.

In Beed district, BJP leader Suresh Dhas, who won the Ashti seat with a margin of 77,000 votes, accused party veteran Pankaja Munde of undermining his campaign by allegedly supporting rival independent candidate Bhimrao Bhonde. Dhas criticized Munde during his victory rally, stating, “Pankajatai, you have lost a good person.” Beed has remained a politically sensitive area, with conflicts often emerging along Maratha-OBC lines.

Similarly, in Solapur’s Malshiras constituency, BJP candidate Ram Satpute, who lost by 13,000 votes, accused BJP MLC Ranjitsinh Mohite of aiding his opponent, Uttam Jankar. Satpute alleged Mohite financed Jankar’s campaign and demanded his expulsion from the BJP. “Mohite has worked against the party and must face consequences,” Satpute asserted.

The MVA is grappling with its own internal conflicts. In Solapur South, Congress MP Praniti Shinde reportedly backed an independent candidate against the MVA’s Shiv Sena (UBT) nominee, leading to a BJP victory in the constituency. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi denounced the alleged betrayal on social media, stating, “This reflects a lack of alliance integrity.” Congress has yet to comment on the accusations, though political analysts suggest this signals deeper fissures within the alliance.

The Mahayuti, meanwhile, faces debates over its chief ministerial candidate, with BJP favoring Devendra Fadnavis and Shiv Sena pushing for Eknath Shinde. “The people’s mandate is for Mahayuti, but internal disagreements persist,” noted BJP leader Pravin Darekar.

As alliances face scrutiny, the results emphasize the fragility of coalitions forged under electoral pressure. Experts warn that these divisions may hinder the effectiveness of governance in the state.

Ranbir Kapoor Expresses Desire to Remake Raj Kapoor’s ‘Shree 420’ Amid IFFI Celebrations

PANAJI: Bollywood star Ranbir Kapoor, while attending the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa, revealed his admiration for his legendary grandfather Raj Kapoor’s iconic films. During a special session hosted by filmmaker Rahul Rawail to honor the birth centenary of the “Showman of Indian Cinema,” Ranbir stated that if he ever considered a remake of Raj Kapoor’s work, it would be the 1955 classic Shree 420.

Though Ranbir emphasized his general disinterest in remakes, he acknowledged the timeless charm of Shree 420. “I believe films should remain untouched, especially classics like Raj Kapoor’s. But if I had to, Shree 420 would be my pick,” he shared during the discussion. The movie, known for its blend of social commentary and memorable music, including the evergreen song “Mera Joota Hai Japani,” remains a hallmark of Indian cinema.

IFFI 2024 celebrates Raj Kapoor’s legacy with a curated lineup of his digitally restored classics, including Awaara (1951). The event also features masterclasses and panel discussions exploring his contributions to global cinema. Kapoor’s birth centenary on December 14, 2024, will further witness international celebrations, reflecting his enduring global appeal, especially in countries like Russia and Egypt.

Web Team, C6N

Ladki Bahin Scheme and Polarisation Shaped Mahayuti’s Landslide Win: Sharad Pawar

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP-SP) chief Sharad Pawar has attributed the Mahayuti coalition’s sweeping victory in Maharashtra’s recent assembly elections to multiple factors, including the popularity of the Ladki Bahin scheme, significant female voter turnout, and religious polarisation. Speaking at a rally in Satara, he reflected on the electoral outcome, which saw the alliance dominate with 230 of the 288 assembly seats, a result he termed “unprecedented” in his political career.

Pawar acknowledged that slogans promoting Hindu unity by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, such as “Batenge to katenge, ek rahenge to nek rahenge,” resonated with voters, further consolidating Mahayuti’s position. Meanwhile, the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), despite spirited campaigns, secured only 46 seats. Pawar expressed disappointment but affirmed his commitment to revitalizing the NCP-SP, stating, “We will assess our setbacks and take corrective steps to rebuild.”

When questioned about women’s safety under the current regime, Pawar criticised the administration for its failure to uphold dignity and security, despite launching welfare schemes like Ladki Bahin. Citing the rise in molestation cases and incidents of missing girls, he urged for systemic reforms to protect women and girls.

Addressing broader concerns, Pawar accused the BJP of attempting to amend the Constitution for unchecked power. “We united with the opposition to safeguard democracy. Such centralisation of power is dangerous,” he remarked during the rally, aligning his focus on restoring balance in governance.

Sharad Pawar defended fielding Yugendra against Ajit in Baramati, highlighted Mahayuti’s growing dominance, and refrained from commenting on EVM issues.

Maharashtra’s Mahayuti Leadership: Synergy Under Scrutiny Post-Elections

The Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra has clinched a significant victory in the 2024 assembly elections, with the BJP emerging as the largest party, winning 132 seats. However, questions loom about the synergy between Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and his deputies, Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, as they navigate governance challenges.

Fadnavis, widely seen as a frontrunner for the top post, stated, “We will work as a cohesive team for Maharashtra’s development,” underscoring the need for unity. Meanwhile, Shinde, backed by his faction, is reportedly advocating a power-sharing arrangement to balance leadership demands.

Ajit Pawar’s growing confidence following the NCP’s 41-seat win further complicates internal dynamics. Sources indicate he is consolidating his influence by engaging with newly elected members of the Sharad Pawar faction, raising speculation about intra-alliance rivalries.

The trio must also address public dissatisfaction reflected in voter sentiment, as highlighted during the elections. Rahul Narwekar, a BJP leader, emphasized, “The alliance will prioritize citizen welfare and transparency,” signaling a renewed focus on governance reforms.

The road ahead for Mahayuti remains challenging, with internal power equations and external expectations shaping its trajectory. The final decision on leadership is expected imminently, setting the tone for the alliance’s future.

Mahayuti Triumphs in Maharashtra Elections 2024: A Strong Mandate for BJP-Led Alliance

MUMBAI: Maharashtra’s political landscape has witnessed a significant shift as the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance secured a commanding victory in the 2024 state assembly elections. Comprising the BJP, Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar’s NCP, the alliance crossed the majority mark, winning 230 seats in the 288-member assembly. The Congress-led Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) struggled, securing only 46 seats, while independents and smaller parties claimed the remaining.

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar attributed the victory to the coalition’s alignment on developmental agendas and initiatives like the Ladki Bahin scheme, which empowered women economically. He emphasized that discussions among alliance leaders are ongoing to finalize roles and responsibilities within the new government, ensuring cohesive leadership.

Celebration and Key Outcomes

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar’s NCP outperformed their rivals, with Shinde winning his seat decisively. Ajit Pawar maintained a substantial lead in Baramati, underscoring his political dominance. Meanwhile, BJP heavyweight Devendra Fadnavis dismissed speculation about disputes over the Chief Minister’s post, confirming that all decisions will reflect the collective interest of Mahayuti allies.

Implications for the Future

The Mahayuti alliance’s resounding mandate highlights voters’ preference for stability and development-centric policies. The leadership now faces the dual challenge of meeting public expectations while addressing internal dynamics among alliance partners.

Web Team, C6N