Senior BJP leader Smriti Irani slammed the opposition for questioning the government's intent on the Women's reservation bill. Irani defended the government's approach, asserting that constitutional procedures must be followed. She dismissed allegations of gerrymandering, emphasising that the government is relying on established data and constitutional mandates. She accused the opposition of hypocrisy for previously demanding the bill's implementation but now questioning the required census and delimitation processes, while highlighting the historical failure of previous administrations to pass the legislation in the lower house of parliament.
In this episode of Newstrack, watch the exclusive interview of Niti Aayog Vice Chairman Ashok Lahiri as he decodes PM Modi's austerity push amid the escalating crisis in West Asia.
The central government has implemented austerity measures, including reducing ministerial convoys to two vehicles, in response to a looming fuel crisis driven by West Asian geopolitical tensions. While the ruling party frames this as a necessary fiscal step, opposition leaders have labeled the move tokenism, demanding a special parliamentary session to address the economic situation and rising oil prices. Simultaneously, the national currency has depreciated to an all-time low against the dollar, prompting calls from experts for fiscal consolidation and reduced political populism. Amidst these economic challenges, a major controversy has emerged regarding the national medical entrance examination. Investigations into an alleged paper leak and an interstate exam mafia have resulted in multiple arrests across several states, revealing potential political links. Education experts are now advocating for a complete overhaul of the testing system, suggesting decentralized, computer-based examinations to ensure future transparency. Transparency activists further urge the government to disclose fuel stock data to prevent public panic and hoarding during this period of economic instability.
Days after he appealed for cutting down fuel consumption, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reduced his convoy size. This was followed by several BJP chief ministers and other leaders to adopt similar measures.
In an exclusive interview with India Today, former Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Duvvuri Subbarao said that the rupee's depreciation is a matter of concern, but there is no need to get alarmed about it.
