The Maharashtra government and Pune Police may have a lot to answer to the Supreme Court with the hearing slated for next Thursday in connection with the arrests of five activists.
But it may heave a sigh of relief as the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) seems to be backing the Pune Police whose country-wide arrests of human rights activists have led to a huge uproar.
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.
