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Tuesday,11-February-2025
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Parliament Budget Session to resume today

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New Delhi, Feb 10: The Budget Session of Parliament will reconvene on Monday, with both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha set to meet. The session will continue discussions on the Union Budget for 2025, along with other significant matters.

One of the key highlights of the session will be the introduction of the new Income Tax Bill, which received approval from the Union Cabinet on Friday.

The Bill aims to simplify India’s direct tax laws, it will not introduce any new tax burdens but seeks to streamline existing provisions, removing long clauses and complex sentences to make the legislation more accessible. The Income Tax Bill is expected to be introduced in the Lok Sabha today.

While presenting the Union Budget 2025-26 on February 1, Union Finance Minister Sitharaman announced the government’s intent to bring a new Direct Tax Code. She had first announced a comprehensive review of the Income Tax Act, 1961 in the July 2024 Union Budget.

With the budget debates in full swing and critical issues like the new tax laws and international relations at the forefront, today’s session promises to be action-packed, with lawmakers addressing key national concerns.

Earlier last week, the fifth day of the session saw intense debates in the Rajya Sabha, where External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar addressed the issue of deportations of illegal Indian migrants from the United States. EAM Jaishankar issued a detailed statement on the matter.

Jaishankar said, “We are, of course, in talks with the US government to ensure that the deported individuals are not mistreated in any way during their flight. At the same time, the House should understand that our focus must be on a strong crackdown on the illegal migration industry, while also taking steps to facilitate visas for legitimate travellers.”

The minister clarified that deportation is not a new procedure.

The Lok Sabha faced repeated adjournments due to disruptions caused by the Opposition, who focussed on the deportation issue. Despite the disturbances, proceedings continued with discussions surrounding the Union Budget, and there were deliberations on key legislative proposals expected to be introduced during the session.

On Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered his response to the Motion of Thanks for the President’s address in the Rajya Sabha, where he sharply criticised the Congress party.

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INDIA bloc still strong but internal discussion required: Kapil Sibal

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New Delhi, Feb 11: Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal has asserted that the INDIA bloc remains intact and has a bright future, though internal discussions are necessary.

Sibal dismissed any notion of the alliance falling apart.

“It has a very bright future. There is no such issue. This was a national alliance, as Sharad Pawar Ji said. During national elections, the alliance remains intact. However, at the state level, there is no national alliance as such,” he explained.

Sibal also responded to Congress leader Tariq Anwar’s recent remarks questioning his party’s leadership and calling for fundamental changes.

Acknowledging the validity of Anwar’s concerns, Sibal pointed out that such discussions should have happened earlier.

“I believe there is some truth in what Tariq Anwar Sahab has said. However, this question should have been raised when Kejriwal Ji was fielding candidates, whether in Haryana, Goa, Gujarat, or Karnataka. Nevertheless, this issue must be discussed,” he said.

When asked about West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s decision to contest the upcoming elections alone, Sibal refrained from commenting directly.

“I have no comments on that. They will decide among themselves. These are mature and responsible leaders, and they will sit together and determine the way forward,” he remarked.

His statements come at a time when the INDIA bloc faces challenges, with Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress, part of the INDIA bloc charting its own course in Bengal and Congress leaders questioning internal strategies.

Earlier the Trinamool Congress chief on Monday blamed the Aam Aadmi Party and the Congress for the failure of the Opposition in Delhi and Haryana Assembly elections, ruling out the possibility of having any alliance with the grand old party for the 2026 West Bengal polls.

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Delhi Police conducting raids to arrest AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan

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New Delhi, Feb 11: Trouble continues to mount for Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA from Okhla, Amanatullah Khan, as a joint team of the Delhi Police and the Crime Branch is conducting raids to apprehend him.

Police sources claim that Khan’s arrest is imminent, following allegations of obstructing law enforcement operations.

The Delhi Police have registered an FIR against the lawmaker, accusing him of interfering with a Crime Branch operation in Jamia Nagar.

The FIR cites multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Sections 221, 132, and 121(1), which pertain to harbouring offenders, obstructing public servants, and conspiracy against the state.

On Monday, the Crime Branch launched a raid in Jamia Nagar to capture Shahbaz Khan, a criminal wanted for attempted murder and a declared Proclaimed Offender. However, during the operation, Amanatullah Khan allegedly intervened, enabling Shahbaz Khan to escape.

According to police officials, Khan and his supporters deliberately obstructed the police operation, leading to chaos.

Law enforcement sources claim that when the officers attempted to detain the AAP leader for obstructing their work, a heated argument broke out between him and the police team. Amid the commotion, Shahbaz Khan managed to flee from police custody.

Authorities also allege that Khan and his supporters assaulted police personnel during the confrontation.

“Following the scuffle, two officers were sent for medical examination, though no serious injuries were reported,” a Crime Branch officer stated.

Following the altercation, the police filed a complaint against Amanatullah Khan, and legal proceedings are going on. The police have stepped up efforts to locate and arrest him, with raids being conducted at multiple locations.

Amanatullah Khan is a prominent AAP leader who has been representing the Okhla constituency since 2015. In the recently-concluded Delhi Assembly elections, he secured a third consecutive victory, defeating BJP candidate Manish Chaudhary by a margin of 23,639 votes. Khan garnered a total of 88,392 votes, while Chaudhary received 65,304 votes.

Khan is also among the Delhi MLAs with the highest number of criminal cases.

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India is driving global growth: PM Modi on India Energy Week

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New Delhi, Feb 11: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday underscored India’s crucial role in driving both domestic and global economic growth, with the energy sector playing a pivotal part.

Speaking at the India Energy Week, he expressed confidence that the event would foster productive discussions and collaborations.

“I extend my greetings to all the delegates and partners from across the country and the world who have gathered here at Yashobhumi. You are not just participants in Energy Week; you are an important part of India’s energy ambitions,” PM Modi said.

“Today, every expert in the world is saying that the 21st century is India’s century. India is not only driving its own growth, but also the global growth and our energy sector has an important role in it,” PM Modi said.

Laying out foundation of India’s energy ambitions, the Prime Minister said they rest on five pillars — abundant resources, brilliant minds, economic strength, political stability, strategic geography, and a commitment to global sustainability.

“The next two decades are crucial for achieving the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’, and in the next five years, we will accomplish several milestones. Many of our energy goals align with the 2030 deadline,” he said.

PM Modi outlined key targets for 2030, including adding 500 gigawatts of energy capacity, achieving net-zero carbon emissions for Indian Railways, and producing green hydrogen gas. While these goals may appear ambitious, he asserted that India’s achievements over the past decade have built confidence in their feasibility.

“Over the last 10 years, India has become the fifth-largest economy, doubled its solar generation capacity, and emerged as the third-largest solar power-generating nation. Our non-fossil fuel energy capacity has tripled,” he noted.

Citing India’s leadership in sustainability, the Prime Minister highlighted that the country is the first to meet the Paris G20 agreement goals, achieving a 90 per cent ethanol blending rate and making significant progress in biofuels.

“India’s biofuels industry is poised for rapid growth, with 500 million metric tons of sustainable feedstock available. The Global Biofuels Alliance, established during India’s G20 presidency, continues to expand, now comprising 28 nations and 12 international organisations. This initiative is transforming waste into wealth and creating Centers of Excellence,” he said.

Discussing India’s strides in hydrocarbon resources, PM Modi mentioned key policy initiatives such as the Open Acreage License Policy (OALP), the opening of the exclusive economic zone, and the implementation of a single-window clearance system to attract investment.

He also highlighted efforts to empower ordinary families and farmers as energy providers.

“Last year, we launched the PM Suryodaya Mukt Bijli Yojana. This scheme goes beyond energy production; it fosters new skills in the solar sector, builds a new service ecosystem, and enhances investment opportunities,” he stated.

Reaffirming India’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions, PM Modi expressed hope that the India Energy Week would lead to innovative breakthroughs in the sector.

“India is dedicated to providing energy solutions that drive our growth while preserving nature. I hope this Energy Week brings new ideas and solutions for a sustainable future,” he concluded.

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