<p>General&nbsp;Bipin Rawat, the first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of the Indian military, had died in 2021&nbsp;in a helicopter crash in Tamil Nadu. Twelve people died in the crash, including Rawat's wife, Madhulika.</p>

<p>More than three years after this tragedy, a report tabled in the Lok Sabha (the lower house of Parliament) on Tuesday (December 17) said the crash took place due to human error.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Air crashes numbers (yes reasons get published and yes IAF is transparent) <a href="https://t.co/RblD7rpwce">pic.twitter.com/RblD7rpwce</a></p>
— Alpha Defense™ (@alpha_defense) <a href="https://twitter.com/alpha_defense/status/1869727966600847475?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>The report said that during the 13th defence plan period (from 2017 to 2022), a total of 34 accidents (involving military aircraft) occurred, which included the&nbsp;2021 Mi-17 V5 helicopter that&nbsp;was carrying CDS Rawat.</p>

<h2><strong>The crash that killed CDS Rawat</strong></h2>

<p>CDS Rawat, his wife, and 11 others died on December 8, 2021, after the Mi-17 V5 they were travelling in crashed in Tamil Nadu's Coonoor.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Indian Air Force (IAF) officer Group Captain Varun Singh, who was the sole survivor of the crash, died a week later during treatment.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Before becoming the CDS, General Rawat was the 27th chief of the Indian Army. He was 63 at the time of his death.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


General Bipin Rawat, the first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of the Indian military, had died in 2021 in a helicopter crash in Tamil Nadu. Twelve people died in the crash, including Rawat's wife, Madhulika.

General Bipin Rawat, the first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of the Indian military, had died in 2021 in a helicopter crash in Tamil Nadu. Twelve people died in the crash, including Rawat's wife, Madhulika. More than three years after this tragedy, a report tabled in the Lok Sabha (the lower house of Parliament) on Tuesday (December 17) said the crash took place due to human error. Air crashes numbers (yes reasons get published and yes IAF is transparent) pic.twitter.com/RblD7rpwce — Alpha Defense™ (@alpha_defense) December 19, 2024 × The report said that during the 13th defence plan period (from 2017 to 2022), a total of 34 accidents (involving military aircraft) occurred, which included the 2021 Mi-17 V5 helicopter that was carrying CDS Rawat. The crash that killed CDS Rawat CDS Rawat, his wife, and 11 others died on December 8, 2021, after the Mi-17 V5 they were travelling in crashed in Tamil Nadu's Coonoor. Indian Air Force (IAF) officer Group Captain Varun Singh, who was the sole survivor of the crash, died a week later during treatment. Before becoming the CDS, General Rawat was the 27th chief of the Indian Army. He was 63 at the time of his death. (With inputs from agencies)

Chopper crash that killed CDS Bipin Rawat was caused due to human error: Report

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidF7Tzx15Yg0c6" />United States (US) President-elect Donald Trump said on Thursday (Dec 19) that Congress should get rid of the debt ceiling. Speaking to NBC News, Trump said that getting rid of the debt ceiling would be the smartest thing that Congress would do.</p>

<p>“The Democrats have said they want to get rid of it. If they want to get rid of it, I would lead the charge,” Trump added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the US,&nbsp;the debt ceiling is the legislative limit on the amount of national debt that can be incurred by the Treasury, thus limiting how much money the government may pay by borrowing more money, on the debt it already borrowed.</p>

<h2><strong>'Debt ceiling is a meaningless concept'</strong></h2>

<p>Trump told NBC that the debt ceiling was a meaningless concept and that no one would know for sure what would happen if it were to someday be breached.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“It doesn’t mean anything, except psychologically,” the president-elect added.</p>

<h2><strong>What did Trump say about the possibility of a shutdown?</strong></h2>

<p>Amid the possibility of a shutdown, which would occur at 12.01 am on Saturday if a funding deal wasn't reached, Trump told NBC, "If there’s going to be a shutdown, we’re going to start it with a Democratic president."</p>

<p>Congress had last raised the debt ceiling in June 2023, suspending it through January 1, 2025.&nbsp;Trump also said that he discussed his views on the short-term funding deal with Elon Musk.</p>

<p>“I told him (Musk) that if he agrees with me, that he could put out a statement,” he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During his first term as president, Trump&nbsp;signed legislation three times to lift the ceilings. He had also floated the idea of eliminating the debt ceiling when he was in the White House.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


United States (US) President-elect Donald Trump said on Thursday (Dec 19) that Congress should get rid of the debt ceiling. Speaking to NBC News, Trump said that getting rid of the debt ceiling would be the smartest thing that Congress would do.

United States (US) President-elect Donald Trump said on Thursday (Dec 19) that Congress should get rid of the debt ceiling. Speaking to NBC News, Trump said that getting rid of the debt ceiling would be the smartest thing that Congress would do. “The Democrats have said they want to get rid of it. If they want to get rid of it, I would lead the charge,” Trump added. In the US, the debt ceiling is the legislative limit on the amount of national debt that can be incurred by the Treasury, thus limiting how much money the government may pay by borrowing more money, on the debt it already borrowed. 'Debt ceiling is a meaningless concept' Trump told NBC that the debt ceiling was a meaningless concept and that no one would know for sure what would happen if it were to someday be breached. “It doesn’t mean anything, except psychologically,” the president-elect added. What did Trump say about the possibility of a shutdown? Amid the possibility of a shutdown, which would occur at 12.01 am on Saturday if a funding deal wasn't reached, Trump told NBC, "If there’s going to be a shutdown, we’re going to start it with a Democratic president." Congress had last raised the debt ceiling in June 2023, suspending it through January 1, 2025. Trump also said that he discussed his views on the short-term funding deal with Elon Musk. “I told him (Musk) that if he agrees with me, that he could put out a statement,” he added. During his first term as president, Trump signed legislation three times to lift the ceilings. He had also floated the idea of eliminating the debt ceiling when he was in the White House. (With inputs from agencies)

US President-elect Donald Trump says Congress should get rid of debt ceiling

<p>The US economy expanded faster in the third quarter than originally estimated, according to government data released Thursday, despite analysts' expectations that growth would remain unchanged.</p>

<p>The world's biggest economy grew at an annual rate of 3.1 per cent in the July-September period, up from earlier estimates of 2.8 per cent, the Commerce Department said.</p>

<p>This was due to "upward revisions to exports and consumer spending," the report said, although it noted that the increase was partially offset by a downward revision to private inventory investment.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/uk-economy-shrinks-again-in-october-raising-recession-fears-784109">UK economy shrinks again in October, raising recession fears</a></strong></p>

<p>In the second quarter, GDP growth was 3.0 per cent.</p>

<p>The US economy has shown resilience even as consumers drew down on savings from the COVID-19 pandemic period and grappled with higher interest rates as the Federal Reserve battled to rein in inflation.</p>

<p>Consumer spending in particular has been a key factor behind growth—even as Americans felt the pinch from higher costs of living—supported by a relatively healthy jobs market.</p>

<p>"Compared to the second quarter, the acceleration in real GDP in the third quarter primarily reflected accelerations in exports, consumer spending, and federal government spending," the Commerce Department said on Thursday.</p>

<p>A consensus estimate pegged third quarter GDP growth at 2.8 per cent initially, unchanged from before, according to Briefing.com.</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


The US economy expanded faster in the third quarter than originally estimated, according to government data released Thursday, despite analysts' expectations that growth would remain unchanged.

The US economy expanded faster in the third quarter than originally estimated, according to government data released Thursday, despite analysts' expectations that growth would remain unchanged. The world's biggest economy grew at an annual rate of 3.1 per cent in the July-September period, up from earlier estimates of 2.8 per cent, the Commerce Department said. This was due to "upward revisions to exports and consumer spending," the report said, although it noted that the increase was partially offset by a downward revision to private inventory investment. Also read | UK economy shrinks again in October, raising recession fears In the second quarter, GDP growth was 3.0 per cent. The US economy has shown resilience even as consumers drew down on savings from the COVID-19 pandemic period and grappled with higher interest rates as the Federal Reserve battled to rein in inflation. Consumer spending in particular has been a key factor behind growth—even as Americans felt the pinch from higher costs of living—supported by a relatively healthy jobs market. "Compared to the second quarter, the acceleration in real GDP in the third quarter primarily reflected accelerations in exports, consumer spending, and federal government spending," the Commerce Department said on Thursday. A consensus estimate pegged third quarter GDP growth at 2.8 per cent initially, unchanged from before, according to Briefing.com. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

US economy expanded faster in third quarter than originally estimated: Data

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<p>Frenchwoman Gisele Pelicot, who was the victim of the mass drugging-and-rape case that was orchestrated by her former husband Dominique Pelicot, gave her first reaction on Thursday (Dec 19)&nbsp;after 51 men, including Dominique, were found guilty in the trial.</p>

<p>“I want you to know that we share the same fight,” the 72-year-old Gisele told reporters in her first words after the court in the southern French city of Avignon handed down prison sentences ranging from three to 20 years in the shocking case that stunned France and spurred a national reckoning about the blight of rape culture.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-mass-rape-trial-who-are-the-51-men-accused-of-raping-gisele-pelicot-785329">France mass rape trial: Who are the 51 men accused of raping Gisele Pelicot?</a></strong></p>

<p>Gisele expressed gratitude towards the people who supported her.&nbsp;“Your messages moved me deeply, and they gave me the strength to come back, every day, and survive through these long daily hearings,” she added.</p>

<h2><strong>The case and the court's verdict</strong></h2>

<p>On Thursday, Dominique Pelicot was sentenced to 20 years in prison over drugging Gisele and allowing a mass rape (of the woman) by strangers recruited online. The crime went on for almost a decade.</p>

<p>Apart from Pelicot, 50 other men were found guilty.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The dozens of other defendants were handed terms of up to 15 years, which women's rights groups and the three Pelicot children, according to a source, condemned as too lenient, a report by the news agency AFP said.</p>

<p>They received jail terms of between three and 15 years, but this was in all cases less than what prosecutors had demanded and, in some cases, even half. Two of the defendants had their jail terms suspended.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch | WION Dispatch- France mass rape trial: All defendants convicted</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/france-mass-rape-trial-dominique-pelicot-faces-20-years-in-prison-all-defendants-convicted-785331/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Under the terms of the sentencing, six accused were allowed to walk free from the court. Only the sentence given to Dominique Pelicot was fully in line with what the prosecutors demanded.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A family member told AFP that the&nbsp;three Pelicot children "are disappointed by these low sentences." There was "no question" of any of the children wanting to speak to their father after the conviction, the family member said.</p>

<h2><strong>Gisele becomes a feminist hero at home</strong></h2>

<p>The trial garnered immense interest in the wake of Giesele's decision to allow the trial to be open to the public from the outset and waive her right to anonymity.</p>

<p>She has become a feminist hero at home and abroad for refusing to be ashamed, waiving her right to a closed trial, and standing up to her aggressors in court.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Frenchwoman Gisele Pelicot, who was the victim of the mass drugging-and-rape case that was orchestrated by her former husband Dominique Pelicot, gave her first reaction on Thursday (Dec 19) after 51 men, including Dominique, were found guilty in the trial.

Frenchwoman Gisele Pelicot, who was the victim of the mass drugging-and-rape case that was orchestrated by her former husband Dominique Pelicot, gave her first reaction on Thursday (Dec 19) after 51 men, including Dominique, were found guilty in the trial. “I want you to know that we share the same fight,” the 72-year-old Gisele told reporters in her first words after the court in the southern French city of Avignon handed down prison sentences ranging from three to 20 years in the shocking case that stunned France and spurred a national reckoning about the blight of rape culture. Also watch | France mass rape trial: Who are the 51 men accused of raping Gisele Pelicot? Gisele expressed gratitude towards the people who supported her. “Your messages moved me deeply, and they gave me the strength to come back, every day, and survive through these long daily hearings,” she added. The case and the court's verdict On Thursday, Dominique Pelicot was sentenced to 20 years in prison over drugging Gisele and allowing a mass rape (of the woman) by strangers recruited online. The crime went on for almost a decade. Apart from Pelicot, 50 other men were found guilty. The dozens of other defendants were handed terms of up to 15 years, which women's rights groups and the three Pelicot children, according to a source, condemned as too lenient, a report by the news agency AFP said. They received jail terms of between three and 15 years, but this was in all cases less than what prosecutors had demanded and, in some cases, even half. Two of the defendants had their jail terms suspended. Also watch | WION Dispatch- France mass rape trial: All defendants convicted Under the terms of the sentencing, six accused were allowed to walk free from the court. Only the sentence given to Dominique Pelicot was fully in line with what the prosecutors demanded. A family member told AFP that the three Pelicot children "are disappointed by these low sentences." There was "no question" of any of the children wanting to speak to their father after the conviction, the family member said. Gisele becomes a feminist hero at home The trial garnered immense interest in the wake of Giesele's decision to allow the trial to be open to the public from the outset and waive her right to anonymity. She has become a feminist hero at home and abroad for refusing to be ashamed, waiving her right to a closed trial, and standing up to her aggressors in court. (With inputs from agencies)

A very difficult ordeal: Gisele Pelicot's first words after verdict in France mass rape trial

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<p>With the Winter Session of the Indian&nbsp;Parliament coming to an end soon, lawmakers of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the opposition INDIA bloc held protests, leading to a scuffle in which two BJP MPs were injured and had to be rushed to the hospital.</p>

<p>The injured BJP MPs were identified as Pratap Sarangi and Mukesh Rajput. A report by the news agency ANI said that Sarangi and Rajput were admitted to New Delhi's Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital.</p>

<p>Hospital officials said that both the MPs suffered head injuries and were taken to the intensive care unit (ICU).</p>

<p>This incident triggered a war of words between the BJP and the Congress, with the former alleging that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi pushed Sarangi during the protest. The BJP <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-parliament-scuffle-bjp-files-attempt-to-murder-case-on-congress-rahul-gandhi-785288">filed an attempt to murder complaint against</a></strong> Gandhi.</p>

<p>The Congress, meanwhile, filed a countercomplaint at the Parliament Street police station.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Both parties addressed press conferences to explain their position:</p>

<h2><strong>What were the protests about?</strong></h2>

<p>On Thursday morning, the NDA was protesting in the Parliament's premises against the Congress party for "insulting" Dalit icon Babasaheb Ambedkar.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/protest-slogans-and-scuffle-how-amit-shahs-remark-on-ambedkar-took-a-vicious-turn-785274">Protest, slogans and scuffle: How row over Amit Shah's remark on Ambedkar took a vicious turn</a></strong></p>

<p>INDIA Bloc MPs led by Rahul Gandhi also held a protest on the premises and demanded the resignation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah over his remarks on Babasaheb Ambedkar.</p>

<h2><strong>What did the BJP say?</strong></h2>

<p>Speaking to reporters, Union Minister and senior BJP leader Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that Rahul Gandhi behaved like a goon.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"He (Gandhi) started pushing there. Our elderly MP Pratap Sarangi fell, and he was seriously injured on the head. He was admitted to the ICU, and he is still under treatment... He was unconscious. His MRI scan is being done. Will physical power be used in the Parliament instead of logic?," Union Minister Chouhan said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Delhi: Union Minister Shivraj Chouhan says, "...Our MPs have complained about it. And BJP will take all the required legal action..." <a href="https://t.co/h8RBryEeHe">pic.twitter.com/h8RBryEeHe</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1869712546904821984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>"Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi just did a press conference. We thought they would apologise for what they did today. But they did not. I did not understand why they did a press conference. Their press conference displayed their arrogance...," Chouhan added.</p>

<p>The Union minister pointed out that the BJP would take all the required legal action against Gandhi.</p>

<h2><strong>What did the Congress say?</strong></h2>

<p>Congress' Rahul Gandhi, who is also the leader of the opposition (LoP)&nbsp;in the Lok Sabha (the lower house of Parliament), addressed a press conference with Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge.</p>

<p>Kharge alleged that BJP lawmakers "stopped us at the door and did this to show their muscle power. They forcefully attacked us."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Delhi: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge says, "...They (BJP MPs) stopped us at the door and did this to show their muscle power. They forcefully attacked us. I am not in a position to push anyone, but they pushed me. Now they are accusing us that we pushed them...So… <a href="https://t.co/01rRE3GaGt">pic.twitter.com/01rRE3GaGt</a></p>
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<p>"I am not in a position to push anyone, but they pushed me. Now they are accusing us that we pushed them...So the kind of environment that the BJP people have created, we will never tolerate it, there will be a nationwide protest against this," he added.</p>

<p>Gandhi, meanwhile, said, "The Union Home Minister has shown his mindset in front of everyone. We have demanded an apology from him and his resignation, but he (Amit Shah) has refused to do so. We (opposition MPs) were going to the Parliament from the Ambedkar statue. BJP MPs, however, were standing in front of us at the stairs of the Parliament complex and didn't allow to enter the House."</p>


With the Winter Session of the Indian Parliament coming to an end soon, lawmakers of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the opposition INDIA bloc held protests, leading to a scuffle in which two BJP MPs were injured and had to be rushed to the hospital.

With the Winter Session of the Indian Parliament coming to an end soon, lawmakers of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the opposition INDIA bloc held protests, leading to a scuffle in which two BJP MPs were injured and had to be rushed to the hospital. The injured BJP MPs were identified as Pratap Sarangi and Mukesh Rajput. A report by the news agency ANI said that Sarangi and Rajput were admitted to New Delhi's Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital. Hospital officials said that both the MPs suffered head injuries and were taken to the intensive care unit (ICU). This incident triggered a war of words between the BJP and the Congress, with the former alleging that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi pushed Sarangi during the protest. The BJP filed an attempt to murder complaint against Gandhi. The Congress, meanwhile, filed a countercomplaint at the Parliament Street police station. Both parties addressed press conferences to explain their position: What were the protests about? On Thursday morning, the NDA was protesting in the Parliament's premises against the Congress party for "insulting" Dalit icon Babasaheb Ambedkar. Also read | Protest, slogans and scuffle: How row over Amit Shah's remark on Ambedkar took a vicious turn INDIA Bloc MPs led by Rahul Gandhi also held a protest on the premises and demanded the resignation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah over his remarks on Babasaheb Ambedkar. What did the BJP say? Speaking to reporters, Union Minister and senior BJP leader Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that Rahul Gandhi behaved like a goon. "He (Gandhi) started pushing there. Our elderly MP Pratap Sarangi fell, and he was seriously injured on the head. He was admitted to the ICU, and he is still under treatment... He was unconscious. His MRI scan is being done. Will physical power be used in the Parliament instead of logic?," Union Minister Chouhan said. #WATCH | Delhi: Union Minister Shivraj Chouhan says, "...Our MPs have complained about it. And BJP will take all the required legal action..." pic.twitter.com/h8RBryEeHe — ANI (@ANI) December 19, 2024 × "Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi just did a press conference. We thought they would apologise for what they did today. But they did not. I did not understand why they did a press conference. Their press conference displayed their arrogance...," Chouhan added. The Union minister pointed out that the BJP would take all the required legal action against Gandhi. What did the Congress say? Congress' Rahul Gandhi, who is also the leader of the opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha (the lower house of Parliament), addressed a press conference with Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge. Kharge alleged that BJP lawmakers "stopped us at the door and did this to show their muscle power. They forcefully attacked us." #WATCH | Delhi: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge says, "...They (BJP MPs) stopped us at the door and did this to show their muscle power. They forcefully attacked us. I am not in a position to push anyone, but they pushed me. Now they are accusing us that we pushed them...So… pic.twitter.com/01rRE3GaGt — ANI (@ANI) December 19, 2024 × "I am not in a position to push anyone, but they pushed me. Now they are accusing us that we pushed them...So the kind of environment that the BJP people have created, we will never tolerate it, there will be a nationwide protest against this," he added. Gandhi, meanwhile, said, "The Union Home Minister has shown his mindset in front of everyone. We have demanded an apology from him and his resignation, but he (Amit Shah) has refused to do so. We (opposition MPs) were going to the Parliament from the Ambedkar statue. BJP MPs, however, were standing in front of us at the stairs of the Parliament complex and didn't allow to enter the House."

Indian Parliament scuffle becomes a war of words between BJP and Congress. Who said what?

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<p>Rajya Sabha's Deputy Chairman Harivansh on Thursday (Dec 19) dismissed the impeachment notice given by Indian opposition lawmakers seeking the removal of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, the news agency PTI reported citing sources.</p>

<p>Harivansh ruled the impeachment notice as an act of impropriety, being severely flawed and drawn in haste to mar Dhankhar's&nbsp;reputation. Apart from being the Vice President, Dhankar is also the ex-officio chairman of the Rajya Sabha.</p>

<p>PTI reported that in his ruling, Harivansh said that the impeachment notice was part of a design to&nbsp;denigrate the nation's constitutional institutions and malign the incumbent vice president.</p>

<h2><strong>'Notice is a misadventure...'</strong></h2>

<p>Harivansh further ruled&nbsp;that the gravity of this "personally targeted" notice is bereft of facts and aimed at securing publicity.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/he-targets-opposition-praises-government-kharge-accuses-dhankhar-of-bias-in-no-confidence-motion-783273">'He targets opposition, praises government': Kharge accuses Dhankhar of bias in no-confidence motion</a></strong></p>

<p>He also held that the notice was a "misadventure" in "deliberate trivialising and demeaning" the high constitutional office of the Vice President of the largest democracy.</p>

<h2><strong>Why was the impeachment notice filed?</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier this month, at least 60 opposition lawmakers signed the notice for the removal&nbsp;of Dhankhar from his post,&nbsp;alleging that they did not have trust in him and that he was "biased."</p>

<p>A few days back, senior Congress MP Jairam Ramesh accused Dhankhar of undermining the opposition and failing to uphold the dignity of the Rajya Sabha.</p>

<p>Speaking to the news agency ANI, Ramesh said, "Our no-confidence motion is against the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. He doesn't let the opposition speak and insults Dalits. The Chairman is supposed to run the House, not provide a running commentary. He can't demand respect; he must command respect. This is a one-sided democracy."</p>

<p>Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, meanwhile,&nbsp;highlighted inequalities in the time allotted for opposition and ruling party leaders to speak.</p>

<p>"The Chairman is an umpire and should not take sides. When the Leader of the House, JP Nadda, speaks, he gets 5-10 minutes. On the other hand, we keep raising our hands for a chance to speak, and our mics are turned off," Kharge told ANI last week.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Rajya Sabha's Deputy Chairman Harivansh on Thursday (Dec 19) dismissed the impeachment notice given by Indian opposition lawmakers seeking the removal of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, the news agency PTI reported citing sources.

Rajya Sabha's Deputy Chairman Harivansh on Thursday (Dec 19) dismissed the impeachment notice given by Indian opposition lawmakers seeking the removal of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, the news agency PTI reported citing sources. Harivansh ruled the impeachment notice as an act of impropriety, being severely flawed and drawn in haste to mar Dhankhar's reputation. Apart from being the Vice President, Dhankar is also the ex-officio chairman of the Rajya Sabha. PTI reported that in his ruling, Harivansh said that the impeachment notice was part of a design to denigrate the nation's constitutional institutions and malign the incumbent vice president. 'Notice is a misadventure...' Harivansh further ruled that the gravity of this "personally targeted" notice is bereft of facts and aimed at securing publicity. Also read | 'He targets opposition, praises government': Kharge accuses Dhankhar of bias in no-confidence motion He also held that the notice was a "misadventure" in "deliberate trivialising and demeaning" the high constitutional office of the Vice President of the largest democracy. Why was the impeachment notice filed? Earlier this month, at least 60 opposition lawmakers signed the notice for the removal of Dhankhar from his post, alleging that they did not have trust in him and that he was "biased." A few days back, senior Congress MP Jairam Ramesh accused Dhankhar of undermining the opposition and failing to uphold the dignity of the Rajya Sabha. Speaking to the news agency ANI, Ramesh said, "Our no-confidence motion is against the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. He doesn't let the opposition speak and insults Dalits. The Chairman is supposed to run the House, not provide a running commentary. He can't demand respect; he must command respect. This is a one-sided democracy." Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, meanwhile, highlighted inequalities in the time allotted for opposition and ruling party leaders to speak. "The Chairman is an umpire and should not take sides. When the Leader of the House, JP Nadda, speaks, he gets 5-10 minutes. On the other hand, we keep raising our hands for a chance to speak, and our mics are turned off," Kharge told ANI last week. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian oppn's impeachment notice against Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar dismissed

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<p>Most of us have heard of the meme- "What are those?"- where a man asks a police officer about his work boots in a startled manner. This meme is years old but remains relevant.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A 28-year-old corporate worker in Australia was roasted for wearing an unusual pair of shoes to her office. The woman, identified as Chloe Andrews, took to social media to share that she was absolutely roasted for wearing Tabi shoes to the office.</p>

<h2><strong>The reactions&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Andrews, who has more than 15,000 followers on TikTok, posted a video of her going to the office wearing the Tabi shoes and filming the reactions of her co-workers.</p>

<p>Most of the people in her office just hated her footwear.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/new-york-man-discovers-complete-mastodon-jaw-in-his-backyard-785199">New York man discovers complete mastodon jaw in his backyard</a></strong></p>

<p>A report by news.com.au said that the most brutal response to Andrews' footwear was from a co-worker who said that the shoes made the 28-year-old look like a "farm animal."</p>

<p>One male co-worker, while rubbing his neck, asked, “What are those?” and, when Ms Andrews gave him some context about her shoes, he simply replied, “I don’t get it.”</p>

<p>The report said that&nbsp;her co-workers were Googling cow hoofs to compare them to her shoes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The most supportive response was from two Gen Z employees who weren’t negative about her shoe choice and instead hyped her up - one even clapped and said, “Yass!”</p>

<h2><strong>What is Tabi?</strong></h2>

<p>Tabi- also known as split-toed shoes- originated in 15th century Japan&nbsp;where the elite used to wear split-toe socks thought to aid in physical balance with their thonged sandals and shoes.</p>

<p>As cotton routes opened to China later and rubber soles were added, the socks became jika-tabi, shoes worn by blue-collar workers in Japan, a report by Harpers Bazaar said.</p>

<p>The Tabi shoes were launched in the late 1980s.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Most of us have heard of the meme- "What are those?"- where a man asks a police officer about his work boots in a startled manner. This meme is years old but remains relevant.

Most of us have heard of the meme- "What are those?"- where a man asks a police officer about his work boots in a startled manner. This meme is years old but remains relevant. A 28-year-old corporate worker in Australia was roasted for wearing an unusual pair of shoes to her office. The woman, identified as Chloe Andrews, took to social media to share that she was absolutely roasted for wearing Tabi shoes to the office. The reactions Andrews, who has more than 15,000 followers on TikTok, posted a video of her going to the office wearing the Tabi shoes and filming the reactions of her co-workers. Most of the people in her office just hated her footwear. Also read | New York man discovers complete mastodon jaw in his backyard A report by news.com.au said that the most brutal response to Andrews' footwear was from a co-worker who said that the shoes made the 28-year-old look like a "farm animal." One male co-worker, while rubbing his neck, asked, “What are those?” and, when Ms Andrews gave him some context about her shoes, he simply replied, “I don’t get it.” The report said that her co-workers were Googling cow hoofs to compare them to her shoes. The most supportive response was from two Gen Z employees who weren’t negative about her shoe choice and instead hyped her up - one even clapped and said, “Yass!” What is Tabi? Tabi- also known as split-toed shoes- originated in 15th century Japan where the elite used to wear split-toe socks thought to aid in physical balance with their thonged sandals and shoes. As cotton routes opened to China later and rubber soles were added, the socks became jika-tabi, shoes worn by blue-collar workers in Japan, a report by Harpers Bazaar said. The Tabi shoes were launched in the late 1980s. (With inputs from agencies)

What are those?: Australian corporate worker roasted for wearing unusual shoes to office

<p><span class="region">London</span>
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<p>A court in the United Kingdom (UK) ruled on Wednesday (Dec 18) that police could seize more than $2.5 million (over 2 million pounds) to cover years of unpaid taxes from professional kickboxer turned influencers Andrew Tate and Tristan Tate. </p>
<p>A report by the news agency Associated Press said that the Devon and Cornwall Police force went to Westminster's Magistrates' Court to claim the money, held in frozen bank accounts, from the Tate brothers and a woman only identified as J. </p>
<p>At the court, Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring ruled that financial transactions by Andrew and Tristan were a "straightforward cheat" of the tax authorities.</p>
<p>One of these financial transactions included a transfer of almost $12 million into an account in the name of J.</p>
<h2><strong>'Tate brothers are serial tax evaders'</strong></h2>
<p>In the court, a lawyer for the Devon and Cornwall Police force said that the Tate brothers were serial tax evaders who failed to pay any tax on $26.68 million in revenue from their online businesses which include the popular Hustlers' University, War Room, and OnlyFans, between 2014 and 2022. </p>
<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/romanian-court-eases-travel-restrictions-on-andrew-tate-738452">Romanian court eases travel restrictions on Andrew Tate</a></strong></p>
<p>The Associated Press report said that during a court hearing in July, lawyer Sarah Clarke quoted from a video posted online by Andrew where he said, "When I lived in England I refused to pay tax."</p>
<p>Clarke said that J was not involved with the business of the Tate brothers. </p>
<h2><strong>'They did nothing illegal'</strong></h2>
<p>On Wednesday, a lawyer for the Tate brothers said that the bank transfers were "entirely orthodox" for people who run online businesses. </p>
<p>The lawyer said his clients spent money on a number of “exotic motor cars,” but did nothing illegal. The proceedings in this case are civil.</p>
<p><strong>Also watch | Andrew Tate's cars seized</strong></p>
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://cdn.thepublive.com/wion/static/kaltura_player/wion_video_player_iframe.html?thumbnail=wion/media/post_attachments/files/2024/08/24/2408_tata_8pm_pkwo-1724516711-00000003.jpg&videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/2408_tata_8pm_pkwo.mp4/index.m3u8&duration=72&tags=Romania,Andrew Tate,cars,seized" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
<p>Chief Magistrate Goldspring said in his ruling that the Tate brothers had been liable to register with the tax authorities and declare and pay tax on revenue in Britain and/or Romania, where they have lived since 2017.</p>
<p>Goldspring found that Andrew and Tristan's "entire financial arrangements are consistent with concerted tax evasion and money laundering."</p>
<h2><strong>Andrew responds to court ruling</strong></h2>
<p>Andrew Tate has reacted to the court ruling. In a post on X, Tate said, "First they said I was a human trafficker, but couldn't find a single girl to testify. So instead they stole all the money they could find from banks."</p>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">When they fail to control your influence, they audit your influence.</p>
<p>When they fail to match your power, they nitpick your paperwork.</p>
<p>They want the world to believe that a man of mastery can be reduced to a headline in a lying newspaper.</p>
<p>The Matrix does not tolerate defiance,… <a href="https://t.co/b4XQnpq2AL">https://t.co/b4XQnpq2AL</a></p>
<p>— Andrew Tate (@Cobratate) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cobratate/status/1869349683253891312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2024</a></p></blockquote>
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<p>"If you speak against power they will do anything to destroy you," he added.</p>
<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A report by the news agency Associated Press said that the Devon and Cornwall Police went to Westminster's Magistrates' Court to claim the money, held in frozen bank accounts, from the Tate brothers and a woman only identified as J. 



London A court in the United Kingdom (UK) ruled on Wednesday (Dec 18) that police could seize more than $2.5 million (over 2 million pounds) to cover years of unpaid taxes from professional kickboxer turned influencers Andrew Tate and Tristan Tate. A report by the news agency Associated Press said that the Devon and Cornwall Police force went to Westminster's Magistrates' Court to claim the money, held in frozen bank accounts, from the Tate brothers and a woman only identified as J. At the court, Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring ruled that financial transactions by Andrew and Tristan were a "straightforward cheat" of the tax authorities. One of these financial transactions included a transfer of almost $12 million into an account in the name of J. 'Tate brothers are serial tax evaders' In the court, a lawyer for the Devon and Cornwall Police force said that the Tate brothers were serial tax evaders who failed to pay any tax on $26.68 million in revenue from their online businesses which include the popular Hustlers' University, War Room, and OnlyFans, between 2014 and 2022. Also read | Romanian court eases travel restrictions on Andrew Tate The Associated Press report said that during a court hearing in July, lawyer Sarah Clarke quoted from a video posted online by Andrew where he said, "When I lived in England I refused to pay tax." Clarke said that J was not involved with the business of the Tate brothers. 'They did nothing illegal' On Wednesday, a lawyer for the Tate brothers said that the bank transfers were "entirely orthodox" for people who run online businesses. The lawyer said his clients spent money on a number of “exotic motor cars,” but did nothing illegal. The proceedings in this case are civil. Also watch | Andrew Tate's cars seized Chief Magistrate Goldspring said in his ruling that the Tate brothers had been liable to register with the tax authorities and declare and pay tax on revenue in Britain and/or Romania, where they have lived since 2017. Goldspring found that Andrew and Tristan's "entire financial arrangements are consistent with concerted tax evasion and money laundering." Andrew responds to court ruling Andrew Tate has reacted to the court ruling. In a post on X, Tate said, "First they said I was a human trafficker, but couldn't find a single girl to testify. So instead they stole all the money they could find from banks." When they fail to control your influence, they audit your influence. When they fail to match your power, they nitpick your paperwork. They want the world to believe that a man of mastery can be reduced to a headline in a lying newspaper. The Matrix does not tolerate defiance,… https://t.co/b4XQnpq2AL — Andrew Tate (@Cobratate) December 18, 2024 × "If you speak against power they will do anything to destroy you," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

UK court rules cops can seize over $2.5 million from Andrew Tate and brother Tristan to cover unpaid taxes

<p><span class="region">Washington</span>
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<p>The United States (US) Centers for Disease Control (CDC) said on Wednesday (Dec 18) that the country reported the first severe case of bird flu in a human.</p>
<p>In a statement, the CDC said a patient was hospitalised in Louisiana with a severe case of the infection. The patient was exposed to sick and dead birds in backyard flocks.</p>
<h2><strong>The case was confirmed on December 13</strong></h2>
<p>According to the CDC, this case was confirmed on December 13. No additional details, including the individual's prognosis, have been disclosed.</p>
<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canadian-teen-first-human-case-of-bird-flu-in-country-battling-for-life-776162">Canadian teen, first human case of bird flu in country, battling for life</a></strong></p>
<p>Genetic sequencing revealed that the H5N1 virus in the patient belonged to the D1.1 genotype. A report by the news agency AFP on Wednesday said that this genotype was detected in wild birds and poultry in the US, and in human cases reported in Washington state and in Canada's British Columbia province.</p>
<h2><strong>61 cases reported so far in current outbreak</strong></h2>
<p>In the US, outbreaks of the currently circulating H5N1 avian influenza viruses in wild birds and poultry have been ongoing since 2022. A report by the news agency AFP on Tuesday said that since this outbreak began, a total of 61 cases have been reported. </p>
<p>There has been no human-to-human virus transmission in the country to date.</p>
<p>With the US reporting the first severe case of bird flu in a human, the CDC said, "...in addition to affected commercial poultry and dairy operations, wild birds and backyard flocks also can be a source of exposure."</p>
<p>Despite these developments, the CDC continues to estimate the risk to the general public as low.</p>
<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In a statement, the CDC said a patient was hospitalised in Louisiana with a severe case of the infection. The patient was exposed to sick and dead birds in backyard flocks.



Washington The United States (US) Centers for Disease Control (CDC) said on Wednesday (Dec 18) that the country reported the first severe case of bird flu in a human. In a statement, the CDC said a patient was hospitalised in Louisiana with a severe case of the infection. The patient was exposed to sick and dead birds in backyard flocks. The case was confirmed on December 13 According to the CDC, this case was confirmed on December 13. No additional details, including the individual's prognosis, have been disclosed. Also read | Canadian teen, first human case of bird flu in country, battling for life Genetic sequencing revealed that the H5N1 virus in the patient belonged to the D1.1 genotype. A report by the news agency AFP on Wednesday said that this genotype was detected in wild birds and poultry in the US, and in human cases reported in Washington state and in Canada's British Columbia province. 61 cases reported so far in current outbreak In the US, outbreaks of the currently circulating H5N1 avian influenza viruses in wild birds and poultry have been ongoing since 2022. A report by the news agency AFP on Tuesday said that since this outbreak began, a total of 61 cases have been reported. There has been no human-to-human virus transmission in the country to date. With the US reporting the first severe case of bird flu in a human, the CDC said, "...in addition to affected commercial poultry and dairy operations, wild birds and backyard flocks also can be a source of exposure." Despite these developments, the CDC continues to estimate the risk to the general public as low. (With inputs from agencies)

United States reports first severe case of bird flu in human, says CDC

<p><span class="region">Arizona, United States</span>
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<p>A television journalist in the US state of Arizona broke down while announcing the death of her 28-year-old colleague, according to media reports early Wednesday (Dec 18). The deceased journalist was identified as Ana Orsini.</p>
<p>News anchors Carsyn Currier and Tyler Butler, who work for CBS affiliate KOLD News13, announced the death of Orsini. While sharing the tragic news, Currier was in tears as Butler comforted her by holding her hand. </p>
<h2><strong>'Devastated by this loss'</strong></h2>
<p>"Ana had been here at 13 News since June of 2023. We are devastated by this loss," Currier said as she held back tears. </p>
<p>"We had the opportunity to work with her every day, and we do want you to know that what you saw with her on-air, the funny, crazy person she was—she was just like that off camera and more so," Butler said as he remembered the 28-year-old.</p>
<p>The video of the tragic announcement has been doing the rounds of social media.</p>
<p><strong>Here's a look at the video (Source: X-@cory_kowitz):</strong></p>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Last week, we lost a beloved member of our KOLD news team. Ana Orsini was our anchor, a leader of the morning team, and most importantly a great friend to so many at the station. I had the pleasure of working with her during the morning, even though it was for too short of a… <a href="https://t.co/oau04UsS9h">pic.twitter.com/oau04UsS9h</a></p>
<p>— Cory Kowitz (@cory_kowitz) <a href="https://twitter.com/cory_kowitz/status/1868685445623623735?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2024</a></p></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>Orsini died from a brain aneurysm</strong></h2>
<p>A report by the DailyMail early Wednesday said that Orsini died last week from a brain aneurysm. She began her career in journalism in 2018 and joined KOLD News13 in June last year.</p>
<p>She graduated from the Texas A&amp;M University.</p>
<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The deceased journalist was identified as Ana Orsini who worked for KOLD News13. Her death was announced by her colleagues and news anchors Carsyn Currier and Tyler Butler. 



Arizona, United States A television journalist in the US state of Arizona broke down while announcing the death of her 28-year-old colleague, according to media reports early Wednesday (Dec 18). The deceased journalist was identified as Ana Orsini. News anchors Carsyn Currier and Tyler Butler, who work for CBS affiliate KOLD News13, announced the death of Orsini. While sharing the tragic news, Currier was in tears as Butler comforted her by holding her hand. 'Devastated by this loss' "Ana had been here at 13 News since June of 2023. We are devastated by this loss," Currier said as she held back tears. "We had the opportunity to work with her every day, and we do want you to know that what you saw with her on-air, the funny, crazy person she was—she was just like that off camera and more so," Butler said as he remembered the 28-year-old. The video of the tragic announcement has been doing the rounds of social media. Here's a look at the video (Source: X-@cory_kowitz): Last week, we lost a beloved member of our KOLD news team. Ana Orsini was our anchor, a leader of the morning team, and most importantly a great friend to so many at the station. I had the pleasure of working with her during the morning, even though it was for too short of a… pic.twitter.com/oau04UsS9h — Cory Kowitz (@cory_kowitz) December 16, 2024 × Orsini died from a brain aneurysm A report by the DailyMail early Wednesday said that Orsini died last week from a brain aneurysm. She began her career in journalism in 2018 and joined KOLD News13 in June last year. She graduated from the Texas A&M University. (With inputs from agencies)

TV journalist in Arizona breaks down while announcing death of 28-year-old colleague. Watch

<p><span class="region">New Delhi</span>
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<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday (Dec 18) responded to the opposition criticising Union Home Minister Amit Shah over his remarks on Dalit icon Dr BR Ambedkar.</p>
<p>On Tuesday, Union Home Minister Shah took a swipe at the opposition during a debate on the Constitution in the Rajya Sabha as part of the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament.</p>
<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-changed-the-indian-constitution-77-times-in-55-years-says-amit-shah-in-parliament-784738">Congress changed the Indian Constitution 77 times in 55 years, says Amit Shah in Parliament</a> </strong></p>
<p>"Abhi ek fashion ho gaya hai - Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar. Itna naam agar bhagwan ka lete to saat janmon tak swarg mil jata (It has become a fashion to say Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar'. If they (opposition) had taken God's name so many times, they would have got a place in heaven)," Shah had said.</p>
<p>"Take his name 100 times more, but I want to say what are your sentiments about him," Shah added and pointed out that Ambedkar had to resign from the first Cabinet following his disagreement with the Jawaharlal Nehru government</p>
<p>Opposition parties, including the Congress and the Trinamool Congress (TMC), severely criticised the home minister's remarks.</p>
<h2><strong>What did PM Modi say?</strong></h2>
<p>In a series of posts on X, Prime Minister Modi said that in Parliament, Amit Shah exposed the Congress' dark history of insulting Dr Ambedkar and ignoring the scheduled castes (SCs) and the scheduled tribes (STs). </p>
<p>"They are clearly stung and stunned by the facts he presented, which is why they are now indulging in theatrics! Sadly, for them, people know the truth!" Modi said.</p>
<p>He added that the central government has worked tirelessly to fulfil the vision of Ambedkar over the last decade.</p>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">In Parliament, HM <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AmitShah</a> Ji exposed the Congress’ dark history of insulting Dr. Ambedkar and ignoring the SC/ST Communities. They are clearly stung and stunned by the facts he presented, which is why they are now indulging in theatrics! Sadly, for them, people know the truth! <a href="https://t.co/l2csoc0Bvd">pic.twitter.com/l2csoc0Bvd</a></p>
<p>— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1869283030722089169?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2024</a></p></blockquote>
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<p>"If the Congress and its rotten ecosystem think their malicious lies can hide their misdeeds of several years, especially their insult towards Dr Ambedkar, they are gravely mistaken!" the prime minister further said. </p>
<p>He also mentioned the "list of the Congress' sins towards Ambedkar" which included getting him defeated in elections not once but twice; Pandit Nehru campaigning against him and making his loss a prestige issue; denying him (Ambedkar) a Bharat Ratna; and denying his portrait a place of pride in the Central Hall of Parliament.</p>
<p>"Congress can try as they want, but they can’t deny that the worst massacres against SC/ST communities have happened under their regimes. For years, they sat in power but did nothing substantive to empower the SC and ST communities," Modi said. </p>
<h2><strong>Cong demands Amit Shah's resignation</strong></h2>
<p>Earlier in the day, opposition lawmakers in Parliament, including Lok Sabha's leader of opposition (LoP) and senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, held a protest against Shah's remarks on Ambedkar.</p>
<p><strong>Also watch | Priyanka Gandhi's 'Palestine' tote bag sparks debate in Parliament</strong></p>
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://cdn.thepublive.com/wion/static/kaltura_player/wion_video_player_iframe.html?thumbnail=wion/media/post_attachments/files/2024/12/17/1712_MNV_PRIYANKA_7AM-1734403218-00000003.jpg&videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/1712_MNV_PRIYANKA_7AM.mp4/index.m3u8&duration=86&tags=Priyanka Gandhi,palestine bag,tote bag,parliament" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
<p>Separately, the Congress demanded Shah's resignation from the post of the home minister. </p>
<p>“We demand the resignation of Home Minister Amit Shah for insulting Ambedkar; he should apologise to the nation,” Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge told reporters.</p>
<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


On Tuesday (December 17), Union Home Minister Shah took a swipe at the opposition during a debate on the Constitution in the Rajya Sabha as part of the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament. Shah said it had become a fashion to use the word Ambedkar multiple times. 



New Delhi Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday (Dec 18) responded to the opposition criticising Union Home Minister Amit Shah over his remarks on Dalit icon Dr BR Ambedkar. On Tuesday, Union Home Minister Shah took a swipe at the opposition during a debate on the Constitution in the Rajya Sabha as part of the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament. Also read | Congress changed the Indian Constitution 77 times in 55 years, says Amit Shah in Parliament "Abhi ek fashion ho gaya hai - Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar. Itna naam agar bhagwan ka lete to saat janmon tak swarg mil jata (It has become a fashion to say Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar'. If they (opposition) had taken God's name so many times, they would have got a place in heaven)," Shah had said. "Take his name 100 times more, but I want to say what are your sentiments about him," Shah added and pointed out that Ambedkar had to resign from the first Cabinet following his disagreement with the Jawaharlal Nehru government Opposition parties, including the Congress and the Trinamool Congress (TMC), severely criticised the home minister's remarks. What did PM Modi say? In a series of posts on X, Prime Minister Modi said that in Parliament, Amit Shah exposed the Congress' dark history of insulting Dr Ambedkar and ignoring the scheduled castes (SCs) and the scheduled tribes (STs). "They are clearly stung and stunned by the facts he presented, which is why they are now indulging in theatrics! Sadly, for them, people know the truth!" Modi said. He added that the central government has worked tirelessly to fulfil the vision of Ambedkar over the last decade. In Parliament, HM @AmitShah Ji exposed the Congress’ dark history of insulting Dr. Ambedkar and ignoring the SC/ST Communities. They are clearly stung and stunned by the facts he presented, which is why they are now indulging in theatrics! Sadly, for them, people know the truth! pic.twitter.com/l2csoc0Bvd — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 18, 2024 × "If the Congress and its rotten ecosystem think their malicious lies can hide their misdeeds of several years, especially their insult towards Dr Ambedkar, they are gravely mistaken!" the prime minister further said. He also mentioned the "list of the Congress' sins towards Ambedkar" which included getting him defeated in elections not once but twice; Pandit Nehru campaigning against him and making his loss a prestige issue; denying him (Ambedkar) a Bharat Ratna; and denying his portrait a place of pride in the Central Hall of Parliament. "Congress can try as they want, but they can’t deny that the worst massacres against SC/ST communities have happened under their regimes. For years, they sat in power but did nothing substantive to empower the SC and ST communities," Modi said. Cong demands Amit Shah's resignation Earlier in the day, opposition lawmakers in Parliament, including Lok Sabha's leader of opposition (LoP) and senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, held a protest against Shah's remarks on Ambedkar. Also watch | Priyanka Gandhi's 'Palestine' tote bag sparks debate in Parliament Separately, the Congress demanded Shah's resignation from the post of the home minister. “We demand the resignation of Home Minister Amit Shah for insulting Ambedkar; he should apologise to the nation,” Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge told reporters. (With inputs from agencies)

If Cong and its rotten ecosystem...: Indian PM Modi responds to oppn criticising Shah's remarks on Ambedkar

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<p>With just a few days left for the Winter Session of the Indian Parliament to conclude, Home Minister Amit Shah faced severe criticism from opposition lawmakers over his remarks on Dalit icon Dr BR Ambedkar- which he made on Tuesday (Dec 17) during a debate on the Constitution in the Rajya Sabha. </p>
<p>On Wednesday, Union Home Minister Shah responded to the opposition criticism by lashing out at the Congress party. Addressing a press conference, Shah said that the Congress had been presenting facts about his speech in the Rajya Sabha in a distorted manner.</p>
<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/if-cong-and-its-rotten-ecosystem-indian-pm-modi-responds-to-oppn-criticising-shah-for-remarks-on-ambedkar-784953">Indian PM Modi responds to Oppn criticising Shah's remarks on Ambedkar</a></strong></p>
<p>"...Since yesterday, Congress has been presenting the facts in a distorted way and I condemn it... Congress is anti-BR Ambedkar, it is against reservation and the Constitution," Shah told reporters. </p>
<h2><strong>'Discussion should always be held based on facts'</strong></h2>
<p>Shah told reporters it was obvious that political parties and people would have different points of view on different issues. "But the discussion should always be held based on facts," he added.</p>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah says, "...My statement was presented in a distorted manner. Earlier they made PM Narendra Modi's edited statements public. When the elections were going on, my statement was edited using AI. And today they are presenting my statement… <a href="https://t.co/Br3AGEARqQ">pic.twitter.com/Br3AGEARqQ</a></p>
<p>— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1869358723426369678?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2024</a></p></blockquote>
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<p>"...My statement was presented in a distorted manner. Earlier they (the opposition/Congress) made PM Narendra Modi's edited statements public. When the elections were going on, my statement was edited using AI. And today they are presenting my statement in a distorted manner. I also want to request the media to put my full statement in front of the public. I belong to a party which can never insult Ambedkar ji," the Indian home minister further said.</p>
<p>He pointed out that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has always tried to follow Ambedkar's principles. </p>
<p>Amid Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge calling for his (Shah's) resignation from the post of the home minister, Shah said, "Kharge ji is asking for my resignation. If it would have made him happy, I would have resigned, but it will not end his problems because he will have to sit in the same place (in the opposition) for the next 15 years..."</p>
<h2><strong>What did Amit Shah say in the Rajya Sabha?</strong></h2>
<p>While addressing the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday, Shah took a swipe at the opposition by saying it had become a fashion to take the name of Ambedkar repeatedly.</p>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Delhi: On opposition's protest against him, Union Home Minister Amit Shah says, "...I would have been happy if they had challenged the facts presented in my speech. Every word of my speech is factual and taken from history. That is why they are making such efforts by… <a href="https://t.co/86iQttJb8U">pic.twitter.com/86iQttJb8U</a></p>
<p>— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1869365082901405751?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2024</a></p></blockquote>
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<p>"Abhi ek fashion ho gaya hai - Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar. Itna naam agar bhagwan ka lete to saat janmon tak swarg mil jata (It has become a fashion to say Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar'. If they (opposition) had taken God's name so many times, they would have got a place in heaven)," Shah had said.</p>
<p>"Take his name 100 times more, but I want to say what are your sentiments about him," Shah added and pointed out that Ambedkar had to resign from the first Cabinet following disagreement with the Jawaharlal Nehru government.</p>


Home Minister Amit Shah faced severe criticism from opposition lawmakers over his remarks on Dalit icon Dr BR Ambedkar- which he made on Tuesday (Dec 17) during a debate on the Constitution in the Rajya Sabha. 



New Delhi With just a few days left for the Winter Session of the Indian Parliament to conclude, Home Minister Amit Shah faced severe criticism from opposition lawmakers over his remarks on Dalit icon Dr BR Ambedkar- which he made on Tuesday (Dec 17) during a debate on the Constitution in the Rajya Sabha. On Wednesday, Union Home Minister Shah responded to the opposition criticism by lashing out at the Congress party. Addressing a press conference, Shah said that the Congress had been presenting facts about his speech in the Rajya Sabha in a distorted manner. Also read | Indian PM Modi responds to Oppn criticising Shah's remarks on Ambedkar "...Since yesterday, Congress has been presenting the facts in a distorted way and I condemn it... Congress is anti-BR Ambedkar, it is against reservation and the Constitution," Shah told reporters. 'Discussion should always be held based on facts' Shah told reporters it was obvious that political parties and people would have different points of view on different issues. "But the discussion should always be held based on facts," he added. #WATCH | Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah says, "...My statement was presented in a distorted manner. Earlier they made PM Narendra Modi's edited statements public. When the elections were going on, my statement was edited using AI. And today they are presenting my statement… pic.twitter.com/Br3AGEARqQ — ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2024 × "...My statement was presented in a distorted manner. Earlier they (the opposition/Congress) made PM Narendra Modi's edited statements public. When the elections were going on, my statement was edited using AI. And today they are presenting my statement in a distorted manner. I also want to request the media to put my full statement in front of the public. I belong to a party which can never insult Ambedkar ji," the Indian home minister further said. He pointed out that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has always tried to follow Ambedkar's principles. Amid Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge calling for his (Shah's) resignation from the post of the home minister, Shah said, "Kharge ji is asking for my resignation. If it would have made him happy, I would have resigned, but it will not end his problems because he will have to sit in the same place (in the opposition) for the next 15 years..." What did Amit Shah say in the Rajya Sabha? While addressing the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday, Shah took a swipe at the opposition by saying it had become a fashion to take the name of Ambedkar repeatedly. #WATCH | Delhi: On opposition's protest against him, Union Home Minister Amit Shah says, "...I would have been happy if they had challenged the facts presented in my speech. Every word of my speech is factual and taken from history. That is why they are making such efforts by… pic.twitter.com/86iQttJb8U — ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2024 × "Abhi ek fashion ho gaya hai - Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar. Itna naam agar bhagwan ka lete to saat janmon tak swarg mil jata (It has become a fashion to say Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar'. If they (opposition) had taken God's name so many times, they would have got a place in heaven)," Shah had said. "Take his name 100 times more, but I want to say what are your sentiments about him," Shah added and pointed out that Ambedkar had to resign from the first Cabinet following disagreement with the Jawaharlal Nehru government.

'Congress is anti-Ambedkar': Amit Shah responds to Oppn criticism of his remarks on Dalit icon

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