Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday (Aug 6) dismissed Congress leader Jairam Ramesh's claim that ordinary users could end up paying for UPI transactions. In a post on X, the Congress leader had claimed that with the Modi government's Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026, "eliminates the statutory guarantee that had so far kept UPI transactions fee-free". He alleged that "The burden of this will ultimately fall on ordinary people, who may now have to pay even for using UPI".Replying to Ramesh's X post, Indian FM Sitharaman clarified that any Merchant Discount Rate (MDR), if introduced in the future, would be charged only to merchants and not to customers.The exchange comes amid a political debate over the Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which seeks to give the Centre the legal authority to modify the existing zero-MDR framework for UPI and RuPay transactions.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/government-reveals-scale-of-bank-fraud-54-accused-fled-india-ed-launches-global-hunt-1785917330019">Government reveals scale of bank fraud: 54 accused fled India, ED launches global hunt</a><h2>Sitharaman: MDR is for merchants, not customers</h2>Responding to Jairam Ramesh on X, Sitharaman said his claim was misleading and urged him not to spread misinformation. "Before spreading a canard, @Jairam_Ramesh ji, please consider this: Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) applies only on the merchants and not on the end users/customers. It will support the Banks &amp; Fintech to invest more on infrastructure, innovation &amp; security. All users of UPI will reap the benefits of this investment," she wrote.The finance minister said the objective of MDR is to strengthen India's digital payments ecosystem by enabling banks and fintech companies to invest more in infrastructure, innovation and cybersecurity.<h2>No decision yet on imposing MDR</h2>Sitharaman also clarified that the government has not taken any decision to introduce an MDR on UPI transactions.She said the issue would be examined by the UPI and Services Steering Committee, headed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), only after Parliament passes the Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026.The proposed legislation authorises the Centre to specify which electronic payment modes or transactions will remain free of charge. According to the finance minister, any discussion on merchant fees will take place only after the Bill becomes law.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-can-t-bring-your-son-back-assam-cm-meets-family-of-boy-who-died-saving-pet-dog-from-floods-1785994667567">'I can't bring your son back': Assam CM meets family of boy who died saving pet dog from floods</a><h2>What did Jairam Ramesh say?</h2>Earlier, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh argued that even if the Merchant Discount Rate is levied on merchants, the cost would ultimately be passed on to consumers.He also rejected the government's position that introducing MDR is necessary to make the UPI ecosystem financially sustainable, describing the argument as "entirely wrong."Sitharaman, however, maintained that customers would not be required to pay the merchant fee.<h2>FM blames Opposition for delay in debate</h2>The finance minister also criticised the Opposition for repeated disruptions during the ongoing Monsoon Session, saying the proposed legislation could have been debated in Parliament had proceedings not been stalled. "Could have been discussed on the floor of the House if your party @INCIndia engages constructively in Parliament when the Bill was/is tabled. (LS/RS respectively)," she wrote.The Bill itself does not impose an MDR on UPI or RuPay transactions. Instead, it creates a legal framework that would allow the government to modify the current zero-MDR regime through a notification at a later stage.

Could your next UPI payment come with a fee? The claim has sparked a political showdown between the BJP and the opposition Congress party. Now, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has finally broken her silence. Here' what she said.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday (Aug 6) dismissed Congress leader Jairam Ramesh's claim that ordinary users could end up paying for UPI transactions. In a post on X, the Congress leader had claimed that with the Modi government's Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026, "eliminates the statutory guarantee that had so far kept UPI transactions fee-free". He alleged that "The burden of this will ultimately fall on ordinary people, who may now have to pay even for using UPI". Replying to Ramesh's X post, Indian FM Sitharaman clarified that any Merchant Discount Rate (MDR), if introduced in the future, would be charged only to merchants and not to customers. The exchange comes amid a political debate over the Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which seeks to give the Centre the legal authority to modify the existing zero-MDR framework for UPI and RuPay transactions. Also read | Government reveals scale of bank fraud: 54 accused fled India, ED launches global hunt Sitharaman: MDR is for merchants, not customers Responding to Jairam Ramesh on X, Sitharaman said his claim was misleading and urged him not to spread misinformation. "Before spreading a canard, @Jairam_Ramesh ji, please consider this: Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) applies only on the merchants and not on the end users/customers. It will support the Banks & Fintech to invest more on infrastructure, innovation & security. All users of UPI will reap the benefits of this investment," she wrote. The finance minister said the objective of MDR is to strengthen India's digital payments ecosystem by enabling banks and fintech companies to invest more in infrastructure, innovation and cybersecurity. No decision yet on imposing MDR Sitharaman also clarified that the government has not taken any decision to introduce an MDR on UPI transactions. She said the issue would be examined by the UPI and Services Steering Committee, headed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), only after Parliament passes the Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026. The proposed legislation authorises the Centre to specify which electronic payment modes or transactions will remain free of charge. According to the finance minister, any discussion on merchant fees will take place only after the Bill becomes law. Also read | 'I can't bring your son back': Assam CM meets family of boy who died saving pet dog from floods What did Jairam Ramesh say? Earlier, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh argued that even if the Merchant Discount Rate is levied on merchants, the cost would ultimately be passed on to consumers. He also rejected the government's position that introducing MDR is necessary to make the UPI ecosystem financially sustainable, describing the argument as "entirely wrong." Sitharaman, however, maintained that customers would not be required to pay the merchant fee. FM blames Opposition for delay in debate The finance minister also criticised the Opposition for repeated disruptions during the ongoing Monsoon Session, saying the proposed legislation could have been debated in Parliament had proceedings not been stalled. "Could have been discussed on the floor of the House if your party @INCIndia engages constructively in Parliament when the Bill was/is tabled. (LS/RS respectively)," she wrote. The Bill itself does not impose an MDR on UPI or RuPay transactions. Instead, it creates a legal framework that would allow the government to modify the current zero-MDR regime through a notification at a later stage.

Could your next UPI payment come with a fee? The claim has sparked a political showdown between the BJP and the opposition Congress party. Now, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has finally broken her silence. Here' what she said.

Will ordinary Indian users have to pay for UPI? Nirmala Sitharaman breaks silence on Congress' MDR fee claim

The Congress on Tuesday attacked the Centre’s handling of the economy, with senior leader Jairam Ramesh accusing Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman of ignoring what he called the “all-important fourth F”, namely falling private investment, while highlighting concerns over fuel, fertiliser and forex reserves.&nbsp;Ramesh’s remarks came a day after Sitharaman stressed the need to focus on the “3Fs” amid the ongoing West Asia crisis and rising global uncertainty.&nbsp;Taking a swipe at the government, Ramesh said on X, “The FM has said that the 3Fs — Fuel, Fertilisers, and Forex — are matters of great concern. But she forgets the all-important fourth F: Falling rates of private investment that have been in evidence these past few years.”&nbsp;He further alleged that the government was failing to address deeper economic concerns despite political success.&nbsp;“Winning elections through large-scale manipulation of electoral rolls is one thing. But recognising what really ails the economy with humility and sobriety and taking remedial actions is entirely another matter,” Ramesh said.&nbsp;The Congress leader claimed that net foreign direct investment inflows had weakened and private corporate investment as a share of GDP had dropped sharply from levels seen before 2014. He also said Indian businesses were increasingly looking for stable and profitable opportunities overseas, while some corporate leaders were relocating abroad.&nbsp;“Investment is as much a financial decision as it is driven by psychological factors. The lack of broad-based consumer demand growth has disincentivised companies from investing,” he said.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">वित्त मंत्री ने कहा है कि 3Fs- Fuel, Fertilisers और Forex - गंभीर चिंता के विषय हैं। लेकिन वह चौथे और सबसे महत्वपूर्ण F को भूल जाती हैं: निजी निवेश की गिरती दर, जो पिछले कुछ वर्षों से लगातार दिखाई दे रही है। कुल FDI प्रवाह में गिरावट आई है और GDP के प्रतिशत के रूप में निजी…&mdash; Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jairam_Ramesh/status/2059144955105526136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 26, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Speaking at the 37th foundation day event of Small Industries Development Bank of India in New Delhi on Monday, Sitharaman warned that rising geopolitical tensions were putting pressure on India’s economy through higher fuel and fertiliser costs and external sector risks.&nbsp;“There is a need to focus on the 3Fs of fuel, fertilisers and forex in the current context,” the finance minister said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/patients-flee-treatment-as-hospitals-come-under-attack-amid-ebola-outbreak-and-rising-violence-in-dr-congo-1779794524383">Ebola patients flee treatment as hospitals come under attack amid rising violence in DR Congo</a><h2>Congress questions RBI dividend payout</h2>In another post, Ramesh also questioned the Centre’s financial position after the Reserve Bank of India approved a surplus transfer of ₹2.87 trillion to the Union government for the financial year 2025-26, one of the largest dividend payouts by the central bank.&nbsp;Citing media reports, he alleged that the RBI reduced its Contingency Risk Buffer to facilitate the higher payout.&nbsp;“That the Union Govt's finances are not as rosy as is being made out to be is proved by the fact that the RBI has done it a favour and given it a big bonus,” Ramesh said.&nbsp;“The Centre has got a bonanza of an additional ₹920 billion over and above what it would have got had the 2024/25 Contingency Reserve Buffer not been reduced,” he added.The RBI on Friday announced the record transfer for FY26, higher than the ₹2.69 trillion transferred in the previous financial year.

Jairam Ramesh also raised questions over the Centre’s financial health after the Reserve Bank of India approved a ₹2.87 trillion surplus transfer to the Union government for the 2025-26 financial year, marking one of the biggest dividend payouts by the central bank.

The Congress on Tuesday attacked the Centre’s handling of the economy, with senior leader Jairam Ramesh accusing Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman of ignoring what he called the “all-important fourth F”, namely falling private investment, while highlighting concerns over fuel, fertiliser and forex reserves. Ramesh’s remarks came a day after Sitharaman stressed the need to focus on the “3Fs” amid the ongoing West Asia crisis and rising global uncertainty. Taking a swipe at the government, Ramesh said on X, “The FM has said that the 3Fs — Fuel, Fertilisers, and Forex — are matters of great concern. But she forgets the all-important fourth F: Falling rates of private investment that have been in evidence these past few years.” He further alleged that the government was failing to address deeper economic concerns despite political success. “Winning elections through large-scale manipulation of electoral rolls is one thing. But recognising what really ails the economy with humility and sobriety and taking remedial actions is entirely another matter,” Ramesh said. The Congress leader claimed that net foreign direct investment inflows had weakened and private corporate investment as a share of GDP had dropped sharply from levels seen before 2014. He also said Indian businesses were increasingly looking for stable and profitable opportunities overseas, while some corporate leaders were relocating abroad. “Investment is as much a financial decision as it is driven by psychological factors. The lack of broad-based consumer demand growth has disincentivised companies from investing,” he said.

Jairam Ramesh also raised questions over the Centre’s financial health after the Reserve Bank of India approved a ₹2.87 trillion surplus transfer to the Union government for the 2025-26 financial year, marking one of the biggest dividend payouts by the central bank.

‘She forgets most important fourth F, falling private investment’: Congress says Govt’s finances are ‘not as rosy’

The Congress on Wednesday pressed the PM Modi Government to act on the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education's report recommending reservations for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backwards Classes (OBC) in private higher educational institutions (HEIs). Congress leader Jairam Ramesh, in a statement, said that the committee chaired by senior party leader Digvijaya Singh has presented its report to Parliament advocating for the implementation of reservations in private HEIs. The statement highlighted that Article 15(5) of the Constitution, introduced by the UPA government under Dr Manmohan Singh in 2006 through the 93rd Amendment, empowers the government to mandate reservations for SC, ST, and OBC students in private HEIs. In May 2014, the Supreme Court in Pramati Educational and Cultural Trust v Union of India upheld the validity of Article 15(5), affirming that reservations are permissible in such institutions. However, the statement pointed out that no law has been passed by Parliament to enforce Article 15(5). Data examined by the Committee revealed low representation of marginalised communities in private institutions, including three Institutions of Eminence (IoEs) recognised by the Union Government, where SC students constituted only 0.89 percent, ST students 0.53 percent, and OBC students 11.16 per cent. In view of this, the Committee has unanimously recommended that the Parliament enact legislation to implement 15 per cent reservations for SCs, 7.5 percent for STs, and 27 percent for OBCs in private HEIs. Jairam Ramesh stressed that the demand for reservations in private educational institutions can no longer be ignored. He also recalled that the Congress, in its 2024 Lok Sabha election manifesto "Nyay Patra," had pledged to bring such legislation. "The Parliamentary Committee has now given renewed impetus to this demand. The ball is now in the Modi Government's court," Ramesh said.&nbsp;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.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Congress has urged the Modi government to act on a parliamentary panel report recommending SC, ST, and OBC reservations in private higher education institutions. The committee cited poor representation and called for legislation under Article 15(5). 

The Congress on Wednesday pressed the PM Modi Government to act on the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education's report recommending reservations for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backwards Classes (OBC) in private higher educational institutions (HEIs). Congress leader Jairam Ramesh, in a statement, said that the committee chaired by senior party leader Digvijaya Singh has presented its report to Parliament advocating for the implementation of reservations in private HEIs. The statement highlighted that Article 15(5) of the Constitution, introduced by the UPA government under Dr Manmohan Singh in 2006 through the 93rd Amendment, empowers the government to mandate reservations for SC, ST, and OBC students in private HEIs. In May 2014, the Supreme Court in Pramati Educational and Cultural Trust v Union of India upheld the validity of Article 15(5), affirming that reservations are permissible in such institutions. However, the statement pointed out that no law has been passed by Parliament to enforce Article 15(5). Data examined by the Committee revealed low representation of marginalised communities in private institutions, including three Institutions of Eminence (IoEs) recognised by the Union Government, where SC students constituted only 0.89 percent, ST students 0.53 percent, and OBC students 11.16 per cent. In view of this, the Committee has unanimously recommended that the Parliament enact legislation to implement 15 per cent reservations for SCs, 7.5 percent for STs, and 27 percent for OBCs in private HEIs. Jairam Ramesh stressed that the demand for reservations in private educational institutions can no longer be ignored. He also recalled that the Congress, in its 2024 Lok Sabha election manifesto "Nyay Patra," had pledged to bring such legislation. "The Parliamentary Committee has now given renewed impetus to this demand. The ball is now in the Modi Government's court," Ramesh said. 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.

Congress has urged the Modi government to act on a parliamentary panel report recommending SC, ST, and OBC reservations in private higher education institutions. The committee cited poor representation and called for legislation under Article 15(5).&nbsp;

Congress urges Modi govt to implement SC, ST, OBC reservation in private higher education

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, who is currently leading an all-party delegation abroad as part of India's diplomatic outreach following Operation Sindoor, has addressed internal party criticisms regarding his recent remarks.&nbsp;The Tharoor-led delegation reached Brazil. On being asked about his party colleagues' dig and swipes, Tharoor said, “I think this is a time for us to focus on our mission. Undoubtedly, in a thriving democracy, there are bound to be comments and criticisms, but I think at this point we can't afford to dwell on them.”&nbsp;"When we get back to India, no doubt we'll have our chance to speak to our colleagues, critics, media there. But right now we're focused on the countries we're coming to and getting the message out to the people here," he added.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-talked-about-restoring-the-statehood-of-jk-says-local-party-apni-party-leader-after-meeting-with-lieutenant-governor-manoj-sinha-1748773104423">‘Talked about restoring the statehood of JK’, says Local party leader after meeting with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha</a>&nbsp;Just a few days back, senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh criticised the government and said, "Our MPs are roaming and terrorists (involved in the Pahalgam terror attack) are also roaming."&nbsp;Last week, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, was in Panama, where he delivered a scathing rebuke of Pakistan’s continued support for cross-border terrorism.&nbsp;Speaking to the Indian community in Panama, Tharoor said, "Unfortunately, our desire to just be left alone is not reciprocated by our friends on the other side of the border. They have chosen repeatedly to attack us because they believe that they want territory which they do not control, which we control. It is part of the sovereign borders of the United Indian, and we are not going to give it to them even if we have to pay the price that we have repeatedly been paid. " &nbsp;Addressing the Panama assembly President Dana Castaneda and some select parliamentarians, Tharoor stressed that India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 only after it waited to see if the Pakistani government would take any action against the perpetrators of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. "When nothing was clearly being done, two weeks later, on the 7th of May, we attacked the known headquarters of terrorist bases inside Pakistan. We had no interest in starting a war, but we felt that a terrorist act must not go unpunished," he said.&nbsp;Tharoor underlined that India has suffered attack after attack for almost 40 years and that it is not acceptable to continue to bear the pain.

Operation Sindoor outreach When we get back to India Shashi Tharoor brushes off party colleagues criticism

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, who is currently leading an all-party delegation abroad as part of India's diplomatic outreach following Operation Sindoor, has addressed internal party criticisms regarding his recent remarks. The Tharoor-led delegation reached Brazil. On being asked about his party colleagues' dig and swipes, Tharoor said, “I think this is a time for us to focus on our mission. Undoubtedly, in a thriving democracy, there are bound to be comments and criticisms, but I think at this point we can't afford to dwell on them.” "When we get back to India, no doubt we'll have our chance to speak to our colleagues, critics, media there. But right now we're focused on the countries we're coming to and getting the message out to the people here," he added. Also Read: ‘Talked about restoring the statehood of JK’, says Local party leader after meeting with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Just a few days back, senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh criticised the government and said, "Our MPs are roaming and terrorists (involved in the Pahalgam terror attack) are also roaming." Last week, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, was in Panama, where he delivered a scathing rebuke of Pakistan’s continued support for cross-border terrorism. Speaking to the Indian community in Panama, Tharoor said, "Unfortunately, our desire to just be left alone is not reciprocated by our friends on the other side of the border. They have chosen repeatedly to attack us because they believe that they want territory which they do not control, which we control. It is part of the sovereign borders of the United Indian, and we are not going to give it to them even if we have to pay the price that we have repeatedly been paid. " Addressing the Panama assembly President Dana Castaneda and some select parliamentarians, Tharoor stressed that India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 only after it waited to see if the Pakistani government would take any action against the perpetrators of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. "When nothing was clearly being done, two weeks later, on the 7th of May, we attacked the known headquarters of terrorist bases inside Pakistan. We had no interest in starting a war, but we felt that a terrorist act must not go unpunished," he said. Tharoor underlined that India has suffered attack after attack for almost 40 years and that it is not acceptable to continue to bear the pain.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor is leading one of the seven Indian delegations that have travelled abroad to expose Pakistan's role in terrorist attacks on India

Operation Sindoor outreach | 'When we get back to India': Shashi Tharoor brushes off party colleague’s criticism

The Congress party slammed the BJP on Sunday (September 29) after a case was filed against Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and others. The case is based on a complaint related to the now-cancelled electoral bonds scheme.

The Congress party slammed the BJP on Sunday (September 29) after a case was filed against Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and others. The case is based on a complaint related to the now-cancelled electoral bonds scheme. Congress demanded Sitharaman’s resignation, accusing her of "undermining democracy." 'FM is 'guilty' politically, legally, and morally' Speaking at a press conference, Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh, alongside spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi, said that the government used four different methods to extort funds through what they called the "electoral bonds conspiracy". According to Ramesh, these included "prepaid bribery, postpaid bribery, post-raid bribery and through farzi (fake) companies." Ramesh said the Finance Minister should immediately resign as she is "guilty" politically, legally, and morally. He added that the Congress had no role in the FIR being filed, pointing out that it was registered under court orders. Court-ordered FIR against FM Nirmala Sitharaman The case was registered following a directive from a Bengaluru court, based on a complaint by Adarsh R. Iyer, co-president of the 'Janaadhikaara Sangharsha Parishath' (JSP). The complaint alleges that Sitharaman, along with Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials and BJP leaders, ran an extortion racket under the guise of the electoral bonds scheme, and extorted over ₹8,000 crore. Those named in the FIR include Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, BJP Karnataka chief B Y Vijayendra, and party leader Nalin Kumar Kateel, among others. They face charges of extortion (under Section 384 of the IPC), criminal conspiracy (120B), and common intention (34). Also read: Tamil Nadu CM Stalin’s son Udhayanidhi elevated as state’s Deputy CM; four ministers take oath Congress spokespersons also reiterated their demand for an investigation into the electoral bonds scheme, which was scrapped by the Supreme Court earlier this year because it violated fundamental rights such as the right to information and freedom of speech, posing a threat to free and fair elections in the country. Congress said that Sitharaman couldn’t have acted alone, hinting at the involvement of others. "The Finance Minister cannot do this on her own. We know who is number 1 and number 2 and this was done on whose directions," Singhvi said. "The larger issue is the level playing field which is necessary for free and fair polls. Free and fair polls are critical for democracy. This is an attack on our democratic system," Singhvi said while terming it as "EBS - Extortionist BJP Scheme," Singhvi added. (With inputs from agencies)

Congress demands 'guilty' FM Sitharaman’s resignation over electoral bonds case

The Congress party on Friday (September 14) raised concerns over an "unacceptable comment" aimed at Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha. The comment, came from the official X account of the Gautam Budh Nagar district magistrate, who called&nbsp;Rahul Gandhi 'Pappu'. The congress party immediately after seeing the post demanded action against the officer.

Later, District Magistrate Manish Verma issued a statement on X, claiming that his account had been misused by anti-social elements who posted an inappropriate comment. "Taking this seriously, legal action is being taken by registering an FIR immediately and the wrong tweet/comment is being investigated by the cyber cell," the statement read.

Congress general secretary for communications, Jairam Ramesh, had criticised the post from the Uttar Pradesh district magistrate's account. He described the comment as "inappropriate and unacceptable comment."

Ramesh said, "This is not a new development; over the last 10 years, India's bureaucracy and other non-political officials have become increasingly politicised."

"There is a lot of effort being made to suppress and render useless the civil service, which Sardar Patel once called the steel frame of India. Cases like this are the latest example of that effort," he added.

He called for swift action against the official, accusing him of violating established norms and conduct.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-security-forces-gun-down-two-terrorists-in-j-ks-baramulla-758576">Indian security forces gun down three terrorists in J-K's Baramulla</a>

Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate also reacted by sharing a video on X, where a historian said,&nbsp;"History is made and cannot be changed. Narendra Modi knows how history will remember him and that is why he is worried."

A now-deleted post from the official account of the district magistrate responded in Hindi, stating, "You should think about yourself and your Pappu." Shrinate later posted a screenshot of this deleted comment, criticising the language and tone used by an officer responsible for the district.

"He is DM Noida, he is responsible for the entire district. His language and thoughts about the country's opposition leader Rahul Gandhi must be seen," Shrinate said. "It is clear that the administrative staff is full of Sanghis -- and now they are fanning hatred by sitting on constitutional posts," Shrinate added.

Pawan Khera, head of Congress' media and publicity department, said, "Have IAS officers now been ordered to make such political comments under BJP rule? @myogiadityanath @HMOIndia."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The Congress party on Friday (September 14) raised concerns over an "unacceptable comment" aimed at Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha. The comment, came from the official X account of the Gautam Budh Nagar district magistrate, who called Rahul Gandhi 'Pappu'.

The Congress party on Friday (September 14) raised concerns over an "unacceptable comment" aimed at Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha. The comment, came from the official X account of the Gautam Budh Nagar district magistrate, who called Rahul Gandhi 'Pappu'. The congress party immediately after seeing the post demanded action against the officer. Later, District Magistrate Manish Verma issued a statement on X, claiming that his account had been misused by anti-social elements who posted an inappropriate comment. "Taking this seriously, legal action is being taken by registering an FIR immediately and the wrong tweet/comment is being investigated by the cyber cell," the statement read. Congress general secretary for communications, Jairam Ramesh, had criticised the post from the Uttar Pradesh district magistrate's account. He described the comment as "inappropriate and unacceptable comment." Ramesh said, "This is not a new development; over the last 10 years, India's bureaucracy and other non-political officials have become increasingly politicised." "There is a lot of effort being made to suppress and render useless the civil service, which Sardar Patel once called the steel frame of India. Cases like this are the latest example of that effort," he added. He called for swift action against the official, accusing him of violating established norms and conduct. Also read: Indian security forces gun down three terrorists in J-K's Baramulla Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate also reacted by sharing a video on X, where a historian said, "History is made and cannot be changed. Narendra Modi knows how history will remember him and that is why he is worried." A now-deleted post from the official account of the district magistrate responded in Hindi, stating, "You should think about yourself and your Pappu." Shrinate later posted a screenshot of this deleted comment, criticising the language and tone used by an officer responsible for the district. "He is DM Noida, he is responsible for the entire district. His language and thoughts about the country's opposition leader Rahul Gandhi must be seen," Shrinate said. "It is clear that the administrative staff is full of Sanghis -- and now they are fanning hatred by sitting on constitutional posts," Shrinate added. Pawan Khera, head of Congress' media and publicity department, said, "Have IAS officers now been ordered to make such political comments under BJP rule? @myogiadityanath @HMOIndia." (With inputs from agencies)

Congress demands action after Noida DM’s ‘Pappu’ jibe at Rahul Gandhi

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-issues-notice-to-centre-over-schemes-for-minorities-275461">Supreme Court of India </a>on Wednesday refused to grant an interim stay on the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/despite-protests-citizenship-amendment-act-will-not-be-withdrawn-amit-shah-275742">Citizenship Amendment Act</a> (CAA) without hearing the Central government.&nbsp;

The court has ordered the Centre to file replies on all other CAA-related pleas (except those about Assam and Tripura) within four weeks.

<a href="Despite protests, Citizenship Amendment Act will not be withdrawn: Amit Shah">Also read:&nbsp;Despite protests, Citizenship Amendment Act will not be withdrawn: Amit Shah</a>

The Apex Court said that it will take a look at the requests identified with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/today-in-history-from-first-auction-of-assam-tea-to-india-and-pakistan-sign-tashkent-agreement-and-more-273317">Assam </a>and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/crime-against-women-reduced-by-7-per-cent-in-new-govts-regime-in-tripura-law-minister-ratanlal-nath-271843">Tripura </a>diversely as both these states have separate concurrences with the Central government in regards to the safeguarding of local clans and ethnic individuals. Anyway, it explained that the equivalent is for the court's advantage and every one of the issues will be heard together.'

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-issues-notice-to-centre-over-schemes-for-minorities-275461">Supreme Court issues notice to Centre over schemes for minorities</a>

The top legal body has indicated making of Constitution Bench to hear the all petitions challenging Citizenship Amendment Act. The bench will work out the schedule for hearing the cases and take up the cases after 5 weeks to pass interim orders.

A Bench of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/justice-sharad-arvind-bobde-47th-chief-justice-of-india-who-advocates-use-of-artificial-intelligence-in-courts-262959">Chief Justice of India</a> (CJI) SA Bobde, Justice S Abdul Nazeer and Justice Sanjiv Khanna was hearing the pleas against CAA listed for today.

(With inputs from ANI)

The Supreme Court of India on Wednesday refused to grant an interim stay on the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) without hearing the Central government. The court has ordered the Centre to file replies on all other CAA-related pleas (except those about Assam and Tripura) within four weeks.

The Supreme Court of India on Wednesday refused to grant an interim stay on the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) without hearing the Central government. The court has ordered the Centre to file replies on all other CAA-related pleas (except those about Assam and Tripura) within four weeks. Also read: Despite protests, Citizenship Amendment Act will not be withdrawn: Amit Shah The Apex Court said that it will take a look at the requests identified with Assam and Tripura diversely as both these states have separate concurrences with the Central government in regards to the safeguarding of local clans and ethnic individuals. Anyway, it explained that the equivalent is for the court's advantage and every one of the issues will be heard together.' Also read: Supreme Court issues notice to Centre over schemes for minorities The top legal body has indicated making of Constitution Bench to hear the all petitions challenging Citizenship Amendment Act. The bench will work out the schedule for hearing the cases and take up the cases after 5 weeks to pass interim orders. A Bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) SA Bobde, Justice S Abdul Nazeer and Justice Sanjiv Khanna was hearing the pleas against CAA listed for today. (With inputs from ANI)

Supreme Court hearing on CAA: No stay on Citizenship Act, apex court gives Centre 4 weeks to respond

The Congress on Friday opposed India signing the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement, saying it will be the "third big jolt" to the Indian economy after demonetization and GST and will result in liberalising Chinese imports to the Indian market.

Addressing a press conference here, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said that there was a possibility of India signing the RCEP agreement.

"After demonetisation and GST, it will be the third big jolt to our economy when the Prime Minister goes to Bangkok the next month and expresses India`s agreement to Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership," he said.

He said the government was not talking about` Made in India` now and the agreement will encourage `Made in China`.

Ramesh said that the balance of trade was heavily in favour of China.

"RCEP will result in the liberalisation of imports from China. We do not know what was discussed in Wuhan or Mahabalipuram but we can see the results, there will be liberalisation in imports from China. `Made in India` is not mentioned now. It`ll encourage `Made in China`," he said.

He said that managing director of Amul has written a letter to Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal in which he has expressed concern and said that Indian dairy cooperative will be ruined if India proceeds with RCEP.

"Managing Director of Amul has written to Minister Piyush Goyal stating that India should not do RCEP, else dairy cooperative would be ruined. The milk will be imported from New Zealand, sugar from Australia, dairy products would be imported and it will also ruin our agriculture," he said.

"India will accept the free flow of data under RCEP. The national interest particularly the national security has been removed from the draft RCEP," he added.

Ramesh alleged that the government was keen to sign the agreement due to "mismanagement of the economy".

"There is a text to RCEP, there is context to RCEP. The text to RCEP is bad, the concept is worst," he added.

RCEP is a proposed free trade agreement among 10 ASEAN countries and their six FTA partners China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand.&nbsp;

The Congress on Friday opposed India signing the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement, saying it will be the "third big jolt" to the Indian economy after demonetization and GST and will result in liberalising Chinese imports to the Indian market.

The Congress on Friday opposed India signing the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement, saying it will be the "third big jolt" to the Indian economy after demonetization and GST and will result in liberalising Chinese imports to the Indian market. Addressing a press conference here, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said that there was a possibility of India signing the RCEP agreement. "After demonetisation and GST, it will be the third big jolt to our economy when the Prime Minister goes to Bangkok the next month and expresses India`s agreement to Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership," he said. He said the government was not talking about` Made in India` now and the agreement will encourage `Made in China`. Ramesh said that the balance of trade was heavily in favour of China. "RCEP will result in the liberalisation of imports from China. We do not know what was discussed in Wuhan or Mahabalipuram but we can see the results, there will be liberalisation in imports from China. `Made in India` is not mentioned now. It`ll encourage `Made in China`," he said. He said that managing director of Amul has written a letter to Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal in which he has expressed concern and said that Indian dairy cooperative will be ruined if India proceeds with RCEP. "Managing Director of Amul has written to Minister Piyush Goyal stating that India should not do RCEP, else dairy cooperative would be ruined. The milk will be imported from New Zealand, sugar from Australia, dairy products would be imported and it will also ruin our agriculture," he said. "India will accept the free flow of data under RCEP. The national interest particularly the national security has been removed from the draft RCEP," he added. Ramesh alleged that the government was keen to sign the agreement due to "mismanagement of the economy". "There is a text to RCEP, there is context to RCEP. The text to RCEP is bad, the concept is worst," he added. RCEP is a proposed free trade agreement among 10 ASEAN countries and their six FTA partners China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand.

RCEP will be third big jolt to economy by PM Modi, says Congress' Jairam Ramesh

What is happening to India’s oldest political formation, the Indian National Congress? Not only is it apparently headless but also in complete disarray. While Sonia Gandhi has reluctantly reassumed its reigns as its interim acting president, its leadership crisis is far from over. In the meanwhile, its top leaders such as P Chidambaram and, now, Karnataka’s DK Shivakumar, are in serious legal trouble. The former, despite his formidable financial and political clout, not to speak of legendry legal acumen, has spent days in detention. More recently, Shivakumar is facing the heat from the Enforcement Directorate, with the Karnataka High Court refusing to grant him protection from arrest.&nbsp;

Earlier in the week, Rahul Gandhi scored another self-goal. After his failed visit to Srinagar on August 24, when he was not allowed to leave the airport and forced to return politically empty-handed, Gandhi tweeted against the government for unleashing draconian measures and brute force on the people of our newest Union Territory. “Things in Jammu and Kashmir are going very wrong,” Gandhi said, “There are reports of violence. There are reports of people dying in Jammu and Kashmir.”&nbsp;

Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Human Rights, Shireen Mazari, was quick to take advantage of Gandhi’s alarmist remarks, quite in consonance with its own strategy to internationalise the Kashmir issue. In her letter to officials of the United Nations, Mazari quoted Gandhi’s comment that people were dying in J&amp;K. Attacked by senior BJP ministers, Gandhi had to hastily beat a retreat by calling out Pakistan as a terror-sponsoring state on social media: “I disagree with this government on many issues,” he tweeted, “But, let me make this absolutely clear: Kashmir is India’s internal issue and there is no room for Pakistan or any other foreign country to interfere in it… There is violence in Jammu &amp; Kashmir. There is violence because it is instigated and supported by Pakistan which is known to be the prime supporter of terrorism across the world.”&nbsp;

Randeep Singh Surjewala, Congress communications chief, had to jump in to defend his former party president. Accusing Pakistan of mischievously trying to use Gandhi to peddle a “pack of lies”, he said, “Let no one in the world be in doubt that Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh were, are and shall always remain integral parts of India. No amount of diabolical deception by Pakistan shall change this truth.” But the damage was done. Information and Broadcasting Minister and BJP political veteran, Prakash Javadekar accused Gandhi of helping Pakistan against India on the international stage. He rightly pointed out that Gandhi had been forced to make “a complete U-turn…due to circumstances and public pressure”. Earlier, during the 2019 election campaign, Gandhi had also failed to tarnish Modi’s incorruptible image with his “chowkidar chor hai” campaign.

It seems from all this that Jairam Ramesh certainly has a point. Demonising Narendra Modi isn’t helping the Congress. Rather, it shows the deep division, bordering on disarray, that afflicts India’s oldest political party. This was evident in the manner in which its high-profile and loquacious leader, three-times Lok Sabha MP from Thiruvananthapuram, Shashi Tharoor, was targeted by his own state leadership. Pulled up by the Kerala Congress president, Mullapally Ramachandran, he was issued a show-cause notice.&nbsp;

The “original sinner”, as a report dubbed him, was not Tharoor, but Ramesh. The latter’s comments at a book launch in the national capital were also supported by party spokesman and lawyer, Abhishek Manu Singhvi. But only Tharoor was targeted. It was the following remark that probably earned Tharoor his party’s ire: “As you know, I have argued for six years now that Narendra Modi should be praised whenever he says or does the right thing, which would add credibility to our criticism and whenever he errs. I welcome others in Opposition coming around to a view for which I was excoriated at the time.” Tharoor was forced to clarify that he was no admirer of Modi and the Kerala Congress had to be “satisfied” with his explanation. The party only earned itself some needless embarrassment and discomfiture in the process.

After the Modi Sarkar’s surgical strike against Article 370, several Congress leaders came out in support of the government. These included Jyotraditya Scindia, Deepender Hooda, RPN Singh and Jitin Prasada, in addition to the son of the former Maharaja of Kashmir and first regent of the state, Dr Karan Singh. Bhuvaneshwar Kalita, the Congress chief whip, went to the extent of resigning. With considerable difficulty, if not force, the CWC eventually passed a resolution opposing the government’s abrogation of Article 370’s key provisions. The Congress is now a divided house. Not only does it lack credible leadership, but a plan of action. As if this were not bad enough, it has also shown itself utterly unsuccessful in denting, leave alone destroying, Narendra Modi’s popularity and appeal.

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-discomfiture-and-disarray-in-congress-2786246">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

What is happening to India’s oldest political formation, the Indian National Congress? Not only is it apparently headless but also in complete disarray. While Sonia Gandhi has reluctantly reassumed its reigns as its interim acting president, its leadership crisis is far from over.

What is happening to India’s oldest political formation, the Indian National Congress? Not only is it apparently headless but also in complete disarray. While Sonia Gandhi has reluctantly reassumed its reigns as its interim acting president, its leadership crisis is far from over. In the meanwhile, its top leaders such as P Chidambaram and, now, Karnataka’s DK Shivakumar, are in serious legal trouble. The former, despite his formidable financial and political clout, not to speak of legendry legal acumen, has spent days in detention. More recently, Shivakumar is facing the heat from the Enforcement Directorate, with the Karnataka High Court refusing to grant him protection from arrest. Earlier in the week, Rahul Gandhi scored another self-goal. After his failed visit to Srinagar on August 24, when he was not allowed to leave the airport and forced to return politically empty-handed, Gandhi tweeted against the government for unleashing draconian measures and brute force on the people of our newest Union Territory. “Things in Jammu and Kashmir are going very wrong,” Gandhi said, “There are reports of violence. There are reports of people dying in Jammu and Kashmir.” Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Human Rights, Shireen Mazari, was quick to take advantage of Gandhi’s alarmist remarks, quite in consonance with its own strategy to internationalise the Kashmir issue. In her letter to officials of the United Nations, Mazari quoted Gandhi’s comment that people were dying in J&K. Attacked by senior BJP ministers, Gandhi had to hastily beat a retreat by calling out Pakistan as a terror-sponsoring state on social media: “I disagree with this government on many issues,” he tweeted, “But, let me make this absolutely clear: Kashmir is India’s internal issue and there is no room for Pakistan or any other foreign country to interfere in it… There is violence in Jammu & Kashmir. There is violence because it is instigated and supported by Pakistan which is known to be the prime supporter of terrorism across the world.” Randeep Singh Surjewala, Congress communications chief, had to jump in to defend his former party president. Accusing Pakistan of mischievously trying to use Gandhi to peddle a “pack of lies”, he said, “Let no one in the world be in doubt that Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh were, are and shall always remain integral parts of India. No amount of diabolical deception by Pakistan shall change this truth.” But the damage was done. Information and Broadcasting Minister and BJP political veteran, Prakash Javadekar accused Gandhi of helping Pakistan against India on the international stage. He rightly pointed out that Gandhi had been forced to make “a complete U-turn…due to circumstances and public pressure”. Earlier, during the 2019 election campaign, Gandhi had also failed to tarnish Modi’s incorruptible image with his “chowkidar chor hai” campaign. It seems from all this that Jairam Ramesh certainly has a point. Demonising Narendra Modi isn’t helping the Congress. Rather, it shows the deep division, bordering on disarray, that afflicts India’s oldest political party. This was evident in the manner in which its high-profile and loquacious leader, three-times Lok Sabha MP from Thiruvananthapuram, Shashi Tharoor, was targeted by his own state leadership. Pulled up by the Kerala Congress president, Mullapally Ramachandran, he was issued a show-cause notice. The “original sinner”, as a report dubbed him, was not Tharoor, but Ramesh. The latter’s comments at a book launch in the national capital were also supported by party spokesman and lawyer, Abhishek Manu Singhvi. But only Tharoor was targeted. It was the following remark that probably earned Tharoor his party’s ire: “As you know, I have argued for six years now that Narendra Modi should be praised whenever he says or does the right thing, which would add credibility to our criticism and whenever he errs. I welcome others in Opposition coming around to a view for which I was excoriated at the time.” Tharoor was forced to clarify that he was no admirer of Modi and the Kerala Congress had to be “satisfied” with his explanation. The party only earned itself some needless embarrassment and discomfiture in the process. After the Modi Sarkar’s surgical strike against Article 370, several Congress leaders came out in support of the government. These included Jyotraditya Scindia, Deepender Hooda, RPN Singh and Jitin Prasada, in addition to the son of the former Maharaja of Kashmir and first regent of the state, Dr Karan Singh. Bhuvaneshwar Kalita, the Congress chief whip, went to the extent of resigning. With considerable difficulty, if not force, the CWC eventually passed a resolution opposing the government’s abrogation of Article 370’s key provisions. The Congress is now a divided house. Not only does it lack credible leadership, but a plan of action. As if this were not bad enough, it has also shown itself utterly unsuccessful in denting, leave alone destroying, Narendra Modi’s popularity and appeal. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Discomfiture and disarray in Congress

The BJP said Tuesday that some of the ideas in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-exactly-does-the-congress-manifesto-promise-207487">Congress manifesto</a> were "positively dangerous".&nbsp;

The pushback — the Congress manifesto had been released earlier on Tuesday — was launched by Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley who said the ideas were "an agenda for the Balkanisation of India".&nbsp;

Jaitley was by and large referring to what the Congress manifesto has said about Kashmir.&nbsp;

The five big promises made by the Congress on Kashmir are:&nbsp;

1. There will be no change to Kashmir's constitutional status &nbsp;— which means there will be no tinkering with Article 370 and Article 35A&nbsp;

2. The Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) will be reviewed

3. That fewer soldiers, and more policemen instead, will be stationed in Kashmir&nbsp;

4. That talks in Jammu and Kashmir will be held without preconditions

5. And finally, that three interlocutors will be assigned to hold talks in Kashmir&nbsp;

Jaitley said Tuesday that some of the points in the Congress manifesto seem like they had been drafted by the Congress president's (Rahul Gandhi) "friends in the tukde-tukde gang".&nbsp;

"They're against the unity of India," Jaitley said.&nbsp;

Jaitley added that the Congress had failed to mention the plight of Kashmiri pandits in its manifesto. And that the Congress "does not deserve even a single vote for promises like doing away with the sedition law". &nbsp;

The Congress's 55-page manifesto — it is called "Hum Nibhayenge" or "We Will Deliver" — focuses on addressing the issues of joblessness, farm distress, the&nbsp;safety of women and the boosting of the rural economy, with a stress on building a narrative around the "real issues" faced by the people.

The manifesto was released by party president Rahul Gandhi, former prime minister Manmohan Singh, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and senior leader P Chidambaram among others.

For farmers, Congress promised to put them on the path from "Karz Maafi" (loan waiver), to "Karz Mukti" (freedom from loans).

This the party said would be done through remunerative pricing, lower input costs, and assured access to institutional credit, the party said, adding it will present a separate "Kisan Budget" every year, if voted to power.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iGr_HCnZ1UA" width="560"></iframe>

(Watch: WION's Political Editor Kartikeya Sharma breaks down the Congress's election&nbsp;manifesto.)

Speaking on the occasion at Congress headquarters here, Gandhi said the Congress will allocate six per cent of GDP to education, strengthen government hospitals and give high-quality healthcare access to poor if voted to power.

The party also promised to enact the Right to Healthcare Act and guarantee every citizen free diagnostics, out-patient care, free medicines and hospitalisation, through a network of public hospitals and enlisted private hospitals.&nbsp;

The Congress's Nyay scheme meanwhile envisages the giving of Rs 72,000 a year to five crore EWS families each. And it said Tuesday that, if it came to power, it would bring in one single (moderate) GST rate.

&nbsp;Jaitley said the ideas were "unimplementable".&nbsp;

The Congress's P Chidambaram — he and Jairam Ramesh began their press conference even as Jaitley was still speaking — was quick to reply that "every word here (in the manifesto), we heard from the people of India".&nbsp;

"This is what the people want," Chidambaram said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

The BJP said Tuesday that some of the ideas in the Congress manifesto were "positively dangerous". The pushback — the Congress manifesto had been released earlier on Tuesday — was launched by Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley who said the ideas were "an agenda for the Balkanisation of India".

The BJP said Tuesday that some of the ideas in the Congress manifesto were "positively dangerous". The pushback — the Congress manifesto had been released earlier on Tuesday — was launched by Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley who said the ideas were "an agenda for the Balkanisation of India". Jaitley was by and large referring to what the Congress manifesto has said about Kashmir. The five big promises made by the Congress on Kashmir are: 1. There will be no change to Kashmir's constitutional status — which means there will be no tinkering with Article 370 and Article 35A 2. The Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) will be reviewed 3. That fewer soldiers, and more policemen instead, will be stationed in Kashmir 4. That talks in Jammu and Kashmir will be held without preconditions 5. And finally, that three interlocutors will be assigned to hold talks in Kashmir Jaitley said Tuesday that some of the points in the Congress manifesto seem like they had been drafted by the Congress president's (Rahul Gandhi) "friends in the tukde-tukde gang". "They're against the unity of India," Jaitley said. Jaitley added that the Congress had failed to mention the plight of Kashmiri pandits in its manifesto. And that the Congress "does not deserve even a single vote for promises like doing away with the sedition law". The Congress's 55-page manifesto — it is called "Hum Nibhayenge" or "We Will Deliver" — focuses on addressing the issues of joblessness, farm distress, the safety of women and the boosting of the rural economy, with a stress on building a narrative around the "real issues" faced by the people. The manifesto was released by party president Rahul Gandhi, former prime minister Manmohan Singh, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and senior leader P Chidambaram among others. For farmers, Congress promised to put them on the path from "Karz Maafi" (loan waiver), to "Karz Mukti" (freedom from loans). This the party said would be done through remunerative pricing, lower input costs, and assured access to institutional credit, the party said, adding it will present a separate "Kisan Budget" every year, if voted to power. (Watch: WION's Political Editor Kartikeya Sharma breaks down the Congress's election manifesto.) Speaking on the occasion at Congress headquarters here, Gandhi said the Congress will allocate six per cent of GDP to education, strengthen government hospitals and give high-quality healthcare access to poor if voted to power. The party also promised to enact the Right to Healthcare Act and guarantee every citizen free diagnostics, out-patient care, free medicines and hospitalisation, through a network of public hospitals and enlisted private hospitals. The Congress's Nyay scheme meanwhile envisages the giving of Rs 72,000 a year to five crore EWS families each. And it said Tuesday that, if it came to power, it would bring in one single (moderate) GST rate. Jaitley said the ideas were "unimplementable". The Congress's P Chidambaram — he and Jairam Ramesh began their press conference even as Jaitley was still speaking — was quick to reply that "every word here (in the manifesto), we heard from the people of India". "This is what the people want," Chidambaram said. (With inputs from PTI)

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Congress releases manifesto, BJP says some of its ideas 'positively dangerous'

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-manifesto-some-ideas-positively-dangerous-says-bjp-207472">Lok Sabha polls 2019: Congress releases manifesto, BJP says some of its ideas 'positively dangerous'</a>

The BJP said Tuesday that some of the ideas in the Congress manifesto were "positively dangerous".&nbsp;

The pushback — the Congress manifesto had been released earlier on Tuesday — was launched by Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley who said the ideas were "an agenda for the Balkanisation of India".&nbsp;

Jaitley was by and large referring to what the Congress manifesto has said about Kashmir.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/avoiding-temptation-rbi-likely-to-cut-key-rate-by-just-25-basis-points-207455">Reserve Bank of India likely to cut interest rate by 0.25%: Analysts</a>

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is likely to cut its policy interest rate by 25 basis points on Thursday, despite some analysts believing the country's weakening economic growth and subdued inflation outlook warrant a larger reduction.

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-exactly-does-the-congress-manifesto-promise-207487">What exactly does the Congress manifesto say?&nbsp;</a>

The Congress released its manifesto for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections on Tuesday, and the BJP was quick to say some of the ideas in it were "positively dangerous".&nbsp;

Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley went so far as to say some of the ideas in the manifesto were "an agenda for the Balkanisation of India". But what else does the 55-page long Congress manifesto called "Hum Nibhayenge" or "We Will Deliver" say?&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-chief-antonio-guterres-warns-against-rising-anti-muslim-hatred-207514">UN chief Antonio Guterres warns against rising anti-Muslim hatred</a>

UN chief Antonio Guterres warned Tuesday against growing hatred of Muslims, less than a month after a deadly attack on mosques in New Zealand killed at least 50 people.

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-lawmakers-to-try-to-force-pm-may-to-seek-further-brexit-delay-207516">British MPs to try to force PM May to ask for another Brexit delay</a>

A group of British lawmakers said on Tuesday they would try to pass a law which would force Prime Minister Theresa May to seek a delay to Britain's departure from the European Union and thus prevent a chaotic no-deal Brexit on April 12.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Congress releases manifesto, BJP says some of its ideas 'positively dangerous' The BJP said Tuesday that some of the ideas in the Congress manifesto were "positively dangerous".

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Congress releases manifesto, BJP says some of its ideas 'positively dangerous' The BJP said Tuesday that some of the ideas in the Congress manifesto were "positively dangerous". The pushback — the Congress manifesto had been released earlier on Tuesday — was launched by Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley who said the ideas were "an agenda for the Balkanisation of India". Jaitley was by and large referring to what the Congress manifesto has said about Kashmir. Reserve Bank of India likely to cut interest rate by 0.25%: Analysts The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is likely to cut its policy interest rate by 25 basis points on Thursday, despite some analysts believing the country's weakening economic growth and subdued inflation outlook warrant a larger reduction. What exactly does the Congress manifesto say? The Congress released its manifesto for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections on Tuesday, and the BJP was quick to say some of the ideas in it were "positively dangerous". Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley went so far as to say some of the ideas in the manifesto were "an agenda for the Balkanisation of India". But what else does the 55-page long Congress manifesto called "Hum Nibhayenge" or "We Will Deliver" say? UN chief Antonio Guterres warns against rising anti-Muslim hatred UN chief Antonio Guterres warned Tuesday against growing hatred of Muslims, less than a month after a deadly attack on mosques in New Zealand killed at least 50 people. British MPs to try to force PM May to ask for another Brexit delay A group of British lawmakers said on Tuesday they would try to pass a law which would force Prime Minister Theresa May to seek a delay to Britain's departure from the European Union and thus prevent a chaotic no-deal Brexit on April 12.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Describing plastic pollution as a "very serious issue", former Union environment minister Jairam Ramesh batted for a phased approach to tackle the problem on the eve of World Environment Day.

Stating that banning plastic was no solution to the pollution caused by it, he said waste management was the most important area that needed to be addressed on priority.

"We should not swing from one end of the pendulum to the other, going from believing that plastic is a very useful material, to contain its use across the board," he said at an event here.

India cannot ban plastic altogether due to a variety of reasons, including its use, he said, stressing on public education to discourage littering.

The event was organised by the Global Alliance Incinerator Alliance (GAIA).

"There is simply too much plastic in the environment. This has to change," said Pratibha Sharma, National Coordinator of GAIA India.

From May 16 to 26 this year, 10 GAIA member organisations and partners conducted clean-up and waste and brand audits in 18 states of India. Of the total waste collected, 46,100 pieces of plastic waste were branded, of which 47.5 per cent were multilayer plastic packaging which can neither be recycled nor composted, the organisation said in a statement.

"Through the brand audit activity, we found that there is a huge amount of waste in the form of single-use and multilayer plastic packaging that gets generated at a very high rate every single day. Such plastic waste is not only detrimental to the environment in terms of plastic pollution but is also causing frequent floods and drainage problems in Mumbai and other cities," the statement said.

Stating that banning plastic was no solution to the pollution caused by it, he said waste management was the most important area that needed to be addressed on priority

Describing plastic pollution as a "very serious issue", former Union environment minister Jairam Ramesh batted for a phased approach to tackle the problem on the eve of World Environment Day. Stating that banning plastic was no solution to the pollution caused by it, he said waste management was the most important area that needed to be addressed on priority. "We should not swing from one end of the pendulum to the other, going from believing that plastic is a very useful material, to contain its use across the board," he said at an event here. India cannot ban plastic altogether due to a variety of reasons, including its use, he said, stressing on public education to discourage littering. The event was organised by the Global Alliance Incinerator Alliance (GAIA). "There is simply too much plastic in the environment. This has to change," said Pratibha Sharma, National Coordinator of GAIA India. From May 16 to 26 this year, 10 GAIA member organisations and partners conducted clean-up and waste and brand audits in 18 states of India. Of the total waste collected, 46,100 pieces of plastic waste were branded, of which 47.5 per cent were multilayer plastic packaging which can neither be recycled nor composted, the organisation said in a statement. "Through the brand audit activity, we found that there is a huge amount of waste in the form of single-use and multilayer plastic packaging that gets generated at a very high rate every single day. Such plastic waste is not only detrimental to the environment in terms of plastic pollution but is also causing frequent floods and drainage problems in Mumbai and other cities," the statement said.

World Environment Day: Phased approach needed to tackle plastic pollution, says Jairam Ramesh

The Rajya Sabha today passed a bill, extending greater autonomy to the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) by restricting the government&#39;s role in their functioning and granting them the power to award degrees to their graduates.

The Indian Institutes of Management Bill, 2017 -- which was passed in the Lok Sabha in July this year -- grants statutory powers to the IIMs in their running, including the appointment of directors and faculty members.

The bill gives them powers to award degrees instead of postgraduate diplomas.

&quot;The bill offers autonomy to these institutes. Through this bill, we will remove all interference of the government, bureaucracy in the functioning of the IIMs. They will themselves decide how to manage and run these premier institutes,&quot; HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar said while initiating a discussion.

Replying to the debate, he said the rules would be framed soon and assured the Rajya Sabha members that their suggestions would be considered. The bill was passed by the Upper House unanimously.

The minister assured the House that no poor students would be denied admission in IIMs and said the government would bear the interest on the education loan.

He said the existing board of IIMs would continue but changes would be made to comply with the provisions of this bill related to representation of SC, ST, and women in the board of governors.

Javadekar said that the government would withdraw its four representatives from the board.

Jairam Ramesh of the Congress earlier sought to know about the fate of the existing boards.

Justifying the autonomy for IIMs, Javadekar said, &quot;This is new beginning...We must start believing in our best educational institutes.&quot;

He said the government was thinking of granting greater autonomy to best institutions. &quot;Good institutions should have freedom,&quot; he added.

Seeking support from the opposition parties, he added that the bill seeks to bring about a positive change in the educational system in the country and hence should be supported wholeheartedly.

Congress member MV Rajeev Gowda, while supporting the bill, asked the government to ensure that the lack of resources do not come in the way of anybody who wishes to study in the IIMs.

While laying emphasis on identifying talent for the faculty positions, he also asked the government to ensure that SCs, STs, and OBCs get scholarships and get admissions for doctoral programmes around the world.

&quot;This initiative should be taken on a mission mode,&quot; Gowda said.

D Raja of the CPI said said the legislation should ensure academic freedom and end social discrimination. He also advocated more spending on education.

Naresh Agarwal (SP) said the educational syllabus should be uniform across the country and demanded that government investment on education be increased. He also said there should not be any politics in education.

AIADMK member N Gokulakrishnan, Nadimul Haque (TMC), Kahkashan Parveen of JD(U), Prasanna Acharya (BJD), K Somaprasad of CPI(M), Vijay Sai Reddy (YSRCP), Anil Desai (Shiv Sena) also participated in the debate.

The Indian Institutes of Management Bill, 2017 -- which was passed in the Lok Sabha in July this year -- grants statutory powers to the IIMs in their running, including the appointment of directors and faculty members

The Rajya Sabha today passed a bill, extending greater autonomy to the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) by restricting the government's role in their functioning and granting them the power to award degrees to their graduates. The Indian Institutes of Management Bill, 2017 -- which was passed in the Lok Sabha in July this year -- grants statutory powers to the IIMs in their running, including the appointment of directors and faculty members. The bill gives them powers to award degrees instead of postgraduate diplomas. "The bill offers autonomy to these institutes. Through this bill, we will remove all interference of the government, bureaucracy in the functioning of the IIMs. They will themselves decide how to manage and run these premier institutes," HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar said while initiating a discussion. Replying to the debate, he said the rules would be framed soon and assured the Rajya Sabha members that their suggestions would be considered. The bill was passed by the Upper House unanimously. The minister assured the House that no poor students would be denied admission in IIMs and said the government would bear the interest on the education loan. He said the existing board of IIMs would continue but changes would be made to comply with the provisions of this bill related to representation of SC, ST, and women in the board of governors. Javadekar said that the government would withdraw its four representatives from the board. Jairam Ramesh of the Congress earlier sought to know about the fate of the existing boards. Justifying the autonomy for IIMs, Javadekar said, "This is new beginning...We must start believing in our best educational institutes." He said the government was thinking of granting greater autonomy to best institutions. "Good institutions should have freedom," he added. Seeking support from the opposition parties, he added that the bill seeks to bring about a positive change in the educational system in the country and hence should be supported wholeheartedly. Congress member MV Rajeev Gowda, while supporting the bill, asked the government to ensure that the lack of resources do not come in the way of anybody who wishes to study in the IIMs. While laying emphasis on identifying talent for the faculty positions, he also asked the government to ensure that SCs, STs, and OBCs get scholarships and get admissions for doctoral programmes around the world. "This initiative should be taken on a mission mode," Gowda said. D Raja of the CPI said said the legislation should ensure academic freedom and end social discrimination. He also advocated more spending on education. Naresh Agarwal (SP) said the educational syllabus should be uniform across the country and demanded that government investment on education be increased. He also said there should not be any politics in education. AIADMK member N Gokulakrishnan, Nadimul Haque (TMC), Kahkashan Parveen of JD(U), Prasanna Acharya (BJD), K Somaprasad of CPI(M), Vijay Sai Reddy (YSRCP), Anil Desai (Shiv Sena) also participated in the debate.

Rajya Sabha passes bill to grant more autonomy to IIMs

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Saturday took a dig at Modi saying that former prime minister Indira Gandhi was a &#39;strong believer in Mann Ki Baat as she would listen to peoples voice and not preach.&#39;

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Ramesh said Gandhi was &#39;strong believer in Mann Ki Baat as she would listen to peoples voice and not preach.&#39; (Others)
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Ramesh also said that Ms Gandhi ensured that she followed her &#39;mann ki baat&#39; and executed it in a rightful manner.

&quot;Gandhi also was a great believer in &#39;mann ki baat&#39;, but her &#39;mann ki baat&#39; was a listening &#39;mann ki baat&#39; not a speaking &#39;mann ki baat&#39;. When she did &#39;mann ki baat&#39;, she listened, she didn&#39;t pontificate,&quot; said Mr Ramesh.

&quot;She didn&#39;t tell the other person that she had all the answers to all the world&#39;s problem... entire environmental odyssey was a &#39;mann ki baat&#39;, but a listening &#39;mann ki baat&#39;,&quot; he said, he added without mentioning Modi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation on the &#39;Mann Ki Baat&#39; on Sunday morning.

Modi also tweeted about&nbsp;the 38th edition of his monthly radio programme and asked the people to come up with ideas on Narendra Modi Mobile Application.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MannKiBaat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MannKiBaat</a> will take place tomorrow at 11 AM. Do tune in. <a href="https://t.co/dfIeEtMRpg">pic.twitter.com/dfIeEtMRpg</a>
&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/934386818132389888?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 25, 2017</a></blockquote>
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In his last address, Modi talked about how people needed to give more importance to children&#39;s health, considering the low-level&nbsp;of immunity among the younger children&nbsp;due to &#39;lifestyle disorder.&#39;&nbsp;

The programme will be broadcast on All India Radio (AIR), Doordarshan and the Narendra Modi mobile application.

Modi also posted a tweet and motivated people to come up with ideas on Narendra Modi Mobile Application

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Saturday took a dig at Modi saying that former prime minister Indira Gandhi was a 'strong believer in Mann Ki Baat as she would listen to peoples voice and not preach.' Ramesh said Gandhi was 'strong believer in Mann Ki Baat as she would listen to peoples voice and not preach.' (Others) × Ramesh also said that Ms Gandhi ensured that she followed her 'mann ki baat' and executed it in a rightful manner. "Gandhi also was a great believer in 'mann ki baat', but her 'mann ki baat' was a listening 'mann ki baat' not a speaking 'mann ki baat'. When she did 'mann ki baat', she listened, she didn't pontificate," said Mr Ramesh. "She didn't tell the other person that she had all the answers to all the world's problem... entire environmental odyssey was a 'mann ki baat', but a listening 'mann ki baat'," he said, he added without mentioning Modi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation on the 'Mann Ki Baat' on Sunday morning. Modi also tweeted about the 38th edition of his monthly radio programme and asked the people to come up with ideas on Narendra Modi Mobile Application. #MannKiBaat will take place tomorrow at 11 AM. Do tune in. pic.twitter.com/dfIeEtMRpg — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 25, 2017 × In his last address, Modi talked about how people needed to give more importance to children's health, considering the low-level of immunity among the younger children due to 'lifestyle disorder.' The programme will be broadcast on All India Radio (AIR), Doordarshan and the Narendra Modi mobile application.

Indira Gandhi believed in people's 'Mann ki Baat': Jairam Ramesh

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-condemns-release-of-hafiz-saeed-calls-for-immediate-re-arrest-25136">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-condemns-release-of-hafiz-saeed-calls-for-immediate-re-arrest-25136"> condemns release of Hafiz Saeed, calls for immediate re-arrest</a>

Unites States has strongly condemned the release of 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed from house arrest and called for his immediate re-arrest and prosecution. &nbsp;Donald Trump&#39;s South Asia policy clearly states that the US seeks to build deeper relations with Pakistan but also expects sound decisions against militant and terrorist groups on Pakistani land that can pose a threat to the world. &nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/security-strengthened-in-mumbai-on-9th-anniversary-of-mumbai-terror-attacks-25140">Security beefed up in Mumbai on terror attack anniversary</a>

As Mumbai marks the ninth anniversary of the deadly 26/11 terror attacks, the city police are leaving no stone unturned to maintain peace and security in the city. &nbsp;The police have barricaded all areas and are inspecting every vehicle passing by.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pradyuman-murder-pradyuman-family-to-challenge-bail-granted-to-pinto-family-25137">Pradyuman murder: Pradyuman&#39;s father to challenge bail to Pinto family</a>

Pradyuman Thakur&#39;s father Vikas Thakur to approach the Supreme court against the bail granted to Pinto family by Punjab and Haryana high court.Thakur said that he would file an application in the Supreme Court (SC) on Monday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-address-nation-on-38th-edition-of-mann-ki-baat-congress-leader-takes-a-dig-25141">&#39;Gandhi also was a great believer in &#39;</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-address-nation-on-38th-edition-of-mann-ki-baat-congress-leader-takes-a-dig-25141">mann</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-address-nation-on-38th-edition-of-mann-ki-baat-congress-leader-takes-a-dig-25141"> ki </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-address-nation-on-38th-edition-of-mann-ki-baat-congress-leader-takes-a-dig-25141">baat</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-address-nation-on-38th-edition-of-mann-ki-baat-congress-leader-takes-a-dig-25141">&#39;, but her &#39;</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-address-nation-on-38th-edition-of-mann-ki-baat-congress-leader-takes-a-dig-25141">mann</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-address-nation-on-38th-edition-of-mann-ki-baat-congress-leader-takes-a-dig-25141"> ki </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-address-nation-on-38th-edition-of-mann-ki-baat-congress-leader-takes-a-dig-25141">baat</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-address-nation-on-38th-edition-of-mann-ki-baat-congress-leader-takes-a-dig-25141">&#39; was listening &#39;</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-address-nation-on-38th-edition-of-mann-ki-baat-congress-leader-takes-a-dig-25141">mann</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-address-nation-on-38th-edition-of-mann-ki-baat-congress-leader-takes-a-dig-25141"> ki </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-address-nation-on-38th-edition-of-mann-ki-baat-congress-leader-takes-a-dig-25141">baat</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-address-nation-on-38th-edition-of-mann-ki-baat-congress-leader-takes-a-dig-25141">&#39;: Jairam Ramesh</a>

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Saturday took a dig at Modi saying that former prime minister Indira Gandhi was a &#39;strong believer in Mann Ki Baat as she would listen to peoples voice and not preach.&#39;Ramesh also said that Ms Gandhi ensured that she followed her &#39;mann ki baat&#39; and executed it in a rightful manner. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation on the &#39;Mann Ki Baat&#39; on Sunday morning.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/less-representation-of-weaker-sections-in-high-courts-supreme-court-president-kovind-25131">Less representation of weaker sections in high courts, Supreme Court: President Kovind</a>

Indian President Ram Nath Kovind has expressed concern over the less representation of woman and traditionally weaker sections in high courts and the Supreme Court.The President was speaking at the inaugural function of the two-day meet organised jointly by the Law Commission and Niti Aayog on the National Law Day.

US condemns release of Hafiz Saeed, calls for immediate re-arrest Unites States has strongly condemned the release of 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed from house arrest and called for his immediate re-arrest and prosecution. Donald Trump's South Asia policy clearly states that the US seeks to build deeper relations with Pakistan but also expects sound decisions against militant and terrorist groups on Pakistani land that can pose a threat to the world. Security beefed up in Mumbai on terror attack anniversary As Mumbai marks the ninth anniversary of the deadly 26/11 terror attacks, the city police are leaving no stone unturned to maintain peace and security in the city. The police have barricaded all areas and are inspecting every vehicle passing by. Pradyuman murder: Pradyuman's father to challenge bail to Pinto family Pradyuman Thakur's father Vikas Thakur to approach the Supreme court against the bail granted to Pinto family by Punjab and Haryana high court.Thakur said that he would file an application in the Supreme Court (SC) on Monday. 'Gandhi also was a great believer in 'mann ki baat', but her 'mann ki baat' was listening 'mann ki baat': Jairam Ramesh Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Saturday took a dig at Modi saying that former prime minister Indira Gandhi was a 'strong believer in Mann Ki Baat as she would listen to peoples voice and not preach.'Ramesh also said that Ms Gandhi ensured that she followed her 'mann ki baat' and executed it in a rightful manner. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation on the 'Mann Ki Baat' on Sunday morning. Less representation of weaker sections in high courts, Supreme Court: President Kovind Indian President Ram Nath Kovind has expressed concern over the less representation of woman and traditionally weaker sections in high courts and the Supreme Court.The President was speaking at the inaugural function of the two-day meet organised jointly by the Law Commission and Niti Aayog on the National Law Day.

WION Morning News Brief, November 26, 2017

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