Ministry of Home Affairs Revokes FCRA Registration of Centre for Policy Research
The Ministry of Home Affairs in India revoked the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Act, 2020, registration of the Centre for Policy Research (CPR) in New Delhi, alleging violations. The leading public policy research institution, spearheaded by Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar's daughter, Yamini Aiyar, faced government scrutiny for purportedly breaching FCRA regulations.
The FCRA license for CPR was initially suspended in February 2023 for 180 days, and subsequently, the suspension was extended for an additional 180 days.
Established in 1973, CPR has been a leading policy think-tank, engaging in advanced and comprehensive research on diverse policy-related matters.
MOSPI Launches New eSakshi App to Track MPLADS Process
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation launched a new app to track the fund flow under the Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme-2023.
The new eSakshi app will provide an interface to capture the entire MPLAD scheme cycle, providing convenience and accessibility like never before.
The eSakshi app launch is part of the ministry's ongoing efforts to strengthen the management and efficiency of the MPLADS.
Jan 17, 2024
Congress Appoints Sharmila Andhra Unit President
The Congress appointed Y. S. Sharmila as the president of its Andhra Pradesh unit. She is the daughter of former CM Y. S. Rajasekhar Reddy and sister of current state CM Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy.
Sharmila had joined the Congress on January 4 in the presence of party president Mallikarjun Kharge. She merged with the Congress her YSR Telangana Party, which she had floated on July 8, 2021. Her appointment came a day after incumbent state chief Gidugu Rudra Raju stepped down from the post. He was appointed special invitee to the Congress Working Committee.
Jan 16, 2024
Shaun Marsh Announces Retirement from Professional Cricket
Australia's Shaun Marsh, a renowned name in international and domestic cricket, announced his retirement from all forms of the sport.
He started his career in Western Australia and gained recognition for his skill and dedication. His batting style, characterised by traditional and orthodox techniques, brought him considerable success in different formats of the game.
Marsh's international career with the Australian cricket team was marked by notable performances in Test matches, One Day Internationals (ODIs), and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is).
Jan 15, 2024
Milind Deora Quits Congress, Joins Maharashtra CM Shinde-led Shiv Sena
Former Congress Lok Sabha member Milind Deora, who was a key part of Rahul Gandhi's 'young brigade' of the mid-2000s, quit the party and joined Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena.
Milind, a two-term member of the lower house and a former Union Minister, said that the Congress had "deviated from its ideological and organisational roots, lacking appreciation for honesty and constructive criticism.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Inaugurates the 27th National Youth Festival in Nashik
Nashik, Maharashtra, hosted the prestigious 27th National Youth Festival from January 12 to 16, 2024. This significant event was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The festival coincided with the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, celebrated youthful talent and skills across the nation.
The festival witnessed the presence of notable dignitaries including Union Ministers Anurag Singh Thakur, Bharati Pawar, Nisith Pramanik, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar.
The 27th National Youth Festival aimed to provide a platform for young people to showcase their skills and talents. It celebrated the youth power of India and the commitment to make India a developed nation by 2047, the 100th year of Indian independence. The festival, along with the development projects initiated, signifies a step towards empowering the youth and enhancing the nation's infrastructure.
Mallikarjun Kharge is INDIA Bloc Chief
After a series of meetings and deliberations, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge was named as the chairperson of the Opposition-led INDIA bloc. The development came as leaders of the INDIA bloc held a virtual meeting to review the seat-sharing agenda, participation in "Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra" and other matters related to the alliance.
Meanwhile, leaders present at the meeting also decided to appoint Nitish Kumar as the convener of the bloc. However, Nitish Kumar's party said he was not after any position. The Bihar Chief Minister has reportedly turned down the proposal, saying someone from the Congress should take up the responsibility.
Jan 14, 2024
India, U.K. Ink 2 Deals
India and the U.K. signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for bilateral international cadet exchange programme and also a Letter of Arrangement (LoA) on defence collaboration in Research and Development. These were signed after the bilateral talks between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his British counterpart Grant Shapps in London.
This is the first visit by an Indian Defence Minister to U.K. after over two decades, the last visit was by George Fernandes in 2002. Multiple attempts in the last few years for Singh's official visit to the U.K. did not materialise due to scheduling and other issues.