Terming BJP MP <keyword id="19895497" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Anurag-Thakur" source="keywords">Anurag Thakur</keyword>'s speech on the Budget a "highly abusive and <keyword id="22611352" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="unconstitutional-tirade" source="Orion">unconstitutional tirade</keyword>", the Congress on Wednesday claimed Prime Minister Narendra Modi encouraged a "serious breach of <keyword id="20813840" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="parliamentary-privilege" source="keywords">parliamentary privilege</keyword>" by sharing it on X. Congress general secretary in-charge, communications, <keyword id="20035989" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Jairam-Ramesh" source="keywords">Jairam Ramesh</keyword> slammed Thakur for making an apparent reference to Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi's caste during a discussion on the Union Budget in the Lok Sabha. Prime Minister Modi praised Thakur's speech and said it was a "must hear". Tagging Modi's post on X, Ramesh said, "This speech that the non-biological Prime Minister calls a 'must hear' is a highly abusive and unconstitutional tirade -- and by sharing it, he has encouraged a serious breach of Parliamentary privilege." Thakur brought parliamentary discourse to a new low by asking a fellow MP and the leader of opposition about his caste identity, Ramesh said. Upon protests from the opposition benches, the Chair, Jagadambika Pal, assured MPs that the comments will be expunged, he said. "In a departure from all <keyword id="10331114" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="parliamentary-norms" source="Orion">parliamentary norms</keyword> -- expunged comments are edited out of videos uploaded online -- Sansad TV has uploaded the unedited speech, and the non-biological Prime Minister has shared and praised it publicly," Ramesh said. "This is a new and shameful low in the annals of India's parliamentary history. It reflects the BJP-RSS and Mr. Modi's deep-rooted <keyword id="62736" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="casteism" source="Orion">casteism</keyword>," the Congress leader alleged. Thakur's apparent reference to Gandhi's caste triggered an ugly spat between the opposition and treasury benches. Gandhi accused Thakur of insulting and abusing him during the debate but asserted that he would not seek any apology from the former Union minister. "Anurag Thakur insulted me and I don't want any apology from him. Abuse or insult me as hard as you can but don't forget we will pass the caste census in this Parliament for sure," the leader of opposition said in the House. Sharing Thakur's speech on X on Tuesday, Modi said. "This speech by my young and energetic colleague Shri Anurag Thakur is a must hear. A perfect mix of facts and humour, exposing the dirty politics of the INDI Alliance." As the row erupted in Parliament, the Congress said the Gandhi family's caste is martyrdom but the BJP-RSS will never understand that. Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also came down heavily on Thakur's apparent questioning of Gandhi's caste in the Lok Sabha. "A socio-economic caste census is the demand of 80 per cent of the people of this country. Today, it was said in Parliament that those whose caste is not known talk about a caste census," she said in a post in Hindi on X on Tuesday. Will 80 per cent of India's population be abused in Parliament now, she asked. "Narendra Modi should clarify whether this happened at his behest," she said.

Congress accuses PM Modi of encouraging serious breach of parliamentary privilege by sharing Thakur's speech

Former vice president M Venkaiah <keyword id="6362898" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="naidu" source="Orion">Naidu</keyword> will release a collection of Prime Minister <keyword id="6354477" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="narendra-modi" source="Orion">Narendra Modi</keyword>'s selected speeches on Friday. The book titled '<keyword id="5159354" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="sabka" source="Orion">Sabka</keyword> Saath Sabka Vikas Sabka Vishwas Prime Minister Narendra Modi Speaks (May 2019-May 2020)' will be released in the presence of Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan at a function here organised by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. The book focuses on 86 speeches of the prime minister on various subjects. "It will be my honour to release the book, Sab Ka Saath, Sab Ka Vikas, <keyword id="12109029" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="sab-ka-vishwas" source="Orion">Sab Ka Vishwas</keyword>, comprising selected speeches of Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a function graced by Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan and Union Information and Broadcasting Minister <keyword id="6364468" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="anurag-thakur" source="Orion">Anurag Thakur</keyword>," Naidu said. The book portrays the prime minister's vision of a 'New India', which is self-reliant, resilient and capable of converting challenges into opportunities, an official statement said on Thursday. The book, being published in Hindi as well as English, will be available at the sales outlets of the Publications Division as well as its website. SEE ALSO : <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/health/news/active-covid-cases-in-country-decline-to-45281/articleshow/94394025.cms">Active Covid cases in country decline to 45,281</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/finance/news/home-loans-growing-at-a-faster-rate-in-tier-3-and-4-districts-thanks-to-wfh-sbi-report/articleshow/94393267.cms">Home loans growing at a faster rate in Tier 3 and 4 districts, thanks to WFH: SBI report</a>

Former Vice President Venkaiah Naidu to release book on PM Modi's speeches

The <keyword id="6355512" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="union-cabinet" source="Orion">Union Cabinet</keyword>, chaired by Prime Minister <keyword id="6354477" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="narendra-modi" source="Orion">Narendra Modi</keyword> on Wednesday approved the declaration of November 15, the birth anniversary of <keyword id="514650" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="birsa-munda" source="Orion">Birsa Munda</keyword>, as <keyword id="10312636" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="janjatiya-gaurav-diwas" source="Orion">Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas</keyword>. Briefing the media after the meeting, Information and Broadcasting Minister <keyword id="211839" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="anurag-singh-thakur" source="Orion">Anurag Singh Thakur</keyword> said November 15 as <keyword id="12505586" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="janjatiya-gaurav" source="Orion">Janjatiya Gaurav</keyword> Divas will be dedicated to the memory of brave tribal freedom fighters so that coming generations could know about their sacrifices for the country. "November 15 is the birth anniversary of Birsa Munda who is revered as Bhagwan by tribal communities across the country. He fought bravely against the exploitative system of the British colonial system and spearheaded the movement against British oppression giving a call for 'Ulgulan' (Revolution)," Thakur said. The declaration acknowledges the glorious history and cultural heritage of tribal communities and the day will be celebrated every year. It would recognize the efforts of the tribals for preservation of cultural heritage and promotion of Indian values of valour, hospitality and national pride. The government has planned week-long celebrations from November 15 to 22 to commemorate 75 years of the history of the tribal people, their culture and achievements. Several activities have been planned jointly with the state governments and the theme behind each activity is to showcase the unique tribal cultural heritage, their contributions to the freedom struggle, practices, rights, traditions, cuisines, health, education and livelihood. India's freedom struggle was strengthened by several movements by tribal communities such as Santhals, Tamars, Kols, Bhils, Khasis and Mizos to name a few. Tribal movements in different regions of the country against the British colonial rule got linked with the national freedom struggle and inspired Indians all over the country. However, the public at large is not much aware about these tribal heroes. Pursuant to the speech of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Independence Day in 2016, the Centre has sanctioned 10 tribal freedom fighter museums across the country. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/paytm-ipo-subscription-day-2/articleshow/87608830.cms">Paytm IPO scrapes through after two days of underwhelming response</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/ola-electric-scooter-test-rides-begin-in-delhi-bengaluru-ahmedabad-and-kolkata/articleshow/87625927.cms">Ola S1 and S1 Pro test rides begin in Delhi, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad and Kolkata, buyers from other cities complain</a>

Union Cabinet approves declaration of November 15 as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas

<ul><li>Modi didn’t state the reason behind doing so. And, the post left thousands of questions unanswered. </li><li>Modi has 53.3 million followers on Twitter, 35.2 million on <keyword id="819905" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Instagram">Instagram</keyword> and 44.7 million on Facebook. </li><li>Congress leader and MP from Thiruvananthapuram Shashi Tharoor feared that the abrupt announcement may lead to banning social media throughout the country. </li></ul>On March 2, PM <keyword id="6354477" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Narendra-Modi">Narendra Modi</keyword> posted on social media that he’s thinking of “giving up my social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Youtube.” With 53.3 million followers on Twitter, he is among the most followed political leaders in the world. He didn’t state the reason behind doing so. <table style="border-width: initial; border-style: none; width: 468pt; table-layout: fixed;"><colgroup></colgroup><col /><col /><col /><tbody><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;"> </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Narendra Modi </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">PMO India </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Twitter </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">53.3 million </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">32 million </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Instagram </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">35.2 million </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Not present </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Youtube </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">4.5 million </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">718K </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Facebook </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">44.7 million </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">13 million </td></tr></tbody></table> And, the post left thousands of questions unanswered. Government officials told Economic Times that they are as unaware as the rest of the world and Modi might add more to it in a day or two. 
	<div type="twitter" handle="narendramodi" handlename="Narendra Modi" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1134082549041393672/QbihPzrL_normal.png" favoritecount="143671" retweetcount="43157" status="This Sunday, thinking of giving up my social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram &amp; YouTube. Will keep you all posted." createdat="1583162818000" id="1234500451850018818"></div>



 “This Sunday, thinking of giving up my social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram &amp; YouTube. Will keep you all posted," PM Modi tweeted. This Sundayhere refers to March 8 — which is also International Women's day. PM Modi may make a major announcement on the important date (March 8) about social media. Congress leader and MP from Thiruvananthapuram Shashi Tharoor feared that the abrupt announcement may lead to banning social media throughout the country. 
	<div type="twitter" handle="ShashiTharoor" handlename="Shashi Tharoor" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/928582848784633857/sX6E0-GB_normal.jpg" favoritecount="5016" retweetcount="852" status="The PM's abrupt announcement has led many to worry whether it's a prelude to banning these services throughout the… https://t.co/NfwAUwmOCa" createdat="1583171567000" id="1234537148105121792"></div>



 Moreover, the BJP government has taken an adversarial position against big data companies. "Internet has emerged as a potent tool to cause unimaginable disruption to the democratic polity, it was felt that the extant rules be revised for effective regulation of intermediaries keeping in view the ever growing threats to individual rights and nation's integrity, sovereignty, and security,” IT Ministry earlier said. Further, the government wants to revise the existing rules for intermediaries or social media apps and platforms that rely on users to create their content, such as TikTok, Instagram et al Sources indicated that PM Modi might switch on to a new swadeshi social media platform and may also request his supporters to follow it. There were also rumours about a homegrown social media platform doing rounds in BJP, reported IANS. The Twitter was left divided with some following his cue of quitting social media while others thought he is running away from giving statements on crucial issues like the 3-day clashes in Northeast Delhi over Citizenship Amendment Act. Former Congress president <keyword id="5268" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Rahul-Gandhi">Rahul Gandhi</keyword> suggested Modi to give up “hate speech” rather than social media. 
	<div type="twitter" handle="RahulGandhi" handlename="Rahul Gandhi" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/974851878860312582/O-Zn2b72_normal.jpg" favoritecount="65105" retweetcount="17222" status="Give up hatred, not social media accounts. https://t.co/HDymHw2VrB" createdat="1583165336000" id="1234511012570624000"></div>



 Whereas India today editor <keyword id="98566" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Rajdeep-Sardesai">Rajdeep Sardesai</keyword> said “how prepared we are to deal with coronavirus, how to revive the economy, we are now speculating why PM Modi may quit social media”. 
	<div type="twitter" handle="sardesairajdeep" handlename="Rajdeep Sardesai" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1190959165319065600/-nKwExDB_normal.jpg" favoritecount="1573" retweetcount="377" status="At a time when we should be debating how to repair fractured social relations, how prepared we are to deal with cor… https://t.co/WTNak8MsLC" createdat="1583203705000" id="1234671946685538304"></div>



 Women and Child Development Minister <keyword id="6612" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Smriti-Irani">Smriti Irani</keyword>, Urban Development Minister <keyword id="421074" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Hardeep-Puri">Hardeep Puri</keyword> and Minister of State for Finance <keyword id="6364468" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="anurag-thakur">Anurag Thakur</keyword>, who is under the scanner for inflammatory statements made during Delhi elections, retweeted the post. (with inputs from agencies) See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/indias-privacy-bill-seeks-access-to-users-data-from-companies-2019-12?IR=T">India's privacy bill seeks access to users' data from companies</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/indias-personal-data-protection-bill-vs-data-laws-in-china-and-russia/articleshow/72990187.cms">Indian data laws have an uncanny resemblance to Russia’s 'new' internet and China’s 'Great Firewall'</a>

India fears a virtual crackdown on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter as Prime Minister Narendra Modi hints at an exit from social media

<ul><li>The <keyword id="6355014" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="delhi-high-court">Delhi High Court</keyword> issued a notice to social networking platforms to notify them of their designated officers in charge of removing <keyword id="2479020" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Fake-news">fake news</keyword>.</li><li>The court issued the notice in response to a plea filed by former RSS leader KN Govindarcharya accusing these platforms of “misusing free speech”.</li><li>The matter will be heard again on April 14.</li></ul>The Delhi High Court issued a notice to social networking platforms — including Facebook, Google and Twitter — to tell them who’s in charge of removing fake news and hate speeches. According to the bench, each intermediary should have at least one designated officer in charge of such tasks under the Informational Technology Act, 2000. 
	
	
	
	<div type="twitter" handle="barandbench" handlename="Bar &amp; Bench" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1209342311512985606/KwSEwwiK_normal.jpg" favoritecount="17" retweetcount="5" status="Delhi HC issues notice in plea to formally notify details of designated officers for intermediaries under Informati… https://t.co/syGtPliALS" createdat="1583905807000" id="1237616775920930816"></div>









 The court’s notice is in response to a plea filed by former Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1237615991422500864">KN Govindacharya</a> accusing “various social media companies of misusing the idea of free speech and not complying with Indian laws which result in a divisive society and riots-like situation”. The notice was issued by the bench constituting Justice DN Patel and Justice C Hari Shankar. The next hearing will take plan on April 14. <keyword id="6406418" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="hate-speech">Hate speech</keyword> online bursting into violence offline The issue of <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/indias-second-highest-ranking-law-officer-sees-no-urgency-in-a-case-on-delhi-violence/articleshow/74318695.cms">registering FIR’s against hate speech</a> being circulated on social media was brought up last month on February 26. The petition filed by social activist and former IAS officer Harsh Mander was heard on an ‘urgent’ basis. It drew a link between the turbulence and provocative speeches by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders Kapil Mishra, Anurag Thakur and Pravesh Verma. According to the Special Commissioner of Police, there are 48 pending FIRs with the police on hate speech. The Solicitor General Tushar Mehta asked for more time to file a counter-affidavit and the matter will be heard again on April 13. BJP leader Ashwini Kumar has filed his own PIL with the Supreme Court. It seeks the implementation of the Law Commission Report on hate speech. The court is yet to take up the petition. Protests in India Massive protests have erupted around India after the government announced its new citizenship laws — the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Population Registry (NPR). The problem of fake news plagues WhatsApp more than Twitter or Facebook, where there are still some level of quality control in place. On the Facebook-owned messaging app, users have the freedom to share unverified information that can’t be traced back to its original sender. It’s one of the most popular apps on the market with 400 million users. In comparison, Twitter only has 8 million Indians online. See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/nationalism-main-causes-of-fake-news-in-india/articleshow/66591404.cms">Hyper-nationalism behind India’s fake news menace: Report</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/apps/how-to/how-to-fact-check-fake-news-on-whatsapp/articleshow/74451906.cms">How to fact check fake news on WhatsApp</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/google-facebook-twitter-reveal-political-ad-spending-ahead-of-the-lok-sabha-2019-polls/articleshow/67651472.cms">Here's how global tech giants are tackling 'fake news' ahead of elections in the world's largest democracy</a>

Facebook, Google and Twitter have till April to tell the Delhi High Court who's in charge of removing fake news

<ul><li>India’s Solicitor General <keyword id="243257" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Tushar-Mehta">Tushar Mehta</keyword> told the <keyword id="6355014" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="delhi-high-court">Delhi High Court</keyword> that the issue of hate speeches inciting violence in Northeast districts of Delhi is not ‘urgent enough’. </li><li>When asked the issue of urgency, Mehta claimed ignorance and said that he had not seen any of the videos that are being circulated on social media. </li><li>Justice Muralidhar then ordered the court to play the video of BJP leader Kapil Mishra’s speech for everyone present. </li><li>“We can’t let another 1984 scenario happen in this city, not under the watch of this court,” said Muralidhar.</li><li>The bench has asked the Delhi Police to take a conscious decision on registration of FIRs for hate speech by tomorrow.</li></ul>It has been four months since protests and clashes have been rocking Delhi over India’s new citizenship laws. This week, however, things took a violent turn compromising the peace and security of its citizens. Recognising the urgency of the situation, the Delhi High Court agreed to hear the petition filed by social activist Harsh Mander seeking an independent judicial inquiry into the violence currently plaguing Northeast districts of New Delhi. <div type="image" title="5801fd99db6b3a6bc3bea6b8e4fa59d5" msid="74318880" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Violent clashes continue over India&amp;#39;s new citizenship laws in Northeast districts of New Delhi for the third day&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>
 The petition draws a link between the turbulence and the provocative speeches by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders like Kapil Mishra, Anurag Thakur and Pravesh Verma, according to <a href="https://twitter.com/LiveLawIndia/status/1232279423899955201">LiveLaw</a>. But when the Solicitor General Tushar Mehta — the second-highest ranking law officer in the country — came to court to argue on the behalf of the government he claimed that making a case to arrest BJP leaders for making hate speeches is not ‘urgent enough’ to be addressed today. <div type="image" title="4f871e42498d0e9ebc614fcba403b5cb" msid="74318966" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Areas affected by violence in Northeast Delhi&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>
 The issue of urgency When the bench started to discuss the issue of urgency, Mehta claimed ignorance. “I’m not aware of the facts, I need to do that first before making my submissions,” he said. Justice Muralidhar however pointed out that he was only asking Mehta’s opinion as an officer of the law — bearing in mind that thousands of people were exposed to videos of the speeches online and social media. 
 To this Mehta responded, “I haven’t watched the videos,” according to <a href="https://twitter.com/LiveLawIndia/status/1232567358218231808">LiveLaw</a>. Muralidhar cited concern and ordered for the clip of Kapil Mishra’s speech to be played in court so that everyone can watch it. Mehta tried one last Hail Mary claiming that he doesn’t watch television news before making his submissions.“Unfortunately, that's not the privilege that judges have,” quipped Muralidhar and continued to play the video. The police officer present in court was able to identify the Sub Inspector present in the video. As the court adjourned for lunch, reports came in of an intelligence officer found dead in Northeast Delhi. “We can’t let another 1984 scenario happen in this city, not under the watch of this court,” said Muralidhar when the court reconvened. Hate speeches The petition filed by Mander argues that hate speeches added fuel to fire. They flared up people against CAA protestors with communal slogans like, “Goli maaro gadaron ko” (shoot the traitors) and “Jai Sriram” (victory to Lord Ram). It specifically points to a speech made by Kapil Mishra on February 23 where he asked a group of people to “take action” against the protests. <div type="image" title="91e4aef10f87b8a0dfb4fc2ed36fc111" msid="74318994" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Anti-CAA protests in New Delhi&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>
 At the time of filing the petition, the 10 people had reportedly died as a result of the violence in the Northeast districts of New Delhi. In less than a day, the death toll has nearly doubled. Over 180 are injured and languishing at hospitals. The petition also points out that in addition to inciting violent clashes, the police has also been a quiet spectator as the incidents of arson and rioting unfolded. <div type="image" title="a4a5ac2370e5b2e63251e008fcfa0d8d" msid="74319022" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Police gathers to address the violent clashes in Northeast Delhi&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>
 When the hearing began at 12:30 pm, Mehta submitted that he had been authorised by the Lieutenant Governor (LG) of Delhi to appear. However, when the petitioner’s lead counsel Rahul Mehra argued that the LG can’t authorise any such action without the advice of the council of ministers, Mehta tried to defer the proceedings to tomorrow. As multiple cases are running across courts, the Supreme Court yesterday believed the situation was ‘urgent’. "This city has seen enough violence," concluded Muralidhar. The bench has asked the Delhi Police to take a conscious decision on registration of FIRs for hate speech by tomorrow. See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/congress-president-sonia-gandhi-asks-amit-shah-to-quit-over-delhi-violence/articleshow/74315680.cms">Congress president Sonia Gandhi asks Amit Shah to quit over Delhi violence</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/delhi-violence-news-riots-in-north-east-on-caa-in-bhajanpura-and-maujpur-latest-death-toll-10-says-police/articleshow/74305556.cms">The violence in Delhi is exploding— at least 10 dead, a mosque burnt, and journalists attacked is making rest of India anxious</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/politics/india/news/delhi-violence-news-and-updates/articleshow/74298031.cms">Delhi violence: HC urges Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal to visit the affected areas 'for confidence-building among people'</a>

India’s second-highest ranking law officer sees no 'urgency' in a case on Delhi violence

Hearing and visually-impaired cricket fans can look forward to an <keyword id="21678288" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-Sign-Language" source="keywords">Indian Sign Language</keyword> (ISL) and audio descriptive feed during next month's <keyword id="19921630" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="T20-World-Cup" source="keywords">T20 World Cup</keyword> in the Americas with official <keyword id="19946529" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="broadcasters" source="keywords">broadcasters</keyword> Disney+Hotstar and Star Sports Network announcing special telecast arrangements. This will be applicable for 10 matches including all the India games, semi-finals and finals. The broadcaster said that this is the first time that the T20 World Cup will be telecast with sign language and descriptive commentary making "cricket more immersive for its deaf, hard-of-hearing and visually-impaired users." Minister of Information and Broadcasting and Youth Affairs and Sports, Anurag Thakur, welcomed the move. "The Government of India is committed to creating an inclusive society and I strongly believe that this initiative will enhance the viewing experience for millions of differently-abled sports enthusiasts," he said in a press release. With this, Disney+Hotstar also becomes the first OTT platform to make ISL available for live cricket. Sajith Sivanandan, Head, Disney+ Hotstar India, said, "This underscores our commitment to promote inclusivity and serve all users. With these enhancements, we aim to ensure that the excitement of cricket knows no bounds." Sanjog Gupta, Head of Disney Star (Sports), said the innovation has got good response in the ongoing IPL. "Our mission of serving sports fans is powered by such pioneering initiatives which seek to remove barriers of access and engagement for fans from all walks of life. The initiative also serves to present a more inclusive picture of India's favourite sport and is of immense pride for the sporting fraternity," he said. The ISL feed will provide a ball-by-ball update through the presence of a translator on the live stream. The audio descriptive feed will be complemented by voice-over technology for specific pages, which can render text and images into a speech output. Alok Kejriwal, Founder and CEO, India Signing Hands, a non-profit organisation that advocates for equal opportunities for the deaf, described it as an excellent move. "I am confident that it will open doors to the exciting world of cricket to many more people from the Deaf and <keyword id="20298356" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="visually-impaired" source="keywords">Visually Impaired</keyword> communities," he said. According to the World Health Organization, there is an estimated 6.3 crore community of deaf and four crore visually impaired individuals in India. SEE ALSO:<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/woman-loses-54-lakh-in-work-from-home-scam-heres-what-it-is-and-how-to-protect-yourself/articleshow/110166963.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/woman-loses-54-lakh-in-work-from-home-scam-heres-what-it-is-and-how-to-protect-yourself/articleshow/110166963.cms" target="_blank">Woman loses ₹54 lakh in work-from-home scam! Here's what it is and how to protect yourself</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/webstories/vivo-takes-the-top-spot-in-india-top-smartphone-brands-in-q1-2024/slidelist/110150830.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/webstories/vivo-takes-the-top-spot-in-india-top-smartphone-brands-in-q1-2024/slidelist/110150830.cms" target="_blank">Vivo takes the top spot in India: Top smartphone brands in Q1 2024</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/google-i/o-2024-highlights-ask-photos-ai-overviews-ai-fraud-protection-and-more-announced/articleshow/110143756.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/google-i/o-2024-highlights-ask-photos-ai-overviews-ai-fraud-protection-and-more-announced/articleshow/110143756.cms" target="_blank">Google I/O 2024 highlights: Ask Photos, AI Overviews, AI fraud protection and more announced</a>

T20WC broadcasters announce special feed for hearing and visually impaired fans

The government on Thursday said it has blocked more than 60 social media accounts, including <keyword id="10879" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="youtube" source="Orion">YouTube</keyword> channels and <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/enterprise/news/meta-chime-file-joint-complaint-against-phishing-attacks-on-facebook-and-instagram/articleshow/89445529.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink">Facebook and Instagram</a> pages, in the last two months for spreading anti-India fake news. Replying to supplementary questions in the Upper House, Minister for State for Information and Broadcasting L Murugan said the government is very much concerned about the freedom of speech and freedom of expression. Asked about action taken against those spreading fake news, and publishers of anti-national material, he said more than 60 accounts have been blocked including those on YouTube, Twitter, <keyword id="6354576" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="facebook" source="Orion">Facebook</keyword> and <keyword id="819905" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="instagram" source="Orion">Instagram</keyword>. "These YouTube channels are sponsored from Pakistan," he said. On fake news through newspapers, the minister said the Press Council of India is an autonomous statutory body and takes care of the journalists ethics code. "Journalists have to follow ethics code. Wherever they have not followed the ethics code under the Press Council Act Section 14, action has to be initiated. In more than 150 cases, we took action against them," he said. Asked about Techfog app roles in spreading fake news, Murugan said the government has established a fact check unit, which has responded to more than 30,000 queries. This unit is also verifying viral fake news, he added. According to an official statement, the ministry on January 21 had ordered blocking of 35 YouTube based news channels and two websites which were involved in spreading anti-India fake news in a coordinated manner over digital media. Additionally, two Twitter accounts, two Instagram accounts, and one Facebook account were blocked. In December also, 20 YouTube channels and two websites were blocked, the official statement had said. In a written reply to the starred question, Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Singh Thakur said the government has statutory and institutional mechanisms in place to combat fake news. A "Fact Check Unit" has been setup under the Press Information Bureau of this Ministry in November, 2019 which takes cognisance of fake news both suo motu and by way of queries sent by citizens on its portal or through e-mail and WhatsApp. "The unit responds to relevant queries with correct information when the same pertains to Central Government or forwards them to States/UTs in other cases. The Unit also maintains a Twitter account @PIBFactcheck and posts cases of fake news, being busted, on the same on regular basis. PIB Fact Check Unit has so far responded to 30,533 actionable queries," he said. For print media, the Press Council of India (PCI), a statutory autonomous body set up under the Press Council Act, 1978, has framed "Norms of Journalistic Conduct" for adherence by the media. These norms emphasise the principles of accuracy and fairness as well as pre-publication verification. The PCI has formulated specific norms to refrain print media from publication/ dissemination of fake or false news. For electronic media (Television), all TV channels are required to adhere to the Programme Code under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995. As per the code, programmes should not contain anything obscene defamatory, deliberate, false and suggestive innuendos and half-truths. For digital news, the government has notified the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 on February 25 2021, under the Information Technology Act, 2000 which inter alia provides for a Code of Ethics for adherence by digital news publishers. "Appropriate action is taken in cases where violation of norms, codes etc., are found. The government also issues advisory from time to time to the media to adhere to the laid down codes," Thakur said.

Government blocks over 60 social media accounts for allegedly spreading anti-India fake news

New Delhi, The <keyword id="2734036" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="halwa-ceremony">Halwa ceremony</keyword>, marking the final stage of the Budget making process, was held in North Block on Saturday afternoon in the presence of <keyword id="309842" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Union-Finance">Union Finance</keyword> and Corporate Affairs Minister <keyword id="129243" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Nirmala-Sitharaman">Nirmala Sitharaman</keyword>. A customary Halwa ceremony is performed every year before the "lock-in" process of the Budget preparations gets underway. This normally happens around middle of January when the exercise to finalise and print budget details starts in the basement of North Block. This year, as the budget is going paperless, the ceremony got delayed since the need for lock-in is not required. The <keyword id="6360189" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="union-budget">Union Budget</keyword> 2021-22 is to be presented on February 1. The Halwa is prepared in a large utensil in the presence of <keyword id="47209" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Finance-Ministry">Finance Ministry</keyword> officials, including ministers, and sharing the sweet dish is considered auspicious before starting any good work. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, there was question mark over the ceremony this year. On the occasion, the Finance Ministry also launched the 'Union Budget Mobile App' for hassle-free access to Budget documents by the MPs and the general public using the simplest form of digital convenience. The app facilitates complete access to 14 Union Budget documents, including the Annual Financial Statement (commonly known as Budget), Demand for Grants (DG), Finance Bill etc. as prescribed by the Constitution. The Budget documents will be available on the app after the completion of the Budget speech by the Finance Minister on February 1. At the Halwa ceremony, Sitharaman was accompanied by Union Minister of State for Finance &amp; Corporate Affairs Anurag Singh Thakur; A.B. Pandey, Finance Secretary &amp; Secretary (Revenue); T.V. Somanathan, Secretary, Expenditure; Tarun Bajaj, Secretary, Economic Affairs; Tuhin Kanta Pandey, Secretary, DIPAM; Debashish Panda, Secretary, Financial Services; K.V. Subramanian, Chief Economic Advisor; Rajat Kumar Mishra, Additional Secretary (Budget) and other officials of the Finance Ministry. Later, Sitharaman reviewed the status of the compilation of the Union Budget 2021-22 and extended her best wishes to the officials concerned. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/policy/economy/news/recession-in-india-will-end-latest-by-march-says-a-top-economist/articleshow/80399198.cms">Recession in India will end latest by March, says a top economist</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/amazfit-smartwatch-gts-2-review-feature-rich-but-theres-still-room-for-improvement/articleshow/80398998.cms">Amazfit GTS 2 review – feature-rich, but there’s still room for improvement</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/apps/news/whatsapp-to-soon-introduce-voice-and-video-calls-for-web-multi-device-support-jiomart-integration-and-more/articleshow/80398791.cms">WhatsApp to soon introduce voice and video calls for Web, multi-device support, JioMart integration and more</a>

Final stage of Budget 2021-22 commences with Halwa ceremony

New Delhi, Mar 3 () The government on Tuesday said it will continue to retain the management control of LIC and safeguard the interest of policyholders even after listing of the insurance behemoth through initial public offering (IPO) on stock exchanges. In the Budget Speech 2020-21, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), a fully-owned government undertaking, will be listed. In a written reply to a query in the Rajya Sabha, the minister said that listing of companies on stock exchanges disciplines a company and provides access to financial markets and unlocks its value. "It also gives opportunity for retail investors to participate in the wealth so created," Sitharaman added. The IPO, she said, would be brought out after necessary legislative changes and regulatory approvals. "The government will remain the majority shareholder and will continue to retain management control safeguarding the interest of policyholders," she said. The finance minister further said LIC is not losing its market share. At the end of March 2019, LIC had a market share of 74.71 per cent in number of policies and 66.24 per cent in first year premium income. According to data published by the Life Insurance Council, LIC has a market share of 77.61 per cent in number of policies and 70.02 per cent in first year premium income as on January 31, 2020. Meanwhile, Minister of State for Finance Anurag Thakur in another reply said the government has given in-principle approval for strategic disinvestment of 34 central public sector enterprises, including subsidiaries, units and joint ventures. Strategic disinvestment implies sale of substantial portion of the government shareholding of a CPSE along with transfer of management control. NKD CS HRS

Govt to retain management control in LIC after listing: Sitharaman

<ul><li>The central government will provide free food grain and pulses to low income families, under the new Pradhan Mantri Gareeb Kalyan Anna Yojana. </li><li>Under the Ujjwala scheme, government also will provide free cooking gas cylinders for the next three months to 83 million people. </li><li>As many as 200 million women with Jan Dhan account holders will receive ₹500 a month for the next three months. </li></ul>Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a ₹1.7 crore stimulus package to ensure 800 million poor people in India are not affected by the lockdown and its resultant loss of livelihoods. They will be supplied with food grain, pulses, cash and cooking gas for the next three months. “We want to make sure that no one goes hungry,” said Sitharaman in a press conference today (March26). These announcements were made a part of the Pradhan Mantri Gareeb Kalyan Anna Yojana. Most of the schemes are directed towards women to ensure that the benefits are transferred to families. “When our 83 million sisters receive food and gas and cash it will help 350 million people in families,” said Anurag Thakur, minister of state for finance. When asked if there are more schemes in the offing, Sitharaman said, “We made sure that women, widows, disabled and the poorest of the poor are taken care of.” Here are her announcements that can help poor households. Free grain and pulses for 3 months Over and above the 5 kilos of either rice or wheat that families below the poverty line receive, they will be given another 5 kilos rice/wheat free of cost for the next three months. The government will also offer 1 kg of the preferred pulse or dal. This can be collected in two instalments by every household from ration shops. Free cooking gas cylinders to 83 million people Under the Ujjwala scheme, 83 million women will be provided free cooking gas cylinders for the next three months. Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 1 May 2016 to provide subsidised cooking cylinders to poor households. “This will ensure that women will have enough means to cook the grain we are providing,” said Sithraraman. Cash transfer to women Jan Dhan account holders As many as 200 million women with Jan Dhan account holders will receive ₹500 a month for the next three months. This amount will be transferred directly to the bank accounts. “People also need cash in hand,” said Sitharaman. Loans to women self-help groups will be doubled Collateral-free loans as per Deen Dayal Yogana given to women Self help groups (SHGs) will be doubled to ₹20 lakhs. This will help 6.3 million SHGs and that would benefit 70 million people who depend on their income. READ ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/fm-nirmala-sitharaman-26th-march-speech-highlights-and-updates/articleshow/74825011.cms">These are the highlights of the Finance Minister’s speech on financial stimulus to battle the impact of coronavirus lockdown</a>

Lockdown package: Poor Indian women given cash, grain, pulses, cooking gas to feed their families

<ul><li>A top public sector bank was asked to return all ₹2,000 notes in its possession to currency chests on Friday.</li><li>Third-party ATM service providers have been instructed to replace ₹2000 note cassettes in ATMs with cassettes for the new ₹100 note at multiple banks, including those in the private sector.</li><li>Sources told Business Insider that the move is unlikely to have anything to do with fake notes because branches have their own machines to authenticate currency.</li></ul>At least one top public sector bank has recalled all its ₹2,000 notes on an "emergency" basis from multiple branches on Friday, according to sources. Even branches who were holding on to only four such notes were told to return them to currency chests — where banknotes are stored on behalf of the <keyword id="6354335" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="reserve-bank-of-india">Reserve Bank of India</keyword> (RBI). The directive came after employees at the bank were issued instructions from the central office to <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/finance/news/exclusive-a-top-public-sector-bank-told-employees-to-restrict-the-circulation-of-2000-notes/articleshow/74004756.cms?src=hp_trend">no longer re-load ₹2,000 notes into ATMs</a> or dispense them to people making withdrawals. Customers, however, need not panic as the banks are still accepting ₹2,000 notes from individuals making a deposit. And, they are still legal tender. 
 
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 New ₹100 notes for ₹2000 Sources at the bank — whose identity we confirmed, requested anonymity because they were not authorised to speak publicly — told Business Insider India that third-party ATM service providers were given instructions to replace the ₹2000 note cassette in ATMs with cassette for new ₹100 notes for multiple banks, including those in the private sector. 
 
 
 
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 These instructions carried out at by bank branches. But, our sources confirmed that such instructions — to change how an ATM will dispense cash — cannot be issued at a branch level and had to have come from higher up. The RBI is yet to respond to Business Insider's queries on the same. From tackling the issue of <keyword id="6359321" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="fake-currency">fake currency</keyword> to banning the ₹2,000 altogether, there are many reasons behind why the government might be clamping down India's highest denomination. It's not about fake currency When the ₹2,000 note was first introduced into the economy after the massive demonetisation exercise in 2016, the RBI assured citizens that the note was as secure as it can be. 
 
 
 
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 However, the incidence of fake ₹2000 notes being seized has been on a rise. In 2017, 53.5% of the value of fake currency seized by law enforcement agencies was made up of ₹2000 notes, according to data collected by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB). By 2018, it further escalated to comprise of 61.1% value share in seized fake currency. 
 
 
 
 
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 As recently as Sunday, a passenger travelling in from Dubai was arrested in Mumbai at the international airport for being in possession of ‘high quality' fake currency notes worth nearly ₹24 lakh. Nearly 99% of the notes of the value — ₹23.86 lakh — was made up of 1,193 ₹2000 denomination notes. 
	
 
 
 
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 However, sources tell Business Insider that it is unlikely that the RBI would recall ₹2000 notes over a fake currency issue. "They wouldn't have taken such a big step and would have put the responsibility on the branch," they said. Bank branches are equipped with fake currency detection machines to detect fraudulent notes. If the central office or the RBI suspects an outbreak, each branch is asked to cross-check all the currency in their possession and issue a verification certificate — attested by the branch in-charge — that all the currency in their possession is real. Simmer down circulation so that a ₹2000 note ban isn't disruptive At the time of demonetisation, the ₹2000 note was an easy way to infuse a large amount of cash into the system as the government raced to stay ahead of the economy. However, with smaller denominations returning to the system — its role became less significant. 
	
 
 
 
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 In October last year, the RBI said that it had stopped the production of ₹2000 notes in response to a right to information (RTI) enquiry. In November 2019, former finance secretary, <a href="https://www.bloombergquint.com/politics/demonetisation-anniversary-rs-2000-notes-being-hoarded-should-be-demonetised-subhash-chandra-garg">Subhash Chandra Garg</a> said, "A good chunk of ₹2,000 notes are actually not in circulation, having been hoarded. ₹2000 note, therefore, is not presently working as a currency of the transaction. It can be demonetised, without causing any disruption." Higher denominations, like a quick fix, come with their own set of problems. Analysts have repeatedly pointed out that high-value notes are a desirable store of value for criminals. In fact, they work against the very purpose of demonetisation — to wipe out black money, money laundering, tax evasion and terror funding. 
 
 
 
 
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 Despite these issues, in December, the Minister of Finance <a href="https://www.livemint.com/politics/policy/no-proposal-to-stop-circulation-of-rs-2-000-currency-notes-government-11575375669359.html">Anurag Singh Thakur</a> told the Rajya Sabha — higher house of Parliament — that the government had no plans to stop the circulation of the ₹2000 note. This was after many rumours were rife about a possible ban on it. Sources told Business Insider that restricting the supply for ₹2,000 notes could be RBI's way of restricting the note's circulation, so that if the note is eventually demonetised — it will not cause a big disruption. More so, it could be a precursor of sorts. See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/finance/news/exclusive-a-top-public-sector-bank-told-employees-to-restrict-the-circulation-of-2000-notes/articleshow/74004756.cms">A top public sector bank told employees to restrict the circulation of ₹2,000 notes</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/highlights-of-rbi-governor-shaktikanta-das-speech/articleshow/73977878.cms">'Don't discount the RBI' ⁠— that and other top highlights of RBI governor Shaktikanta Das speech</a>

Exclusive: Bankers reveal why RBI is quietly rolling back the ₹2000 notes

<ul><li>Singer Babul Supriyo, the BJP MP from Asansol in West Bengal swears into Modi’s cabinet. Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti from Fatehpur in Uttar Pradesh was also sworn in as a Minister of State.</li><li>Former Power and Railways Minister Dr Arvind Sawant from Mumbai South who defeated Milind Deora of Congress too has taken oath. </li><li>Among those who have taken oath include Thawar Chand Gehlot, S Jaishankar (former Foreign Secretary), Ramesh Pokhriyal, Arjun Munda, Dr Harsh Vardhan (former Science Ministry), Prakash Javadekar (former HRD minister), and Piyush Goel (former coal minister).</li><li>Narendra Modi has taken charge as the Prime Minister of the country for the second time in a swearing in ceremony that just concluded.</li></ul> Update at 09:05 pm Debut MP Debasree Chaudhuri of Raiganj in West Bengal takes oath as Minister of State in Modi’s cabinet. Sanjeev Balyan, Dhotre Sanjay Shamrao, Anurag Singh Thakur from Hamirpur, Suresh Angadi, Nityanand Rai, Rattan Lal Kataria, V Muraleedharan, Renuka Singh Saruta, Som Prakash, Rameshwar Teli, Pratap Sarangi, Kailash Chaudhari, Debasree Chaudhuri were also sworn in as Ministers of State. Update at 08:30 pm Ramdas Athawale from Maharashtra’s Sangli district was sworn in as Minister of State, along with Parshottam Rupala. Update at 08:25 pm Secunderabad BJP MP Kishan Reddy takes oath. Ashwini Kumar Choubey, Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, Gen V K Singh, Krishan Pal Gurjar from Faridabad, and Raosaheb Danve too were sworn in. Update at 08:10 pm Prahlad Patel, Raj Kumar Singh from Arrah constituency, Hardeep Singh Puri, Mansukh Mandavia, Faggan Singh Kulaste also take oath. Update at 08:02 pm Shripad Yesso Naik from North Goa is inducted into Modi’s cabinet. Dr Jitendra Singh, the current MP of Haridwar is also sworn in. Update at 08:00 pm Rao Inderjit Singh BJP’s MP from Gurugram, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Santosh Kumar Gangwar from Bareily in Uttar Pradesh were sworn in. Update at 07:55 pm Giriraj Singh from Bihar’s Begusarai who defeated Kanhaiya Kumar, the former student leader and a candidate of Communist Party of India (CPI) was also sworn in. Update at 07:50 pm Former Power and Railways Minister Dr Arvind Sawant, Shiv Sena MP from Mumbai South who defeated Milind Deora of Congress too has taken oath. Dr Mahendra Nath Pandey, former Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi (former Minority Affairs Minister), Pralhad Joshi, too have taken oath. Update at 07:40 pm Piyush Goel and Prakash Javadekar take the oath. Update at 07:35 pm Smriti Irani who won at Amethi against Congress Party leader Rahul Gandhi as its MP, also took oath to cheering public. She was the textiles minister in the earlier cabinet. Update at 07:25 pm Narendra Singh Tomar (formerly Rural Development Minister, Ravi Shankar Prasad (former Telecom and Law Minister); Harsimrat Kaur Badal (former food processing minister) too have taken oath. Update at 07:19 pm Ram Vilas Paswan also takes the oath of office and secrecy. Update at 07:16 pm Incumbent Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also takes the oath. Update at 07:12 pm Shri Rajnath Singh follows Modi to take oath. He was home affairs minister in the last cabinet. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Amit Shah has also taken oath. He did not hold a portfolio in the last cabinet Update at 07:07 pm Narendra Modi takes charge as India’s PM for the second time Update at 07:00 pm <keyword id="6354814" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="prime-minister-narendra-modi">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</keyword> has also arrived at the event. As many as 50 ministers of the cabinet will take oath after the PM today. The ceremony will start at 7 PM. Bollywood actor Shahid Kapoor and Kangana Ranaut have already arrived at the event at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Bangladesh President Abdul Hamid along with his first lady too arrived at the event. Update at 06:30 pm Dignitaries and top industrialists like Ratan Tata, Mukesh Ambani and Gautam Adani; along with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Amit Shah have already arrived at the venue, to view Narendra Modi take the oath as the Prime Minister for the second time. It’s a big day for India and Narendra Modi who will once again take oath as India’s Prime Minister for a second consecutive term. The master communicator, who has stormed back to power with yet another thumping majority, will once again use the moment and the stage as effectively as it can be. The oath taking ceremony will be held at 7 pm on Thursday (May 30), ensuring that all the attention of prime time television viewers are solely on him. He gave <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/full-text-of-modi-speech-lok-sabha-election-2019/articleshow/69467611.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">over an hour long victory speech</a>, again on prime time, after the election results were declared on May 23. Run up to the event Modi has kickstarted his oath-taking day, early this morning by saluting his heroes. He paid a tribute at the National War Memorial in the morning. The PM from Guajrat won a second consecutive term with a thumping majority, also paid tribute to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)’s prominent former Prime Minister, Atal Bihari Vajpayee. This charismatic former Prime Minister was instrumental in creating the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in 1998. Modi who hails from Gandhinagar which was also home to father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi, also visited Rajghat today to pay homage. The newly elected PM’s oath taking ceremony promises to be interesting as <a data-type="tilCustomLink">8,000 guests</a> from within and outside the country are expected to pour in for the event. It is being touted as the biggest ever event that takes place at Rashtrapathi Bhavan. The event also promises to be star-studded as many Bollywood celebrities including Vivek Oberoi who played the role of Modi, in a now-released movie ‘Modi’, are expected to attend the event. Invites have also gone in for <a data-type="tilCustomLink">BIMSTEC leaders</a>—which includes Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Nepal and Bhutan. However, it is now known that leaders from Kyrgyzstan and Mauritius will be attending the event. The swearing in ceremony is striving to make Modi’s guests from his constituency in Varanasi feel special. A special gallery called ‘Kashi Sankul’ is being set-up to accommodate 250 special guests from Uttar Pradesh. The event however is not without its controversies. The winning party BJP invited the families of those killed in the West Bengal political violence which erupted just before the last phase of polling. This move angered Mamata Banerjee the chief minister of the state and the head of Trinamool Congress, who declined an invitation to the attend the ceremony. BJP’s ally in Maharashtra, Shiv Sena slammed Banerjee for this move, in an editorial published in its mouthpiece Saamna. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/modis-swearing-in-ceremony-is-set-to-be-the-biggest-event-ever-with-8000-guests/articleshow/69571352.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Modi's swearing in ceremony is set to be the biggest event ever, with 8,000 guests</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/full-text-of-modi-speech-lok-sabha-election-2019/articleshow/69467611.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Full text of Modi’s first speech after historic election victory</a>

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