PM Modi meets astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla
Shukla, who was part of the Axiom-4 mission to the ISS from June 25-July 15, met PM Modi at his Lok Kalyan Marg residence in Delhi
Shukla, who was wearing an ISRO astronaut's jacket, gifted the prime minister the mission patch of the Axiom-4 mission.
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The Hindu
17 minutes ago
- The Hindu
Opposition meet to pick V-P candidate remains inconclusive, another round of parleys on August 19
The meeting of INDIA bloc leaders on Monday (August 18, 2025) at Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge's official residence to decide the Opposition candidate for the Vice-President's post remained inconclusive. 'A meeting of leaders of all Opposition parties in Parliament will be held at 12:30 PM tomorrow Tuesday Aug 19th at 10, Rajaji Marg,' Congress communications chief Jairam Ramesh said in a post on X. The Opposition bloc is likely to announce its choice on Tuesday (August 19, 2025). According to sources, the Congress president, who is also the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Rajya Sabha, was committed to fielding a candidate and not conceding without a contest. On Sunday night, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had reached out to the leaders of some Opposition parties, including Mr. Kharge for unanimously electing the new Vice-President. Sources said the Opposition wants to field a non-political face who has national standing and stature for the second-highest constitutional position in the country. The vice-presidential election, necessitated by the sudden resignation of incumbent Jagdeep Dhankhar last month, is scheduled for September 9. The last date for filing nominations is August 21. Though no name was finalised, several possible candidates were considered. According to sources, on DMK's suggestion, Indian scientist Mylswamy Annadurai, who during his tenure at ISRO worked on two of the major missions of ISRO, namely Chandrayaan-1 and Mangalyaan, was also discussed. The Trinamool Congress, however, was of the opinion that it would be 'reactive' to field another Tamilian in response to the NDA's vice-presidential candidate — Maharashtra Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan. Mr. Annadurai hails from the same Kongu region as Mr. Radhakrishnan. His scientific and apolitical background is an advantage. If a consensus on Mr. Annadurai's candidature emerges within the Opposition ranks and if he agrees to contest, it will help the DMK and its allies politically as they will not be seen as 'anti-Tamil' in opposing Mr Radhakrishnan. Another name that is said to have been discussed is Tushar Gandhi, the great-grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, sources claimed. There were also some reservations among RJD and SP leaders about contesting the vice-presidential polls since the numbers are loaded in favour of the NDA. They argued that since the Opposition does not have the requisite numbers, it should let this election go in view of the upcoming Bihar polls, which they argued needs more attention. The SP also argued that the Opposition should focus its energy on its campaign against the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. 'So far, we have presented a united front, and any cross voting in VP's election would send a wrong message,' a senior SP leader opined. (With inputs from B. Kolappan)
NDTV
17 minutes ago
- NDTV
"I'm In Space, You Can't Reach Me": Minister Jokes As Opposition Interrupts Speech
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Time of India
32 minutes ago
- Time of India
Govt should give power subsidy only to Vidarbha, Marathwada: FIA
Nagpur: The Federations of Industries Associations (FIA), an umbrella organization of industrial bodies across Vidarbha, has demanded that state govt should withdraw the power subsidy scheme for rest of Maharashtra, and once again extend the benefit exclusively to industrial units in Vidarbha and Marathwada. This will restore the scheme to its original form. The scheme was introduced in 2016 when it was available exclusively for industries in the two regions. Later, it was discontinued for two years during the MVA regime, and then restarted in 2022, with all the D-Plus talukas in the state covered, said FIA's past president Kiran Paturkar. FIA has demanded that this has thinly spread the subsidy amount. As against Rs1,100 crore received by Vidarbha earlier, now only Rs500 crore is paid, claims the association. The association has demanded that instead of D-Plus talukas across the state, the power subsidy should be extended to all talukas irrespective of the classification in Vidarbha and Marathwada. The talukas are classified from A to D on the basis of development. The whole idea of providing the subsidy was to boost industries in backward regions like Vidarbha and Marathwada. If the incentive is also available in richer regions like West Maharashtra why would an industrial unit be attracted to a region like Vidarbha, said Paresh Raja, president of FIA. The FIA will be taking up the issue with the state govt soon, he said. Raja said the state's ease of doing business policy at present focuses mainly on the large industries. There need to be steps for MSMEs too. Paturkar said even the land allotment mechanism for small and mid-sized industries needs changes, as applicants often face hassles in the online portal. BOX State forms panel on tariffs The state govt has formed a committee to review the impact of US tariff hike and suggest measure to increase exports. It would specially study the impact on state's economy and come up with mid and long term solutions. The committee would also take up a review of aspects like de-criminalisation, self-certification of low risk non-hazardous, non-polluting industries, and ease of doing business. A government resolution (GR) issued in this regard says that the tariff hike would hamper the competitiveness of the Indian industry. As much as 18% of India's exports are to the US, which comes to 2.2% of the GDP. The 14-member committee will work on measures like exploring new markets, region-specific incentives and come up with a flexible approach against the protectionist stance of the US govt, says the GR. The committee will headed by Apurva Chandra, former IAS officer and principal advisor to ministry of defence. The industries will be represented by Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), CII, FICCI, FIEO as well as other bodies like Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce (DICC), and Engineering Export Promotion Council of India (EEPC). The panel will also work on special schemes focusing on small industries. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
