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GMA Network
2 days ago
- General
- GMA Network
No winners of major lotto draws on Friday, July 18, 2025
There were no winners of either of the major lotto jackpots offered on Friday, July 18, 2025, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) announced. No bettor chose the winning combination of 19-16-01-54-12-46 picked for the Ultra Lotto 6/58 jackpot prize of P233,048,782.00. There was also no winner of the Megalotto 6/45 jackpot of P8,910,000.00, with the winning combination of 05-09-38-03-16-17. Click here for the complete lotto results. — BAP, GMA Integrated News
New Indian Express
2 days ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
MP Roat's demand for Bhil Pradesh reignites tribal assertion, triggers constitutional debate in Rajasthan
JAIPUR: The political temperature in Rajasthan has risen sharply after Bharat Adivasi Party (BAP) MP Rajkumar Roat raised the demand for a separate Bhil Pradesh. Rajkumar Roat, MP from Banswara-Dungarpur and leader of the Bharat Adivasi Party (BAP), recently released a controversial map demanding 'Bhil Pradesh'. Following this, there was a political upheaval. BJP leader Rajendra Rathore, MP Mannalal Rawat, and State Minister Babulal Kharari levelled serious allegations like treason and sedition against Rajkumar Roat. In response, Roat accused Rathore of insulting tribal aspirations and misrepresenting constitutional norms. On Thursday, a massive rally and cultural conference was held at Mangarh Dham in Banswara as part of the Bhil Pradesh Sandesh Yatra, where BAP founder and Lok Sabha MP Rajkumar Roat reignited the long-standing demand for a separate Bhil Pradesh. Addressing a crowd of thousands, Roat called for the creation of a new tribal state by combining over 40 tribal-dominated districts across Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra. Ahead of the event, Roat had already stirred political controversy by releasing a proposed Bhil Pradesh map on social media, an act that many see as a direct challenge to constitutional procedure. Roat frequently cites a historic episode from 1913, when over 1,500 tribal people were allegedly killed at Mangarh under British rule while demanding tribal rights under the leadership of social reformer Govind Guru. That incident is commemorated every year, and Thursday's rally marked yet another powerful remembrance of the sacrifice—this time with a renewed political message. This year's yatra, an annual event, was organised on an unprecedented scale, signalling BAP's intention to push the demand more aggressively, both on ground and in Parliament. The demand has sparked intense political reactions. Former Leader of Opposition in Rajasthan, BJP's Rajendra Rathore, condemned the call for Bhil Pradesh as 'treason,' accusing Roat of promoting divisive politics. The statement triggered a sharp exchange between the two leaders on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). Senior BJP leader Rajendra Rathore argued that the Bhil Pradesh demand violates the Constitution and national unity. Rathore directly questioned Roat's release of the proposed Bhil Pradesh map: 'Is it appropriate to consider yourself above the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, and the Constitution by releasing a state map without following the legislative or constitutional process? How can you bypass Parliament in such a serious matter?' Rathore emphasised, 'Any slogan or campaign that seeks to divide the country or challenge its unity should not be accepted under any circumstances. Unfortunately, some people are promoting misleading and divisive narratives like Bhil Pradesh, ignoring constitutional spirit and national interest.' He referenced the formation of Telangana in 2014 as a constitutionally sound example, backed by extensive debate and consensus. The Bhils are one of India's largest tribal communities, primarily found in western and central India. They form a significant population in parts of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, and Maharashtra. Meanwhile, the supporters of Bhil Pradesh argue that the cultural identity, dialects, traditions, and socio-economic conditions of the tribal-dominated areas are vastly different from the rest of their respective states, warranting the need for a separate state. Though the idea has been around for decades, it has largely remained on the margins of mainstream politics. However, the recent rise of the Bharat Adivasi Party and Rajkumar Roat's vocal advocacy have given new momentum to the issue. In a sharp rebuttal, Rajkumar Roat reminded Rathore of his own legislative experience: 'You have always been known for your grasp of parliamentary procedure. I did not expect such an irresponsible statement from a politician of your stature.' Roat took further strong objection to the term 'treason,' saying, 'By using such language, you have insulted former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee—who created Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Uttarakhand—as well as your own colleague Nandlal Meena's father, who once advocated for Bhil Pradesh.' Roat cited constitutional grounds for his demand: 'Our Constitution clearly provides for the formation of new states. Bhil Pradesh satisfies multiple criteria—cultural and linguistic homogeneity, geographic contiguity, lack of equitable resource distribution, and underdevelopment.' Concluding his response, Roat urged Rathore to revisit the Indian Constitution and the history of state formation: 'Such fact-less and baseless statements are unbecoming of a seasoned parliamentarian. I urge you to study the constitutional provisions on state reorganisation before making misleading public comments.' 'Bhil Pradesh is not a demand raised on emotion alone—it is our right, our truth, and our constitutional resolution,' Roat said. With both constitutional debates and tribal identity politics now in motion, the future of this demand will depend on how national parties, the judiciary, and civil society respond to the intensifying conversation.
GMA Network
2 days ago
- Climate
- GMA Network
10 areas under Signal No. 2; Crising to make landfall on Friday night — PAGASA
Stormy conditions are imminent over Northern Luzon on Friday evening as Crising approaches Northern Cagayan while 10 areas in Luzon remain under Signal No. 2 remains, according to the latest Tropical Cyclone Bulletin posted by PAGASA. Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2 is hoisted over the following areas that will experience gale-force winds of 62 to 88 kph within the next 24 hours: Batanes Cagayan including Babuyan Islands Isabela Apayao Kalinga The northern and central portions of Abra (Manabo, Pidigan, San Juan, Tayum, Langiden, Boliney, Sallapadan, Bucloc, Lagangilang, Danglas, La Paz, Licuan-Baay, Tineg, Malibcong, Peñarrubia, San Isidro, Daguioman, San Quintin, Dolores, Lagayan, Bangued, Bucay, Lacub) The eastern portion of Mountain Province (Natonin, Paracelis) The eastern portion of Ifugao (Aguinaldo, Alfonso Lista) Ilocos Norte the northern portion of Ilocos Sur (Cabugao, Sinait, Magsingal, San Juan, San Ildefonso, Santo Domingo, Bantay, San Vicente, Santa Catalina, Caoayan, City of Vigan, Santa) Meanwhile, 11 areas are now under TCWS No. 1 and will exprience strong winds of 39 to 61 kph within the next 36 hours: Quirino Nueva Vizcaya The rest of Mountain Province The rest of Ifugao The rest of Abra Benguet The rest of Ilocos Sur La Union The northern portion of Pangasinan (San Nicolas, Natividad, San Quintin, San Manuel, Tayug, Sison, San Fabian, Pozorrubio, Laoac, Binalonan, San Jacinto, Manaoag, Mangaldan, Dagupan City, Binmaley, Lingayen, Labrador, Sual, City of Alaminos, Bolinao, Anda, Bani, Agno, Burgos, Mabini, Dasol, Calasiao, Santa Barbara, Mapandan, Bugallon) The northern portion of Aurora (Dilasag, Casiguran, Dinalungan, Dipaculao, Baler, Maria Aurora) The northeastern portion of Nueva Ecija (Carranglan, Pantabangan) The Southwest Monsoon will bring strong to gale-force gusts over the following areas (especially in coastal and upland areas exposed to winds): Zambales, Bataan, Cavite, Batangas, Quezon, Bicol Region, MIMAROPA, Visayas, Zamboanga del Norte, Camiguin, Misamis Oriental, Misamis Occidental, Lanao del Norte, Surigao del Norte, Dinagat Islands, Davao Occidental, Davao Oriental, and Sarangani. PAGASA warned affected areas of possible heavy rainfall, severe winds combined with the effects of the Southwest Monsoon, risks of storm surges, and rough sea conditions. A gale warning was raised over the northern seaboard of Northern Luzon. Tropical Storm Crising may make landfall over the northeastern portion of mainland Cagayan or Babuyan Islands on Friday evening, and exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Saturday afternoon. — BAP, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
2 days ago
- Business
- GMA Network
PH payments position swings to surplus in June 2025
The Philippine payments position swung to a surplus in June due to the national government's foreign currency deposits with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the central bank's investments. Data released by the BSP on Friday showed the country's balance of payments (BOP) stood at a surplus of $226 million in June 2025. This was a reversal from the $155-billion deficit recorded in June 2024. The payments position takes into account Philippine transactions with the rest of the world during a specific period. A surplus means more funds entered the country, while a deficit means more funds exited. 'The BOP surplus reflected the foreign currency deposits by the national government with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and income from BSP investments,' the central bank said. June's BOP surplus narrowed the year-to-date deficit from $5.8 billion in January to May 2025 to $5.6 billion in January to June 2025. 'Preliminary data indicate that the year-to-date BOP deficit was largely due to the continued trade in goods deficit. This decline was partly offset, however, by the sustained net inflows from personal remittances from overseas Filipinos, foreign borrowings by the national government, and foreign portfolio investments,' the BSP said. The BOP position mirrored the increase in the gross international reserves (GIR), which rose from $105.2 billion as of end-May 2025 to $106.0 billion by end-June 2025. 'The latest GIR level provides a robust external liquidity buffer, equivalent to 7.2 months' worth of imports of goods and payments of services and primary income,' the BSP said. 'Moreover, it covers about 3.4 times the country's short-term external debt based on residual maturity,' it added. The GIR are made up of foreign-denominated securities, foreign exchange, and other assets including gold. GIR helps a country finance its imports and foreign debt obligations, stabilize its currency, and provide a buffer against external economic shocks. — BAP, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
3 days ago
- Politics
- GMA Network
Marcos expresses gratitude to outgoing British envoy
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr on Thursday expressed gratitude to outgoing British Ambassador to the Philippines Laure Beaufils, who served as envoy to the country for four years. 'Thank you, Ambassador Laure Beaufils, for your excellent work and friendship to the Filipino people,' Marcos said in his social media post. 'As we prepare to mark 80 years of PH-UK diplomatic relations, we are grateful for your efforts in strengthening our cooperation on defense, trade, education, and regional peace,' he added. Earlier today, Marcos met with Beaufils during a farewell call at Malacañang. — Mariel Celine Serquiña/BAP, GMA Integrated News
