Latest from United News of India
United News of India
an hour ago
- Politics
- United News of India
LS adjourned for the day amid ruckus by Oppn over SIR issue
New Delhi, July 25 (UNI) The Lok Sabha was adjourned for the day today due to continued disruptions by Opposition members demanding a rollback of Special Intensive Revision (SIR) currently underway in Bihar. As soon as the House reassembled, members of the Opposition parties started raising slogans with some holding placards. Amid the ruckus, presiding officer Jagdambika Pal called for the papers to be laid on the table. The Opposition members entered the well of the House raising slogans like 'SIR Wapas Lo' (take back SIR and 'SIR pe charcha karo' (have discussion on SIR). Urging the protesting member to go back to their seats and let the House function, Pal said, 'You yourself introspect that with this commotion who will gain. You have been sent by the people to raise their issues. But the House is being disrupted repeatedly. It is not an achievement. There are more than 200 Private Member Bills'. Meanwhile, Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal said that an important bill pertaining to the tribals of Goa was up for discussion in the House, but the Opposition members were not allowing it to take place. 'By not allowing the House to function, they show that they are against tribals of Goa,' Meghwal said. The chair again urged the agitating members to go back to their seats and let the House function. Despite his repeated requests, the Opposition continued with the ruckus and the chair then adjourned the House till 11 am. Earlier in the day when the House met, tributes were paid to the armed forces on Kargil Vijay Diwas. However, soon after Speaker Om Birla initiated the session, Opposition members stormed into the well of the House, raising slogans and displaying placards in protest. Amid the disruptions, the Speaker urged the agitating members to allow the House to function. Addressing the unruly scene, Speaker Birla said, "I have always made efforts to ensure the smooth functioning of the House, especially that members get full opportunity to speak during question hour." He also proposed involving a government representative in talks with opposition leaders to resolve the ongoing standoff. Birla emphasised the importance of Parliamentary functioning, highlighting that each MP represents approximately 20 lakh citizens who look to their elected leaders with expectations for their future. Despite his appeal, the Opposition continued their protest, prompting the Speaker to adjourn the session until 2 pm. UNI RBE PRS
United News of India
an hour ago
- Politics
- United News of India
Rahul admits past neglect of OBC concerns, calls for inclusive representation
New Delhi, July 25 (UNI) Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, today acknowledged that he "did not do enough to protect the interests of the OBC community," admitting that he was not aware about the depth of the challenges they faced at that time. Addressing the Congress OBC Leaderhip-Bhagidari Nyay Mahasammelan here Rahul Gandhi acknowledged both his achievements and shortcomings, particularly in addressing the concerns of the OBC (Other Backward Classes) community. Speaking at the event, Gandhi listed several key initiatives he believed he had done well in, including the Land Acquisition Bill, MGNREGA, the Right to Food Act, the Tribal Bill, and the Niyamgiri movement. 'I believe I did meaningful work in these areas,' he said, adding that in highlighting issues related to Dalits, Adivasis, and women, he would give himself 'good marks". However, he admitted that he and the Congress party failed to adequately protect the interests of the OBC community. 'I did not protect the interests of the OBC (Other Backward Classes) community the way I should have. The reason is that, at the time, I didn't fully understand the issues faced by OBCs. Around 10–15 years ago, I had understood the challenges faced by Dalits— their issues were more visible and easier to grasp. But the struggles of OBCs often remain hidden,' he said. Gandhi acknowledged that had he been more aware of the OBC community's concerns earlier, he would have pushed for a caste-based census then itself. 'That was my mistake, and I am now working to correct it. In a way, it's a good thing because had the caste census been conducted back then, it wouldn't have been as comprehensive as it can be today,' he claimed. Highlighting the issue of underrepresentation, Gandhi pointed out the absence of marginalised groups in key decision-making processes. Referring to the traditional 'halwa ceremony' marking the final stages of the Union Budget preparation, he alleged, 'When the halwa was being distributed after the budget was prepared, there was no one representing the 90 percent of the country's population — Dalits, OBCs, Adivasis, and minorities — in that room.' He emphasised that this 90 percent forms the backbone of the nation's productivity. 'You are the ones who make the halwa, but others are the ones eating it. We're not saying they shouldn't eat — but at the very least, you should get a share too.' Gandhi also criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a 'Hindu India", pointing out that nearly 50 percent of Hindus belong to the OBC (Other Backward Classes) community. 'If it truly is a Hindu India, then why are there hardly any OBCs in media and corporate sectors? Why are there no OBC individuals among the country's top news anchors?' Gandhi asked. He further accused the government of snatching away the land of SC-ST and OBC communities, which are allegedly being handed over to industrialist Gautam Adani. Gandhi again reiterated Congress' commitment to conducting a caste-based census wherever the party forms the government. UNI RBE RN
United News of India
an hour ago
- Politics
- United News of India
Kerala Power Department a syndicate of corruption: Ramesh Chennithala
Thiruvananthapuram, July 25 (UNI) Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala has alleged that the Kerala Power Department took a loan of Rs 175 crore from NABARD under the guise of a solar project to facilitate corruption, with the support of a secretive group within ANERT. In a letter to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, AICC Working Committee member Chennithala said the Power Department has become a 'syndicate of corruption' operating with borrowed funds. The former Leader of the Opposition in the Kerala Assembly also demanded a forensic audit and a Legislative Committee probe into a major corruption scandal worth over Rs 100 crore in ANERT, a public sector institution, related to the Central Government's PM-KUSUM scheme- intended to provide farmers with free solar-powered pumps. "Simultaneously, due to the failure to utilize funds allocated by the Centre under the KUSUM scheme, the government was forced to return unutilized amounts. Irregularities worth crores have also occurred in the Thiruvananthapuram Smart City project—not just in the KUSUM scheme," he pointed out. Chennithala alleged that the ANERT CEO, who is only authorized to issue tenders up to Rs 5 crore, issued a tender worth Rs 240 crore for the project. "Despite my repeated demands, the Power Minister has refused to clarify who approved this tender. It is impossible for such a large tender to proceed without the minister's knowledge. The circumstances behind this approval must be made public," he said. He also noted that the first tender—which had a lower quoted amount- was cancelled, and a second tender was floated. "The reason for cancelling the first tender needs to be disclosed," he demanded. "The second tender received quotes up to 145% higher than the base price fixed by the Centre. This must be explained. Contracts were awarded at amounts higher than several of the submitted bids," he added. Even after the tenders were opened, modifications were made—serious procedural violations, Chennithala alleged. "These actions were carried out by the CEO in collusion with a temporary employee close to him. It must be investigated on whose instructions this was done." He also pointed to irregularities in consultancy appointments. "The government has a clear protocol for appointing consultancy firms. But ANERT blatantly violated these rules. A temporary employee at ANERT was appointed—on special recommendation—in a consulting firm (EY), in a manner reminiscent of the Swapna Suresh model." "Based on the CEO's recommendation, this individual resigned from ANERT and was immediately reappointed as a consultant to ANERT by EY, as confirmed by an email from the firm. These are unheard-of and highly irregular practices." Chennithala claimed that a secret group consisting of temporary employees and EY consultants operated in coordination with the ANERT CEO, bypassing the institution's Finance Department. "Such massive irregularities would not have been possible without the full backing of the Power Minister." "The CEO acted far beyond his official jurisdiction. Sensitive matters like the opening of tenders were handled entirely by temporary staff and the consulting firm EY, sidelining the Finance Department. It is evident that these actions were taken with the intent to commit corruption," he said. "Yet, the Power Minister has not even had the decency to suspend the ANERT CEO or order a proper investigation. It is now clear beyond doubt that the Power Minister himself is involved in this corruption." "Since the department refuses to initiate an inquiry, I urge the Chief Minister to personally intervene and take strong action." "We have learned through media reports that the Finance Department conducted a 'lightning inspection' at ANERT. This is nothing but a mockery. Such token actions cannot cover up the serious irregularities committed." Chennithala demanded that all transactions carried out by ANERT over the past five years be subjected to a forensic audit by an independent agency. "The Legislative Committee must also be entrusted with an inquiry. Only then can the full extent of the corruption be revealed. Despite the government's financial constraints, the Power Department took a ₹175 crore loan from NABARD to facilitate this corruption," his letter said. "I hope you will act swiftly and take the necessary steps in this matter. The ANERT CEO should be suspended immediately, and all transactions must be reviewed and subjected to a forensic audit," he concluded. UNI DS RKM
United News of India
an hour ago
- Sport
- United News of India
India top Group D, face Japan in quarterfinals
Solo (Indonesia), July 20 (UNI) India continued their dominant run at the Badminton Asia Junior Mixed Team Championships 2025 with a hard-fought 110-100 win over Hong Kong China in their final Group D encounter today, sealing the top spot in the group and booking a quarterfinal clash with Japan. Both India and Hong Kong China had already secured their places in the knockout stage before the final group match. However, the Indian contingent chose to field a strong lineup, aiming to maintain their unbeaten momentum heading into the knockouts. Rujula Ramu once again laid the foundation for India with an 11-8 victory over IP Sum Yau in the opening match. The lead was swiftly extended by the boys' doubles pair of Bhargav Ram Arigela and Viswa Tej Gobburu—ranked No. 6 in the junior world rankings—who outplayed Cheung Sai Shing and Deng Chi Fai to take the score to 22-13. Please log in to get detailed story.
United News of India
an hour ago
- Business
- United News of India
Veranda Learning Solutions board to decide on restructuring
Chennai, July 25 (UNI) Listed education company Veranda Learning Solutions Limited today said it has reduced the debt of its subsidiary Veranda XL Learning Solutions Private Ltd (VXL). The company board will meet on July 28, 2025 to decide on restructuring. In a statement issued, the company said Rs.346.14 crore has been transferred to the designated escrow account to redeem Non-Convertible Debentures (NCDs) issued by VXL to Ascertis Credit (formerly Barings Private Equity Asia) in March and April 2024. It may be recalled Veranda Learning had earlier said it had raised Rs.357.42 crore from Qualified Institutional Placement (QIP) primarily to reduce debt. Mohasin Khan SP, Chief Financial Officer of Veranda Learning Solutions, said, 'We are pleased to share a significant milestone in our journey toward becoming a leaner, more agile organisation. This marks the first step in our strategic initiative to make the commerce vertical debt-free and unlock value for our shareholders. By retiring high-cost debt, we have not only strengthened our financial position but also created additional headroom to invest in innovation and future growth. This move reflects our continued commitment to disciplined execution, financial prudence, and long-term value creation for all stakeholders.' According to Veranda Learning Solutions, its restructuring committee had recommended a proposal to the Board for the demerger and listing of a debt-free commerce vertical. The Board is set to meet on Monday July 28, 2025 regarding the same. UNI VJ ARN
