LIVE Breaking News: BJP Running Its Election Campaign Through President, Says Tharoor

BREAKING NEWS: President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday addressed members of both Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha in a joint session, marking the beginning of Parliament's budget session. During her speech, the President shared her vision for India by 2047. In her address, President Murmu said that the world is looking at India from a different perspective as it is providing solutions. Ahead of the Budget Session of Parliament, PM Narendra Modi said that the whole world is looking at India's Budget amid global uncertainty.

Image Credit: ANI

NEW DELHI: President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday addressed members of both Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha in a joint session, marking the beginning of Parliament's budget session. During her speech, the President shared her vision for India by 2047. In her address, President Murmu said that the world is looking at India from a different perspective as it is providing solutions. This India should be the one where there is no poverty; whose middle class will be prosperous; and where youth and women lead the society, she added.

This was President Murmu's first budget session speech since assuming office in July last year when she became the country's second female head of state (after Pratibha Patil). Ahead of the Budget Session of Parliament, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the whole world is looking at India's Budget amid global uncertainty. The PM also hailed Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and expressed confidence that she will present a people-friendly Union Budget that will live up to the expectations of the people of India. Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the annual pre-budget Economic Survey in Parliament today, nearly twenty-four hours before she is scheduled to table the Union budget in Lok Sabha.

Among other news, the number of fatalities in a suicide bombing inside a mosque in Peshawar`s Police Lines has gone up to 90, with over 100 people wounded, Geo News reported citing Radio Pakistan. The explosion took place in the central hall of the mosque on Monday at around 1 pm after a suicide bomber blew himself up. A rescue operation is being carried out to pull out bodies from the debris of the mosque, Geo News reported citing an official. The official further said that a search operation is being conducted.

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31 January 2023

15:11 IST

BJP Running Its Election Campaign Through President: Tharoor

The President doesn't contest elections but it looks like the BJP govt is conducting its next election campaign through her. The entire speech was an election speech trying to praise the govt for everything it has done & skipping over the bits it hasn't done so well: Shashi Tharoor

14:17 IST

‘Asaram Bapu a Habitual Offender': Prosecution Tells Gujarat Court

In more trouble for 81-year-old religious preacher Asaram Bapu, the prosecution has told the sessions court in Gandhinagar that he is a "habitual offender" and sought life imprisonment along with a heavy fine for the self-styled godman in a case of rape filed against him. Sessions court judge D K Soni concluded hearing the arguments on the quantum of sentence and reserved the final order for 3.30 pm. The 81-year-old godman is currently lodged in a Jodhpur jail, where he is serving a life sentence in another case of raping a minor girl at his ashram in Rajasthan in 2013.

13:42 IST

Visakhapatnam Will be Andhra Pradesh's new Capital, Says CM Jagan Reddy

Visakhapatnam will be Andhra Pradesh's new Capital. This was announced by the state's CM Jagan Mohan  Reddy. "Here I am to invite you to Visakhapatnam which will be our capital in the days to come. I will also be shifting to Visakhapatnam in the months to come": Andhra Pradesh CM YS Jagan Mohan Reddy at International Diplomatic Alliance meet in Delhi.

13:24 IST

Opposition Will Raise Issues Of Inflation, Unemployment and China Border Dispute: Kharge

In this Budget session, we'll raise issues of inflation, unemployment and the border dispute with China...Instead of congratulating the leader (Rahul Gandhi) who has walked from Kanyakumari to Kashmir, they (Centre) are only cursing: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge

13:20 IST

I was given a 'Jhunjhuna': Upendra Kushwaha

Disgruntled Bihar Janata Dal-United leader Upendra Kushwaha has attacked the state’s Chief Minister, Nitish Kumar for not paying heed to his suggestions and humiliating him every now and then. Addressing a press conference, Kushwaha categorically dismissed Nitish Kumar’s claim that he was made the Chairman of the JDU Parliamentary Board out of respect for him and owing to his contribution to the party. 

13:02 IST

Peshawar Blast Death Toll Reaches 90

The number of fatalities in a suicide bombing inside a mosque in Peshawar`s Police Lines has gone up to 90, with over 100 people wounded, Geo News reported citing Radio Pakistan.The explosion took place in the central hall of the mosque on Monday at around 1 pm after a suicide bomber blew himself up. A rescue operation is being carried out to pull out bodies from the debris of the mosque, Geo News reported citing an official.The official further said that a search operation is being conducted.

12:49 IST

Prez Murmu Departs From Parliament

President Droupadi Murmu departs from the Parliament for Rashtrapati Bhavan after addressing the joint sitting of the Parliament today, as the Budget Session commenced.

12:44 IST

'India's being heard seriously by the world on terrorism': Prez Murmu

"Today, the world understands the tough stand taken against terrorism by India. This is the reason why today India's being heard seriously by the world on the issue of terrorism": President Droupadi Murmu

12:21 IST

PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana Extended To Millions of Poor Indians: President 

I'm delighted that my Govt has decided to extend PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana in accordance with the new circumstances. This is the identity of a sensitive & pro-poor govt...This scheme is being appreciated across the world: President Droupadi Murmu to Parliament.

12:08 IST

Women Empowerment At Core of all Schemes: President

Women empowerment has been at the core of all schemes introduced by my govt. Today, we're seeing the success of 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao'. For the first time in the country, no. of women is more than men and the health of women has also improved more than before: President Murmu

12:03 IST

India Played a Major Role During Covid Pandemic: President

We've seen that during the COVID period, how living had become difficult for the poor across the world. But, India is one of those countries that gave the highest priority to protecting the lives of the poor & tried to see that no poor in the country sleep on an empty stomach: President

12:02 IST

 'Aspirational Districts' program is now being Repeated at Block Level: President

The 'Aspirational districts' program is now being repeated at the block level, for which, 500 blocks have been identified in the country. The 'Vibrant villages' program to develop villages in border areas has also been introduced: President Murmu

11:52 IST

Govt has Awakened The Aspirations Of SCs, STs and OBCs: President

My government has awakened the aspirations of the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes. Now that basic facilities are reaching them, these people are able to see new dreams: President Murmu to the joint session of Parliament

11:46 IST

Complete Transparency In Govt's Functioning: President 

With complete transparency, more than Rs 27 lakh crores have been provided to crores of people. A World Bank report states that with such schemes & systems India was able to save crores of people from dropping below the poverty line during COVID, says President Murmu

11:44 IST

By 2047, India Will Be Fully 'Aatmanirbhar': President Murmu

By 2047, we have to build a nation that will be connected to the pride of the past and which will have all the golden chapters of modernity. We have to build an India that will be 'aatmanirbhar' and capable to fulfill its humanitarian duties: President Murmu

11:43 IST

Govt Aims To Make India Poverty-Free, Says President Murmu

That should be an India that will not have poverty, whose middle class will also be prosperous, an India whose youth and women will stand at the front to show a path to society & the country, an India whose youth stays two steps ahead of time: President Droupadi Murmu

11:41 IST

India's Confidence At The Highest Level: President Murmu 

Today, India's self-confidence is at its highest and the world is looking at her from a different perspective. India is providing solutions to the world: President Murmu

11:13 IST

India's Budget A Bright Spot for the Shaky Global Economy: PM

"This Union budget will also be a bright spot for the shaky global economy. I am sure Nirmala (Sitharaman) ji will live up to all expectations," the PM says

11:05 IST

Look Forward To President's Address: PM

"It has been a tradition in the Parliament that when a new MP speaks for the first time, the entire Parliament gives them respect and creates an atmosphere to give them confidence. Similarly, today's address is a first by the President," PM says.

11:03 IST

Confident of Smooth Conduct of Budget Session: PM

Taking the thought of 'India first, citizen first,' we will take this Budget Session of Parliament forward. I am hopeful that the opposition leaders will present their views before the Parliament: PM Modi at Parliament

11:02 IST

PM Modi Hails FM Nirmala Sitharaman

Our Finance Minister is a woman too. She will present one more budget before the country tomorrow. In today's global circumstances, not only India but the entire world is looking at India's budget: PM Narendra Modi at the Parliament

11:00 IST

President's First Address A Matter Of Pride For India: PM

"The President's first address to the joint session of Parliament is a matter of pride for our Constitution, and especially for respect of women. The whole world has its eyes on India," says PM Modi at the Parliament.

10:59 IST

PM Addresses Media Ahead of Budget Session

Parliament's Budget Session begins today and the beginning itself, credible voices from the world of economy, have brought in a positive message, a ray of hope & a beginning of enthusiasm. Today is important, President will address the joint session of the Parliament for the first time: PM Modi

10:50 IST

World Looking at India Amid Global Uncertainty, Says PM

"World's eyes are on India's budget amid global uncertainty," says PM Modi ahead of Parliament's Budget Session

10:45 IST

Sonia Gandhi to Attend Presidential Address in Parliament

Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi will attend today’s Presidential address in Parliament as many of the party's MPs are struck in Srinagar, J&K due to inclement weather, reports ANI.

Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi will attend today’s Presidential address in Parliament as many of the party's MPs are struck in Srinagar, J&K due to inclement weather. pic.twitter.com/x93tUOupv0

— ANI (@ANI) January 31, 2023

10:30 IST

Karnataka Congress Leader Siddaramaiah Says Won't Join BJP, RSS

Former Karnataka chief minister and senior Congress leader Siddaramaiah has lashed out at the BJP and JD-S saying these parties have no ideology or rationality and reiterated that he will never join BJP or its parent outfit RSS. The Karnataka Congress veteran said, "Even if they (BJP) make me the President and PM I will not go with BJP and RSS. Even my corpse will not go with BJP and RSS."

09:48 IST

Bihar JDU Leader Upendra Kushwaha's car Attacked in Bhojpur

Disgruntled JD(U) leader Upendra Kushwaha, who recently raised a banner of revolt against Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, alleged that his car was pelted with stones in the Bhojpur district of the state. Kushwaha, who is a member of the state legislative council, made the allegation on his official Twitter handle on Monday, tagging Kumar and the Bihar Police.

09:35 IST

NSA Doval, US Counterpart Sullivan Attend  'Special Reception' Hosted by Indian Envoy 

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, his American counterpart Jake Sullivan, US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo and CEOs from both nations and leadership of prominent universities participated in a "special and unique reception" hosted by India`s Ambassador to the United States Taranjit Singh Sandhu. During the reception, the dignitaries held discussions on building bilateral cooperation in critical and emerging tech.

General Mark Milley, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the US called on NSA Ajit Doval today. A fruitful discussion on various aspects of India-US bilateral cooperation: Embassy of India, Washington, DC.

(Pics: Embassy of India, Washington, DC) pic.twitter.com/mQSBNAMK43

— ANI (@ANI) January 31, 2023

09:33 IST

ASI Accused of Killing Odisha Minister Dismissed From Service

The Odisha Police has dismissed ‘mentally unstable’ ASI Gopal Das from service after he reportedly confessed gunning down the state’s health minister Naba Kishore Das. He was arrested at Brajarajnagar. The assistant sub-inspector was held following his "confession" during initial interrogation, ADG (Crime Branch) Arun Bothra said. “The accused ASI has confessed to the crime. We will bring him on remand for further interrogation to ascertain the motive,” Bothra told reporters.

09:11 IST

Char Dham Yatra Will be Conducted Safely: Uttarakhand CM

Amid concerns over land sinking in the holy town of Joshimath, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has assured that the upcoming Char Dham Yatra will be conducted safely. Talking to reporters in Raiwala near Rishikesh on the concluding day of the Pradesh BJP's executive committee meeting on Monday, CM Dhami said no one should have any doubts in their mind about Joshimath, the gateway to Badrinath.

08:46 IST

4 Dead in Car-Bus Collision on Mumbai-Ahmedabad Highway in Palghar

Four people died on spot in a collision between a car and a bus on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad highway in the Dahanu area of Palghar district. The car was en route Mumbai from Gujarat and rammed into the bus after the car driver lost control of the vehicle: Palghar Police

08:20 IST

Peshawar Mosque Attack: Death Toll Rises to 70; Pak Taliban Deny Responsibility 

The toll in the suicide attack inside a mosque in Pakistan's Peshawar on Monday rose to 70, and more than 150 people have been injured, reported news agency Bloomberg citing officials. A commander for the Pakistan Taliban - also known as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan or TTP - Sarbakaf Mohmand had on Monday claimed the responsibility for the attack in a post on Twitter. However, hours later, TTP spokesperson Mohammad Khurasani said their policy “does not include targeting mosques, seminaries, and religious places”, reported AP.

08:10 IST

Joshimath Sinking Crisis: High-powered panel reviews Situation, Presents 3 Options

Chamoli: Secretary of Disaster Management, Dr Ranjit Kumar Sinha said that Additional Chief Secretary Anand Vardhan chaired a high-powered committee meeting on the relief, rehabilitation and various other works going on in Joshimath in the wake of landslip and subsidence. The committee was informed at the meeting that three options have been presented by the district magistrate, Chamoli, for the rehabilitation and displacement of the affected people in Joshimath.

08:08 IST

BRS, AAP to Boycott President Droupadi Murmu's Joint Address to Parliament

Amid its continued face-off with the central government ahead of the crucial Telangana Assembly elections later this year, the ruling BRS has decided to boycott the customary address by President Droupadi Murmu to the joint session of Parliament on Day one of the Budget session, which gets underway on Tuesday. Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP is also likely to skip the President's first joint address to Parliament, said sources. 

07:50 IST

Budget Session of Parliament Begins Today

The budget session of Parliament will commence on Tuesday with President Droupadi Murmu addressing the joint sitting of the two Houses of Parliament. Economic Survey will also be tabled in Parliament on Tuesday ahead of the Union Budget on Wednesday. It will be the first address by President Droupadi Murmu to the joint sitting of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. She was elected President last year.

07:40 IST

US To End Public Health Emergency for Covid-19 in May

The United States is set to end Covid emergency declarations on May 11, almost three years after massive pandemic measures were imposed in the country to stem the spread of the infection, the White House announced. The move to end the national emergency and public health emergency declarations would formally restructure the federal coronavirus response to treat the virus as an endemic threat to public health that can be managed through agencies' normal authorities.

07:37 IST

IMF Projects India's Growth Rate to 6.1 % in 2023

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Tuesday said it is expecting some slowdown in the Indian economy next fiscal year and projected the growth to 6.1 percent from 6.8 percent during the current fiscal ending March 31.

07:36 IST

Earthquake of 4.9 Magnitude Strikes Andaman Sea

An earthquake with a magnitude of 4.9 on the Richter Scale struck near the Andaman Sea in the Andaman and Nicobar islands on Tuesday. According to the National Center for Seismology, the earthquake occurred around 3:40 am. The earthquake was 77 Km in dept, as per the NCS. "Earthquake of Magnitude:4.9, Occurred on 31-01-2023, 00:15:40 IST, Lat: 12.60 & Long: 93.42, Depth: 77 Km, Location: Andaman Sea, India," Tweeted National Center for Seismology.

07:30 IST

Death Toll in Pakistan Mosque Attack Rises to 61

The death toll in a Taliban suicide attack at a mosque in the high-security zone in Pakistan's restive northwestern Peshawar city mounted to 61. The bomber who blew himself up in a mosque packed with worshippers during afternoon prayers on Monday also wounded more than 150 people, mostly policemen.

07:26 IST

Nine People Wounded in Mass Shooting in Florida

"A mass shooting in Florida has left about 9 people wounded," reports US Media & News company ABC News citing Lakeland Police Department.

07:22 IST

Russia Warns of Ending Nuclear Arms Control With US Over Ukraine Weapons

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov has told the RIA news agency that the New START may not be renewed after 2026. "This is quite a possible scenario," Sergei Ryabkov said. The deadliest nuclear warning from Moscow amid the ongoing war in Ukraine comes in the wake of reports about the US-led West's non-stop weapons supply to Ukraine to help fight Russia.

07:20 IST

Russia Backs India, Blasts BBC's 'Information War' 

Russia has accused the BBC of "waging an information war" on different fronts - not only against Moscow but also against other global centers of power pursuing an independent policy, days after the British broadcaster released a controversial series on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said, "Our Indian friends have already made a comment on this situation. I would like to draw your attention to the fact that it is yet another evidence of the BBC waging an information war on different fronts - not only against Russia, but also against other global centers of power pursuing an independent policy."