Modi 3.0 -- "More money in pocket" ....Best gift for Middle class and Neo Middle class :::: No income tax payable up to Rs 12 lakh income .... the bonanza season is here

 No income tax payable up to Rs 12 lakh income: 

Budget bonanza for middle class
Modi 3.0 -- Best gift for Middle class and Neo Middle class ::::  

.... the bonanza season is here 

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis lauded FM Sitharaman for presenting what he described as an “excellent Budget”. 

"Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has presented an excellent Budget—truly a dream budget for the middle class. I congratulate her on this. 

The transformation in income tax exemption, with no tax up to Rs 12 lakh, will be a milestone in India's economy," the Maharashtra CM remarked.

(Next Destination is Mega Success) 

More new openings on cards .... #Viksit Bharat being the theme 

"Resident individual with total income up to Rs 7,00,000 do not pay any tax due to rebate under the new tax regime. It is proposed to increase the rebate for the resident individual under the new regime so that they do not pay tax if their total income is up to Rs 12,00,000. 

Marginal relief as provided earlier under the new tax regime is also applicable for income marginally higher than Rs 12,00,000," said the budget document.

Manmeet Kaur, Partner at Karanjawala & Co, said, "The Government aims at Democracy, demography and demand recognising the middle class. Minimum tax slab raised to Rs 12 lakhs from Rs 7 lakhs in new regime + Rs 75000 standard deduction. Aims to boost both consumption and savings/investments."

The tax slabs and rates are as follows:

• 
  
• 0-4 lakh rupees: Nil
• 
  
• 4-8 lakh rupees: 5%
• 
  
• 8-12 lakh rupees: 10%
• 
  
• 12-16 lakh rupees: 15%
• 
  
• 16-20 lakh rupees: 20%
• 
  
• 20-24 lakh rupees: 25%
• 
  
• Above 24 lakh rupees: 30%

Middle class hero with massive tax relief, Bihar big beneficiary

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced big reforms focused on income tax relief for the middle class in addition to major reforms in agriculture, with Bihar in focus.

Key initiatives include transformative reforms in taxation, financial services, power, and urban development, alongside major support for agriculture, MSMEs, and manufacturing. 

The enhanced push for research, AI, and infrastructure, coupled with tax benefits for the middle class, signals a growth-oriented and future-ready economic roadmap.  

Opposition MPs briefly staged walk out in Lok Sabha during FM Sitharaman's Budget speech, demanding a government statement on the January 29 Kumbh stampede, which claimed 30 lives.

The protest lasted around five minutes before the MPs returned to their seats.

Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress MPs did not participate in the walkout.

After the speech, opposition members sought a discussion on the incident.

AFSPA .... "a necessity... and a must.... it saved us" ...... Post 2024-violence in Jiribam-Joirang region natives say Armed Forces Spl Power Act is never an evil

Jiribam/Zairawn

The Armed Forces Special Power Act (AFSPA) was till hitherto described as a "necessary evil". But the so-called Human Rights issues used earlier - for years - to blast the AFSPA and Indian army in multiple quarters have done a vanishing act among Hmars especially in Zairawn village of Jiribam district in Manipur.

"Till mid-2024, we also believed AFSPA and Indian army are devils.... but no longer. In fact, the Assam Rifles saved hundreds of Zairawn village residents. This is also the crucial to mention as police and other forces failed us when the anti-Hmar violence was perpetrated," says K Khuma, Village Authority member. 

Sung in front of his abandoned house

It has to be mentioned that one of the worst cycles of the Meitei-Kuki ethnic violence in Manipur that began in May 2023 in Imphal-Churachandpur region began on November 7th in Jiribam district.

At least 19 people were killed in separate incidents including 10 Kuki men who the security forces and police have called "militants".

The Kuki tribes and various organisations have denied the claims that the 10 Kuki men were militants. Locals called them village volunteers who are allowed to carry arms. 

The violence in Jiribam region has multiple dimensions. The multi-ethnic Jiribam district has overwhelming Bengali Muslims, Meiteis and Hmars and other Kukis.

The National Highway 37 is a lifeline for Manipur and three districts of Noney, Jiribam and Tamenglong. 

The NH 37 passes through Jiribam to reach Assam and subsequently the rest of the country and had remained calm and violence-free for over a year until June 2024.

Most locals among both Kukis and Meiteis feel the violence was triggered in Jiribam region only when the body of a Kuki teenager was found in a river.  

Jiribam region is about 220 km away from the state capital Imphal, on the interstate border with Assam and has allegedly often led a campaign against alleged 'negligence' of state capital Imphal since the 1980s and 1990s.  

Hundreds have been rendered homeless and Hmar people now are thankful to the Assam Rifles and other central forces even as a strong complaint still sustain against one particular force. 

"I would not have backed AFSPA had we been protected by police and other forces before Assam Rifles arrived.... There was apparently a deliberate negligence and our people were attacked in a gruesome manner," said Lalram Sung, Village youth chairman, who has given his house now to a platoon of Assam Rifles personnel. 

The controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Acts (AFSPA) of course accompanied with the Disturbed Area Act empower the Forces to act in difficult situations.  However, the central government says there is also a "robust mechanism" in place for course correction during operations and conflicts. 

Thus, while admitting the need for the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, the onus lies squarely on the Armed Forces to ensure that these special provisions are not put to any "misuse". 

The government in the past "did not hesitate" in taking stern action against the guilty, in case of any misuse/abuse of powers, it was claimed in a paper tabled in Parliament.

However, it ought to be remembered that the anti-India elements in Kashmir or militants in the northeastern region have an advantage of surprise elements. 

This 'surprise' actually means near fatal roadmaps for soldiers. 

snap :: Village chairman. 

In 2017, the Supreme Court had passed an order about 62 cases of the alleged 'extra-judicial killings' by security forces and police.

The abuse of police and military powers in Manipur have been issues of great concern for decades during the Congress regimes both in Delhi and Imphal.

There have been reports of 1,788 such “extra judicial” killings across India between 2002 and 2013.

Uttar Pradesh had the dubious distinction with the maximum number of 743 fake encounter deaths.

A 410-page petition filed in 2012 on behalf of two Manipur-based organizations in the Supreme Court had also cited the instance of a 22-year-old who went looking for a missing cow on his bicycle and was found shot dead. 

Meiteis also have a good opinion about central forces.

If you can add some positive sentiment of Meiti individuals also. After the incidents of November 24 especially when 

"In this region Assam Rifles helped resolve the Manipur Commandos hostage crisis.. that was a great moment to cherish," said one Indu Laishram at Jiribam.

Chinglemba Nameirakpam, secretary general All Manipur Students Union, Jiribam -- said, "Our town and district was peaceful for a year.... but some motivated factors triggered the violence. Thanks to forces that things were brought under control ..

. But uneasy calm still prevails". 

 

Moral of the story-- Successes are forgotten quickly and failures get known with all its implications.

The Armed Forces can never let the nation down on this count. 

Khuma

ends 

 

Economic Survey 2025 !!! Reforms are ought to come !! Eco. Survey says Govt should get 'out of the way’ and allow businesses to focus on core mission ....

Economic Survey 2025 

"The government should be ‘getting out of the way’ and allow businesses to focus on their core mission," the document said.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tabled the Economic Survey in the Lok Sabha on Day 1 of Budget Session of Parliament on Jan 31. 

The critical pre-budget document said that "going forward, food inflation is likely to soften in Q4." 

Another key aspect that the Economic Survey highlighted was Ease of Doing Business 2.0.  

The Economic Survey has projected a growth rate between 6.3% and 6.8%, aligning with the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) estimate of around 6.5% annual growth between FY26 and FY30. The upper range of the Eco Survey’s growth estimate is also higher than 6.4% as pegged by the first advance estimates, released by the National Statistics Office (NSO).

The survey noted that agriculture remains a strong pillar of economic growth, recording a 3.5% growth rate in Q2 FY25.

The Economic Survey 2024-25 indicated that India is on a steady growth path and poised for better performance in the future.

It also outlined some critical economic challenges and addressed key themes like ‘Viksit Bharat’ and artificial intelligence (AI).

The strides in promoting domestic manufacturing, through schemes such as FAME India, PLI for Auto Components and SPMEPCI, embody our commitment to aligning growth with sustainable practices, exemplified by the vision to decarbonize road transportation. 

However, navigating this journey warrants the successful integration of labour and technology, two elements when balanced, amplify each other's potential. The concept of 'Augmented Intelligence' resonates profoundly in this context. 

By merging human and machine capabilities, India can enhance human potential and job efficiency, culminating in a societal benefit. The domestic technology landscape looks promising as the country makes a shift from a service provider to a global R&D hub with tech exports in the domestic market expanding by 5.9 per cent, exceeding USD54 billion in FY24, said

-- Akhilesh Tuteja, Partner and Head, Clients and Markets and Head Technology, Media and Telecommunications

The Survey said India’s goal to become a developed economy by 2047 depends on achieving an average growth rate of 8% at constant prices for the next two decades.

It also stressed that while AI’s impact on jobs remains uncertain, complacency could prove costly for India.

The survey warns that while AI boosts productivity, it could disrupt India’s labour-intensive economy. A rushed transition may spur demands for policy intervention, including taxation on AI-driven profits, which the IMF cautions could hurt growth.

The report called for a balanced approach, urging collaboration between the government, the private sector, and academia to ensure inclusive gains.

Fiscal consolidation has only one reference, indicating shifting priorities of the government.

“… the fundamentals of the domestic economy remain robust, with a strong external account, calibrated fiscal consolidation and stable private consumption,” the Survey noted.

"Angry" ... that they are no longer safe in their fiefdom called Jungles.... a Leopard kid almost attacks my "in-law's house" ... Kamalpur Tripura !!

Man or that matter even woman is/are constantly in contest with animal and nature. "Angry" that they are no longer safe; a Leopard kid entered into "human residential areas" in Tripura at Kamalpur on the bank of river Dhalai.

The incident happened on Jan 31. 2025 early hours.

And oh boy !! I missed the fun and the communists' pun that the lovely young creature could have been sent by BJP's Narendra Modi !

The locality, the Leopard kid - Cub - entered has been a traditional Red bastion.
Even "saffron bhakt son-in-law" is not safe !! 

That's altogether a different story.

When it comes to endangering the lives of animals and nature - the Right or the Leftists do not make much difference.

The human kind's consistent policy of 'hammering the nail' has only augmented the levels of confrontation.

In Himachal Pradesh, monkeys come into human kind's world. In Tripura and some other parts of India - it will be Leopard Cubs !! 

In 2017, former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal summed up the paradox of man-animal conflict very well when he said --- "Monkeys are not coming into our lands, we have entered into their world of peace and prosperity and naturally they are in crisis".  

                                                  Delhi journos (including blogger) and Dhumal - 2017 

Needless to add, humans threaten animals in more ways than one. 

We do so through human-wildlife conflict, pollution, and illegal hunting. 

These threats have led to the decline of many species and put others at risk of extinction.  

We may also take note that the Human activity often changes or destroys the habitats that plants and animals need to survive. 

Because human populations are growing so fast animals and plants are disappearing 1000 times faster than they have in the past 65 million years. 

Scientists estimate that in the 21st century 100 species will become extinct every day.

The leopard and cubs' entry or attack is not unusual. 

In April 2024, at least five people were injured in an attack by a leopard which strayed into a village in north Delhi's Wazirabad triggering panic among the residents. 

The leopard was later rescued. 

The leopard is expected to have jumped from the terrace of a house in Jagatpur village early in the morning and barged into the next building where it was locked in a room. 

Videos on social media showed the leopard being chased by some people and others running in panic.

Nari Shakti and women empowerment will be the centre of focus. Reform, perform, and transform: PM Modi on Budget 2025-26

"No foreign meddling for 1st time in 10 years before session"

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday, Jan 31, that the Union Budget will fulfill vision of 'Viksit Bharat'.

This will be second Budget of the Modi 3.0 and is expected to focus on young people and women empowerment in Budget. 

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will  present Budget on Saturday, Feb 1. 

In a dig at the Opposition, Modi said that no "foreign forces" attempted to set any fire ahead of every Parliament session for the first time in 10 years.

"You must have noticed, since 2014, this is probably the first Parliament session, which saw no 'videshi chingari' (foreign interference) in our affairs, in which no foreign forces tried to ignite a fire. 

The Prime Minister said: "I had noticed this before every budget session. And many in our country leave no stone unturned to fan these sparks".

He was talking to reporters ahead of the Budget session, which began on Friday.

The Prime Minister said the Union Budget would pave the way for a 'Viksit Bharat' or a developed India by 2047 while underscoring that "innovation, inclusion and investment" were the key priorities of the government.

He promised a big focus on young people and women in the Budget. "This is the first complete budget of my third term. I can confidently say that in 2047, when India completes 100 years of Independence, India will fulfil its aim of 'Viksit Bharat'," he said.

"In particular, Nari Shakti and women empowerment will be the centre of focus. Reform, perform, and transform will be our second area of focus," PM Modi added.

Invoking Goddess Lakshmi, PM Modi said he would pray that the goddess of prosperity would continue to bless the poor and middle-class of the country.

"I pray that Maa Lakshmi continues to bless the poor and middle class of our country. 

It is a matter of great pride that India completed 75 years as a democratic nation. India has established itself well on the global pedestal," he said.

This will be Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's eighth consecutive Budget speech.

The Budget session will be held in two parts. The first part will run from January 31 to February 13, while the second part will begin on March 10 and end on April 4.

Ends 

Change is often permanent !! Pangals (Manipuri Muslims) and Bengali Muslims have something in common in the post ethnic-violence-hit Manipur .... They are 'happy' with Modi !!!

Bengali Muslims and Pangals (Manipuri Muslims) have something in common in the post ethnic-violence-hit Manipur .... They are 'happy' with the Govt of India and may even say 'Modi Zindabad' !!

There are different ways of looking at things. We talk here about two different places. 

But the case studies almost throw up same kind of results --- Lilong is a Manipuri Muslim (Pangal)-stronghold area in Thoubal district. 

On the other hand Lal Pani areas of Jiribam district adjoining Assam has predominantly Bengali Muslim presence. 

The ethnic violence between Kuki-Zo people against Meiteis (Manipuri Hindus) has changed the dynamics entirely. At Lal Pani village in Jiribam district, Bengali Muslims unhesitatingly say -- "We are with Modi ji and the BJP". 

At Lilong, Manipuri Muslims (Pangals) will not spell out their political affiliation; but they admit one thing for certain ... "The Indian army sent by the Modi Govt in Delhi has helped us a lot on many matters and especially the health sector".  

Zafar bhai Mia at Lal Pani village explains things better. 

"We are happy with the security forces .... in 2024 our village almost got destroyed at the crossfire between Kukis and Meiteis. Moreover, we are with the BJP but that support is conditional because our elected MLA Muhammad Ashab Uddin won the seat in 2022 on JD-U ticket but is now with the BJP," he told this blogger at his native hamlet -- which is not far from Sejang (a Kuki-dominated hamlet).  

Tension prevails in Sejang-Lal Pani belt not far from Jiribam main township.  

The problems in Jiribam had surfaced actually only in 2024 June -- more than 13 months after the ethnic conflict between Kukis and Meiteis started in Imphal-Churachandpur and other regions in the state. 

"As a Bengali Muslim, I should not talk much about the problem that has essentially remained between Kukis and Meiteis. But any kind of violence has to be discarded," says Wasim Zaidan, a shopkeeper. 

He also swears his loyalty towards the BJP and hastened to add that statements made by some Congress leaders like Sam Pitroda that 'illegal immigrants' should be helped or accommodated in India are actually much embarrassing for the "genuine Indian Muslim families" residing for decades in harmony with tribal Christians or other Hindu communities. 

But in Jiribam town several Meitei and even Bengali local people express doubts whether the BJP will return to power in Manipur in 2027 assembly polls. One of them said, "Of course things are too early but it is true, people are not happy with the double engine Govt".   

For locals residing at Lilong, demonstrating a strong commitment to humanitarian aid, the Assam Rifles, in collaboration with a team of specialist doctors from the Indian Medical Council (IMC), organized specialist medical camp in October 2024 to provide much-needed medical care.

Lilong has over 90 per cent Pangals. Of course similar medical specialist care was organised by the IMC and Assam Rifles at Patsoi locality of Imphal West District as well.

Sources say since the unrest began in Manipur in May 2023, healthcare services were severely disrupted, leaving those in remote areas with no access to specialized medical care. 

Recognizing this critical need, Assam Rifles coordinated with the Indian Medical Council for conduct of specialized medical camp with the team of doctors of Indian Medical Council. The IMC swiftly responded, and agreed to dispatch a team of eight doctors for the conduct of medical camp.

The team consisting of specialists from Nasik, Mumbai, and Pune, proficient in Orthopedics, Dermatology, Gynecology, Homeopathy, and General Medicine, equipped with essential medicines, arrived in Imphal on 23rd October 2024. 

At a later stage, such special medical camp was organised at certain locations within the Imphal Valley and Churachandpur district too, sources said in Imphal.

According to a social worker Alfas Iqbal, initiatives provided essential medical services to a total of over 2000 people including elderly individuals, women, and children. 

In fact, local enthusiasms were always forthcoming and even Sorokhaibam Rajan Singh, MLA, Lamsang Assembly, organised such a camp in Salam Village at Patsoi,

At Pangal stronghold Lilong the event was inaugurated by Sazad Buiyamayum, Convener and advisor of Lilong United Club Manipur, sources said.  

Ms F Asma told this blogger at Imphal airport that : "The Assam Rifles played a very significant role in helping the people at Lilong area in the health sector as people has been suffering a lot with major health issues ever since the ethnic conflicts started in May 2023".

 

ends 

Will Tripura face shortage of central forces ? Language, Civilisational, historical and cultural.... aspects key factors !!

 Will Tripura face shortage of central forces ?

Guwahati/New Delhi  

As Bangladesh plunged into chaos and crisis and ultimately the ouster of an elected Prime Minister; the state of Tripura in northeast also came into focus of both the policy makers and also those tracking geo-strategic situations in the region.

Four key dimensions always revolve around Bangladesh-Tripura relationships. They are language, civilisational, historical and cultural. Now comes perhaps a more important aspect the Security.

Following the unrest in Bangladesh there are apprehensions that now 'armed militants' in various northeastern states could again take shelter in the Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh. It is a known fact that the Paresh Baurah faction of ULFA has still not agreed for talks with New Delhi.

Pakistan's closer ties with Bangladesh post-Hasina ouster has understandably given a booster dosage for the Paresh Baruah-led ULFA faction.

Amid such a situation, the security agencies may face yet another complication and that is the 'manpower shortage' of central and para military forces.

Of course, Tripura falls under the 'peace zone' in the northeast in military parlance along with Meghalaya and Mizoram.

Compared to Tripura, Mizoram probably has more central forces. Of course the Myanmar border makes things complex. However, post-chaotic upheavals in Bangladesh, analysts in Delhi say there could be a need for an additional security support system for Tripura.

A retired Lt General said: "As a retired uniformed officer we generally do not speak on hardcore military matters. But it is also true that in contrast to Tripura and Mizoram though dealing with multiple ceasefires and 28-year-old pending peace talks Nagaland has 14-15 battalions."

In fact, in 2024 when violence started, the central forces actually faced 'occupational hazards' in the absence of enforcement of the provisions of the Armed Forces Special Power Act (AFSPA) in some vulnerable pockets of Jiribam.

Even old record wise, the retired officer said, the Assam Rifles has a good reputation both in Tripura and also other states in the region as an anti-insurgency crack team.

Old timers in the decades old force recalled how in 1986, due to a surge in the militant activities, the Tripura government had requisitioned for additional central forces, preferring Assam Rifles over all others.

In fact, the 23rd Assam Rifles Battalion then was placed under the state government and deployed in the Ampinagar areas.

Another Assam Rifles Battalion, which was still in the process of being raised somewhere in Assam, was also allotted and moved quickly to Tripura in 1986 for adequate deployment in vulnerable areas.

ends

"Once Delhi polls are over, AAP relevance in national politics will be over too", -- says Congress leader Rajesh Sethi

"Once Delhi polls are over, AAP relevance in national politics will be over too"

Late Sheila Dikshit ji did miracles in Delhi. We can again do: 

Congress leader Rajesh Sethi

(A brief interview with Rajesh Kumar Sethi, national coordinator AICC Minority Dept In-charge of Manipur and Observer for Trinagar Assembly, Delhi polls) 

# Is Congress really relevant for the 2025 assembly polls in Delhi? People are generally talking about a battle between the BJP and the AAP? 

Rajesh Sethi: Late Sheila Dikshit ji did miracles in Delhi. We can again do.  She worked on a proper balanced development of Delhi. Your assessment about AAP and BJP will simply fail.... I tell you. Flyovers came and those changed the face of Delhi. The power situation under Congress improved drastically. We in the Congress work on balanced formula... We focus on population, pollution, infrastructures, empowerment, social justice and harmony.

#You have started campaigning in the capital especially Trinagar. Any comment on AAP's 10 year rule in Delhi ?

Rajesh Sethi: In contrast to what Sheila Dikshit government delivered and achieved for Delhi; Arvind Kejriwal's party is for all gimmicks and sensationalism as you all understand these things better in media. 

This is why there is nothing much about AAP's 10-year rule. I can tell you today, AAP's arrogance has been extreme. They were part of INDIA bloc and yet they did not have the manner and courtesy to behave. 

Once Delhi polls are over, AAP relevance in national politics by Feb 8 to 10th will be over too.

The BJP is other extreme. They have a leader, they try to project him as a demi God ... someone who promised Acchey din. But the reality is different. 

# On Jan 29th, 2025, the Congress party released its manifesto. What's so special about it? We find only competition on freebies ... you are also following Kejriwal formula. Is this a 'new model' of governance? 

Rajesh Sethi: Yes, the Congress has released its manifesto for the upcoming Delhi Assembly election...You are absolutely wrong, we are not following freebies formula of the AAP. Our election manifesto is a collection of Guarantees. I have said we want balanced development. We take care of all sections of people. We are promising reservations for transgenders in jobs and education.

We have said citizens will get 300 units of free electricity and a monthly stipend of Rs 2,500 for women. Moreover, going by our policy decision, we have said there will be a caste census in the national capital if Congress comes to power.

# There were a few more special promises.

Rajesh Sethi: True, among other key promises by Congress are free health coverage up to Rs 25 lakh for all Delhi residents, a one-year apprenticeship with a Rs 8,500 stipend for unemployed youth, cooking gas at Rs 500 per cylinder. We have also said that there will be a free ration kit and a separate ministry for Purvanchalis. This will be game-changer in deciding the course of Delhi's politics and governance. 

In addition, for Scheduled Castes, the Congress manifesto promises to create an atmosphere in which the values of the Constitution and the ideals of Babasaheb are upheld. There will be also allocation of 15 percent of government contracts to SCs. 

# Any major feature of the Sheila Dikshit Govt you would like to highlight vis-a-vis contemporary politics?

Rajesh Sethi: Look, Sheila ji also worked for expansion of the Delhi Metro and flyovers and there was good understanding between her and the Vajpayee government. 

For this I may give due credit to the then Prime Minister Vajpayee ji and also his ministers also including the likes of Jagmohan ji who handled Urban Development. Between the Kejriwal government and the centre there was no harmony. People of Delhi paid a heavy price for that. 

#What about your campaign and the politics in Trinagar ?  

Rajesh Sethi: We are a systematic organised party. I am the Observer for Trinagar Assembly seat. Me and my friend Kutoho Chishi, President of Dimapur District Congress Committee from Nagaland recently campaigned door-to-door in support of Congress candidate Satender Sharma in the Trinagar Assembly of Delhi. We are confident of winning this seat.

Our campaign line is very clear and simple -- the Congress party has consistently improved Delhi and it is the only party that can further develop the city. 

In contrast, the BJP at the Centre and AAP in Delhi have only cheated the people of Delhi.

ends 

Trump's 'New America' ..... will have 'new media' :::: TikTokers, podcasters can apply for White House press passes

“We’re opening up this briefing room to new media voices who produce news-related content and whose outlet is not already represented by one of the seats in this room. 

We welcome independent journalists, podcasters, social media influencers, and content creators to apply for credentials to cover this White House. 

And you can apply now on our new website, WhiteHouse.gov/NewMedia,” 

-- White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said.

Trump has repeatedly criticised traditional media as the "enemy of the people", and he credits a series of podcast appearances for aiding his return to the White House.

After this shake up, the 49 seats in the James S Brady Briefing Room is no longer going to be allotted exclusively to news organisations, or “the legacy media” as Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt termed them.

The applications will be screened by the White House team. Those who meet the required criteria and pass United States Secret Service requirements will then receive the credentials to enter the White House complex.

NEW MEDIA = MAGA SUPPORTERS ONLY?

On one hand, the White House has announced that “the Trump White House will speak to all media outlets and personalities”. But the screening of podcasters and TikTokers for the job would likely weed out those who are or have been anti-Trump.

As per a recent report by the Associated Press, job-seekers hoping to join the new Trump administration are facing a series of intense loyalty tests, and negative social media posts have been enough to derail their applications.

The report mentioned that those seeking jobs have been told they will have to prove their “enthusiasm” to enact Trump's agenda and have been asked when their moment of “MAGA revelation” occurred.

In that case, what about those who are hoping to be part of the new media?

Karoline Leavitt cited a poll from Gallup and claimed that the Americans’ trust in mass media has fallen to a record low. “Millions of Americans, especially young people, have turned from traditional television outlets and newspapers to consume their news from podcasts, blogs, social media, and other independent outlets,” she said.

Patriots must be respected: Dukli War Memorial at Agartala – A testimony to grit of Lance Naik Albert Ekka

Tripura : Indian Army renovates Dukli War Memorial at Agartala – A testimony to the courage and grit of Lance Naik Albert Ekka, Param Vir Chakra

"Today is December 3, 2019, the day Paramvir Albert Ekka was martyred (on Dec 3, 1971). I salute and bow before the brave soldier," PM Narendra Modi in 2019 at an election campaign in Jharkhand. 

The sacrifice of valiant soldiers of  the Indian Army at the battle of Gangasagar during Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971 was recognised by the nation with the conferment of Param Vir Chakra (PVC) awarded posthumously to Lance Naik Albert Ekka.

"We all feel proud that a befitting Memorial is coming up at Sripalli village in Dukli area at Agartala," said a student Amit Bhil adding, "Paying homage to him and remembering Ekka at this juncture is all the more critical because the same Bangladesh is in turmoil today". 

In Agartala, local people have a passionate relationship and liking for Bangladesh -- the country created in 1971. Of course, without Tripura doing its part, splitting 'East Pakistan' out of India's most trouble-some neighbour probably would not have been possible.

As Bangladesh plunged into chaos and crisis in 2024 - within months of re-election of the Awami League regime, the state of Tripura in northeast also came into focus of both the policy makers and also those tracking the geo-strategic situations. 

Blogger's homage at a memorial maintained by civil administration

Spear Corps of Indian army in collaboration with the Government of Tripura is renovating the Dukli War Memorial. It's different from the one at Lichubagan area of Agartala maintained by state's civil administration.

A few key dimensions always revolve around Bangladesh-Tripura relationships. They are language, civilisational, historical and cultural. Perhaps a more important aspect in today's scenario is the Security. 

The Dukli memorial of Ekka was constructed by the local villagers and administration of Sripalli village in Dukli area of Agartala city years ago.

Param Vir Chakra awardee Ekka (posthumous) and 13 other Indian soldiers had laid down their lives protecting the Agartala city in 1971 war. 

Earlier, the memorial constituted of a single cement block with inscription on three sides in English, Hindi and Bangla. Post renovation the memorial is going to have a complete revamped look, official sources said. 

Over the period of time, the Memorial required renovating upkeep and maintenance. Hence, in a step to improve the present state of the memorial and restore the glory of the valiant soldiers, an initiative was taken by the ‘Spear Corps’ of Indian Army to renovate the memorial.

The assistance of the Government of Tripura also came in without much hassles. 

Various improvements at the memorial to include a backdrop wall with martyrs Mural, Granite tiling of the complete surface, repair of outer structure alongwith steel railing and covering of the memorial with roof are being incorporated in the renovation work. 

Soldiers of the Indian Army laid down their lives in the fierce clash to capture Pakistani Advance Position at Gangasagar opposite Agartala city in Brahmanbaria district of Bangladesh which was then the East Pakistan.

Renovation of the war memorial is expected to be completed by February 2025. 

As the war broke out in 1971, 14 Guards was attached to the IV Corps. 

The capture of Gangasagar, located 6 kilometres (3.7 miles) to the south Akhaura in the Brahmanbaria district (of Bangladesh), was crucial for the advancement of IV Corps, and 14 Guards was tasked for that. 

As the operation began, the unit placed itself south of Gangasagar, about 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) from Akhaura railway station, and formed its defences. 

The high ground around the railway station was their main defence, followed by anti-tank and anti-personnel mines. During a patrol, Pakistani troops were found moving on the railway tracks. Soon two companies of the battalion attacked the enemy positions along the track.

Ends

Record six Indian-Americans are now in House of Representatives : ‘Samosa Caucus’ celebrates its growing prowess in US policy making

((India realises too that it has to do whatever is best now, and very fast)) 

 The nominations, coupled with the swearing-in of a record six Indian-Americans to the House of Representatives earlier this month, further highlight the growing influence of the Indian community in US politics.

With 4.5 million members, the Indian diaspora has cemented its position in the American economy and education sectors, and is now becoming a critical force in US politics as well.

President Donald Trump has nominated half a dozen Indian-Americans to key positions, from the FBI’s Kash Patel to other key officials in the White House.

Ricky Gill has been named senior director for South and Central Asia at the National Security Council (NSC). Kush Desai joins the White House as deputy press secretary.

Saurabh Sharma has taken on a role in the Presidential Personnel Office.

Meanwhile, the new Congress welcomed Ami Bera (California), Suhash Subramania (Virginia), Pramila Jayapal (Washington), Ro Khanna (California), Shri Thanedar (Michigan), and Raja Krishnamoorthi (Illinois).

Traditionally aligned with the Democratic Party, Indian-Americans are now increasingly gravitating toward the Republicans making Pakistan's case much more difficult with the new Trump administration.

 Trump’s economic policies, which favour tax cuts and deregulation, have resonated with affluent Indian diaspora. 

Shared values such as family, education and nationalism further align with Trump’s messaging.

India has become the world’s largest arms importer with purchases steadily rising to account for nearly 10pc of all imports globally in 2019-23.  

At a time when Moscow’s military-industrial complex is occupied with the ongoing war in Ukraine, India has made the modernisation of its armed forces a top priority.

That urgency has risen in tandem with tensions between the world’s most populous nation and its northern neighbour China, especially since a deadly 2020 clash between their troops.

“India’s perception of its security environment vis-a-vis China has been dramatically altered,” Harsh V Pant, of the New Delhi-based Observer Research Foundation think-tank, told AFP.

Relations between the two neighbours went into freefall after the clash on their shared frontier, which killed 20 Indian and at least four Chinese soldiers.

“It has sort of shaken the system and there’s a realisation that we have to do whatever is best now, and very fast,” Pant said. 

Defence minister Rajnath Singh has also promised at least $100 billion in fresh domestic military hardware contracts by 2033 to spur local arms production. It has also conducted a successful long-range hypersonic missile test.

It goes without stating that India has been traditionally an importer of arms. Thus the switch and the efforts related to the new move is impressive and few milestones actually have been achieved.  

New Delhi has encouraged high-end technology push and has also opened an expansive new helicopter factory, launched its first homemade aircraft carrier.

That in turn has fostered a growing arms export market which saw sales last year worth $2.63 billion — still a tiny amount compared to established players, but a 30-fold increase in a decade. India is expected in the coming weeks to announce a landmark deal to supply Indonesia’s military with supersonic cruise missiles in a deal worth nearly $450 million.

High-profile Republican figures like Nikki Haley and Vivek Ramaswamy have amplified Indian-American visibility within the Republican Party, further encouraging a re-evaluation of political loyalties.

The deepening US-India relationship has significant implications for Pakistan.