Women’s Reservation Bill Stalls Without Indian National Congress Backing
The Centre's push to fast-track the Women's Reservation Bill ahead of the 2029 Lok Sabha elections faces a significant hurdle due to the lack of assured support from the Congress-led Opposition. A special three-day session of Parliament, scheduled for April 16-18, aims to introduce amendments to implement 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies before 2029, bypassing the current timeline tied to the post-2027 Census delimitation. Despite Prime Minister Modi's appeal for bipartisan support and a BJP whip for full attendance, the government's efforts may fall short without Congress's backing. The Opposition’s concerns primarily revolve around the proposed linkage of reservation with delimitation, which they argue could disproportionately benefit northern states and harm southern and northeastern regions. The proposed amendments also include increasing the number of Lok Sabha seats by up to 50%, further intensifying opposition resistance. Congress leaders, including Sonia Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, have demanded broader consultations and clarity on the implications of such changes. The Opposition’s final stance, expected after an INDIA bloc meeting, will be crucial in determining whether the amendment secures the required support or faces a roadblock.
Women’s Reservation Bill Stalls Without Indian National Congress Backing
The Centre's push to fast-track the Women's Reservation Bill ahead of the 2029 Lok Sabha elections faces a significant hurdle due to the lack of assured support from the Congress-led Opposition. A special three-day session of Parliament, scheduled for April 16-18, aims to introduce amendments to implement 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies before 2029, bypassing the current timeline tied to the post-2027 Census delimitation. Despite Prime Minister Modi's appeal for bipartisan support and a BJP whip for full attendance, the government's efforts may fall short without Congress's backing. The Opposition’s concerns primarily revolve around the proposed linkage of reservation with delimitation, which they argue could disproportionately benefit northern states and harm southern and northeastern regions. The proposed amendments also include increasing the number of Lok Sabha seats by up to 50%, further intensifying opposition resistance. Congress leaders, including Sonia Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, have demanded broader consultations and clarity on the implications of such changes. The Opposition’s final stance, expected after an INDIA bloc meeting, will be crucial in determining whether the amendment secures the required support or faces a roadblock.
LIVE: Puducherry Goes to Polls Under High Security
Voting began in Puducherry on Thursday, with around 9.5 lakh voters set to decide the fate of the ruling NDA and the opposition INDIA bloc. Polling commenced at 7 am across Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe, and Yanam, with voters queuing up at polling stations from early morning. The Union Territory has 1,099 polling stations, of which 209 have been identif
LIVE: Puducherry Goes to Polls Under High Security
Voting began in Puducherry on Thursday, with around 9.5 lakh voters set to decide the fate of the ruling NDA and the opposition INDIA bloc. Polling commenced at 7 am across Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe, and Yanam, with voters queuing up at polling stations from early morning. The Union Territory has 1,099 polling stations, of which 209 have been identif
Stock Market Today: Sensex, Nifty 50 Fall on Global Weakness – LIVE Updates
Indian stock markets opened in the negative on Friday, following a day’s break due to the Ram Navami holiday. The Sensex and Nifty both began trading in the red, reflecting concerns over global uncertainties, particularly related to the ongoing Iran conflict. Global markets have also shown signs of weakness, with major indices in the US and Asia recording declines. This uncertainty has weighed heavily on investor sentiment, contributing to the sluggish start on the Indian bourses.
Stock Market Today: Sensex, Nifty 50 Fall on Global Weakness – LIVE Updates
Indian stock markets opened in the negative on Friday, following a day’s break due to the Ram Navami holiday. The Sensex and Nifty both began trading in the red, reflecting concerns over global uncertainties, particularly related to the ongoing Iran conflict. Global markets have also shown signs of weakness, with major indices in the US and Asia recording declines. This uncertainty has weighed heavily on investor sentiment, contributing to the sluggish start on the Indian bourses.
World Wildlife Day 2026: Celebrating Medicinal and Aromatic Plants for Health, Heritage, and Livelihoods
World Wildlife Day, observed annually on March 3, brings attention to the importance of conserving wildlife and biodiversity, and this year, the focus is on the preservation of medicinal and aromatic plants. These plants, integral to both traditional and modern healthcare, hold significant value for ecological sustainability, cultural heritage, and public health. The theme for 2026, "Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conserving Health, Heritage and Livelihoods," highlights the growing need to sa
World Wildlife Day 2026: Celebrating Medicinal and Aromatic Plants for Health, Heritage, and Livelihoods
World Wildlife Day, observed annually on March 3, brings attention to the importance of conserving wildlife and biodiversity, and this year, the focus is on the preservation of medicinal and aromatic plants. These plants, integral to both traditional and modern healthcare, hold significant value for ecological sustainability, cultural heritage, and public health. The theme for 2026, "Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conserving Health, Heritage and Livelihoods," highlights the growing need to sa
Andhra Pradesh Launches Hanuman Project to Mitigate Human-Wildlife Conflict
Andhra Pradesh has taken a significant step toward reducing human-wildlife conflicts with the launch of the ‘Hanuman’ Project, an initiative aimed at improving wildlife protection while ensuring public safety. The announcement came from Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan on March 3, 2026, during an event held in Mangalagiri. The new project, which addresses ongoing issues with elephants and other wildlife in the state, promises to enhance safety measures for both people and animals in the
Andhra Pradesh Launches Hanuman Project to Mitigate Human-Wildlife Conflict
Andhra Pradesh has taken a significant step toward reducing human-wildlife conflicts with the launch of the ‘Hanuman’ Project, an initiative aimed at improving wildlife protection while ensuring public safety. The announcement came from Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan on March 3, 2026, during an event held in Mangalagiri. The new project, which addresses ongoing issues with elephants and other wildlife in the state, promises to enhance safety measures for both people and animals in the
Garden Pest Control Guide: Simple Solutions for a Healthy Landscape
A beautiful garden is the result of consistent care, healthy soil, and proper pest management. While pests are a natural part of the ecosystem, uncontrolled infestations can damage plants, reduce yields, and affect the overall appearance of your landscape. Effective garden pest control does not always require harsh chemicals. With the right strategies, you can protect your plants while maintaining a healthy and balanced outdoor environment. This guide provides simple and practical solutions t
Garden Pest Control Guide: Simple Solutions for a Healthy Landscape
A beautiful garden is the result of consistent care, healthy soil, and proper pest management. While pests are a natural part of the ecosystem, uncontrolled infestations can damage plants, reduce yields, and affect the overall appearance of your landscape. Effective garden pest control does not always require harsh chemicals. With the right strategies, you can protect your plants while maintaining a healthy and balanced outdoor environment. This guide provides simple and practical solutions t
India’s Surprising Reproductive Shift Due to GLP-1 Weight Loss Drugs
India is witnessing an unexpected reproductive shift as GLP-1 weight loss drugs such as Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Ozempic gain popularity across the country. Doctors in major cities are reporting a rise in unexpected pregnancies among women who had previously struggled with infertility. These surprise pregnancies, often referred to as "Ozempic babies" globally, are now being observed in India, just months after GLP-1 injectables entered the market. Originally designed for managing type 2 diabetes
India’s Surprising Reproductive Shift Due to GLP-1 Weight Loss Drugs
India is witnessing an unexpected reproductive shift as GLP-1 weight loss drugs such as Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Ozempic gain popularity across the country. Doctors in major cities are reporting a rise in unexpected pregnancies among women who had previously struggled with infertility. These surprise pregnancies, often referred to as "Ozempic babies" globally, are now being observed in India, just months after GLP-1 injectables entered the market. Originally designed for managing type 2 diabetes
Settles for $29 Million with Family of Jaahnavi Kandula Over Police Accident
The city of Seattle has reached a $29 million settlement with the family of Jaahnavi Kandula, a 23-year-old graduate student from India, who tragically lost her life in 2023 after being struck by a speeding police officer. Kandula, a master's student at Northeastern University’s Seattle campus, was hit by Officer Kevin Dave, who was driving at 74 mph (119 km/h) in a 25-mph (40 km/h) zone while responding to a drug overdose call. Although Da
Settles for $29 Million with Family of Jaahnavi Kandula Over Police Accident
The city of Seattle has reached a $29 million settlement with the family of Jaahnavi Kandula, a 23-year-old graduate student from India, who tragically lost her life in 2023 after being struck by a speeding police officer. Kandula, a master's student at Northeastern University’s Seattle campus, was hit by Officer Kevin Dave, who was driving at 74 mph (119 km/h) in a 25-mph (40 km/h) zone while responding to a drug overdose call. Although Da









