THE HEADLINES:-
- Parliament passes Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill 2024 to enhance disaster preparedness, response and recovery.
- Parliament also clears Boilers Bill, 2024; Lok Sabha gives nod to Finance Bill, 2025.
- Twelve of the 14 Congress MLAs in Odisha Assembly suspended for seven days due to alleged misconduct.
- At least 23 Palestinians killed in Israeli strikes across Gaza Strip.
- International Sports governing body World Athletics approves introduction of mandatory cheek swabbing to determine athlete’s gender.
- In Football, qualifier match of AFC Asian Cup 2027 between India and Bangladesh underway at Shillong.
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The Parliament has passed the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill 2024 with Rajya Sabha approving it today. The Lok Sabha had passed it in December last year. It aims to enhance disaster preparedness, response and recovery across the country. The Bill amends the Disaster Management Act, 2005 and intends to strengthen the efficient working of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMA). The bill empowers the NDMA and SDMA to prepare the disaster plan at national level and state level instead of the National Executive Committee and the State Executive Committee.
Replying to a discussion on the Bill, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said, the size and scale of disasters have changed and the responses must change accordingly.
On the opposition’s allegation on centralization, Mr Shah said, the greatest power under the Bill has been given to the District Disaster Management Authority.
Earlier, initiating the discussion, Neeraj Dangi of Congress asked that the Bill does not specify details on the PM Cares fund or how it will be used. The treasury benches protested over Mr Dangi’s comment on the government’s COVID-19 management.
Taking part in the debate, Brij Lal of BJP said, the main responsibility of disaster management lies on the state governments. He said, the Centre provides all help to states in case of disasters.
Ritabrata Banerjee of TMC accused the NDA ruled Central government of withholding funds of opposition ruled States.
Praful Patel of NCP lauded the efforts of the government to strengthen disaster preparedness at every level.
A A Rahim of CPI (M) alleged that the Central Government is not allocating enough funds to states affected by natural disasters. CPI MP Sandosh Kumar P suggested sending the Bill to the joint parliamentary committee for more scrutiny.
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The Parliament also passed the Boilers Bill, 2024 with the Lok Sabha approving it today. The Bill repeals the Boilers Act, 1923 and seeks to provide for the regulation of boilers and safety of life and property of persons from the danger of explosions of steamboilers. The Rajya Sabha had already passed the Bill in December last year. The Legislation also provides for uniformity in registration and inspection during the manufacture and use of boilers in the country. For Ease of Doing Business, the Bill will benefit boiler users including those in the MSME sector as provisions related to the decriminalisation have been incorporated in the Bill.
Replying to a debate on the Bill in the Lok Sabha, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said, the bill has been brought in Parliament after holding discussions with all the stakeholders. He said, the Modi government believes in cooperative federalism and there is no question of encroaching the rights of States.
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The Lok Sabha has passed the Finance Bill, 2025, incorporating 35 government amendments aimed at tariff rationalisation and boosting domestic manufacturing. The Bill seeks to give effect to the financial proposals of the Central Government for the financial year 2025-2026. Replying to the discussion on the Bill, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said, the Finance Bill 2025 provides unprecedented tax relief to taxpayers and ease of doing business.
Ms. Sitharaman said, under the new tax regime, there will be zero income tax upto the income of 12 lakh rupees. She announced that the New Income tax bill is likely to be taken up for discussion in the next monsoon session. She informed that this Finance bill also proposed to remove seven custom tariff rates for industrial goods. Ms. Sitharaman said, the government has also proposed to extend the period of incorporation of Start ups by five years to allow the benefits available to them which are incorporated before 1st April 2030.
Earlier, participating in the discussion, S Jothimani of Congress raised the issue of unemployment in the country. Jagdambika Pal of BJP said, India is the fastest growing economy in the world.
Later, the House was adjourned for the day.
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Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar today held a meeting with the floor leaders of the House on the issue of the recovery of cash from the residence of Delhi High Court Justice Yashwant Varma. Leader of the House Jagat Prakash Nadda, Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, Ministers of State for Parliamentary Affairs Arjun Ram Meghwal and L. Murugan, DMK leader Tiruchi Siva, RLD leader and Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary, JD(U) leader and Union Minister Ramnath Thakur, BJD leader Sasmit Patra, CPI(M) leader John Brittas were present in the meeting, among others. Earlier today in the House, terming this a serious issue, the Chairman said that the issue concerns the sovereignty, supremacy, and relevance of Parliament. He lauded the Chief Justice for taking prompt action in this matter. Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge welcomed the decision of the Chairman to convene a meeting with the floor leaders.
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In Odisha Legislative Assembly, 12 of the 14 Congress MLAs were suspended today for alleged misconduct and violation of Assembly norms. The Congress MLAs have been barred from attending House proceedings for seven days. The decision was taken following a proposal moved by ruling party Chief Whip Saroj Pradhan, citing violations of legislative conduct, which was subsequently passed in the House. The Congress legislators were staging protests on several issues by beating gongs, cymbals and playing flutes, creating a ruckus in the Assembly.
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Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta today said that this year’s Delhi Budget has seen a 31.58 per cent increase from the previous year, with a total allocation of one lakh crore rupees. Addressing the media after presenting the budget for the financial year 2025-26 in the Delhi Assembly, Ms Gupta said, the education sector has witnessed a 17 per cent growth,
The budget for Housing and Urban Development has also risen by 9 per cent. Ms Gupta also announced that 50 thousand CCTV cameras will be installed across the capital for women’s safety.
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The Centre has approved two development projects for Punjab, aimed at honoring the sacrifices of Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev, at Khatkar Kalan and Hussainiwala in Ferozepur, where the trio was cremated. Union Minister of State for Railways and Food Processing Industries, Ravneet Bittu said, these projects are designed as fitting tributes to the martyrs.
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At least 23 Palestinians were killed in Israeli strikes across the Gaza Strip today. Palestinian health officials said, nearly 700 people, have been killed, since Israeli military resumed its campaign against Palestinian armed group Hamas in Gaza a week ago, leading to the collapse of the two-month long ceasefire. The fresh strikes come as the Israeli military expanded evacuation orders to tens of thousands of residents across the enclave. The Israeli army asked residents in all northern border towns to evacuate, saying Palestinian rockets had been fired at Israel from the area. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the renewed offensive aimed to pressure Hamas into releasing the remaining 59 hostages it is holding in Gaza. About 24 of them are believed to be still alive. on the other hand, Armed group Hamas, accused Israel of abandoning the 19th of January ceasefire deal.
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The Bangladesh Army has refuted a report published by an Indian private media outlet, claiming an impending coup as completely unfounded and misleading. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) of Bangladesh said in a statement today that the private media outlet has published the report based on false and fabricated information regarding a routine meeting held by the Bangladesh Army.
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Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar today extended his best wishes for the World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025, set to take place in Mumbai from May 1st to 4th. In a video message shared on social media, the actor lauded the summit, calling it a milestone step. He emphasized that this summit will not just be a perfect stage for creators across the world but also the world’s most powerful gathering that will change the future of global entertainment.
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International Sports governing body, World Athletics has approved the introduction of mandatory cheek swabbing to determine an athlete’s gender. Organisation’s President Sebastian Coe said, decision was taken to doggedly protect the female category in the sport.
Talking to reporters at Nanjing in China today, Mr Coe said, the move aims to pave the way for providing confidence and maintaining that absolute focus on the integrity of competition. He said, the decision was taken after a wide consultation on the proposal. He emphasized his commitment to the issue by highlighting the body’s willingness to go to the Court of Arbitration over Difference of Sex Development, (DSD) regulations.
As per media reports, World Athletics’ intention is to have the testing in place for athletes wanting to compete in the female category at the World Championships to be held in Tokyo from 13th to 21st of September this year.
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On the sixth day of the Khelo India Para Games in Delhi, powerlifters, shooters, and table tennis players competed fiercely to emerge as champions. A report:
In powerlifting, Reshma Mogal won the gold medal in the Elite 73 kg category, while Ashaben Patel secured silver and Maya claimed bronze. In the Elite 88 kg category, Sudhir took gold, Rahul Jograjiya earned silver, and Jagmohan settled for bronze. Meanwhile, in the Elite 97kg category, Sumit Kumar won gold, Hemant Kumar secured silver, and Zavir took bronze.
In shooting, Akash secured the gold medal in the Mixed 50m Pistol SH1 category. Sanjeev Kumar won silver, while Rudransh claimed bronze in the same event. At the para table tennis courts, players put up strong performances in the qualifying matches as they fought for a place in the medal rounds.
In the overall medal tally, Haryana remains in the lead, followed by Tamil Nadu in second place, while Uttar Pradesh holds third place. Abhishek Kapil, Akashvani News, Delhi.
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In Football, the opening game of third and final round of the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers between India and Bangladesh ended in a goalless draw at Shillong in Meghalaya this evening. Both teams will get a point each.
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In the Indian Premier League (IPL) T20 cricket, Punjab Kings have set a target of 244 runs against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad a short while ago.
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THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN.
- Parliament passes Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill 2024 to enhance disaster preparedness, response and recovery.
- Parliament also clears Boilers Bill, 2024; Lok Sabha gives nod to Finance Bill, 2025.
- Twelve of the 14 Congress MLAs in Odisha Assembly suspended for seven days due to alleged misconduct.
- At least 23 Palestinians killed in Israeli strikes across Gaza Strip.
- International Sports governing body World Athletics approves introduction of mandatory cheek swabbing to determine athlete’s gender.
- In Football, qualifier match of AFC Asian Cup 2027 between India and Bangladesh ends in goalless draw.
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