Rahul Gandhi Calls for Investigation into Gujarat's Mysterious Political Funding

Concerns Over Political Funding in Gujarat

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has requested the Election Commission to investigate a report suggesting that ten obscure political parties in Gujarat amassed Rs 4,300 crore over five years, despite rarely participating in elections. These parties reportedly received substantial funding from 2019-2020 to 2023-2024, coinciding with the Lok Sabha elections in 2019 and 2024, as well as the Assembly elections in 2022.

These lesser-known parties only nominated 43 candidates during elections, garnering a total of just 54,069 votes. While they officially declared expenditures of Rs 39.02 lakh, their audit reports indicated expenses amounting to Rs 3,500 crore.

Gandhi questioned the Election Commission about the source of these massive funds and their ultimate destination.

Tragic Landslide Near Vaishno Devi Shrine

In a devastating incident, at least 30 individuals lost their lives due to a landslide triggered by heavy rainfall near the Vaishno Devi shrine in Katra, Jammu and Kashmir. Following the landslide, which occurred around 3 PM on Tuesday, the pilgrimage to the shrine has been halted.

The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has advised devotees to postpone their visits due to the ongoing heavy rainfall.

The India Meteorological Department has urged residents in the Jammu area to remain indoors, steer clear of low-lying and flooded regions, and adhere to the guidelines issued by local authorities.

Defence Minister Emphasizes Preparedness for Security Challenges

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has stated that the Indian armed forces must be ready to tackle a range of security challenges, from short-term skirmishes to prolonged conflicts lasting up to five years. Speaking at an event in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh, Singh remarked on the unpredictable nature of modern warfare, making it challenging to foresee the duration and conclusion of conflicts.

He highlighted that national security now encompasses various aspects, including a nation's economic frameworks, industrial capabilities, technological advancements, and educational systems.

Singh asserted that national security is no longer solely the responsibility of the military but requires a comprehensive national approach. He emphasized that while India does not seek to encroach on others' territories, it is prepared to defend its own.

US Plans Overhaul of Immigration System

Howard Lutnick, the United States Secretary of Commerce, has announced that the government is considering reforms to its immigration system, particularly concerning the H-1B visa program and green cards. He criticized the existing H-1B visa framework, labeling it as 'terrible.'

The H-1B visa allows US companies to temporarily hire foreign workers in specialized fields. In recent years, Indian nationals have made up the majority of H-1B visa recipients, accounting for 72.3% of all H-1B visas issued in the fiscal year 2022-2023.

Lutnick also expressed discontent with the green card system, arguing that it favors inappropriate candidates. A green card permits individuals to reside and work permanently in the United States.

Stay Updated with Our Daily Brief

If you haven’t already, sign up for our Daily Brief newsletter.