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Congress slams Modi govt for prioritising Pariksha Pe Charcha over national scholarships, says Rs 62 crore spent on PM’s publicity

“Yet, the Pariksha Pe Charcha continues for the Prime Minister’s personal publicity. In the last three years, ₹40 crore could have been allocated for scholarships, while ₹62 crore has been spent on publicity,” Vadra remarked.

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1 year ago

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Modi govt

On Friday, the Congress party hit out at the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led central government over reports that the Centre had halted the National Talent Search Examination (NTSE) in order to provide scholarships to deserving students.

In a post on X, Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra stated that a “public relations (PR) exercise was prioritized over a vision for progress.

She emphasized that the NTSE Scholarship, established in 1963, has significantly impacted the futures of many children by facilitating access to quality education and contributing to national development. Vadra referred to a news report indicating that the NTSE scholarship had been suspended for the past three years.

“Yet, the Pariksha Pe Charcha continues for the Prime Minister’s personal publicity. In the last three years, ₹40 crore could have been allocated for scholarships, while ₹62 crore has been spent on publicity,” Vadra remarked.

She expressed concern that the discontinuation of scholarships for thousands of students has seemingly closed the door to a promising future, while the Prime Minister’s PR efforts persist unabated.

On January 9, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh also raised similar points, noting that the scholarship had been discontinued three years ago under the pretext of controlling spending on scholarships. “However, the non-biological PM has continued with a PR campaign labeled Pariksha Pe Charcha, wasting around ₹62 crore. This is what we call ‘Entire Political Science,’” he added.

Reports indicate that the government has allocated over ₹62 crore for Pariksha Pe Charcha, an annual event where Prime Minister Modi offers advice to schoolchildren on how to approach exams. During these three years, the scholarship program designed for schoolchildren up to doctoral levels—linked to the National Talent Search Examination—was suspended after the education ministry instructed the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) to put the examination on hold.

Had the scholarship program continued, total expenditures over the past three years would have been less than ₹40 crore, based on previous spending patterns. Some government officials suggested that suspending the Talent Search Exam was part of an effort to reduce scholarship-related expenditures.

Many academics and parents have raised questions about the government’s priorities, asserting that Pariksha Pe Charcha amounts to little more than a repeated “public relations” and “self-glorification” initiative by the Prime Minister, whereas the scholarship could significantly benefit students.

Pariksha Pe Charcha is conducted in January or February at a venue in Delhi, where students from various states and schools gather. Modi responds to a selection of pre-screened audience questions as well as some pre-recorded ones, with expenses covered by the education ministry.

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Nitish Kumar’s son Nishant among 32 inducted in Bihar cabinet expansion

Nishant Kumar entered the Bihar cabinet for the first time as 32 ministers from NDA allies took oath in a major expansion of the state government.

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3 hours ago

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May 7, 2026

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Bihar government cabinet

A major cabinet expansion took place in Bihar on Thursday, with 32 leaders from the ruling NDA alliance inducted into the state government. Among the prominent names was Nishant Kumar, son of former Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar, who entered the cabinet for the first time.

The expansion included representatives from all major NDA allies in the state. According to reports, the BJP secured 15 ministerial berths, while JD(U) got 13 positions. Two ministers were inducted from Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), while Hindustani Awam Morcha and Rashtriya Lok Morcha received one berth each.

The oath-taking ceremony was held in Patna in the presence of senior NDA leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

Nishant Kumar’s induction comes weeks after he formally entered active politics. His entry into the Bihar cabinet is being viewed as a significant development for JD(U), which had long projected an anti-dynasty image under Nitish Kumar’s leadership.

The cabinet reshuffle follows Nitish Kumar’s move to the Rajya Sabha earlier this year and the formation of the government led by Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary.

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PM Modi marks Operation Sindoor anniversary, calls it India’s firm stand against terrorism

PM Modi said Operation Sindoor showcased India’s firm response against terrorism while paying tribute to the armed forces on the operation’s first anniversary.

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8 hours ago

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May 7, 2026

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PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said Operation Sindoor demonstrated India’s firm response against terrorism and highlighted the country’s commitment to national security.

Marking one year of the operation, the Prime Minister praised the courage, precision and professionalism of the Indian armed forces. He said the military action was carried out in response to the Pahalgam terror attack that had claimed the lives of 26 civilians in 2025.

Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7, 2025, as a calibrated tri-services operation targeting terror infrastructure linked to cross-border terrorism. Reports said the operation showcased coordinated action by the armed forces and was seen as a major counter-terror response by India.

On the anniversary of the operation, PM Modi also changed the display pictures across his social media platforms, including X, Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp. The image carried the text “Operation Sindoor” along with the Indian tricolour design.

The Indian Air Force also shared visuals and messages recalling the operation and highlighting India’s military response. A video released by the force described the operation as a strong message against terrorism and referred to the precision strikes carried out during the mission.

Operation Sindoor was launched following the Pahalgam terror attack, after which India carried out strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, according to official statements and reports published at the time.

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Vijay meets Tamil Nadu Governor again as TVK pushes to prove majority

TVK chief Vijay held another meeting with Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar as the party intensified efforts to secure majority support after emerging as the single-largest party in the Assembly elections.

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9 hours ago

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May 7, 2026

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Actor vijay

Actor-turned-politician Vijay met Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar again on Thursday as his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), continued efforts to prove it has enough support to form the next government in the state.

TVK emerged as the single-largest party in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly after winning 108 seats, but it remains short of the majority mark of 118.

The Congress has extended support to TVK, adding five MLAs to Vijay’s side. However, the alliance still needs additional backing from other parties or independents to comfortably cross the halfway mark.

According to reports, the Governor has not yet been fully convinced that TVK currently has the required numbers to form a stable government. This has delayed clarity over the swearing-in ceremony and the formal invitation to form the government.

Political activity intensified after reports emerged that some AIADMK legislators were moved to a resort in Puducherry amid speculation over possible support to TVK. AIADMK leaders, however, publicly denied any internal crisis.

TVK sources have expressed confidence that the party will be able to demonstrate majority support during discussions with the Governor.

The Tamil Nadu election results marked a major political shift in the state, with TVK breaking the long-standing dominance of the DMK and AIADMK in its first Assembly election contest.

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