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Days after meeting PM Modi, Elon Musk-led DOGE cancells $21 million grant allocated for voter turnout in India

During their meeting, Musk and Modi explored potential collaborations in space exploration, mobility, technology, and energy, while also exchanging ideas on improving governance in their respective countries.

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The U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), headed by billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, has unveiled a series of significant budget cuts, including the elimination of a $21 million allocation aimed at boosting “voter turnout in India.” The announcement was made in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on February 15.

President Donald Trump appointed Musk last month to lead the newly established DOGE, tasking him with streamlining governance and reducing wasteful spending. In its post, the department listed several programs that would no longer receive funding, emphasizing its commitment to fiscal responsibility.

“U.S. taxpayer dollars were going to be spent on the following items, all of which have been cancelled,” the DOGE stated. Among the cuts was  $486 million in grants to the “Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening” including $22 million for “inclusive and participatory political process” in Moldova and $21 million for “voter turnout in India”. No further details about the specific programs or their objectives were provided.

The announcement comes just days after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the U.S., where he held discussions with President Trump and met with Musk. During their meeting, Musk and Modi explored potential collaborations in space exploration, mobility, technology, and energy, while also exchanging ideas on improving governance in their respective countries.

The DOGE has announced previously cancelled funding, which includes $29 million for “strengthening political landscape in Bangladesh,” $20 million designated for “fiscal federalism” in Nepal, and $19 million aimed at “biodiversity conservation” in the Himalayan nation.

Further cuts include a $10 million grant for “Mozambique voluntary medical male circumcision,” $2.3 million for initiatives to “strengthen independent voices in Cambodia,” $32 million to the Prague Civil Society Centre, $40 million for a “gender equality and women empowerment hub,” and $14 million allocated to “improving public procurement” in Serbia, among other reductions. Additionally, the budget accounted for $47 million intended for “improving learning outcomes in Asia.”

The DOGE’s sweeping budget reductions reflect its mandate to prioritize efficiency and eliminate what it deems non-essential expenditures. While the move has been praised by advocates of fiscal conservatism, it has also sparked debate over the potential impact of these cuts on international development and diplomatic relations.

As the DOGE continues its review of government spending, the announcement underscores the Trump administration’s focus on reducing foreign aid and reallocating resources to domestic priorities. The long-term implications of these cuts, particularly on U.S. partnerships and global initiatives, remain to be seen.

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Abhishek Banerjee says will not bow to BJP after nearly 11 hours of ED questioning

After spending nearly 11 hours before the Enforcement Directorate, TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee said he would not bow to the BJP and accused the ruling party of using investigative agencies for political purposes.

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Abhishek Banerjee

Trinamool Congress leader and Diamond Harbour MP Abhishek Banerjee on Tuesday said he would not bow to the BJP after spending nearly 11 hours being questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with an ongoing investigation.

Speaking after the questioning, Banerjee alleged that central agencies were being used to target opposition leaders and asserted that he would continue his political fight despite what he described as sustained pressure.

The TMC leader has repeatedly maintained that investigations involving him are politically motivated, a charge he has made on several previous occasions while appearing before central agencies.

His appearance before the ED comes amid a period of heightened political activity and multiple investigations involving leaders in West Bengal. Recent days have also seen Banerjee face summons and questioning in separate matters by state investigative agencies.

After leaving the ED office, Banerjee reiterated that he would not be intimidated and said he remained committed to his political responsibilities. He also accused the BJP of attempting to weaken opposition parties through investigative action, an allegation that the BJP has rejected in the past.

The Enforcement Directorate has not publicly commented on Banerjee’s remarks. The investigation related to the questioning remains ongoing.

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DMK attacks Rahul Gandhi, accuses him of weakening opposition unity

DMK has intensified its criticism of Rahul Gandhi, alleging that the Congress leader’s actions have weakened opposition unity and strained relations within the INDIA bloc.

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The war of words between the DMK and Congress has intensified, with the DMK launching a strong attack on Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and accusing him of contributing to divisions within the opposition alliance. The criticism comes amid strained ties between the two parties following their political split in Tamil Nadu.

According to the DMK, Rahul Gandhi’s political approach has weakened unity among opposition parties. The party’s IT wing mocked the Congress leader on social media, while an editorial published in the DMK’s official mouthpiece Murasoli questioned his recent remarks on opposition solidarity.

DMK questions Rahul Gandhi’s remarks on opposition unity

In its editorial, Murasoli argued that Rahul Gandhi was speaking about opposition unity despite, according to the DMK, contributing to disagreements among alliance partners in several states. The publication cited criticism directed at Congress by various opposition parties and suggested that the party’s actions had often created tensions within the INDIA bloc.

The editorial also referred to past political disputes involving Congress and Left parties, particularly in Kerala, claiming such episodes had raised concerns among opposition allies about Congress’s approach toward its partners.

Tamil Nadu political fallout adds to tensions

The attack comes after a major political realignment in Tamil Nadu. Following the 2026 Assembly elections, Congress ended its alliance with the DMK and joined the government led by Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). The move left the DMK in the opposition and significantly altered the political equation between the two former allies.

The DMK has alleged that Congress benefited from the alliance during the election and later abandoned its partner. The party’s editorial questioned whether assurances from Congress leadership would be trusted by alliance partners after the developments in Tamil Nadu.

Congress rejects allegations

Congress has not issued a detailed official response to the editorial, but party sources have rejected the allegations. According to the party, its decisions in Tamil Nadu were made in line with the mandate delivered by voters and were not intended to undermine either the DMK or the broader opposition alliance.

The latest exchange highlights growing strains between two key opposition parties even as leaders continue to stress cooperation on national issues. Just days earlier, Rahul Gandhi had said that the DMK remained aligned with the opposition on defending the “idea of India” despite political differences.

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Entertainment

Kumkum Bhagya actor Sanchita Ugale dies by suicide near Mumbai at 22

Television actor Sanchita Ugale, known for Kumkum Bhagya and Wagle Ki Duniya, died by suicide at her residence near Mumbai. Police have launched an investigation.

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Sanchita Ugale

Television actor Sanchita Ugale, known for her appearances in Kumkum Bhagya, Wagle Ki Duniya and Dilwali Dulha Le Jayegi, died by suicide at her residence in Nalasopara East near Mumbai on June 14. She was 22.

According to police officials, the incident took place at her home in Achole village, Nalasopara East. Authorities said Ugale had locked herself inside her bedroom and was later found hanging from a ceiling fan. Family members and local residents rushed her to a hospital, where doctors declared her dead.

Police have registered an Accidental Death Report (ADR) and launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death. Officials said inquiries are underway and the exact reason behind the incident has not yet been established.

Career across television, OTT and films

Ugale had built a growing presence in the entertainment industry through television, streaming projects and films. Apart from Kumkum Bhagya and Wagle Ki Duniya, she played a lead role in Dilwali Dulha Le Jayegi. She also appeared in OTT projects such as Crime Aaj Kal and Silence 2.

The actor was also associated with the film Chhaava, which contributed to her growing recognition among audiences.

Last social media post draws attention

Following news of her death, social media users shared and commented on Ugale’s final Instagram post, which had been uploaded hours before the incident. The post showed the actor in traditional attire lip-syncing to a classic Bollywood song. Fans expressed shock and grief after learning of her death.

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