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Scrapped notes’ counting still on, opposition dissatisfied

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Urjit Patel

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]RBI chief says more machines required

The demonetization mess is still not over at Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The central bank is still counting the demonetized notes of rupees 1000 and 500, deposited by the people in the aftermath of November 8 announcement by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Common people deposited the scrapped notes till December 31 while NRIs were given time unto March 31.

Opposition leaders have been expressing suspicion on the whole process. People are discussing as to what has gone wrong in handling the unprecedented situation.

On Wednesday RBI Governor Urjit Patel informed the parliamentary panel headed by Veerappa Moily that the “exact number” of the scrapped notes was not clear because they are still being counted. He further informed that RBI had issued tenders for fresh Currency Verification Processing System (CVPS) machines to speed up the counting.

Many Parliamentary panel members, especially opposition leaders have expressed their displeasure. Congress leader Digvijay Singh asked RBI chief that, “Will you able to complete the counting by May 2019 (when the Narendra Modi government completes its term). He also said that none of the objectives of the demonetization, including checking fake currency and controlling terror had been achieved.

Samajwadi Party member Naresh Agarwal walked out of the meeting asking what was the point of calling RBI governor if answers were not forthcoming.

Urjit Patel appeared before the parliamentary panel on Wednesday for the second time. After his first appearance on January 18, he sought exemptions for twice.

The written submission by RBI to the Parliamentary panel says, “notes received during demonetization are required to be reconciled with the reported figures to ensure accounting integrity, and processed for verifying numerical accuracy and authenticity through CVPS machines. This work has been accorded top priority. Since the CVPS machine capacity is limited, steps have been taken to expedite the process so as to arrive at the exact number of the Specified bank Notes (SBNs) received.”

RBI also informed that all regional offices of the RBI have been operating the CVPS machines in two shifts, for six days of the week. “We have also added machine capability by making use of large machines available with commercial banks for processing these notes, under our supervision. A tender has been floated to acquire additional machines from vendors on lease. Process for regular purchase of machines is being expedited,” said the RBI.

The panel members expressed their displeasure saying RBI officials did not answer most of their questions. Report says that RBI officials have offered to provide written answers to all questions. The members of parliamentary panel have decided not to call Patel again. The panel was supposed to submit its report on demonetization during the Monsoon Session beginning next week.

The members of the panel raised questions over the demonetization drive, preparedness for the digital transaction and prevalence of bit coins.

During the Parliamentary panel’s meeting BJP members were defending  RBI governor Urjit Patel. BJP member Nishikant Dubey and other party colleagues did not allow the conducting of the meeting according to the scheduled. RBI Chief was supposed to reply to three questions each from three members. Remaining members were to resume questioning after Patel’s responses. The BJP members said that Patel would only answer after all the questions were over.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

India News

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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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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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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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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