News at 2

On News@2 this April 21, Taniya Dutta brings to you the afternoon’s most crucial headlines.

Japan has approved a major shift in its postwar pacifist policy, allowing the export of lethal weapons for the first time after its Cabinet led by Sanae Takaichi cleared the move. The decision is aimed at strengthening national security and boosting the defence industry, though critics warn it may increase tensions.

Meanwhile, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has begun a three-day visit to Germany to deepen defence cooperation, with talks progressing on the Project 75I submarine deal.

Separately, campaigning for the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections will end on Tuesday, with major leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister M. K. Stalin leading a high-intensity, multi-cornered contest.

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Produced by Taniya Dutta

Sound mixed by Suraj Singh

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has announced the abolition of the Madrasa Board, mandating a uniform state curriculum for all madrasas from July, a move backed by some religious leaders but opposed by groups like the All India Muslim Personal Law Board.

Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court will deliver its verdict on recusal pleas in the liquor policy case involving Arvind Kejriwal.

Separately, the Appellate Tribunal for Electricity has rejected a plea to delay clearance of 300,000 million rupees dues, raising the likelihood of higher electricity tariffs or subsidies in Delhi.

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Produced by Taniya Dutta

Sound mixed by Suraj Singh

On News@2 this April 17, Taniya Dutta brings to you the afternoon’s most crucial headlines.

The Centre has notified the implementation of the Women’s Reservation Act, 2023, bringing into force the provision for 33 per cent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies from April 16. However, officials clarified that the quota will not be implemented immediately, as it remains linked to a delimitation exercise based on the next Census.

The development comes amid a heated Lok Sabha debate, where Congress MP Shashi Tharoor criticised linking the quota to delimitation.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Harivansh Narayan Singh on his re-election, as the Opposition boycotted the process alleging lack of consultation.

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Sound mixed by Rohan Bharti

On News@2 this April 16, Taniya Dutta brings to you the afternoon’s most crucial headlines.

A special session of Parliament is underway with heated debate over key bills, including the Women’s Reservation and Constitution Amendment proposals, as the women’s bill was introduced after a division vote.

Meanwhile, India and the United States are advancing talks on a bilateral trade agreement following a meeting between senior officials in Washington, with negotiations affected by recent tariff policy changes.

In Maharashtra, a political controversy has erupted after the state government mandated Marathi proficiency for auto and taxi drivers, drawing criticism from opposition parties and unions, who warn of social division and risks to livelihoods while calling for supportive measures instead of strict enforcement.

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Produced by Taniya Dutta

Sound mixed by Aman Pal

BJP's Samrat Choudhary takes oath as new Bihar CM as Nitish Kumar's 20-year-reign ends; US President Trump calls Modi to discuss bilateral ties and West Asia situation and Raghav Chadha's Z+ security by Punjab police withdrawn amid rift with AAP.

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Sound mixed by Rohan Bharti

Noida saw unrest as workers demanding a ₹20,000 monthly wage clashed with police. In West Bengal, concerns rose after voters found their names missing from electoral rolls. Bihar faces a political shift as Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is set to resign, likely paving the way for a BJP-led government. Globally, Iran has sought compensation from Gulf nations, alleging they enabled US-Israel strikes, calling it a violation of international law.

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Sound mixed by Suraj Singh

Violence broke out in Noida as factory workers protesting for higher wages turned aggressive, blocking roads and setting vehicles on fire, prompting police action and new relief measures by the Uttar Pradesh government.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a major upcoming decision on women’s reservation, calling it a historic step to enhance women’s participation in governance.

Separately, the Supreme Court heard petitions on the SIR issue ahead of the West Bengal elections, including challenges to voter list freezes and the alleged gherao of judicial officers in Malda, as authorities seek clarity before the polls.

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Sound mixed by Suraj Singh

On News@2 this April 10, Areeb Raza brings to you the afternoon’s most crucial headlines.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has taken oath as a Rajya Sabha MP, signalling his imminent exit from state leadership and a major political transition, with the BJP set to choose its first Chief Minister in Bihar.

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will visit India next month after discussions with his Indian counterpart Vikram Misri to strengthen bilateral ties.

Separately, Justice Yashwant Varma has resigned from the Allahabad High Court amid a cash recovery controversy, with investigations and possible impeachment proceedings underway.

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Produced by Areeb Raza

Sound mixed by Suraj Singh

On News@2 this April 9, Areeb Raza brings to you the afternoon’s most crucial headlines.

Polling for Assembly elections in Assam, Kerala and Puducherry began at 7 am with strong security and steady voter turnout across regions. Key contests are underway between the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance and opposition alliances, with over 25 million voters in Assam alone. Bypolls are also being held in five constituencies, with results due on May 4.

Meanwhile, India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met senior US defence and commerce officials during his visit to strengthen defence, trade and technology ties.

In West Bengal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced six guarantees, targeting the Trinamool Congress over governance issues and promising reforms, transparency and implementation of the 7th Pay Commission.

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Produced by Areeb Raza

Sound mixed by by Rohan Bharti

On News@2 this April 8, Areeb Raza brings to you the afternoon’s most crucial headlines.

Donald Trump announced a two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran, with Tehran agreeing to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and talks set for April 10 in Islamabad. Despite the truce, missile alerts continued across the Gulf.

Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy in Tehran urged Indians to leave Iran immediately, activating helplines.

Separately, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee filed her nomination from Bhabanipur, led a roadshow, and sought a stronger mandate, while raising concerns over voter roll deletions ahead of upcoming West Bengal elections.

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Produced by Areeb Raza

Sound mixed by Rohan Bharti