UN Security Council Demands Ceasefire in Gaza, US Abstains
On March 25, the United Nations Security Council unanimously demanded an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Palestinian militants Hamas, with the United States abstaining from the vote. The resolution, proposed by the 10 elected members of the council, called for an immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.
This marks the first time the Security Council has demanded a ceasefire in the nearly six-month-old war in the Gaza Strip. The United States had previously used its veto power to shield its ally Israel as it retaliated against Hamas for an October 7 attack that Israel says killed 1,200 people.
The resolution comes amid escalating violence in the region. On March 25, nine people were injured in a missile strike on Kyiv, the third such attack in five days. Russia has intensified its aerial bombardment of Ukrainian cities, while the front line in the war remains largely stationary.
EU Investigates Tech Giants Under New Digital Law
The European Union (EU) has launched probes into whether Apple, Alphabet, and Meta violated the new Digital Markets Act (DMA). The law aims to exercise greater control over the functioning of big tech companies.
The companies could face fines of up to 10% of their global revenues and 20% for repeat infringements of the DMA. The investigations are part of the EU’s efforts to promote competition and protect consumers in the digital market.
Congress Questions Modi Government’s Women’s Welfare Schemes
The Congress party has attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government for reducing the budget of women-centered welfare schemes. The party highlighted five key problems, including the lack of funds for the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao program and the reduction in the budget for the National Mission for Empowerment of Women.
The Congress also criticized the government for its handling of the recent objectionable post by its social media in-charge against actor and BJP candidate Kangana Ranaut. The party demanded an apology from the government and action against those responsible.
Other News
* The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has started requiring an increasing number of Hindi and foreign films to display anti-liquor watermarks for films that feature alcohol consumption.
* Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel celebrated Holi with party functionaries in Ahmedabad.
* The Rashtriya Loktantrik Party (RLP) has announced its supremo Hanuman Beniwal as the INDIA bloc candidate for the Lok Sabha election from Rajasthan’s Nagaur seat following an alliance with the Opposition Congress.
* Advocate C. Robert Bruce has been fielded as the Congress candidate in the Tirunelveli Parliamentary constituency.
* The Congress has listed “massive failures” of the Ministry of Women and Child Development (WCD) in the last 10 years and asserted that a new era of women’s safety, prosperity, and development will begin when its government “takes charge in June.”
* A New York appeals court has agreed to hold off collection of former President Donald Trump’s $454 million civil fraud judgment if he puts up $175 million within 10 days.
* Virat Kohli produced a quality half-century to lead Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a four-wicket victory over Punjab Kings in an IPL match.
* A tribal forum in Manipur has urged the Kuki-Zo people to exercise their franchise but refrain from contesting in the Lok Sabha election in April.
