Brooklyn NY - bklyn-ny.com

The much-awaited and controversial Waqf Amendment Bill will be tabled in Parliament at noon in the Lok Sabha. However, fireworks are expected, as the INDIA bloc allies have already made it a major issue. The allies had boycotted the Business Advisory Committee meeting, arguing that the BJP was pushing its own agenda in Parliament while more pressing issues, such as the Manipur voters’ list, were being ignored.
The opposition has decided to vociferously oppose the bill on the floor of the House and vote against it. However, in the NDA, numbers are not a concern, as allies like the JDU and TDP are strongly supporting the bill. The bill will be introduced by Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, and the discussion and debate are expected to last for at least eight hours. The bill is set to be passed in the Lok Sabha on the second day and will likely be taken up in the Rajya Sabha on the third. The BJP has already issued a whip, as has the Congress, directing all their MPs to be present in the House.
The opposition believes that the bill victimizes minorities by taking away their rights, while the government maintains that it aims to protect them and eliminate corruption in the name of Waqf.
Congress Lok Sabha MPs meeting at 9.30 am. It will be addressed by Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi in Parliament

#waqfamendmentbill #waqf #congress #bjp #news18

n18oc_india
n18oc_politics

News18 Mobile App – https://onelink.to/desc-youtub

Europe’s New 1.7 Million Force: Can the Continent Defend Itself Without the U.S.?

Key Covered Topics
Biggest Military Transformation Since WWII

Europe’s plan to add 300,000 troops to an already 1.4-million-strong force.

A total budget of up to €250 billion per year for defense expansions.

Preparing for a Security Order Without U.S. Guarantees

Uncertainty due to Trump’s statements on NATO commitments.

EU’s urgent push to assume full responsibility for continental defense.

Roadmap: From ReArm Europe to National Increases

Germany’s added 800,000 NATO troops under “Operationsplan Deutschland.”

France’s ramp-up, Poland’s 4.3% GDP defense budget, and Italy’s 8.5% boost.

EU Commission proposals to finance expansions via joint loans, relaxed deficit rules.

Financial & Logistical Hurdles

Coordination challenge among 29 national armies.

Recruiting, training, and sustaining 300k more soldiers requiring €250B+ per year.

Infrastructure, maintenance, and multi-national procurement remain complex tasks.

Potential Impact on Russia’s Calculations

Moscow’s concerns about a 1.7-million-strong European force on its border.

Russia’s ongoing war machine expansions and readiness to respond to EU militarization.

Uncertain balance between deterrence and diplomacy.

00:00 – Introduction: Europe’s Post-War Security Shake-Up
02:00 – The 300,000 Troops Plan: Scope & Budget
05:00 – Individual Member State Commitments (Germany, France, Poland)
08:00 – Financing Defense: EU Loans & ReArm Europe
11:00 – Logistical Challenges & Industrial Cooperation
13:00 – Russia’s Reaction & Growing Tensions
15:00 – Prospects: Diplomacy or Permanent Deterrence?
Chapter-by-Chapter Explanation
00:00 – Introduction: Europe’s Post-War Security Shake-Up
Sets the stage, discussing the end of the U.S. security umbrella and how the war in Ukraine has galvanized Europe’s push for self-defense.

02:00 – The 300,000 Troops Plan: Scope & Budget
Breaks down the EU’s joint plan for an additional 300k soldiers, a hefty annual €250B defense spending, and a force approaching 1.7 million total personnel.

05:00 – Individual Member State Commitments (Germany, France, Poland)
Examines the largest defense expansions, from Germany’s €100B modernization to Poland’s 4.3% GDP target and France’s nuclear deterrent upgrades.

08:00 – Financing Defense: EU Loans & ReArm Europe
Analyzes the ReArm Europe proposals, new joint borrowing initiatives, and potential friction among member states over debt, industrial policy, and procurement rules.

11:00 – Logistical Challenges & Industrial Cooperation
Highlights fragmentation among 29 armies, separate national commands, and how the EU aims to align procurement, training, and readiness levels.

13:00 – Russia’s Reaction & Growing Tensions
Details Kremlin concerns over a massive EU force, with Moscow stepping up arms production while warning that Europe’s militarization poses a direct threat.

15:00 – Prospects: Diplomacy or Permanent Deterrence?
Concludes with the dilemma Europe faces: continuing a major build-up or seeking negotiations. Weighs how a robust EU defense might reshape Russian policies or drive further escalation.