India’s PM backs down on farm reforms in surprise victory for protesters

Published

4 years ago

November 19, 2021

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced the repeal of three controversial farm laws after a year of protests

Farmers in the thousands have been camping at Delhi’s borders since last November and dozens died from heat, cold as well as COVID-19.

Farmers say the laws will allow the entry of private players in farming and should that go ahead, it will hurt their income.

But Friday’s surprise announcement marks a major U-turn as the government had not taken any initiative to talk to farmers in recent months.

Mr Modi’s ministers have been previously insisting that the laws were good for farmers and there was no question of taking them back.

Farm unions are seeing this as a huge victory

Experts are confident that the upcoming state elections in Punjab and Uttar Pradesh – both have a huge base of farmers – may have forced the decision.

The announcement on Friday morning came on a day Sikhs – the dominant community in Punjab – are celebrating the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism.

Related Topics:Featured Politics trending

Up Next

Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai appears safe in video call

Don't Miss

Australian Test captain Tim Paine resigns amid sexting scandal

Anthony Lucas

Grok continues generating sexualised images despite new safeguards

Elon Musk’s AI chatbot Grok faces scrutiny for generating non-consensual sexualized images despite new safety restrictions.

Published

8 hours ago

February 4, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Elon Musk’s AI chatbot Grok faces scrutiny for generating non-consensual sexualized images despite new safety restrictions.

Elon Musk’s AI chatbot Grok is still producing sexualised images of real people without their consent, even after new restrictions were introduced by X following public backlash.

A Reuters investigation found the chatbot continued generating explicit imagery despite warnings about the vulnerability of the subjects involved, raising fresh concerns over the effectiveness of the safeguards.

While officials have cautiously welcomed recent changes, the findings have reignited debate around AI accountability and user safety on social media platforms.

Subscribe to never miss an episode of Ticker – https://www.youtube.com/@weareticker

News

Peter Mandelson investigated by police over alleged Epstein information leaks

Scotland Yard investigates Lord Mandelson for allegedly leaking information to Epstein; PM Starmer vows to revoke his peerage if guilty.

Published

8 hours ago

February 4, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Scotland Yard investigates Lord Mandelson for allegedly leaking information to Epstein; PM Starmer vows to revoke his peerage if guilty.

Scotland Yard has confirmed it is conducting a full criminal investigation into allegations that Lord Peter Mandelson leaked sensitive government information to Jeffrey Epstein while in public office. The probe centres on potential misconduct and whether any information was deliberately shared.

Police say a successful prosecution would require clear evidence that Mandelson intentionally passed confidential material to Epstein. Investigators are currently assessing whether the claims meet the criminal threshold required to proceed with charges.

Officials are also reviewing the full scope of Mandelson’s interactions with Epstein during his time in government, as pressure mounts for answers and accountability at the highest levels of power.

Subscribe to never miss an episode of Ticker – https://www.youtube.com/@weareticker

News

U.S. downs Iranian drone near USS Abraham Lincoln as Gulf tensions rise

U.S. jet downed Iranian drone by USS Abraham Lincoln amid rising tensions; Iranian boats threatened U.S. tanker, risking misjudgment.

Published

9 hours ago

February 4, 2026

Harvey Vargas

U.S. jet downed Iranian drone by USS Abraham Lincoln amid rising tensions; Iranian boats threatened U.S. tanker, risking misjudgment.

The United States has shot down an Iranian drone that approached the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Persian Gulf, marking a sharp escalation in regional tensions. The carrier was operating roughly 500 miles from Iran when the drone moved closer, despite efforts by US forces to de-escalate the situation.

A US Navy F-35C fighter jet launched from the Lincoln intercepted and destroyed the drone mid-air, with officials confirming no damage or casualties. The incident highlights growing concerns over military brinkmanship in one of the world’s most volatile waterways.

With an increased US military presence in the region, analysts warn that even small miscalculations could trigger a wider conflict as tensions between Washington and Tehran continue to intensify.

Subscribe to never miss an episode of Ticker – https://www.youtube.com/@weareticker