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Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti 2025: PM Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Union Home Minister Amit Shah Pay Homage to Great Maratha Warrior

New Delhi, February 19: Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the nation in paying homage to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on his 395th birth anniversary. Taking to X, PM Modi posted that Shivaji Maharaj’s valour and vision laid the foundation for Swarajya (self-rule). “I pay homage to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on his Jayanti. His valour and visionary leadership laid the foundation for Swarajya, inspiring generations to uphold the values of courage and justice,” wrote the PM in his post. He further said that Shivaji inspires us to build a strong, self-reliant and prosperous India.

PM Modi also posted a video clip in honour of the great king. He said for him he is not just a name or a king but “Shivaji is a God and there is nothing bigger than God”. The PM said in the video, “…so many years have passed by but his values, and commitments continue to inspire us today… and based on these values, we have to complete the next 25 years of Amrit Kal… this journey will be to make India of Shivaji’s dreams .. this journey will be of swaraj, good governance and Atmanirbharta… this journey will be of Viksit Bharat..” Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti 2025 Wishes: PM Narendra Modi, Rahul Gandhi and Other Leaders Extend Greetings on Shivaji Maharaj’s Birth Anniversary.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that Shivaji Maharaj’s unmatched courage, commitment to justice and unwavering dedication to the welfare of the people continue to inspire all. In a post on X, he wrote, “I bow to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti on his Jayanti. His unmatched courage, commitment to justice and unwavering dedication to the welfare of the people continue to inspire us. Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy of selfless service, integrity and resilience will pave the way for prosperity and peace for coming generations.”

Union Home Minister Amit Shah wrote in Marathi (loosely translated as): “Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who declared ‘Hindavi Swarajya’, embodied a life of principles, duty, and religious devotion. He fought against the fanatic invaders, protecting the flag of eternal pride and dharma. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj will forever be remembered as a nation-builder. On Shiv Jayanti, a tribute to the symbol of unparalleled courage, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj!” Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti 2025 Date, History and Significance: Know About Shiv Jayanti Celebrations in Maharashtra Marking Maratha Warrior King’s 395th Birth Anniversary.

In Maharashtra, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CMs Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar attended Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj birth anniversary celebrations at Shivneri Fort, Junnar. They also interacted with children and the event featured cultural performances celebrating Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy.

CM Devendra Fadnavis while paying tributes to Shivaji posted on X, “His governance was as remarkable as his conquests, still inspiring generations. On his Birth Anniversary, salutations to a benevolent ruler and a master strategist, the Founder of Hindavi Swarajya, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj!” “Tributes to a great conqueror with the vision of Akhand Bharat, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on his Birth Anniversary! …Jai Bhavani! Jai Shivaji! Honouring Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, founder of Hindavi Swarajya on his Birth Anniversary!” CM Fadnavis added in his post.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 19, 2025 11:16 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).

February 19, 2025
‘Catastrophic results’: Union, taxpayer groups take stab at DOGE in latest lawsuit over IRS data access

In a lawsuit filed on Monday, multiple taxpayer and union groups alleged Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) violated multiple laws in its quest to unearth and eliminate wasteful government spending.

The groups claim DOGE launched a “sweeping campaign to access highly-sensitive information systems” and violated laws that limit executive power, protect civil servants, and guard citizens’ data held by the government.

The agency, which was created by an executive order earlier this year, remains a temporary organization within the White House and is tasked with optimizing the federal government, streamlining operations, and slashing spending in just 18 months.

U.S. President Donald Trump is joined by Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, and his son, X Musk, during an executive order signing in the Oval Office at the White House on February 11, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

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Noting recent DOGE action at the Treasury, Labor, Education and Health departments, as well as at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Office of Personnel Management and Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the suit alleges DOGE’s access to sensitive information systems “lacks statutory authority.”

Specifically, it claims DOGE violated the Tax Reform Act, Privacy Act and Administrative Procedures Act.

“The results have already been catastrophic,” according to the suit.

About 100 DOGE protesters gathered, fearing DOGE would cut the workforce at the Bureau of Fiscal Service. (Fox News Digital)

Without the court’s intervention, the groups said they were concerned about DOGE having access to sensitive information including social security numbers, individuals’ finances, and bank account information.

The lawsuit also asserted DOGE will have access to confidential business information, tax records and IRS investigations, which “could include investigations or reports pertaining to Mr. [Elon] Musk’s businesses or those of his competitors.”

“No other business owner on the planet has acces to this kind of information on his competitors, and for good reason,” lawyers wrote in the suit.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk, Co-Chair of the newly announced Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), arrives on Capitol Hill on December 05, 2024 in Washington, DC. Musk and his Co-Chair, businessman Vivek Ramaswamy are meeting with lawmakers today about DOGE, a planned presidential advisory commission with the goal of cutting government spending and increasing efficiency in the federal workforce. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

DOGE SCORES BIG COURT WIN, ALLOWED ACCESS DATA ON 3 FEDERAL AGENCIES

The groups — the Center for Taxpaper Rights, Main Street Alliance, National Federation of Federal Employees, and Communications Workers of America — are seeking a temporary restraining order to maintain the status quo until the court has an opportunity to review DOGE and Musk’s actions.

Following the review, plaintiffs asked the court to declare DOGE’s access unlawful, halt its use of IRS systems, order that information obtained illegally be deleted, and establish new security protections.

The lawsuit was filed prior to a federal judge’s ruling on Tuesday to not block DOGE from accessing government data or firing federal employees.

Demonstrators rally in support of federal workers outside of the Department of Health and Human Services, Friday, Feb. 14, in Washington. (AP/Mark Schiefelbein)

U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan rejected a request for a temporary restraining order, pointing to the absence of evidence showing the agency’s access caused “irreparable harm.”

However, Chutkan did question what “appears to be the unchecked authority of an unelected individual,” referencing Musk.

She also expressed concerns about DOGE’s accountability to Congress.

‘WASTEFUL AND DANGEROUS’: DOGE’S TOP FIVE MOST SHOCKING REVELATIONS

Protesters demonstrate in support of federal workers outside of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on Feb. 14, 2025 in Washington, DC. Organizers held the protest to speak on the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) cuts. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

Last week, more than a dozen Democratic state attorneys general sued to temporarily restrict DOGE’s access to federal data about government employees, citing concerns about Musk’s access and power.

“There is no greater threat to democracy than the accumulation of state power in the hands of a single, unelected individual,” according to the lawsuit, filed by New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez.

Attorneys general from Arizona, California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington also signed onto the suit.

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Fox News Digital’s Breanne Deppisch contributed to this report.

Alexandra Koch is a breaking news writer for Fox News Digital. Prior to joining Fox News, Alexandra covered breaking news, crime, religion, and the military in the southeast.

February 19, 2025
Federal workers’ union sues to stop DOGE activity at CFPB

Jack Otter and the ‘Barron’s Roundtable’ panelists discuss how DOGE is shaking up Washington, D.C.

A union representing federal workers filed a pair of lawsuits against Consumer Financial Protection Bureau acting Director Russell Vought, asking a court to declare recent actions by him unlawful and to block the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from gaining access to employee information.

The filings by the National Treasury Employees Union come after Vought told staff at the CFPB not to issue any new rules and to stop any new investigations, among other directives. He also sent a letter to the Federal Reserve requesting no money for the CFPB’s third quarter of fiscal year 2025.

“It is substantially likely that these initial directives are a precursor to a purge of CFPB’s workforce, which is now prohibited from fulfilling the agency’s statutory mission,” read one of the lawsuits filed in federal court.

The other alleges that the CFPB has “granted access, and by extension, disclosed employee records to individuals associated with DOGE without employee consent to such disclosure.”

FEDERAL JUDGE BLOCKS ELON MUSK’S DOGE FROM ACCESSING TREASURY RECORDS AFTER DEMOCRATIC ATTORNEYS GENERAL FILE LAWSUIT

Russell Vought, left, the acting director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and Elon Musk, who leads the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). (Andrew Harnik/Kenny Holston / Getty Images)

“These employees face irreparable harm to their privacy interests if their employee information is improperly accessed and/or disseminated by individuals associated with DOGE,” that lawsuit adds. “Once an employee’s personnel information is improperly disclosed, the harm to the employee cannot be undone.”

The lawsuit also cites a union chapter president as saying that members are “concerned that their personnel information will be used to stop, lower, or otherwise modify their salaries and other benefits; to blackmail, threaten, or intimidate them; to prevent them from obtaining future employment; to deny them goods and services such as loans and childcare; in identity theft and social engineering attempts against them; in advertising and marketing directed at them.”

The CFPB did not immediately respond Monday to a request for comment from FOX Business.

On its website, the CFPB says it aims to “make consumer financial markets work for consumers, responsible providers, and the economy as a whole.”

“We protect consumers from unfair, deceptive, or abusive practices and take action against companies that break the law,” it says.

ELON MUSK ALLEGES $50 BILLION IN FRAUD AT TREASURY AFTER JUDGE BLOCKS DOGE AUDIT

Demonstrators hold signs during a protest against Elon Musk outside the U.S. Treasury building in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, Feb. 4. (Stefani Reynolds/Bloomberg via / Getty Images)

Vought, who is the head of the Office of Management and Budget, was named acting director of the agency on Friday.

“As Acting Director, I am committed to implementing the President’s policies, consistent with the law, and acting as a faithful steward of the Bureau’s resources,” Vought said in an email to colleagues obtained by RealClearPolitics.

However, the lawsuit asks the court to declare that “Defendant Vought’s directive to the CFPB’s employees to stop their supervision and enforcement work is unlawful” and to prevent him from “further attempts to halt the CFPB’s supervision and enforcement work.”

The union also notes that Elon Musk wrote “RIP CFPB” on his X account, and that three members of DOGE have “been added to the Bureau’s staff and email directory as ‘senior advisers,’” despite not being CFPB employees.

“The same day he assumed the role of Acting Director, on February 7, Mr. Vought instructed CFPB staff to grant the DOGE team access to all non-classified CFPB systems,” it said.

Elon Musk is seen with President Donald Trump. (Brandon Bell / Getty Images)

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The second lawsuit asks the court to block “CFPB from granting access and, by extension, disclosing employee records and information to members of the Department of Government Efficiency, except as required by law.”

February 10, 2025
NFL referees union blasts theories claiming existence of Chiefs bias: ‘It is insulting and preposterous’

While the Kansas City Chiefs continue preparations for Sunday’s Super Bowl matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles, the back-to-back champions cannot seem to escape the chatter about NFL referees.

The debate on whether the Chiefs have benefited from favoritism from game officials has seemingly raged on for months. Earlier this week in New Orleans, the Super Bowl LIX host city, league Commissioner Roger Goodell dismissed claims that officiating crews are biased in favor of the Chiefs. Goodell described the allegations as “ridiculous.”

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NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, left, talks with a referee before an NFL wild card playoff football game between the Los Angeles Rams and Minnesota Vikings on Monday, Jan. 13, 2025 in Glendale, Arizona. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

“That’s a ridiculous theory for anyone who might take it seriously,” Goodell said Monday. “It reflects a lot of the fans’ passion, and I think it also is a reminder for us how important officiating is. And I think the men and women that officiate in the NFL are outstanding.”

The union representing NFL officials later released a statement thanking Goodell and called allegations that officiating crews are biased in favor of the Chiefs or any other team “insulting and preposterous.”

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“Commissioner Goodell’s comments that it is ‘ridiculous’ to presume that NFL officials are not doing everything possible to make the right call on every play is spot on,” Green said. “Officiating crews do not work the same team more than twice each regular season. It is insulting and preposterous to hear conspiracy theories that somehow 17 officiating crews consisting of 138 officials are colluding to assist one team.”

Referee Scott Green waits for play to resume during the 2014 Pro Bowl at Aloha Stadium on Jan. 26, 2014 in Honolulu. (Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)

Chiefs owner Clark Hunt also shrugged off the idea that the franchise has gotten preferential treatment from referees, saying you “almost have to laugh at” the idea.

Coming back late and pulling off close wins seemed to have been a hallmark of the Chiefs’ season. In the AFC championship game victory over the Buffalo Bills, controversy erupted shortly after referees ruled quarterback Josh Allen inches short of a crucial first down in the fourth quarter.

However, a deeper look at all the penalties involving Kansas City shows no signs of systematic bias. The Chiefs have been penalized for 120 more yards than their opponents in the regular season and playoffs since the start of the 2022 playoffs.

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Super Bowl LIX will be streamed on Tubi. (Tubi)

Green attempted to ease fans’ concerns by saying referees are committed to “doing everything humanly possible” to get calls right.

“There are many things that fans can worry about over a 17-game season, such as coaching decisions, player injuries, the weather and, yes, even close calls on incredible plays made by incredible athletes,” Green said. “But you can rest assured that on every single down, NFL officials, both on the field and in the replay booth, are doing everything humanly possible to officiate every play correctly.”

The Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles meet in the Super Bowl on Sunday, Feb. 9, at 6:30 p.m. ET on FOX.

FOX’s Super Bowl coverage begins at 1 p.m. ET. Coverage can also be streamed live on Tubi for the first time.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Chantz Martin is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

February 7, 2025
Largest LAPD union slams anti-Trump protest directives, says arrests ‘should be a no-brainer’ in altercations

FIRST ON FOX: After several Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officers were injured by rioters during anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles on Sunday and Monday, the department’s largest union representing most rank-and-file officers hopes the “communication break-down” will be investigated.

In a statement to Fox News Digital, the Los Angeles Police Protective League said “the arrest of individuals that are attacking police officers should be a no-brainer for any competent incident commander.”

“Apparently, that did not happen yesterday,” they said.

“When those committing violence against anyone, let alone police officers, are allowed to masquerade as peaceful protesters, it sends the wrong message and crushes officer morale,” the board said. “We hope this incident is investigated with the same vigor as past crowd control incidents were investigated and those that allowed officers to be attacked are held accountable.”

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Anti-ICE protesters blocked traffic on both sides of the 101 Freeway in downtown Los Angeles. (FOX 11 Los Angeles)

Thousands of demonstrators protesting Trump’s mass deportation program descended upon the streets of L.A. on Sunday and Monday, including clogging the 101 Freeway – one of the city’s busiest roadways – as hundreds were detained amid scuffles, but later released.

Several altercations between officers and protesters took place, as some hurled objects at police who were equipped with non-lethal weapons and riot gear.

While no arrests were made on Monday, LAPD Chief of Police Jim McDonnell said no stand-down order was given.

“The LAPD closely monitored the situation and the Incident Commander made decisions that prioritized public and officer safety,” McDonnell said in a statement provided to Fox News Digital.

Meanwhile, the incident commander on sight on Monday, Lillian Carranza, told Fox News Digital that “the minute officers were attacked it became an unlawful assembly.” Carranza did not clarify whether she gave an order for officers to not make arrests.

LA FREEWAY BLOCKED BY ANTI-DEPORTATION PROTESTERS IN RESPONSE TO TRUMP’S CRACKDOWN ON ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION

A massive protest formed in downtown Los Angeles on Sunday in response to President Trump’s crackdown on immigration and emphasis on deportations. (Fox 11 Los Angeles)

“We are all for supporting the peaceful exercise of freedom of speech and assembly not when it turns violent,” she said.

Part of the LAPD’s “control objectives,” as shared by Carranza, includes establishing “a visible, crowd-friendly law enforcement posture” and a “safe and secure arrival, and departure of participants when able.” Protecting life, property and facilities, as well as taking action “regarding law violators,” were also on the list.

“We don’t dispute that the Chief didn’t give a stand down order, it was the misguided incident commander that did, and we believe it put officers in danger,” the LAPPL board’s statement read in part. “The investigation of this incident should focus on where the communication break-down occurred and what needs to happen going forward to keep peaceful protesters and officers safe while also holding violent individuals accountable.”

A source familiar with the incident also told Fox News Digital that multiple LAPD officers were “very frustrated” by Monday’s directive and detailed confusion in the field.

‘DEPORTATION FLIGHTS HAVE BEGUN’ AS TRUMP SENDS ‘STRONG AND CLEAR MESSAGE,’ WHITE HOUSE SAYS

ICE arrests 32 illegal aliens in Palm Beach County enforcement action. (ICE)

Many of the protesters over the last two days could be seen carrying signs, waving Mexican and Central American flags and speaking out against Trump’s immigration policies.

“No human is illegal on stolen land,” one sign read.

Another one read, “Fight ignorance, not immigrants.”

Videos shared on social media show what appeared to be demonstrators spraying graffiti on the freeway walls and vandalizing at least one car that was stopped in the middle of the crowd.

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Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has arrested more than 7,400 illegal immigrants nationwide in nine days amid its aggressive crackdown propelled by the new Trump administration. The agency also said it has placed nearly 6,000 ICE detainers.

Fox News Digital has reached out to Mayor Karen Bass’s office for comment.

Fox News Digital’s Stepheny Price contributed to this report.

Jamie Joseph is a writer who covers politics. She leads Fox News Digital coverage of the Senate.

February 4, 2025
NBC News cuts 40 jobs, leading to rebuke by union

Fox News contributor Joe Concha takes a closer look at a tense, on-air exchange between Chuck Todd and Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis,, on ‘The Evening Edit.’

NBC News conducted a round of layoffs on Thursday, leading to swift backlash from union staffers who say the action is illegal.

NBC Digital NewsGuild and The NewsGuild of New York strongly condemned management’s announcement Thursday, calling the move a clear disregard for workers’ rights, in a press release shared with Fox News Digital. Business Insider reported that NBC laid off about 40 employees, while creating about 12 new jobs that cut workers could apply for as the division makes a shift to growth areas.

The union said laying off Guild-represented workers amidst negotiations for a first contract is illegal.

The union believes the layoffs are illegal under federal labor law. (Getty Images)

“NBC News management has demonstrated a complete disregard for labor law and the demands of its unionized employees,” Carlin McCarthy, first vice chair of the NBC Guild and segment producer of NBC News NOW’s Top Story with Tom Llamas, told Fox News Digital. “We refuse to cower down to their callous and morally bankrupt behavior. We will fight for, and win, a fair contract.”

NBC UNION PROJECTS GRAPHICS ON 30 ROCK ACCUSING LEADERSHIP OF STALLING ON CONTRACT

The NBC Digital NewsGuild represents almost 300 reporters, editors, designers, video journalists, animators, social media strategists and editorial staff, who have been negotiating its first contract since the group unionized in 2019. Any changes to members’ working conditions during negotiations, including layoffs, must be bargained back and forth under federal labor law, the union argues.

“NBC News execs are living in a fantasy where federal law doesn’t apply to them and the newsroom just rolls over without a fight,” Tate James, documentary video editor and unit chair, said. “It’s time to wake up.”

FAILED NEGOTIATIONS RESULTED IN UNION MEMBERS WALKING OUT ON THE JOB AT NEWS OUTLETS IN 2024

The NewsGuild of New York has filed unfair labor practice charges against NBC in regard to layoffs in 2023 and 2024 (Getty Images)

The NewsGuild of New York has filed unfair labor practice charges against NBC in regard to previous rounds of layoffs that occurred in 2023 and 2024, the press release states. The charges are still pending before the National Labor Relations Board.

“We are evaluating all options and expect NBC management to bargain in good faith on these proposed layoffs as they are required by law,” Susan DeCarava, president of The NewsGuild of New York, said.

The NewsGuild of New York, Local 31003 of the Communications Workers of America, is a labor union representing nearly 6,000 media professionals and other employees at New York area news organizations, including The New York Times, The New Yorker, Thomson Reuters and ProPublica.

CNN also announced plans to lay off 6% of its workforce this week. The long-awaited move eliminated 200 jobs as a result.

Fox News Digital reached out to NBC News for comment.

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January 24, 2025