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[PICTURES/VIDEOS] Indian Politics - News & Updates Thread

Probe Agency ED Attaches Rs 1,800-Crore Fresh Assets Of Reliance Group

With the latest action, the total value of attachment by the federal probe agency in the case now stands at about Rs 12,000 crore.


The Enforcement Directorate on Wednesday said it has attached fresh assets worth more than Rs 1,800 crore as part of its ongoing money laundering investigation against the companies of Reliance Group chairman Anil Ambani.

With the latest action, the total value of attachment by the federal probe agency in the case now stands at about Rs 12,000 crore.

The ED said in a statement that it has issued four separate provisional orders in this context under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

The attached properties include bank deposits, shareholding in unquoted investments and some immovable properties, it said.

The attachments have been done in the cases related to Reliance Home Finance Ltd (RHFL), Reliance Commercial Finance Ltd (RCFL), Yes Bank "fraud" as well as an alleged fraud involving Reliance Communication Ltd.

The fresh attachment includes shareholding of Reliance Infrastructure in BSES Yamuna Power, BSES Rajdhani Power, and Mumbai Metro One Private, the agency said.

"Bank deposits of Rs 148 crore and receivable worth Rs 143 crore have been provisionally attached, which were in the hands of Value Corp Finance And Securities Limited," it said.

A residential house in the name of senior company executive Angarai Sethuraman and shares and mutual funds of another senior employee Puneet Garg have also been attached, the ED said.

The total value under the attachment is Rs 1,885 crore, the agency said.

The Anil Ambani group companies have denied any wrongdoing in the past.

The agency said it has detected "fraudulent diversion" of public money by various Reliance Anil Ambani group companies including Reliance Communications (RCom), RHFL, RCFL, Reliance Infrastructure Ltd (RIL) and Reliance Power Ltd (RPL).

During 2017-"2019, Yes Bank invested Rs 2,965 crore in RHFL instruments and Rs 2,045 crore in RCFL, it said.

By December 2019, these became "non-performing" investments and the outstanding was Rs 1,353.50 crore for RHFL and Rs 1,984 crore for RCFL.

RHFL and RCFL received public funds of more than Rs 11,000 crore, as per the ED.

"Before Yes Bank invested this money in Reliance Anil Ambani group companies, Yes Bank had received huge funds from erstwhile Reliance Nippon Mutual Fund," it said.

As per SEBI regulations, Reliance Nippon mutual fund could not invest funds directly in Anil Ambani group companies due to conflict-of-interest rules, the ED said.

Therefore, public money in mutual fund schemes was routed indirectly by them. The path ran through Yes Bank's exposures, it alleged.

The agency added that it is also investigating RCom, Anil Ambani and others after taking cognisance of a CBI FIR.

RCom and its group companies availed loans from domestic and foreign lenders from 2010-2012 onwards, of which a total amount of Rs 40,185 crore is outstanding.

Nine banks have declared the loan accounts of the group as fraud, the ED claimed.

"RCom and its group companies diverted over Rs 13,600 crore for evergreening of loans, over Rs 12,600 crore was diverted to connected parties and over Rs 1,800 crore was invested in FDs/MFs etc., which was substantially liquidated for rerouting to group entities.

"Huge misuse of bill discounting for the purpose of funnelling funds to connected parties has also been detected by ED," the agency said.

Certain loans were "siphoned off" outside India through foreign outward remittances, said the ED.



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Faridabad Chemical Factory Fire: 35 Rushed To Hospital - What Intensified the Blaze?​


A massive explosion-triggered fire at an industrial unit in Faridabad’s Sector 24 left 35 people injured, including two police personnel, after a suspected chemical drum blast.​


A massive fire broke out on Monday evening at a factory in Sector 24 of Faridabad, leaving more than 35 people injured, including two police personnel. The blaze spread rapidly and gutted a large portion of the premises before emergency teams could bring it under control. All of them were workers, except two, who were policemen involved in the firefight.
According to report by PTI, the factory carried out steel plate cutting using CNC machines. The fire broke out at around 4 pm when a spark landed in a drum filled with chemicals leading to a series of explosions. Workers initially attempted to control the flames, but a powerful explosion soon followed, causing the fire to spread across the facility within minutes.

https://twitter.com/x/status/2023401483820240979

(A massive fire broke out in a private company in Faridabad.◆ More than 40 people were injured in the fire.◆ Three policemen also came under fire.)

35 People Injured In Faridabad Factory Blaze​

An eyewitness said that there were about 20-25 drums, which exploded one after another. Blasts reduced two-wheelers and cars parked within a 100-metre radius to smoldering skeletons. Several fire brigade were pressed into operation. The conflagration had been put out by the time this report was filed.

Of the injured who are mostly the workers of the factory, 12 were admitted to the Badshah Khan Government Hospital and the rest to private hospitals.

Meanwhile, the police launched an investigation and are questioning the factory owner.
In a similar incident, earlier in the day, a massive fire broke out at a local factory in Delhi’s Inderlok area, sending thick black smoke billowing into the sky and making the fire visible from a distance. Eight fire tenders were rushed to the spot after a call reporting the blaze was received at 11.37 am, an official of the Delhi Fire Services (DFS) said. The firefighters are still working to douse the flames, he said, adding that no one was injured in the incident.


Source:
www.timesnownews.com

Faridabad Chemical Factory Fire: 35 Rushed To Hospital - What Intensified the Blaze?

A massive explosion-triggered fire at an industrial unit in Faridabad’s Sector 24 left 35 people injured, including two police personnel, after a suspected chemical drum blast., Gurugram News, Times Now
www.timesnownews.com www.timesnownews.com
 

Massive Factory Fire in Rajasthan Leaves 7 Workers Dead - What Was Happening Inside Illegally?​


At least seven workers were reportedly burnt alive and over 10 feared trapped after a massive fire broke out at a chemical factory in Bhiwadi, Rajasthan, with more than 20 workers present at the time.​



At least seven workers were reportedly burnt alive in a massive fire that broke out at a chemical factory in Bhiwadi, Rajasthan, on Monday (February 16) morning. More than 20 workers were present at the time of the incident. While some managed to escape, 2 more workers are still feared trapped inside. The fire broke out in Bhiwadi's Khushkhera-Karoli industrial area.
The fire was brought under control after more than one-and-a-half hour. Some skeletons were also recovered.

https://twitter.com/x/status/2023289996682445062

'llegally Manufactured'​

Additional District Magistrate Sumitra Pareek said police came to know about the incident during a routine patrol following which a rescue operation was launched immediately.
"Seven persons have died in the incident. It was a garment factory but firecrackers were being manufactured inside it illegally," Pareek said adding that two people trapped in the factory were rescued. They were admitted to Delhi's Safdarjung Hospital in a critical condition.

CM Bhajanlal Sharma instructed district administrations to carry out relief and rescue work immediately. He directed Forest Minister Sanjay Sharma to reach Alwar. Sharma later reached the spot after noon and visited the factory. He directed officials to carry out a detailed investigation and to run a special campaign in Bhiwadi industrial area to conduct checking in all the industrial units.


"All the industrial units will be checked in Bhiwadi industrial area. If any violation of compliances is found, action will be taken," he said.
Earlier, District Collector Artika Shukla and other senior district administration and police officials rushed to the spot. Shukla ordered an inquiry in the matter.
Reacting to the incident, Rajasthan Congress president Govind Singh Dotasra urged the state government and administration to take immediate and decisive action.
Dotasra also alleged that fire incidents have become frequent since the current government, citing the recent chemical tanker accident on Ajmer Road that killed more than 16 people and another tragic incident in Jaipur’s SMS hospital ICU where patients were reportedly burnt to death.



Source:
www.timesnownews.com

Massive Factory Fire in Rajasthan Leaves 7 Workers Dead - What Was Happening Inside Illegally?

At least seven workers were reportedly burnt alive and over 10 feared trapped after a massive fire broke out at a chemical factory in Bhiwadi, Rajasthan, with more than 20 workers present at the time., India News, Times Now
www.timesnownews.com www.timesnownews.com
 

Kota Building Collapse Death Toll Rises: Two Dead, 13 Injured as Three-Storey Structure Crumbles​


Two people died and 13 were injured after a three-storey building collapsed in Kota, Rajasthan, during construction work.​



Kota Building Collapse: Two people died on Saturday evening (February 7) after a three-storey building collapsed from top to bottom in Rajasthan’s Kota, media reports quoted the Kota Divisional Commissioner as saying. Several others were injured in the incident. Officials said 13 people rescued from the rubble were rushed to hospital for urgent medical treatment. Relief and rescue operations are still underway to ensure that no one remains trapped.
"Two deaths have been reported. We have the information on 13 injured. Our information is that some new construction was underway and collapsed from top to bottom. It could be due to negligence related to the quality of construction. Some local residents report that drilling was underway and that there were complaints about it. Further technical investigations into the causes will be conducted, and the results will be shared," the Kota Divisional Commissioner told reporters, quoted by news agency ANI.

Local MLA Sandeep Sharma, who visited the site after the incident, said, "There is a possibility that several people are trapped. The police and administration reached the site promptly, and rescue operations are underway. Some people have been pulled out."

https://twitter.com/x/status/2020187708006764741


Rajasthan Minister Madan Dilawar called it an “unfortunate incident” and said that he has spoken with the administration. "I have been told that there is one casualty. 5-7 people have been safely rescued. They have been taken to the hospital. Rescue and relief operations are underway," ANI quoted him as saying.
Meanwhile, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla expressed his shock over the building collapse in Kota and extended his support to the affected families. He added that he is closely monitoring the ongoing rescue and relief efforts. Birla held discussions with the District Collector and City SP, instructing them to speed up rescue operations and ensure that all injured individuals receive prompt and proper medical care.
He stressed the importance of coordinated action among all agencies. Birla’s Officer on Special Duty, Rajiv Dutta, is on-site to monitor and supervise the ongoing efforts.
Rescue operations are ongoing, with teams carefully clearing debris to search for survivors. Heavy machinery is being deployed, but officials emphasised that caution is being exercised to prevent further harm to those still trapped. The cause of the collapse is not yet known. Authorities said a thorough investigation will be conducted once the rescue work is complete. Residents have been urged to stay away from the area while emergency operations continue.



Source:
www.timesnownews.com

Kota Building Collapse Death Toll Rises: Two Dead, 13 Injured as Three-Storey Structure Crumbles

Two people died and 13 were injured after a three-storey building collapsed in Kota, Rajasthan, during construction work. , India News, Times Now
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Study reveals India among 6 countries accounting for 61 pc of global cropland emissions​


Study reveals India among 6 countries accounting for 61 pc of global cropland emissions​


New Delhi, India is among six countries that together account for 61 per cent of the world's greenhouse gas emissions from croplands, a new study has estimated.

The study, published in the journal Nature Climate Change, breaks down agricultural emissions by crop and source, and creates the most precise map yet of hotspots, with pathways towards reducing hotspots, researchers said.

"This is an absolute global synthesis of all the information you need, by country, by production system, for calculating greenhouse gas emissions it's been a significant undertaking," senior author Mario Herrero, professor of global development at Cornell University's college of agriculture and life sciences, said.

Regions producing a lot of food are often high emitters, with cultivation of rice alone contributing 43 per cent of cropland emissions, the study found.

Four crops rice, maize, oil palm and wheat accounted for nearly three-quarters of cropland emissions, it said.

"It's all about rice. That's where the biggest sources and the biggest opportunities are," Herrero said.

"Some of the more nutritious foods, fruits and vegetables, have way lower footprints. I was surprised by the importance of peatland areas, too, which was much larger than expected," the senior author said.

Source of the emissions was found to differ depending on the crop drained peatlands for palm oil production , flooded rice paddies and synthetic fertilisers used in high-production areas .

Ground sources and models were used to map global cropland emissions at high resolution down to about 10 kilometres while breaking down emissions by crop and source and identifying regions for more precise mitigation.

"The six highest-emitting countries, China, Indonesia, India, USA, Thailand and Brazil, collectively accounted for 61 per cent of global cropland emissions," the authors wrote.


"Countries with high crop production levels, such as China, India, USA and Brazil, also emitted substantial from synthetic fertiliser use," they said.

Farmlands make up 12 per cent of land use globally and account for 25 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions within the agricultural sector, the researchers said.

However, the last effort to map global cropland emissions dates to 2000 since then, the sector has grown, management practices have changed, and scientists have many more tools to model complex systems, they said.

The team also estimated that croplands emitted the greenhouse gas equivalent of 2.5 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide in 2020, with East Asia and Pacific contributing about half of the total, followed by South Asia, Europe and Central Asia, which collectively contributed 30 per cent.


Emission mitigating strategies need to be tailored depending on the crop and emissions source, the researchers said.

They added that a controlled rewetting of peatlands, shifts in the management of flooded rice paddies and an optimised fertiliser use could significantly reduce emissions in respective regions and contexts.

Herrero said the maps will ultimately allow countries and communities to address emissions at a hyper-local level.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.


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"Countries with high crop production levels, such as China, India, USA and Brazil, also emitted substantial from synthetic fertiliser use," they said.

Farmlands make up 12 per cent of land use globally and account for 25 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions within the agricultural sector, the researchers said.

However, the last effort to map global cropland emissions dates to 2000 since then, the sector has grown, management practices have changed, and scientists have many more tools to model complex systems, they said.

The team also estimated that croplands emitted the greenhouse gas equivalent of 2.5 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide in 2020, with East Asia and Pacific contributing about half of the total, followed by South Asia, Europe and Central Asia, which collectively contributed 30 per cent.

Emission mitigating strategies need to be tailored depending on the crop and emissions source, the researchers said.

They added that a controlled rewetting of peatlands, shifts in the management of flooded rice paddies and an optimised fertiliser use could significantly reduce emissions in respective regions and contexts.

Herrero said the maps will ultimately allow countries and communities to address emissions at a hyper-local level.



Source:
www.hindustantimes.com

Study reveals India among 6 countries accounting for 61 pc of global cropland emissions

Study reveals India among 6 countries accounting for 61 pc of global cropland emissions| India News
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Rajasthan Cabinet Removes 2-Child Norm For Local Body Polls After 3 Decades​


With the decision, candidates with more than two children will now be eligible to contest panchayat and municipal elections in the state.​


In a significant policy shift, the Rajasthan Cabinet on Wednesday approved the removal of the decades-old two-child norm for contesting Panchayati Raj and urban local body elections, ending a restriction that had been in place for nearly 30 years.

With the decision, candidates with more than two children will now be eligible to contest panchayat and municipal elections in the state. The move reverses a provision introduced in 1995 during the government led by former Chief Minister Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, marking a major change in Rajasthan's local governance framework.

Announcing the decision, Law Minister Jogaram Patel said the Cabinet has approved the Rajasthan Panchayati Raj (Amendment) Bill, 2026 and the Rajasthan Municipal (Amendment) Bill, 2026.

"With these amendments, the restriction barring candidates with more than two children from contesting Panchayat and municipal elections will be removed. Both Bills will be passed during the current Assembly session," he said.

Patel noted that the two-child norm was originally introduced as a population control measure. However, he added that the socio-political context has changed considerably over the years, making the provision outdated.

The removal of the restriction is expected to significantly alter the local political landscape. Several grassroots leaders and potential candidates who were previously disqualified under the rule will now be able to contest elections. Leaders from both the BJP and Congress at the village and district levels had been affected by the norm.

Political observers believe the move could widen participation and intensify competition in upcoming Panchayati Raj and urban local body polls.

The demand to scrap the two-child norm had been raised repeatedly in the Assembly over the years. Legislators across party lines, including Congress MLA Hemaram Chaudhary and BJP MLA Chandrabhan Singh Akya, had questioned why the restriction applied only to Panchayat and municipal elections, and not to Assembly or Lok Sabha polls.

Several social organisations and public representatives had also submitted memorandums seeking its removal, arguing that the rule was discriminatory and inconsistent. The scrapping of the two-child norm is being seen as a landmark decision in Rajasthan's electoral reforms and is likely to have a direct impact on forthcoming Panchayati Raj and urban local body elections.

In another major decision, the Cabinet approved the Ayurveda and Naturopathy University Bill, paving the way for the establishment of a new Ayurveda University in Ajmer to promote traditional medicine education and research.

Deputy Chief Minister Premchand Bairwa announced the creation of a Directorate of Revenue Intelligence and Economic Offences, to be headquartered in Jodhpur. The new body will focus on curbing banking and financial fraud, share market and multi-level marketing scams, and land fraud through cooperative societies. Around 60 posts have been sanctioned.

Industry Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore said the estimated cost of the Bharat Mandapam project on Jaipur's B-2 bypass has been revised from Rs 3,500 crore to Rs 5,800 crore. He asserted that the project is expected to generate revenue exceeding the investment and will not burden the state exchequer.

The Cabinet also approved the allocation of 53 acres of land for an iron ore mining project in Udaipur, involving an estimated investment of Rs 500 crore. The project is expected to boost industrial activity and create employment opportunities in the region.



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"No Projects, But...": Shashi Tharoor Slams Centre Over Kerala Name Change​


Shashi Tharoor, in a separate post on X, had a "small linguistic question" - what happens now to the terms "Keralite" and "Keralan" for the "denizens" of the new "Keralam".​


New Delhi:
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has criticised the central government over the renaming of Kerala to 'Keralam', saying it focuses on name change but not on projects. Tharoor also highlighted that Kerala already translates to 'Keralam' in Malayalam, raising questions on the need to rename the state.

"It has already been 'Keralam' in Malayalam. So now, a Malayalam word is coming into English. I don't know what difference it makes. The government has not given us an AIIMS or any new institutions. They have given us no projects in the Union Budget. But when it comes to a name change, they are willing to authorise it," Tharoor said.

Tharoor, in a separate post on X, had a "small linguistic question" - what happens now to the terms "Keralite" and "Keralan" for the "denizens" of the new "Keralam". He asserted that 'Keralamite' sounds like a microbe and 'Keralamian' like a rare earth mineral.

Add image caption here

Add image caption here

The Union Cabinet - chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi - approved the proposal for altering the name of Kerala to 'Keralam' on Tuesday, ahead of the state assembly elections. Kerala is expected to go to the polls before May to elect 140 members of the state legislative assembly. No official date has been announced by the Election Commission of India as of yet.

Also Read: Mamata Banerjee's "Anti-Bengali" Charge At Centre As Kerala Becomes Keralam

The state assembly has already passed a resolution to change the name in official records.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who had moved the resolution in 2024, wanted the Union government to change the southern state's name from "Kerala" to "Keralam" in all languages included in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of the country. He had said that the demand to form a united Kerala for the Malayalam-speaking communities had emerged since the time of the national freedom struggle.



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Maharashtra Shocker: Toxic gas leaks from Palghar chemical unit; 2,600 evacuated | Video​


A hazardous oleum gas leak at a chemical factory in Maharashtra's Palghar district led to the evacuation of over 2,600 individuals, including 1,600 schoolchildren. The incident, which occurred at Bhageria Industries Ltd, resulted in minor eye irritation for three people​


A major leak of hazardous oleum gas at a chemical factory in Maharashtra’s Palghar district forced authorities to evacuate more than 2,600 people, including around 1,600 schoolchildren. Three individuals reported minor eye irritation, officials confirmed. The incident took place on Monday around 2 pm at a unit operated by Bhageria Industries Ltd in the Boisar MIDC area on the outskirts of Mumbai. Strong winds caused thick white fumes to spread quickly, covering nearby localities within a five-kilometre radius and creating panic among residents and workers, news agency PTI reported.
Oleum, also known as fuming sulphuric acid, is a highly corrosive industrial chemical.

https://twitter.com/x/status/2028470274094694510

Evacuation of School and Workers​

Authorities acted swiftly and activated the district disaster management plan. Indu Rani Jakhar, the Palghar District Collector, said she was personally overseeing the situation.
"The leakage occurred from a 2,500-litre capacity oleum day tank. Due to the wind direction, the smoke spread to surrounding areas, impacting a radius of approximately 5 kilometres," the administration stated in a press release.


Reportedly, about 1,600 students from Tarapur Vidyamandir were evacuated immediately. More than 1,000 workers from Bhageria Industries and nearby factories were moved to safer locations.

Emergency Teams Face Initial Hurdles​

Response teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), and the local Fire Brigade were rushed to the site. However, they initially struggled to access the exact location of the leak because of the dense smoke.

"Due to the high smoke concentration in affected areas, response teams were facing difficulties in reaching the exact location of the leak," the official release noted.
Experts and NDRF personnel later identified the source and entered the premises using self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Sandbags were placed around the leaking tank to control and suppress the fumes.


Minor Health Impact Reported​

At least three people experienced mild eye irritation and were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. Officials said there were no reports of serious injuries.
Yatish Deshmukh, the District Superintendent of Police, visited the site and urged residents not to panic. He assured them that all necessary steps were being taken.
Collector Jakhar appealed to citizens to remain indoors and follow official instructions.
"The situation is being constantly monitored in coordination with all departments concerned. Citizens should not believe in rumours," the collector emphasised.

Cause Yet to Be Determined​

The exact reason behind the oleum leak has not yet been identified. Authorities continue to monitor air quality and safety conditions in the affected area.


Source:
www.timesnownews.com

Maharashtra Shocker: Toxic gas leaks from Palghar chemical unit; 2,600 evacuated | Video

A hazardous oleum gas leak at a chemical factory in Maharashtra's Palghar district led to the evacuation of over 2,600 individuals, including 1,600 schoolchildren. The incident, which occurred at Bhageria Industries Ltd, resulted in minor eye irritation for three people. , Mumbai News, Times Now
www.timesnownews.com www.timesnownews.com
 

Investors Lose Rs 5.87 Trillion In A Day As Markets Tumble. Here's Why​


Stock Market Crash: Nifty 50 has already entered a "technical correction" phase after falling over 10 per cent from its January 5 high of 26,373.​



Investors Lose Rs 5.87 Trillion In A Day As Markets Tumble. Here's Why​

Stock Market Crash: Nifty 50 has already entered a "technical correction" phase after falling over 10 per cent from its January 5 high of 26,373.​


Stock Market Crash: Indian benchmark indices continued their losing streak on Friday. Equity indices slipped sharply as investors turned cautious amid escalating tensions in the Middle East and a fresh spike in Brent crude oil prices.

As of 11 am, the Nifty 50 was trading about 1.19 per cent lower at 23,356, while the BSE Sensex was down 1.07 per cent at 75,266. The sell-off wiped out nearly Rs 5.87 trillion in investor wealth. The total market capitalisation of companies listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange fell to about Rs 433.85 trillion from Rs 439.72 trillion at Thursday's close. FOLLOW LIVE UPDATES

A look at the sector indices showed that the selling pressure was broad-based. Barring the FMCG stocks, all sectoral indices were trading in the red, with metal stocks leading the losses. Banking stocks remained under heavy pressure due to inflation concerns. Leading lenders such as HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Punjab National Bank, and IndusInd Bank were the biggest drags.

The weakness was not limited to frontline stocks. The Nifty Midcap 150 index slipped 1.61 per cent, while the Nifty Smallcap 250 fell 1.67 per cent. This suggested a broader risk aversion among investors.


It is worth mentioning here that the Nifty 50 has already entered a "technical correction" phase after falling over 10 per cent from its January 5 high of 26,373. A technical correction in the stock markets is defined as a short-term decline of 10-20 per cent in an index.

Here are the key reasons behind Friday's market decline:-​

Weak Global Cues: Asian markets traded sharply lower on Friday as investors reacted to rising oil prices and fears that a prolonged war involving Iran, the US, and Israel could derail global economic growth.

Japan's Nikkei 225 fell nearly 2 per cent, while the broader TOPIX index declined about 1.4 per cent. South Korea's KOSPI dropped almost 3 per cent, and Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index was also in the red. Indian stock market followed their Asian peers.

The weakness in the Indian markets also came after a sharp fall on Wall Street overnight. The Dow Jones Industrial Average plunged nearly 740 points to close below the 47,000 mark for the first time this year. The S&P 500 lost about 1.5 per cent, while the Nasdaq Composite dropped per cent.

Notably, the global risk sentiment has remained fragile as investors reassess the economic fallout of rising geopolitical tensions.

Iran War: The Iran war entered its second week with little sign of de-escalation, keeping financial markets on edge. Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei warned of further escalation and signalled that Tehran could open additional fronts in the conflict. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel's attacks were aimed at weakening Iran's leadership.

The prolonged confrontation has already disrupted global energy supply routes, including the critical Strait of Hormuz, and heightened uncertainty across financial markets. Since the start of the fresh conflict on February 28, both the Nifty 50 and BSE Sensex have slipped significantly as investors trim exposure to risk assets.

Soaring Crude Oil Prices: Oil prices have surged amid concerns that the conflict could disrupt supplies through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global crude shipments. International benchmark Brent Crude went above the $100-per-barrel mark on Friday morning after a volatile week. The US benchmark West Texas Intermediate was also trading near $96.

Higher oil prices are a concern for India as the country imports the majority of its crude requirements. A sustained surge in crude typically widens the trade deficit, fuels inflation and pressures the rupee. All these factors tend to weigh on equities.

According to stock market analysts, investors are likely to remain cautious until there is clarity on the geopolitical situation and the trajectory of global energy prices.

Shravan Shetty, Managing Director, Primus Partners, said, "The markets are continuing to fall with nifty almost 4.5 per cent down this week. The uncertainty of the war and resulting oil shock is impacting the markets. With most supply from Middle Eastern oil producers significantly reducing production and uncertainty on when the strait of Hormuz open expect further correction as we see both lower demand and higher inflation."

According to stock market analyst Nidhi Sharma, "Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) have been reducing their exposure to emerging markets, including India. Global uncertainties and relatively higher yields in developed markets, particularly the United States, are attracting foreign capital away from emerging economies. Continuous FII selling often creates pressure on large-cap stocks and leads to broader market weakness."



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Political Party Funding & Corruption in India - Democracy in Danger?​





In 2024–25, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) received more than ₹6,000 crore in political donations—nearly five times the amount received by the Congress and all opposition parties combined. Disclosures available on the Election Commission of India (ECI) website show that over 80% of all donations to major political parties went to a single party: the BJP.

ollowing the scrapping of the anonymous Electoral Bonds Scheme in February 2024, electoral trusts have emerged as the primary channel for corporate political donations. We unpack who the largest donors are and examine investigative reporting that has tracked quid pro quo arrangements—including cases where companies receive government contracts or policy benefits soon after making political donations, or where firms under investigation contribute funds to the party controlling investigative agencies. Political funding, for this reason, is often described as the fountainhead of corruption.

The discussion explores what such a concentration of money power in the hands of one political party means for democracy and free and fair elections in India. It also traces the legal history of corporate political funding, from a complete ban in 1969 to the dismantling of key regulations in 2017, and asks where the law stands today.Should corporations be barred from making direct political donations? How can quid pro quo and corruption be effectively addressed? And can a democracy remain healthy when one party controls the bulk of political funding?


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BJP, Trinamool Workers Clash In Kolkata Ahead Of PM Modi's Rally​


According to eyewitnesses, supporters of both parties threw stones at each other and raised slogans.​


Kolkata:
Clashes broke out between supporters of the TMC and the BJP near Girish Park in central Kolkata on Saturday, about 5 km from the Brigade Parade Ground where Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to address a rally later in the day.

BJP supporters alleged that stones were suddenly thrown at them from certain areas when they were heading towards the rally venue, raising slogans in support of the prime minister.

"Stones were thrown at us without any provocation. They also abused us," a BJP activist told a Bengali news channel.

According to eyewitnesses, supporters of both parties threw stones at each other and raised slogans.

The BJP alleged that several vehicles were damaged during the clashes.

https://twitter.com/x/status/2032742597329088757

However, local TMC workers denied the allegations and claimed that it was the BJP supporters who first hurled abuses and began throwing stones at them


They alleged that stones were also pelted at the residence of local TMC leaders.

A large police contingent rushed to the spot to bring the situation under control.

The incident took place just half an hour before Modi's rally at the Brigade Parade Ground, which will mark the culmination of the BJP's statewide 'Parivartan Yatra' ahead of the West Bengal Assembly elections.

The prime minister is also scheduled to unveil and lay the foundation stones of development projects worth over Rs 18,000 crore during his visit to the state.



Source:
 

Kerala Health Minister Injured During Opposition Protest, Hospitalised​


The minister had arrived at the Kannur railway station to board the Vande Bharat Express after attending official programmes in Kannur.​


Kerala Health Minister Veena George was injured as opposition student activists, protesting against her, clashed with police at the Kannur railway station, forcing her to cancel her onward journey and seek medical treatment.

The minister had arrived at the Kannur railway station to board the Vande Bharat Express after attending official programmes in Kannur.

As she reached the premises, activists of the Kerala Students Union (KSU), the student wing of the Congress, along with members of the youth wing of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), staged a protest against her.

Police personnel attempted to disperse the demonstrators and clear the way for the Minister. The situation escalated quickly into a melee on the platform.

In the ensuing commotion, George reportedly came in between the protesters and the police. During the jostling that followed, she sustained injuries to her neck and hand.

Coincidentally, Assembly Speaker AN Shamseer had just entered the station, with the Minister arriving shortly behind him.

The situation escalated quickly into a melee on the platform.

George was seen speaking over the telephone and admitting that she experienced pain radiating from the right side of her neck.

Though the minister initially waited at the station hoping to continue her journey, she later said she was unable to travel due to increasing discomfort.

Her trip was subsequently cancelled, and she was shifted on a trolley from the railway station and taken in a vehicle to the Kannur District Hospital for medical examination and treatment.

Following news of the incident, local leaders of the CPI-M began arriving at the hospital.

Party workers gathered outside as doctors assessed the extent of her injuries.

Police are likely to examine the circumstances leading to the security breach and review arrangements at the station.

Reacting to the episode, Speaker Shamseer said protests were part of democracy, but physically manhandling a minister was unacceptable and dangerous to democratic norms.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan condemned the incident, saying that the KSU's attack on the Health Minister Veena George was "a reflection of the Congress party's deplorable political culture".

"The Health Minister was assaulted and injured at the Kannur railway station. What occurred there was not any form of protest demonstration, it was the rampage of a group of violent miscreants. The Minister was attacked while she was walking towards the platform."

Stressing that "Kerala has the best healthcare system in India" and that "this has been acknowledged by all official agencies", the Chief Minister said: "Yet, by exaggerating certain incidents and targeting a Minister who had no involvement whatsoever in them, the attack cannot be seen as politics, it can only be viewed as a perversion of politics."

"The Congress leadership should not assume that by unleashing their followers they can disrupt law and order or incite unrest in the state. The responsibility for this lies squarely with the leadership of the Congress party and the UDF alliance. The attack carried out by KSU activists is a manifestation of their style of sullying politics by raising completely baseless allegations. This is highly condemnable and deserves strong protest," he said.



Source:
 

Himachal Vigilance Chief Absent For Days, State Puts Second Officer In Charge​


The state government issued immediate orders after observing that the functioning of the Vigilance office was being adversely affected due to repeated absences.​


Chandigarh:
Frequent leaves taken by IPS officer Aditi Singh over the past three months has led the Himachal Pradesh government to hand over the additional charge of SP Vigilance, to her deputy Brahm Das Bhatia -- a move aimed at restoring administrative continuity.

The state government issued immediate orders after observing that the functioning of the Vigilance office was being adversely affected due to repeated absences. The directive issued by the state police chief points out that Aditi Singh, IPS and SP Vigilance Dharamshala, remained on leave several times during the last three months, impacting routine office work.

The order details that she availed a total of 24 days of leave in this period - including 13 days of Earned Leave (EL), 6 days of Casual Leave (CL), and 5 days of Sick Leave (SL). In addition, she was away from headquarters in December 2025 to attend a Mid-Career Interaction Programme.

Citing the need to ensure smooth functioning and prevent disruption in sensitive vigilance matters, the government has assigned the additional charge to Brahm Das Bhatia. The arrangement will remain in force during her leave or absence from headquarters.

Importantly, the order clarifies that Bhatia's role will not be confined only to periods of absence. He will work in coordination with Aditi Singh to ensure there is no administrative vacuum or interruption in the functioning of the Northern Range Vigilance office.

The administrative directive has come into effect immediately, underscoring the government's concern over maintaining operational continuity in the anti-corruption bureau.

Aditi Singh, a 2021-batch IPS officer originally from Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, secured the 679th rank in the UPSC examination in her first attempt during the COVID period. She previously served as Additional SP in Dharamshala and was posted in Paonta Sahib in Sirmaur district.



Source:
 

Fire In Delhi's Chandni Chowk Shop, Dousing Operation Underway​


The DFS was informed about a fire at 10.58 pm, after which it swung into action.​


New Delhi:
A fire broke out in a shop in north Delhi's Chandni Chowk on Friday, prompting authorities to rush five fire tenders to the spot, an official of the Delhi Fire Services said.

The DFS was informed about a fire at 10.58 pm, after which it swung into action.

"We rushed five fire tenders to the spot. Firefightering operation is underway," an official said.



Source:
 

Top Court Concerned Over POCSO Misuse, Says Awareness Needed​


A bench of Justices B V Nagarathna and R Mahadevan was hearing a PIL seeking directions to sensitise people about the penal provisions for rape and the POCSO Act.​


New Delhi:
The POCSO act is being being misused in cases of marital discord and consensual relationships between adolescents, the Supreme Court said on Tuesday while stressing the need to spread awareness in boys and men about its legal provisions.

A bench of Justices B V Nagarathna and R Mahadevan was hearing a PIL seeking directions to sensitise people about the penal provisions for rape and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act to make the country a better place for girls and women.

"One thing, we would like to remark. POCSO Act is being misused in cases of marital discords and matters pertaining to consensual relationships between adolescents. We should spread awareness in boys and men about the legal provisions," the bench remarked orally.

The top court adjourned the PIL to December 2 and noted that some states and union territories had not filed a response in the matter.

The top court had earlier issued notices to the Centre, the Union ministries of Education and Information and Broadcasting and the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) on the plea filed by senior advocate Aabad Harshad Ponda.

Ponda said there is need to inform people about the laws regarding rape and the change in such laws after the Nirbhaya case.

The plea seeks several measures, including directing the education ministry to ask all educational institutions providing free and compulsory education to children aged up to 14 years to incorporate the penal provisions regarding offences against women and children.

The subject of moral training also has to be included to ensure awareness about sexual equality, the rights of women and girls and their freedom to live with dignity, it says.

"Particularly, endeavours are required to be made to change the mindset of the boys in this country, an exercise that must start at the level of school," it states.

According to it, there should be similar directions to the Information and Broadcasting ministry, CBFC and other broadcasting authorities to highlight the awareness of the folly of committing rape and its punishments and educating the public about the POCSO Act.



Source:
 
finalfantasy7 said:

Rajasthan Cabinet Removes 2-Child Norm For Local Body Polls After 3 Decades​


With the decision, candidates with more than two children will now be eligible to contest panchayat and municipal elections in the state.​


In a significant policy shift, the Rajasthan Cabinet on Wednesday approved the removal of the decades-old two-child norm for contesting Panchayati Raj and urban local body elections, ending a restriction that had been in place for nearly 30 years.

With the decision, candidates with more than two children will now be eligible to contest panchayat and municipal elections in the state. The move reverses a provision introduced in 1995 during the government led by former Chief Minister Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, marking a major change in Rajasthan's local governance framework.

Announcing the decision, Law Minister Jogaram Patel said the Cabinet has approved the Rajasthan Panchayati Raj (Amendment) Bill, 2026 and the Rajasthan Municipal (Amendment) Bill, 2026.

"With these amendments, the restriction barring candidates with more than two children from contesting Panchayat and municipal elections will be removed. Both Bills will be passed during the current Assembly session," he said.

Patel noted that the two-child norm was originally introduced as a population control measure. However, he added that the socio-political context has changed considerably over the years, making the provision outdated.

The removal of the restriction is expected to significantly alter the local political landscape. Several grassroots leaders and potential candidates who were previously disqualified under the rule will now be able to contest elections. Leaders from both the BJP and Congress at the village and district levels had been affected by the norm.

Political observers believe the move could widen participation and intensify competition in upcoming Panchayati Raj and urban local body polls.

The demand to scrap the two-child norm had been raised repeatedly in the Assembly over the years. Legislators across party lines, including Congress MLA Hemaram Chaudhary and BJP MLA Chandrabhan Singh Akya, had questioned why the restriction applied only to Panchayat and municipal elections, and not to Assembly or Lok Sabha polls.

Several social organisations and public representatives had also submitted memorandums seeking its removal, arguing that the rule was discriminatory and inconsistent. The scrapping of the two-child norm is being seen as a landmark decision in Rajasthan's electoral reforms and is likely to have a direct impact on forthcoming Panchayati Raj and urban local body elections.

In another major decision, the Cabinet approved the Ayurveda and Naturopathy University Bill, paving the way for the establishment of a new Ayurveda University in Ajmer to promote traditional medicine education and research.

Deputy Chief Minister Premchand Bairwa announced the creation of a Directorate of Revenue Intelligence and Economic Offences, to be headquartered in Jodhpur. The new body will focus on curbing banking and financial fraud, share market and multi-level marketing scams, and land fraud through cooperative societies. Around 60 posts have been sanctioned.

Industry Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore said the estimated cost of the Bharat Mandapam project on Jaipur's B-2 bypass has been revised from Rs 3,500 crore to Rs 5,800 crore. He asserted that the project is expected to generate revenue exceeding the investment and will not burden the state exchequer.

The Cabinet also approved the allocation of 53 acres of land for an iron ore mining project in Udaipur, involving an estimated investment of Rs 500 crore. The project is expected to boost industrial activity and create employment opportunities in the region.



Source:
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Trust bloody sanghis to always push India back and this instance is no different.
 

Rupee Nears 93, Inflation At 10-Month High: What It Means For Your Money​


The current weakness in the rupee is due to the combined effect of higher oil prices, global uncertainty, and a stronger dollar.​


New Delhi:
India is facing a fresh bout of economic uncertainty as global oil prices surge and the rupee weakens sharply. Retail inflation has climbed to a 10-month high, while the currency has slipped close to the Rs 93-per-dollar mark -- developments that could gradually affect household budgets.

The trigger lies largely outside India's borders. The conflict in the Middle East has disrupted energy markets and pushed crude oil prices above $100 a barrel, raising concerns about both inflation and currency stability. FOLLOW LIVE UPDATES

For consumers, the immediate impact may not be dramatic. But if these trends persist, they could make everyday expenses -- from fuel and food to electronics and travel -- gradually more expensive.

Inflation Edges Higher​

India's retail inflation, measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), rose to 3.21 per cent in February, up from a revised 2.74 per cent in January, according to government data released on Thursday (March 12). That makes it the highest reading in about ten months.

Food inflation also moved higher, rising to 3.47 per cent from 2.13 per cent the previous month. The latest data comes under a revised CPI series in which the base year has been updated to 2024 and the consumption basket expanded to 358 items from 299 earlier.

Prices have now risen sequentially for four straight months. The CPI index reached 104.57 in February, compared with 104.46 in January. Jewellery items such as gold and silver, along with vegetables including tomato and cauliflower and copra, saw stronger price pressures. However, some staples, including garlic, onion, potato and arhar (yellow pigeon peas), continued to see deflation.

The revised CPI basket also reflects changing spending patterns. Food now carries a weight of less than 40 per cent, while non-food categories account for more than 60 per cent.

Rural inflation rose to 3.37 per cent, while urban inflation increased to 3.02 per cent. While inflation remains within the Reserve Bank of India's 2-6 per cent target range, the spike in global energy prices has created fresh uncertainty about the outlook.

Rupee Weakens As Oil Surges​

At the same time, the Indian rupee has been under pressure in global currency markets. The currency slipped to an intra-day low of 92.35 per dollar before closing around 92.19 on Thursday, extending its recent decline. Currency markets are now watching the Rs 93 per dollar level as the next key threshold.

Several factors are weighing on the rupee:
      •     Higher crude oil prices increase India's import bill
      •     Global investors have been selling emerging-market assets
      •     The US dollar has strengthened globally

India imports the majority of its crude oil and a large share of its liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). A disruption in the Strait of Hormuz --a critical global energy route -- has intensified concerns about supply and prices. According to estimates, about 30 per cent of India's crude oil supplies and roughly 90 per cent of LPG imports transit through the Strait of Hormuz.

How This Could Affect Household Budgets​

For most households, the effects of a weaker rupee and rising inflation are felt gradually rather than immediately.

1. Fuel and transport costs
If crude oil remains above $100 a barrel, petrol, diesel and cooking gas prices could face upward pressure over time. Higher fuel costs often ripple through the economy by raising transport and logistics expenses.

2. Food prices
Energy costs influence everything from fertilisers to transportation. Over time, this can push up the cost of vegetables, grains and packaged foods.

3. Imported goods become costlier
India imports a wide range of consumer goods and inputs -- from edible oils and fertilisers to electronics and industrial components. A weaker rupee makes these imports more expensive.

4. Travel and education abroad
Foreign travel, overseas education fees and international online subscriptions become more expensive when the rupee weakens.

5. EMI outlook
For now, the rise in inflation is not large enough to trigger immediate policy tightening. However, persistent price pressures could make the central bank more cautious about cutting interest rates.

Why Oil Matters So Much For India​

India is one of the world's largest energy importers, which makes oil prices a crucial variable for the economy.

Higher crude prices affect India in several ways:
      •     They increase the country's import bill
      •     They widen the current account deficit
      •     They feed into inflation through fuel and transportation costs

This is why geopolitical shocks in energy-producing regions tend to ripple quickly through India's financial markets.

How Inflation & Rupee Are Connected​

Inflation and exchange rates are linked over the long term. If prices in one country rise consistently faster than in another, its currency tends to weaken over time to maintain purchasing power parity. Put simply, higher inflation gradually erodes the value of money.

Historically, India's inflation has been somewhat higher than that of the United States. Over long periods, such differences tend to show up in currency movements, which is one reason the rupee has steadily depreciated against the dollar over decades.

However, short-term currency movements are driven by many other factors, including oil prices, capital flows, interest-rate expectations and global risk sentiment.

The current weakness in the rupee is therefore less about domestic inflation alone and more about the combined effect of higher oil prices, global uncertainty and a stronger dollar.

Wait & Watch​

For now, India's inflation remains relatively moderate by historical standards. But the global energy shock has complicated the outlook.

If oil prices remain elevated and the rupee stays weak, imported inflation could gradually push prices higher over the coming months. That could prompt policymakers to take a more cautious approach to interest rates and liquidity.

For households, the takeaway is simple: the pressures are building, but the full impact will depend largely on how long global energy markets remain volatile.




Source:
 

UP Electricity Crisis Reality Check: उत्तर प्रदेश बिजली संकट का जिम्मेदार कौन? | The Quint​



 

Two Suspects Identified After Blast Outside Punjab BJP Office In Chandigarh - What We Know So Far​


Authorities have identified two suspects linked to the explosion outside the Punjab BJP headquarters in Chandigarh.​


Two suspects in the blast outside the Punjab BJP headquarters here have been identified, a senior official of the Chandigarh police said on Friday.

"Further investigations are on," he said, adding efforts are on to nab them.
The explosion occurred around 5 pm on Wednesday when a suspected crude explosive device was hurled near the office, officials had said. No casualties were reported.
An FIR under relevant sections of the Explosives Act and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act had been registered in connection with the incident.

An unverified video that surfaced on social media on Wednesday evening shows a man pulling the pin from a blue-coloured grenade and throwing it, while another person records the act. The duo is then seen fleeing moments before the blast.

Their faces were not visible in the 10-second video, the veracity of which was yet to be ascertained. CCTV camera footage also showed the suspects running across the road after the explosion.
In a separate unverified social media post attributed to Sukhjinder Singh Babbar of the banned Babbar Khalsa International, the outfit claimed responsibility for the incident.
Chandigarh Senior Superintendent of Police Kanwardeep Kaur had Wednesday said, "Prima facie, it appears that a small crude-type device was thrown."
The BJP's state unit chief Sunil Jakhar had dubbed it an "attack" at the party office.
Punjab Congress president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring condemned the blast and called it a "matter of grave concern."



Source:
www.timesnownews.com

Two Suspects Identified After Blast Outside Punjab BJP Office In Chandigarh - What We Know So Far

Authorities have identified two suspects linked to the explosion outside the Punjab BJP headquarters in Chandigarh., Chandigarh News, Times Now
www.timesnownews.com www.timesnownews.com
 

Pawan Khera says more proof coming in passport row involving Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma's wife​

Guwahati: Chairperson of Congress' Media and Publicity Department, Pawan Khera, said that the party will present more evidence to back his three passport allegations against Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's wife, Riniki Bhuyan Sharma.

Pawan Khera, in a press conference, had alleged that Riniki Bhuyan Sharma owns three passports and the couple, along with their son, owns a business worth Rs 52,000 crore in the United States. Assam CM, however, had denied the claims, saying he would file a defamation case against the Congress leader.

"Our police have reconfirmed through the Indian government's diplomatic channels that the UAE passports are fraudulent... Pawan Khera will be charged with fabricating a fraudulent document and criminal conspiracy. I am confident that Pawan Khera will spend his last moments in an Assam jail," he added.
 
What an abominable creature this Sarma is!

Its one thing to say, law will take it on course. For a sitting CM to say that an opposition leader will spend his last days in jail is dictatoresque.

But trust feku not to bat an eyelid over this too! Since he when he trusted in the rule of law?
 
 
 

'Courts Can’t Decide On Faith', Centre Submits To SC Opposing Women Entry Into Sabarimala​


The Modi government has submitted extensive written arguments to the Supreme Court concerning the Sabarimala case, emphasizing the religious customs that restrict women aged 10-50 from entering the temple.​


Ahead of the 9-judge Constitution Bench hearing on the Sabarimala women entry row and two days before assembly elections in Kerala, where it is a highly emotive issue, the Modi government, through Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta, has filed detailed written submissions in the Supreme Court. Upholding century-old faith, custom and tradition, Centre opposes the entry of women of menstruating age into Sabarimala and firmly throws its weight behind the review petitioners.

Centre, in a 246-page written submission, has submitted that the religious practice of restricting the entry of women aged 10–50 to Sabarimala is rooted in the unique nature of the deity, i.e., Lord Ayyappa, who is worshipped in the form of a Naishtika Brahmachari (eternal celibate) who shuns women. While the 2018 judgment said exclusion of women was not an essential religious practice, the Centre said whether exclusion of women aged between 10 and 50 is an essential religious practice is for the particular denomination that is Ayyappa devotees to decide and cannot be second-guessed by the Court.

Centre says: “The exclusion is not rooted in notions of impurity or inferiority of women but flows from the very character and the attribute of the deity being worshipped. Permitting entry would fundamentally alter the nature and character of worship at this particular temple, thereby undermining rather than advancing public morality in the context of religious pluralism, a value the Constitution itself protects. The public interest would then lie in preserving the rich diversity”, Centre said in the written submissions filed through SG Mehta.

Centre also said, "The essentiality of any practice has to be decided based upon the interpretation of religious texts and the court will be ill-equipped to undertake this exercise.”
“There cannot be any judicial review over faith and belief and these two religious freedoms i.e. ‘having faith’ and ‘to have belief in something’ must be left to the denomination unless such practice, faith, belief or ritual falls within the restricted embargo or against public order, morality and health and violates any other fundamental rights.



Source:
www.timesnownews.com

'Courts Can’t Decide On Faith', Centre Submits To SC Opposing Women Entry Into Sabarimala

The Modi government has submitted extensive written arguments to the Supreme Court concerning the Sabarimala case, emphasizing the religious customs that restrict women aged 10-50 from entering the temple. , India News, Times Now
www.timesnownews.com www.timesnownews.com
 
Indian PM Modi's party gets first chief minister in Bihar state

A leader from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has taken oath as the new chief minister of eastern state of Bihar after veteran politician Nitish Kumar stepped down.

Samrat Choudhary, who was Kumar's deputy, has been sworn-in Bihar's first BJP chief minister.

Choudhary has held senior roles in the BJP, including that of the party's state president, and led major election campaigns in different states.

But he now has big shoes to fill. Kumar, one of Bihar's most influential leaders, was chief minister for the most part of the past two decades, often switching political alliances to stay in power.

With more than 74 million voters, Bihar is India's poorest state, with millions migrating to other parts of India for jobs. It is also among the few states in India where the BJP has not managed to form a government yet on its own.

Kumar, who belongs to BJP's ally Janata Dal (United), or JD(U), was elected to the Upper House of parliament last month. The 75-year-old politician's move had been on the cards for a while because of his deteriorating health.

He resigned from the chief minister's post on Tuesday, paving the way for Choudhary's appointment.

"Bihar has changed and I must acknowledge that and give him [Kumar] due respect... Now Samrat Choudhary is set to become the chief minister. This is a big and historic day," BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad told reporters earlier.

Choudhary, 57, belongs to a political family. His father Shakuni Choudhary served as a legislator in Bihar for more than two decades from the mid-1980s. His mother Parvati Devi was a social activist-turned-politician who too was elected legislator once.

Choudhary is seen as a prominent leader from a caste group that is part of Other Backward Class (OBC) - communities identified by the government as socially and economically disadvantaged - that forms a significant share of the electorate in Bihar, where caste remains a central factor in politics.

Choudhary's political career spans more than three decades and a number of parties. He was once a member of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Bihar's main opposition party. He joined Kumar's JD(U) in 2014 but left in 2017 and joined the BJP - at a time when Kumar himself had realigned with the BJP after breaking with his previous allies.

After Kumar switched alliances again in 2022, Choudhary became one of his vocal critics. However, when the BJP and JD(U) renewed their alliance in 2024, Choudhary patched ties with the veteran, becoming deputy chief minister.

Choudhary was also home minister in Kumar's government, one of the most influential departments that oversees the state's police force.

His political approach has drawn both support and criticism within the ruling coalition.

Some say his elevation signals the BJP's efforts to broaden its social base in the state and will pay dividends in future.

Others have argued that he does not come from the BJP's traditional organisational structure and question his suitability for the top role.

He will undoubtedly face big challenges in the post in a state that has been synonymous with Kumar for so many years.

However, in the meantime, he has made history as his party's first chief minister in a politically crucial state.

BBC
 
Hitman said:
BJP's victory in Assam is almost sure. I use the word 'almost' because nothing can be guaranteed in elections.
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Hemanta Da is a great leader. BJP in Bengal need someone like him. We got clowns like Dilip Ghosh and Suvendu Adhikari instead

:dw
 
 

'Highly Objectionable': MP HC Slams Foetus Display In Court, Warns Petitioner Over 'Emotional Theatrics'​


The Madhya Pradesh High Court rebuked a petitioner for bringing a miscarried foetus into the courtroom, calling the act “highly objectionable”.​


The Madhya Pradesh High Court pulled up a petitioner for what it called a “highly objectionable” act of bringing a miscarried foetus into the courtroom. The court warned the petitioner against turning judicial proceedings into “emotional theatrics”, while dismissing a Rs 200 crore compensation plea earlier this month. The court said that justice cannot be influenced by sympathy, and that proceedings cannot be used as a platform for emotional display. It also said that decisions are based on law and evidence rather than sentiment.

The petitioner, Dayashankar Pandey, had alleged that he exposed an embezzlement of over ₹200 crore involving a car company. He claimed that he and his family were targeted, telling the court that his wife was attacked and it led to her miscarriage. He also said that an earlier incident left his daughter severely injured and permanently disabled. He sought sought compensation of the alleged amount, Rs 82 lakh for medical expenses, and a direction for an impartial probe.
However, the state and the company opposed the plea, arguing that the allegations were unverified and unsupported by documents. After reviewing the material, the court found that even basic evidence - such as copies of complaints - had not been submitted.

It termed the claims vague, baseless, and lacking bona fides, noting that serious accusations cannot be entertained without concrete proof.
In one of its strongest remarks, the court criticised the act of placing the foetus before it, calling it not only “highly objectionable” but also contrary to law. It said a courtroom cannot be turned into a stage for “emotional theatrics,” warning that such actions undermine the dignity and decorum of the judiciary and may invite penalty.

While expressing sympathy for any personal loss suffered by the family, the court reiterated that emotions cannot dictate judicial outcomes.
Dismissing the plea, the High Court issued a stern warning that any repeat of such conduct would attract strict legal action.



Source:
www.timesnownews.com

'Highly Objectionable': MP HC Slams Foetus Display In Court, Warns Petitioner Over 'Emotional Theatrics'

The Madhya Pradesh High Court rebuked a petitioner for bringing a miscarried foetus into the courtroom, calling the act “highly objectionable”., City, Times Now
www.timesnownews.com www.timesnownews.com
 
Human786 said:
This is in line with the Vile Oaf & Tadipar's policy of selecting incompetent , dummy CM's who are completely controlled by them , like we saw in MP & Delhi .
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And in Haryana, Orissa, Delhi, Gujarat etc

Only Maharashtra and UP were exceptions since in those states, feku and tadipar couldn't ignore popular sanghi statement . After all, Fadnavis and bisht are bigger than feku and tadipar, at least in their respective states.
 
MP2011 said:
And in Haryana, Orissa, Delhi, Gujarat etc

Only Maharashtra and UP were exceptions since in those states, feku and tadipar couldn't ignore popular sanghi statement . After all, Fadnavis and bisht are bigger than feku and tadipar, at least in their respective states.
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Dost, nice to see you after a while. Would definitely like to know your views on the allegations made by Pawan Kheda on the Assam CM and his wife?​
 
Hitman said:
Dost, nice to see you after a while. Would definitely like to know your views on the allegations made by Pawan Kheda on the Assam CM and his wife?​
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Mate, have been busy with a lot of things. Besides, there is no cricket going on. Even though I don't begrudge cricketers making money through IPL as their shelf life is very limited but I hate IPL with a passion
 
As for Pawan Kheda making allegations against Sarma and his wife, well neither Pawan Kheda is a saint, not is Congress.

But the fact is, the way Sarma acted the way he did after that Kheda had that press confrence, it looked like something is fishy, very fishy. And hey, what happened with the rule of state police being under ECI after elections are announced in that state? How could Assam police being at beck and call of Sarma so that he could send them to Delhi to look for Kheda?

I think you'll agree that after taklu bisht, Sarma is most potty mouthed politico in India
 
Rajdeep said:
This guy wants to become PM :facepalm:


@Vikram1989 @cricketjoshila @Hitman


:rabada2
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This was brilliant. Rahulg had shown some standup qualities during the 2024 election rallies and he's upped it a notch. The flourish at the end unveiling Modi as the impotent scared magician was perfect and the hostile response and tears from the BJP - Rajnath and Rijiju were hilarious in their rage and Birla's motherly Nooooo :ROFLMAO: showed it hit hard and hurt.

Also what is the 16 puzzle he left you all with at the end with a flourish. Any guesses?

My theory is 16 is underage in most countries and that's the connection with your leader :oops:
 
Watched it for the 3rd time in 24 hours because why not :dhoni

From mocking laughter earlier, this is how the BJP guys looked when Rahulg unveiled the "the magician's tricks didn't work anymore line" :ROFLMAO:

del.png

There really is something to the 16 puzzle. That little note he had with 16 written on the back of it. Every time he saw the camera was on him and there was a raucous break, you can see him hold it up straight for all to see :unsure:
 
pillionrider said:
This was brilliant. Rahulg had shown some standup qualities during the 2024 election rallies and he's upped it a notch. The flourish at the end unveiling Modi as the impotent scared magician was perfect and the hostile response and tears from the BJP - Rajnath and Rijiju were hilarious in their rage and Birla's motherly Nooooo :ROFLMAO: showed it hit hard and hurt.

Also what is the 16 puzzle he left you all with at the end with a flourish. Any guesses?

My theory is 16 is underage in most countries and that's the connection with your leader :oops:
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Okay now that you have explained the sanctimony of his speech, I came to realize what a brilliant act it was.

:kp
 
RizwanT20Champ said:
Are you going to answer me on the civic sense thread or do you have white flag?

#haihimmat
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You are getting desperate now. What you want me to answer? Why you stalking me in every thread?

This is a thread only for Bharatiyas...leave us alone.
 

Several Tribal Leaders Defect From BJP To Congress In Gujarat's Dahod​


Several tribal leaders from Dahod BJP unit join Congress citing dissatisfaction​


Ahmedabad:

The political landscape in Gujarat shifted as several high-profile tribal leaders from the Dahod BJP unit defected to the Congress party, just as the opposition launched a localised "People's Manifesto" in Navsari. The developments signal a ramping up of political activity as the Congress seeks to capitalise on local grievances regarding governance and tribal rights.

In Dahod, veteran leaders including District Panchayat member Maheshbhai Machhar and former Sarpanch Jayantibhai And officially joined Congress at Rajiv Gandhi Bhavan. The defectors cited deep-seated dissatisfaction with the ruling party's handling of tribal issues.

"We are tired of the corruption practised by BJP ministers and the constant marginalisation of the tribal community," stated Maheshbhai Machhar. "We have embraced the Congress ideology to genuinely solve the problems of our people."

Congress leadership welcomed the move, asserting that the tribal belt is increasingly disillusioned. Media Convener Dr. Manish Doshi criticised the current administration, stating, "The BJP has systematically deprived the tribal society of their rights to forest land, education, and employment. From the fake office in Chhota Udepur to the syphoning of Tribal Sub-Plan funds in Dahod, the government has run a business of loot."

Simultaneously, the Congress party released its "Commitment Document" in Navsari, a manifesto the party claims was drafted after a months-long campaign of door-to-door consultations. Moving away from traditional top-down drafting, the party utilised "Jan Manch" platforms to collect specific complaints regarding local infrastructure, health, and education.

"This manifesto is our commitment to truth, equality, and social justice," party leaders noted during the launch. "It is the first time in political history that a manifesto has been prepared by going directly among the people whose voices are not heard in government offices."

The Navsari manifesto outlines several key pledges, most notably a "Janata Audit" for all road construction to hold contractors and officials accountable. Other major commitments include modernising municipal schools, establishing 24/7 ward-level health centres, and providing free city bus travel for women. By focusing on localised governance in Navsari and tribal representation in Dahod, the Congress party is attempting to position its platform as a binding contract with the public rather than a standard list of election promises.



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Jagan Mohan Reddy Slams Amaravati Project, Warns Of Rs 2 Lakh Crore Debt​


Jagan Mohan Reddy supported the three-capital plan brought by his party when it was in power.​


Amaravati:
Former Andhra Pradesh chief minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy accused sitting Chief Minister and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief N Chandrababu Naidu of making Amaravati a costly project that would put the state under huge debt.

Reddy said the Amaravati plan would cost nearly Rs 2 lakh crore and asked where the money would come from. He added that Naidu had once called Amaravati a self-financed capital, but is taking loans and using budget money for the project.

Reddy alleged that there was corruption at every stage, from land deals to giving contracts. He claimed some contractors were getting much higher prices than normal. 'The 'YSRCP was not against Amaravati. But it was against spending all the money in one place while other parts of the state were being ignored," he said.

Reddy again supported the three-capital plan brought by his party when it was in power. Under that plan, Visakhapatnam would be the executive capital, Amaravati the legislative capital and Kurnool the judicial capital.

He said Visakhapatnam already has roads, offices and other basic facilities. So, it can work as the main capital with less spending.

Reddy also said his government had suggested the Machilipatnam-Vijayawada-Guntur corridor as another option for development, but that idea was not accepted.

The YSRCP chief said the state had already borrowed Rs 13,000 crore for Amaravati. He alleged that Rs 5,300 crore from that amount went back as commissions.

He also questioned the cost of buildings in Amaravati. Reddy said the government was paying more than Rs 14,000 per square foot for five towers, while similar buildings in other cities could be built for about Rs 4,000 per square foot.

He said the government was spending Rs 170 crore for every kilometre of flyover. During the YSRCP rule, the cost was only Rs 35 crore per kilometre, he claimed.

Reddy said too much focus on Amaravati was hurting welfare schemes in education, health and farming.

He said the original plan for a one lakh acre capital city had now come down to only 200 acres. He also said many promises like an international airport, nine new cities and an international stadium were missing from the latest plan.

Jagan also criticised the Assembly resolution on Amaravati and added that the Union government has no role in deciding a state capital. He pointed to states like Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Uttarakhand, where the capital was not decided by the Union government.



Source;
 

Madhya Pradesh's Uniform Civil Code Push May Face Tribal Hurdle​


Over 20% of Madhya Pradesh's population belongs to the Scheduled Tribes, the highest in the country​


Madhya Pradesh's Uniform Civil Code Push May Face Tribal Hurdle​

Over 20% of Madhya Pradesh's population belongs to the Scheduled Tribes, the highest in the country.​

  • Written by:Anurag Dwary
  • India News
  • Apr 09, 2026 23:57 pm IST
    • Published OnApr 09, 2026 23:56 pm IST
    • Last Updated OnApr 09, 2026 23:57 pm IST
Read Time:4 mins

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Madhya Pradesh's Uniform Civil Code Push May Face Tribal Hurdle

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has said the law must be equal for everyone.
Bhopal:
Less than a month after Gujarat passed the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill, 2026, Madhya Pradesh has quietly stepped onto the same path.

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has directed the Home Department to begin drafting a UCC Bill for the state. The proposed bill, which could be introduced within the next six months, has set off a major legal and political churn in the state.

Enacting the UCC in Madhya Pradesh isn't a novel idea, but a revival of old efforts. In 2022, then Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan had pitched for a Uniform Civil Code while addressing a gathering in Sendhwa. “Why should anyone be permitted to have more than one marriage? Why should two different sets of laws prevail within a single nation? There should be only one,” he said. He even proposed forming a committee on the lines of Uttarakhand and Gujarat UCC legislations.

However, that moment quickly turned politically awkward. On the same stage was then Animal Husbandry Minister Prem Singh Patel, whom the Congress accused of having four wives. The opposition used the moment to question the credibility of the UCC pitch itself, turning a policy debate into a political flashpoint.

Four years later, the agenda has returned under Chief Minister Yadav, who made his intent clear at a recent public appearance in Jabalpur. "In the times to come, whether one is Hindu or Muslim, no matter what one's status, the law must be equal for everyone. Our government is gradually moving towards the realisation of this Common Civil Code," he had said.

The biggest challenge for the implementation of UCC lies in the state's demographic and cultural complexity. 21% of Madhya Pradesh's population belongs to the Scheduled Tribes -- the highest in the country. With 47 out of 230 Assembly seats reserved for ST communities, the tribal factor is not just significant; it is decisive.

Concerns Around Traditions

Sources indicate that tribal customs could emerge as the single biggest hurdle in drafting and implementing the UCC in Madhya Pradesh.

Traditional practices like ‘Dapa' (the groom's family pays a bride price), ‘Bhageli' or ‘Lamsena' marriages (couples elope and later receive social recognition) are deeply embedded in tribal society. Any attempt to impose a uniform legal framework over these practices could trigger resistance.

This is why, according to sources, Madhya Pradesh is likely to follow the template of Uttarakhand and Gujarat, where Scheduled Tribes have been explicitly kept outside the purview of the UCC. The political signal is also coming from the Centre, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah recently assuring tribal communities in Assam that they would be kept out of the UCC framework.

Committee Composition

Even as these complexities loom large, the administrative machinery has begun moving.

A high-level committee is expected to be formed soon, which will study UCC laws of Gujarat and Uttarakhand, examining how they were drafted, implemented, and structured. Sources suggest that former Supreme Court judge Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai, who chaired similar committees in both states, is likely to be appointed to head the Madhya Pradesh panel as well.

The committee is expected to include 5-6 members, former high court judges, retired IAS officers, legal experts, social workers, and representatives from universities. A formal administrative meeting on this is likely in the coming days.

If implemented, the UCC will bring sweeping changes.

All personal laws governing marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption across religions will be replaced by a single legal framework. Marriage registration will become mandatory, minimum age norms will be standardised, and divorce provisions will be uniform for all.

Polygamy, which is allowed under certain personal laws, will be completely prohibited. Inheritance laws will undergo a major shift, with daughters receiving equal rights in ancestral property across all communities.

The blueprint for this transformation already exists.

Uttarakhand became the first state to pass the UCC in February 2024, with the law coming into force on January 27, 2025. It mandates registration of marriages -- and even live-in relationships -- within 30 days, with penalties including imprisonment or fines for non-compliance.

Gujarat followed in March 2026, introducing similar provisions, including equal property rights for sons and daughters, while explicitly exempting Scheduled Tribes.

Goa, meanwhile, continues to operate under a version of the UCC based on the Portuguese Civil Code of 1867.



Source:
 
Rajdeep said:
@pillionrider - do you agree with my readings?
Click to expand...
Haven't been following too keenly. Just cursory knowledge.

TN - Vijay or AIADMK/BJP seem unlikely to overthrow Stalin. I often go to a part of TN that borders Karnataka and the villagers there seem happy with his pro-poor schemes. Sample size very low :dhoni


Bengal - I thought BJP had a good chance this time? Congress campaigns have targeted TMC. I saw one speech by Rahulg where he went after them quite brutally. Might cut some votes idk

Kerala - no idea. Congress doesn't seem to have a strong CM candidate. But I think they alternate between LDF and the Congress group there. LDF has had two consecutive terms. So maybe time to go back to the pattern.

Assam - In an ideal world Sharma would be in jail. But there seems to be a genuine migrant issue which he has capitalized on. Not sure Gogoi has grassroots connect. He seems a little too educated to connect with the base feelings in people once their emotions have been aroused and poisoned. Educated and sensible-sounding leaders appeal when people are calm and stable. When they are not, educated folk can appear snobbish and from a different world. Hardwork not Harvard seems to have run out of steam nationally, but maybe not in Assam.
 
Gobar ganesh bisht, that was Subhas Chandra Bose, not Swami Vivekananda. Looks like all these sanghis have been educated from same school.
 
 
On the issue of women's rights and their reservation in parliament, well sanghi contingent has just 12% of its MPs as women, lowest amongst major parties in LS.

Once again exhibits the hypocrisy of feku and his minions.
 
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