National News

The Vanchit Bahujan Aaghadi has extended full support to the Congress in seven seats in Maharashtra. 

Reply to RTI query shows that the number of such cancellations rose from 2.53 crore in 2021 to 5.26 crore in 2023 ; former official calls for recalibration of waitlisted slots that are on offer

The Supreme Court has taken action against Baba Ramdev for promoting misleading advertisements of Patanjali Ayurveda products, claiming to provide permanent cures for diseases, against the court's order and the law. Baba Ramdev, along with the company's MD Acharya Balkrishna, has been summoned to appear before the court on April 2. This decision was made by a bench of Justices Hima Kohli and Ahsanuddin Amanullah.

The Outer Manipur Lok Sabha constituency encompasses 28 of the State’s 60 Assembly seats, 20 of them divided almost equally between the Kuki and Naga-inhabited areas

Government reaffirms Arunachal as India's integral part, dismissing Chinese claims. MEA emphasizes benefits of infrastructure projects & peace efforts. Randhir Jaiswal counters baseless assertions regarding PM Modi's visit, emphasizing China's objection.

In a move to support India's commitment to reduce emissions, the Supreme Court has approved the release of over 67,000 sq km for solar power transmission lines in Rajasthan and Gujarat. However, it has mandated that 13,000 sq km remain untouched. The Centre highlighted the challenge of enforcing the ban on overhead power cables for solar energy transmission in 80,000 sq km.

Manipur government informed the Delhi High Court on Tuesday that due to the current security situation in the state, it is advisable to conduct UPSC civil services preliminary exam centres for candidates from tribal districts outside Manipur, similar to last year. The state government's counsel presented a letter from the chief secretary to the Supreme Court, highlighting the challenges of law and order.

Kapil Sibal sought halt on citizenship grants until July court hearing, but court omitted request. Tushar Mehta challenged petitioners' standing. Mukul Rohatgi, Ranjit Kumar backed CAA. Indira Jaising raised concern over voting rights for CAA beneficiaries.

In a recent legal battle for control of the Nationalist Congress Party, Ajit Pawar and his mentor Sharad Pawar are at odds. The Supreme Court granted Ajit Pawar's faction the right to use the party name and the symbol 'clock' for campaigning. However, the rival faction led by Sharad Pawar will be recognized as 'NCP- Sharadchandra Pawar' by the Election Commission.

Sita Soren, former JMM MLA and also sister-in-law of former Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren, opted for BJP due to neglect. She criticized Hemant Soren for favoritism and also said that she became aware of the conspiracy hatched against her family. BJP's move aims to counter JMM's Santhal backing. Hemant's legal issues test BJP's tribal support.

Chandigarh's chief electoral officer has forwarded a digital complaint to the Election Commission. The complaint alleges that a central government department breached the model code of conduct by sending bulk WhatsApp messages under the label "Viksit Bharat Sampark" after the Lok Sabha elections announcement. Chandigarh's returning officer Vinay Pratap Singh stated that "necessary action" in line with EC guidelines will be initiated.

How the Congress and CPI(M) are trying to outdo each other

A recent report has revealed a significant rise in female Chartered Accountancy qualifiers, now making up 48% of pass-outs, a record high. The overall representation of women CAs has also surged to 30%, up from a mere 8% in 2000. Among the 8.63 lakh students, 43% are females. The outsourcing of accounting and auditing to India has opened up new opportunities.

A three-member Lokpal bench has directed the CBI to file an FIR and conduct a thorough investigation within six months into allegations of quid pro quo against Trinamool Congress leader Mahua Moitra. The accusations involve allowing businessman Darshan Hiranandani to utilize her Parliament portal login to submit at least 58 questions, all drafted by him from various locations.

According to a recent analysis by TOI, sixty-six companies in Mumbai region have collectively purchased electoral bonds worth Rs 1,344 crore since 2019, making up 11% of total national purchases. These contributions vary from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 410 crore and include a diverse range of industries such as builders, pharma, path labs, diamond firms, and tech companies.

According to a recent analysis by TOI, sixty-six companies in Mumbai region have collectively purchased electoral bonds worth Rs 1,344 crore since 2019, making up 11% of total national purchases. These contributions vary from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 410 crore and include a diverse range of industries such as builders, pharma, path labs, diamond firms, and tech companies.

Haryana govt expanded its cabinet with eight BJP ministers, focusing on diverse community representation and regional balance. The induction ceremony marked a significant step towards strengthening the state council of ministers. Saini and the BJP high command have tried to give representation to all regions of the state, especially the northern districts of Ambala, Kurukshetra, and Panipat and Ahir-dominated southern belt.