Times of India

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman urged industries to diversify supply chains, considering political and strategic factors beyond economics. She emphasized the need to avoid over-reliance on any single nation, seemingly referencing China, and cautioned against excessive borrowing, highlighting global conflicts and inflation as key concerns requiring international cooperation for stability.

Adani Ports has withdrawn its request for a $553 million loan from the US International Development Finance Corporation (IDFC) for a Sri Lankan port project. Facing US fraud allegations, the company will now self-fund the Colombo West International Terminal development, originally slated to begin operations this month but now expected by early 2025.

Jubilant Bhartia Group is set to acquire a 40% stake in Hindustan Coca-Cola Holdings (HCCH), the parent company of India's largest Coca-Cola bottler, for over Rs 10,000 crore. This investment reflects the group's confidence in India's growing beverage market and aligns with their expansion strategy into high-growth sectors. The deal awaits regulatory approval.

Sanjay Malhotra, the new RBI governor, emphasized stability, trust, and growth as the central bank's core values. He stressed the importance of financial inclusion in fostering India's continued growth trajectory. While prioritizing policy stability, Malhotra promised agility and a consultative approach, acknowledging the need for diverse expertise in navigating a complex global landscape.

India aims to launch its deep-sea mission and send its first citizen to space by late 2024 or 2026. A crewed submersible, Matsya 6000, will explore the seabed at 6,000 meters, while Gaganyaan's uncrewed mission is slated for early next year. India also plans a space station by 2035 and a lunar landing by 2040.

Parliament is scheduled to discuss the Indian Constitution on its 75th anniversary, but political sparring is expected. The opposition, led by Rahul Gandhi, aims to raise issues like the Adani controversy and caste census, while the BJP plans to target Congress's alleged links to George Soros and past actions.

The INDIA bloc has initiated a move to remove Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar from his position as Rajya Sabha chairman, accusing him of bias towards the ruling party and stifling the opposition's voice. They allege his conduct is unbecoming of his office and violates constitutional principles. Dhankhar, backed by the BJP, dismissed the accusations and demanded an apology from the opposition.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman countered Rahul Gandhi's criticism of public sector banks, asserting a "remarkable turnaround" under PM Modi. She refuted allegations of favoritism towards corporations, citing improved recruitment and denied a "toxic work environment." Sitharaman accused the previous UPA government of cronyism and "phone banking" coercion.

Following the desecration of a replica of the Indian Constitution in Parbhani, Maharashtra, protests erupted into violence on Wednesday. Agitators set fire to shops, looted businesses, and pelted stones, leading to the imposition of prohibitory orders and 40 arrests. Police used tear gas to control the situation, and multiple FIRs are being filed as the investigation continues.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, urging him to remove remarks made by BJP MPs and ensure smooth House functioning. Gandhi accused the BJP of making baseless allegations to divert attention from the Adani issue, but affirmed Congress's commitment to raising the issue and participating in parliamentary proceedings.

Tensions escalate in the Indian Parliament as the Trinamool Congress prepares to file a privilege motion against Union Minister Kiren Rijiju. The TMC alleges Rijiju made disparaging remarks about opposition members following their move to remove Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar as Rajya Sabha Chairman.

A heated exchange erupted in Lok Sabha between the ruling party and the opposition after TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee made personal remarks against Union minister Jyotiraditya Scindia during a discussion on the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill on Wednesday. Banerjee's comments, regarding Scindia's popularity, followed a debate on the Centre's pandemic response.

Panthic groups opposing Narain Singh Chaura's excommunication, who attempted to assassinate SAD president Sukhbir Badal, gathered in Amritsar. They plan to bestow Chaura with the "Panth Rattan" title, citing widespread Sikh resentment towards SAD.

Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi criticized the BJP government for Manipur's humanitarian crisis in Lok Sabha, demanding a statement from Home Minister Amit Shah. Gogoi accused the BJP of using the George Soros issue to deflect from its failures in Manipur, leading to a heated exchange and adjournment of the proceedings.

Shamika Ravi, an economic adviser to PM Modi, denied allegations by a Congress functionary that she received funds from George Soros' Open Society Foundation. Ravi clarified that the foundation funded the Indian School of Business where she worked in 2006-07, but no money went directly to faculty.

Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar faced an opposition attempt to remove him from his Rajya Sabha chairman post, but remained defiant. BJP and allies defended him, demanding an apology from Congress for "insulting" a "son of the soil." Dhankhar alluded to forces trying to "divide the nation" and "insult" its institutions.

Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee criticized BJP and Congress for disrupting Parliament, preventing other parties from raising issues. He accused both parties of using adjournments to control proceedings, sidelining smaller parties. Banerjee argued that BJP and Congress's dominance hinders discussions and prevents effective functioning of the House.

Bengaluru auto executive Subhash Atul, 34, died by suicide, leaving a note and video alleging harassment by his estranged wife, Nikita Singhania, and her family. The Singhania family denies involvement and says Nikita will address the allegations. Atul's brother accused the Singhanias of demanding money to drop legal cases.

India, France, and the UAE launched a trilateral air combat exercise, "Desert Knight," over the Arabian Sea. The exercise involved fighter jets like Sukhoi-30MKIs, Rafales, and F-16s, enhancing interoperability and combat skills amidst regional geopolitical dynamics. This exercise strengthens strategic cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed thanks to the INDIA bloc for their support while inspecting a Jagannath temple complex in Digha. She wished the coalition well and announced the temple's opening date as April 30, 2024. Banerjee also urged the central government to repatriate any Indians stranded in Bangladesh.