[QUICKREADS]
BJP's Ritu Khanduri was elected unopposed as the first woman speaker of Uttarakhand assembly, She is daughter of former chief minister Major General (Retd) Bhuwan Chandra Khanduri, and wife of Union health secretary Rajesh Bhushan.
Former Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar expressed happiness over Nayab Singh Saini succeeding him as the new CM at a rally in Karnal. Khattar mentioned he had been suggesting a change in leadership for a year. Saini praised Khattar for guiding his political career. Khattar highlighted the BJP's work in Haryana and criticized the opposition. Saini expressed confidence in winning all 10 Lok Sabha seats for PM Modi.
The Central Administrative Tribunal in New Delhi has warned that a bureaucrat's plea seeking documents related to his empanelment will be decided ex-parte on Friday if the respondents' advocates fail to appear. The case involves Sanjiv Chaturvedi, an Indian Forest Service officer. The tribunal criticized the conduct of the respondents' counsel and directed the matter to be heard on March 22, 2024.
The Manipur government supports holding civil services exams outside the state due to ethnic strife, offering financial aid for travel. The Delhi High Court considers conducting exams outside Manipur as done last year, awaiting UPSC's decision. The court was informed during a plea seeking additional exam centers in Manipur. Ethnic violence erupted in Manipur in May 2023, resulting in over 160 deaths. Next hearing on March 22.
The Ministry of External Affairs responded to China's claims over Arunachal Pradesh, asserting that the state is an integral part of India. This came after the Chinese Defence Ministry spokesperson reiterated China's claim over the region. India rejected Beijing's objections to PM Modi's visit to Arunachal Pradesh, reaffirming that the state will always be part of India.
A tribal couple in Odisha's Kandhamal district was hacked to death by villagers who suspected them of black magic, not by Maoists as initially suspected. The couple was accused of witchcraft, leading to their murder. The villagers hired a man for Rs 40,000 to kill them. Ten people have been arrested in connection with the murders.
Over 71,000 candidates have lost their security deposit in Lok Sabha elections since 1951 for failing to secure one-sixth of the total valid votes. In 2019, 86% of candidates faced this fate. The trend has consistently increased, with prominent parties like BSP, Congress, BJP, and CPI also experiencing high deposit forfeitures. Experts attribute this phenomenon to various factors including wealth disparity and strategic voting.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju dismisses anti-incumbency wave in Arunachal West seat, confident of fourth term. Emphasizes political opposition is part of democracy. Highlights development initiatives, winning margin in 2019, and projects like highways and industrial corridor. Expresses gratitude to PM Modi, pledges to continue development momentum if re-elected. Elections on April 19.
Four Naxalites with a bounty of Rs 36 lakh were killed in a police encounter in Maharashtra's Gadchiroli district. The Naxalites had crossed into Gadchiroli from Telangana for subversive activities during the Lok Sabha elections. The police, including the C-60 unit and CRPF, retaliated when fired upon by the Naxalites, resulting in their deaths. Weapons and literature were recovered from the scene.
Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan expressed concern over the attack on foreign students for offering namaz at Gujarat University, saying it shows a lack of awareness of Indian traditions. He spoke at a conference on 'Indian Knowledge Tradition' in Gandhinagar, emphasizing unity despite diverse faiths. Five arrests have been made in connection with the incident.
The Punjab and Haryana High Court issued notices on a plea challenging Nayab Singh Saini's appointment as Haryana chief minister. The petitioner alleges the government is "illegal and a fraud on democracy" due to exceeding the assembly member limit, Saini's alleged office of profit, and unconstitutional appointments of cabinet ministers. The court set April 30 for the next hearing.
A man in Gujarat's Kutch district set fire to over a dozen huts after residents refused to work for him for free. All 40 residents escaped, but their belongings were destroyed. The accused, Mohammad Rafiq Kumbhar, was arrested for attempt to murder and arson. The fire was extinguished by the Anjar fire team.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated re-elected Russian President Vladimir Putin, expressing eagerness to strengthen the special relationship between India and Russia. The two countries have a longstanding strategic partnership, with Russia being India's top oil supplier and major arms provider. Despite this, India has also expanded defense ties with Western nations like the US, Japan, and Australia.
Omar Abdullah accuses Jammu and Kashmir administration of sabotaging assembly polls, says they want to rule like "uncrowned kings". Criticizes bureaucrats for hindering elections. Expects polls before September 30 as per SC order. Comments on EVMs, CAA, PAGD status, and delimitation. Mentions BJP's Electoral bonds advantage. Gujjar leader's candidature undecided. NC starts election campaign.
Animal rights activist Gauri Maulekhi's plea to bring slaughterhouses under EIA, 2006 was rejected by the Union Environment Ministry. The ministry stated that existing regulations are enough to address environmental concerns related to slaughterhouses. It emphasized the need to modernize and regulate illegal slaughterhouses to prevent environmental damage. The ministry's working group recommended funding for modernization and stricter enforcement of food safety and pollution norms.
An MBBS student filed an FIR against an assistant professor at a government hospital, accusing him of inappropriate behavior during a practical exam. The professor allegedly asked irrelevant questions, touched her inappropriately, and made suggestive gestures. The student claimed similar incidents happened to others but went unreported due to fear of exam failure. Police have registered an FIR against the accused professor.