Top Trending Government News News & Highlights
AAP must leave its headquarters by June 15th, per a Supreme Court order.
The Aam Aadmi Party of Arvind Kejriwal will have to leave its headquarters, which are located on a plot of land designated for the High Court. The good news is that you still have until June 15 to act. The Supreme Court gave the party a long deadline because of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, emphasizing that this is an encroachment case. The party may now submit an application for alternative land to the Land and Development Office of the Center.The bench, which included Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, stated, "We would request the L&DO to process the application and communicate its decision within a period of four weeks." The bench continued, "AAP has no legal right to remain on the land." The Delhi High Court was granted land in February to expand its operations and build more courtrooms for the Rouse Avenue location. The court had noticed that the AAP was intruding on this land. When considering a case involving the nation's judicial system, the highest court took notice of the issue.The state government promised at a meeting on February 15 that the plot would be removed in two months if a substitute plot was provided, in response to a court order. However, the situation remained unchanged. According to India's Chief Justice, DY Chandrachud, nobody has the authority to impose law on others. "It is absurd for any political party to sit on it. Every intrusion will be eliminated... The land should be given to the High Court so that it can be utilized by the general public and citizens, Justice Chandrachud stated.
Published 04 Mar 2024 05:31 PM
Article 21: The Constitutions Soul, with Citizens Liberty Supreme
According to the Supreme Court, Article 21 is the essence of the Constitution because it protects citizens' rights to liberty, which are so valuable that a person would lose them if the high court takes too long to decide cases pertaining to it. Amol Vithal Vahile, a prime accused in the murder of a corporator in Maharashtra, was granted bail by the Bombay High Court on January 29 following prodding from the top court, according to a bench of Justices B R Gavai and Sandeep Mehta.In a recent ruling, the bench stated that it is evident that prior to this court's order being issued on January 29, 2024, the high court had dismissed the bail application on one or more grounds rather than considering it on its merits.It goes without saying that Article 21 of the Indian Constitution is its core because it upholds the fundamental right to liberty for all citizens. It stated, "Depriving the party of their precious right guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution of India would mean not reaching a quick decision and brushing off the issue on one or the other basis pertaining to a citizen's liberty." The bench stated that it has encountered numerous cases from the Bombay High Court in which the applications for bail and anticipatory bail were not resolved promptly. The bench mentioned one instance where the application for anticipatory bail was pending for over four years. "We have also encountered many cases where the judges find an excuse to reroute the case on unrelated grounds rather than rendering a decision based on the merits of the case. As a result, we ask the chief justice of the Bombay High Court to communicate our request to all judges who have criminal jurisdiction so that the issue of bail and anticipatory bail can be decided as soon as possible," the bench stated.It requested that the Supreme Court's Registrar (Judicial) forward this directive to the High Court's Registrar (Judicial), who will present it to the Bombay High Court's chief justice. The bench stated on January 29 that, despite the fact that Vahile had been detained for more than seven years, on March 30, 2023, the high court had ordered him to appear before the trial court for regular bail.
Published 02 Mar 2024 06:02 PM
India Receives Its Second Space Port, Excitement for Rocket Startups
Today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lay the foundation stone for India's second launch site, Kulasekharapatnam, which is situated in the Thoothukudi district of Tamil Nadu. This will significantly advance the nation's spacefaring endeavors. The new launch pad has the small rocket community in India, including ISRO and startups, giddy with anticipation for more efficient small rocket launches.Up until now, all rockets used to launch satellites into orbit were launched from the nation's single spaceport, which was located in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. To date, India has launched 95 rockets from Sriharikota, 80 of which have been declared successful. Renamed the Satish Dhawan Space Center, it began modestly in 1971 with the launch of a sounding rocket, the RH-125. The center is currently getting ready for India's human spaceflight project, Gaganyaan, to launch. Satish Dhawan Space Center has a distinct advantage—it is one of the world's southernmost rocket ports—but it also has a major disadvantage. The land mass of Sri Lanka presents a safety concern for rockets launching in polar or southerly directions because it keeps rocket debris from landing on foreign soil.In order to lessen this, ISRO has traditionally carried out a unique manoeuvre referred to as the "dogleg maneuver" in order to avoid Sri Lanka when conducting direct southward launches. Although there is a penalty for this maneuver, it can be tolerated for larger rockets with sufficient fuel, such as PSLV, GSLV, and LVM-3. But the advantages of using Sriharikota as the preferred launch site become clear as India gains proficiency in the launch of smaller rockets, such as the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV), which can carry satellites weighing up to 500 kilograms. According to an ISRO rocket specialist, it becomes almost impossible to launch small rockets from Sriharikota in polar or southern trajectories with payloads weighing between 500 and 700 kg. As a result, Kulasekharapatnam has been chosen as the second launch site to address these issues because of its expanding small rocket market.
Published 28 Feb 2024 05:29 PM
Survey Says RBIs Paytm Action Won Affect Merchants Trust
Merchants' trust in the payment platform is unaffected by the severe limitations the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) placed on Paytm Payments Bank (PPBL), according to a survey done. According to Datum Intelligence, a Gurugram-based provider of business consulting and services, 59% of retailers still use Paytm and don't think the government crackdown will have an immediate effect on their business. The business conducted a survey with 2,000 business owners in 12 cities who accept payments through Paytm apps. According to a press release from Datum Intelligence, it was done between February 7 and February 15. Survey Says RBI's Paytm Action Won't Affect Merchants' Trust According to a Datum survey, 76% of retailers accept payments through Paytm. Merchants' trust in the payment platform is unaffected by the severe limitations the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) placed on Paytm Payments Bank (PPBL), according to a survey done. According to Datum Intelligence, a Gurugram-based provider of business consulting and services, 59% of retailers still use Paytm and don't think the government crackdown will have an immediate effect on their business. The business conducted a survey with 2,000 business owners in 12 cities who accept payments through Paytm apps. According to a press release from Datum Intelligence, it was done between February 7 and February 15. According to the survey, 21% of retailers are awaiting additional information The fact that a Paytm representative contacted them following the RBI ruling is what gives retailers their confidence. "After being contacted by a Paytm representative, 71% of merchants feel comfortable continuing to use Paytm for payments. According to the Datum Intelligence survey, only 11% of respondents are less confident about using Paytm for payments, and 14% of respondents are still looking for more information."Overall, the impact is limited on the merchant business and Paytm is engaging with merchants to reduce the damage and merchants are also waiting before deciding on alternatives," it added.
Published 28 Feb 2024 05:01 PM
Government News
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JN shouldn't cause you to panic.One COVID-19 variation is Health Minister
"In response to the introduction of the new COVID-19 variant JN.1, Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj urged Delhi residents on Wednesday to ""not panic."" He explained that although the strain is contagious, it is mild, with only a small number of patients requiring oxygen support. ""Take precautions, but don't panic—this [new variant] is not very dangerous. About 90% of patients are recovering while receiving treatment at home, Mr. Bharadwaj informed the media, noting that comorbidity patients were the focus of reports of deaths in other States."
For FY23, Unacademys revenue jumps 26% to Rs 907 crore while its loss cuts
The test-prep startup Unacademy reported that, despite constant layoffs at the company, its losses in FY23 decreased by 41% to Rs 1,678 crore. In FY23, employee-related expenses decreased by 28% to Rs 1,281 crore.The test-prep startup Unacademy reported that, despite constant layoffs at the company, its losses in FY23 decreased by 41% to Rs 1,678 crore. In FY23, employee-related expenses decreased by 28% to Rs 1,281 crore.In what was a difficult year for the startup environment, many modern businesses, like Myntra, ZestMoney, and Curefoods, reported stronger revenues for FY23, but their losses also increased.Revenue at Myntra rises to Rs 4,375 crore: The apparel retailer Myntra, which is owned by Flipkart, reported a 25% increase in operating revenue to Rs 4,375 crore in FY23, despite a 31% increase in losses to Rs 782 crore. The online fashion platform's largest expense, amounting to Rs 1,758 crore, was spent on advertising and promotional activities, representing a 35% increase over the previous year.Unacademy reduces losses to Rs 1,678 crore, or 41%: Unacademy, a startup providing test preparation, reported that its losses in FY23, which included several layoffs at the company, decreased by 41% to Rs 1,678 crore. The Bengaluru-based firm saw a 26% increase in sales to Rs 907 crore during the year, while costs associated with payroll decreased by 28% to Rs 1,281 crore.ZestMoney reports a loss of Rs 412 crore. ZestMoney, a troubled startup that has been searching for a buyer, declared a net loss of Rs 412.4 crore for the fiscal year 2023. On the other hand, while total expenses increased by 21% to Rs 662.2 crore, overall revenue for the buy-now-pay-later platform increased by 72% to Rs 250 crore.
Prime Minister Modi on Veer Bal Diwas: Sikh gurus taught Indians
Speaking on Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that Sikh gurus had inspired Indians to improve and develop their nation by teaching them to live for the beauty of their homeland. He was giving a speech at a ceremony called "Veer Bal Diwas" to honor the martyrdom of Guru Gobind Singh's two sons. According to PM Modi, their sacrifices are being honored not only in India but also around the world through initiatives in nations like Australia and the United States. We don't need to squander time or pause for a single moment. These lessons came from the gurus...We must live for the honor and glory of our nation. We must live for the benefit of the nation, PM Modi stated.
Karnataka LoP Arrested For Opposing Karsevak Shrikant Pujaris Arrest Regarding Babri Demolition
Legislative Assembly member and BJP leader R Ashoka was held by Karnataka police for allegedly inciting rioting following the 1992 demolition of the Babri Masjid. Ashoka had staged a demonstration against the state government over the detention of Shrikant Pujari. The BJP workers who have been protesting the arrest escalated their demonstration on Thursday by starting the 'I'm also a Karsevak, Arrest Me Too' campaign.LoP Karnataka Legislative Assembly & BJP politician R Ashoka was taken into custody by the police, according to ANI. Along with party members, he was demonstrating against the state government over the detention of Shrikant Pujari, who was taken into custody for his alleged role in the rioting that followed the 1992 demolition of the Babri Masjid.LoP Karnataka Legislative Assembly & BJP politician R Ashoka was taken into custody by the police, according to ANI. Along with party members, he was demonstrating against the state government over the detention of Shrikant Pujari, who was taken into custody for his alleged role in the rioting that followed the 1992 demolition of the Babri Masjid.
2023s Military Innovations and What Defense Technology Can Expect in 2024
Amidst escalating geopolitical tensions worldwide, several nations, such as Russia and India, spearheaded military innovation in 2023. Sputnik India takes a look back at some of the most inventive weapons from the previous year. In 2023, a number of cutting-edge weapon systems made their debuts. Russia, in particular, used its most advanced defense hardware in Ukraine, where the Eurasian sovereign state was engaged in a special military operation against the forces of Volodymyr Zelensky, the leader of that country.India, a longstanding strategic ally of Moscow, was not going to lag behind in terms of military hardware as New Delhi expanded its stockpile in response to the Indo-Pacific region becoming as the center of attention for world geopolitics. It's interesting to note that in 2023, Indian armaments and ammunition production and exports reached a record high.India's Defence Ministry (MoD) reports that during the current fiscal year, the South Asian nation exported military equipment valued at INR 16,000 crore ($1.95 billion). The figures indicate a $360 million increase in exports compared to the previous fiscal year.Additionally, BJP officials informed the media that it is unlikely for the panel to accept requests from rival parties' defectors that they be appointed to prestigious posts in exchange for their allegations. Senior members of the saffron party gathered in New Delhi to plan for the impending parliamentary elections and the dedication of the Ram Temple in the Uttar Pradesh city of Ayodhya. These members included Federal Ministers Bhupendra Yadav, Ashwini Vaishnav, Chief Himanta Biswa Sarma of the Assam State, and general secretaries Tarun Chugh and Sunil Bansal.
A New Panel Is Formated by the BJP to Examine New Hires Before the 2024 Elections
With the new panel, the federally dominant BJP hopes to assess potential members' devotion in advance of the 2024 parliamentary elections. A new panel has been established by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to screen lawmakers from other parties who may want to join the party before the March–April 2024 general elections.The panel will determine whether to accept or reject the politicians who wish to join the party, according to media reports citing party sources. The BJP seeks to reduce the possibility of enlisting supporters who might turn against them if they are elected to the legislature. Only after receiving consent from the committee will anyone wishing to cross the floor be permitted to participate. It is anticipated that the committee will convene for the first time on January 6.
President Muizzu of the Maldives arrives in China for a closely monitored state visit
The visit to China by Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu takes place against the backdrop of a diplomatic spat between India and the Maldives following remarks made disparagingly about Prime Minister Narendra Modi. At the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu landed in China on Monday and will stay for five days till January 12, according to an official announcement.During his visit, Muizzu is also expected to meet with business executives and senior Chinese government officials at the "Invest Maldives Forum," according to the presidency. China is currently the Maldives' biggest creditor; Male owes Beijing around $1.3 billion in debt obligations. Beijing is among the nation's largest investors and economic partners; in 2017, the two governments signed a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The Maldives has also ratified the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which is supported by Beijing.
Odisha is investing more than Rs 2,500 crore to help millet farmers with their income and way of life.
"On Thursday, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik announced that his government is investing more than Rs 2,500 crore to help the state's millet farmers with income and livelihood support. The Odisha Millets Mission was recently started by the state government in 2017 with the goal of restoring the cereal's ecosystem.Odisha has been the ""pioneer in designing a people-centric Millet Mission with focus on livelihood and nutrition of tribal communities"" , according to him. According to Patnaik, ""My government will make every effort to turn Odisha into a millet center of excellence and contribute to economic growth, wellbeing, and health of the people of Odisha."" He emphasized that Odisha is the first state to organize an international convention involving all the stakeholders, noting that the UN has declared 2023 to be the International Year of Millets. In the millet value chain, the chief minister commended the work of the Mission Shakti Women Self Help Groups (SHGs). These Self-Help Groups, operating under the name Millet Shakti, have demonstrated to the world the significant role that millet-based businesses can play in enhancing livelihoods. "
V Ramaswamy Resigns from the Presidential Race and Backs Trump Following Victory in the Iowa Caucuses
Entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, who is Indian-American, withdrew from the 2024 US presidential contest today and declared his endorsement of Donald Trump following a lackluster showing in the Iowa Republican primary. Despite being relatively unknown in political circles when he entered the race in February 2023, Mr. Ramaswamy was able to attract the attention and support of Republican voters by emphasizing America first and holding strong views on immigration. His campaign strategy, in terms of both tone and policy, was very similar to that of the former president Trump. Mr. Ramaswamy aimed to reach out to the conservative support base that had helped Trump win earlier elections.Trump's victory in Iowa that same evening cemented his standing as the front-runner for the Republican nomination.Born in Ohio to Keralan immigrants, Mr. Ramaswamy became one of the surprise candidates in a Republican field still heavily influenced by Trump's name. But in the final days before the Iowa caucuses, Mr. Ramaswamy found himself under fire from Trump, who publicly attacked him, calling him a "fraud" on his social media platform Truth Social and saying that supporting the Indian-American represented siding with the "other side."
Amid Political Turmoil In Bihar, Dozens Of Senior Bureaucrats Transferred
Bihar politics crisis: According to a notification of the state government, IPS Sushil Mansingh Khopde, who was posted as the Additional Director General (Operations) of the Special Task Force, has been appointed as ADG (Prohibition).According to a notification of the state government, IPS Sushil Mansingh Khopde, who was posted as the Additional Director General (Operations) of the Special Task Force, has been appointed as ADG (Prohibition).IPS Amrit Raj (1998-batch IPS), who was the ADG (Prohibition), has been appointed as the ADG (Operations). IPS officer Deepak Ranjan, who is the current Superintendent of Police of Jehanabad, has been transferred as the commandant of Bihar Special Armed Police, Bodh Gaya. Ashok Kumar Singh who is the current Superintendent of Police (Araria) has been appointed as the new commandant of Bihar Special Armed Police, Sasaram, the government notification added.Meanwhile, speculation is rife that CM Nitish Kumar may cross over to the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) again, an alliance he left in 2022 to join hands with the opposition and form 'Mahagathbandhan'.Several NDA leaders including former Bihar CM Jitan Ram Manjhi have indicated an alliance breakdown between JD(U)-RJD.Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) chief Jitan Ram Manjhi said that the ruling Mahagathbandhan (grand alliance) government will not last for long. The HAM president said that by seeing the statements of his former ally and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, he had sensed earlier that there would be a change in the state.Recently I had said that there would be a change in Bihar after January 20 and the basis of this was Nitish Kumar's statement. He has said many things against RJD...On this basis, we said that the alliance would not work. Their alliance will not last for long. Nitish Kumar's dream of becoming PM has been shattered... Therefore, after breaking the alliance, he may contest the Lok Sabha elections independently or join the other alliance," Manjhi said.Senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader Sushil Kumar Modi on Friday said that the door can be opened if needed, indicating a possible revival of ties between Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar -led JDU.
Nitish Kumar NDA alliance news: How RJD, Congress plan to deal with JDUs possible switch
The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the Congress have geared up to deal with any unexpected developments in case Bihar Chief Minister and JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar switches alliances and return to the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Speculations are rife that Nitish Kumar would soon resign as the Bihar Chief Minister and take oath for the ninth time, with an NDA cabinet. Nitish Kumar's JD(U) is currently in alliance with the RJD and the Left parties in Bihar. His move to snap ties with the Lalu Yadav's party would come as major hit to the Opposition's INDIA bloc ahead of the Lok Sabha Elections 2024. At a press conference, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel has been given the task to handle the situation, likely to unfold in next "two-three days" in Bihar. Meanwhile, Lalu Yadav's party, the RJD, reportedly has a "game plan". RJD leader Manoj Jha said on Saturday that Lalu Prasad Yadav, the chief of the party, has been authorised to take all the decisions. After holding a meeting with RJD leaders, Jha said, "Discussion on several things was done. All the issues, whether from the national or state level, everything were discussed during the meeting. It was a legislature meeting, Lalu Yadav, Deputy CM (Tejashwi Yadav) all MLAs, everyone was present. We all have authorised Lalu Yadav to take the decision. Besides, Lalu Prasad Yadav reportedly asked all MPs to stay in Patna for the next few days. Sources told India Today that the former Bihar chief minister has also asked MPs not to switch off their mobile phones and be prepared for all adverse situations.
Nitish Kumar set to resign as Bihar CM again? When and what is expected to happen amid JDU-NDA alliance buzz
Nitish Kumar is likely to resign as the Bihar Chief Minister soon. Reports emerged on Saturday claiming that the JD(U) chief may resign on Sunday, January 28. He might take oath later in the day, by 4 pm, AajTak reported while cited sources. According to reports, Nitish Kumar is likely to take oath as the chief minister for the ninth time on Sunday. This time, the JD(U) may form government with the new NDA cabinet on Sunday, they added. Earlier, Jan Ki Baat had cited sources as saying that Nitish Kumar may resign by 7pm on Saturday. However, there has been no official confirmation on the same.Times Now reported on Saturday evening that the JD(U) will hold a legislative meeting on Sunday morning. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders and MPs will also meet at 10 am on Sunday at the Party office in Patna to further chalk out the strategy over the latest political situation in Bihar. The reports came amid speculations that Nitish Kumar will leave the Opposition's INDIA bloc and return to the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). In case Nitish Kumar decides to return to the NDA fold, the opposition united front will take a major hit ahead of the crucial Lok Sabha Election 2024. Earlier in the day, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh held a press conference and said party chief Mallikarjun Kharge is “trying to speak with the Bihar chief minister". Ramesh said Kharge made several attempts to speak with Nitish Kumar, but as both of them are very busy, no conversation could be held between them. Meanwhile, RJD leaders gathered at party supremo Lalu Prasad's home in Patna on Saturday to attend an emergency meeting convened by Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav. Sources told ANI that during the meet, Tejashwi had hinted at many unexpected developments in the state."The Chief Minister used to sit with me on the stage and ask, "What was there in Bihar before 2005?" I never reacted... Now, more people are with us. Whatever remained undone in two decades, we managed to get it done within a short time- be it jobs, caste census, increasing reservation, etc. 'Bihar mein abhi khel hona baki hain' (The game is yet to begin in Bihar) Yadav reportedly said.
Prominent celebrity lawyer pleads guilty to leaking documents to reporters in Fugees rapper’s case
WASHINGTON (AP) — A prominent defense attorney whose star clients have included Snoop Dogg pleaded guilty Friday to leaking grand jury information to reporters about a political conspiracy case against a rapper from the Fugees. David Kenner, a California-based attorney known for his representation of celebrities like Suge Knight and Tory Lanez, was sentenced to a year of unsupervised probation after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor contempt of court charge. He also agreed to pay a $5,000 fine. Federal prosecutors say Kenner was representing Prakazrel “Pras” Michel, a founding member of the Fugees, when he gave grand jury information and photos to two reporters for Bloomberg News for “defense-oriented” stories that ran in March 2023, shortly before the start of the Washington, D.C. trial. Michel’s trial included testimony from such figures as actor Leonardo DiCaprio and former U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions. As is typical in criminal cases, Kenner had gotten access to evidence in order to prepare Michel’s defense, but had been ordered by the court not to share the information, prosecutors said. Kenner’s attorney said in court documents that the reporters originally agreed to sign a protective order, but later changed their minds. A Bloomberg News spokesperson declined to comment.Kenner, 82, told the judge who sentenced him that he was reckless for not taking steps to terminate the reporters’ access to grand jury information. He described it as a “low point” in his 56-year legal career.
ICJ verdict looms: What if interim ruling goes against Israel on January 26
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is poised to deliver a highly anticipated verdict on January 26, responding to South Africa's request for an interim ruling against Israel.South Africa brought the case to the court, accusing Israel of "grave violence and genocidal acts" in Gaza and seeking an immediate ceasefire. Israel rebuffed the allegations, characterising them as a "partial and deeply flawed picture." After hearing the arguments on January 11 and 12 at The Hague, the ICJ is now on the verge of delivering its ruling."The ICJ will currently only look at 'provisional measures of protection,' which is the equivalent of the term' interim orders' used in Indian courts,"explained Pratik Bakshi, co-founder at World Law Forum.Bakshi clarified that these measures are designed to prevent ongoing conflicts or disputes from escalating further. "The ICJ will not be deciding on whether Israel is guilty of genocide, and it may be years before the court comes to a conclusion on this point," he noted.Legal experts suggest that if the ICJ issues provisional measure orders against Israel, they will be legally binding and final. However, the path to enforcement may prove challenging. "Orders of the International Court of Justice, including orders indicating provisional measures, are in theory legally binding on the Contracting States to the Genocide Convention, i.e. Israel and South Africa. Such orders are final and without appeal," stated Bindi Dave, senior partner at Wadia Ghandy & Co.Despite the legal binding, Bakshi highlighted that the ICJ lacks real enforcement power. "Israel has the choice to ignore the ICJ's ruling and proceed with its operations in Gaza, as the ICJ lacks an independent enforcement mechanism for ensuring compliance with its decisions," echoed Ankur Mahindro, managing partner at Kred Jure.In such a scenario, the ICJ can turn to the United Nations Security Council to take appropriate measures. "Given, however, that enforcement of sanctions is subject to the veto of any of the five permanent members of the Security Council, a proposed resolution for actual or effective enforcement of any provisional measures is susceptible to getting embroiled in political wrangling, especially given the perceived proximity of the United States to Israel," added Dave. Previous decisions by the ICJ in comparable cases, such as provisional measures against Russia to halt its invasion of Ukraine or to prevent Myanmar's violence against Rohingyas, have not proven effective in improving conflict situations. Nevertheless, experts suggest that Israel might have to temper the intensity of its attacks due to international pressure if the ruling goes against it.
IEA will expedite 2025 oil demand forecast after Opecs early move
The International Energy Agency plans to bring forward publication of its first 2025 oil demand forecast in its monthly report by two or three months to April, the agency told Reuters, after OPEC expedited its forecast by six months. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and the IEA are the two most closely watched oil forecasters, whose monthly reports can move oil prices and provide insight into the assumptions behind OPEC supply policy. "We plan to publish the 2025 forecast in April as opposed to June/July previously," Toril Bosoni, head of the IEA's Oil Industry and Markets Division, told Reuters in response to an emailed question. "The reason for this is that we will publish the Medium Term outlook in June so to avoid the overlap and get a first detailed view on 2025 before looking out to 2030 - we advanced the date." The IEA and OPEC disagree on the strength of demand growth in 2024, reflecting their divergent forecasts on how quickly the world will shift from fossil fuels. OPEC believes oil use will keep rising over the next two decades, while the IEA, which represents industrialised countries, predicts it will peak by 2030. Their differing views have led the bodies to clash over investment in new oil supply. The IEA says the end of the growth era for fossil fuels undercuts the rationale for investment. In a break with its tradition of publishing its first forecast for the next year in July, OPEC last week predicted demand will rise by 1.8 million bpd in 2025 and said it brought publication forward to give "long-term guidance for the market". On the same day, OPEC Secretary General Haitham Al Ghais published an article disputing that demand was near a peak, and reiterated the group's call for continued oil industry investment. So far this year, the oil market has been buffeted by uncertainty as doubts about the global economy and demand strength have offset the more bullish impact of possible supply disruption. OPEC forecasts world oil demand will expand by 2.25 million barrels per day (bpd) in 2024, a mild slowdown from 2.46 million bpd in 2023, with total oil use averaging 104.4 million bpd in 2024, bolstered by air travel and road fuel demand. The IEA expects oil demand growth in 2024 to halve to 1.24 million bpd, from its figure for growth of 2.3 million bpd in 2023, partly because an increasing global electric vehicle fleet is curbing gasoline demand. The difference between the OPEC and IEA demand forecasts for this year is about 1% of world demand, almost equivalent to OPEC member Libya's production. A source with knowledge of the matter did not provide details of what the IEA would forecast for 2025 demand, but said it was expected to show further deceleration towards the 2030 peak demand timeline.
Gujarat: Independent MLA Dharmendrasinh Vaghela resigns, to return to BJP
Ahmedabad, Independent MLA Dharmendrasinh Vaghela tendered his resignation as a member of the Gujarat legislative assembly on Thursday, and announced that he would soon return to the BJP along with his supporters.Vaghela, who represented the Vaghodia assembly constituency in Vadodara district, claimed that the motive behind his resignation was to strengthen the hands of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah in their endeavour to establish 'Ram Rajya' in the country. Vaghela is one of the three independent candidates who won the 2022 Gujarat assembly elections. He was with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) prior to the assembly elections, but rebelled against the party and fought the polls as an independent candidate after being denied the ticket. He subsequently defeated BJP's Ashvin Patel by over 14,000 votes. Vaghela on Thursday handed over his resignation to assembly Speaker Shankar Chaudhary in Gandhinagar in the morning, and it has been accepted, an official said. The move comes ahead of the Lok Sabha elections that are likely to be held in April.Talking to reporters after tendering his resignation, Vaghela said he will join the BJP soon and was not promised any post or renomination by the ruling party. "I have taken this decision after consulting the people from my constituency. I have resigned because I want to strengthen the hands of PM Modi and Amit Shah in their endeavour to establish Ram Rajya in the country. Neither the party has promised anything, be it ministership in the Gujarat government or renomination, nor have I placed any demand," he claimed.Vaghela and two other candidates were suspended by the BJP for contesting the polls as independents against the party candidates. The two others are Dhavalsinh Zala and Mavjibhai Desai. But after the election, the trio had announced their support to the BJP government saying they were inspired by the pro-people work of PM Modi.Vaghela is the third MLA who has resigned as a member of the state assembly in two months. In December, AAP MLA Bhupendra Bhayani, who represented the Visavadar seat, resigned as member of the state legislative assembly. Recently, Congress MLA CJ Chavda also resigned as the MLA of Vijapur seat.
Rahul Gandhi to be arrested after Lok Sabha elections, says Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Wednesday that action will be taken against Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, on the charges of instigating violence during his ‘Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra’ and he will be arrested after the Lok Sabha elections 2024. The remarks came a day after the Assam police registered a suo motu FIR against Rahul Gandhi for “wanton acts of violence" in Guwahati during his nationwide Yatra. ''We have filed an FIR. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) will conduct the investigation and he (Gandhi) will be arrested after the Lok Sabha elections," Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on the sidelines of the event in the Sibsagar district of the state.Himanta Biswa Sarma directed the Director General of Police G P Singh to register a case against Rahul Gandhi for provoking the crowds, who clashed with police as the Congress leader wanted to enter Guwahati city. In the scuffle with the police, several Congress workers were injured including the state party President Bhupen Bora, and the leader of the opposition in the state assembly.Assam police said that four police personnel sustained injuries after Congress workers attempted to break barricades. They have charged Congress leaders including Rahul Gandhi under criminal conspiracy, unlawful assembly, rioting, assault, or criminal force to deter public servants from discharging their duty, damaging public property and others. The DGP said that the case has been transferred to the state Crime Investigation Department (CID) for a thorough investigation and the special investigation team (SIT) headed by the Additional Director General of Police (CID) will conduct the probe into the matter.‘Himanta Biswa Sarma is the most corrupt CM’: Rahul Gandhi. Rahul Gandhi resumed his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra from Assam's Barpeta on Wednesday and trained his guns on the Assam Chief Minister calling him “the most corrupt CM." "The Chief Minister of Assam (Himanta Biswa Sarma) spreads hate all the time and takes away your (referring to the public) lands. He is the most corrupt chief minister," the Congress leader said.
She is our didi, we respect her’: INDIA parties deny rift as Mamata Banerjee decides to fight LS polls alone in Bengal
After West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerje's announcement that her Trinamool Congress (TMC) party will fight Lok Sabha polls alone in the state, other parties in the INDIA bloc have been trying to alleviate the situation and hoping for a reunification of the TMC with the bloc. Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Jha said the statement was given in some particular situation and said that the INDIA parties will solve the conflict.PROMOTED "Please wait for some time. Maybe the statement was given in some particular situation. If there is a conflict then the alliance (INDIA) would solve it." said Manoj Jha. INDIA bloc alliance is facing internal disagreements over seat-sharing in different states. Another INDIA bloc member, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), is also locked in hectic negotiations with the Congress on seat sharing in Delhi and Punjab. The Arvind Kejriwal-led party believes that the TMC, the Congress and the alliance will resolve any differences. "The TMC is a big party in West Bengal, the Congress and the Left have always been fighting against them. So seat-sharing with the TMC will be a little difficult. The issues between them will be resolved. Mamata Banerjee and Rahul Gandhi are committed to the success of the INDIA bloc. We are hopeful that all parties in the INDIA bloc will fight elections together," said AAP leader and Delhi Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj.Earlier on Wednesday, NCP working president Supriya Sule denied any internal rift in the alliance and said that all the member parties are in frequent conversation with each other. "She is our didi and we love and respect her. The alliance (INDIA) is united and we will all fight together. There will be no loss to the alliance. The model in every state will be different. There is no infight in the alliance. We are in frequent conversation," Sule told ANI on Wednesday.Amid speculations over the TMC's stance on Lok Sabha elections, Mamata Banerjee announced that the TMC would fight polls alone in Bengal."I had no discussions with the Congress party. I have always said that in Bengal, we will fight alone. I am not concerned about what will be done in the country but we are a secular party and in Bengal, we alone will defeat the BJP. I gave many proposals but they rejected them from the beginning. From then, we have decided to fight the elections in Bengal alone" the TMC supremo said.She also claimed that the grand old party didn't inform her about the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra's schedule of passing through Bengal. Her remark is in contrast with the Congress' claim that it had invited all INDIA bloc parties to join the Yatra.
Tantia Constructions bags ₹7 crore contract from Tripura Govt
Tantia Constructions wins ₹7 crore government contract in Tripura to build seven residential quarters for Judicial Officers with associated infrastructure.Tantia Constructions has received a ₹7 crore work order from the Government of Tripura, Office of the Executive Engineer, PWD (R&B), Kailashahar Division, Kailashahar, Unakoli.The contract pertains to the construction of seven residential quarters for Judicial Officers at various grades, storied at Kailashahar, Unakoti District, including internal water supply, sanitary installation, sewage, drainage works, underground tank, boundary wall and internal electrification works. L&T Construction’s power transmission and distribution business has secured contracts in West Asia. In the UAE, the construction arm of L&T Ltd was awarded an order for the engineering, supply, construction, installation, testing, and commissioning of a 400/132 kV substation. The project entails providing a range of critical components, including transformers, reactors, and substation control and monitoring systems.In Kuwait, L&T Construction secured an order for the establishment of 400 kV overhead transmission lines, complemented by associated 400 kV underground cable interconnections. This 100-km transmission network is designed to enhance power evacuation and generation capabilities.The company also bagged contracts related to ongoing substation projects in the region.However, the shares were down by 0.36 per cent to Rs 3,530.75 at 10.22 am on the BSE.
Government reopens bids for Advanced Chemistry Cell manufacturing
Prospective applicants can submit bids to set up manufacturing facilities for ACC, which will help them qualify for incentives under PLI ACC scheme. The government on Wednesday announced re-bidding of production-linked incentives (PLI) for 10 Giga Watt hours (GWh) Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) manufacturing. India for finding solution to food stockholding issue first at WTO; then talk on other agri matters With this bidding process, the prospective applicants can submit bids to set up manufacturing facility for ACC, which will help them qualify for incentives under PLI ACC scheme, the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) said.In May 2021, the Cabinet approved the technology-agnostic PLI Scheme on ‘National Programme on Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) Battery Storage’ for achieving a manufacturing capacity of 50 Giga Watt hours (GWh) of ACC with an outlay of ₹18,100 crore. The first round of the ACC PLI bidding concluded in March 2022, and three companies were allocated a total capacity of 30 GWh, the program agreement with selected companies was signed in July 2022. The three companies are Ola Electric Mobility Pvt Ltd which bagged 20 GWh, Reliance New Energy Solar Ltd, and Rajesh Exports won 5 GWh each.The MHI said its has released a fresh Request for Proposal (RfP) for shortlisting and selection of bidders under the PLI Scheme ‘National Programme on Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) Battery Storage’ for setting up of battery manufacturing units with a total manufacturing capacity of 10 GWh with maximum budgetary outlay of ₹3,620 crore. “MHI is supporting the growth of India’s manufacturing capabilities and exports in the automobile and automobile component sector...Keeping this in mind, in recent years, the MHI has taken several initiatives to promote environment friendly product manufacturing in the automotive industry, such as PLI-Auto, PLI - Advanced Chemistry Cell and FAME-II schemes,” Mahendra Nath Pandey, Minister of Heavy Industries said. MHI is also committed to provide clean and green public transport through Faster Adoption and Manufacturing Electric Vehicles (FAME-II) scheme with the aim to reduce dependence on fossil fuel and to address the issue of vehicular emissions, he said.Also, through the PLI Auto and Auto components scheme, MHI is supporting enhancement in India’s manufacturing capabilities and exports in the automobile and the automobile components sector with the prime objectives of deep localisation, creating economies of scale and building a robust supply chain in areas of Advanced Automotive Technology (AAT) products, he added.
Encourage India to continue to lead by example, work to bridge divides around the world: UN PGA Francis
Francis expressed concerns about the outdated structure of the Security Council, which he believes fails to reflect the current geopolitical realities."The Security Council of the UN as it currently exists harks back to a period in world history that no longer exists. Since then, the world has changed radically," remarked Francis, highlighting the council's inability to make crucial decisions for international peace and security, often due to geopolitical influences leading to the use of the veto."The fact of the matter is that the council has, in recent years, been progressively unable to take the decisions necessary in order to assist and support the strengthening of international peace and security. Largely for geopolitical reasons. The geopolitics, the global dynamics of the geopolitics, get imported into the council and that results invariably in the use of the veto by one or the other party," he added. On India's inclusion in the UNSC, the UNGA President said, "India is a mature, highly respected member of the United Nations. It is a leader in many ways. And I'm sure that that fact is not lost on the members of the General Assembly.""So I wish the government and people of India every success in their quest to assume membership of the council on a permanent basis. Whether that occurs or not will be a matter for the members to determine," he also saidIndia has long sought a permanent seat on the Security Council to better represent the interests of the developing world. The nation's quest has gained momentum with support from influential figures like Dennis Francis, who believes in India's capability to contribute positively to global peace and security.India has been a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for eight terms (16 years). India is a member of the G4, a group of nations that back each other to seek permanent membership in the UNSC. The countries advocate for reform in the UNSC. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his France visit in July 2023, made a strong pitch for India's permanent membership in the UN Security Council, saying the primary UN body cannot claim to be speaking for the world when its most populous country and the largest democracy is not a permanent member. (ANI)
