The Election Commission refutes the government's justification for simultaneous polls citing the Model Code of Conduct, emphasizing its role in ensuring fairness. The government argues for unified elections due to financial and operational burdens. The EC maintains the MCC is crucial for equitable elections and brief application correlates with electoral cycles, minimizing disruption.
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Arvind Kejriwal blames BJP for the indefinite fast by farmers in Punjab, accusing the Centre of not fulfilling previous promises and reintroducing the controversial 2020 farm laws discreetly. Farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal's health, on a fast since November 26 demanding legal MSP guarantee, is deteriorating. The Supreme Court reprimanded the Punjab government for not hospitalizing him.
Congress MP Manish Tewari emphasized that the INDIA bloc was created to protect the nation's essence, not just for elections. His comments follow Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut's concerns over Congress's role in the alliance's disunity post-Lok Sabha elections. AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal clarified that Delhi elections will be an AAP and BJP contest.
The Gujarat government has approved the creation of a new Vav-Tharad district by bifurcating Banaskantha. This decision, aimed at enhancing administrative efficiency and addressing public demand, establishes Tharad as the new district's headquarters. The new district will encompass eight talukas while Banaskantha will retain six talukas.
Mumbai Police have arrested Bangladeshi national Mohd Shariful Islam Shehzad for allegedly attacking actor Saif Ali Khan at his Bandra residence. Shehzad, who entered India illegally, was located in Thane after a three-day manhunt. Khan, who sustained serious injuries, underwent surgery and is recovering.
In a bid to enhance crowd management, Indian Railways has empowered station directors to control ticket sales as per station capacity and available trains. New measures include permanent waiting areas at busy stations, wider foot-over bridges, war rooms at large stations, and improved communication equipment to handle passenger surges effectively.
A city-based doctor, Dr. Ashish Srivastava, has been accused of murdering his wife Priyanka Sharma by sedating and drowning her in a bathtub during their vacation in Thailand. Her father, Satyanarayan Sharma, reported the incident, alleging long-standing marital issues and harassment. An FIR has been filed and an investigation is underway.
The Supreme Court on Monday asked the Centre to file its response on plea the challenging the constitutional validity of Sections 8 and 9 of the Representation of the People Act (RP Act), 1951, which govern MP/MLA's disqualification due to convictions.
The Supreme Court has declined to consider Mahua Moitra's plea to disclose details of alternate investment funds and foreign portfolio investors in India's stock market, directing her to first approach Sebi. The Court allowed Moitra to present her concerns to Sebi and seek legal remedies if her representation is not addressed within a reasonable timeframe.
PM Narendra Modi has written a letter to Nasa astronaut Sunita Williams, praising her efforts and inviting her to visit India. Williams, who was stranded on the ISS for over 9 months, is now returning to Earth. Modi expressed his concern and conveyed India's pride in her achievements, stressing the deep bond with its illustrious daughter.
The appointment of Rajiv Gauba and SK Mishra has heightened expectations of the government filling several key vacancies, including revenue secretary and RBI deputy governor. Many posts have been vacant for months, with some positions facing upcoming vacancies.