The Supreme Court has issued a notice to the Centre and the Election Commission following Congress leader Jairam Ramesh's plea challenging amendments to the Conduct of Election Rules of 1961. Ramesh argues that such amendments should not be made without public consultation, as they are crucial for maintaining election transparency.
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During Dr Manmohan Singh's funeral, the government made a rare exception to allow Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi to lay wreaths. Despite not being on the original list, protocol officials deviated from the rules to include them. Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge attended in their official capacities.
External affairs minister S Jaishankar will visit the UK and Ireland from March 4-9. In the UK, he will negotiate with foreign secretary David Lammy and engage with dignitaries and the Indian community. The visit aims to strengthen the India-UK comprehensive strategic partnership in trade, defense, health, and education. From March 6-7, he will visit Ireland to meet foreign minister Simon Harris, officials, and the Indian diaspora.
Katra, the base camp for Vaishno Devi temple resumed normalcy after a week-long shutdown. The government released 18 protesters and suspended the ropeway project until concerns are addressed. Pilgrims returned to the town, and traffic movement was restored. The project aimed to help senior citizens, but locals feared losing their livelihoods.
Private Indian airports will invest over Rs 60,000 crore in infrastructure by fiscal 2027, aiming to handle 65 million more passengers annually. Revenue is projected to rise 17% due to increased traffic and tariff hikes. Despite 70% capex funded by debt, robust credit profiles are expected. Aeronautical revenue will grow by 24%, supported by higher tariffs.
Kerala government will officially declare the 35 missing persons from the Wayanad landslides as deceased to provide their families with financial assistance. The procedure includes filing a missing person report, an investigation, and a 30-day objection period before death certificates are issued.
South Goa SP Sunita Sawant was removed from her position following her order to collect information on Bajrang Dal members, leading to pressure from the outfit's functionaries. Anti-narcotics cell SP Tikam Singh Verma replaced her. Bajrang Dal has become increasingly active in Goa, protesting against various issues and political leaders since mid-2023.
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor condemned Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane's derogatory remarks on EVMs, emphasizing that targeting any community is wrong and everyone is an equal citizen. Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader Brinda Karat also criticized Rane, calling for his arrest and removal from his post for making communal statements that undermine the Constitution.
The Supreme Court has upheld the Allahabad High Court's decision to merge 15 lawsuits regarding the Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Eidgah dispute. The court noted that consolidation benefits all parties by preventing multiple proceedings. The issue is set to be revisited in April, with further clarifications allowed if necessary.
Former PM Manmohan Singh passed away on Thursday night. The central government will declare seven days of national mourning with his last rites conducted with full state honours. The Union Cabinet will meet on Friday to discuss further arrangements. The Congress party has also canceled all official programs and will fly flags at half-mast during this period.
Facing its first major setback, the Aam Aadmi Party in Delhi under Arvind Kejriwal lost to BJP, securing only 23 out of 70 seats. Major former allies such as Swati Maliwal, Kailash Gehlot, Kapil Mishra, and Alka Lamba, whose departures highlighted internal conflicts, are pivotal in Kejriwal’s reflections.