J P Singh, a 2002 batch IFS officer, has been appointed as the next Indian ambassador to Israel. Currently serving as joint secretary of the PAI division, Singh is noted for his expertise in Pakistan and Afghanistan affairs and has previously served in Islamabad and Kabul. He will assume his role amid rising tensions in West Asia.
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The Indian Space Research Organization (Isro) has secured approval for Chandrayaan-5, a significant Moon mission in collaboration. This mission will feature a rover ten times heavier than the one carried by its predecessor, Chandrayaan-4.
The Election Commission of India has released the largest electoral dataset for the 2024 Lok Sabha and state assembly polls to enhance public trust. The data highlights a record number of voters and candidates, increased female participation, a significant rise in third-gender electors, and the highest voter turnout in Assam's Dhubri.
The Supreme Court directed the Centre to decide on Balwant Singh Rajoana's mercy petition by March 18. Rajoana, convicted in the 1995 assassination of Punjab CM Beant Singh, has spent 29 years in jail, over 15 on death row. The court emphasized the gravity of the case and the need for a timely decision.
The J&K and Ladakh High Court has ordered the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to collect only 20% of the toll on the Pathankot-Udhampur stretch due to ongoing construction activities. The court emphasized that toll should only be charged when highways are in good condition, and directed the removal of plazas established within 60 km of NH-44.
Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh announced that 26 Myanmarese nationals, who had entered India through the state's border, were deported to Myanmar. He emphasized the state's commitment to humanitarian aid for war refugees while maintaining a strict stance against illegal immigration. The deportation was executed by state police and central forces in the Moreh border town.
L&T chairman SN Subrahmanyan's suggestion of a 90-hour work week and mandatory Sunday work sparked a social media backlash, with netizens and corporate bosses criticizing the idea. His comments on reducing home time in favor of workplace presence stirred significant debate, highlighting the ongoing discussion around work-life balance.
Rahul Gandhi's claim of 70-lakh voter additions in Maharashtra between Lok Sabha and assembly polls is overstated, with the Election Commission's data showing an actual increase of 48.8 lakh voters. The EC also provided extensive voter data to Congress, refuting allegations of arbitrary additions and deletions in electoral rolls.
Congress leader Pawan Khera defended party president Mallikarjun Kharge's recent remarks questioning the efficacy of religious rituals in addressing socio-economic issues. Khera emphasized that Kharge's comments were not an insult to Sanatan Dharma but highlighted the need for leaders to prioritize citizens' welfare. He criticized those who, under the guise of religion, neglect pressing issues like unemployment and law and order. Khera urged critics to study religious teachings before preaching... Expand
Congress leader Sachin Pilot affirms the strength of the INDIA bloc, despite the Congress and AAP contesting against each other in Delhi elections. He acknowledges the alliance will adopt varied stands in certain state elections. Samajwadi Party's Akhilesh Yadav also dismisses rumors of internal conflicts.
The Karnataka cabinet approved amendments to strengthen penalties against cooperative societies and pawnbrokers charging excessive interest rates, following concerns by the state governor. The changes, related to a recent microfinance regulatory ordinance, increase imprisonment terms and fines. The cabinet also discussed the transfer of development rights dispute involving the Mysuru royal family, after a Supreme Court ruling.