Legal experts and politicians are raising concerns about the constitutionality of the simultaneous elections bill. Abhishek Singhvi questioned the curtailment of assembly tenures, arguing it violates the basic structure. Hemant Gupta suggested extending assembly tenures instead of dissolving them early. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also voiced concerns about the impact on regional parties and electoral diversity.
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The Shaheed Bhagat Singh Front and Vishwa Hindu Parishad have launched a campaign urging the Delhi government to ban the sale of tobacco products within 100 meters of temples, gurudwaras, and other religious sites. They have also recommended setting up a monitoring cell to ensure implementation and curb ongoing violations around religious sites to safeguard public health.
The Supreme Court has extended Puja Khedkar's protection from arrest until April 21. Khedkar is accused of cheating and misrepresenting information to avail OBC and disability quota benefits in the civil services exam. The Delhi government seeks her custodial interrogation to investigate a fake disability certificate scam. The court is reviewing her rejoinder to the Delhi government's reply.
Prime Minister Modi highlighted Artificial Intelligence's significance at a global AI summit in Paris, emphasizing equitable AI distribution, especially to the Global South, and the development of unbiased, people-centric applications. He addressed employment concerns, stressed workforce skill enhancement, and discussed India's AI-driven public infrastructure. Modi called for collective responsibility in shaping AI's future.
Reports indicate that TMC members allegedly incited Bangladeshi individuals to instigate minor disturbances during protests against the Waqf Act in Murshidabad. However, the situation escalated into communal violence, resulting in casualties and displacement of Hindu families to Malda. The central government has sought clarification from West Bengal regarding the alleged failure to protect citizens and railway assets during the unrest.
Union minister Nitin Gadkari announced that nearly 5,000 youths have left Naxalism in Maharashtra’s Gadchiroli district, joined the mainstream, and many have found employment. He predicted the district will become the highest revenue generator in five years, emphasizing the need for addressing unemployment, malnutrition, and education for societal transformation.
Opposition parties criticized the Union Budget as a disappointment, especially for states not ruled by the NDA. Congress accused the government of lacking new ideas, while leaders from TMC, DMK, and RJD expressed concerns over the Budget's focus on Bihar and neglect of states like West Bengal and Jharkhand. The middle class also felt let down.
Rahul Gandhi faces criticism from BJP over his "merit a flawed concept" remark regarding caste census and the Karnataka government's decision to approve a 4% minority quota for Muslim contractors. BJP leaders Amit Malviya and Sambit Patra accuse Gandhi of undermining the value of merit and promoting appeasement politics for personal gain.
President Trump has announced tariffs on imports, hitting both allies and adversaries. India, labeled a 'worst offender', faces a 27% tariff. Financial markets reacted sharply, with significant declines. India plans to negotiate a trade deal to mitigate the impact, leveraging ongoing discussions with the US.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has sought the President of India's approval to prosecute former Delhi minister Satyendar Jain under Section 218 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Suraksha Sanhita, 2023. This decision is based on evidence provided by the Enforcement Directorate, highlighting alleged financial irregularities linked to Jain.
An intruder targeted actor Saif Ali Khan's residence after a failed attempt at another flat in the same building. The suspect scaled walls, used ladders, and evaded CCTV cameras. He clashed with Khan's family and staff before fleeing. Police obtained his image from CCTV during the break-in attempt.