The environment ministry of India has extended the deadline for thermal power plants to install Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) equipment by three more years, with plants near the NCR or cities with over a million population given until December 2027. Previous deadlines were missed due to delays and limited vendor capacity.
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Calcutta HC has suggested that Bengal governor CV Ananda Bose and CM Mamata Banerjee discuss their differences informally to prevent their legal conflict from setting a poor example for the public. The court extended the gag order restraining the state from making statements against the governor until April 10.
The Supreme Court of India has suggested that state governments allocate 25% of their budgets for health, education, hygiene, and infrastructure to help India become a developed nation. The court highlighted the consistent 'fund constraint' response from states and emphasized the need for intervention, despite acknowledging judicial limitations in financial policy matters.
NCP minister Dhananjay Munde resigned from the Maharashtra cabinet, citing his conscience and health. He faced pressure from CM Devendra Fadnavis and deputy CM Ajit Pawar following the public release of brutal images related to a sarpanch's murder, in which Munde's associate was implicated.
US President Donald Trump announced a plan for 'reciprocal tariffs' on both allies and rivals before meeting PM Modi. The tariffs aim to address unfair trade practices and trade deficits, with emerging markets like India and Thailand potentially facing significant impacts. The plan also includes non-tariff considerations such as VAT.
S Prabakaran has been re-elected as vice-chairman of the Bar Council of India for a five-year term. This marks his third consecutive term in the role. With 35 years of bar experience, Prabakaran aims to further the initiatives and policies for bettering the legal profession and education in India.
Indian diplomatic efforts successfully convinced Indonesia not to club President Prabowo Subianto's Republic Day visit to India with a simultaneous official travel to Pakistan. It remains unclear if his proposed visit to Islamabad will proceed as initial reports suggest he may fly to Malaysia instead.
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar expressed hope that the entire country would soon adopt the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), following Uttarakhand's implementation of it. He criticized those opposing the UCC as ignorant, emphasizing that it is a constitutional mandate aimed at promoting gender equality.
Dilip Ghosh, a senior West Bengal BJP leader, has ignited controversy by urging Hindus to keep weapons at home, citing the Murshidabad violence. This statement, made at a North 24 Parganas rally, has been criticized by the TMC, with MLA Humanyun Kabir accusing Ghosh of inciting communal discord and disrupting West Bengal's harmony.
Kannada actress Ranya Rao has been arrested by the directorate of revenue intelligence for allegedly smuggling 14.8 kilograms of gold from Dubai. Karnataka home minister G Parameshwara stated that the investigation is still ongoing, while officials emphasize impartial treatment and adherence to legal procedures.
Earlier in the day, Indian Railways gave an ex-gratia of rupees 10 lakh to the kin of all the 18 deceased. An amount of rupees 2.5 lakh to grievously injured passengers and a compensation of rupees 1 lakh for passengers with minor injury were distributed to the 15 injured during the day.