Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led selection committee has finalized the names of two new election Commissioners weeks ahead of the general elections in the country. Leader of opposition Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury who was part of the three-member committee containing one more cabinet minister has revealed the names of the selected poll officials after the meeting that ended minutes ago. Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said Sukhbir Sandhu and Gyanesh Kumar have been elected as the new election Commissioners.

New Election Commissioners selected, Gyanesh Kumar & Sukhbir Sandhu to be new ECs

Days after the Indian government implemented the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that the law will never be taken back, adding that the BJP-led Centre will never compromise with it.

'CAA will never be taken back, no compromise': Amit Shah's stern message

To revive the Buddhist Heritage pilgrimage roots and places the Prime Minister Modi-led Indian government has launched Landmark development projects worth $27 million the move comes as part of the Buddhist development plan for the Himalayan region.

India Buddhist community: 38 landmark projects worth $27 mn launched for the community

Multiple Avalanches hit the northern part of Kashmir Valley. Although no loss of life or property has been reported it is added to the already accumulated snow in the area with many roads having been blocked in the Gurez sector. The locals are now demanding early snow clearance of the roads. In a bid to boost eco-friendly tourism, three Kashmiri artists have crafted a magnificent Taj Mahal made of snow. Watch to know more!

India: Remarkable snow sculpture in Jammu & Kashmir's Sonamarg attracts visitors

In the already fraught ties between New Delhi and Beijing China has now raised an issue with the inauguration of the Sela tunnel in India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently visited Arunachal Pradesh where he inaugurated the Sela Tunnel. The tunnel that holds significant strategic importance for India. Watch to know more!

China protests inauguration of 'Sela Tunnel' in Arunachal Pradesh

<p>American chipmaker Qualcomm, widely known for its 'Snapdragon' series of processors for smartphones and portable computers, has inaugurated its Design Centre in Chennai city&nbsp;in southern India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the firm, the Design Centre will specialise in wireless connectivity solutions, with a focus on innovations that complement Wi-Fi technologies. Additionally, it will actively contribute to Qualcomm's global Research and Development endeavours in 5G Cellular technology.</p>

<p>The centre was inaugurated in the presence of Cristiano Amon, President and Chief Executive Officer, Qualcomm Incorporated and Ashwini Vaishnaw, India's Minister of Railways, Communications and Electronics &amp; Information Technology. Established at an investment of Rs&nbsp;177 crores (approx $22 million), the Chennai facility is expected to generate 1,600 jobs for skilled technology professionals.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-approves-over-15-billion-worth-of-investments-in-semiconductor-fabrication-plants-695331">India as chipmaker for world: Govt approves semiconductor plant investments worth $15bn</a></p>

<p>Qualcomm Technologies Group General Manager, Connectivity, Broadband &amp; Networking (CBN) Rahul Patel said, “The new Design Centre in Chennai plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of connectivity globally, especially in India. It is a critical asset to support Qualcomm’s commitment to Make in India strategy. With R&amp;D as the centre's core expertise, it will be a key enabler in Qualcomm’s business growth and will accelerate the growth of market adoption of advanced wireless tech solutions.”</p>

<p>The firm also announced the inaugural edition of the 'Qualcomm 6G University Research India Program', in line with the India Government’s Bharat 6G Vision and to support academia in emerging 6G technologies. This program supports a select group of professors from various IITs (Indian Institute of Technology) and the IISc (Indian Institute of Science) in their research in key areas of 6G technologies.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Chinese chipmaker cleared in US criminal trade secrets case</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/chinese-chipmaker-cleared-in-us-criminal-trade-secrets-case-694923/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>According to Qualcomm, the first cohort, comprising 17 academicians, will share the program funding of about USD 1.02 million over a period of three years.</p>

<p>The two-phase programme recently concluded its first phase, where it received research proposals from the shortlisted universities. Phase Two will be spread across three years and will entail regular engagement between professors, students, and their assigned points of contact. It will also include talks on 6G by R&amp;D leads from Qualcomm group companies, and periodic workshops for the participants.</p>

<p>“Even as 5G service rolls out in India, the work towards the next evolution wireless technology and 6G must continue. The collaborative R&amp;D efforts of both the private sector and academicians will play a vital role in shaping 6G and defining its standards. India has the talent to drive world-leading R&amp;D and create Indian-origin IP in this domain," said India's IT Minister.&nbsp;</p>


American chipmaker Qualcomm, widely known for its 'Snapdragon' series of processors for smartphones and portable computers, has inaugurated its Design Centre in Chennai city in southern India.

American chipmaker Qualcomm, widely known for its 'Snapdragon' series of processors for smartphones and portable computers, has inaugurated its Design Centre in Chennai city in southern India. According to the firm, the Design Centre will specialise in wireless connectivity solutions, with a focus on innovations that complement Wi-Fi technologies. Additionally, it will actively contribute to Qualcomm's global Research and Development endeavours in 5G Cellular technology. The centre was inaugurated in the presence of Cristiano Amon, President and Chief Executive Officer, Qualcomm Incorporated and Ashwini Vaishnaw, India's Minister of Railways, Communications and Electronics & Information Technology. Established at an investment of Rs 177 crores (approx $22 million), the Chennai facility is expected to generate 1,600 jobs for skilled technology professionals. Also Read: India as chipmaker for world: Govt approves semiconductor plant investments worth $15bn Qualcomm Technologies Group General Manager, Connectivity, Broadband & Networking (CBN) Rahul Patel said, “The new Design Centre in Chennai plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of connectivity globally, especially in India. It is a critical asset to support Qualcomm’s commitment to Make in India strategy. With R&D as the centre's core expertise, it will be a key enabler in Qualcomm’s business growth and will accelerate the growth of market adoption of advanced wireless tech solutions.” The firm also announced the inaugural edition of the 'Qualcomm 6G University Research India Program', in line with the India Government’s Bharat 6G Vision and to support academia in emerging 6G technologies. This program supports a select group of professors from various IITs (Indian Institute of Technology) and the IISc (Indian Institute of Science) in their research in key areas of 6G technologies. Watch: Chinese chipmaker cleared in US criminal trade secrets case According to Qualcomm, the first cohort, comprising 17 academicians, will share the program funding of about USD 1.02 million over a period of three years. The two-phase programme recently concluded its first phase, where it received research proposals from the shortlisted universities. Phase Two will be spread across three years and will entail regular engagement between professors, students, and their assigned points of contact. It will also include talks on 6G by R&D leads from Qualcomm group companies, and periodic workshops for the participants. “Even as 5G service rolls out in India, the work towards the next evolution wireless technology and 6G must continue. The collaborative R&D efforts of both the private sector and academicians will play a vital role in shaping 6G and defining its standards. India has the talent to drive world-leading R&D and create Indian-origin IP in this domain," said India's IT Minister.

US chipmaker Qualcomm opens design centre for wireless tech in India, to generate 1,600 jobs

China opposes India's Sela Tunnel, warns of further strain in bilateral ties

Politics in India has heated up. Delhi CM Kejriwal voiced his opposition to CAA. A war of words erupted between Kejriwal and Amit Shah. Indian Home Minister Amit Shah slams Kejriwal. Watch this video for all details.

CAA in India: Pak Hindu migrants protest outside Delhi CM Kejriwal's residence

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all the latest news and top headlines from all across the globe: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led selection committee has finalized the names of two new election Commissioners weeks ahead of the general elections in the country.

India: Meeting over poll commissioner selection ends

The Enforcement Directorate has been conducting raids at multiple locations in India's West Bengal since early morning today. This is in connection with a land-grabbing case against expelled TMC leader Shahjahan Sheikh who was recently arrested in Sandeshkhali.

India Sandeshkhali case:  ED conducts raids in multiple locations in Bengal

In a rather surprising turn of events, 21% of BJP sitting MPs have already not been repeated from their respective constituencies. The BJP has named 267 candidates for the Lok Sabha elections in the two lists that it has released.

India elections 2024: BJP has dropped 21% sitting MPs in two Lok Sabha lists

Breaking news | Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Sandhu to be new Election Commissioners

India: ED conducts raids in multiple locations in West Bengal

India elections 2024: In 2 Lok Sabha lists, BJP has dropped 21% sitting MPs already

Despite yesterday's fall, India's stock market has grown exponentially since 2019 and is currently valued at around 4.5 trillion dollars. And now, Jefferies financial group predicts that by 2030, the value of India's stock market will have more than doubled to $10 trillion. This is largely because of the country's track record of producing double-digit gains and ongoing economic reforms. Take a look at this next report. Watch to know more!

Jefferies expects India's economy to surpass Japan & Germany

<p>The panel headed by former Indian President Ram Nath Kovind submitted a report on the concept of 'one nation, one poll' to President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday (Mar 14). This high-level committee proposed significant amendments to at least five articles of the Constitution to facilitate synchronised elections across the country, encompassing 18,626 pages of analysis and recommendations.</p>

<p>Established in September 2023, the Kovind-led committee was tasked with examining the feasibility of simultaneous elections at various levels of governance, including the Lok Sabha, state assemblies, municipalities, and panchayats.</p>

<p>Over the course of its tenure, the committee engaged in consultations with stakeholders, conducted thorough research and compiled its findings since its inception on September 2&nbsp;the previous year.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The High-Level Committee on simultaneous elections, chaired by Ram Nath Kovind, Former President of India, met President Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan and submitted its report. Union Home Minister Amit Shah was also present. <a href="https://t.co/zd6e5TMKng">pic.twitter.com/zd6e5TMKng</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1768160031113904472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>What are the recommendations?</strong></h2>

<p>The recommendations put forth by the Kovind panel outline a phased approach to implementing simultaneous elections, suggesting that Lok Sabha and state assembly elections could be held concurrently in the initial phase, followed by local body elections within 100 days thereafter.</p>

<p>Moreover, in instances of a hung House or a no-confidence motion, the panel proposed the possibility of conducting fresh polls to complete the remainder of the five-year term.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/caa-law-will-never-be-taken-back-by-indias-government-says-home-minister-amit-shah-699882">Also read |&nbsp;CAA law will never be taken back by India's government, says Home Minister Amit Shah</a></p>

<p>To facilitate the first round of synchronised polls, the committee proposed aligning the tenure of all state assemblies with the subsequent Lok Sabha elections.</p>

<p>Additionally, it suggested that the Election Commission collaborate with state electoral authorities to consolidate electoral rolls and issue voter ID cards for elections at various levels of governance.</p>

<p>In anticipation of the logistical challenges associated with simultaneous elections, the Kovind-led committee recommended bolstering infrastructure, manpower, and security forces to ensure the smooth conduct of the electoral process.</p>

<p>The submission of the committee's report coincides with the imminent announcement of the schedule for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections by India's election commission.</p>

<p>The committee comprised Home Minister Amit Shah, former leader of the opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad, and former Finance Commission chairman N K Singh, among others.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;India elections 2024: PM Modi-led panel to appoint new Election Commissioners</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-elections-2024-pm-modi-led-panel-to-appoint-new-election-commissioners-699961/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened a high-level meeting to finalise the appointment of two new election commissioners. However, the Supreme Court agreed to hear petitions challenging the appointment process under the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners Act, 2023, which excluded the Chief Justice of India from the selection panel.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The panel headed by former Indian President Ram Nath Kovind submitted a report on the concept of 'one nation, one poll' to President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday (Mar 14).

The panel headed by former Indian President Ram Nath Kovind submitted a report on the concept of 'one nation, one poll' to President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday (Mar 14). This high-level committee proposed significant amendments to at least five articles of the Constitution to facilitate synchronised elections across the country, encompassing 18,626 pages of analysis and recommendations. Established in September 2023, the Kovind-led committee was tasked with examining the feasibility of simultaneous elections at various levels of governance, including the Lok Sabha, state assemblies, municipalities, and panchayats. Over the course of its tenure, the committee engaged in consultations with stakeholders, conducted thorough research and compiled its findings since its inception on September 2 the previous year. The High-Level Committee on simultaneous elections, chaired by Ram Nath Kovind, Former President of India, met President Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan and submitted its report. Union Home Minister Amit Shah was also present. pic.twitter.com/zd6e5TMKng — ANI (@ANI) March 14, 2024 × What are the recommendations? The recommendations put forth by the Kovind panel outline a phased approach to implementing simultaneous elections, suggesting that Lok Sabha and state assembly elections could be held concurrently in the initial phase, followed by local body elections within 100 days thereafter. Moreover, in instances of a hung House or a no-confidence motion, the panel proposed the possibility of conducting fresh polls to complete the remainder of the five-year term. Also read | CAA law will never be taken back by India's government, says Home Minister Amit Shah To facilitate the first round of synchronised polls, the committee proposed aligning the tenure of all state assemblies with the subsequent Lok Sabha elections. Additionally, it suggested that the Election Commission collaborate with state electoral authorities to consolidate electoral rolls and issue voter ID cards for elections at various levels of governance. In anticipation of the logistical challenges associated with simultaneous elections, the Kovind-led committee recommended bolstering infrastructure, manpower, and security forces to ensure the smooth conduct of the electoral process. The submission of the committee's report coincides with the imminent announcement of the schedule for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections by India's election commission. The committee comprised Home Minister Amit Shah, former leader of the opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad, and former Finance Commission chairman N K Singh, among others. Also watch | India elections 2024: PM Modi-led panel to appoint new Election Commissioners Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened a high-level meeting to finalise the appointment of two new election commissioners. However, the Supreme Court agreed to hear petitions challenging the appointment process under the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners Act, 2023, which excluded the Chief Justice of India from the selection panel. (With inputs from agencies)

'One nation, one election': Ram Nath Kovind panel puts forward recommendations in its report

In Haryana, the Dushyant Chautala's Jannaya Janata Party(JJP) formerly in Alliance with the BJP-led Haryana government is organizing a mega rally in Hissar on Wednesday. The party plans to unveil its plans here.

India elections 2024: Dushyant Chautala-led JJP's mega rally in Hisar

<p>India continues to face the threat of an armed conflict with China and Pakistan, according to an annual threat assessment by the US Intelligence. The report, however, does not delve into the threat of a potential two-front conflict with China and Pakistan.</p>

<h2><strong>On a potential&nbsp;India-China conflict</strong></h2>

<p>The US intelligence assessment stated that the shared disputed border between India and China will remain a strain on their bilateral relationship.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: China's Xi Jinping plots a war against India over the Himalayas</strong></p>

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<p>"While the two sides have not engaged in significant cross-border clashes since 2020, they are maintaining large troop deployments, and sporadic encounters between opposing forces risk miscalculation and escalation into armed conflict," it noted.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>On India-Pakistan ties</strong></h2>

<p>The assessment added that New Delhi and Islamabad are "inclined to sustain the current fragile calm in their relationship following their renewal of a ceasefire along the Line of Control in early 2021".&nbsp;</p>

<p>It further noted that neither side has used the period of calm to rebuild their bilateral ties.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Since the Pulwama attack of February 2019 and consequent <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/indias-balakot-redemption-when-pakistani-propaganda-failed-to-pierce-through-indias-anti-terror-feat-566111">Balakot airstrikes</a> in which Indian forces struck terrorist bases deep inside Pakistan, New Delhi has maintained a policy of bilateral indifference with minimal exchange, and that too due to compulsions of multilateral platforms.</p>

<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sco-goa-meet-reveals-big-gulf-of-distrust-between-india-and-pakistan-589375">SCO Goa meet unveils 'big gulf of distrust' between India and Pakistan</a></strong></p>

<p>"Pakistan's long history of supporting anti-India militant groups and India's increased willingness, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to respond with military force to perceived or real Pakistani provocations raise the risk of escalation during a crisis," the US Intelligence Assessment added.</p>

<p>"There remains the potential for an event to trigger a rapid escalation," it noted, indicating that despite a fragile calm at the Line of Control between India and Pakistan, any form of export of terrorism from across the border is capable of triggering an escalation of hostilities between the two sides.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


India continues to face the threat of an armed conflict with China and Pakistan, according to an annual threat assessment by the US Intelligence. The report, however, does not delve into the threat of a potential two-front conflict with China and Pakistan.

India continues to face the threat of an armed conflict with China and Pakistan, according to an annual threat assessment by the US Intelligence. The report, however, does not delve into the threat of a potential two-front conflict with China and Pakistan. On a potential India-China conflict The US intelligence assessment stated that the shared disputed border between India and China will remain a strain on their bilateral relationship. Also watch | Gravitas: China's Xi Jinping plots a war against India over the Himalayas × "While the two sides have not engaged in significant cross-border clashes since 2020, they are maintaining large troop deployments, and sporadic encounters between opposing forces risk miscalculation and escalation into armed conflict," it noted. On India-Pakistan ties The assessment added that New Delhi and Islamabad are "inclined to sustain the current fragile calm in their relationship following their renewal of a ceasefire along the Line of Control in early 2021". It further noted that neither side has used the period of calm to rebuild their bilateral ties. Since the Pulwama attack of February 2019 and consequent Balakot airstrikes in which Indian forces struck terrorist bases deep inside Pakistan, New Delhi has maintained a policy of bilateral indifference with minimal exchange, and that too due to compulsions of multilateral platforms. Also read | SCO Goa meet unveils 'big gulf of distrust' between India and Pakistan "Pakistan's long history of supporting anti-India militant groups and India's increased willingness, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to respond with military force to perceived or real Pakistani provocations raise the risk of escalation during a crisis," the US Intelligence Assessment added. "There remains the potential for an event to trigger a rapid escalation," it noted, indicating that despite a fragile calm at the Line of Control between India and Pakistan, any form of export of terrorism from across the border is capable of triggering an escalation of hostilities between the two sides. (With inputs from agencies)

India, China may engage in 'armed conflict' amid strained ties, claims US intelligence assessment

In a monumental stride towards indigenous development and technological prowess, India's Vande Bharat trains have not only redefined the country's railway standards but also emerged as a potential catalyst in shaping the political narrative leading up to the 2024 elections. But will it translate to more votes and seats for the prime minister's party?

Indian elections 2024: Can Vande Bharat's success translate to votes for Modi?

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted light to moderate rainfall and snowfall followed by thunderstorms and lightning over Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand on March 13 and March 14.

India: Rain and snowfall expected in 11 states

The successful test of Agni-v is a huge boost to india's defence capabilities. Woman scientist R Sheena Rani played a crucial role in developing the missile system. Molly Gambhir getting you her story.

Gravitas: India's 'divine daughter' who spearheaded Agni-v success

As India gears up for elections in 2024, negotiations with the UK for a free trade agreement have hit a critical juncture. Despite efforts from both sides to secure a deal, key sticking points remain unresolved.

PM Modi & Rishi Sunak reaffirm commitment to trade deal

Today via video conferencing Prime Minister Modi will lay the foundation stone for three semiconductor projects worth $15 billion. Students from over 60,000 institutions along with leaders from the semiconductor industry are expected at the event.

PM Modi to address 'India's Techade' event & lay foundation stone of 3 Semiconductor projects

In India, inflation, as measured by the consumer price index (CPI), dipped further in February. The overall inflation dipped from 5.1% in January to 5.09% in February. Watch to know more!

India's inflation cools further, but food prices remain high

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