India is experiencing an economic surge reminiscent of the golden era between 2003 and 2007, according to a report by Morgan Stanley economists. <o:p></o:p>

This revival is primarily fuelled by an uptick in investments, echoing the growth trajectory of nearly two decades ago when the nation witnessed an average growth rate exceeding 8 per cent. <o:p></o:p>

The report, titled 'The Viewpoint: India - Why this feels like 2003-07', highlights the key role of capital expenditure (capex) in propelling the current expansion.<o:p></o:p>

Morgan Stanley's analysis emphasises a shift towards investment-driven growth over consumption, with a notable rise in public capex initially, followed by a rapid uptake in private investment. <o:p></o:p>

Notably, urban consumers are spearheading consumption growth, complemented by a burgeoning demand from rural sectors. <o:p></o:p>

The surge in India's global export market share coupled with effective management of macroeconomic stability risks further underpin this economic upswing.<o:p></o:p>

A key indicator of the ongoing expansion is the elevation in the investment-to-GDP ratio. <o:p></o:p>

Similar to the 2003-07 period, where this ratio soared from 27 per cent in Fiscal Year 2003 to 39 per cent in Fiscal Year 2008, the current trend is witnessing a resurgence. <o:p></o:p>

Presently standing at 34 per cent of GDP, it is anticipated to climb further to 36 per cent by Fiscal Year 2027, signifying a robust growth trajectory.<o:p></o:p>

During the 2003-07 boom, India experienced an impressive average GDP growth of 8.6 per cent alongside a modest headline CPI inflation of 4.8 per cent. <o:p></o:p>

Despite external shocks like the surge in oil prices, the current account deficit remained manageable, fluctuating within a comfortable range.<o:p></o:p>

Gross fixed capital formation (GFCF) also witnessed a remarkable acceleration during this period, indicating a robust investment climate.<o:p></o:p>

In the present cycle, real GFCF growth continues to demonstrate resilience, outperforming pre-Covid averages. <o:p></o:p>

Public capex has emerged as a primary growth driver, compensating for the corporate sector's subdued investment sentiment in the wake of previous shocks. <o:p></o:p>

However, with corporate profits rebounding and early indications of private capex gaining traction, the economic landscape is evolving.<o:p></o:p>

Despite the optimistic outlook, challenges persist. <o:p></o:p>

Private consumption remains relatively subdued, tracking below pre-Covid averages, underscoring the need for sustained efforts to stimulate domestic demand. <o:p></o:p>

Policymakers have been actively pursuing supply-side reforms to bolster the investment climate, exemplified by the uptick in real government fixed capex growth.<o:p></o:p>

Morgan Stanley underscores the critical role of public sector investments, particularly in infrastructure projects, to alleviate supply-side constraints and pave the way for robust private sector participation. <o:p></o:p>

Such long-term investments are deemed essential for sustaining the current economic momentum and fostering inclusive growth.<o:p></o:p>

(With inputs from PTI)<o:p></o:p>

India is experiencing an economic surge reminiscent of the golden era between 2003 and 2007, according to a report by Morgan Stanley economists. This revival is primarily fuelled by an uptick in investments, echoing the growth trajectory of nearly two decades ago when the nation witnessed an average growth rate exceeding 8 per cent.

India is experiencing an economic surge reminiscent of the golden era between 2003 and 2007, according to a report by Morgan Stanley economists. This revival is primarily fuelled by an uptick in investments, echoing the growth trajectory of nearly two decades ago when the nation witnessed an average growth rate exceeding 8 per cent. The report, titled 'The Viewpoint: India - Why this feels like 2003-07', highlights the key role of capital expenditure (capex) in propelling the current expansion. Morgan Stanley's analysis emphasises a shift towards investment-driven growth over consumption, with a notable rise in public capex initially, followed by a rapid uptake in private investment. Notably, urban consumers are spearheading consumption growth, complemented by a burgeoning demand from rural sectors. The surge in India's global export market share coupled with effective management of macroeconomic stability risks further underpin this economic upswing. A key indicator of the ongoing expansion is the elevation in the investment-to-GDP ratio. Similar to the 2003-07 period, where this ratio soared from 27 per cent in Fiscal Year 2003 to 39 per cent in Fiscal Year 2008, the current trend is witnessing a resurgence. Presently standing at 34 per cent of GDP, it is anticipated to climb further to 36 per cent by Fiscal Year 2027, signifying a robust growth trajectory. During the 2003-07 boom, India experienced an impressive average GDP growth of 8.6 per cent alongside a modest headline CPI inflation of 4.8 per cent. Despite external shocks like the surge in oil prices, the current account deficit remained manageable, fluctuating within a comfortable range. Gross fixed capital formation (GFCF) also witnessed a remarkable acceleration during this period, indicating a robust investment climate. In the present cycle, real GFCF growth continues to demonstrate resilience, outperforming pre-Covid averages. Public capex has emerged as a primary growth driver, compensating for the corporate sector's subdued investment sentiment in the wake of previous shocks. However, with corporate profits rebounding and early indications of private capex gaining traction, the economic landscape is evolving. Despite the optimistic outlook, challenges persist. Private consumption remains relatively subdued, tracking below pre-Covid averages, underscoring the need for sustained efforts to stimulate domestic demand. Policymakers have been actively pursuing supply-side reforms to bolster the investment climate, exemplified by the uptick in real government fixed capex growth. Morgan Stanley underscores the critical role of public sector investments, particularly in infrastructure projects, to alleviate supply-side constraints and pave the way for robust private sector participation. Such long-term investments are deemed essential for sustaining the current economic momentum and fostering inclusive growth. (With inputs from PTI)

India’s economic growth resembles 2003-07 boom: Morgan Stanley Report

As Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra concluded at Mumbai's Shivaji Park on Sunday evening (March 17), leaders of the INDIA bloc, including MK Stalin, Uddhav Thackrey, Priyanka Gandhi, Tejashwi Yadav, Farooq Abdullah, Mehbooba Mufti, and several others, stood together posing for a picture in a show of strength and "unity" in the alliance.

While addressing the rally Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin said, "We have entered politics to work for people...Rahul Gandhi has visited all over India to understand the heart of India. It is a journey to restore India that is destroyed by BJP."

National Conference Chief Farooq Abdullah, speaking at the event called on the voters to safeguard votes and alleged EVMs of being "thief".

"You have to protect your votes because the machine (EVM) is a thief. When you cast your vote, check the paper trail and verify your vote... When the INDIA Alliance will form the government, this machine will end. Secondly, the Election Commission will become independent," said Abdullah.

"The first Bharat Jodo Yatra started from Kanyakumari and ended in Kashmir. It was snowing in Kashmir and many of the members had never seen snow in their lives... This is our India," he mentioned.

Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Yadav lauded Gandhi for the Yatra (march) and said, "He (Rahul Gandhi) has tried to deliver a message which is quite significant in today's days...To save India's Constitution, and brotherhood and to defeat hatred, he commenced the 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra' and for that my heartfelt thanks to Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-in-a-cabinet-meet-asks-ministers-to-chart-course-for-first-100-days-next-5-yrs-701231">PM Modi asks ministers to chart roadmap for first 100 days of 3rd term, 5 yrs</a>

<h2>Opposition launches scathing attack on BJP</h2>

The opposition INDIA bloc hit out at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Centre with NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar calling&nbsp;voters to oust BJP from power.

"Mahatma Gandhi gave 'Quit India' slogan from this city, today we (INDIA alliance) should vow to oust BJP from power...," he said.

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chief Mehbooba Mufti, while addressing the Bharat Jodo Nyay Manzil, said that the people of the ruling party were "scared of Gandhi".

"...You (Rahul Gandhi) have Gandhi in your name and the BJP is scared of it. Today, I can see people with different thoughts and ideas here, let me tell you this is 'India.' The election is all set to begin; the public has the most powerful weapon of the Constitution and that is the vote," Mufti said.

(With inputs from agencies)

As Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra concluded at Mumbai's Shivaji Park on Sunday evening (March 17), leaders of the INDIA bloc, including MK Stalin, Uddhav Thackrey, Priyanka Gandhi, Tejashwi Yadav, Farooq Abdullah, Mehbooba Mufti, and several others, stood together posing for a picture in a show of strength and "unity" in the alliance.

As Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra concluded at Mumbai's Shivaji Park on Sunday evening (March 17), leaders of the INDIA bloc, including MK Stalin, Uddhav Thackrey, Priyanka Gandhi, Tejashwi Yadav, Farooq Abdullah, Mehbooba Mufti, and several others, stood together posing for a picture in a show of strength and "unity" in the alliance. While addressing the rally Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin said, "We have entered politics to work for people...Rahul Gandhi has visited all over India to understand the heart of India. It is a journey to restore India that is destroyed by BJP." National Conference Chief Farooq Abdullah, speaking at the event called on the voters to safeguard votes and alleged EVMs of being "thief". "You have to protect your votes because the machine (EVM) is a thief. When you cast your vote, check the paper trail and verify your vote... When the INDIA Alliance will form the government, this machine will end. Secondly, the Election Commission will become independent," said Abdullah. "The first Bharat Jodo Yatra started from Kanyakumari and ended in Kashmir. It was snowing in Kashmir and many of the members had never seen snow in their lives... This is our India," he mentioned. Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Yadav lauded Gandhi for the Yatra (march) and said, "He (Rahul Gandhi) has tried to deliver a message which is quite significant in today's days...To save India's Constitution, and brotherhood and to defeat hatred, he commenced the 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra' and for that my heartfelt thanks to Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party." Also read: PM Modi asks ministers to chart roadmap for first 100 days of 3rd term, 5 yrs Opposition launches scathing attack on BJP The opposition INDIA bloc hit out at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Centre with NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar calling voters to oust BJP from power. "Mahatma Gandhi gave 'Quit India' slogan from this city, today we (INDIA alliance) should vow to oust BJP from power...," he said. Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chief Mehbooba Mufti, while addressing the Bharat Jodo Nyay Manzil, said that the people of the ruling party were "scared of Gandhi". "...You (Rahul Gandhi) have Gandhi in your name and the BJP is scared of it. Today, I can see people with different thoughts and ideas here, let me tell you this is 'India.' The election is all set to begin; the public has the most powerful weapon of the Constitution and that is the vote," Mufti said. (With inputs from agencies)

INDIA bloc bolsters unity efforts at culmination of Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra

As India prepares to exercise its electoral franchise, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a cabinet meeting on Sunday (Mar 17) where ministers were instructed to draft a roadmap for the first 100 days of the next term and the subsequent five years, reports said citing sources familiar with the matter.

The PM instructed ministers to engage with secretaries and officials from their ministries to discuss strategies for executing the agenda for the first 100 days, and for the next five years, as India's Lok Sabha (the lower house of Parliament) follows a five-year electoral cycle.&nbsp;

The Election Commission of India has already announced the schedule for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.

Reports said that the cabinet also initiated the process of notifying the dates of the seven-phase parliamentary elections by sending the Election Commission's recommendations to President Droupadi Murmu. 
 
Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-pm-modi-urges-people-to-climb-down-from-light-tower-during-rally-in-andhra-pradesh-701217">PM Modi urges people to climb down from light tower during rally in Andhra Pradesh</a>

The electoral process will kick off with the issuance of the first notification on March 20. The first phase of polls, as per ECI, is scheduled for April 19. After the poll dates announcement by ECI, PM Modi wrote on X, "The biggest festival of democracy is here! EC has announced the 2024 Lok Sabha election dates. We, the BJP-NDA, are fully prepared for elections. We are going to the people on the basis of our track record of good governance and service delivery across sectors."

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/video-property-dealer-shot-then-beaten-in-suspected-gang-rivalry-at-highway-eatery-near-pune-701215">Property dealer shot, then beaten in suspected gang rivalry at highway eatery near Pune</a>

As the tenure of the current Lok Sabha draws to a close on June 16, all eyes are on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a towering figure in Indian politics commanding both domestic and international acclaim, poised for yet another electoral battle as he seeks a third term in office.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Earlier in March, Prime Minister Modi and his Council of Ministers engaged in discussions regarding the vision document for "Viksit Bharat: 2047". They drafted a comprehensive action plan for the upcoming five years. It also focused on a 100-day agenda for the new government.

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-forest-fire-blazes-in-nilgiris-for-the-sixth-day-100s-of-acres-charred-701200">India: Forest fire blazes in Nilgiris for the sixth day, 100s of acres charred</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-forest-fire-blazes-in-nilgiris-for-the-sixth-day-100s-of-acres-charred-701200/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"More than 2,700 meetings, workshops, and seminars were held at various levels. Suggestions of more than 20 lakh youths were received," an official reportedly said.

(With inputs from agencies)

As India prepares to exercise its electoral franchise, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a cabinet meeting on Sunday (Mar 17) where ministers were instructed to draft a roadmap for the first 100 days of the next term and the subsequent five years, reports said citing sources familiar with the matter.

As India prepares to exercise its electoral franchise, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a cabinet meeting on Sunday (Mar 17) where ministers were instructed to draft a roadmap for the first 100 days of the next term and the subsequent five years, reports said citing sources familiar with the matter. The PM instructed ministers to engage with secretaries and officials from their ministries to discuss strategies for executing the agenda for the first 100 days, and for the next five years, as India's Lok Sabha (the lower house of Parliament) follows a five-year electoral cycle. The Election Commission of India has already announced the schedule for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. Reports said that the cabinet also initiated the process of notifying the dates of the seven-phase parliamentary elections by sending the Election Commission's recommendations to President Droupadi Murmu. Also Read | PM Modi urges people to climb down from light tower during rally in Andhra Pradesh The electoral process will kick off with the issuance of the first notification on March 20. The first phase of polls, as per ECI, is scheduled for April 19. After the poll dates announcement by ECI, PM Modi wrote on X, "The biggest festival of democracy is here! EC has announced the 2024 Lok Sabha election dates. We, the BJP-NDA, are fully prepared for elections. We are going to the people on the basis of our track record of good governance and service delivery across sectors." Also Read | Property dealer shot, then beaten in suspected gang rivalry at highway eatery near Pune As the tenure of the current Lok Sabha draws to a close on June 16, all eyes are on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a towering figure in Indian politics commanding both domestic and international acclaim, poised for yet another electoral battle as he seeks a third term in office. Earlier in March, Prime Minister Modi and his Council of Ministers engaged in discussions regarding the vision document for "Viksit Bharat: 2047". They drafted a comprehensive action plan for the upcoming five years. It also focused on a 100-day agenda for the new government. Watch | India: Forest fire blazes in Nilgiris for the sixth day, 100s of acres charred × "More than 2,700 meetings, workshops, and seminars were held at various levels. Suggestions of more than 20 lakh youths were received," an official reportedly said. (With inputs from agencies)

In cabinet meet, PM Modi asks ministers to chart roadmap for first 100 days of 3rd term

With over 1.7 million Tulips of 73 varieties, Asia's Largest Tulip Garden in Srinagar Kashmir is all set to be thrown open to the public from March 23. Hundreds of gardeners are working tirelessly to make sure the garden is in full bloom at the time of the opening.&nbsp;

With spring on, The Tulip Garden located below the Zabarwan Hills and overlooking the world-famous Dal Lake, is looking no less than a floral wonderland. The floriculture department is also planning a Tulip festival in the month of April. And the gardeners are making sure that most of the tulips bloom before the opening of the Garden.&nbsp;

''Tulip Garden is an internationally recognised garden and it plays an important role for the tourism sector in Kashmir Valley. We always try to add new attractions to the garden every year and this time too we have added floral surprises this year. We have introduced new vibrant colour schemes with five new varieties and apart from that we have added daffodils and hyacinths. 1.7 million tulips will be blooming in the garden this year'', said Asif Ahmad Itoo, Floriculture Officer. &nbsp;

Hundreds of gardeners and staff are working day and night to ready the garden for the public. It takes around six months to get the garden ready and huge planning is done much earlier before the opening of the garden. And this year the floriculture department says all the previous records of tourist footfall will be broken.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-120-stranded-passengers-airlifted-from-snow-bound-kanzalwan-in-jk-701257">Also read: India: 120 stranded passengers airlifted from snow-bound Kanzalwan in J&amp;K</a>

The Tulip Garden has become extremely famous to people across India. A lot of travellers plan their travels to the valley during the Tulip bloom. This year the floriculture department has planted other varieties of flowers like hyacinths, daffodils, muscari and cyclamens to make the garden look more colourful.

''We have had overwhelming tourist footfall last year, The garden opens for a month and we saw 3.72 lakh&nbsp;visitors last year and this year we are hopeful that we will break all the previous records this season. Our planting pattern depends on the blooming period and we have given a schematic planting of these tulips this year in coming years we will make sure that the garden's longevity expands and from next year onwards we will have cherry blossoms and the garden will be kept open during the month of May as well,'' said Asif Ahmad Itoo, Floriculture Officer. &nbsp;

The garden was built in 2008 during the term of then chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir Ghulam Nabi Azad. The garden was made to attract more tourists to the Valley during the spring season. Last year, the garden was included in the World Book of Records (London) as Asia's largest Tulip Garden.&nbsp;

With over 1.7 million Tulips of 73 varieties, Asia's Largest Tulip Garden in Srinagar Kashmir is all set to be thrown open to the public from March 23. Hundreds of gardeners are working tirelessly to make sure the garden is in full bloom at the time of the opening.

With over 1.7 million Tulips of 73 varieties, Asia's Largest Tulip Garden in Srinagar Kashmir is all set to be thrown open to the public from March 23. Hundreds of gardeners are working tirelessly to make sure the garden is in full bloom at the time of the opening. With spring on, The Tulip Garden located below the Zabarwan Hills and overlooking the world-famous Dal Lake, is looking no less than a floral wonderland. The floriculture department is also planning a Tulip festival in the month of April. And the gardeners are making sure that most of the tulips bloom before the opening of the Garden. ''Tulip Garden is an internationally recognised garden and it plays an important role for the tourism sector in Kashmir Valley. We always try to add new attractions to the garden every year and this time too we have added floral surprises this year. We have introduced new vibrant colour schemes with five new varieties and apart from that we have added daffodils and hyacinths. 1.7 million tulips will be blooming in the garden this year'', said Asif Ahmad Itoo, Floriculture Officer. Hundreds of gardeners and staff are working day and night to ready the garden for the public. It takes around six months to get the garden ready and huge planning is done much earlier before the opening of the garden. And this year the floriculture department says all the previous records of tourist footfall will be broken. Also read: India: 120 stranded passengers airlifted from snow-bound Kanzalwan in J&K The Tulip Garden has become extremely famous to people across India. A lot of travellers plan their travels to the valley during the Tulip bloom. This year the floriculture department has planted other varieties of flowers like hyacinths, daffodils, muscari and cyclamens to make the garden look more colourful. ''We have had overwhelming tourist footfall last year, The garden opens for a month and we saw 3.72 lakh visitors last year and this year we are hopeful that we will break all the previous records this season. Our planting pattern depends on the blooming period and we have given a schematic planting of these tulips this year in coming years we will make sure that the garden's longevity expands and from next year onwards we will have cherry blossoms and the garden will be kept open during the month of May as well,'' said Asif Ahmad Itoo, Floriculture Officer. The garden was built in 2008 during the term of then chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir Ghulam Nabi Azad. The garden was made to attract more tourists to the Valley during the spring season. Last year, the garden was included in the World Book of Records (London) as Asia's largest Tulip Garden.

India: Asia's largest Tulip garden in Srinagar set to be thrown open next week

The founder of Infosys, NR Narayana Murthy, gifted his four-month-old grandson, Ekagrah Rohan Murthy, 15,00,000 shares of his tech company which are worth Rs 240 crore ($28.9 million). This may make the infant India’s youngest millionaire.

<h2>Youngest millionaire?</h2>

Ekagrah, son of Rohan Murthy and Aparna Krishnan, is now the owner of a 0.04 per cent stake in India’s second-largest IT services company, according to regulatory filings.&nbsp;

Born in November, Ekagrah is Narayana and philanthropist Sudha Murthy’s third grandchild. Their first two grandkids are the two daughters of Akshata Murthy and the UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cant-be-selective-supreme-court-directs-sbi-to-share-details-of-all-electoral-bonds-by-march-21-701359">'Can't be selective': Supreme Court directs SBI to share details of all electoral bonds by March 21</a>

After the transaction, Narayana Murthy’s own stake in Infosys decreased from 0.40 per cent to 0.36 per cent amounting to around 15 million shares.

According to the filing, the transfer of shares was conducted “off-market”.&nbsp;

<h2>About Infosys</h2>

NR Narayana Murthy is the founder of Infosys, a company which began with a small investment of $120 (Rs 10,000).

Today it is the second biggest tech company in India.&nbsp;

His wife, author and philanthropist Sudha Murthy, took oath as a member of the Upper House of the Indian Parliament (Rajya Sabha), earlier this month.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/philanthropist-author-sudha-murty-gets-nominated-to-rajya-sabha-pm-modi-hails-nari-shakti-698005">Philanthropist, author Sudha Murty gets nominated to Rajya Sabha; PM Modi hails 'Nari Shakti'</a>

In late 2023, Narayana Murthy’s remark advising the Indian youth to work for 70 hours a week to boost the country’s economy sparked a debate and even backlash. However, earlier this year, he defended his remarks.&nbsp;

“I rationalised it this way. If anybody has performed much better than me in their own field, not necessarily in my field, I would respect, I would call them, and I would say, where do you think I was wrong in saying this? But I didn't find it,” he told CNBC-TV18.&nbsp;

He added, “A lot of my Western friends, a lot of NRIs, and a lot of good people in India called me, and without exception, they were all very happy. They all said whether it is 70 or 60, that's not the issue.”

(With inputs from agencies)

The founder of Infosys, NR Narayana Murthy, gifted his four-month-old grandson, Ekagrah Rohan Murthy, 15,00,000 shares of his tech company which are worth Rs 240 crore ($28.

The founder of Infosys, NR Narayana Murthy, gifted his four-month-old grandson, Ekagrah Rohan Murthy, 15,00,000 shares of his tech company which are worth Rs 240 crore ($28.9 million). This may make the infant India’s youngest millionaire. Youngest millionaire? Ekagrah, son of Rohan Murthy and Aparna Krishnan, is now the owner of a 0.04 per cent stake in India’s second-largest IT services company, according to regulatory filings. Born in November, Ekagrah is Narayana and philanthropist Sudha Murthy’s third grandchild. Their first two grandkids are the two daughters of Akshata Murthy and the UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Also Read | 'Can't be selective': Supreme Court directs SBI to share details of all electoral bonds by March 21 After the transaction, Narayana Murthy’s own stake in Infosys decreased from 0.40 per cent to 0.36 per cent amounting to around 15 million shares. According to the filing, the transfer of shares was conducted “off-market”. About Infosys NR Narayana Murthy is the founder of Infosys, a company which began with a small investment of $120 (Rs 10,000). Today it is the second biggest tech company in India. His wife, author and philanthropist Sudha Murthy, took oath as a member of the Upper House of the Indian Parliament (Rajya Sabha), earlier this month. Also Read | Philanthropist, author Sudha Murty gets nominated to Rajya Sabha; PM Modi hails 'Nari Shakti' In late 2023, Narayana Murthy’s remark advising the Indian youth to work for 70 hours a week to boost the country’s economy sparked a debate and even backlash. However, earlier this year, he defended his remarks. “I rationalised it this way. If anybody has performed much better than me in their own field, not necessarily in my field, I would respect, I would call them, and I would say, where do you think I was wrong in saying this? But I didn't find it,” he told CNBC-TV18. He added, “A lot of my Western friends, a lot of NRIs, and a lot of good people in India called me, and without exception, they were all very happy. They all said whether it is 70 or 60, that's not the issue.” (With inputs from agencies)

Four-month-old millionaire? Narayana Murthy gifts grandson Infosys shares worth $28.9 million

India has replaced its first batch of military soldiers in Maldives with technical personnel, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Friday (March 15).

"The turnaround of the first team of personnel who were operating the ALH helicopter has been completed. So, the first batch that had to be replaced has been completed. The turnaround has happened," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a weekly briefing.

President Muizzu, who is largely perceived as a pro-China leader, set March 10 as the deadline for the withdrawal of the first group of Indian military troops from Maldives.

His government had formally requested that India withdraw its troops from Male.

Earlier, the external affairs ministry had informed that both India and the Maldives had mutually agreed on setting up workable solutions in order to enable the ongoing operation of Indian aviation platforms that provide medical as well as humanitarian evacuation services to the people of the Maldives.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-are-concerned-us-criticises-indias-caa-that-offers-citizenship-to-persecuted-minorities-700312">'Misplaced, misinformed, &amp; unwarranted,' India rejects USA's criticism of CAA</a>

India had confirmed late in February that its first civilian team of technical experts had reached the Maldives.

"The first team of technical personnel to operate the advanced light helicopter has reached the Maldives. It will replace the existing personnel who were operating this platform," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal had said in New Delhi at his weekly media briefing on February 29.

Both countries have held two high-level core group meetings on the issue, with the third one expected to take place soon.

Muizzu, who came to power in September 2023, had implemented the phased evacuation and it was his election promise that the Indian troops would be removed from the island nation. &nbsp;

At present, there are approximately 70 Indian troops, along with Dornier 228 maritime patrol aircraft as well as two HAL Dhruv helicopters, stationed in the Maldives.

The Indian security personnel were deployed in the Maldives to patrol its vast maritime border. India has stated that military troops are stationed in the Maldives to maintain and operate two rescue and reconnaissance helicopters, as well as a small aircraft that it provided years ago.&nbsp;

Muizzu had recently reiterated that "no Indian military personnel" will remain in the country after May 10, "be it in uniform or civilian clothing," Maldives-based The Edition reported.

(With inputs from agencies)

India has replaced its first batch of military soldiers in Maldives with technical personnel, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Friday (March 15). "The turnaround of the first team of personnel who were operating the ALH helicopter has been completed.

India has replaced its first batch of military soldiers in Maldives with technical personnel, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Friday (March 15). "The turnaround of the first team of personnel who were operating the ALH helicopter has been completed. So, the first batch that had to be replaced has been completed. The turnaround has happened," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a weekly briefing. President Muizzu, who is largely perceived as a pro-China leader, set March 10 as the deadline for the withdrawal of the first group of Indian military troops from Maldives. His government had formally requested that India withdraw its troops from Male. Earlier, the external affairs ministry had informed that both India and the Maldives had mutually agreed on setting up workable solutions in order to enable the ongoing operation of Indian aviation platforms that provide medical as well as humanitarian evacuation services to the people of the Maldives. Also read: 'Misplaced, misinformed, & unwarranted,' India rejects USA's criticism of CAA India had confirmed late in February that its first civilian team of technical experts had reached the Maldives. "The first team of technical personnel to operate the advanced light helicopter has reached the Maldives. It will replace the existing personnel who were operating this platform," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal had said in New Delhi at his weekly media briefing on February 29. Both countries have held two high-level core group meetings on the issue, with the third one expected to take place soon. Muizzu, who came to power in September 2023, had implemented the phased evacuation and it was his election promise that the Indian troops would be removed from the island nation. At present, there are approximately 70 Indian troops, along with Dornier 228 maritime patrol aircraft as well as two HAL Dhruv helicopters, stationed in the Maldives. The Indian security personnel were deployed in the Maldives to patrol its vast maritime border. India has stated that military troops are stationed in the Maldives to maintain and operate two rescue and reconnaissance helicopters, as well as a small aircraft that it provided years ago. Muizzu had recently reiterated that "no Indian military personnel" will remain in the country after May 10, "be it in uniform or civilian clothing," Maldives-based The Edition reported. (With inputs from agencies)

India replaces first batch of military in Maldives with technical personnel, says MEA

Former Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao's daughter K Kavitha was on Friday (March 15) arrested by Enforcement Directorate in connection with the Delhi excise policy-linked money laundering case.

The development came hours after the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader was interrogated following a raid at her Hyderabad residence by the probe agency. On Saturday, Kavitha was&nbsp;produced before a Delhi court by the ED in connection with the case

In the court, Kavitha called her arrest illegal.&nbsp;

In the arrest order, the concerned ED investigation officer said: "I believe that Smt. Kalvakuntla Kavitha w/o Mr. D R Anil Kumar, residing at H. No. 8-2316/S/H, Road No 14, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, Telengana-500034 has been guilty of an offence punishable under the provision of Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (15 of 2003)."

"Now, therefore, in the exercise of the power conferred upon me under sub-section (1) of section 19 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (915 of 2003), I hereby arrest the said Smt. Kalvakuntla Kavitha at 05.20 pm on 15.03.2024 and she has been informed of grounds for arrest. A copy of the grounds of arrest (containing 14 pages) have been served upon her."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/electoral-bonds-indias-top-court-slams-sbi-for-not-revealing-complete-information-issues-notice-700305">Electoral bonds: India's Supreme Court criticises lender SBI for not sharing all details, issues notice</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Hyderabad, Telangana | BRS MLC K Kavitha brought to airport by ED. 
 
She has been arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and is being brought to Delhi where she will be further questioned in connection with the Delhi excise policy-linked money laundering case. <a href="https://t.co/nvN69Sw44c">pic.twitter.com/nvN69Sw44c</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1768650846642868704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

The action by ED comes almost two months after the probe agency issued summons to Kavitha that she had skipped.

She has denied any wrongdoing and has alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party-led central government was "using" the ED as BJP could not gain "backdoor entry" into Telangana.

As per ED, Hyderabad-based businessman Arun Ramchandra Pillai, who was arrested last year in the case, "is one of the key persons in the entire scam involving payments of huge kickbacks and formation of the biggest cartel of the South Group".

"South Group" includes Telangana MLC Kavitha, Sarath Reddy (promoter of Aurobindo Group), Magunta Srinivasulu Reddy (MP, Ongole), his son Raghav Magunta, and others, said the investigation agency.

The South Group was being represented by Pillai, Abhishek Boinpalli and Butchi Babu, said the federal agency in its probe.

(With inputs from agencies)

Former Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao's daughter K Kavitha was on Friday (March 15) arrested by Enforcement Directorate in connection with the Delhi excise policy-linked money laundering case.

Former Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao's daughter K Kavitha was on Friday (March 15) arrested by Enforcement Directorate in connection with the Delhi excise policy-linked money laundering case. The development came hours after the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader was interrogated following a raid at her Hyderabad residence by the probe agency. On Saturday, Kavitha was produced before a Delhi court by the ED in connection with the case In the court, Kavitha called her arrest illegal. In the arrest order, the concerned ED investigation officer said: "I believe that Smt. Kalvakuntla Kavitha w/o Mr. D R Anil Kumar, residing at H. No. 8-2316/S/H, Road No 14, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, Telengana-500034 has been guilty of an offence punishable under the provision of Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (15 of 2003)." "Now, therefore, in the exercise of the power conferred upon me under sub-section (1) of section 19 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (915 of 2003), I hereby arrest the said Smt. Kalvakuntla Kavitha at 05.20 pm on 15.03.2024 and she has been informed of grounds for arrest. A copy of the grounds of arrest (containing 14 pages) have been served upon her." Also read: Electoral bonds: India's Supreme Court criticises lender SBI for not sharing all details, issues notice #WATCH | Hyderabad, Telangana | BRS MLC K Kavitha brought to airport by ED. She has been arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and is being brought to Delhi where she will be further questioned in connection with the Delhi excise policy-linked money laundering case. pic.twitter.com/nvN69Sw44c — ANI (@ANI) March 15, 2024 × The action by ED comes almost two months after the probe agency issued summons to Kavitha that she had skipped. She has denied any wrongdoing and has alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party-led central government was "using" the ED as BJP could not gain "backdoor entry" into Telangana. As per ED, Hyderabad-based businessman Arun Ramchandra Pillai, who was arrested last year in the case, "is one of the key persons in the entire scam involving payments of huge kickbacks and formation of the biggest cartel of the South Group". "South Group" includes Telangana MLC Kavitha, Sarath Reddy (promoter of Aurobindo Group), Magunta Srinivasulu Reddy (MP, Ongole), his son Raghav Magunta, and others, said the investigation agency. The South Group was being represented by Pillai, Abhishek Boinpalli and Butchi Babu, said the federal agency in its probe. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Enforcement Directorate arrests BRS leader K Kavitha in Delhi excise policy case

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, at the invitation of his counterparts, will be on an official visit to Singapore, Philippines and Malaysia from March 23-27, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Saturday (Mar 16).

The three-nation visit of Jaishankar will focus on “enhancing bilateral relations” and would provide an “opportunity for engagement on regional issues of mutual concern,” the MEA said.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-abstains-vote-on-islamophobia-in-unga-claims-others-also-affected-by-religiophobia-700684">India abstains vote on Islamophobia in UNGA, claims 'others also affected by religiophobia'</a>

Jaishankar last visited Singapore in October 2023 and during his visit had held several bilateral engagements with the leaders of the island-nation and senior ministers of the Cabinet.

In June 2023, Philippines Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo visited India, during which he and Jaishankar co-chaired the 5th India-Philippines Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) in the national capital.

Also Read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-home-minister-reacts-to-scs-order-on-electoral-bonds-says-fully-respect-but-700658">&nbsp;India's home minister reacts to SC's order on electoral bonds, says 'fully respect but'</a>

In December 2023, Minister of State for External Affairs and Education, Rajkumar Ranjan Singh, visited Malaysia and pivotal role in reinforcing the bilateral cooperation established under the India-Malaysia Enhanced Strategic Partnership.

MoS MEA Singh paid an official visit to Malaysia from November 30 to December 2, last year informed the Ministry of External Affairs in an official release.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, at the invitation of his counterparts, will be on an official visit to Singapore, Philippines and Malaysia from March 23-27, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Saturday (Mar 16).

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, at the invitation of his counterparts, will be on an official visit to Singapore, Philippines and Malaysia from March 23-27, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Saturday (Mar 16). The three-nation visit of Jaishankar will focus on “enhancing bilateral relations” and would provide an “opportunity for engagement on regional issues of mutual concern,” the MEA said. Also Read | India abstains vote on Islamophobia in UNGA, claims 'others also affected by religiophobia' Jaishankar last visited Singapore in October 2023 and during his visit had held several bilateral engagements with the leaders of the island-nation and senior ministers of the Cabinet. In June 2023, Philippines Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo visited India, during which he and Jaishankar co-chaired the 5th India-Philippines Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) in the national capital. Also Read | India's home minister reacts to SC's order on electoral bonds, says 'fully respect but' In December 2023, Minister of State for External Affairs and Education, Rajkumar Ranjan Singh, visited Malaysia and pivotal role in reinforcing the bilateral cooperation established under the India-Malaysia Enhanced Strategic Partnership. MoS MEA Singh paid an official visit to Malaysia from November 30 to December 2, last year informed the Ministry of External Affairs in an official release.

India: EAM Jaishankar to visit Singapore, Philippines, Malaysia on March 23-27

The National Democratic Alliance (NDA)'s rally 'Prajagalam' was briefly disrupted on Sunday evening (March 17) after a group of people ascended a light tower to listen to their leaders speak.

However, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spotted people climbing atop the structure with lights attached to it and immediately interrupted Jana Sena Party president Pawan Kalyan in the middle of his speech urging them to get down.

"There are electric wires. What are you doing there? Your life is precious to us. Please come down. Media persons have taken your photographs. Now come down. Police personnel deployed here, please take care of people. It would be painful for us if something untoward happens," PM Modi said while urging the group to come down for safety.

PM Modi took part in the NDA rally 'Prajagalam' with the TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu and Jana Sena Party president Pawan Kalyan for the very first time in Palnadu district.

'Prajagalam', which stands for 'voice of the public' is the first joint public meeting of NDA partners in Andhra in a decade.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Andhra Pradesh: In between the speech of Jana Sena Party president Pawan Kalyan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urges people to get down from the light tower, in Palnadu. <a href="https://t.co/yvJJKgvh1A">pic.twitter.com/yvJJKgvh1A</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1769333136347857354?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) formed an alliance with the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Jana Sena Party (JSP) for the upcoming Lok Sabha and assembly elections in Andhra Pradesh.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-election-2024-date-announced-check-full-schedule-voting-and-result-of-india-general-elections-700677">Lok Sabha Election 2024: Voting from April 19 in seven phases: Check full schedule here</a>

<h2>PM Modi slams Congress, says party's agenda to 'use and throw'</h2>

PM Modi launched a scathing attack on Congress accusing the the party of "using and throwing the people of the alliance".

While addressing the public rally, the Indian prime minister said that the NDA "carries both regional aspirations and national progress".

"In NDA we take everyone along, but on the other hand, there is Congress party which has only one agenda - to use and throw the people of the alliance. Today Congress may have formed an INDI alliance, but their thinking remains the same," he said.

PM Modi further said that the NDA's aim is to build a developed Andhra Pradesh for developed India.

"NDA alliance carries both regional aspiration and national progress. The support of BJP in this election, our partners are continuously increasing, the strength of NDA is increasing, both Chandrababu Naidu and Pawan Kalyan have been supporting the rights of the people here, for a long time. We have been working for you day and night, for the development of Andhra Pradesh. The aim of NDA is to build a developed Andhra Pradesh for developed India," the PM said.

He then reiterated the NDA's goal to surpass 400 seats in the Lok Sabha elections.

"See this coincidence, this time the results of the elections are going to be declared on 4th June. The whole country is saying, '400 paar'. '400 paar' for developed India, '400 paar' for Andhra Pradesh'..." he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

The National Democratic Alliance (NDA)'s rally 'Prajagalam' was briefly disrupted on Sunday evening (March 17) after a group of people ascended a light tower to listen to their leaders speak.

The National Democratic Alliance (NDA)'s rally 'Prajagalam' was briefly disrupted on Sunday evening (March 17) after a group of people ascended a light tower to listen to their leaders speak. However, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spotted people climbing atop the structure with lights attached to it and immediately interrupted Jana Sena Party president Pawan Kalyan in the middle of his speech urging them to get down. "There are electric wires. What are you doing there? Your life is precious to us. Please come down. Media persons have taken your photographs. Now come down. Police personnel deployed here, please take care of people. It would be painful for us if something untoward happens," PM Modi said while urging the group to come down for safety. PM Modi took part in the NDA rally 'Prajagalam' with the TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu and Jana Sena Party president Pawan Kalyan for the very first time in Palnadu district. 'Prajagalam', which stands for 'voice of the public' is the first joint public meeting of NDA partners in Andhra in a decade. #WATCH | Andhra Pradesh: In between the speech of Jana Sena Party president Pawan Kalyan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urges people to get down from the light tower, in Palnadu. pic.twitter.com/yvJJKgvh1A — ANI (@ANI) March 17, 2024 × The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) formed an alliance with the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Jana Sena Party (JSP) for the upcoming Lok Sabha and assembly elections in Andhra Pradesh. Also read: Lok Sabha Election 2024: Voting from April 19 in seven phases: Check full schedule here PM Modi slams Congress, says party's agenda to 'use and throw' PM Modi launched a scathing attack on Congress accusing the the party of "using and throwing the people of the alliance". While addressing the public rally, the Indian prime minister said that the NDA "carries both regional aspirations and national progress". "In NDA we take everyone along, but on the other hand, there is Congress party which has only one agenda - to use and throw the people of the alliance. Today Congress may have formed an INDI alliance, but their thinking remains the same," he said. PM Modi further said that the NDA's aim is to build a developed Andhra Pradesh for developed India. "NDA alliance carries both regional aspiration and national progress. The support of BJP in this election, our partners are continuously increasing, the strength of NDA is increasing, both Chandrababu Naidu and Pawan Kalyan have been supporting the rights of the people here, for a long time. We have been working for you day and night, for the development of Andhra Pradesh. The aim of NDA is to build a developed Andhra Pradesh for developed India," the PM said. He then reiterated the NDA's goal to surpass 400 seats in the Lok Sabha elections. "See this coincidence, this time the results of the elections are going to be declared on 4th June. The whole country is saying, '400 paar'. '400 paar' for developed India, '400 paar' for Andhra Pradesh'..." he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: PM Modi urges people to climb down from light tower during rally in Andhra Pradesh

India's Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) on Saturday (March 16) announced that the assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir would be conducted after the Lok Sabha elections.

"We are yet to hold assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir. The way for conducting legal elections has opened since December 23. This is March, and there is snowfall in the region, hence the question of holding elections does not arise at this point," Kumar was quoted as saying by the news agency ANI.

"We (ECI) went to Jammu and Kashmir and were asked by all the political parties there to hold the state assembly elections with the Lok Sabha polls. After that, we held administrative meetings wherein it was discussed that a lot of security forces would be required to conduct state assembly election with Lok Sabha election in J-K," he said.

"All political parties asked the ECI to conduct an assembly election with Lok Sabha polls, but security agencies advised us that it would not be possible to provide security as there was a need for the deployment of huge security forces. But we are seriously thinking of conducting polls in JK after the Lok Sabha polls. JK will be the first state to go in the election after the Lok Sabha polls," he said.

He further said that the ECI is "seriously" looking into conducting the elections in Jammu and Kashmir after the Lok Sabha polls.

Speaking about the high-level committee submitting its report on the 'One Nation, One Election' proposal, Kumar said that the ECI would conduct elections according to the constitutional provisions.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Delhi: CEC Rajiv Kumar explains over not conducting Parliamentary &amp; Assembly polls together in J&amp;K; says, "During our recent visit to Srinagar and Jammu, the J&amp;K Administration told us that two elections can't be held at the same time due to more security requirements.… <a href="https://t.co/xfzVt7hKxY">pic.twitter.com/xfzVt7hKxY</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1768965381874393290?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

"There is a provision in the Constitution for conducting elections. Article 83(2) of the Constitution of India states that the House of the People will continue for five years from the date of its first meeting. There is a clause in Section 14 of the RP Act, 1951 that elections for the Parliament be must held six months before the end of the Assembly. As long as this article is there in the Constitution and there are provisions for People's Representation and People's Act, our job is to conduct elections according to them," Kumar said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-election-2024-date-announced-check-full-schedule-voting-and-result-of-india-general-elections-700677">Lok Sabha Election 2024: Voting from April 19 in 7 phases: Check full schedule</a>

<h2>'How is security alright for parliamentary polls and not state elections,' questions Farooq Abdullah</h2>

National Conference supremo Farooq Abdullah, expressed dismay over ECI's decision to not conduct Parliamentary and Assembly polls simultaneously in Jammu and Kashmir.

The former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister said that the poll body on one hand was planning on conducting Assembly polls in four states that would be coinciding with Lok Sabha elections but J&amp;K was denied this opportunity.

"On one side the Govt of India wanted One Nation, One Election and on the other side, they are holding State elections and parliamentary elections in four states, why is this (J-K) being denied? When every party wanted elections (in J-K) then what is the reason it is not being done?," news agency ANI quoted Abdullah as saying.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | On the announcement of Lok Sabha election dates, National Conference Chief Farooq Abdullah says, "On one side the Govt of India wanted One Nation, One Election and on the other side, they are holding State elections and parliamentary elections in 4 states, why is this… <a href="https://t.co/zwZDWOL6By">pic.twitter.com/zwZDWOL6By</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1768964997114114338?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

Abdullah, further questioning the observations made by Kumar, said, "If they say security is the reason, I do not think so. How is that security is alright for the parliamentary elections and not for the state elections?"

(With inputs from agencies)

India's Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) on Saturday (March 16) announced that the assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir would be conducted after the Lok Sabha elections.

India's Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) on Saturday (March 16) announced that the assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir would be conducted after the Lok Sabha elections. "We are yet to hold assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir. The way for conducting legal elections has opened since December 23. This is March, and there is snowfall in the region, hence the question of holding elections does not arise at this point," Kumar was quoted as saying by the news agency ANI. "We (ECI) went to Jammu and Kashmir and were asked by all the political parties there to hold the state assembly elections with the Lok Sabha polls. After that, we held administrative meetings wherein it was discussed that a lot of security forces would be required to conduct state assembly election with Lok Sabha election in J-K," he said. "All political parties asked the ECI to conduct an assembly election with Lok Sabha polls, but security agencies advised us that it would not be possible to provide security as there was a need for the deployment of huge security forces. But we are seriously thinking of conducting polls in JK after the Lok Sabha polls. JK will be the first state to go in the election after the Lok Sabha polls," he said. He further said that the ECI is "seriously" looking into conducting the elections in Jammu and Kashmir after the Lok Sabha polls. Speaking about the high-level committee submitting its report on the 'One Nation, One Election' proposal, Kumar said that the ECI would conduct elections according to the constitutional provisions. #WATCH | Delhi: CEC Rajiv Kumar explains over not conducting Parliamentary & Assembly polls together in J&K; says, "During our recent visit to Srinagar and Jammu, the J&K Administration told us that two elections can't be held at the same time due to more security requirements.… pic.twitter.com/xfzVt7hKxY — ANI (@ANI) March 16, 2024 × "There is a provision in the Constitution for conducting elections. Article 83(2) of the Constitution of India states that the House of the People will continue for five years from the date of its first meeting. There is a clause in Section 14 of the RP Act, 1951 that elections for the Parliament be must held six months before the end of the Assembly. As long as this article is there in the Constitution and there are provisions for People's Representation and People's Act, our job is to conduct elections according to them," Kumar said. Also read: Lok Sabha Election 2024: Voting from April 19 in 7 phases: Check full schedule 'How is security alright for parliamentary polls and not state elections,' questions Farooq Abdullah National Conference supremo Farooq Abdullah, expressed dismay over ECI's decision to not conduct Parliamentary and Assembly polls simultaneously in Jammu and Kashmir. The former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister said that the poll body on one hand was planning on conducting Assembly polls in four states that would be coinciding with Lok Sabha elections but J&K was denied this opportunity. "On one side the Govt of India wanted One Nation, One Election and on the other side, they are holding State elections and parliamentary elections in four states, why is this (J-K) being denied? When every party wanted elections (in J-K) then what is the reason it is not being done?," news agency ANI quoted Abdullah as saying. #WATCH | On the announcement of Lok Sabha election dates, National Conference Chief Farooq Abdullah says, "On one side the Govt of India wanted One Nation, One Election and on the other side, they are holding State elections and parliamentary elections in 4 states, why is this… pic.twitter.com/zwZDWOL6By — ANI (@ANI) March 16, 2024 × Abdullah, further questioning the observations made by Kumar, said, "If they say security is the reason, I do not think so. How is that security is alright for the parliamentary elections and not for the state elections?" (With inputs from agencies)

Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir to be held after Lok Sabha polls, announces CEC Rajiv Kumar

India, the world’s largest democracy is set to hold its general elections, with around 970 million registered voters heading to the polls to choose who will lead the country for the next five years.&nbsp;

In the upcoming election, the incumbent Prime Minister Narendra Modi from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) with his National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has sought a third consecutive term in office.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, 26 opposition parties in the country, last year, formed an alliance called the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) to stop the PM Modi-led NDA from winning in the upcoming elections.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;India: PM Modi addresses rally in Telangana, pushes big in South Indian states

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-pm-modi-addresses-rally-in-telangana-pushes-big-in-south-indian-states-700736/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Currently, there are two main alliances – NDA and INDIA – which include several parties.&nbsp;

<h2>NDA alliance</h2>

The BJP-led NDA is an alliance of right-wing conservative parties in India formed in 1998 to keep Congress out of power. The NDA alliance won in 1999 under the leadership of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee and has been in power since 2014 with PM Modi at the helm.&nbsp;

Prominent parties in the NDA alliance include the National People’s Party (NPP), Shiv Sena, Janata Dal (United), Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD), Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Janata Dal (Secular) and Rashtriya Lok Janshakti Party (RLJP).&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-elections-2024-all-you-need-to-know-about-top-20-candidates-of-mega-polls-700743">Lok Sabha Elections 2024: All you need to know about top 20 candidates of mega polls</a>

The prime ministerial candidate of the alliance in the upcoming election is the incumbent PM Narendra Modi who has claimed that the NDA will win more than 400 seats in the lower house of parliament (Lok Sabha).&nbsp;

<h2>INDIA Bloc</h2>

In 2023, 26 opposition parties in the country came together to form the INDIA bloc. Currently, the alliance is being led by Mallikarjun Kharge who is also the president of the Congress party since 2022 and has been the leader of the opposition in the upper house of the parliament (Rajya Sabha), since the year before that.&nbsp;

Prominent parties in the INDIA alliance include All India Trinamool Congress (TMC), Aam Aadmi Party, Samajwadi Party, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray), Communist Party of India (Marxist), and Rashtriya Janata Dal.&nbsp;

While the incumbent PM has claimed that their alliance will win more than 400 seats, the INDIA alliance is yet to choose their prime ministerial candidate with many politicians in the bloc vying for the role.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-election-2024-date-announced-check-full-schedule-voting-and-result-of-india-general-elections-700677">Lok Sabha Election 2024: Voting from April 11 in seven phases: Check full schedule here</a>

Speaking about the uncertainty, the alliance’s PM candidate, senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh, last week downplaying the issue said party ideology and campaigning are more important.&nbsp;

“In our country, elections are not beauty contests. In our country, competition is held between the parties, its ideology, its symbol, its campaigning,” Ramesh told news agency ANI.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

India, the world’s largest democracy is set to hold its general elections, with around 970 million registered voters heading to the polls to choose who will lead the country for the next five years.

India, the world’s largest democracy is set to hold its general elections, with around 970 million registered voters heading to the polls to choose who will lead the country for the next five years. In the upcoming election, the incumbent Prime Minister Narendra Modi from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) with his National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has sought a third consecutive term in office. Meanwhile, 26 opposition parties in the country, last year, formed an alliance called the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) to stop the PM Modi-led NDA from winning in the upcoming elections. WATCH | India: PM Modi addresses rally in Telangana, pushes big in South Indian states Currently, there are two main alliances – NDA and INDIA – which include several parties. NDA alliance The BJP-led NDA is an alliance of right-wing conservative parties in India formed in 1998 to keep Congress out of power. The NDA alliance won in 1999 under the leadership of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee and has been in power since 2014 with PM Modi at the helm. Prominent parties in the NDA alliance include the National People’s Party (NPP), Shiv Sena, Janata Dal (United), Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD), Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Janata Dal (Secular) and Rashtriya Lok Janshakti Party (RLJP). Also Read | Lok Sabha Elections 2024: All you need to know about top 20 candidates of mega polls The prime ministerial candidate of the alliance in the upcoming election is the incumbent PM Narendra Modi who has claimed that the NDA will win more than 400 seats in the lower house of parliament (Lok Sabha). INDIA Bloc In 2023, 26 opposition parties in the country came together to form the INDIA bloc. Currently, the alliance is being led by Mallikarjun Kharge who is also the president of the Congress party since 2022 and has been the leader of the opposition in the upper house of the parliament (Rajya Sabha), since the year before that. Prominent parties in the INDIA alliance include All India Trinamool Congress (TMC), Aam Aadmi Party, Samajwadi Party, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray), Communist Party of India (Marxist), and Rashtriya Janata Dal. While the incumbent PM has claimed that their alliance will win more than 400 seats, the INDIA alliance is yet to choose their prime ministerial candidate with many politicians in the bloc vying for the role. Also Read | Lok Sabha Election 2024: Voting from April 11 in seven phases: Check full schedule here Speaking about the uncertainty, the alliance’s PM candidate, senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh, last week downplaying the issue said party ideology and campaigning are more important. “In our country, elections are not beauty contests. In our country, competition is held between the parties, its ideology, its symbol, its campaigning,” Ramesh told news agency ANI. (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: List of parties competing in the upcoming polls

The Indian Navy successfully intercepted and prevented Somali pirates from using the Malta-flagged cargo ship Ruen which had been hijacked back in December in the Arabian Sea for acts of piracy on the high seas, said an Indian Navy spokesperson, on Saturday (Mar 16).

<h2>What happened?</h2>

The vessel, ex-MV Ruen, which had been hijacked by Somali pirates on December 14, 2023,&nbsp;was intercepted by an Indian Navy warship, on Friday (Mar 15). The vessel had also opened fire on the warship.

“The vessel opened fire on the warship, which is taking actions iaw international law, in self-defence &amp; to counter piracy, with minimal force necessary to neutralise the pirates’ threat to shipping and seafarers,” said the spokesperson of the Indian Navy on X.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-election-2024-pm-pens-letter-to-country-says-our-partnership-a-decade-confident-will-continue-700636">Lok Sabha Election 2024: PM pens letter to country, says 'Our partnership a decade, confident will continue'</a>

The pirates had&nbsp;been called upon to “surrender &amp; release the vessel &amp; any civilians they may be holding against their will,” said the Indian Navy. It also reaffirmed its commitment to maritime security and the safety of seafarers in the region.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianNavy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndianNavy</a> thwarts designs of Somali pirates to hijack ships plying through the region by intercepting ex-MV Ruen. 
 
The ex-MV Ruen, which had been hijacked by Somali pirates on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/14Dec?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#14Dec</a> 23, was reported to have sailed out as a pirate ship towards conducting acts of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/piracy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#piracy</a> on high… <a href="https://t.co/gOtQJvNpZb">pic.twitter.com/gOtQJvNpZb</a>
— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) <a href="https://twitter.com/indiannavy/status/1768845479390130611?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h2>Indian Navy thwarts piracy attack off Somalia coast</h2>

The European Union naval force, on Thursday (Mar 14) said that Somali pirates may have used ex-MV Ruen to take over a Bangladesh-flagged cargo ship off the coast of Somalia on Tuesday.&nbsp;

EU’s anti-piracy operation EUNAVFOR citing visual information said at least 12 alleged pirates boarded MV Abdullah, a Bangladeshi-flagged vessel which was in the midst of a voyage from Mozambique to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).&nbsp;

The Indian Navy’s Mission deployed warships and a Long Range Maritime Patrol (LRMP) aircraft sprang into action to counter the piracy attack targeting MV Abdullah, on Tuesday (Mar 12).&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-navy-thwarts-piracy-attack-ensures-safety-of-bangladeshi-nationals-onboard-700443">Indian Navy thwarts piracy attack off Somalia coast, ensures safety of Bangladeshi nationals on board</a>

The Indian Navy warship also remained close to the MV Abdullah, safeguarding it until it reached the territorial waters of Somalia.

“The safety of the MV’s crew (all Bangladesh nationals) held hostage by the armed pirates was ascertained &amp; the IN warship continued to maintain in close vicinity of the MV till its arrival in the territorial waters of Somalia,” said the Indian Navy.

<h2>About ex-MV Ruen</h2>

On December 14, the Malta-flagged vessel reported that six unknown personnel had boarded the ship prompting the Indian Navy to deploy its Maritime Patrol Aircraft to investigate.&nbsp;

Subsequently, the personnel from the responding team established communication with all 18 crew members on board the vessel. No Indians were on the vessel at the time, the Ministry of Defence had said.&nbsp;

On December 16, INS Kochi intercepted ex-MV Ruen and closely followed it during its transit towards Somalia. The Indian Navy also ensured that a crew member who got injured during the ordeal was released by the pirates and received medical attention on board the warship.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The Indian Navy successfully intercepted and prevented Somali pirates from using the Malta-flagged cargo ship Ruen which had been hijacked back in December in the Arabian Sea for acts of piracy on the high seas, said an Indian Navy spokesperson, on Saturday (Mar 16).

The Indian Navy successfully intercepted and prevented Somali pirates from using the Malta-flagged cargo ship Ruen which had been hijacked back in December in the Arabian Sea for acts of piracy on the high seas, said an Indian Navy spokesperson, on Saturday (Mar 16). What happened? The vessel, ex-MV Ruen, which had been hijacked by Somali pirates on December 14, 2023, was intercepted by an Indian Navy warship, on Friday (Mar 15). The vessel had also opened fire on the warship. “The vessel opened fire on the warship, which is taking actions iaw international law, in self-defence & to counter piracy, with minimal force necessary to neutralise the pirates’ threat to shipping and seafarers,” said the spokesperson of the Indian Navy on X. Also Read | Lok Sabha Election 2024: PM pens letter to country, says 'Our partnership a decade, confident will continue' The pirates had been called upon to “surrender & release the vessel & any civilians they may be holding against their will,” said the Indian Navy. It also reaffirmed its commitment to maritime security and the safety of seafarers in the region. #IndianNavy thwarts designs of Somali pirates to hijack ships plying through the region by intercepting ex-MV Ruen. The ex-MV Ruen, which had been hijacked by Somali pirates on #14Dec 23, was reported to have sailed out as a pirate ship towards conducting acts of #piracy on high… pic.twitter.com/gOtQJvNpZb — SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) March 16, 2024 × Indian Navy thwarts piracy attack off Somalia coast The European Union naval force, on Thursday (Mar 14) said that Somali pirates may have used ex-MV Ruen to take over a Bangladesh-flagged cargo ship off the coast of Somalia on Tuesday. EU’s anti-piracy operation EUNAVFOR citing visual information said at least 12 alleged pirates boarded MV Abdullah, a Bangladeshi-flagged vessel which was in the midst of a voyage from Mozambique to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The Indian Navy’s Mission deployed warships and a Long Range Maritime Patrol (LRMP) aircraft sprang into action to counter the piracy attack targeting MV Abdullah, on Tuesday (Mar 12). Also Read | Indian Navy thwarts piracy attack off Somalia coast, ensures safety of Bangladeshi nationals on board The Indian Navy warship also remained close to the MV Abdullah, safeguarding it until it reached the territorial waters of Somalia. “The safety of the MV’s crew (all Bangladesh nationals) held hostage by the armed pirates was ascertained & the IN warship continued to maintain in close vicinity of the MV till its arrival in the territorial waters of Somalia,” said the Indian Navy. About ex-MV Ruen On December 14, the Malta-flagged vessel reported that six unknown personnel had boarded the ship prompting the Indian Navy to deploy its Maritime Patrol Aircraft to investigate. Subsequently, the personnel from the responding team established communication with all 18 crew members on board the vessel. No Indians were on the vessel at the time, the Ministry of Defence had said. On December 16, INS Kochi intercepted ex-MV Ruen and closely followed it during its transit towards Somalia. The Indian Navy also ensured that a crew member who got injured during the ordeal was released by the pirates and received medical attention on board the warship. (With inputs from agencies)

WATCH | Indian Navy thwarts Somali pirates from using hijacked vessel for 'acts of piracy'

India on Friday (Mar 15) said that the phobia against any faith or religion is not restricted to the Abrahamic religions as the nation abstained from voting on a draft resolution aimed at adopting 'Measures to combat Islamophobia' in the UN General Assembly.&nbsp;

Pakistan had introduced the resolution in the UN General Assembly and it was co-sponsored by China.

The statement was made by India's permanent representative to the UN Ruchira Kamboj while explaining the position of New Delhi during the voting on the resolution.&nbsp;

Speaking at the the UN General Assembly's 61st plenary session, Kamboj said that the modern world has been witnessing unequal developments and escalation in geopolitical tension which have given rise to "intolerance, discrimination and violence" on the basis of people's belief or religion.

"India as a proud champion of pluralism firmly upholds the principle of equal protection and promotion of all religions &amp; all faiths. Our rich history as a pluralistic and democratic nation in embracing diverse religions has long served a refuge for those persecuted for their faith...This principle isn't merely a facet of our culture, it is enshrined within the Constitution of India," said Ruchira Kamboj, while speaking at the UN.

&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaAtUN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaAtUN</a> 
 
PR delivers the explanation of India's position during the adoption of the resolution on 'Measures to combat Islamophobia' at the United Nations General Assembly today. <a href="https://t.co/AheU8UvpYM">pic.twitter.com/AheU8UvpYM</a>
— India at UN, NY (@IndiaUNNewYork) <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiaUNNewYork/status/1768749921912443037?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The ambassador said that the growing violence, discrimination and intolerance against followers of different religions has, hence, been an issue of concern in the present day.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-abandoned-use-of-nuclear-weapon-in-ukraine-after-intervention-from-india-china-report-698455">India's intervention made Putin abandon use of nuclear weapon in Ukraine: Report</a>

"We condemn all acts motivated by anti-Semitism, Christianophobia or Islamophobia," said Kamboj.

"Clear evidence shows over decades that followers of non-Abrahamic religion have also been affected by religio phobia. This has led to emergence of contemporary forms of religious phobia, particularly anti-Hindu, anti-Buddhist, and anti-Sikh elements. These contemporary forms of religion phobia are evident in the increasing attacks on religious places such as Gurudwaras, monasteries and temples as well as the spreading of hatred and disinformation against non-Abrahamic religions in many countries," said India's Permanent Representative to the UN.

<h2>India against all forms of religiophobia: Kamboj</h2>

In support of her statement, Kamboj spoke about the reports of attacks on Sikh pilgrims, destruction of gurdwaras and damage to deities at temples which have been emerging lately.

"The destruction of the Bamiyan Buddhas, violations of gurdwara premises, massacres of Sikh pilgrims in gurdwaras, attacks on temples, and the glorification of breaking idols in temples all contribute to the rise of contemporary forms of religiophobia against non-Abrahamic religions," the ambassador said.

"It is crucial to recognise that Hinduism...Buddhism... and Sikhism...are all subject to religiophobia. It is time to acknowledge the prevalence of religiophobia rather than just single out one... While the issue of Islamophobia is undoubtedly significant, we must acknowledge that other religions are also facing discrimination and violence. Allocating resources solely to combat Islamophobia while neglecting similar challenges faced by other faiths might inadvertently perpetuate a sense of exclusion and inequality," she added.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Ireland's Trade Minister Simon Coveney hopeful on India- EU FTA; Lauds India's payments system

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/irelands-trade-minister-simon-coveney-hopeful-on-india-eu-fta-lauds-indias-payments-system-700664/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Kamboj emphasised that India is against all kinds of religiophobia - antisemitism, Christianophobia, or Islamophobia - adding that "we stand against all anti-Hindu, anti-Buddhist, and anti-Sikh sentiments."

However, the resolution was adopted unanimously by the UN General Assembly on March 15 and the day was proclaimed as the International Day to combat Islamophobia.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

India on Friday (Mar 15) said that the phobia against any faith or religion is not restricted to the Abrahamic religions as the nation abstained from voting on a draft resolution aimed at adopting 'Measures to combat Islamophobia' in the UN General Assembly.

India on Friday (Mar 15) said that the phobia against any faith or religion is not restricted to the Abrahamic religions as the nation abstained from voting on a draft resolution aimed at adopting 'Measures to combat Islamophobia' in the UN General Assembly. Pakistan had introduced the resolution in the UN General Assembly and it was co-sponsored by China. The statement was made by India's permanent representative to the UN Ruchira Kamboj while explaining the position of New Delhi during the voting on the resolution. Speaking at the the UN General Assembly's 61st plenary session, Kamboj said that the modern world has been witnessing unequal developments and escalation in geopolitical tension which have given rise to "intolerance, discrimination and violence" on the basis of people's belief or religion. "India as a proud champion of pluralism firmly upholds the principle of equal protection and promotion of all religions & all faiths. Our rich history as a pluralistic and democratic nation in embracing diverse religions has long served a refuge for those persecuted for their faith...This principle isn't merely a facet of our culture, it is enshrined within the Constitution of India," said Ruchira Kamboj, while speaking at the UN. #IndiaAtUN PR delivers the explanation of India's position during the adoption of the resolution on 'Measures to combat Islamophobia' at the United Nations General Assembly today. pic.twitter.com/AheU8UvpYM — India at UN, NY (@IndiaUNNewYork) March 15, 2024 × The ambassador said that the growing violence, discrimination and intolerance against followers of different religions has, hence, been an issue of concern in the present day. Also Read: India's intervention made Putin abandon use of nuclear weapon in Ukraine: Report "We condemn all acts motivated by anti-Semitism, Christianophobia or Islamophobia," said Kamboj. "Clear evidence shows over decades that followers of non-Abrahamic religion have also been affected by religio phobia. This has led to emergence of contemporary forms of religious phobia, particularly anti-Hindu, anti-Buddhist, and anti-Sikh elements. These contemporary forms of religion phobia are evident in the increasing attacks on religious places such as Gurudwaras, monasteries and temples as well as the spreading of hatred and disinformation against non-Abrahamic religions in many countries," said India's Permanent Representative to the UN. India against all forms of religiophobia: Kamboj In support of her statement, Kamboj spoke about the reports of attacks on Sikh pilgrims, destruction of gurdwaras and damage to deities at temples which have been emerging lately. "The destruction of the Bamiyan Buddhas, violations of gurdwara premises, massacres of Sikh pilgrims in gurdwaras, attacks on temples, and the glorification of breaking idols in temples all contribute to the rise of contemporary forms of religiophobia against non-Abrahamic religions," the ambassador said. "It is crucial to recognise that Hinduism...Buddhism... and Sikhism...are all subject to religiophobia. It is time to acknowledge the prevalence of religiophobia rather than just single out one... While the issue of Islamophobia is undoubtedly significant, we must acknowledge that other religions are also facing discrimination and violence. Allocating resources solely to combat Islamophobia while neglecting similar challenges faced by other faiths might inadvertently perpetuate a sense of exclusion and inequality," she added. Watch: Ireland's Trade Minister Simon Coveney hopeful on India- EU FTA; Lauds India's payments system Kamboj emphasised that India is against all kinds of religiophobia - antisemitism, Christianophobia, or Islamophobia - adding that "we stand against all anti-Hindu, anti-Buddhist, and anti-Sikh sentiments." However, the resolution was adopted unanimously by the UN General Assembly on March 15 and the day was proclaimed as the International Day to combat Islamophobia. (With inputs from agencies)

India abstains from voting on Islamophobia in UNGA, claims ‘others also affected by religiophobia’

In an update regarding Delhi's negotiations with Moscow concerning the return of Indians coerced into fighting for Russia&nbsp;against Ukraine, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that India is "pressing very hard with the Russian authorities for their early discharge."

Additionally, Jaiswal mentioned ongoing efforts to repatriate the mortal remains of two deceased Indians in Russia, indicating that paperwork has been completed, and there is a possibility that the remains will be handed over to the families in India by March 16 or 17.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-replaces-first-batch-of-military-soldiers-in-maldives-with-technical-personnel-says-mea-700473">India replaces first batch of military soldiers in Maldives with technical personnel, says MEA</a>

"We also have two people who passed away. The paperwork of their mortal remains has been done. The funeral agency, which we have engaged, has handed over the bodies. We are in touch with the family. We are also in touch with the Russian authorities. And hopefully, we will have the mortal remains in India by the end of this week, that is on Sunday or thereabout. So hopefully, on the 16th or 17th, they'll be here and then handed over to the family. So that is the update on Russia," he stated.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, "We are pressing very hard with the Russian authorities for early discharge of our people who are stuck there. Last time we told you that there were 20 people there who approached us. We also have two people who passed away. On… <a href="https://t.co/yxQEP7TRSM">pic.twitter.com/yxQEP7TRSM</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1768579959679823953?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Jaiswal's update echoes previous statements made in early March regarding India's efforts to secure the release of approximately 20 Indian nationals serving as support staff for the Russian army. However, definitive progress on the matter remains elusive.

Media reports indicate that many Indians recruited as security aides in the Russian military have been compelled to engage in combat alongside Russian soldiers.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/citizenship-amendment-act-not-curtailing-freedom-of-indian-muslims-indian-govt-699552" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/citizenship-amendment-act-not-curtailing-freedom-of-indian-muslims-indian-govt-699552&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjy8e6SvPaEAxWH7TgGHdOnDrsQFnoECAYQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw0gPNCwpnNDdHJYQw8rTADn&amp;arm=e" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/citizenship-amendment-act-not-curtailing-freedom-of-indian-muslims-indian-govt-699552" target="_blank">Muslims from anywhere in the world can seek Indian citizenship: Govt</a>

It may be noted, recently India's Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) busted a people trafficking network on Thursday (Mar 7) which was allegedly sending young people to the Russia-Ukraine war zone under the guise of lucrative jobs.

Officials said that the crime investigating agency is conducting searches across Indian cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Trivandrum, Mumbai, Ambala, Chandigarh, Madurai and Chennai. According to the officials, the government agency registered an FIR against various visa consultancy firms and agents.

Recent reports have highlighted that many Indians have been recruited as security helpers in the Russian military, and they have even been forced to fight with Russian soldiers in certain areas along Russia's border with Ukraine.&nbsp;

In an update regarding Delhi's negotiations with Moscow concerning the return of Indians coerced into fighting for Russia against Ukraine, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that India is "pressing very hard with the Russian authorities for their early discharge.

In an update regarding Delhi's negotiations with Moscow concerning the return of Indians coerced into fighting for Russia against Ukraine, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that India is "pressing very hard with the Russian authorities for their early discharge." Additionally, Jaiswal mentioned ongoing efforts to repatriate the mortal remains of two deceased Indians in Russia, indicating that paperwork has been completed, and there is a possibility that the remains will be handed over to the families in India by March 16 or 17. Also read: India replaces first batch of military soldiers in Maldives with technical personnel, says MEA "We also have two people who passed away. The paperwork of their mortal remains has been done. The funeral agency, which we have engaged, has handed over the bodies. We are in touch with the family. We are also in touch with the Russian authorities. And hopefully, we will have the mortal remains in India by the end of this week, that is on Sunday or thereabout. So hopefully, on the 16th or 17th, they'll be here and then handed over to the family. So that is the update on Russia," he stated. #WATCH | MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, "We are pressing very hard with the Russian authorities for early discharge of our people who are stuck there. Last time we told you that there were 20 people there who approached us. We also have two people who passed away. On… pic.twitter.com/yxQEP7TRSM — ANI (@ANI) March 15, 2024 × Jaiswal's update echoes previous statements made in early March regarding India's efforts to secure the release of approximately 20 Indian nationals serving as support staff for the Russian army. However, definitive progress on the matter remains elusive. Media reports indicate that many Indians recruited as security aides in the Russian military have been compelled to engage in combat alongside Russian soldiers. Also read: Muslims from anywhere in the world can seek Indian citizenship: Govt It may be noted, recently India's Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) busted a people trafficking network on Thursday (Mar 7) which was allegedly sending young people to the Russia-Ukraine war zone under the guise of lucrative jobs. Officials said that the crime investigating agency is conducting searches across Indian cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Trivandrum, Mumbai, Ambala, Chandigarh, Madurai and Chennai. According to the officials, the government agency registered an FIR against various visa consultancy firms and agents. Recent reports have highlighted that many Indians have been recruited as security helpers in the Russian military, and they have even been forced to fight with Russian soldiers in certain areas along Russia's border with Ukraine.

'Pressing for early discharge': MEA on Indians coerced into fighting for Russia against Ukraine

India witnessed a 2.5-fold increase in vehicle thefts in 2023 as compared to the year 2022, Acko Digital Insurance's ‘Theft &amp; the City 2024’ report revealed.

Surprisingly, the nation's capital topped the charts with almost 80 per cent of car thefts occurring in New Delhi.

“New Delhi continues to be the reigning city for vehicle thefts, with 80% of car thefts in India happening in New Delhi," stated the report.

The report stated that India's capital city saw a vehicle theft every 14 minutes, bringing about 105 cases each day in 2023.

However, it asserted that there was an improvement with the percentage of cases in Delhi plummeting from 56 per cent in 2022 to 37 per cent in 2023.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-elections-2024-tmc-releases-mamata-banerjees-hospital-pictures-after-major-head-injury-700148">Mamata Banerjee suffers 'major' head injury 'due to some push from behind'</a>

The report stated, “The capital continues to be the hub for vehicle theft in India, with 105 cases of vehicle theft reported every single day in 2023. To put that into perspective a vehicle is stolen every 14 minutes in the capital. However, its overall share of vehicle thefts in comparison to other cities in India has come down from 56 per cent to 37 per cent.”

The second on the list is Chennai which recorded a sharp rise in the number of incidents in 2023.

“Chennai on the other hand, has seen a sharp spike, with vehicle thefts doubling from 5% in 2022 to 10.5% in 2023,” said the report.

Bengaluru, which had grabbed the second spot on the charts in 2022, is third on the list.

However, in 2023, the city did record a spike at 10.2 per cent compared to 9 per cent in 2022.

“Bengaluru comes a close third at 10.2%, a marginal increase from 9% in 2022,” added the report.

The Indian cities that recorded the lowest number of thefts as per the report were Kolkata, Hyderabad and Mumbai.

(With inputs from agencies)

India witnessed a 2.5-fold increase in vehicle thefts in 2023 as compared to the year 2022, Acko Digital Insurance's ‘Theft & the City 2024’ report revealed. Surprisingly, the nation's capital topped the charts with almost 80 per cent of car thefts occurring in New Delhi.

India witnessed a 2.5-fold increase in vehicle thefts in 2023 as compared to the year 2022, Acko Digital Insurance's ‘Theft & the City 2024’ report revealed. Surprisingly, the nation's capital topped the charts with almost 80 per cent of car thefts occurring in New Delhi. “New Delhi continues to be the reigning city for vehicle thefts, with 80% of car thefts in India happening in New Delhi," stated the report. The report stated that India's capital city saw a vehicle theft every 14 minutes, bringing about 105 cases each day in 2023. However, it asserted that there was an improvement with the percentage of cases in Delhi plummeting from 56 per cent in 2022 to 37 per cent in 2023. Also read: Mamata Banerjee suffers 'major' head injury 'due to some push from behind' The report stated, “The capital continues to be the hub for vehicle theft in India, with 105 cases of vehicle theft reported every single day in 2023. To put that into perspective a vehicle is stolen every 14 minutes in the capital. However, its overall share of vehicle thefts in comparison to other cities in India has come down from 56 per cent to 37 per cent.” The second on the list is Chennai which recorded a sharp rise in the number of incidents in 2023. “Chennai on the other hand, has seen a sharp spike, with vehicle thefts doubling from 5% in 2022 to 10.5% in 2023,” said the report. Bengaluru, which had grabbed the second spot on the charts in 2022, is third on the list. However, in 2023, the city did record a spike at 10.2 per cent compared to 9 per cent in 2022. “Bengaluru comes a close third at 10.2%, a marginal increase from 9% in 2022,” added the report. The Indian cities that recorded the lowest number of thefts as per the report were Kolkata, Hyderabad and Mumbai. (With inputs from agencies)

India witnesses 2.5-fold increase in vehicle thefts in 2023, says report

Deloitte India's latest survey forecasts an average salary increase of 9 per cent for corporate executives in India in 2024, slightly lower than the 9.2 per cent projected in the last&nbsp;year. <o:p></o:p>

Despite this marginal dip, the projections suggest a positive trend compared to pre-Covid levels across most sectors, barring IT (Information Technology) and BPOs (Business Process Outsourcing).<o:p></o:p>

Deloitte India's report, titled 'Deloitte India Talent Outlook 2024,' indicates that junior management personnel might witness double-digit increments, reflecting a continued emphasis on performance-based remuneration. <o:p></o:p>

However, the report also highlights a potential challenge for top performers, with companies expected to be more stringent with their bell curves, potentially making it harder to secure top ratings.<o:p></o:p>

Anandorup Ghose, Partner and CHRO Programme Leader at Deloitte India, highlighted the importance of performance management strategies amid a backdrop of controlled attrition and core inflation. <o:p></o:p>

"With attrition and core inflation in check, organisations focus more on performance management strategies to protect and boost margins," Ghose said.<o:p></o:p>

While the overall average increment is anticipated to dip slightly, one in every three organisations plans to offer double-digit increments in 2024, the report indicated.<o:p></o:p>

Furthermore, the survey predicts a downward trend in promotions, with only 11.5 per cent of employees expected to be promoted, down from 12.3 per cent in the previous year.<o:p></o:p>

Regarding bonuses, the Deloitte survey suggests a positive outlook, with a potential for one out of every two companies to offer at-target or above-target bonuses in 2024. <o:p></o:p>

This optimism is fuelled by a reduction in attrition rates, which fell to 18.1 per cent in 2023 from 20.2 per cent in 2022, largely due to a slower hiring pace. <o:p></o:p>

Deloitte's report brings out the changing landscape of learning and development within organisations. <o:p></o:p>

It notes a shift towards a more scientific approach to upskilling the workforce, with the adoption of common skills frameworks to identify talent gaps. <o:p></o:p>

Despite this, the report highlights a challenge in updating these frameworks regularly to align with evolving business needs, indicating a gap between strategy and execution in many organisations.<o:p></o:p>

While most CXOs (Chief Experience Officers) have improved visibility of skill demand and supply across job roles, only 30 per cent of companies track and maintain this data, a modest increase from 19 per cent in the previous year. <o:p></o:p>

Additionally, there's a noted prioritisation of usage and cost efficiency over directly linking learning interventions to financial improvements, suggesting a potential area for further refinement in talent development strategies. <o:p></o:p>

Deloitte India's latest survey forecasts an average salary increase of 9 per cent for corporate executives in India in 2024, slightly lower than the 9.2 per cent projected in the last year.

Deloitte India's latest survey forecasts an average salary increase of 9 per cent for corporate executives in India in 2024, slightly lower than the 9.2 per cent projected in the last year. Despite this marginal dip, the projections suggest a positive trend compared to pre-Covid levels across most sectors, barring IT (Information Technology) and BPOs (Business Process Outsourcing). Deloitte India's report, titled 'Deloitte India Talent Outlook 2024,' indicates that junior management personnel might witness double-digit increments, reflecting a continued emphasis on performance-based remuneration. However, the report also highlights a potential challenge for top performers, with companies expected to be more stringent with their bell curves, potentially making it harder to secure top ratings. Anandorup Ghose, Partner and CHRO Programme Leader at Deloitte India, highlighted the importance of performance management strategies amid a backdrop of controlled attrition and core inflation. "With attrition and core inflation in check, organisations focus more on performance management strategies to protect and boost margins," Ghose said. While the overall average increment is anticipated to dip slightly, one in every three organisations plans to offer double-digit increments in 2024, the report indicated. Furthermore, the survey predicts a downward trend in promotions, with only 11.5 per cent of employees expected to be promoted, down from 12.3 per cent in the previous year. Regarding bonuses, the Deloitte survey suggests a positive outlook, with a potential for one out of every two companies to offer at-target or above-target bonuses in 2024. This optimism is fuelled by a reduction in attrition rates, which fell to 18.1 per cent in 2023 from 20.2 per cent in 2022, largely due to a slower hiring pace. Deloitte's report brings out the changing landscape of learning and development within organisations. It notes a shift towards a more scientific approach to upskilling the workforce, with the adoption of common skills frameworks to identify talent gaps. Despite this, the report highlights a challenge in updating these frameworks regularly to align with evolving business needs, indicating a gap between strategy and execution in many organisations. While most CXOs (Chief Experience Officers) have improved visibility of skill demand and supply across job roles, only 30 per cent of companies track and maintain this data, a modest increase from 19 per cent in the previous year. Additionally, there's a noted prioritisation of usage and cost efficiency over directly linking learning interventions to financial improvements, suggesting a potential area for further refinement in talent development strategies.

Corporate salary hike in India set to average 9 pc in 2024: Deloitte report

President Droupadi Murmu appointed Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu as the new Election Commissioners on Thursday (March 14).

The Ministry of Law and Justice, issued an official statement on Thursday that said, "In exercise of powers conferred by Section 4 of the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service, and Term of Office) Act, 2023 (Act No. 49 of 2023), the President is pleased to appoint Gyanesh Kumar, IAS (Retd.) and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, IAS (Retd.), as Election Commissioners in the Election Commission of India, with effect from the date they assume charge of their office."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
President Droupadi Murmu appoints Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu as Election Commissioners in the Election Commission of India. <a href="https://t.co/3sGwWiZG4F">pic.twitter.com/3sGwWiZG4F</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1768284772512469016?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

The notification came hours after Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said that two new election commissioners were chosen by a panel led by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The major development comes days after Arun Goel abruptly stepped down from the post last week, ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-elections-2024-indian-pm-led-panel-selects-two-poll-commissioners-699987">Gyanesh Kumar, Sukhbir Sandhu appointed India's new election commissioners</a>

<h2>Who is Sukhbir Singh Sandhu?</h2>

Former bureaucrat, Sandhu is a retired IAS officer of the Uttarakhand cadre 1988 batch.&nbsp;

Born in 1963, he was appointed as the chief secretary of Uttarakhand at the time when Pushkar Singh Dhami took over as the CM of the state in the year 2021. He retired from the post on January 31, 2024.

Sandhu is learnt to have overseen the ideation for the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code in the state.&nbsp;

An MBBS from the Amritsar Medical College, Sandhu has served as the chairperson of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and has also served as additional secretary, of the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Human Resource Development.&nbsp;

He holds a degree in law and also has a master's degree in history from Guru Nanak Dev University.

He has also authored papers on topics like 'Municipal Management and Capacity Building' and 'Urban Reforms'.

He was conferred with the President's Medal for his significant contributions during his tenure as Commissioner of the Municipal Corporation in Ludhiana.

(With inputs from agencies)

President Droupadi Murmu appointed Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu as the new Election Commissioners on Thursday (March 14). The Ministry of Law and Justice, issued an official statement on Thursday that said, "In exercise of powers conferred by Section 4 of the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service, and Term of Office) Act, 2023 (Act No.

President Droupadi Murmu appointed Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu as the new Election Commissioners on Thursday (March 14). The Ministry of Law and Justice, issued an official statement on Thursday that said, "In exercise of powers conferred by Section 4 of the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service, and Term of Office) Act, 2023 (Act No. 49 of 2023), the President is pleased to appoint Gyanesh Kumar, IAS (Retd.) and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, IAS (Retd.), as Election Commissioners in the Election Commission of India, with effect from the date they assume charge of their office." President Droupadi Murmu appoints Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu as Election Commissioners in the Election Commission of India. pic.twitter.com/3sGwWiZG4F — ANI (@ANI) March 14, 2024 × The notification came hours after Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said that two new election commissioners were chosen by a panel led by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The major development comes days after Arun Goel abruptly stepped down from the post last week, ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. Also read: Gyanesh Kumar, Sukhbir Sandhu appointed India's new election commissioners Who is Sukhbir Singh Sandhu? Former bureaucrat, Sandhu is a retired IAS officer of the Uttarakhand cadre 1988 batch. Born in 1963, he was appointed as the chief secretary of Uttarakhand at the time when Pushkar Singh Dhami took over as the CM of the state in the year 2021. He retired from the post on January 31, 2024. Sandhu is learnt to have overseen the ideation for the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code in the state. An MBBS from the Amritsar Medical College, Sandhu has served as the chairperson of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and has also served as additional secretary, of the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Human Resource Development. He holds a degree in law and also has a master's degree in history from Guru Nanak Dev University. He has also authored papers on topics like 'Municipal Management and Capacity Building' and 'Urban Reforms'. He was conferred with the President's Medal for his significant contributions during his tenure as Commissioner of the Municipal Corporation in Ludhiana. (With inputs from agencies)

Meet Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, India's new election commissioner

The United Nations' Human Development Index (HDI) report has revealed that India's average life expectancy reached 67.7 years in 2022, up from 62.7 years the previous year. Additionally, India's gross national income (GNI) per capita has surged to $6951, marking a 6.3 per cent increase over the span of 12 months.

The HDI report also noted a rise in expected years of schooling, reaching 12.6 per individual.

India attained an HDI score of 0.644 in 2022, positioning it at 134 out of 193 countries in the UN's 2023/24 report titled 'Breaking the Gridlock: Reimagining Cooperation in a Polarised World.' This categorises India under 'medium human development.'

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-average-income-projected-to-increase-by-70-to-4000-by-fy30-report-620888" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-average-income-projected-to-increase-by-70-to-4000-by-fy30-report-620888&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwio4Zz2hvSEAxXA_DgGHTWXDHUQFnoECAkQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw1A8WR9SSamUvl7wEPU_DTg&amp;arm=e" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-average-income-projected-to-increase-by-70-to-4000-by-fy30-report-620888" target="_blank">India's&nbsp;average income&nbsp;projected to increase by 70%</a>

Notably, India's HDI score for 2022 witnessed an increase following a decline in the previous year and a stagnant trend in preceding years. With India's HDI in 1990 standing at 0.434, the 2022 score reflects a positive change of 48.4 per cent.

HDI assesses average achievements in three fundamental dimensions of human development: long and healthy life, access to education and a decent standard of living.

Caitlin Wiesen, the United Nations Development Programme's country representative, commented on India's progress in human development, highlighting significant advancements since 1990.

Notable achievements include a 9.1-year increase in life expectancy at birth, a rise of 4.6 years in expected years of schooling, and an increase of 3.8 years in mean years of schooling.

Additionally, India's GNI per capita has seen substantial growth, approximately amounting to a 287 per cent increase.

Report on Gender Inequality

The report also noted India's strides in reducing gender inequality, highlighting a Gender Inequality Index (GII) of 0.437, surpassing the global average. On the GII list, which evaluates countries based on reproductive health, empowerment, and labor market participation, India ranks 108 out of 166 nations.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/indias-economic-ascent-projected-68-pc-growth-in-fy25-eyes-upper-middle-income-status-by-2031-697492" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/indias-economic-ascent-projected-68-pc-growth-in-fy25-eyes-upper-middle-income-status-by-2031-697492&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwio4Zz2hvSEAxXA_DgGHTWXDHUQFnoECAIQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw16cfD_tFO0pq1cpDOmajKc&amp;arm=e" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/indias-economic-ascent-projected-68-pc-growth-in-fy25-eyes-upper-middle-income-status-by-2031-697492" target="_blank">India's Economic Ascent: Projected to grow 6.8 pc in FY25</a>

India's performance in reproductive healthcare surpasses other countries in the 'medium HDI' category, with the adolescent birth rate in 2022 at 16.3 births per 1,000 women aged 15-19, an improvement from 17.1 in 2021. However, there remains a significant gap of 47.8% between men and women in labour force participation rates.

Caitlin Wiesen emphasised India's ongoing efforts to enhance citizens' quality of life, acknowledging progress while urging further advancements, particularly in women-led development. She emphasized the potential for socio-economic progress and a more equitable future through renewed focus.

The government attributes these improvements to a decisive agenda aimed at empowering women through policy initiatives geared toward long-term socio-economic and political development. The Ministry of Women and Child Development highlighted initiatives spanning women's lifecycles, including those focused on education, skill development, entrepreneurship, and workplace safety.

Global HDI Values

For the second consecutive year, global Human Development Index (HDI) values have declined, marking a first-time occurrence. The United Nations has raised concerns over the widening disparity between affluent and impoverished nations, attributing this crisis to the persistent impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-outpaced-india-on-per-capita-income-386455" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-outpaced-india-on-per-capita-income-386455&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwio4Zz2hvSEAxXA_DgGHTWXDHUQFnoECAMQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw2ZzkkvZG2Tv_oRmNN8M8Ya&amp;arm=e" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-outpaced-india-on-per-capita-income-386455" target="_blank">Bangladesh outpaced India on&nbsp;per capita income</a>

"Prior to the crisis, the world was on a trajectory to achieve an average 'very high' HDI by 2030, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) deadline. However, we are now deviating from that path, with every region falling short of its pre-2019 projections," the report stated.

In essence, the anticipated levels of human development by this time have not been reached due to COVID-19, and the subsequent 'partial' recovery is exacerbating inequality, leaving the most vulnerable populations behind and fueling global political polarisation.

(With inputs from agencies)

The United Nations' Human Development Index (HDI) report has revealed that India's average life expectancy reached 67.7 years in 2022, up from 62.7 years the previous year.

The United Nations' Human Development Index (HDI) report has revealed that India's average life expectancy reached 67.7 years in 2022, up from 62.7 years the previous year. Additionally, India's gross national income (GNI) per capita has surged to $6951, marking a 6.3 per cent increase over the span of 12 months. The HDI report also noted a rise in expected years of schooling, reaching 12.6 per individual. India attained an HDI score of 0.644 in 2022, positioning it at 134 out of 193 countries in the UN's 2023/24 report titled 'Breaking the Gridlock: Reimagining Cooperation in a Polarised World.' This categorises India under 'medium human development.' Also read: India's average income projected to increase by 70% Notably, India's HDI score for 2022 witnessed an increase following a decline in the previous year and a stagnant trend in preceding years. With India's HDI in 1990 standing at 0.434, the 2022 score reflects a positive change of 48.4 per cent. HDI assesses average achievements in three fundamental dimensions of human development: long and healthy life, access to education and a decent standard of living. Caitlin Wiesen, the United Nations Development Programme's country representative, commented on India's progress in human development, highlighting significant advancements since 1990. Notable achievements include a 9.1-year increase in life expectancy at birth, a rise of 4.6 years in expected years of schooling, and an increase of 3.8 years in mean years of schooling. Additionally, India's GNI per capita has seen substantial growth, approximately amounting to a 287 per cent increase. Report on Gender Inequality The report also noted India's strides in reducing gender inequality, highlighting a Gender Inequality Index (GII) of 0.437, surpassing the global average. On the GII list, which evaluates countries based on reproductive health, empowerment, and labor market participation, India ranks 108 out of 166 nations. Also read: India's Economic Ascent: Projected to grow 6.8 pc in FY25 India's performance in reproductive healthcare surpasses other countries in the 'medium HDI' category, with the adolescent birth rate in 2022 at 16.3 births per 1,000 women aged 15-19, an improvement from 17.1 in 2021. However, there remains a significant gap of 47.8% between men and women in labour force participation rates. Caitlin Wiesen emphasised India's ongoing efforts to enhance citizens' quality of life, acknowledging progress while urging further advancements, particularly in women-led development. She emphasized the potential for socio-economic progress and a more equitable future through renewed focus. The government attributes these improvements to a decisive agenda aimed at empowering women through policy initiatives geared toward long-term socio-economic and political development. The Ministry of Women and Child Development highlighted initiatives spanning women's lifecycles, including those focused on education, skill development, entrepreneurship, and workplace safety. Global HDI Values For the second consecutive year, global Human Development Index (HDI) values have declined, marking a first-time occurrence. The United Nations has raised concerns over the widening disparity between affluent and impoverished nations, attributing this crisis to the persistent impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Also read: Bangladesh outpaced India on per capita income "Prior to the crisis, the world was on a trajectory to achieve an average 'very high' HDI by 2030, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) deadline. However, we are now deviating from that path, with every region falling short of its pre-2019 projections," the report stated. In essence, the anticipated levels of human development by this time have not been reached due to COVID-19, and the subsequent 'partial' recovery is exacerbating inequality, leaving the most vulnerable populations behind and fueling global political polarisation. (With inputs from agencies)

UN applauds India's increase in life expectancy and per capita income

Echoing the vibrancy of India's economic boom during the mid-2000s, a recent report by Morgan Stanley highlights striking parallels between then and now, attributing the current surge to a strong investment trajectory. <o:p></o:p>

Economists at Morgan Stanley highlight the resemblance between India's current growth cycle and the period from 2003 to 2007, characterised by an investment-driven expansion that propelled the economy to impressive heights.<o:p></o:p>

The report indicates the vital role of investment as a primary driver of India's economic resurgence, mirroring the trajectory witnessed during the mid-2000s. <o:p></o:p>

Notably, India's gross fixed capital formation has surged, signalling a sustained upswing in investment activity after a decade-long decline. <o:p></o:p>

The investment ratio, which plummeted to 28 per cent in 2021, is projected to climb to 36 per cent by 2027, indicating the buoyancy of India's economic landscape.<o:p></o:p>

According to Bloomberg, Morgan Stanley economists project a promising trajectory for India's investment cycle, brought by the prospects of robust capital expenditure, burgeoning exports, and enhanced macroeconomic stability. <o:p></o:p>

Despite concerns about sustainability, the report posits that India's current growth trajectory exhibits resilience, with ample scope for further expansion driven by private sector participation and rising exports. <o:p></o:p>

India's status as the world's fastest-growing major economy is strengthened by its investment-led growth narrative, as highlighted by top economic advisers. <o:p></o:p>

Anticipating sustained capital formation, economists foresee India's economy expanding by over 7 per cent in the fiscal year commencing in April, fostering optimism amidst evolving global economic dynamics.<o:p></o:p>

The surge in investment activity has not only bolstered economic fundamentals but has also catalysed significant market movements. <o:p></o:p>

Key indices such as the S&amp;P BSE Industrials Index have witnessed substantial gains, reflecting investor confidence in India's burgeoning industrial landscape.<o:p></o:p>

Amidst growing investor optimism, the collective market value of industrial players has surged, signalling robust growth prospects in key sectors.<o:p></o:p>

While India's current economic trajectory bears semblance to the resplendent growth witnessed in the mid-2000s, analysts have also issued caution against potential impediments that could impede the growth momentum. <o:p></o:p>

Labour shortages and logistical bottlenecks pose challenges to sustaining the growth cycle, warranting proactive measures to address emerging constraints. <o:p></o:p>

Nonetheless, Morgan Stanley remains optimistic about India's macroeconomic outlook, citing the enduring resilience of the investment-driven growth model.<o:p></o:p>

(With inputs from Bloomberg)<o:p></o:p>

Echoing the vibrancy of India's economic boom during the mid-2000s, a recent report by Morgan Stanley highlights striking parallels between then and now, attributing the current surge to a strong investment trajectory.

Echoing the vibrancy of India's economic boom during the mid-2000s, a recent report by Morgan Stanley highlights striking parallels between then and now, attributing the current surge to a strong investment trajectory. Economists at Morgan Stanley highlight the resemblance between India's current growth cycle and the period from 2003 to 2007, characterised by an investment-driven expansion that propelled the economy to impressive heights. The report indicates the vital role of investment as a primary driver of India's economic resurgence, mirroring the trajectory witnessed during the mid-2000s. Notably, India's gross fixed capital formation has surged, signalling a sustained upswing in investment activity after a decade-long decline. The investment ratio, which plummeted to 28 per cent in 2021, is projected to climb to 36 per cent by 2027, indicating the buoyancy of India's economic landscape. According to Bloomberg, Morgan Stanley economists project a promising trajectory for India's investment cycle, brought by the prospects of robust capital expenditure, burgeoning exports, and enhanced macroeconomic stability. Despite concerns about sustainability, the report posits that India's current growth trajectory exhibits resilience, with ample scope for further expansion driven by private sector participation and rising exports. India's status as the world's fastest-growing major economy is strengthened by its investment-led growth narrative, as highlighted by top economic advisers. Anticipating sustained capital formation, economists foresee India's economy expanding by over 7 per cent in the fiscal year commencing in April, fostering optimism amidst evolving global economic dynamics. The surge in investment activity has not only bolstered economic fundamentals but has also catalysed significant market movements. Key indices such as the S&P BSE Industrials Index have witnessed substantial gains, reflecting investor confidence in India's burgeoning industrial landscape. Amidst growing investor optimism, the collective market value of industrial players has surged, signalling robust growth prospects in key sectors. While India's current economic trajectory bears semblance to the resplendent growth witnessed in the mid-2000s, analysts have also issued caution against potential impediments that could impede the growth momentum. Labour shortages and logistical bottlenecks pose challenges to sustaining the growth cycle, warranting proactive measures to address emerging constraints. Nonetheless, Morgan Stanley remains optimistic about India's macroeconomic outlook, citing the enduring resilience of the investment-driven growth model. (With inputs from Bloomberg)

India's economic surge echoes mid-2000s boom, says Morgan Stanley report

The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir will have over three lakh first-time voters in the coming Parliamentary and Assembly Polls. The Chief Election Commissioner of India said that three lakh forty thousand first-time voters will be eligible to cast their votes in the upcoming elections in Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;

The Election Commission said that around 86.9 lakh voters including 44.34 lakh men and 42.55 lakh women are registered in Jammu and Kashmir. The number also included 67,400 persons with disabilities and 158 transgenders. There will be 11,629 polling stations with an average of 747 voters per polling station to be set up in the Union Territory. The Election Commission said that 77,290 voters are above 85 years of age which includes 2,886 being over&nbsp;100 years.

The first-time voters in the Valley are extremely excited about casting their votes the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/caa-law-will-never-be-taken-back-by-indias-government-says-home-minister-amit-shah-699882">CAA law will never be taken back by India's government, says home minister</a>

''I am extremely happy to be able to cast my vote for the first time in a democracy like India. I feel fortunate enough that It will be my first time to cast the vote. I will definitely cast my vote in favour of my favourite candidate. We are looking for the best candidate. I want peace and progress and that will be my basis for voting for a certain candidate, '' said Athar Parvaiz, a first-time voter.&nbsp;

Among the 3.4 lakh first-time voters, around 1.35 lakh are female first-time voters. The Election Commission also said that the electoral gender ratio of women voters has gone up as well. The number has increased from 945 in 2019 to 954 in 2024. Most of these young first-time voters are focusing&nbsp;on candidates who assure them of overall development.&nbsp;

''I know the process of Elections and I am very excited to cast my vote for the first time. The constitution allows us to vote, and it brings me happiness that I am 20 years old and I can choose my representative myself. Everyone needs to think before voting. They should be the reason for which you are voting for a certain candidate. I will vote for a candidate on the basis of development and in the interest of the whole society, '' said Ilyas Ahmad, a first-time Voter.&nbsp;

The Election Commission website has&nbsp;also helped a lot of youngsters across the Union territory to know about the election system and voting. They are aware of their democratic rights and want to vote on the basis of development and education.&nbsp;

''India is a multiparty system. Jammu and Kashmir does not have a huge population but has diverse and multiple political parties. People have a vast variety of political parties to choose from. The government has been organising a lot of workshops with regard to awareness among the young. We have all the information about who can vote and who can contest elections. I am very excited that it's my first time to vote. I will choose my candidate for just development., '' said Saqib Hamid.&nbsp;

Jammu and Kashmir will witness Assembly as well as Parliamentary elections this year. The Political parties across the Union Territory have asked for simultaneous elections but the Election Commission is yet to decide on that.

The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir will have over three lakh first-time voters in the coming Parliamentary and Assembly Polls. The Chief Election Commissioner of India said that three lakh forty thousand first-time voters will be eligible to cast their votes in the upcoming elections in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir will have over three lakh first-time voters in the coming Parliamentary and Assembly Polls. The Chief Election Commissioner of India said that three lakh forty thousand first-time voters will be eligible to cast their votes in the upcoming elections in Jammu and Kashmir. The Election Commission said that around 86.9 lakh voters including 44.34 lakh men and 42.55 lakh women are registered in Jammu and Kashmir. The number also included 67,400 persons with disabilities and 158 transgenders. There will be 11,629 polling stations with an average of 747 voters per polling station to be set up in the Union Territory. The Election Commission said that 77,290 voters are above 85 years of age which includes 2,886 being over 100 years. The first-time voters in the Valley are extremely excited about casting their votes the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Also read: CAA law will never be taken back by India's government, says home minister ''I am extremely happy to be able to cast my vote for the first time in a democracy like India. I feel fortunate enough that It will be my first time to cast the vote. I will definitely cast my vote in favour of my favourite candidate. We are looking for the best candidate. I want peace and progress and that will be my basis for voting for a certain candidate, '' said Athar Parvaiz, a first-time voter. Among the 3.4 lakh first-time voters, around 1.35 lakh are female first-time voters. The Election Commission also said that the electoral gender ratio of women voters has gone up as well. The number has increased from 945 in 2019 to 954 in 2024. Most of these young first-time voters are focusing on candidates who assure them of overall development. ''I know the process of Elections and I am very excited to cast my vote for the first time. The constitution allows us to vote, and it brings me happiness that I am 20 years old and I can choose my representative myself. Everyone needs to think before voting. They should be the reason for which you are voting for a certain candidate. I will vote for a candidate on the basis of development and in the interest of the whole society, '' said Ilyas Ahmad, a first-time Voter. The Election Commission website has also helped a lot of youngsters across the Union territory to know about the election system and voting. They are aware of their democratic rights and want to vote on the basis of development and education. ''India is a multiparty system. Jammu and Kashmir does not have a huge population but has diverse and multiple political parties. People have a vast variety of political parties to choose from. The government has been organising a lot of workshops with regard to awareness among the young. We have all the information about who can vote and who can contest elections. I am very excited that it's my first time to vote. I will choose my candidate for just development., '' said Saqib Hamid. Jammu and Kashmir will witness Assembly as well as Parliamentary elections this year. The Political parties across the Union Territory have asked for simultaneous elections but the Election Commission is yet to decide on that.

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Jammu and Kashmir to have over 3.4 lakh first-time voters

An Ivory Coast footballer has alleged that he was subjected to racial slurs and a mob attack at a football ground in the Malappuram district of the southern Indian state of Kerala.

An Ivory Coast footballer has alleged that he was subjected to racial slurs and a mob attack at a football ground in the Malappuram district of the southern Indian state of Kerala. The footballer, identified as Dairrassouba Hassane Junior, alleged in the police complaint that the incident took place on March 10 in Areekode, a village in the district where he had arrived to play in a Sevens Football tournament. Sevens Football is a renowned sporting event in the state where matches are held in packed local stadiums, usually between November and May. Junior was representing Jawahar Mavoor club and the tournament was organised by a local association called Town Team Chemrakkattur. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Football News India (@football_news_india) × Junior said the attack started when he went to the corner flag to take the kick while his team was leading in the match. “Our team got a corner kick when my team was leading by a goal. I went near the corner flag for taking the kick, and the natives and the audience called me a monkey. One among the audience threw a stone at me and it hit my head," said Junior in the complaint. "When I turned back, two more stones were hurled at me and they started screaming at me. Those people who threw stones at me were saying f**k African monkey, black cat.” Also read | FIFA chief calls for automatic forfeit of games for teams whose fans get involved in racism during games A video of the incident has gone viral on social media and shows Junor being assaulted by the mob. According to reports, if it wasn't for the intervention of a few players who took Junior to safety, the consequences could have been severe. "They hit me brutally. I escaped after supporters of my team intervened and stopped them,’’ said Junior in the complaint. Notably, such incidents of violence are extremely common in the amateur football landscape of Kerala. Last year, a football tournament in the state's Kozhikode district turned ugly after a massive brawl erupted between players of the two teams over a foul. (With inputs from agencies)

African footballer allegedly racially abused and beaten by mob in India - Video

The Government of India on Tuesday (Mar 12) slammed a Harvard study which claimed that 6.7 million (67 lakh) children in India are "zero food". The Indian Union Ministry of Women and Child Development denouncing the report labelled it a "deliberate and malicious" attempt by "interested lobbies to sensationalise fake news".

<h2>The Harvard study</h2>

Published in February in the journal JAMA Network, the Harvard study claims that 19.3 per cent of children in India are "zero-food children".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-still-worlds-largest-arms-importer-with-russia-being-top-supplier-699242">India still world’s largest arms importer with Russia being its top supplier: Report</a>

The study evaluates 92 low- and middle-income countries. With 19.3 per cent of its population, the study ranks India at the third position behind Guinea (21.8 per cent of its children) and Mali (20.5 per cent of its children).&nbsp;

However, it claims that "India accounted for almost half of zero-food children in this study," and that in terms of quantity, the nation has the highest number at six million.

<h2>What are "zero-food children"?</h2>

The study describes the term "zero-food children" as "children who did not consume any animal milk, formula, or solid or semi-solid food during the last 24 hours."

<h2>What the Indian ministry said</h2>

Slamming the report, the Indian Union Ministry of Women and Child Development said: "The JAMA article does not acknowledge the importance of breast milk for infants who are more than six months old and has instead looked at only the feeding of such infants with animal milk/formula, solids or semi-solids, etc."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-starts-withdrawing-troops-from-maldives-as-ties-with-male-remain-tense-699349">India starts withdrawing troops from Maldives as ties with Male remain tense</a>

"It is surprising that the Article excludes breast milk from the definition of food for infants who are six to twenty-three months old. Out of the so-called 19.3 per cent Zero Food Children referred to by the study, 17.8 per cent had received breast milk and only 1.5 per cent children have been claimed as non-breast fed."

"Out of approximately 13.7 crore children in the age group of 6 months to 6 years in India, 8.9 crore are registered at Anganwadi Centres and 95 per cent of them are Aadhaar verified on the Poshan Tracker. As per data of the Poshan Tracker, only about 6.26 per cent are found to be wasted and only 1.9 per cent are severely malnourished," added the statement.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Government of India on Tuesday (Mar 12) slammed a Harvard study which claimed that 6.7 million (67 lakh) children in India are "zero food". The Indian Union Ministry of Women and Child Development denouncing the report labelled it a "deliberate and malicious" attempt by "interested lobbies to sensationalise fake news".

The Government of India on Tuesday (Mar 12) slammed a Harvard study which claimed that 6.7 million (67 lakh) children in India are "zero food". The Indian Union Ministry of Women and Child Development denouncing the report labelled it a "deliberate and malicious" attempt by "interested lobbies to sensationalise fake news". The Harvard study Published in February in the journal JAMA Network, the Harvard study claims that 19.3 per cent of children in India are "zero-food children". Also read | India still world’s largest arms importer with Russia being its top supplier: Report The study evaluates 92 low- and middle-income countries. With 19.3 per cent of its population, the study ranks India at the third position behind Guinea (21.8 per cent of its children) and Mali (20.5 per cent of its children). However, it claims that "India accounted for almost half of zero-food children in this study," and that in terms of quantity, the nation has the highest number at six million. What are "zero-food children"? The study describes the term "zero-food children" as "children who did not consume any animal milk, formula, or solid or semi-solid food during the last 24 hours." What the Indian ministry said Slamming the report, the Indian Union Ministry of Women and Child Development said: "The JAMA article does not acknowledge the importance of breast milk for infants who are more than six months old and has instead looked at only the feeding of such infants with animal milk/formula, solids or semi-solids, etc." Also read | India starts withdrawing troops from Maldives as ties with Male remain tense "It is surprising that the Article excludes breast milk from the definition of food for infants who are six to twenty-three months old. Out of the so-called 19.3 per cent Zero Food Children referred to by the study, 17.8 per cent had received breast milk and only 1.5 per cent children have been claimed as non-breast fed." "Out of approximately 13.7 crore children in the age group of 6 months to 6 years in India, 8.9 crore are registered at Anganwadi Centres and 95 per cent of them are Aadhaar verified on the Poshan Tracker. As per data of the Poshan Tracker, only about 6.26 per cent are found to be wasted and only 1.9 per cent are severely malnourished," added the statement. (With inputs from agencies)

'Deliberate and malicious': India slams Harvard study on so-called 'zero-food children'

Following the Supreme Court's directives, the State Bank of India (SBI) has provided detailed information regarding the purchase and redemption of electoral bonds to the Election Commission of India (ECI).

The submission, made in response to the apex court's orders, includes crucial details such as the names of bond purchasers, dates of purchase, denominations, as well as information on political parties redeeming the bonds.

A report by the Indian Express cited an affidavit submitted by the SBI chairman.

Based on that, the bank has meticulously documented the transactional data concerning electoral bonds, ensuring compliance with the court's directives.

The information encompassed records of bond purchases and redemptions spanning from April 12, 2019, to February 15, 2024.

However, an oversight led to the inclusion of bonds purchased from April 1, 2019, in the data set, resulting in a total of 22,217 bonds being accounted for during this period.

This comprehensive dataset was handed over to the ECI in a password-protected format.

Despite the thorough submission, questions loom over the omission of the unique alphanumeric code associated with each electoral bond.

This code, plays a crucial role in mapping bond purchases to the political parties redeeming them.

The absence of this code raises concerns regarding transparency and accountability in electoral funding, as it inhibits the tracing of specific donations to their recipients.

The bank's explanation, citing the complexity of matching donor and redemption details stored in separate silos, fails to assuage these concerns.

In response to the SBI's submissions, the Supreme Court reiterated the importance of transparency and plain disclosure, emphasising that the ground for seeking an extension to disclose information does not align with the court's directives.

Chief Justice DY Chandrachud's remarks underscored the necessity for straightforward compliance with the court's orders, highlighting the significance of adhering to legal mandates in matters of electoral transparency.

Meanwhile, the Election Commission of India is set to embark on the task of compiling and publishing the electoral bonds data provided by the SBI.

This process, expected to be completed by March 15, will involve scrutinising the data to ensure its accuracy before making it publicly accessible on the commission's website.

<o:p></o:p>

Following the Supreme Court's directives, the State Bank of India (SBI) has provided detailed information regarding the purchase and redemption of electoral bonds to the Election Commission of India (ECI).

Following the Supreme Court's directives, the State Bank of India (SBI) has provided detailed information regarding the purchase and redemption of electoral bonds to the Election Commission of India (ECI). The submission, made in response to the apex court's orders, includes crucial details such as the names of bond purchasers, dates of purchase, denominations, as well as information on political parties redeeming the bonds. A report by the Indian Express cited an affidavit submitted by the SBI chairman. Based on that, the bank has meticulously documented the transactional data concerning electoral bonds, ensuring compliance with the court's directives. The information encompassed records of bond purchases and redemptions spanning from April 12, 2019, to February 15, 2024. However, an oversight led to the inclusion of bonds purchased from April 1, 2019, in the data set, resulting in a total of 22,217 bonds being accounted for during this period. This comprehensive dataset was handed over to the ECI in a password-protected format. Despite the thorough submission, questions loom over the omission of the unique alphanumeric code associated with each electoral bond. This code, plays a crucial role in mapping bond purchases to the political parties redeeming them. The absence of this code raises concerns regarding transparency and accountability in electoral funding, as it inhibits the tracing of specific donations to their recipients. The bank's explanation, citing the complexity of matching donor and redemption details stored in separate silos, fails to assuage these concerns. In response to the SBI's submissions, the Supreme Court reiterated the importance of transparency and plain disclosure, emphasising that the ground for seeking an extension to disclose information does not align with the court's directives. Chief Justice DY Chandrachud's remarks underscored the necessity for straightforward compliance with the court's orders, highlighting the significance of adhering to legal mandates in matters of electoral transparency. Meanwhile, the Election Commission of India is set to embark on the task of compiling and publishing the electoral bonds data provided by the SBI. This process, expected to be completed by March 15, will involve scrutinising the data to ensure its accuracy before making it publicly accessible on the commission's website.

SBI complies with Supreme Court order, submits electoral bonds data to ECI

Jet Airways sees a glimmer of hope as the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) directs the transfer of the bankrupt airline's ownership to the Jalan Kalrock Consortium (JKC) within 90 days, The Economic Times reported on Tuesday.<o:p></o:p>

Upholding the resolution plan, the tribunal mandates JKC to obtain an air operator's certificate within the same period.<o:p></o:p>

According to the appellate tribunal, the Performance Bank Guarantee of Rs 150 crore will be adjusted towards the first tranche payment of Rs 350 crore.<o:p></o:p>

&nbsp;JKC, having already deposited Rs 200 crore in two tranches, is now required to complete the payment process as part of the ownership handover.<o:p></o:p>

The resolution plan approval by NCLT in January 2023 set the stage for Jet Airways' potential revival under the Jalan-Kalrock consortium, marking a significant milestone for the grounded airline. <o:p></o:p>

The consortium, led by Murari Lal Jalan and Florian Fritsch, aims to bring Jet Airways back to the skies after its grounding in 2019.<o:p></o:p>

Jet Airways' lenders are urged by the NCLAT to create security on three Dubai-situated immovable properties within 30 days.<o:p></o:p>

The security will be adjusted against the Performance Bank Guarantee of Rs 150 crore, aiding JKC in completing its first tranche payment.<o:p></o:p>

Meanwhile, a report by Mint said that lenders plan to challenge the NCLAT order in the Supreme Court, citing concerns about JKC's compliance with various conditions necessary for Jet Airways' takeover.<o:p></o:p>

According to lenders, JKC's alleged non-compliance with conditions such as obtaining an air operator certificate and clearing dues raises significant concerns about the viability of Jet Airways' revival. <o:p></o:p>

The source of the funds deposited by JKC, especially in light of investigations into Florian Fritsch for fraud and money laundering offenses, further complicates the situation.<o:p></o:p>

Jet Airways sees a glimmer of hope as the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) directs the transfer of the bankrupt airline's ownership to the Jalan Kalrock Consortium (JKC) within 90 days, The Economic Times reported on Tuesday.

Jet Airways sees a glimmer of hope as the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) directs the transfer of the bankrupt airline's ownership to the Jalan Kalrock Consortium (JKC) within 90 days, The Economic Times reported on Tuesday. Upholding the resolution plan, the tribunal mandates JKC to obtain an air operator's certificate within the same period. According to the appellate tribunal, the Performance Bank Guarantee of Rs 150 crore will be adjusted towards the first tranche payment of Rs 350 crore. JKC, having already deposited Rs 200 crore in two tranches, is now required to complete the payment process as part of the ownership handover. The resolution plan approval by NCLT in January 2023 set the stage for Jet Airways' potential revival under the Jalan-Kalrock consortium, marking a significant milestone for the grounded airline. The consortium, led by Murari Lal Jalan and Florian Fritsch, aims to bring Jet Airways back to the skies after its grounding in 2019. Jet Airways' lenders are urged by the NCLAT to create security on three Dubai-situated immovable properties within 30 days. The security will be adjusted against the Performance Bank Guarantee of Rs 150 crore, aiding JKC in completing its first tranche payment. Meanwhile, a report by Mint said that lenders plan to challenge the NCLAT order in the Supreme Court, citing concerns about JKC's compliance with various conditions necessary for Jet Airways' takeover. According to lenders, JKC's alleged non-compliance with conditions such as obtaining an air operator certificate and clearing dues raises significant concerns about the viability of Jet Airways' revival. The source of the funds deposited by JKC, especially in light of investigations into Florian Fritsch for fraud and money laundering offenses, further complicates the situation.

NCLAT upholds Jet Airways' transfer to Jalan Kalrock Consortium, revival in sight

India has sealed a significant trade and economic partnership with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), comprising Switzerland, Norway, Liechtenstein, and Iceland. <o:p></o:p>

This landmark agreement, signed on Sunday, involves a binding commitment of $100 billion in investments over the next 15 years. <o:p></o:p>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the pact as a gateway to increased collaboration with EFTA nations, known for their global leadership in innovation and research.<o:p></o:p>

Investment commitment and economic impact<o:p></o:p>

Under the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA), EFTA has pledged to bolster foreign direct investments (FDI) in India by $100 billion over the next 15 years. <o:p></o:p>

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal highlighted the significance of this modern and ambitious trade agreement, marking India's first Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with four developed nations. <o:p></o:p>

The pact is poised to enhance economic ties between India and the European bloc, fostering mutual growth and job creation.<o:p></o:p>

Sectoral impact and tariff concessions<o:p></o:p>

According to a report by the Economic Times (ET), the agreement entails substantial tariff concessions, benefiting various sectors such as watch making, chocolates, and machinery. <o:p></o:p>

Swiss imports, including watches and chocolates are set to enjoy duty-free imports after a phased elimination period.<o:p></o:p>

Currently, custom duties apply to 95.3 per cent of Swiss imports.

A Reuters repot cited Guy Parmelin, a Swiss economic representative, who highlighted the vast potential for trade and investment in the Indian market.

He noted that the agreement was the culmination of 21 negotiation rounds. India ranks as the fifth-largest trading partner of the EFTA grouping, following the European Union, the United States, Britain, and China.

The estimated total bilateral trade between India and the EFTA amounted to $25 billion in 2023, according to the trade ministry.

The Swiss government described the agreement as including a thorough and enforceable section addressing trade and sustainable development.<o:p></o:p>

Apart from that, the pact is expected to facilitate cheaper imports of machinery, enhancing India's industrial capabilities. <o:p></o:p>

Additionally, concessions on processed agricultural products (PAP) from India are anticipated to further stimulate trade.<o:p></o:p>

Emphasis on services and visa commitments<o:p></o:p>

Services form a crucial aspect of the agreement, with both India and EFTA extending concessions in various sub-sectors such as accounting, auditing, and legal services. <o:p></o:p>

Notably, EFTA's commitments in audio-visual services, including gaming and animation, hold significant promise for India's burgeoning service sector. <o:p></o:p>

Moreover, India has secured commitments regarding visa regulations, ensuring smoother mobility for categories such as intra-corporate transferees and contractual service suppliers.<o:p></o:p>

Industry response and export opportunities<o:p></o:p>

Industry leaders have welcomed the pact, citing its potential to boost India's export potential and create employment opportunities. <o:p></o:p>

ET cited Chandrajit Banerjee, the Director General of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), who highlighted the historic $100 billion investment commitment from EFTA, indicating its potential to stimulate economic growth.<o:p></o:p>

Improved market access for Indian goods in EFTA markets is expected to expand export avenues, further enhancing India's global trade footprint.<o:p></o:p>

(With inputs from Reuters)<o:p></o:p>

India has sealed a significant trade and economic partnership with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), comprising Switzerland, Norway, Liechtenstein, and Iceland.

India has sealed a significant trade and economic partnership with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), comprising Switzerland, Norway, Liechtenstein, and Iceland. This landmark agreement, signed on Sunday, involves a binding commitment of $100 billion in investments over the next 15 years. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the pact as a gateway to increased collaboration with EFTA nations, known for their global leadership in innovation and research. Investment commitment and economic impact Under the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA), EFTA has pledged to bolster foreign direct investments (FDI) in India by $100 billion over the next 15 years. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal highlighted the significance of this modern and ambitious trade agreement, marking India's first Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with four developed nations. The pact is poised to enhance economic ties between India and the European bloc, fostering mutual growth and job creation. Sectoral impact and tariff concessions According to a report by the Economic Times (ET), the agreement entails substantial tariff concessions, benefiting various sectors such as watch making, chocolates, and machinery. Swiss imports, including watches and chocolates are set to enjoy duty-free imports after a phased elimination period. Currently, custom duties apply to 95.3 per cent of Swiss imports. A Reuters repot cited Guy Parmelin, a Swiss economic representative, who highlighted the vast potential for trade and investment in the Indian market. He noted that the agreement was the culmination of 21 negotiation rounds. India ranks as the fifth-largest trading partner of the EFTA grouping, following the European Union, the United States, Britain, and China. The estimated total bilateral trade between India and the EFTA amounted to $25 billion in 2023, according to the trade ministry. The Swiss government described the agreement as including a thorough and enforceable section addressing trade and sustainable development. Apart from that, the pact is expected to facilitate cheaper imports of machinery, enhancing India's industrial capabilities. Additionally, concessions on processed agricultural products (PAP) from India are anticipated to further stimulate trade. Emphasis on services and visa commitments Services form a crucial aspect of the agreement, with both India and EFTA extending concessions in various sub-sectors such as accounting, auditing, and legal services. Notably, EFTA's commitments in audio-visual services, including gaming and animation, hold significant promise for India's burgeoning service sector. Moreover, India has secured commitments regarding visa regulations, ensuring smoother mobility for categories such as intra-corporate transferees and contractual service suppliers. Industry response and export opportunities Industry leaders have welcomed the pact, citing its potential to boost India's export potential and create employment opportunities. ET cited Chandrajit Banerjee, the Director General of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), who highlighted the historic $100 billion investment commitment from EFTA, indicating its potential to stimulate economic growth. Improved market access for Indian goods in EFTA markets is expected to expand export avenues, further enhancing India's global trade footprint. (With inputs from Reuters)

India secures $100 billion investment commitment in landmark trade pact with EFTA

India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday (March 8) said that several Indian nationals were "duped" to work with the Russian Army adding that the government has taken strong action on the matter and has urged Moscow for their early release.

The MEA further said that the government has also initiated action against the agents who recruited the Indian nationals on false pretexts.

"Several Indian Nationals have been duped to work with the Russian Army. We have strongly taken up the matter with the Russian government for the early discharge of such Indian nationals. Strong action has been initiated against agents and unscrupulous elements who recruited them on false pretexts and promises," MEA spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal said.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, "Several Indian nationals have been duped to work in the Russian army. We have strongly taken up the matter for the early discharge of such Indian nationals. Strong action has been initiated against agents who recruited them on… <a href="https://t.co/4o9Puxxm9Y">pic.twitter.com/4o9Puxxm9Y</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1766051698257051830?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

He mentioned that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) conducted searches in various cities and after gathering incriminating evidence, busted a major human trafficking network.

Jaiswal additionally confirmed that a case of human trafficking was registered against several agents who were involved in the unlawful hiring.

"The CBI yesterday busted a major human trafficking network, conducting searches in several cities and collecting incriminating evidence. A case of human trafficking has been registered against several agents," the spokesperson said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bengalurus-rameshwaram-cafe-blast-trail-of-suspect-revealed-as-nia-takes-four-into-custody-report-697910">Bengaluru's Rameshwaram cafe blast: Trail of suspect revealed as NIA takes 4 into custody: Report</a>

He then expressed concerns for the well-being of the ones affected and appealed to Indian nationals, "to not be swayed by offers made by agents for support jobs with the Russian Army".

"We remain committed to the early release of our nationals serving as support staff with the Russian Army and their eventual return home," assured Jaiswal.

<h2>Twenty individuals reach out to MEA for help</h2>

Twenty individuals he said had reached out to MEA seeking help and the government was making efforts to trace their location and provide assistance.

He added that the MEA is in constant contact with Russian authorities, advocating for the quick release and discharge of the duped Indian nationals, he further stated.

The CBI on Thursday (March 7) busted a major human trafficking network that was running across the country where agents targetted Indian nationals and sent them to the Russia-Ukraine war zone in the pretext of lucrative jobs abroad.

(With inputs from agencies)

India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday (March 8) said that several Indian nationals were "duped" to work with the Russian Army adding that the government has taken strong action on the matter and has urged Moscow for their early release.

India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday (March 8) said that several Indian nationals were "duped" to work with the Russian Army adding that the government has taken strong action on the matter and has urged Moscow for their early release. The MEA further said that the government has also initiated action against the agents who recruited the Indian nationals on false pretexts. "Several Indian Nationals have been duped to work with the Russian Army. We have strongly taken up the matter with the Russian government for the early discharge of such Indian nationals. Strong action has been initiated against agents and unscrupulous elements who recruited them on false pretexts and promises," MEA spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal said. #WATCH | MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, "Several Indian nationals have been duped to work in the Russian army. We have strongly taken up the matter for the early discharge of such Indian nationals. Strong action has been initiated against agents who recruited them on… pic.twitter.com/4o9Puxxm9Y — ANI (@ANI) March 8, 2024 × He mentioned that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) conducted searches in various cities and after gathering incriminating evidence, busted a major human trafficking network. Jaiswal additionally confirmed that a case of human trafficking was registered against several agents who were involved in the unlawful hiring. "The CBI yesterday busted a major human trafficking network, conducting searches in several cities and collecting incriminating evidence. A case of human trafficking has been registered against several agents," the spokesperson said. Also read: Bengaluru's Rameshwaram cafe blast: Trail of suspect revealed as NIA takes 4 into custody: Report He then expressed concerns for the well-being of the ones affected and appealed to Indian nationals, "to not be swayed by offers made by agents for support jobs with the Russian Army". "We remain committed to the early release of our nationals serving as support staff with the Russian Army and their eventual return home," assured Jaiswal. Twenty individuals reach out to MEA for help Twenty individuals he said had reached out to MEA seeking help and the government was making efforts to trace their location and provide assistance. He added that the MEA is in constant contact with Russian authorities, advocating for the quick release and discharge of the duped Indian nationals, he further stated. The CBI on Thursday (March 7) busted a major human trafficking network that was running across the country where agents targetted Indian nationals and sent them to the Russia-Ukraine war zone in the pretext of lucrative jobs abroad. (With inputs from agencies)

'Several Indian nationals duped to work in Russian Army', New Delhi says strong action taken

Indian Edtech firm, Byju’s has recently encountered challenges in salary disbursement for its employees due to financial constraints stemming from a legal battle with some of its investors. <o:p></o:p>

According to sources within the company, while 25 per cent of employees in the lower pay scale have received their full salaries, others have been subject to partial payments. <o:p></o:p>

Byju’s management reassured employees, stating, “We processed your salary for February late at night on Friday. However, due to yesterday being a second Saturday and on account of the long weekend, we expect the salaries to be reflected in your accounts on Monday. We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused by this delay and are grateful for your understanding.”<o:p></o:p>

The financial constraints faced by Byju’s have been attributed to the blocking of funds by a group of investors, leading to a temporary unavailability of resources for business operations. <o:p></o:p>

This legal dispute has its roots in an oppression and mismanagement suit filed against Byju’s management before the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), Bengaluru Bench.<o:p></o:p>

According to sources, the lawsuit seeks the removal of founders, including CEO Byju Raveendran, and the appointment of a new board. <o:p></o:p>

Furthermore, it aims to declare the recently concluded rights issue as void. <o:p></o:p>

Prominent investors including Prosus, General Atlantic, Sofina, and Peak XV, along with other shareholders including Tiger and Owl Ventures, are among the petitioners.<o:p></o:p>

The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), Bengaluru Bench, has intervened in the matter, requesting Byju’s to consider extending the closing date of its USD 200 million rights issue. <o:p></o:p>

However, the management hinted at reluctance to comply, despite facing technicalities preventing the issue's closure. <o:p></o:p>

An interim order from the NCLT has instructed Byju’s to maintain the funds received through the rights issue in a separate escrow account until the matter is resolved. The next hearing is scheduled for April 4.<o:p></o:p>

(With inputs from PTI)<o:p></o:p>

Indian Edtech firm, Byju’s has recently encountered challenges in salary disbursement for its employees due to financial constraints stemming from a legal battle with some of its investors.

Indian Edtech firm, Byju’s has recently encountered challenges in salary disbursement for its employees due to financial constraints stemming from a legal battle with some of its investors. According to sources within the company, while 25 per cent of employees in the lower pay scale have received their full salaries, others have been subject to partial payments. Byju’s management reassured employees, stating, “We processed your salary for February late at night on Friday. However, due to yesterday being a second Saturday and on account of the long weekend, we expect the salaries to be reflected in your accounts on Monday. We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused by this delay and are grateful for your understanding.” The financial constraints faced by Byju’s have been attributed to the blocking of funds by a group of investors, leading to a temporary unavailability of resources for business operations. This legal dispute has its roots in an oppression and mismanagement suit filed against Byju’s management before the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), Bengaluru Bench. According to sources, the lawsuit seeks the removal of founders, including CEO Byju Raveendran, and the appointment of a new board. Furthermore, it aims to declare the recently concluded rights issue as void. Prominent investors including Prosus, General Atlantic, Sofina, and Peak XV, along with other shareholders including Tiger and Owl Ventures, are among the petitioners. The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), Bengaluru Bench, has intervened in the matter, requesting Byju’s to consider extending the closing date of its USD 200 million rights issue. However, the management hinted at reluctance to comply, despite facing technicalities preventing the issue's closure. An interim order from the NCLT has instructed Byju’s to maintain the funds received through the rights issue in a separate escrow account until the matter is resolved. The next hearing is scheduled for April 4. (With inputs from PTI)

Byju’s pays salaries of 25 pc employees, makes partial payment to others: Report

<o:p></o:p>

WION's Business Desk brings you this daily round up of global stories from the world of business and economy.

Byju’s pays salaries of 25 pc employees, makes partial payment to others: Report<o:p></o:p>

Indian Edtech firm, Byju’s has recently encountered challenges in salary disbursement for its employees due to financial constraints stemming from a legal battle with some of its investors.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/byjus-pays-salaries-of-25-pc-employees-makes-partial-payment-to-others-report-698833">Read more here</a><o:p></o:p>

Egypt’s inflation unexpectedly surges amid currency flotation<o:p></o:p>

Egypt’s inflation rate witnessed an unexpected surge in February, marking a notable acceleration even before the much-anticipated flotation of the Egyptian pound.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/egypts-inflation-unexpectedly-surges-amid-currency-flotation-698846">Read more here</a><o:p></o:p>

Brazil's Market Turmoil: Petrobras dividend disappointment sparks investor concerns<o:p></o:p>

Brazilian markets experienced a significant downturn following a surprising move by state-controlled oil giant Petroleo Brasileiro SA, commonly known as Petrobras, which paid a lower-than-anticipated dividend.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/brazils-market-turmoil-petrobras-dividend-disappointment-sparks-investor-concerns-698878">Read more here</a><o:p></o:p>

India secures $100 billion investment commitment in landmark trade pact with EFTA<o:p></o:p>

India has sealed a significant trade and economic partnership with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), comprising Switzerland, Norway, Liechtenstein, and Iceland.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-secures-100-billion-investment-commitment-in-landmark-trade-pact-with-efta-698895">Read more here</a><o:p></o:p>

Authors sue Nvidia for copyright infringement in AI training: Report<o:p></o:p>

Nvidia, renowned for its AI-powered chips, finds itself entangled in a legal battle as three authors file a lawsuit against the tech giant.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/authors-sue-nvidia-for-copyright-infringement-in-ai-training-report-698901">Read more here</a><o:p></o:p>

Turkey's economic overhaul earns Fitch upgrade amid policy shift<o:p></o:p>

Turkey celebrated a significant milestone as Fitch upgrades its credit rating, lauding the country's shift towards orthodox economic policies on Saturday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/turkeys-economic-overhaul-earns-fitch-upgrade-amid-policy-shift-698916">Read more here</a><o:p></o:p>

Reddit aims for record IPO, eyeing $748 million in valuation<o:p></o:p>

Reddit Inc, in collaboration with its investors, is gearing up for what could be a groundbreaking Initial Public Offering (IPO), targeting to raise up to $748 million.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/reddit-aims-for-record-ipo-eyeing-748-million-in-valuation-698940">Read more here</a><o:p></o:p>

Delta Airlines foresees potential Boeing 737 Max 10 delay until 2027<o:p></o:p>

Delta Airlines anticipates a potential delay in the delivery of its Boeing Co. 737 Max 10 aircraft until as late as 2027 amidst ongoing safety and criminal reviews faced by the aircraft manufacturer.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/delta-airlines-foresees-potential-boeing-737-max-10-delay-until-2027-698946">Read more here</a><o:p></o:p>

Japan's economy evades recession, but concerns persist over weak recovery<o:p></o:p>

Japan's economy managed to dodge a technical recession, as per revised government data released on Monday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/japans-economy-evades-recession-but-concerns-persist-over-weak-recovery-698941">Read more here</a><o:p></o:p>

Regulators rally financial support for China Vanke amid liquidity concerns<o:p></o:p>

Chinese regulators have reportedly convened with financial institutions to address the challenges faced by state-backed property developer China Vanke.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/regulators-rally-financial-support-for-china-vanke-amid-liquidity-concerns-698944">Read more here</a><o:p></o:p>

Chinese authorities signal no major bailout for struggling real estate developers<o:p></o:p>

Chinese authorities have sent a clear message that struggling real estate developers shouldn't expect a significant bailout, as the government puts on a spotlight on accountability and market principles in the face of financial woes.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/chinese-authorities-signal-no-major-bailout-for-struggling-real-estate-developers-698947">Read more here</a><o:p></o:p>

WION's Business Desk brings you this daily round up of global stories from the world of business and economy. Byju’s pays salaries of 25 pc employees, makes partial payment to others: Report Indian Edtech firm, Byju’s has recently encountered challenges in salary disbursement for its employees due to financial constraints stemming from a legal battle with some of its investors.

WION's Business Desk brings you this daily round up of global stories from the world of business and economy. Byju’s pays salaries of 25 pc employees, makes partial payment to others: Report Indian Edtech firm, Byju’s has recently encountered challenges in salary disbursement for its employees due to financial constraints stemming from a legal battle with some of its investors. Read more here Egypt’s inflation unexpectedly surges amid currency flotation Egypt’s inflation rate witnessed an unexpected surge in February, marking a notable acceleration even before the much-anticipated flotation of the Egyptian pound. Read more here Brazil's Market Turmoil: Petrobras dividend disappointment sparks investor concerns Brazilian markets experienced a significant downturn following a surprising move by state-controlled oil giant Petroleo Brasileiro SA, commonly known as Petrobras, which paid a lower-than-anticipated dividend. Read more here India secures $100 billion investment commitment in landmark trade pact with EFTA India has sealed a significant trade and economic partnership with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), comprising Switzerland, Norway, Liechtenstein, and Iceland. Read more here Authors sue Nvidia for copyright infringement in AI training: Report Nvidia, renowned for its AI-powered chips, finds itself entangled in a legal battle as three authors file a lawsuit against the tech giant. Read more here Turkey's economic overhaul earns Fitch upgrade amid policy shift Turkey celebrated a significant milestone as Fitch upgrades its credit rating, lauding the country's shift towards orthodox economic policies on Saturday. Read more here Reddit aims for record IPO, eyeing $748 million in valuation Reddit Inc, in collaboration with its investors, is gearing up for what could be a groundbreaking Initial Public Offering (IPO), targeting to raise up to $748 million. Read more here Delta Airlines foresees potential Boeing 737 Max 10 delay until 2027 Delta Airlines anticipates a potential delay in the delivery of its Boeing Co. 737 Max 10 aircraft until as late as 2027 amidst ongoing safety and criminal reviews faced by the aircraft manufacturer. Read more here Japan's economy evades recession, but concerns persist over weak recovery Japan's economy managed to dodge a technical recession, as per revised government data released on Monday. Read more here Regulators rally financial support for China Vanke amid liquidity concerns Chinese regulators have reportedly convened with financial institutions to address the challenges faced by state-backed property developer China Vanke. Read more here Chinese authorities signal no major bailout for struggling real estate developers Chinese authorities have sent a clear message that struggling real estate developers shouldn't expect a significant bailout, as the government puts on a spotlight on accountability and market principles in the face of financial woes. Read more here

WION Business Wrap | Byju’s pays employee’s salaries, Egypt’s unexpected inflation and more

In a major setback for Congress, India's Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) on Friday (Mar 8) dismissed the plea moved by the grand old party seeking a stay against Income Tax Department proceedings of recovery and freezing of their bank accounts stating that the application was without merit.

ITAT bench of GS Pannu, Vice President and Anubhav Sharma, Judicial Member passed the order that said, "We do not find that the recovery notice under Section 226(3) of the Act issued by the Assessing Officer on February 13, 2024 is lacking in bona fides, so as to require us to intervene."

"At this stage, we may also refer to the reliance placed by the Senior Counsel on various judgments of the Coordinate Benches in order to support the proposition that it was an accepted practice at the level of the Tribunal that the taxpayer is entitled to a stay on the recovery proceedings on payment of 20 per cent of the demand during the pendency of the Appeal before the Tribunal. The aforesaid argument, in our view, is too general and does not merit acceptance," the bench said.

"Moreover, as we have already discussed each application for a stay has to be decided on its own facts and circumstances, and there can be no generalized approach. The Stay Application is without merit and, it is dismissed accordingly," said the bench.

Senior Advocate Vivek Tankha who appeared for Congress had requested to keep the order in abeyance for 10 days so that the party can approach the High Court.&nbsp;

However, the bench declined the same saying that "we have no such provision or prayer before us".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/philanthropist-author-sudha-murty-gets-nominated-to-rajya-sabha-pm-modi-hails-nari-shakti-698005">Philanthropist, author Sudha Murty gets nominated to Rajya Sabha; PM Modi hails 'Nari Shakti'</a>

<h2>'Will move to High Court very soon,' says Tankha</h2>

Tankha, who is Congress' legal cell head, said the party was disappointed by ITAT's order and that they would be approaching the Delhi High Court very soon.

"We are disappointed with the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal order. We will be moving the High Court very soon. They have not followed their own past precedents in granting relief on payment of 20 per cent penalty and that too to a national party which is now on the verge of contesting national elections, which are going to be notified soon," Tankha told news agency PTI.

Congress treasurer Ajay Maken accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of deliberately choosing the timing to coincide with national elections.

"How can one expect fair elections in such a situation when funds to the tune of Rs 270 crore have been frozen or taken away by the Income Tax authorities from Congress party's accounts," he said.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge took to his official X handle and wrote, "Power drunk Modi Government has frozen the accounts of the country's largest Opposition party - the Indian National Congress - just before the Lok Sabha elections."

"This is a deep assault on India's Democracy," he added. &nbsp; &nbsp;

The grand old party's main bank accounts were frozen in February over an income tax demand of Rs 210 crore. However, later an I-T appellate tribunal allowed it to operate&nbsp;pending further hearings.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

In a major setback for Congress, India's Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) on Friday (Mar 8) dismissed the plea moved by the grand old party seeking a stay against Income Tax Department proceedings of recovery and freezing of their bank accounts stating that the application was without merit.

In a major setback for Congress, India's Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) on Friday (Mar 8) dismissed the plea moved by the grand old party seeking a stay against Income Tax Department proceedings of recovery and freezing of their bank accounts stating that the application was without merit. ITAT bench of GS Pannu, Vice President and Anubhav Sharma, Judicial Member passed the order that said, "We do not find that the recovery notice under Section 226(3) of the Act issued by the Assessing Officer on February 13, 2024 is lacking in bona fides, so as to require us to intervene." "At this stage, we may also refer to the reliance placed by the Senior Counsel on various judgments of the Coordinate Benches in order to support the proposition that it was an accepted practice at the level of the Tribunal that the taxpayer is entitled to a stay on the recovery proceedings on payment of 20 per cent of the demand during the pendency of the Appeal before the Tribunal. The aforesaid argument, in our view, is too general and does not merit acceptance," the bench said. "Moreover, as we have already discussed each application for a stay has to be decided on its own facts and circumstances, and there can be no generalized approach. The Stay Application is without merit and, it is dismissed accordingly," said the bench. Senior Advocate Vivek Tankha who appeared for Congress had requested to keep the order in abeyance for 10 days so that the party can approach the High Court. However, the bench declined the same saying that "we have no such provision or prayer before us". Also read: Philanthropist, author Sudha Murty gets nominated to Rajya Sabha; PM Modi hails 'Nari Shakti' 'Will move to High Court very soon,' says Tankha Tankha, who is Congress' legal cell head, said the party was disappointed by ITAT's order and that they would be approaching the Delhi High Court very soon. "We are disappointed with the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal order. We will be moving the High Court very soon. They have not followed their own past precedents in granting relief on payment of 20 per cent penalty and that too to a national party which is now on the verge of contesting national elections, which are going to be notified soon," Tankha told news agency PTI. Congress treasurer Ajay Maken accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of deliberately choosing the timing to coincide with national elections. "How can one expect fair elections in such a situation when funds to the tune of Rs 270 crore have been frozen or taken away by the Income Tax authorities from Congress party's accounts," he said. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge took to his official X handle and wrote, "Power drunk Modi Government has frozen the accounts of the country's largest Opposition party - the Indian National Congress - just before the Lok Sabha elections." "This is a deep assault on India's Democracy," he added. The grand old party's main bank accounts were frozen in February over an income tax demand of Rs 210 crore. However, later an I-T appellate tribunal allowed it to operate pending further hearings. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Income Tax Tribunal dismisses Congress' plea to stay I-T recovery, freezing of bank accounts

Indian Prime Minister Narendra on Saturday (March 9) launched a scathing attack against Trinamool Congress and the opposition's INDIA bloc claiming that the "entire country is discussing what TMC leaders did to the Dalit and Adivasi women of Sandeshkhali" and that the government of West Bengal is unaffected when people are struggling or suffering.

While addressing a gathering in Siliguri, PM Modi accused the TMC of creating 25 lakh fake job cards to benefit the party's "tolabaz".

"TMC government gives money to people chosen by 'tolabaz'. It does not affect TMC whether you are struggling or suffering. The entire country is discussing what TMC leaders did to the Dalit and Adivasi women of Sandeshkhali. Atrocities against women and to loot the hard-earned money of the poor this is what TMC's 'tolabaz' do," he said.

He then slammed the TMC over the release of MGNREGA wages and said that the BJP-ruled Centre sends the money but the TMC government steals it.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-dmk-allots-10-seats-for-congress-in-tamil-nadu-puducherry-698377">Lok Sabha elections 2024: DMK allots 10 seats for Congress in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry</a>

"TMC government is looting you at every step. Modi sends the money for MNREGA wages from Delhi but the TMC government here has looted you at every step. To benefit the TMC's 'tolabaz', 25 lakh fake job cards were created and given to the people. If Modi sends money to the poor's houses, then the TMC government gives your money to the people chosen by 'tolabaz'," the Indian prime minister said.

He then said that the entire country saw what West Bengal was going through but &nbsp;"first the left did not listen to you and then the TMC also ignored you. They were busy looting the land of the poor".

"Therefore, when you gave me the opportunity I gave back all those facilities to you all. We gave free gas connections to the sisters under the Ujjwala scheme, but the TMC government is not even allowing Ujjwala gas connections to more than 14 lakh sisters. Yesterday on Women's Day, we have taken another step that now the gas cylinder will become cheaper by Rs 100 more. The free ration scheme has also been extended for another five years," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Indian Prime Minister Narendra on Saturday (March 9) launched a scathing attack against Trinamool Congress and the opposition's INDIA bloc claiming that the "entire country is discussing what TMC leaders did to the Dalit and Adivasi women of Sandeshkhali" and that the government of West Bengal is unaffected when people are struggling or suffering.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra on Saturday (March 9) launched a scathing attack against Trinamool Congress and the opposition's INDIA bloc claiming that the "entire country is discussing what TMC leaders did to the Dalit and Adivasi women of Sandeshkhali" and that the government of West Bengal is unaffected when people are struggling or suffering. While addressing a gathering in Siliguri, PM Modi accused the TMC of creating 25 lakh fake job cards to benefit the party's "tolabaz". "TMC government gives money to people chosen by 'tolabaz'. It does not affect TMC whether you are struggling or suffering. The entire country is discussing what TMC leaders did to the Dalit and Adivasi women of Sandeshkhali. Atrocities against women and to loot the hard-earned money of the poor this is what TMC's 'tolabaz' do," he said. He then slammed the TMC over the release of MGNREGA wages and said that the BJP-ruled Centre sends the money but the TMC government steals it. Also read: Lok Sabha elections 2024: DMK allots 10 seats for Congress in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry "TMC government is looting you at every step. Modi sends the money for MNREGA wages from Delhi but the TMC government here has looted you at every step. To benefit the TMC's 'tolabaz', 25 lakh fake job cards were created and given to the people. If Modi sends money to the poor's houses, then the TMC government gives your money to the people chosen by 'tolabaz'," the Indian prime minister said. He then said that the entire country saw what West Bengal was going through but "first the left did not listen to you and then the TMC also ignored you. They were busy looting the land of the poor". "Therefore, when you gave me the opportunity I gave back all those facilities to you all. We gave free gas connections to the sisters under the Ujjwala scheme, but the TMC government is not even allowing Ujjwala gas connections to more than 14 lakh sisters. Yesterday on Women's Day, we have taken another step that now the gas cylinder will become cheaper by Rs 100 more. The free ration scheme has also been extended for another five years," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Modi launches scathing attack on TMC, says ‘Trinamool made fake MNREGA job cards’

Following the arrest of a former DMK official in connection with a global drug trafficking racket, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) called on Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin to explain his relationship with the accused.

The party charged that the arrest demonstrates that the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has transformed into the "Drug Marketing Kazhagam".

The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) arrested 36-year-old Jaffer Sadiq, an expelled DMK functionary of Tamil Nadu, on Saturday (March 9), over his connection with the agency's probe into the drugs trafficking racket estimated to be valued at over Rs 2,000 crore.

In response to the development, BJP Mahila Morcha chief Vanathi Srinivasan took a dig at Stalin and alleged that "it seems" that the accused had close ties with the family members of the Tamil Nadu chief minister.

"Kiruthiga Udhayanidhi, daughter-in-law of Chief Minister M K Stalin has directed a film produced by Jaffer Sadiq. All his social media posts show how close he was with Tamil Nadu sports minister (Udayanidhi Stalin), son of M K Stalin," she said at a press conference at the BJP headquarters here.

"Some of the ruling party (DMK) ministers seem to be very close to Jaffer," she alleged.

"We believe that Jaffer Sadiq used all his political connections in illicit drug trafficking in various countries. It seems that while being an office-bearer of the ruling party (DMK), he developed a very strong network with the police. In one picture, DGP is seen presenting some kind of award to this accused," Vanathi Srinivasan said.

Following Jaffer Sadiq's arrest, NCB deputy director general (operations), Gyaneshwar Singh, told reporters that Sadiq's links with the Tamil and Hindi film industries and some "high-profile" people apart from some instances of "political funding" were being investigated by the agency.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-inaugurates-15-airport-projects-including-new-delhis-terminal-1-from-ups-azamgarh-698527">PM Modi inaugurates 15 airport projects, including New Delhi’s Terminal 1, from UP’s Azamgarh</a>

While addressing the press conference, BJP leader Tom Vadakkan said that following Sadiq's arrest in connection to an international drug-trafficking racket, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party had become "Drug Marketing Kazhagam". &nbsp;

"Stalin and company have reduced the DMK government (in Tamil Nadu) into a drug marketing Kazhagam," he charged.

Vaddakan further slammed opposition parties' INDIA bloc asking Congress leader Rahul Gandhi if drug trafficking was acceptable to him.

"Is this the kind of alignment you are trying to bring in Tamil Nadu?" he further asked Gandhi.

(With inputs from agencies)

Following the arrest of a former DMK official in connection with a global drug trafficking racket, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) called on Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin to explain his relationship with the accused.

Following the arrest of a former DMK official in connection with a global drug trafficking racket, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) called on Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin to explain his relationship with the accused. The party charged that the arrest demonstrates that the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has transformed into the "Drug Marketing Kazhagam". The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) arrested 36-year-old Jaffer Sadiq, an expelled DMK functionary of Tamil Nadu, on Saturday (March 9), over his connection with the agency's probe into the drugs trafficking racket estimated to be valued at over Rs 2,000 crore. In response to the development, BJP Mahila Morcha chief Vanathi Srinivasan took a dig at Stalin and alleged that "it seems" that the accused had close ties with the family members of the Tamil Nadu chief minister. "Kiruthiga Udhayanidhi, daughter-in-law of Chief Minister M K Stalin has directed a film produced by Jaffer Sadiq. All his social media posts show how close he was with Tamil Nadu sports minister (Udayanidhi Stalin), son of M K Stalin," she said at a press conference at the BJP headquarters here. "Some of the ruling party (DMK) ministers seem to be very close to Jaffer," she alleged. "We believe that Jaffer Sadiq used all his political connections in illicit drug trafficking in various countries. It seems that while being an office-bearer of the ruling party (DMK), he developed a very strong network with the police. In one picture, DGP is seen presenting some kind of award to this accused," Vanathi Srinivasan said. Following Jaffer Sadiq's arrest, NCB deputy director general (operations), Gyaneshwar Singh, told reporters that Sadiq's links with the Tamil and Hindi film industries and some "high-profile" people apart from some instances of "political funding" were being investigated by the agency. Also read: PM Modi inaugurates 15 airport projects, including New Delhi’s Terminal 1, from UP’s Azamgarh While addressing the press conference, BJP leader Tom Vadakkan said that following Sadiq's arrest in connection to an international drug-trafficking racket, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party had become "Drug Marketing Kazhagam". "Stalin and company have reduced the DMK government (in Tamil Nadu) into a drug marketing Kazhagam," he charged. Vaddakan further slammed opposition parties' INDIA bloc asking Congress leader Rahul Gandhi if drug trafficking was acceptable to him. "Is this the kind of alignment you are trying to bring in Tamil Nadu?" he further asked Gandhi. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Drug Marketing Kazhagam’: BJP takes a dig at DMK, claims Stalin’s daughter-in-law directed kingpin’s film

india-0

India, News on India, stories on India, articles on India, India stories at Wion, India news, India latest news

india 0