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

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

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

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

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

India: Meeting over poll commissioner selection ends

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

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

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

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

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

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

India: ED conducts raids in multiple locations in West Bengal

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

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

Jefferies expects India's economy to surpass Japan & Germany

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

India: Rain and snowfall expected in 11 states

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

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

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

PM Modi & Rishi Sunak reaffirm commitment to trade deal

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

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

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

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

Agni-5 missile's stunning striking range and accuracy make India's nuclear-powered neighbours nervous

India's Consumer Price Index (CPI) remained unchanged in February, registering a 5.09 per cent inflation rate, mirroring the previous month's figure of 5.1 per cent. <o:p></o:p>

Analysts had anticipated this stability, with a Bloomberg poll projecting a CPI of 5.05 per cent for February.<o:p></o:p>

While the headline inflation remains above the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) target of 4 per cent, core inflation, which excludes food and fuel components, has declined to 3.37 per cent. <o:p></o:p>

This marks the lowest core inflation level since November 2019, indicating a lack of overheating in the Indian economy.<o:p></o:p>

Despite the overall stability, food inflation experienced a slight uptick from 8.3 per cent in January to 8.6 per cent in February. <o:p></o:p>

Notably, prices of eggs, fish, and meat witnessed a sharp increase, contributing to this rise in food inflation.<o:p></o:p>

Additionally, vegetable inflation rose from 27.1 per cent in January to 30.3 per cent in February, reflecting ongoing supply-side challenges.<o:p></o:p>

However, the future trajectory of inflation, particularly for cereals and pulses, hinges on the winter crop harvest. <o:p></o:p>

Reports suggest that recent rains in parts of north and northwest India, driven by western disturbances, may have resulted in crop damage, influencing future price dynamics.<o:p></o:p>

In other economic indicators, the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) for January fell slightly below analyst expectations, growing at 3.8 per cent. This marks a growth from the 5.8 per cent recorded in January 2023, according to data released by the National Statistics Office (NSO).<o:p></o:p>

Manufacturing, the dominant component of the IIP basket, expanded at a slower rate of 3.2 per cent compared to December 2023. This comes at a slightly lower than the 4.5 per cent growth seen in the same month of the previous year.<o:p></o:p>

Despite this, caution is warranted in interpreting this as a significant decline in economic momentum, as other indicators like the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) suggest continued expansion.<o:p></o:p>

(With inputs from PTI)<o:p></o:p>

India's Consumer Price Index (CPI) remained unchanged in February, registering a 5.09 per cent inflation rate, mirroring the previous month's figure of 5.1 per cent.

India's Consumer Price Index (CPI) remained unchanged in February, registering a 5.09 per cent inflation rate, mirroring the previous month's figure of 5.1 per cent. Analysts had anticipated this stability, with a Bloomberg poll projecting a CPI of 5.05 per cent for February. While the headline inflation remains above the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) target of 4 per cent, core inflation, which excludes food and fuel components, has declined to 3.37 per cent. This marks the lowest core inflation level since November 2019, indicating a lack of overheating in the Indian economy. Despite the overall stability, food inflation experienced a slight uptick from 8.3 per cent in January to 8.6 per cent in February. Notably, prices of eggs, fish, and meat witnessed a sharp increase, contributing to this rise in food inflation. Additionally, vegetable inflation rose from 27.1 per cent in January to 30.3 per cent in February, reflecting ongoing supply-side challenges. However, the future trajectory of inflation, particularly for cereals and pulses, hinges on the winter crop harvest. Reports suggest that recent rains in parts of north and northwest India, driven by western disturbances, may have resulted in crop damage, influencing future price dynamics. In other economic indicators, the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) for January fell slightly below analyst expectations, growing at 3.8 per cent. This marks a growth from the 5.8 per cent recorded in January 2023, according to data released by the National Statistics Office (NSO). Manufacturing, the dominant component of the IIP basket, expanded at a slower rate of 3.2 per cent compared to December 2023. This comes at a slightly lower than the 4.5 per cent growth seen in the same month of the previous year. Despite this, caution is warranted in interpreting this as a significant decline in economic momentum, as other indicators like the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) suggest continued expansion. (With inputs from PTI)

India's inflation holds steady in February at 5.09 pc, core inflation declines

The Indian Supreme Court dismissed a plea filed by SBI. The SBI sought an extension extension till June 30 to disclose details of electoral bonds encashed by political parties. Watch this video for all details.

Electoral Bonds: SBI submits all details to the Election Commission of India

Bengaluru is struggling with water crisis. Groundwater is depleting. Cauvery Basin is facing drought. Of the 14,700 borewells in Bengaluru, 6,997 have dried up, as per reports. Residents in Bengaluru are struggling with every water drop. This raises a question of whether Bengaluru is heading towards Cape Town-like 'Day Zero'.

Bengaluru water crisis: Is Bengaluru heading towards Cape Town-like day zero?

PM Modi to inaugurate three semiconductor facilities, two in Gujarat and one in Assam

The ruling Bhartiya Janata Party has released its second list of candidates for the upcoming General Elections. The second list features names of 72 candidates from nine states and two union territories including Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Delhi.

India Elections: BJP's second list for Delhi for 2024 polls

In a joint Mission, the Indian coast guard intercepted a Pakistani boat carrying 80 kg of Narcotics valued at approximately $58 million. Nabbing at least six Pakistanis who were on board in a Sea Air coordinated operation by the Indian forces.

India seizes drugs worth $58 mn from Pak boat off Gujarat coast

Relations between New Delhi and Male have taken a hit since Muhammad Muizzu took to office last year in the Male. Following the decline of Indian visitors to the island nation experts are now estimating that the Maldives' tourism industry is suffering from a loss of up to $2 billion dollars.

Maldives tourism takes a hit with mass decline in Indian travelers

Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with delegates from more than 30 countries witnessed the tri-service exercise 'Bharat Shakti' in Pokhran, Rajasthan on Tuesday. The manifestation of the Indian armed forces' drive to become self-reliant can be gauged by analysing the procurement undertaken. The demonstration showcased the calibrated tactical employment of niche technology in a tri-services environment against perceived threats.

Bharat Shakti Pokhran: PM Modi witnesses tri-service 'Bharat Shakti' exercise in Pokhran

New Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has won a floor test at the state assembly after Manohar Lal Khattar resigned a day earlier, ending the BJP's alliance with the Jannayak Janta Party.

India Elections: Change of Guard in Haryana ahead of India polls as Manohar Lal Khattar resign

The election commission of India held meetings and consultations with the political parties in the Kashmir Valley. The discussions were on the preparedness for the Parliamentary elections in the union territory. Watch to know more!

India General Elections: People in J&K expect peace, progress & growth

Here, we bring you the news that is trending across WION's social media platforms.

India: Bengaluru bans drinking water in swimming pools amid shortage

The political playing field is heating up in South India as K Jayaprakash Hegde who was until recently the chairman of the Karnataka State commission for backward classes joined the Congress Party on Tuesday.

India Elections: Former MP J Jayaprakash Hegde joins Congress along with two other BJP MPs

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