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Delhi Court Extends Judicial Custody of BRS Leader K Kavitha in Excise Policy Money Laundering Case Introduction: The Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi has prolonged the judicial custody of Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) MLC K Kavitha until April 23, 2024, in connection with the excise policy money laundering case. Extension of Judicial Custody: Special Judge Kaveri Baweja granted the Enforcement Directorate's request for a 14-day extension of K Kavitha's judicial custody, citing concerns of witness tampering and evidence tampering. Advocate Nitesh Rana, representing K Kavitha, opposed the plea, asserting that no new grounds were presented. Court Proceedings: The court declined K Kavitha's request to address the court orally, permitting only written submissions. Advocates Zoheb Hossain, Naveen Kumar Matta, and Simon Benjamin represented the Enforcement Directorate, while Advocates Nitesh Rana, Deepak Rana, and Mohit Rao appeared for K Kavitha. Recent Developments: Earlier, the cour...

Delhi Police Recovers Vehicle of BJP Chief's Wife Recovery of Stolen Vehicle The Delhi Police recently achieved a significant breakthrough in recovering the stolen SUV belonging to Mallika Nadda, the wife of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National President JP Nadda. The vehicle, a Fortuner car, was reported stolen from the Govindpuri area of Delhi on March 19. Following intensive efforts, the police traced the car to Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, where it was found. Two individuals have been apprehended in connection with the theft. Theft Incident The incident unfolded when the driver of the SUV parked the vehicle in Govindpuri and left to have lunch at his residence after getting it serviced. Upon his return, he discovered that the car was missing and promptly reported the theft to the authorities. Subsequently, the police launched an investigation and registered a case based on the complaint filed by the driver. Apprehension of Suspects Analysis of CCTV footage indicated that the stole...

Supreme Court Stays Allahabad HC's Striking Down of Madrasa Education Act The Supreme Court of India has intervened in a significant legal matter concerning the 'UP Board of Madarsa Education Act 2004', staying the judgement of the Allahabad High Court that had previously struck down the act. According to the petitioner's lawyer, Pradeep Kumar Yadav, the apex court deemed the High Court's order as unconstitutional and contradictory to secularism and fundamental rights. Legal Implications and Key Points of the Supreme Court Order Pradeep Kumar Yadav, representing the petitioner, highlighted crucial aspects of the Supreme Court's decision. Firstly, the apex court refuted the Allahabad High Court's assertion that 'secular' education was lacking in Madrasas. Secondly, it rejected the High Court's claim of unconstitutionality regarding the Madrasa Education Act. Moreover, the Supreme Court emphasized the provision of the right to education, particular...

Opposition to Legalizing Same-Sex Marriage in India: State Perspectives State Opposition to Same-Sex Marriage: The Central government has informed the Supreme Court about the opposition from Assam, Andhra Pradesh, and Rajasthan regarding the legalization of same-sex marriages in India. This disclosure emerged during a hearing before a five-judge Constitution bench addressing petitions advocating for marriage equality rights for the LGBTQIA+ community. Responses from State Governments: Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, revealed that these states conveyed their stance in response to the Union government's inquiry on the issue of same-sex marriage. The Centre had sent a letter to all states on April 18, soliciting their opinions on the matter. Divergent State Views: Among the states that responded, Assam, Rajasthan, and Andhra Pradesh opposed the legalization of same-sex marriage. Conversely, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Manipur, and Sikkim requested additional t...

RBI Proposes Cash Deposit via UPI and Widens Scope of CBDC RBI's Proposal for Cash Deposits via UPI: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has put forth a proposal to facilitate cash deposits in banks through the Unified Payment Interface (UPI) mechanism. Currently, cash deposits in Cash Deposit Machines (CDMs) primarily rely on debit cards. However, building on the success of card-less cash withdrawal using UPI at ATMs, the RBI aims to extend this functionality to cash deposits as well. RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das emphasized that enabling cash deposits via UPI would enhance customer convenience and streamline currency-handling processes at banks. Expansion of UPI Payments through PPI Wallets: In addition to cash deposits, the RBI has proposed allowing UPI payments through Prepaid Payment Instruments (PPI) wallets. Presently, UPI payments from PPIs are limited to using the web or mobile apps provided by the PPI issuer. The proposed measure seeks to permit the use of third-party UPI apps...

India Achieves Milestone with Successful Test of Agni-Prime Ballistic Missile Introduction: India celebrates a significant advancement in its defense capabilities with the successful test flight of the Agni-Prime ballistic missile. Jointly conducted by the Strategic Forces Command (SFC) and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), this test underscores India's commitment to indigenous defense technology and strategic deterrence. Successful Test Flight: Under the joint efforts of the SFC and DRDO, the Agni-Prime ballistic missile underwent a successful test flight off the coast of Odisha. The trial, conducted around 7 pm on Wednesday, met all objectives, validating the missile's reliable performance. Data from range sensors, including monitoring from Downrange ships, confirmed its effectiveness in meeting strategic goals. Distinguished Attendance: The launch event witnessed the presence of esteemed officials, including the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of St...

Legal Proceedings Initiated Against Former Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren Cognizance Taken by PMLA Court A Special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court in Ranchi has taken cognizance of a prosecution complaint filed by the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) against Hemant Soren, the former Chief Minister of Jharkhand and leader of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM). The complaint, comprising 5,500 pages, pertains to a money laundering case related to a land 'scam'. The central probe agency has also attached 8.5 acres of land in connection with the case. Detention and Extended Custody Hemant Soren, who was arrested on January 31, is currently detained at the Birsa Munda Central Jail in Hotwar, Ranchi. His judicial custody was extended till April 4 by the PMLA court on March 21. Additionally, on February 29, the Jharkhand High Court dismissed a petition filed by Soren seeking permission to attend the budget session of the state assembly. Allegations by the Enforcement Directorat...

Taiwan Earthquake Triggers Rescue Operations, Raises Tsunami Alerts Introduction: A powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck Huwalien City, Taiwan, causing significant damage and prompting rescue operations. The toll has risen to four dead and dozens injured, with buildings damaged and residents trapped. Rescue Operations: Local authorities swiftly mobilized rescue operations in affected areas, including the Zhonghe district of New Taipei City, where four people were rescued from a collapsed warehouse. Additionally, 12 individuals were rescued from a building in Xindian, New Taipei, where the foundation sank due to the earthquake. Infrastructure Impact: The earthquake disrupted transportation services, leading to the suspension of in-town check-in services at Taoyuan International Airport MRT stations. Train services operated at reduced speeds, impacting travel in the region. Building Damage and Trapped Residents: Several buildings, including two in downtown Hualien City, suffered part...

LinkedIn Explores Integrating Gaming for Enhanced User Experience Introduction LinkedIn, a widely used online platform for job searching and professional networking, is considering incorporating gaming features into its services to enrich the user experience. This move comes as part of LinkedIn's efforts to engage its members in new and innovative ways, as reported by TechCrunch. Development of Gaming Features According to sources, LinkedIn is in the process of developing puzzle-based games that will be seamlessly integrated into the platform. These games, including "Queens," "Inference," and "Crossclimb," are designed to tap into the growing popularity of puzzle-solving games and provide users with an opportunity for entertainment alongside their professional endeavors. Purpose and Objectives LinkedIn aims to deepen user engagement, foster stronger relationships among its members, and encourage meaningful conversations through the introduction of gami...

Aviation Ministry Seeks Explanation from Vistara Over Flight Disruptions Amidst a surge in flight cancellations and delays by Vistara Airlines, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has taken action by requesting a comprehensive report from the airline regarding the disruptions. Over the past week, Vistara's operations have been significantly affected, leading to widespread inconvenience for passengers and prompting a flood of complaints to the aviation ministry. Operational Issues Prompt Ministry's Response The MoCA's directive to Vistara follows the airline's acknowledgment of various operational challenges, including crew unavailability, as the primary reasons behind the disruptions. With more than 100 flights affected, Vistara has been instructed to provide detailed insights into the root causes of the cancellations and delays, highlighting the urgency of the situation. Vistara's Response and Mitigation Measures In response to the ministry's directive, Vista...

Supreme Court Refuses to Stay Order on 'Puja' in Vyas Tehkhana of Kashi Vishwanath Temple-Gyanvapi Mosque In a significant development, the Supreme Court has declined to stay the Allahabad High Court's order, which upheld the Varanasi district court's decision permitting Hindus to conduct prayers of deities inside the Vyas Tehkhana, the southern cellar of the Gyanvapi mosque. Maintaining Status Quo at Gyanvapi Premises A bench comprising Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra has directed both Hindu and Muslim communities to maintain the status quo at the Gyanvapi premises. This allows for both communities to offer 'puja' and 'namaz' without alterations unless permitted by the apex court. Differentiated Access for Religious Worship Acknowledging the distinct areas for Hindu and Muslim worship, the Supreme Court emphasized that Hindus would enter from the South for 'puja' in the Tehkhana, while Muslims woul...

India's GST Revenue Hits Historic Milestone in Fiscal Year                                                       2023-24 Gross GST Revenue Surpasses Rs 20 Lakh Crore The fiscal year 2023-24 witnessed a significant milestone in India's tax revenue landscape as the gross Goods and Services Tax (GST) collection surpassed the Rs 20 lakh crore mark, marking an impressive 11.7 percent growth compared to the previous fiscal year. This achievement underscores the resilience and robustness of India's tax ecosystem, demonstrating a positive trajectory despite challenging economic conditions. Average Monthly Collection and Net Revenue Figures Throughout the financial year, the average monthly collection stood at Rs 1.68 lakh crore, showcasing a noteworthy increase from the previous year's average of Rs 1.5 lakh crore. Additionally, the net GST revenue, excludi...

Arvind Kejriwal Sent to Judicial Custody Till April 15 Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of Delhi, has been remanded to judicial custody until April 15 following his appearance before Special Judge Kaveri Baweja at the Rouse Avenue Court on Monday. This decision comes after his remand period in connection with the Delhi Excise policy money laundering case. Legal Proceedings and Enforcement Directorate's Application The Enforcement Directorate (ED) brought Kejriwal to the court under tight security measures. During the proceedings, the ED submitted an application seeking his judicial custody, stating that further custodial interrogation was unnecessary at the moment. Additional Solicitor General SV Raju represented the ED during the hearing. Kejriwal's Requests and Presence of Supporters Kejriwal, through his legal team, requested permission to carry prescribed medication during his time in judicial custody. Additionally, he sought permission to have access to various books, i...

Controversy Over Saudi Arabia's Chairmanship of UN Women's Rights Forum Introduction Saudi Arabia's recent appointment as chair of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) has sparked controversy and drawn criticism from women's rights advocates. Despite being unanimously elected, concerns have been raised due to Saudi Arabia's track record on women's rights. Criticism from Human Rights Advocates Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have both voiced reservations about Saudi Arabia's appointment, citing the kingdom's treatment of women and its systematic discrimination against them. The decision has been viewed as contradictory to the CSW's mandate to promote women's rights and gender equality. Call for Action from Advocacy Groups Sherine Tadros, Deputy Director for Advocacy at Amnesty International, underscored the gap between Saudi Arabia's record and the commission's objectives. Tadros emphasized that Saudi Ara...

ED Summons Delhi Minister Kailash Gahlot in Excise Policy Case Introduction: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has issued a summons to Delhi Transport Minister and AAP leader Kailash Gahlot in connection with the Delhi excise policy case, signaling further developments in the ongoing legal saga surrounding the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leadership. ED Summons Kailash Gahlot: According to sources, the ED has summoned Kailash Gahlot for questioning in its money laundering case linked to the Delhi excise policy. This move comes in the wake of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's recent arrest in the same case, adding another layer of complexity to the legal proceedings. Political Response and Rally Support: In response to Kejriwal's arrest, AAP leader Gopal Rai announced a rally at Ramlila Maidan on March 31, with prominent leaders from the INDI alliance set to participate in a show of solidarity. Leaders like Rahul Gandhi, Sharad Pawar, and Akhilesh Yadav are among those confirmed to join ...

Mukhtar Ansari, Notorious Gangster-turned-Politician, Dies of Cardiac Arrest in Hospital Introduction: Mukhtar Ansari, a prominent figure in Uttar Pradesh's political landscape, passed away at Banda Medical College Hospital after suffering a cardiac arrest. Ansari, known for his criminal background and subsequent foray into politics, was a controversial figure, with a string of legal cases trailing him. Medical Emergency and Demise: Ansari was rushed to the hospital after experiencing a cardiac arrest on Thursday night. Despite the efforts of a team of nine doctors, he succumbed to his condition. The news of his demise elicited condolences from political figures, including the Samajwadi Party, while also prompting questions regarding the circumstances surrounding his death. Political Response and Controversies: The news of Ansari's death sparked reactions from various political quarters, with Congress leader Surendra Rajput questioning the circumstances of his demise and callin...

Leveraging Technology for Transformation: PM Modi and Bill Gates Discuss India's Progress Introduction: In a dynamic conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, the transformative potential of technology in key sectors such as healthcare, education, and agriculture took center stage. The dialogue highlighted India's commitment to leveraging digital innovations for societal advancement and inclusive growth. PM Modi's Vision for Technological Advancement: Prime Minister Modi underscored the pivotal role of technology in democratizing access to essential services, particularly in healthcare. He emphasized the successful implementation of digital platforms to connect rural communities with quality healthcare facilities, exemplifying the transformative impact of digital public infrastructure (DPI). Empowering Education through Technology: In the realm of education, PM Modi articulated his vision of leveraging technology to enhance learn...

NTSB Investigates Collision of MV Dali with Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge Introduction: The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched a comprehensive investigation into the collision between the merchant vessel MV Dali and Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, has raised significant concerns regarding maritime safety and infrastructure integrity. NTSB Interviews Crew: In a recent press conference, NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy disclosed that the NTSB has commenced interviews with the ship's captain, mate, chief engineer, and another engineer onboard the MV Dali. The agency aims to ascertain the sequence of events leading to the collision and assess the condition of the vessel's crew. Preliminary Timeline and Findings: Marcel Muise, the lead NTSB investigator, provided a preliminary timeline of events based on data from the Voyage Data Reporter (VDR). The timeline revealed critical moments leading up to the col...

Supreme Court Upholds Fundamental Rights in Politicians' Bail Conditions Case Introduction: In a recent legal development, the Supreme Court of India made a significant ruling regarding bail conditions imposed on politicians, sparking discussions on the delicate balance between legal requirements and fundamental rights. The apex court asserted that imposing restrictions on politicians' participation in political activities as a condition for bail would violate their fundamental rights. Legal Ruling by the Supreme Court: The Supreme Court, in a judgment delivered on March 22, overturned a bail condition set by the Orissa High Court, which prohibited a politician from engaging in political activities. Justices BR Gavai and Sandeep Mehta deemed such restrictions as an infringement upon the appellant's fundamental rights and subsequently quashed the imposed condition. Case Background: The case centered around Siba Shankar Das, a prominent leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (B...

Leadership Shake-up in Key Security Agencies The Indian government has initiated a significant reorganization within the country's security apparatus, announcing pivotal appointments in key agencies. These changes include the appointment of Sadanand Vasant Date as the new Director General of the National Investigation Agency (NIA), Rajeev Kumar as the chief of the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D), and Piyush Anand as the head of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). Sadanand Vasant Date Appointed as NIA DG: Sadanand Vasant Date, a distinguished IPS officer of the Maharashtra cadre from the 1990 batch, has been appointed as the new Director General of the NIA. His appointment follows the retirement of the outgoing chief, Dinkar Gupta, and brings a wealth of experience in law enforcement to the role. Piyush Anand to Lead NDRF: Piyush Anand, a 1991-batch IPS officer from the Uttar Pradesh cadre, has been entrusted with leading the National Disaster Response...

Supreme Court Appoints Expert Committee for Great Indian Bustard Preservation The Supreme Court has appointed an expert committee to oversee the preservation of the Great Indian Bustard (GIB), emphasizing the need to balance conservation efforts with sustainable development goals, particularly in meeting the country's international commitments toward promoting renewable energy sources. Supreme Court's Emphasis on GIB Protection In its order issued on March 21, the Supreme Court highlighted the criticality of protecting the GIB while considering the installation of transmission lines over a vast area spanning 88,000 square kilometers. The court acknowledged the endangered status of the GIB species and the necessity for proactive measures to safeguard it. Tasking the Expert Committee The expert committee, comprising members from various wildlife and conservation backgrounds, has been tasked with evaluating the feasibility and extent of overhead and underground electric lines in p...

US and Japan Strengthen Security Pact from Over 60 Years Ago Amidst growing security concerns posed by China and North Korea, the United States and Japan are planning to enhance their security pact, originally inked over six decades ago. According to diplomatic sources cited by Kyodo news agency, the US military aims to reinforce the functions of its command headquarters in Japan to facilitate smoother cooperation with Japan's self-defence forces. Bolstering Response Capabilities Japan and the United States are also collaborating on further measures to strengthen their response capabilities. Japan had previously decided to acquire the capability to strike enemy bases, a significant move under its war-renouncing Constitution. Additionally, Japan plans to establish a joint headquarters to command its ground, maritime, and air forces by March 2025, aiming to deepen cooperation with the US military. Addressing Security Threats The decision to strengthen the security pact comes in respo...

Supreme Court Rejects Review Petition on ED Arrest Grounds The Supreme Court has dismissed a review petition challenging its previous judgment, which mandated that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) must provide grounds for arrest to the arrested person. Justices AS Bopanna and Sanjay Kumar, in their March 20 order, found no errors in the previous decision warranting reconsideration. Mandate for Furnishing Grounds of Arrest In its earlier ruling, the Supreme Court emphasized the importance of informing the arrested person of the grounds for arrest, as mandated by Section 19(1) of the Act of 2002. The court held that going forward, a copy of the written grounds of arrest must be provided to the arrested person without exception, to fulfill the constitutional and statutory requirements. Transparency and Non-Vindictiveness in Enforcement The court reiterated the need for transparency and non-vindictiveness in the actions of the Enforcement Directorate, particularly emphasizing its powers un...

Allegations of Corruption: Arvind Kejriwal's Legal Battle with the ED Allegations by the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) has made serious allegations against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, claiming that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) was the major beneficiary of proceeds of crime in the alleged excise policy scam. Kejriwal was remanded to ED custody until March 28 by Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court in connection with the money laundering case related to the scam. Accusations of Benefit to AAP According to the remand note submitted by the ED, the AAP allegedly benefitted from the proceeds of crime generated in the Delhi liquor scam, with part of the funds being used in the party's election campaign during the Goa Assembly elections in 2022. The agency further accused Kejriwal of being directly involved in formulating the excise policy and conspiring to favor certain private individuals in exchange for kickbacks. Direct Involvement of Arvind K...

Arvind Kejriwal's Move Against ED Arrest Arvind Kejriwal's Appeal to the Supreme Court: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the Delhi excise policy case prompted him to seek recourse from the Supreme Court. However, no special hearing was convened late at night to address his plea. Absence of Special Bench: Sources revealed that there was no special bench set up on Thursday night to address Arvind Kejriwal's plea against his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate. Legal Action in the Supreme Court: Addressing the media, Delhi Minister and AAP leader Atishi announced the filing of an application in the Supreme Court against Arvind Kejriwal's "illegal" arrest. She expressed hope that the Supreme Court would safeguard democracy in this matter. Questioning the Timing: Atishi questioned the timing of Kejriwal's arrest, highlighting the lack of any substantial findings in the two-year investigat...

US Firmly Backs India's Sovereignty Over Arunachal Pradesh US Stance and China's Response In a resolute stance against China's territorial claims, the United States has thrown its weight behind India, affirming Arunachal Pradesh as Indian territory and condemning any unilateral efforts by China to assert control. State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel reiterated the US's unwavering support for India's sovereignty over Arunachal Pradesh, particularly denouncing any attempts to advance territorial claims across the Line of Actual Control (LAC). India's Rejection of China's Claims The statement from the Biden administration official follows recent provocations by the Chinese military, which reiterated its claim over the northeastern Indian state shortly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the region. Despite Beijing's persistent assertions, India has consistently rejected China's claims, emphasizing Arunachal Pradesh's in...

Supreme Court Summons Patanjali Ayurved Leaders The Supreme Court has summoned Patanjali Ayurved Managing Director Acharya Balkrishna and Yog Guru Ramdev to appear before it in contempt proceedings over misleading advertisements. The court's directive comes after Patanjali Ayurved failed to respond to a show cause notice regarding the alleged misleading advertisements. Court's Strong Stance on Misleading Advertisements In the previous hearing, the Supreme Court issued a notice to Patanjali Ayurved, asking why contempt action should not be initiated against the company and its MD for misleading advertisements. The court observed that the company had prima facie violated its earlier order cautioning against such advertisements. It restrained Patanjali from advertising products as treatments for diseases and making statements against any system of medicine. IMA's Plea for Stricter Regulations The case originated from a plea by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) seeking guide...

Uttar Pradesh Gears Up for First Phase of Lok Sabha Elections The electoral process for the first phase of Lok Sabha elections in Uttar Pradesh kicks off today, marking a crucial step in the democratic exercise of electing representatives to the lower house of the Indian Parliament. Nominations Process and Schedule From 11 am to 3 pm today, nominations will be accepted for eight constituencies in Uttar Pradesh, including Saharanpur, Kairana, Muzaffarnagar, and others. This phase covers both general and reserved seats, with the nomination period ending on March 27. Scrutiny of nomination papers will occur on March 28, followed by the withdrawal of nominations on March 30. Voter Demographics and Polling Arrangements The first phase encompasses 1.43 crore voters across the eight Lok Sabha constituencies, underscoring the significant participation expected in this democratic process. With 7693 polling stations and 14842 polling places set up, extensive arrangements have been made to facili...