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India Stands Firm in Supporting UN Resolution Backing Palestinian Bid for Full Membership In a significant diplomatic move, India has thrown its weight behind a United Nations resolution supporting the full membership of Palestine, underscoring its longstanding commitment to a two-state solution in the Israel-Palestine conflict.  The Resolution's Passage The resolution, which garnered overwhelming support in the UN General Assembly, calls upon the Security Council to give "favorable consideration" to Palestine's bid for full membership. According to reports, the resolution secured a resounding majority of 143 votes in favor, with India among the nations backing the text. India's Diplomatic Stance  India's stance on the Israel-Palestine issue has consistently emphasized the need for a negotiated two-state solution. While condemning acts of terrorism, including recent attacks by Hamas, India has reiterated its support for the establishment of a sovereign and in...

Supreme Court to Decide on Arvind Kejriwal's Interim Bail in Excise Policy Case Today The Supreme Court is set to deliver its verdict today on the interim bail petition filed by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in connection with the money laundering case lodged against him by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) related to the Delhi excise policy case. Legal Proceedings A bench headed by Justice Sanjiv Khanna informed the ED counsel, Additional Solicitor General SV Raju, that the court may issue an order regarding interim relief for Kejriwal on Friday. Kejriwal was arrested by the ED on March 21 under a money laundering probe linked to alleged irregularities in the Delhi excise policy for 2021-22. Previous Developments During previous hearings, the bench hinted at granting interim bail to Kejriwal to enable his participation in campaigning for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. However, it stipulated that if interim bail were granted, Kejriwal would not be permitted to perform any ...

Belarus Expresses Gratitude to India for Supporting Full Membership in SCO, Says Ambassador Mikhail Kasko Belarusian Ambassador to India, Mikhail Kasko, expressed gratitude towards India for its support in Belarus's endeavor to become a full member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). Ambassador Kasko emphasized Belarus's readiness to actively collaborate within the SCO framework, contributing significantly to various spheres of cooperation within the organization. Strengthening Cooperation within SCO Ambassador Kasko highlighted Belarus's strategic importance and its readiness to enhance interaction in political, economic, trade, scientific, cultural, and other areas as a full member of the SCO. He acknowledged India's support for Belarus's application for full-fledged membership in the organization, noting Belarus's willingness to contribute to the development of SCO cooperation, particularly in economics and security. Initiatives and Contributions ...

Air India Express Faces Flight Disruption as Crew Members Call in Sick Concerns Arise as 70 Flights Canceled or Delayed Air India Express, the low-cost subsidiary of Air India, encountered significant disruptions in its flight operations on Wednesday as more than 70 flights, both international and domestic, were canceled or delayed due to senior crew members calling in sick. The sudden shortage of crew members has raised concerns within the Ministry of Civil Aviation, prompting close monitoring of the situation. Operational Challenges Highlighted The disruptions began on Tuesday night and continued into Wednesday morning, leading to grounded flights and affecting scheduled operations on various routes. Civil Aviation authorities are actively investigating the matter, particularly as some senior crew members reportedly switched off their mobile phones just before flight operations, citing health issues. Apology Issued to Affected Passengers In response to the situation, Air India Expres...

Allegations Against Rahul Gandhi: Vow to Overturn Ram Mandir Verdict Former Congress leader Acharya Pramod Krishnam made startling claims on Monday, alleging that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi pledged to reverse the Supreme Court's verdict on the Ram Mandir if the Congress forms the government at the Centre. Background on the Shah Bano Case and Rajiv Gandhi's Action Krishnam asserted that during a meeting with his close aides, Rahul Gandhi proposed the establishment of a "superpower commission" to annul the SC's decision, similar to how his father, Rajiv Gandhi, overturned the Shah Bano verdict in 1985. Ram Mandir Verdict and its Context In 2019, the Supreme Court passed a historic verdict granting legal authorization for the construction of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. The temple's inauguration took place on January 22, 2021. Resignation of Radhika Khera and Allegations Against Congress Regarding Radhika Khera's resignation from the Congress, Krishnam predic...

Supreme Court to Consider Interim Bail for Arvind Kejriwal in Delhi Excise Policy Case Supreme Court Indicates May 7 Hearing for Arvind Kejriwal's Interim Bail The Supreme Court of India has indicated that it may hear arguments on the interim bail plea of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on May 7, considering the ongoing 2024 general elections. The bench, comprising Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta, suggested that since arguments on Kejriwal's plea against arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and his subsequent remand in the excise policy case might take some time, it could consider the question of interim bail on Tuesday. Supreme Court's Cautionary Note on Arvind Kejriwal's Interim Bail The bench clarified that no final decision had been made yet and that it was simply informing all parties that interim relief might be considered if the hearing was likely to be prolonged. The court emphasized that it would hear both sides before making any decision o...

Foreign Portfolio Investors Resume Buying Streak in Indian Stock Market Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) have once again emerged as net buyers in the Indian stock market, signaling renewed confidence in the country's economic outlook. Data from the National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL) indicates that FPIs purchased equities worth Rs 1,156 crore in India until May 3. Factors Driving FPI Sentiment The shift in FPI sentiment follows a brief period in April when geopolitical tensions in the Middle East led FPIs to become net sellers in Indian stocks. Despite being net buyers until mid-April, FPIs cumulatively sold stocks worth Rs 8,671 crore by the end of the month. "The market is currently at record highs, driven by a pre-election rally. Although not as robust as in the past, FPI activity is closely tied to changes in US bond yields. If US bond yields decline and the Indian economy and markets continue to perform well, FPIs are likely to become more aggressive buyers,...

 Empowering Women in India's Panchayati Raj System: A Path to Sustainable Development India's Panchayati Raj System: A Beacon of Women's Leadership India's Panchayati Raj system has emerged as a beacon of women's leadership and empowerment, showcasing the transformative impact of decentralized governance.  Highlighting Constitutional Milestones At the recent #CPD57 side event, "Localising the SDGs: Women in Local Governance in India Leads the Way," Ruchira Kamboj, India's Permanent Representative to the UN, highlighted the strides made in women's representation within this unique system. Decentralized Governance and Active Participation The Panchayati Raj system, characterized by its decentralized power structure, ensures active participation from all residents through the Gram Sabha, setting it apart from conventional municipal governance models.  A Milestone for Gender Equality A pivotal moment for gender equality was marked in 1992 with a consti...

Rahul Gandhi to File Nomination from Raebareli, KL Sharma from Amethi: Insider Sources According to insider sources, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is anticipated to enter the Lok Sabha electoral fray from Raebareli, with the party finalizing his candidature for the constituency. Simultaneously, it's reported that Congress loyalist KL Sharma will vie for the Lok Sabha elections from Amethi, a seat Rahul Gandhi lost to BJP leader Smriti Irani in the 2019 general elections. Significance of Candidate Selections Friday marks the deadline for filing nominations for seats scheduled to go to polls on May 20, forming the fifth round of the seven-phase general elections. Despite the sources' disclosure, the Congress is yet to issue an official statement regarding its candidate selections for Amethi and Raebareli, historically considered the party's strongholds. Historical Context of Raebareli and Amethi Raebareli, Sonia Gandhi's stronghold, has been a Congress bastion for decades....

Election Commission Revises Protocol on Storage of Symbol Loading Units Following Supreme Court Order In response to the recent directive from the Supreme Court, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has introduced a revised protocol for the handling and storage of symbol loading units (SLUs), officials announced on Wednesday. Background The apex court's latest order on the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) controversy mandated that the machines must be sealed and securely stored in containers within strongrooms for a minimum of 45 days post-declaration of election results. Implementation Details In an official statement released on Wednesday, the Election Commission instructed all state Chief Electoral Officers to establish the necessary infrastructure and provisions to implement the updated protocols for handling and storing SLUs. "The revised protocols, as mandated by the Supreme Court, apply to all instances of symbol loading...

Supreme Court Dismisses L&T Plea Over Sharavathi Tendering Process In a recent development, the Supreme Court has rejected the Special Leave Petition (SLP) filed by Larsen & Toubro (L&T), a prominent infrastructure company, challenging the tendering process for the prestigious Sharavathi Pumped Storage project. The decision came on Monday, following a thorough consideration by the bench headed by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud. Background and Decision The apex court stated, "We are not inclined to entertain the Special Leave Petition under Article 136 of the Constitution of India," thereby dismissing L&T's plea. L&T had contested the order of the Division Bench comprising Chief Justice NV Anjaria and Justice Krishna S Dixit of the Karnataka High Court. However, their appeal was dismissed by the Supreme Court. Implications for the Sharavathi Project The Sharavathi pumped storage project, a significant hydroelectric initiative, has been the subjec...

Supreme Court to Examine Plea on Applicability of Sharia Law to Non-Believer Muslims The Supreme Court of India has agreed to examine a plea that raises questions about the applicability of Sharia law to non-believer Muslims. The plea seeks a declaration that individuals who do not wish to be governed by Muslim Personal Law should have the option to be governed by the secular laws of the country. Petition Filed by Safiya PM The petition was filed by Safiya PM, a Kerala-based woman who identifies as a non-believer Muslim. She argues that she should be governed by the Indian Succession Act of 1925 concerning inheritance, rather than Sharia law. According to her, under Sharia law, individuals who leave Islam are excluded from their community and lose inheritance rights in their parental property. Challenge to Sharia Law Restrictions Safiya PM's plea highlights that Sharia law restricts a Muslim person from bequeathing more than 1/3rd of their properties by way of a will. This limitati...

India Leads Global AI Race, Says NetApp-Savanta Report The recent report by NetApp, a leading intelligent data infrastructure company, in collaboration with Savanta, sheds light on the global landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) adoption. Titled "Cloud Complexity: The AI Imperative," the report delineates the divide between countries at the forefront of AI innovation and those trailing behind.  Global AI Adoption Landscape According to the report, countries such as India, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the United States are spearheading AI adoption and innovation. Conversely, nations like Spain, Australia, and Germany are identified as lagging in this technological advancement. The study surveyed over 1,300 executives across 10 countries to gauge the status of AI implementation across various industries. Key Findings The report reveals that 60 percent of companies in leading countries have AI projects underway or in pilot phases, while only 36 percent of companies in...

WEF Special Meeting in Riyadh: Fostering Global Collaboration and Development Addressing Global Challenges Amidst the backdrop of geopolitical tensions and economic complexities, the World Economic Forum (WEF) is gearing up to host a Special Meeting on Global Collaboration, Growth, and Energy for Development in Riyadh. This pivotal gathering will bring together 1,000 global leaders from 92 countries on April 28-29, to foster global dialogue and seek actionable solutions to the multifaceted challenges that confront our world today. Building on Past Successes Building on the success of the inaugural Growth Summit held in Switzerland last year, the WEF's Riyadh meeting will advocate for forward-thinking approaches to address interconnected crises while also acknowledging the short-term trade-offs that may be necessary. The meeting will particularly focus on bridging the growing North-South divide on critical issues such as emerging economic policies, energy transition, and geopolitica...

NCP(SP) Leader Jitendra Awhad Faces Legal Action for Posting Fake Video on Manipur Elections Case Registered Against NCP (SP) Leader Jitendra Awhad A case has been registered against the Nationalist Congress Party Case (Sharadchandra Pawar) against NCP (SP) leader Jitendra Awhad for posting a fake video; Manipur CEO issues fake news alert (NCP (SP) ) leader Jitendra Awhad for allegedly posting a fake video related to the Manipur elections. The video purported a mismatch between the button pressed in the Ballot Unit and the Paper Slip generated through the Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) in Manipur's Khurai Assembly Segment Polling Station. Charges Filed by Manipur Police The Manipur Police has charged Awhad with various offenses under sections 120-B, 203, 505(1)(2), 171-C, 171-E of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), and sections 123 and 136 of the Representation of the People Act. These include criminal conspiracy, providing false information, statements causing publ...

Supreme Court Rejects Petitions for 100% Verification of EVM Votes with VVPAT Slips In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court of India has dismissed all petitions seeking 100% verification of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) votes with their Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) slips. Additionally, the court declined the prayer to revert to the paper ballot voting system, asserting the credibility and safety of the current electoral process. Directions by the Supreme Court The apex court issued two crucial directions in light of the petitions. Firstly, it mandated the sealing of the Symbol Loading Unit (SLU) in containers after the completion of the symbol loading process, to be stored securely for a minimum of 45 days. Secondly, it ruled that the burnt memory in the microcontroller EVM shall be subject to verification by a team of engineers post the declaration of results, upon request by candidates within seven days. The expenses for such verification are to be borne by the c...

Delhi Excise Policy Case: ED Opposes Arvind Kejriwal's Plea Against Arrest, Cites Evidence Enforcement Directorate's Affidavit: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed an affidavit opposing Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's plea against his arrest. Alleging non-cooperation, the agency stated that Kejriwal avoided interrogation despite multiple summons, further exacerbating the necessity of his arrest. The ED underscored instances where Kejriwal allegedly failed to appear before the investigating officer despite being summoned nine times. Kejriwal's Conduct and Evidence: In its affidavit, the ED contends that Kejriwal's conduct significantly contributed to the grounds for his arrest, alongside the material evidence gathered during the investigation. Additionally, the agency highlighted instances where crucial evidence, including data from approximately 170 mobile phones, was allegedly destroyed by individuals involved in the scam. Recovery of Key Evidence: De...

Ensuring Electoral Integrity: Supreme Court Seeks Clarity on EVM-VVPAT Verification Supreme Court Seeks Clarification on EVM Verification: The Supreme Court recently sought clarification from Election Commission of India (ECI) officials regarding pleas seeking 100% verification of votes cast using Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) with Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) slips. This move comes in response to a batch of petitions aiming for comprehensive cross-verification of EVM votes with VVPAT records. Queries Raised by the Bench: During the hearing, the bench of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta posed several questions to an ECI official regarding the functionality of EVMs, particularly inquiring whether the microcontrollers embedded in them are reprogrammable. The bench sought clarity on the placement of microcontrollers, whether in the controlling unit or the VVPAT, and whether the flash memory of these microcontrollers can be reprogrammed. Official Response and Cou...

 AIUDF Chief Badruddin Ajmal Vows to Reopen 750 Madrasas in Assam through Supreme Court Badruddin Ajmal, the Chief of the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF), has pledged to reopen 750 madrasas in Assam if his party emerges victorious in the Lok Sabha elections. Ajmal made this statement during a campaign rally in Karimganj, Assam, emphasizing his commitment to providing education opportunities for Muslim students in the state. Legal Battle Ahead Ajmal stated that the reopening of these madrasas would be pursued through legal channels, particularly by petitioning the Supreme Court. He cited a previous Supreme Court ruling that criticized the Uttar Pradesh government's attempt to close madrasas, suggesting that a similar approach could be taken in Assam. Controversial Government Actions The announcement comes in the wake of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's decision to close or convert several madrasas into general schools during his tenure. Ajmal's promise to...

Mumbai Customs Seizes Gold and Diamonds Worth Crores, Four Arrested Mumbai Customs has made significant seizures of gold and diamonds over three days, resulting in the apprehension of four individuals. The operations, conducted from April 19 to April 21, 2024, saw the confiscation of 6.815 kg of gold and diamonds valued at over Rs 6.46 crores across 13 separate cases. Innovative Smuggling Methods Unveiled Smugglers employed ingenious methods to conceal the contraband, with diamonds discovered cleverly hidden within noodle packets. These discoveries underscore the challenges faced by authorities in combating sophisticated smuggling operations. Massive Gold Haul at Mumbai Airport On April 20, Mumbai Customs at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport intercepted a staggering 9.482 kg of gold valued at Rs 5.71 crore in 14 separate cases. The magnitude of the seizure highlights the scale of smuggling activities in the region. Revealing Social Media Post A recent post on social...

BJP Candidate Elected Unopposed in Surat Lok Sabha Polls In a surprising turn of events, BJP candidate Mukesh Dalal has emerged victorious from the Surat Lok Sabha seat without facing any opposition, as all other candidates withdrew their nominations. This development marks a significant moment in the electoral landscape of Gujarat, with the ruling party securing a landslide victory in the constituency. Congratulations and Best Wishes to Mukesh Dalal Gujarat BJP President CR Paatil took to social media to extend his congratulations to Mukesh Dalal, hailing the win as a testament to the overwhelming support for the BJP in Surat. The District Collector and Election Officer formally presented Dalal with the certificate of Member of Parliament (MP), solidifying his unopposed election. Withdrawal of Nominations by Other Candidates The withdrawal of nominations by other candidates, including Congress' Nilesh Kumbhani and Suresh Padsala, came after a series of complications, including the...

Congress Leader Chidambaram Vows to Implement "Bail is the Rule, Jail is the Exception" Principle if INDIA Bloc Comes to Power Former Union Minister and Congress leader P Chidambaram made significant promises on Sunday, stating that if the INDIA bloc comes to power at the Centre, it would enact a special law to operationalize the legal principle established by the Supreme Court: "bail is the rule, and jail is the exception." Enacting New Legislation Chidambaram emphasized the need for a special law to ensure that bail is granted as a rule, especially highlighting the plight of undertrial prisoners, a majority of whom belong to marginalized communities. He underscored the importance of implementing this principle effectively in lower courts, where it is often overlooked. Repealing Controversial Laws In addition to promising to implement the "bail is the rule" principle, Chidambaram stated that the INDIA bloc would repeal several contentious laws enacted by ...

India-Philippines Defense Cooperation: BrahMos Missile System Deliveries Continue In a testament to the burgeoning defense ties between India and the Philippines, deliveries of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles from India to the Philippines are underway as part of a USD 375 million agreement. This ongoing supply forms a crucial component of the defense contract signed between the two nations, reaffirming their commitment to bolstering security cooperation. New Batch Arrives in Manila Recently, another batch of BrahMos missile system supplies reached an air base in Manila, transported via a chartered Ilyushin-76 transport aircraft from India. With officials from both India and the Philippines overseeing the receipt of the equipment, this marks a significant step forward in their defense partnership. Continued Delivery Amidst Tensions This delivery follows the initial shipment of supersonic cruise missiles to the Philippines on April 19, facilitated by the Indian Air Force's C-1...

Supreme Court Reserves Verdict on Appeal Against Madras High Court Order on Watching Child Porn The Supreme Court has reserved its verdict on an appeal challenging the ruling of the Madras High Court, which stated that downloading and possessing child pornography is not considered a crime. This decision has sparked significant debate and concern regarding the legal framework surrounding such offenses. Bench's Consideration and Verdict Reservation A bench comprising Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and Justice JB Pardiwala heard arguments from both parties before reserving the verdict. The court has allowed the parties involved to submit written submissions by Monday, indicating the complexity and importance of the case. Appeal and High Court Ruling The appeal was filed by NGOs Just Rights for Children Alliance and Bachpan Bachao Andolan against the Madras High Court's ruling in January. The High Court's decision essentially stated that simply downloading and watching c...

IMF Director Advocates for Continued Reforms in India for Sustained Growth and Investments Krishna Srinivasan, Director of the Asia-Pacific Department at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), has underscored the importance of ongoing reforms in India to ensure sustained economic growth and attract investments. In a recent statement, Srinivasan highlighted India's remarkable economic performance amidst global uncertainties, emphasizing the need for collective efforts to fully capitalize on the country's demographic advantages. Sustained Growth Path and Investment Opportunities India's economic trajectory, with a projected growth rate of 6.8% in 2024-25, primarily driven by private consumption and public investments, has garnered attention. Srinivasan commended India's resilience in navigating various challenges, including the pandemic and geopolitical tensions, while stressing the imperative of reforms to optimize growth potential. Emphasis on Reforms for Productivity a...

Election Commission Denies Reports of EVM Discrepancies in Kerala's Kasaragod: Supreme Court Hearing Allegations Refuted by Election Commission The Election Commission of India (ECI) has rebuffed allegations of Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) discrepancies during a mock poll in Kerala's Kasaragod district. In a hearing before the Supreme Court, ECI officials refuted claims made in a news report, asserting that the allegations were thoroughly investigated and found to be false. Senior Deputy Election Commissioner Nitesh Kumar Vyas assured the court of submitting a detailed report on the matter. Court Proceedings and Concerns Raised During the court proceedings, multiple pleas seeking comprehensive cross-verification of votes cast using EVMs with Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) were being heard. Advocates raised concerns over extra votes being recorded for the BJP during mock polls in Kerala, based on a report cited by Prashant Bhushan, representing the NGO 'Associ...