Lok Sabha Elections Highlights: BJP fields Shiv Sena MP Kalaben Delkar from Dadra and Nagar Haveli

The live blog session has concluded. For more news, views and updates, stay tuned with Moneycontrol.com.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has decided to extend 50 percent financial support on GST on the purchase of goods from Kendriya Police Kalyan Bhandar from April 1, 2024.

The Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on March 13 signed a $181 million loan to build quality infrastructure and services toward improving urban livability and mobility in the peri-urban areas of Ahmedabad city in Gujarat.

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) busted a big syndicate involved in smuggling of foreign-origin gold worth around Rs 40 crore in its operation code named ‘Rising Sun’ on March 12 and 13, 2024.

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Wednesday gave a ticket to sitting Shiv Sena MP Kalaben Delkar from Dadra and Nagar Haveli Lok Sabha constituency in the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu.

Delkar won the by-election for the seat, reserved for Scheduled Tribes candidates, in 2021 on the ticket of the then undivided Shiv Sena after her husband and MP Mohan Delkar's death created a vacancy.

Riding on a sympathy wave after the death of her husband, who allegedly hanged himself at a hotel in Mumbai in February 2021, Delkar had won the bypoll by defeating BJP's Mahesh Gavit by nearly 51,000 votes.

Her name figured in the second list of candidates issued by the BJP on Wednesday evening.

“The first list of BJP in Karnataka and second list all over India has been released today. It is a combination of experienced people and youth. When we look at the list, there are experienced people on the list and also new faces...under the leadership of PM Modi, I am sure people will give 28 out of 28 seats (in Karnataka) to BJP...”

An earthquake of Magnitude 5.3 on the Richter Scale hit Afghanistan, informs National Centre for Seismology

--Indian Army's Army Aviation Corps raising its first squadron of Apache attack helicopters in Jodhpur on March 15.

--The first choppers of the unit are expected to arrive in May this year from the US: Indian Army Officials Indian Army has signed a contract for acquiring six Apache helicopters from the US

An earthquake of magnitude 3.6 on the Richter Scale hit Seoni, Madhya Pradesh at 8:02 pm today, says National Centre for Seismology

Noted cardiac surgeon Dr CN Manjunath, former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda's son-in-law, took the plunge into politics on Wednesday as the BJP announced his candidature from Bangalore Rural constituency in the coming Lok Sabha elections.

The BJP on Wednesday announced its first list of 20 candidates in Karnataka, which has a total of 28 seats.

Manjunath, who met veteran BJP leader BS Yediyurappa on Wednesday, will be taking on incumbent MP DK Suresh, the brother of Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress chief DK Shivakumar.

-- The Defence Ministry today signed a contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited for acquiring 9 new ALH Dhruv helicopters for the Indian Army.

-- The ALH Dhruv Mk III UT (Utility) is designed for Search & Rescue, Troop Transportation, Internal Cargo, Recce/ Casualty Evacuation etc.

-- It has proved its performance in high-altitude regions like the Siachen Glacier and Ladakh.

Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav tweets, "Exciting news coming from Sariska Tiger Reserve! Tigress ST 12 has been camera-trapped with 3 new cubs in Talvriksh Range. This takes the number of adult tigers to 25 and cubs to 8 in Sariska. My best wishes for a flourishing wildlife in the state of Rajasthan."

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has approved the proposal of the appointment of Ramesh Chennithala as the Chairman of the Campaign Committee of the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee for the upcoming General Elections.

Yaduveer Krishnadatta Wadiyar of erstwhile Mysore royal family replaces Pratap Simha in Mysore seat

BJP leader Anil Baluni to contest upcoming Lok Sabha elections from Garhwal, Uttarakhand

As per the BJP’s second list of candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi will contest from the Dharwad seat in Karnataka

Former Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar to contest Lok Sabha elections from Karnal.

Ashok Tanwar from Sirsa, Banto Kataria from Ambala, Dharamabir Singh from Bhiwani-Mahendragarh, Rao Inderjit Singh Yadav from Gurugram and Krishan Pal Gurjar from Faridabad

Union Minister Anurag Thakur to contest from Himachal Pradesh's Hamirpur, former Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai to contest from Haveri, BJP MP Tejasvi Surya to contest from Bangalore South, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari to contest from Nagpur, Union Minister Piyush Goyal to contest from Mumbai North.

"This is a government that cares about the downtrodden. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is trying to uplift the poorest of the poor and those vulnerable sections of society. This is a great gesture."

On Congress and other opposition parties opposing CAA, Deputy Speaker of Assam Legislative Assembly Dr Numal Momin says, "People of our country do not need to worry about it as not a single foreigner will come...Congress does not have the moral right to oppose this Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA)...During the BJP time, not a single person came. CAA helps protect our nation and prevent the entry of any foreign personality..."

Commenting on the Congress party’s accounts getting frozen, party national president Mallikarjun Kharge says, “… Our party's account has been closed; if they stop our Rs 200 to Rs 300 crore then how will elections happen. Apart from that, we have four accounts- Youth Congress, Mahila Congress, Delhi, and AICC, if all accounts have been closed… then is it a fair election?”

Goa's Manohar International Airport is expected to increase its annual passenger handling capacity to 8 million by June-July this year as it looks to increase flight connectivity to new destinations and attract more passengers.

The airport, which started operations in January last year, has a capacity to handle 4.4 million passengers per annum and the same is projected to rise to 4.5 million by the end of this month, according to a top executive.

Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah inaugurates offices of National Cooperative Exports Limited (NCEL), National Cooperative Organics Limited (NCOL) and Bhartiya Beej Sahakari Samithi Limited (BBSSL).

He says, "In the beginning, in ministry, we identified the gaps and through increase in which areas, we can transcend the turnover of cooperative..."

Indian Hume Pipe JV with AMR India Limited & Shoda Constructions Private Limited gets work order worth Rs 1,137.77 crore from Telangana Govt

“Our stand on CAA and NRC is very clear. The notifications have been brought to fool people; nothing is going to happen. What follows CAA, is NRC. We won’t allow them (central government) to implement it in the state,” said West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee

-- The Punjab National Bank (PNB) has asked its customers to update their Know Your Customer (KYC) information by March 19, 2024, to ensure the smooth functioning of their accounts.

-- This is applicable only for customers whose accounts were due for KYC updation as of 31.12.2023.

-- It can be done through PNB ONE/Internet Banking Services (IBS)/registered e-mail/post or in-person visit to any branch by 19.03.2024.

-- Failure to update KYC details within the stipulated time may result in restrictions on account operations.

-- State Bank of India accepts the one-time settlement proposal submitted by PC Jewllers.

-- The terms of OTS include cash and equity components, the release of securities, and mortgaged properties.

-- The central government on March 13 announced a new scheme of Rs 500 crore for a special 4-month month electric mobility promotion scheme till July 2024.

-- The special new electric mobility promotion scheme will support electric 2-wheelers, 3-wheelers, and e-rickshaws, said the Ministry of Heavy Industries.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launches Pradhan Mantri Samajik Utthan evam Rozgar Adharit Jankalyan (PM-SURAJ) portal and sanctions credit support to 1 lakh entrepreneurs of disadvantaged sections.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also distributes Ayushman Health Cards and PPE kits to Safai Mitras under NAMASTE scheme.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh addresses the 'PM-SURAG outreach programme' in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, and says: "... As far as poverty is concerned, I am not saying it, but the NITI Aayog has said that it has happened for the first time in the history of 'Azad Bharat' that those who were below the poverty line, 25 crore people have been lifted out of poverty. I am not saying that the previous government did not do anything, every government has done something during their tenure but..."

Under the Citizenship Amendment Act of 2019, a helpline number will soon be launched to assist applicants for Indian citizenship. Applicants can call toll-free from anywhere in India to obtain information related to CAA-2019. The service will be available from 8 AM to 8 PM, the Ministry of Home Affairs has announced

-- The Maharashtra Cabinet has decided to rename 8 Mumbai railway stations that had British-era names.

-- The Cabinet has also approved the construction of a sea link between Uttan (Bhayander) and Virar (Palghar).

The Maharashtra cabinet has decided to rename Ahmednagar district as Ahilya Nagar.

MP/MLA Court Varanasi sentences gangster turned politician Mukhtar Ansari to life imprisonment in 36-year-old fake arms license case under sections 466/120B.

Anurag Thakur says, “The Government is in continuity, so Cabinet meetings will continue even during model code of conduct.”

The Government will function till May 31, so there will be no bar on Cabinet meetings and Cabinet briefings, he adds.

Anurag Thakur says, “The total length of the two corridors approved today is 20 km and will be constructed at a cost of Rs 8,000 crore. Lajpat Nagar to Saket G Block will be Corridor 1; Inderlok to Indraprastha will be Corridor 2.”

Advocate Mamata Kumari says "This is an unfortunate incident. The transformer fell on a person and he lost his life. No action has been taken by the administration as of now..."

No relief for Congress from Delhi High Court as it upholds ITAT order upholding IT department’s lien on its bank accounts.

An explosion took place in a transformer installed in Patna's Civil Court. Injuries reported.

CM Nayab Singh Saini-led Haryana Government wins the Floor Test in the State Assembly.

AS Rajeev appointed as Vigilance Commissioner in Central Vigilance Commission, with effect from March 11

The President has approved the Uniform Civil Code Uttarakhand-2024 Act. The Uttarakhand government has confirmed this. CM Pushkar Singh Dhami's government passed the UCC Bill in the Uttarakhand Assembly on 7 February, which was sent for approval.

CM Nayab Singh Saini addresses the assembly session. He says, "I come from a humble family background, no one is in politics in my family. I am just a party worker of the BJP and today I have been given such a big opportunity. I must say that this can be only possible in a party like the BJP..."

"(Former Haryana CM) Manohar Lal Khattar provided Rs 3,000 pension to the senior citizens. The pension is directly transferred to the bank accounts of the senior citizens. He has made this wonderful system," says Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini, speaking during the no-confidence motion in Assembly.

Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin re-claims top spot from teammate Jasprit Bumrah in latest ICC Test rankings for bowlers.

- Delhi High Court Adjourns Axis Bank-Max Fin Case Till April 3
- Subramanian Swamy Had Filed Plea In Delhi HC Against Axis Bank-Max Fin Deal

CAA is political gimmick ahead of Lok Sabha polls: Mamata Banerjee

- Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, addressing the Yatra in Maharashtra's Dhule this morning, noted, "In our second Bharat Jodo Yatra, we have introduced a new term, 'Nyay,' as during our initial journey, individuals we encountered - be it farmers, youth, or women - consistently identified injustice as the root cause of violence and animosity. It's alarming that 90 percent of Indians experience injustice on a daily basis. It may come as a surprise to some, but the wealth of 22 individuals in India equals that of 70 crore people."

- Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar engaged bilateral talks with New Zealand’s Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters early this morning in New Delhi.

National Investigation Agency (NIA) has detained one Shabbir from Ballari in Karnataka in connection with Bengaluru's Rameshwaram Cafe blast case.He is still being questioned in the case. It is yet to be ascertained whether he is the same man caught on CCTV: Sources

Here’s what AAP national convenor and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal said on the implementation of CAA.

“As per CAA regulations, minorities of Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan will be given Indian citizenship. There are more than 2.5 crore minority people in those three countries. If we open our door for them, where will we accommodate them and how will we provide them with jobs. It is evident that they will take away our jobs. This is BJP’s agenda to make them a vote bank.”

- Chairman of State Bank of India (SBI) files an affidavit in the Supreme Court apprising that in compliance of the top court’s order, date of purchase of each Electoral Bond, the name of the purchaser and the denomination of the Electoral Bond purchased has been furnished to the Election Commission of India.

- The bank has also furnished the detail to the Election Commission regarding the date of encashment of the Electoral Bonds, the name of political parties who have received the contributions and the denomination of the said bonds, affidavit states.

- SBI says that the data has been furnished in respect of bonds purchased and redeemed between April 12, 2019 to February 15, 2024.

Putin says Russia is ready to use nuclear weapons if there is a threat to its statehood, sovereignty or independence, reports AP

A total of 22,217 electoral bonds were purchased and 22,030 of them were redeemed by political parties: SBI to SC

Details of date of encashment of electoral bonds, names of political parties which received donations also furnished to EC: SBI to SC

Prime Minister of Bhutan, Dasho Tshering Tobgay will be on an official visit to India from 14-18 March, 2024 at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, says a statement by Ministry of External Affairs.

SBI has filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court stating that it has complied with its directive and submitted all the details of the electoral bonds already available with it. The affidavit has been filed by its CMD Dinesh Kumar Khara.

SBI has filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court stating that it has complied with its directive and submitted all the details of the electoral bonds already available with it. The affidavit has been filed by its CMD Dinesh Kumar Khara.

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini's appointment challenged in HC.

In relation to the Rameshwaram Cafe explosion investigation in Bengaluru, the National Investigation Agency detained one suspect on Tuesday for interrogation.

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw says, "In December 2026 first chip from the Dholera plant will be produced. In December 2024 first chip will be produced from the Sanand plant"

On Mamata Banerjee's opposition to CAA implementation, BJP leader RS Prasad says, "Mamata Banerjee's slippery political ground in Bengal is forcing her to give it a communal colour. We strictly condemn it. What is the extent to which they are willing to degenerate themselves for vote bank politics?"

PM Modi: India's talent has a lot of power in the world's AI ecosystem. Today you can hear my speeches in any language in any part of the country. The ability of our youth is there. They just want opportunity.

PM Modi: Bharat has left behind old thinking and approach. We take quick strides and make polcies quickly. We have lost multiple decades in the semiconductor industry. But that won't happen anymore. Even though India wanted to break into semiconductors in the 1960s, but a lack of intention and hard work didn't let us do it. Governments used to think it is a need of the future. They couldn't balance nation's priorities. They used to do scams of thousands of crores but didn't want to invest thousands of crores in semiconductor manufacturing.

Delhi High Court issues notice on a plea of former Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) student Umar Khalid challenging a trial court order on dropping of attempt to murder charges against two persons accused of firing at him at Constitution Club in New Delhi in 2018.

Haryana CM Nayab Saini moves confidence motion in the special session of the state Assembly to prove majority for his government.

Earlier regimes indulged in scams of thousands of crore, but did not invest thousands of crore for making semiconductors: PM Modi

Be it space or mapping, we have unlocked opportunities for our youth. The incentive and encouragement we have guven to startups is a first. That's why India has become the third biggest startup ecosystem, says PM Modi

The design and brains behind most of semiconductors today in the world is of India's youth. We are today completing the cycle of this takent ecosystem, says PM Modi.

PM Modi: We have increased ease of doing business, made laws easy, finished 40,000 compliances, liberalized FDI norms in areas like defence, insurance and telecom.

Through incentive schemes, India has given a new avenue of opportunity to our electronics industry. India is today one of the biggest manufacturers of mobile phones. We have started the national quantum mission. IndiaAI mission is progressing fast. We are on the path of technological advancement, he added.

"This is a historic step. From 'charkha' to chip and from Harappan civilisation to digital revolution... The Tata Group is leading this (project) which has full support from the ministry of electronics and IT, government of Gujarat and Assam. IESA has been involved in designing and manufacturing of semiconductors since 2006," says Ashok Chandak, president, India Electronics and Semiconductor Association (IESA) as PM Modi lays foundation stone of three semiconductor projects worth around Rs 1.25 lakh crore.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "Leaders from Taiwan have also joined us in today's program virtually. I am very excited about the attempts made by India. More than 60 thousand colleges, universities & educational institutes are associated with today's event"

India commits, India delivers and democracy delivers. Only a few countries manufacture semicon chips today. The covid pandemic taught us that world needs a resilient supply chain: PM Modi

India is taking big strides towards Industry 4.0. We don't want to waste even one moment. Today's event is a testament to that, says PM Modi.

PM Modi: More than 60,000 colleges and educational institutions have joined today. It's a record in itself. This event today is of the dreams of our youth.

21st century is a tech driven century and you can't imagine it without chips. Made in India chip will help push India towards Atmanirbharta and Adhunikta, he added.

We are taking a big step towards a bright future: PM Modi after laying foundation stone of Rs 1.25 lakh crore semiconductor projects

"Today is a historic day. Today we are creating history and taking a big step towards a bright future of India. Today foundation stones of semiconductor projects of over Rs 1.25 lakh crore have been laid. This will help make India a global hub of semiconductor manufacturing," says PM Modi.

PM Modi virtually lays foundation stone of three semiconductor projects worth Rs 1.25 lakh crore.

Gujarat CM Bhupendrabhai Patel: We have appointed a nodal agency in the state to facilitate the chip fab units. Semiconductor chips fabricated in Gujarat will ensure India becomes part of the global supply chain. Logistical support will be extended to the semiconductor setup in state, says Gujarat Chief Minister

NGO seeks early hearing in SC on plea challenging exclusion of CJI from panel meant to select CEC, Election Commissioners.

Row over appointment process for CEC, ECs: SC says plea of NGO will be heard on Friday

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sharma: There was a big geographical barrier about Assam in the hearts of people. No one used to consider Northeast for new industries. But because of PM Modi, semiconductor technological revolution is coming to Assam. I never thought Assam will be among the first states in semiconductor revolution. All future generations of Assam will remember your greatness. The confidence you have reposed in Assam and we will try our best to succeed.

Tata's N Chandra: Today is a special day for India and Tata Group. These semicon plants will be very important for the nation. PSMC has given us access to a wide portfolio of technology. Semicon is the foundational industry for everything digital. We will create more than 50,000 jobs and this is just the beginning. Chip shortages during pandemic made us realise our dependency on international supply chain. Domestic semicon industry is integral to indigenous industry. Semicon chips have defining role to play in every industry- auto, AI, defence, green tech, health and every other industry.

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw says, "Four semiconductor units are being built in the country...One of the four semiconductor units is coming up in Assam...The four plants are an example of work being done at a great pace under the double-engine government...The cabinet gave its approval on 29th February 2024 for TATA & CG power plants and within 15 days PM Modi will lay the foundation stone..."

- Ashwini Vaishnaw: Young people should remember that only PM Modi thinks about the country's future when they make their decision in a few days.

- Ashwini Vaishnaw: From 1962, India has been trying to start a semiconductor industry. But it has been possible now under the leadership of PM Modi. The future generations will remember this day. Semicon industry is foundational. From fans, fridge, planes to mobiles, everything needs semiconductors. That’s why it is central to PM Modi's vision

"A period comes in every country's history when the foundation for its future is laid and it gets a new identity in the world. This is only possible when the country's leadership is visionary, decisive and forward looking. Today, the country has this kind of leadership under PM Modi," says Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, speaking at 'India’s Techade: Chips for Viksit Bharat'.

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath distributes funds during mega loan distribution program of Rs 30,826 crore for MSME sector organised in Lucknow.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi participates in ‘India’s Techade: Chips for Viksit Bharat’ and will lay the foundation stone of three semiconductor facilities worth about Rs 1.25 lakh crore.

On Floor Test in the Assembly today, Haryana Minister Ranjit Singh Chautala says, "...This is just ceremonial. 48 MLAs are with us anyway. JJP people are making a decision too...This is ceremonial and it will be carried out...This is a good tradition..."

Ahead of the Haryana floor test, state minister JP Dalal says, "CM Nayab Saini will face the floor test today. I am confident that he will win the trust vote as he is a worker from the grassroots level...JJP wants to fight alone in Lok Sabha elections. Ours is a majority government even without support from JJP."

"The government money would be used to settle the Pakistani people in India. In these countries (Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan), there are approximately 2.5 to 3 crore minorities. Once India opens its doors, a lot of people will come to India from these countries. Who will provide employment to these refugees? Why is this being done? Some people say it's just a part of vote bank politics," says Delhi CM and AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal on implementation of CAA.

"The BJP has open India's door for Pakistani and Bangladeshi residents. This is dangerous for the country; the northeast states - especially Assam - will have to pay for it. The culture of Assam is in danger because of the illegal migrants from Bangladesh. The BJP wants to provide citizenship to these illegal migrants. (Assam CM) Himanta Biswa Sarma has betrayed his people," says Delhi CM and AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal on implementation of CAA.

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal says, "What is this CAA? BJP Government at the Centre says that if minorities from three countries - Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan - want to get Indian citizenship, they will be granted the same. It means that a large number of minorities will be brought to our country. They will be given jobs and houses will be built for them. The BJP can't provide jobs to our children but they want to give jobs to children from Pakistan. Several of our people are homeless but BJP wants to settle people from Pakistan here. They want to give our jobs to their children. They want to settle Pakistanis in our rightful houses. The money of the Government of India that should be used for the development of our families and the country will be used for the settlement of Pakistanis."

On Floor test, Former Haryana Home Minister Anil Vij says, "...Situations keep changing, but in every situation, I have worked for the BJP. I will still do it even more than what I have done so far."

- Chief Economic Advisor Dr V Anantha Nageswaran says, "Economy is a system of mutual dependencies that is why when an economy grows into a funk, you need exogenous shocks to lift it out of the funk, which normally comes from fiscal stimulus. The fiscal authorities, given their ability to tax, or the monetary authorities, given their ability to print money or external demand are the factors that do not necessarily fall within this closed-loop system."

- "These are considered exogenous factors that can once in a while be applied to lift economies out of downturns. Otherwise, capital formation and economic growth are naturally co-dependent. In this regard, we are all very happy to note that our economy is poised to grow at more than 7% for three consecutive years, and with some very good luck and reasonable assumptions, we might do so in FY 25 as well," he added

Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth tweets, "The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir is witnessing an average of 1 to 1.5 lakh pilgrims daily."

- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved a proposal for expansion of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) with the addition of three lakh cadet vacancies. This expansion is expected to cater to the increasing demand for the NCC from educational institutions throughout the country.

- From just 20,000 cadets in 1948, the NCC will now have a sanctioned strength of 20 lakh cadets on its roles making it the largest uniformed youth organisation of the world.

ED searches locations linked to Congress MLA Amba Prasad in Jharkhand's Hazaribagh. The ED on Tuesday had raided Prasad's residence in Ranchi in connection with a money laundering probe. The 36-year-old legislator represents the Barkagaon Assembly seat in Hazaribag district.

"At about 7 AM, we received an information about fire in a dhaba near Gaur City Chowk. We immediately rushed fire tenders to the spot. Upon reaching here, we saw that six dhabas and two shops were engulfed in fire. Total 10 fire tenders were pressed into service. The fire has been brought under control now. No one has been injured in the incident," says Chief Fire Officer Pradeep Kumar on Greater Noida Fire.

"On evening of (March) 16, the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra will come to an end. We will reach the Ambedkar Smarak in Dadar. On March 17, we have a rally but the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra will end at Dadar in Mumbai," says Congress leader Jairam Ramesh.

Donald Trump wins the Republican presidential primary in Washington, reports AP

"We received information about fire in a few dhabas in Gau City Circle. Fire services vehicles left for the spot. We found six dhabas and two shops on fire. 10 fire tenders are here. We have brought the fire under control, cooling operation is underway...There are no casualties or injuries in the incident," says CFO Pradeep Kumar