India News Highlights: PM Modi to chair meet on March 15 to pick up new Election Commissioner

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PM-chaired high-powered committee on selection of election commissioners to meet on March 15, say sources

India’s ace pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty defeated Chinese Taipei’s Lee Jhe Huei and Yang Po Hsuan in the final to win the French Open Badminton 2024 men’s doubles crown.

Anant Kumar Hegde's statement about the need for the BJP to secure 400 seats to protect Hinduism by amending the Constitution *is not his personal statement but a part of the secret agenda of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Our Constitution protects people of every religion equally and provides every citizen the freedom to follow his or her faith. So, what version of Hinduism is Anant Kumar Hegde aiming to protect by altering the Constitution itself? Hegde's statement has exposed the ulterior motives of the BJP to replace Baba Saheb Ambedkar's version of the Constitution with their own, influenced by the Manusmriti. The BJP's version would reinforce the evil practices of the caste system. *The BJP will remove all reservations for OBCs and Dalits if they come to power. His statement is a direct attack on OBCs and Dalits.

This is not the first instance of Anant Kumar Hegde speaking against the Constitution. He has repeatedly expressed the intent to change the Constitution.

(Excerpt from Press Release by Chief Minister of Karnataka Siddaramaiah)

"It doesn't matter whether it's INDIA bloc or any other party, citizens of this country have made up their minds to make (Narendra) Modi the PM for the third time with a huge majority. We will secure victory in over 400 seats. Lotus will bloom in Uttar Pradesh by securing victory in all 80 seats," said BJP leader Jaiveer Singh earlier today.

Uddhav Thackeray's close aide MLA Ravindra Waikar joins Shiv Sena in the presence of Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde, in Mumbai.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met CMS founder late Jagdish Gandhi's wife Bharati Gandhi and his family at their residence in Lucknow and expressed condolences.

Jemimah Rodrigues (58) scores fifty as Delhi Capitals post 181/5 against Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Women's Premier League in New Delhi.

Chairman 5T and Nabin Odisha Kartik Pandian reviewed the progress and held discussions with concerned officers of SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack earlier today. The Cuttack-based SCB Medical College and Hospital (SCB MCH) is being transformed into an AIIMS plus institution, with state-of-the-art facilities.

A passenger train derailed near Kothavalasa Junction railway station in Andhra Pradesh’s Vizianagaram earlier today. More details are awaited.

- BJP's actions always in line with constitutional ethos, national interest: Spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia on Anantkumar Hegde's remarks

- MP Anantkumar Hegde's views on Constitution his personal opinion; BJP has taken cognizance, sought his response: Party leader Gaurav Bhatia

Here's what Congress leader Sanjay Nirupam said on Uddhav Thackeray for announcing the candidate for Mumbai's North-West Lok Sabha constituency amid the seat-sharing talks among Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) parties.

"Discussions are still underway regarding seat-sharing in Maha Vikas Aghadi. For around 39 seats, decisions have been made, but 8-9 seats are still left, and these remaining seats include Mumbai's North-West seat. Announcing the names of MVA candidates by Shiv Sena is against the values of making an alliance, when a decision has not been taken."

BJP MP Manoj Tiwari launches campaign in North East Delhi for the Lok Sabha Elections 2024.

- Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said the signing of the trade agreement between India and the four-nation European bloc EFTA is a "watershed moment" as it symbolises shared commitment to open, fair and equitable trade.

- The European Free Trade Association (EFTA) members are Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.

- The Prime Minister said India will extend all possible support to these countries and facilitate industry and businesses, not only to achieve the committed targets but also to go beyond them.

A six-member coordination committee has been set up by Congress for better coordination between the Government and the organization in Himachal Pradesh.

Anup Chandra Pandey's retirement and Arun Goel's unexpected resignation have left two openings, and sources stated on Sunday that two election commissioners will probably be appointed by March 15.

On sectors that will benefit from the India-EFTA free trade deal, Norway Minister for Trade and Industry Jan Christian Vestre says, "We will reduce customs duties, tariffs on more or less all products; almost 100% will be without any tariffs that mean Indian exporters will have access to our markets... We have made concessions in a lot of different and important industries such as textile, agriculture, different kinds of services, construction companies, infrastructure...We will also work together on renewable energy and how to speed up the green transition together..."

President Droupadi Murmu administers oath to the second Lokpal chairperson Justice Ajay Manikrao Khanwilkar at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

On the seat-sharing among NDA parties in Bihar for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, LJP (Ramvilas) chief Chirag Paswan says, "...I regularly keep hearing news from you (through media) that when I am happy, when I am not happy (about the seat-sharing). I am more worried about Bihar and the people of Bihar. It is just a matter of time and announcement on seat-sharing will be made soon..."

Here’s what BJP leader and UP Minister Danish Azad Ansari said on INDIA alliance's seat-sharing formula in UP for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

“INDIA alliance has no support base anywhere on the ground. They are trying to build on a weak foundation. The manner in which the INDIA alliance partners are leaving one by one, makes it evident that is just a ‘failed experiment’ with no future.

At 'Viksit Bharat Ambassador Artist Workshop' Union Minister Piyush Goyal says, "Today amazingly, our artists in Delhi at Purana Quila and more than 300 places across India, through their art, colours, and new texture have shown PM Modi's 'Viksit bharat sankalp' in their painting. The ambassadors of 'Viksit Bharat' are telling 140 crore people how India is going forward toward development.."

On joining BJP ahead of Lok Sabha elections, former Congress Minister Lalchand Kataria says, "From the Congress family, I have joined the family of BJP today. We will work together and will push forward the policies of PM Modi..."

Here’s what BJP leader Shehzad Poonawalla said on TMC releasing its candidate list for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. “A new blow to the INDIA bloc has been dealt in West Bengal by TMC leader Mamata Banerjee. The TMC has unilaterally declared candidates for all the (Lok Sabha) seats and Congress was left behind.”

Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha Adhir Chowdhury says, "If TMC wanted to honour Yusuf Pathan, they should've sent him to the Rajya Sabha instead of sending 'outsiders'... If Mamata Banerjee had good intentions for Yusuf Pathan, she would have asked alliance (INDIA alliance) for a seat for him (Yusuf Pathan) in Gujarat. But here in West Bengal, he is selected as a candidate to polarise the common man and to help the BJP, so that Congress can be defeated... Mamata Banerjee has proven today that none of the political parties of India should trust a leader like her... Mamata Banerjee is in fear that if she continues to be in the INDIA alliance, PM Modi will be unhappy. By separating herself from the INDIA alliance, she has sent a message to the PMO, don't be unhappy with me, I am not standing to fight against the BJP."

"Wishing the Central Industrial Security Force a proud and glorious Raising Day! Their dedication and vigilance in protecting the nation's critical infrastructure are unparalleled. Their professionalism and excellence have set a great benchmark in world of security," posts PM Modi.

Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghvi flagged off 100 new buses from Nadabet located in the India-Pak border area.

On BJP Mahila Morcha State Executive Meeting, BJP leader DK Aruna says, "Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections the first meeting of the BJP Mahila Morcha State Executive Meeting was held today. The BJP Mahila Morcha will meet all the women from every constituency and will make them aware of the schemes of the Central government and also make them aware about the benefits given by PM Modi..."

Tibetan government-in-exile commemorates 65th Tibetan National Uprising Day. Australian and German MPs attend the event as special guests.

“We have not received any information about farmers trying to stage their protest here (Mohra rail passing). Section 144 has already been imposed. We will take action against people who will try to violate it,” says DSP Ambala Cantt Ashish Chaudhary.

- EFTA is offering 92.2% of its tariff lines which covers 99.6% of India’s exports. The EFTA’s market access offer covers 100% of non-agri products and tariff concession on Processed Agricultural Products (PAP).

- India is offering 82.7% of its tariff lines which covers 95.3% of EFTA exports of which more than 80% import is Gold. The effective duty on Gold remains untouched. Sensitivity related to PLI in sectors such as pharma, medical devices & processed food etc. have been taken while extending offers. Sectors such as dairy, soya, coal and sensitive agricultural products are kept in exclusion list

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal says, "...Don't make a mistake this time. Don't get trapped to elect the Prime Minister; vote to elect your MPs. Elect an MP that works for you during tough times..."

- Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be at the centre of the Lok Sabha polls and whether what he stands for is for the good of the people of the country would be the subject matter of the elections, Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal said on Sunday.

- In a video interview with PTI, Sibal also said the opposition INDIA bloc needs to come out with a joint vision document which entails what key issues are there before the country which need to be addressed.

- Asserting that no election is a done deal, Sibal quipped, "I don't know whether picture baki hai ki nahi lekin jo picture chal rahi hai woh desh ke liye theek nahi hai (I don't know whether or not there is more to the film but the one that is playing is not good for the country)."

"Don't make a mistake this time. Don't vote to elect the PM; vote to elect your MPs. Elect such MPs that work for you in difficult times," says Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, addressing a public gathering in Kurukshetra, Haryana.

- On TMC announcing its candidates on all 42 Lok Sabha seats in West Bengal, Congress MP Jairam Ramesh said, "The Indian National Congress has repeatedly declared its desire to have a respectable seat-sharing agreement with the TMC in West Bengal."

- "The Indian National Congress has always maintained that such an agreement has to be finalised through negotiations and not by unilateral announcements. The Indian National Congress has always wanted the INDIA group to fight the BJP together," he added.

- Farmers on Sunday squatted on railway tracks at many places in Punjab as part of a 'rail roko' protest called by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha to press the Centre to accept their demands, including a legal guarantee of minimum support price (MSP).

- Farmers raised slogans against the Centre for not accepting their demands.

- Because of the disruption of train services, passengers will experience inconvenience.

- The protest will be held from 12 noon till 4 pm.

- Former cricketer Yusuf Pathan to be TMC’s candidate from Baharampur Lok Sabha seat.

- TMC renominates Mahua Moitra from Krishnanagar LS seat in Bengal.

- TMC announces the names of 42 candidates for Lok Sabha elections.

- Former cricketer Yusuf Pathan and party leader Mahua Moitra among the candidates.

- Ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, BJP MP from Hisar Brijendra Singh on Sunday resigned from the party's primary membership due to "compelling political reasons" and joined the Congress.

- Soon after announcing his resignation on X, Brijendra Singh, the son of BJP leader Birender Singh, reached Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge's residence in New Delhi and joined the opposition party.

- Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday virtually inaugurated the new terminal buildings of the Pune and Kolhapur airports in Maharashtra which will be equipped with various modern amenities.

- State Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar were present at the Pune airport for the event.

- Several Congress leaders in Rajasthan, including former ministers Rajendra Yadav and Lal Chand Kataria, joined the BJP on Sunday ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

- Former Congress MLAs Ricchpal Mirdha, Vijaypal Mirdha and Khiladi Bairwa, former independent MLA Alok Beniwal, former state Congress chief Seva Dal Suresh Chaudhary, Rampal Sharma ang Riju Jhunjhunwala among other leaders also joined the ruling party in the state.

- On the resignation of Election Commissioner Arun Goel, Janata Dal(U) leader KC Tyagi said, "It's a shock for me as well, however, he said that he is resigning due to some personal reasons. Meanwhile, whatever the opposition is saying is unnecessary.."

- Basirhat Sub-Divisional Court sends Sheikh Shahjahan to 4-day CBI custody.

- Security forces on Sunday busted a terror hideout in a forest in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district and seized seven rusted improvised explosive devices and a wireless set, officials said.

- They said the hideout located inside a cave was uncovered during a joint search operation by police and the Army at Dara Sangla in the Surankote area.

- Water Minister Atishi on Sunday visited the Delhi Jal Board water treatment plant in Keshopur where a person fell into a 40-foot-deep borewell and said that action would be taken against the official who was responsible for this sewage treatment plant.

- "I have ordered all borewells in Delhi to be inspected in the next 48 hours and action will be taken against the official who was responsible for this STP (sewage treatment plant)," Atishi told PTI.

- "Swiss cheese won't be given special preference as dairy has been kept largely out of the India, EFTA pact since it is a sensitive sector for both India and Switzerland"

- "The remunerative price for sugarcane farmers has also been increased by 8% this year. Now the remunerative price of sugarcane has increased from Rs 315 to Rs 340 per quintal."

- "In the past years, the double engine government has done development works worth lakhs of crores of rupees in Uttar Pradesh."

- "This has not only changed the infrastructure of UP, but has also created lakhs of new opportunities for the youth"

- "The India, EFTA agreement makes room for access to provide services on both sides -- professionals can engage in each other economies on sectors such as IT, education, audio visual, business and financial accounting"

- "The commitment on the 100 bln dollars over 15 years from EFTA is from the private sector."

- "Chemicals, machinery, pharma, engineering industry sectors will benefit from EFTA's investment promise on India."

- "I am running the country with full speed to fulfil the promise of developed India by 2047 "

- "Our government is working to ensure that urbanization does not stop in Uttar Pradesh from now on "

- "Today MSP is being given several times higher than before"

- "The infrastructure projects announced today will help the farmers and youth of Uttar Pradesh get jobs and have a progressive future."

- Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "Our government has fulfilled all promises made in 2019."

- "Naysayers will say that the new infrastructure projects are just being announced because of upcoming elections. In the past governments would announce new schemes before the elections with no new infrastructure," he added.

- Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "Our government has fulfilled all promises made in 2019."

- "Naysayers will say that the new infrastructure projects are just being announced because of upcoming elections. In the past governments would announce new schemes before the elections with no new infrastructure," he added.

- Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "In the past national programs would be held in Delhi the rest of the country would join them. Today, the rest of country is joining a national programs happening in Azamgarh."

- "Gwalior's new Terminal was built in just 16 months and is a testimony for the speed of infrastructure development in India," he added.

- "This is India's first modern FTA with nations from the developed nations of the West."

- "It is an ambitious agreement. It focusses on sustainable growth and promises huge business opportunities. For the first time an investment commitment has been woven into a trade pact to balance the asymmetries between India and EFTA nations"

- "We have added issues of gender, environment in the trade agreement with EFTA"

- "FDI investment commitment has been made by EFTA that they will invest 100 billion dollars in India in next 15 years"

- Hisar BJP MP Brijendra Singh tweets, "I have resigned from the primary membership of BJP, due to compelling political reasons."

- Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari, who was elected as the 14th president of the country with a big margin, will take oath as the head of state on Sunday.

- The oath-taking ceremony will take place at the Aiwan-e-Sadr in Islamabad at 4 pm on Sunday. Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa will administer the oath to the newly-elected president, Geo News reported.

- India signs Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) with the European Free Trade Association or EFTA comprising Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland in New Delhi on March 10

- " Ensured robust and mature Intellectual Property rights are woven into the trade and investment deal with EFTA nations."

- "Have respected the sensitivity of certain sectors in all 5 countries involved in the India, EFTA trade pact."

- " Ensured robust and mature Intellectual Property rights are woven into the trade and investment deal with EFTA nations."

- "Have respected the sensitivity of certain sectors in all 5 countries involved in the India, EFTA trade pact."

- "The investment promise from EFTA nations is a big opportunity for pharma, medical devices, food sectors."

- "We are inking a free trade agreement with a binding commitment to invest $100 billion in India from EFTA nations"

- "The India, EFTA TEPA brings trusted and efficient partnership with accountability."

- "It is a modern trade agreement -- it is fair, equitable and balanced. And a win, win for all the nations involved."

- "We have steadfastly focussed on the India, EFTA trade and agreement"

- "Signing of the EFTA trade and investment deal marks 15 years of negotiations."

- Piyush Goyal reads out PM Mod's statement on the occasion of signing of India, EFTA trade and investment deal.

- "India will extend all possible support to EFTA nations and facilitate industry and business beyond the stated targets in the pact."

- On the resignation of Election Commissioner Arun Goel, Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal says, "It surely is (surprising). If at the cusp of an election, which is just a couple of months away, you resign - obviously there is something serious on the basis of which he must have resigned."

- "I can't possibly speculate that reason but obviously there is some element of difference of opinion, especially when his term was still not over," he added.

- "The election commission has become an extended branch of the BJP. It is not the same election commission which it was during TN Seshan's time."

- "In the last 10 years, the election commission has been privatised," said MP Sanjay Raut on Arun Goel quitting as election commissioner ahead of upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

- The Odisha government has decided to set up a Rs 562-crore aviation training centre to meet future demand for pilots and skilled personnel in the sector, a minister said.

- A proposal to set up Biju Patnaik Aviation Centre (BPAC) at Birasal airstrip in Dhenkanal district was approved at a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Saturday.

- The 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra' led by Rahul Gandhi entered the last leg of its Gujarat journey on Sunday as it headed for Bardoli in Surat where the Congress leader will visit the historic Swaraj Ashram.

- On Saturday, Gandhi interacted with around 70 civil society leaders working with Dalit, tribal and farmer movements during his mass outreach programme at Kunvarpara in Gujarat's Narmada district.

- The Trinamool Congress will launch its Lok Sabha poll campaign with a grand rally on Sunday at Kolkata's famed Brigade Parade Grounds, where party supremo Mamata Banerjee is expected to set the tone for the upcoming elections.

- Christened 'Jana Garjan Sabha', the mega event will feature three platforms, including a cross ramp, with Mamata Banerjee and TMC's national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee taking centre-stage as the main speakers.

- Delhi Government has decided to convene a special session of the assembly on March 15 to discuss the issue of water contamination and sewer problems in the national capital.

- Delhi on Sunday recorded a minimum temperature of 10 degrees Celsius, four notches below the season's normal, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

- The relative humidity stood at 65 percent at 8:30 am.

- The Enforcement Directorate has arrested Subhash Yadav, a man allegedly linked to the RJD, in Bihar's Patna in a money laundering case related to alleged illegal sand mining, official sources said on Sunday.

- The premises of Yadav and some others were being searched since Saturday as part of a case registered under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

- TMC party’s mega rally scheduled to be held later today.

- Karnataka BJP to protest against Congress government tomorrow, on March 11

- 48th Ranji Trophy finals between Mumbai and Vidarbha begins at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.

- 48th Ranji Trophy finals between Mumbai and Vidarbha begins at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.

- India should be able to send its scientists to study the deep ocean 6 km under the sea surface in its own Samudrayaan by the end of next year, Earth Sciences Minister Kiren Rijiju has said.

- In an interview to PTI, Rijiju said India's deep-ocean submersible Matsya6000, which will take humans up to a depth of 6,000 meters under the sea, was "well on course" and could be tested by the "end of this year".

- BJP MP Dilip Ghosh said, "...Before the last elections as well Mamata Banerjee had invited all parties of the country and held a mega rally...But a lot of parties and several leaders couldn't reach the Parliament. Mamata Banerjee suffered a loss of 12 seats."

- "The same will happen this time as well. Several parties are in fear, and several Lok Sabha MPs are switching to the Rajya Sabha. Everyone is attempting to face Modi, but let's see what justice do the people do to them," he added.

- A child fell into a 40-foot-deep borewell at a Delhi Jal Board water treatment plant here in the early hours of Sunday and a rescue operation is underway, officials said.

- The rescue efforts are being led by teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the Delhi Fire Services (DFS).

- On Sheikh Shahjahan, BJP MP Dilip Ghosh said, "State Government and TMC are still making attempts to protect Shahjahan. They are attempting to bring him away from CBI."

- "But the court proceedings will continue and inquiry is underway. Everything will come out gradually," he added.

- Torrential rains have triggered flash floods and a landslide on Indonesia's Sumatra island, killing at least 19 people and leaving seven others missing, officials said Sunday.

- Tons of mud, rocks and uprooted trees rolled down a mountain late Friday, reaching a river that burst its banks and tore through mountainside villages in Pesisir Selatan district of West Sumatra province, said Doni Yusrizal, who heads the local disaster management agency.

- Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate and lay foundation stones of 16 airport projects on March 10, Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said. The projects will be built at collective investment of over Rs 12,000 crore.

- This is the first time in the last 75 years that 16 airports will be opened or their foundation stones would be laid on a single day, the BJP Rajya Sabha member said.

- More than 1.43 lakh cases were settled during the day-long National Lok Adalat across Jammu and Kashmir, an official spokesperson said.

- A total Rs 51.62 crore was awarded as compensation or settlement in motor accident claims; civil, criminal, labour disputes; electricity and water bills cases; land acquisition; family matters; cheque dishonour and bank recovery cases, the official said.

- Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar Saturday announced development projects worth approximately Rs 700 crore for Nuh district.

- The chief minister also said that all gurukuls and madrasas "opting for modern education" would receive financial assistance upon registration with the Haryana School Education Board.

- Khattar made the announcement during his address at a state-level function organised in honour of Shaheed Raja Hasan Khan Mewati in Nuh.

- Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher said, "...As part of the agitation that started at the Punjab-Haryana border on 13th February, we have called for 'Rail Roko' across the country today. We urge all farmers, labourers and common people of the country to support us in the 'Rail Roko' today in large numbers."

- "We also urge those, who want to undertake train travel between 12 noon-4 pm today, to not do the same for four hours today. People might face a little inconvenience today. This is partial 'Rail Roko'," he added.

- The Union Cabinet on March 7 discussed the proposed free trade agreement between India and four European nations bloc EFTA (European Free Trade Association) which will be inked on March 10, as per news agency PTI.

- The negotiations for the pact with the EFTA members — Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland — have concluded and the pact is expected to be signed on Sunday, sources told PTI.

- Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate and lay foundation stones of 16 airport projects on March 10, Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said. The projects will be built at collective investment of over Rs 12,000 crore.

- This is the first time in the last 75 years that 16 airports will be opened or their foundation stones would be laid on a single day, the BJP Rajya Sabha member said.

- The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha have called for a 'rail roko' protest on Sunday in support of their various demands.

- "The government should not run away from its responsibility. To save the country's farmers, a law on MSP should be enacted," he said.