News Highlights: Derek O'Brien says TMC to contest all 42 LS seats in West Bengal

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All India Mahila Congress president Alka Lamba about Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra reaching Moradabad tomorrow, said, "The farmers are protesting at the Delhi borders, while the youth are protesting due to the paper leak and there's so much inflation. This Yatra was initiated to address these injustices, and everyone wants to participate and strengthen its impact."

Uttar Pradesh Congress president Ajay Rai on the Western UP leg of Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, said, "Tomorrow the yatra will start from Moradabad, Priyanka Gandhi will participate in it. As far as I know, Sunil Singh’s Lok Dal will also join. Some BSP leaders will welcome Rahul Gandhi and join the yatra as well.”

TMC leader Derek O'Brien has affirmed that there is no deviation from the party's stance to contest all 42 Lok Sabha seats in West Bengal, along with a few in Assam and one seat in Meghalaya.

Derek O'Brien amid reports of seat-sharing talks with Congress, says 'no change' in party's stand of contesting all 42 Lok Sabha seats in West Bengal, a few in Assam and one seat in Meghalaya.

PM to dedicate multiple projects to the city

Rajkot AIIMS indoor-patient department with 250 beds to be inaugurated

Rahul Gandhi remarks that youth, from Lucknow to Prayagraj, are protesting on the streets due to the police recruitment paper leak.

Rahul suggests that the PM is misleading the youth about their own situation in Varanasi, likening to "naani ko nanihaal ka haal suna rahe hai" (meaning, 'explaining the condition to the grandmother the condition of her own house'

25 to 30 fintech companies invited for the meeting, along with RBI representatives

Zerodha, Amazon Pay, PhonePe, Gred, Groww, Pinelabs, GPay among companies that will attend the meeting

Union Minister Anurag Thakur says, "The atrocities that happened in Sandeshkhali and the misappropriate behaviour towards media, it is condemnable and unfortunate. The sad part is that West Bengal govt is doing nothing. The women delegation from the Centre was stopped from going to Sandeshkhali...if women are not safe under a woman CM then it questions the law and order of the state...such incidents should not happen in the future against women and also against media. State govt should take appropriate measures."

"Took part in the prize distribution ceremony of the Sansad Sanskrit Pratiyogita. It is amazing to see the people of Kashi excel in diverse activities including promotion of Sanskrit, sports, photography and more," posts PM Modi.

Dr Roderico H. Ofrin, WHO Representative to India, highlights the significance of the National Public Health India conference.

He says the conference brings together a diverse group, including experts, researchers, students, and practitioners.

Participants share best practices, papers, and research findings during the event, he adds.

Various topics are presented through posters, showcasing the breadth of research and initiatives, he says

The conference centers around the "One Health" approach, emphasizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.

The conference covers a wide array of subjects, including neglected tropical diseases, non-communicable diseases, and pandemic preparedness.

PM Modi scheduled to attend a public meeting in Arambag on March 1. PM will participate in another public meeting in Krishnanagar on March 2. He is set to address a women's rally on March 6. WB BJP Chief Sukanta Majumdar assures opportunity for the women of Sandeshkhali to meet PM Modi.

Indian Air Force’s Made in India Samar-II and Akash surface-to-air weapon systems to be showcased at the Maharashtra MSME Defence Expo being held at Pune from February 24-26.

The Samar-II system has been developed using the R-27 beyond visual range air-to-air missiles which can now intercept targets at extended ranges than its previous version Samar-1 air defence missile systems.

Toyota Kirloskar Auto Parts Pvt Ltd announced that it has received the Domestic Value Addition (DVA) Certificate for xEV Transaxle (e-Drive) under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Advanced Automotive Technology (AAT) products.

This development renders TKAP eligible to avail incentives under the Scheme.

Procurement of services through Government e-Marketplace (GeM) grows from nearly Rs 8,500 crore in FY21 to nearly Rs 1,82,000 crore in FY24 (up to 22nd February 2024); marks a 176-percent increase over last fiscal year

AIIMS Delhi's Prof and Head of Forensic Medicine Department Dr Sudhir Gupta on the study of the death of young adults in India post covid, says, "The government and ICMR asked us to do a thorough study to find out the cause of deaths. The study is still ongoing and till now. We have not found only cardiac origin reasons for death. We have found multiple organs like lungs and brain (for the cause of death). Till now we have not found any direct finding between the sudden young adult death and covid and vaccination."

Delhi HC dismisses TMC leader Mahua Moitra’s plea against the leakage of 'sensitive' information to the media in relation to an Enforcement Directorate probe against her under FEMA

Holy relics of Lord Buddha enshrined at Royal ground Sanam Luang in Bangkok, Thailand. Prime Minister of Thailand Srettha Thavisin along with Governor of Bihar Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar and Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment Dr Virendra Kumar present at the ceremony.

BJP National President JP Nadda addressing the inauguration and foundation stone laying ceremony of various facilities at AIIMS Bilaspur in Himachal Pradesh, says, "Be it the health sector, or any other sector...under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the country has benefited and the country has also become successful. Corona was the biggest epidemic of the century. No one knew what its treatment was or how to avoid it. Western countries were not able to decide whether humanity or economics was important. But our Prime Minister Modi said that if there is life then there is the world. Imposed lockdown with force and prepared the country to fight Corona."

RBI implements measures to ensure smooth UPI transactions post Paytm Payments Bank limitations.

RBI asks NPCI to examine Paytm’s request to become Third-Party Application Provider for UPI channel

- RBI announces that Paytm Payments Bank won't accept further credits into customer accounts after March 15, 2024.

- RBI outlines the need for measures to ensure seamless digital payments via UPI and minimize concentration risk in the UPI system.

- NPCI is advised by RBI to assess Paytm's parent company, One97 Communication Ltd (OCL), as a Third-Party Application Provider (TPAP) for UPI channel.

- In the event of NPCI granting TPAP status, a seamless migration of '@paytm' handles from Paytm Payments Bank to other identified banks is recommended to avoid disruptions.

- New users are not to be added by TPAP until existing users are successfully migrated to the new handle.

- NPCI is urged to certify 4-5 banks as Payment Service Provider (PSP) Banks with demonstrated capabilities for processing high-volume UPI transactions.

- One97 Communication is advised to open settlement accounts with one or more PSP Banks (other than Paytm Payments Bank) for merchants using PayTM QR Codes.

Syed Zainul Abedin, Dewan and Sajjada Nasheen of the Ajmer Sharif Dargah says, "Mathura and Kashi's issue is sub judice before the court, so one cannot comment on this. We want this issue should be solved outside the court. This will be the best thing for both sides (Hindu-Muslim), and with this, there will be peace between both sides. Otherwise, if the court will give any judgment on this then that judgment will be in favour of any one side only leading to bitterness on the other side, Why do so?"

Maharashtra government accords full state honours to former Lok Sabha speaker and former Maharashtra CM Manohar Joshi, in Mumbai

India's Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) demands immediate ban on McDonald's operations nationwide after Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of Maharashtra uncovered a grave health violation at a McDonald's outlet in Ahemadnagar, where counterfeit cheese was found in the burgers served.

"The 'yuvraj' of Congress' 'shahi-parivar' has called the youth of Kashi and UP 'nashedi'. What kind of language is this? They have spent two decades abusing Modi, and now they (Congress) are venting out their frustration on the youth of UP. Those who are not in their sense are calling youth of UP and my Kashi drunkards," says PM Modi, addressing the inauguration event of several projects in Varanasi, UP.

West Bengal BJP chief Sukanta Majumdar on Locket Chatterjee’s detention over clash with cops in unrest-hit Sandeshkhali, says, "BJP leaders are being stopped. This is dangerous for the democracy. Police are breaking Section 144 (in Sandeshkhali). A case should be registered against them.”

"The development projects worth over Rs 13,000 crore have been inaugurated, and the foundation stone has been laid. These projects will give a boost to the development of Northern India along with Kashi," says PM Modi addressing the inauguration event of several projects in Varanasi, UP.

Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde on the demise of former CM Manohar Joshi, said, "He (Manohar Joshi) contributed along with Balasaheb Thackeray to the development of Maharashtra. The people saw his patience, discipline, and cultured face. Under his leadership as CM, the people of state witnessed development work being done on time. His contribution has been very significant in Maharashtra's development."

BJP MP Dr Sudhanshu Trivedi says, "You must have seen criminalisation of politics but such a type of multidimensional criminalisation of politics and its subsequent political patronage and protection is unprecedented in Indian history. West Bengal Congress chief says, "There is no democracy in Bengal". "

“Never before, the bank accounts of any political party were closed. Never before has someone received so many ED notices or any investigation has been done against private companies in order to receive donations. All these kinds of things have happened during their (BJP) tenure,” says Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh.

ML Khattar says, "Per capita income in Haryana is higher than that that at the national scale. GSDP growth rate is 5.6% at the national scale while Haryana's is 6.1%. Our contribution to the national GDP has now increased to 3.7% whereas we are just 2% in terms of population and 1.4% in terms of area."

Anwar Mohammed Gargash, former Minister of State for Federal National Council Affairs of the United Arab Emirates, praised for navigating complexities in India-UAE Ties

Former UAE Minister Anwar Gargash lauded as 'Single-Stop Shop' for understanding regional eomplexities

EAM Jaishankar commends Gargash for bridging analytical insights with ground realities in diplomacy

WB DGP Rajeev Kumar says, "None of you should take the law into your hands. If someone has committed wrongdoing, let us know and we will take appropriate action against him. If the land is encroached on, come to us and tell us. If you start protesting like this, then our work will be hindered."

Former Madhya Pradesh CM and Congress leader Kamal Nath tweets, "People of Madhya Pradesh and the State Congress workers are excited to welcome Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra. I urge the people and workers to join the yatra in large numbers."

AAP leader Dilip Pandey says, "BJP is now trying to put Arvind Kejriwal behind bars through CBI. As the alliance between Congress and AAP took a concrete shape, the BJP started attacking AAP... Even if they (BJP) are using ED and CBI as their political frontal organisations, AAP will not be afraid of them. We will democratically face them."

The RBI in its latest directive has decided to permit authorised bank and non-bank Prepaid Payment Instrument (PPI) issuers to issue PPIs for making payments across various public transport systems. The purpose of this is to offer commuters convenience, speed, affordability, and safety of digital modes of payment for transit services.

Byju Raveendran's problems never seem to stop. Four of Byju's investors moved the NCLT against him on Friday, one day after the Enforcement Directorate requested that a "look out" circular be issued against him due to the suspected FEMA violations. The group of investors has filed a plea with the NCLT's Bengaluru bench, according to news agency PTI.

The Jharkhand High Court rejected Rahul Gandhi's petition to cancel a 2018 defamation case, where he was accused of labeling Amit Shah as a 'murder accused'.

Delhi Minister Gopal Rai accuses BJP of planning Arvind Kejriwal's arrest through CBI, claiming notice preparation under CrPC 41A.

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal highlighted the challenges in trade negotiations, citing delays due to the need for the other side to understand India's evolving story and overcome colonial mindsets. Goyal stressed the importance of balanced, equitable, and fair deals, emphasizing that India does not rush into trade agreements unless these criteria are met.

- Russia is turning more to Asia or to parts of the world which are not West. It makes sense to give Russia multiple options. If we railroad Russia to a single option, then you're making it a kind of self-fulfilling prophecy. Other countries especially in Asia need to engage Russia. - Jaishankar

- On the one hand there were people who set up policies to bring the two nations together and then they say beware of the two coming together. It is certainly in Indian national interest but it is also in Global interest. A lot of doors have been shut to Russia and the West. - Jaishankar

- Russia is a power with an enormous tradition of statecraft, and such powers would never put themselves into a single relationship of an overwhelming nature." - Jaishankar

- India-Russia ties have been under scrutiny since Russian president Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine in February 2022, triggering weapons aid for Kyiv from the West, and financial sanctions by the United States and Europe, including those on the purchase of Russian crude oil.

West Bengal police detained BJP MP Locket Chatterjee as the women's team of the saffron party was en route to the trouble-stricken Sandeshkhali area.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is conducting raids at various locations in Uttar Pradesh, including the residence of Samajwadi Party leader and influential figure Vinay Shankar Tiwari, as part of a money laundering investigation, according to sources.

"In 10 years, the 'Vikas ki Ganga' has nurtured Kashi. Kashi has transformed rapidly - you have all seen this...This is the capability of my Kashi. This is the honour of the people of Kashi. This is the power of Mahadev's blessings." - Prime Minister Narendra Modi

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has initiated a fresh case against TMC leader Shahjahan Sheikh, accusing him of involvement in land grabbing in the violence-affected Sandeshkhali village.

Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, also serving as the state's Finance Minister, unveiled a budget of ₹1.89 lakh crore for the state.

"Today, Kashi's capability and form, which was there earlier, are being embellished again. It is a matter of pride for the entire country." - Prime Minister Narendra Modi

"You know that we are just 'nimitt matr'. The 'doer' in Kashi is Mahadev. Wherever there is Mahadev's blessing, that land turns prosperous just like this. Right now, Mahadev is very happy. So with his blessings, in 10 years, Kashi saw the 'damru' of development playing in all directions." - PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was warmly welcomed by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and BJP workers upon his arrival at Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi on Thursday night. His two-day visit to his parliamentary constituency includes laying the foundation stones for development projects worth over ₹13,202 crore on February 23. As part of the visit, the Prime Minister will also present awards to the winners of Kashi Sansad Gyan Pratiyogita, Kashi Sansad Photography Pratiyogita, and Kashi Sansad Sanskrit Pratiyogita.

Punjab Chief Minister announced a compensation of Rs 1 crore and a government job to a family member of farmer Shubhkaran Singh, who tragically passed away at the Khanauri border point.

Ben Stokes won the toss at the JSCA Stadium in Ranchi, opting for England to bat first in the pivotal fourth Test match against India. With India leading the series 2-1, a victory for the hosts would secure the series win, while a win for England would level the series at 2-2, setting up an intense final match in Dharamsala.

After a six-year hiatus, Sangram Singh is set to make his comeback on February 24, 2024, facing off against Pakistan's Muhammad Saeed at the International Pro Wrestling Championship 2024 in Dubai. Organized by the World Professional Wrestling Hub, this headline event will be complemented by five undercard matches at the Shabab Alahli Club.

Tharaka Balasuriya, Sri Lanka's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, shared insights on various issues, including the India-Lanka relationship and ties with China, during an interview with WION's diplomatic correspondent at the Raisina Dialogue 2024. Balasuriya emphasized the historical and cultural ties between India and Sri Lanka, referring to India as a "big brother." He also acknowledged China as an important trading partner while highlighting India's civilizational link.

Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar and Election Commissioner Arun Goel, along with Election Commission officials, will visit Tamil Nadu on February 23 and 24 to review readiness for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The visit includes meetings with political parties, District Collectors, Superintendents of Police, Chief Electoral Officers, State Police Nodal Officers, Chief Secretary, and Director-General of Police.

Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar and Election Commissioner Arun Goel, along with Election Commission officials, will visit Tamil Nadu on February 23 and 24 to review readiness for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The visit includes meetings with political parties, District Collectors, Superintendents of Police, Chief Electoral Officers, State Police Nodal Officers, Chief Secretary, and Director-General of Police.

Deputy Foreign Minister Iryna Borovets emphasized India's potential contribution to peace efforts, inviting its participation in the Global Peace Summit in Switzerland. Highlighting India's respect for Ukraine's territorial integrity, she urged for stronger vocal and active support from India in seeking a peaceful resolution.

Manohar Joshi, former Maharashtra Chief Minister and Lok Sabha Speaker, suffered a cardiac arrest on Thursday, leading to hospitalization in Mumbai's P D Hinduja Hospital ICU. Succumbing to age-related health issues, the 86-year-old passed away around 3 am on Friday, confirmed by hospital COO Joy Chakravarty.

The Delhi High Court will rule on Mahua Moitra's plea regarding alleged leakage of confidential information from the Enforcement Directorate. Moitra's counsel asserts she's being "hounded," citing media leaks about summons before she received them.

Odysseus, a six-legged robot lander, landed at 6:23 p.m. EST (2323 GMT), according to a joint webcast from Intuitive Machines' mission operations centre in Houston.

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