The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced nine candidates for the Puducherry Legislative Assembly elections, contesting in alliance with the All India NR Congress. The Election Commission of India has also completed the first randomisation of EVMs and VVPATs for the upcoming polls in Puducherry, Assam, and Kerala, as well as for bye-elections in other states.
Asks All Oil & Gas Entities To Regularly Submit Detailed Op Info
The National Building Code (NBC) is set to be replaced by a National Building Standard (NBS) by April-end, granting states and municipal bodies greater authority over development control, fire safety, and administration.
The NDA has significantly bolstered its Rajya Sabha presence, securing all five seats in Bihar and three of four in Odisha. Haryana's results are pending due to a vote secrecy controversy involving Congress MLAs. This round of elections saw the NDA win eight of eleven contested seats, strengthening its position in the Upper House.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday commissioned the Haldia Bulk Terminal (HBT) and formally dedicated it to the nation.
The Ladakh administration has appealed to the Leh Apex Body to reconsider its proposed March 16 procession, emphasizing commitment to dialogue. Citing the upcoming tourist season and potential economic impact, officials urged a broad consensus on demands for statehood and Sixth Schedule inclusion. The administration highlighted the need for extensive deliberation before any significant decisions are made.
Petroleum ministry officials said that the govt has allocated 48,000 kilolitres (kl) of additional kerosene to states, in addition to the regular quota of one lakh kl, for use as cooking fuel. It has also asked the pollution control boards of respective states and Union Territories to allow the use of biomass, RDF pellets (produced from municipal, industrial and commercial waste) and coal as alternate fuel in the hospitality and restaurant segment for one month.
Lineman Diwas was celebrated in Delhi to honor the dedication of linemen and ground staff. Around 250 participants attended the event. A safety pledge was administered. Ministers and officials acknowledged their vital role in maintaining uninterrupted power supply. Modern technologies and safety practices were discussed. Awards were given to high-performing discoms and linemen.
Prime Minister Modi lauded Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla ahead of an opposition no-confidence motion, praising his impartiality and ability to manage "arrogant and unruly" members. Birla's recent rulings, particularly disallowing a quote from a former Army chief, had sparked significant opposition protests and led to the removal notice.
In Bandipora, Kashmir, Irfan Ahmad Lone, a visually impaired youth, has achieved a remarkable feat by clearing the UPSC civil services exams with a rank of 957. Despite facing severe vision loss in childhood due to accidents, Irfan pursued his education with unwavering determination, graduating from JNU and working before his civil services success.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized self-reliance as crucial for navigating global uncertainty, citing supply chain realignments and rising maritime activities. He highlighted India's growing domestic defence production, which surpassed Rs 1.5 lakh crore in FY24-25, with exports reaching Rs 24,000 crore. Singh also stressed the importance of technological dynamism and private sector participation in achieving defence 'atmanirbharta'.
The National Commission for Women is launching nationwide 'Mahila Jan Sunwais' in 500 districts across 25 states until March 14. This initiative aims to resolve approximately 15,000 complaints, with a focus on domestic violence and dowry harassment. NCW chief Vijaya Rahatkar will lead hearings in five states lacking commission chairpersons, bringing support directly to women in distress.
The highway developers said they anticipated an increase in transportation cost on the back of increase in diesel price and rising input material costs are expected to escalate transportation expenses. They also suggested NHAI to reduce the price indexation lag from three months to one month to better reflect real-time market conditions and prevent under-compensation to contractors.
Jammu and Kashmir authorities are coordinating with the Centre to bring back students, primarily medical students, stranded in Iran. Officials are facilitating peaceful expressions of condolences while urging against exploiting the situation. Internet services have been restricted in Kashmir ahead of planned protests. Efforts are underway to evacuate students to safer locations within Iran before flying them home.
A 16th-century bronze statue of Saint Tirumankai Alvar, taken from a Tamil Nadu temple, is returning to India from the UK. Acquired by the Ashmolean Museum in 1967, its provenance became questionable after a 2019 discovery. Following an investigation and a formal claim by India, the museum has agreed to its repatriation, highlighting a commitment to ethical collections.
To File Nomination In Patna Today In Shah's Presence
An Indian national returning from Dubai described scenes of panic, missile alerts, and sleepless nights as regional tensions escalated. Saumya Khandelwal recounted witnessing missile activity and emergency alarms, forcing her to seek shelter in a hotel basement. Despite the fear, she highlighted the cooperation of authorities and locals in Dubai, and the support from the Indian Embassy.
Thirty-eight Indian-flagged ships, carrying crude and LNG with nearly 1,100 seafarers, are stranded in the Persian Gulf due to the West Asia conflict. Three Indian sailors died and one was injured on foreign-flagged vessels in recent attacks off Oman. Shipping authorities are prioritizing seafarer safety and maritime asset security.
Indian Youth Congress president Uday Bhanu Chib has been released from Tihar jail after being granted bail. He asserted that the Congress and its youth wing will continue their opposition to the India-US deal, claiming it harms farmers. Chib was arrested for his alleged role in a protest at Bharat Mandapam.
Jammu and Kashmir achieved a historic Ranji Trophy victory, thrashing favorites Karnataka in a remarkable Cinderella story. This triumph offers a non-political avenue for Kashmiri integration into the Indian mainstream, potentially shifting focus from alienation to national pride through cricket's unifying power.
The Supreme Court reprimanded the West Bengal government for repeatedly filing vague complaints to delay the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. The court clarified that while the High Court Chief Justice would decide deployment modalities, judicial officers alone would assess voter claims and document validity, urging the state to cooperate for expeditious completion.
Cabinet ministers will personally present major reforms undertaken by their ministries since June 2024 in the upcoming meeting. This initiative aims to reduce compliance burdens and simplify rules for ease of living and business. Ministries are preparing two-page summaries of their most significant people-centric reforms for the presentation.
