Confirming earlier speculation, Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan officially tendered her resignation from her post on Monday. Sources within Raj Bhavan revealed that she is expected to run as a BJP candidate in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, possibly from Central Chennai or Puducherry.
Tamilisai Soundararajan has previously expressed her desire to play an active role in politics on numerous occasions. It may be noted that her resignation coincides closely with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Telangana and his stay at Raj Bhavan during his electoral campaign in Telangana.
Tamilisai Soundararajan’s resignation comes on a day PM Modi is scheduled to hold a roadshow in Tamil Nadu’s Coimbatore.
Tamilisai Sounderrajan, Governor of Telangana resigns to the post
“The Hon’ble Governor of Telangana and Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry Dr.Smt.Tamilisai Soundararajan has tendered her resignation with immediate effect. The resignation has been submitted to the Hon’ble President of India,” the Raj Bhavan said in a statement.
Tamilisai also resigned from the post of Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry. “She has been asked to be prepared to contest the Lok Sabha elections from Tamil Nadu or Puducherry,” a BJP party official said.
Russian President Vladimir Putin cautioned the US-led NATO military alliance against deploying troops in Ukraine, stating that such action would bring the world “one step closer to a full-scale World War III.”
During a speech to his supporters and the media following his decisive presidential election victory, Putin hinted at the presence of fighters from NATO countries on Ukrainian soil.
“We hear both French and English speech there. There is nothing good in this, first of all for them, because they die there and in large numbers,” he was quoted by Russian media as saying. “Anything is possible in the modern world… But everyone knows that this would be one step shy of a full-scale World War III. I don’t think that anyone is interested in that.”
Putin emphasized that Moscow is well aware of NATO’s efforts to send troops to Ukraine, noting the presence of French and English speakers in the region. He expressed concerns about the consequences, particularly the loss of lives.
In response to French President Emmanuel Macron’s suggestion that the West might consider sending soldiers to assist Ukraine, Putin urged France to focus on de-escalating the conflict and aiding in finding a peaceful resolution.
In response to Macron’s stance, French politicians criticized his interview expressing support for Ukraine. Elina Valtonen, Finland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs said that Western nations, including the US, should not completely dismiss the possibility of deploying troops to Ukraine if the situation deteriorates.
Even Antonio Tajani, Italian Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, rebuffed French President Emmanuel Macron’s suggestion of deploying Western troops to Ukraine, stating, as reported by media outlets.
He asserted that it “would be a mistake” for NATO to send troops to Ukraine, emphasizing that it is a nation “we must help defend,” as cited by a report from Ukrainska Pravda.
“To enter into war with Russia would mean the threat of World War III,” Tajani remarked. “Our military is effectively fulfilling their duties in the Red Sea to protect our ships; they are also operating efficiently in Lebanon, Africa, and Iraq. Our armed forces uphold peace, security, and freedom. We are not at war with Russia.”
Former President Donald Trump rallied supporters in Ohio over the weekend, declaring the upcoming November presidential election as pivotal in American history. Trump, who recently secured the presumptive Republican nomination, emphasized the significance of the date, November 5, while lambasting his opponent, President Joe Biden.
During his speech in Vandalia, Ohio, Trump criticized Chinese plans to manufacture cars in Mexico for the American market, asserting that such endeavors would falter under his leadership. He issued a stark warning, suggesting dire consequences for the nation should he not be re-elected, albeit without specifying details.
Following Trump’s remarks, Biden’s campaign swiftly responded, labeling the former president as a “loser” and condemning his rhetoric as a veiled incitement to political violence, alluding to the events of January 6, 2021, when the Capitol was stormed by Trump supporters.
Later, speaking at a dinner in Washington, Biden reiterated the gravity of the moment, highlighting threats to democracy posed by falsehoods surrounding the 2020 election and attempts to overturn its results.
Trump’s and Biden’s victories in securing their party nominations for the 2024 presidential race virtually guarantee a rematch, setting the stage for an extended campaign period. Among Trump’s focal points is a critique of Biden’s immigration policies, which he denounces as a “horror show,” particularly targeting their impact on minority communities.
Trump’s rally in Ohio, a state historically regarded as a battleground, underscores the enduring importance of its electoral influence despite shifting political landscapes. The event followed a notable announcement from Trump’s former vice president, Mike Pence, who declared his decision not to endorse Trump for a second term.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, is set to culminate today (Sunday, March 17, 2024) in Mumbai after covering a staggering 6,700 kilometers from Manipur. The event marks a significant milestone in his journey across the country to connect with people from different walks of life.
Key political figures including Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav are expected to grace the concluding ceremony at Shivaji Park, underscoring the solidarity among opposition leaders. Joining them will be Uddhav Thackeray and his son Aaditya, Sharad Pawar, and Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren, reflecting a unified stance ahead of the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections.
Sources indicate the presence of Rahul Gandhi’s mother and former Congress chief, Sonia Gandhi, at the event, along with scheduled discussions with Maharashtra alliance leaders earlier in the day. The Congress’s general secretary, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, has already arrived in Mumbai to partake in the finale of the yatra, emphasizing the journey’s objective of raising public awareness about the country’s realities.
Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra to enter Maharashtra on March 12, 2024 (INC)
“Today ‘Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra’ is coming to an end. We both are very happy to be here. Rahul Gandhi ji did this journey so that you understand the reality of the country. This entire journey was to make the public aware,” she said.
Commencing from Imphal on January 14, the east-west Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra traversed over 100 Lok Sabha constituencies across 15 states, including Assam, West Bengal, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Maharashtra.
This nationwide Padayatra was launched in anticipation of the Lok Sabha elections, following the success of the party’s previous Bharat Jodo Yatra from Kanniyakumari to Kashmir last year, which contributed to electoral victories in Telangana and Karnataka assembly elections.
The ruling coalition front led by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) welcomed the five-phased poll schedule of the Election Commission (EC) in the state, saying it was ready for the poll-battle starting from April 19 till May 20.
However, the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) leaders of Congress, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), and Shiv Sena have voiced criticism against the Election Commission (EC) for scheduling the Maharashtra polls in five phases over a month, arguing that a shorter election duration could have sufficed.
Chandrashekhar Bawankule, president of the Maharashtra unit of the BJP, assured that his party is fully prepared for the elections and emphasized the importance of fair play in the electoral process. Bawankule asserted the BJP’s commitment to adhering to EC regulations and the Model Code of Conduct while aiming for significant victories both in the state and nationally.
However, Congress President Nana Patole expressed strong reservations about the five-phased election schedule, alleging that it favors the BJP. Patole criticized the EC for granting what he sees as undue advantage to the BJP, particularly after the party’s fracturing of key alliances in the state.
Similarly, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) State President Jayant Patil questioned the necessity of such a prolonged election process, particularly with significant gaps between phases.
Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut raised concerns about the credibility of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and questioned the motive behind the extensive five-phase schedule.
Adding to the chorus of dissent, NCP National Spokesperson Clyde Crasto questioned the BJP’s intentions behind the lengthy poll schedule, hinting at apprehensions surrounding the use of EVMs.
In contrast, BJP leader Bawankule exuded confidence in his party’s prospects, dismissing the opposition’s concerns as reflective of a defeatist mindset. He expressed optimism about the NDA and BJP’s chances of securing another term under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The Election Commission of India announced on Saturday that Andhra Pradesh will hold simultaneous elections for the state Assembly and Lok Sabha in a single phase on May 13, involving over four crore eligible voters across 175 Assembly and 25 Lok Sabha seats.
According to the election schedule, notification for the polls will be issued on April 18, with the deadline for nominations set for April 25. Scrutiny of nominations will take place on April 26, while the last date for withdrawal of candidature is April 29. Vote counting is scheduled for June 4.
Of the 175 Assembly constituencies, 29 are reserved for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and 7 for Scheduled Tribes (STs). Additionally, four Lok Sabha constituencies are reserved for SCs and one for STs.
Chief Electoral Officer Mukesh Kumar Meena stated that the poll schedule was crafted considering various factors such as climatic conditions, academic calendar, board examinations, major festivals, law and order situation, availability of security forces, and ground realities.
The state requires 1,14,950 civil police personnel, 58 companies of Special Armed Police (SAP), and 465 companies of Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) for the election process.
Chief Electoral Officer M.K. Meena of Andhra Pradesh
As of March 16, 2024, Andhra Pradesh has 4,09,37,352 voters, including 2,00,84,276 males, 2,08,49,730 females, and 3,346 third gender individuals. The state boasts 46,165 polling stations, with 34,120 in rural areas and 12,045 in urban areas, averaging 887 electors per polling station.
The Election Commission plans to set up 179 polling stations managed entirely by women, 63 stations run by persons with disabilities, and 50 stations operated by youth. Additionally, 555 model polling stations will be established.
To assist voters, Voter Information Slips containing details like polling station, date, and time will be issued without photographs but with a QR code. These slips will be distributed to all enrolled electors at least five days before polling day.
Regarding Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), a total of 1,43,037 Ballot Units, 1,15,410 Control Units, and 1,37,190 Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machines will be used, with 3,82,219 personnel deployed for polling duties.
The Commission plans to deploy 50 general observers, 115 expenditure observers, and 13 police observers to oversee the electoral process.
CEO Meena disclosed that authorities had seized cash, liquor, drugs, precious metals, and other items worth over Rs 164 crore until March 11, with inter-state check posts established along borders to curb malpractices.
Lok Sabha elections will be held in Tamil Nadu in a single phase on April 19. All 39 seats in Tamil Nadu and one seat in Puducherry will vote in a single phase on April 19 and the counting of votes will be held on June 4.
Ahead of the April 19 Lok Sabha polls, Tamil Nadu’s ruling DMK appears to be confident after implementing several welfare measures including the Rs 1,000 per month assistance to women.
Led by Chief Minister M K Stalin, the DMK and its other key constituent of the INDIA alliance, the Congress are approaching the polls in good humour with full confidence to win at least 35 out of 39 seats of the Lok Sabha in Tamil Nadu, and Congress retain its lead in Puducherry’s single seat.
Since the major regional rival AIADMK, shadowed by infighting, walked out of the BJP alliance, it’s likely to split the NDA-vote seen in the 2019 elections. The BJP is, however, hopeful of reversing the fortune under an aggressive K Annamalai who is the state BJP head.
Since the Congress’ alliance with DMK and other Left parties under INDIA bloc is going strong in the state, the results may upset all other rival candidates in the state.
Following the Election Commission of India’s declaration of dates for the Lok Sabha polls, Kerala’s major political factions aligned under the UDF or LDF, led by either Congress or Left parties, have initiated strategic maneuvers to secure the highest number of seats.
Kerala is slated for polling on April 26, with the deadline for nominations set for April 4. Scrutiny of nominations will occur on April 5, while the last date for withdrawal is April 8.
In the previous 2019 general elections, the Congress-led UDF clinched 19 seats, while the CPI(M)-led Left secured one. State Congress President, and incumbent Lok Sabha member from Kannur, expressed confidence in the UDF’s victory.
State CPI(M) secretary M. V. Govindan said the Left is already working hard in the field. “Our aim is to win all the 20 seats and we are ready for it. The fight in Kerala is between the Left and the Congress-led UDF. The BJP will not be able to open its account here,” said M. V. Govindan.
CPI(M)-led Left convener E. P. Jayarajan said people are “just gearing to vote for all the Left candidates as they know only if the Left candidates reach Delhi will, it be good for the state.”
Leader of Opposition V. D. Satheesan of Congress said there is no doubt, they will win all the 20 seats. “People are just waiting to express their ire against the Pinarayi Vijayan government for his “inept” governance as life has become really tough. We will explain this to the electorate,” said V. D. Satheesan.
Veteran IUML legislator P. K. Kunhalikutty said, “By now itself, a few poll predictions have come and it is hugely loaded in favour of the Congress-led UDF candidates and that is the reality.”
Three-time sitting Congress Lok Sabha member from Thiruvananthapuram, Shashi Tharoor, said the only problem is the delay in counting of votes as from now, we have to wait for more than two and a half months to know the future of our country. “With regards to the election date, we do have adequate time from now till the counting date and things are looking very good,” said Shashi Tharoor.
Besides the dominant parties, the BJP will field Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar in Thiruvanathapuram constituency.
Both the CPI(M)-led Left and Congress-led UDF have finalized their candidates for the polls, with the enforcement of the model code of conduct following the announcement.
The Election Commission of India announced the schedule for the 543 parliamentary constituencies for the 18th Lok Sabha elections, marking the commencement of the world’s largest democratic exercise encompassing 96.8 crore voters, including 21.5 crore young voters aged between 18 to 29 years.
Additionally, the election schedule for four state assemblies was announced, comprising Sikkim (32 seats), Arunachal Pradesh (60 seats), Andhra Pradesh (175 seats), and Odisha (147 seats).
Polling in Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim in the Northeastern region is slated for April 19, while Andhra Pradesh will witness elections on May 13. Odisha’s elections will be conducted over four phases on May 13, May 20, May 25, and June 1, with results declared on June 4, coinciding with the announcement of Lok Sabha poll results.
The Lok Sabha elections will unfold across seven phases, commencing on April 19 and concluding on June 1.
Additionally, by-elections for 26 Assembly seats in Bihar, Gujarat, Haryana, Tripura, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu will be held. The Model Code of Conduct has been enforced with immediate effect, following the announcement.
Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, accompanied by newly appointed Election Commissioners Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, declared that the elections will span seven phases, mirroring the pattern from 2019.
Spanning from April 19 to June 1, the elections will unfold across 10.5 lakh polling stations, with vote counting scheduled for June 4. The phases are scheduled as follows: April 19 (Phase 1), April 26 (Phase 2), May 7 (Phase 3), May 13 (Phase 4), May 20 (Phase 5), May 25 (Phase 6), and June 1 (Phase 7).
The current term of the 17th Lok Sabha concludes on June 16. Despite widespread anticipation, the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections have not been synchronized with the parliamentary elections, possibly due to security concerns in the region.
The Supreme Court has directed that elections for the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir must be completed by the end of September.
India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar is set to undertake a diplomatic tour to Singapore, the Philippines, and Malaysia from March 23 to 27, aiming to bolster bilateral ties.
According to a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued on Saturday, the visit to these Southeast Asian nations will serve as a platform for discussions on shared regional concerns.
This tour follows closely on the heels of Minister Jaishankar’s recent visit to Japan, where efforts were made to strengthen the Special Strategic and Global Partnership between the two nations.
Jaishankar’s previous visit to Singapore in October 2023 was focused on deepening the Strategic Partnership between the two nations, during which he held meetings with President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan.
S Jaishankar
In November 2023, then Malaysian Foreign Minister Zambry Abdul Kadir visited India at Jaishankar’s invitation to co-chair the sixth India-Malaysia Joint Commission Meeting in New Delhi.
Furthermore, in June 2023, Jaishankar and Secretary for Foreign Affairs of the Philippines, Enrique A. Manalo, chaired the fifth meeting of the Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation in New Delhi. Discussions during this meeting encompassed various regional and global issues of mutual interest, as highlighted by the MEA.
Both India and the Philippines stressed their commitment to a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region during these discussions, emphasizing the importance of resolving disputes peacefully and upholding international law.
India has rejected the US State Department’s “concerns” regarding the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), and termed it as “misplaced, misinformed, and unwarranted.”
In a press briefing, Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, emphasized that the CAA primarily aims at granting citizenship rather than revoking it. Jaiswal dismissed critiques from those with limited comprehension of India’s diverse traditions and the historical context following partition.
Addressing concerns raised by the US State Department and others, Jaiswal reiterated that India views the criticism as unfounded. He urged international partners to acknowledge the goodwill underlying the enactment of the CAA, framing it as consistent with India’s inclusive ethos and enduring commitment to human rights.
The Citizenship Amendment Act 2019 provides refuge to persecuted minorities, including Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Parsis, and Christians from Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, who arrived in India before December 31, 2014.
Jaiswal contended that there are no justifiable grounds for apprehension or mistreatment of minorities, cautioning against allowing political considerations to influence perceptions of a commendable initiative aiding distressed individuals.
India’s assertive response followed comments from US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller expressing concern over the notification of CAA rules and signaling close scrutiny of its implementation.
The Central government implemented the CAA on Monday, offering a pathway to citizenship for undocumented non-Muslim migrants from neighboring countries who entered India before December 31, 2014.
Critics argue that the law undermines the secular principles enshrined in the Indian Constitution by excluding Muslims from its provisions.
The enigmatic figure behind Bitcoin’s creation, known as Satoshi Nakamoto, has captivated the imagination of the cryptocurrency community since the inception of Bitcoin. The potential unveiling of Nakamoto’s identity has spurred intense speculation and debate, prompting considerations about the ramifications for Bitcoin’s future.
Satoshi Nakamoto, the pseudonymous individual or group responsible for birthing Bitcoin, remains a mystery to this day. Despite numerous inquiries and investigations, the true identity behind this alias remains elusive. Nakamoto’s presence was notably active during Bitcoin’s genesis, with contributions ceasing around 2010, leaving behind a legacy veiled in anonymity.
The Elusive Bitcoin Holdings Estimates suggest that Satoshi Nakamoto may possess approximately 1.1 million BTC, though precise figures estimate it to be much lower. These holdings, valued between $43 billion to $80 billion, are presumed to be amassed from early mining rewards. However, verifying Nakamoto’s ownership with absolute certainty remains an insurmountable challenge.
Researchers at The University of New Mexico find digital cryptocurrency Bitcoin is more comparable to the impacts of extracting and refining crude oil than mining gold./CREDIT: University of New Mexico
To unmask the mysterious identity, numerous endeavors have come into vogue to uncover Satoshi Nakamoto’s identity, alongside claims from individuals purporting to be the elusive creator. Recent legal proceedings involving Craig Wright in the UK brought renewed attention to this quest. Despite Wright’s assertions, a UK High Court ruled decisively against his claim to be Nakamoto, affirming the prevailing mystery surrounding Bitcoin’s originator.
Implications for Bitcoin and the Market The hypothetical unmasking of Satoshi Nakamoto raises questions about Bitcoin’s future trajectory. Gady Kohanov, founder of BitcyClub, underscores the intentional obscurity surrounding Nakamoto’s identity as integral to Bitcoin’s allure and adoption.
“Poking the bear often leads to undesirable consequences,” warned Kohanov. “If the veil of secrecy surrounding Bitcoin’s creator is lifted, it could shatter the idealized image that many hold of the cryptocurrency,” he added. It could potentially undermine Bitcoin’s perceived security and appeal, disrupting investor confidence and leading to market volatility, he insisted.
Kohanov anticipates two plausible outcomes if Nakamoto’s identity were disclosed. Firstly, the mystique surrounding Bitcoin could diminish, tarnishing its reputation and eroding investor trust. Secondly, the unveiling could trigger market instability, potentially resulting in significant losses for existing investors.
The highest judicial authority today issued a stern rebuke to the State Bank of India (SBI) concerning its handling of information regarding electoral bonds, a program enabling discreet donations to political parties by individuals and entities.
Following the court’s previous decision to nullify the electoral bonds scheme, SBI was instructed to divulge comprehensive data regarding donations spanning the past half-decade.
Responding to a plea from the Election Commission, the Supreme Court pointed out deficiencies in the data furnished by SBI. Presiding over a five-judge panel, Chief Justice DY Chandrachud directed SBI to not only provide existing details but also disclose the electoral bond numbers.
Chief Justice Chandrachud wasted no time in highlighting the absence of bond numbers, querying the representation for the State Bank of India at the onset of the session.
In a notification served to SBI, the Supreme Court bench requested clarification regarding this oversight, scheduling a follow-up hearing for March 18. The inclusion of electoral bond numbers is deemed crucial for establishing connections between donors and political entities.
Electoral bonds were introduced in 2018 by the BJP administration as a measure to substitute cash contributions, purportedly enhancing transparency in political funding.
Last month, the Supreme Court invalidated the program, citing constitutional concerns and the potential for quid pro quo arrangements. Furthermore, the court urged SBI to furnish the Election Commission with all pertinent details regarding bond transactions.
In its submission, the Election Commission reiterated the court’s directive to retain copies of documents submitted during the proceedings, emphasizing the importance of maintaining records at the commission’s office.
The Election Commission clarified that it had not retained any copies of the documents and requested their return to facilitate compliance with the court’s instructions.
The electoral bonds data published by the Election Commission of India on its official website reveals the donor side and the political parties but not connect who received from whom. However, initial data interpretation showed that political parties received more than Rs 12,769 crore as donations from corporates and individuals since 2019.
A total of 20,421 electoral bonds were encashed since 2019 and of these, 12,207 bonds were of Rs 1 crore each; 5,366 bonds (Rs 10 lakh each); 2,526 (Rs 1 lakh each); 219 bonds (Rs 10,000 each); and 103 were of Rs 1,000 each.
The BJP received a maximum Rs 6,060 crore as donations and encashed 5,854 bonds of Rs 1 crore each and 1,994 bonds of Rs 10 lakh each. Apart from bonds of Rs 1 lakh and Rs 10,000, it also encashed 31 bonds worth Rs 1000 each.
The next recipient was Trinamool Congress which redeemed 3,275 electoral bonds of about Rs 1,609 crore of which 1,467 were of Rs 1 crore each and 1,384 bonds were of Rs 10 lakh each.
The Congress came third with 3,141 encashed electoral bonds of about Rs 1,421 crore, which included 1,318 bonds of Rs 1 crore each and 958 bonds of Rs 10 lakh each.
In all, there were 1,260 companies and individuals who purchased electoral bonds worth ₹12,769 crore. Ms SN Mohanty is the biggest individual donor on the list with total donations of ₹45 crore, followed by Lakshmi Niwas Mittal who donated ₹35 crore.
The high-level committee, chaired by former president Ram Nath Kovind, has reportedly proposed amendments to at least five articles of the Constitution to facilitate the implementation of simultaneous elections across the country. The comprehensive report spans 18,626 pages.
Established in September 2023, the Kovind-led committee on ‘One Nation, One Poll’ was tasked with assessing and providing suggestions for conducting simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha, state assemblies, municipalities, and panchayats. Since its formation on September 2 last year, the committee claims to have engaged with stakeholders, consulted experts, and conducted extensive research.
Key Recommendations of the Kovind Panel on ‘One Nation, One Poll’:
The panel proposes conducting simultaneous elections for Lok Sabha and state assembly elections as the first step, followed by local body polls within 100 days as the second step.
In the event of a hung House or a no-confidence motion, the panel suggests holding fresh polls for the remainder of the five-year term.
For the first simultaneous polls, the tenure of all state assemblies can conclude before subsequent Lok Sabha elections.
The Election Commission, in consultation with state poll authorities, is recommended to prepare a unified electoral roll and voter ID cards for Lok Sabha, assembly, and local body elections.
The panel advocates for the enhancement of equipment, manpower, and security forces to facilitate simultaneous polls.
Synchronizing elections for all three tiers of government is believed to enhance the governance structure.
Simultaneous elections are projected to accelerate the development process, foster social cohesion, and strengthen democratic foundations.
The panel asserts that ‘One Nation, One Election’ will bolster transparency, inclusivity, and voter confidence.
The Kovind-led committee has submitted its report at a time when India’s election commission is expected to announce the schedule for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
In addition to Kovind, the committee comprises members such as Home Minister Amit Shah, former leader of the opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad, former chairman of the finance commission N K Singh, former Lok Sabha secretary general Subhash Kashyap, and senior advocate Harish Salve.
Although Leader of the Congress in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury was designated as a member of the panel, he declined, criticizing the committee as a mere facade.
A committee led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday announced the selection of bureaucrats Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu as election commissioners, according to Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, who shared the information insisting that he had raised objections at the selection process.
The decision follows the recent resignation of Election Commissioner Arun Goel just ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.
The committee, which includes the Prime Minister, the leader of the Opposition, and a designated Union Cabinet minister, opted for Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Gyanesh Kumar. Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, as the opposition member, represents the Congress party on the three-member panel.
In addition to the Prime Minister and the Congress leader, Union Home Minister Amit Shah attended the meeting. However, Chowdhury criticized the Centre for a law that replaced the Chief Justice of India with a Union Minister on the selection committee.
“The Chief Justice of India should have been part of this committee,” Chowdhury remarked, expressing discontent over a law enacted last year that reduced the meeting to a mere “formality.”
Chowdhury further commented, “The government holds the majority on the panel. Their preferences prevail,” highlighting concerns over the selection process.
He disclosed that he received 212 names for review the previous night before the noon meeting. “How can one examine so many candidates in a single day? Then, I was provided with six shortlisted names just before the meeting. With the majority on their side, they selected the candidates they desired,” Chowdhury added.
While the US House of Representatives recently passed legislation that could pave the way for a ban on TikTok, utilized by over 170 million Americans, it was India that initially took action to block the Chinese short-video platform, which boasts a global user base.
On June 29, 2020, India enforced a ban on TikTok, a platform controlled by the Chinese conglomerate ByteDance, despite the country being one of its largest markets outside of China.
Citing security concerns, the Indian government blocked TikTok along with 59 other Chinese apps, including WeChat, Shareit, Helo, and Likee, among others. Subsequently, over 300 Chinese apps have faced bans in India, including those related to betting and loans, all found in violation of Section 69 of the IT Act, posing threats to India’s sovereignty and integrity.
TikTok ban
Following the ban, TikTok terminated its entire India-based workforce, comprising approximately 40 employees. In 2020, the Indian Army instructed its personnel to remove 89 mobile apps, including several Chinese ones, from their devices to prevent data leakage.
Concerns regarding TikTok’s security implications stem from its ties to the Chinese government, with lawmakers and officials suggesting Beijing’s potential access to user data through the app. In response, TikTok has maintained that data of American users is stored within the United States.
In November of the same year, Nepal joined in banning TikTok, citing its content as “detrimental to social harmony.”
Meanwhile, India has witnessed a surge in short-form video platform users, exceeding 250 million, with around 70% hailing from tier-2 cities and other semi-urban and rural areas, often representing middle and high-income demographics, according to recent reports.
In a decisive move, the Indian government has announced the prohibition of 18 over-the-top (OTT) platforms due to their dissemination of obscene, vulgar, and in some cases, pornographic content. This action follows repeated warnings issued by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, as disclosed by Union Minister Anurag Thakur.
Among the targeted platforms, one app alone had accrued over 10 million downloads, with two others surpassing 5 million downloads on the Google Play Store.
Collaborating with various intermediaries, the Ministry orchestrated the blocking of these 18 OTT platforms, alongside disabling access to 19 websites, 10 apps (7 on Google Play Store, 3 on Apple App Store), and 57 associated social media accounts within the country.
The Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting, Youth Affairs and Sports, Shri Anurag Singh Thakur briefing the media on Cabinet decisions in New Delhi on March 13, 2024. (PIB)
The decision, executed under the purview of the Information Technology Act, 2000, was made in consultation with relevant government ministries/departments and domain experts in media, entertainment, women’s rights, and child rights.
The Minister reiterated the platforms’ obligation to refrain from promoting obscenity, vulgarity, and abuse disguised as “creative expression.”
The banned OTT platforms include:
Dreams Films,
Voovi, Yessma,
Uncut Adda,
Tri Flicks,
X Prime,
Neon X VIP,
Besharams,
Hunters,
Rabbit,
Xtramood,
Nuefliks,
MoodX,
Mojflix,
Hot Shots VIP,
Fugi,
Chikooflix, and
Prime Play.
Highlighting the objectionable nature of the content, Minister Thakur pointed out its depiction of nudity, sexual acts, and demeaning portrayals of women, often within inappropriate contexts such as teacher-student relationships and incestuous scenarios.
Furthermore, the content contained sexual innuendos and explicit scenes devoid of thematic or societal significance, leading to violations of various legal statutes including sections of the IT Act, IPC, and the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986.
The Minister also noted the extensive use of social media by these platforms to disseminate trailers, specific scenes, and links to attract audiences, accumulating over 3.2 million followers across their social media accounts.
While implementing this ban, the government reiterated its commitment to nurturing the growth and advancement of the OTT industry.
The Indian embassy’s social media post celebrating the successful test flight of the indigenously developed Agni-5 ballistic missile has gone viral, accumulating more than 10,000 likes and 3,000 reposts.
The post, shared on microblogging platform X (formerly Twitter) by the Indian embassy in China, praised the achievement and shared Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s congratulatory message to the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) scientists.
Prime Minister Modi on Monday hailed Mission Divyastra, the first flight test of homegrown Agni-5 ICBM with multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicle technology (MIRV), terming it a landmark achievement by DRDO scientists.
“Proud of our DRDO scientists for Mission Divyastra, the first flight test of indigenously developed Agni-5 missile with Multiple Independently Targetable re-entry vehicle technology,” he posted on X.
While the Agni-5 missile is a potent ingredient in defence preparedness as it puts India in the select league of nations with ICBM capability, the development of MIRV technology – where the payload contains several warheads, each capable of being aimed to hit a different target, makes India only the sixth country with this technology.
This system is equipped with indigenous avionics systems and high-accuracy sensor packages, which ensure that the re-entry vehicles (warheads) reach the target points within the desired accuracy. The capability is an enunciator of India’s growing technological prowess, sources said.
India’s successful test of the Agni-5 missile with Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicle (MIRV) technology, dubbed Mission Divyastra, marks a significant milestone in enhancing the nation’s nuclear deterrence capabilities, particularly against adversaries like China. India becomes the sixth nation globally to possess this advanced technology, joining the ranks of the P5 countries (China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States).
With a range of 5,000-7,000 km, the Agni-5 missile is specifically aimed at bolstering India’s defense posture against China. Previous successful tests in November 2021 and December 2022 laid the groundwork for this latest achievement. The new MIRV capability allows a single missile to deploy multiple warheads, significantly enhancing India’s strategic capabilities.
The State Bank of India (SBI) has reportedly indicated its readiness to disclose details regarding electoral bonds, as mandated by the Supreme Court. Following the Court’s directive on Monday, SBI was instructed to provide information on electoral bonds encashed by political parties to the Election Commission of India by the close of business hours on Tuesday, March 12.
Expressing dissatisfaction with SBI’s initial reluctance, the Supreme Court warned the public sector lender of potential consequences for non-compliance, emphasizing the seriousness of the matter. The five-judge constitution bench, led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, dismissed SBI’s plea for an extension until June 30 to reveal the details, instead setting a deadline for disclosure to the Election Commission by 5pm on March 15, with publication on the Commission’s official website.
The court also said that matching names of electoral bond buyers with specific political parties was not required at the stage since it was cited as the sole reason government lawyer to the Supreme Court bench. Hence, all the available information on purchasers, bond denominations, and redemptions by political parties is readily available with the bank which is expected to be disclosed today by the end of working hours.
Supreme Court
The Supreme Court had previously invalidated the controversial electoral bonds scheme on February 15, deeming it unconstitutional and mandating disclosure of donor information, donation amounts, and recipients by March 13. The apex court also instructed SBI to furnish details of electoral bonds purchased since April 12, 2019, by March 6.
During the latest hearing, the Supreme Court addressed SBI’s request for an extension, as well as separate pleas seeking contempt action against the bank for alleged defiance of previous directives. Agency reports suggest that SBI’s submissions imply the availability of the requested information, further underscoring the importance of compliance with the court’s directives.
