“He (Rahul Gandhi) has not taken any name, however, if he wants to make any remarks on me, it is illogical and baseless… It is also a lie that I have met Sonia Gandhi in Delhi. These remarks are factually incorrect. All of this is a political stunt.” BJP leader Ashok Chavan said.
Earlier, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi claimed that a senior Congress leader, who recently quit the party visited his mother Sonia Gandhi and broke down saying he did not want to go to jail.
“A senior leader in Maharashtra, who left the Congress recently, went crying to my mother saying, ‘Sonia-ji, I am ashamed that I don’t have the power to fight this Shakti. I do not want to go to jail’. Thousands of people are being similarly threatened,” the Congress MP claimed.
Earlier, at a show of strength along with partners in the INDIA bloc, marking the culmination of his 63-day ‘Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra’, in Mumbai, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday came down heavily on the Centre saying that the Opposition was fighting the might of the state.
Taking a veiled swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rahul, endorsing the remark of an INDIA leader who spoke before him, said, “It is true that the soul of EVMs have been traded to the King (PM Modi).”
“There is a word ‘Shakti’ (might) in Hinduism. We are fighting against a Shakti (might of the state). The question is, what is that Shakti and what does it entail for us? The soul and integrity of EVMs have been traded to the King (Modi). This is a fact. Not just EVMs but every autonomous institution of the country, be it the ED, CBI or Income Tax department, have traded their spines to the Centre,” Rahul said.
Later, speaking at the rally, Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge echoed Rahul’s refrain, saying that the ‘Shakti’ that the Opposition is fighting against comes from the ‘RSS’ (BJP’s ideological parent Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh) and ‘Manuvaad’ (Brahmanism or Brahmanical clout).
“Carrying forward what Rahul-ji said, I can say without any hesitation that the ‘Shakti’ that Modi-ji wields comes from the RSS and Manuvaad. They want to crush us (Opposition) using this Shakti,” Kharge said. (ANI)
Also Read: ‘New beginning in political career’: Ashok Chavan announces decision to join BJP
]]>RCB with a clinical performance clinched an 8-wicket victory over Delhi Capitals (DC) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium to lift their maiden WPL title. After the game, Kohli joined the post-match celebrations through a video call and had a chat with skipper Mandhana as well as the rest of the team.
In the post-match press conference, Mandhana revealed that she couldn’t hear a single thing Kohli said to her and she would meet and have a conversation with him in Bangalore.
“I didn’t hear anything he was saying because it was too loud, he was like just thumbs up and I just did thumbs up, I will be meeting him. He looked happy there was a bright smile. I remember him coming last year and a little pep talk which really helped me personally as well as the whole team. He has been a part of this franchise and I think he has been there for the past 15 years so I could see that happiness on his face but because of the noise I couldn’t hear him, maybe I will chat to him when we go to Bengaluru,” Mandhana said in the post-match press conference.
RCB’s spin attack weaved magic in the first innings to nullify DC’s explosive start. Sophie Molineux spearheaded the attack but the 21-year-old off-spinner Shreyanka Patil turned out to be the game-changer for RCB. She picked up a four-wicket haul and removed the tail end within a blink of an eye to restrict DC to a sub-par total of 113.
“Shreyanka has been brilliant the first three or four matches didn’t go her way, I remember having a chat with her and she was really low about a few things and I remember telling her on March 17th that we were going to do something special and little did I know it is going to happen and she will get the purple cap but really really happy for her. She has been a really hardworking person because she has really worked hard and I feel she is the most complete player to come in the last two years in the circuit of international cricket as well,” Mandhana said while praising Shreyanka.
Coming to the final, DC won the toss and elected to bat with openers Shafali Varma (44 in 27 balls, with two fours and three sixes) and skipper Meg Lanning (23 in 23 balls, with three fours) providing the ideal start to the team with a quickfire 64-run opening stand. However, RCB bounced back to restrict them to a score of 113.
In reply, RCB comfortably chased down the target with three balls to spare and with eight wickets in hand. (ANI)
Also Read: Virat Kohli arrives in Bengaluru, joins RCB camp ahead of the IPL 2024
]]>“On one side BJP is fighting elections to establish a dictatorship in the country and on the other side, INDIA bloc is fighting against this. The way people raised their voices against this dictatorship in Mumbai yesterday, I think the country, INDIA bloc and democracy are going to win the elections and the dictatorship of other party will lose,” Gopal Rai said on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Shakti’ remark.
Earlier, a war of words broke out between the BJP and Congress ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, BJP leader Nalin Kohli on Monday criticized Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his recent comments questioning the integrity of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).
Kohli condemned Rahul Gandhi’s remarks, stating that such allegations were an insult to the electorate of India.
Speaking on Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, BJP’s Nalin Kohli said, “By raising these kind of allegations, the Congress party and Rahul Gandhi, in a way, are insulting the electorate of India. Its the electorate of India that determines India’s destiny. They are the ones who blessed Prime Minister Modi on 2014, 2019 and clearly seem to be wanting to bless him for a third term, because Narendra Modi treats the entire nation as his family. The Prime Minister has one agenda, and that is to make India a developed country by 2047,” Kohli said.
“They (Congress) are unable to digest the fact that the vote is not coming their way and hence they keep insulting the voters by speaking against the EVMs,” he further said.
Rahul Gandhi, in his comments made on Sunday in Maharashtra, raised concerns about the operation of EVMs, to emphasize the opposition’s struggle against the might of the state.
“There is a word ‘Shakti’ (might) in Hinduism. We are fighting against a Shakti (might of the state). The question is, what is that Shakti and what does it entail for us? The soul and integrity of EVMs have been traded to the King (Modi). This is a fact. Not just EVMs but every autonomous institution of the country, be it the ED, CBI or Income Tax department, have traded their spines to the Centre,” Rahul said in an address in Mumbai.
Slamming the Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his statement about “fighting against shakti,” BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla accused the Congress MP of expressing ‘misogynistic’ views.
“A series of INDI alliance members have said that Hindu Dharma is fraud. Ramcharitmanas is potassium cyanide. Congress Party has a long history of Hindu hatred, from denying the existence of Lord Ram to making the statement about Shakti. The statement from Rahul Gandhi in front of Uddhav Thackeray shows to what extent they can fall. Today, this is not just an insult to the Hindu faith but shows the misogynistic mindset of Rahul Gandhi, who is against NariShakti and its manifestation,” he said. (ANI)
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India and RCB’s stalwart batter Kohli has been with the franchise since the inception of the IPL and has led the team from the front for nine years.
RCB took to Instagram to announce the arrival of Kohli and captioned it, “Too much happening too quickly and we’re not slowing down. Is he here?”
On Sunday night, he was spotted at the Mumbai airport as he had to catch a flight to Bangalore to join his team for the upcoming match of IPL 2024. He was seen donning his cool white T-shirt, which featured a huge illustration of a cute cartoon character and had the word ‘Dad’ written on it.
Kohli who missed India’s 4-1 Test series triumph over England was recently blessed with a baby boy, Akaay. In 237 appearances for RCB in the IPL, Kohli has amassed 7,263 runs at an average of 37.2 and a strike rate of 130.0 and is the leading run-scorer in the history of the competition.
His best score of 113 came against Punjab Kings in 2016 which propelled RCB to a massive score of 211/3. Kohli is yet to lift an IPL trophy with RCB in the past 16 seasons and he will be looking to secure the maiden title in the upcoming edition.
RCB strengthened their squad in the IPL 2024 auction by acquiring the services of foreign and Indian talent which includes Alzarri Joseph, Yash Dayal, Tom Curran, Lockie Ferguson, Swapnil Singh and Saurav Chauhan.
RCB will kick off their campaign in the season opener clash against Chennai Super Kings on Friday at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.
RCB IPL 2024 squad: Faf du Plessis (c), Glenn Maxwell, Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Anuj Rawat, Dinesh Karthik, Suyash Prabhudessai, Will Jacks, Mahipal Lomror, Karn Sharma, Manoj Bhandage, Mayank Dagar, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj, Reece Topley, Himanshu Sharma, Rajan Kumar, Cameron Green, Alzarri Joseph, Yash Dayal, Tom Curran, Lockie Ferguson, Swapnil Singh, Saurav Chauhan. (ANI)
Also Read: Asia Cup: India batter KL Rahul equals Virat Kohli in elite list
]]>However, he also said that it is “unlikely” that anyone is interested in this.
The Russia-Ukraine war has sparked the most severe strain in Moscow’s relations with the West since the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962. Putin has frequently highlighted the dangers of nuclear warfare but asserted that he has never deemed it necessary to employ nuclear weapons in Ukraine, according to TASS.
Speaking to reporters, here, after emerging victorious in the post-Soviet Russian history, Putin said that in the future, a direct conflict between Russia and NATO cannot be ruled out, although no one is interested in this.
“I think that everything is possible in the modern world. But <…> it will be one step away from a full-scale third world war. I think it’s unlikely Is anyone interested in this?” TASS quotes Putin as saying.
Before Russia’s March 15-17 elections, Ukraine had ramped up its attacks against Russia.
On Kyiv sending a large number of soldiers on the border zone, Putin said that “somewhere up to 5 thousand people” are present here.
The Russian Volunteer Corps (recognised as a terrorist organization in the Russian Federation) and similar groups include 2.5 thousand, who are now, “like meat… thrown into assaults,” in the latest attacks these “so so-called volunteers” lost approximately 800 people, according to TASS.
Securing a crushing victory in the Russian Presidential elections, Putin also said that he had agreed to a prisoner swap involving Alexei Navalny before the opposition leader’s sudden death in an Arctic prison in February.
Calling Navalny’s death a ‘sad event’, Putin said there were other cases of people in prisons passing away.
In his address at his election headquarters on Sunday, Putin said, “As for Mr. Navalny–yes, he passed away. It is always a sad event. And there were other cases when people in prisons passed away. Didn’t this happen in the United States? It did, and not once.”
Putin added that he was told of a proposal to exchange Navalny for prisoners held in Western nations days before the Opposition leader died in prison.
On February 16, jailed Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny died.
Putin won the presidential elections, receiving 87.17 per cent of the votes based on the result of processing 70 per cent of the electoral protocols, Russia-based TASS reported, citing data from the Central Election Commission of the Russian Federation.
The Communist Party of the Russian Federation candidate Nikolai Kharitonov secured the second spot with 4.1 per cent of the votes while New People Party candidate Vladislav Davankov stood third with 4.8 per cent votes.
The Liberal Democratic Party of Russia (LDPR) candidate, Leonid Slutsky, received a mere 3.15 per cent of the votes counted. According to preliminary data as of 6 pm (Moscow time) on Sunday, the voter turnout in the presidential elections, which for the first time took place over three days from March 15-17, stood at 74.22 per cent. (ANI)
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Following the conclusion of the election, Russia’s Central Election Commission showed Putin securing a fifth term in office with over 87 per cent of the vote.
Speaking from the election headquarters, Putin emphasised the importance of every voice in shaping the destiny of the nation, Russia Today reported.
“I would like to thank citizens of Russia, all of them, because we are one team,” said Putin, acknowledging the collective effort of the Russian people in exercising their democratic right. “The source of power in a country is the Russian people and the voice of every citizen of Russia,” he added, underscoring the fundamental role of public participation in governance.
Reflecting on the significance of the election, Putin remarked, “Out of every voice, we are building one commonwealth of the people of the Russian Federation.” He stressed the role of citizen engagement in driving the country’s progress across various sectors, including defence, science, and education, as reported by Russia Today.
Amid challenging circumstances, Putin extended a special appreciation to the armed forces, acknowledging their dedication in safeguarding the nation’s interests. “I would like to express a special gratitude to our warriors, to those lads who are at the line of contact ensuring the conditions for the development and existence of our country,” Putin affirmed, highlighting the sacrifices made by those serving on the front lines.
Russia has finished voting in its seventh modern presidential election, spanning three days and including four new regions: Kherson, Zaporozhye, Donetsk, and Lugansk People’s Republics.
The recent election witnessed a historic turnout, with over 74 per cent of Russia’s 112.3 million eligible voters participating between March 15 and 17, according to the Russian Central Election Commission (CEC) on Sunday. This level of engagement marks the highest in the country’s modern history, unmatched for over two decades, as reported by Russia Today.
Securing a crushing victory, Putin also said that he had agreed to a prisoner swap involving Alexei Navalny before the opposition leader’s sudden death in an Arctic prison in February.
Calling Navalny’s death a ‘sad event’, Putin said there were other cases of people in prisons passing away.
In his address at his election headquarters on Sunday, Putin said, “As for Mr. Navalny–yes, he passed away. It is always a sad event. And there were other cases when people in prisons passed away. Didn’t this happen in the United States? It did, and not once.”
Putin added that he was told of a proposal to exchange Navalny for prisoners held in Western nations days before the Opposition leader died in prison.
On February 16, jailed Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny died. (ANI)
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Before delving into its importance, it is recommended to learn about what third-party insurance entails. In simple terms, it provides coverage for damages or injuries inflicted upon third parties—individuals, vehicles, or property—by the insured driver. This type of insurance does not cover damages to the insured driver’s vehicle or injuries sustained by the driver in an accident., Rather, it focuses solely on compensating external parties affected by the insured driver’s actions.
One of the primary reasons why every driver needs third party car insurance is the legal mandate imposed by regulatory authorities in most jurisdictions. Laws governing road safety and insurance requirements often stipulate that all drivers must possess a minimum level of third-party liability coverage to operate a vehicle legally. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in hefty fines, license suspensions, or even legal repercussions.
Beyond legal mandates, there exists an ethical imperative for drivers to carry third-party car insurance. Driving is inherently associated with risks, and accidents can occur unexpectedly, causing harm to innocent bystanders or their property. By obtaining one, drivers demonstrate a sense of responsibility and accountability for their actions on the road. This helps ensure that victims of accidents receive due compensation for their losses. Upholding ethical standards in driving practices is essential for fostering a safer and more equitable society, making third-party car insurance a moral imperative for every driver.
Accidents can have far-reaching financial implications, particularly if they involve injuries or damages to third parties. Without adequate insurance coverage, drivers may find themselves liable for exorbitant medical expenses, property repairs, or legal fees arising from lawsuits filed by aggrieved parties. Third-party car insurance serves as a financial safety net in such scenarios, covering the costs of medical treatment, vehicle repairs, or legal settlements incurred by the insured driver’s actions. By transferring the financial burden to the insurance provider, drivers can mitigate the risk of facing crippling financial liabilities that could jeopardise their financial stability or future prospects.
In addition to its tangible benefits, third-party car insurance offers intangible rewards in the form of peace of mind and security. Knowing that one is adequately covered against third-party liabilities provides drivers with a sense of reassurance and confidence as they navigate the unpredictable terrain of the road. Whether commuting to work, embarking on a road trip, or simply running errands around town, individuals can drive with peace of mind. Having insurance offers them assurance that their insurance policy has their back in the event of an unforeseen mishap. This psychological security is invaluable, contributing to safer driving practices and enhanced overall well-being for drivers and their families.
Third-party car insurance also plays a pivotal role in promoting a culture of responsibility and accountability among drivers. By making insurance coverage mandatory, regulatory authorities underscore the importance of acknowledging and mitigating the risks associated with driving. Drivers are compelled to consider the potential consequences of their actions on the road and take proactive measures to minimise risks and protect themselves and others. In this sense, this insurance serves as a catalyst for cultivating a culture of safe and responsible driving habits, fostering greater harmony and cooperation among road users.
The importance of third-party car insurance cannot be overstated, as it serves as a linchpin of responsible driving and societal well-being. From fulfilling legal mandates and ethical obligations to providing financial protection and promoting a culture of responsibility, such an insurance plays a big role. This is majorly beneficial for safeguarding drivers, passengers, and pedestrians alike. By recognising its significance and embracing its benefits, they can navigate the road with confidence.
Also Read: #SelfiewithSeatBelt campaign promotes responsible driving, importance of seatbelts
]]>Are you eyeing that sleek convertible or rugged SUV but feeling daunted by the prospect of securing a car loan? Fear not! With the right approach and insights, you can streamline the process and accelerate towards owning your dream car. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the strategies and insider tips to help you navigate the car loan approval journey swiftly and efficiently.
Navigating the Landscape of Licensed Money Lenders
When it comes to financing your car purchase, opting for a licensed money lender can offer numerous benefits. These institutions adhere to regulatory standards, ensuring transparency and fair lending practices. Before diving into the loan application process, it’s crucial to research and identify reputable licensed money lenders in your area.
Securing a car loan from a licensed money lender typically involves several steps. From gathering necessary documentation to completing the application forms, being prepared can expedite the process significantly. Keep essential documents such as proof of income, identification, and credit history readily accessible to streamline the application.
While borrowing from licensed money lenders offers advantages, it’s essential to be aware of potential challenges. These may include stringent eligibility criteria and credit score requirements. However, proactive measures such as improving your credit score and seeking pre-approval can mitigate these challenges and enhance your chances of swift loan approval.
Understanding Your Financial Position
Before embarking on the car loan approval journey, take stock of your financial situation. Evaluate your income, expenses, and existing debt obligations to determine a realistic budget for your car purchase. This step is crucial in selecting a loan amount that aligns with your financial capabilities.
Researching Loan Options
With a plethora of loan options available, conducting thorough research is key to finding the most suitable fit for your needs. Compare interest rates, loan terms, and repayment options offered by different lenders to identify the most competitive option. Additionally, consider factors such as down payment requirements and flexibility in loan terms.
Preparing a Strong Application
Crafting a compelling loan application can significantly increase your chances of approval. Provide accurate information, highlight your stable income, and demonstrate a strong credit history to showcase your creditworthiness to lenders. Additionally, consider including a substantial down payment to bolster your application and potentially secure more favourable loan terms.
How can I improve my credit score to enhance my loan eligibility?
Improving your credit score involves consistent efforts such as paying bills on time, reducing credit card balances, and avoiding new credit inquiries. Additionally, regularly monitoring your credit report for errors and addressing any discrepancies can positively impact your creditworthiness.
What documents are typically required for a car loan application?
Commonly requested documents include proof of income (such as pay stubs or tax returns), identification (driver’s license or passport), proof of residence, and vehicle information (such as VIN and registration details).
Securing a car loan and driving your dream car sooner is within reach with the right approach and knowledge. By leveraging insider tips, navigating the application process effectively, and borrowing from licensed money lenders, you can accelerate toward car ownership with confidence and ease.
Also Read: Modi promises collateral-free loan, insurance, pension, credit card as he woos traders
]]>Russia “has good competencies and, moreover, even has such reserves that we can be proud of, which we can count on in the future,” Putin said at a meeting with members of the government, pointing as an example to a nuclear power unit that would operate in space.
“We need to finance it on time,” Putin said, according to TASS.
“We just need to set priorities,” he said, adding “there are issues there that require additional attention.”
“It seems that we are all used to the fact that we have such competencies that other countries do not possess, but we need to pay special attention to them so that they develop and can be used in the future to solve those tasks that can and should be solved with the help of these technologies,” Putin also said.
According to TASS, Yuri Borisov, the chief of Russia’s space agency Roscosmos, announced recently that Russia and China are collaborating on a venture to deploy a nuclear reactor on the moon.
“Today, we are seriously considering a project to deliver to the moon and mount a power reactor there jointly with our Chinese partners somewhere between 2033 and 2035,” he said in remarks at a youth festival on March 5.
In March 2021, Russia’s State Space Corporation Roscosmos and the China National Space Administration inked a memorandum on behalf of their respective governments, outlining cooperation in establishing an International Lunar Research Station, as reported by TASS.
Last month, sources told CNN that Russia is in the process of developing a nuclear space weapon capable of severely damaging a wide range of commercial and government satellites. Referred to as a nuclear Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) weapon by military space experts, it would emit a burst of electromagnetic energy and a stream of highly charged particles, potentially disrupting satellites orbiting Earth.
While this weapon is still being developed and has not been deployed into orbit, officials from the Biden administration have stressed that its use would mark a perilous shift in nuclear weaponry history.
The weapon’s potential impact on everyday life is uncertain but could result in significant disruptions, CNN reported. (ANI)
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The cryptocurrency market presents abundant opportunities for investors willing to explore hidden treasures under $1. By carefully evaluating undervalued crypto projects, diversifying investments, and adopting responsible investing strategies, investors can position themselves for success in the dynamic world of cryptocurrency. Remember to conduct thorough research, embrace volatility, and prioritize asset security to navigate the ever-evolving crypto landscape with confidence.
]]>https://x.com/SpokespersonECI/status/1768490153319047598?s=20
In a post on X, a spokesperson said, “CEC Shri Rajiv Kumar welcomed the two newly-appointed Election Commissioners, Shri Gyanesh Kumar & Dr Sukhbir Singh Sandhu who joined the Commission today”.
Both were appointed election commissioners by the selection panel chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday.
Meanwhile, the Congress leader in the Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury on Thursday dissented on the names put up by the government for the position of Election Commissioner.
The selection committee consisting of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Law Minister Arjun Meghwal and Leader of Opposition met earlier to consider names for the vacant positions of election commissioner.
After the meeting of the selection committee, Chowdhury alleged that the procedure followed for the selection of the Election Commissioners “has some lacunae”.
“They (government) have the majority (in the committee that appoints election commissioner). Earlier, they had given me 212 names, but 10 minutes before the appointment they again gave me just six names. I know that the CJI isn’t there, government has made such a law that the CJI doesn’t interfere and the Central govt can choose a favourable name. I am not saying that it’s arbitrary but the procedure that is being followed has some lacunae,” the Congress leader said.
Gyanesh Kumar retired as secretary of the cooperation ministry in February, while Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, was former Chief Secretary, Government of Uttarakhand.
Sandhu, a 1988 batch IAS officer, retired from the post of Chief Secretary on January 31, 2024.
On December 12, the Rajya Sabha passed a bill to regulate the appointment and service terms of Chief Election Commissioners and election commissioners. The bill replaces the Election Commission (Conditions of Service of Election Commissioners and Transaction of Business) Act, 1991.
As per the Bill, the CEC and ECs will be appointed by the President upon the recommendation of a Selection Committee, which will consist of the Prime Minister, a Union Cabinet Minister, and the Leader of the Opposition or leader of the largest opposition party in Lok Sabha.
The first task before the new election commissioner will be to ensure the successful conduct of the Lok Sabha polls which are slated to be held in April-May this year. (ANI)
Also Read: Adhir Chowdhury dissent on EC selection, Gyanesh Kumar, Sukhbir Sandhu to be new EC’s
]]>Kamchatka Governor Vladimir Solodov became the first regional head to cast his vote. People across Russia ate voting to elect their President for the next six years. For the first time, the people of Donbass and Novorossia will vote for the Russian presidential elections.
It is the first time that the latest technologies tested during earlier lower-level polls–a three-day voting period and a remote vote–will be used during the presidential elections.
The candidates who are contesting for top state post in the 2024 election are Vladislav Davankov, Russia’s incumbent President Vladimir Putin, Leonid Slutsky and Nikolay Kharitonov.
New People’s Party has nominated Vladislav Davankov, with Putin being a self-designated candidate. Leonid Slutsky of the LDPR party and Nikolay Kharitonov are also in fray from the Communist Party of Russia, according to TASS
At the very start of the presidential race, as many as 33 people, including nine contenders from parties and 24 independent contenders, planned to contest for Russia’s top state post. Among them, only 15 people submitted the documents needed to be registered as candidates.
Only 11 candidates remained in the presidential race when the deadline for submitting documents expired on January 1. Eventually, only four candidates were registered.
It is the first time that the presidential polls in Russia will be conducted over three days. According to Russian Central Election Commission Chair Ella Pamfilova, the people liked this format as it gives them more opportunity to cast votes in the presidential polls, TASS reported.
Over 94,000 polling stations will be open in Russia from 8 am (local time) to 8 pm (local time). Except several regions abroad, the voting will formally end on March 17 at 9 pm (local time) when polling stations in Kaliningrad will close.
As many as 295 polling stations will open in 144 foreign nations and on the territory of Baikonur space centre, which Russia has leased from Kazakhstan. The exact timeframe of the vote will differ from nation to nation. Thailand will be the first nation where polling stations will open at the Russian Consulate General in Phuket.
Also, during the presidential elections, people will have the option to cast their vote electronically. Online voting is available in 29 regions, including Moscow. People were asked to submit applications to cast their ballots online from January 29 to March 11, TASS reported.
More than 4.7 million people applied to vote online. People will get to know about the results of the online vote on March 17 from 10 pm (local time) to 11 pm (local time).
So far, Putin has served four terms as Russian President. He was elected Russian President in 2000 and re-elected in 2004, 2012, and 2018, Al Jazeera reported. If he wins, Putin will serve another six years, due to constitutional amendments that have expanded the term. This would mark his fifth term. He can then be re-elected again in 2030 for a sixth term. (ANI)
Also Read: India will be reliable partner of Russia in developing its Far East region: PM Modi
]]>This is the first overseas visit of the Bhutanese PM who assumed office in January 2024.
He was received at the airport by Union Minister of State for Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Ashwini Choubey.
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal who welcomed the Bhutan PM said that his visit is a testament to the ties of friendship between the two countries.
“Warm welcome to India! PM @tsheringtobgay of Bhutan arrives in New Delhi on his first overseas visit after assuming office in Jan 2024. Received by MoS @AshwiniKChoubeyat the airport. The visit of @PMBhutan is in keeping with the exemplary ties of friendship between India and Bhutan,” Jaiswal said in a post on X.
The Bhutan PM is accompanied by the Foreign Affairs and External Trade Minister, Energy and Natural Resources Minister, Industry, Commerce and Employment Minister, and senior officials from the Royal Government of Bhutan.
During his visit to India, Tobgay will call on President Droupadi Murmu and is expected to hold bilateral talks with PM Narendra Modi.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and other Indian dignitaries will also call on the Prime Minister of Bhutan.
Tobgay is also scheduled to visit Mumbai.
The visit of the Prime Minister of Bhutan will provide an opportunity for the two sides to review the progress in their unique partnership and to discuss ways and means to expand the enduring ties of friendship and cooperation between both nations.
In January, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra paid an official three-day visit to Bhutan during which he called on the Bhutan Prime Minister.
India and Bhutan enjoy exemplary ties of friendship and cooperation, based on trust, goodwill and mutual understanding at all levels.
The tradition of regular political and official exchanges is an important hallmark of the special ties of friendship and cooperation between the two countries. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Bhutan on his first overseas visit after winning the election in 2014. PM Modi undertook a State visit to Bhutan in August 2019, after assuming office for the second term.
The King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck visited India from 14 – 16 September 2022 and met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.
In April 2023, the King of Bhutan visited Delhi and met the President of India, PM and EAM. A Joint Statement titled “A Framework for Expanded India-Bhutan Partnership” was issued, which reaffirmed the strength of the unique ties while outlining concrete areas to advance the India-Bhutan partnership.
In November 2023, the King again visited India to hold discussions with PM, EAM and FS. The King of Bhutan also made his first official visit to the states of Assam and Maharashtra to expand ties of friendship and cooperation. (ANI)
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The Report comprises of 18,626 pages and is an outcome of extensive consultations with stakeholders, experts and research work over 191 days, since its constitution on September 2, 2023.
The committee submitted the report in the presence of all committee members including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) chief Gulam Nabi Azad and others.
Recently the High Level Committee also met and interacted with representatives of several Political parties including BJP, Trinamool Congress, Samajwadi Party, CPI, CPI(M), AIMIM, RPI, Apna Dal etc.
Representatives of these parties also handed over their suggestions in writing to the committee.
The High-Level Committee relating to the holding of simultaneous elections in the country has initiated a consultation process under the chairmanship of Ram Nath Kovind, former President of India.
The High-Level Committee recently also sought public opinion regarding the one nation, one election issue. The public notice issued stated, “Notice for inviting suggestions from members of the general public for making appropriate changes in the existing legal administrative framework to enable simultaneous elections in the country.”
The central government in September last year constituted a high-level Committee to examine the issue of ‘One Nation, One Election’ and make recommendations for holding simultaneous elections in the country.
The central idea behind ‘One Nation One Election’ is to synchronize the timing of Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections across all States to reduce the frequency of polls throughout the country.
This concept was the practice till 1967, but it was disrupted due to various reasons such as defections, dismissals, and dissolutions of government. (ANI)
]]>This growth forecast by the global rating agency is 20 basis points higher than the government’s estimate of 7.6 per cent.
India’s economic growth has continued to outperform forecasts; real GDP rose by 8.4 per cent year-on-year in the October-December quarter, a much stronger increase than Ficth said what it had expected.
India’s GDP grew at a massive 8.4 per cent during the October-December quarter of the current financial year 2023-24 and the country continued to remain the fastest-growing major economy.
The Indian economy grew 7.8 per cent and 7.6 per cent during the preceding two quarters – April-June and July-September. The strength of domestic demand has driven the economy to a 7 per cent plus growth rate in the last three years. India’s economy grew 7.2 per cent in 2022-23 and 8.7 per cent in 2021-22, respectively.
For 2024-25, Ficth expects the Indian economy to continue its strong expansion, with real GDP forecast to increase by 7.0 per cent in 2024-25, a 0.5 percentage points upward revision from its December forecasts.
“Domestic demand, especially investment, will be the main driver of growth, amid sustained levels of business and consumer confidence,” Fitch said.
Delving upon consumer price inflation, it outlined how it picked up in the last months of 2023 driven by food prices. CPI inflation reached 5.7 per cent in December, before falling to 5.1 per cent in February.
“We expect headline inflation to steadily decrease to 4 per cent by calendar year-end on the assumption that recent food price volatility will subside,” Fitch said.
“The RBI has kept its key policy rate at 6.5%, and in its communication has focused on confirming its hawkish policy stance of “withdrawal of monetary accommodation” and the need to bring inflation down towards target. We now think that the RBI will cut rates only in 2H24 and by 50bp (revised from 75bp in December) in view of the stronger growth outlook.”
The retail inflation in India though is in RBI’s 2-6 per cent comfort level but is above the ideal 4 per cent scenario.
Barring the recent pauses, the RBI has raised the repo rate by 250 basis points cumulatively to 6.5 per cent since May 2022 in the fight against inflation. Raising interest rates is a monetary policy instrument that typically helps suppress demand in the economy, thereby helping the inflation rate decline.
At the latest monetary policy meeting, the RBI pegged India’s retail inflation projections for 2024-25 at 4.5 per cent, with Q1 at 5.0 per cent, Q2 at 4.0 per cent, Q3 at 4.6 per cent, and Q4 at 4.7 per cent, with risks evenly balanced.
Meanwhile, Fitch Ratings has raised its 2024 global GDP growth forecast by 0.3 percentage points to 2.4 per cent in its latest Global Economic Outlook (GEO), arguing that the prospects for growth world over in the near-term have improved and.
This reflects a sharp upward revision to the US growth forecast to 2.1 per cent, from 1.2 per cent in the December 2023 estimates.
The revision to the US outweighs a marginal cut to its China 2024 growth forecast – to 4.5 per cent from 4.6 per cent – and a small revision to its eurozone forecast, to 0.6 per cent from 0.7 per cent.
The rating agency its latest report also revised upwardly the growth forecast for emerging markets excluding China by 0.1 percentage point to 3.2 per cent, with forecasts raised for India, Russia and Brazil.
Fitch expects world growth in 2025 to edge up to 2.5 per cent (unchanged from before) as the eurozone finally recovers on a pick-up in real wages and consumption – but US growth slows.
“And with lagged effects from last year’s monetary tightening still to come through as real interest rates rise (in the US), we expect quarter-on-quarter growth to slow to a significantly below-trend rate later this year,” Fitch said.
The eurozone continues to stagnate, with Germany’s recession weighing on France and the rest of the bloc, it said.
“The German economy faces structural growth constraints but it has also been hit by a string of major shocks that are unlikely to be repeated. Growth should pick up in the medium term as the ECB cuts rates, world trade recovers and the impact of the energy shock fades.”
“China’s property collapse continues unabated – housing sales now look likely to fall sharply again this year – and evidence of deflationary pressures is rising. But fiscal easing is being stepped up materially and this has cushioned the impact on the GDP forecast.”
On the monetary policy side, Fitch expects both the US Federal Reserve and ECB to cut rates three times, by a total of 75 basis points, by year-end.
“But both central banks want to see more evidence that recent disinflation progress is durable before starting out on the policy-easing process. We have pushed back the date of the first Fed cut to July from our previous expectation of June. We have also pushed back the date of the first ECB cut to June from April,” Fitch said. (ANI)
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