Hearing on the disclosure of electoral bonds data by the State Bank of India is underway at the the Supreme Court of India. A five-bench of the SC led by CJI DY Chandrachud is hearing the case.
Category: Nation
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Troubles Mount For INDIA-Bloc In Bihar As CPI, CPI-ML Pushes For More Seats |
The INDIA-bloc faces challenges with the seat allocation in Bihar as the Communist Party of India (CPI) seeks to contest for three seats, while CPI-ML is claiming eight seats. In a press release, the parties have urged the alliance to announce a revised seat sharing agreement. Earlier, the seat distribution deal suggested that Rashtriya Janta Dal (RJD) will contest on 28 seats whereas Congress was to be fielded from nine seats, two seats were given to CPI and one to CPI-ML.
The distribution of Lok Sabha election seats has emerged as a contentious matter for both the NDA and the INDIA alliance factions in Bihar. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is also not pleased with the seat sharing deal. Pashupati Paras is dissatisfied with the BJP leadership due to Chirag Paswan’s effective seat-sharing agreement. Sources acquainted with the matter indicated that should Paras’ negotiations with the BJP falter, the RJD is considering offering him a favourable seat-sharing arrangement.
The Lok Sabha elections in Bihar are scheduled to occur in seven phases, commencing on April 19. Initially, on April 19, voting will transpire for four seats: Aurangabad, Gaya, Nawada, and Jamui. Subsequently, on April 26, polling will be conducted for five seats: Kishanganj, Katihar, Prunia, Bhagalpur, and Banka. On May 7, another set of five seats will undergo polling: Jhanjharpur, Supaul, Araria, Madhepura, and Khagaria. May 13 will witness voting for Darbhanga, Ujiarpur, Samastipur, Begusarai, and Munger.
On May 20, the electoral process will encompass Sitamarhi, Madhubani, Muzaffarpur, Saran, and Hajipur. May 25 marks the voting day for Valmiki Nagar, Paschim Champaran, Purvi Champaran, Sheohar, Vaishali, Gopalganj, Siwan, and Maharajganj. Finally, June 1 will see Nalanda, Patna Sahib, Pataliputra, Arrah, Buxar, Sasaram, Karakat, and Jahanabad going to the polls. The vote counting is scheduled for June 4.
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ED Summons Arvind Kejriwal In Another Money Laundering Case Linked To DJB |
New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate has summoned Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in a second money laundering case linked to alleged irregularities in the Delhi Jal Board (DJB), official sources said Sunday.
He has been asked to depose before the central agency at its office at A P J Abdul Kalam Road on March 18 and record his statement under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), the sources said.
This is the second case registered under the anti-money laundering law in which the 55-year-old politician, also the national convenor of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), has been summoned.
He is already facing summons for questioning in the Delhi excise policy linked money laundering case. Kejriwal has skipped eight summons in this case till now, terming them illegal. A fresh and ninth such notice in the excise policy case stipulates him to appear before the ED investigating officer on March 21.
Reacting to the summons in the second case, Delhi minister Atishi told reporters on Sunday that, “Nobody knows what this DJB case is about. This seems to be a backup plan to arrest Kejriwal anyhow and stop him from campaigning for the Lok Sabha polls”.
The ED, in the DJB case, has alleged that bribe money generated from corruption in a contract issued by this Delhi government department was “passed on” as election funds to the AAP that currently rules the national capital.
The ED raided the premises of Kejriwal’s personal assistant Bibhav Kumar, AAP Rajya Sabha MP N D Gupta, former DJB member Shalabh Kumar, chartered accountant Pankaj Mangal and some others as part of this investigation in February.
A CBI FIR which alleges that former chief engineer of DJB Jagdish Kumar Arora awarded a contract of the DJB to a company NKG Infrastructure Ltd for a total cost of Rs 38 crore despite the fact that the company “did not meet” the technical eligibility criteria, is the basis of the ED case.
The ED arrested Arora and a contractor named Anil Kumar Aggarwal in this case on January 31.
NKG Infrastructure Ltd obtained the bid by submitting “forged” documents and Arora “was aware of the fact that the company does not meet the technical eligibility,” the agency claimed.
An ED statement alleged that Arora “received” bribe in cash and in bank accounts after awarding the contract to NKG Infrastructure Ltd. And that he “passed on” this money to various persons managing the affairs at DJB, including “persons connected with AAP”.
“Bribe amounts were also passed on as election funds to AAP,” it claimed.
This is the second case where the federal agency has charged the AAP with taking kickbacks. It has claimed that bribe money from the scrapped excise policy of 2021-22 was used by the Arvind Kejriwal-led party for campaigning in Goa assembly elections.
The agency said that the DJB contract was awarded at “highly inflated rates” so that the bribes could be collected from the contractors.
“As against the contract value of Rs 38 crore, only about Rs 17 crore was spent towards the contract and the remaining amounts were siphoned off in guise of various fake expenses.” “Such fake expenses were booked for bribes and election funds,” the ED claimed.
Delhi minister Atishi had claimed in a press briefing after the raids that the officials of the agency just sat in the living room of Bibhav Kumar and took with them only two Gmail account downloads and three family phones.
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Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Voting In Seven Phases Starting April 19, Counting On June 4; Check State-Wise Polling Date |
The Election Commission of India today announced the dates for the 18th Lok Sabha Elections ending the days of wait for the political parties and the voters. Announcing the dates, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar said that the polling for the 543 Parliamentary seats across India will be held in 7 phases starting April 19. The counting of votes will take place in June 4. With this, the model code of conduct has come into effect across the country. Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar said that there are over 96.8 crore registered voters including 49.7 crore male and 47.1 crore female. This includes 19.74 crore young voters. There are over 82 lakh voters aged over 85 and over 1.8 crore young voters or first time voters. The election commission also announced bypolls for 26 assebly constituencies across state. Simultaneous assembly elections will also be held in states like Sikkim, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Arunachal Pradesh. The Election Commission also announced poll dates for Jammu and Kashmir. The Union Territory will go to the Lok Sabha polls for the first time since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019.
Andhra Pradesh and Odisha will vote on May 13 while Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim will vote on April 19. The coungin will be held on June 4. In phase 1 of the Lok Sabha elections, northeastern states, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Uttarakhand will go to the polls.
Phase-1: April 19- 102 Seats – 21 States
Phase-2: April 26 – 89 Seats – 13 States
Phase-3: May 7 – 94 Seats – 12 States
Phase-4: May 13 – 96 Seats – 10 States
Phase-5: May 20 – 49 Seats – 8 States
Phase-6: May 25 – 57 Seats – 7 States
Phase-7: June 1 – 57 Seats – 8 States
Result Day: June 4
States Voting In Single Phase
Arunachal Pradesh, Andamana Nicobar, Andhra Pradesh, Chandigarh, Dadra And Nagar Haveli, Delhi, Goa, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Ladakh, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Puducherry, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Telangana, Uttarakhand
States Voting In Two Phases: Karnataka, Rajasthan Tripura, Manipur
States Voting In Three Phases: Chhattisgarh, Assam
States Voting In Four Phases: Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand
States Voting In Five Phases: Maharashtra, Jammu and Kashmir
States Voting In Seven Phases: Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal
Below is the state wise Lok Sabha Seats for the Parliamentary Elections 2024:
Andhra Pradesh – 25 Seats
Arunchal Pradesh – 2 Seats
Assam – 14 Seats
Bihar – 40 Seats
Chhattisgarh – 11 Seats
Goa – 2 Seats
Gujarat – 26 Seats
Haryana – 10 Seats
Himachal Pradesh – 4 Seats
Jharkhand -14 Seats
Karnataka – 28 Seats
Kerala – 20 Seats
Madhya Pradesh – 29 Seats
Maharashtra – 48 Seats
Manipur – 2 Seats
Meghalaya – 2 Seats
Mizoram – 1 Seat
Nagaland – 1 Seat
Odisha – 21 Seats
Punjab – 13 Seats
Rajasthan – 25 Seats
Sikkim – 1 Seat
Tamil Nadu – 39 Seats
Tripura – 2 Seats
Uttarakhand – 5 Seats
Uttar Pradesh – 80 Seats
West Bengal – 42 SeatsAndaman and Nicobar – 1 Seat
Dadra and Nagar Haveli – 1 Seat
Daman and Diu – 1 Seat
Jammu and Kashmir – 6 Seats
Chandigarh – 1 Seat
Delhi – 7 Seats
In 2019, Lok Sabha elections were held in seven phases from April 11 to May 19 and the results were declared on May 23. The first phase of polls was held on April 11, the second on April 18, the third on April 23, the fourth on April 29, the fifth on May 6, the sixth on May 12 and the seventh on May 19.
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J&K Assembly Polls Soon After Lok Sabha Elections: CEC Rajiv Kumar |
NEW DELHI: Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Gyanesh Kumar and Dr Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, on Saturday said that assembly elections in J&K will be held soon. CEC Rajiv Kumar, while addressing a press conference, stated that assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir will be held soon after the Lok Sabha polls.
Speaking to reporters, CEC Rajiv Kumar addressed the issue of holding simultaneous central and state elections in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). Kumar cited security concerns as a primary obstacle, leading the poll panel to deem it unfeasible at this time. However, he emphasized the panel’s dedication to conducting elections in the region, assuring that they would proceed following the Lok Sabha polls.
Kumar highlighted the consensus among all parties in J&K regarding the desire for Assembly elections to coincide with parliamentary polls. Despite this shared sentiment, logistical challenges presented a significant hurdle. The sheer number of candidates expected in each Assembly segment, averaging between 10 to 12, would necessitate substantial security arrangements. Kumar explained that accommodating over 1,000 candidates would be impractical given the existing constraints.
Nevertheless, Kumar reaffirmed the commitment of the poll panel to facilitate elections in J&K. He assured that once the current electoral processes conclude, the panel would prioritize holding polls in the region. This statement underscores the panel’s acknowledgement of the importance of democratic participation in J&K, despite the complexities involved in ensuring a secure and efficient electoral process.
Importantly, the Lok Sabha elections in J&K will be held in five phases – April 19, April 26, May 7, May 13 and May 2.
The CEC also announced the dates for polls for the Lok Sabha elections 2024, which will be held in 7 phases starting from April 19. Phase 1 voting will be held on April 19, Phase 2 voting will be held on April 26, Phase 3 voting will be held on May 7, Phase 4 voting will be held on May 13, Phase 5 voting will be on May 20, Phase 6 voting will take place on May 25 and Phase 7 voting will be held on June 1. Counting of votes will be held on 4 June.
Lok Sabha Election 2024 Full Schedule
Phase 1 voting will be held on April 19, Phase 2 voting will be held on April 26, Phase 3 voting will be held on May 7, Phase 4 voting will be held on May 13,
Phase 5 voting will be on May 20, Phase 6 voting will take place on May 25 and Phase 7 voting will be held on June 1. The results will be announced on June 4.
With the formal announcement of the 2024 Lok Sabha election schedule, the Model Code of Conduct has also come into effect across the country. It may be noted that the tenure of the present Lok Sabha ends on June 16 and a new House must be constituted before that. In 2019, the general elections were held over seven phases from April 11 to May 19, with results declared four days later. The BJP-led National Democratic (NDA) won a total of 303 seats, leaving the grand-old party behind at 52 seats, in the 2019 general elections.
Total 96.8 Crore Voters Eligible To Cast Votes: CEC
A total of 96.8 crore voters will be eligible to cast their vote in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar said on Saturday. Addressing a press conference here to announce the dates of Lok Sabha elections and assembly polls to four states, Rajiv Kumar said there will be 10.5 lakh polling stations and 1.5 crore polling officials and security staff will be deployed to conduct the elections in the world’s largest democracy.
“We are committed to giving the nation a truly festive, democratic environment. The term of the 17th Lok Sabha is due to expire on 16th June 2024. The terms of the Legislative Assemblies of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim are also due to expire in June 2024. Elections are due in Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
Kumar said approximately 49.7 crore voters are male and 47.1 crore voters are female.
“We have 1.8 crore first-time voters and 19.47 crore voters between the age group of 20-29 years,” he said, adding that 88.4 lakh voters are of PwD category, 2.18 lakhs are centenarians and 48,000 are transgenders.
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UPSC Success Story: From Breaking Stones To Breaking Barriers, The Remarkable Journey Of A Laborer Turned UPSC Top Ranker |
New Delhi: Every year, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) administers the highly esteemed UPSC examination, an arduous test that only a select few manage to conquer. Among these aspirants was Ram Bhajan, a remarkable individual who transcended his humble beginnings as a daily wage laborer to pursue the lofty goal of becoming an IAS officer.
Hailing from the quaint village of Bapi in Rajasthan, Ram Bhajan Kumhara’s journey embodies the essence of resilience and determination. In the rustic confines of his village, where basic amenities were scarce, Ram Bhajan and his mother eked out a living amidst adversity. Their meager existence lacked even the comfort of a proper dwelling.
Fast forward to the present, and Ram Bhajan has emerged triumphant, securing the 667th rank in the UPSC examination. His saga is one of unparalleled inspiration, a testament to the triumph of the human spirit over seemingly insurmountable odds.
In a candid conversation with Dainik Bhaskar, Ram Bhajan shared poignant details of his past. He reminisced about his days toiling as a daily laborer alongside his mother, tirelessly breaking stones and bearing the weight of their struggles. Despite the grueling nature of their work, they persevered, earning a paltry sum that barely sustained them.
Ram Bhajan’s journey took a tragic turn with the demise of his father, a pivotal figure in their modest household. Struck down by asthma during the Covid-19 pandemic, his father’s passing plunged the family into deeper despair, exacerbating their financial woes. Forced to resort to manual labor for sustenance, Ram Bhajan refused to succumb to despair.
Despite the adversities stacked against him, Ram Bhajan’s indomitable spirit remained unbroken. Fuelled by a fervent desire to transcend his circumstances, he embarked on a relentless pursuit of knowledge. His dedication bore fruit when he secured a position as a constable in the Delhi Police, marking a significant milestone in his journey towards realizing his aspirations.
Undeterred by setbacks, Ram Bhajan continued to pursue his ultimate goal of becoming an IAS officer. With unwavering resolve, he persisted through eight attempts, each one a testament to his unwavering determination. Finally, in 2022, his perseverance paid off as he emerged triumphant, clinching victory in the UPSC examination.
Ram Bhajan’s achievement not only elevated him to the esteemed rank of an IAS officer but also lifted his family out of the clutches of poverty. His remarkable journey serves as a beacon of hope, inspiring countless others to dare to dream and strive for greatness against all odds.
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Watch: BJP Launches `Mai Modi Ka Parivar Hun` Campaign Song For Lok Sabha Elections 2024
BJP has launched its campaign song around the slogan ‘Mai Modi Ka Parivar Hu’ for the Lok Sabha Elections 2024.
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UPSC Success Story: From Setbacks To Triumph, IAS Smriti Mishra Claims AIR 4 On Third Attempt – Know Her Inspirational Journey |
New Delhi: The adage holds true, consistency and perseverance pave the path to success. Human nature often inclines us towards surrendering after facing setbacks. Yet, the remarkable journey of IAS Smriti Mishra stands as a testament to the notion that despite failures, we can persistently pursue our dreams with unwavering determination.
Today, we delve into the awe-inspiring narrative of IAS Smriti Mishra, whose resilience led her to conquer the UPSC Civil Services Exam 2022, clinching an extraordinary All India Rank (AIR) of 4 on her third attempt, following two previous unsuccessful endeavors. Three years of relentless dedication culminated in Smriti Mishra’s triumphant achievement, securing the prestigious AIR-4.
Originating from Bareilly, Smriti’s educational journey commenced in Agra, culminating in a B.Sc degree from Miranda House College, Delhi University. Inspired by her father, she harbored aspirations of donning the prestigious title of an IAS officer since her teenage years.
Upon completing her graduation, Smriti embarked on her quest towards the UPSC dream. Despite encountering setbacks in her initial attempts, she discerned the intricacies of her approach and refined her strategies for the third attempt.
Revealing her meticulous preparation regimen, Smriti disclosed her practice of perusing two newspapers daily, meticulously crafting notes from them. Leveraging self-written notes, staying abreast of current affairs, and diligently analyzing previous year’s question papers formed the cornerstone of her preparation. Additionally, she sought guidance from the notes and answer scripts of previous years’ toppers, meticulously comparing and refining her own approach.
Smriti Mishra’s journey serves as an embodiment of resilience and determination, underscoring the adage that perseverance amidst adversity ultimately leads to triumph. Her unwavering commitment to her aspirations exemplifies the essence of relentless pursuit in the face of challenges.
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‘Misplaced, Misinformed And Unwarranted’: MEA Rejects US Remarks On CAA |
NEW DELHI: The Government of India (GoI) on Friday categorically rejected the remarks made by the US State Department that it will ”closely monitor” the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act across the country. Registering strong objections to the remarks made by the US State Department, the Ministry Of External Affairs called it “misplaced, misinformed, and unwarranted”.
Addressing a press conference on a wide range of issues including the CAA, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “The CAA is about giving citizenship, not about taking away citizenship. It addresses the issue of statelessness, provides human dignity and supports human rights.” Calling the Citizenship Amendment Act an ”internal matter”, the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson said the law is in line with India’s inclusive traditions and long-standing commitment to human rights.
”The CAA grants safe haven to persecuted minorities belonging to Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi, and Christian communities from Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, who have entered India on or before December 31 2014,” he added.
#WATCH | On CAA, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, “As you are well aware, the Citizenship Amendment Act 2019 is an internal matter of India and is in keeping with India’s inclusive traditions and a long-standing commitment to human rights. The act grants a safe haven to… pic.twitter.com/cJBiDvI7JU
— ANI (@ANI) March 15, 2024
The MEA official further stated, “As regards the US State Department’s statement on the implementation of the CAA, we are of the view that it is misplaced, misinformed, and unwarranted,”
The response from the MEA came shortly after the US State Department spokesperson, Matthew Miller, said, “We are concerned… we are closely monitoring this law (and) how it will be implemented.” Miller made these remarks when asked how the CAA could affect religious freedom in India.
“Respect for religious freedom and equal treatment under the law for all communities are fundamental democratic principles,” Miller added.
The Centre implemented the Citizenship (Amendment) Act 2019 on Monday, reducing the qualification period of application for citizenship from 11 to 5 years for eligible migrants who came to India before December 31, 2014.
The government also came out with a press statement to say that Indian Muslims need not worry as the CAA will not impact their citizenship and has nothing to do with the community which enjoys equal rights as their Hindu counterparts.