India News LIVE: BJP protests against Punjab govt in Chandigarh over law and order issue

After Punjab police recommended that Amritpal's aides' arms licenses should be cancelled, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has taken cognisance of the matter. The licences were issued in the name of two people from Tarn Taran in Punjab and are said to have expired in 2017. The process of cancellation of the licenses have been initiated. 

A BJP delegation went to the office of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Ranchi on Thursday and urged the agency to investigate senior IAS officer Rajiv Arun Ekka, alleging that he was involved in corruption.

The BJP released a video clip on Sunday, claiming that Ekka -- who was then the principal secretary to Chief Minister Hemant Soren -- could be seen signing government files in the office of a businessman.

Six people from two groups were arrested for engaging in a row during a Holi celebration in Shamli district, police said on Thursday.

The incident took place at Raipur village under Babri Police Station Wednesday evening. A man was injured in the fight and was taken to hospital. The fight broke out over throwing of colour, the SP said.
 

The widows of three CRPF jawans who were martyred in the 2019 Pulwama terror attack on Thursday protested outside Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot's residence over the non-fulfilment of promises by the state government.

A person was killed and 19 others were injured on Thursday when their pickup van collided with a bus on the Kurwai-Sironj road in the Vidisha district of Madhya Pradesh, police said.

The incident took place in the afternoon near Ghatwar village, Kurwai police station in-charge Brajendra Singh said.
 

Police used water cannon on Punjab BJP workers and leaders who tried to march towards the Vidhan Sabha on Thursday to gherao it against the "deteriorating" law and order in the state.

Led by Punjab BJP chief Ashwani Sharma, the workers held a protest near the party office in Chandigarh before they tried to move towards the Vidhan Sabha, which is currently in session.

The Indian Army on Thursday installed a 100-foot-tall national flag in the hilly Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir with a senior officer terming the endeavour a befitting tribute to the countless soldiers who laid down their lives for the nation.

This was the second such high-mast flag hoisted by the Army in the Chenab valley region, which was once a hotbed of terrorism before it was completely cleared over a decade ago.

#WATCH | Indian Army installs a 100-ft high national flag in Sports Stadium, Doda, Jammu & Kashmir pic.twitter.com/skCn62f9hv

— ANI (@ANI)

A major fire broke out at a chemical factory in the Vasai area of Maharashtra's Palghar district. Five fire tenders rushed to the spot. No casualty reported till now.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Thursday visited India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant. He was accorded Guard of Honour.

Australian PM Anthony Albanese onboard India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant pic.twitter.com/CmuyGg4sxZ

— ANI (@ANI)

Telangana IT Minister and Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president KT Rama Rao (KTR) on Thursday hit out against the BJP led central government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"Is everyone in the BJP a brother of Raja Harishchandra," the Telangana Minister asked on Thursday while addressing media persons in Hyderabad.

Delhi Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena has approved the promotion of 108 assistant public prosecutors as additional public prosecutors, Raj Niwas officials said on Thursday.

With this, 108 out of 150 posts of additional public prosecutors, lying vacant for long in the Directorate of Prosecution of the Delhi government, will be filled, they added.

AAP leaders Saurabh Bharadwaj and Atishi were sworn in as ministers by Delhi Lt Governor VK Saxena in presence of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. This comes following the resignations of Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia and minister Satyendar Jain.

Atishi was allotted Education, PWD, Power and Tourism portfolios. Saurabh Bharadwaj got Health, Water and Industries and Urban Development.

 Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Madal Virupakshappa, who is the main accused in the KSDL (Karnataka Soaps and Detergents) contract scam, has appeared before Lokayukta.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will lead an Indian Parliamentary Delegation (IPD) to the 146th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) to be held in Manama, Bahrain from 11th to 15th March.

The Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) Sensex declined 541.81 points to end at 59,806.28 on Thursday whereas National Stock Exchange (NSE) Nifty dipped 164.80 points to 17,589.60.
 

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak on Thursday slammed Akhilesh Yadav for signing a letter accusing the Centre of "blatant misuse" of investigating agencies, saying if there is an award for corruption, it should go to the Samajwadi Party chief.

Pathak mentioned alleged scams during the SP tenures in power relating to projects like Gomti riverfront park, Noida and Greater Noida land allotments, ration cards, and mining, but did not directly link Yadav to them.

The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has taken an initiative to distribute sanitary napkins to women sanitation workers every month, officials said on Thursday.

The NDMC chairperson has approved proposal of the public health and welfare departments to distribute sanitary napkins to them.

BRS MLC K Kavitha addresses the media over ED's summons asking her to appear for questioning in the Delhi Liquor case. Earlier on Wednesday, the agency sent summons to Kavitha to appear for questioning in the liquor case at their HQ in the national capital on March 9.

Maharashtra DyCM and Finance Minister Devendra Fadnavis arrived at the assembly to present the state budget. Notably, Fadnavis will present the budget in the Legislative assembly and Cabinet Minister Deepak Kesarkar will table the same in the council.

According to sources, Karnataka Bharatiya Janata Party (MLA) Madal Virupakshappa, accused in the bribegate is likely to surrender.

#LIVE | Bribegate accused BJP MLA likely to surrender; no action from BJP yet.#BJP #KarnatakaElection2023 #Lokayukata

Tune in to-https://t.co/ge3J2OVybC pic.twitter.com/7EKalfgZ9c

— Republic (@republic)

National Commission for Women (NCW) Chairperson Rekha Sharma has written to DGP Rajasthan on protests by Pulwama widows, to personally look into the matter and conduct an inquiry into allegations of mistreatment & assault levelled by the women against Police officials. She has also asked a detailed action taken report.

President Droupadi Murmu arrives in Amritsar on a one-day visit to the state. Governor Banwarilal Purohit and CM Bhagwant Mann receive her at the airport.

Punjab | President Droupadi Murmu arrives in Amritsar on a one-day visit to the state. Governor Banwarilal Purohit and CM Bhagwant Mann receive her at the airport. pic.twitter.com/B3MMcy84X5

— ANI (@ANI)

Addressing the Maharashtra assembly, Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha said, "PM Modi took a great decision about triple talaq. He gave a chance to those oppressed to speak and provided the liberty." Speaking on Love Jihad, he said, "In Maharashtra, there are more than 1 lakh cases of love jihad. There should not be a next shraddha walkar case in Maharashtra and its the Maharashtra govt responsibility to make sure that."

Ahead of the G20 summit in Punjab, Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), a secessionist pro-Khalistan organisation, brandished Khalistani posters at Guru Nanak Dev University in Amritsar. The posters dangling from the walls of the Guru Nanak Dev University mentioned anti-India slogans. (Read full story)

Indian Navy's "theatre level" operational readiness exercise TROPEX 2023 which begin in November last year and was carried out across the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), concluded in the second week of March. (Read full story)

AIADMK District Secretaries Meeting underway in Tamil Nadu's Chennai. AIADMK District Secretaries from all over the state are present in the meeting. The meeting is being attended by AIADMK Interim General Secretary Edappadi Palaniswami, former Ministers D Jayakumar, Velumani, P Thangamani, Benjamin, K.A. Sengottaiyan, and K Kamaraj.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has launched a massive crackdown on the Pakistani funding module for spreading separatism in Jammu and Kashmir. Accordingly, the central agency conducted raids at multiple locations in Kashmir Valley. These raids were in connection with the MBBS seats allotment racket to locals in different colleges of Pakistan allegedly by Hurriyat netas. Hurriyat netas reportedly used money from admissions for further separatism in Jammu and Kashmir.

#BREAKING | ED conducts multi-location raids across Jammu & Kashmir.#ED #JammuKashmir #Raids

Tune in to-https://t.co/ge3J2OW61a pic.twitter.com/98zSXhIDU3

— Republic (@republic)

After commemorating the 75 years of India- Australia diplomatic relations through cricket at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, PM Modi called "cricket" a common passion in India and Australia. "Glad to be in Ahmedabad with my good friend, PM Anthony Albanese to witness parts of the India-Australia Test Match. I am sure it will be an exciting game."

Cricket, a common passion in India and Australia! Glad to be in Ahmedabad with my good friend, PM @AlboMP to witness parts of the India-Australia Test Match. I am sure it will be an exciting game! 🇮🇳 🇦🇺 https://t.co/XvwU0XCbJf pic.twitter.com/JwJecwUkHi

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi)

Speaking over the Bihar migrant workers row, Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin accused the Bharatiya Janata Party leaders in the north of spreading 'fake videos'. "Few people created fake videos & spread false news. BJP members from north Indian states did this with bad intentions. You can understand the plot if you notice that this was done the day after I spoke about the need for a united national-level alliance against the BJP," he said.

According to BSF, an intruder from the Pakistani side was trying to enter India on the intervening night of 8-9 March in AOR of BOP Rajatal 144 Bn, Amritsar sector. "He was fired upon by BSF troops & subsequently arrested. During initial questioning, he revealed his identity as a Bangladeshi national. Further questioning will be carried out and the next course of action will be taken," the BSF said in a statement.

Amidst talks of dissidence within the Karnataka BJP and V Somanna walking out, the high command has given the task of keeping the party unit together to former Karnataka CM  and BJP leader BS Yeddiyurappa ahead of assembly elections, according to sources. Speaking to reporters, Yeddiyurappa said that he will talk with 'upset' V Somanna and other BJP leaders once he's back in Bengaluru.

The team of ED officials have reached the Tihar jail where Manish Sisodia has been lodged. The agency will begin the second round of questioning of Sisodia in connection with the Delhi liquor scam case. Notably, on March 7, ED grilled the AAP leader in the Tihar jail. It is pertinent to mention that ED has got permission from the court to interrogate the former Delhi DyCM thrice in 15 days.

Union Home Minister Kiren Rijiju slammed Rahul Gandhi over the latter's remarks in the UK. "This self declared Congress Prince has crossed all the limits. This man has become extremely dangerous for India's unity. Now he's provoking people to divide India. India's most popular & loved Hon Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji's only mantra is 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat'."

Attacking further, he said, "There should be a limit to Re-launch the same product. Being relaunched in London, and marketing is actively following by the same gang in India!"

People of India know Rahul Gandhi is Pappu but foreigners don't know that he is actually Pappu.
And it's not necessary to react to his Foolish Statements but the problem is that his Anti-India statements are misused by the Anti-India Forces to tarnish the image of India.

— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju)

PM Narendra Modi and Australian PM Anthony Albanese left the Narendra Modi Stadium after commemorating 75 years of diplomatic relationship through cricket. The Australian PM also shared a selfie with PM Modi on his Twitter account.

Celebrating 75 years of friendship though cricket with Indian Prime Minister @narendramodi 🇦🇺🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/gk3m3XzEBe

— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP)

Karnataka PUC exams start today across the state. CM Basavaraj Bommai said, "I wish all students, appearing in the PUC exam, the very best. PUCs are very important when they've to decide their future - professional & other courses. So, I wish all students to get excellent marks & excel in their careers with flying colours."

Karnataka PUC exams start today across the state. Visuals from Bengaluru as candidates arrive at their centres. pic.twitter.com/VaPuHULbUs

— ANI (@ANI)

Meanwhile, Kerala's SSLC examinations have also begun today and will continue till March 29. 4,19,554 students have registered for the exams. Of them, 4,19,362 are regular students.

Geeta Rana of the Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers has become the first woman officer to take over command of an Independent Field Workshop in a forward and remote location in Eastern Ladakh, stated Indian Army officials.

Janata Dal (United) dissolved its Nagaland state committee with immediate effect stating that the Nagaland state President of the party gave a letter of support to the Nagaland CM without consulting the central party. The Nitish Kumar's party called the state unit's action "high indiscipline and arbitrary".

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met the Indian cricket team players at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Australian PM Anthony Albanese also greeted the players of the Australian side. 

PM Modi and Australian PM Anthony Albanese visited an exhibition gallery showcasing Indian cricket and its history at Narendra Modi Stadium.

PM Modi, Australian PM gives test caps to India and Australia's captains.

The cultural programmes begins at Narendra Modi Stadium ahead of the 4th Test match between India-Australia.

PM Modi welcomes Australian PM Albanese at Narendra Modi Stadium. Both leaders will watch Ind-Aus 4th test match here.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at the Narendra Modi Stadium. He was welcomed by Gujarat Governor, CM Bhupendra Patel, BCCI chief Roger Binny and Secretary Jay Shah. PM Modi is scheduled to watch Ind-Aus match along with Australian PM Albanese.

#INDvAUS | PM Narendra Modi reaches Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad; BCCI Secretary Jay Shah and Gujarat CM welcome him.#PMModi #IndVsAus2023 #BorderGavaskarTrophy2023

Tune in to watch updates here - https://t.co/ge3J2OW61a pic.twitter.com/xFOBrCpxNR

— Republic (@republic)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's cavalcade leaves for the India Vs Australia cricket match. He is scheduled to watch match with the Australian PM today at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

#LIVE | PM Modi's cavalcade leaves for India Vs Australia cricket match.#PMModi #IndVsAus2023 #BorderGavaskarTrophy2023

Tune in to watch #LIVE updates here - https://t.co/ge3J2OW61a pic.twitter.com/vSSTMcFsSS

— Republic (@republic)

Ahead of Ind-Aus 4th test cricket match in Ahmedabad, the Ministry of External Affairs' spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, "A historic day at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. PM Modi and PM Alabanese will be arriving here shortly for the 4th & final Ind v AUS Test of the ongoing series. We are cheering for Team India, and for the love of cricket that makes the friendship even stronger!"

A historic day at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.

PMs @narendramodi & @AlboMP will be arriving here shortly for the 4th & final #IndvAUS Test of the ongoing series.

We are cheering for #TeamIndia, and for the love of cricket that makes the 🇮🇳🇦🇺 friendship even stronger! pic.twitter.com/51eIiaM4f2

— Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia)

Cricket fans start arriving at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad ahead of the final test match of the Border Gavaskar Trophy 2023, which begins today. Notably, PM Modi and Australian PM Anthony Albanese will watch the first day of the match today.

Gujarat | Cricket fans start arriving at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad ahead of the final test match of #BorderGavaskarTrophy2023, which begins today.

PM Modi and Australian PM Anthony Albanese will watch the first day of the match today.

India is leading the series 2-1 pic.twitter.com/tsraaIfTnF

— ANI (@ANI)

Delhi AAP MLAs Saurabh Bharadwaj and Atishi are likely to take oath as Ministers in the Arvind Kejriwal-led government today at around 4 pm. Notably, their names were recommended for appointment as Ministers following the resignations of Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and Cabinet Minister Satyendar Jain. 

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Karnataka Congress chief DK Shivakumar stated, "We're confident of our numbers. We know BJP will not get more than 65 seats. According to me, they will come down to 40 seats. All people incl farmers are saying the same thing. They had got (40 seats) earlier also when BS Yediyurappa was CM."

The Shinde-Fadnavis government in Maharashtra will present their first state budget in the assembly on Thursday. Finance Minister and deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis will table the Maharashtra budget for 2023-24 in the Assembly.

Speaking about the budget, CM Eknath Shinde on Wednesday, said, "Tomorrow is our first Budget. We'll be fulfilling our promises tomorrow. Everyone is anticipating what the Budget will hold for them. I can tell you that it will look to fulfil the needs and aspirations of women & the middle class."

A suspected spy pigeon fitted with a tiny camera and a chip was caught from a fishing boat off the Paradip coast in Odisha's Jagatsinghpur. According to Paradip ASP Nimai Charan Sethi, the fishermen found the pigeon in their boat while fishing in the sea. "They handed over the pigeon to Paradip Marine police station... We are verifying whether it is the camera or something else. We will produce the pigeon with all the material before the cyber expert to find out the truth."

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese who started his India tour on March 8, will watch the 4th Ind-Aus test match in Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium along with PM Modi on Thursday. Notably, PM Modi and his Australian counterpart will visit the Narendra Modi Stadium on Day 1 of the match and as per Fox Sports, they will watch the first hour of play before leaving for other commitments. 

Speaking about the Australian PM watching a cricket match with PM Modi, Australian High Commissioner Barry O’Farell , said, “One of the things that binds both countries is Cricket and it will be great to see the leaders of India and Australia on day one of the match in Ahmedabad."

Tamil Nadu Governor on Wednesday set back the bill to prohibit online gambling and to regulate online games in the southern state. Notably, the Governor has sent back the bill after 4 months and has sought further clarifications regarding the bill.