General
Expedite PNG clearances: Govt to municipal bodies, other agencies
Setting a target to add 50 lakh new piped gas connections to the existing base of 1.6 crore, at a round table here, the minister called for accelerating expansion on a mission mode, and underlined the need for single-window approvals, integration with urban planning, last-mile connectivity and convergence with ongoing urban initiatives.
PM, Saudi crown prince agree on need to keep shipping lines open
Underscoring India’s energy and diaspora interests in the Gulf, Modi has twice spoken to leaders of all GCC countries since the conflict started and condemned the violation of their sovereignty and territorial integrity. India, however, is yet to condemn the US-Israel strikes on Iran. This was the second telephonic conversation between the PM and the crown prince since the West Asia conflict started on Feb 28.
15 lakh Bengal voters in limbo due to missing e-signatures
EC officials said 60 lakh voters were initially marked for scrutiny after a special intensive revision (SIR) of rolls, with over 700 judicial officers assigned to review them. By March 23 evening, around 29 lakh cases had been cleared. Bengal CEO Manoj Agarwal said names carrying e-signatures till 5pm would be published in the first supplementary list. The list released around midnight carried about 10 lakh names.
PM Modi backs ethanol blending as key to cutting crude imports
“Farmers’ efforts in this have given a lot of relief to the country at this time of global crisis,” he said. Ethanol production, he added, has not only benefited the nation but also farmers, with approximately Rs 1.5 lakh crore worth of foreign exchange being saved. Jewar is a gateway to the sugarcane belts of western UP. Sugarcane feedstock is a key source of ethanol.
Over 3000 J&K govt schools have under 10 students: Minister
Of the 3,192 such schools,1494 are in Jammu division and 1,698 in Kashmir, National Conference’s (NC) Itoo said in a written reply to a question from BJP legislator RS Pathania. In Jammu, Kathua district has the highest number of such schools at 508. In Kashmir, Baramulla district tops the list of such schools with 396.
PM Modi, Saudi Crown Prince discuss Middle East crisis, push for open sea lanes
Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephonic conversation with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, discussing the ongoing Middle East conflict. Both leaders emphasized the importance of ensuring freedom of navigation and keeping shipping lines open and secure, while India reiterated its condemnation of attacks on energy infrastructure.
'Committed to safeguard Indians': Rajnath chairs inter-ministerial panel meet over West Asia conflict
Following chairing a meeting of inter-ministerial panel in New Delhi to review the crisis in the Middle East, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reiterated that India remains committed to safeguarding the Indians from the impact of the conflict in West Asia. Rajnath said the ministers held in-dept discussions over the conflict and how the central government is responding to the challenges posed by it.
'Fearing ground assault, our families have started leaving Tehran': Iranians in India
Fear grips Tehran as residents anticipate a ground assault. Ambiguous statements from Washington and threats from Tel Aviv fuel anxiety. Many families are leaving the capital for safer rural areas. Iranians in India report loved ones are rationing essentials and struggling with communication blackouts. Video calls offer brief solace amidst the uncertainty of escalating conflict.
EC seeks report on Mamata’s ‘provocative’ remark from CEO
With her statement seen as a provocation to TMC women workers and supporters to launch attacks at polling stations in rural areas, posing a risk to the central armed police forces deployed there, of facing criminal charges were they to intervene and stop them, EC will examine if the statement amounts of provocation and interferes in discharge of duties by poll and security personnel.
ED chargesheets Anil aide in RCom laundering case
RCom, Ambani, his close associates and some family members are under investigation in the purchase and sale of an apartment worth over Rs 70 crore in Manhattan, New York. Sources said the chargesheet has mentioned Vaishali Jairam Mane, besides Garg, as an accused. Mane was an RCom employee based in the US. ED had questioned Ambani and his son in this case earlier.
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