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		<img align="" alt="Congress general secretary, Jairam Ramesh" class="imgCont" height="464" src="https://bsmedia.business-standard.com/_media/bs/img/article/2023-04/06/full/1680747655-8857.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #DDD; margin-right: 10px; padding: 1px; float: left; z-index: 0;" title="Congress general secretary, Jairam Ramesh" width="620">
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		Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh (Photo: Twitter)</div></div>

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News highlights: Catch all the news updates from around the world here

Congress general secretary, Jairam Ramesh

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				Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Friday rejected the BJP&#39;s claims that the 2024 poll results are a foregone conclusion, saying &quot;tiger mein abhi bahut jaan hai&quot; and the opposition bloc will repeat the history of 2004 when the saffron party was unseated from power despite its &#39;shining India&#39; campaign.</p>
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				The Congress general secretary in-charge communications also said his party is going into the Lok Sabha polls with its &quot;five nyays&quot; and &quot;25 guarantees&quot;, and has full confidence that the opposition INDIA bloc will get a clear mandate.</p>
			DMK leader K Ponmudi was sworn in as a minister in the Tamil Nadu cabinet today,&nbsp; a day after the Supreme Court reprimanded Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi for his refusal to reinduct the party leader.</div>
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		The top court today refused to grant bail to BRS leader K Kavitha, who has been arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in the Delhi excise policy scam case. A bench of Justices Sanjiv Khanna, MM Sundresh and Bela M Trivedi asked Kavitha to approach the trial court, saying it is a practice the court cannot bypass the protocol.</div>
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	The Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) successfully carried out the landing mission of its Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) named &#39;Pushpak&#39; from the Aeronautical Test Range (ATR) in Karnataka&rsquo;s Challakere today. The RLV was carried to an altitude of about 4.5 km by an Indian Air Force helicopter and released after attaining the predetermined pillbox parameters. Earlier, Isro had stated that the mission is a part of the space agency&#39;s efforts at &ldquo;developing essential technologies for a fully reusable launch vehicle to enable low-cost access to space&rdquo;.&nbsp;The Pushpak RLV has been engineered as a&nbsp; fully reusable single-stage-to-orbit (SSTO) vehicle, which incorporates elements such as the X-33 advanced technology demonstrator, the X-34 testbed technology demonstrator, and the upgraded DC-XA flight demonstrator.&nbsp;<br />
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		Prime Minister Narendra Modi this morning departed on a two-day state visit to Bhutan. PM Modi was scheduled to travel to the Himalayan nation from March 21 to March 22 for what was expected to be his last foreign visit before the upcoming Lok Sabha polls but his visit to Bhutan was postponed due to inclement weather conditions. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had stated that the trip is an opportunity for both sides to discuss bilateral and regional matters and discuss ways to expand and intensify their &ldquo;exemplary partnership&rdquo; for the benefit of the people.<br />
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			After the case against Union Minister of State Shobha Karandlaje for her alleged hate remarks, BJP leader CT Ravi has been booked for his alleged hate post on X which violates the model code of conduct. A case under Sections 153(a) of the Indian Penal Code and 126 of the Representation of The People Act has been booked against Ravi by EC officials in Karnataka&rsquo;s Chikkamagaluru.</div>
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Highlights: 2004 poll results will repeat itself, says Jairam Ramesh

Business Standard

Highlights: 2004 poll results will repeat itself, says Jairam Ramesh | India News - Business Standard

EC files complaint against BJP leader CT Ravi for objectionable social media post

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	&nbsp;A case under Sections 153(a) of the Indian Penal Code and 126 of the Representation of The People Act has been booked against BJP leader CT Ravi by EC officials for his alleged hate post on X which violates the model code of conduct in Karnataka&rsquo;s Chikkamagaluru.</div>
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Cryptocurrency scam: Navi Mumbai man loses over Rs 10 lakh

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	Officials said today that a 37-year-old man from Navi Mumbai allegedly lost more than Rs 10 lakh after fraudsters persuaded him to invest in cryptocurrency promising high returns. The man stated some individuals contacted him over the phone and Telegram app between February 9 and February 11, claiming he would get lucrative returns if he invested in cryptocurrencies like bitcoins and other digital assets.</div>

350 residents evacuated as fire breaks out at building in Thane district; no injuries

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	A total of 350 residents were evacuated after a fire broke out in a five-storey building in Maharashtra&#39;s Thane district in the early hours of Friday, an official said.</div>
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	No one was injured in the fire that was confined to the electric meter room of Aman Heights located in the Shivaji Nagar area of Mumbra, he said.</div>

News update: PM Modi departs on Bhutan visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday morning departed on a two-day state visit to Bhutan. He was earlier scheduled to travel to the Himalayan nation from March 21 to March 22 for what was expected to be his last foreign visit before the forthcoming General Elections but his visit to Bhutan was postponed due to inclement weather conditions.

Isro successfully tests 'Pushpak', India’s first Reusable Launch Vehicle

The Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) today successfully carried out the landing mission of its Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) &#39;Pushpak&#39; from the Aeronautical Test Range (ATR) in Challakere near Karnataka&#39;s Chitradurga.&quot;Isro nails it again! Pushpak (RLV-TD), the winged vehicle, landed autonomously with precision on the runway after being released from an off-nominal position,&quot; Isro wrote on X.

LS elections: BJD announces to go solo in Odisha polls after BJP breaks ties

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	With &quot;people&#39;s support,&quot; Biju Janata Dal will win &quot;more than three fourth seats&quot; in Odisha, BJD General Secretary (Organization) Pranab Prakash Das said on the day when the BJP announced that it would go solo in both the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in the state. &quot;BJD will contest in all 147 assembly constituencies and all 21 Lok Sabha constituencies with the support of people of Odisha and win more than three fourth seats under the leadership of Shri Naveen Patnaik,&quot; Das said in a post on &#39;X&#39; on Friday.</p>

RBI offices to remain open for greater convenience of taxpayers on March 30, 31

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	For the convenience of taxpayers, RBI offices dealing with government business and all designated branches of agency banks will keep their counters open as per normal working hours on March 30 and 31. In a statement on special measures for the current financial year (2023-24) and in the wake of the annual closing of government accounts, the Reserve Bank said that electronic transactions can be done till the stipulated time on both days (March 30 and March 31).</p>

Congress nominates JNU professor, ex-MLA for two Lok Sabha seats in Manipur

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	The Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) on Friday fielded JNU professor Akoijam Bimol Angomcha from Inner Manipur parliamentary seat and Alfred Kanngam Arthur from Outer Manipur. MPCC president Keisham Meghachandra said, &quot;Prof Akoijam Bimol Angomcha will contest from Inner Manipur parliamentary seat, while Alfred Kanngam Arthur will be the party&#39;s candidate from Outer Manipur.&quot;</p>

TMC Complaint to ECI against West Bengal Governor for illegally interfering with ensuing General Elections

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		Kolkata | Complaint to ECI against West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose for illegally interfering with the ensuing General Elections to the Lok Sabha 2024 and attempting to run a parallel office akin to that of the ECI: All India Trinamool Congress. <a href="https://t.co/EPtiK7I5fH">pic.twitter.com/EPtiK7I5fH</a></p>
	&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1771144799548018956?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2024</a></blockquote>
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BJP releases 4th list of 15 candidates for Lok Sabha polls

The list includes the parliamentary constituencies of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, which will go to polls in the first phase of general elections on April 19.

Relations between India and Bhutan are as ancient as they are new: PM Modi

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		Bhutan | Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, &quot;The relations between India and Bhutan are as ancient as they are new and contemporary. When I became the Prime Minister of India in 2014, it was natural for me to visit Bhutan as my first foreign visit. The welcome and warmth extended&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/JWvigovsy9">pic.twitter.com/JWvigovsy9</a></p>
	&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1771126442887180758?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2024</a></blockquote>
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BJP to contest LS, assembly elections alone in Odisha: State party chief

BJP to go solo in Lok Sabha and assembly elections in Odisha, State party president Manmohan Samal said today.&nbsp;

This honour is not my personal achievement, it is the honour of India and 140 crore Indians, says PM Modi

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		Thimpu, Bhutan | On being conferred Order of the Druk Gyalpo, Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, &quot;This honour is not my personal achievement, it is the honour of India and 140 crore Indians. I humbly accept this honour on behalf of all Indians in this great land of Bhutan and&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/UHvg7mtwK3">pic.twitter.com/UHvg7mtwK3</a></p>
	&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1771123254859624694?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2024</a></blockquote>
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PM Modi in Bhutan: Prime Minister Narendra Modi conferred Order of the Druk Gyalpo

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		<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Thimpu: The King of Bhutan confers the Order of the Druk Gyalpo on Prime Minister Narendra Modi.<br />
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		As per ranking and precedence established, the Order of the Druk Gyalpo was instituted as the decoration for lifetime achievement and is the pinnacle of the honour system in&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/hkszvDdWyd">pic.twitter.com/hkszvDdWyd</a></p>
	&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1771120664029646887?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2024</a></blockquote>
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News update: DMK leader K Ponmudy sworn in as minister, Tamil Nadu governor administers oath

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	The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) today announced the closure of Lok Kalyan Marg Metro Station in view of AAP&#39;s protest, officials said. Lok Kalyan Marg is theroad is where the prime minister&#39;s residence is located.</div>

News update: India bloc leaders to meet Election Commission regarding Kejriwal arrest

Opposition leaders will meet officials from the the ECI to hold talks on the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

Himachal Assembly LIVE updates: 3 independent MLAs resign from Assembly, will join BJP

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		<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Shimla, Himachal Pradesh: Three independent MLAs resign from State Assembly. They will join the BJP. <a href="https://t.co/wY6r4RvOGt">pic.twitter.com/wY6r4RvOGt</a></p>
	&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1771109630250287378?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2024</a></blockquote>
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News update: PM Modi calls on King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck

Prime Minister Narendra Modi left on a two-day visit to Bhutan today to cement bilateral ties with Bhutan.

Electoral bonds data: Here's a list of the biggest donors and beneficiaries

The State Bank of India (SBI) told the Supreme Court on Thursday that it has submitted the full list of electoral bonds data, including the unique alpha-numeric codes, to the Election Commission of India (ECI). <a href="https://www.business-standard.com/elections/lok-sabha-election/electoral-bonds-data-here-s-a-list-of-the-biggest-donors-and-beneficiaries-124032200461_1.html"><strong>Here is the list of the biggest donors to political parties.</strong></a>

Jammu and Kashmir to auction third-tranche of lithium blocks again

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	Jammu and Kashmir will auction its lithium reserves again as part of a third-tranche, news agency Reuters said on Friday. The auction will take place again as the government received only two bids in the first round.</div>

AIADMK poll manifesto promises Rs 3 000 to women heads of families across India

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	The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) today released its manifesto and&nbsp; promised among other things Rs 3,000 monthly financial aid to women heads of economically backward families across the country.</div>

Allahabad HC declares 'UP Madarsa Education Act ' as unconstitutional

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	The Allahabad High Court today declared the Uttar Pradesh Board of Madarsa Education Act, 2004 as unconstitutional.&nbsp;The Lucknow Bench stated that the act violated the principles of secularism.&nbsp;</div>
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News update: Ponmudi to be reinstated as TN minister day after SC rebukes governor

DMK&#39;s K Ponmudi will be be reinstated as Cabinet minister a day after the Supreme Court criticised the Tamil Nadu Governor&#39;s conduct.

ED searches residence of West Bengal minister Chandranath Sinha in school jobs case

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	Enforcement Directorate (ED) officals conducted searches at the residence of West Bengal minister Chandranath Sinha in Bolpur in Birbhum district today in connection with its investigation into the alleged school recruitment scam, officials said. &quot;The search is in connection with the investigation of the alleged irregularities in the school recruitment scam. The minister is not present at his residence, we are talking to his family,&quot; an officer said.</div>

News update: Rajasthan HC allows Asaram Bapu to avail Ayurvedic treatment in police custody

Delhi HC admits CBI's appeal challenging acquittal of A Raja, others in 2G scam

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	The Delhi High Court today admitted the CBI&#39;s appeal challenging acquittal of former telecom minister A Raja, firms and others in the 2G spectrum allocation scam case. &quot;Leave to appeal is granted. List the appeal for hearing in May,&quot; Justice Dinesh Kumar Sharma said.</div>

Budaun double murder case: Police produced accused Javed in CJM court today

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		<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Budaun Double Murder Case | Police produced accused Javed in the CJM court <a href="https://t.co/yhQxdlEuTA">pic.twitter.com/yhQxdlEuTA</a></p>
	&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1771057726581362871?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2024</a></blockquote>
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JNUSU polls: Voting begins in university after four-year hiatus

The Jawaharlal Nehru University Students&#39; Union (JNUSU) elections began on Friday with over 7,700 registered electors set to cast their votes. The polls will commence after a four-year hiatus. Elections for the first phase has commenced which will continue till 1 pm. The second phase will be conducted from 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm.

Liquor policy case: K Kavitha can move trial court or invoke any other remedy for grant of bail, SC says

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	The court has to follow a uniform policy for all and can&#39;t allow people to approach the top court directly for bail as they are a political person, says Supreme Court.</div>

PM Modi welcomed by locals in Bhutan's Thimpu

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		<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | PM Modi welcomed by locals in Bhutan&#39;s Thimphu during his two-day State visit <a href="https://t.co/Pi1lMoZm6E">pic.twitter.com/Pi1lMoZm6E</a></p>
	&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1771048237589225574?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Archaeological Survey of India team begins survey of Bhojshala complex in MP

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	A team of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)today started a survey of the controversial Bhojshala/Kamal Maula Mosque complex situated in the tribal-dominated Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh.</div>

We will send you to jail: Delhi HC warns Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj

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	The Delhi High Courwarned Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj and Health Secretary SB Deepak Kumar that they will be sent to jail if Court&rsquo;s orders directing authorities to tackle unauthorised pathology labs are not complied with.</div>

Under-construction bridge collapses in Bihar; 1 dead, several trapped

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	One person was killed and several others trapped as an under-construction bridge collapsed in Bihar&#39;s Supaul.&nbsp; Officials fear that 30 workers could still be trapped under the debris.&nbsp; The bridge was being built at a cost of Rs 984 crore over the river Kosi, according to reports.</div>
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