February 2024 - Page 28 of 36 - Lokmarg

Delhi Court Takes Cognizance Of ED’s Complaint, Issues Summons To Kejriwal

By LokMarg 7th February 2024

The Rouse Avenue Court on Wednesday took cognizance of the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) recent complaint filed against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for not complying with the summons issued by the central probe agency in the Delhi liquor policy money laundering case.

The Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate, Divya Malhotra, while taking cognizance of the complaint, issued summons to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and directed him to appear before the court on February 17.

The ED on Saturday filed a fresh complaint case under sections 190 (1)(a) and 200 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, Section 174 of the Indian Penal Code, Section 63 (4) of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), for non-attendance in compliance of Section 50 of PMLA.

On February 2, Kejriwal skipped the Enforcement Directorate’s summons for the fifth time in connection with the money laundering probe related to irregularities in the Delhi excise policy 2021-22 case. The fresh summons to the Delhi Chief Minister followed the fourth summons, which he had skipped on January 18.

While skipping the fifth summons, the party called it “unlawful.”

Kejriwal has so far skipped four previous summons issued by the ED on January 18, January 3, November 2, and December 22, calling them “illegal and politically motivated.”

According to the ED, agency wants to record Kejriwal’s statement in the case on issues like the formulation of policy, meetings held before it was finalized, and allegations of bribery.

In its sixth charge sheet filed in the case on December 2, 2023, naming AAP leader Sanjay Singh and his aide Sarvesh Mishra, the ED has claimed that the AAP used kickbacks worth Rs 45 crore generated via the policy as part of its assembly elections campaign in Goa in 2022.

The excise policy was aimed at revitalizing the city’s flagging liquor business and replacing a sales-volume-based regime with a licence fee for traders. It promised swankier stores and a better buying experience. The policy introduced discounts and offers on the purchase of liquor for the first time in Delhi.

Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena’s move to order a probe into alleged irregularities in the regime prompted the scrapping of the policy. The AAP has accused Saxena’s predecessor, Anil Baijal, of sabotaging the move with a few last-minute changes that resulted in lower-than-expected revenues.

Two senior AAP leaders, Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh–are already under judicial custody in the case.

Sisodia, who was the then Delhi Deputy Chief Minister, was arrested by the CBI on February 26 following several rounds of questioning. On October 5, the ED arrested Singh, who is a Rajya Sabha member. (ANI)

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Akhilesh Responds To Rumours Of RLD Chief Merging With NDA

By LokMarg 7th February 2024

Responding to the speculations doing rounds that Jayant Chaudhary-led Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) might join forces with the National Democratic Alliance ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday said that the grandson of former Prime Minister –Chaudhary Charan Singh– is an educated person and he will not let the fight for farmers weaken.

“Jayant Chaudhary is an educated person and he understands politics really well. I am hopeful that he will not let the fight for farmers weaken,” Akhilesh Yadav said.

There are reports that Jayant Chaudhary in in advanced talks with the BJP for a seat-sharing formula for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

The reports came nearly three weeks after Yadav announced the Samajwadi Party’s alliance with the RLD for the April-May polls.

“Congratulations to everyone on the Rashtriya Lok Dal-SP alliance. Let us all unite for victory!” Akhilesh Yadav posted on X on January 19. He also posted a picture of him shaking hands with Jayant Chaudhary.

According to the party sources, RLD agreed to fight in alliance on 7 to 8 seats out of the 80 seats in Uttar Pradesh, with most of the seats in Western UP. The Samajwadi Party is also striking an alliance with the Congress for the Lok Sabha polls with the Congress expected to contest 11 seats.

Meanwhile, Akhilesh’s wife and Samajwadi Party MP, Dimple Yadav exuded confidence that Chaudhary won’t take such a decision.

“The way Bharatiya Janata Party has been working against the farmers and the way our wrestlers have been insulted by BJP, I don’t think RLD national president Jayant Chaudhary will take any step that will damage our farmers directly,” she said while speaking to reporters in Parliament in the national capital.

Apart from this, Samajwadi Party leader Shivpal Yadav also said that RLD will remain in the INDIA bloc fold.

“I know Jayant (Singh) very well. They are secular people. BJP is only misleading using the media. They (RLD) will remain in the INDIA alliance and defeat the BJP,” Akhilesh Yadav’s uncle told reporters here.

SP and RLD had contested the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections 2022 together. (ANI)

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Our Main Intention To Protect Interest Of State, Kannadigas: Siddaramiah

By LokMarg 7th February 2024

Amid the Karnataka Congress government’s protest against the Centre at Jantar Mantar in Delhi on Wednesday, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said that their main intention is to protect the interests of the state and Kannadigas.

“We are staging this protest in New Delhi to make sure the central government has all the funds that it has to give to us. We expect the government will listen to our protest, and our main intention is to protect the interests of the state and Kannadigas,” the Chief Minister said.

“BJP MPs, MLAs, and leaders are invited for the protest. Join us to raise our voice for the state’s rights,” he added.

CM Siddaramaiah, along with Deputy CM DK Shivakumar, arrived at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar to participate in the protest against the central government.

The chief minister highlighted the statistics on the alleged injustice, treachery, and “step motherly” treatment meted out to the Karnataka State.

Speaking at a press conference, Siddaramaiah said, “It is our duty to do justice for the opportunity given to us by the people of the state. We were waiting patiently for the central government to provide justice in the federal system. We were waiting for them to act as they promised in last year’s budget. The state government is inviting all parties to join the protest and provide justice to Kannadigas. We are protesting to make the Union Government hear our vows.”

He said that the Union Government has declared to provide 5300 crores to the Upper Bhadra scheme in the last year’s budget, and they have not released a single rupee so far. There is no money for drought relief, either.

He said that this is not a political protest by the Congress Party against the BJP. We are organising the protest inevitably. The attention of the people of the country should be drawn. We are protesting about the stepmotherly attitude of the central government, the discrimination in financial distribution, and the stepmotherly treatment shown in drought relief. (ANI)

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I Have Returned With Substantial Invests: Stalin On Spain Visit

By LokMarg 7th February 2024

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has returned to Chennai after a visit to Spain on Wednesday. Senior Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader, Durai Murugan and Member of Parliament (MP), TR Baalu, welcomed the Chief Minister at the airport.

In a tweet on Tuesday night, Stalin expressed gratitude, saying, “Heading back to Tamil Nadu, I extend my heartfelt thanks to @IndiaInSpain for their coordination, Spain, its wonderful people, and our Tamil community for a treasure trove of memories!”

Speaking to the media upon his return, MK Stalin highlighted the success of his trip, stating, “I have returned with substantial investments for Tamil Nadu. During my visit to Spain on January 27th, I participated in an investor meeting and engaged with Invest Spain delegates. I conveyed the favorable investment climate in Tamil Nadu and urged them to invest in the state.”

Stalin emphasized the significance of Spain’s role in Tamil Nadu’s growth.

“Spain voyage was important for Tamil Nadu’s growth. The Parliament election is nearing so after that, only I’ll go on the next tour for investment,” MK Stalin said.

When asked about watching parliamentary proceedings, Stalin replied, “Yes, I watched and laughed. It seems as though the BJP is in opposition and the Congress is ruling.”

On the Prime Minister’s claim of winning 400 seats, Stalin remarked, “Will they only win that much? There are 534 constituencies, and I’m not surprised the PM aims for a clean sweep.”

Regarding actor Vijay starting a new political party, Stalin expressed support, saying, “I’ll be happy for anyone who comes forward to serve the people.”

Earlier in the week, Stalin concluded successful talks with top executives from Spain’s industrial giants, including Gestamp, Talgo, and Edibon.

“Wrapped up exhilarating talks with top executives from Spain’s industrial giants – #Gestamp, #Talgo, and #Edibon. Convinced them of the boundless opportunities in Tamil Nadu, India’s manufacturing powerhouse. Thrilled to seal the deal with Edibon, securing a massive investment of Rs. 540 crores! Also had a fruitful discussion with #Mabtree, a company engaged in R&D in immunotherapies. A fitting finale to the successful visit to Spain, “MK Stalin in a tweet.

“With such fruitful results, I will be departing from Spain and longing to see you all after quite a few days, which feel like eternity to me. Similarly, I am grateful to the Tamil community in Spain for the warm welcome and hospitality they have shown me,” he added. (ANI)

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Modi To Reply On ‘Motion Of Thanks’ In RS Today

By LokMarg 7th February 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to reply to the Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday.

President Droupadi Murmu had addressed the joint sitting of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha on January 31, the first day of the Budget Session.

PM Modi replied to the Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address in Lok Sabha on Monday.

During his speech, he said that the third term of his government is not far and this time the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will win 400 seats and the Bharatiya Janata Party, individually will get 370 seats.

“A Ram Temple of Lord Ram was built which will continue to give new energy to the great tradition of India. Now the third term of our government is not far. Maximum 100 days left. The whole country is saying that ‘Abki baar 400 paar’. I don’t go into numbers but I can see the mood of the country. It will make the NDA cross 400 and BJP will get 370 seats,” PM Modi said.

“We all saw the abolition of 370. Article 370 was abolished before the eyes of these many MPs and with the power of their votes. Nari Shakti Adhiniyam became law in the second term. From Space to the Olympics, there is an echo of the power of women’s empowerment. People have seen the projects that were pending for years being completed,” he added.

A general discussion on the Union Interim Budget 2024-25, and the Interim Budget on Jammu and Kashmir 2024-25 is also to be started in the Upper House today after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address.

Apart from this, as per the List of Business in the House for the day, Rajya Sabha MPs Harnath Singh Yadav and Ram Nath Thakur will lay on the table, a copy of the statement showing action taken by the government on 62nd Report of the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Food Processing on the action-taken by the government on the Observations/Recommendations contained in the Fifty-Third Report on ‘Demands for Grants (2023-24)’ of the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying (Department of Fisheries).

MPs Satish Chandra Dubey, and Dr Ashok Bajpai will lay on the table, a copy of the following reports of the Department-Related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution (2023-24): Thirty Ninth Report of the Department-Related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution (2023-2024) on “Regulation of Weights and Measures with specific reference to Dispensing Machines at Fuel Stations” pertaining to the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution (Department of Consumer Affairs); and Fortieth Report of the Department-Related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution (2023-2024) on “Transforming Fair Price Shops” pertaining to the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution (Department of Food and Public Distribution).

Union MoS, Danve Raosaheb Dadarao will make a statement regarding status of implementation of recommendations contained in the 37th Report of the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Coal, Mines and Steel on ‘Import of Coal – Trends and issue of self-reliance (2022-23)’ pertaining to Ministry of Coal.

The Budget Session, which began on January 31, will be spread over eight sittings spread over a period of 10 days and may conclude on February 9. (ANI)

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Will Go To SC: Awhad Over NCP Symbol

By LokMarg 6th February 2024

Having faced a setback with the Election Commission ruling in favour of the Ajit Pawar faction in the dispute in the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Sharad Pawar faction leader Jitendra Awhad said they will move the Supreme Court.

He said the former union minister and Maharashtra Chief Minister Sharad Pawar is a phoenix and he will rise from the ashes.

“This was going to happen. We already knew this. Today he (Ajit Pawar) has choked Sharad Pawar politically. Only Ajit Pawar is behind this. The only one who should be embarrassed in this is the Election Commission,” Awhad told reporters.

“Sharad Pawar is a phoenix. He will rise again from the ashes. We still have the power because we have Sharad Pawar. We will go to the Supreme Court,” he added.

Ajit Pawar is Deputy Chief Minister in the Shinde government in Maharashtra which also includes the BJP.

In a big setback to the faction led by Sharad Pawar, the Election Commission on Tuesday gave the Nationalist Congress Party name and symbol to the faction led by Ajit Pawar. The significant decision has a bearing on the forthcoming polls.

The Commission has provided the Sharad Pawar faction with an option to claim a name to its new political formation and provide three preferences to the Commission. The concession is to be utilised by 3 pm on February 7, 2024.

The decision was taken after more than 10 hearings spread over more than six months

The poll panel said that the decision followed the laid-out tests of maintainability of the petition, which included tests of aims and objectives of the party constitution, test of party constitution and tests of a majority both organizational and legislative. (ANI)

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India To Get 3 New Spy Planes

By LokMarg 6th February 2024

In what would be a significant capability boost for defence forces, India is planning to develop three new spy planes that would be capable of keeping a close watch on enemy communications and carry out long-range surveillance missions.

The project would be carried out over indigenously and the majority of the technology and equipment to be used would be made in India.

The proposal for getting three new spy planes also known as signal intelligence and communication jamming system aircraft is at an advanced stage and is expected to get clearance in next week, defence officials told ANI.

The project is being developed by the Defence Research and Development Laboratory and the Indian Air Force where they would be using an Airbus-319 class aircraft, they said.

The agencies concerned would be issuing a tender to the aircraft manufacturers to buy the platform for the aircraft, the officials said.

The aircraft requirement has been there for a long time and the specifications have now been finalised for the project, they said.

The project is being carried out by the Centre for Airborne Studies which is working on multiple development projects including the Airborne Early Warning and Control systems which is the next generation of the existing Netra aircraft which would be the AEW&C Netra Mark1A.

ANI had written about the Indian Air Force’s plans to bring the proposal for buying six more AEW&C aircraft based on the Embraer aircraft to the Defence Acquisition Council in September and November last year.

The Indian Air Force also has plans to develop an indigenous Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (I-STAR) aircraft, Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) Mark 1A aircraft on Embraer legacy jet plane platform, AEWC Mark 2 on Airbus 321 jets for the Indian Air Force. CABS is also developing the Medium Range Maritime Reconnaissance project of the Indian Coast Guard and Indian Navy.

Indian Coast Guard chief Director General Rakesh Pal had recently stated that the C-295-based maritime surveillance aircraft would give the force a strong indigenous capability to keep an eye on the Indian territory. (ANI)

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We Welcome This Humbly: Ajit On EC Declaring His Faction Real NCP

By LokMarg 6th February 2024

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has welcomed the decision of the Election Commission that recognised the faction led by him as the “real NCP” in the dispute within the Nationalist Congress Party.

“The Election Commission has ruled in our favour after listening to the arguments of our lawyers. We welcome this humbly,” Ajit Pawar said.

In a big setback to the faction led by former Chief Minister Sharad Pawar, the Election Commission on Tuesday gave the Nationalist Congress Party name and symbol to the faction led by Ajit Pawar. The significant decision has a bearing on the forthcoming polls.

Sharad Pawar, a former union minister, is the founder of NCP and uncle of Ajit Pawar.

The decision was taken after more than 10 hearings spread over more than six months.

The poll panel said that the decision followed the laid-out tests of maintainability of the petition, which included tests of aims and objectives of the party constitution, the test of the party constitution and tests of a majority both organizational and legislative. (ANI)

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Jammu and Kashmir Scheduled Castes Order 1956

LS Takes Up Bills To Include ‘Valmiki’ In List Of SCs In J-K, Expand List Of ST

By LokMarg 6th February 2024

Lok Sabha on Tuesday took up a bill to amend the Jammu and Kashmir Scheduled Castes Order, 1956 for including ‘Valmiki’ in the list of SCs in the union territory.

The Lok Sabha also took up a bill to include the communities of “Gadda Brahmin”, “Koli”, “Paddari Tribe” and “Pahari Ethnic Group” in the list of Scheduled Tribes in respect of Jammu and Kashmir.

Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Virendra Kumar moved the Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled Castes Order Bill 2023 bill for consideration and passage in the House. Tribal Affairs Minister Arjun Munda moved the Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled Tribes Order (Amendment) Bill 2023 in the House.

Officials said that the Jammu and Kashmir administration has recommended for inclusion of the Valmiki community as a synonym of Chura, Bhangi, Balmiki, Mehtar at serial number 5 in the list of Scheduled Castes of Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

The Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled Castes Order (Amendment) Bill, 2023 proposes to amend the Schedule of the Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled Castes Order, 1956 for inclusion of ‘Valmiki’.

The officials said that the Jammu and Kashmir administration has requested for inclusion of the “Gadda Brahmin”, “Koli”, “Paddari Tribe” communities and “Pahari Ethnic Group” in the list of Scheduled Tribes.

The Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled Tribes Order (Amendment) Bill, 2023 proposes to amend the Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled Tribes Order, 1989. (ANI)

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Modi Govt To Fence Entire 1643 KM Indo-Myanmar Border: Shah

By LokMarg 6th February 2024

Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced on Tuesday that the government has decided to construct a fence along the entire 1643-kilometer-long Indo-Myanmar border to facilitate better surveillance and ensure a patrol track along the border.

Highlighting Prime Minister Narendra Modi government’s dedication to fortify national borders, Amit Shah announced that the government has chosen to erect a fence along the entire India-Myanmar border.

“The Modi government is committed to building impenetrable borders.It has decided to construct a fence along the entire 1643-kilometer-long Indo-Myanmar border. To facilitate better surveillance, a patrol track along the border will also be paved,” Home Minister posted on X.

Out of the total border length, the Minister said, a 10-kilometre stretch in Moreh, Manipur, has already been fenced.

Furthermore, the Minister said, two pilot projects of fencing through a Hybrid Surveillance System (HSS) are under execution, and they will fence a stretch of 1 km each in Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur.

“Additionally, fence works covering approximately 20 km in Manipur have also been approved, and the work will start soon,” Shah further said.

Officials, privy to the development, had earlier indicated that the Central government is mulling to terminate the Free Movement Regime (FMR) with Myanmar in an effort to curb the influx of illegal migrants and insurgents.

The plan is part of consideration to end a point of contention as local residents complain that the FMR policy has become a major subject of contention as it is often misused and facilitates “illegal immigration, drug and arms trafficking”. Manipur government as well as other northeast states facing the issue has also raised the matter with the Central government earlier.

The 1,643-km-long India-Myanmar border, spanning Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh, currently operates under the FMR, which permits individuals living near the India-Myanmar border to travel 16 km into each other’s territories without a visa. Initiated in 2018, the FMR policy was a component of India’s Act East policy.

As per FMR policy, those belonging to the hill tribes, being citizens of either India or Myanmar and residing within a 16 km radius on either side of the border, can cross with a border pass valid for one year, allowing a stay of up to two weeks per visit.

“We plan to terminate the FMR along the Indo-Myanmar border shortly. Our aim is to install fencing along the entire border, a project expected to be completed in the next four-and-a-half years. Individuals entering will be required to obtain a visa,” stated an official privy to the plan being prepared by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

“The objective is not only to halt the misuse of the FMR, which insurgent groups exploit for attacks on the Indian side before escaping to Myanmar, but also to stop the inflow of illegal immigrants and disrupt networks involved in drug and gold smuggling.”

Another official shared that the process of “tendering for an advanced smart fencing system covering 300 km of the India-Myanmar border is already in progress, and the project’s implementation will commence shortly.”

Allegations claim that following the military coup in Myanmar on February 1, 2021, a considerable number of Myanmar’s tribal population crossed into India, particularly Manipur and Mizoram, and remained illegally. It’s alleged that these individuals sought refuge on Indian territory and subsequently engaged in unlawful activities, notably drug smuggling.

In September 2023, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh had appealed to the Centre to terminate the FMR. The state government contends that insurgents exploit this regime to advance their activities.

Manipur shares approximately 390 km of a porous border with Myanmar, with only about 10 km fenced as of now. In July last year, the state government disclosed data indicating that approximately 700 illegal immigrants had entered the state. Additionally, following the military coup in Myanmar on February 1, 2021, Mizoram has witnessed an influx of thousands of anti-Junta rebels. Government estimates suggest that several thousand refugees have settled in various parts of Mizoram since the coup.

Mizoram has a porous border spanning 510 kilometres with Myanmar.

The Manipur Chief Minister mentioned incidents where individuals from Myanmar attempted to enter his state but retreated upon encountering a substantial presence of security personnel. Manipur shares a 398-kilometer border with Myanmar.

Arunachal Pradesh shares a 520-kilometre border with Myanmar, whereas Nagaland’s border with the country spans 215 kilometers. (ANI)

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