Highlights of the day: 400 farmer unions to be at 'Mahapanchayat' in Delhi

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8:59 PM

More than 400 farmer outfits to take part in 'Kisan Mahapanchayat' in Delhi

The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), which spearheaded a farmers' agitation in 2020-21, said on Saturday that more than 400 farmer outfits will participate in a "Kisan Mahapanchayat" in Delhi on March 14 to press the BJP-led Centre to accept their demands, including a law on the minimum support price (MSP) for crops.

8:13 PM

US military planes airdrop about 38,000 meals into Gaza

US military planes airdrop about 38,000 meals into Gaza in first round of emergency humanitarian aid authorised by Biden, reports AP. 

6:32 PM

PM Modi, 34 ministers in BJP's 1st list of 195 candidates for Lok Sabha polls

Thirty-four Union ministers, two former ministers, Lok Sabha speaker figure in BJP's first list of 195 candidates for LS polls. Prime Minister Narendra Modi to fight Lok Sabha elections from Varanasi, says BJP.

In first list, BJP announces candidates for 51 Lok Sabha seats in UP, 20 in West Bengal, five in Delhi, one each in Goa and Tripura.

BJP repeats Kiren Rijiju, Tapir Gao from two Arunachal Pradesh seats for Lok Sabha polls.

Twenty-eight women, 47 young leaders in BJP's first list of Lok Sabha candidates for 16 states and Union Territories.

6:13 PM

Yemeni ship sinks in Red Sea

A ship earlier attacked by Yemen's Houthi rebels has sunk in the Red Sea after days of taking on water, officials say, reports AP.

5:37 PM

Google agrees to restore Indian apps after Centre's intervention: Reports

Google has initiated the process to restore Indian mobile apps which had been dropped from the Play Store over a dispute over service fees. The decision was taken after the company's officials held a meeting with IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, sources said.
 

On Friday, Google had removed apps belonging to 10 Indian companies, sparking controversy in one of its fastest-growing markets. Google dominates the Indian market as 94 per cent of phones are based on its Android platform. The list included well-known names such as Bharatmatrimony and Naukri.

 

The dispute primarily revolves around Google's imposition of fees ranging from 11 per cent to 26 per cent on in-app payments. Indian startups have long protested against what they deem as unfair practices by the US tech giant.

4:29 PM

BJP likely to release its 1st Lok Sabha candidates' list today

The BJP is expected to release a first list of candidates for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections this evening, sources said. The list that is said to be announced at a BJP press conference at 6 pm comes days after back-to-back late night meetings in Delhi.

 

Earlier, the sources told NDTV that the BJP may announce more than 100 names that will include heavyweights such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah.

4:07 PM

Few investors stooped to heartless level: Byju Raveendran to staff

Few investors 'stooped to heartless level', ensuring we are unable to utilise raised funds to pay salaries: Byju Raveendran to staff.

3:43 PM

When Nitish Kumar tells PM Modi, "I am not going anywhere."

3:34 PM

PM Modi inaugurates and lays the foundation stone of multiple development projects in Bihar

PM Modi inaugurates and lays the foundation stone of multiple development projects worth more than Rs 21,400 crore in Bihar.

3:26 PM

Delhi LG gives nod for CBI probe against Satyendar Jain

Delhi LG's nod for CBI probe against ex-minister Satyendar Jain in extortion complaint by alleged conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar. The CBI is probing the charges made by Sukesh that Jain had extorted and received Rs 10 crore from Sukesh Chandrashekhar in various tranches during 2018-21 either personally or through his accomplices as protection money so as to enable Sukesh 'to live peacefully and comfortably in different jails of Delhi (Tihar, Rohini and Mandoli)'.

3:13 PM

Google reinstates Shaadi and Info Edge's apps Naukri, 99acres and Shiksha on Play Store

Google on March 2 began reinstating some of the apps from Indian digital companies on Play Store, a day after they were taken down for not complying with its app billing policy for an "extended period of time".

3:10 PM

After Gambhir, Jayant Sinha becomes 2nd BJP MP bow out of 2024 polls

BJP Lok Sabha MP Gautam Gambhir today formally requested party president J.P. Nadda to release him from political responsibilities, expressing his desire to concentrate on upcoming cricket commitments. The East Delhi parliamentarian extended gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for the opportunity to serve the people. After Gautam Gambhir, Jayant Sinha also bows out of 2024 general elections. Jayant Sinha in a tweet said, "I have requested Hon’ble Party President Shri @JPNadda ji to relieve me of my direct electoral duties so that I can focus my efforts on combating global climate change in Bharat and around the world. Of course, I will continue to work with the party on economic and governance issues. I have had the privilege of serving the people of Bharat and Hazaribagh for the past ten years. Moreover, I have been blessed by the many opportunities provided by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji, Hon’ble Home Minister Shri @AmitShah ji, and the BJP leadership. My sincerest gratitude to all of them. Jai Hind."

3:00 PM

Govt inks tripartite pact to solve problems of Tripura's indigenous people

In the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, a tripartite agreement was signed today between TIPRA Motha and the governments of Tripura and India, with an aim to provide a "lasting solution" to the issues faced by the state's indigenous population. Expressing the significance of the agreement, Shah stated that by signing this accord, the government has acknowledged historical aspects, rectified past injustices, and embraced the present reality to pave the way for a more promising future.

2:51 PM

Rajya Sabha polls: At least 9 more MLAs in touch with us, says disqualified Himachal Cong MLA Rana

Rajinder Rana, a disqualified Himachal Pradesh Congress MLA who cross-voted in the Rajya Sabha elections, refuted chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu's assertion that some rebel legislators are keen to return. Rana countered by stating that, in fact, at least nine party legislators were in contact with them. He further accused Sukhu of providing misleading statements, emphasizing that the desire to return was not shared by any of the rebel legislators.

2:11 PM

Four people detained, being interrogated in cafe blast case, says Bengaluru Police

So far, four people have been detained for questioning in connection with the low-intensity bomb blast at a Bengaluru eatery, police said today. Sleuths of the Central Crime Branch probing the case are interrogating the four. 'The accused were picked up from Dharwad, Hubballi and Bengaluru "at length", sources told media. Bengaluru City Commissioner B Dayananda said investigation into The Rameshwaram Cafe incident, caused by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) on Friday afternoon in which ten people were injured, is in full swing.

1:42 PM

Five-time MLA Arabinda Dhali resigns from BJD, says will join BJP

Ahead of Lok Sabha polls, five-time MLA Arabinda Dhali today resigned from the ruling BJD, and said that he would join the opposition BJP. Dhali, the MLA of Jayadev in Khordha district, said he has sent his resignation letter to BJD president and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik via e-mail.

1:38 PM

Crime, corruption flourished under TMC's rule: PM Modi slams Mamata Banerjee

Attack the ruling Trinamool Congress, Prime Minister Narendra Modi alleged that "crime and corruption have flourished under the Trinamool Congress' misrule" in West Bengal. The prime minister addressed a rally in Krishnagar today and alleged that TMC has become synonymous with "atrocities" and "betrayal.". "The way TMC is working here, they have disappointed the people of West Bengal. People have continuously voted for TMC but this party has become another name for atrocities and betrayal," PM Modi said.

12:40 PM

Another step towards developed WB: PM unveils projects worth Rs 15,000cr

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today unveiled development projects worth Rs 15,000 crore in West Bengal. The prime minister unveiled the projects at an official function in Krishnanagar in Nadia district. "Today, we are taking yet another step towards a developed West Bengal. Yesterday, I laid the foundation of and inaugurated projects worth Rs 7,000 crore. The initiatives included development projects related to railways, ports and petroleum, among others. Today, again, I am laying the foundation of and inaugurating projects worth Rs 15,000 crore," PM Modi said.

11:37 AM

LS polls: Rajasthan BJP chief CP Joshi announces new state leaders

Ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, BJP's Rajasthan unit president CP Joshi has announced the formation of a new state team, bringing about significant changes. The list includes 10 state vice-presidents, 5 state secretaries, 13 state ministers, one treasurer, and one assistant treasurer. MLA Baba Balak Nath and recently elected Rajya Sabha MP Chunnilal Garasia have been appointed as state vice-presidents of Alwar and Udaipur respectively.

11:31 AM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi begins a roadshow in Krishnanagar

10:54 AM

Gambhir asks BJP chief Nadda to relieve him of political duties, expresses desire to concentrate cricket

BJP Lok Sabha MP Gautam Gambhir formally requested party president JP Nadda to release him from political responsibilities, expressing his desire to concentrate on upcoming cricket commitments. The East Delhi parliamentarian extended gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for the opportunity to serve the people.

10:13 AM

LS polls: MMK president and MLA Jawahirullah reaches DMK HQ Arivalayam to hold discussions alliance with DMK

Manithaneya Makkal Katchi (MMK) president and MLA Jawahirullah holds discussions with DMK HQ Arivalayam to form alliance with DMK regarding Lok Sabha elections, in Tamil Nadu, Chennai.

9:54 AM

Delhi witnesses sudden change in weather, wakes up to light-intensity rainfall

Delhi experienced an abrupt weather shift as the national capital awoke to light-intensity rainfall on Saturday morning. Visuals from various areas, including Greater Kailash, India Gate, RK Puram, and Janpath, depicted the occurrence of light showers. IMD predicts scattered to fairly widespread light to moderate rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Delhi during March 2 and 3.

9:40 AM

Abu Dhabi WTO Meet: Members extend moratorium on e-commerce tariffs, fails on major reforms

The WTO's ministerial conference concluded without reaching decisions on crucial issues like a permanent solution for public food stockpiles and measures to curb fisheries subsidies. However, members did agree to extend the moratorium on imposing import duties on e-commerce trade for an additional two years.

9:11 AM

PM Modi to inaugurate multiple development projects in West Bengal, Bihar today

PM Modi is set to lay foundation stones, and dedicate multiple development projects worth crores in West Bengal and Bihar today. During his two-day visit to the states, the prime minister initiated several projects and addressed a rally in Hooghly, West Bengal, on Friday afternoon. At around 10:30 am, PM Modi  will be in Krishnanagar, Nadia district, West Bengal, to inaugurate, dedicate, and lay the foundation stone for projects totaling Rs 15,000 crore.

8:53 AM

US humanitarian aid airdrops into Gaza will begin 'very soon', says US Prez Biden

US President Joe Biden, on Friday, announced that the United States will initiate air-dropping humanitarian aid into Gaza. This decision comes in response to a chaotic incident with Israeli troops, resulting in the deaths of at least 115 Palestinians and injuries to over 750 others, as reported by Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry.

8:48 AM

Nitin Gadkari sends legal notice to Kharge, Ramesh over sharing 'misleading' news

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has issued legal action against Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and General Secretary Jairam Ramesh. Gadkari, through his lawyer Balendu Shekhar, sent legal notices on Friday, alleging the dissemination of misleading and defamatory content about him on platform X. According to the lawyer, Kharge and Ramesh intentionally shared a 19-second video clip from Gadkari's interview with "The Lallantop" web portal, distorting the contextual intent and meaning of his words.