Highlights: SC Collegium recommends Justice Varma's transfer back to Allahabad HC amid cash row

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10:35 PM

Trump predicts more countries will be added to Abraham Accords

US President Donald Trump vowed on Monday that more countries will be added to the Abraham Accords, the series of normalization that his administration negotiated between Israel and some Gulf countries during his first term.

10:33 PM

Trump to enforce 25% tariff on nations importing Venezuelan oil and gas

This measure, described as a "secondary tariff," is set to take effect on April 2.

Read our full report here

10:07 PM

Centre should construct airports, railway lines in Himachal: Deputy CM Agnihotri Shimla

7:33 PM

Studio at centre of Kunal Kamra controversy razed by Mumbai's civic body over 'violations'

7:03 PM

HC gives 4 weeks to Centre to decide on Rahul Gandhi's citizenship

The high court was hearing a plea filed by a Karnataka resident S Vignesh Shishir who alleged that Rahul Gandhi is a citizen of Britain along with India

5:35 PM

Sebi doubles FPI investment threshold for granular disclosures to Rs 50K cr

Sebi decides to set up high-level panel to review conflict of interest, disclosure by board members, officials: Official

5:29 PM

LIVE news: Government names Economic Secretary Ajay Seth as Finance Secretary

5:11 PM

PM Modi to visit Haryana on Apr 14, to inaugurate Hisar airport

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Haryana on April 14 during which he will inaugurate the Hisar airport and also lay the foundation stone of a new 800 MW unit thermal power plant in the Yamunanagar district.

4:45 PM

Judge cash row: SC Collegium recommends Justice Varma's transfer back to Allahabad HC

The Supreme Court Collegium has officially recommended the transfer of Delhi High Court judge, Justice Yashwant Varma, to his parent high court, the Allahabad High Court. The move comes amid growing controversy following a fire that broke out at Justice Varma's residence on March 14. 

 

Reports from the fire department indicated that stacks of semi-burnt currency notes were found in the storeroom where the fire had occurred. However, Justice Varma has strongly denied these claims, asserting that there was no truth to the allegations.

4:35 PM

MPs to receive salary, allowance, and pension hike

The Central government has approved a significant hike in the salaries, allowances, and pensions for Members of Parliament (MPs), set to take effect from April 1, 2023 (back dated). A gazette notification issued on Monday outlined the details of the increase, marking a 24 per cent rise in MPs' monthly salaries.

 

Both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha MPs will receive a monthly salary of Rs 1.24 lakh, up from the previous amount of Rs 1 lakh. Additionally, their daily allowance will be raised from Rs 2,000 to Rs 2,500.Former MPs will also see an increase in their pensions, with the monthly pension revised from Rs 25,000 to Rs 31,000. Furthermore, the additional pension for each year of service beyond five years will increase from Rs 2,000 to Rs 2,500.

 

This revision is the first such update since April 2018, when the last revision of MPs' salaries, allowances, and pensions was implemented.

 

 The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs has confirmed that these changes aim to reflect the increased responsibilities and costs faced by parliamentarians.

4:12 PM

Nagpur violence: Civic authorities demolish house of key accused Fahim Khan

Civic authorities have begun demolishing the house of Fahim Khan, one of the key accused in the incident, citing unauthorised construction. According to Additional Commissioner of Police Sanjay Patil, the demolition operation is being carried out by the municipal authorities, with full police support to ensure law and order.

 

Patil said, “Civic authorities are demolishing the house of Nagpur violence key accused Fahim Khan over unauthorized construction. The police have deployed officials, including a DCP, two ACPs, 15 officers, and 150 other personnel for this. Everything is going on peacefully.”

 

The demolition of Khan's property follows the violent clashes that erupted after a row over Aurangzeb's tomb. 

4:03 PM

Shinde Sena workers who vandalised Kunal Kamra's stand-up venue get bail.

Shinde Sena workers who vandalised Kunal Kamra's stand-up venue - Habitat Studio - get bail. 

 

The police had arrested 11 individuals in relation to the vandalism at the studio where Kamra stand-up show was performed. 

 

Police complaints have been filed against those believed responsible for the vandalism and against Kamra for his alleged derogatory remarks. Habitat Studio announced that they were shutting down after the vandalism.

3:55 PM

Sambhal lawyers protest arrest of Zafar Ali, claim police bias

A section of lawyers in Sambhal district observed a one-day pen-down strike on Monday to protest the arrest of Zafar Ali, the president of the Jama Masjid Management Committee. Ali, a senior lawyer, was taken into custody on Sunday by the police in connection with the violence that occurred on November 24. However, several members of the legal community allege that his arrest was a deliberate attempt to prevent him from testifying before a judicial commission investigating the incident. 

3:41 PM

Fire breaks out at KBZ Namkeen factory, no casualties

3:29 PM

Shinde is a thief: Aaditya Thackeray defends Kunal Kamra

2:49 PM

Calling 'gaddar', a 'gaddar' is not an attack: Uddhav Thackeray defends Kunal Kamra

In response to the controversy surrounding stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra’s remarks, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray defended Kamra, stating, "I don't think Kunal Kamra said anything wrong. Calling 'gaddar', a 'gaddar' is not an attack on anyone." Thackeray further urged people to listen to the full song from Kamra’s performance and share it for better understanding.

2:18 PM

Maha Assembly proposes posthumous Bharat Ratna to Mahatma Jyotirao Phule and Savitribai

Maharashtra Assembly passes resolution recommending Bharat Ratna posthumously for social reformers Mahatma Jyotirao Phule and Savitribai.

 

2:01 PM

Kunal Kamra vs Shiv Sena row: BMC demolishes venue in Mumbai's Khar over derogatory remark row

Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Monday began the demolition inside the studio where comedian Kunal Kamra recorded his recent stand-up comedy video, allegedly demeaning Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. 

1:53 PM

SC refuses to entertain plea against Allahabad HC ruling in sexual assault case

Supreme Court refuses to entertain plea against Allahabad HC ruling that held that grabbing minors’ breasts, breaking pyjama string and dragging her beneath a culvert is not a crime of rape.

 

1:43 PM

India's top 10 toll plazas collect Rs 13,988 cr in 5 years: Govt data

India’s busiest toll plazas have generated substantial revenue over the last five years, with the top 10 toll points collectively collecting a massive Rs 13,988 crore from 2019-20 to 2023-24, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) said in reponse to  a query in the Lok Sabha.

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1:36 PM

25+ trains cancelled after accident at bullet train project site; no injuries

A segmental launching gantry, used for construction at the bullet train project site near Ahmedabad, accidentally skidded from its position on Sunday night, disrupting the movement of several trains. The incident, which occurred around 11 pm at Vatva, did not result in any casualties or damage to the erected structure, according to the National High Speed Rail Corporation (NHSRCL).

 

Despite no injuries or structural damage, the mishap caused significant disruptions to rail traffic. At least 25 trains were cancelled, 15 partially cancelled, five rescheduled, and six diverted due to the obstruction on the adjoining railway line, said an official from the Ahmedabad railway division.

 

Efforts to clear the affected railway line and restore normal train operations are underway, with railway officials using heavy-duty road cranes to assist in the restoration process.

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1:29 PM

Electricity prices may rise due to Rs 27k cr AAP debt: Delhi power minister

Delhi Power Minister Ashish Sood warned that electricity prices in the national capital may rise soon as the previous Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) left a Rs 27,000 crore debt. The debt, owed to power distribution companies (discoms), accumulated through the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC).

 

“The previous government has left a debt of Rs 27 thousand crores of regulatory assets with the discoms through DERC. To recover this, the companies are authorised to increase the electricity rates. During the tenure of the previous government, on the orders of the high court, DERC was ordered to bring tariff orders,” Sood said in the Delhi Legislative Assembly.

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1:24 PM

Kathua, J-K: NSG reaches Saniyal area to assist in Kathua operation

The National Security Guard (NSG) has reached the Saniyal area of Hiranagar in Kathua district to assist in a joint operation launched by Jammu and Kashmir Police and the Rising Star Corps troops. The operation began late last night after receiving credible intelligence regarding the presence of terrorists in the region.

 

The search operation is focused on the dense forests and terrain of the Saniyal area, with security forces actively combing the region to track down the infiltrators. The operation is part of ongoing efforts to secure the border area and neutralize any terror threats. Further updates are awaited as the operation progresses.

1:21 PM

WATCH: Police brings Shinde Sena leader Rahool Kanal out of station, 11 arrested

1:12 PM

Lok Sabha adjourned to 2 pm

The Lok Sabha was adjourned multiple times on Monday following uproar by BJP members over Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar's remarks suggesting changes to the Constitution to accommodate a 4 per cent reservation for Muslims in government contracts. BJP MPs raised the issue as soon as the House convened at 11 am, leading to a disruption in the proceedings. Samajwadi Party (SP) members also joined the fray, rushing to the Well of the House and raising posters protesting against atrocities against women in Uttar Pradesh.

 

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla condemned the SP members for carrying posters into the House, and subsequently adjourned the session until 12 noon.

 

1:11 PM

Anantnag, J-K: Security forces bust terrorist hideout in Sungalan Forest

12:53 PM

Karnataka honey trap row: PIL filed in SC for CBI probe into allegations

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a PIL seeking an independent probe by the CBI or SIT into the alleged honeytrapping of legislators, public servants, and judges in Karnataka. The matter was mentioned by the advocate of the petitioner for early listing of the case before a bench headed by Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna, which agreed to list it for hearing today or tomorrow.

12:47 PM

Lok Sabha adjourned till 2 pm over DK Shivakumar's remarks

The BJP on Monday forced repeated adjournments in the Lok Sabha over Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar's remarks suggesting changing the Constitution to accommodate four per cent reservation for Muslims in the state. BJP members were on their feet, apparently raising the issue of reservation for Muslims in government contracts, when the Lok Sabha convened at 11 am. 

12:40 PM

Caste-based survey to be conducted in J'khand in next financial year: Minister

The proposed caste-based survey will be conducted in Jharkhand in the next financial year, Transport, Revenue and Land Reforms department minister Deepak Birua said in the state Assembly. He said the Personnel department has already been made a nodal agency to hold the task. "The government is serious about holding the caste-based survey in the state. A decision in this regard has already been taken in February last year. We will make all our efforts to conduct the survey during the next financial year," he said replying to a question raised by Congress MLA Pradip Yadav in the assembly.

12:27 PM

Kunal Kamra vs Shiv Sena row: Maharashtra minister Sarnaik says 'won't tolerate insult to Shinde'

Maharashtra Minister Pratap Baburao Sarnaik reached the Khar Police station in Mumbai on Monday after an FIR was registered against Shinde Sena's youth group for vandalising the city's Habitat comedy club, which hosted standup comedian Kunal Kamra's show last night. "Such illegal studios that support the party (UBT) should also be looked into and investigated, I told BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani that if it is an illegal studio, then immediate action should be taken," he added.