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Supreme Court Dismisses L&T Plea Over Sharavathi Tendering Process In a recent development, the Supreme Court has rejected the Special Leave Petition (SLP) filed by Larsen & Toubro (L&T), a prominent infrastructure company, challenging the tendering process for the prestigious Sharavathi Pumped Storage project. The decision came on Monday, following a thorough consideration by the bench headed by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud. Background and Decision The apex court stated, "We are not inclined to entertain the Special Leave Petition under Article 136 of the Constitution of India," thereby dismissing L&T's plea. L&T had contested the order of the Division Bench comprising Chief Justice NV Anjaria and Justice Krishna S Dixit of the Karnataka High Court. However, their appeal was dismissed by the Supreme Court. Implications for the Sharavathi Project The Sharavathi pumped storage project, a significant hydroelectric initiative, has been the subjec...

Supreme Court to Examine Plea on Applicability of Sharia Law to Non-Believer Muslims The Supreme Court of India has agreed to examine a plea that raises questions about the applicability of Sharia law to non-believer Muslims. The plea seeks a declaration that individuals who do not wish to be governed by Muslim Personal Law should have the option to be governed by the secular laws of the country. Petition Filed by Safiya PM The petition was filed by Safiya PM, a Kerala-based woman who identifies as a non-believer Muslim. She argues that she should be governed by the Indian Succession Act of 1925 concerning inheritance, rather than Sharia law. According to her, under Sharia law, individuals who leave Islam are excluded from their community and lose inheritance rights in their parental property. Challenge to Sharia Law Restrictions Safiya PM's plea highlights that Sharia law restricts a Muslim person from bequeathing more than 1/3rd of their properties by way of a will. This limitati...

India Leads Global AI Race, Says NetApp-Savanta Report The recent report by NetApp, a leading intelligent data infrastructure company, in collaboration with Savanta, sheds light on the global landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) adoption. Titled "Cloud Complexity: The AI Imperative," the report delineates the divide between countries at the forefront of AI innovation and those trailing behind.  Global AI Adoption Landscape According to the report, countries such as India, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the United States are spearheading AI adoption and innovation. Conversely, nations like Spain, Australia, and Germany are identified as lagging in this technological advancement. The study surveyed over 1,300 executives across 10 countries to gauge the status of AI implementation across various industries. Key Findings The report reveals that 60 percent of companies in leading countries have AI projects underway or in pilot phases, while only 36 percent of companies in...

WEF Special Meeting in Riyadh: Fostering Global Collaboration and Development Addressing Global Challenges Amidst the backdrop of geopolitical tensions and economic complexities, the World Economic Forum (WEF) is gearing up to host a Special Meeting on Global Collaboration, Growth, and Energy for Development in Riyadh. This pivotal gathering will bring together 1,000 global leaders from 92 countries on April 28-29, to foster global dialogue and seek actionable solutions to the multifaceted challenges that confront our world today. Building on Past Successes Building on the success of the inaugural Growth Summit held in Switzerland last year, the WEF's Riyadh meeting will advocate for forward-thinking approaches to address interconnected crises while also acknowledging the short-term trade-offs that may be necessary. The meeting will particularly focus on bridging the growing North-South divide on critical issues such as emerging economic policies, energy transition, and geopolitica...

NCP(SP) Leader Jitendra Awhad Faces Legal Action for Posting Fake Video on Manipur Elections Case Registered Against NCP (SP) Leader Jitendra Awhad A case has been registered against the Nationalist Congress Party Case (Sharadchandra Pawar) against NCP (SP) leader Jitendra Awhad for posting a fake video; Manipur CEO issues fake news alert (NCP (SP) ) leader Jitendra Awhad for allegedly posting a fake video related to the Manipur elections. The video purported a mismatch between the button pressed in the Ballot Unit and the Paper Slip generated through the Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) in Manipur's Khurai Assembly Segment Polling Station. Charges Filed by Manipur Police The Manipur Police has charged Awhad with various offenses under sections 120-B, 203, 505(1)(2), 171-C, 171-E of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), and sections 123 and 136 of the Representation of the People Act. These include criminal conspiracy, providing false information, statements causing publ...

Supreme Court Rejects Petitions for 100% Verification of EVM Votes with VVPAT Slips In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court of India has dismissed all petitions seeking 100% verification of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) votes with their Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) slips. Additionally, the court declined the prayer to revert to the paper ballot voting system, asserting the credibility and safety of the current electoral process. Directions by the Supreme Court The apex court issued two crucial directions in light of the petitions. Firstly, it mandated the sealing of the Symbol Loading Unit (SLU) in containers after the completion of the symbol loading process, to be stored securely for a minimum of 45 days. Secondly, it ruled that the burnt memory in the microcontroller EVM shall be subject to verification by a team of engineers post the declaration of results, upon request by candidates within seven days. The expenses for such verification are to be borne by the c...

Delhi Excise Policy Case: ED Opposes Arvind Kejriwal's Plea Against Arrest, Cites Evidence Enforcement Directorate's Affidavit: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed an affidavit opposing Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's plea against his arrest. Alleging non-cooperation, the agency stated that Kejriwal avoided interrogation despite multiple summons, further exacerbating the necessity of his arrest. The ED underscored instances where Kejriwal allegedly failed to appear before the investigating officer despite being summoned nine times. Kejriwal's Conduct and Evidence: In its affidavit, the ED contends that Kejriwal's conduct significantly contributed to the grounds for his arrest, alongside the material evidence gathered during the investigation. Additionally, the agency highlighted instances where crucial evidence, including data from approximately 170 mobile phones, was allegedly destroyed by individuals involved in the scam. Recovery of Key Evidence: De...

Ensuring Electoral Integrity: Supreme Court Seeks Clarity on EVM-VVPAT Verification Supreme Court Seeks Clarification on EVM Verification: The Supreme Court recently sought clarification from Election Commission of India (ECI) officials regarding pleas seeking 100% verification of votes cast using Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) with Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) slips. This move comes in response to a batch of petitions aiming for comprehensive cross-verification of EVM votes with VVPAT records. Queries Raised by the Bench: During the hearing, the bench of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta posed several questions to an ECI official regarding the functionality of EVMs, particularly inquiring whether the microcontrollers embedded in them are reprogrammable. The bench sought clarity on the placement of microcontrollers, whether in the controlling unit or the VVPAT, and whether the flash memory of these microcontrollers can be reprogrammed. Official Response and Cou...

 AIUDF Chief Badruddin Ajmal Vows to Reopen 750 Madrasas in Assam through Supreme Court Badruddin Ajmal, the Chief of the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF), has pledged to reopen 750 madrasas in Assam if his party emerges victorious in the Lok Sabha elections. Ajmal made this statement during a campaign rally in Karimganj, Assam, emphasizing his commitment to providing education opportunities for Muslim students in the state. Legal Battle Ahead Ajmal stated that the reopening of these madrasas would be pursued through legal channels, particularly by petitioning the Supreme Court. He cited a previous Supreme Court ruling that criticized the Uttar Pradesh government's attempt to close madrasas, suggesting that a similar approach could be taken in Assam. Controversial Government Actions The announcement comes in the wake of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's decision to close or convert several madrasas into general schools during his tenure. Ajmal's promise to...

Mumbai Customs Seizes Gold and Diamonds Worth Crores, Four Arrested Mumbai Customs has made significant seizures of gold and diamonds over three days, resulting in the apprehension of four individuals. The operations, conducted from April 19 to April 21, 2024, saw the confiscation of 6.815 kg of gold and diamonds valued at over Rs 6.46 crores across 13 separate cases. Innovative Smuggling Methods Unveiled Smugglers employed ingenious methods to conceal the contraband, with diamonds discovered cleverly hidden within noodle packets. These discoveries underscore the challenges faced by authorities in combating sophisticated smuggling operations. Massive Gold Haul at Mumbai Airport On April 20, Mumbai Customs at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport intercepted a staggering 9.482 kg of gold valued at Rs 5.71 crore in 14 separate cases. The magnitude of the seizure highlights the scale of smuggling activities in the region. Revealing Social Media Post A recent post on social...

BJP Candidate Elected Unopposed in Surat Lok Sabha Polls In a surprising turn of events, BJP candidate Mukesh Dalal has emerged victorious from the Surat Lok Sabha seat without facing any opposition, as all other candidates withdrew their nominations. This development marks a significant moment in the electoral landscape of Gujarat, with the ruling party securing a landslide victory in the constituency. Congratulations and Best Wishes to Mukesh Dalal Gujarat BJP President CR Paatil took to social media to extend his congratulations to Mukesh Dalal, hailing the win as a testament to the overwhelming support for the BJP in Surat. The District Collector and Election Officer formally presented Dalal with the certificate of Member of Parliament (MP), solidifying his unopposed election. Withdrawal of Nominations by Other Candidates The withdrawal of nominations by other candidates, including Congress' Nilesh Kumbhani and Suresh Padsala, came after a series of complications, including the...

Congress Leader Chidambaram Vows to Implement "Bail is the Rule, Jail is the Exception" Principle if INDIA Bloc Comes to Power Former Union Minister and Congress leader P Chidambaram made significant promises on Sunday, stating that if the INDIA bloc comes to power at the Centre, it would enact a special law to operationalize the legal principle established by the Supreme Court: "bail is the rule, and jail is the exception." Enacting New Legislation Chidambaram emphasized the need for a special law to ensure that bail is granted as a rule, especially highlighting the plight of undertrial prisoners, a majority of whom belong to marginalized communities. He underscored the importance of implementing this principle effectively in lower courts, where it is often overlooked. Repealing Controversial Laws In addition to promising to implement the "bail is the rule" principle, Chidambaram stated that the INDIA bloc would repeal several contentious laws enacted by ...

India-Philippines Defense Cooperation: BrahMos Missile System Deliveries Continue In a testament to the burgeoning defense ties between India and the Philippines, deliveries of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles from India to the Philippines are underway as part of a USD 375 million agreement. This ongoing supply forms a crucial component of the defense contract signed between the two nations, reaffirming their commitment to bolstering security cooperation. New Batch Arrives in Manila Recently, another batch of BrahMos missile system supplies reached an air base in Manila, transported via a chartered Ilyushin-76 transport aircraft from India. With officials from both India and the Philippines overseeing the receipt of the equipment, this marks a significant step forward in their defense partnership. Continued Delivery Amidst Tensions This delivery follows the initial shipment of supersonic cruise missiles to the Philippines on April 19, facilitated by the Indian Air Force's C-1...

Supreme Court Reserves Verdict on Appeal Against Madras High Court Order on Watching Child Porn The Supreme Court has reserved its verdict on an appeal challenging the ruling of the Madras High Court, which stated that downloading and possessing child pornography is not considered a crime. This decision has sparked significant debate and concern regarding the legal framework surrounding such offenses. Bench's Consideration and Verdict Reservation A bench comprising Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and Justice JB Pardiwala heard arguments from both parties before reserving the verdict. The court has allowed the parties involved to submit written submissions by Monday, indicating the complexity and importance of the case. Appeal and High Court Ruling The appeal was filed by NGOs Just Rights for Children Alliance and Bachpan Bachao Andolan against the Madras High Court's ruling in January. The High Court's decision essentially stated that simply downloading and watching c...

IMF Director Advocates for Continued Reforms in India for Sustained Growth and Investments Krishna Srinivasan, Director of the Asia-Pacific Department at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), has underscored the importance of ongoing reforms in India to ensure sustained economic growth and attract investments. In a recent statement, Srinivasan highlighted India's remarkable economic performance amidst global uncertainties, emphasizing the need for collective efforts to fully capitalize on the country's demographic advantages. Sustained Growth Path and Investment Opportunities India's economic trajectory, with a projected growth rate of 6.8% in 2024-25, primarily driven by private consumption and public investments, has garnered attention. Srinivasan commended India's resilience in navigating various challenges, including the pandemic and geopolitical tensions, while stressing the imperative of reforms to optimize growth potential. Emphasis on Reforms for Productivity a...

Election Commission Denies Reports of EVM Discrepancies in Kerala's Kasaragod: Supreme Court Hearing Allegations Refuted by Election Commission The Election Commission of India (ECI) has rebuffed allegations of Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) discrepancies during a mock poll in Kerala's Kasaragod district. In a hearing before the Supreme Court, ECI officials refuted claims made in a news report, asserting that the allegations were thoroughly investigated and found to be false. Senior Deputy Election Commissioner Nitesh Kumar Vyas assured the court of submitting a detailed report on the matter. Court Proceedings and Concerns Raised During the court proceedings, multiple pleas seeking comprehensive cross-verification of votes cast using EVMs with Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) were being heard. Advocates raised concerns over extra votes being recorded for the BJP during mock polls in Kerala, based on a report cited by Prashant Bhushan, representing the NGO 'Associ...

US and China Eye Outcome of Solomon Islands Polls Amid Geopolitical Tensions Solomon Islands Elections Draw International Attention The parliamentary elections in the Solomon Islands have garnered significant international attention, particularly from the United States and China, as voters head to the polls on Wednesday. This election marks a pivotal moment in the nation's political landscape, with implications for its foreign relations and geopolitical dynamics. Incumbent Prime Minister's Pledge to Strengthen Ties with China Incumbent Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare's pledge to further strengthen ties with Beijing, if re-elected, has intensified scrutiny from global powers. Sogavare's commitment to deepening cooperation with China, as evidenced by the 'security pact' signed in 2022, has raised concerns among some of his rivals and international observers. Dual National and Provincial Elections Held Amidst Global Attention The simultaneous conduct of national a...

Chhattisgarh CM Commends Security Forces as 29 Naxals Killed in Encounter CM Vishnu Deo Sai Applauds DRG and BSF for Successful Operation Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai praised the combined efforts of the District Reserve Guard (DRG) and Border Security Force (BSF) personnel for their effective operation resulting in the elimination of 29 Naxalites in an encounter in Kanker district. He hailed the achievement as a significant milestone in the ongoing fight against insurgency. Operation Targeted Naxal Disruption of Election Process CM Sai highlighted the strategic significance of the operation, emphasizing that the Naxalites were attempting to disrupt the electoral process in the Bastar region ahead of the upcoming elections on April 19. The encounter, which took place close to Bastar and Kanker Lok Sabha constituencies, thwarted the insurgents' attempts to sabotage democratic proceedings. Deputy CM Visits Injured Jawans, Commends Surgical Strike-like Operation Deputy Ch...

IMF Raises India's Growth Projections for 2024; Country Remains Fastest Among Developing Nations IMF's Latest Outlook on India's Growth The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has revised upwards its growth projections for India in 2024, from 6.5 percent to 6.8 percent, reaffirming the country's status as the fastest-growing economy among emerging markets and developing economies.  Factors Driving India's Growth India's robust economic growth projections are attributed to the strength in domestic demand and a rising working-age population, according to the IMF's World Economic Outlook report. The country's demographic dividend, with a significant portion of new workforce entrants expected to come from India and sub-Saharan Africa, is poised to support global workforce growth in the medium term. Economic Performance of Emerging Markets The IMF's report highlights the consistent outperformance of economic growth in emerging markets, including India, comp...

ORF Report Forecasts Service Sector as Key Job Creator          by 2028 Overview of ORF Report Findings  The Observer Research Foundation (ORF) has released a comprehensive report titled 'India Employment Outlook 2030: Navigating Sectoral Trends and Competencies.' The report forecasts a significant increase in overall employment by 22 percent and a decline in unemployment by 97 basis points by the year 2028. Service Sector Driving Job Growth According to the ORF report, the service sector is poised to lead the surge in job creation in India. Each unit rise in services output is expected to contribute to a 0.12 percent increase in employment. This sector is crucial for driving employment growth as India aims to achieve its USD 5 trillion economic milestone. High-Opportunity Sub-Sectors Identified The report identifies ten high-opportunity sub-sectors within the service industry that are expected to experience rapid growth. These include digital services, fin...

India's Wholesale Inflation Sees Marginal Rise in March Introduction: India's wholesale inflation, as measured by the Wholesale Price Index (WPI), experienced a slight uptick in March, marking the fifth consecutive month in positive territory after a prolonged period of negative growth. Official data released on Monday revealed key insights into the country's inflation trends, indicating both challenges and opportunities for the economy. Analysis: The annual rate of inflation, based on the All India Wholesale Price Index, stood at 0.53 percent in March 2024 compared to the same period last year. This positive inflation rate is attributed to several factors, including increased prices of food articles, electricity, crude petroleum, natural gas, machinery, and equipment, among others. While economists note that a modest rise in wholesale inflation can stimulate production incentives for manufacturers, it also underscores the need for careful monitoring to maintain economic st...

UN Secretary-General Urges Restraint Amid Escalating Tensions in the Middle East Concern Over Escalating Tensions Addressing an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed grave concern over the escalating tensions in the Middle East. He emphasized the urgent need for peace and stability in the region, highlighting the imminent danger of a devastating full-scale conflict. Call for Maximum Restraint Guterres called for maximum restraint from all parties involved and immediate de-escalation to prevent further conflict. He stressed that neither the region nor the world can afford more war, underscoring the shared responsibility of all parties to work towards peace. Condemnation of Iranian Attacks The UN Secretary-General condemned the recent Iranian attacks on Israel, launched in retaliation for an attack on its embassy in Syria. He called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and reminded all member states of the UN Charte...

Supreme Court's Two-Day Conference on Technology and Judicial Dialogue with Singapore Setting the Stage for Innovation The Supreme Court of India is organizing a two-day conference on Technology and Dialogue between the Supreme Courts of India and Singapore, scheduled for April 13 and 14, 2024. The conference aims to explore the intersection of technology and the legal system, focusing on the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the judiciary. Key Participants and Discussions Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and Chief Justice of Singapore Justice Sundaresh Menon will lead the conference, joined by judges, jurists, and experts. Panel discussions will cover various topics related to AI, including its implications for the legal system, its role in court proceedings and judicial training, improving access to justice, ethical considerations, and future trends in AI. Platform for Insight Sharing The conference provides a platform for sharing insights, best prac...

Elon Musk Faces Inquiry Over X's Actions in Brazil: A Legal Perspective Introduction: Tech mogul Elon Musk's social media platform X has come under scrutiny after receiving an inquiry from the US House of Representatives regarding its actions in Brazil. This article examines the legal implications of the inquiry and the ongoing investigation initiated by the Brazilian judiciary. US House of Representatives Inquiry: Elon Musk revealed on X that X had received an inquiry from the US House of Representatives concerning actions taken in Brazil allegedly in violation of Brazilian law. This inquiry adds a new dimension to the legal challenges faced by Musk and his platform. Brazilian Judiciary Investigation: A Brazilian judge initiated an investigation against Musk for obstructing justice after he refused to comply with a court order to remove X accounts accused of spreading disinformation. Justice Alexandre de Moraes ordered X to refrain from disobeying judicial orders and threatene...

Supreme Court's Firm Stance: No Room for Misleading Advertisements Supreme Court Rebukes Uttarakhand Government The Supreme Court issued a stern rebuke to the Uttarakhand government for its inaction against Patanjali Ayurved in a case concerning misleading advertisements. The court also refused to accept the apologies offered by Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna. Concerns Raised by the Apex Court A bench of Justices Hima Kohli and Ahsanuddin Amanullah expressed concerns over the impact of misleading advertisements on unsuspecting consumers. The court emphasized the need for accountability, particularly for FMCG companies like Patanjali Ayurved. Directive to Uttarakhand Government The apex court directed the Uttarakhand government to take decisive action against officials who failed to act on complaints regarding Patanjali Ayurved's advertisements. It stressed the importance of sending a strong message to society about complying with court orders. Refusal to Accept Apology Desp...

Indian Stock Markets Observe Holiday for Eid Celebrations Indian stock exchanges have closed their doors on Thursday in observance of Eid, with regular trading activities set to resume on Friday. Market Holiday Schedule The next scheduled stock market closures are on April 17 and May 1, in observance of Shri Ram Navami and Maharashtra Day, respectively. Market Performance Following a minor correction on Tuesday, Indian stock indices rebounded on Wednesday, with the benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty each gaining about 0.5 percent. Last week marked a positive start to the new financial year, commencing on April 1. Upcoming Market Trends Investors are eagerly awaiting India's retail inflation data for March, scheduled for release on Friday, as well as heatwave alerts from the weather bureau, which could provide fresh market cues. Inflation Trends India's retail inflation has hovered around the Reserve Bank of India's comfort level of six percent but remains above the ideal sc...

India and Kazakhstan Strengthen Counter-Terrorism Cooperation Introduction: India and Kazakhstan recently held a joint working group meeting to discuss counter-terrorism challenges and enhance cooperation in addressing security threats. The Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement summarizing the key outcomes of the meeting, which took place in Astana. Key Points Discussed: During the meeting, led by Joint Secretary (CT) KD Dewal from the Ministry of External Affairs and Ambassador-at-Large Talgat Kaliyev from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, both delegations engaged in comprehensive discussions on various aspects of counter-terrorism. Assessment of Threats: One of the primary focuses was assessing terrorist threats in their respective regions, particularly state-sponsored and cross-border terrorism in South Asia. The discussions also encompassed terror activities in the Afghanistan-Pakistan region, highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts to address th...