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Asian Markets Plunge After Trump’s Tariff Announcement – Indian Stock Futures Also in Red

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Asian stock markets witnessed a sharp decline on Thursday following the announcement of new tariffs by US President Donald Trump. The decision to impose reciprocal tariffs on multiple countries, including India, has sent shockwaves through global financial markets. Major Indices Take a Hit Japan’s Nikkei 225 fell 2.69% Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index declined 1.80% South Korea’s KOSPI Index dropped 1.3% US stock market futures also tumbled, with Dow Jones Futures down by 1.78% India’s Stock Market Feels the Heat Gift Nifty Futures fell by 1.11%, indicating a weak opening for the Indian markets Market experts predict economic and financial strain due to the tariffs Banking and market expert Ajay Bagga warned that falling exports and declining margins could hurt India’s economy Safe-Haven Investments Surge With market uncertainty rising, investors are shifting towards: Gold Japanese Yen Swiss Franc Japanese Government Bonds Trump’s Tariff Impact o...
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EPFO Empanels 15 Additional Banks for Contribution Collection, Taking Total to 32

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  The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has expanded its banking partnerships by adding 15 more public and private sector banks . This development aims to enhance direct payment access for employers and streamline provident fund contribution collections, increasing efficiency and reach. Expansion of EPFO’s Banking Network EPFO has now partnered with a total of 32 banks to facilitate seamless contribution payments from employers. The inclusion of these 15 additional banks is expected to enable direct payment of nearly ₹12,000 crore annually . Employers maintaining accounts with these banks will now have easier and more direct access to deposit monthly contributions. EPFO's Growing Role in Social Security EPFO plays a crucial role in ensuring financial security for millions of employees in India. It currently serves 8 crore active members and 78 lakh pensioners . The expansion aligns with India's vision of "Naya Bharat" , a...
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Location: Pune, Maharashtra, India
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Supreme Court to Hear Plea on 1991 Places of Worship Act on April 1

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  The Supreme Court of India is set to hear a crucial plea challenging the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991 , on April 1, 2024 . The Act, which preserves the religious character of places of worship as they existed on August 15, 1947 , is facing multiple legal challenges that question its constitutional validity. Key Details of the Hearing A bench of Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar will hear the plea. The petition seeks permission for courts to ascertain the original religious character of disputed places of worship. Petitioner’s Arguments Against the Act The petition, filed by law student Nitin Upadhyay , argues that: The right to judicial remedy is a fundamental right and cannot be restricted by the government. Section 4(2) of the Act bars legal proceedings to alter the religious character of any place of worship, which violates the basic structure of the Constitution . While the Act mandates preservation ...
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Location: Pune, Maharashtra, India
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Waqf Amendment Bill Set for Budget Session: Amit Shah’s Key Announcements on National Issues

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  Waqf Amendment Bill to be Introduced in Parliament Union Home Minister Amit Shah confirmed that the Waqf Amendment Bill will be tabled in the ongoing Budget session of Parliament following the submission of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) report . He reassured that the bill aims to align Waqf-related laws with constitutional principles and will not be implemented retrospectively . The bill is expected to address concerns regarding land ownership and Waqf property regulations , particularly in cases where prime properties were declared as Waqf land without legal recourse . Amit Shah cited the example of 123 prime properties in Delhi , including the Chandra Shekhar Azad Garden in Prayagraj , which was declared as Waqf land. Delimitation: BJP’s Assurance of No Injustice Responding to concerns about delimitation , Amit Shah stated that the BJP remains committed to ensuring fairness and justice during the process. He emphasized that delimitation will not result in any...
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Location: Pune, Maharashtra, India
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Yogi Government’s Ban on Illegal Slaughterhouses and Meat Sales Near Religious Sites: A Constitutional Perspective

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Introduction The Uttar Pradesh government, under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has imposed a strict ban on illegal slaughterhouses and the sale of meat within a 500-meter radius of religious sites until April 6, 2025, to maintain public order and religious sanctity. This move is significant from a constitutional and legal standpoint, particularly concerning Article 21 (Right to Life and Personal Liberty) and the state’s authority to impose reasonable restrictions to ensure communal harmony. The Legal and Constitutional Framework Article 21 of the Indian Constitution guarantees that "no person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to procedure established by law." Over the years, the Supreme Court has expanded its interpretation to include the right to live with dignity, the right to livelihood, and the right to a clean environment. However, the state has the power to impose reasonable restrictions on fundamental rights when necessary to...
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Location: Pune, Maharashtra, India
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Lok Sabha Passes Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2024 – A Major Step in Modernizing Maritime Trade

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The Lok Sabha has passed the Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2024 , marking a significant step toward modernizing India's maritime trade regulations. This new legislation is designed to replace the Indian Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, 1925 , a law that has been in place since the pre-independence era. Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal , introduced the Bill, emphasizing that the Indian shipping sector needs updated regulations to align with modern trade practices and international maritime conventions. What Does the Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2024 Aim to Achieve? The primary goal of this Bill is to update, streamline, and enhance regulations governing sea transportation. It focuses on: Clearly defining the responsibilities, liabilities, rights, and immunities of carriers involved in the transport of goods by sea. Covering both international and domestic maritime trade , ensuring that Indian ports comply with modern global standards....
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Location: Pune, Maharashtra, India
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Madras High Court Grants Interim Anticipatory Bail to Kunal Kamra: An Analysis Under Article 19 of the Indian Constitution

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  Introduction The recent controversy surrounding stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra has reignited the debate on freedom of speech and expression in India. The Madras High Court granted Kamra interim anticipatory bail in multiple FIRs lodged against him over his alleged remarks on Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. This article analyzes the case in the context of Article 19(1)(a) of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees the fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression, and its reasonable restrictions under Article 19(2) . Kunal Kamra's Remarks and Legal Trouble Kunal Kamra, known for his satirical comedy, made controversial statements targeting Eknath Shinde. This led to multiple FIRs being filed against him. Kamra sought transit anticipatory bail from the Madras High Court, citing threats he received after his comments. The court granted him interim anticipatory bail until April 7 , subject to conditions. Mumbai police had earlier summoned Kamra for qu...
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Location: Pune, Maharashtra, India
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Indian Markets Open Flat as Traders Brace for Month & Year-End Adjustments

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Indian stock markets opened flat on Friday , balancing between bullish optimism and bearish caution as traders adjusted their positions at the end of the month and financial year. Market Opening Figures The benchmark indices opened with minimal gains: 📌 Nifty 50 : Opened at 23,600.40 points , gaining 8.45 points (+0.04%) . 📌 BSE Sensex : Opened at 77,690.69 , rising by 84.26 points (+0.11%) . Experts noted that the markets are benefiting from strong domestic macroeconomic conditions , but global uncertainties —including rising tariffs and geopolitical factors—are keeping investors cautious. Market Sentiment: Muted Volumes Expected With a long weekend ahead (as Monday is a market holiday in India) and the March FY2025 expiry settled on Thursday , analysts predict low trading volumes and position squaring-off by the afternoon. Ajay Bagga, a banking and market expert , explained: 🔹 "Expect muted volumes and squaring off of positions by afternoon to avoid exposure ...
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Location: Pune, Maharashtra, India
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Supreme Court Judges to Visit Arunachal Pradesh for Legal Outreach on March 29-30

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  Strengthening Legal Awareness in Tribal Areas Supreme Court Justices B.R. Gavai and Ujjal Bhuyan will visit Arunachal Pradesh on March 29-30, 2025 , to participate in a Mega Legal Awareness Programme under the initiative ‘Camp-cum-Sewa Aapke Dwar’ . This outreach aims to bridge the justice gap for tribal communities residing in Dirang, Bomdila, West Kameng District, and Tawang . Justice Gavai, who also serves as the Executive Chairman of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) , will lead the initiative alongside Justice Bhuyan, focusing on legal empowerment, grievance redressal, and access to justice . Why Legal Outreach for Tribals? India’s tribal population has historically lived in remote regions , often disconnected from mainstream governance and legal systems . Recognizing this, Section 12(a) of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 provides free legal aid to Scheduled Tribes (STs) to ensure access to their legal rights and benefits. According to NAL...
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Location: Pune, Maharashtra, India
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False Claims Under Domestic Violence Act? SC Sets a Strong Precedent

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Background of the Case The Supreme Court of India, in a significant ruling on March 4, 2024, quashed a domestic violence complaint filed by a wife against her husband, citing it as an abuse of legal process. The bench, comprising Justices Sudhanshu Dhulia and K. Vinod Chandran, observed that the allegations made in the complaint were vague and generalized, lacking specific details or substantive evidence. The case revolves around a couple who were married in April 2018 under Hindu rites. Due to matrimonial discord, they jointly applied for a mutual divorce on October 9, 2019. However, three months later, the wife withdrew her petition and subsequently filed a complaint against her husband under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005. Lower Court’s Dismissal of Husband’s Plea Following the wife’s complaint, the husband contested its maintainability, arguing that the couple had already initiated mutual divorce proceedings before the court. He sought relief on the g...
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Location: Pune, Maharashtra, India
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Kunal Kamra Case: Mumbai Police Rejects Extension Appeal, Issues Second Summons

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  Mumbai-based stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra is at the center of a heated controversy following his remarks allegedly targeting Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde . With political tensions rising, the Mumbai Police have rejected his appeal for a week's extension and are set to issue a second summons under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Section 35 . Mumbai Police Rejects Kamra’s Extension Request Kamra had earlier sought an extension of one week to appear before the Mumbai Police after receiving a summons. However, the authorities at Khar Police Station denied this request, maintaining that the case requires urgent attention. Second Summons to Be Issued Under BNS Section 35 A second summons is set to be issued, requiring Kamra to appear before the investigating officer . His legal team had submitted an appeal in person, but police officials remain firm on their decision. The Origins of the Controversy: Kamra’s 'Gaddar' Joke The controversy stems from ...
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Location: Pune, Maharashtra, India
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Belgium Monitoring Mehul Choksi Case Amid Global Legal Scrutiny

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  Belgium Acknowledges Importance of Mehul Choksi Case The Belgian government has officially confirmed that it is closely following the legal developments surrounding Mehul Choksi , a fugitive businessman wanted in India for the ₹14,000 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case . According to David Jordens , Spokesperson for Belgium’s Federal Public Service (FPS) Foreign Affairs , the case is being treated with significant attention . However, he emphasized that the matter falls under the jurisdiction of the FPS Justice Department , limiting the scope of comments from foreign affairs officials. Choksi’s Possible Presence in Belgium Speculation about Choksi's possible presence in Belgium has raised concerns, given that he was last reported to have left Antigua & Barbuda for medical treatment. While Jordens refrained from disclosing his whereabouts, he assured that Belgian authorities are actively monitoring the situation and remain engaged with any significant updates . ...
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Location: Pune, Maharashtra, India
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India’s Defence Production Surges to ₹1.27 Lakh Crore in FY 2023-24, Exports Cross ₹21,000 Crore

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  India’s defence manufacturing sector has achieved record-breaking growth , with total production reaching ₹1.27 lakh crore in FY 2023-24 , as per a report by the Ministry of Defence . This marks a significant step toward self-reliance in defence manufacturing and strengthening India’s position as a global arms producer. Defence Exports Witness a Historic Surge India’s defence exports have reached an all-time high of ₹21,083 crore in FY 2023-24 , marking a 30-fold increase in a decade . Indian-made defence equipment is now being exported to over 100 countries , highlighting the global demand for indigenously developed military technology . Make in India Driving Defence Growth The Make in India initiative has played a pivotal role in boosting domestic production . Key defence platforms developed under this initiative include: Dhanush Artillery Gun System Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) Main Battle Tank (MBT) Arjun Light Specialist Vehicles & H...
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Location: Pune, Maharashtra, India
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RBI’s New Priority Sector Lending Guidelines: Protecting Small Borrowers & Ensuring Financial Inclusion

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The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has introduced new guidelines under its Master Directions on Priority Sector Lending (PSL) , which will take effect from April 1, 2025 . These updated guidelines aim to ensure fair lending practices, prevent excessive charges on small loans , and direct funds towards sectors that genuinely require financial assistance. 🔹 No Excessive Charges on Small Loans (Up to ₹50,000) In a major relief to small borrowers, the RBI has mandated that banks cannot impose loan-related service charges, ad hoc service charges, or inspection charges on PSL loans up to ₹50,000 . This step is designed to: ✔️ Protect small borrowers from unnecessary financial burdens ✔️ Ensure fair and transparent lending practices ✔️ Improve financial accessibility for individuals and micro-entrepreneurs By capping additional charges, the RBI is strengthening its commitment to financial inclusion and ensuring that small loans remain affordable. 🔹 Loans Against Gold Jewellery fro...
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Location: Pune, Maharashtra, India
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India’s Luxury Real Estate Market Booms: High-Net-Worth Individuals and NRIs Drive Demand

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India’s luxury real estate market is experiencing unprecedented growth , fueled by a surge in demand from high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), non-resident Indians (NRIs), and domestic investors looking to invest in premium properties . According to a GRI Club report , the sector is outperforming expectations and is on track for its third consecutive record-breaking year in sales. Luxury Housing Market on a Record-Breaking Growth Trajectory The report highlights that residential sales in the top seven cities are projected to exceed INR 5.1 trillion in 2024, with over 300,000 units sold . This surge underscores the growing dominance of high-end real estate in India’s property market. Top Cities Leading the Luxury Real Estate Boom 📍 Mumbai – India’s financial capital continues to dominate the luxury real estate market. 📍 Gurgaon – A prime hub for ultra-luxury residences and premium office spaces. 📍 Bangalore – Home to high-net-worth investors, fueling demand for premi...
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Location: Pune, Maharashtra, India
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Delhi High Court Quashes FIR Orders Due to Lack of Mandatory Affidavit Compliance

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Delhi HC Sets Aside FIR Orders in Loan Dispute Case In a significant ruling, the Delhi High Court has quashed two trial court orders that directed the registration of First Information Reports (FIRs) , citing the absence of a mandatory affidavit as required under Section 156(3) of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) . This decision reinforces the procedural necessity of affidavit submission when seeking an investigation by law enforcement. Case Background: Loan Dispute Leading to FIR Request The case pertains to a loan-related dispute involving petitioners Rajat Bhagat and Sarika Bhagat , who were accused of fraudulent activity. The complainant, Chetna Kalra , had approached the Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (ACMM), Tis Hazari Courts, in 2016 , seeking the registration of an FIR against them. The complaint invoked multiple provisions under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) , including: Section 420 – Cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property Section 463 –...
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Location: Pune, Maharashtra, India
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Allegations Against Justice Yashwant Varma: Delhi HC Chief Justice to Submit Report to CJI on March 21

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Supreme Court Issues Statement on In-House Inquiry On March 15, 2025 , the Supreme Court of India issued an official statement confirming that the Chief Justice of Delhi High Court had initiated an in-house inquiry into allegations against Justice Yashwant Varma . A detailed report will be submitted to the Chief Justice of India (CJI) on March 21, 2025 . The apex court also clarified that the in-house inquiry was initiated before the Supreme Court Collegium met on March 20 to discuss judicial appointments and transfers. Misinformation and Rumors Addressed by Supreme Court Amid widespread media speculation, the Supreme Court strongly refuted rumors and misinformation regarding alleged incidents at Justice Varma’s residence . The statement emphasized that any action taken will be based on verified facts and due process . Cash Recovery Controversy Sparks Judicial Action The inquiry follows allegations of a large amount of cash being recovered from Justice Varma’s official re...
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Location: Pune, Maharashtra, India
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