Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:47pm on 22 Feb 2024,Thursday India
Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids on Thursday at four locations of the Hiranandani Group, a leading real estate developer in India, including three in Mumbai and one in Panvel. Sources reveal the action is linked to alleged violations of FEMA rules based on new inputs related to foreign exchange. Notably, the investigation is clarified to have no connection with Trinamool Congress leader Mahua Moitra. Hiranandani Group, founded in 1978, has delivered 48 million sq ft of real estate and plans upcoming projects in Alibaug, Khandala, and Chennai, according to reports.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:04pm on 21 Feb 2024,Wednesday India
As protests resume, one farmer dies and several are injured in clashes with Haryana Police at Punjab-Haryana borders. Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann vows a thorough investigation into the death of 24-year-old Shubh Karan Singh, halting the 'Delhi Chalo' march for two days. Violence erupts as farmers attempt to break barricades, leading to clashes with tear gas and stones. Haryana Police deny any firing but admit to tear gas use. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi condemns the incident, while farmer leaders plan next steps. Bharatiya Kisan Union (Charuni) announces roadblocks in Haryana districts. Tensions persist over MSP and agricultural policies despite central proposals.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:22pm on 21 Feb 2024,Wednesday India
Karnataka government implements a sweeping ban on hookah bars across the state, with penalties including imprisonment up to three years and fines up to ₹1 lakh. The legislation, an amendment to the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, aims to safeguard public health and combat tobacco-related diseases. Additionally, the minimum age for purchasing tobacco products is raised to 21 years, aligning with efforts to deter underage smoking. Priyank Kharge, a state minister, underscores the move as crucial for public health and law enforcement, particularly targeting youth frequenting hookah bars. The directive also imposes restrictions on tobacco use in public places and near educational institutions.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:40pm on 21 Feb 2024,Wednesday India
A 24-year-old farmer, Shubh Karan Singh, lost his life during clashes with Haryana Police at the Khanauri border. The protest, part of Farmers' Protest 2.0, escalated as police dropped tear gas shells despite appeals for peace. Singh, succumbing to a head injury, was rushed to the hospital where he passed away. The situation at Khanauri and Shambhu borders intensified as farmers sought to break police barriers. Conflicting reports emerged, with police denying fatalities. Farmer leaders vowed to continue the march, rejecting recent government proposals. The clash resulted in injuries on both sides, and tensions remain high.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 10:28am on 21 Feb 2024,Wednesday India
About 300 people, including women and children, fell ill after eating contaminated food at a religious event in Maharashtra's Buldhana district on Tuesday. The mass food poisoning occurred on the final day of the week-long event. Patients complained of vomiting and diarrhea after eating the food. They were taken to the hospital, but due to shortage of beds many had to be treated outside, with IV fluids hung on trees. Villagers said when they reached hospitals, no doctors were present. Officials said 30 patients are in critical condition. The food is suspected to have been contaminated, leading to the mass sickness at the religious gathering.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 10:13am on 21 Feb 2024,Wednesday India
A panel investigating November's Silkyara tunnel collapse in Uttarakhand has identified deficiencies in the project's planning. Forty-one workers were trapped for 17 days behind 60m of debris when part of the 4.5km tunnel collapsed. The probe found the design lacked detailed geotechnical and geophysical studies. It said there was no escape route or alarm system, and monitoring was inadequate. The panel called for a safety audit, stressing safety should not be compromised for deadlines. It said more investigations into local conditions should have been done before construction. The primitive rat-hole mining method was used to rescue the trapped workers. The panel highlighted failures in planning that may have contributed to the collapse.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:14am on 21 Feb 2024,Wednesday India
Police used tear gas on farmers at the Punjab-Haryana border demanding legal backing for minimum support prices (MSP). Traffic jams surround Delhi's fortified borders. On Monday, farm leaders rejected the government's offer to buy certain pulses and cotton at old MSP rates, as it ignored most crops. They were also unhappy that MSP would only apply to those opting for crop diversification. This followed four rounds of unsuccessful talks between farm leaders and three union ministers, including Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda. With around 100,000 farmers stationed at the border since last week while negotiations continue, violent protests now seem probable.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:18pm on 20 Feb 2024,Tuesday India
Sikh IPS officer, Jaspreet Singh, criticized BJP workers for allegedly calling him 'Khalistani' during a Sandeshkhali visit. BJP's Agnimitra Paul denied the charge, blaming Singh for not fulfilling duties. CM Mamata Banerjee condemned the divisive politics, while the BJP refuted the claim. Sikh community members protested, and ADG & IGP Supratim Sarkar deemed it a "deliberate and malicious act." TMC accused LoP Suvendu Adhikari of using the term, prompting legal action. Adhikari, granted permission to visit Sandeshkhali, denied allegations and accused TMC of diversion.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:28pm on 20 Feb 2024,Tuesday India
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated transformative projects worth ₹32,000 crore in Jammu, spanning health, education, transportation, and civic infrastructure. The event included the launch of the valley's first Electric Train and the Banihal-Khari-Sumber-Sangaldan section with Ballast Less Track. Approximately 1500 government officials received appointment orders. PM Modi expressed confidence in Jammu and Kashmir's potential, vowing to realize the vision of 'Viksit Jammu and Kashmir.' He credited the scrapping of Article 370 for the region's progress, urging support for BJP in elections. Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor highlighted a 75% reduction in terrorism incidents.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:33pm on 20 Feb 2024,Tuesday India
India's NITI Aayog suggests tax reforms, mandatory savings, and housing initiatives for seniors as their population is set to reach 19.5% by 2050. The report emphasizes a national portal for senior care and advocates regulatory mechanisms for viable interest rates on senior citizen deposits. It calls for concessions for older women and recommends reassessing the reverse mortgage mechanism. Tax and GST reforms on senior care products are proposed, aiming to ease adoption and relieve financial burdens. The report also suggests utilizing CSR funds for non-affording elderly care and fostering PPP models for discounted private medical care.