PM Modi Holds Talks With Bhutanese Counterpart On Ways To Strengthen Ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday held extensive talks with his Bhutanese counterpart Tshering Tobgay focusing on ways to further strengthen the ties between the two countries.

The talks took place hours after Mr Tobgay began a five-day visit to India, his first foreign trip after assuming the charge of the top office in January.

Mr Tobgay was received at the airport in the national capital by Union minister Ashwini Kumar Choubey.

"The visit of @PMBhutan is in keeping with the exemplary ties of friendship between India & Bhutan," external affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on 'X'.

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Bhutan on extending cooperation in the field of energy efficiency.

The Cabinet also cleared the signing of an agreement between Bhutan Food and Drug Authority (BFDA) and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) for cooperation in the area of food safety.

In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Wednesday said Mr Tobgay's visit will provide an opportunity to the two sides to review the progress in the "unique partnership" and to discuss ways to expand the "enduring" ties of friendship and cooperation between India and Bhutan.

Mr Tobgay's visit to India came against the backdrop of China and Bhutan looking at an expeditious resolution of their festering boundary row that could have implications for India's security interests.

Around five months back, Bhutan's then Foreign Minister Tandi Dorji held talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Beijing.

A Chinese readout on the talks said Bhutan firmly abides by the one-China principle and stands ready to work with China for an early settlement of the boundary issue and advance the political process of establishing diplomatic relations.

New Delhi has been keeping a close eye on the negotiations between Bhutan and China on their boundary row as it could have implications for New Delhi's security interests, especially in the Doklam tri-junction.

In August last year, China and Bhutan agreed to expedite and take simultaneous steps to implement a "three-step roadmap to resolve their festering boundary dispute.

In October 2021, Bhutan and China signed an agreement on the "three-step roadmap" to expedite negotiations to resolve their boundary dispute.

The signing of the pact came four years after the Indian and Chinese armies were locked in a 73-day stand-off at the Doklam tri-junction after China tried to extend a road in the area that Bhutan claimed belonged to it.

The India-China stand-off in the Doklam plateau in 2017 even triggered fears of larger conflict between the two neighbours. Bhutan had said the area belonged to it and India supported the Bhutanese claim.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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Supreme Court Collegium Recommends Transfer Of 2 Delhi High Court Judges

The Supreme Court collegium on Wednesday recommended the transfer of two Delhi High Court judges to Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh High Courts.

The five-member collegium headed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud transferred Justice V Kameswar Rao to the Karnataka High Court after he requested for a shift to any other court.

"By a communication dated March 4, 2024, Justice V Kameswar Rao, Judge, High Court of Delhi, has requested for transfer to any other High Court. Acceding to his request, the Collegium resolves to recommend that Justice V Kameswar Rao be transferred, in the interest of better administration of justice, to the High Court of Karnataka," the collegium, also comprising Justices Sanjiv Khanna, BR Gavai, Surya Kant and Aniruddha Bose said in its resolution.

The collegium also recommended the transfer of Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva to the Madhya Pradesh High Court.

"By a communication dated March 3, 2024, Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva, Judge, High Court of Delhi, has expressed willingness to be transferred to any Court. Acceding to his request, the Collegium resolves to recommend that Mr Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva be transferred, in the interest of better administration of justice, to the High Court of Madhya Pradesh," the resolution said.

If the recommendation for the transfer of the two judges is accepted by the Centre, the strength of judges in the Delhi High Court will come down to 40. The High Court has a sanctioned strength of 60 judges including 15 additional judges. 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra Given Six-Month Extension

The government on Tuesday granted a six-month extension in service tenure of Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra, who was scheduled to retire at the end of next month, according to an official order.

The decision was taken by the Appointments Committee of Cabinet headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Mr Kwatra, a 1988-batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer, took charge as the foreign secretary on April 30, 2022.

According to the order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), "The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved extension in service of Shri Vinay Mohan Kwatra (IFS:1988) as Foreign Secretary for a period of six months beyond 30.04.2024 i.e. up to 31.10.2024 or until further orders, whichever is earlier, in public interest, in terms of provisions of FR 56 (d)." 

Under the Fundamental Rule (FR) 56 (d), the government can give extension in service to the defence secretary, foreign secretary, home secretary, Intelligence Bureau director, RAW chief, CBI director, Enforcement Directorate chief, for such period or periods as it may deem proper on a case-to-case basis.

Mr Kwatra, a career diplomat with over 34 years of experience, served as the Ambassador of India to France from August 2017 to February 2020, before diplomatic posting to Nepal.

He also held the position of a Joint Secretary in the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) for two years between October 2015 and August 2017.

Mr Kwatra headed the policy planning and research division of the Ministry of External Affairs between July 2013 and October 2015 and later served as the head of the Americas Division in the Foreign Ministry where he dealt with India's relations with the United States and Canada.

He served as Minister (Commerce) in the Embassy of India, Washington from May 2010 till July 2013.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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Lok Sabha 2024: Jamui's Turbulent Political Landscape And NOTA Influence

As the Lok Sabha elections loom closer, the political landscape of Jamui constituency in Bihar paints a picture of intrigue and complexity. Situated amidst historical significance and cultural heritage, the Jamui Lok Sabha constituency holds a unique blend of tradition and modern-day politics.

Jamui KYC

Historical Reverence and Religious Significance

Jamui, formerly known as Jambhyagram, is steeped in history dating back to the era of the Mahabharata. Its association with Jainism, particularly as a place where Lord Mahavir is believed to have attained divine knowledge, adds to its religious prominence. The constituency, spanning across six assembly constituencies, encompasses a significant portion of forested land, contributing to its natural allure.

Jamui MP

Political Dynamics and Ongoing Turmoil

The constituency, currently represented by two-time MP Chirag Paswan, finds itself embroiled in political turmoil. Paswan, the scion of the Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) founded by his late father Ram Vilas Paswan, faced an unexpected twist as he was ousted from the party by his uncle, Pashupati Paras, shortly before the Bihar Assembly Elections in 2020. This internal rift within the LJP has added a layer of uncertainty to the electoral landscape of Jamui.

Jamui Turnout

Electoral Trends and Voter Demographics

With a predominantly rural electorate comprising 90% of the total, Jamui presents a unique demographic profile. Scheduled Castes (SC) constitute a significant portion, accounting for 17.09% of the population, while Scheduled Tribes (ST) make up 3.45%. The religious demographics reflect a Hindu majority of 85%, followed by a Muslim minority of 10%.

Jamui Trivia

NOTA Influence and Assembly Representation

The None of the Above (NOTA) option has emerged as a notable factor in previous elections, signalling voter discontent. In both 2019 and 2014, NOTA garnered significant votes, highlighting the electorate's demand for better representation. The constituency's representation in the assembly further diversifies with a mix of political affiliations, including independents and parties like Janata Dal United (JDU), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), and Hindustani Awami Morcha (HAM).

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"All Is Fine If...": Minister Jabs Opposition Over EVMs, Poll Officials

In a swipe at the Opposition's criticism over Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), Union Minister Anurag Thakur said the parties only have a problem when they lose. His remarks come a day after the Congress said it was "concerned" over Election Commissioner Arun Goel's resignation.

The Congress alleged that there is absolutely "no transparency" in how a constitutional institution like the Election Commission has been functioning and how the government "pressures" it.

Arun Goel resigned on Saturday, days before the expected announcement of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections schedule. His tenure was till December 5, 2027, and he would have become the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) after incumbent Rajiv Kumar retired next February.

The opposition parties make statements and raise questions on EVMs and the functioning of the Election Commission only when they "lose", Mr Thakur said.

All is fine if they win and nothing is fine if they lose, the Sports and Youth Affairs Minister said.

In the past, Congress and other opposition parties expressed concerns regarding EVMs used in polls.

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PM Holds Roadshow In Varanasi, Offers Prayers At Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Arriving here days after being made BJP nominee for Varanasi Lok Sabha seat for the third time, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was accorded a rousing reception at the Varanasi airport on Saturday.

BJP workers and locals lined up on the roads outside the airport from where PM Modi began a 28-km long roadshow during which he also stopped at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple to offer prayers.

#WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds a roadshow in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. pic.twitter.com/1Ors42a6JQ

— ANI (@ANI) March 9, 2024

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, senior party leaders and office bearers were present at the Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport in Babatpur to welcome the prime minister.

Prayed at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Har Har Mahadev! pic.twitter.com/sDeJIDioYF

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 9, 2024

BJP regional chief Dilip Patel said that Varanasi district and metropolitan unit made elaborate arrangements for Modi's visit.

The locals, including women and children, showered flowers on the prime minister during the roadshow amid playing of drums, he said.

PM Modi is also scheduled to visit Atulanand School located in Gilat Bazaar and Kabir Chaura, among other places on the route of the roadshow, Patel said.

Patel said the prime minister will make a night halt at the BLW Guest House here. On the second day of his visit on Sunday, he will leave for Azamgarh from Bareka helipad at around 10 am.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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Centre Says Probe On In Spanish Tourist's Gang-Rape Case, Several Arrested

Days after a woman from Spain was allegedly gang raped in Jharkhand, the Ministry of External Affairs on Friday said the matter is "under investigation" and several people have been arrested.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said this in response to a query on the case at his weekly media briefing here.

The tourist from Spain was allegedly gang raped in Jharkhand's Dumka district, police had said on March 2.

"As you know, the matter is under investigation. Several people have been arrested," Jaiswal told reporters.

In his response, the spokesperson also said, "And, you would have also see that the High Court of Jharkhand, suo motu has taken action on this particular matter." Some reports refer to the act of cognisance by the court.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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