Thursday, March 12
The road transport ministry has announced a new rule that could reduce toll rates by up to 50% for bridges, tunnels, flyovers, and elevated sections on National Highways. This move aims to provide relief to commercial and heavy vehicles, particularly on tolled sections with numerous structures.
India has refrained from commenting on the selection process for the next Dalai Lama, emphasising its commitment to religious freedom. This stance follows the current Dalai Lama's declaration that his successor will be chosen by the Gaden Phodrang Trust, a statement perceived as a challenge to China's claim to appoint the next spiritual leader.
Pune police detained a man accused of raping a 22-year-old IT professional in Kondhwa. The suspect posed as a courier executive. He allegedly raped her after gaining entry to her flat. He also clicked a selfie with her unconscious. The man threatened to release her photos if she reported the crime. Police are investigating the case and reviewing CCTV footage.
Defence ministry has approved acquisition projects worth over Rs 1 lakh crore. The approvals include indigenous construction of mine countermeasure vessels, procurement of quick-reaction surface-to-air missile systems, and intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition & reconnaissance planes. Other projects include semi-submersible autonomous vessels, armored recovery vehicles, and electronic warfare systems to boost India's defense capabilities.
Uttarakhand is set to inaugurate two new government medical colleges in Pithoragarh and Rudrapur as the Dhami government marks four years in office. Significant strides have been made in strengthening the state's medical infrastructure, including operationalizing two medical colleges, approving an AIIMS satellite center, and launching an air ambulance service.
A techie in Pune was raped by an individual impersonating a courier delivery person, leading to an arrest. The Allahabad HC dismissed a plea challenging the Shahi Eidgah's structure. Delhi witnessed a gruesome double murder in Lajpat Nagar. Operation Sindoor revealed China sharing real-time data on India's assets with Pakistan.
The Congress party is pressing the Modi government for a comprehensive parliamentary debate on India-China relations, citing recent confirmation of Chinese support to Pakistan during Operation Sindoor. Jairam Ramesh highlighted China's changed status quo in Ladakh and questioned the Prime Minister's previous clean chit to China. He added that Congress had been asking for a detailed debate on India-China relations for five years, but the government had refused.
Pappu Yadav, a Congress-leaning MP, has declared a "do-or-die battle" against the Election Commission's electoral roll revision in Bihar, labeling the ECI as an "office of the RSS." Congress has also criticized the revision as a "sinister exercise" to disenfranchise voters. Despite opposition protests, parties like RJD, Congress, and others have deployed thousands of BLAs for the revision process.
