Centre asks OTT platforms, TV channels to stop betting site ads

Satellite TV and streaming services like Netflix, Hotstar and Amazon Prime Video, and other digital media must immediately stop airing advertisements promoting gambling and betting aimed at the Indian audience, or face penal action, the information and broadcasting ministry said in a stern advisory on Monday. Betting and gambling are illegal in most parts of India. Contravention and violation may invite penal action under applicable laws, it warned.

Ramp up Covid testing to stay alert: Centre to states

The Centre has asked states to increase Covid-19 testing as per WHO guidelines and keep a close watch on causes of seasonal respiratory infections. It also said that rates of hospitalisation and death due to Covid-19 remain low. A two-day drill is planned on April 10 and 11 to check supplies of essential drugs, beds, medical equipment, and medical oxygen.

Gangster-terror nexus probe: NIA names Goldy Brar, Lawrence Bishnoi in charge sheet

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a charge sheet against 14 people, including gangsters Satinder Singh alias Goldy Brar and Lawrence Bishnoi, for conspiring to assassinate Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala and being linked with Pakistan-backed Khalistani terror groups. The NIA has seized weapons, ammunition, digital devices, and other incriminating material, and has charge sheeted 26 accused in its larger probe.

India pushes for equity at crucial IPCC meeting

Negotiations between wealthy nations and developing countries, such as India, over funding needed to combat the climate crisis revealed deep differences. India pushed for language on equity, differentiation between developed and developing countries, and public finance. The IPCC's synthesis report released on March 20 warned of irreversible impacts if global warming exceeds 1.5°C.

Centre reduces no. of places under AFSPA in the northeast

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has announced that due to an improvement in the security situation, the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) has been removed from several districts in Assam, Nagaland and Manipur. This decision follows the removal of AFSPA from a large number of districts in the north east on April 1, 2022, and has resulted in a reduction of militancy incidents by 74%, deaths of security personnel by 60% and civilians by 84%.

Lok Sabha panel suggests induction into NDRF on lines of Agnipath scheme

The Lok Sabha's Committee of Estimates has recommended the Home Ministry to induct young and fit people into the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) on the lines of Agnipath scheme, to strengthen the first response organisation. This follows the NDRF's role in the recent Turkey earthquake, and the possibility of recruiting NCC and NYKS cadets with the Agniveer Yojana. The ministry has previously said that NDRF personnel are only inducted from paramilitary forces.

Jathedar asks Amritpal to surrender; couple in J&K detained for probe

Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh asked pro-Khalistan separatist preacher Amritpal Singh to surrender and cooperate with police in the investigation into nine FIRs against him. Punjab and Uttarakhand police have launched a massive crackdown and stepped up vigil respectively, while a Sikh couple was detained in Jammu and Kashmir for links with Amritpal's aide. Haryana home minister Anil Vij alleged delay by Punjab Police in reaching Shahbad.

Tejashwi, Misa questioned byCBI, ED in land-for-jobs case

Tejashwi Yadav, Bihar deputy chief minister, and Misa Bharti, daughter of Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad, were questioned by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate (ED) respectively in connection with the land-for-jobs scam. The scam allegedly took place while Lalu Prasad was the Union railways minister from 2004-09. Tejashwi Yadav and Misa Bharti were accused of selling land to Lalu's family at discounted rates and for appointing substitutes in Group D jobs in Central Railways in violation of norms. CBI and ED have claimed proceeds of crime worth ₹600 crore in the case.

'Fight against Left-wing extremism in…': Amit Shah at 84th Raising Day of CRPF

Union Home Minister Amit Shah credited Central Reserve Police Force personnel for wiping out hindrances in development of Maoist-hit areas and said the fight against Left-wing extremism is in the final stages of victory. He also praised the Enforcement Directorate and National Investigating Agency for stopping funding to LWE and modernisation of CRPF.

Two hotel staffers arrested for assaulting Russian woman in Goa

Two hotel employees arrested in Morjim, North Goa, for allegedly assaulting a Russian tourist in a bid to rob her. The two accused confessed to the crime and were remanded in four-day police custody. The tourist sustained minor injuries.

Congress must support regional parties to defeat BJP: Akhilesh Yadav

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav called for regional parties to unite against the Bharatiya Janata Party in the 2024 general election, urging the Congress to support them. Yadav drew parallels between Rahul Gandhi's disqualification and similar action against SP legislators in Uttar Pradesh since the BJP came to power in the state in 2017. UP Congress spokesperson Ashok Singh called for Yadav to support Congress in their fight against the BJP.

BJP pulled India out of dirty politics: Modi

PM Modi urged Karnataka to vote for the BJP to bring the state out of "politics of manipulation", promising fast-paced development with a full majority government. He criticised the Congress for treating the state as an "ATM" and cautioned people against giving them an opportunity to "play their game". He inaugurated a medical institute, metro stretch and listed out various development projects.

Rahul, BJP trade punches on Adani, disqualification

At a press conference, Rahul Gandhi accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of being scared of his next speech on Adani and said his disqualification from the Lok Sabha was the result of this fear. BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad accused Gandhi of lies and listed investments made by the Adani Group in Congress-ruled states. Gandhi said he will continue to ask who invested ₹20,000 crore in Adani Group through shell companies and the nature of the PM’s relationship with Adani. He also said he will not apologise, as he is not Savarkar, and the BJP's demand for it was to distract from the real issue.

Fresh storms, hail rain misery on farmers

Heavy rain and hail, accompanied by a rare tornado, have damaged key rabi crops in Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan, with farmers, traders and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) fearing significant damage to wheat, mustard, oilseeds and horticulture crops. The Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh governments have announced compensation and surveys are underway. IMD has forecast the abatement of the wet spell from Saturday.

IMA calls nationwide protest against Rajasthan's Right to Health Act

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has announced a nationwide black day on March 27 to protest against Rajasthan's Right to Health (RTH) Bill, which gives rights to every resident to avail free of cost treatment. Healthcare professionals have objected certain clauses of the Act and asked for a grievance redressal committee. IMA has asked all states to wear black badges and show solidarity with Rajasthan doctors.

HT This Day: March 26, 1953 -- Andhra state from Oct 1

The Indian Prime Minister, Mr. Nehru, announced in the House of the People that an Andhra State comprising 11 Telugu-speaking districts of the present Madras State and a part of Bellary will come into being on October 1. The new State will have its temporary capital in Andhra territory, a unicameral legislature and its own High Court. A boundary commission will be appointed to determine the exact boundaries of the State. Legislation to give effect to the decision will be introduced in the next session of Parliament.