[QUICKREADS]
National Vaccination Day or National Immunisation Day is celebrated on March 16 every year across the country to spread awareness about the importance of vaccines in the human health. Vaccination is a vital aspect of public health. Vaccines provide immunity to the body against future encounters by the same pathogen. They have reduced the prevalence of several deadly diseases like measles, chicken pox, tetanus, rubella, polio, and most recently Covid-19.
Congress leader Pankhuri Pathak called for a judicial probe into every death in police custody in Uttar Pradesh, citing concerns over the state government and police administration's lack of control. Her remarks followed the death of gangster-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari in a Banda district hospital. Pathak highlighted the high number of custodial killings in Uttar Pradesh and shared reports of such incidents on Facebook. Ansari's family has alleged foul play in his death, prompting calls for investigations from various political leaders.
Christians in Thiruvananthapuram observed 'Good Friday' with special prayers, reflecting on violence against Christians in Manipur and other parts of India. Latin Catholic metropolitan Archbishop Thomas J Netto highlighted the need to combat such cruelty. The Christian community in Kerala marked the day with traditional customs, attending church services and 'Way of Cross' processions to remember the suffering of Jesus Christ. Devotees from various states gathered at the St Thomas church in Malayattoor hills.
TDP's Naidu confident of defeating YSRCP's Reddy in Andhra Pradesh polls, criticizes 'Memanta Siddham' campaign. Naidu promises job creation, welfare schemes, and subsidies in Anantapur district. Accuses YSRCP of inconsistencies in uncle's murder case. Attends Iftar dinner with Muslim community. Elections on May 13, counting on June 4.
Former DCP of Hyderabad Police and another official were questioned in a phone tapping and data destruction case. Two other police officials were arrested earlier for colluding with a suspended DSP. Lookout circular issued against former SIB chief and others allegedly not cooperating. Suspended DSP accused of tapping phones illegally. Case registered for criminal breach of trust and conspiracy.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh defended the Agnipath scheme, assuring that the future of youths joining as Agniveers would not be affected. He stated that the armed forces need a young profile for increased risk-taking spirit and tech-savvy personnel. Singh emphasized that changes would be made if necessary, ensuring the scheme's effectiveness. He also expressed confidence in the security of India's borders amid the ongoing India-China border issue.
The Shiv Sena, led by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, announced candidates for eight Lok Sabha seats in the state, including seven sitting MPs. Former Congress MLA Raju Parve received a ticket for the Ramtek (SC) seat, replacing Sena's sitting MP Krupal Tumane. The other seven candidates are Rahul Shewale, Sanjay Mandlik, Sadashiv Lokhande, Prataprao Jadhav, Hemant Patil, Srirang Barne, and Dhairyasheel Mane.
MEA reaffirms Arunachal Pradesh's status as an integral part of India despite China's repeated baseless claims. In response to recent Chinese assertions, India rejects the claims and asserts that Arunachal Pradesh is an inalienable part of the country. EAM Jaishankar emphasizes this stance during a visit to Singapore, stating that the state's status is not determined by foreign claims but by its inherent connection to India.
The Central government has extended the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958, in Nagaland's eight districts and 21 police stations for six months from April 1. The Ministry of Home Affairs made the announcement, citing the need to address the state's law and order situation. The AFSPA allows security forces to make arrests without warrants and conduct searches without warrants.
Incumbent MP D K Suresh filed his nomination from Bengaluru Rural constituency for the upcoming polls. He defeated former MLA Anitha Kumaraswamy in previous elections. BJP-JD combine fielded cardiac surgeon C N Manjunath against him in this Vokkaliga-dominated segment. Congress leader D K Shivakumar expressed confidence in Suresh's victory, citing past electoral victories against the Deve Gowda family.
TMC leader Mahua Moitra to campaign in Krishnanagar constituency, skips ED summons in FEMA case. She was called for questioning twice earlier but cited official work. Moitra, renominated for Lok Sabha polls, denies allegations in cash-for-query case. CBI raided her premises following Lokpal's directive.
K Padmarajan, known as the "Election King" of India, has lost 238 times in his bid for public office but remains undeterred. The 65-year-old believes in the importance of participation over victory and continues to contest elections, aiming to be a role model for others. Despite spending thousands of dollars in nomination fees, Padmarajan is happy losing and sees failure as a learning experience in democracy.
India's Kamal Kishore, of the NDMA, appointed by UN Secretary-General as special representative for disaster risk reduction, succeeding Mami Mizutori. Kishore brings 30 years of experience in disaster risk reduction, climate action. He led G20 Working Group on Disaster Risk Reduction and contributed to Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure. UNDRR coordinates Sendai Framework for disaster risk reduction.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar emphasized that normalcy in India-China relations can only be achieved through traditional troop deployment. He highlighted the importance of securing the border and maintaining agreements to prevent violence. Jaishankar acknowledged the recent breakdown of agreements leading to the 2020 border clash, impacting the bilateral relationship.
Delhi minister Atishi believes that the arrest of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal by the Enforcement Directorate will benefit AAP in the Lok Sabha polls due to increased sympathy. She criticizes the attack on democracy and questions free and fair elections under BJP rule. Atishi claims the BJP is using investigative agencies to target opposition parties, and alleges corruption within the BJP in an excise policy matter.
The Aam Aadmi Party criticizes the Enforcement Directorate for not responding to questions raised by Arvind Kejriwal's lawyers in the High Court over his arrest in a money laundering case. The BJP claims ED has concrete evidence against Kejriwal. The court has given one week for ED to respond, with final disposal set for April 3. Kejriwal's wife hints at a big expose in court on the liquor scam. BJP says ED's actions are justified due to strong evidence.