‘To break silence, reclaim what we lost, representation’ — Srinagar sees highest turnout since 1996
In first Lok Sabha Election after abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, Srinagar constituency recorded 36% voter turnout Monday. In 2019, the figure was 14.43%. Key Points
ThePrintElection Commission transfers 8 DMs and 12 SPs in five states
The Election Commission recently issued transfer orders for eight district magistrates and 12 superintendents of police across five states as part of its regular review process. Chaired by Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, the decision aims to maintain fairness in the electoral process. Key Points
Economic TimesSC refuses to stay new procedure for appointment of Election Commissioners, issues notice to Centre
The Supreme Court dismissed an application for a stay on the new procedure for appointing Election commissioners, stating its previous verdict did not mandate a judicial member on the selection panel. However, it questioned the government's procedure for appointing two new commissioners, suggesting more time for the selection committee's deliberation. Key Points
Economic TimesLok Sabha polls: BJP picks McCann Worldgroup and Scarecrow to lead its creative advertising account
It could not be ascertained whether the other agencies which had pitched for the plum creative account, including Ogilvy and Efficacy, would also be given some parts of the mandate, considering the massive outreach planned by the BJP to woo voters. Prasoon Joshi, chairman, McCann Worldgroup Asia Pacific, and Manish Bhatt, director, Scarecrow M&C Saatchi, declined to comment on the matter. Key Points
Economic TimesPolitical parties must take prior permission for rallies: Kangra DC
Bairwa said to ensure a free and fair Election process, the Election commission has launched the mobile application “C Vigil”. “Through this app, people will be able to report violations of the model code of conduct. Redressal of complaints received through the app will also be ensured within 100 minutes. Along with this, a complaint can also be lodged in the district control room on violation of the Election code of conduct,” he said. Key Points
Hindustan Times
Dalal Street gears up for Election volatility
Stay informed about the impact of India's upcoming general Election on stock market volatility. Discover sector forecasts and expert insights on market behavior during Election season. Key Points
Times Of IndiaUK PM Rishi Sunak's leadership in turmoil amid infighting
Amid calls for Conservative Party leadership change, Rishi Sunak receives support from Tory minister Mark Harper. Infighting persists as Penny Mordaunt emerges as a potential replacement. Labour demands early Election for stability post-local elections. Key Points
Economic TimesLok Sabha elections 2024: Is polling day a ‘paid holiday’ for employees? What the Constitution of India states
The Election Commission of India (ECI) declared the most awaited final dates of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections on March 16. Find out whether polling days are paid holidays for employees. Key Points
mintHosting party for workers/ voters: This is what it will cost candidates during poll campaign
BJP and Congress respond to ECI's Lok Sabha schedule. Model code in effect in Madhya Pradesh. Voting from home for elderly over 85. Campaign costs and Key Points
Times Of IndiaLok Sabha Election Dates: Election Commission sets date & time to announce general Election schedule
The Election Commission will unveil the schedule for General Elections and state assemblies tomorrow at 3 pm, March 16, through live streams on its social media platforms. With nearly 97 crore eligible voters, reflecting a 6% increase since 2019, efforts are underway to explore the feasibility of simultaneous elections nationwide. Key Points
Economic Times
Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Sandhu: All you need to know about India’s new Election Commissioners
Congress' Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury claimed Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led panel appointed Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Sandhu as new Election Commissioners. Their appointment fills vacancies left by Anup Chandra Pandey's retirement and Arun Goel's recent resignation. Kumar and Sandhu join Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar ahead of a busy Election season. Key Points
Economic TimesPM Modi-led committee names Gyanesh Kumar, Sukhbir Singh Sandhu as Election commissioners, says Adhir Ranj
A committee led by PM Narendra Modi, with Opposition leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury and Union law minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, appointed Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu as Election commissioners, as confirmed by Chowdhury. The selection committee met under PM Modi's leadership to finalize the appointments. Key Points
Economic TimesAppointment 'notification' of 2 'retd IAS officers' as Election commissioners fake, clarifies govt
Dated 13 March, notification said PM-led panel appointed 'Rajesh Kumar Gupta & Priyansh Sharma' as Election commissioners. The panel met Thursday to discuss names for the posts. Key Points
ThePrintRussia's President Election: Schedule, dates, key candidates, issues explained in 5 points
Russia is heading towards President Election and Vladimir Putin is likely to secure another term. We have all details pertaining to Russia's President Election. Key Points
Economic TimesRow over appointment of EC: SC to hear plea of NGO on Friday
The Supreme Court is set to hear a plea by the Association for Democratic Reforms challenging the government's exclusion of the Chief Justice of India from the panel selecting the Chief Election Commissioner and Election commissioners. Filed after Election Commissioner Arun Goel's sudden resignation, the petition refers to a constitutional bench ruling and urges the court to direct the Centre to fill the vacant positions per the Anoop Baranwal v. Union of India case. Key Points
Economic Times
Billions of FII dollars may chase Indian stocks in Election season. Here’s why
Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) have historically shown positive flows during Election season. This year, FIIs have already invested $3 billion in March. The Indian stock market remains resilient due to the government's proactiveness and positive economic indicators. Key Points
Economic TimesCong leader moves SC seeking to restrain Centre from appointing new ECs
Two vacancies of Election commissioners have arisen following the resignation of Arun Goel and Anup Chandra Pandey’s retirement. Plea filed by Congress leader Jaya Thakur. Key Points
ThePrintPlea filed in SC by Congress leader to restrain govt from appointing Election commissioner
The Election Commission of India, for most of the past three decades, has been a three-member panel. There have only been two aberrations (1999 and 2009 Lok Sabha elections) when polls were overseen by just two members because of a members' retirement in the middle of the poll cycle. Key Points
Economic TimesJNU set to witness Students' Union Election on March 22 after 4 years
Jawaharlal Nehru University Campus to witness Student Union Election on March 22 after four years. Election committee announces Election just before Lok Sabha election. Tentative voters list to be displayed on March 11 with correction process on March 12. Nomination Form to be issued on March 15. General Body Meetings to be held from March 17-19. Key Points
Economic TimesWho is Arun Goel, former Election Commissioner at the center of controversy
Arun Goel, a retired IAS officer, faced controversy over his appointment as Election Commissioner, with questions raised about the process and the government's haste. Despite the scrutiny, Goel's appointment stood, and he was expected to play a key role in future elections before resigning for reasons yet undisclosed. Key Points
Economic Times
Election Commissioner Arun Goel resigns ahead of LS polls
Election Commissioner Arun Goel has resigned just weeks before the Lok Sabha elections, leaving the Election Commission with only Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar unless the Centre appoints two new Election commissioners. Goel's resignation, three years before his term was to end in 2027, raises questions about the poll panel's internal dynamics. His sudden departure comes after actively participating in poll-related meetings and briefings. The last mid-term resignation from the Election Commission was in 2020 when Ashok Lavasa left after disagreements during the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. Key Points
Economic TimesAhead of Lok Sabha polls, Election Commissioner Arun Goel resigns
Arun Goel, the Election Commissioner, has resigned from his post ahead of the Lok Sabha elections 2024, leaving a vacancy in the poll panel. This leaves the Chief Election Commissioner alone in the saddle. The Election Commission of India has been a multi-member body since the 1990s. Key Points
Economic TimesRises and falls in Lok Sabha polls of last 20 years. And a new law that matters for 2024
The last two decades of Lok Sabha elections saw UPA’s rise and fall, Left’s decimation, and BJP’s juggernaut. Now there’s a new law to choose Election commissioners. Key Points
ThePrint'Be more cautious': EC to Rahul Gandhi over remarks against PM Modi
The Election Commission of India issued an advisory to Rahul Gandhi cautioning him to be more careful in his remarks on leaders including the Prime Minister. This comes after the Delhi High Court ordered the Election Commission to decide the matter within 8 weeks. Key Points
Economic TimesSBSP chief, a serial turncoat, a record-holding BJP MLA & RLD’s SC face — UP's 4 new cabinet ministers
In 1st cabinet expansion since his return to power last yr, Yogi inducts a Dalit, a Brahmin & 2 OBCs. Political analysts call it a move to woo respective communities ahead of LS polls. Key Points
ThePrint
Just how staggering is the logistic of conducting Lok Sabha Election in India? 1st to 18th
Over 960 million electors, 470 million of them women, will soon elect 543 Lok Sabha MPs by casting their ballots in 1.2 million booths overseen by 15 million officials across 28 states and nine Union territories in a multi-phase election. Key Points
ThePrintChief Election Commissioner reviews poll preparations in Uttar Pradesh
Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar reviewed Election preparations in Uttar Pradesh and emphasized increasing voter turnout. He assured fair and transparent elections, with equal treatment for all political parties. Kumar stated that Election schedules would be announced soon and that 15.29 crore voters are registered in UP. Special arrangements will be made for women, disabled individuals, and elderly voters. He also mentioned the launch of three apps for complaints, voter information, and candidate details. Security measures will be strict, especially along borders and with cash transactions. District Magistrates and Superintendents of Police are responsible for ensuring fair elections. Key Points
Economic TimesLS polls: Chief Election Commissioner allays fears of EVM tampering
Information about how many votes have been polled in a particular EVM after polling is available with the polling agent and they can verify the EVMs (electronic voting machines) before the counting process, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar added. To a question on misinformation on social media, the chief Election commissioner said it is a serious issue. Key Points
Economic TimesIran votes in first national Election since anti-government protests
Iranian citizens voted for a new Parliament on Friday. The Election is the first formal measure of public opinion after anti-government protests in 2022-23 spiralled into some of the worst political turmoil since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Key Points
India TodayIran votes in its first parliament Election since 2022 protests as questions over turnout loom
Iranian officials and even Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei have urged the public to cast ballots, but polling stations in the country’s capital, Tehran, appeared to see... Key Points
The Tribune India
Ballot boxes to EVMs: Incredible journey of Election Commission indelibly inked in history
The Election Commission of India, established in 1950, has overseen 17 general elections and numerous others. It has adapted from ballot boxes to EVMs, and faces challenges like large electorates and criticism of EVMs. Despite this, it strives for accessible and inclusive elections, using tech and innovation. Key Points
Economic TimesECI isn’t responsible for Chandigarh mayor Election misconduct. Poll officer is at fault
Anil Masih is one of the nine councillors nominated in Chandigarh who have links with the BJP. Ideally, nominated councillors should not be affiliated with any political party. Key Points
ThePrintFake Lok Sabha Election schedule alert! ECI warns against misinformation
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued a warning against a fake message circulating online claiming to be the official Lok Sabha Election schedule. The schedule is likely to be announced after March 13th. ECI teams are currently on the ground, assessing the Election readiness of various states, and are likely to conclude their assessment by March 13. Key Points
Economic TimesWill we get the names of electoral bonds donors on March 13?
India News: Find out if we will finally get the names of electoral bonds donors on March 13. Stay updated with the latest news and developments. Key Points
Times Of IndiaVoters have right to know about fulfillment of assurances by parties: CEC
India News: The Chief Election Commissioner, Rajiv Kumar, on Saturday said that voters have the right to be informed about the feasibility of fulfilling the promises made by political parties during elections. However, he clarified that this matter is currently under judicial review. Key Points
Times Of India
Political parties have right to make promises in Election manifestoes; electorate has right to examine gen
Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar emphasized the importance of voters being informed about the feasibility of political party promises during elections. He stated that while parties have the right to make promises, the electorate has the right to know if they are genuine and how they will be funded. Key Points
Economic TimesLok Sabha Election 2024: Fake WhatsApp message circulating on polls schedule, clarifies EC
Fake WhatsApp message circulating about 2024 Lok Sabha Elections schedule, ECI clarifies it is fabricated. No official dates announced yet. The Election schedule is to be announced through a press conference by ECI. Key Points
mintLok Sabha Election Dates 2024: EC to announce likely schedule after March 13
Lok Sabha Election Dates 2024: The Election Commission of India is gearing up to announce the schedule for the Lok Sabha elections 2024, with an expected announcement after March 13. The commission is currently assessing the Election readiness of various states and addressing potential issues. Nearly 97 crore Indians will be eligible to vote in this year's elections, reflecting a 6% increase in registered voters since 2019. Efforts are also underway to explore the feasibility of holding simultaneous elections across the country. Key Points
Economic TimesPakistan’s Election commission forms high-level committee to probe senior bureaucrat’s allegations of poll-rigging
Former Rawalpindi Commissioner Chattha claimed that 13 candidates from Rawalpindi were forcefully declared winners. Pakistan’s Election commission has formed... Key Points
The Tribune IndiaPakistan's CEC, Chief Justice involved in poll-rigging, alleges senior bureaucrat as he resigns
Speaking to reporters at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Chattha said the candidates who were losing the elections were made to win . I am taking the responsibility for all this wrongdoing and telling you that the chief Election commissioner and the chief justice are also completely involved in this, he was quoted as saying by the Dawn newspaper. Key Points
Economic Times
Election results leave Pakistanis anxious. They say 2024 polls ‘worst rigged in history'
Pakistani commentators and newspaper editorials have rung the alarm bells, telling the military establishment to 'respect the mandate'. It seems there is little chance of that happening. Key Points
ThePrintUncertainty ahead for Pakistan after indecisive election
Pakistan's post-election scenario brims with uncertainty as legal challenges, coalition negotiations, and potential protests unfold. Imran Khan's PTI, largely represented by independent candidates due to a crackdown, emerges victorious, unsettling the PML-N. Despite PTI's claim of a people's mandate, forming a government remains complex. Legal battles over results, potential alliances, and economic challenges loom, underscoring the nation's fragile political landscape and pressing economic woes. Key Points
Economic TimesShocking opposition victory throws Pakistan into chaos
Imran Khan's party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), secured the most seats in Pakistan's parliamentary elections, defying expectations and challenging the influence of the country's military. Despite facing obstacles such as Khan's imprisonment and intimidation of his supporters, PTI emerged as the largest group in the National Assembly, albeit without a simple majority. This unexpected victory reflects Khan's enduring popularity and his message of reform resonating with disillusioned voters, particularly the youth. Khan's success signals a significant shift in Pakistani politics. Key Points
Economic Times22 killed, 37 wounded in twin blasts on eve of Pakistan election
At least 22 people were killed in bomb blasts outside poll candidate offices in southwestern Pakistan, on the eve of an Election marred by violence and allegations of poll-rigging. The attacks occurred near the offices of independent and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-F (JUI-F) party candidates. The death toll from the first blast was a dozen, while the second blast killed at least 10 people. Key Points
Economic Times