Election Commission mulls advisory on INDIA bloc's ‘misuse of central agencies' concerns ahead of polls: Report
A delegation of INDIA bloc parties had last week urged the poll panel to ensure ‘level playing field’ during the upcoming Lok Sabha Elections 2024. This after Enforcement Directorate arrested Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in connection with the now-scrapped Delhi Excise Policy 2021-22. Key Points
mintKovind panel may submit report on simultaneous polls on Thursday
The high-level committee, headed by Ram Nath Kovind, is expected to submit its report on 'one nation, one election' to President Droupadi Murmu. The report may recommend amending the Constitution and having a singular electoral roll for Lok Sabha, state assembly, and local body polls. Key Points
Economic TimesNew digital competition law proposed to regulate big tech
A high-level panel proposes a new digital competition law in India to address antitrust concerns involving big tech companies. The law applies to systemically significant digital enterprises with penalties up to 10% of global turnover. Enterprises must report their fulfilment of thresholds to the Competition Commission of India. Key Points
Economic TimesHouse panel okay with new criminal bill's Hindi title, says retain adultery & unnatural sex sections
Eight of the 28 panel members give dissent note on Hindi title. Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita proposes changes like removing offence of sedition, defining terrorism & organised crime. Key Points
ThePrintTrinamool terms ethics panel's summons to Mahua Moitra 'politically motivated'
Trinamool Congress MP Kunal Ghosh questioned the Lok Sabha ethics panel's refusal to extend the date for Mahua Moitra's appearance before it. She has been asked to appear before the panel on November 2 in the cash-for-query case. Key Points
India Today
IOA ad-hoc panel reschedules WFI elections to July 11 after hearing into pleas of disbanded state units
The state units presented their case while the representatives of Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) defended their decision to cancel affiliations of these bodies. The panel needs time to decide and prepare order, so polls have been pushed to July 11, a source privy to the developments told PTI. Key Points
Economic TimesNow politics enters Marathi theatre council elections
The executive committee poll of the Akhil Bharatiya Natya Parishad, the apex body of Marathi theatre, has been taken over by two groups linked to three political parties. Industries minister Uday Samant of the Shiv Sena has the support of NCP chief Sharad Pawar to back actor Prashant Damle?s Rangkarmi Samuh panel against producer Prasad Kambli?s Aple panel supported by BJP Mumbai chief Ashish Shelar. This is the first time that the elections of the Marathi Natya Parishad are being so blatantly politicised. | Mumbai news Key Points
Hindustan Times'Rigged' games, billions in play, and 2 partners from Bhilai — ED probe in Mahadev online betting case
Policeman, 2 hawala operators arrested. IPS officers, officials linked to Chhattisgarh CMO under lens. Raids at locations including premises of CM Baghel’s political adviser Vinod Verma. Key Points
ThePrintOpposition MPs question 'haste' in adopting draft reports on bills to replace IPC, CrPC, Evidence Act
Opposition MPs in the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs have raised concerns about the speed at which draft reports on three bills are being adopted. The committee, which is examining the bills to replace the IPC, CrPC, and the Evidence Act, has called a meeting to adopt the reports on October 27. Opposition MPs have complained that they were given insufficient time to review the reports and have requested a postponement. They have also criticized the lack of consultation with stakeholders and the short notice for the meeting. Key Points
Economic Timespanel tells Moitra, ‘Witness, not MP’; she calls out Dehadrai 'personal reasons'
The Opposition MPs on the panel said no member of parliament posts questions on their own. They later stages a walkout. | Latest News India Key Points
Hindustan Times
As Kovind panel writes to EC, former CECs back 'One Nation, One Election'
The panel met former CECs Sushil Chandra and OP Rawat this week. The full panel meeting is expected in a week to discuss feedback received so far from 'experts', political parties and 'general public'. It has also sought the views of the EC. Key Points
Economic TimesEMA says no evidence GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic linked to thyroid cancer
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) on Friday said its safety panel did not find a causal link between popular GLP-1 drugs such as Novo Nordisk's (NOVOb.CO) Ozempic and thyroid cancer after a months-long review. Key Points
ReutersFormer President Kovind panel set to submit report before Lok Sabha polls
The panel's next meeting is scheduled for February 10 and, before that, it may hold consultations with some more legal luminaries and political leaders, the people said. The committee has so far received responses from 26 of the 47 parties from which it had sought their views on simultaneous polls for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. Key Points
Economic TimesRising airfares: Parl panel wants DGCA involvement in air ticket pricing, unhappy with differing seat pric
A parliamentary panel proposed capping airfares and creating a separate entity to regulate prices, as airlines' self-regulation has been ineffective. The panel also recommended empowering the DGCA to regulate air tariffs and exploring the feasibility of a route-specific fare ceiling. It emphasized the need for compliance with Aircraft Rules and reevaluating the policy on seat price variation. Key Points
Economic TimesEthics Committee report recommends expulsion of Mahua Moitra from Lok Sabha
The Lok Sabha Ethics Committee's report recommending the expulsion of Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra in a cash-for-query case was presented in the Parliament. Moitra, anticipating the report, commented on entering Parliament, saying, Maa Durga aa gayi hai, ab dekhenge, and hinted at a battle akin to Mahabharata. Key Points
Economic Times
Uttar Pradesh finance minister Khanna likely to be convenor of GST rate rationalisation panel
Uttar Pradesh Finance Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna is likely to become the convenor of the 7-member GST rate rationalization panel. Bihar Finance Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary will replace Tarkishore Prasad, and Karnataka Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda will be added as a member. Key Points
Economic TimesGovt panel wants car ratings tied to improved connectivity
An Indian government panel has recommended that automakers who enhance connectivity features in cars should receive better crash test ratings, in order to improve road safety. The panel suggests equipping connected cars with technology that allows them to communicate with other vehicles and road systems. The report proposes including V2X technology in India's car safety ratings program, following similar developments in Europe, China, and the US. Key Points
Economic TimesAdani-Hindenburg: Expert panel submits report to Supreme Court
An expert panel investigating the Adani Group following allegations of financial irregularities has submitted a report to Indias Supreme Court. It is not clear if the six-member committee, set up after claims by US research firm Hindenburg, reviewed all the concerns outlined by the top court in March. The group was asked to assess how to protect consumers better, if regulatory lapses existed, and the broader impact. The Securities and Exchange Board of India has also sought more time to conclude its probe. Key Points
Economic TimesOne Nation, One Election: Kovind panel submits report to President Murmu, check details here
Former Indian President Ram Nath Kovind-led high-level committee submitted its report on the 'one nation, one election' agenda to President Droupadi Mumru. The report, which consists of 18,626 pages, was handed over after 191 days of consultations with stakeholders, experts, and research work. Key Points
Economic TimesUS said to open criminal inquiry into Boeing
The Justice Department has launched a criminal investigation into Boeing following a blown-out panel incident on an Alaska Airlines flight. Boeing faces increased scrutiny for quality lapses. Details regarding the incident and FAA inspections are undisclosed. Key Points
Economic Times
'Maa Durga aa gayi hai, ab dekhenge': Mahua Moitra ahead of ethics panel report
Mahua Moitra, ahead of the ethics panel report being tabled in Lok Sabha, responded with references to Maa Durga and the Mahabharata, saying, "Maa Durga aa gayi hai, ab dekhenge..." Key Points
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