Daily wrap: India successfully shoots down low-orbit satellite
From Prime Minister Narendra Modi announcing that India tested an anti-satellite missile (ASAT) to the Poll panel deciding to examine the announcement to Chidambaram exuding confidence that the minimum income scheme, a lot many events rocked the day. Here’s a look at some of the major news events of March 27:
India successfully shot down a low orbit satellite: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the Defence Research and Development Organisation successfully tested an anti-satellite missile (ASAT). The ASAT targeted a live satellite on low-earth orbit (LEO). The operation called ‘Mission Shakti’ puts India in the elite club of space powers with the likes of the the USA, Russia and China.
Poll panel to probe whether the Prime Minister’s announcement amounted to a violation of the model code of conduct. In pursuance of that, the Election Commission set up a committee, which has been tasked with the mandate to submit its report within two days.
Income support scheme: Cash to be deposited in women’s accounts says P Chidambaram
Former finance minister P Chidambaram met reporters in Chennai and told that the minimum income support plan would make the dream of Mahatma Gandhi true. Explaining the methodology to implement the scheme, Chidambaram said that India with an economy of ₹200 lakh crore, whose size would double in the next six years, would be able to implement the scheme in the five years between 2019 and 2024.
Murdered 6-yr-old Coimbatore girl was raped, says medical report
A 6-year-old girl from the Coimbatore district, found murdered on March 25, was raped, according to medical reports. The post-mortem report confirmed sexual assault on the victim. The police have registered a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and are probing the matter. This case comes at a time when the state is being rocked by the Pollachi sexual scandal in which hundreds of women have been victimised.
Gujarat ATS, Indian Coast Guard nab 9 smugglers with drugs worth ₹500 crore
According to a report published by The Hindu, the Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) of Gujarat and the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), acting on a tip, caught nine Iranian nationals off the Gujarat coast, smuggling 100 kg of heroine worth ₹500 crore through sea route. the report added that the contraband was sent by a Pakistani national.
VP Naidu hails Gandhi’s call to disband Congress
Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu hailed Mahatma Gandhi as a visionary for his call to disband the Congress. Mr Naidu, a senior BJP leader before his elevation to the top Constitutional post in 2017, also lauded the Narendra Modi government for a slew of flagship initiatives, including the ease of doing business. Speaking at the convocation of the RBI-promoted Indira Gandhi Institute of Developmental Research, Naidu said this was a political advice from Gandhi and added that he did not want to dwell deep into it as he was no longer in active politics.
Nirav Modi case: CBI team to leave for London
A CBI team is likely to leave for London to assist local authorities in the extradition case of fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi whose bail plea will come for hearing before a court there on March 29, officials said. A joint director-level officer has been deputed to leave for London with necessary documents, they said. The 48-year-old diamantaire is accused of swindling over $2 billion from the state-run Punjab National Bank in collusion with his uncle Mehul Choksi.
Actor Urmila Matondkar joins Congress; may get Mumbai North seat
45-year old Bollywood actor Urmila Matondkar joined the Congress. She was welcomed to the party by president Rahul Gandhi. Speculations suggest that Congress will nominate her to contest the Mumbai North constituency. If Congress nominates her, she may end up contesting against BJP incumbent MP Gopal Shetty.
All 8 members of Lokpal administered oath of office
All eight newly appointed members of anti-corruption ombudsman Lokpal took oath of office. They were administered the oath by Lokpal chairperson Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose, officials said. President Ram Nath Kovind had on March 23 administered the oath of office to Justice Ghose as the country’s first Lokpal. Former Chief Justices of different high courts — Justices Dilip B Bhosale, Pradip Kumar Mohanty, Abhilasha Kumari and Ajay Kumar Tripathi — took oath as judicial members of Lokpal.
