1. Modi's Vision 2022: A 'New, Inclusive India' for Poor, Middle Class, and Women
Prime Minister Narendra Modi sought in his moment of triumph on Sunday to redefine India and Indians, and assured that his government will work for everyone regardless of who they voted for in the five-state assembly polls.
The election results are a foundation for a “New India”, he said and exhorted people to take a pledge to build it by 2022 — three years beyond the NDA government’s current tenure.
“If we are successful, no one can stop India from becoming a world power,” he said. He explained his idea of a New India and Indians, saying it should be a country that offers opportunities to the poor.
(Source: Hindustan Times)
2. BJP Chief Amit Shah to Pick UP, Uttarakahand Chief Ministers
The BJP parliamentary board on Sunday authorised party chief Amit Shah to select the chief ministers of UP and Uttarakahand.
Shah is likely to announce his choices based on the findings of observers being sent to the two states to sound out party MLAs. For all practical purposes, Shah along with PM Modi, will decide who will be the CMs of politically pivotal Uttar Pradesh and neighbouring Uttarakahand.
The authorisation mirrors Shah's heft as the powerful chief of the ruling party and confirms his newly-acquired stature as de facto No 2 in the saffron power structure.
(Source: The Times of India)
3. Manohar Parrikar Appointed Goa Chief Minister as BJP Sews up Numbers
Defence minister Manohar Parrikar was appointed Goa chief minister on Sunday after BJP concluded hectic negotiations with regional parties and independents to stitch up the numbers to form a government.
Governor Mridula Sinha invited Parrikar to form the government after he staked claim and showed the support of 21 MLAs.
The governor has asked Parrikar to prove majority in the assembly within 15 days of assuming charge. Parrikar's candidature was cleared by the BJP parliamentary board on Sunday evening.
(Source: The Times of India)
4. BJP Crosses Magic Mark in Manipur
BJP submitted a list of 32 MLAs — claiming a majority in Manipur's 60-member assembly — to Governor Najma Heptullah on Sunday and furnished letters of support from regional parties.
BJP, which won 21 seats, claimed the support of National People's Party (4 MLAs), Naga People's Front (4), LJP (1) and two others. CM Ibobi Singh too met the governor and staked his claim.
He said that as the single largest party, Congress should be invited to prove its majority in the House.
(Source: The Times of India)
5. Captain Amarinder Singh to Take Oath as Punjab CM on 16 March
The grand celebrations at the New Moti Bagh Palace on Saturday after Punjab Congress chief Captain Amarinder Singh won the seat and the state on his 75th birthday were for the people of Patiala. The Congress is preparing for a grand Holi at Chandigarh on Monday before Amarinder is formally sworn in as chief minister for the second time on 16 March.
The party is hosted every year by Amarinder’s confidant and Punjab’s richest MLA, sugar baron Rana Gurjit Singh, at Chandigarh. Though Rana had drawn flak for holding grand celebrations even when the Congress had lost in the 2012 polls, this time there is every reason for the party to celebrate. Its dry run in Punjab polls has finally ended and that too with a thumping victory.
(Source: Hindustan Times)
6. 'In Best Interest of Residents': DU Hostels Bar Girls from Stepping out on Holi
Delhi University’s two hostels for girls have barred boarders from stepping out on Holi, drawing sharp reactions from students who termed the move as “arbitrary”.
DU’s International Student House for Women (ISHW) has said the decision was taken “in the best interest of residents”.
“Residents and female guests will not be allowed to leave or enter the premises from 9 pm on March 12 till 6 pm on 13 March. No late night permission will be granted on 12 March and those desirous of playing Holi should go outside the residential block within the hostel premises,” the ISHW notice read.
(Source: Hindustan Times)
7. No Cosying up With Co-Rider, Drunken Puking in Cab: Uber
Cosying up to your partner on an Uber ride may lead to your separation — from the Uber platform. As Indians get app-happy and use more cabs, Uber has come out with a set of guidelines for riders and drivers. High on the list is the taxi aggregator's "no sex" rule.
"That's no sexual conduct with drivers or fellow riders, no matter what," says the stern warning from Uber. Another act that can get you kicked off the Uber platform is "vomiting (in the cab) due to alcohol consumption".
The list of forbidden actions include "unwanted contact with the driver or fellow passenger after the trip is over", "touching or flirting with other people in the car" and the favourite Indian habit of asking "overly" personal questions.
(Source: The Times of India)
8. 6 Girls of Same MP School Kill Themselves in 3 Weeks
Six girls from the same government-run school in Sidhi district of Madhya Pradesh have committed suicide in a bizarrely identical fashion in less than three weeks, triggering alarm bells among parents and teachers and leaving police with a nightmarish puzzle to solve.
They all studied in Saphi Higher Secondary School and hanged themselves in their respective homes without leaving suicide notes.
The girls were of varying ages, studied in different classes and lived in different villages. There was nothing in their behaviour to indicate they were depressed, say police officers who have spoken to the families.
(Source: The Times of India)
9. Holi 2017: United Colours of Spring, and Let's Not Forget the Bhaang and Gujiyas
India’s most colourful festival made an appearance in the recent Uttar Pradesh electoral campaign. Addressing a rally in Fatehpur, Prime Minister Narendra Modi thundered, “If there is electricity during Eid, there should be electricity on Holi too.”
The choice of Holi as representing one creed was remarkable, given that this festival once stood for the opposite; the blurring of identity and the melting away of community norms, resulting in vibrant foods, exhilarating drinks and empowering ideas.
Once upon a time in India, Holi didn’t evoke one community’s rejoicing; it stood for the celebration of spring and harvest by all communities.
(Source: The Indian Express)
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