1. Government Rejects Demands from MPs to Dilute Black Money Bill
The NDA government has sent out a strong message to industry lobby groups as well as some lawmakers by rejecting their demands of diluting two key moves - mandatory use of PAN for transaction above Rs 1 lakh and the Black Money Bill - announced in the Union Budget to crack down on flow of illicit funds in the economy. The Times of India reports.
2. Railway Freight Scam: 2 Cement Makers Under CBI Scanner
The Hindustan Times reports that two private cement makers are under the CBI scanner, in its probe into the high-tech manipulations of Indian railways’ static and Electronic In-Motion Weigh Bridges (EIMWB) at 65 nation-wide locations, for being alleged beneficiaries of the resultant under-weighment and under-invoicing.
3. Rajnath Decries Anti-Minority Views
The Hindu reports that even as the Opposition attacked the Modi Government for being a mute spectator to the intimidation of minorities by members of the ruling party and its affiliates, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh sought to assure the Lok Sabha that the government did not endorse the anti-minority views expressed in recent weeks.
4. After CEO, 30 GoAir Pilots Quit
Within weeks of GoAir CEO Giorgio De Roni quitting, 30 pilots of the low cost carrier have now put in their papers. With a total strength of 200 pilots in the 19-aircraft- airline, this exodus means a 15 percent reduction in GoAir’s pilot strength. The Times of India reports.
5. Indira Loyalist JB Patnaik, Known for Both Achievements, Controversies
Three-time Chief Minister of Orissa and senior Congress leader Janaki Ballabh Patnaik, who passed away at the age of 88 in Tirupati, was witness to the spectacular rise and fall of his party in his state. The Indian Express reports.
6. SC Bench to Determine Judges’ Conflict of Interest in NJAC Case
The Hindu reports that the Constitution Bench hearing on the controversial National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) got entangled in a “conflict of interest” debate, with presiding judge JS Khehar being asked to recuse.
7. The Idea of AAP Now Lies in a Delhi Model of Governance
The Times of India discusses that the ‘supremo’ cult which has been created around Kejriwal is both a boon and bane for the party. While it gave AAP the winning edge in a presidential style contest in Delhi, it also could retard its growth beyond Delhi. While the infighting and public name-calling has damaged AAP’s reputation, Kejriwal now needs to focus on fulfilling his election promises and offer solid, visible governance.
8. J-K: The Answer to Stones Can Never be Bullets
With PM Narendra Modi back from his European tour, he will need to consider whether he can afford to continue governing India with a Home Minister who is capable of derailing his policies while he is, figuratively, looking the other way. The Hindustan Times discusses.
9. An Elevation to Lift the Left?
The Hindu states that the new CPI(M) General Secretary, Sitaram Yechury, must realise that mere electoral alliances with regional parties will prove to be a fruitless exercise without a stronger emphasis on Left unity and engagement with social movements.
From The Quint
1. EXCLUSIVE: Expelled AAP Leaders’ Silent Warning to Kejriwal
In an exclusive interview to The Quint, expelled Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Ajit Jha has sounded a warning to Kejriwal and his coterie of men on behalf of the rebel leaders that the political battle has not ended - it has just begun. And it is a warning that Kejriwal needs to take seriously.
2. Modi Should Beware of Netaji’s Contentious Legacy
The BJP’s search for new national icons has gone into overdrive since Narendra Modi took over. It began with Sardar Patel. Now, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose has joined the league of coveted icons. But his legacy being far more dubious than the others, could backfire for the BJP.
3. MS Dhoni Opens Up Finally On Fatherhood and Daughter Ziva
While he may be only too keen to be photographed with the toddler, Indian skipper MS Dhoni has consistently refused to answer any questions about his daughter, Ziva. Till now.
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