Where will India be 5 to 10 years from now? EAM Jaishankar answers

During the Munich Leaders Meeting in New Delhi, S Jaishankar elaborated on India's potential to rise swiftly in the global power arena within the next decade. He pointed out the country's robust growth trajectory and advantageous demographic trends. Additionally, Jaishankar contrasted the significant influence held by the United States and China with that of current middle powers, recognizing the complexity of evolving global power dynamics.

Opposition members from the INDIA bloc attempted to stage a protest demanding the resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar. They were detained by Delhi Police less than a kilometer from their protest site at Jantar Mantar. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge organized the lunch gathering, where the protest plan was discussed. Difficulties in moving their buses led to further confrontations with police as they sought to demonstrate.

Opposition members from the INDIA bloc attempted to stage a protest demanding the resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar. They were detained by Delhi Police less than a kilometer from their protest site at Jantar Mantar. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge organized the lunch gathering, where the protest plan was discussed. Difficulties in moving their buses led to further confrontations with police as they sought to demonstrate.

Ladakh has commenced India's first high-altitude wildlife safari that highlights snow leopard trails and community involvement. Vinai Kumar Saxena, the lieutenant governor, emphasized the importance of coexisting wildlife and development. The Snow Leopard and High-Altitude Nature Conservation Society is coordinating this project with local forest departments. The mapped safari routes traverse significant wildlife areas, including Hemis National Park and Changthang.

A Jammu NIA court rejected the bail application of Shabir Ahmad Shah, linked to a 30-year-old mob violence case. This case relates to violence during a terrorist's funeral procession in Srinagar, which Shah allegedly incited. The court expressed concern about potential threats to national security and the safety of protected witnesses. Shah argued that the investigation was reopened without justification and emphasized delays in legal actions.

PM Narendra Modi emphasized the importance of maritime connectivity and proposed a ceasefire plan for the Black Sea. His vision promotes cooperation and mutual benefit among nations to ensure maritime security. Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Krishna Swaminathan highlighted the interconnectedness of national security and economic security. He urged for collective action among regions to tackle maritime threats effectively.

Biju Janata Dal leaders engaged in a protest against the Chief Election Commissioner in New Delhi, asserting that this action doesn't represent an alliance with the opposition’s INDIA bloc. The party is committed to staying neutral, strategically positioning itself amid the ruling BJP and its rivals. Political analysts note that BJD's efforts reflect their attempt to navigate complex dynamics while confronting challenges to preserve their sway in Odisha.

Meta also said it had introduced additional measures to strengthen efforts to combat child sexual exploitation on its platforms. The latest disclosure comes after the government had told Meta that it could not continue to invoke its intermediary status and needed to take greater responsibility for child sexual abuse material on its platforms. Meta had admitted to lapses in dealing with child sexual abuse material.

Rahul Gandhi had stepped up his attack on Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, who has been in the Opposition's crosshairs over his functioning and reported dissent among his subordinates. Rahul Gandhi, declaring that he would launch a fresh protest from Jantar Mantar, said, “Gyanesh Kumar will have to resign,” and called him an “illegitimate” poll body chief.

Rahul Gandhi had stepped up his attack on Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, who has been in the Opposition's crosshairs over his functioning and reported dissent among his subordinates. Rahul Gandhi, declaring that he would launch a fresh protest from Jantar Mantar, said, “Gyanesh Kumar will have to resign,” and called him an “illegitimate” poll body chief.

Bypolls across Nandigram and Rejinagar saw an 80% turnout despite allegations of rigging and voter intimidation. In Tamil Nadu, turnout dipped compared to previous elections, with results showing 86% and 80% participation. Assam's Nagaon Lok Sabha constituency recorded 76% turnout during the bypolls, while Puducherry's Thattanchavady seat had a turnout of 78% by 5pm. Various candidates and parties reported incidents of interference and blocked agents during the polling process.

BJP has dismissed the march demanding the removal of CEC Gyanesh Kumar as a sign of opposition frustration. During the protests, BJP representatives criticized Rahul Gandhi and questioned the credibility of his claims about member attendance. Union ministers expressed that the Election Commission is not responsible for Congress's electoral failures. BJP spokespersons emphasized the party's continued success and the opposition’s inability to connect with voters.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's government has approached the Supreme Court for an urgent hearing. They aim to challenge a High Court order that mandated a CBI investigation into corruption allegations. The High Court's concerns include alleged coercive actions by the Central Bureau of Investigation in the state. The Punjab government argues that the orders violate governance principles outlined in the Constitution.

Enforcement Directorate has uncovered a bribery racket involving executives from at least 40 public sector undertakings and banks. This scheme involved laundering corporate social responsibility funds through multiple trusts operated by a fake doctor. The fake doctor has been impersonating a medical professional for nearly three decades while receiving substantial donations. Investigations revealed kickbacks were paid, with funds returned to donors after deducting commissions.