1. Arvind Kejriwal Arrested in Delhi Liquor Scam

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a money laundering case related to the now-scrapped Delhi Liquor Policy. The ED alleges that AAP leaders received kickbacks worth Rs. 100 Crore in the excise policy. Kejriwal’s name has been mentioned multiple times in the charge sheets filed by the ED. The case pertains to alleged corruption and money laundering in formulating and executing the Delhi government’s excise policy for 2021-22. 

2. PM Modi Receives Bhutan’s Top Honor

On the occasion of Bhutan’s National Day, His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the King of Bhutan, conferred the Order of the Druk Gyalpo, the nation’s highest civilian award, upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The prestigious recognition underscores the enduring friendship between India and Bhutan, as well as Bhutan’s unique model of sustainable development.

3. BJP’s Major Donors via Electoral Bonds

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the primary beneficiary of electoral bonds, secured donations exceeding Rs. 6,000 crore over the past four years. Key contributors include:

Megha Engineering: Donated Rs. 584 crore.

Qwik Supply: Contributed Rs. 395 crore.

Future Gaming: Provided Rs. 100 crore. Other notable donors include Vedanta (Rs. 226 crore), Haldia Energy (Rs. 81 crore), and Lakshmi Mittal (Rs. 35 crore).

4. Congress Spokesperson Rohan Gupta Resigns

Rohan Gupta, the Congress national spokesperson, has stepped down from all party posts. Citing constant humiliation and character assassination by a senior leader in the Communication Department, Gupta tendered his resignation. His decision follows his withdrawal from the Ahmedabad East Lok Sabha seat race due to his father’s serious medical condition.

5. BRS Leader K. Kavitha Denied Bail in Delhi Excise Scam

The Supreme Court declined bail for BRS leader K. Kavitha, arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the Delhi excise policy scam. Justices directed her to approach the trial court, emphasizing a uniform policy for all. Kavitha’s challenge to PMLA provisions will be addressed within six weeks. 

6. Governor Administers Oath to K. Ponmudi

Following a stern rebuke from the Supreme Court, Tamil Nadu Governor R. N. Ravi has decided to re-induct DMK MLA K. Ponmudi into the state Cabinet. Ponmudi’s conviction had been stayed by the apex court. The oath ceremony is scheduled for 3:30 pm today. The court emphasized that the Governor must adhere to legal norms when the Supreme Court holds a conviction.

7. BJP Unveils 4th List for Lok Sabha Polls

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced its fourth list of candidates for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The list includes contenders for 14 parliamentary constituencies in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Notable names include K. Vasantharajan, Raadhika Sarathkumar, and B. John Pandian.

8. Tragedy Strikes: Under-Construction Bridge Collapses in Bihar’s Supaul

An under-construction bridge spanning the Kosi river in Bihar’s Supaul district suffered a catastrophic collapse. Regrettably, one person lost their life, and several workers remain trapped beneath the debris. The incident occurred when a slab of the bridge gave way. Authorities are on-site, coordinating rescue efforts with local volunteers.

9. Madarsa Education Act Ruled Unconstitutional

The Allahabad High Court has declared the Uttar Pradesh Board of Madarsa Education Act, 2004, as unconstitutional. The court’s decision stems from a petition challenging the Act’s constitutional validity. It also questioned provisions of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (Amendment) Act, 2012. The ruling directs the state government to integrate Madarsa students into the regular education system. This verdict follows an investigation into foreign funding of Madarsas, with around 80 institutions receiving foreign funds totaling approximately Rs. 100 crores.

10. Rainfall Forecast for Karnataka and Tamil Nadu

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts isolated to scattered light to moderate rainfall with isolated thunderstorms and lightning over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal on March 21st and 22nd. In Karnataka, light rain is expected at isolated places over Coastal Karnataka and South Interior Karnataka.

11. CBI Granted Appeal in A. Raja’s 2G Spectrum Case

The Delhi High Court has admitted the Central Bureau of Investigation’s (CBI) appeal challenging the acquittal of former telecom minister A. Raja and others in the 2G spectrum allocation scam. Justice Dinesh Kumar Sharma found prima facie evidence warranting further examination. The CBI alleges a loss of Rs. 30,984 crore to the exchequer due to the allocation of licenses for the 2G spectrum, which were subsequently scrapped by the Supreme Court. Raja and DMK MP Kanimozhi were acquitted in 2017, but the ED also challenged the verdict.

12. Santiago Martin’s Electoral Bond Donations

Santiago Martin, known as the “Lottery King,” has made substantial contributions through electoral bonds. His company, Future Gaming, donated a staggering Rs. 540 crore to the Trinamool Congress (TMC), making it the largest beneficiary. Additionally, Future Gaming extended support to other political parties:

DMK in Tamil Nadu received Rs. 509 crore.

YSR Congress Party in Andhra Pradesh obtained nearly Rs. 160 crore.

BJP received Rs. 100 crore.

Congress secured Rs. 50 crore. However, the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha and the Sikkim Democratic Front received less than Rs. 10 crore combined. These donations occurred under the electoral bond scheme, which was initiated by the Centre in 2018 and subsequently scrapped last month. Notably, Future Gaming emerged as the most significant donor, purchasing bonds worth Rs. 1,368 crore for various political parties.

13. Google AI Enhances Global Flood Forecasting

In a groundbreaking development, Google Research employs AI to predict riverine flooding up to 7 days in advance across 80 countries, even in data-scarce and vulnerable regions. This advancement significantly aids disaster preparedness, potentially saving lives and mitigating the annual $50 billion global economic damages caused by floods. The technology extends reliable flood forecasts to 460 million people worldwide, empowering communities, governments, and aid organizations.

14. ISRO’s Reusable Spaceplane ‘Pushpak’ Achieves Successful Landing

India Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved a significant milestone with the successful test landing of the Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) LEX-02, codenamed Pushpak. The experiment simulated high-speed landing conditions for an RLV returning from space, demonstrating autonomous landing capability. ISRO’s cutting-edge technologies in navigation, control systems, and landing gear were re-validated. Pushpak, a winged vehicle, autonomously approached the runway after being released from an Indian Air Force Chinook helicopter at an altitude of 4.5 km. It executed precise cross-range corrections and landed using its brake parachute, landing gear brakes, and nose wheel steering system. This achievement propels India toward more affordable space exploration.