1. India-China Talks on Border Standoff

India and China recently engaged in their 29th round of diplomatic talks to address the ongoing border standoff. The focus was on achieving complete disengagement and resolving issues along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the Western Sector of India-China border areas. While both sides agreed to maintain regular contact, there were no specific breakthroughs regarding friction points at Demchok and Depsang. The situation remains closely monitored as troops from both nations continue to be deployed along the LAC in Ladakh sector.

2. Ashoka University Addresses Casteist Slogans

Amidst controversy, Ashoka University responded to videos showing students chanting casteist slogans like “Brahmin-Baniyawaad Murdabad.” The institution condemns expressions of hatred and pledges to maintain peace and harmony on campus. 

3. Savitri Jindal Joins BJP

Former Haryana minister Savitri Jindal, India’s richest woman, has resigned from the Congress and joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Her decision follows her son Naveen Jindal’s recent switch to the saffron party. Savitri Jindal cited family advice and her service record as reasons for the switch. Naveen Jindal, a former MP, aims to support PM Modi’s vision and has been named the BJP candidate for Kurukshetra.

4. Kejriwal’s Custody Extended

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has sought a seven-day extension of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s remand in the excise policy case. Kejriwal, arrested on March 21, remains in custody until April 1. The case involves suspected corruption and money laundering related to the formulation and execution of Delhi’s excise policy for 2021-22.

5. US Advocates Fair Legal Process for Kejriwal

The United States has reiterated its call for a transparent, timely legal process in the corruption case against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. This statement came after India summoned a US diplomat over similar comments. The case involves allegations of corruption, and Kejriwal, who denies any wrongdoing, remains in custody. India’s foreign ministry emphasized its commitment to an independent judiciary and objected to casting aspersions on it. Germany had also commented on Kejriwal’s arrest, prompting a strong Indian reaction.

6. Lawyers Raise Alarm on Threats to Judiciary

Over 600 lawyers, including senior advocate Harish Salve and Bar Council of India chairman Manan Kumar Mishra, have expressed concern. They perceive a threat to the judiciary’s integrity due to a vested interest group attempting to manipulate judicial processes, influence court decisions, and tarnish the judiciary’s reputation with baseless allegations and political agendas. The lawyers emphasize the need for a transparent, timely legal process and condemn actions that undermine the rule of law and public trust in the judiciary.

7. MP Ganeshamoorthy Passes Away

Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) Member of Parliament (MP) A. Ganeshamoorthy, who recently attempted suicide by consuming poison, died of cardiac arrest. Elected on a DMK ticket in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls from Erode, he was admitted to a private hospital after the suicide attempt. Despite efforts, he did not respond to treatment and passed away. His family attributed the suicide attempt to being denied a ticket to contest in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

8. SP’s Internal Tensions: Akhilesh-Azam Rift

The Samajwadi Party (SP) faces internal disputes in the Rampur and Moradabad Lok Sabha constituencies. Conflicting nominees have emerged, leading to speculation about a rift between senior SP leader Azam Khan and party chief Akhilesh Yadav. Nomination issues have escalated tensions, with both candidates claiming to be the official nominees. The situation remains closely monitored as the party grapples with ticket distribution challenges.

9. Gurdwara Chief Fatally Shot

Baba Tarsem Singh, the dera karseva chief of Nanakmatta Sahib Gurdwara in Uttarakhand, was gunned down within the shrine premises by two motorcycle-borne assailants. The incident occurred early Thursday, and Singh was rushed to a hospital in Khatima, where he succumbed to his injuries. CCTV footage captured the assailants entering the gurdwara at 6:15 am and firing at Singh. An SIT has been formed to investigate the attack.

10. NHAI Raises Toll Rates in Karnataka

Starting April 1, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has implemented higher toll rates on significant highways in Karnataka. These include the Bengaluru-Mysuru and Bengaluru-Hyderabad routes, as well as the Hoskote-Devanahalli section of the Bengaluru Satellite Town Ring Road. 

For the Bengaluru-Mysuru access-controlled highway, cars, vans, and jeeps traveling the 55.63-km Bengaluru-Nidaghatta section will be charged ₹170 for a one-way trip and ₹255 for a round trip within 24 hours. Light commercial vehicles, light goods vehicles, and minibuses will now pay ₹275 for a single journey and ₹415 for a return journey.

11. Palestinians Denied of Homeland: Jaishankar

During an interaction in Malaysia, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized that despite the intricate nature of the Israel-Palestine conflict, Palestinians have been denied their homeland. He urged Israel to adhere to international humanitarian law in its ongoing retaliation after the deadly October 7 attack by Hamas. While acknowledging the attack as “terrorism,” Jaishankar underscored the underlying issue of Palestinian rights. India continues to support the ‘two-state solution’ for the long-running conflict.

12. Satellite-Based Toll System Unveiled

Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari has declared the end of tolls, introducing a revolutionary satellite-based toll collection system. Under this system, money will be directly deducted from bank accounts based on road usage, significantly saving time and expenses for travelers. Gadkari also emphasized the significance of the Bharatmala Pariyojana in enhancing freight traffic management and aims to elevate India’s road network to US standards.

13. Seers Demand Joshi’s Replacement

Lingayat seers in Karnataka have called for replacing Union Minister Pralhad Joshi as the candidate from Dharwad constituency in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The seers cite concerns about Joshi’s personality and its impact on various communities. They have set a deadline of March 31 for the BJP leadership to make the change. Joshi, a Brahmin, has represented Dharwad since 2009. However, veteran BJP leader BS Yediyurappa has ruled out any replacement, expressing confidence in Joshi’s electoral prospects.

14. BJP Sweeps Uncontested in Arunachal

Six BJP candidates, including Chief Minister Pema Khandu, are poised to be elected unopposed to the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly. No opponents filed nominations against them in five constituencies. Notably, Khandu won unopposed in 2011 and 2014, later joining the BJP. The scrutiny of nominations is scheduled for March 28, with March 30 as the withdrawal deadline.

The post Mar 28, India Top News: Lawyers Raise Alarm, BJP Sweeps Arunachal Uncontested, Akhilesh-Azam Rift, And More first appeared on The New Voice of India - Worldwide | Short Online Top Trending & Breaking News.