ED Issues ₹612 Crore Notice to Paytm for FEMA Violations
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has issued a ₹612 crore notice to Paytm’s parent company, One97 Communications, for violations of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) regulations. The violations relate to two acquired subsidiaries, Little Internet Pvt Ltd and Nearbuy India Pvt Ltd, during the period of 2015-2019. Paytm clarified that these violations occurred before the companies became subsidiaries in 2017. The company is seeking legal advice to resolve the matter.
Election Commission Addresses EPIC Number Confusion
The Election Commission (EC) has responded to reports of similar EPIC (Electors Photo Identity Card) numbers for voters from different states. The EC stated that although some EPIC numbers may appear the same, the demographic details such as constituency, voting center, and other personal information will be distinct. The Commission reassured voters that they can vote only at their designated polling stations as per their registration.
Odisha 10th Board Exam Question Paper Mistake
In Odisha, a mistake in the 10th-grade science exam was found when the question paper was handed out, showing 96 marks instead of 100. The Board clarified that a question worth 4 marks was missing from the set, but assured that it would not impact the exam’s evaluation process.
Four Killed by Electric Shock in Kanyakumari
In Kanyakumari, four people were killed due to an electric shock on Saturday. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin expressed condolences and announced financial compensation of ₹5 lakh for each deceased person’s family.
Three Transgender Clinics Shut Due to US Aid Fund Cut
Three clinics serving the transgender community in India were shut down after the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) withdrew its funding. The clinics, located in Hyderabad, Kalyan (Maharashtra), and Pune, provided essential services like HIV testing, mental health support, and medical assistance. The closure affects 5,000 individuals in need of these services.
10 Sentenced to Life for NRI Murder
In Gujarat, a court sentenced 10 individuals to life imprisonment for the murder of an NRI, Pankaj Trivedi, who was killed over his inquiry into foreign funds collected for earthquake victims. The murder occurred in 2006, and the accused were associated with a spiritual organization, Swadhay Family.
Tamil Nadu DM Removed After Controversial Remarks on Child Sexual Abuse
A Tamil Nadu District Magistrate, AP Mahabharati, was removed from his post after making controversial remarks blaming a three-year-old girl for her own sexual abuse. His comments sparked outrage, and the state government acted swiftly to transfer him.
Government Approves ₹2,927 Crore for Asiatic Lion Conservation
The Indian government approved a budget of ₹2,927 crore for the “Project Lion” aimed at the conservation of Asiatic lions in Gujarat. The project aims to increase the population and safeguard the species, which currently numbers 674 lions in nine districts of Gujarat.
Ajay Seth Given Additional Charge of Revenue Secretary
Ajay Seth, the Secretary of Economic Affairs, has been given the additional charge of the Revenue Secretary following the appointment of Tuhin Kanta Pandey as SEBI Chairman.
Manan Kumar Mishra Re-Elected as BCI President for Seventh Time
Senior advocate and Rajya Sabha MP, Manan Kumar Mishra, was re-elected as the President of the Bar Council of India (BCI) for the seventh consecutive term. He will continue leading India’s nearly 27 lakh lawyers.
Karnataka Orders Investigation Into Plastic Sheet Use in Idli Preparation
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has instructed Karnataka’s food safety department to investigate the use of plastic sheets in the preparation of idlis at local hotels. Violators will face strict actions.
Kerala Blogger Arrested for Sexual Assault Under False Pretense of Marriage
A blogger in Kerala was arrested for sexually assaulting a woman under the pretense of marriage. The accused, identified as Juned, had been exploiting the victim for two years and even blackmailing her with inappropriate pictures.
JP Nadda Announces Expansion of Jan Aushadhi Centres
Health Minister JP Nadda announced that the government aims to open 20,000 more Jan Aushadhi centers by the end of 2023, with a total of 27,000 centers planned by 2027. These centers provide affordable medicines to the public.
Manipur Recovers Over 4,100 Looted Weapons
In Manipur, over 4,100 weapons looted from police stations and security forces during ethnic violence have been returned. The initiative aims to restore peace and security in the state, and the returned weapons include those taken from government arsenals.
India and EU Fast-Track Free Trade Agreement Negotiations
India and the European Union are intensifying efforts to finalize a free trade agreement (FTA) by the end of the year. Delegates from both sides held talks in Mumbai, with further discussions scheduled for March in Brussels.
