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EC shuffles senior Bengal officials, including Chief Secretary, hours after announcing poll schedule

 The Election Commission on Sunday ordered immediate transfer of top Bengal officials, including the Chief Secretary and Principal Secretary, hours after it announced the schedule for state elections.. The Election Commission of India (ECI) on March 15 announced the schedule for assembly polls in four states. (File Photo). The sweeping actions comes after the Election Commission announced the schedule of assembly elections for four states, including West Bengal, and one UT. Bengal goes to polling in two-phases on April 23 and 29, while the counting of votes will be done on May 4.. In the order released late on Sunday, the poll body said Dushyant Nariala, an IAS of 1993 batch, will be posted as Chief Secretary in the poll-bound Bengal. Nariala replaces Nandini Chakravorty who was appointed to the post on December 31, 2025.. Also Read: Election dates for Kerala, West Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry out | Check full schedule. The EC also announced the removal of Jagdish Prasad Meena, a 2004-batch IAS officer, as the Principal Secretary, Home and Hill Affairs in the state government. He will be replaced with Sanghamitra Ghosh, a 1997-batch officer.. The poll body said that the directions will be implemented with immediate effect and a compliance report regarding the joining of the above officers should be sent by 3pm on Monday, March 16.. The Trinamool Congress and the opposition BJP in Bengal were quick to react to the poll body’s move. While the TMC took a swipe at EC, saying that it can trasfter officers to satisfy its boss, it cannot transfer Mamata from hearts of the people.. Also Read: Why West Bengal voting phases have been reduced to 2 from 8. “EC is only following orders to satisfy its boss. You can transfer officers but cannot transfer Mamata Banerjee from the hearts of the people,” TMC spokesperson Arup Chakraborty told Hindustan Times.. BJP, on the other hand, said that the Election Commission should ensure that no officials with links to the party should be part of the election machinery in the state.. “Around 250 of our workers and members were killed before, during and after the 2021 assembly polls. We urged ECI to ensure that no officer having links with the ruling party should be part of the election machinery,” Bengal BJP’s chief spokesperson Debjit Sarkar said. 

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Politics

PM Narendra Modi slams Opposition’s ‘disrespect’ to Om Birla

 Individuals with dynastic and feudal mindset seek to confine even democratic institutions within their own limited spheres, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in his letter to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and also emphasised that “there exists a clear distinction between disagreement and disrespect.”. Days after the Opposition-sponsored no-confidence motion against Birla got defeated in the Lower House, Modi’s letter on Sunday underlined India’s abiding democratic values, the spirit of Parliament and the role of the Speaker and India’s strength in democratic institutions. (PTI). Days after the Opposition-sponsored no-confidence motion against Birla got defeated in the Lower House, Modi’s letter on Sunday underlined India’s abiding democratic values, the spirit of Parliament and the role of the Speaker and India’s strength in democratic institutions.. But the PM also hit back at the Opposition, which had moved five no-confidence motion against constitutional functionaries in last two years. “The nation is saddened to observe that certain individuals, harboring a dynastic and feudal mindset, seek to confine even democratic institutions within their own limited spheres. They find it difficult to readily accept the rise of any newcomer. Furthermore, they find it unacceptable that other public representatives in the House—particularly new and young Members of Parliament—should be accorded an equal opportunity to speak and advance. Such a mindset runs counter to the very spirit of democracy,” he added.. “Every citizen of the country who believes in democratic ideals felt that personal self-interest and a sense of arrogance were the driving forces behind the No-Confidence Motion brought against you. This situation saddened everyone who places their faith in democracy. This is not the first time that this Chair has had to face such circumstances,” Modi said, referring to incidents during the previous Lok Sabhas.. “Differences of opinion are inherent in a democracy. It is the diversity of ideas that infuses democracy with vitality. However, it is equally true that there exists a clear distinction between disagreement and disrespect. For all those who place their faith in democracy and its institutions, it is a matter of concern that political disagreement sometimes appears to morph into a disregard for parliamentary decorum. In such moments, the person presiding over the House faces a true test. The restraint, composure, and impartiality with which you have navigated these situations are truly commendable,” the PM said.. The PM praised Birla’s statement that no one in above the rules in the House and said the greatest strength of Indian democracy lies in its constitutional institutions. “Parliament serves as the supreme forum for these institutions. In this context, the responsibility of the Lok Sabha Speaker extends beyond merely conducting the proceedings; the Speaker also acts as the guardian of democratic traditions, p 

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Indian Embassy in Saudi issues advisory for nationals, shares update on flight resumption amid US-Iran war

 The Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia has issued an advisory for nationals in the Gulf country, advising the people to remain vigilant and adhere to safety guidelines of the Saudi government.. The Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia issued an advisory for Indian nationals on Sunday. (AP). The advisory comes even as Saudi Arabia said its air defences have intercepted and destroyed a drone over the Eastern Province.. “In view of the prevailing situation in the region and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, all Indian Nationals currently in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are advised to continue to remain vigilant, strictly adhere to the safety guidelines prevalent in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and follow advisories issued by the local authorities and the Embassy,” the embassy posted on X.. The advisory said the Indian Embassy in Saudi, consulates and visa services through VFS continue to function normally.. “The Embassy of India, Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah and its outsourced services through VFS, are continuing to function normally and will issue updates and advisories as and when necessary. Consular Camps are being undertaken on a regular basis,” the post added.. Indian and Saudi airlines continue operating as per regular schedules to Indian cities from Jeddah and Madinah, the advisory said.. “While Saudi carriers also continue to operate from Riyadh and Dammam to Indian destinations, Indian carriers have also resumed operations from Riyadh,” it added.. The latest advisory comes a week after the embassy issued an advisory for Indian nationals on similar lines on March 8.. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said he held a telephonic conversation with Saudi counterpart Faisal bin Farhan.. “Had a telecon last night with FM Faisal bin Farhan of Saudi Arabia. Discussed ongoing developments related to the conflict in West Asia,” Jaishankar said in a post on X.. The Indian External Affairs Minister also spoke with the Foreign Minister of the United Arab Emirates, Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and discussed the situation in West Asia. 

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Politics

Indian Embassy in Saudi issues advisory for nationals, shares update on flight resumption amid US-Iran war

 The Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia has issued an advisory for nationals in the Gulf country, advising the people to remain vigilant and adhere to safety guidelines of the Saudi government.. The Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia issued an advisory for Indian nationals on Sunday. (AP). The advisory comes even as Saudi Arabia said its air defences have intercepted and destroyed a drone over the Eastern Province.. “In view of the prevailing situation in the region and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, all Indian Nationals currently in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are advised to continue to remain vigilant, strictly adhere to the safety guidelines prevalent in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and follow advisories issued by the local authorities and the Embassy,” the embassy posted on X.. The advisory said the Indian Embassy in Saudi, consulates and visa services through VFS continue to function normally.. “The Embassy of India, Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah and its outsourced services through VFS, are continuing to function normally and will issue updates and advisories as and when necessary. Consular Camps are being undertaken on a regular basis,” the post added.. Indian and Saudi airlines continue operating as per regular schedules to Indian cities from Jeddah and Madinah, the advisory said.. “While Saudi carriers also continue to operate from Riyadh and Dammam to Indian destinations, Indian carriers have also resumed operations from Riyadh,” it added.. The latest advisory comes a week after the embassy issued an advisory for Indian nationals on similar lines on March 8.. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said he held a telephonic conversation with Saudi counterpart Faisal bin Farhan.. “Had a telecon last night with FM Faisal bin Farhan of Saudi Arabia. Discussed ongoing developments related to the conflict in West Asia,” Jaishankar said in a post on X.. The Indian External Affairs Minister also spoke with the Foreign Minister of the United Arab Emirates, Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and discussed the situation in West Asia. 

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Rajnath calls for enhanced public-private partnership to boost sports economy

 New Delhi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday called for enhanced public-private partnership to provide a new direction to the nation’s sports economy.. Rajnath calls for enhanced public-private partnership to boost sports economy. Addressing a gathering at the final match of the Aditya Birla Memorial Polo Cup here, he said, “The government, through a series of initiatives, is fostering a sports culture within the country where athletes and youth have access to opportunities, resources, and get respect.”. Singh called for enhanced public-private partnership in the sector to further elevate India’s prestige on the international stage, and to provide a new direction to the nation’s sports economy.. In the near future, India will “carve out a strong global identity for itself in sports, especially polo”, if the government, the private sector, and various social groups work together, the defence minister asserted.. He said polo is deeply rooted in the nation’s sporting traditions, spanning thousands of years, and can rightfully be designated as a “heritage sport” of India.. Singh noted that the Indian Army has made a significant contribution towards bringing talented players into the sport of polo and in preserving its rich heritage.. “Working in collaboration with the Indian Polo Association, the Indian Army has played a pivotal role in keeping this legacy vibrant and relevant.. “I am confident that, working together, we will foster a positive culture for Polo as well as other sports in India. This will enable our young talent to come to the fore and bring glory to the nation,” he was quoted as saying in a statement issued by the ministry.. Singh said initiatives such as ‘Khelo India’ and the ‘Target Olympic Podium Scheme’, coupled with the unprecedented development of sports infrastructure, have provided the youth with a new platform to excel and move forward.. He added that the ‘National Sports Governance Act’ and the ‘Khelo Bharat Policy’ are set to yield immense benefits for talented athletes, and these measures will foster greater transparency and accountability within sports organisations.. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. 

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Politics

Rajnath calls for enhanced public-private partnership to boost sports economy

 New Delhi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday called for enhanced public-private partnership to provide a new direction to the nation’s sports economy.. Rajnath calls for enhanced public-private partnership to boost sports economy. Addressing a gathering at the final match of the Aditya Birla Memorial Polo Cup here, he said, “The government, through a series of initiatives, is fostering a sports culture within the country where athletes and youth have access to opportunities, resources, and get respect.”. Singh called for enhanced public-private partnership in the sector to further elevate India’s prestige on the international stage, and to provide a new direction to the nation’s sports economy.. In the near future, India will “carve out a strong global identity for itself in sports, especially polo”, if the government, the private sector, and various social groups work together, the defence minister asserted.. He said polo is deeply rooted in the nation’s sporting traditions, spanning thousands of years, and can rightfully be designated as a “heritage sport” of India.. Singh noted that the Indian Army has made a significant contribution towards bringing talented players into the sport of polo and in preserving its rich heritage.. “Working in collaboration with the Indian Polo Association, the Indian Army has played a pivotal role in keeping this legacy vibrant and relevant.. “I am confident that, working together, we will foster a positive culture for Polo as well as other sports in India. This will enable our young talent to come to the fore and bring glory to the nation,” he was quoted as saying in a statement issued by the ministry.. Singh said initiatives such as ‘Khelo India’ and the ‘Target Olympic Podium Scheme’, coupled with the unprecedented development of sports infrastructure, have provided the youth with a new platform to excel and move forward.. He added that the ‘National Sports Governance Act’ and the ‘Khelo Bharat Policy’ are set to yield immense benefits for talented athletes, and these measures will foster greater transparency and accountability within sports organisations.. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. 

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