Highlights: Sri Lanka's Finance Minister meets PM Modi, conveys thanks for India's support for Sri Lankan economy

We demand Cong to initiate dialogue with like-minded forces to create way for credible alternative for 2024 LS polls: G-23 leaders after meet (PTI)

Heat wave warning has been issued in west Madhya Pradesh till March 17. After that, there will be some relief. Maximum temperature can go up to 38°C. People are advised to step out only if necessary: Jai Deep Sharma, scientist, Indian Meteorological Department, Gwalior (ANI)

PM Narendra Modi will address the Valedictory Function of the 96th Common Foundation Course at LBSNAA on March 17, via video conferencing. Prime Minister will also inaugurate the new sports complex and dedicate revamped Happy Valley complex to the nation: PMO (ANI)

We've got a majority in Goa. BJP government will be formed soon. I came to meet and seek the blessings of PM Modi and others: Goa's acting CM Pramod Sawant in Delhi (ANI)

We've got a majority in Goa. BJP government will be formed soon. I came to meet and seek the blessings of PM Modi and others: Goa's acting CM Pramod Sawant in Delhi pic.twitter.com/fm9VllgTp7

— ANI (@ANI) March 16, 2022

West Bengal Government has ordered to provide relaxation in night curfew on March 17 and 18, in view of Holi festival. (ANI)

West Bengal Government has ordered to provide relaxation in night curfew on March 17 and 18, in view of Holi festival pic.twitter.com/KLEeeokKHH

— ANI (@ANI) March 16, 2022

Retired Jharkhand High Court judge Harish Chandra Mishra appointed as the new Lokayukta of Delhi. The post of Lokayukta in Delhi was vacant since December 2020. (ANI)

Finance Minister of Sri Lanka, Basil Rajapaksa called on PM Modi, earlier today. (ANI)

Prime Minister Modi spoke about the central role that Sri Lanka occupies in India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and its S.A.G.A.R (Security and Growth for all in the Region) doctrine. He reiterated that India would continue to stand with the friendly people of Sri Lanka: PMO

— ANI (@ANI) March 16, 2022

FS, HV Singla called on the visiting Sri Lanka Finance Min Basil Rajapaksa. Discussed bilateral economic & commercial cooperation & opportunities post-pandemic. Sri Lanka is integral to our Neighbourhood First policy. India will always be a reliable partner for Sri Lanka: MEA

FS, HV Singla called on the visiting Sri Lanka Finance Min Basil Rajapaksa.

Discussed bilateral economic & commercial cooperation & opportunities post-pandemic. Sri Lanka is integral to our Neighbourhood First policy. India will always be a reliable partner for Sri Lanka: MEA pic.twitter.com/9QqwA8Gm68

— ANI (@ANI) March 16, 2022

Congress leaders Kapil Sibal, Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Anand Sharma, Manish Tewari and other leaders arrive at the residence of Ghulam Nabi Azad in Delhi. (ANI)

Congress leaders Kapil Sibal, Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Anand Sharma, Manish Tewari and other leaders arrive at the residence of Ghulam Nabi Azad in Delhi pic.twitter.com/ASTY2JfzS9

— ANI (@ANI) March 16, 2022

Ajanta Neog, Finance Minister of Assam, presented the state Budget in the Legislative Assembly today.

Ajanta Neog, Finance Minister of Assam, presented the state Budget in the Legislative Assembly today.

With this Budget, I have tried to lay down a roadmap for the next 4 years. We have proposed several welfare projects in this Budget, she said. pic.twitter.com/OqJYBQZo7z

— ANI (@ANI) March 16, 2022

Army Chief General Manoj M Naravane visited Eastern Command to review operational preparedness of both Indian Army and Air Force in the region. He was briefed on the operational preparedness by both the Air Force and Army commanders including Air Marshal DK Patnaik & Lt Gen RP Kalita. (ANI)

Army Chief General Manoj M Naravane visited Eastern Command to review operational preparedness of both Indian Army and Air Force in the region. He was briefed on the operational preparedness by both the Air Force and Army commanders incl Air Marshal DK Patnaik & Lt Gen RP Kalita. pic.twitter.com/7a3dqjqFaP

— ANI (@ANI) March 16, 2022

Shiromani Akali Dal expels Harmeet Singh Kalka from the party for anti-party activities. He is currently president of the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC). (ANI)

Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit today administered oath to Dr. Inderbir Singh Nijjar as protem Speaker of Punjab Legislative Assembly, at Raj Bhawan

Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit today administered oath to Dr. Inderbir Singh Nijjar as protem Speaker of Punjab Legislative Assembly, at Raj Bhawan pic.twitter.com/cu2XkXHDhA

— ANI (@ANI) March 16, 2022

Delhi Traffic Police personnel will be deployed on all major roads and intersections on the occasion of Holi (March 18). Riding without a helmet, triple riding on two-wheelers, drinking and driving comes under violation of traffic rules: Vivek Kishore, Joint CP Traffic (ANI)

Bhagwant Mann assumes office as Chief Minister of Punjab at Punjab Civil Secretariat in Chandigarh. (ANI)

Bhagwant Mann assumes office as Chief Minister of Punjab at Punjab Civil Secretariat in Chandigarh pic.twitter.com/hg5trwOE46

— ANI (@ANI) March 16, 2022

Acting Manipur CM N Biren Singh calls on Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in Delhi. (ANI)

Acting Manipur CM N Biren Singh calls on Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in Delhi

(Photo source: N Biren Singh) pic.twitter.com/5OgIJBzuUq

— ANI (@ANI) March 16, 2022

Uttar Pradesh's acting CM Yogi Adityanath arrives at BJP headquarters in Delhi, to discuss govt formation and upcoming biennial polls for the legislative council with party leadership. Party leaders Dr. Dinesh Sharma and Swatantra Dev Singh also present.

Uttar Pradesh's acting CM Yogi Adityanath arrives at BJP headquarters in Delhi, to discuss govt formation and upcoming biennial polls for the legislative council with party leadership

Party leaders Dr. Dinesh Sharma and Swatantra Dev Singh also present. pic.twitter.com/QrCH7H7jsW

— ANI (@ANI) March 16, 2022

Chandigarh | Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann receives guard of honour at Punjab Civil Secretariat

Chandigarh | Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann receives guard of honour at Punjab Civil Secretariat pic.twitter.com/z3KtRZdkCf

— ANI (@ANI) March 16, 2022

West Bengal | Three people died after consuming poisonous alcohol at Uttar Rana village in the South 24 Parganas district. Three others were critically ill, taken to Sub-Divisional Hospital for treatment. Police are investigating the incident: Vaibhav Tiwari, SP, Baraipur PS (ANI)
 

Manipur Congress President N. Loken Singh resigns from the post taking responsibility for the party's defeat in recently concluded Assembly elections in the state. (ANI)

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan called a meeting of Muslim organisations to discuss the issues related to waqf board appointments. The meeting will be held in Thiruvananthapuram on April 20. (ANI)

Union Home Minister Amit Shah will come to Jammu to attend the 83rd CRPF Day Parade. This is the first time a CRPF parade will be held in J&K. The situation in J&K has improved. Terrorists have no religion, all terrorists are handled according to the law: DG CRPF Kuldiep Singh (ANI)

One CRPF jawan killed who was on leave was killed a few days back. The accused have already been arrested and necessary actions have been taken against them: DG CRPF Kuldiep Singh pic.twitter.com/J2ezGLWZJj

— ANI (@ANI) March 16, 2022

One CRPF jawan killed who was on leave was killed a few days back. The accused have already been arrested and necessary actions have been taken against them: DG CRPF Kuldiep Singh
 

Who is Bhagwant Mann, Punjab's 25th Chief Minister? 

Bhagwant Mann was born in Satoj village of Sangrur in 1973 and started his career as a comedian. He began his political career in 2011 with the Manpreet Singh Badal led Punjab People's Party. In 2012, he unsuccessfully contested the assembly elections from the Lehragaga constituency.

What a moment 

Punjab di Aan, Baan aur Shaan, Sardar @BhagwantMann takes oath as the Chief Minister of Punjab#PunjabDaCMMann pic.twitter.com/jRcl1zjQ8i

— AAP (@AamAadmiParty) March 16, 2022

In 2014, he joined the Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party and successfully contested the election from the Sangrur Lok Sabha seat. Mann's importance in Punjab politics grew when he defeated the veteran leader of Punjab, Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, who was then with the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD).  

The AAP leader then went on to win the Sangrur Lok Sabha seat again in 2019.

Bhagwant Mann had gained popularity with his comedy stints in the TV show `Jugnu Mast Mast`. He has also featured in several other comedy shows.

"We will not waste even one day, begin work from today," Bhagwant Mann, new Punjab CM, tells his MLAs.

"I appeal to you all (newly-elected MLAs) to not get arrogant. We have to respect even those who didn't vote for us," says Bhagwant Mann after being sworn in as Punjab 25th Chief Minister.

Bhagwant Mann takes oath as the Chief Minister of Punjab in Khatkar Kalan.

Punjab CM designate Bhagwant Mann arrives at his swearing-in ceremony at Khatkar Kalan. AAP national convener and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal and other leaders of the party present. pic.twitter.com/bbCEqiBELV

— ANI (@ANI) March 16, 2022

Bhagwant Mann sworn in as Punjab CM

Bhagwant Mann has been sworn in as Punjab chief minister at Khatkar Kalan, the ancestral village of legendary freedom fighter Bhagat Singh in Punjab's Shaheed Bhagat Singh (SBS) Nagar district.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) supporters in large numbers from several places of the state had reached Khatkar Kalan to witness the oath-taking ceremony.

Bhagwant Mann along with AAP national convener and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal at his swearing-in ceremony.

Punjab CM designate Bhagwant Mann arrives at his swearing-in ceremony at Khatkar Kalan. AAP national convener and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal and other leaders of the party present. pic.twitter.com/bbCEqiBELV

— ANI (@ANI) March 16, 2022

Bhagwant Mann's oath-taking ceremony to begin shortly

Bhagwant Mann's 'all yellow' oath-taking ceremony at Bhagat Singh’s village will begin shortly. The AAP leader has arrived at the event.

LIVE https://t.co/mE4pZGtu1d

— Bhagwant Mann (@BhagwantMann) March 16, 2022

End influence of Facebook, other social media giants on electoral politics: Congress president Sonia Gandhi 

Congress president Sonia Gandhi has urged the government to end the influence of Facebook and other social media giants on electoral politics in India. Speaking in Lok Sabha, Gandhi said that young and old minds are being filled with hate through emotionally charged disinformation and proxy advertising companies like FB are aware of it and are profiting from it.

"Report shows a growing nexus between big corporations, ruling establishment and global social media giants like FB," she stated.

I urge the Govt to put an end to the systematic influence & interference of Facebook & other SM giants in the electoral politics of world's largest democracy.

We need to protect our democracy & social harmony regardless of who is in power.

- Congress President Smt. Sonia Gandhi pic.twitter.com/BzPr4bd5ip

— Congress (@INCIndia) March 16, 2022

"We need to protect democracy and social harmony" regardless of who is in power, Sonia Gandhi said after Congress faced a huge setback in recently concluded polls in five states.

AAP's ideology is special, says Punjabi singer Gurdas Maan at Bhagwant Mann's swearing-in ceremony

"It's just a beginning. Their (AAP) ideology is special. I pray that God gives them the courage to make prosperous Punjab," said Punjabi singer Gurdas Maan who is attending Bhagwant Mann's oath-taking ceremony.

It's (AAP winning 92 seats in Punjab Assembly elections) just a beginning. Their (AAP) ideology is special. I pray that God gives them (AAP) courage to make prosperous Punjab: Punjabi singer Gurdas Maan while at Punjab CM designate Bhagwant Mann's swearing-in ceremony pic.twitter.com/ls6gCPoCeG

— ANI (@ANI) March 16, 2022

'Oath to change this corrupt system', says Raghav Chadha ahead of Bhagwant Mann's swearing-in ceremony

"Today marks an important day in the history of Punjab as 3 crore Punjabis will together be sworn in as Chief Minister along with Bhagwant Mann," said AAP leader Raghav Chadha ahead of Mann's oath-taking ceremony.

"Oath to change this corrupt system & to fulfill dreams of Shaheed-E-Azam Bhagat Singh & Babasaheb Ambedkar," he tweeted.

Today marks an important day in the history of Punjab as 3 crore Punjabis will together be sworn in as Chief Minister along with @BhagwantMann. Oath to change this corrupt system & to fulfill dreams of Shaheed-E-Azam Bhagat Singh & Babasaheb Ambedkar

Ajj ton har Punjabi CM houga pic.twitter.com/lCPA2gUCJ2

— Raghav Chadha (@raghav_chadha) March 16, 2022

SC upholds government's decision on OROP

The Supreme Court has upheld the government's decision on One Rank, One Pension (OROP) and said that it does not find any constitutional infirmity on the OROP principle and the notification dated November 7, 2015.

The top court pronounced its verdict on a plea by ex-servicemen association seeking implementation of OROP as recommended by the Bhagat Singh Koshyari Committee with an automatic annual revision, instead of the current policy of periodic review once in five years. 

A bench headed by Justice DY Chandrachud had reserved its verdict on February 23 asking the Centre whether the hardships of ex-servicemen be obviated to a certain extent if the periodic revision of OROP is reduced from five years to a lesser period.

India begins Covid-19 vaccination for children aged 12-14

The inoculation of children in the age group of 12 to 14 years against Covid-19 has started in India today with the Corbevax vaccine. Two doses of Biological E's intramuscular vaccine Corbevax would be administered to the beneficiaries in the 12 to 14 years age group in an interval of 28 days.

Karnataka | #COVID19 vaccination for children in the age group of 12-14 yrs & for everyone above 60 yrs of age begins today, across the country. Visuals from a vaccination centre in Bengaluru; state's Health Minister Dr K Sudhakar & Education Minister BC Nagesh are present here. pic.twitter.com/53Rw0B1hwZ

— ANI (@ANI) March 16, 2022

Gujarat | #COVID19 vaccination for children in the age group of 12-14 years and for everyone above 60 years of age begins today, across the country. Visuals from Ahemdabad. pic.twitter.com/mxBalWqV47

— ANI (@ANI) March 16, 2022

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma launches #COVID19 vaccination drive for children in the age group of 12-14 years, at Rukmini Gaon Baalika Vidyalay High School in Guwahati. pic.twitter.com/jqomPNXCy6

— ANI (@ANI) March 16, 2022

SC hears plea seeking cancellation of bail granted to Ashish Mishra in Lakhimpur Kheri case

Supreme Court has issued a notice to Uttar Pradesh Government and has asked them to file a reply on plea seeking cancellation of bail of Lakhimpur Kheri violence accused Ashish Mishra, who is the son of MoS MHA Ajay Mishra Teni. The top court has also directed to protect the witnesses in the case. It is notable that advocate Prashant Bhushan, who is appearing for the petitioner, had said that one of the prime protected witnesses was brutally attacked, a few days after the bail was granted to Ashish Mishra and that the alleged attackers also said that now BJP has won the election they will take care of him.

The family members of the deceased had challenged the Allahabad High Court order dated February 10, 2022, wherein Ashish Mishra has granted regular bail.

Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin sends 'hearty' wishes to Bhagwant Mann

"Tamil Nadu & Punjab share a long history of being vocal about linguistic rights & rights of the state in the Indian Union," said Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin as he sent his hearty wishes to Bhagwant Mann, who will be swearing-in as new Punjab CM shortly. 

"Wishing the new government in Punjab, a successful tenure," the DMK President added.

My hearty wishes to Thiru. @BhagwantMann, who is swearing in as Chief Minister of Punjab today. Tamil Nadu & Punjab share a long history of being vocal about linguistic rights & rights of the state in the Indian Union. Wishing the new government in Punjab, a successful tenure.

— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) March 16, 2022

Today is a big day for Punjab, says Arvind Kejriwal on Bhagwant Mann's oath-taking ceremony

"Today is a big day for Punjab," said Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal as he left for Khatkar Kalan to attend Bhagwant Mann's oath-taking ceremony.

आज पंजाब के लिए बहुत बड़ा दिन है। नई उम्मीद की इस सुनहरी सुबह में आज पूरा पंजाब इकठ्ठा होकर एक खुशहाल पंजाब बनाने की शपथ लेगा।

उस ऐतिहासिक पल का साक्षी बनने के लिए मैं भी शहीद भगत सिंह के पैतृक गाँव खटकड़ कलाँ के लिए रवाना हो गया हूँ।

— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) March 16, 2022

Golden ray of sun has brought a new dawn today, says Bhagwant Mann ahead of swear-in ceremony 

"The golden ray of sun has brought a new dawn today," said Bhagwant Mann as he left for his swear-in ceremony at Khatkar Kalan -- the ancestral village of freedom fighter Bhagat Singh in Shaheed Bhagat Singh (SBS) Nagar district.

सूरज की सुनहरी किरण आज एक नया सवेरा लेकर आई है। शहीद भगत सिंह और बाबा साहब के सपनों को साकार करने के लिए आज पूरा पंजाब खटकड़ कलां में शपथ लेगा।

शहीद भगत सिंह जी की सोच पर पहरा देने के लिए मैं उनके पैतृक गांव खटकड़ कलां के लिए रवाना हो रहा हूं।

— Bhagwant Mann (@BhagwantMann) March 16, 2022

Navjot Singh Sidhu resigns as President of Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee 

Days after loss in the recently concluded Assembly elections, Navjot Singh Sidhu has today tendered his resignation as the President of Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee

"As desired by the Congress President I have sent my resignation," he said after Sonia Gandhi asked the state unit chiefs of Punjab, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Goa and Manipur to resign from their posts.

As desired by the Congress President I have sent my resignation … pic.twitter.com/Xq2Ne1SyjJ

— Navjot Singh Sidhu (@sherryontopp) March 16, 2022

After Karnataka HC's hijab ban verdict, schools and colleges reopen in Udupi

A day after Karnataka High Court dismissed various petitions challenging a ban on Hijab in educational institutions, schools and colleges today reopened in the state's Udupi district.

Schools and colleges reopen in Udupi a day after Karnataka High Court dismissed various petitions challenging a ban on Hijab in educational institutions and said that wearing Hijab is not an essential religious practice of Islam.

Visuals from Govt PU College for Girls in Udupi. pic.twitter.com/0ojt0aNxAX

— ANI (@ANI) March 16, 2022

Rape accused killed in Assam while trying to flee from police custody

A rape accused has been killed in Guwahati, Assam on Tuesday night in police firing while he was trying to flee from police custody and attacked police personnel. Two lady police personnel were also injured, the Guwahati City Police informed. 

He was arrested on the same day.

BSEB to announce Bihar Board Class 12th Result 2022 today at onlinebseb.in, biharboardonline.bihar.gov.in

The Bihar School Examination Board (BSEB) will today announce the much-awaited results of intermediate or class 12th exams. In an official statement, the Board had said that the scores will be announced at 3 PM on its official websites - onlinebseb.in, biharboardonline.bihar.gov.in and biharboardonline.com. 

INTERMEDIATE ANNUAL EXAM, 2022 : Result to be announced on 16.03.2022.#BSEB#Inter_Result_2022 pic.twitter.com/m5io1BDVb3

— Bihar School Examination Board (@officialbseb) March 15, 2022

Ban 'The Kashmir Files', says Assam MP Badruddin Ajmal

Assam MP and AIUDF President Badruddin Ajmal has demanded a ban on the recently released 'The Kashmir Files' film.

"I haven't watched 'The Kashmir Files'. The central government, Assam government should ban it as it'll cause communal tensions. The situation is not same in present-day India...Many incidents happened beyond Kashmir, including the Nellie incident in Assam, but no films on them," he said.

I haven't watched #TheKashmirFiles. Central govt, Assam govt should ban it as it'll cause communal tensions. Situation not same in present-day India...Many incidents happened beyond Kashmir, including Nellie incident in Assam, but no films on them: Dhubri,Assam MP Badruddin Ajmal pic.twitter.com/OwybXJw300

— ANI (@ANI) March 16, 2022

Bhagwant Mann to be sworn-in as new Punjab CM today, over 3 lakh people likely to attend ceremony

Bhagwant Mann will be sworn-in as Punjab Chief Minister today (March 16) at Khatkar Kalan -- ancestral village of legendary freedom fighter Bhagat Singh in Shaheed Bhagat Singh (SBS) Nagar district. Officials are expecting over 3 lakh people to attend the ceremony.

Mann, the Chief Minister-designate, had invited the people of the state to attend his oath-taking ceremony, saying it's not he alone, but 3 crore people of Punjab will also take an oath with him.