In India, paying income tax is a legal and acceptable financial need. Every person making more than a specific amount of money is required to file a specific amount of tax. The government regulates income tax rates, income slabs, and regulations, which are subject to periodic modifications. Nevertheless, it is the duty of every taxpayer to declare their income accurately and to make timely tax payments. 

What is Income tax?

Income tax is a levy imposed on an individual’s or business’s yearly Income throughout a fiscal year. The Income Tax Act, 1961 governs the income tax system in India. This establishes the guidelines for the computation, assessment, and collection of income taxes. Each year, taxpayers are required to file an income tax return by the corresponding deadline. in accordance with the law to declare their income and, if necessary, confirm a tax refund.

Who is required to Pay Income Tax?

Any individual earning Rs. 2.5 Lakh annually are eligible to pay income tax to the Government of India. Some different type of taxpayers in India:

1. Individuals- divides as individuals under 60 years of age, individuals between the age of 60 and 80 years and individuals above the age of 80 years.

2. Hindu undivided family

3. Associations of person

4. Artificial juridical person

5. Firms

6. Companies 

How to file Income Tax?

 Step by Step to apply for Income Tax Return Online 

Step 1 – Login

Need to login at e-filing website 

Enter your PAN and then enter your password , later Login

Step 2- Go to file Income Tax Return

Click on the e-file tab> income tax> File income tax return

Step 3- select the right assessment year. 

For example select assessment year as 2024-25 if you file for 2023-2024.

Step 4- select you applicable filing status

Select your applicable filing status such as individual , HUF or others.

Step 5- select validate the profiled information

Before moving forward the information you need to check the status of your identity. Such as PAN, Adhar Card, Name, Date of Birth, contact information and bank details.

Reasons to fill income tax?

Filing income tax  is important because it is a way of the government of India that collects revenue with a certain amount of individuals whose annual income is above 2.5 lakh. This is a way the government collects revenue to fund public services like schools, hospitals , roads and more. Additionally filling your tax on time ‘SHOWS YOUR CARE WITH THE AMOUNT YOU SHARE’. That means with our little share we could contribute to the wellbeing of our country.

1. For the welfare of our country and its people
2. For claiming losses
3. Claiming funds’
4. Loan applications
5. ITR Receipt
6. Avoid penalty 
7. For buying term insurance 

Benefits of filing Income Tax

1. It allows you to comply with the law and avoid any penalties.
2. Along with legal consequences
3. Helps in claiming tax deduction
4. Credits and refunds that you may be eligible for.
5. Overall tax liability and increase  savings

“Dr. Sunil Kalda” Plastic Surgeon from Raipur, CG has been performing a very impressive work in the field of Plastic and cosmetic surgery to uplift the social well being of the community since the past 34 years.  Treating patients with extreme physical deformities in nutrition-starved tribal regions has been a key aspect of Dr. Kalda’s life journey.

Working tirelessly at Kalda Burn & Plastic Surgery Centre, Raipur since 1990 he has done free camps in Naxal effected areas of Baster area under the guidance of the Governor of Chhattisgarh, Miss Anusuiya Uikey .

The shortage of quality health services in rural areas remains a major challenge in India. In the 1990s, he displayed courage by devoting his time to conducting medical camps in the Naxal-affected areas of Chhattisgarh. He defied the odds and dedicated himself to sustained and selfless voluntary service.

For over 34 years, he has been rehabilitating people in LWE-affected areas. He has conducted more than 200 camps to educate people about the rehabilitation of acid attack victims, cleft lips, joint disorders, pan facial trauma, and head; neck pathologies such as tumors, cysts, vascular malformations, and other facial deformities. His camps have helped people understand that severe disorders are not permanent and can be treated. Demonstrations at the camps showcased that such complex surgeries are available to them free of cost.

Until the year 1999, Raipur was a part of Madhya Pradesh without medical infrastructure. It was a challenging time to reach people and educate them that birth disorders can be treated. Free reconstructive surgeries were provided to poor tribal patients, particularly young children with cleft lips and other facial deformities. During the camps, he explained the available treatment facilities by showing before and after images. He aimed to convince at least one patient from each district to opt for treatment, which helped the community accept the practice. Despite the need to gain people’s trust, his determination drove him to succeed.

Seeing the positive outcomes, the tribe began to trust medical practice. With more camps, villagers started considering the treatments a common procedure. Driven by his passion for humanity and his profession, he has performed over 50,000+ plastic surgeries for free in these remote tribal areas. These surgeries not only improved the appearance and self-esteem of individuals but also fostered social acceptance and empowered them to earn a livelihood.

Dedicated to making Chhattisgarh a cleft-free state, Dr. Kalda has played a crucial role in leading Operation Muskan (Smile), a special drive initiated by the State Government for Plastic Surgery on tribal children with craniofacial deformities, including cleft lips. He has collaborated with the tribal department of Chhattisgarh to promote free medical services. In 2017, his efforts were recognized by the Golden Book of World Records for performing the “most cleft lip and palate surgeries.”

Beyond his medical services, he has consistently worked to improve medical facilities for the masses. While working with burn patients, he recognized the importance of providing immediate support. This realization led him to establish a skin bank for the rehabilitation of burn patients and acid attack victims.

His reimplantation surgeries of amputated limbs have proven to be life-changing for patients who had lost hope of recovery. His continuous efforts against the amputation of diabetic patients’ feet have saved thousands of limbs and lives. Case studies of his findings are provided to educate young and aspiring doctors.

Mayank Yadav, a young speeding guy from Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) camp, is found of IPL 2024 

The sweetest thing in the world is the outcome of your struggle. These profound words sum up the ethos of the Indian Premier League (IPL) as an awesome platform for emerging cricketing talents. In the shining world of IPL, talents meet opportunity, and youngsters find themselves at the epitome of an electrifying journey.

 IPL serves as a beacon of hope for young cricketers who dare to dream and are willing to start a journey of greatness. Mayank Yadav, a young overspeeding guy from Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) camp, is one such example of a person who can dare to fly high. 

Every year, the IPL plays an important role in introducing some of the new faces to international cricket who have tirelessly honed their skills. From Jasprit Bumrah to Kuldeep Yadav, every youngster turns their dream into reality. In the latest edition of IPL, LSG brought Mayank Yadav onto the big stage, and with its sheer pace and discipline, Mayank already marked his name in cricket. 

Journey of Mayank Yadav

Vijay Dhaiya, the Indian veteran and former assistant coach of LSG, convinced the management two years ago to invest in Yadav. Dhaiya watched him closely in the nets of the Vijay Hazare Trophy and was impressed with Mayank’s high-arm action. 

A guy with a height of 6 ‘1 and sheer pace is always instrumental in cricket. As per the need of the game, Mayank can bowl a distorted, slower, and fierce bouncer, making him a perfect asset in all formats of the game. 

IPL Debut of Mayank Yadav

Mayank started his IPL journey with 2 in 2 Man of the Matches and bowled the fastest spell by an Indian in IPL. In his debut game, he hit the target when he needed to against the Punjab Kings. PBKS was in a commendable position and almost sealed the game; then, the skipper of LSG handed over the bowl to the rookie, and the high-flyer did not disappoint the captain. Apart from his supporters, Mayank was praised by the opposition captains Shikhar Dhawan and Dale Steyn as the greatest of all time. 

Fastest Delivery in IPL

If you thought Mayank was quick in the last game, he was even faster on Tuesday, regularly surpassing 150 km and reaching a high of 156.7. Mayank’s explosive play kept LSG at bay. In quick succession, Glenn Maxwell was dismissed for rushing into a pull, and Cameron Green was dismissed for failing to get off the ground. Anuj Rawat and Rajat Patidar, two Indian batsmen, had withstood his opening spell, but the pacer’s impact on the score had dramatically diminished.

After Mayank was removed from the attack, Patidar briefly went on the ramp, giving the RCB’s pursuit some much-needed momentum and hope. However, Mayank returned to bowl his final over, hurriedly pulling Patidar to the pavilion. The pacer returned figures of 3 for 14 after delivering 17 dot balls.

This is not the first time a new star has made a splash on the IPL stage; many new stars have come before this, and the same shine will also fade away after some time. As cricket supporters, we hope that talent like Mayank Yadav will be kept in good hands and that the BCCI will guide him well.

Although India’s World Cup victory in 2011 was nearly a decade ago, there were a few memorable moments that every Indian will never forget. 

Time can pass, but not memories; people may come and go, but not history. Rewind to the ICC Men’s World Cup of 2011, the extraordinary period that allowed all Indian citizens to get to their feet and kneel down. On April 2, 2011, at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, the Men in Blue defeated the Sri Lankan Lions and earned the hearts of millions of fans.  

MSD, Gambhir, and Sachin Tendulkar

From Gautam Gambhir’s spectacular smash to MS Dhoni’s magnificent six and 91-run innings in the final, that day will go down in history as a magical one. The memories endure eternally as time fades. Sachin Tendulkar produced yet another incredible performance, turning his final World Cup into a memorable occasion for the entire Indian team and himself. The God finished the winning campaign with 482 runs.

Yuvraj Singh

It is truly a win when someone suffering from cancer for their entire life manages to overcome it and reach their goals. This is similar to how Yuvraj Singh ran across the stadium while sacrificing his health to win the cup for his side, take the all-around player prize for the competition, and light the stage with his amazing feats with the bat and the ball.

Virat Kohli

The modern-day great, Virat Kohli, played a significant part in India’s triumphant campaign and, after 28 years, helped India win the trophy with a 35-run performance by Kohli against Sri Lanka in the final. In nine games, Kohli amassed 282 runs at an average of 35.25, including a century in the group stage against Bangladesh.

Sachin-Sehwag Opening

Another main reason that India could achieve this World Cup in 2011 was the flying starts provided by Sachin Tendulkar and Virendra Sehwag. Sehwag had an incredible strike rate of 122.58 during the competition, scoring 380 runs. His 175 against Bangladesh was the highest individual score during that World Cup.

Zaheer Khan and Suresh Raina

The sweetness of victory is incomplete without acknowledging the name of Zaheer Khan, the veteran who secured 21 wickets in the edition. Apart from all these legendary players, Suresh Raina also played a crucial role in ICC Men’s World Cup 2011. Due to team combinations, Raina—a vital component of the Indian middle order—could only participate in four games. In three innings, he scored 74 runs at an average of 74.00. Raina performed when it mattered most, scoring 34* in 28 balls against Australia in the quarterfinal to help India chase down 261 runs to defeat the reigning champions, despite starting the league encounter with only four runs against the West Indies.

It would always be an honour for them if every cricket fan remembers this occasion. For the Indians, celebrating the runs, wickets, scores, and, yes, the cup will undoubtedly be a memorable occasion. The 2011 ICC World Cup would have been the world cup that every child would have dreamed of, even after 1983.

A joint media investigation released by The Insider, Der Spiegel, and CBS’s 60 Minutes on Monday links a Russian intelligence unit to the mysterious symptoms of “Havana Syndrome” that have affected US diplomats in recent years. The first mention of Havana Syndrome occurred in 2016 when US diplomats stationed in the Cuban capital reported feeling unwell and hearing piercing noises at night. This led to concerns about a potential foreign attack using an unidentified sonar weapon.

Later, embassy personnel in China, Europe, and the US capital, Washington, reported additional symptoms, such as bloody noses, headaches, and vision issues. The Insider, Der Spiegel, and CBS’s 60 Minutes jointly reported that the ambassadors might have been the target of Russian sonic weapons.

The year-long inquiry “uncovered evidence suggesting that unexplained anomalous health incidents, also known as Havana Syndrome, may have their origin in the use of directed energy weapons wielded by members of (the Russian GRU) Unit 29155,” according to the report. In charge of foreign operations, Russia’s 29155 unit has links with several international incidents, including the attempt in 2018 to poison defector Sergei Skripal in Britain.

Russian Response

On Monday, Moscow rejected the accusations as ‘groundless.’ “This subject has been discussed in the media for several years. And it’s usually connected to the Russian side from the start,” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said at a press conference. “But nobody has ever published any convincing evidence, so all this is nothing more than a groundless and unfounded accusation,” he continued.

In 2018, Washington shut down its immigration office in Havana due to a change in US policy toward Cuba and concerns that the “Havana Syndrome” could have been caused by an electronic attack, such as a microwave. In 2022, US intelligence also stated that anomalous health incidents (AHIs), the formal term for Havana Syndrome cases, may have been brought on by intense directed energy from an outside source in some instances.

However, in March 2023, intelligence services concluded that “there is no credible evidence that a foreign adversary has a weapon or collection device causing AHIs.” The US announced reopening its immigration office in Havana in August 2023.

History of Havana Syndrome

According to the joint investigation, the Havana Syndrome may have originated in Germany two years before the cases that gave rise to the syndrome’s name in Havana in 2016.

“There were likely attacks two years earlier in Frankfurt, Germany when a US government employee stationed at the consulate there was knocked unconscious by something akin to a strong energy beam,” according to the report. In July 2021, The New Yorker revealed that since President Joe Biden took office, roughly twenty-one US intelligence officers, diplomats, and other government officials in Austria had reported experiencing issues akin to the Havana Syndrome.

What is Havana Syndrome 

Although the precise cause of Havana syndrome is still unknown, the Insider investigation raises the possibility that it has something to do with potential Russian sonic weapons. Unknown symptoms of the illness include headaches, exhaustion, vertigo, anxiety, dizziness, memory loss, and cognitive impairment. The syndrome was like “a dentist drilling” into her ear,  according to an FBI agent who experienced it, she told 60 Minutes. 

There is an old saying in English that, “Laughter is the best medicine.” In a life filled with challenges, sometimes we forget to enjoy the journey while chasing our milestones. Every day we wake up, our mind is filled with so many things and start focusing on them. Working on your goals is good, but what if you can add some laughter to it, making the trek more enjoyable? April fool prank on 1st April is the perfect day to cheer up your life and play pranks around your family and friends. 

Here is the list of some of the best prank ideas on April fool 

Money Hack

This is one of the April Fools’ Day pranks on the streets, at home, or in the office. The idea is to use a transparent rope and tie up currency with it, then throw it to the ground. Then, stand nearby and observe how others attempt to take it up. To make it more interesting, you can add notes from children’s banks. 

Clock Timings 

A brilliant April Fools Day prank is to alter the times on all household clocks. If you get them in advance, they can wake up early. Delaying them would be an even worse joke because it would cause them to be late for work. For this practical joke to work, you must change the times on your phone, computer, alarm clock, and other household clocks.

Change Sugar into Salt

The ultimate classic practical joke is to replace the contents of the sugar jar with salt. You can try this on April 1st or any other day. This innocence is highly recommended for breakfast or when preparing a sweet dish, in our opinion. When one realises the secret component, the expression is priceless.

The blue screen prank

This is a timeless practical joke that works well when performed with friends or coworkers who use computers. Joke them by having the screen switch to the fictitious “blue screen,” a common error message appearing on Windows operating systems when a serious system error happens. Your friends and family become alarmed when they see this blue screen on the operating system. Recall that including error messages and technical codes is often necessary to create a convincing blue screen. You can download one or use Google. They should think it’s a big joke and their computer has crashed.

Replace the biscuit cream with toothpaste

Replace the cream in Oreos with toothpaste and offer them to your friends as a tasty treat. Watch their faces as they take a bite!

EPFO: In India, the new fiscal year begins on April 1. This is significant for your pocketbook because, on this day, most of the new tax laws that Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced in the budget are in effect. It is a good idea to be aware of any other changes affecting your finances. Tax regulations, FASTags, savings plans (NPS & EPFO), and other financial issues have been updated for the upcoming fiscal year. Awareness of these changes can save money and prevent hassles from breaking the rules.

The following are the main adjustments that FY 2024–2025 will make:

New EPFO Rule

Finance-wise, changing jobs has never been simpler. The Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) will automatically transfer your provident fund balance. This implies that you won’t need to manually request a transfer each time you start a new job. To guarantee a smooth transfer of your retirement funds to your new employer, EPFO will automatically credit your PF balance to your account. This greatly improves employee portability and makes managing your provident fund (PF) easier across multiple employers.

Modifications to the National Pension System

The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA), the highest body overseeing the NPS, will introduce many changes to the current NPS login procedure. Beginning on April 1, NPS accounts will require two-factor authentication, which can be done using an OTP sent to a mobile device. PFDRA has taken action to strengthen system security.

System of Income Taxation

Beginning on April 1, the new tax system will be the default. If you choose not to use the old one, you must pay taxes under the new tax regime. Under the new tax regime, an individual is exempt from paying tax if their annual income does not exceed ₹7 lakh.

The New FasTag Rule

Users of FASTag, take note!  Do not deal with toll booths!  Complete the FASTag KYC by March 31st.  If it’s not updated after that, banks might deactivate your FASTag.  Payments won’t process without KYC, and you might have to pay twice for tolls.  At toll plazas, abide by the NHAI’s guidelines to guarantee a smooth experience.

SBI Credit Card Modifications

The State Bank of India (SBI) is changing the rules around credit cards in several major ways. For example, using your SBI credit card to pay rent won’t accrue reward points. However, these modifications will only affect a few credit cards. They will take effect for others on April 15. 

Exemption from Encashing Enhanced Leave

In 2022, the leave encashment tax exemption limit for non-government workers was raised to ₹ 25 lakh from ₹ 3 lakh.

In the 13th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, Delhi Capitals opened their winning account against the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). This year, Delhi is playing all its home matches away from home in Visakhapatnam due to the renovation of their home ground in Delhi. On Sunday, Delhi expected they would get all the support from their fans in Vizag, but Vizag betrayed them and brought a yellow sea to support the living legend Mahendra Singh Dhoni. 

As the game entered the climax scene, Mahendra Singh Dhoni was in the middle with its helicopter-hitting machine in his hands; the view was like the cherry on top for the viewers. However, Despite all this hype, the young guns of Rishabh Pant emerge victorious and shut out all the noises of Dhoni-Dhoni. 

In an exciting match at the Andhra Cricket Stadium, the Rishabh Pant-led team defeated Ruturaj Gaikwad’s team by defending 191 to win by 20 runs. After the victory, both CSK’s two-match winning streak and DC’s two-match losing streak ended. The bowlers and top-order hitters put up a great show to prevent the Super Kings from winning three straight games. Even though MS Dhoni’s late fireworks made the crowd go wild, CSK still needed far too many runs in the final overs to win.

Rishabh Pant and Mahendra Singh Dhoni

The game was all about the two showstoppers; Pant, with his batting, led DC to their first points of the season in a manner that was, in many ways, subtly poetic. However, in the end, Dhoni turned the clock back with classic shots, including an encore of his six-over extra cover from the Vizag epic. Even though it wasn’t enough to win the game for CSK, it certainly inflamed the partisan crowd.

With a barrage of huge hits to close out the innings, the stadium chanted Dhoni’s name more loudly. Pant was in the middle once again as “Dhoni! Dhoni!” went around because he started his career with that background score. However, deep down, we all know in secret that the 26-year-old is now beginning to write his scripts and turn them into great stories.

In a noteworthy blend of cultural heritage and modern podcasting, Creative Audios.in has unveiled “Shiv Puran Katha,” a weekly series in Hindi that marks a significant step in the digital preservation and accessibility of traditional narratives.

“Bringing ‘Shiv Puran in Hindi’ to life has been a passion project for us,” says Ajay Tambe, the creative force behind the initiative. “Ajay Tambe’s ability to connect with listeners and his knack for storytelling are what truly set this podcast apart. We’re not just sharing stories; we’re inviting listeners on a journey through time, exploring ancient wisdom through the lens of modern life.”

The series is available for free on Creative Audios.in Podcast, with new episodes released every Monday. Each installment invites listeners into the myriad tales of Lord Shiva, promising a blend of entertainment, enlightenment, and a profound exploration of life’s eternal questions.

About Shiv Maha Puran and Key Teachings

The teachings of Lord Shiva in the Shiv Purana encompass a wide range of spiritual, philosophical, and practical aspects of life. Here are some of the key teachings as described in the sources provided:

1. The Nature of Shiva : Shiva is described as the source of creation, protection, and destruction of the universe. He is beyond everything, immaculate, omniscient, and above the three modes of nature, representing the ultimate Supreme Brahman.
2. Shiva as the Cosmic Force: Shiva is portrayed as the cosmic force divided into the Trimurti, present in three forms, and holding together Brahma and Vishnu. He is omnipresent, omniscient, and omnipotent.
3. Fundamental Science in Mythology : The Shiva Purana includes aspects of fundamental science, such as the Theory of Relativity and Quantum Mechanics, expressed through stories. Sadhguru emphasizes that the highest science of elevating human nature to the peak of consciousness is expressed in the form of stories within the Shiv Purana.
4. Moral and Ethical Guidance: Lord Shiva imparts moral and ethical guidance through various teachings to Parvati. These include the importance of truthfulness as the greatest virtue, the sin of dishonesty, the need for self-attestation, avoiding sin through words, actions, and thoughts, and understanding that attachment is the root cause of problems.
5. Life Lessons : The Shiv Purana and the stories of Shiva offer practical life lessons such as never tolerating evil, practicing self-control, the temporary nature of materialistic pleasure, respecting one’s partner, controlling ego, the significance of dance, and the understanding that obsessions lead to destruction.
6. Spiritual Wisdom: The Shiv Purana provides spiritual wisdom, such as the importance of meditation and penance to attain salvation from the cycle of karma and body bondage. It also teaches that temptations are the cause of suffering and that one should strive for detachment.
7. Shiva’s Forms and Symbolism: The various forms of Shiva, such as Nataraja, Ardhanarishvara, and others, symbolize different aspects of life and the universe. Each form carries a specific lesson, such as the balance of masculine and feminine energies, the dance of creation and destruction, and the letting go of ego.
8. Acceptance of Contradictory Aspects: Shiva embodies contradictory qualities, and accepting this helps one transcend the duality of life, such as good and bad, beautiful and ugly, disciplined and indulgent.
9. Education Through Stories : The Shiv Purana teaches that imparting education through stories is an effective way to preserve intelligence and stimulate learning, as opposed to the suppressive nature of information overload[2].

These teachings from the Shiv Purana are not only religious and mythological in nature but also offer profound insights into the human condition, the workings of the universe, and the path to spiritual enlightenment.

“Through this podcast, we hope to inspire a renewed interest in India’s ancient texts, making them relevant to today’s world,” adds Ajay. “It is a journey back to our roots, offering a moment of reflection and connection in the fast-paced digital age.”

About the Show :

Creative Audios.in podcast is a diverse and engaging platform that offers a wide range of audio content suitable for teens, kids, and adults. Created and produced by Ajay Tambe, the podcast features a variety of genres including audio dramas, feel-good stories, spiritual narratives, bedtime stories, original audio series, and interviews with global actors, producers, artists, and authors

The podcast stands out for its commitment to storytelling that speaks to the audience, offering content in both English and Hindi. It covers a broad spectrum of themes such as feel-good romance, crime, mysteries, adventure, fantasy fiction, Christmas stories, history, mythology, and interviews with global artists.

Some of the specific series mentioned include “Sherlock Holmes,” “Christmas stories,” “Arabian Nights,” “Adventures of Sinbad,” “Freedom Fighters,” and “Interviews with Global Artists,” showcasing the podcast’s wide-ranging appeal

Listeners can enjoy the Creative Audios.in podcast on various platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and follow its updates on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram handle @podcastaudios

Founder Ajay Tambe’s background in acting and stage theatre contributes significantly to the podcast’s success, enabling him to craft compelling stories and bring them to life through the power of sound.

The podcast has been featured in the Top 100 Podcasts in over 15 countries, a testament to its popularity and the quality of its content

Available on Spotify | Apple podcast | Gaana | Amazon Music | iHeartRadio and 30+ Platforms

Subscribe Now and Listen Shiv Puran Katha in Hindi Every Monday!

Western countries are now habitual of criticising India on its internal matters. Every time something happens in India, the West is ready to penetrate its nose. Whether it’s CAA, Farmers’ protests, or the Kashmir issue, they treat the issues like their own. The West has again adopted the same attitude, but now the problem is the arrest of Delhi’s Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal, in the Delhi liquor scam case. 

On Thursday, March 21, the ED arrested Kejriwal after over two hours of interrogation at his home. The case concerns alleged money laundering and corruption during the Delhi government’s development and implementation of the excise policy for 2021–2022, which was subsequently abandoned.

Concern of US

On Monday, a US State Department spokesman said the department was monitoring reports of Kejriwal’s arrest. In response to an email regarding the case, the spokesperson stated, “We encourage a fair, transparent, and timely legal process for Chief Minister Kejriwal.”

The US statement followed Germany’s rebuke of similar remarks, which led New Delhi to call for a German envoy to express disapproval of his government’s statements regarding the arrest.

Remark of Germany

Sebastian Fischer, a spokesman for Germany’s foreign office, stated at a press conference on Friday that Kejriwal had the same right to a fair and impartial trial as anyone else facing charges. He said, “We assume and expect that the standards relating to basic democratic principles and judiciary independence will also be applied in this case.” 

On Saturday, India’s foreign ministry said that New Delhi had called Georg Enzweiler, the deputy chief of mission at the German embassy, and conveyed India’s strong protest at the remarks.

India’s reply

“The State Department’s recent remarks are unjustified. It is intolerable for anyone to impugn our legal and electoral systems in this way from outside. The Rule of Law solely guides legal procedures in India. Anyone with a similar ethos, especially fellow democracies, should have no trouble appreciating this fact,” said an official of the External Affairs Ministry of India.