<p>Iran should increase its military might to prevent a war, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/khamenei-to-lead-friday-prayers-for-first-time-since-2012-274495">Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei</a> told a gathering of air force commanders on Saturday, dismissing the US sanctions on the country as "criminal act".</p>

<p>"We should be strong to prevent any <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/irans-khamenei-delivers-friday-sermon-bid-to-quell-public-anger-274853">war against the county</a>. Being weak will encourage our enemies to attack Iran," Khamenei, Iran's top authority, said according to state news agency IRNA.</p>

<p>The Islamic Republic has vowed to increase its military strength despite mounting pressure from Western countries to curtail its military capabilities, including its ballistic missile programme.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read</strong>:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/these-american-clowns-who-lie-says-khamenei-in-friday-sermon-referring-to-trump-274902">These American 'clowns' who lie, says Khamenei in Friday sermon referring to Trump</a></p>

<p>Tensions between Tehran and Washington have spiked since 2018 when US President Donald Trump abandoned a 2015 pact between Iran and world powers under which Tehran accepted curbs to its nuclear programme in return for lifting sanctions.</p>

<p>"Since the revolution, their aim was to stop us from having a strong military and a strong air force but look at us now. We even build planes. We have transformed their pressure to opportunity."</p>

<p>Iran is marking the 41st anniversary of the Islamic revolution, which toppled the US-backed Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi in 1979. Washington has reimposed crippling sanctions aimed at halting all Iranian oil exports, saying it seeks to force Iran to negotiate to reach a wider deal.</p>

<p><img alt="Khamenei" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fafe40ea-8228-48cd-b2bc-e3afd3d958f9" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%283%29_49.jpg" /><br />
<em>[ Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (Courtesy: Reuters) ]</em></p>

<p>Khamenei, who dismissed the US sanctions as a "criminal act", has banned Iranian officials from holding talks unless the United States returns to the deal and lifts all sanctions. He said Iran should distance its economy from dependence on oil exports.</p>

<p>Iran and the United States stormed to the edge of war in early January when Tehran's most prominent general, Qassem Soleimani, was killed in a US drone strike on his convoy in Baghdad.</p>

<p>Tehran responded by launching missile attacks on US targets in Iraq.<br />
Iranian television said 80 "American terrorists" had been killed and US helicopters and military equipment damaged, without providing any evidence, Washington denied that there were any fatalities.</p>


Iran should increase its military might to prevent a war, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei told a gathering of air force commanders on Saturday, dismissing the US sanctions on the country as "criminal act".

Iran should increase its military might to prevent a war, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei told a gathering of air force commanders on Saturday, dismissing the US sanctions on the country as "criminal act". "We should be strong to prevent any war against the county. Being weak will encourage our enemies to attack Iran," Khamenei, Iran's top authority, said according to state news agency IRNA. The Islamic Republic has vowed to increase its military strength despite mounting pressure from Western countries to curtail its military capabilities, including its ballistic missile programme. Also Read: These American 'clowns' who lie, says Khamenei in Friday sermon referring to Trump Tensions between Tehran and Washington have spiked since 2018 when US President Donald Trump abandoned a 2015 pact between Iran and world powers under which Tehran accepted curbs to its nuclear programme in return for lifting sanctions. "Since the revolution, their aim was to stop us from having a strong military and a strong air force but look at us now. We even build planes. We have transformed their pressure to opportunity." Iran is marking the 41st anniversary of the Islamic revolution, which toppled the US-backed Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi in 1979. Washington has reimposed crippling sanctions aimed at halting all Iranian oil exports, saying it seeks to force Iran to negotiate to reach a wider deal. [ Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (Courtesy: Reuters) ] Khamenei, who dismissed the US sanctions as a "criminal act", has banned Iranian officials from holding talks unless the United States returns to the deal and lifts all sanctions. He said Iran should distance its economy from dependence on oil exports. Iran and the United States stormed to the edge of war in early January when Tehran's most prominent general, Qassem Soleimani, was killed in a US drone strike on his convoy in Baghdad. Tehran responded by launching missile attacks on US targets in Iraq. Iranian television said 80 "American terrorists" had been killed and US helicopters and military equipment damaged, without providing any evidence, Washington denied that there were any fatalities.

To prevent war, Iran must increase its military might: Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

<p>Irish voters look likely to dump Prime Minister Leo Varadkar from power in an election on Saturday amid a surge by Sinn Fein that could alter the political landscape, even though the nationalist party is unlikely to win a place in government this time.</p>

<p>Opinion polls in recent days have pointed to the main opposition Fianna Fail winning the most seats and forming a multi-party coalition or minority government, with policies on the economy and post-Brexit broadly similar to those of Varadkar and his centre-right Fine Gael.</p>

<p>However, the left-wing Sinn Fein could win the popular vote if the vote reflects recent polls. On Monday, the former political wing of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) was polling at 25 per cent, ahead of Fianna Fail on 23 per cent and Fine Gael on 20 per cent.</p>

<p><img alt="Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5c28cfae-9132-4966-8a6c-dd3cf795d5a8" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design_68.jpg" /><br />
<em>[&nbsp;Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald (Courtesy: Reuters) ]</em></p>

<p>Sinn Fein has put forward too few candidates to capitalise, as the groundswell of support caught the party itself off guard after it sunk to 9 per cent at local elections last year. Analysts say it may only be able to gain a few seats and retain its position as the third-largest party in parliament.</p>

<p>Yet while both Fianna Fail and Fine Gael insist they will not govern with Sinn Fein, citing its IRA past and differing economic policies, such an outcome would demonstrate an appetite for change in decades-long centrist Ireland.</p>

<p>The IRA fought against British rule in Northern Ireland in a 30-year conflict in which some 3,600 people were killed before a 1998 peace deal. Sinn Fein's ultimate aim is to unify Ireland and British-run Northern Ireland, where it shares power.</p>

<p><b>Also Read:&nbsp;</b><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/northern-ireland-abortion-laws-violate-womens-rights-un-body-33835">Northern Ireland abortion laws violate women's rights: UN body</a></p>

<p>Polls close at 2200 GMT on Saturday and will be followed immediately by an exit poll giving the first indication of the outcome. Counting begins at 0900 GMT on Sunday with some results expected from the early afternoon.</p>

<p>"We just need a change in Ireland, it's very obvious," said Eilis Wall, a 40-year-old preschool owner who travelled 200 km (125 miles)to Dublin from the western county of Clare on Wednesday to join thousands of childcare workers calling for better state funding.</p>

<p>"Fine Gael has let us down and Fianna Fail were worse before that. I'm voting for change," she said, adding that meant switching to Sinn Fein from Fine Gael.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read</strong>:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irish-pm-leo-varadkar-to-hold-a-parliamentary-election-in-february-274252">Irish PM Leo Varadkar to hold a parliamentary election in February</a></p>

<p>Wall said she plans to change careers away from childcare because she cannot save for a pension - the sort of economic worry affecting large swathes of voters who feel left behind amid a boom that has made Ireland's economy the fastest growing in the European Union for six straight years.</p>

<p>Varadkar had hoped the upturn his party has overseen since 2011 and his diplomatic successes so far on Brexit - helping prevent a hard border on the island of Ireland after Britain's departure from the EU - would extend his near three-year premiership.</p>

<p><img alt="Varadkar" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3b73db71-3487-48b6-99e7-00425b674e63" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29_82.jpg" /><br />
<em>[Ireland's Prime Minister Leo Varadkar (Courtesy: Reuters)]</em></p>

<p>The strategy appears to have fallen flat amid domestic issues such as healthcare and housing. The immediate beneficiary looks set to be Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin, a 59-year-old former teacher whose party suffered an unprecedented electoral collapse nine years ago after the government he was a member of had to seek an EU/IMF bailout.</p>

<p>The election could be most pivotal for Sinn Fein, which has moved on from the long leadership of Gerry Adams and is run by a new generation of politicians led by Mary Lou McDonald. The party has struck a chord with younger voters on the defining election issue: the cost and availability of housing.</p>

<p>"We're seeing a version of what we've seen elsewhere, a growing constituency, particularly among younger voters and those who feel left behind that the neoliberal agenda has not worked for them," said David Farrell, professor of politics at University College Dublin. "The gains Sinn Fein are making are consistent with what we're seeing in other democracies."</p>


Irish voters look likely to dump Prime Minister Leo Varadkar from power in an election on Saturday amid a surge by Sinn Fein that could alter the political landscape, even though the nationalist party is unlikely to win a place in government this time.

Irish voters look likely to dump Prime Minister Leo Varadkar from power in an election on Saturday amid a surge by Sinn Fein that could alter the political landscape, even though the nationalist party is unlikely to win a place in government this time. Opinion polls in recent days have pointed to the main opposition Fianna Fail winning the most seats and forming a multi-party coalition or minority government, with policies on the economy and post-Brexit broadly similar to those of Varadkar and his centre-right Fine Gael. However, the left-wing Sinn Fein could win the popular vote if the vote reflects recent polls. On Monday, the former political wing of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) was polling at 25 per cent, ahead of Fianna Fail on 23 per cent and Fine Gael on 20 per cent. [ Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald (Courtesy: Reuters) ] Sinn Fein has put forward too few candidates to capitalise, as the groundswell of support caught the party itself off guard after it sunk to 9 per cent at local elections last year. Analysts say it may only be able to gain a few seats and retain its position as the third-largest party in parliament. Yet while both Fianna Fail and Fine Gael insist they will not govern with Sinn Fein, citing its IRA past and differing economic policies, such an outcome would demonstrate an appetite for change in decades-long centrist Ireland. The IRA fought against British rule in Northern Ireland in a 30-year conflict in which some 3,600 people were killed before a 1998 peace deal. Sinn Fein's ultimate aim is to unify Ireland and British-run Northern Ireland, where it shares power. Also Read: Northern Ireland abortion laws violate women's rights: UN body Polls close at 2200 GMT on Saturday and will be followed immediately by an exit poll giving the first indication of the outcome. Counting begins at 0900 GMT on Sunday with some results expected from the early afternoon. "We just need a change in Ireland, it's very obvious," said Eilis Wall, a 40-year-old preschool owner who travelled 200 km (125 miles)to Dublin from the western county of Clare on Wednesday to join thousands of childcare workers calling for better state funding. "Fine Gael has let us down and Fianna Fail were worse before that. I'm voting for change," she said, adding that meant switching to Sinn Fein from Fine Gael. Also Read: Irish PM Leo Varadkar to hold a parliamentary election in February Wall said she plans to change careers away from childcare because she cannot save for a pension - the sort of economic worry affecting large swathes of voters who feel left behind amid a boom that has made Ireland's economy the fastest growing in the European Union for six straight years. Varadkar had hoped the upturn his party has overseen since 2011 and his diplomatic successes so far on Brexit - helping prevent a hard border on the island of Ireland after Britain's departure from the EU - would extend his near three-year premiership. [Ireland's Prime Minister Leo Varadkar (Courtesy: Reuters)] The strategy appears to have fallen flat amid domestic issues such as healthcare and housing. The immediate beneficiary looks set to be Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin, a 59-year-old former teacher whose party suffered an unprecedented electoral collapse nine years ago after the government he was a member of had to seek an EU/IMF bailout. The election could be most pivotal for Sinn Fein, which has moved on from the long leadership of Gerry Adams and is run by a new generation of politicians led by Mary Lou McDonald. The party has struck a chord with younger voters on the defining election issue: the cost and availability of housing. "We're seeing a version of what we've seen elsewhere, a growing constituency, particularly among younger voters and those who feel left behind that the neoliberal agenda has not worked for them," said David Farrell, professor of politics at University College Dublin. "The gains Sinn Fein are making are consistent with what we're seeing in other democracies."

The end for Varadkar is nigh; Irish vote may give Sinn Fein a surging lead

<p>US experts on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/coronavirus-outbreak-super-spreaders-a-new-nightmare-for-doctors-279486">infectious diseases</a>, including government officials, are awaiting approval to enter China to help fight the coronavirus epidemic, having been included on a list proposed by the World Health Organization, a US embassy spokesman stated.</p>

<p>China agreed to allow WHO to form a team of experts to travel to China to learn about the virus and find <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-announces-punitive-measures-as-it-races-to-contain-coronavirus-279420">solutions to the outbreak</a>, the spokesman said. "The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-citizen-dies-of-coronavirus-in-chinas-wuhanus-embassy-spokesman-in-beijing-279399">United States appreciates China's efforts</a> and continued coordination with public health officials across the globe," he said in an e-mailed statement.</p>

<p>"These US experts have extensive experience working with the World Health Organization on a range infectious disease outbreaks and epidemics including Ebola, avian influenza, and SARS," he added.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read</strong>:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/coronavirus-outbreak-us-offers-100m-aid-to-china-279407">Coronavirus Outbreak: US offers $100m aid to China</a></p>

<p>A WHO source in Geneva said that the agency was waiting to hear back from China on the proposed team, while a WHO spokesman said on Saturday he had no further update on the mission.</p>

<p>China's foreign ministry said in a statement that it understood that the National Health Commission was in close communication with WHO on the specific arrangements for the team's visit to China.</p>


US experts on infectious diseases, including government officials, are awaiting approval to enter China to help fight the coronavirus epidemic, having been included on a list proposed by the World Health Organization, a US embassy spokesman stated.

US experts on infectious diseases, including government officials, are awaiting approval to enter China to help fight the coronavirus epidemic, having been included on a list proposed by the World Health Organization, a US embassy spokesman stated. China agreed to allow WHO to form a team of experts to travel to China to learn about the virus and find solutions to the outbreak, the spokesman said. "The United States appreciates China's efforts and continued coordination with public health officials across the globe," he said in an e-mailed statement. "These US experts have extensive experience working with the World Health Organization on a range infectious disease outbreaks and epidemics including Ebola, avian influenza, and SARS," he added. Also Read: Coronavirus Outbreak: US offers $100m aid to China A WHO source in Geneva said that the agency was waiting to hear back from China on the proposed team, while a WHO spokesman said on Saturday he had no further update on the mission. China's foreign ministry said in a statement that it understood that the National Health Commission was in close communication with WHO on the specific arrangements for the team's visit to China.

US still waiting on China's approval to send experts to join the WHO team

<p>Over dozens are reportedly dead in an explosion in Punjab's Tarn Taran after a firecracker-laden trolley accidentally caught fire. The mishap occurred during a religious procession on Sunday evening.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Tarn Taran SSP Dhruv Dahiya said that as per the eyewitnesses, "14-15 individuals died on the spot" while three people have been rushed to the nearest hospital in a critical state.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Tarn Taran SSP Dhruv Dahiya: During nagar kirtan, firecrackers were being burnt using explosive material because of which tractor-trolley exploded accidentally. According to eyewitnesses,14-15 individuals died on spot&amp;3 have been admitted to hospital in critical condition.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Punjab?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Punjab</a> <a href="https://t.co/bIa6fsyQ0M">https://t.co/bIa6fsyQ0M</a> <a href="https://t.co/b11WYDEXKh">pic.twitter.com/b11WYDEXKh</a></p>
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<p>"During nagar kirtan, firecrackers were being burnt using explosive material because of which tractor-trolley exploded accidentally," Dahiya told media.&nbsp;</p>

<p>More details are awaited.&nbsp;</p>


Over dozens are reportedly dead in an explosion in Punjab's Tarn Taran after a firecracker-laden trolley accidentally caught fire. The mishap occurred during a religious procession on Sunday evening.

Over dozens are reportedly dead in an explosion in Punjab's Tarn Taran after a firecracker-laden trolley accidentally caught fire. The mishap occurred during a religious procession on Sunday evening. Tarn Taran SSP Dhruv Dahiya said that as per the eyewitnesses, "14-15 individuals died on the spot" while three people have been rushed to the nearest hospital in a critical state. Tarn Taran SSP Dhruv Dahiya: During nagar kirtan, firecrackers were being burnt using explosive material because of which tractor-trolley exploded accidentally. According to eyewitnesses,14-15 individuals died on spot&3 have been admitted to hospital in critical condition.#Punjab https://t.co/bIa6fsyQ0M pic.twitter.com/b11WYDEXKh — ANI (@ANI) February 8, 2020 × "During nagar kirtan, firecrackers were being burnt using explosive material because of which tractor-trolley exploded accidentally," Dahiya told media. More details are awaited.

Punjab: More than dozens reportedly dead after trolley carrying fireworks catches fire in Tarn Taran

<p>Delhi recorded over 54 per cent of voter turnout in Delhi assembly polls till 6&nbsp;pm on Sunday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>42.70 per cent voter turnout was recorded till 4 pm.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Voting percentage improved slightly to over 41 per cent by 3 pm as Delhiites queued up to cast their votes for the Assembly election on Saturday, poll officials said.</p>

<p>The turnout was low considering that only three hours of voting hours were left, they said.</p>

<p>The polling was smooth and police maintained a strict vigil in sensitive areas.</p>

<p>Delhi Police personnel, along with paramilitary force, conducted flag marches in sensitive areas of northeast Delhi, Shahdara and east Delhi.</p>

<p>Over 1.47 crore people are eligible to exercise their franchise in the polls that will decide the fate of 672 candidates in 70 assembly constituencies which are seeing a triangular contest among the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), opposition BJP and the Congress.</p>

<p>Poll officials said 41.5 per cent votes were cast till 3 pm. The city recorded 14.75 per cent voter turnout in the first three hours of polling which began at 8 am. Polling is scheduled to end at 6 pm.</p>

<p>In the 2015 assembly elections, the national capital had recorded a voter turnout of 67.08 per cent.</p>

<p>Of the 11 districts, northeast recorded highest 50.75 per cent of voting, while New Delhi recorded 40.63 per cent, the lowest.</p>

<p>There were long queues outside some polling booths in areas dominated by minorities such as Jaffrabad, Shaheen Bagh, Seelampur and Jamia Nagar.</p>

<p>Asked why was the voting percentage low in the morning, Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora said it usually picks up as the day progresses.<br />
There were some complaints related to VVPAT slips.</p>

<p>Congress's New Delhi candidate Romesh Sabharwal said VVAPT slips did not show his name and photo.</p>

<p>"I gave a written complaint to poll authorities after which the machine was replaced," Sabharwal said, adding that polling was halted for sometime.</p>

<p>"Senior officers, along with forces, have been conducting flag marches in sensitive areas. Motorcycle patrolling are also being done. Besides, PCR and Quick Response Teams have also been deployed in sensitive areas," said Joint Commissioner of Police (Eastern Range) Alok Kumar.</p>

<p>President Ram Nath Kovind, former prime minister Manmohan Singh, Congress President Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, West Delhi MP Parvesh Verma and Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari also exercised their franchise. Union Ministers S Jaishankar, Hardeep Singh Puri were also among those who cast their votes.</p>

<p>Chief Minister and AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal voted at the Rajpur Transport Authority polling station in the Civil Lines area.</p>

<p>Kejriwal, who is contesting the polls from the New Delhi constituency, was accompanied by his wife Sunita and son Pulkit. Before leaving for voting, he sought his parents blessings.</p>

<p>Former vice president Hamid Ansari and senior RSS functionary Ram Lal were among those who queued up outside the Nirman Bhavan polling station in the first hour of voting.</p>

<p>Minutes before polling began, Kejriwal tweeted, "Please go to cast vote. A special appeal to all the women - as you shoulder the responsibility at home, likewise, the responsibility of the country and Delhi is on your shoulders."</p>

<p>Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who led a very aggressive campaign and covered 60 assembly seats, appealed to voters to "free" the national capital from lies and vote-bank politics.</p>

<p>"By giving Delhi clean air, clean drinking water and every poor house, only the best capital of the world can make it a government with far-sighted thinking and strong intentions.</p>

<p>"I appeal to the people of Delhi to vote to free Delhi from lies and vote bank politics," Shah tweeted.</p>

<p>BJP president J P Nadda also appealed to all the voters to vote in large numbers.</p>

<p>"Each vote of you is important for the unity and integrity of the country and holistic development of Delhi. Your vote only will be script the golden future of Delhi. 'Pehle Matdan, Phir Jalpan'. Jai Hind," Nadda tweeted.</p>

<p>Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's son Rehan and Kejriwal's son Pulkit were among first-time voters.</p>

<p>Pulkit said he felt good after voting for the first time.</p>

<p>He said whoever people choose will become the chief minister of Delhi when asked if his father will be the CM again.</p>

<p>Talking to reporters, Rehan said the public transport should be more affordable for students.</p>

<p>Taking a swipe at those protesting against CAA-NRC, senior RSS functionary Ram Lal said those shouting "kagaz nahin dikhayenge" would be defeated in the Delhi assembly election as he appealed to people to show documents while voting.</p>

<p>He asked voters to keep in mind who can make Delhi the best capital city in the world.</p>

<p>Hundreds of people, protesting against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in many areas across the country, often raise the slogan of "kagaz nahi dikhayenge" (we will not show show documents.</p>

<p>"My message to the voters is 'aaj apna kagaz jaroor lekar jayen. Kagaz jaroor dikhayen' (Today, take your document along with you and show your document)," Lal said.</p>

<p>Responding to AAP supremo and Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's allegation that no one in the BJP was worthy of becoming the CM, senior BJP leader Shyam Jaju, "We have no dearth of chief ministerial candidates. We will declare our CM face at the right time."</p>

<p>AAP candidate from Chandni Chowk Prahalad Sahni said that vote is being cast on the development plank, asserting that the Shaheen Bagh issue has no impact in the Delhi assembly elections.&nbsp;</p>


Delhi recorded over 54 per cent of voter turnout in Delhi assembly polls till 6 pm on Sunday. 42.70 per cent voter turnout was recorded till 4 pm. Voting percentage improved slightly to over 41 per cent by 3 pm as Delhiites queued up to cast their votes for the Assembly election on Saturday, poll officials said.

Delhi recorded over 54 per cent of voter turnout in Delhi assembly polls till 6 pm on Sunday. 42.70 per cent voter turnout was recorded till 4 pm. Voting percentage improved slightly to over 41 per cent by 3 pm as Delhiites queued up to cast their votes for the Assembly election on Saturday, poll officials said. The turnout was low considering that only three hours of voting hours were left, they said. The polling was smooth and police maintained a strict vigil in sensitive areas. Delhi Police personnel, along with paramilitary force, conducted flag marches in sensitive areas of northeast Delhi, Shahdara and east Delhi. Over 1.47 crore people are eligible to exercise their franchise in the polls that will decide the fate of 672 candidates in 70 assembly constituencies which are seeing a triangular contest among the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), opposition BJP and the Congress. Poll officials said 41.5 per cent votes were cast till 3 pm. The city recorded 14.75 per cent voter turnout in the first three hours of polling which began at 8 am. Polling is scheduled to end at 6 pm. In the 2015 assembly elections, the national capital had recorded a voter turnout of 67.08 per cent. Of the 11 districts, northeast recorded highest 50.75 per cent of voting, while New Delhi recorded 40.63 per cent, the lowest. There were long queues outside some polling booths in areas dominated by minorities such as Jaffrabad, Shaheen Bagh, Seelampur and Jamia Nagar. Asked why was the voting percentage low in the morning, Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora said it usually picks up as the day progresses. There were some complaints related to VVPAT slips. Congress's New Delhi candidate Romesh Sabharwal said VVAPT slips did not show his name and photo. "I gave a written complaint to poll authorities after which the machine was replaced," Sabharwal said, adding that polling was halted for sometime. "Senior officers, along with forces, have been conducting flag marches in sensitive areas. Motorcycle patrolling are also being done. Besides, PCR and Quick Response Teams have also been deployed in sensitive areas," said Joint Commissioner of Police (Eastern Range) Alok Kumar. President Ram Nath Kovind, former prime minister Manmohan Singh, Congress President Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, West Delhi MP Parvesh Verma and Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari also exercised their franchise. Union Ministers S Jaishankar, Hardeep Singh Puri were also among those who cast their votes. Chief Minister and AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal voted at the Rajpur Transport Authority polling station in the Civil Lines area. Kejriwal, who is contesting the polls from the New Delhi constituency, was accompanied by his wife Sunita and son Pulkit. Before leaving for voting, he sought his parents blessings. Former vice president Hamid Ansari and senior RSS functionary Ram Lal were among those who queued up outside the Nirman Bhavan polling station in the first hour of voting. Minutes before polling began, Kejriwal tweeted, "Please go to cast vote. A special appeal to all the women - as you shoulder the responsibility at home, likewise, the responsibility of the country and Delhi is on your shoulders." Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who led a very aggressive campaign and covered 60 assembly seats, appealed to voters to "free" the national capital from lies and vote-bank politics. "By giving Delhi clean air, clean drinking water and every poor house, only the best capital of the world can make it a government with far-sighted thinking and strong intentions. "I appeal to the people of Delhi to vote to free Delhi from lies and vote bank politics," Shah tweeted. BJP president J P Nadda also appealed to all the voters to vote in large numbers. "Each vote of you is important for the unity and integrity of the country and holistic development of Delhi. Your vote only will be script the golden future of Delhi. 'Pehle Matdan, Phir Jalpan'. Jai Hind," Nadda tweeted. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's son Rehan and Kejriwal's son Pulkit were among first-time voters. Pulkit said he felt good after voting for the first time. He said whoever people choose will become the chief minister of Delhi when asked if his father will be the CM again. Talking to reporters, Rehan said the public transport should be more affordable for students. Taking a swipe at those protesting against CAA-NRC, senior RSS functionary Ram Lal said those shouting "kagaz nahin dikhayenge" would be defeated in the Delhi assembly election as he appealed to people to show documents while voting. He asked voters to keep in mind who can make Delhi the best capital city in the world. Hundreds of people, protesting against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in many areas across the country, often raise the slogan of "kagaz nahi dikhayenge" (we will not show show documents. "My message to the voters is 'aaj apna kagaz jaroor lekar jayen. Kagaz jaroor dikhayen' (Today, take your document along with you and show your document)," Lal said. Responding to AAP supremo and Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's allegation that no one in the BJP was worthy of becoming the CM, senior BJP leader Shyam Jaju, "We have no dearth of chief ministerial candidates. We will declare our CM face at the right time." AAP candidate from Chandni Chowk Prahalad Sahni said that vote is being cast on the development plank, asserting that the Shaheen Bagh issue has no impact in the Delhi assembly elections.

Delhi Assembly elections 2020: Polling ends, turnout at 54.65% till 6pm

<p>Designer&nbsp;Tom&nbsp;Ford, a favorite of Hollywood's top stars, helped kick off&nbsp;Oscar&nbsp;weekend&nbsp;on Friday night moving&nbsp;his&nbsp;runway show featuring looks for fall 2020 to southern California for one of the fashion season's most anticipated events.</p>

<p>With a star-laden front row boasting Renee Zellweger, Jennifer Lopez and Miley Cyrus,&nbsp;Ford&nbsp;showed an extensive collection of women's and men's wear rendered in sultry, sensuous fabrics such as black lace and deep shades of satin.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/kirk-douglas-to-be-included-in-oscars-in-memoriam-as-a-last-minute-addition-279413">&nbsp;Kirk Douglas to be included in Oscars 'In Memoriam' as a last-minute addition</a></p>

<p>Sticking mostly to solids but for a few florals and animal prints, the famed designer's collection recalled the free-spirited, casual looks of the late 1960s and early 1970s, in a possible nod to the hit film, 'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood'.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="tom ford" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="85711f0a-dc36-42ff-84ac-ef8d7698e39c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2879%29_1.jpg" /></p>

<p>The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood-news-92nd-academy-awards-is-all-set-for-an-all-white-ceremony-dominated-by-the-men-27">Quentin Tarantino film </a>set in the summer of 1969 is a strong contender at Sunday's Academy Awards and is expected to bring A-list actor Brad Pitt&nbsp;his&nbsp;first&nbsp;Oscar. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/hollywood-news-2020-oscars-nominations-best-actress-274038">Zellweger is also favored to win</a> for her star turn as Judy Garland in 'Judy'.</p>

<p><img alt="Oscars weeknd" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d2debc1e-55d6-42d7-80ac-e88bb31442c2" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2880%29_1.jpg" /></p>

<p>New York's semi-annual fashion week kicked off on Thursday, but with an earlier-than-usual date of Feb. 9, Hollywood's Academy Awards threaten to divert at least some of the limelight - and star power - from the New York&nbsp;shows.</p>

<p><strong>In pics:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/oscars-2020-hollywood-power-couples-that-slayed-at-the-red-carpet-279112">Hollywood&nbsp;power couples that&nbsp;slayed at&nbsp;Oscars&nbsp;red carpet</a></p>

<p>Ford, who is also head of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), is no stranger to the film world himself.</p>

<p><strong>Oscars 2020: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/oscars-2020-nominees-to-get-lavish-gifts-worth-of-215000-278302">Find out what's inside $215,000 gift bag of nominees this year</a></p>

<p>Besides dressing many of Hollywood's top actors and actresses for the red carpet, he has directed films 'A Single Man' and 'Nocturnal Animals'.</p>

<p>On Friday night&nbsp;Ford&nbsp;dressed female and male models in wide lapelled jackets topping unstructured trousers.</p>

<p>In keeping with the late 60s vibe, blazers were worn over t-shirts and paired with patchwork denim or drawstring pants. Loose-fitting women's tops rendered in natural fibers were sleeveless and seemingly carefree.</p>

<p>For men, there were&nbsp;sexy&nbsp;satin or suede suits in colors popular 50 years ago such as deep rust or wine. The hippy esthetic even got a nod via a lavender print jacket.</p>

<p>Ford&nbsp;ended the show, which was also attended by baseball superstar Alex Rodriguez and actress Kate Hudson, with a series of gowns that suggested Bohemian chic, some backless, others featuring flowing black lace or tiered fringe.</p>


Designer Tom Ford, a favorite of Hollywood's top stars, helped kick off Oscar weekend on Friday night moving his runway show featuring looks for fall 2020 to southern California for one of the fashion season's most anticipated events.

Designer Tom Ford, a favorite of Hollywood's top stars, helped kick off Oscar weekend on Friday night moving his runway show featuring looks for fall 2020 to southern California for one of the fashion season's most anticipated events. With a star-laden front row boasting Renee Zellweger, Jennifer Lopez and Miley Cyrus, Ford showed an extensive collection of women's and men's wear rendered in sultry, sensuous fabrics such as black lace and deep shades of satin. Also read: Kirk Douglas to be included in Oscars 'In Memoriam' as a last-minute addition Sticking mostly to solids but for a few florals and animal prints, the famed designer's collection recalled the free-spirited, casual looks of the late 1960s and early 1970s, in a possible nod to the hit film, 'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood'. The Quentin Tarantino film set in the summer of 1969 is a strong contender at Sunday's Academy Awards and is expected to bring A-list actor Brad Pitt his first Oscar. Zellweger is also favored to win for her star turn as Judy Garland in 'Judy'. New York's semi-annual fashion week kicked off on Thursday, but with an earlier-than-usual date of Feb. 9, Hollywood's Academy Awards threaten to divert at least some of the limelight - and star power - from the New York shows. In pics: Hollywood power couples that slayed at Oscars red carpet Ford, who is also head of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), is no stranger to the film world himself. Oscars 2020: Find out what's inside $215,000 gift bag of nominees this year Besides dressing many of Hollywood's top actors and actresses for the red carpet, he has directed films 'A Single Man' and 'Nocturnal Animals'. On Friday night Ford dressed female and male models in wide lapelled jackets topping unstructured trousers. In keeping with the late 60s vibe, blazers were worn over t-shirts and paired with patchwork denim or drawstring pants. Loose-fitting women's tops rendered in natural fibers were sleeveless and seemingly carefree. For men, there were sexy satin or suede suits in colors popular 50 years ago such as deep rust or wine. The hippy esthetic even got a nod via a lavender print jacket. Ford ended the show, which was also attended by baseball superstar Alex Rodriguez and actress Kate Hudson, with a series of gowns that suggested Bohemian chic, some backless, others featuring flowing black lace or tiered fringe.

Before Oscars, star-laden Tom Ford's fashion show in Los Angeles

<p>Popstar Justin Bieber gifted a fan named Julie Coker $100,000 for her mental health advocacy. Julie Coker is the president of the Stockton University chapter of Active Minds, a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising mental health awareness among college students.<br />
<br />
The singer stopped by at the MTV Times Square studio with Quavo to talk about his recent track <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/justin-bieber-drops-new-single-intentions-featuring-rapper-quavo-279258">'Intentions'</a>, where he surprised a super fan with the cheque towards her efforts to eradicate mental health disease and suicide.<br />
<br />
Justin personally handed over the cheque to Julie on the stage. Julie also claimed that when she was thirteen years old, Bieber's gig was her first-ever concert.<br />
<br />
According to Billboard, Coker plans to use the amount to attend graduate school at Monmouth University in New Jersey, and give the remaining amount back to the Active Minds national organization as well as her Active Minds chapter at Stockton.</p>


Popstar Justin Bieber gifted a fan named Julie Coker $100,000 for her mental health advocacy. Julie Coker is the president of the Stockton University chapter of Active Minds, a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising mental health awareness among college students.

Popstar Justin Bieber gifted a fan named Julie Coker $100,000 for her mental health advocacy. Julie Coker is the president of the Stockton University chapter of Active Minds, a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising mental health awareness among college students. The singer stopped by at the MTV Times Square studio with Quavo to talk about his recent track 'Intentions', where he surprised a super fan with the cheque towards her efforts to eradicate mental health disease and suicide. Justin personally handed over the cheque to Julie on the stage. Julie also claimed that when she was thirteen years old, Bieber's gig was her first-ever concert. According to Billboard, Coker plans to use the amount to attend graduate school at Monmouth University in New Jersey, and give the remaining amount back to the Active Minds national organization as well as her Active Minds chapter at Stockton.

Justin Bieber gives $100,000 to fan for her mental health advocacy

<p>&nbsp;American singer Lizzo was spotted wearing a red bikini at a Brazilian beach in Rio de Janeiro while hanging out with friends. According to a news agency, the 31-year-old singer sipped on Brazil's signature cocktail, the caipirinha, while she soaked in the sun along with her girl pals.<br />
<br />
Lizzo also shared the photos on Instagram on Friday morning, and captioned the post as, ''Roll model."&nbsp;</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B8RmA6ahHTq/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Roll Model.</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lizzobeeating/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Lizzo</a> (@lizzobeeating) on <time datetime="2020-02-07T17:59:09+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Feb 7, 2020 at 9:59am PST</time></p>
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<p>On Wednesday, the 'Soulmate'&nbsp;singer posted photos flaunting her curves, lounging in a pool in Brazil. The 'Juice'&nbsp;songstress has long been a proponent of body positivity and acceptance, but she still faces body-shaming comments on social media.<br />
<br />
Due to the trolls and constant negativity, she even quit social media at one point. Regardless of those who disapprove, the songwriter still is adamant about wearing what makes her feel happy.<br />
<br />
Back in December, in an interview with 'CBS This Morning' she had said, "It's their opinion, so it's not for me to really ingest, it`s for them to express, and for me to choose to listen to or not."</p>


American singer Lizzo was spotted wearing a red bikini at a Brazilian beach in Rio de Janeiro while hanging out with friends. According to a news agency, the 31-year-old singer sipped on Brazil's signature cocktail, the caipirinha, while she soaked in the sun along with her girl pals.

American singer Lizzo was spotted wearing a red bikini at a Brazilian beach in Rio de Janeiro while hanging out with friends. According to a news agency, the 31-year-old singer sipped on Brazil's signature cocktail, the caipirinha, while she soaked in the sun along with her girl pals. Lizzo also shared the photos on Instagram on Friday morning, and captioned the post as, ''Roll model." View this post on Instagram Roll Model. A post shared by Lizzo (@lizzobeeating) on Feb 7, 2020 at 9:59am PST × On Wednesday, the 'Soulmate' singer posted photos flaunting her curves, lounging in a pool in Brazil. The 'Juice' songstress has long been a proponent of body positivity and acceptance, but she still faces body-shaming comments on social media. Due to the trolls and constant negativity, she even quit social media at one point. Regardless of those who disapprove, the songwriter still is adamant about wearing what makes her feel happy. Back in December, in an interview with 'CBS This Morning' she had said, "It's their opinion, so it's not for me to really ingest, it`s for them to express, and for me to choose to listen to or not."

Lizzo channels roll model avatar in red bikini during Brazilian vacation

Today in History: Coronation of Elizabeth II, start of the Russo-Japanese War and more

<p>Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa will offer prayers at the famous hill shrine of Lord Venkateswara at nearby Tirumala on Tuesday, a temple official said.</p>

<p>An ardent devotee of the ancient hill temple, Rajapaksa, who is now on a four-day state visit to India on the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi since yesterday, would arrive at Renigunta airport near here on Monday night, the temple official told PTI.</p>

<p>A 19-member Sri Lankan delegation including two ministers A Thondaman and KN Devananda, would also accompany the PM of neighbouring island nation during his spiritual visit here.</p>

<p>After offering his obeisance to Lord Venkateswara here, Rajapaksa would immediately emplane for Colombo, he added.</p>


Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa will offer prayers at the famous hill shrine of Lord Venkateswara at nearby Tirumala on Tuesday, a temple official said.

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa will offer prayers at the famous hill shrine of Lord Venkateswara at nearby Tirumala on Tuesday, a temple official said. An ardent devotee of the ancient hill temple, Rajapaksa, who is now on a four-day state visit to India on the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi since yesterday, would arrive at Renigunta airport near here on Monday night, the temple official told PTI. A 19-member Sri Lankan delegation including two ministers A Thondaman and KN Devananda, would also accompany the PM of neighbouring island nation during his spiritual visit here. After offering his obeisance to Lord Venkateswara here, Rajapaksa would immediately emplane for Colombo, he added.

Sri Lanka PM to offer prayers at Lord Venkateswara temple on February 11

<p>Riding on tech-savvy elements like QR codes and mobile apps, poll authorities have geared up for the elections to the 70-member Delhi assembly on Saturday, making tight security arrangements across the national capital and keeping an extra vigil in Shaheen Bagh and other sensitive polling areas.</p>

<p>Over 1.47 crore voters are eligible to exercise their franchise in the electoral battle for Delhi, which is largely being seen as a triangular contest among the ruling AAP, a spirited Congress and the opposition BJP which has campaigned very aggressively ahead of the election.</p>

<p>Delhi Chief Electoral Officer Ranbir Singh said all EVMs have been tested and they are "foolproof and non-tamperable".</p>

<p>Security personnel kept guard at strong rooms storing EVMs. Election staff during the day carried EVMs and other polling material to booths under tight supervision in all constituencies.</p>

<p>"After getting polling material, a large number of polling stations have already been set up, and soon all will be done. Model polling stations will be spread across 70 locations, one in each constituency. Each of these 70 locations will also have 'pink booths'," he said.</p>

<p>Pink booths are those which are manned completely by women staff.</p>

<p>In view of the ongoing anti-citizenship law protest in Shaheen Bagh, the Delhi CEO's Office has put all five polling stations in the area under the "critical" category, and confidence-building measures are continuously being undertaken to reassure voters, officials said.</p>

<p>They reiterated that the area is under "tight vigil" and "there is no obstruction" in areas where poll activities will be conducted, so voters will face no problems.</p>

<p>He said 1,47,86,382 people are eligible to vote in the Delhi polls, and 2,32,815 are in the age group of 18-19.</p>

<p>Voters in various categories include males (81,05,236), females (66,80,277), service voters (11,608), third gender voters (869), and senior citizens (aged 80 and above) voters (2,04,830), officials said.</p>

<p>The bitterly fought high-octane campaign that lasted for over three weeks ended at 6 pm on Thursday, just 38 hours before the start of voting for the high-stakes Delhi assembly election.</p>

<p>There are 672 candidates in the fray for 70 assembly seats.</p>

<p>Tight security arrangements have been made across the national capital and police force and paramilitary personnel have been deployed.</p>

<p>Special Commissioner of Police (Intelligence) Praveer Ranjan had earlier said 190 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) will be deployed as part of the security measures.</p>

<p>This is nearly four times the number of CAPF personnel deployed during the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, he added.</p>

<p>There are 13,750 polling booths, besides one auxiliary booth, located at 2,689 locations across Delhi.</p>

<p>"As far as critical polling stations are concerned, there are 516 locations and 3,704 booths in that category," Singh said.</p>

<p>Besides police security, polling stations falling in the "critical category" get paramilitary cover. Activities will be monitored through webcasting, he said.<br />
Police and election machinery are on "extra vigil" and assessing the situation all the time across the national capital, including Shaheen Bagh, the epicentre of protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).</p>

<p>Poll authorities had met protesters recently and encouraged them to vote on the polling day.</p>

<p>"The 2020 Delhi polls will be tech-driven with greater use of technology elements like mobile apps, QR codes, social media interface, seeking to enhance the experience of all categories of voters, before polling or on the voting day. And we are trying to make the best use of it," he said.</p>

<p>Electors can carry smartphones at polling stations in 11 assembly constituencies for accessing QR codes from the voters' helpline app in case they have not brought the voter's slip to the booth.</p>

<p>Delhi has 70 Assembly constituencies and one constituency in each of the 11 districts will have this tech-driven facility.</p>

<p>The 11 are Sultanpur Majra, Seelampur, Ballimaran, Bijwasan, Trilokpuri, Shakur Basti, New Delhi, Rohtas Nagar, Chhatarpur, Rajouri Garden and Jangpura.</p>

<p>According to Singh, focussed campaigns were carried by his office to reach out to different sections of voters, aiming to break the "urban apathy" of the electorate.<br />
Special campaigns were carried out in 30 constituencies which had seen lower turnout in 2019 Lok Sabha polls.</p>

<p>Singh hoped that the twin-edged strategy of more thrust on use of technology complemented with massive campaigns in the run-up, will lead to a greater turnout than in 2015.</p>

<p>A mega, multi-domain outdoor campaign is being carried out by the Delhi CEO's Office to bring large numbers of electorate to the polling booths, besides jingles on all major FM stations.</p>

<p>The ruling AAP is going into the Delhi election with the hope to repeat its stellar performance of the last assembly polls, while the BJP, which bagged all seven seats here in the Lok Sabha election, will be aiming at expanding its vote share in the national capital.</p>

<p>The Aam Aadmi Party had got 54.3 per cent votes in the 2015 Assembly polls, while the Bharatiya Janata Party got a vote share of 32 per cent and the Congress managed to bag just 9.6 per cent of the total votes polled.</p>

<p>The AAP will fight the polls on a depleted strength of 60 MLAs as it had to concede one seat to the BJP in the subsequent bypoll, while six of the lawmakers were disqualified over joining other parties.&nbsp;</p>


Riding on tech-savvy elements like QR codes and mobile apps, poll authorities have geared up for the elections to the 70-member Delhi assembly on Saturday, making tight security arrangements across the national capital and keeping an extra vigil in Shaheen Bagh and other sensitive polling areas.

Riding on tech-savvy elements like QR codes and mobile apps, poll authorities have geared up for the elections to the 70-member Delhi assembly on Saturday, making tight security arrangements across the national capital and keeping an extra vigil in Shaheen Bagh and other sensitive polling areas. Over 1.47 crore voters are eligible to exercise their franchise in the electoral battle for Delhi, which is largely being seen as a triangular contest among the ruling AAP, a spirited Congress and the opposition BJP which has campaigned very aggressively ahead of the election. Delhi Chief Electoral Officer Ranbir Singh said all EVMs have been tested and they are "foolproof and non-tamperable". Security personnel kept guard at strong rooms storing EVMs. Election staff during the day carried EVMs and other polling material to booths under tight supervision in all constituencies. "After getting polling material, a large number of polling stations have already been set up, and soon all will be done. Model polling stations will be spread across 70 locations, one in each constituency. Each of these 70 locations will also have 'pink booths'," he said. Pink booths are those which are manned completely by women staff. In view of the ongoing anti-citizenship law protest in Shaheen Bagh, the Delhi CEO's Office has put all five polling stations in the area under the "critical" category, and confidence-building measures are continuously being undertaken to reassure voters, officials said. They reiterated that the area is under "tight vigil" and "there is no obstruction" in areas where poll activities will be conducted, so voters will face no problems. He said 1,47,86,382 people are eligible to vote in the Delhi polls, and 2,32,815 are in the age group of 18-19. Voters in various categories include males (81,05,236), females (66,80,277), service voters (11,608), third gender voters (869), and senior citizens (aged 80 and above) voters (2,04,830), officials said. The bitterly fought high-octane campaign that lasted for over three weeks ended at 6 pm on Thursday, just 38 hours before the start of voting for the high-stakes Delhi assembly election. There are 672 candidates in the fray for 70 assembly seats. Tight security arrangements have been made across the national capital and police force and paramilitary personnel have been deployed. Special Commissioner of Police (Intelligence) Praveer Ranjan had earlier said 190 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) will be deployed as part of the security measures. This is nearly four times the number of CAPF personnel deployed during the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, he added. There are 13,750 polling booths, besides one auxiliary booth, located at 2,689 locations across Delhi. "As far as critical polling stations are concerned, there are 516 locations and 3,704 booths in that category," Singh said. Besides police security, polling stations falling in the "critical category" get paramilitary cover. Activities will be monitored through webcasting, he said. Police and election machinery are on "extra vigil" and assessing the situation all the time across the national capital, including Shaheen Bagh, the epicentre of protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). Poll authorities had met protesters recently and encouraged them to vote on the polling day. "The 2020 Delhi polls will be tech-driven with greater use of technology elements like mobile apps, QR codes, social media interface, seeking to enhance the experience of all categories of voters, before polling or on the voting day. And we are trying to make the best use of it," he said. Electors can carry smartphones at polling stations in 11 assembly constituencies for accessing QR codes from the voters' helpline app in case they have not brought the voter's slip to the booth. Delhi has 70 Assembly constituencies and one constituency in each of the 11 districts will have this tech-driven facility. The 11 are Sultanpur Majra, Seelampur, Ballimaran, Bijwasan, Trilokpuri, Shakur Basti, New Delhi, Rohtas Nagar, Chhatarpur, Rajouri Garden and Jangpura. According to Singh, focussed campaigns were carried by his office to reach out to different sections of voters, aiming to break the "urban apathy" of the electorate. Special campaigns were carried out in 30 constituencies which had seen lower turnout in 2019 Lok Sabha polls. Singh hoped that the twin-edged strategy of more thrust on use of technology complemented with massive campaigns in the run-up, will lead to a greater turnout than in 2015. A mega, multi-domain outdoor campaign is being carried out by the Delhi CEO's Office to bring large numbers of electorate to the polling booths, besides jingles on all major FM stations. The ruling AAP is going into the Delhi election with the hope to repeat its stellar performance of the last assembly polls, while the BJP, which bagged all seven seats here in the Lok Sabha election, will be aiming at expanding its vote share in the national capital. The Aam Aadmi Party had got 54.3 per cent votes in the 2015 Assembly polls, while the Bharatiya Janata Party got a vote share of 32 per cent and the Congress managed to bag just 9.6 per cent of the total votes polled. The AAP will fight the polls on a depleted strength of 60 MLAs as it had to concede one seat to the BJP in the subsequent bypoll, while six of the lawmakers were disqualified over joining other parties.

Delhi poll body gears up for assembly polls; EVMs foolproof, non-tamperable says Delhi CEO

<p>While nations continue to evacuate their citizens from coronavirus-hit Wuhan, Pakistan has refused to get its students back from China.</p>

<p>In a recent video, Pakistani students who are stranded at the Wuhan University accused their health ministry of lying.&nbsp;</p>

<p>They said that their leaders are telling them that evacuation is not allowed even while other countries are doing so. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Foreign students who are leaving China have also urged Pakistan to rescue its citizens.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Even after accepting that its citizens have been infected with coronavirus, Islamabad said that China is taking care of all those who are in Wuhan, including Pak students.</p>

<p>Just a week back Pak President Arif Alvi took to Twitter and quoted the Prophet on how to tackle the situation in the event of an outbreak, reiterating Pakistan's resolve not to bring back its nationals from Wuhan.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/toyota-keeps-china-plant-output-stopped-through-february-16-amid-coronavirus-outbreak-279291">Toyota keeps China plant output stopped through February 16 amid coronavirus outbreak</a></strong></p>

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<p>"Prophet's directions regarding disease outbreaks are a good guide even 2day “If you hear of an outbreak of plague in a land, do not enter it, but if the plague breaks out in a place while you are in it, do not leave that place” (Bukhari &amp; Muslim) Let us help those stuck there," his tweet read.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/on-evacuation-of-pakistani-students-from-wuhan-eam-says-was-prepared-to-bring-back-everyone-from-the-neighbourhood-279282">India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar</a> on Friday told the Rajya Sabha that India had offered evacuation of citizens of all neighbouring countries, including Pakistan, from Wuhan.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Prophet's ﷺ directions regarding disease outbreaks are a good guide even 2day “If you hear of an outbreak of plague in a land, do not enter it, but if the plague breaks out in a place while you are in it, do not leave that place” (Bukhari &amp; Muslim) Let us help those stuck there.</p>
— Dr. Arif Alvi (@ArifAlvi) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArifAlvi/status/1223233085954719744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/screening-of-passengers-arranged-at-airports-nepal-border-also-under-check-health-minister-on-coronavirus-279259">Screening passengers at airports, Nepal border also under check: Health Minister on coronavirus&nbsp;</a></strong></p>

<p>"Regarding the question on Pakistan, at the time when our two flights were going, we had told all the students and the larger community in Wuhan that we were prepared not only to bring back Indians stuck in Wuhan but bring back all the people of our neighbouring countries who would like to come back," Jaishankar told the Upper House of Parliament today.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This was an offer which was made to all our neighbours. But of them, 7 nationals of Maldives chose to avail of the offer, I would like the honourable members to know the offer was made to all the neighbouring countries," Jaishankar added.&nbsp;</p>


While nations continue to evacuate their citizens from coronavirus-hit Wuhan, Pakistan has refused to get its students back from China. In a recent video, Pakistani students who are stranded at the Wuhan University accused their health ministry of lying.

While nations continue to evacuate their citizens from coronavirus-hit Wuhan, Pakistan has refused to get its students back from China. In a recent video, Pakistani students who are stranded at the Wuhan University accused their health ministry of lying. They said that their leaders are telling them that evacuation is not allowed even while other countries are doing so. Foreign students who are leaving China have also urged Pakistan to rescue its citizens. Even after accepting that its citizens have been infected with coronavirus, Islamabad said that China is taking care of all those who are in Wuhan, including Pak students. Just a week back Pak President Arif Alvi took to Twitter and quoted the Prophet on how to tackle the situation in the event of an outbreak, reiterating Pakistan's resolve not to bring back its nationals from Wuhan. Also read: Toyota keeps China plant output stopped through February 16 amid coronavirus outbreak × "Prophet's directions regarding disease outbreaks are a good guide even 2day “If you hear of an outbreak of plague in a land, do not enter it, but if the plague breaks out in a place while you are in it, do not leave that place” (Bukhari & Muslim) Let us help those stuck there," his tweet read. Meanwhile, India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday told the Rajya Sabha that India had offered evacuation of citizens of all neighbouring countries, including Pakistan, from Wuhan. Prophet's ﷺ directions regarding disease outbreaks are a good guide even 2day “If you hear of an outbreak of plague in a land, do not enter it, but if the plague breaks out in a place while you are in it, do not leave that place” (Bukhari & Muslim) Let us help those stuck there. — Dr. Arif Alvi (@ArifAlvi) January 31, 2020 × Also read: Screening passengers at airports, Nepal border also under check: Health Minister on coronavirus "Regarding the question on Pakistan, at the time when our two flights were going, we had told all the students and the larger community in Wuhan that we were prepared not only to bring back Indians stuck in Wuhan but bring back all the people of our neighbouring countries who would like to come back," Jaishankar told the Upper House of Parliament today. "This was an offer which was made to all our neighbours. But of them, 7 nationals of Maldives chose to avail of the offer, I would like the honourable members to know the offer was made to all the neighbouring countries," Jaishankar added.

While coronavirus death toll crosses 600 in China, Pak maintains it won't evacuate nationals from Wuhan

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