Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, who is on a three-day visit to India, visits Kashi Vishwanath of Varanasi, followed by a Buddhist temple in Sarnath on Sunday.

Sri Lankan PM Mahinda Rajapaksa visits holy Buddhist sites

Security forces storm mall after soldier kills 20 in shooting rampage in Thailand Thai security forces stormed the Terminal 21 mall in the city of Nakhon Ratchasima and helped hundreds of people to escape.

Security forces storm mall after soldier kills 20 in shooting rampage in Thailand Thai security forces stormed the Terminal 21 mall in the city of Nakhon Ratchasima and helped hundreds of people to escape. Coronavirus global death toll overtakes Sars epidemic fatalities The US embassy has reported the first American casualty in the ongoing outbreak. Exit polls predict two-thirds majority for AAP in Delhi assembly The polls predicted that AAP will win a two-thirds majority with some giving it a three-fourth majority in the 70-member assembly. Pakistan court defers verdict against Mumbai terror attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed Reporters were barred from attending the hearing even as Saeed was produced in the court amid heightened security.

Morning News Brief: Coronavirus death toll overtakes sars fatalities, Thai forces storm mall, and more 

The BJP, which strived hard to counter the AAP, is predicted be once again remain the runner up according to all the exit polls, while the Congress is once again facing a wipeout.

Delhi Exit Polls predict Kejriwal's 2nd term as CM, final results on February 11

Seeking to enhance the firepower of Army and Air Force, India has started developing a 200-km strike range tactical ballistic missile 'Pranash'.

"The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has started working on the development of the 200-km strike range Pranash ballistic missile which would be armed with conventional warheads," Defence officials said.

The missile is an advanced version of the 150-km strike range Prahar missile which was being developed for tactical missions.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-unveils-ballistic-missile-new-generation-engines-279585">Iran unveils ballistic missile, 'new generation' engines</a>

The surface-to-surface ballistic missile will be of use for the Air Force and Army.

The trials of the missile would be conducted in next couple of years and the single-stage solid-propellant missile would also be readied for exports to friendly foreign countries as its strike range is within the permissible limits of international regimes on missile sales.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Seeking to enhance the firepower of Army and Air Force, India has started developing a 200-km strike range tactical ballistic missile 'Pranash'. "The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has started working on the development of the 200-km strike range Pranash ballistic missile which would be armed with conventional warheads," Defence officials said.

Seeking to enhance the firepower of Army and Air Force, India has started developing a 200-km strike range tactical ballistic missile 'Pranash'. "The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has started working on the development of the 200-km strike range Pranash ballistic missile which would be armed with conventional warheads," Defence officials said. The missile is an advanced version of the 150-km strike range Prahar missile which was being developed for tactical missions. Also read: Iran unveils ballistic missile, 'new generation' engines The surface-to-surface ballistic missile will be of use for the Air Force and Army. The trials of the missile would be conducted in next couple of years and the single-stage solid-propellant missile would also be readied for exports to friendly foreign countries as its strike range is within the permissible limits of international regimes on missile sales.

India developing new 200-km strike range Pranash ballistic missile

The final voter turnout in the Delhi polls was 62.59 per cent, senior officials said on Sunday.

Elections to the 70-member Delhi Assembly were held on Saturday.

"The final voter turnout was recorded at 62.59 per cent," a senior official in the Delhi CEO's office said.

In the 2015 Assembly polls, Delhi had recorded a voter turnout of 67.47 per cent.

Exit polls on Saturday predicted an easy win for the Aam Aadmi Party, which sought to retain power on the development plank, against the BJP that ran an aggressive campaign centred around the issues of anti-CAA protests and nationalism.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/exit-polls-predict-two-thirds-majority-for-aap-in-delhi-assembly-279512">Exit polls predict two-thirds majority for AAP in Delhi assembly</a>

&nbsp;BJP leaders on Sunday maintained that the exit poll results that have predicted its defeat in Delhi polls will "fail" as the surveys did not take into account the votes polled in the evening. 
The exit poll results of news channels aired immediately after voting time ended at 6 pm on Saturday showed the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) sweeping the election.

In a late-night meeting at the BJP's Delhi unit office on Saturday, top leaders including Union minister Amit Shah, party president JP Nadda and others analysed the emerging situation and received feedback from various quarters, the party sources said.

"The party is confident that even in the worst scenario, it is going to win at least 25-32 seats in Delhi," the sources claimed.

Shah has asserted that the BJP will win more than 45 seats and form government in Delhi.

In campaigning for the elections, Shah had said the February 11 results will "shock" everyone.&nbsp;

The final voter turnout in the Delhi polls was 62.59 per cent, senior officials said on Sunday. Elections to the 70-member Delhi Assembly were held on Saturday. "The final voter turnout was recorded at 62.

The final voter turnout in the Delhi polls was 62.59 per cent, senior officials said on Sunday. Elections to the 70-member Delhi Assembly were held on Saturday. "The final voter turnout was recorded at 62.59 per cent," a senior official in the Delhi CEO's office said. In the 2015 Assembly polls, Delhi had recorded a voter turnout of 67.47 per cent. Exit polls on Saturday predicted an easy win for the Aam Aadmi Party, which sought to retain power on the development plank, against the BJP that ran an aggressive campaign centred around the issues of anti-CAA protests and nationalism. Also read: Exit polls predict two-thirds majority for AAP in Delhi assembly BJP leaders on Sunday maintained that the exit poll results that have predicted its defeat in Delhi polls will "fail" as the surveys did not take into account the votes polled in the evening. The exit poll results of news channels aired immediately after voting time ended at 6 pm on Saturday showed the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) sweeping the election. In a late-night meeting at the BJP's Delhi unit office on Saturday, top leaders including Union minister Amit Shah, party president JP Nadda and others analysed the emerging situation and received feedback from various quarters, the party sources said. "The party is confident that even in the worst scenario, it is going to win at least 25-32 seats in Delhi," the sources claimed. Shah has asserted that the BJP will win more than 45 seats and form government in Delhi. In campaigning for the elections, Shah had said the February 11 results will "shock" everyone.

62.59% voter turnout in Delhi election: Poll officials

The death toll in a firecracker explosion during a religious procession in Punjab's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/2-dead-9-injured-in-cracker-explosion-in-punjabs-tarn-taran-chief-minister-calls-for-magisterial-probe-279514">Tarn Taran district</a> has climbed to three as a 17-year-old boy succumbed to injuries on Sunday.

Firecrackers, being carried in a tractor trolley, exploded during the 'nagar kirtan' (religious procession) near Pahu village in Tarn Taran on Saturday.

"One more youth, identified as Gurkirat Singh, aged around 17 years, passed away in a hospital at Tarn Taran on Sunday," Acting Deputy Superintendent of Police, Tarn Taran city, Parbesh Chopra, said.

He said the condition of another injured boy was serious and he was admitted to the hospital's intensive care unit.

Earlier on Saturday, two boys, aged 12 and 17 years, were killed and nine others injured in the firecracker explosion.

Chief Minister Amarinder Singh had on Saturday ordered a magisterial probe into the incident and also announced an ex-gratia grant of Rs 5 lakh for the kin of the deceased and free treatment to the injured, admitted in the local civil hospital and Guru Nanak Dev Charitable Hospital.

The explosion took place when some youngsters were bursting crackers as part of celebratory fireworks near Daleke Mor, Palasaur, police station city.

"During the 'nagar kirtan', the youths were bursting crackers as part of celebratory fireworks. As they were doing so, the sparks fell on the tractor trolley, which was carrying explosive material -- potash and sulphur and firecrackers -- that led to an explosion," a police official had said.

The religious procession was going from Gurdwara Baba Deep Singh in Pahuwind village to Gurdwara Tahli Sahib in Chattiwind.

Expressing shock over the incident, the chief minister asked the sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) Tarn Taran to conduct a thorough inquiry into the incident in order to fix responsibility and ensure justice for the victims.

The SDM's inquiry would ascertain the full facts of the case, a government statement had said.&nbsp;

The death toll in a firecracker explosion during a religious procession in Punjab's Tarn Taran district has climbed to three as a 17-year-old boy succumbed to injuries on Sunday.

The death toll in a firecracker explosion during a religious procession in Punjab's Tarn Taran district has climbed to three as a 17-year-old boy succumbed to injuries on Sunday. Firecrackers, being carried in a tractor trolley, exploded during the 'nagar kirtan' (religious procession) near Pahu village in Tarn Taran on Saturday. "One more youth, identified as Gurkirat Singh, aged around 17 years, passed away in a hospital at Tarn Taran on Sunday," Acting Deputy Superintendent of Police, Tarn Taran city, Parbesh Chopra, said. He said the condition of another injured boy was serious and he was admitted to the hospital's intensive care unit. Earlier on Saturday, two boys, aged 12 and 17 years, were killed and nine others injured in the firecracker explosion. Chief Minister Amarinder Singh had on Saturday ordered a magisterial probe into the incident and also announced an ex-gratia grant of Rs 5 lakh for the kin of the deceased and free treatment to the injured, admitted in the local civil hospital and Guru Nanak Dev Charitable Hospital. The explosion took place when some youngsters were bursting crackers as part of celebratory fireworks near Daleke Mor, Palasaur, police station city. "During the 'nagar kirtan', the youths were bursting crackers as part of celebratory fireworks. As they were doing so, the sparks fell on the tractor trolley, which was carrying explosive material -- potash and sulphur and firecrackers -- that led to an explosion," a police official had said. The religious procession was going from Gurdwara Baba Deep Singh in Pahuwind village to Gurdwara Tahli Sahib in Chattiwind. Expressing shock over the incident, the chief minister asked the sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) Tarn Taran to conduct a thorough inquiry into the incident in order to fix responsibility and ensure justice for the victims. The SDM's inquiry would ascertain the full facts of the case, a government statement had said.

Death toll in firecracker explosion in Punjab's Tarn Taran climbs to 3

Pakistan violated ceasefire in Balakot and Mendhar sectors in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday, news agency ANI reported. Pakistan initiated unprovoked ceasefire violation by firing of small arms and intense mortar shelling along the Line of Control (LoC) at about 12:50 pm, the report added.

Pakistan violated ceasefire in Balakot and Mendhar sectors in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday, news agency ANI reported. Pakistan initiated unprovoked ceasefire violation by firing of small arms and intense mortar shelling along the Line of Control (LoC) at about 12:50 pm, the report added. The Indian security forces are retaliating to the unprovoked firing from the Pakistani side, the report added. More details awaited. (With inputs from ANI)

Pakistan violates ceasefire in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch

Voting for the Delhi elections 2020 begins. 

Delhi Elections 2020 LIVE: Voter turnout nears 30%

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa arrived in India on a five-day visit on Friday.&nbsp;

Rajapaksa was received by Union Minister Sanjay Dhotre upon his arrival at the Delhi airport.&nbsp;

The Sri Lankan leader will hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Ram Nath Kovind during his stay in New Delhi on Saturday.

Other engagements of the day include his visit to the Rajghat — where he will lay a wreath at the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi — and a meeting with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.&nbsp;

Rajapaksa will leave for Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh on Sunday where he will visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Sarnath Buddhist Temple.&nbsp;

Security has been beefed up in Varanasi ahead of Rajapaksa's visit.&nbsp;

On the morning of February 10, Rajapaksa will emplane for Bodh Gaya in Bihar — where he will visit Mahabodhi Temple and Bodh Gaya Centre — and later in the day to Tirupati, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa arrived in India on a five-day visit on Friday. Rajapaksa was received by Union Minister Sanjay Dhotre upon his arrival at the Delhi airport.

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa arrived in India on a five-day visit on Friday. Rajapaksa was received by Union Minister Sanjay Dhotre upon his arrival at the Delhi airport. The Sri Lankan leader will hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Ram Nath Kovind during his stay in New Delhi on Saturday. Other engagements of the day include his visit to the Rajghat — where he will lay a wreath at the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi — and a meeting with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. Rajapaksa will leave for Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh on Sunday where he will visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Sarnath Buddhist Temple. Security has been beefed up in Varanasi ahead of Rajapaksa's visit. On the morning of February 10, Rajapaksa will emplane for Bodh Gaya in Bihar — where he will visit Mahabodhi Temple and Bodh Gaya Centre — and later in the day to Tirupati, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa arrives in New Delhi on a 5-day state visit

As the outbreak of novel coronavirus has lead to the death of more than 700 Chinese nationals, aviation regulator DGCA on Saturday said that foreigners who went to China on or after January 15 will not be allowed to enter India.

The DGCA, in its circular to airlines on Saturday, reiterated that all visas issued to Chinese nationals before February 5 have been suspended.

However, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) clarified, "These visa restrictions will not apply to aircrew, who may be Chinese nationals or other foreign nationalities coming from China."

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-five-british-nationalsm-four-adults-one-child-infected-at-french-ski-resort-279492">Five British nationalsm four adults one child infected at French ski resort</a>

"Foreigners who have been to China on or after January 15, 2020, are not allowed to enter India from any air, land or seaport, including Indo-Nepal, Indo-Bhutan, Indo-Bangladesh or Indo-Myanmar land borders," the DGCA said.

Among Indian airlines, IndiGo and Air India have suspended all of their flights between the two countries. SpiceJet continues to fly on Delhi-Hong Kong route.

On February 1 and 2, Air India conducted two special flights to the Chinese city of Wuhan, the epicentre of the outbreak, evacuating 647 Indians and seven Maldivians. 
Till date, three Indians have tested positive for novel coronavirus.&nbsp;

As the outbreak of novel coronavirus has lead to the death of more than 700 Chinese nationals, aviation regulator DGCA on Saturday said that foreigners who went to China on or after January 15 will not be allowed to enter India.

As the outbreak of novel coronavirus has lead to the death of more than 700 Chinese nationals, aviation regulator DGCA on Saturday said that foreigners who went to China on or after January 15 will not be allowed to enter India. The DGCA, in its circular to airlines on Saturday, reiterated that all visas issued to Chinese nationals before February 5 have been suspended. However, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) clarified, "These visa restrictions will not apply to aircrew, who may be Chinese nationals or other foreign nationalities coming from China." Also read: Five British nationalsm four adults one child infected at French ski resort "Foreigners who have been to China on or after January 15, 2020, are not allowed to enter India from any air, land or seaport, including Indo-Nepal, Indo-Bhutan, Indo-Bangladesh or Indo-Myanmar land borders," the DGCA said. Among Indian airlines, IndiGo and Air India have suspended all of their flights between the two countries. SpiceJet continues to fly on Delhi-Hong Kong route. On February 1 and 2, Air India conducted two special flights to the Chinese city of Wuhan, the epicentre of the outbreak, evacuating 647 Indians and seven Maldivians. Till date, three Indians have tested positive for novel coronavirus.

Coronavirus: Foreigners who went to China after Jan 15 not allowed to enter India, says DGCA

Delhi recorded a voter turnout of over 61 per cent in the hard-fought Assembly election with the polling having picked up pace in the evening on Saturday.

According to the Election Commission's Voter Turnout app, the voting percentage was 61.67 per cent at 10.26 pm.

The poll percentage was less than 67.12 per cent in the 2015 election when the ruling Aam Aadmi Party had secured a landslide victory getting 67 of 70 assembly seats.

Delhi's Chief Election Officer Ranbir Singh had said in the evening that the poll percentage was expected to go up as there were queues at several polling stations at the end of polling at 6 pm.

The officials said that elections took place peacefully and smoothly. BJP and AAP held review meetings after the polling ended and expressed confidence about their victory.

The Delhi Police said that a 60-year-old man fell unconscious outside polling booth no. 127 in Hari Nagar constituency at 10 am. He was taken to the Deen Dayal Upadhyay Hospital, but was declared brought dead.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/exit-polls-predict-two-thirds-majority-for-aap-in-delhi-assembly-279512">Exit polls predict two-thirds majority for AAP in Delhi assembly</a>

"Probably, he died of cardiac arrest," a police official said. After the polling concluded, the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) were taken to strong rooms.

The counting of votes will take place on February 11. Most exit polls have predicted AAP winning over two-third majority but Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari said the exit polls will fail and the party will win 48 seats.

"All these exit polls will fail. Keep this tweet of mine. BJP will form the government in Delhi with over 48 seats in Delhi. Now please do not find an excuse to blame Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs)," Tiwari said in a tweet.

"Certain exit polls are showing that BJP will win 26 seats, but let me tell you that all these exit polls will fail on February 11," he told ANI.

Delhi Congress president Subhash Chopra also said that exit polls will fail and expressed confidence that the party will do much better.

"BJP will not get even 20 seats and Kejriwal is not going to form the government in Delhi. I am hoping the Congress is going to do much better than what exit polls are showing. Let us wait till results are out," Chopra told ANI.

AAP leader Sanjay Singh exuded confidence about the party repeating its 2015 performance. There were 672 candidates in the fray and more than 98,000 officials had been deployed smooth conduct of elections.

Prominent among those who cast their votes were President Ram Nath Kovind, former President Pranab Mukherjee, former Vice President Hamid Ansari, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Delhi Lt. Governor Anil Baijal, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Congress President Sonia Gandhi, BJP leader LK Advani, and Union Ministers Harsh Vardhan and S Jaishankar. Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also cast their votes.

Over 1.4 crore people were eligible to cast their votes including 81,05,236 male voters and 66,80,277 female voters. There are 869 third gender voters.

Ballimaran is the smallest constituency in the national capital with an area of 2.50 square kilometre.

Narela is the biggest with an area of 143.42 sq km.

The voting is being held at 13,571 polling stations of which 3,141 are critical and 144 vulnerable polling stations. The BJP had won three seats in the 2015 elections and Congress could not open its account. Both BJP and Congress had given a few seats to their allies.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Delhi recorded a voter turnout of over 61 per cent in the hard-fought Assembly election with the polling having picked up pace in the evening on Saturday. According to the Election Commission's Voter Turnout app, the voting percentage was 61.

Delhi recorded a voter turnout of over 61 per cent in the hard-fought Assembly election with the polling having picked up pace in the evening on Saturday. According to the Election Commission's Voter Turnout app, the voting percentage was 61.67 per cent at 10.26 pm. The poll percentage was less than 67.12 per cent in the 2015 election when the ruling Aam Aadmi Party had secured a landslide victory getting 67 of 70 assembly seats. Delhi's Chief Election Officer Ranbir Singh had said in the evening that the poll percentage was expected to go up as there were queues at several polling stations at the end of polling at 6 pm. The officials said that elections took place peacefully and smoothly. BJP and AAP held review meetings after the polling ended and expressed confidence about their victory. The Delhi Police said that a 60-year-old man fell unconscious outside polling booth no. 127 in Hari Nagar constituency at 10 am. He was taken to the Deen Dayal Upadhyay Hospital, but was declared brought dead. Also read: Exit polls predict two-thirds majority for AAP in Delhi assembly "Probably, he died of cardiac arrest," a police official said. After the polling concluded, the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) were taken to strong rooms. The counting of votes will take place on February 11. Most exit polls have predicted AAP winning over two-third majority but Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari said the exit polls will fail and the party will win 48 seats. "All these exit polls will fail. Keep this tweet of mine. BJP will form the government in Delhi with over 48 seats in Delhi. Now please do not find an excuse to blame Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs)," Tiwari said in a tweet. "Certain exit polls are showing that BJP will win 26 seats, but let me tell you that all these exit polls will fail on February 11," he told ANI. Delhi Congress president Subhash Chopra also said that exit polls will fail and expressed confidence that the party will do much better. "BJP will not get even 20 seats and Kejriwal is not going to form the government in Delhi. I am hoping the Congress is going to do much better than what exit polls are showing. Let us wait till results are out," Chopra told ANI. AAP leader Sanjay Singh exuded confidence about the party repeating its 2015 performance. There were 672 candidates in the fray and more than 98,000 officials had been deployed smooth conduct of elections. Prominent among those who cast their votes were President Ram Nath Kovind, former President Pranab Mukherjee, former Vice President Hamid Ansari, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Delhi Lt. Governor Anil Baijal, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Congress President Sonia Gandhi, BJP leader LK Advani, and Union Ministers Harsh Vardhan and S Jaishankar. Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also cast their votes. Over 1.4 crore people were eligible to cast their votes including 81,05,236 male voters and 66,80,277 female voters. There are 869 third gender voters. Ballimaran is the smallest constituency in the national capital with an area of 2.50 square kilometre. Narela is the biggest with an area of 143.42 sq km. The voting is being held at 13,571 polling stations of which 3,141 are critical and 144 vulnerable polling stations. The BJP had won three seats in the 2015 elections and Congress could not open its account. Both BJP and Congress had given a few seats to their allies.

Delhi records over 61% polling; AAP, BJP express confidence of victory

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday said the Centre has no plan to decrease the funds for the states.

"We have no plan to cut the funds for states. We are already giving what the 14th Finance Commission recommended. Now, we will fully honour the report of 15th Finance Commission," Sitharaman said at a press conference.

"We will soon return the share of GST to Tamil Nadu in two instalments," she added.

Regarding the payments to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector, the Finance Minister said: "During September, October, and November, we worked hard to ensure the payments to them are cleared. Nearly 60 per cent of the amount, which was pending, has been cleared."

Finance Secretary Rajiv Kumar, who was also present on the occasion, said that helping agriculture in the country was one of the main focuses of the Union Budget.

"There is a total allocation of Rs 2.83 lakh crore for the agriculture sector. This covers water-deficient districts and others. Over and above, there is an agriculture credit of Rs 15 lakh crore, which is an increase from Rs 12 lakh crore, which was given earlier," said Kumar.

Sitharaman said that a similar interaction will be held in Kolkata on Sunday too, which will be followed by a few others in other cities.

The conferences are being held by the Finance Minister with her subordinates to hold talks with representatives of industries and other sectors, seeking their opinions on the Budget.&nbsp;

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday said the Centre has no plan to decrease the funds for the states. "We have no plan to cut the funds for states. We are already giving what the 14th Finance Commission recommended.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday said the Centre has no plan to decrease the funds for the states. "We have no plan to cut the funds for states. We are already giving what the 14th Finance Commission recommended. Now, we will fully honour the report of 15th Finance Commission," Sitharaman said at a press conference. "We will soon return the share of GST to Tamil Nadu in two instalments," she added. Regarding the payments to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector, the Finance Minister said: "During September, October, and November, we worked hard to ensure the payments to them are cleared. Nearly 60 per cent of the amount, which was pending, has been cleared." Finance Secretary Rajiv Kumar, who was also present on the occasion, said that helping agriculture in the country was one of the main focuses of the Union Budget. "There is a total allocation of Rs 2.83 lakh crore for the agriculture sector. This covers water-deficient districts and others. Over and above, there is an agriculture credit of Rs 15 lakh crore, which is an increase from Rs 12 lakh crore, which was given earlier," said Kumar. Sitharaman said that a similar interaction will be held in Kolkata on Sunday too, which will be followed by a few others in other cities. The conferences are being held by the Finance Minister with her subordinates to hold talks with representatives of industries and other sectors, seeking their opinions on the Budget.

No plans to cut funds for states: Nirmala Sitharaman

The polling for Delhi Assembly election is currently underway. Over 1.47 crore people are eligible to exercise their franchise in the polls that will decide the fate of 672 candidates. The polling began at 8 am and will end at 6 pm, according to an official.

Delhi Election 2020: Top Union Ministers cast their vote

It is that time of the year when South Mumbai's Kala Ghoda area transforms into a vibrant art district. The annual arts festival is highly awaited for the platform it offers to artists from across the country.&nbsp;

High on culture, art, music and theatre, the 9-day-long festival is a hit with the city's art aficionados and locals.

The Kala Ghoda Arts fest offers a vivid glimpse into Mumbai's life, its local flavours, moods and people. One of its unique features is how people from all segments of society can savour offbeat artistic insights.

Staying true to the spirit of inclusion and accessibility is a unique photo exhibition this year which displays pictures clicked by children of India's largest slum - Dharavi.&nbsp;

Interestingly, the kids were part of a 5-day photography workshop conducted last year by Indo-Canadian documentary and portrait photographer Kiran Ambwani. During the workshop, she introduced the children to the basics of camera work.&nbsp;

The children were also given the opportunity to visually explore the vicinity with their newly learnt skills. The resulting pictures have been curated into a photo exhibition at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya or the Prince of Wales Museum as part of the ongoing arts festival.&nbsp;

The exhibit has pictures clicked by nine children, most of whom are teenagers, in and around their homes in Dharavi.&nbsp;

Sam Nickson, a resident of Dharavi whose photographs are featured in the exhibition said, "initially when I joined the photography workshop, I had no idea what I was going to do there. It was all very new for me, I had never been a part of any such workshop before. With the guidance and inquisitiveness, I clicked the pictures to show Dharavi as I see it through my camera."

Sakshi Gupta, another resident whose pictures are on display says, she had never been to a museum before this and now that she is here, her own pictures are for everyone to see. She further adds, "the photography lessons taught us not only the technicals but also varied perspectives to reimagine our daily settings and the locality I have been residing in for years now."

Ambwani, who volunteered to teach these children, named the exhibition 'Full Circle' as it resembles her life journey.&nbsp;

It was fifteen years ago when as a student of photography she explored the locality and its people. She went on to graduate from Canada and fifteen years later decided to come back and teach the children of Dharavi.&nbsp;

"It was great to see them learn not only the basics of photography but also communication skills and gain confidence. I proposed the idea of exhibiting photos taken by these kids at the Kala Ghoda festival and that's how we are able to put this together. The public's reaction towards their work can be truly valorizing for these kids."

Photographs clicked by children of Dharavi are on exhibit at the Coomaraswamy Hall, CSMVS (Prince of Wales) Museum in Mumbai. The Kala Ghoda festival concludes on February 9.

It is that time of the year when South Mumbai's Kala Ghoda area transforms into a vibrant art district. The annual arts festival is highly awaited for the platform it offers to artists from across the country.

It is that time of the year when South Mumbai's Kala Ghoda area transforms into a vibrant art district. The annual arts festival is highly awaited for the platform it offers to artists from across the country. High on culture, art, music and theatre, the 9-day-long festival is a hit with the city's art aficionados and locals. The Kala Ghoda Arts fest offers a vivid glimpse into Mumbai's life, its local flavours, moods and people. One of its unique features is how people from all segments of society can savour offbeat artistic insights. Staying true to the spirit of inclusion and accessibility is a unique photo exhibition this year which displays pictures clicked by children of India's largest slum - Dharavi. Interestingly, the kids were part of a 5-day photography workshop conducted last year by Indo-Canadian documentary and portrait photographer Kiran Ambwani. During the workshop, she introduced the children to the basics of camera work. The children were also given the opportunity to visually explore the vicinity with their newly learnt skills. The resulting pictures have been curated into a photo exhibition at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya or the Prince of Wales Museum as part of the ongoing arts festival. The exhibit has pictures clicked by nine children, most of whom are teenagers, in and around their homes in Dharavi. Sam Nickson, a resident of Dharavi whose photographs are featured in the exhibition said, "initially when I joined the photography workshop, I had no idea what I was going to do there. It was all very new for me, I had never been a part of any such workshop before. With the guidance and inquisitiveness, I clicked the pictures to show Dharavi as I see it through my camera." Sakshi Gupta, another resident whose pictures are on display says, she had never been to a museum before this and now that she is here, her own pictures are for everyone to see. She further adds, "the photography lessons taught us not only the technicals but also varied perspectives to reimagine our daily settings and the locality I have been residing in for years now." Ambwani, who volunteered to teach these children, named the exhibition 'Full Circle' as it resembles her life journey. It was fifteen years ago when as a student of photography she explored the locality and its people. She went on to graduate from Canada and fifteen years later decided to come back and teach the children of Dharavi. "It was great to see them learn not only the basics of photography but also communication skills and gain confidence. I proposed the idea of exhibiting photos taken by these kids at the Kala Ghoda festival and that's how we are able to put this together. The public's reaction towards their work can be truly valorizing for these kids." Photographs clicked by children of Dharavi are on exhibit at the Coomaraswamy Hall, CSMVS (Prince of Wales) Museum in Mumbai. The Kala Ghoda festival concludes on February 9.

Photographs clicked by kids from Dharavi on exhibit at the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival 2020

Delhi Election 2020: PM Modi urges people to go out & vote

Today, in one phase all the assembly seats will be voted for the new government in Delhi. Voting in all 70 constituencies has begun at 8 AM & will end up at 6 PM.

Delhi Election 2020: Around 1.43 Cr voters to decide between AAP, BJP & Congress for their next CM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday once again called upon Sri Lankan government to ensure equality, justice, peace, and respect for the minority Tamils in the island nation.

"I am confident that the Sri Lankan government will realise the expectations of the Tamil people for equality, justice, peace, and respect within united Sri Lanka," he said.

The Prime Minister held delegation-level talks with his Sri Lankan counterpart Mahinda Rajapaksa, which focussed on expanding cooperation over terrorism as well as promoting joint economic projects in the island nation.

"India and Sri Lanka are neighbours as well as close friends. We share common bonds. Terrorism is a big problem in our region. Both of us have fought it befittingly. We will further increase our cooperation against terror," said Prime Minister Modi.

He also recalled the painful and barbaric Easter Sunday terror attacks in Sri Lanka in April last year that killed 259 people.

"These attacks were not only a blow to Sri Lanka, but also to humanity as a whole," Modi stressed.

The meeting focussed on promoting joint economic projects in Sri Lanka and enhancing bilateral relations over trade and investment.

The two leaders also discussed ways to increase people-to-people contact and encourage tourism between the two neighbours.

"Whether it is security or economy or social progress, our past and our future are connected with each other in every region. Stability, security, and prosperity in Sri Lanka are in India`s interest, but also in the interest of the entire Indian Ocean region," Modi said.

"India has been a trusted partner in the development efforts of Sri Lanka. The new Lines of Credit announced last year will give more strength to our development cooperation," he added.

Rajapaksa, on the occasion, noted that he and Prime Minister Modi discussed several important issues.

"I am very pleased to be here my first official visit abroad after assuming office as a Prime Minister. Today, our discussions were based on the outcome of the discussion that the Prime Minister and President Gotabaya had during his very successful visit to India in November last year," he said.

Prior to the talks, Rajapaksa, who is on a five-day trip to India, laid a wreath at the Rajghat, the Samadhi of Mahatma Gandhi.

Earlier this morning, he was also given a ceremonial reception at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also called on the visiting dignitary and termed Sri Lanka as a partner in development, progress, and security.

Rajapaksa arrived on Friday. A delegation of Congress Party led by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Rahul Gandhi met the Sri Lankan Prime Minister on the same day.

The visiting dignitary is further scheduled to call on President Ram Nath Kovind later in the evening.

Rajapaksa will leave for Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh on Sunday where he will visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Sarnath Buddhist Temple. Security has been beefed up in Varanasi ahead of his visit.

On the morning of February 10, Rajapaksa will emplane for Bodh Gaya in Bihar -- where he will visit Mahabodhi Temple and Bodh Gaya Centre -- and later in the day to Tirupati, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday once again called upon Sri Lankan government to ensure equality, justice, peace, and respect for the minority Tamils in the island nation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday once again called upon Sri Lankan government to ensure equality, justice, peace, and respect for the minority Tamils in the island nation. "I am confident that the Sri Lankan government will realise the expectations of the Tamil people for equality, justice, peace, and respect within united Sri Lanka," he said. The Prime Minister held delegation-level talks with his Sri Lankan counterpart Mahinda Rajapaksa, which focussed on expanding cooperation over terrorism as well as promoting joint economic projects in the island nation. "India and Sri Lanka are neighbours as well as close friends. We share common bonds. Terrorism is a big problem in our region. Both of us have fought it befittingly. We will further increase our cooperation against terror," said Prime Minister Modi. He also recalled the painful and barbaric Easter Sunday terror attacks in Sri Lanka in April last year that killed 259 people. "These attacks were not only a blow to Sri Lanka, but also to humanity as a whole," Modi stressed. The meeting focussed on promoting joint economic projects in Sri Lanka and enhancing bilateral relations over trade and investment. The two leaders also discussed ways to increase people-to-people contact and encourage tourism between the two neighbours. "Whether it is security or economy or social progress, our past and our future are connected with each other in every region. Stability, security, and prosperity in Sri Lanka are in India`s interest, but also in the interest of the entire Indian Ocean region," Modi said. "India has been a trusted partner in the development efforts of Sri Lanka. The new Lines of Credit announced last year will give more strength to our development cooperation," he added. Rajapaksa, on the occasion, noted that he and Prime Minister Modi discussed several important issues. "I am very pleased to be here my first official visit abroad after assuming office as a Prime Minister. Today, our discussions were based on the outcome of the discussion that the Prime Minister and President Gotabaya had during his very successful visit to India in November last year," he said. Prior to the talks, Rajapaksa, who is on a five-day trip to India, laid a wreath at the Rajghat, the Samadhi of Mahatma Gandhi. Earlier this morning, he was also given a ceremonial reception at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also called on the visiting dignitary and termed Sri Lanka as a partner in development, progress, and security. Rajapaksa arrived on Friday. A delegation of Congress Party led by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Rahul Gandhi met the Sri Lankan Prime Minister on the same day. The visiting dignitary is further scheduled to call on President Ram Nath Kovind later in the evening. Rajapaksa will leave for Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh on Sunday where he will visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Sarnath Buddhist Temple. Security has been beefed up in Varanasi ahead of his visit. On the morning of February 10, Rajapaksa will emplane for Bodh Gaya in Bihar -- where he will visit Mahabodhi Temple and Bodh Gaya Centre -- and later in the day to Tirupati, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.

PM Modi urges Sri Lanka to ensure equality, justice for Tamils

Delhi Election: Exit Polls Predicts AAP victory, BJP distant second

Stating that higher education in India is undergoing a major transformation, Union minister Kiren Rijiju said on Saturday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi envisions that the country's huge demographic dividend is capitalised.

Speaking at the sixth convocation of the National Institute of Technology (NIT) in Yupia near Itanagar, the Union Minister of State (Independent) for Sports and Youth Affairs said that Modi's 'Act East' policy has ensured that the Northeast is at par with the rest of India.

"NIT Arunachal Pradesh plays an increasingly important role in this vision by setting the highest standards of imparting quality education in the country. The Centre has allotted an additional amount of Rs 430.56 crore to the institute this year," Rijiju said.

He said the NIT should partner with foreign universities for faculty and student exchanges.

"Such type of institutional linkages confer the greatest benefit on the country's academic community and are crucial to the inflow of knowledge into the country," the minister said.

Rijiju further said that beyond the academic domain, higher educational institutes in the country have a larger role to play in the progress of the regions where they are based.

"They have to establish a connection with regional stakeholders, identify problems hindering development and use their professional expertise, academic and research temperament to find sustainable and implementable solutions to the problems," he advocated.

Rijiju appealed to the graduating students to make the best use of the knowledge and wisdom they have gained to attain professional and personal success.

Quoting Mahatma Gandhi, he said, "Live as if you were to die tomorrow, learn as if you were to live forever."

"I am looking forward to hearing about multiple start-ups being founded and run by the students from the graduating class today," the minister said.

Director of NIT Meghalaya Bibhuti Bhusan Biswal, who was also present in the convocation, exhorted the graduating students and said that speed of decision making and velocity of action are necessary attributes for high performance.

Speaking at the function, NIT Arunachal Pradesh Director Pinakeswar Mahanta highlighted various achievements of the institute in the past few years.

Altogether 226 students -- BTech (153), MTech (50), MSc (11), MBA (03), M Phil (03) and PhD (06) -- were awarded degrees.&nbsp;

Stating that higher education in India is undergoing a major transformation, Union minister Kiren Rijiju said on Saturday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi envisions that the country's huge demographic dividend is capitalised.

Stating that higher education in India is undergoing a major transformation, Union minister Kiren Rijiju said on Saturday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi envisions that the country's huge demographic dividend is capitalised. Speaking at the sixth convocation of the National Institute of Technology (NIT) in Yupia near Itanagar, the Union Minister of State (Independent) for Sports and Youth Affairs said that Modi's 'Act East' policy has ensured that the Northeast is at par with the rest of India. "NIT Arunachal Pradesh plays an increasingly important role in this vision by setting the highest standards of imparting quality education in the country. The Centre has allotted an additional amount of Rs 430.56 crore to the institute this year," Rijiju said. He said the NIT should partner with foreign universities for faculty and student exchanges. "Such type of institutional linkages confer the greatest benefit on the country's academic community and are crucial to the inflow of knowledge into the country," the minister said. Rijiju further said that beyond the academic domain, higher educational institutes in the country have a larger role to play in the progress of the regions where they are based. "They have to establish a connection with regional stakeholders, identify problems hindering development and use their professional expertise, academic and research temperament to find sustainable and implementable solutions to the problems," he advocated. Rijiju appealed to the graduating students to make the best use of the knowledge and wisdom they have gained to attain professional and personal success. Quoting Mahatma Gandhi, he said, "Live as if you were to die tomorrow, learn as if you were to live forever." "I am looking forward to hearing about multiple start-ups being founded and run by the students from the graduating class today," the minister said. Director of NIT Meghalaya Bibhuti Bhusan Biswal, who was also present in the convocation, exhorted the graduating students and said that speed of decision making and velocity of action are necessary attributes for high performance. Speaking at the function, NIT Arunachal Pradesh Director Pinakeswar Mahanta highlighted various achievements of the institute in the past few years. Altogether 226 students -- BTech (153), MTech (50), MSc (11), MBA (03), M Phil (03) and PhD (06) -- were awarded degrees.

Higher education in India undergoing major transformation: Rijiju

Pakistan is considering to allow Indians to enter the Kartarpur corridor without a passport to attract more visitors.

No Passports for Kartarpur visit?

Good morning! Here’s what you need to know to start your day with WION’s daily news brief.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-death-toll-jumps-to-722-surpasses-toll-from-the-sars-outbreak-279328">Coronavirus death toll jumps to 722, surpasses toll from SARS outbreak</a>

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China has struggled to contain the current virus despite having placed some 56 million people under effective lockdown in Hubei&nbsp;and its provincial capital, Wuhan.

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Two days after Trump was acquitted by the Republican-controlled Senate on charges of trying to pressure Ukraine to investigate a political rival, Vindman -- the top Ukraine expert at the White House's National Security Council -- was escorted out of the building, according to his lawyer.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/democratic-candidates-question-sanders-electability-at-new-hampshire-debate-279323">Democratic candidates question Sanders' electability at New Hampshire debate</a>

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The candidates said Sanders, a self-identified democratic socialist who finished in a dead heat in the first contest in Iowa earlier this week with Pete Buttigieg, the former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, was out of step with everyday Americans.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-new-zealand-2nd-odi-live-score-india-win-the-toss-opt-to-bowl-279311">India vs New Zealand 2nd ODI Live score</a>

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&nbsp;India won the toss and elected bowl in the second ODI of three match series against New Zealand.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-wuhan-virus-outbreak-where-is-xi-jinping-279301">Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas: Wuhan virus outbreak, where is Xi Jinping?</a>

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Good morning! Here’s what you need to know to start your day with WION’s daily news brief. Coronavirus death toll jumps to 722, surpasses toll from SARS outbreak China has struggled to contain the current virus despite having placed some 56 million people under effective lockdown in Hubei and its provincial capital, Wuhan.

Good morning! Here’s what you need to know to start your day with WION’s daily news brief. Coronavirus death toll jumps to 722, surpasses toll from SARS outbreak China has struggled to contain the current virus despite having placed some 56 million people under effective lockdown in Hubei and its provincial capital, Wuhan. Two days after his acquittal, Trump ousts two star impeachment witnesses Two days after Trump was acquitted by the Republican-controlled Senate on charges of trying to pressure Ukraine to investigate a political rival, Vindman -- the top Ukraine expert at the White House's National Security Council -- was escorted out of the building, according to his lawyer. Democratic candidates question Sanders' electability at New Hampshire debate The candidates said Sanders, a self-identified democratic socialist who finished in a dead heat in the first contest in Iowa earlier this week with Pete Buttigieg, the former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, was out of step with everyday Americans. India vs New Zealand 2nd ODI Live score India won the toss and elected bowl in the second ODI of three match series against New Zealand. Watch: Gravitas: Wuhan virus outbreak, where is Xi Jinping? ×

Morning News Brief: Coronavirus death toll, 2 impeachment witnesses ousted, and more 

Two people lost their lives while nine got injured after a firecracker-laden trolley caught fire and exploded in Punjab's Tarn Taran.&nbsp;

Earlier Tarn Taran SSP Dhruv Dahiya said that as per the eyewitnesses, "14-15 individuals died on the spot"

Shortly after the mishap, Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh took to Twitter and announced ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh to the kin of deceased.&nbsp;

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Saddened to hear about the tragic firecracker blast in Tarn Taran that left 2 dead and 9 injured. My govt will give ex-gratia of ₹5 lakhs to the kin of deceased &amp; free treatment for the injured. SDM Tarn Taran will probe the incident to fix responsibility.
— Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) <a href="https://twitter.com/capt_amarinder/status/1226151938250534912?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"Saddened to hear about the tragic firecracker blast in Tarn Taran that left 2 dead and 9 injured. My government will give ex-gratia of ₹5 lakhs to the kin of deceased and free treatment for the injured. SDM Tarn Taran will probe the incident to fix responsibility," read his tweet.&nbsp;

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Amritsar IG-border range Sarinderpal Singh Parmar: 2 people have been killed in the accidental explosion and 11 have been injured. The numbers given by the SSP was according to the eyewitnesses. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Punjab?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Punjab</a> <a href="https://t.co/928M50R16A">https://t.co/928M50R16A</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1226130370988347393?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The mishap occurred during a religious procession on Sunday evening.&nbsp;

"During nagar kirtan, firecrackers were being burnt using explosive material because of which tractor-trolley exploded accidentally," Dahiya told media.&nbsp;

Two people lost their lives while nine got injured after a firecracker-laden trolley caught fire and exploded in Punjab's Tarn Taran. Earlier Tarn Taran SSP Dhruv Dahiya said that as per the eyewitnesses, "14-15 individuals died on the spot" Shortly after the mishap, Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh took to Twitter and announced ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh to the kin of deceased.

Two people lost their lives while nine got injured after a firecracker-laden trolley caught fire and exploded in Punjab's Tarn Taran. Earlier Tarn Taran SSP Dhruv Dahiya said that as per the eyewitnesses, "14-15 individuals died on the spot" Shortly after the mishap, Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh took to Twitter and announced ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh to the kin of deceased. Saddened to hear about the tragic firecracker blast in Tarn Taran that left 2 dead and 9 injured. My govt will give ex-gratia of ₹5 lakhs to the kin of deceased & free treatment for the injured. SDM Tarn Taran will probe the incident to fix responsibility. — Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) February 8, 2020 × "Saddened to hear about the tragic firecracker blast in Tarn Taran that left 2 dead and 9 injured. My government will give ex-gratia of ₹5 lakhs to the kin of deceased and free treatment for the injured. SDM Tarn Taran will probe the incident to fix responsibility," read his tweet. Amritsar IG-border range Sarinderpal Singh Parmar: 2 people have been killed in the accidental explosion and 11 have been injured. The numbers given by the SSP was according to the eyewitnesses. #Punjab https://t.co/928M50R16A — ANI (@ANI) February 8, 2020 × The mishap occurred during a religious procession on Sunday evening. "During nagar kirtan, firecrackers were being burnt using explosive material because of which tractor-trolley exploded accidentally," Dahiya told media.

2 dead, 9 injured in cracker explosion in Punjab's Tarn Taran; Chief Minister calls for magisterial probe

The exit polls on Saturday predicted that the ruling Aam Aadmi Party will return to power with an impressive victory in the Delhi elections with the BJP expected to improve its numbers but finishing a distant second.

The polls predicted that AAP will win a two-thirds majority with some giving it a three-fourth majority in the 70-member assembly.

They predicted that Congress will continue its dismal show in the national capital. The Ipsos exit poll predicted 47 seats for AAP and 23 for BJP.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-assembly-elections-2020-voter-turnout-nearly-over-4270-per-cent-till-4pm-279488">Delhi Assembly elections 2020 - Polling ends, turnout at 54.65% till 6pm</a>

The C Voter poll predicted that AAP will get 49-63 seats and the BJP 5-19 seats.

According to the poll, the Congress could win 0-4 seats. The Bharatvarsh-Cicero exit poll predicted that AAP would win 54 seats, BJP 15 seats and Congress one seat.

The Jan Ki Baat exit poll gave 48-61 seats to AAP, 9-21 seats to BJP and 0-1 seat for the Congress.

The AAP had registered a landslide victory in 2015 elections getting 67 of 70 seats. The BJP had won three seats while Congress had failed to open its account.&nbsp;

The exit polls on Saturday predicted that the ruling Aam Aadmi Party will return to power with an impressive victory in the Delhi elections with the BJP expected to improve its numbers but finishing a distant second.

The exit polls on Saturday predicted that the ruling Aam Aadmi Party will return to power with an impressive victory in the Delhi elections with the BJP expected to improve its numbers but finishing a distant second. The polls predicted that AAP will win a two-thirds majority with some giving it a three-fourth majority in the 70-member assembly. They predicted that Congress will continue its dismal show in the national capital. The Ipsos exit poll predicted 47 seats for AAP and 23 for BJP. Also read: Delhi Assembly elections 2020 - Polling ends, turnout at 54.65% till 6pm The C Voter poll predicted that AAP will get 49-63 seats and the BJP 5-19 seats. According to the poll, the Congress could win 0-4 seats. The Bharatvarsh-Cicero exit poll predicted that AAP would win 54 seats, BJP 15 seats and Congress one seat. The Jan Ki Baat exit poll gave 48-61 seats to AAP, 9-21 seats to BJP and 0-1 seat for the Congress. The AAP had registered a landslide victory in 2015 elections getting 67 of 70 seats. The BJP had won three seats while Congress had failed to open its account.

Exit polls predict two-thirds majority for AAP in Delhi assembly

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa is on a four-day visit to India. This is Sri Lankan Prime Minister's first official visit abroad after taking office.

India - Sri Lanka agreed to fight against terrorism

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;

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;

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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>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1226127166456225798?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"During nagar kirtan, firecrackers were being burnt using explosive material because of which tractor-trolley exploded accidentally," Dahiya told media.&nbsp;

More details are awaited.&nbsp;

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

Delhi recorded over 54 per cent of voter turnout in Delhi assembly polls till 6&nbsp;pm on Sunday.&nbsp;

42.70 per cent voter turnout was recorded till 4 pm.&nbsp;

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.&nbsp;

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

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