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A strong 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck Arunachal Pradesh early on Wednesday, the US Geological Survey said.

The epicentre of the shallow quake was about 40 kilometres (25 miles) southeast of Along, and 180 kilometres southwest of the state capital Itanagar.

It struck at 1.45 am (2015 GMT Tuesday).

Arunachal Pradesh is home to more than 1.2 million people, according to the state government’s website.

China’s official state news agency Xinhua said the quake was felt in Tibet, which neighbours the state.

Arunachal Pradesh also borders Myanmar and Bhutan. USGS estimated there was a “low likelihood” of casualties and damage from the quake.

A strong 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck Arunachal Pradesh early on Wednesday, the US Geological Survey said. The epicentre of the shallow quake was about 40 kilometres (25 miles) southeast of Along, and 180 kilometres southwest of the state capital Itanagar.

A strong 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck Arunachal Pradesh early on Wednesday, the US Geological Survey said. The epicentre of the shallow quake was about 40 kilometres (25 miles) southeast of Along, and 180 kilometres southwest of the state capital Itanagar. It struck at 1.45 am (2015 GMT Tuesday). Arunachal Pradesh is home to more than 1.2 million people, according to the state government’s website. China’s official state news agency Xinhua said the quake was felt in Tibet, which neighbours the state. Arunachal Pradesh also borders Myanmar and Bhutan. USGS estimated there was a “low likelihood” of casualties and damage from the quake.

Strong 6.1-magnitude earthquake rocks Arunachal Pradesh

Attacking Congress president Rahul Gandhi, BJP president Amit Shah on Wednesday said that the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) will not be repealed even if another Gandhi comes after him.

Congress has promised in its manifesto that it will not allow any change in Article 370 and will review the AFSPA if voted to power.

"Congress in its manifesto said that they will scrap AFSPA so that cases can be filed against the Army men. Should AFSPA be repealed? I have come to tell Rahul baba it will not be repealed in your whole life and after you, even if another Gandhi comes he will also not be able to repeal it," Shah said while addressing an election rally .

The AFSPA grants special powers to the Indian Armed Forces in 'disturbed areas'.

According to The Disturbed Areas (Special Courts) Act, 1976, once declared 'disturbed', the area has to maintain the status quo for a minimum of three months. Shah alleged that Congress and its allies want to separate Kashmir from India.

"Congress is in alliance with the National Conference. Omar says that there should be separate Prime Minister for Kashmir...&nbsp;These gathbandhan people - Lalu, Rabri and Rahul - want that Kashmir should be separated from the country," he said.

"Kashmir is the crown of Mother India. Kashmir is an integral part of Hindustan. The leaders of Mahamalavat want to separate Kashmir from India. For this, they have to go over our lives," Shah said.

The BJP president claimed that the Mahagathbandhan does not have any leader who can lead it and each of them aspire to assume the Prime Minister's office on a rotational basis.

"Who is the leader of gathbandhan? They have no leader. If they come to power on Monday, Mayawati will become the Prime Minister. On Tuesday, Akhilesh Yadav will become the Prime Minister. On Wednesday, Lalu Yadav will become the Prime Minister," said Shah.

Emphasising that all seven days in a week will see a different face in the prime minister's chair except on a Sunday, Shah added, "On Thursday, Deve Gowda will become the Prime Minister. On Friday, Chandrababu Naidu will become the Prime Minister. On Saturday, Stalin will become the Prime Minister. And, a holiday on Sunday."&nbsp;

Attacking Congress president Rahul Gandhi, BJP president Amit Shah on Wednesday said that the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) will not be repealed even if another Gandhi comes after him.

Attacking Congress president Rahul Gandhi, BJP president Amit Shah on Wednesday said that the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) will not be repealed even if another Gandhi comes after him. Congress has promised in its manifesto that it will not allow any change in Article 370 and will review the AFSPA if voted to power. "Congress in its manifesto said that they will scrap AFSPA so that cases can be filed against the Army men. Should AFSPA be repealed? I have come to tell Rahul baba it will not be repealed in your whole life and after you, even if another Gandhi comes he will also not be able to repeal it," Shah said while addressing an election rally . The AFSPA grants special powers to the Indian Armed Forces in 'disturbed areas'. According to The Disturbed Areas (Special Courts) Act, 1976, once declared 'disturbed', the area has to maintain the status quo for a minimum of three months. Shah alleged that Congress and its allies want to separate Kashmir from India. "Congress is in alliance with the National Conference. Omar says that there should be separate Prime Minister for Kashmir... These gathbandhan people - Lalu, Rabri and Rahul - want that Kashmir should be separated from the country," he said. "Kashmir is the crown of Mother India. Kashmir is an integral part of Hindustan. The leaders of Mahamalavat want to separate Kashmir from India. For this, they have to go over our lives," Shah said. The BJP president claimed that the Mahagathbandhan does not have any leader who can lead it and each of them aspire to assume the Prime Minister's office on a rotational basis. "Who is the leader of gathbandhan? They have no leader. If they come to power on Monday, Mayawati will become the Prime Minister. On Tuesday, Akhilesh Yadav will become the Prime Minister. On Wednesday, Lalu Yadav will become the Prime Minister," said Shah. Emphasising that all seven days in a week will see a different face in the prime minister's chair except on a Sunday, Shah added, "On Thursday, Deve Gowda will become the Prime Minister. On Friday, Chandrababu Naidu will become the Prime Minister. On Saturday, Stalin will become the Prime Minister. And, a holiday on Sunday."

AFSPA will not be repealed even if another Gandhi comes after Rahul: Amit Shah

Bhopal BJP candidate and Malegaon blast accused Pragya Singh Thakur on Wednesday termed NIA court's decision to turn down a plea seeking to bar her from contesting poll as the victory of "truth and virtues".

"This is our victory. Truth and dharma (virtue) always win. I already knew it (about the court's decision). I have done no wrong," Pragya told reporters here.

She said that the case against her was a result of a conspiracy by the Congress.

Earlier in the day, a special NIA court turned down the application filed by Nisar Ahmed Sayyed Bilal, the father of a victim of the 2008 Malegaon terror blast, seeking to bar Thakur from contesting the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.

Special NIA Judge Vinod Padalkar while negating the plea, said, "In present ongoing elections, this court does not have any legal powers to prohibit anyone from contesting elections. It is the job of the electoral officers to decide. This court can't stop the accused from contesting elections. This application is negated by this court."

Special Judge Padalkar stated that the agency cannot mention that there is no prima facie case against Thakur.

The applicant's lawyer argued before the court that Pragya was not attending the court proceedings on grounds of ill health but undertook election campaign where she is not looking ill.

On Tuesday, Thakur filed her response to the plea and dubbed the petition as "frivolous" adding that the plea was filed with a "political agenda" and was "publicity stunt".

In her reply filed before the NIA court, Pragya said, "There is no provision in the Representation of Peoples Act 1951, which disqualifies the candidate from contesting elections if a criminal case is pending against him/her."

Thakur is among the seven accused facing trial in the Malegaon blast case, wherein six people were killed and a dozen others were injured when a bomb placed on a motorcycle exploded in Maharashtra`s Malegaon on September 29, 2008.

Bhopal BJP candidate and Malegaon blast accused Pragya Singh Thakur on Wednesday termed NIA court's decision to turn down a plea seeking to bar her from contesting poll as the victory of "truth and virtues".

Bhopal BJP candidate and Malegaon blast accused Pragya Singh Thakur on Wednesday termed NIA court's decision to turn down a plea seeking to bar her from contesting poll as the victory of "truth and virtues". "This is our victory. Truth and dharma (virtue) always win. I already knew it (about the court's decision). I have done no wrong," Pragya told reporters here. She said that the case against her was a result of a conspiracy by the Congress. Earlier in the day, a special NIA court turned down the application filed by Nisar Ahmed Sayyed Bilal, the father of a victim of the 2008 Malegaon terror blast, seeking to bar Thakur from contesting the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. Special NIA Judge Vinod Padalkar while negating the plea, said, "In present ongoing elections, this court does not have any legal powers to prohibit anyone from contesting elections. It is the job of the electoral officers to decide. This court can't stop the accused from contesting elections. This application is negated by this court." Special Judge Padalkar stated that the agency cannot mention that there is no prima facie case against Thakur. The applicant's lawyer argued before the court that Pragya was not attending the court proceedings on grounds of ill health but undertook election campaign where she is not looking ill. On Tuesday, Thakur filed her response to the plea and dubbed the petition as "frivolous" adding that the plea was filed with a "political agenda" and was "publicity stunt". In her reply filed before the NIA court, Pragya said, "There is no provision in the Representation of Peoples Act 1951, which disqualifies the candidate from contesting elections if a criminal case is pending against him/her." Thakur is among the seven accused facing trial in the Malegaon blast case, wherein six people were killed and a dozen others were injured when a bomb placed on a motorcycle exploded in Maharashtra`s Malegaon on September 29, 2008.

Pragya says NIA order on her candidature 'victory of truth'

BJP Lok Sabha candidate from Bhopal Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur has declared assets worth more than Rs 4.44 lakh that includes a 150-gram silver-coated brick which has Lord Rama inscribed on it, according to her affidavit.

Thakur, an accused in the 2008 Malegaon blast case currently on bail, has mentioned in her affidavit that she depends on alms and the society for her livelihood.

The total value of her possessions, including cash in hand, a silver 'kamandal'&nbsp;(water pot) weighing 2 kg, gold and silver jewellery and the silver-coated brick, stood at Rs 4,44,224, according to the affidavit submitted along with her nomination papers to election authorities here Tuesday.

The silver-coated brick, weighing 150 grams, is worth Rs 7,000 and has Lord Rama engraved on it, the document said.

The right-wing activist belongs to Lahar town in Bhind district of Madhya Pradesh and is a post-graduate from the Jiwaji University, Gwalior and also holds BP Ed (Bachelor of Physical Education) degree from the Barkatullah University, Bhopal, according to the affidavit.

The 49-year-old sadhvi has declared that a criminal case related to the 2008 blast case is registered against her at the Azad Nagar police station in Malegaon town of Nashik district in North Maharashtra.

The Bhopal police, on orders of the Election Commission (EC), has filed an FIR against Thakur for her remarks over the demolition of the Babri Masjid at Ayodhya in 1992. 
Thakur is contesting against Congress veteran Digvijaya Singh.

Voting in the Bhopal Lok Sabha constituency, which the BJP has been winning since 1989, will take place on May 12.&nbsp;

BJP Lok Sabha candidate from Bhopal Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur has declared assets worth more than Rs 4.44 lakh that includes a 150-gram silver-coated brick which has Lord Rama inscribed on it, according to her affidavit.

BJP Lok Sabha candidate from Bhopal Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur has declared assets worth more than Rs 4.44 lakh that includes a 150-gram silver-coated brick which has Lord Rama inscribed on it, according to her affidavit. Thakur, an accused in the 2008 Malegaon blast case currently on bail, has mentioned in her affidavit that she depends on alms and the society for her livelihood. The total value of her possessions, including cash in hand, a silver 'kamandal' (water pot) weighing 2 kg, gold and silver jewellery and the silver-coated brick, stood at Rs 4,44,224, according to the affidavit submitted along with her nomination papers to election authorities here Tuesday. The silver-coated brick, weighing 150 grams, is worth Rs 7,000 and has Lord Rama engraved on it, the document said. The right-wing activist belongs to Lahar town in Bhind district of Madhya Pradesh and is a post-graduate from the Jiwaji University, Gwalior and also holds BP Ed (Bachelor of Physical Education) degree from the Barkatullah University, Bhopal, according to the affidavit. The 49-year-old sadhvi has declared that a criminal case related to the 2008 blast case is registered against her at the Azad Nagar police station in Malegaon town of Nashik district in North Maharashtra. The Bhopal police, on orders of the Election Commission (EC), has filed an FIR against Thakur for her remarks over the demolition of the Babri Masjid at Ayodhya in 1992. Thakur is contesting against Congress veteran Digvijaya Singh. Voting in the Bhopal Lok Sabha constituency, which the BJP has been winning since 1989, will take place on May 12.

Silver-coated brick among Rs 4.44 lakh assets owned by Pragya Singh Thakur

Just days after the BJP approached the Election Commission seeking a ban on the release of the alleged biopic on Mamata Banerjee till the election is over, the West Bengal Chief Minister said in a tweet that she has "nothing at all to do with any biopic" and "will file defamation suit if compelled."

"What is all this nonsense being spread! I have nothing at all to do with any biopic. If some young people have collected stories and expressed themselves, that's up to them. Not related to us. I am not Narendra Modi. Please do not compel me to file for defamation by spreading lies," she wrote on Twitter, on Wednesday.

On April 17, the BJP had penned down a letter to the poll body asking them to review the purported biopic on the TMC supremo and put a ban on it till the time the Lok Sabha elections are over.

"This is to draw your attention to the news in the media that a biopic allegedly of Smt Mamata Banerjee will be released on 3 May 2019. Bharatiya Janata Party requests the Hon'ble Election Commission of India and its representative in West Bengal, the CEO, to review the said biopic before release, on similar lines done in the case of another biopic depicting Shri Narendra Modi," a letter signed by BJP West Bengal Vice-President Joy Prakash Majumdar and BJP leader Shishir Bajoria read.

Just days after the BJP approached the Election Commission seeking a ban on the release of the alleged biopic on Mamata Banerjee till the election is over, the West Bengal Chief Minister said in a tweet that she has "nothing at all to do with any biopic" and "will file defamation suit if compelled.

Just days after the BJP approached the Election Commission seeking a ban on the release of the alleged biopic on Mamata Banerjee till the election is over, the West Bengal Chief Minister said in a tweet that she has "nothing at all to do with any biopic" and "will file defamation suit if compelled." "What is all this nonsense being spread! I have nothing at all to do with any biopic. If some young people have collected stories and expressed themselves, that's up to them. Not related to us. I am not Narendra Modi. Please do not compel me to file for defamation by spreading lies," she wrote on Twitter, on Wednesday. On April 17, the BJP had penned down a letter to the poll body asking them to review the purported biopic on the TMC supremo and put a ban on it till the time the Lok Sabha elections are over. "This is to draw your attention to the news in the media that a biopic allegedly of Smt Mamata Banerjee will be released on 3 May 2019. Bharatiya Janata Party requests the Hon'ble Election Commission of India and its representative in West Bengal, the CEO, to review the said biopic before release, on similar lines done in the case of another biopic depicting Shri Narendra Modi," a letter signed by BJP West Bengal Vice-President Joy Prakash Majumdar and BJP leader Shishir Bajoria read.

What is all this nonsense being spread!: Mamata Banerjee on her bipoic

In a veiled reference to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remark that West Bengal Chief Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-have-many-friends-in-opposition-mamata-banerjee-sends-kurtas-sweets-to-me-pm-narendra-modi-to-akshay-kumar-213161">Mamata Banerjee sends him sweets and kurtas every year</a>, the TMC leader said Wednesday it is Bengal's culture to welcome guests with sweets and gifts but not a single vote will be given to his party.

Banerjee made the comments at a rally in Serampore in Hooghly district against the backdrop of Modi's interview to actor Akshay Kumar aired by TV channels in which the prime minister mentioned her gifts to him.

"It is Bengal's culture to welcome guests with sweets and tea. We also greet them on special occasions. This is our tradition. We welcome guests with sweets and gifts but not a single vote will be given (to BJP)," the Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo said without naming Modi.

&nbsp;

In a veiled reference to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remark that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee sends him sweets and kurtas every year, the TMC leader said Wednesday it is Bengal's culture to welcome guests with sweets and gifts but not a single vote will be given to his party.

In a veiled reference to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remark that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee sends him sweets and kurtas every year, the TMC leader said Wednesday it is Bengal's culture to welcome guests with sweets and gifts but not a single vote will be given to his party. Banerjee made the comments at a rally in Serampore in Hooghly district against the backdrop of Modi's interview to actor Akshay Kumar aired by TV channels in which the prime minister mentioned her gifts to him. "It is Bengal's culture to welcome guests with sweets and tea. We also greet them on special occasions. This is our tradition. We welcome guests with sweets and gifts but not a single vote will be given (to BJP)," the Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo said without naming Modi.

It's Bengal's culture, says Mamata in veiled response to PM's remark on receiving sweets from her

An Indian-origin Japanese, who goes by the nickname "Yogi", has been elected to Tokyo's Edogawa Ward assembly, becoming the first Indian to win an election in Japan.

41-year-old Pune man Puranik Yogendra secured 6,477 votes, the fifth highest of the 226,561 valid ballots cast, in the April 21 poll, part of unified local elections held across Japan, the Asahi Shimbun reported.

"I want to be a bridge between Japanese and foreigners," said Yogi, who was backed by the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan.

Edogawa Ward has the highest number of Indian residents among Tokyo's 23 wards with 4,300 or so Indian nationals registered, accounting for more than 10 per cent of Indians living in Japan. Over 34,000 Indians live in Japan. The Edogawa Ward also has a large number of Chinese and Koreans.

"This is the first-ever victory of a naturalised Japanese of Indian origin in elections in Japan. This is also a recognition of contributions made by Indians towards the Japanese society," Shamshad Khan, the author of Changing Dynamics of India-Japan Relations, told news agency PTI.

Yogi first arrived in Japan in 1997 when he was a university student in India. He returned two years later to study, and in 2001 came back to work as an engineer. He later worked for a bank and other companies, and has resided in Edogawa Ward since 2005, the paper said.

"Japan is neat and everyone was kind," Yogi said, recalling his early experiences.

Yogi felt his ties with Japan strengthen after the 2011 earthquake and tsunami disaster while visiting affected areas on weekends to cook curry with Indian friends from Edogawa Ward to share with victims, the paper said.

It was during these trips and chatting with Japanese while preparing food dishes that Yogi felt a strong affinity with this country.

"I felt the time had come for me to become Japanese," Yogi said.

He acquired Japanese nationality the following year and pursued a career in politics. "I want to be an assemblyman who can connect everyone regardless of nationality, age, or even disabilities, through my 20 years of living in Japan," Yogi said.

An Indian-origin Japanese, who goes by the nickname "Yogi", has been elected to Tokyo's Edogawa Ward assembly, becoming the first Indian to win an election in Japan.

An Indian-origin Japanese, who goes by the nickname "Yogi", has been elected to Tokyo's Edogawa Ward assembly, becoming the first Indian to win an election in Japan. 41-year-old Pune man Puranik Yogendra secured 6,477 votes, the fifth highest of the 226,561 valid ballots cast, in the April 21 poll, part of unified local elections held across Japan, the Asahi Shimbun reported. "I want to be a bridge between Japanese and foreigners," said Yogi, who was backed by the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan. Edogawa Ward has the highest number of Indian residents among Tokyo's 23 wards with 4,300 or so Indian nationals registered, accounting for more than 10 per cent of Indians living in Japan. Over 34,000 Indians live in Japan. The Edogawa Ward also has a large number of Chinese and Koreans. "This is the first-ever victory of a naturalised Japanese of Indian origin in elections in Japan. This is also a recognition of contributions made by Indians towards the Japanese society," Shamshad Khan, the author of Changing Dynamics of India-Japan Relations, told news agency PTI. Yogi first arrived in Japan in 1997 when he was a university student in India. He returned two years later to study, and in 2001 came back to work as an engineer. He later worked for a bank and other companies, and has resided in Edogawa Ward since 2005, the paper said. "Japan is neat and everyone was kind," Yogi said, recalling his early experiences. Yogi felt his ties with Japan strengthen after the 2011 earthquake and tsunami disaster while visiting affected areas on weekends to cook curry with Indian friends from Edogawa Ward to share with victims, the paper said. It was during these trips and chatting with Japanese while preparing food dishes that Yogi felt a strong affinity with this country. "I felt the time had come for me to become Japanese," Yogi said. He acquired Japanese nationality the following year and pursued a career in politics. "I want to be an assemblyman who can connect everyone regardless of nationality, age, or even disabilities, through my 20 years of living in Japan," Yogi said.

Pune man 'Yogi' becomes first Indian to win an election in Japan

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday took a veiled dig at Congress president Rahul Gandhi, saying people looking at a mirror 10 times a day and aspiring to become PM cannot even win assembly constituencies in their Lok Sabha seat.

He said the Congress-led opposition, which has been "hurling abuse" at him, was now talking ill of the EVMs after realising the "trend" of three rounds of voting in the general election, "just like a child who makes excuses to justify his underperformance in exams".

PM Modi also slammed Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy for his remarks that those who cannot make both ends meet alone join the army, and wondered over the Congress' "silence" over it.

"People who look at a mirror ten times a day and then daydream about becoming the prime minister... It's ridiculous that they cannot even win the assembly constituencies in their Lok Sabha seat," PM Modi said in an apparent attack on Rahul Gandhi.

The Congress chief is in the fray from Amethi for the fourth time and is pitted against Union minister Smriti Irani, who had lost to him in 2014. Gandhi is also contesting Wayanad seat in Kerala.

In the 2017 Uttar Pradesh assembly polls, the BJP had won four of the five seats under Amethi Lok Sabha constituency, while the fifth had gone to the Samajwadi Party.

"After the trends of three phases of polling, the opposition has come to know which way the wind is blowing. They have been abusing me. Now they are abusing EVM and are angry with the machine. What can the EVM do?" PM Modi said addressing a rally here for BJP candidates for Chatra, Lohardaga and Palamau Lok Sabha seats.

He said the 'mahamilawatis' have realised they "stand no chance" after three phases of polling and are looking for excuses to defend their poor show.

At a press meet on Tuesday, leaders of several major opposition parties had questioned the credibility of the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and renewed their demand that 50 per cent of the voter-verified paper audit trail (VVPAT) slips be matched with the EVM results.

"Just like a child who makes excuses to justify his underperformance in exams, opposition parties have started directing their anger at the EVMs and the voting process to cover their shortcomings. The response in the first three phases of polls have left the opposition with no option but to accept defeat," he said.

"A son of former prime minister H D Deve Gowda (Kumaraswamy) demoralises the army by saying only those who cannot make both ends meet to join the army... Arre doob maro (go, drown yourself). Our valiant soldiers are fighting to secure the country. They are fighting the enemy and taking bullets," he said.

PM Modi wondered why the Congress was "silent" over the remarks of Kumaraswamy, the Karnataka chief minister and its partner in the state's ruling coalition. He also wanted to know why the media was not discussing it.

Referring to the slain CRPF jawan Vijay Soreng, a Jharkhand native who was among the 40 personnel killed in a terror attack in Pulwama on February 14, PM Modi wanted to know whether his family sent him to join the force as it did not have food.

Claiming that Naxalites and terrorists got emboldened whenever the Congress was in power, PM Modi claimed ultra-Left extremism has been quelled to a great extent in the last five years, with the youth shunning the path of violence and joining the social mainstream.

PM Modi appealed to people to once again elect a government with a full majority as only such dispensations could control the menace of Naxalism and terrorism.

The prime minister asserted his government helps all people irrespective of their religious faith.

"We did not see what (religious) affiliations the 46 daughters of Kerala had. They were freed from terrorists in Iraq. They are your daughters, they are also the daughters of this chowkidar," he said referring to the rescue of nurses from the southern state, mostly Christians, from the captivity of ISIS terrorists.

With Balakot air strikes in mind, the prime minister said, "It is this chowkidar's government which knows how to respond to Pakistan and the terrorists promoted by it in their own language. Your government gave a befitting response to the terrorists by entering into their territory and destroying their headquarters."

He asserted terror groups were now afraid that his government will smoke them out even from the netherworld.

Referring to the terrorist attack in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday, PM Modi said before 2014, even India faced such strikes but all that changed afterwards.

Before 2014, India responded in a "feeble voice" to Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. "The terrorists are now looking for new abodes," PM Modi asserted.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday took a veiled dig at Congress president Rahul Gandhi, saying people looking at a mirror 10 times a day and aspiring to become PM cannot even win assembly constituencies in their Lok Sabha seat.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday took a veiled dig at Congress president Rahul Gandhi, saying people looking at a mirror 10 times a day and aspiring to become PM cannot even win assembly constituencies in their Lok Sabha seat. He said the Congress-led opposition, which has been "hurling abuse" at him, was now talking ill of the EVMs after realising the "trend" of three rounds of voting in the general election, "just like a child who makes excuses to justify his underperformance in exams". PM Modi also slammed Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy for his remarks that those who cannot make both ends meet alone join the army, and wondered over the Congress' "silence" over it. "People who look at a mirror ten times a day and then daydream about becoming the prime minister... It's ridiculous that they cannot even win the assembly constituencies in their Lok Sabha seat," PM Modi said in an apparent attack on Rahul Gandhi. The Congress chief is in the fray from Amethi for the fourth time and is pitted against Union minister Smriti Irani, who had lost to him in 2014. Gandhi is also contesting Wayanad seat in Kerala. In the 2017 Uttar Pradesh assembly polls, the BJP had won four of the five seats under Amethi Lok Sabha constituency, while the fifth had gone to the Samajwadi Party. "After the trends of three phases of polling, the opposition has come to know which way the wind is blowing. They have been abusing me. Now they are abusing EVM and are angry with the machine. What can the EVM do?" PM Modi said addressing a rally here for BJP candidates for Chatra, Lohardaga and Palamau Lok Sabha seats. He said the 'mahamilawatis' have realised they "stand no chance" after three phases of polling and are looking for excuses to defend their poor show. At a press meet on Tuesday, leaders of several major opposition parties had questioned the credibility of the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and renewed their demand that 50 per cent of the voter-verified paper audit trail (VVPAT) slips be matched with the EVM results. "Just like a child who makes excuses to justify his underperformance in exams, opposition parties have started directing their anger at the EVMs and the voting process to cover their shortcomings. The response in the first three phases of polls have left the opposition with no option but to accept defeat," he said. "A son of former prime minister H D Deve Gowda (Kumaraswamy) demoralises the army by saying only those who cannot make both ends meet to join the army... Arre doob maro (go, drown yourself). Our valiant soldiers are fighting to secure the country. They are fighting the enemy and taking bullets," he said. PM Modi wondered why the Congress was "silent" over the remarks of Kumaraswamy, the Karnataka chief minister and its partner in the state's ruling coalition. He also wanted to know why the media was not discussing it. Referring to the slain CRPF jawan Vijay Soreng, a Jharkhand native who was among the 40 personnel killed in a terror attack in Pulwama on February 14, PM Modi wanted to know whether his family sent him to join the force as it did not have food. Claiming that Naxalites and terrorists got emboldened whenever the Congress was in power, PM Modi claimed ultra-Left extremism has been quelled to a great extent in the last five years, with the youth shunning the path of violence and joining the social mainstream. PM Modi appealed to people to once again elect a government with a full majority as only such dispensations could control the menace of Naxalism and terrorism. The prime minister asserted his government helps all people irrespective of their religious faith. "We did not see what (religious) affiliations the 46 daughters of Kerala had. They were freed from terrorists in Iraq. They are your daughters, they are also the daughters of this chowkidar," he said referring to the rescue of nurses from the southern state, mostly Christians, from the captivity of ISIS terrorists. With Balakot air strikes in mind, the prime minister said, "It is this chowkidar's government which knows how to respond to Pakistan and the terrorists promoted by it in their own language. Your government gave a befitting response to the terrorists by entering into their territory and destroying their headquarters." He asserted terror groups were now afraid that his government will smoke them out even from the netherworld. Referring to the terrorist attack in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday, PM Modi said before 2014, even India faced such strikes but all that changed afterwards. Before 2014, India responded in a "feeble voice" to Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. "The terrorists are now looking for new abodes," PM Modi asserted.

Looking in mirror 10 times and aspiring to become prime minister: PM Modi's veiled attack on Rahul Gandhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday slammed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/corruption-and-crime-are-non-stop-in-trinamool-congress-rule-speed-breaker-didi-is-also-there-pm-modi-is-asansol-212968">West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee</a> stating that her party is now trying to survive with the help of "videshi kalakar" or artists from abroad in its last try.&nbsp;

The prime minister added that this time around the people of West Bengal have together with the BJP against them.

PM Modi was addressing a public rally in Ranaghat, West Bengal.&nbsp;

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PM Modi at a rally in Ranaghat,West Bengal:Ab videshi kalakaron aur kiraye ke gundon ke bal par hi Didi akhri koshish karne mein juti hai.Lekin iss baar bachna mushkil hi nahi namumkin hai, kyunki iss baar BJP ke saath hi WB ki janta bhi unke khilaaf maidan mein khadi ho gayi hai <a href="https://t.co/CRf7WEuugl">pic.twitter.com/CRf7WEuugl</a>
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday launched an attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee stating that her party's state is such that people are not turning up for the rallies. He was addressing a rally in Asansol.

"Today TMC's condition has become such that people are not turning up for their rallies, they are forced to call actors from abroad. I feel pity for you didi, look what the brave people of Bengal have done to you," the PM noted.

PM Modi went on to say that the TMC chief is dreaming of becoming the prime minister of the nation by fighting on just a handful of seats.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday slammed West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee stating that her party is now trying to survive with the help of "videshi kalakar" or artists from abroad in its last try.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday slammed West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee stating that her party is now trying to survive with the help of "videshi kalakar" or artists from abroad in its last try. The prime minister added that this time around the people of West Bengal have together with the BJP against them. PM Modi was addressing a public rally in Ranaghat, West Bengal. PM Modi at a rally in Ranaghat,West Bengal:Ab videshi kalakaron aur kiraye ke gundon ke bal par hi Didi akhri koshish karne mein juti hai.Lekin iss baar bachna mushkil hi nahi namumkin hai, kyunki iss baar BJP ke saath hi WB ki janta bhi unke khilaaf maidan mein khadi ho gayi hai pic.twitter.com/CRf7WEuugl — ANI (@ANI) April 24, 2019 × Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday launched an attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee stating that her party's state is such that people are not turning up for the rallies. He was addressing a rally in Asansol. "Today TMC's condition has become such that people are not turning up for their rallies, they are forced to call actors from abroad. I feel pity for you didi, look what the brave people of Bengal have done to you," the PM noted. PM Modi went on to say that the TMC chief is dreaming of becoming the prime minister of the nation by fighting on just a handful of seats.

In her final attempt, 'Didi' has resorted to help from 'videshi' artists: PM Modi

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-attacks-show-islamic-state-influence-outlives-caliphate-213101">Sri Lanka attacks show Islamic State influence outlives caliphate</a>

The devastating bomb attacks in Sri Lanka, claimed by Islamic State jihadists, show that the influence of the group's extremist ideology remains dangerously intact even after the collapse of its so-called caliphate in Iraq and Syria, experts say.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/you-cant-make-these-stupid-statements-imran-khan-comes-under-oppositions-attack-for-saying-terrorists-used-pakistan-soil-against-iran-213106">'You can't make these stupid statements': Imran Khan comes under Opposition's attack for saying terrorists used Pakistan soil against Iran</a>

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday came under attack by the Opposition for acknowledging in Tehran that in the past militants had used his country's soil to carry out attacks in Iran.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-2019-regrettable-that-cpi-m-has-not-found-a-place-in-bihar-mahagathbandhan-says-sitaram-yechury-213114">Lok Sabha polls 2019: Regrettable that CPI (M) has not found a place in Bihar 'mahagathbandhan', says Sitaram Yechury</a>

Sitaram Yechury, the general secretary of Communist Party of India (Marxist) has said that it is regrettable that the left party has not found a place in the Bihar grand alliance of opposition parties.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/in-rohingya-camps-a-political-awakening-faces-a-backlash-213115">In Rohingya camps, a political awakening faces a backlash</a>

It was after Mohib Ullah scored his first political victories that the death threats began in earnest. On a recent morning, the Rohingya refugee leaned back on a plastic chair in the Bangladesh camp where he lives and translated the latest warning, sent over the WhatsApp messaging app.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-france-plan-bid-to-tackle-extremism-on-social-media-213120">New Zealand, France plan bid to tackle extremism on social media</a>

In the wake of the Christchurch attack, New Zealand said on Wednesday that it would work with France in an effort to stop social media from being used to promote terrorism and violent extremism.

Sri Lanka attacks show Islamic State influence outlives caliphate The devastating bomb attacks in Sri Lanka, claimed by Islamic State jihadists, show that the influence of the group's extremist ideology remains dangerously intact even after the collapse of its so-called caliphate in Iraq and Syria, experts say.

Sri Lanka attacks show Islamic State influence outlives caliphate The devastating bomb attacks in Sri Lanka, claimed by Islamic State jihadists, show that the influence of the group's extremist ideology remains dangerously intact even after the collapse of its so-called caliphate in Iraq and Syria, experts say. 'You can't make these stupid statements': Imran Khan comes under Opposition's attack for saying terrorists used Pakistan soil against Iran Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday came under attack by the Opposition for acknowledging in Tehran that in the past militants had used his country's soil to carry out attacks in Iran. Lok Sabha polls 2019: Regrettable that CPI (M) has not found a place in Bihar 'mahagathbandhan', says Sitaram Yechury Sitaram Yechury, the general secretary of Communist Party of India (Marxist) has said that it is regrettable that the left party has not found a place in the Bihar grand alliance of opposition parties. In Rohingya camps, a political awakening faces a backlash It was after Mohib Ullah scored his first political victories that the death threats began in earnest. On a recent morning, the Rohingya refugee leaned back on a plastic chair in the Bangladesh camp where he lives and translated the latest warning, sent over the WhatsApp messaging app. New Zealand, France plan bid to tackle extremism on social media In the wake of the Christchurch attack, New Zealand said on Wednesday that it would work with France in an effort to stop social media from being used to promote terrorism and violent extremism.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Sitaram Yechury, the general secretary of Communist Party of India (Marxist) has said that it is regrettable that the left party has not found a place in the Bihar grand alliance of opposition parties.

"It is very regrettable that we have not found a place in ''<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/second-phase-polls-bjp-mahagathbandhan-set-to-lock-horns-in-uttar-pradeshs-amroha-210709">mahagathbandhan'</a>'. The left and the RJD have very old relationship, both have fought together for secularism," said Sitaram Yechury.

"At Begusarai we are contesting on our own while at rest of places we are supporting ''mahagathbandhan'' because we have to defeat the BJP," said Mr Yechury.

Mr Yechury is campaigning for former JNU Students Union president Kanhaiya Kumar who is contesting on a CPI ticket from Begusarai where he is pitted against Union Minister Giriraj Singh of BJP and RJD's Tanveer Hassan.

He said that only issue in this election for the opposition is to defeat Narendra Modi government.

"In the last five years, a very grim situation has reached for everybody, the condition of life is pathetic. We have to defeat BJP," he said.

There are 40 Lok Sabha constituencies in Bihar and polling for first, the second and third phase is already over. Voting for the remain in seats will be held on April 29, May 6, May 12 and May 19; votes will be counted on May 23.

Sitaram Yechury, the general secretary of Communist Party of India (Marxist) has said that it is regrettable that the left party has not found a place in the Bihar grand alliance of opposition parties.

Sitaram Yechury, the general secretary of Communist Party of India (Marxist) has said that it is regrettable that the left party has not found a place in the Bihar grand alliance of opposition parties. "It is very regrettable that we have not found a place in ''mahagathbandhan''. The left and the RJD have very old relationship, both have fought together for secularism," said Sitaram Yechury. "At Begusarai we are contesting on our own while at rest of places we are supporting ''mahagathbandhan'' because we have to defeat the BJP," said Mr Yechury. Mr Yechury is campaigning for former JNU Students Union president Kanhaiya Kumar who is contesting on a CPI ticket from Begusarai where he is pitted against Union Minister Giriraj Singh of BJP and RJD's Tanveer Hassan. He said that only issue in this election for the opposition is to defeat Narendra Modi government. "In the last five years, a very grim situation has reached for everybody, the condition of life is pathetic. We have to defeat BJP," he said. There are 40 Lok Sabha constituencies in Bihar and polling for first, the second and third phase is already over. Voting for the remain in seats will be held on April 29, May 6, May 12 and May 19; votes will be counted on May 23.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Regrettable that CPI (M) has not found a place in Bihar 'mahagathbandhan', says Sitaram Yechury

Returning Officer K. Mahesh on Wednesday accepted Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Gautam Gambhir's nomination from East Delhi parliamentary constituency after the party clarified that his affidavit was not antedated.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Congress had raised objections on the affidavit filed by the cricketer-turned-politician.

Speaking to reporters, Gambhir's lawyer Anil Soni clarified that all of it was a plan to create a ruckus by AAP and it was the opposition's fear of BJP winning the elections which forced them to object to his client's affidavit.

"Aam Aadmi Party using some miscreants had tried to create a ruckus by falsely stating that our affidavit was antedated. The rejected candidates too asked how the date of 19/04 was mentioned when the affidavit was filed on April 23. We clarified that we had filed two affidavits, one on April 18 and the other had the serial number 1904, it was not the date but the serial number, we also showed the notary registry and called up the notary too," said Anil.

Mahesh clarified that the objections to Gambhir's candidature had come from AAP and Congress which were resolved after an explanation came from BJP, following which his nomination was approved.

"We started the scrutiny on April 24 at 11 am, when BJP candidate Gautam Gambhir's paper came up the AAP candidate Atishi with her lawyer and Congress candidate Arvind Lovely and one more independent candidate raised objections. They said that the date mentioned on the nomination paper was not similar to the day when the affidavit was filed (April 23), we organised a proper hearing and called both parties at 3 pm, both the parties appeared before us, clarifications were given and the issue was resolved," said Mahesh.

Delhi, where seven Lok Sabha seats are at stake will go to poll on May 12. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.

A total of 173 nominations have been filed till date, and the last date of withdrawal is April 26.&nbsp;

Returning Officer K. Mahesh on Wednesday accepted Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Gautam Gambhir's nomination from East Delhi parliamentary constituency after the party clarified that his affidavit was not antedated.

Returning Officer K. Mahesh on Wednesday accepted Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Gautam Gambhir's nomination from East Delhi parliamentary constituency after the party clarified that his affidavit was not antedated. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Congress had raised objections on the affidavit filed by the cricketer-turned-politician. Speaking to reporters, Gambhir's lawyer Anil Soni clarified that all of it was a plan to create a ruckus by AAP and it was the opposition's fear of BJP winning the elections which forced them to object to his client's affidavit. "Aam Aadmi Party using some miscreants had tried to create a ruckus by falsely stating that our affidavit was antedated. The rejected candidates too asked how the date of 19/04 was mentioned when the affidavit was filed on April 23. We clarified that we had filed two affidavits, one on April 18 and the other had the serial number 1904, it was not the date but the serial number, we also showed the notary registry and called up the notary too," said Anil. Mahesh clarified that the objections to Gambhir's candidature had come from AAP and Congress which were resolved after an explanation came from BJP, following which his nomination was approved. "We started the scrutiny on April 24 at 11 am, when BJP candidate Gautam Gambhir's paper came up the AAP candidate Atishi with her lawyer and Congress candidate Arvind Lovely and one more independent candidate raised objections. They said that the date mentioned on the nomination paper was not similar to the day when the affidavit was filed (April 23), we organised a proper hearing and called both parties at 3 pm, both the parties appeared before us, clarifications were given and the issue was resolved," said Mahesh. Delhi, where seven Lok Sabha seats are at stake will go to poll on May 12. The counting of votes will take place on May 23. A total of 173 nominations have been filed till date, and the last date of withdrawal is April 26.

Gautam Gambhir's nomination from East Delhi accepted by returning officer

The Madurai bench of the Madras High Court on Wednesday lifted the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/if-madras-high-court-doesnt-decide-by-april-24-ban-on-tiktok-will-be-lifted-supreme-court-212501">ban on TikTok video application</a>.

Earlier this week, the Supreme Court of India told Chinese company Bytedance Technology, the maker of hugely popular video-sharing app TikTok, that if Madras the High Court fails to decide by April 24 its plea for relief, then its ban order will stand vacated.

The company had told the court that the Madras High Court gave the order banning the app in India without hearing its side of the story. It also said that the ban has led to a loss of crores of rupees.

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Madurai bench of the Madras High Court lifts ban on TikTok video app. <a href="https://t.co/1oFP4oYncs">pic.twitter.com/1oFP4oYncs</a>
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The Supreme Court bench then said the next date of hearing is April 24, and if the high court doesn't decide on the plea against the ban, the order will stand vacated.

Google had last week blocked access to TikTok on its Play Store in India. The decision was taken hours after the Madras High Court refused a request by Bytedance Technology to suspend a ban on TikTok, putting its future in one of its key markets in doubt.

The Madras High Court had on April 3 asked the central government to ban TikTok, saying it encouraged pornography and made child users vulnerable to sexual predators. It's ruling came after an individual launched public interest litigation calling for a ban.

The Centre had sent a letter to Apple and Google to abide by the state court's order.

The Madurai bench of the Madras High Court on Wednesday lifted the ban on TikTok video application. Earlier this week, the Supreme Court of India told Chinese company Bytedance Technology, the maker of hugely popular video-sharing app TikTok, that if Madras the High Court fails to decide by April 24 its plea for relief, then its ban order will stand vacated.

The Madurai bench of the Madras High Court on Wednesday lifted the ban on TikTok video application. Earlier this week, the Supreme Court of India told Chinese company Bytedance Technology, the maker of hugely popular video-sharing app TikTok, that if Madras the High Court fails to decide by April 24 its plea for relief, then its ban order will stand vacated. The company had told the court that the Madras High Court gave the order banning the app in India without hearing its side of the story. It also said that the ban has led to a loss of crores of rupees. Madurai bench of the Madras High Court lifts ban on TikTok video app. pic.twitter.com/1oFP4oYncs — ANI (@ANI) April 24, 2019 × The Supreme Court bench then said the next date of hearing is April 24, and if the high court doesn't decide on the plea against the ban, the order will stand vacated. Google had last week blocked access to TikTok on its Play Store in India. The decision was taken hours after the Madras High Court refused a request by Bytedance Technology to suspend a ban on TikTok, putting its future in one of its key markets in doubt. The Madras High Court had on April 3 asked the central government to ban TikTok, saying it encouraged pornography and made child users vulnerable to sexual predators. It's ruling came after an individual launched public interest litigation calling for a ban. The Centre had sent a letter to Apple and Google to abide by the state court's order.

Madras High Court lifts ban on TikTok video app

Speaking to the media in Srinagar, the Director General of Jammu and Kashmir Police said that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pak-terrorist-arrested-was-operating-in-srinagar-for-over-a-year-to-revive-militancy-in-jammu-and-kashmirs-baramulla-ssp-213238">arrested Pak terrorist</a> is a living proof to Pakistan for their involvement in terrorism in Kashmir valley.&nbsp;

"Pakistan always wishes for live evidence, now we have held a resident of Pakistan who is associated with Lashkar-e-Taiba," he said before presenting him.&nbsp;

The Jammu and Kashmir Police on Wednesday presented a Pakistani terrorist in front of media after he was held by security forces in Pattan area of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district on Monday.&nbsp;

Speaking to media briefly, the detained terrorist identified himself as Mohammad Waqas, a resident of Mohalla Miana, Mianwali of Punjab province in Pakistan. "I am from Pakistan and associated with Lashkar. I'm 27 years old and came to Kashmir in 2017. I took training in Muzaffarabad," he said. &nbsp;

Waqas&nbsp;told media that he was told that people in Kashmir aren't even allowed to pray inside the mosques.

Sources told WION said that he was trained at Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi’s house and had met him on two occasions. The police said that they will be able to share more details after more questioning is done in the coming days. &nbsp;

The top cop was flanked by Lt General KJS Dhillon, GoC Chinar Corps and Zulfikar Hassan, Inspector General Operations CRPF. &nbsp;They told the media that there has been a considerable dip in the number of militants joining terror outfits.&nbsp;

"Large scale modules which were working on behalf of several outfits were arrested. Stone pelting, law and order came down to a very big extent. The youth didn’t indulge in stone pelting much," Dilbag said.

The Army Commander said that a total of 69 terrorists have been killed so far in different operations.

"A total of 69 militants have been killed, 12 have been apprehended, 49 have been killed since Pulwama blast. Among them, were category A plus. We have targeted Jaish-e-Mohammed leadership." he added.&nbsp;

On IED threats, Dilbag Singh told WION that "we have and are spending sleepless nights to avert such things. We are taking every input seriously."

Speaking to the media in Srinagar, the Director General of Jammu and Kashmir Police said that the arrested Pak terrorist is a living proof to Pakistan for their involvement in terrorism in Kashmir valley.

Speaking to the media in Srinagar, the Director General of Jammu and Kashmir Police said that the arrested Pak terrorist is a living proof to Pakistan for their involvement in terrorism in Kashmir valley. "Pakistan always wishes for live evidence, now we have held a resident of Pakistan who is associated with Lashkar-e-Taiba," he said before presenting him. The Jammu and Kashmir Police on Wednesday presented a Pakistani terrorist in front of media after he was held by security forces in Pattan area of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district on Monday. Speaking to media briefly, the detained terrorist identified himself as Mohammad Waqas, a resident of Mohalla Miana, Mianwali of Punjab province in Pakistan. "I am from Pakistan and associated with Lashkar. I'm 27 years old and came to Kashmir in 2017. I took training in Muzaffarabad," he said. Waqas told media that he was told that people in Kashmir aren't even allowed to pray inside the mosques. Sources told WION said that he was trained at Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi’s house and had met him on two occasions. The police said that they will be able to share more details after more questioning is done in the coming days. The top cop was flanked by Lt General KJS Dhillon, GoC Chinar Corps and Zulfikar Hassan, Inspector General Operations CRPF. They told the media that there has been a considerable dip in the number of militants joining terror outfits. "Large scale modules which were working on behalf of several outfits were arrested. Stone pelting, law and order came down to a very big extent. The youth didn’t indulge in stone pelting much," Dilbag said. The Army Commander said that a total of 69 terrorists have been killed so far in different operations. "A total of 69 militants have been killed, 12 have been apprehended, 49 have been killed since Pulwama blast. Among them, were category A plus. We have targeted Jaish-e-Mohammed leadership." he added. On IED threats, Dilbag Singh told WION that "we have and are spending sleepless nights to avert such things. We are taking every input seriously."

'I'm from Pakistan and associated with Lashkar; took training in Muzaffarabad,' says terrorist arrested in J&K's Baramulla

SSP Baramulla, Jammu and Kashmir Abdul Qayoom on Wednesday said that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/arrested-terrorist-is-a-living-proof-provided-to-pakistan-jammu-and-kashmir-police-213247">Mohammad Waqas, a Pak national has been arrested</a>.&nbsp;Waqas&nbsp;was held by security forces in Pattan area of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district on Monday.&nbsp;

A resident of Mohalla Miana, Mianwali in Punjab, Pakistan, Waqas&nbsp;came to India in July 2017 by crossing the border and was operating in Srinagar for over a year.&nbsp;

"His plan was to resurrect militancy in Baramulla," the official added.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Lt Gen Kanwal Jeet Singh Dhillon, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Srinagar-based 15 Corps, earlier in the day, briefed the media and stated that the Indian forces have "targeted Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) leadership".&nbsp;

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SSP Baramulla, Abdul Qayoom: His name is Mohammad Waqar, a resident of Mohalla Miana, Mianwali, Punjab, Pakistan. He came here in July 2017 by crossing the border, he was operating in Srinagar for over a year. His plan was to resurrect militancy in Baramulla. <a href="https://t.co/BWUEkdQj50">pic.twitter.com/BWUEkdQj50</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1121012801156407296?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"The situation now is that no one is coming forward to take over the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/post-pulwama-terror-attack-top-jem-commanders-eliminated-in-targeted-action-by-india-212590">leadership of JeM</a> in the valley. Even after Pakistan's best efforts, we will continue to suppress JeM, especially after Pulwama," he said.

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KJS Dhillon, GOC 15 Corps: Total 69 terrorists have been killed and 12 have been apprehended this year. Post Pulwama 41 terrorists have been killed and out of them 25 belonged to Jaish-e-Mohammed, 13 of them were Pakistanis. <a href="https://t.co/IYkBLXs1TR">pic.twitter.com/IYkBLXs1TR</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1121006237188001793?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Dhillon informed that as many as 69 terrorists have been killed and 12 have been apprehended this year. "Post Pulwama 41 terrorists have been killed and out of them 25 belonged to Jaish-e-Mohammed, 13 of them were Pakistanis," he added.&nbsp;

"Operations against the terrorists will continue with full vigour and we will not let terrorism rise up," the top official said.&nbsp;

On February 14 this year, over 40 CRPF personnel were killed in a JeM-orchestrated terror attack in South Kashmir's Pulwama district.

The incident took place when a CRPF convoy, consisting of around 2,500 personnel, was attacked by a suicide bomber who rammed a car laden with explosives into one of the buses on the Jammu-Srinagar highway.&nbsp;

SSP Baramulla, Jammu and Kashmir Abdul Qayoom on Wednesday said that Mohammad Waqas, a Pak national has been arrested. Waqas was held by security forces in Pattan area of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district on Monday.

SSP Baramulla, Jammu and Kashmir Abdul Qayoom on Wednesday said that Mohammad Waqas, a Pak national has been arrested. Waqas was held by security forces in Pattan area of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district on Monday. A resident of Mohalla Miana, Mianwali in Punjab, Pakistan, Waqas came to India in July 2017 by crossing the border and was operating in Srinagar for over a year. "His plan was to resurrect militancy in Baramulla," the official added. Meanwhile, Lt Gen Kanwal Jeet Singh Dhillon, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Srinagar-based 15 Corps, earlier in the day, briefed the media and stated that the Indian forces have "targeted Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) leadership". SSP Baramulla, Abdul Qayoom: His name is Mohammad Waqar, a resident of Mohalla Miana, Mianwali, Punjab, Pakistan. He came here in July 2017 by crossing the border, he was operating in Srinagar for over a year. His plan was to resurrect militancy in Baramulla. pic.twitter.com/BWUEkdQj50 — ANI (@ANI) April 24, 2019 × "The situation now is that no one is coming forward to take over the leadership of JeM in the valley. Even after Pakistan's best efforts, we will continue to suppress JeM, especially after Pulwama," he said. KJS Dhillon, GOC 15 Corps: Total 69 terrorists have been killed and 12 have been apprehended this year. Post Pulwama 41 terrorists have been killed and out of them 25 belonged to Jaish-e-Mohammed, 13 of them were Pakistanis. pic.twitter.com/IYkBLXs1TR — ANI (@ANI) April 24, 2019 × Dhillon informed that as many as 69 terrorists have been killed and 12 have been apprehended this year. "Post Pulwama 41 terrorists have been killed and out of them 25 belonged to Jaish-e-Mohammed, 13 of them were Pakistanis," he added. "Operations against the terrorists will continue with full vigour and we will not let terrorism rise up," the top official said. On February 14 this year, over 40 CRPF personnel were killed in a JeM-orchestrated terror attack in South Kashmir's Pulwama district. The incident took place when a CRPF convoy, consisting of around 2,500 personnel, was attacked by a suicide bomber who rammed a car laden with explosives into one of the buses on the Jammu-Srinagar highway.

Pak terrorist arrested, was operating in Srinagar to revive militancy in Baramulla: SSP

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/cctv-footage-shows-suspected-suicide-bombers-behind-shangri-la-hotel-blasts-213232">CCTV footage shows suspected suicide bombers behind Shangri-La hotel blasts</a>

A day after Sri Lankan authorities&nbsp;released CCTV footage of suspected suicidebomber behind the St Sebastian's church blast, a local channel aired surveillance footage purportedly showing two suspected suicide bombers walking through the Shangri-La hotel in Colombo as they denoted the bombs.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/middle-class-and-foreign-educated-face-of-terror-in-sri-lanka-213241">Middle class and foreign educated: Face of terror in Sri Lanka</a>

The Sri Lankan government for the first time given details of the terrorist involved in&nbsp;Sunday's carnage that killed more&nbsp;than 350 people. In all, there were nine suicide bombers, out of which eight died during the bombings while one, blew himself up when was about to be caught.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-oil-sanctions-wont-go-without-response-iran-213205">US oil sanctions won't go 'without response': Iran</a>

Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Wednesday called the end of&nbsp;oil sanction&nbsp;waivers by the United States a "hostile measure" that "won't be left without a response".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/almost-all-saudis-in-mass-execution-were-shia-human-rights-watch-213199">Almost all Saudis in mass execution were Shia minority: Human Rights Watch</a>

At least 33 of the 37 Saudis executed by the kingdom in a single day belonged to the Sunni-dominated country's Shia minority, Human Rights Watch said Wednesday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/arrested-terrorist-is-a-living-proof-provided-to-pakistan-jammu-and-kashmir-police-213247">'I'm from Pakistan and associated with Lashkar; took training in Muzaffarabad,' says terrorist arrested in J&amp;K's Baramulla</a>

Speaking to the media in Srinagar, the Director General of Jammu and Kashmir Police said that the arrested Pak terrorist is a living proof to Pakistan for their involvement in terrorism in Kashmir valley.&nbsp;

CCTV footage shows suspected suicide bombers behind Shangri-La hotel blasts A day after Sri Lankan authorities released CCTV footage of suspected suicidebomber behind the St Sebastian's church blast, a local channel aired surveillance footage purportedly showing two suspected suicide bombers walking through the Shangri-La hotel in Colombo as they denoted the bombs.

CCTV footage shows suspected suicide bombers behind Shangri-La hotel blasts A day after Sri Lankan authorities released CCTV footage of suspected suicidebomber behind the St Sebastian's church blast, a local channel aired surveillance footage purportedly showing two suspected suicide bombers walking through the Shangri-La hotel in Colombo as they denoted the bombs. Middle class and foreign educated: Face of terror in Sri Lanka The Sri Lankan government for the first time given details of the terrorist involved in Sunday's carnage that killed more than 350 people. In all, there were nine suicide bombers, out of which eight died during the bombings while one, blew himself up when was about to be caught. US oil sanctions won't go 'without response': Iran Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Wednesday called the end of oil sanction waivers by the United States a "hostile measure" that "won't be left without a response". Almost all Saudis in mass execution were Shia minority: Human Rights Watch At least 33 of the 37 Saudis executed by the kingdom in a single day belonged to the Sunni-dominated country's Shia minority, Human Rights Watch said Wednesday. 'I'm from Pakistan and associated with Lashkar; took training in Muzaffarabad,' says terrorist arrested in J&K's Baramulla Speaking to the media in Srinagar, the Director General of Jammu and Kashmir Police said that the arrested Pak terrorist is a living proof to Pakistan for their involvement in terrorism in Kashmir valley.

Delhi Additional Commissioner of Police (Crime) Rajiv Ranjan on Wednesday told media that the investigation "has proved it beyond doubt that it is her (Apoorva, Rohit's wife) work and she has confessed to it".

Ranjan added that till now no evidence has been found regarding someone else's involvement.&nbsp;

Apoorva Shukla Tiwari, wife of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rohit-shekhar-murder-case-delhi-police-arrests-wife-apoorva-shukla-213149">Rohit Shekhar Tiwari</a> was detained in connection with his murder and was later arrested by the Delhi Police Crime Branch on Wednesday. She has been sent to&nbsp;two-day police custody by Delhi's Saket Court.

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Rajiv Ranjan,Delhi Additional CP (Crime) on ND Tiwari's son Rohit Shekhar Tiwari's death case: Investigation has proved it beyond doubt that it is her (Apoorva, Rohit's wife) work &amp; she has confessed to it. Till now no evidence has been found regarding someone else's involvement. <a href="https://t.co/Lm3rLAc27s">pic.twitter.com/Lm3rLAc27s</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1120985354356449280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Rohit, who is the son of Former UP CM Narayan Dutt Tiwari, was found dead on April 16 under mysterious circumstances.

Earlier on Sunday, the Crime Branch of Delhi Police took Apoorva, (wife of late Rohit Shekhar Tiwari), maid and the servant to an undisclosed location for interrogation in connection to the Rohit Shekhar's murder case.

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Rohit Shekhar Tiwari death case: Apoorva Tiwari (wife of Rohit Shekhar Tiwari) sent to two-day police custody by Delhi's Saket Court. (File pic) <a href="https://t.co/VeHIev2B3u">pic.twitter.com/VeHIev2B3u</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1121013781465903108?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The Crime Branch of Delhi Police questioned Apoorva on April 20 in connection to the case.

The questioning took place at Rohit's residence in Defence Colony in South Delhi.

"There was tension between Rohit and his wife since the first day of marriage. It was a love marriage; Currently, Delhi crime branch is questioning the wife of Rohit Shekhar Tiwari," Rohit's mother Ujjwala Tiwari had told reporters then.&nbsp;

Delhi Additional Commissioner of Police (Crime) Rajiv Ranjan on Wednesday told media that the investigation "has proved it beyond doubt that it is her (Apoorva, Rohit's wife) work and she has confessed to it".

Delhi Additional Commissioner of Police (Crime) Rajiv Ranjan on Wednesday told media that the investigation "has proved it beyond doubt that it is her (Apoorva, Rohit's wife) work and she has confessed to it". Ranjan added that till now no evidence has been found regarding someone else's involvement. Apoorva Shukla Tiwari, wife of Rohit Shekhar Tiwari was detained in connection with his murder and was later arrested by the Delhi Police Crime Branch on Wednesday. She has been sent to two-day police custody by Delhi's Saket Court. Rajiv Ranjan,Delhi Additional CP (Crime) on ND Tiwari's son Rohit Shekhar Tiwari's death case: Investigation has proved it beyond doubt that it is her (Apoorva, Rohit's wife) work & she has confessed to it. Till now no evidence has been found regarding someone else's involvement. pic.twitter.com/Lm3rLAc27s — ANI (@ANI) April 24, 2019 × Rohit, who is the son of Former UP CM Narayan Dutt Tiwari, was found dead on April 16 under mysterious circumstances. Earlier on Sunday, the Crime Branch of Delhi Police took Apoorva, (wife of late Rohit Shekhar Tiwari), maid and the servant to an undisclosed location for interrogation in connection to the Rohit Shekhar's murder case. Rohit Shekhar Tiwari death case: Apoorva Tiwari (wife of Rohit Shekhar Tiwari) sent to two-day police custody by Delhi's Saket Court. (File pic) pic.twitter.com/VeHIev2B3u — ANI (@ANI) April 24, 2019 × The Crime Branch of Delhi Police questioned Apoorva on April 20 in connection to the case. The questioning took place at Rohit's residence in Defence Colony in South Delhi. "There was tension between Rohit and his wife since the first day of marriage. It was a love marriage; Currently, Delhi crime branch is questioning the wife of Rohit Shekhar Tiwari," Rohit's mother Ujjwala Tiwari had told reporters then.

Rohit Shekhar Tiwari murder case: 'Beyond doubt it is his wife, she has confessed,' says Delhi Additional CP

To mark the 70th anniversary of the establishment of its diplomatic ties with India, Indonesia has released a special commemorative stamp on the theme of Ramayana.

The stamp, designed by Indonesian sculptor Padmashri Bapak Nyoman Nuarta, features a scene from Ramayana in which Jatayu fought to save Sita, the Embassy of India in Jakarta said in a statement.

A specially signed version of the stamp will be on display at the Philately Museum in Jakarta, the statement said.

The event was attended by India's Ambassador Pradeep Kumar Rawat and Indonesia's Vice Foreign Minister Abdurrahman Mohammad Fachir.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

To mark the 70th anniversary of the establishment of its diplomatic ties with India, Indonesia has released a special commemorative stamp on the theme of Ramayana.

To mark the 70th anniversary of the establishment of its diplomatic ties with India, Indonesia has released a special commemorative stamp on the theme of Ramayana. The stamp, designed by Indonesian sculptor Padmashri Bapak Nyoman Nuarta, features a scene from Ramayana in which Jatayu fought to save Sita, the Embassy of India in Jakarta said in a statement. A specially signed version of the stamp will be on display at the Philately Museum in Jakarta, the statement said. The event was attended by India's Ambassador Pradeep Kumar Rawat and Indonesia's Vice Foreign Minister Abdurrahman Mohammad Fachir.

Indonesia releases special stamp on Ramayana theme

Fugitive diamond merchant Mehul Chowksi on Wednesday approached the Bombay High Court over the non-consideration of his plea regarding his inability to return to India due to persisting health problems and denial of the right to cross-examination.

Last month, Mehul Choksi moved a new application under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court here, stating his long history of heart ailments and a blood clot in the brain.

This comes after it was reported that the extradition process against embattled diamond jeweller Mehul Choksi has begun in Antigua.

Choksi's counsel Vijay and Ashul Agarwal submitted his detailed medical history citing his ailments constraining him from travelling and hence leading to his inability to return to India.

His counsel also placed 38 documents on record including the latest prescriptions in which doctors have highly recommend that Choksi should remain under continuous medical supervision in Antigua and should avoid travelling as his medical condition may deteriorate.

Mehul Choksi and nephew Nirav Modi are kingpins of the Rs 13,000-crore Punjab National Bank fraud.

They both fled from the country a year ago. Choksi was granted citizenship of Antigua and Barbuda on January 15, 2018.&nbsp;

Fugitive diamond merchant Mehul Chowksi on Wednesday approached the Bombay High Court over the non-consideration of his plea regarding his inability to return to India due to persisting health problems and denial of the right to cross-examination.

Fugitive diamond merchant Mehul Chowksi on Wednesday approached the Bombay High Court over the non-consideration of his plea regarding his inability to return to India due to persisting health problems and denial of the right to cross-examination. Last month, Mehul Choksi moved a new application under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court here, stating his long history of heart ailments and a blood clot in the brain. This comes after it was reported that the extradition process against embattled diamond jeweller Mehul Choksi has begun in Antigua. Choksi's counsel Vijay and Ashul Agarwal submitted his detailed medical history citing his ailments constraining him from travelling and hence leading to his inability to return to India. His counsel also placed 38 documents on record including the latest prescriptions in which doctors have highly recommend that Choksi should remain under continuous medical supervision in Antigua and should avoid travelling as his medical condition may deteriorate. Mehul Choksi and nephew Nirav Modi are kingpins of the Rs 13,000-crore Punjab National Bank fraud. They both fled from the country a year ago. Choksi was granted citizenship of Antigua and Barbuda on January 15, 2018.

Mehul Choksi moves Bombay High Court over non-consideration of plea on inability to return

Lashing out at opposition parties that claimed the EVMs were being manipulated, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Wednesday said the ‘mahamilawatis’ have realized they stand no chance after three phases of elections and are looking for excuses to defend their poor show. Addressing a rally in Lohardaga, Modi said the opposition parties have no option left but to accept defeat. At a press meet Tuesday, leaders of several major opposition parties raised doubt over the credibility of the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), renewing their demand for verification of the machines.

“Just like a child who makes excuses to justify his underperformance in exams, opposition parties have started directing their anger on the EVMs and the voting process for their shortfalls. “The response in first three phases of polls have left opposition with no option but to accept defeat,” he said. Hitting out at the Congress, the prime minister said the “party that ended up shedding tears when Pakistan threatened India is eyeing the seat in Delhi”.

In a scathing attack on Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy for his alleged remark on the armed forces, Modi said those who believe that the poor join the army to make ends meet should drown to death. “It takes a lot of courage to fight on the border. Those that say that only the poor join the army to make ends meet should drown to death,” he asserted. Insisting that Indians everywhere were the responsibility of the ‘chowkidaar’ (watchman), the PM said he never discriminated people on the lines of religion or caste.

“When 46 nurses were held captive in Iraq, we did our best to get our daughters back. When Kolkata’s Judith D’Souza was kidnapped in Afghanistan, we rescued her. This chowkidaar is always concerned about the safety of the country’s daughters,” he claimed. Expressing gratitude to the people of Jharkhand, who turned up in large numbers for Tuesday’s roadshow in the state capital, Modi said, “The response that I received in Ranchi was overwhelming. I was touched. It wasn’t a planned programme. The state unit of BJP requested me for the show only two days ago and I am glad that agreed to the proposal.”

Lashing out at opposition parties that claimed the EVMs were being manipulated, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Wednesday said the ‘mahamilawatis’ have realized they stand no chance after three phases of elections and are looking for excuses to defend their poor show.

Lashing out at opposition parties that claimed the EVMs were being manipulated, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Wednesday said the ‘mahamilawatis’ have realized they stand no chance after three phases of elections and are looking for excuses to defend their poor show. Addressing a rally in Lohardaga, Modi said the opposition parties have no option left but to accept defeat. At a press meet Tuesday, leaders of several major opposition parties raised doubt over the credibility of the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), renewing their demand for verification of the machines. “Just like a child who makes excuses to justify his underperformance in exams, opposition parties have started directing their anger on the EVMs and the voting process for their shortfalls. “The response in first three phases of polls have left opposition with no option but to accept defeat,” he said. Hitting out at the Congress, the prime minister said the “party that ended up shedding tears when Pakistan threatened India is eyeing the seat in Delhi”. In a scathing attack on Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy for his alleged remark on the armed forces, Modi said those who believe that the poor join the army to make ends meet should drown to death. “It takes a lot of courage to fight on the border. Those that say that only the poor join the army to make ends meet should drown to death,” he asserted. Insisting that Indians everywhere were the responsibility of the ‘chowkidaar’ (watchman), the PM said he never discriminated people on the lines of religion or caste. “When 46 nurses were held captive in Iraq, we did our best to get our daughters back. When Kolkata’s Judith D’Souza was kidnapped in Afghanistan, we rescued her. This chowkidaar is always concerned about the safety of the country’s daughters,” he claimed. Expressing gratitude to the people of Jharkhand, who turned up in large numbers for Tuesday’s roadshow in the state capital, Modi said, “The response that I received in Ranchi was overwhelming. I was touched. It wasn’t a planned programme. The state unit of BJP requested me for the show only two days ago and I am glad that agreed to the proposal.”

Lok Sabha polls 2019: PM Modi lashes out at opposition; says they have no option but to accept defeat

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said he never thought of becoming Prime Minister because there was nothing in his background that could make him think like that.

Never thought of becoming Prime Minister, says Narendra Modi

"You sleep only for 3.30 hours, how do you manage?" Akshay Kumar asks PM Modi to which the prime minister replied saying that even former US President Barack Obama once asked him the same and often enquires "if I have increased my sleeping hours".

'Obama asks the same,' says PM Modi when Akshay Kumar asked 'how do you sleep for just 3 hours?'

When Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar asked PM Modi three things he would ask from a genie, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he wished for people to stop believing in genies.

If a genie grants you three wishes, what do you intend to wish for?

PM Modi: I have a small bag with which I travel. Till I became the CM I used to wash my own clothes. Then I realised that carrying shorter kurtas help in saving space.

Akshay: You have a unique fashion statement: beard, half-sleeved kurta

“I have friends in the opposition also. I have lunch with them once in a year or so. We are connected like a family, which you do not see on the outside. This may harm me in the elections but Mamata didi does select kurta for me and sends it to me once in a year. Bangladeshi PM (Sheikh Hasina) also sends me Bengali sweets," said PM Modi.

PM says Mamata sends him kurta & he has friends in opposition in an interview to Akshay Kumar

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'I'm from Pakistan and associated with Lashkar; took training in Muzaffarabad,' says terrorist arrested in J&K's Baramulla

Pak terrorist arrested, was operating in Srinagar to revive militancy in Baramulla: SSP

News brief: Big stories of the day

Rohit Shekhar Tiwari murder case: 'Beyond doubt it is his wife, she has confessed,' says Delhi Additional CP

Indonesia releases special stamp on Ramayana theme

Mehul Choksi moves Bombay High Court over non-consideration of plea on inability to return

Lok Sabha polls 2019: PM Modi lashes out at opposition; says they have no option but to accept defeat

Never thought of becoming Prime Minister, says Narendra Modi

'Obama asks the same,' says PM Modi when Akshay Kumar asked 'how do you sleep for just 3 hours?'

If a genie grants you three wishes, what do you intend to wish for?

Akshay: You have a unique fashion statement: beard, half-sleeved kurta

PM says Mamata sends him kurta & he has friends in opposition in an interview to Akshay Kumar