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The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-moves-election-commission-for-action-against-rahul-gandhi-for-making-baseless-allegations-against-pm-modi-209819">Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)</a> has successfully implemented all its promises made in its 2014 election manifesto, except those that needed constitutional amendments for which the party required a majority in the Rajya Sabha, BJP national vice-president Vinay Sahasrabuddhe claimed Friday.

Unveiling 'This is how BJP Walks the Talk' -- a report card of the ruling party in the social and science and technology sectors prepared by the Public Policy Research Centre (PPRC), Sahasrabuddhe said, "We believe in empowerment and not an entitlement. The focus is now on deliverance."

According to the report, Rs 17 crore loans have been provided under Mudra Scheme, 35 crore bank accounts have been opened under Jan Dhan Yojana and three crore houses have been electrified under Saubhagya scheme.&nbsp;

"Only goal perhaps which BJP has not been able to meet was Article 370, basically those which need constitutional interventions which we cannot do without a majority in the Rajya Sabha. Other than that I think we have robustly managed to achieve all our goals," said the BJP leader who is also a Rajya Sabha MP and Director of PPRC.&nbsp;

He also said that the "Leftist mentality" of having a law for everything needs to change.

"This is why RTE came, Food Security Act came...So this rights-based narrative has played a significant role in our country since the beginning. It is very attractive as well as populist. But on the ground it is different. For example, RTE which was formed after so much discussion had to be improved in merely five years...The informality of education has been almost finished off. Under RTE they are illegal...They made the Act in a hurry, it didn't seem well thought-out," he said.&nbsp;

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has successfully implemented all its promises made in its 2014 election manifesto, except those that needed constitutional amendments for which the party required a majority in the Rajya Sabha, BJP national vice-president Vinay Sahasrabuddhe claimed Friday.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has successfully implemented all its promises made in its 2014 election manifesto, except those that needed constitutional amendments for which the party required a majority in the Rajya Sabha, BJP national vice-president Vinay Sahasrabuddhe claimed Friday. Unveiling 'This is how BJP Walks the Talk' -- a report card of the ruling party in the social and science and technology sectors prepared by the Public Policy Research Centre (PPRC), Sahasrabuddhe said, "We believe in empowerment and not an entitlement. The focus is now on deliverance." According to the report, Rs 17 crore loans have been provided under Mudra Scheme, 35 crore bank accounts have been opened under Jan Dhan Yojana and three crore houses have been electrified under Saubhagya scheme. "Only goal perhaps which BJP has not been able to meet was Article 370, basically those which need constitutional interventions which we cannot do without a majority in the Rajya Sabha. Other than that I think we have robustly managed to achieve all our goals," said the BJP leader who is also a Rajya Sabha MP and Director of PPRC. He also said that the "Leftist mentality" of having a law for everything needs to change. "This is why RTE came, Food Security Act came...So this rights-based narrative has played a significant role in our country since the beginning. It is very attractive as well as populist. But on the ground it is different. For example, RTE which was formed after so much discussion had to be improved in merely five years...The informality of education has been almost finished off. Under RTE they are illegal...They made the Act in a hurry, it didn't seem well thought-out," he said.

BJP successfully implemented almost all its 2014 poll promises: Vinay Sahasrabuddhe

Several senior armed forces veterans on Friday denied writing a letter to President Ram Nath Kovind over alleged politicisation of the services with former Army Chief General Sunith Francis Rodrigues calling it "a classic manifestation of fake news".

Meanwhile, a Rashtrapati Bhavan source said that the President has not received any letter purportedly written by a group of former officers of the Army, Navy and Air Force.

"I do not know what it is all about. All my life, we have been apolitical. After 42 years as an officer, it is a little late to change. We have always put India first. I do not know who these people are and it (the letter with names of officers) is a classic manifestation of fake news," General Rodrigues said.

The purported letter, which went viral on social media, named eight former services chiefs including General Rodrigues and Ex-Air Chief Nirmal Chandra Suri.

Air Chief Marshal Suri said, "This is not Admiral Ramdas' letter and it has been done by some Major Chaudhary. He has written this letter and this was coming on WhatsApp and emails. To put an end to it, I wrote that armed forces are apolitical and support the politically elected government."

"My consent has not been taken for any such letter. And I do not agree with whatever has been written in that letter... We have been misquoted by this Major Chaudhary," he added.

Former Army Vice Chief Lt General ML Naidu, who figured in the purported letter, said, "No, my consent has not been taken for any such letter and neither have I written any such letter."

However, when reached out by ANI, Major General Harsha Kakkar, an ex-officer who was also named, said, "Yes, I had given my consent for being a signatory to the letter. I had given my consent only after knowing the contents of it."

Several senior armed forces veterans on Friday denied writing a letter to President Ram Nath Kovind over alleged politicisation of the services with former Army Chief General Sunith Francis Rodrigues calling it "a classic manifestation of fake news".

Several senior armed forces veterans on Friday denied writing a letter to President Ram Nath Kovind over alleged politicisation of the services with former Army Chief General Sunith Francis Rodrigues calling it "a classic manifestation of fake news". Meanwhile, a Rashtrapati Bhavan source said that the President has not received any letter purportedly written by a group of former officers of the Army, Navy and Air Force. "I do not know what it is all about. All my life, we have been apolitical. After 42 years as an officer, it is a little late to change. We have always put India first. I do not know who these people are and it (the letter with names of officers) is a classic manifestation of fake news," General Rodrigues said. The purported letter, which went viral on social media, named eight former services chiefs including General Rodrigues and Ex-Air Chief Nirmal Chandra Suri. Air Chief Marshal Suri said, "This is not Admiral Ramdas' letter and it has been done by some Major Chaudhary. He has written this letter and this was coming on WhatsApp and emails. To put an end to it, I wrote that armed forces are apolitical and support the politically elected government." "My consent has not been taken for any such letter. And I do not agree with whatever has been written in that letter... We have been misquoted by this Major Chaudhary," he added. Former Army Vice Chief Lt General ML Naidu, who figured in the purported letter, said, "No, my consent has not been taken for any such letter and neither have I written any such letter." However, when reached out by ANI, Major General Harsha Kakkar, an ex-officer who was also named, said, "Yes, I had given my consent for being a signatory to the letter. I had given my consent only after knowing the contents of it."

'Classic manifestation of fake news': Several ex-army officers deny writing letter to President over alleged politicisation of services

"If Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is ready for an alliance in Delhi, we are ready even today," the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-claims-laser-pointed-at-rahul-gandhis-head-mha-says-it-was-mobiles-green-light-209537">Congress said</a> on Friday.

"AAP wanted to have an alliance in other states also which is not practical. Every state is different. We will announce the seats tomorrow or day after tomorrow. If they are ready for an alliance in Delhi with Congress, we are ready even today," Congress leader PC Chacko said during a press conference here.

He added that the Congress is ready to do ally with parties who are willing to defeat the Bharatiya Janata Party.

"We (Congress and AAP) are fighting face to face in Delhi, we fought municipality, assembly, and parliamentary elections, so naturally we both have political bitterness between us but we both understand that the political necessity is that we should come together and defeat BJP in Delhi," said Chacko

"Sanjay Singh met me and we discussed our corresponding strength in the last election in Delhi (in 2017). Congress got 31 seats and AAP got 49 seats and together we had 80 seats. Our vote share was INC got 21 per cent votes, AAP got 26 per cent votes and in total, we got 47 per cent. There are 7 Lok Sabha seats, we are eligible to get approximately 3 seats while AAP is entitled to 4 seats," Chacko said.

With regards to the recent decision by the Supreme Court over the electoral bonds issue, Congress leader and senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi said the Electoral Bonds have become "electoral corruption."

"Modi Ji will now have to explain in writing what is the source of the money, he will also need to explain that whether this money is black or white," said Singhvi while taking a jibe at the Prime Minister.

The apex court passed an interim order asking political parties to submit in a sealed cover to the Election Commission of India (ECI) details of the donations received through electoral bonds.

In an interim order, the apex court directed the parties to furnish details of donors and amounts received through the bonds to the poll watchdog by May 30.

The order was passed by a bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi on public interest litigation (PIL) filed by NGO Association of Democratic Reforms (ADR) and CPI(M).

"If Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is ready for an alliance in Delhi, we are ready even today," the Congress said on Friday. "AAP wanted to have an alliance in other states also which is not practical.

"If Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is ready for an alliance in Delhi, we are ready even today," the Congress said on Friday. "AAP wanted to have an alliance in other states also which is not practical. Every state is different. We will announce the seats tomorrow or day after tomorrow. If they are ready for an alliance in Delhi with Congress, we are ready even today," Congress leader PC Chacko said during a press conference here. He added that the Congress is ready to do ally with parties who are willing to defeat the Bharatiya Janata Party. "We (Congress and AAP) are fighting face to face in Delhi, we fought municipality, assembly, and parliamentary elections, so naturally we both have political bitterness between us but we both understand that the political necessity is that we should come together and defeat BJP in Delhi," said Chacko "Sanjay Singh met me and we discussed our corresponding strength in the last election in Delhi (in 2017). Congress got 31 seats and AAP got 49 seats and together we had 80 seats. Our vote share was INC got 21 per cent votes, AAP got 26 per cent votes and in total, we got 47 per cent. There are 7 Lok Sabha seats, we are eligible to get approximately 3 seats while AAP is entitled to 4 seats," Chacko said. With regards to the recent decision by the Supreme Court over the electoral bonds issue, Congress leader and senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi said the Electoral Bonds have become "electoral corruption." "Modi Ji will now have to explain in writing what is the source of the money, he will also need to explain that whether this money is black or white," said Singhvi while taking a jibe at the Prime Minister. The apex court passed an interim order asking political parties to submit in a sealed cover to the Election Commission of India (ECI) details of the donations received through electoral bonds. In an interim order, the apex court directed the parties to furnish details of donors and amounts received through the bonds to the poll watchdog by May 30. The order was passed by a bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi on public interest litigation (PIL) filed by NGO Association of Democratic Reforms (ADR) and CPI(M).

If AAP ready for alliance in Delhi, we are ready even today: Congress

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/political-parties-must-submit-details-of-funding-through-electoral-bonds-says-supreme-court-209753">Supreme Court on Friday</a> said that all political parties have to disclose the details of donations received through electoral bonds. The details should be submitted before the Election Commission in a sealed envelope and must also include the bank account details of the political parties.

Electoral bonds were introduced by Union finance minister Arun Jaitley during his budget speech in 2017. These bonds were introduced to bring more transparency to political fundings.

Here's all you need to know about electoral bonds:

When it was introduced?

Electoral bonds were introduced by amendments made through the Finance Act 2017 to the Reserve Bank of India Act 1934, Representation of Peoples Act 1951, Income Tax Act 1962 and Companies Act.

When it is available and how to use it?

The electoral bonds are available for a period of 10 days each in the month of January, April, July, and October. It has an additional period of 30 days specified by the central government in the year of general elections.

The bonds are interest-free and can be purchased from any value in multiples of Rs 1,000, Rs 10,000, Rs 1 lakh and Rs 1 crore. People can buy these bonds from specified branches of SBI. It is valid up to 15 days from purchase. It can be bought by making payments digitally or through a cheque. After that banks will forward the bond to designated political parties and they can convert these bonds in money via their registered bank accounts.

The political parties⁬ registered with Election Commission are eligible to receive these bonds.

The donor's identity is anonymous. The bank is not allowed to reveal the names of identities under any circumstances.

Which party has benefited most from electoral bonds?

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) received around Rs 210 crore in 2017-2018 donations and thus emerged as the biggest beneficiary of the electoral bond scheme, Election Commission informed the Supreme Court. In total, bonds worth over Rs 1,000 crore were purchased until November 2018.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court on Friday said that all political parties have to disclose the details of donations received through electoral bonds. The details should be submitted before the Election Commission in a sealed envelope and must also include the bank account details of the political parties.

The Supreme Court on Friday said that all political parties have to disclose the details of donations received through electoral bonds. The details should be submitted before the Election Commission in a sealed envelope and must also include the bank account details of the political parties. Electoral bonds were introduced by Union finance minister Arun Jaitley during his budget speech in 2017. These bonds were introduced to bring more transparency to political fundings. Here's all you need to know about electoral bonds: When it was introduced? Electoral bonds were introduced by amendments made through the Finance Act 2017 to the Reserve Bank of India Act 1934, Representation of Peoples Act 1951, Income Tax Act 1962 and Companies Act. When it is available and how to use it? The electoral bonds are available for a period of 10 days each in the month of January, April, July, and October. It has an additional period of 30 days specified by the central government in the year of general elections. The bonds are interest-free and can be purchased from any value in multiples of Rs 1,000, Rs 10,000, Rs 1 lakh and Rs 1 crore. People can buy these bonds from specified branches of SBI. It is valid up to 15 days from purchase. It can be bought by making payments digitally or through a cheque. After that banks will forward the bond to designated political parties and they can convert these bonds in money via their registered bank accounts. The political parties⁬ registered with Election Commission are eligible to receive these bonds. The donor's identity is anonymous. The bank is not allowed to reveal the names of identities under any circumstances. Which party has benefited most from electoral bonds? Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) received around Rs 210 crore in 2017-2018 donations and thus emerged as the biggest beneficiary of the electoral bond scheme, Election Commission informed the Supreme Court. In total, bonds worth over Rs 1,000 crore were purchased until November 2018.

All you need to know about electoral bonds

The BJP on Friday moved the Election Commission seeking action against Rahul Gandhi for his "abusive" and "completely untrue" comments against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-narendra-modi-gets-highest-civilian-award-of-russia-209806">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a>, accusing the Congress president of attributing words to the Supreme Court in the Rafale case that it never said.

Senior BJP leader and Union minister Nirmala Sitharaman also expressed her party's "disappointment" with the poll watchdog, saying it has looked the other way despite their repeated pleas to it against Gandhi for his "baseless" allegations against Modi.

A BJP delegation, including Sitharaman, Union minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi and its media head Anil Baluni, submitted to the EC a memorandum in which the saffron party also accused the Trinamool Congress of poll rigging in West Bengal during the first phase polling of the general election on Thursday.

Pointing to Gandhi's remarks Wednesday that the apex court has acknowledged that Modi is a "thief" and that he gave Rs 30,000 crore to industrialist Anil Ambani, Naqvi said such "lies" and "baseless allegations" are not only violative of the Model Code of Conduct but also fall under "corrupt practices", as described in the Representation of People Act.

The court had never said such a thing, he said.

"Congress president Rahul Gandhi is using abusive and such strong statements which are totally untrue, calling repeatedly the prime minister a 'chor' (thief) and also putting words in the mouth of Supreme Court," Sitharaman told reporters.

Gandhi has been making such allegations without any evidence, she said, adding that the BJP has approached the EC three times so far against the Congress president.

The BJP felt "let down" that the EC has not taken cognizance of its complaints against him, she said.

Taking a dig at Gandhi, Naqvi said the "brand new president" of an old party like the Congress has crossed all boundaries with his utterances.

The apex court had on Wednesday allowed leaked documents to be relied upon by petitioners seeking review of its Rafale judgement and dismissed the government's preliminary objections claiming "privilege" over them.

Gandhi had then claimed that the court has accepted that Modi was a thief.

The BJP on Friday moved the Election Commission seeking action against Rahul Gandhi for his "abusive" and "completely untrue" comments against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing the Congress president of attributing words to the Supreme Court in the Rafale case that it never said.

The BJP on Friday moved the Election Commission seeking action against Rahul Gandhi for his "abusive" and "completely untrue" comments against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing the Congress president of attributing words to the Supreme Court in the Rafale case that it never said. Senior BJP leader and Union minister Nirmala Sitharaman also expressed her party's "disappointment" with the poll watchdog, saying it has looked the other way despite their repeated pleas to it against Gandhi for his "baseless" allegations against Modi. A BJP delegation, including Sitharaman, Union minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi and its media head Anil Baluni, submitted to the EC a memorandum in which the saffron party also accused the Trinamool Congress of poll rigging in West Bengal during the first phase polling of the general election on Thursday. Pointing to Gandhi's remarks Wednesday that the apex court has acknowledged that Modi is a "thief" and that he gave Rs 30,000 crore to industrialist Anil Ambani, Naqvi said such "lies" and "baseless allegations" are not only violative of the Model Code of Conduct but also fall under "corrupt practices", as described in the Representation of People Act. The court had never said such a thing, he said. "Congress president Rahul Gandhi is using abusive and such strong statements which are totally untrue, calling repeatedly the prime minister a 'chor' (thief) and also putting words in the mouth of Supreme Court," Sitharaman told reporters. Gandhi has been making such allegations without any evidence, she said, adding that the BJP has approached the EC three times so far against the Congress president. The BJP felt "let down" that the EC has not taken cognizance of its complaints against him, she said. Taking a dig at Gandhi, Naqvi said the "brand new president" of an old party like the Congress has crossed all boundaries with his utterances. The apex court had on Wednesday allowed leaked documents to be relied upon by petitioners seeking review of its Rafale judgement and dismissed the government's preliminary objections claiming "privilege" over them. Gandhi had then claimed that the court has accepted that Modi was a thief.

BJP moves Election Commission for action against Rahul Gandhi for making 'baseless' allegations against PM Modi

United colours of India come out to vote in phase 1 of Lok Sabha polls

The Supreme Court on Friday refused to entertain a plea that sought the&nbsp;conduct of 'puja' in the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/aimplb-calls-emergency-meeting-for-ayodhya-land-dispute-205195"> undisputed Ayodhya lands</a>.

"You will not let this country live in peace... Somebody has to always poke, " the apex court told the petitioner.

The court also refused to withdraw the Allahabad High Court orders imposing a Rs 5 lakh cost on the petitioner.

On March 8, the supreme court had appointed a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-orders-mediation-in-ayodhya-case-appoints-three-member-panel-201901">mediation committee </a>for resolving the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute case.

In its hearing, the court had also restrained the media from reporting proceedings of mediation in the Ayodhya case.

The court-appointed committee held its first sitting on March 13 and heard all parties who attended the proceedings.

The court was hearing appeals against the September 30, 2010 verdict of the Allahabad High Court which ordered a three-way division of the disputed 2.77 acres of the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid site in Ayodhya between the Nirmohi Akhara sect, the Sunni Central Waqf Board, Uttar Pradesh and Ramlalla Virajman.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court on Friday refused to entertain a plea that sought the conduct of 'puja' in the undisputed Ayodhya lands. "You will not let this country live in peace.

The Supreme Court on Friday refused to entertain a plea that sought the conduct of 'puja' in the undisputed Ayodhya lands. "You will not let this country live in peace... Somebody has to always poke, " the apex court told the petitioner. The court also refused to withdraw the Allahabad High Court orders imposing a Rs 5 lakh cost on the petitioner. On March 8, the supreme court had appointed a mediation committee for resolving the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute case. In its hearing, the court had also restrained the media from reporting proceedings of mediation in the Ayodhya case. The court-appointed committee held its first sitting on March 13 and heard all parties who attended the proceedings. The court was hearing appeals against the September 30, 2010 verdict of the Allahabad High Court which ordered a three-way division of the disputed 2.77 acres of the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid site in Ayodhya between the Nirmohi Akhara sect, the Sunni Central Waqf Board, Uttar Pradesh and Ramlalla Virajman.

Supreme Court refuses 'puja' at Ayodhya, says somebody has to always poke

Ever since the anti-Sterlite protest in which 14 civilians were gunned down by police for demanding the closure of the Copper plant, Thoothukudi is a mare's nest.

After the constituency was carved out following delimitation during 2009 Lok Sabha election, the DMK and AIADMK have won once in 2009 and 2014 respectively. The AIADMK had won with a margin of 1.24 lakh votes in the 2014 general election. &nbsp;

Now DMK has fielded Kanimozhi from the constituency. Kanimozhi is the daughter of the former chief minister of Tamil Nadu Karunanidhi and is a Rajya Sabha member since 2007 and contesting Lok Sabha polls for the first time.

While BJP is betting on&nbsp;Tamil Nadu BJP chief Thamizhisai Soundarajan, whose father Kumari Ananthan, a Congress veteran, was president of Tamil Nadu Congress Committee and MP. &nbsp;The BJP will have to surmount a number of challenges, the foremost of them being an anti-incumbent sentiment. The death of 14 persons during the anti-Sterlite protest is firmly etched on people's memory here.&nbsp;

Given the circumstances, the BJP could be taking its chances by fielding the party's state president in the constituency. &nbsp;

Unlike the rest of India, Modi wave was conspicuously absent in Tamil Nadu in 2014. Things have not improved much for the BJP since. From the Thoothukudi killings to Gaja cyclone and Cauvery issue, the general mood of the state is seemingly against the Modi-led BJP regime at the Centre which is likely to have a bearing on the Lok Sabha polls. &nbsp;

But Soundarajan seems to be braving all the odds. Campaigning on the plank of development and anti-corruption, Thamizhisai has so far steered clear of anti-Sterlite protest.&nbsp;

On the other hand, Kanimozhi has been raising the Sterlite issue in almost all her campaigns.&nbsp;

It is to Kanimozhi’s advantage that the party and alliance partners have been aggressively campaigning, unlike in the AIADMK-BJP camp, where the campaigning is ostensibly lacklustre. Kanimozhi herself has attended at least 60-gram sabha meetings before elections were announced, preparing a solid ground for her candidature. She has also announced a slew of development projects in her manifesto for the constituency recently.

Thamizhisai, on the other hand, hopes the alliance arithmetic might just work in her favour.

Ever since the anti-Sterlite protest in which 14 civilians were gunned down by police for demanding the closure of the Copper plant, Thoothukudi is a mare's nest.

Ever since the anti-Sterlite protest in which 14 civilians were gunned down by police for demanding the closure of the Copper plant, Thoothukudi is a mare's nest. After the constituency was carved out following delimitation during 2009 Lok Sabha election, the DMK and AIADMK have won once in 2009 and 2014 respectively. The AIADMK had won with a margin of 1.24 lakh votes in the 2014 general election. Now DMK has fielded Kanimozhi from the constituency. Kanimozhi is the daughter of the former chief minister of Tamil Nadu Karunanidhi and is a Rajya Sabha member since 2007 and contesting Lok Sabha polls for the first time. While BJP is betting on Tamil Nadu BJP chief Thamizhisai Soundarajan, whose father Kumari Ananthan, a Congress veteran, was president of Tamil Nadu Congress Committee and MP. The BJP will have to surmount a number of challenges, the foremost of them being an anti-incumbent sentiment. The death of 14 persons during the anti-Sterlite protest is firmly etched on people's memory here. Given the circumstances, the BJP could be taking its chances by fielding the party's state president in the constituency. Unlike the rest of India, Modi wave was conspicuously absent in Tamil Nadu in 2014. Things have not improved much for the BJP since. From the Thoothukudi killings to Gaja cyclone and Cauvery issue, the general mood of the state is seemingly against the Modi-led BJP regime at the Centre which is likely to have a bearing on the Lok Sabha polls. But Soundarajan seems to be braving all the odds. Campaigning on the plank of development and anti-corruption, Thamizhisai has so far steered clear of anti-Sterlite protest. On the other hand, Kanimozhi has been raising the Sterlite issue in almost all her campaigns. It is to Kanimozhi’s advantage that the party and alliance partners have been aggressively campaigning, unlike in the AIADMK-BJP camp, where the campaigning is ostensibly lacklustre. Kanimozhi herself has attended at least 60-gram sabha meetings before elections were announced, preparing a solid ground for her candidature. She has also announced a slew of development projects in her manifesto for the constituency recently. Thamizhisai, on the other hand, hopes the alliance arithmetic might just work in her favour.

Second phase polls: Two powerful daughters clash in Thoothukudi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday targeted Congress president Rahul Gandhi, asking voters to choose between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-committed-to-passing-the-triple-talaq-citizenship-amendment-bill-pm-modi-209616">'</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-committed-to-passing-the-triple-talaq-citizenship-amendment-bill-pm-modi-209616">imandar</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-committed-to-passing-the-triple-talaq-citizenship-amendment-bill-pm-modi-209616"> chowkidar' and '</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-committed-to-passing-the-triple-talaq-citizenship-amendment-bill-pm-modi-209616">bhrashtachari</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-committed-to-passing-the-triple-talaq-citizenship-amendment-bill-pm-modi-209616"> </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-committed-to-passing-the-triple-talaq-citizenship-amendment-bill-pm-modi-209616">naamdar</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-committed-to-passing-the-triple-talaq-citizenship-amendment-bill-pm-modi-209616">"</a>.

Addressing an election rally here to campaign for Ahmednagar and Shirdi Lok Sabha candidates, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-charges-congress-with-tughlaq-road-chunav-ghotala-209560">Modi also said the world</a> has recognised India as a superpower in the last five years.

"Do you remember the previous ten years of the earlier remote-controlled government? Scams and delays in decision- making were the order of the day. You need to now choose between Imandar Chowkidar and Bhrashtachari Naamdar," Modi said.

Reaching out to first-time voters, Modi said,"those born in the 21st century will be voting for the first time. Do you agree with the weak approach of previous governments of compromising national security. Is this acceptable to you?"

"People say India will progress only if Congress is banished," PM Modi said.

Modi hit out at Congress ally National Conference's demand for prime minister's post for Jammu and Kashmir.

"I have no expectation from the Congress since it has stopped thinking about people long ago," he said.

Hitting out at Sharad Pawar, Modi said the NCP president had quit the Congress in the name of the country. "Sharad Pawar, how can you be silent on the two PM demand. Why are you silent? Is this acceptable to you?"

"Your party name is Rashtravadi and still you see the country through foreign lens. Is the name Rashtravadi in your party to fool people," Modi said.

Continuing his tirade against Rahul Gandhi, Modi linked the IT raids on aides of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath, claiming this was "Tughlak road chunavi ghotala" (election scam).

Modi said the Congress needs to be decisively defeated to ensure poverty eradication, modern infrastructure and development of all sections of society.

Modi said there have been no terror strike&nbsp;as the "chowkidar" has instilled fear in minds of perpetrators of terror that he will find them even from hell and punish them.

"Are you happy with policy of killing terrorists in their dens?, PM Modi asked the crowd. "Choose between honest chowkidar and corrupt naamdar," he told the poll rally in Maharashtra.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday targeted Congress president Rahul Gandhi, asking voters to choose between 'imandar chowkidar' and 'bhrashtachari naamdar".

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday targeted Congress president Rahul Gandhi, asking voters to choose between 'imandar chowkidar' and 'bhrashtachari naamdar". Addressing an election rally here to campaign for Ahmednagar and Shirdi Lok Sabha candidates, Modi also said the world has recognised India as a superpower in the last five years. "Do you remember the previous ten years of the earlier remote-controlled government? Scams and delays in decision- making were the order of the day. You need to now choose between Imandar Chowkidar and Bhrashtachari Naamdar," Modi said. Reaching out to first-time voters, Modi said,"those born in the 21st century will be voting for the first time. Do you agree with the weak approach of previous governments of compromising national security. Is this acceptable to you?" "People say India will progress only if Congress is banished," PM Modi said. Modi hit out at Congress ally National Conference's demand for prime minister's post for Jammu and Kashmir. "I have no expectation from the Congress since it has stopped thinking about people long ago," he said. Hitting out at Sharad Pawar, Modi said the NCP president had quit the Congress in the name of the country. "Sharad Pawar, how can you be silent on the two PM demand. Why are you silent? Is this acceptable to you?" "Your party name is Rashtravadi and still you see the country through foreign lens. Is the name Rashtravadi in your party to fool people," Modi said. Continuing his tirade against Rahul Gandhi, Modi linked the IT raids on aides of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath, claiming this was "Tughlak road chunavi ghotala" (election scam). Modi said the Congress needs to be decisively defeated to ensure poverty eradication, modern infrastructure and development of all sections of society. Modi said there have been no terror strike as the "chowkidar" has instilled fear in minds of perpetrators of terror that he will find them even from hell and punish them. "Are you happy with policy of killing terrorists in their dens?, PM Modi asked the crowd. "Choose between honest chowkidar and corrupt naamdar," he told the poll rally in Maharashtra.

No terror strike as chowkidar has instilled fear among perpetrators: Modi at poll rally in Maharashtra

The Supreme Court on Friday directed the CBI to file its response within four weeks on a fresh plea filed by Cong activist in disproportionate assets (DA) case against Mulayam Singh Yadav.&nbsp;

Following the apex court`s direction, a preliminary enquiry was instituted into the Samajwadi Party patriarch`s alleged disproportionate assets.&nbsp;

The enquiry was closed in 2013.&nbsp;

The Solicitor General told the court that the agency closed the preliminary inquiry in 2013 as it did not find any conclusive evidence against Mulayam Singh Yadav and his son Akhilesh.

The SC asked the CBI to file a detailed response in the DA case against Mulayam Singh Yadav and his son. The next hearing in the matter will come up in July. The elections will already be over then.&nbsp;

Mulayam Singh Yadav had complained to the Supreme Court that the petition filed on election-eve was politically motivated. 
&nbsp;

The Supreme Court on Friday directed the CBI to file its response within four weeks on a fresh plea filed by Cong activist in disproportionate assets (DA) case against Mulayam Singh Yadav.

The Supreme Court on Friday directed the CBI to file its response within four weeks on a fresh plea filed by Cong activist in disproportionate assets (DA) case against Mulayam Singh Yadav. Following the apex court`s direction, a preliminary enquiry was instituted into the Samajwadi Party patriarch`s alleged disproportionate assets. The enquiry was closed in 2013. The Solicitor General told the court that the agency closed the preliminary inquiry in 2013 as it did not find any conclusive evidence against Mulayam Singh Yadav and his son Akhilesh. The SC asked the CBI to file a detailed response in the DA case against Mulayam Singh Yadav and his son. The next hearing in the matter will come up in July. The elections will already be over then. Mulayam Singh Yadav had complained to the Supreme Court that the petition filed on election-eve was politically motivated.

SC gives CBI 4 weeks to reply on Mulayam's DA case

Darjeeling, enclosed in the hills was one of the favourite destinations of famous writer Mark Twain when he visited in 1896. The famous writer of Huckleberry Finn and Tom Swayer fame described his journey in the "toy train" in glowing terms.

The hilly enclosure has now hit the headlines again as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/after-2019-lok-sabha-elections-the-kingmakers-are-likely-to-be-from-the-south-209566">TMC and BJP square off</a> against each other on April 18th in the second phase of elections in West Bengal.

BJP had won the 2009 and 2014 parliamentary elections from Darjeeling after Jaswant Singh and Surinder Singh Ahluwalia held out a challenge from the Opposition TMC in the area.

The hill town had hit the headlines in 2017 during the Gorkhaland agitation when it undertook a&nbsp;104-day strike to press from an independent state. The agitation has now ebbed away with only remnants remaining.

This time the BJP has fielded ex-Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF) leader Raju Singh Bista against TMC's Amar Singh Rai. Bisht has the support of GNLF and Bimal Gurung faction of the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) making him a hot favourite to clinch a third term for the party, however, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee is leaving no stone unturned to win back the seat which it hasn't won so far ever since its inception in 1998.

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee had addressed a poll rally in Darjeeling as she took on the BJP head on lashing out at party president Amit Shah saying, “Dilli se aaya, halwa khake chala gaya (he came from Delhi, ate sweets and went away).”

“You help me win and we will capture Delhi. The TMC will form the next government in Delhi. We will win all of 42 seats,” the West Bengal chief minister told the people present at the rally.

The ethnically diverse West Bengal constituency is dominated by Lepcha, Tamang and other minorities who are now eager for development after years of agitation and confusion.

Both the TMC and BJP have pitched for basic amenities including minimum wage for tea workers who form a major chunk of the vote bank in the area.

Amit Shah in his poll rally in Kalimpong emphasised the importance of the National Register of Citizens(NRC) and the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill.

“We have promised in our manifesto that once Narendra Modi forms the government again, we will implement the NRC across the country. We will remove every single infiltrator from the country,” the BJP president said, adding,"Didi (Mamata Banerjee) keeps telling that Gorkhas will be inconvenienced once the NRC is in place. These are lies. And no one can question them (Gorkhas) on their citizenship."

“Only those who have faced religious persecution will be granted citizenship,” he asserted.

Darjeeling has become a sort of ego tussle for the BJP and the ruling TMC with both not ready to give an inch.

The area which is strategically located on the Nepal, Bhutan and China border has become an important beachhead for the BJP in its attempt capture the state, a scenario which Mamata's TMC is bent on resisting.

Another BJP victory here would come as&nbsp;a major setback for the TMC, however, as polling day nears it could be anybody's game.

Darjeeling, enclosed in the hills was one of the favourite destinations of famous writer Mark Twain when he visited in 1896. The famous writer of Huckleberry Finn and Tom Swayer fame described his journey in the "toy train" in glowing terms.

Darjeeling, enclosed in the hills was one of the favourite destinations of famous writer Mark Twain when he visited in 1896. The famous writer of Huckleberry Finn and Tom Swayer fame described his journey in the "toy train" in glowing terms. The hilly enclosure has now hit the headlines again as TMC and BJP square off against each other on April 18th in the second phase of elections in West Bengal. BJP had won the 2009 and 2014 parliamentary elections from Darjeeling after Jaswant Singh and Surinder Singh Ahluwalia held out a challenge from the Opposition TMC in the area. The hill town had hit the headlines in 2017 during the Gorkhaland agitation when it undertook a 104-day strike to press from an independent state. The agitation has now ebbed away with only remnants remaining. This time the BJP has fielded ex-Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF) leader Raju Singh Bista against TMC's Amar Singh Rai. Bisht has the support of GNLF and Bimal Gurung faction of the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) making him a hot favourite to clinch a third term for the party, however, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee is leaving no stone unturned to win back the seat which it hasn't won so far ever since its inception in 1998. West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee had addressed a poll rally in Darjeeling as she took on the BJP head on lashing out at party president Amit Shah saying, “Dilli se aaya, halwa khake chala gaya (he came from Delhi, ate sweets and went away).” “You help me win and we will capture Delhi. The TMC will form the next government in Delhi. We will win all of 42 seats,” the West Bengal chief minister told the people present at the rally. The ethnically diverse West Bengal constituency is dominated by Lepcha, Tamang and other minorities who are now eager for development after years of agitation and confusion. Both the TMC and BJP have pitched for basic amenities including minimum wage for tea workers who form a major chunk of the vote bank in the area. Amit Shah in his poll rally in Kalimpong emphasised the importance of the National Register of Citizens(NRC) and the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill. “We have promised in our manifesto that once Narendra Modi forms the government again, we will implement the NRC across the country. We will remove every single infiltrator from the country,” the BJP president said, adding,"Didi (Mamata Banerjee) keeps telling that Gorkhas will be inconvenienced once the NRC is in place. These are lies. And no one can question them (Gorkhas) on their citizenship." “Only those who have faced religious persecution will be granted citizenship,” he asserted. Darjeeling has become a sort of ego tussle for the BJP and the ruling TMC with both not ready to give an inch. The area which is strategically located on the Nepal, Bhutan and China border has become an important beachhead for the BJP in its attempt capture the state, a scenario which Mamata's TMC is bent on resisting. Another BJP victory here would come as a major setback for the TMC, however, as polling day nears it could be anybody's game.

Second phase polls: BJP, TMC eye Darjeeling in West Bengal battle

The first phase polls get underway today with as many as 91 constituencies whose fate will be decided by voters nationwide. Andhra Pradesh and Telangana will be hosting the largest number of constituencies - 25 and 17 respectively.

Other states going to polls include - Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, J&K, Maharashtra, Nagaland, Odisha, Sikkim, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Telangana, Uttarakhand, West Bengal. Voters in Manipur, Andaman and Lakshadweep will also be exercising their franchise.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Voting largely peaceful barring few incidents, says EC

Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday sent notices to Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati and UP CM Yogi Adityanath over their speeches delivered in Deoband in Saharanpur on April 7 and 9 respectively, which allegedly violated the Model Code of Conduct.

Both the leaders have been asked to submit their response within 24 hours.

The two leaders have been issued notice under Sub-Section (3) of Section 123 of the Representation of the People`s Act.

The commission in its notice to them also reminded that the Supreme Court through a judgement in 2017 had ordered that religion and caste cannot be used by anyone while making any statement during electioneering or otherwise.

"The EC is prima facie of the opinion that you have violated the aforesaid provisions of the MCC and also wilfully disobeyed the order of the Supreme Court by making impugned statements," the Commission said in the notice issued to both the leaders.

Mayawati while addressing a rally in Deoband on April 7 had said, "I want to say to the people of the Muslim community that you should not distribute your votes in the name of relations and friendship. If you want to defeat the BJP in UP, then you should not let your votes get divided. Instead, vote for the grand-alliance candidates in a consolidated manner. This is my request, especially to the people of the Muslim community."

Replying to Mayawati, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath while addressing a rally in Meerut said, "You would have heard Mayawati`s speech day before yesterday. She said that if she gets only Muslim votes, then grand-alliance doesn`t need the votes of others. I also want to tell you that if Congress, Samajwadi Party, BSP have faith in Ali, then we have faith in Bajrangbali."

"They have accepted that followers of Bajrangbali will never tolerate them. That is why by shouting `Ali-Ali` from stages, they want to spread a green virus to bite this country," the Chief Minister had added.&nbsp;

Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday sent notices to Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati and UP CM Yogi Adityanath over their speeches delivered in Deoband in Saharanpur on April 7 and 9 respectively, which allegedly violated the Model Code of Conduct.

Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday sent notices to Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati and UP CM Yogi Adityanath over their speeches delivered in Deoband in Saharanpur on April 7 and 9 respectively, which allegedly violated the Model Code of Conduct. Both the leaders have been asked to submit their response within 24 hours. The two leaders have been issued notice under Sub-Section (3) of Section 123 of the Representation of the People`s Act. The commission in its notice to them also reminded that the Supreme Court through a judgement in 2017 had ordered that religion and caste cannot be used by anyone while making any statement during electioneering or otherwise. "The EC is prima facie of the opinion that you have violated the aforesaid provisions of the MCC and also wilfully disobeyed the order of the Supreme Court by making impugned statements," the Commission said in the notice issued to both the leaders. Mayawati while addressing a rally in Deoband on April 7 had said, "I want to say to the people of the Muslim community that you should not distribute your votes in the name of relations and friendship. If you want to defeat the BJP in UP, then you should not let your votes get divided. Instead, vote for the grand-alliance candidates in a consolidated manner. This is my request, especially to the people of the Muslim community." Replying to Mayawati, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath while addressing a rally in Meerut said, "You would have heard Mayawati`s speech day before yesterday. She said that if she gets only Muslim votes, then grand-alliance doesn`t need the votes of others. I also want to tell you that if Congress, Samajwadi Party, BSP have faith in Ali, then we have faith in Bajrangbali." "They have accepted that followers of Bajrangbali will never tolerate them. That is why by shouting `Ali-Ali` from stages, they want to spread a green virus to bite this country," the Chief Minister had added.

EC sends notice to Yogi, Mayawati for 'violation' of Model Code of Conduct, seeks reply within 24 hours

An estimated 13.73 per cent voting was recorded in the first three hours of polling that began amid tight security in four Lok Sabha seats in Bihar in the first leg of t<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/indias-general-election-begins-with-voting-in-first-of-seven-phases-209447">he seven-phased election</a>.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-lok-sabha-polls-2019-voting-underway-in-91-seats-in-first-phase-209404">Live Lok Sabha polls 2019: Faulty EVMs delay voting in several polling booths in Andhra Pradesh</a>

Few incidents of EVM malfunctioning were reported in some booths under Nawada Lok Sabha constituency, and a cane bomb was found at a polling station in Gaya district before voting began at 7 am.

Polling is underway in the four Lok Sabha seats of Aurangabad, Gaya, Nawada and Jamui.

"Polling has, so far, been peaceful in the constituencies," Joint Chief Electoral Officer Pravin Kumar Gupta said.

Before the start of polling, one cane bomb was found at polling station number 9 at Anarban Sulaiya village under Dumariya assembly constituency of Aurangabad Lok Sabha seat.

Voting is currently on at the polling station as the cane bomb has been defused by the bomb squad, Gaya City Superintendent of Police Sushil Kumar said.

Polling will end at 6 pm in most of the booths. In some "sensitive" booths, however, voting will end at 4 pm.

Assembly bypoll for Nawada is also being held along with the Lok Sabha poll on Thursday. A voter turn out of nine per cent has been recorded there till 10 am, the CEO office said.

Bihar will witness a seven-phase polling for its 40 Lok Sabha seat.

The elections which began on April 11 will end on May 19 when the seventh and last phase will be held.

An estimated 13.73 per cent voting was recorded in the first three hours of polling that began amid tight security in four Lok Sabha seats in Bihar in the first leg of the seven-phased election.

An estimated 13.73 per cent voting was recorded in the first three hours of polling that began amid tight security in four Lok Sabha seats in Bihar in the first leg of the seven-phased election. Live Lok Sabha polls 2019: Faulty EVMs delay voting in several polling booths in Andhra Pradesh Few incidents of EVM malfunctioning were reported in some booths under Nawada Lok Sabha constituency, and a cane bomb was found at a polling station in Gaya district before voting began at 7 am. Polling is underway in the four Lok Sabha seats of Aurangabad, Gaya, Nawada and Jamui. "Polling has, so far, been peaceful in the constituencies," Joint Chief Electoral Officer Pravin Kumar Gupta said. Before the start of polling, one cane bomb was found at polling station number 9 at Anarban Sulaiya village under Dumariya assembly constituency of Aurangabad Lok Sabha seat. Voting is currently on at the polling station as the cane bomb has been defused by the bomb squad, Gaya City Superintendent of Police Sushil Kumar said. Polling will end at 6 pm in most of the booths. In some "sensitive" booths, however, voting will end at 4 pm. Assembly bypoll for Nawada is also being held along with the Lok Sabha poll on Thursday. A voter turn out of nine per cent has been recorded there till 10 am, the CEO office said. Bihar will witness a seven-phase polling for its 40 Lok Sabha seat. The elections which began on April 11 will end on May 19 when the seventh and last phase will be held.

Lok Sabha elections 2019: Brisk voting in first three hours in Bihar

Over 6.5 per cent of the 13.12 lakh electorate cast their votes Thursday in the first two hours of polling in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-lok-sabha-polls-2019-voting-underway-in-91-seats-in-first-phase-209404">Baramulla Lok Sabha constituency</a> in Jammu and Kashmir, officials said.

The seven assembly segments in Baramulla district registered a turnout of 5.8 per cent in the first two hours of polling which began at 7 am, the officials said.

In pics: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/indias-general-election-begins-with-voting-in-first-of-seven-phases-209447">India's general election begins with voting in first of seven phases</a>

They said Bandipora district, which has three assembly segments, recorded a poll percentage of nearly six per cent during the corresponding period while Kupwara recorded a turnout of eight per cent so far.

Baramulla constituency will send the first-time parliamentarian to the Lok Sabha as none of the nine candidates in the fray have earlier been elected to either Lok Sabha or the Rajya Sabha.

Those in the fray include Muhammad Akbar Lone of National Conference, Farooq Ahmad Mir of Congress, Raja Aijaz Ali of People's Conference, Mohammad Maqbool War of BJP, Jahangir Khan of NPP, Abdul Qayoom Wani of PDP and independent candidates Javid Ahmad Qureshi, Syed Najeeb Shah Naqvi and Abdul Rashid Sheikh.

PPD stalwart Muzaffar Hussain Baig had won the 2014 Lok Sabha election from Baramulla constituency but he chose not to seek re-election this time. Baig had defeated his nearest rival Sharief-ud-Din Shariq of National Conference by a margin of 29219 votes.

While the 2014 elections in this north Kashmir constituency was a virtual head-on contest between PDP and NC, a multi-cornered contest is expected this time around with the emergence of People's Conference as the third regional force in Kashmir.

Former MLA from Langate Abdul Rashid Sheikh's decision to contest the Lok Sabha polls has spiced up the contest as former IAS officer Shah Faesal has extended support of his newly former Jammu and Kashmir People's Movement to him.

Baramulla Lok Sabha is spread over 15 assembly segments in three districts of north Kashmir.

Authorities have established 1749 polling stations at 1387 locations for over 13.12 lakh voters to exercise their franchise.(

Over 6.5 per cent of the 13.12 lakh electorate cast their votes Thursday in the first two hours of polling in Baramulla Lok Sabha constituency in Jammu and Kashmir, officials said.

Over 6.5 per cent of the 13.12 lakh electorate cast their votes Thursday in the first two hours of polling in Baramulla Lok Sabha constituency in Jammu and Kashmir, officials said. The seven assembly segments in Baramulla district registered a turnout of 5.8 per cent in the first two hours of polling which began at 7 am, the officials said. In pics: India's general election begins with voting in first of seven phases They said Bandipora district, which has three assembly segments, recorded a poll percentage of nearly six per cent during the corresponding period while Kupwara recorded a turnout of eight per cent so far. Baramulla constituency will send the first-time parliamentarian to the Lok Sabha as none of the nine candidates in the fray have earlier been elected to either Lok Sabha or the Rajya Sabha. Those in the fray include Muhammad Akbar Lone of National Conference, Farooq Ahmad Mir of Congress, Raja Aijaz Ali of People's Conference, Mohammad Maqbool War of BJP, Jahangir Khan of NPP, Abdul Qayoom Wani of PDP and independent candidates Javid Ahmad Qureshi, Syed Najeeb Shah Naqvi and Abdul Rashid Sheikh. PPD stalwart Muzaffar Hussain Baig had won the 2014 Lok Sabha election from Baramulla constituency but he chose not to seek re-election this time. Baig had defeated his nearest rival Sharief-ud-Din Shariq of National Conference by a margin of 29219 votes. While the 2014 elections in this north Kashmir constituency was a virtual head-on contest between PDP and NC, a multi-cornered contest is expected this time around with the emergence of People's Conference as the third regional force in Kashmir. Former MLA from Langate Abdul Rashid Sheikh's decision to contest the Lok Sabha polls has spiced up the contest as former IAS officer Shah Faesal has extended support of his newly former Jammu and Kashmir People's Movement to him. Baramulla Lok Sabha is spread over 15 assembly segments in three districts of north Kashmir. Authorities have established 1749 polling stations at 1387 locations for over 13.12 lakh voters to exercise their franchise.(

Over 6.5 per cent voters cast vote in Baramulla in first two hours of voting

West Bengal Thursday recorded a polling percentage of 81 per cent, while Bihar recorded 50 per cent voter turnout in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/interesting-facts-about-phase-i-of-lok-sabah-polls-209574">phase one of Lok Sabha </a>elections.

Two seats in Bihar — Cooch Behar and Alipurduars — went to poll in the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/vajpayee-was-invincible-but-we-won-sonia-after-filing-nomination-from-rae-bareli-209541"> first phase</a>. The state will have polling in all seven phases.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-lok-sabha-polls-2019-voting-underway-in-91-seats-in-first-phase-209404">Lok Sabha polls 2019 Phase 1 voting: As it happened</a>

Bihar recorded voter turnout of 50 per cent, the lowest among the 20 states which went to polls Thursday, the Election Commission said.

This time, however, the poll panel did not share the overall polling percentage at its briefing, saying the data was being collated and would be available later.
<img alt="Phase 1" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5aed0f35-911d-4c07-93fe-a5ae459077ca" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%283%29_8.jpg" />
Women show their voter identity cards as they wait to cast their votes at a polling station, during the first phase of general elections, at Khalapaar in Muzaffarnagar, Thursday, April 11, 2019. (PTI Photo) 
 
The two seats in Jammu and Kashmir — Jammu and Baramulla — recorded an overall percentage of 54.49 as compared to 57.19 in the 2014 general elections.

In Baramulla, the turnout was 35.01 per cent as compared to 38.5 per cent last time.

In Jammu, 72.16 per cent of voters turned up at the polling stations, as compared to 69.17 per cent last time.

Andhra Pradesh, where all seats went to polls in the first phase, recorded a turnout of 66 per cent as compared to 74.64 per cent in the last LS polls. 
In Mizoram, where the entire state went to polls in a single phase, recorded a dip in turnout. While last time the turnout was 61.95 per cent, this time it was 60 per cent.

The turnout in all constituencies is likely to go up as final reports were yet to come in, EC officials told reporters.

Similarly in Lakshadweep, the percentage this time was 66 as compared to 86 in 2014.

In Arunachal Pradesh, where both the constituencies went to polls, the turnout stood at 66 per cent as compared to 86 per cent in 2014.

West Bengal Thursday recorded a polling percentage of 81 per cent, while Bihar recorded 50 per cent voter turnout in phase one of Lok Sabha elections. Two seats in Bihar — Cooch Behar and Alipurduars — went to poll in the first phase.

West Bengal Thursday recorded a polling percentage of 81 per cent, while Bihar recorded 50 per cent voter turnout in phase one of Lok Sabha elections. Two seats in Bihar — Cooch Behar and Alipurduars — went to poll in the first phase. The state will have polling in all seven phases. Lok Sabha polls 2019 Phase 1 voting: As it happened Bihar recorded voter turnout of 50 per cent, the lowest among the 20 states which went to polls Thursday, the Election Commission said. This time, however, the poll panel did not share the overall polling percentage at its briefing, saying the data was being collated and would be available later. Women show their voter identity cards as they wait to cast their votes at a polling station, during the first phase of general elections, at Khalapaar in Muzaffarnagar, Thursday, April 11, 2019. (PTI Photo) The two seats in Jammu and Kashmir — Jammu and Baramulla — recorded an overall percentage of 54.49 as compared to 57.19 in the 2014 general elections. In Baramulla, the turnout was 35.01 per cent as compared to 38.5 per cent last time. In Jammu, 72.16 per cent of voters turned up at the polling stations, as compared to 69.17 per cent last time. Andhra Pradesh, where all seats went to polls in the first phase, recorded a turnout of 66 per cent as compared to 74.64 per cent in the last LS polls. In Mizoram, where the entire state went to polls in a single phase, recorded a dip in turnout. While last time the turnout was 61.95 per cent, this time it was 60 per cent. The turnout in all constituencies is likely to go up as final reports were yet to come in, EC officials told reporters. Similarly in Lakshadweep, the percentage this time was 66 as compared to 86 in 2014. In Arunachal Pradesh, where both the constituencies went to polls, the turnout stood at 66 per cent as compared to 86 per cent in 2014.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Bihar sees lowest voter turnout with 50%, West Bengal tops with 81% in phase 1

Noting that the level of non-performing loans in India remains high, the International Monetary Fund has favoured bolstering the level of capitalisation of some banks, particularly government-owned banks.&nbsp;

Anna Ilyina, Division Chief of IMF Monetary and Capital Markets Department, said Wednesday that bolstering the level of capitalisation was one of the recommendations of the Financial Sector Assessment Programme (FSAP) for India.&nbsp;

"The level of non-performing loans (NPLs) in India remains high. And the level of the capitalisation of some banks, particularly government-owned banks, should be bolstered," said Ilyina.&nbsp;

"There were some steps that were taken by the authorities to boost capital buffers in banks and also to improve governance in state-owned banks that have had some positive impact," Ilyina said.

The institutional mechanisms for resolution and the recognition of NPLs are, of course, an extremely important part of the process of cleaning up the banking system of non-performing loans, she said adding that the authorities should continue working along these lines.

Tobias Adrian, Financial Counsellor and Director, Monetary and Capital Markets Department of the IMF, said that there continues to be a high stock of Non-performing Assets in India.&nbsp;

"There has been some progression, but we would welcome further progress on the non-performing assets in India,"&nbsp;he said responding to a question on Indian banking system.&nbsp;

The Indian government in February said bad loans fell by Rs 31,168 crore in April-December 2018-19 compared to NPAs worth Rs 8,95,601 crore at March-end 2018.&nbsp;

Noting that the level of non-performing loans in India remains high, the International Monetary Fund has favoured bolstering the level of capitalisation of some banks, particularly government-owned banks.

Noting that the level of non-performing loans in India remains high, the International Monetary Fund has favoured bolstering the level of capitalisation of some banks, particularly government-owned banks. Anna Ilyina, Division Chief of IMF Monetary and Capital Markets Department, said Wednesday that bolstering the level of capitalisation was one of the recommendations of the Financial Sector Assessment Programme (FSAP) for India. "The level of non-performing loans (NPLs) in India remains high. And the level of the capitalisation of some banks, particularly government-owned banks, should be bolstered," said Ilyina. "There were some steps that were taken by the authorities to boost capital buffers in banks and also to improve governance in state-owned banks that have had some positive impact," Ilyina said. The institutional mechanisms for resolution and the recognition of NPLs are, of course, an extremely important part of the process of cleaning up the banking system of non-performing loans, she said adding that the authorities should continue working along these lines. Tobias Adrian, Financial Counsellor and Director, Monetary and Capital Markets Department of the IMF, said that there continues to be a high stock of Non-performing Assets in India. "There has been some progression, but we would welcome further progress on the non-performing assets in India," he said responding to a question on Indian banking system. The Indian government in February said bad loans fell by Rs 31,168 crore in April-December 2018-19 compared to NPAs worth Rs 8,95,601 crore at March-end 2018.

India needs to bolster level of capitalisation of government-owned banks: IMF

Polling is underway in the picturesque Nizamabad in Telangana, located 175 kms north-west of Hyderabad. The constituency with beautiful lakes and temples has several hundred villages approximately over 450 which has witnessed large scale farmer discontent.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-lok-sabha-polls-2019-voting-underway-in-91-seats-in-first-phase-209404">Live Lok Sabha polls 2019:&nbsp;Faulty EVMs delay voting in several polling booths in Andhra Pradesh</a>

The constituency assumes significance since Telangana chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao's daughter&nbsp;Kalvakuntla Kavitha, 41, is seeking another term for the &nbsp;Telangana Rashtra Samithi(TRS) after she won in 2014. She had won from here handsomely five years ago with over &nbsp;170,000 votes beating her nearest Congress rival who won 27,2123 votes.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uxI6x2JByqA" width="560"></iframe>

However, this time it could be different as large scale farmer' ire has overtaken the constituency with over 170 farmers filing their nomination against TRS alleging it has ignored its demands.

Farmers say the TRS has failed to ensure Minimum Support Price (MSP) for turmeric and red jowar (sorghum) greatly hampering their income. The constituency has 443 candidates in the fray which is proving a major headache for the Election Commission which has instructed its officers to use EVMs after the farmers requested that only paper ballots should be used.

Nizamabad has been a Congress stronghold since 1957 when polls were held here for the first time. TDP beat the Congress for the first time in 1991 riding on the NT Rama Rao wave, significantly TPD candidate Gaddam Ganga Reddy won from here thrice in 1991, 1998 and 1999.

There are seven Vidhan Sabha segments which comprise Lok Sabha constituency of Nizamabad. A predominantly agricultural district it depends on state government's support for its development which over the years has become a contentious issue in the district.

Madhu Goud Yaskhi from Congress won the parliamentary elections in 2004 and 2009 during former PM Manmohan Singh's tenure. The formation of Telangana in 2014 helped to tilt the balance in KCR's favour which resulted in her daughter winning in May, 2014 as the state came into being one month later.

Apart from farmers' opposition, Kavitha will be facing the BJP's Shri D. Aravind and Congress's Madhu Yashki Guud&nbsp;

Currently, 12 EVMs are being used in every booth in Nizamabad. Clearly, first-time MP K Kavitha has her task cut out for her in her father's state.

Reports had indicated that some EVMs had developed snags even as several villagers have decided to stay away from voting protesting against the state government's policies.

Authorities have made tight security arrangements for the Lok Sabha constituency since Nizamabad also contains a Naxal belt where polling will close by 4pm.

Parliamentary elections in 17 constituencies will be conducted in just one phase today with the results due to be announced on May 23rd.&nbsp;

Polling is underway in the picturesque Nizamabad in Telangana, located 175 kms north-west of Hyderabad. The constituency with beautiful lakes and temples has several hundred villages approximately over 450 which has witnessed large scale farmer discontent.

Polling is underway in the picturesque Nizamabad in Telangana, located 175 kms north-west of Hyderabad. The constituency with beautiful lakes and temples has several hundred villages approximately over 450 which has witnessed large scale farmer discontent. Live Lok Sabha polls 2019: Faulty EVMs delay voting in several polling booths in Andhra Pradesh The constituency assumes significance since Telangana chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao's daughter Kalvakuntla Kavitha, 41, is seeking another term for the Telangana Rashtra Samithi(TRS) after she won in 2014. She had won from here handsomely five years ago with over 170,000 votes beating her nearest Congress rival who won 27,2123 votes. However, this time it could be different as large scale farmer' ire has overtaken the constituency with over 170 farmers filing their nomination against TRS alleging it has ignored its demands. Farmers say the TRS has failed to ensure Minimum Support Price (MSP) for turmeric and red jowar (sorghum) greatly hampering their income. The constituency has 443 candidates in the fray which is proving a major headache for the Election Commission which has instructed its officers to use EVMs after the farmers requested that only paper ballots should be used. Nizamabad has been a Congress stronghold since 1957 when polls were held here for the first time. TDP beat the Congress for the first time in 1991 riding on the NT Rama Rao wave, significantly TPD candidate Gaddam Ganga Reddy won from here thrice in 1991, 1998 and 1999. There are seven Vidhan Sabha segments which comprise Lok Sabha constituency of Nizamabad. A predominantly agricultural district it depends on state government's support for its development which over the years has become a contentious issue in the district. Madhu Goud Yaskhi from Congress won the parliamentary elections in 2004 and 2009 during former PM Manmohan Singh's tenure. The formation of Telangana in 2014 helped to tilt the balance in KCR's favour which resulted in her daughter winning in May, 2014 as the state came into being one month later. Apart from farmers' opposition, Kavitha will be facing the BJP's Shri D. Aravind and Congress's Madhu Yashki Guud Currently, 12 EVMs are being used in every booth in Nizamabad. Clearly, first-time MP K Kavitha has her task cut out for her in her father's state. Reports had indicated that some EVMs had developed snags even as several villagers have decided to stay away from voting protesting against the state government's policies. Authorities have made tight security arrangements for the Lok Sabha constituency since Nizamabad also contains a Naxal belt where polling will close by 4pm. Parliamentary elections in 17 constituencies will be conducted in just one phase today with the results due to be announced on May 23rd.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: KCR's daughter Kavitha faces farmers' ire as Nizamabad votes in first phase

Around 14 per cent electorate cast their votes in the first couple of hours of polling in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-lok-sabha-polls-2019-voting-underway-in-91-seats-in-first-phase-209404">Naxal-hit Bastar Lok Sabha constituency </a>of Chhattisgarh on Thursday.

At some places, there were reports of EVM snags which were being rectified, an election official in the state capital Raipur said.

"Polling in Bastar seat started at 7 am and is going on smoothly. Till 9.30 am, around 14 per cent polling has been registered," he said.

Long queues of voters were seen at several polling booths in the region.

Early in the morning, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chhattisgarh-amid-polling-naxals-trigger-ied-blast-in-bastar-district-none-hurt-209449">Naxals detonated an IED</a> (improvised explosive device) in Narayanpur district, which comes under Bastar constituency, police said.

No casualty was reported in the blast.

A thick security blanket, comprising around 80,000 state and paramilitary personnel, was thrown across the constituency to ensure peaceful polling.

Polling in Bastar Lok Sabha constituency's four Assembly segments - Dantewada, Konta, Bijapur and Narayanpur - is being held from 7 am and 3 pm, the official said.

The voting time in the other four Assembly segments - Bastar, Chitrakoot, Kondagaon and Jagdalpur&nbsp; 
- of the constituency is from 7 am and 5 pm, he said.

Seven candidates are in the fray in the seat and as per electoral rolls, there are 13,72,127 voters, including 6,59,824 men, 7,12,261 women and 42 of the third gender.

Of the 1,879 polling booths in the constituency, 741 have been marked as hyper-sensitive and 606 as sensitive in view of the threat of Naxalism.

There is a direct contest between Congress' Dipak Baij and senior BJP leader Baiduram Kashyap.

BJP has never lost the Bastar seat since 1998.

Around 14 per cent electorate cast their votes in the first couple of hours of polling in the Naxal-hit Bastar Lok Sabha constituency of Chhattisgarh on Thursday.

Around 14 per cent electorate cast their votes in the first couple of hours of polling in the Naxal-hit Bastar Lok Sabha constituency of Chhattisgarh on Thursday. At some places, there were reports of EVM snags which were being rectified, an election official in the state capital Raipur said. "Polling in Bastar seat started at 7 am and is going on smoothly. Till 9.30 am, around 14 per cent polling has been registered," he said. Long queues of voters were seen at several polling booths in the region. Early in the morning, Naxals detonated an IED (improvised explosive device) in Narayanpur district, which comes under Bastar constituency, police said. No casualty was reported in the blast. A thick security blanket, comprising around 80,000 state and paramilitary personnel, was thrown across the constituency to ensure peaceful polling. Polling in Bastar Lok Sabha constituency's four Assembly segments - Dantewada, Konta, Bijapur and Narayanpur - is being held from 7 am and 3 pm, the official said. The voting time in the other four Assembly segments - Bastar, Chitrakoot, Kondagaon and Jagdalpur - of the constituency is from 7 am and 5 pm, he said. Seven candidates are in the fray in the seat and as per electoral rolls, there are 13,72,127 voters, including 6,59,824 men, 7,12,261 women and 42 of the third gender. Of the 1,879 polling booths in the constituency, 741 have been marked as hyper-sensitive and 606 as sensitive in view of the threat of Naxalism. There is a direct contest between Congress' Dipak Baij and senior BJP leader Baiduram Kashyap. BJP has never lost the Bastar seat since 1998.

14% polling recorded in Naxal-hit Bastar Lok Sabha constituency

An estimated 10.2 per cent voters on Thursday exercised their franchise in the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-lok-sabha-polls-2019-voting-underway-in-91-seats-in-first-phase-209404"> first two hours of polling</a> in five parliamentary constituencies in Assam, amid reports of EVM glitches in a few booths and an IED being detected at an oil pipeline, officials said.

The Tezpur, Kaliabor, Jorhat, Dibrugarh and Lakhimpur Lok Sabha constituencies have an electorate of 76,03,458, including 38,65,334 male, 37,37,970 female and 154 of the third gender, who will decide the fate of 41 candidates.

An <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chhattisgarh-amid-polling-naxals-trigger-ied-blast-in-bastar-district-none-hurt-209449">IED has been detected </a>at an oil pipeline passing through a tea garden at Duliajan under Dibrugarh district, and security forces have rushed to the spot, a police officer said.

There are reports of EVM glitches in a few booths under Lakhimpur and Kaliabor constituencies, delaying the beginning of polls, an official said, adding, district election offices are looking into the matter.

Voters, the majority being women, queued up since early morning even before polling began at 7 am, and a general atmosphere of enthusiasm is prevailing in most of the booths of Tezpur, Kaliabor, Jorhat, Dibrugarh and Lakhimpur.

Security has been tightened in all the 9,574 polling booths and there are no reports of any untoward incident from anywhere so far, police said.

Prominent personalities to exercise their franchise in the early hours were former chief minister Tarun Gogoi, accompanied by his wife Dolly and son Gaurav Gogoi, who is the sitting MP and Congress candidate from Kaliabor constituency.

The trio exercised their franchise at Devicharan Girls' High School at Jorhat.

Lakhimpur Congress candidate Anil Borgohain was among the first to cast his vote at an all-woman polling booth, while his BJP rival and sitting MP Pradan Barua exercised his franchise at Dhemaji.

Polling in Assam will take place in three phases on April 11, 18 and 23, while the counting of votes will be on May 23.

An estimated 10.2 per cent voters on Thursday exercised their franchise in the first two hours of polling in five parliamentary constituencies in Assam, amid reports of EVM glitches in a few booths and an IED being detected at an oil pipeline, officials said.

An estimated 10.2 per cent voters on Thursday exercised their franchise in the first two hours of polling in five parliamentary constituencies in Assam, amid reports of EVM glitches in a few booths and an IED being detected at an oil pipeline, officials said. The Tezpur, Kaliabor, Jorhat, Dibrugarh and Lakhimpur Lok Sabha constituencies have an electorate of 76,03,458, including 38,65,334 male, 37,37,970 female and 154 of the third gender, who will decide the fate of 41 candidates. An IED has been detected at an oil pipeline passing through a tea garden at Duliajan under Dibrugarh district, and security forces have rushed to the spot, a police officer said. There are reports of EVM glitches in a few booths under Lakhimpur and Kaliabor constituencies, delaying the beginning of polls, an official said, adding, district election offices are looking into the matter. Voters, the majority being women, queued up since early morning even before polling began at 7 am, and a general atmosphere of enthusiasm is prevailing in most of the booths of Tezpur, Kaliabor, Jorhat, Dibrugarh and Lakhimpur. Security has been tightened in all the 9,574 polling booths and there are no reports of any untoward incident from anywhere so far, police said. Prominent personalities to exercise their franchise in the early hours were former chief minister Tarun Gogoi, accompanied by his wife Dolly and son Gaurav Gogoi, who is the sitting MP and Congress candidate from Kaliabor constituency. The trio exercised their franchise at Devicharan Girls' High School at Jorhat. Lakhimpur Congress candidate Anil Borgohain was among the first to cast his vote at an all-woman polling booth, while his BJP rival and sitting MP Pradan Barua exercised his franchise at Dhemaji. Polling in Assam will take place in three phases on April 11, 18 and 23, while the counting of votes will be on May 23.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: IED detected in Assam, 10% turnout till 9 am

Naxals triggered an IED blast on Thursday morning in Chhattisgarh's Narayanpur district in Bastar Lok Sabha constituency where <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-lok-sabha-polls-2019-voting-underway-in-91-seats-in-first-phase-209404">voting is underway</a>, a senior police official said.

No casualty was reported in the incident, he said.

Narayanpur comes under the Bastar Lok Sabha seat.

"The explosion took place around 4.15 am in Farasgaon area on Narayanpur-Dandwan road when a team of security men was escorting polling personnel to their booth," the official said.

Naxals had planted the explosive underground and were waiting for the security forces to arrive.

"However, when the rebels realised that security personnel had changed their route and were zeroing in on them through a forest, they triggered the IED (improvised explosive device) blast in panic and fled the spot," he said.

"No harm was caused to the security and polling personnel in the explosion," he added.

A thick security blanket, comprising around 80,000 state and paramilitary personnel, was thrown across the Bastar Lok Sabha constituency where polling is being held in its four Assembly segments - Dantewada, Konta, Bijapur and Narayanpur - from 7 am to 3 pm, he said.

The voting time in the remaining four Assembly segments - Bastar, Chitrakoot, Kondagaon and Jagdalpur - is from 7 am and 5 pm, the official added.

Total seven candidates are in the fray in the Bastar Lok Sabha constituency.&nbsp;

Naxals triggered an IED blast on Thursday morning in Chhattisgarh's Narayanpur district in Bastar Lok Sabha constituency where voting is underway, a senior police official said.

Naxals triggered an IED blast on Thursday morning in Chhattisgarh's Narayanpur district in Bastar Lok Sabha constituency where voting is underway, a senior police official said. No casualty was reported in the incident, he said. Narayanpur comes under the Bastar Lok Sabha seat. "The explosion took place around 4.15 am in Farasgaon area on Narayanpur-Dandwan road when a team of security men was escorting polling personnel to their booth," the official said. Naxals had planted the explosive underground and were waiting for the security forces to arrive. "However, when the rebels realised that security personnel had changed their route and were zeroing in on them through a forest, they triggered the IED (improvised explosive device) blast in panic and fled the spot," he said. "No harm was caused to the security and polling personnel in the explosion," he added. A thick security blanket, comprising around 80,000 state and paramilitary personnel, was thrown across the Bastar Lok Sabha constituency where polling is being held in its four Assembly segments - Dantewada, Konta, Bijapur and Narayanpur - from 7 am to 3 pm, he said. The voting time in the remaining four Assembly segments - Bastar, Chitrakoot, Kondagaon and Jagdalpur - is from 7 am and 5 pm, the official added. Total seven candidates are in the fray in the Bastar Lok Sabha constituency.

Chhattisgarh: Amid polling, Naxals trigger IED blast in Bastar district; none hurt

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-lok-sabha-polls-2019-voting-underway-in-91-seats-in-first-phase-209404">Live Lok Sabha polls 2019: Mohan Bhagwat, Chandrababu Naidu cast their votes</a>

The first phase polls get underway today with as many as 91 constituencies whose fate will be decided by voters nationwide. Andhra Pradesh and Telangana will be hosting the largest number of constituencies - 25 and 17 respectively.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-gives-britain-six-month-delay-to-brexit-date-209399">European Union gives Britain six-month delay to Brexit date</a>

European leaders agreed with Britain on Thursday to delay Brexit by up to six months, saving the continent from what could have been a chaotic no-deal departure at the end of the week.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-population-grew-at-12-average-annual-rate-between-2010-and-2019-un-209434">India's population grew at 1.2% average between 2010 and 2019: UN</a>

India's population grew at an average annual rate of 1.2 per cent between 2010 and 2019 to 1.36 billion, more than double the annual growth rate of China, according to a report by the United Nations Population Fund.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-support-venezuela-despite-us-blackmail-cuban-leader-raul-castro-209420">Will support Venezuela despite US 'blackmail': Cuban leader Raul Castro</a>

Cuban Communist Party leader Raul Castro said on Wednesday said Cuba would never abandon its leftist ally Venezuela despite US "blackmail," even as the Trump administration threatened more sanctions over its support.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreas-kim-says-must-deliver-blow-to-those-imposing-sanctions-report-209431">North Korea's Kim says must deliver 'blow' to those imposing sanctions: Report</a>

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un said his country needs to deliver a "telling blow" to those imposing sanctions by ensuring its economy is more self-reliant, state media Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said on Thursday.

&nbsp;

Live Lok Sabha polls 2019: Mohan Bhagwat, Chandrababu Naidu cast their votes The first phase polls get underway today with as many as 91 constituencies whose fate will be decided by voters nationwide.

Live Lok Sabha polls 2019: Mohan Bhagwat, Chandrababu Naidu cast their votes The first phase polls get underway today with as many as 91 constituencies whose fate will be decided by voters nationwide. Andhra Pradesh and Telangana will be hosting the largest number of constituencies - 25 and 17 respectively. European Union gives Britain six-month delay to Brexit date European leaders agreed with Britain on Thursday to delay Brexit by up to six months, saving the continent from what could have been a chaotic no-deal departure at the end of the week. India's population grew at 1.2% average between 2010 and 2019: UN India's population grew at an average annual rate of 1.2 per cent between 2010 and 2019 to 1.36 billion, more than double the annual growth rate of China, according to a report by the United Nations Population Fund. Will support Venezuela despite US 'blackmail': Cuban leader Raul Castro Cuban Communist Party leader Raul Castro said on Wednesday said Cuba would never abandon its leftist ally Venezuela despite US "blackmail," even as the Trump administration threatened more sanctions over its support. North Korea's Kim says must deliver 'blow' to those imposing sanctions: Report North Korean leader Kim Jong-un said his country needs to deliver a "telling blow" to those imposing sanctions by ensuring its economy is more self-reliant, state media Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said on Thursday.

News brief: Big stories of the day

India's population grew at an average annual rate of 1.2 per cent between 2010 and 2019 to 1.36 billion, more than double the annual growth rate of China, according to a report by the United Nations Population Fund.

India's population in 2019 stood at 1.36 billion, growing from 942.2 million in 1994 and 541.5 million in 1969.

India's population grew at&nbsp;an average annual rate of 1.2 per cent between 2010 and 2019, the UN sexual and reproductive health agency said in the State of World Population 2019 report.

In pics: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/population-rise-india-and-the-world-355">Population rise, India and the world</a>

In comparison, China's population stood at 1.42 billion in 2019, growing from 1.23 billion in 1994 and 803.6 million in 1969.

China's population grew at an average annual rate of 0.5 per cent between 2010 and 2019, the report said.

According to the report, in India, the total fertility rate per woman was 5.6 in 1969, dropping to 3.7 in 1994 and 2.3 in 2019.

India recorded an improvement in life expectancy at birth. The life expectancy at birth in 1969 was 47 years, growing to 60 years in 1994 and 69 years in 2019.

Giving a snapshot of India's population composition in 2019, the report said 27 per cent of the country's population was in the age bracket of 0-14 years and 10-24 years each, while 67 per cent of the country's population was in the 15-64 age bracket.

Six per cent of the country's population was of the age 65 and above.

Indicative of the improvement in the quality of India's health care system, the report noted that Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) in the country dropped from 488 deaths per 100,000 live births in 1994 to 174 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2015.

Director of UNFPA Geneva Monica Ferro said the figures were "worrisome" and it was essential to raise the level of consent and access to vital health services for millions of women around the world.

"Don't forget: each one of these numbers is a person," she said.

Watch: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indias-population-will-be-more-than-that-of-china-by-2050-161206">India's population will be more than that of China by 2050</a>

The findings, relating to women aged between 15-49 years, were published for the first time as part of the United Nations Population Fund's (UNFP) State of World Population 2019 report.

The report includes, for the first time, data on women's ability to make decisions over three key areas: sexual intercourse with their partner, contraception use and health care.

According to the analysis, the absence of reproductive and sexual rights has major and negative repercussions on women's education, income and safety, leaving them "unable to shape their own futures".

Early marriage continues to present a major cultural obstacle to female empowerment and better reproductive rights, the UNFPA report said.

"A girl who marries when she is 10 will probably leave school. And because she leaves school, she won't get the negotiating skills, and she won't get the specific skills which will allow her to then get a better-paid job,"&nbsp;Ferro said.&nbsp;

Those women and girls left behind "are typically poor, rural and less educated," Ferro said, adding that "two-thirds of all maternal deaths today occur in sub-Saharan Africa".&nbsp;

Despite these concerns, the UNFPA report highlights that "untold millions" have enjoyed healthier and more productive lives in the 50 years since the agency was founded, thanks to pressure from civil society and governments to dramatically reduce unintended pregnancies and maternal deaths.

Highlighting positive changes in the last half-century, the report shows that in 1969, the average number of births per woman was 4.8, compared with 2.9 in 1994, and 2.5 today.

Looking ahead to future challenges, the UN agency highlights the threat to women's and girls' reproductive rights posed by emergencies caused by conflict or climate disasters.

About 35 million women, girls and young people will need life-saving sexual and reproductive health services this year, as well as services to address gender-based violence, in humanitarian settings, it warns.

"Every day, more than 500 women and girls including in countries with emergency settings, die during pregnancy and childbirth, due to the absence of skilled birth attendants or emergency obstetric procedures," Ferro said.&nbsp;

India's population grew at an average annual rate of 1.2 per cent between 2010 and 2019 to 1.36 billion, more than double the annual growth rate of China, according to a report by the United Nations Population Fund.

India's population grew at an average annual rate of 1.2 per cent between 2010 and 2019 to 1.36 billion, more than double the annual growth rate of China, according to a report by the United Nations Population Fund. India's population in 2019 stood at 1.36 billion, growing from 942.2 million in 1994 and 541.5 million in 1969. India's population grew at an average annual rate of 1.2 per cent between 2010 and 2019, the UN sexual and reproductive health agency said in the State of World Population 2019 report. In pics: Population rise, India and the world In comparison, China's population stood at 1.42 billion in 2019, growing from 1.23 billion in 1994 and 803.6 million in 1969. China's population grew at an average annual rate of 0.5 per cent between 2010 and 2019, the report said. According to the report, in India, the total fertility rate per woman was 5.6 in 1969, dropping to 3.7 in 1994 and 2.3 in 2019. India recorded an improvement in life expectancy at birth. The life expectancy at birth in 1969 was 47 years, growing to 60 years in 1994 and 69 years in 2019. Giving a snapshot of India's population composition in 2019, the report said 27 per cent of the country's population was in the age bracket of 0-14 years and 10-24 years each, while 67 per cent of the country's population was in the 15-64 age bracket. Six per cent of the country's population was of the age 65 and above. Indicative of the improvement in the quality of India's health care system, the report noted that Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) in the country dropped from 488 deaths per 100,000 live births in 1994 to 174 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2015. Director of UNFPA Geneva Monica Ferro said the figures were "worrisome" and it was essential to raise the level of consent and access to vital health services for millions of women around the world. "Don't forget: each one of these numbers is a person," she said. Watch: India's population will be more than that of China by 2050 The findings, relating to women aged between 15-49 years, were published for the first time as part of the United Nations Population Fund's (UNFP) State of World Population 2019 report. The report includes, for the first time, data on women's ability to make decisions over three key areas: sexual intercourse with their partner, contraception use and health care. According to the analysis, the absence of reproductive and sexual rights has major and negative repercussions on women's education, income and safety, leaving them "unable to shape their own futures". Early marriage continues to present a major cultural obstacle to female empowerment and better reproductive rights, the UNFPA report said. "A girl who marries when she is 10 will probably leave school. And because she leaves school, she won't get the negotiating skills, and she won't get the specific skills which will allow her to then get a better-paid job," Ferro said. Those women and girls left behind "are typically poor, rural and less educated," Ferro said, adding that "two-thirds of all maternal deaths today occur in sub-Saharan Africa". Despite these concerns, the UNFPA report highlights that "untold millions" have enjoyed healthier and more productive lives in the 50 years since the agency was founded, thanks to pressure from civil society and governments to dramatically reduce unintended pregnancies and maternal deaths. Highlighting positive changes in the last half-century, the report shows that in 1969, the average number of births per woman was 4.8, compared with 2.9 in 1994, and 2.5 today. Looking ahead to future challenges, the UN agency highlights the threat to women's and girls' reproductive rights posed by emergencies caused by conflict or climate disasters. About 35 million women, girls and young people will need life-saving sexual and reproductive health services this year, as well as services to address gender-based violence, in humanitarian settings, it warns. "Every day, more than 500 women and girls including in countries with emergency settings, die during pregnancy and childbirth, due to the absence of skilled birth attendants or emergency obstetric procedures," Ferro said.

India's population grew at 1.2% average between 2010 and 2019: UN

Two days after Mehbooba Mufti and Gautam Gambhir <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mehbooba-mufti-and-gautam-gambhir-get-into-a-twitter-fight-over-article-370-209020">engaged in a war on Twitte</a>r, the former Indian cricketer said on Thursday that Mehbooba Mufti will drown if she does not "flow&nbsp;with the wave in the country".

Responding to reporters, he said, "She(Mehbooba Mufti) can block me, but till when will she keep blocking 130 crore people of the nation? There is a wave in this country and if she doesn’t flow with it, she'll drown. In 2014 there was a wave, in 2019 there is tsunami and there is development".

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Gautam Gambhir says, "she(Mehbooba Mufti) can block me, but till when will she keep blocking 130 cr people of the nation? There is a wave in this country &amp; if she doesn’t flow with it, she'll drown. In 2014 there was a wave, in 2019 there is tsunami &amp; there is development" <a href="https://t.co/HR3jZHeyUT">pic.twitter.com/HR3jZHeyUT</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1116295284160638976?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The issue of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/abrogating-article-370-will-pave-way-for-freedom-for-people-of-jk-farooq-abdullah-208854">Article 370</a> had triggered a war of words between the J&amp;K's former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and former cricketer and BJP leader Gautam Gambhir earlier this week.

On April 8, PDP chief took a jibe at BJP, in response to a news article over a PIL seeking a ban on Farooq Abdullah, his son and Mehbooba Mufti from contesting Lok Sabha polls, as their "statements are against the Indian constitution".

Reacting to this tweet, Gautam Gambhir wrote, "Yeh Bharat hai. Koi aap jaisa dhabba nahi jo mit jayega" (This is India. Not a stain like you &nbsp;(Mehbooba Mufti) that it would be erased”.)

Mufti reacted by saying that, “Hope your political innings in BJP isn’t as abysmal as your cricket career!”.&nbsp;

She later apparently blocked Gambhir and then again unblocked him, resulting in this reply from the latter.

Mufti though seems to have blocked Gambhir for good who then expressed happiness over this decision and questioned how she would block all the other Indians who are against her views.

Gambhir had earlier taken on Omar Abdullah over the latter’s demand for a separate President and Prime Minister in Jammu and Kashmir.

Two days after Mehbooba Mufti and Gautam Gambhir engaged in a war on Twitter, the former Indian cricketer said on Thursday that Mehbooba Mufti will drown if she does not "flow with the wave in the country".

Two days after Mehbooba Mufti and Gautam Gambhir engaged in a war on Twitter, the former Indian cricketer said on Thursday that Mehbooba Mufti will drown if she does not "flow with the wave in the country". Responding to reporters, he said, "She(Mehbooba Mufti) can block me, but till when will she keep blocking 130 crore people of the nation? There is a wave in this country and if she doesn’t flow with it, she'll drown. In 2014 there was a wave, in 2019 there is tsunami and there is development". #WATCH Gautam Gambhir says, "she(Mehbooba Mufti) can block me, but till when will she keep blocking 130 cr people of the nation? There is a wave in this country & if she doesn’t flow with it, she'll drown. In 2014 there was a wave, in 2019 there is tsunami & there is development" pic.twitter.com/HR3jZHeyUT — ANI (@ANI) April 11, 2019 × The issue of Article 370 had triggered a war of words between the J&K's former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and former cricketer and BJP leader Gautam Gambhir earlier this week. On April 8, PDP chief took a jibe at BJP, in response to a news article over a PIL seeking a ban on Farooq Abdullah, his son and Mehbooba Mufti from contesting Lok Sabha polls, as their "statements are against the Indian constitution". Reacting to this tweet, Gautam Gambhir wrote, "Yeh Bharat hai. Koi aap jaisa dhabba nahi jo mit jayega" (This is India. Not a stain like you (Mehbooba Mufti) that it would be erased”.) Mufti reacted by saying that, “Hope your political innings in BJP isn’t as abysmal as your cricket career!”. She later apparently blocked Gambhir and then again unblocked him, resulting in this reply from the latter. Mufti though seems to have blocked Gambhir for good who then expressed happiness over this decision and questioned how she would block all the other Indians who are against her views. Gambhir had earlier taken on Omar Abdullah over the latter’s demand for a separate President and Prime Minister in Jammu and Kashmir.

There is a wave in this country, if she doesn’t flow with it, she'll drown: Gambhir to Mehbooba Mufti

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/timeline-key-developments-leading-to-julian-assanges-arrest-209585">Timeline: Key developments leading to Julian Assange's arrest</a>

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has been arrested and taken into custody in central London, British police said on Thursday. Assange has been the subject of a sophisticated spying operation in the Ecuadorean embassy where was holed up since 2012.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudan-army-topples-president-omar-al-bashir-209598">Sudan army topples President Omar al-Bashir after 30 years in power</a>

Sudanese president Omar al-Bashir was ousted by the army on Thursday, brought down by months of&nbsp;anti-government protests&nbsp;against his three decades of iron-fisted rule.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-lok-sabha-polls-2019-voting-underway-in-91-seats-in-first-phase-209404">Live Lok Sabha polls 2019: Voting ends for 91 seats in the first phase of elections</a>

Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Telangana, Andaman and Lakshadweep underwent polling in one phase today. The results, after the end of seven phases, will be declared on May 23.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/julian-assange-is-no-hero-british-foreign-secretary-jeremy-hunt-209613">Julian Assange 'is no hero': British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt</a>

WikiLeaks founder&nbsp;Julian Assange&nbsp;"is no hero", British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said on Thursday following his arrest at the&nbsp;Ecuadorian embassy in London.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-claims-laser-pointed-at-rahul-gandhis-head-mha-says-it-was-mobiles-green-light-209537">Congress claims laser pointed at Rahul Gandhi's head, MHA says it was mobile's green light</a>

The Home Ministry has said that it has received no letter from Congress regarding the alleged breach in security of its president Rahul Gandhi's security in Amethi on Wednesday.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Timeline: Key developments leading to Julian Assange's arrest WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has been arrested and taken into custody in central London, British police said on Thursday.

Timeline: Key developments leading to Julian Assange's arrest WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has been arrested and taken into custody in central London, British police said on Thursday. Assange has been the subject of a sophisticated spying operation in the Ecuadorean embassy where was holed up since 2012. Sudan army topples President Omar al-Bashir after 30 years in power Sudanese president Omar al-Bashir was ousted by the army on Thursday, brought down by months of anti-government protests against his three decades of iron-fisted rule. Live Lok Sabha polls 2019: Voting ends for 91 seats in the first phase of elections Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Telangana, Andaman and Lakshadweep underwent polling in one phase today. The results, after the end of seven phases, will be declared on May 23. Julian Assange 'is no hero': British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange "is no hero", British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said on Thursday following his arrest at the Ecuadorian embassy in London. Congress claims laser pointed at Rahul Gandhi's head, MHA says it was mobile's green light The Home Ministry has said that it has received no letter from Congress regarding the alleged breach in security of its president Rahul Gandhi's security in Amethi on Wednesday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Thursday said the BJP is committed to passing the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill once the NDA returns to power after the ongoing Lok Sabha polls.

The bill will be amended after proper consultation with all sections of the society and ensuring safety of the Assamese community, Modi told a poll rally in Silchar, Assam.

Protection to Assamese language, culture and identity will be ensured while considering the Bill again, he assured.

The Bill had been passed by the Lok Sabha by the Modi government on January 8 but was not introduced in the Rajya Sabha. The Bill is now set to lapse on June 3.

Slamming the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-charges-congress-with-tughlaq-road-chunav-ghotala-209560">Congress</a>, he said it did not think about the minorities in Pakistan while dividing the country during Independence.

"The fundamentalists tortured our brothers and sisters in Pakistan. Is Congress not a culprit for this? People going to mandirs and gurudwaras in Bangladesh and Pakistan had to come to India. Congress sins made them foreigners in their own land ?" he added.

"Our daughters are being tortured in Pakistan even nowadays," he alleged.

On the triple talaq bill, Modi said his government will "strongly try" to pass the legislation after it comes to power at the Centre.

"Even if the Congress, AIUDF and mahamialvat (other opposition parties) try, they will be able to do nothing (to stop the triple talaq bill). Our daughters will get justice," he added.

Referring to the ongoing first phase of Lok Sabha polls in the country, Modi said "As per information I have received so far a huge wave is seen for us in the polling being held today.

"People have decided and it will be difficult for the opposition to survive ... In Assam, all five seats (where polling is being held in the first phase) will be won by BJP and the NDA."&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Thursday said the BJP is committed to passing the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill once the NDA returns to power after the ongoing Lok Sabha polls.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Thursday said the BJP is committed to passing the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill once the NDA returns to power after the ongoing Lok Sabha polls. The bill will be amended after proper consultation with all sections of the society and ensuring safety of the Assamese community, Modi told a poll rally in Silchar, Assam. Protection to Assamese language, culture and identity will be ensured while considering the Bill again, he assured. The Bill had been passed by the Lok Sabha by the Modi government on January 8 but was not introduced in the Rajya Sabha. The Bill is now set to lapse on June 3. Slamming the Congress, he said it did not think about the minorities in Pakistan while dividing the country during Independence. "The fundamentalists tortured our brothers and sisters in Pakistan. Is Congress not a culprit for this? People going to mandirs and gurudwaras in Bangladesh and Pakistan had to come to India. Congress sins made them foreigners in their own land ?" he added. "Our daughters are being tortured in Pakistan even nowadays," he alleged. On the triple talaq bill, Modi said his government will "strongly try" to pass the legislation after it comes to power at the Centre. "Even if the Congress, AIUDF and mahamialvat (other opposition parties) try, they will be able to do nothing (to stop the triple talaq bill). Our daughters will get justice," he added. Referring to the ongoing first phase of Lok Sabha polls in the country, Modi said "As per information I have received so far a huge wave is seen for us in the polling being held today. "People have decided and it will be difficult for the opposition to survive ... In Assam, all five seats (where polling is being held in the first phase) will be won by BJP and the NDA."

BJP committed to passing Triple Talaq, Citizenship (Amendment) Bill: PM Modi

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There is a wave in this country, if she doesn’t flow with it, she'll drown: Gambhir to Mehbooba Mufti

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BJP committed to passing Triple Talaq, Citizenship (Amendment) Bill: PM Modi