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The RJD on Monday released its manifesto, titled ‘Pratibadhta Patra’, promising reservation for SCs, STs, EBC and OBCs in the private sector and the higher judiciary, in proportion to their population. The ceiling – a 50 per cent cap – had been broken after giving 10 per cent quota to the weaker sections among the general category so the people belonging to these categories (SCs, STs, EBC and OBCs) should be given reservation on the basis of their population, party leader Tejashwi Yadav said while releasing the manifesto here.

The apex court had fixed a cap of 50 per cent on total reservation and the Centre last month justified in Supreme Court its recent law granting 10-per cent quota for Economically Weaker Sections (EWSs), saying it was brought in to promote “social equality”. Advocating extension of quota for them in higher judiciary and the private sector, the manifesto also vowed to carry out the caste-based census in 2020-21.

Pointing out that the RJD, also agrees with the Congress manifesto, it said, the party “completely endorses” the ‘Nyay’ scheme of the Congress, which would be beneficial to states like Bihar. Tejashwi Yadav was accompanied by Rajya Sabha member and party’s national spokesman Manoj Jha, Bihar RJD chief Ram Chandra Purve and others at the release of the party’s manifesto.

The RJD also demanded from the Centre to make public the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) data, carried out by the UPA government. Releasing the manifesto, Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, also the leader of the opposition in the state, said that “it is not the manifesto of RJD, rather it is a ‘pratibadhta patra’ (commitment document) of the party”. A helpline number would be launched and a help centre set up in major cities of the country for the people of Bihar living outside the state, the manifesto said.

The party would ensure that six per cent of the gross domestic product is spent on education and four per cent on health, he said. “If our (party’s) government is formed in Bihar, then we will remove the ‘illegal’ tag on toddy and make it ‘legal’….The move to make toddy illegal has rendered many belonging to economically weaker sections jobless.

“My father Lalu Prasad, when he was the chief minister, had abolished tax on toddy,” the RJD leader said. Replying to a query on his elder brother Tej Pratap Yadav’s recent activities, Tejashwi evaded a direct reply, saying “the press conference has been organized for releasing the manifesto today”. According to the seat-sharing formula for the 40 Lok Sabha seats in Bihar announced by the opposition ‘Mahagathbandhan’, 20 seats will be fought by the RJD and nine by the Congress.

Of the 20 constituencies, the RJD has left the Ara seat to the CPI(ML) Liberation. Upendra Kushwaha’s Rashtriya Lok Samta Party (RLSP) and Mukesh Sahni’s Vikasheel Insan Party (VIP) will field candidates on five and three seats respectively. Former chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi’s Hindustan Awam Morcha (HAM) has been given three seats. The seven-phase election in Bihar is scheduled from April 11 to May 19.

The RJD on Monday released its manifesto, titled ‘Pratibadhta Patra’, promising reservation for SCs, STs, EBC and OBCs in the private sector and the higher judiciary, in proportion to their population.

The RJD on Monday released its manifesto, titled ‘Pratibadhta Patra’, promising reservation for SCs, STs, EBC and OBCs in the private sector and the higher judiciary, in proportion to their population. The ceiling – a 50 per cent cap – had been broken after giving 10 per cent quota to the weaker sections among the general category so the people belonging to these categories (SCs, STs, EBC and OBCs) should be given reservation on the basis of their population, party leader Tejashwi Yadav said while releasing the manifesto here. The apex court had fixed a cap of 50 per cent on total reservation and the Centre last month justified in Supreme Court its recent law granting 10-per cent quota for Economically Weaker Sections (EWSs), saying it was brought in to promote “social equality”. Advocating extension of quota for them in higher judiciary and the private sector, the manifesto also vowed to carry out the caste-based census in 2020-21. Pointing out that the RJD, also agrees with the Congress manifesto, it said, the party “completely endorses” the ‘Nyay’ scheme of the Congress, which would be beneficial to states like Bihar. Tejashwi Yadav was accompanied by Rajya Sabha member and party’s national spokesman Manoj Jha, Bihar RJD chief Ram Chandra Purve and others at the release of the party’s manifesto. The RJD also demanded from the Centre to make public the Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) data, carried out by the UPA government. Releasing the manifesto, Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, also the leader of the opposition in the state, said that “it is not the manifesto of RJD, rather it is a ‘pratibadhta patra’ (commitment document) of the party”. A helpline number would be launched and a help centre set up in major cities of the country for the people of Bihar living outside the state, the manifesto said. The party would ensure that six per cent of the gross domestic product is spent on education and four per cent on health, he said. “If our (party’s) government is formed in Bihar, then we will remove the ‘illegal’ tag on toddy and make it ‘legal’….The move to make toddy illegal has rendered many belonging to economically weaker sections jobless. “My father Lalu Prasad, when he was the chief minister, had abolished tax on toddy,” the RJD leader said. Replying to a query on his elder brother Tej Pratap Yadav’s recent activities, Tejashwi evaded a direct reply, saying “the press conference has been organized for releasing the manifesto today”. According to the seat-sharing formula for the 40 Lok Sabha seats in Bihar announced by the opposition ‘Mahagathbandhan’, 20 seats will be fought by the RJD and nine by the Congress. Of the 20 constituencies, the RJD has left the Ara seat to the CPI(ML) Liberation. Upendra Kushwaha’s Rashtriya Lok Samta Party (RLSP) and Mukesh Sahni’s Vikasheel Insan Party (VIP) will field candidates on five and three seats respectively. Former chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi’s Hindustan Awam Morcha (HAM) has been given three seats. The seven-phase election in Bihar is scheduled from April 11 to May 19.

RJD releases manifesto ‘Pratibadhta Patra’ for Lok Sabha polls, promises reservation

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday said there will be no option with the government other than abolishing articles 370 and 35A related to special status to Jammu and Kashmir in the Constitution if there is a demand for a separate Prime Minister for the terrorism-affected state.

His reaction came a week after National Conference leader Omar Abdullah had said that his party will strive hard for restoring the autonomy of Jammu and Kashmir that could include having a 'Sadar-e-Riyasat' (President) and 'Wazir-e-Azam' (Prime Minister).

Addressing a BJP election rally here, Rajnath Singh asked the Congress to clarify its stand whether or not it supports the demand and said "such things" must be stopped.&nbsp;

"Someone who has been chief minister for a long time has said that there should be a Prime Minister in Jammu and Kashmir. If someone talks like that, we will have no option other than abolishing Article 370 and Article 35A," the minister said.

Singh said Congress must make it clear whether it accepts that the country should have two prime ministers.

"Such things can not go on and on. It has to be stopped," he said&nbsp; 
On terrorism, the home minister said a befitting reply would be given to those who take up arms. "If someone takes up arms, we can go to whatever extent required to give them a befitting reply," Singh said.

He said the country is now in the "strong hands" of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The home minister said the central government was ready for talks but those who are raising the Kashmir issue were not interested in any dialogue.

Singh said considering the future of the children of Jammu and Kashmir, "we have forgiven 8,000 first time stone pelters but some people continue to instigate the stone pelters".

"These are the biggest criminals," he said.&nbsp;

The home minister said Jammu and Kashmir has not been ruled by "outsiders" but by political parties like NC, PDP or Congress for long.

Singh also highlighted the development works undertaken by the NDA government in Jammu and Kashmir.

"We have given highest assistance to Jammu and Kashmir," he said. 
Singh is here to campaign for BJP candidate for Jammu Lok Sabha seat Jugal Kishor Sharma.&nbsp;

In the Lok Sabha poll manifesto released today in Delhi by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP chief Amit Shah and other leaders, the party has asserted that it is "committed to annulling Article 35A of the Constitution of India as the provision is discriminatory against the non-permanent residents and women of Jammu and Kashmir."&nbsp;

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday said there will be no option with the government other than abolishing articles 370 and 35A related to special status to Jammu and Kashmir in the Constitution if there is a demand for a separate Prime Minister for the terrorism-affected state.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday said there will be no option with the government other than abolishing articles 370 and 35A related to special status to Jammu and Kashmir in the Constitution if there is a demand for a separate Prime Minister for the terrorism-affected state. His reaction came a week after National Conference leader Omar Abdullah had said that his party will strive hard for restoring the autonomy of Jammu and Kashmir that could include having a 'Sadar-e-Riyasat' (President) and 'Wazir-e-Azam' (Prime Minister). Addressing a BJP election rally here, Rajnath Singh asked the Congress to clarify its stand whether or not it supports the demand and said "such things" must be stopped. "Someone who has been chief minister for a long time has said that there should be a Prime Minister in Jammu and Kashmir. If someone talks like that, we will have no option other than abolishing Article 370 and Article 35A," the minister said. Singh said Congress must make it clear whether it accepts that the country should have two prime ministers. "Such things can not go on and on. It has to be stopped," he said On terrorism, the home minister said a befitting reply would be given to those who take up arms. "If someone takes up arms, we can go to whatever extent required to give them a befitting reply," Singh said. He said the country is now in the "strong hands" of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The home minister said the central government was ready for talks but those who are raising the Kashmir issue were not interested in any dialogue. Singh said considering the future of the children of Jammu and Kashmir, "we have forgiven 8,000 first time stone pelters but some people continue to instigate the stone pelters". "These are the biggest criminals," he said. The home minister said Jammu and Kashmir has not been ruled by "outsiders" but by political parties like NC, PDP or Congress for long. Singh also highlighted the development works undertaken by the NDA government in Jammu and Kashmir. "We have given highest assistance to Jammu and Kashmir," he said. Singh is here to campaign for BJP candidate for Jammu Lok Sabha seat Jugal Kishor Sharma. In the Lok Sabha poll manifesto released today in Delhi by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP chief Amit Shah and other leaders, the party has asserted that it is "committed to annulling Article 35A of the Constitution of India as the provision is discriminatory against the non-permanent residents and women of Jammu and Kashmir."

No option but to abolish articles 370, 35A if someone talks about separate prime minister for J&K: Rajnath Singh

Days before India begins to vote in the world’s largest democratic exercise, thousands of miles away a team of experts maintain round-the-clock vigil on election-related chatter on Facebook, ready to combat the first signs of misinformation, voter manipulation tactics, poll interference and fake news. Facebook — which counts India as one of the biggest base outside the US — has put in motion an elaborate strategy at the headquarters here with ‘information warriors’ at its election war room watching out for hoax, voter supression attempt, suspicious account behaviour, hate messages, fake accounts, and spikes in spam.

Ajit Mohan, Managing Director and Vice President, Facebook India said the platform has also expanded partnerships with third-party fact-checkers to seven accredited organisations in India. “These groups cover eight of the most spoken languages — English, Hindi, Bengali, Marathi, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam and Gujarati — and we’re looking to add more.

In a country largely driven by local and community news, we knew it was critical to have fact-checking partners who could review content across regions and languages,” Mohan said in a blogpost on Monday. Building on the lessons learnt over the last two years (the planning began nearly 18 months ago), this week Facebook will activate new regional operations centres, focused on election integrity, in Singapore and Dublin. These teams will work closely with staff in Menlo Park, CA headquarters as well as with local experts in Delhi. 
Once the team, manning the election operation centres, identifies attempts of platform abuse, they move in swiftly to contain them. Last week, Facebook removed 687 pages and accounts linked to the Congress and a smaller but far more influential number of what appeared to be pro-BJP accounts for “coordinated inauthentic behaviour” on the social media platform.

The election operation centre supplements the ongoing efforts of the platform to crackdown on misinformation during the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Facebook has already brought in transparency initiatives for political ads, teamed up with third party fact checkers for India, and rolled out initiatives like Candidate Connect (a voter outreach feature that allows Lok Sabha candidates to record 20 second videos).

As many as 40 cross-functional teams, drawn from areas like cybersecurity, public policy, data science, legal, engineering, threat intelligence, research and others work together in sync at the command centre to coordinate, detect and respond to situations in real time. And soon, key officials from the US office will fly down to India and Singapore to oversee the functions, as seven phase general elections get underway.

The elections will begin on April 11 and continue till May 19, with counting scheduled on May 23. “…if a report comes that there is a piece that maybe violates our community standards…maybe people are giving wrong information on voting …we will report and a task gets created in the war room and the community operations person then evaluates that piece of content to see if it violates our community standards…minutes of taking a look at that, can take the content down,” says Katie Harbath, Facebook’s Public Policy Director for Global Elections. There could also be instances when these efforts require close coordination with fact checkers and the response time could be a tad longer. “You might get reports that there is violence happening at a place. There could be violence happening or it could be voter suppression tactics to make voters stay away (from an area). That is not a determination we can make, so we direct it to fact checkers to do a review and that can take a bit longer.

As soon as they mark it as false, the content reach will be reduced and we will provide additional context,” says Harbath briefing reporters during a media tour of the election operations centre here. With nearly 900 million voters eligible to cast their votes in a nation that now has over 200 million Facebook users, its election integrity strategy for India is harnessing the full potential of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in an attempt to defeat ‘bad actors’ who try to game the system through nefarious means.

For instance, these tools help it block or remove approximately one million accounts a day. They also help identify abusive or violating content, quickly locate it across the platform and remove it in bulk – reducing its ability to spread. Facebook continues to expand on this initiative, adding 24 new languages — including 16 for India — to its automatic translation system, Mohan said.

“It’s not just being ready for threats we saw in 2016 or 2018, we recognise that there is always work that is to be done…so many of the investments we have made are particularly around videos…that focused on ensuring that we are ready for next set of challenges including around tamperes videos,” says Kaushik Iyer, Engineering Manager for Civic Integrity at Facebook. While Facebook did not divulge the investments or number of employees at the election operations centre, it says the money that it has ploughed into the entire machinery – leveraged in the past for American midterms and the recent Brazilian elections – is amongst the top things in importance for the company.

“The investment in India is same size and level of importance that we have had for Brazil and the US…,” says Harbath. Mohan said the work to ensure Facebook is not used to influence elections began more than 18 months ago with a detailed planning and risk assessment across its platforms.

“The findings allowed us to concentrate our work on key areas, including blocking and removing fake accounts; fighting the spread of misinformation; stopping abuse by domestic actors; spotting attempts at foreign meddling; and taking action against inauthentic coordinated campaigns,” Mohan said.

Days before India begins to vote in the world’s largest democratic exercise, thousands of miles away a team of experts maintain round-the-clock vigil on election-related chatter on Facebook, ready to combat the first signs of misinformation, voter manipulation tactics, poll interference and fake news.

Days before India begins to vote in the world’s largest democratic exercise, thousands of miles away a team of experts maintain round-the-clock vigil on election-related chatter on Facebook, ready to combat the first signs of misinformation, voter manipulation tactics, poll interference and fake news. Facebook — which counts India as one of the biggest base outside the US — has put in motion an elaborate strategy at the headquarters here with ‘information warriors’ at its election war room watching out for hoax, voter supression attempt, suspicious account behaviour, hate messages, fake accounts, and spikes in spam. Ajit Mohan, Managing Director and Vice President, Facebook India said the platform has also expanded partnerships with third-party fact-checkers to seven accredited organisations in India. “These groups cover eight of the most spoken languages — English, Hindi, Bengali, Marathi, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam and Gujarati — and we’re looking to add more. In a country largely driven by local and community news, we knew it was critical to have fact-checking partners who could review content across regions and languages,” Mohan said in a blogpost on Monday. Building on the lessons learnt over the last two years (the planning began nearly 18 months ago), this week Facebook will activate new regional operations centres, focused on election integrity, in Singapore and Dublin. These teams will work closely with staff in Menlo Park, CA headquarters as well as with local experts in Delhi. Once the team, manning the election operation centres, identifies attempts of platform abuse, they move in swiftly to contain them. Last week, Facebook removed 687 pages and accounts linked to the Congress and a smaller but far more influential number of what appeared to be pro-BJP accounts for “coordinated inauthentic behaviour” on the social media platform. The election operation centre supplements the ongoing efforts of the platform to crackdown on misinformation during the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Facebook has already brought in transparency initiatives for political ads, teamed up with third party fact checkers for India, and rolled out initiatives like Candidate Connect (a voter outreach feature that allows Lok Sabha candidates to record 20 second videos). As many as 40 cross-functional teams, drawn from areas like cybersecurity, public policy, data science, legal, engineering, threat intelligence, research and others work together in sync at the command centre to coordinate, detect and respond to situations in real time. And soon, key officials from the US office will fly down to India and Singapore to oversee the functions, as seven phase general elections get underway. The elections will begin on April 11 and continue till May 19, with counting scheduled on May 23. “…if a report comes that there is a piece that maybe violates our community standards…maybe people are giving wrong information on voting …we will report and a task gets created in the war room and the community operations person then evaluates that piece of content to see if it violates our community standards…minutes of taking a look at that, can take the content down,” says Katie Harbath, Facebook’s Public Policy Director for Global Elections. There could also be instances when these efforts require close coordination with fact checkers and the response time could be a tad longer. “You might get reports that there is violence happening at a place. There could be violence happening or it could be voter suppression tactics to make voters stay away (from an area). That is not a determination we can make, so we direct it to fact checkers to do a review and that can take a bit longer. As soon as they mark it as false, the content reach will be reduced and we will provide additional context,” says Harbath briefing reporters during a media tour of the election operations centre here. With nearly 900 million voters eligible to cast their votes in a nation that now has over 200 million Facebook users, its election integrity strategy for India is harnessing the full potential of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in an attempt to defeat ‘bad actors’ who try to game the system through nefarious means. For instance, these tools help it block or remove approximately one million accounts a day. They also help identify abusive or violating content, quickly locate it across the platform and remove it in bulk – reducing its ability to spread. Facebook continues to expand on this initiative, adding 24 new languages — including 16 for India — to its automatic translation system, Mohan said. “It’s not just being ready for threats we saw in 2016 or 2018, we recognise that there is always work that is to be done…so many of the investments we have made are particularly around videos…that focused on ensuring that we are ready for next set of challenges including around tamperes videos,” says Kaushik Iyer, Engineering Manager for Civic Integrity at Facebook. While Facebook did not divulge the investments or number of employees at the election operations centre, it says the money that it has ploughed into the entire machinery – leveraged in the past for American midterms and the recent Brazilian elections – is amongst the top things in importance for the company. “The investment in India is same size and level of importance that we have had for Brazil and the US…,” says Harbath. Mohan said the work to ensure Facebook is not used to influence elections began more than 18 months ago with a detailed planning and risk assessment across its platforms. “The findings allowed us to concentrate our work on key areas, including blocking and removing fake accounts; fighting the spread of misinformation; stopping abuse by domestic actors; spotting attempts at foreign meddling; and taking action against inauthentic coordinated campaigns,” Mohan said.

Ahead of Lok Sabha polls, team of experts maintain round-the-clock vigil at Facebook’s election war room

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/haftar-should-immediately-halt-military-operations-on-tripoli-pompeo-208665">Haftar should immediately halt military operations on Tripoli: Pompeo</a>

The United States is "deeply concerned" by fighting near Libya's capital Tripoli and is seeking an "immediate halt" to an offensive by strongman Khalifa Haftar, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Sunday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-homeland-security-chief-kirstjen-nielsen-resigns-208661">US Homeland Security chief Kirstjen Nielsen resigns</a>

US Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen, the front-line defender of the administration's controversial immigration policies, announced her resignation Sunday, in a move linked by observers to the president's anger over Central American border crossers.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/indias-economic-growth-driven-by-domestic-demand-need-to-focus-on-exports-world-bank-208673">India's economic growth driven by domestic demand, need to focus on exports: World Bank</a>

India's economic growth in recent years has been "too much" driven by domestic demand and its exports were about one-third of its potential, a World Bank official said, asserting that the next government needs to focus on export-led growth.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/access-points-from-gaza-west-bank-to-be-closed-for-24-hours-for-election-israel-208671">Access points from Gaza, West Bank to be closed for 24 hours for election: Israel</a>

The Israeli army announced that access points to Israel from the Gaza Strip and occupied West Bank will be closed for 24 hours on Tuesday as Israel will hold a general election on April 9.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ex-maldives-president-makes-comeback-with-landslide-win-for-party-208667">Former Maldives president Mohamed Nasheed makes comeback with </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ex-maldives-president-makes-comeback-with-landslide-win-for-party-208667">landslide</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ex-maldives-president-makes-comeback-with-landslide-win-for-party-208667"> win for </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ex-maldives-president-makes-comeback-with-landslide-win-for-party-208667">party</a>

The former Maldives president on Sunday vowed sweeping reforms and an end to government corruption after leading his party to a record landslide victory just five months since returning from exile.

&nbsp;

Haftar should immediately halt military operations on Tripoli: Pompeo The United States is "deeply concerned" by fighting near Libya's capital Tripoli and is seeking an "immediate halt" to an offensive by strongman Khalifa Haftar, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Sunday.

Haftar should immediately halt military operations on Tripoli: Pompeo The United States is "deeply concerned" by fighting near Libya's capital Tripoli and is seeking an "immediate halt" to an offensive by strongman Khalifa Haftar, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Sunday. US Homeland Security chief Kirstjen Nielsen resigns US Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen, the front-line defender of the administration's controversial immigration policies, announced her resignation Sunday, in a move linked by observers to the president's anger over Central American border crossers. India's economic growth driven by domestic demand, need to focus on exports: World Bank India's economic growth in recent years has been "too much" driven by domestic demand and its exports were about one-third of its potential, a World Bank official said, asserting that the next government needs to focus on export-led growth. Access points from Gaza, West Bank to be closed for 24 hours for election: Israel The Israeli army announced that access points to Israel from the Gaza Strip and occupied West Bank will be closed for 24 hours on Tuesday as Israel will hold a general election on April 9. Former Maldives president Mohamed Nasheed makes comeback with landslide win for party The former Maldives president on Sunday vowed sweeping reforms and an end to government corruption after leading his party to a record landslide victory just five months since returning from exile.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Indian Army gets first batch of Dhanush artillery guns

The Indian Air Force on Monday said it has "irrefutable evidence" of shooting down an F-16 aircraft of Pakistan Air Force during the February 27 aerial combat.

While addressing the media, Air Vice Marshal RGK Kapoor said, “The IAF has irrefutable evidence of not only the fact that the F-16 was used by Pakistan Air Force on February 27, 2019, but also that IAF MIG 21 Bison shot down the F-16".

“There is no doubt that the two aircraft went down in the aerial engagement on 27 February, one of which was the bison of IAF while the other was F-16 of Pakistan Air Force (PAF) conclusively identified by its electronic signature and radio transcripts.”

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: Indian Air Force (IAF) releases AWACS (Airborne Warning And Control System) radar images; Air Vice Marshal RGK Kapoor confirms Pakistan F-16 was downed by Indian Mig on February 27 <a href="https://t.co/YnTnlZXsP7">pic.twitter.com/YnTnlZXsP7</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1115235084938903556?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Indian Air Force (IAF) releases AWACS (Airborne Warning And Control System) radar images. <a href="https://t.co/axy2uVObWZ">pic.twitter.com/axy2uVObWZ</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1115232480657850370?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"Have more credible evidence that is clearly indicative of fact that Pakistan has lost one F-16 however due to security and confidentiality concerns we are restricting the information being shared in the public domain," said Air Vice Marshal.

However,&nbsp;Pakistan has denied that it lost any F-16 jet during the aerial combat. Sources said electronic signals from the F-16 aircraft which was engaged by an Mig 21 Bison ended abruptly, confirming that it crashed after being hit.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Indian Air Force on Monday said it has "irrefutable evidence" of shooting down an F-16 aircraft of Pakistan Air Force during the February 27 aerial combat. While addressing the media, Air Vice Marshal RGK Kapoor said, “The IAF has irrefutable evidence of not only the fact that the F-16 was used by Pakistan Air Force on February 27, 2019, but also that IAF MIG 21 Bison shot down the F-16".

The Indian Air Force on Monday said it has "irrefutable evidence" of shooting down an F-16 aircraft of Pakistan Air Force during the February 27 aerial combat. While addressing the media, Air Vice Marshal RGK Kapoor said, “The IAF has irrefutable evidence of not only the fact that the F-16 was used by Pakistan Air Force on February 27, 2019, but also that IAF MIG 21 Bison shot down the F-16". “There is no doubt that the two aircraft went down in the aerial engagement on 27 February, one of which was the bison of IAF while the other was F-16 of Pakistan Air Force (PAF) conclusively identified by its electronic signature and radio transcripts.” #WATCH: Indian Air Force (IAF) releases AWACS (Airborne Warning And Control System) radar images; Air Vice Marshal RGK Kapoor confirms Pakistan F-16 was downed by Indian Mig on February 27 pic.twitter.com/YnTnlZXsP7 — ANI (@ANI) April 8, 2019 × Indian Air Force (IAF) releases AWACS (Airborne Warning And Control System) radar images. pic.twitter.com/axy2uVObWZ — ANI (@ANI) April 8, 2019 × "Have more credible evidence that is clearly indicative of fact that Pakistan has lost one F-16 however due to security and confidentiality concerns we are restricting the information being shared in the public domain," said Air Vice Marshal. However, Pakistan has denied that it lost any F-16 jet during the aerial combat. Sources said electronic signals from the F-16 aircraft which was engaged by an Mig 21 Bison ended abruptly, confirming that it crashed after being hit. (With inputs from agencies)

IAF asserts it has 'irrefutable evidence' of shooting down Pakistan F-16, shows radar images

In a big blow to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nirav-modi-vijay-mallya-to-share-same-jail-cell-in-mumbais-arthur-road-jail-judge-ask-prosecution-206649">Vijay Mallya</a>, London’s High Court has rejected <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/vijay-mallya-tells-bombay-hc-confiscating-properties-draconian-not-help-creditors-207234">fugitive liquor baron</a>'s application for permission to appeal against the extradition order against him.&nbsp;

Mallya, 63, had filed the application in the High Court after UK's home secretary Sajid Javid signed off on a Westminster Magistrates' Court order for his extradition to face the Indian courts back in February.

"The application for permission to appeal was refused by Mr Justice William Davis on 05/04/2019," said a spokesperson for the UK judiciary.&nbsp;

"The appellant (Mallya) has five business days to apply for oral consideration. If a renewal application is made, it will be listed before a High Court judge and dealt with at a hearing."

The application seeking “leave to appeal” had been passed on to a single judge, who was to make a decision on the basis of papers submitted as part of the application. Now that the “judge on papers” application has been rejected by Judge Davis, Mallya has the option to submit for a “renewal”.

The renewal process will lead to a brief oral hearing during which Mallya's legal team and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) on behalf of the Indian government will renew their respective claims for and against an appeal for a judge to determine if it can proceed to a full hearing.

Mallya has lived in the UK since March 2016 and remains on bail on an extradition warrant executed by Scotland Yard in April 2017.

In her verdict at the end of a year-long extradition trial in December last year, Judge Emma Arbuthnot had ruled that the "flashy" billionaire had a "case to answer" in the Indian courts.

(With inputs from PTI)

In a big blow to Vijay Mallya, London’s High Court has rejected fugitive liquor baron's application for permission to appeal against the extradition order against him.

In a big blow to Vijay Mallya, London’s High Court has rejected fugitive liquor baron's application for permission to appeal against the extradition order against him. Mallya, 63, had filed the application in the High Court after UK's home secretary Sajid Javid signed off on a Westminster Magistrates' Court order for his extradition to face the Indian courts back in February. "The application for permission to appeal was refused by Mr Justice William Davis on 05/04/2019," said a spokesperson for the UK judiciary. "The appellant (Mallya) has five business days to apply for oral consideration. If a renewal application is made, it will be listed before a High Court judge and dealt with at a hearing." The application seeking “leave to appeal” had been passed on to a single judge, who was to make a decision on the basis of papers submitted as part of the application. Now that the “judge on papers” application has been rejected by Judge Davis, Mallya has the option to submit for a “renewal”. The renewal process will lead to a brief oral hearing during which Mallya's legal team and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) on behalf of the Indian government will renew their respective claims for and against an appeal for a judge to determine if it can proceed to a full hearing. Mallya has lived in the UK since March 2016 and remains on bail on an extradition warrant executed by Scotland Yard in April 2017. In her verdict at the end of a year-long extradition trial in December last year, Judge Emma Arbuthnot had ruled that the "flashy" billionaire had a "case to answer" in the Indian courts. (With inputs from PTI)

UK court denies Vijay Mallya permission to appeal against extradition

The former Maldives president on Sunday vowed sweeping reforms and an end to government corruption after leading his party to a record landslide victory just five months since returning from exile.

Mohamed Nasheed, 51, made a dramatic return to the top of the national parliament, with his Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) securing more than two-thirds in the 87-member assembly.

Nasheed promised to use his party's mandate to usher in a new era of stability and democracy in the Indian Ocean archipelago as it emerges from years of strongman rule, political crises and corruption scandals miring the government and judiciary.

"Our foremost duty is to bring peace to the government", Nasheed told supporters in the capital Male on Sunday.

Provisional results from the Elections Commission showed Nasheed's party won 68 seats with the Jamhooree Party a distant second, securing just seven.

The party of former strongman president Abdulla Yameen trailed with only four.

Nasheed's comprehensive victory was another rebuke for his arch-rival Yameen, who was dumped in a shock election defeat in September under a cloud of corruption and embezzlement allegations.

Yameen did not run, but his party -- the Progressive Party of Maldives -- finished in third. The remaining seats were collected by minor parties and independents.

Nasheed was barred from running in the presidential election but his former deputy, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, emerged triumphant over Yameen.

The former leader declared the days of "Rolex watches and Kohinoor are over", referring to high-profile scandals in the Maldives where MPs have allegedly been bought with luxury gifts, including gems.

"The parliament you have elected today possesses integrity," said Nasheed, who won a seat in the People's Majlis, or parliament representing a constituency in the capital Male.

"You desired to reform the general well-being of the nation... Hopefully, we will succeed in fulfilling your wishes."

Nasheed also vowed to transform the Maldives, a popular honeymoon destination home to 340,000 Sunni Muslims, into a parliamentary democracy.

An executive presidential system was adopted under political reforms in 2008 when dictator Maumoon Abdul Gayoom stood down after 30 years in power.

Two of Gayoom's children contested this poll, but only one was successful in winning a seat.

As the results trickled in Saturday, and Nasheed's victory was clearly within grasp, the dogged political veteran declared the Maldives was heading for "golden yellow dawn". Yellow is the colour of his party.

Challenges ahead

Election officials estimated the final turnout to be 80 per cent, less than the September presidential election but a record for a parliamentary poll. The official final results are expected later.

President Solih, who has promised to investigate corruption allegations against Yameen, thanked voters for delivering "a huge majority" for the MDP.

"While we celebrate, we must also not forget the immense challenges that lie ahead of us," he said in a statement.

Election commissioner Ahmed Shareef told reporters there had been no complaints of irregularities in the run up to the vote, during balloting or at the count.

The thumping MDP victory caps a remarkable comeback for Nasheed, who until November was a fugitive in exile.

Nasheed was sentenced to 13 years prison in 2015 but left the Maldives a year later, after being granted prison leave for medical treatment in Britain.&nbsp;

The charges were dropped by the Supreme Court after Solih toppled Yameen, with judges saying there was no basis for the charges.

International rights groups had decried the terrorism conviction, imposed while Yameen was in power, as politically motivated and unjustified.

The Maldives was on the verge of being slapped with Western-led sanctions before Solih won the presidential election on a pledge to end corruption in the country, best known for its luxury tourism.

Nasheed has also opposed heavy borrowing from China under Yameen's administration, accusing the former strongman of mortgaging the island paradise to Beijing for infrastructure projects.

The former Maldives president on Sunday vowed sweeping reforms and an end to government corruption after leading his party to a record landslide victory just five months since returning from exile.

The former Maldives president on Sunday vowed sweeping reforms and an end to government corruption after leading his party to a record landslide victory just five months since returning from exile. Mohamed Nasheed, 51, made a dramatic return to the top of the national parliament, with his Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) securing more than two-thirds in the 87-member assembly. Nasheed promised to use his party's mandate to usher in a new era of stability and democracy in the Indian Ocean archipelago as it emerges from years of strongman rule, political crises and corruption scandals miring the government and judiciary. "Our foremost duty is to bring peace to the government", Nasheed told supporters in the capital Male on Sunday. Provisional results from the Elections Commission showed Nasheed's party won 68 seats with the Jamhooree Party a distant second, securing just seven. The party of former strongman president Abdulla Yameen trailed with only four. Nasheed's comprehensive victory was another rebuke for his arch-rival Yameen, who was dumped in a shock election defeat in September under a cloud of corruption and embezzlement allegations. Yameen did not run, but his party -- the Progressive Party of Maldives -- finished in third. The remaining seats were collected by minor parties and independents. Nasheed was barred from running in the presidential election but his former deputy, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, emerged triumphant over Yameen. The former leader declared the days of "Rolex watches and Kohinoor are over", referring to high-profile scandals in the Maldives where MPs have allegedly been bought with luxury gifts, including gems. "The parliament you have elected today possesses integrity," said Nasheed, who won a seat in the People's Majlis, or parliament representing a constituency in the capital Male. "You desired to reform the general well-being of the nation... Hopefully, we will succeed in fulfilling your wishes." Nasheed also vowed to transform the Maldives, a popular honeymoon destination home to 340,000 Sunni Muslims, into a parliamentary democracy. An executive presidential system was adopted under political reforms in 2008 when dictator Maumoon Abdul Gayoom stood down after 30 years in power. Two of Gayoom's children contested this poll, but only one was successful in winning a seat. As the results trickled in Saturday, and Nasheed's victory was clearly within grasp, the dogged political veteran declared the Maldives was heading for "golden yellow dawn". Yellow is the colour of his party. Challenges ahead Election officials estimated the final turnout to be 80 per cent, less than the September presidential election but a record for a parliamentary poll. The official final results are expected later. President Solih, who has promised to investigate corruption allegations against Yameen, thanked voters for delivering "a huge majority" for the MDP. "While we celebrate, we must also not forget the immense challenges that lie ahead of us," he said in a statement. Election commissioner Ahmed Shareef told reporters there had been no complaints of irregularities in the run up to the vote, during balloting or at the count. The thumping MDP victory caps a remarkable comeback for Nasheed, who until November was a fugitive in exile. Nasheed was sentenced to 13 years prison in 2015 but left the Maldives a year later, after being granted prison leave for medical treatment in Britain. The charges were dropped by the Supreme Court after Solih toppled Yameen, with judges saying there was no basis for the charges. International rights groups had decried the terrorism conviction, imposed while Yameen was in power, as politically motivated and unjustified. The Maldives was on the verge of being slapped with Western-led sanctions before Solih won the presidential election on a pledge to end corruption in the country, best known for its luxury tourism. Nasheed has also opposed heavy borrowing from China under Yameen's administration, accusing the former strongman of mortgaging the island paradise to Beijing for infrastructure projects.

Former Maldives president Mohamed Nasheed makes comeback with landslide win for party

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/iaf-asserts-it-has-irrefutable-evidence-of-shooting-down-pakistan-f-16-shows-radar-images-208809">IAF asserts it has 'irrefutable evidence' of shooting down Pakistan F-16, shows radar images</a>

The Indian Air Force on Monday said it has "irrefutable evidence" of shooting down an F-16 aircraft of Pakistan Air Force during the February 27 aerial combat.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudanese-troop-killed-in-clash-with-govt-security-during-khartoum-protests-208813">Sudanese troop killed in </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudanese-troop-killed-in-clash-with-govt-security-during-khartoum-protests-208813">clash</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudanese-troop-killed-in-clash-with-govt-security-during-khartoum-protests-208813"> with government security during Khartoum protests</a>

A Sudanese soldier on Monday died allegedly following a shootout with pro-government security forces, which were attempting to disperse protesters staging a sit-in in the capital Khartoum.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uk-high-court-rejects-vijay-mallyas-appeal-against-the-extradition-order-208774">UK High Court rejects Vijay Mallya's appeal against the extradition order</a>

In a big blow to Vijay Mallya, London’s High Court has rejected fugitive liquor baron's application for permission to appeal against the extradition order against him.&nbsp;

Mallya, 63, had filed the application in the High Court after UK's home secretary Sajid Javid signed off on a Westminster Magistrates' Court order for his extradition to face the Indian courts back in February.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/vice-admiral-bimal-verma-moves-armed-forces-tribunal-after-being-superseded-for-naval-chief-post-208768">Vice Admiral Bimal Verma moves Armed Forces Tribunal after being superseded for Naval Chief post</a>

Vice Admiral Bimal Verma on Monday moved the Armed Forces Tribunal against his supersession and appointment of Vice Admiral Karambir Singh as the next Chief of Indian Navy.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-needs-tax-cuts-in-response-to-yellow-vests-pm-208807">France needs tax cuts in response to 'yellow vests': PM Edouard Philippe</a>

The French government must implement bold tax cuts, the prime minister said Monday, after a mass public consultation called in the wake of "yellow vest" protests that shook President Emmanuel Macron.

IAF asserts it has 'irrefutable evidence' of shooting down Pakistan F-16, shows radar images The Indian Air Force on Monday said it has "irrefutable evidence" of shooting down an F-16 aircraft of Pakistan Air Force during the February 27 aerial combat.

IAF asserts it has 'irrefutable evidence' of shooting down Pakistan F-16, shows radar images The Indian Air Force on Monday said it has "irrefutable evidence" of shooting down an F-16 aircraft of Pakistan Air Force during the February 27 aerial combat. Sudanese troop killed in clash with government security during Khartoum protests A Sudanese soldier on Monday died allegedly following a shootout with pro-government security forces, which were attempting to disperse protesters staging a sit-in in the capital Khartoum. UK High Court rejects Vijay Mallya's appeal against the extradition order In a big blow to Vijay Mallya, London’s High Court has rejected fugitive liquor baron's application for permission to appeal against the extradition order against him. Mallya, 63, had filed the application in the High Court after UK's home secretary Sajid Javid signed off on a Westminster Magistrates' Court order for his extradition to face the Indian courts back in February. Vice Admiral Bimal Verma moves Armed Forces Tribunal after being superseded for Naval Chief post Vice Admiral Bimal Verma on Monday moved the Armed Forces Tribunal against his supersession and appointment of Vice Admiral Karambir Singh as the next Chief of Indian Navy. France needs tax cuts in response to 'yellow vests': PM Edouard Philippe The French government must implement bold tax cuts, the prime minister said Monday, after a mass public consultation called in the wake of "yellow vest" protests that shook President Emmanuel Macron.

The BJP Sunday announced SS Ahluwalia as its candidate from the Durgapur Lok Sabha seat of West Bengal.

In the current Lok Sabha, the 67-year-old represents the Darjeeling seat in the same state.

After his candidature was announced, Ahluwalia said he was grateful to the party leadership for nominating him from the seat where he "learnt most important lessons" of his life.

"I spent my student days there. I was a student activist in the Burdwan university. And my candidature is an opportunity for me to serve the people of this place," he said.

With this, the party has announced 408 candidates for the seven-phase Lok Sabha polls which will start on April 11 and continue till May 19. The counting of the votes will take place on May 23.

The BJP has already renominated Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Varanasi and fielded Amit Shah from Gandhinagar in Gujarat.

The BJP Sunday announced SS Ahluwalia as its candidate from the Durgapur Lok Sabha seat of West Bengal. In the current Lok Sabha, the 67-year-old represents the Darjeeling seat in the same state.

The BJP Sunday announced SS Ahluwalia as its candidate from the Durgapur Lok Sabha seat of West Bengal. In the current Lok Sabha, the 67-year-old represents the Darjeeling seat in the same state. After his candidature was announced, Ahluwalia said he was grateful to the party leadership for nominating him from the seat where he "learnt most important lessons" of his life. "I spent my student days there. I was a student activist in the Burdwan university. And my candidature is an opportunity for me to serve the people of this place," he said. With this, the party has announced 408 candidates for the seven-phase Lok Sabha polls which will start on April 11 and continue till May 19. The counting of the votes will take place on May 23. The BJP has already renominated Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Varanasi and fielded Amit Shah from Gandhinagar in Gujarat.

Lok Sabha elections: BJP nominates SS Ahluwalia from Durgapur

83-year old loses 32 elections but continues to contest in Odisha

In a major boost to India's firepower, country's first indigenously designed and developed Dhanush artillery gun was inducted in the Indian Army during a ceremony held at Ordnance Factory here on Monday.

Dhanush 155mm/45 calibre towed gun system can be deployed in all types of terrains.

The Dhanush gun system is based on the designs of the Bofors howitzer which was inducted in the Army in the 1980s and would be the third type of artillery gun to be inducted into the force after the K-9 Vajra and the M-777 ultra-light howitzers.

The Army had placed an order for more than 110 of these guns with the Ordnance Factory. The howitzer will help the force to modernise its artillery which had been awaiting induction for over three decades till sometime ago.

The gun is equipped with an inertial navigation-based sighting system, auto-laying facility, onboard ballistic computation and an advanced day and night direct firing system. The self-propulsion unit allows the gun to negotiate and deploy itself in mountainous terrains with ease.

Dhanush`s performance has been evaluated under arduous conditions in several phases.

The weapon is the product of joint efforts by the Ordnance Factory Board and the Indian Army with contributions from DRDO, DGQA, DPSUs such as BEL, PSUs such as SAIL and several private enterprises

In a major boost to India's firepower, country's first indigenously designed and developed Dhanush artillery gun was inducted in the Indian Army during a ceremony held at Ordnance Factory here on Monday.

In a major boost to India's firepower, country's first indigenously designed and developed Dhanush artillery gun was inducted in the Indian Army during a ceremony held at Ordnance Factory here on Monday. Dhanush 155mm/45 calibre towed gun system can be deployed in all types of terrains. The Dhanush gun system is based on the designs of the Bofors howitzer which was inducted in the Army in the 1980s and would be the third type of artillery gun to be inducted into the force after the K-9 Vajra and the M-777 ultra-light howitzers. The Army had placed an order for more than 110 of these guns with the Ordnance Factory. The howitzer will help the force to modernise its artillery which had been awaiting induction for over three decades till sometime ago. The gun is equipped with an inertial navigation-based sighting system, auto-laying facility, onboard ballistic computation and an advanced day and night direct firing system. The self-propulsion unit allows the gun to negotiate and deploy itself in mountainous terrains with ease. Dhanush`s performance has been evaluated under arduous conditions in several phases. The weapon is the product of joint efforts by the Ordnance Factory Board and the Indian Army with contributions from DRDO, DGQA, DPSUs such as BEL, PSUs such as SAIL and several private enterprises

India's first indigenously built Dhanush artillery gun inducted in Army

Vice Admiral Bimal Verma on Monday moved the Armed Forces Tribunal against his supersession and appointment of Vice Admiral Karambir Singh as the next Chief of Indian Navy.

In his petition, the Vice Admiral has challenged the government's move to ignore seniority and appoint his junior as the next chief of Navy.

Vice Admiral Karambir Singh will take over as the new Navy Chief after Admiral Sunil Lanba will complete his three-year term on May 31 this year.

Singh will supersede Vice Admiral Bimal Verma, who is the senior most in terms of length of service.

Vice Admiral Karambir Singh Flag Officer Commanding in Chief (FOC-in-C) East will be the first helicopter pilot of Indian Navy to become Chief Naval Staff.

"The Government has appointed Vice Admiral Karanbir Singh, Eastern Naval Commander as the next Chief of Naval Staff in place of Admiral Sunil Lanba who vacates the office on 31 May 2019," Defence Ministry spokesperson Col Aman Anand earlier said.
<img alt="Picture of petition of Vice Admiral Bimal Verma moved in Armed Forces Tribunal" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2df3f00b-f7ba-4f25-9ba4-ed0e6105c6d4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Document.jpeg" />
This was the second time, including the appointment of General Bipin Rawat as Army Chief in 2016, when the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government had not gone by seniority but merit among the senior most officers.

Singh has been heading the Port Blair based Andaman and Nicobar Command for almost three years. He is from the 56th course of the National Defence Academy`s Hunter Squadron.

Hailing from Jalandhar in Punjab, he graduated from Barnes School at Deolali in Maharashtra before joining the NDA.

As a helicopter pilot, Singh has flown Chetaks and Kamovs. He commanded four ships at various stages of his career including the ICG Chandbibi (patrol craft of Indian Coast Guard), INS Vijaydurg (missile ship), INS Rana and INS Delhi (destroyers).

He also served as the Vice Chief of Naval Staff at the headquarters in New Delhi before moving to Vishakhapatnam last year as Eastern Naval Commander.

Vice Admiral Bimal Verma on Monday moved the Armed Forces Tribunal against his supersession and appointment of Vice Admiral Karambir Singh as the next Chief of Indian Navy.

Vice Admiral Bimal Verma on Monday moved the Armed Forces Tribunal against his supersession and appointment of Vice Admiral Karambir Singh as the next Chief of Indian Navy. In his petition, the Vice Admiral has challenged the government's move to ignore seniority and appoint his junior as the next chief of Navy. Vice Admiral Karambir Singh will take over as the new Navy Chief after Admiral Sunil Lanba will complete his three-year term on May 31 this year. Singh will supersede Vice Admiral Bimal Verma, who is the senior most in terms of length of service. Vice Admiral Karambir Singh Flag Officer Commanding in Chief (FOC-in-C) East will be the first helicopter pilot of Indian Navy to become Chief Naval Staff. "The Government has appointed Vice Admiral Karanbir Singh, Eastern Naval Commander as the next Chief of Naval Staff in place of Admiral Sunil Lanba who vacates the office on 31 May 2019," Defence Ministry spokesperson Col Aman Anand earlier said. This was the second time, including the appointment of General Bipin Rawat as Army Chief in 2016, when the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government had not gone by seniority but merit among the senior most officers. Singh has been heading the Port Blair based Andaman and Nicobar Command for almost three years. He is from the 56th course of the National Defence Academy`s Hunter Squadron. Hailing from Jalandhar in Punjab, he graduated from Barnes School at Deolali in Maharashtra before joining the NDA. As a helicopter pilot, Singh has flown Chetaks and Kamovs. He commanded four ships at various stages of his career including the ICG Chandbibi (patrol craft of Indian Coast Guard), INS Vijaydurg (missile ship), INS Rana and INS Delhi (destroyers). He also served as the Vice Chief of Naval Staff at the headquarters in New Delhi before moving to Vishakhapatnam last year as Eastern Naval Commander.

Vice Admiral Bimal Verma moves Armed Forces Tribunal after being superseded for Naval Chief post

A look at PM Narendra Modi's general election campaign

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Muslims want to rise above religious identity

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-unveils-election-manifesto-zero-tolerance-on-terrorism-full-commitment-towards-uniform-civil-code-208715">BJP manifesto released</a> on Monday&nbsp;said that if the party is elected back to form the government, it will take steps to isolate countries supporting terror and strengthen ties with groupings such as Russia-India-China (RIC) and Japan-America-India(JAI).

On the issue of terror, the BJP manifesto said,"we are committed to take concrete steps on international forums against countries &amp; supporting terrorism" and will take necessary measures to "isolate such countries" on the global stage.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WclSbVA4R7s" width="560"></iframe>

In the aftermath of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nationalism-our-inspiration-good-governance-our-mantra-says-pm-modi-as-bjp-unveils-election-manifesto-208728">Uri, Pathankot and Pulwama </a>terror attacks, India has been focusing on isolating Pakistan which has been supporting terror groups like Jaish-e-Mohammad(JeM) responsible for these terror attacks.

&nbsp;

It proposed the establishment of a "committee of nations against international terrorism" which will be voluntary multilateral forum based on CCIT or Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism which calls for a common definition of terrorism.&nbsp;

CCIT was proposed by India in 1996 but still languishes at United Nation due to lack of consensus to have a common definition on terror.

The manifesto said, if it forms the next government, it will pursue co-operation against global evils like "terror &amp; corruption" through &nbsp;UN, G20, SCO, BRICS and Commonwealth.

Remember PM Modi has been raising the issue of terror and corruption at global forums. At the G20 summits in Argentina (2018), Germany(2017), Australia (2014), he gave agendas to counter corruption and terror.&nbsp;

The focus will be on boosting ties with groupings like RIC (Russia-India-China) and JAI (Japan-America-India), it said.

Last year on the sidelines of G20 summit in Argentina, RIC under Russian President Vladimir Putin, Indian PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping had met after a gap of 12 years and JAI under PM Modi, US President Donald Trump and Japanese PM Shinzo Abe had met for the first time.

The "neighbourhood-first" policy will continue with extensive leverage being given to forums like BIMSTEC.&nbsp;

BIMSTEC has become India's premier forum for regional cooperation. SAARC is on a standstill after India along with Bangladesh, Bhutan, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka and the Maldives boycotted the 19th SAARC summit in Islamabad in the aftermath of the 2016 Uri terror attack perpetrated by Pakistan-based United Nations listed terror organisation - JeM.

Indo-Pacific also found mention in the manifesto, the party said it will be "pursued vigorously" along with Act East and cooperation with ASEAN.

The manifesto has also suggested the creation of an "international space technology alliance" so that benefits of space technology can reach everyone, especially the smaller countries.

Under the Modi government, India had launched the South Asia satellite to benefit the regional countries such as Nepal, Bangaldesh, Maldives, Bhutan, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka.

The BJP manifesto released on Monday said that if the party is elected back to form the government, it will take steps to isolate countries supporting terror and strengthen ties with groupings such as Russia-India-China (RIC) and Japan-America-India(JAI).

The BJP manifesto released on Monday said that if the party is elected back to form the government, it will take steps to isolate countries supporting terror and strengthen ties with groupings such as Russia-India-China (RIC) and Japan-America-India(JAI). On the issue of terror, the BJP manifesto said,"we are committed to take concrete steps on international forums against countries & supporting terrorism" and will take necessary measures to "isolate such countries" on the global stage. In the aftermath of Uri, Pathankot and Pulwama terror attacks, India has been focusing on isolating Pakistan which has been supporting terror groups like Jaish-e-Mohammad(JeM) responsible for these terror attacks. It proposed the establishment of a "committee of nations against international terrorism" which will be voluntary multilateral forum based on CCIT or Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism which calls for a common definition of terrorism. CCIT was proposed by India in 1996 but still languishes at United Nation due to lack of consensus to have a common definition on terror. The manifesto said, if it forms the next government, it will pursue co-operation against global evils like "terror & corruption" through UN, G20, SCO, BRICS and Commonwealth. Remember PM Modi has been raising the issue of terror and corruption at global forums. At the G20 summits in Argentina (2018), Germany(2017), Australia (2014), he gave agendas to counter corruption and terror. The focus will be on boosting ties with groupings like RIC (Russia-India-China) and JAI (Japan-America-India), it said. Last year on the sidelines of G20 summit in Argentina, RIC under Russian President Vladimir Putin, Indian PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping had met after a gap of 12 years and JAI under PM Modi, US President Donald Trump and Japanese PM Shinzo Abe had met for the first time. The "neighbourhood-first" policy will continue with extensive leverage being given to forums like BIMSTEC. BIMSTEC has become India's premier forum for regional cooperation. SAARC is on a standstill after India along with Bangladesh, Bhutan, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka and the Maldives boycotted the 19th SAARC summit in Islamabad in the aftermath of the 2016 Uri terror attack perpetrated by Pakistan-based United Nations listed terror organisation - JeM. Indo-Pacific also found mention in the manifesto, the party said it will be "pursued vigorously" along with Act East and cooperation with ASEAN. The manifesto has also suggested the creation of an "international space technology alliance" so that benefits of space technology can reach everyone, especially the smaller countries. Under the Modi government, India had launched the South Asia satellite to benefit the regional countries such as Nepal, Bangaldesh, Maldives, Bhutan, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka.

BJP manifesto: India to focus on fighting terror; strengthen ties with RIC, JAI

Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan unveiled the manifesto of his party, Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM), on Monday. The document was meant for Coimbatore constituency, from where MNM candidate and party's vice president Dr Mahendran is contesting election.

While Haasan himself is not contesting in the upcoming polls, his party will contest all 40 Lok Sabha constituencies and the 18 vacant Assembly seats in Tamil Nadu. The party has been allotted the 'battery torch'&nbsp;symbol.&nbsp;

The manifesto titled 'Vision 2024'&nbsp;chalked out ambitious plans for the district consisted of categories such as industrial growth, water, infrastructure and connectivity, farmers, clean energy, green footprint, talent capital and civil society participation. It enlisted the scheme and plans that the party has envisioned for Coimbatore and also mentioned that most projects would be completed before 2022, while some would be completed by 2024.

Speaking to reporters at the event, Kamal Haasan responded to various issues ranging from the response to his party's campaign and the emerging scenario after the upcoming polls.

"In 60 years as an actor, people have showered so much love on me, when I go up close now I feel it much more, even in the smallest of villages." He also said that Tamil Nadu is on the cusp of a revolution as the circumstances have united angry people.

Making a mention of his party’s prospects, he said many more MPs from across India will join his party Dr Mahendran, who would emerge victorious from Coimbatore. On the possibility of a Third Front, Haasan said he believed in the emergence of a third front and that many leaders across the country were thinking of it.

Haasan's party MNM, which is a little over a year old is in an alliance with smaller parties such as the Republican Party of India and the Valarum Thamilagam Party. While the Republican party of India has been allotted one Lok Sabha constituency and 3 Assembly seats, the Valarum Thamilagam Party has been allotted 2 seats in the Assembly by-polls.&nbsp;

MNM’s Vice President Dr&nbsp;Mahendran will be up against the BJP's CP Radhakrishnan and P R Natarajan of the CPI(M). P Nagarajan is the incumbent MP in this constituency. The AIADMK has an alliance with the PMK, BJP and DMK, whereas the DMK is in an alliance with the Congress, Left parties and other smaller outfits.

Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan unveiled the manifesto of his party, Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM), on Monday. The document was meant for Coimbatore constituency, from where MNM candidate and party's vice president Dr Mahendran is contesting election.

Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan unveiled the manifesto of his party, Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM), on Monday. The document was meant for Coimbatore constituency, from where MNM candidate and party's vice president Dr Mahendran is contesting election. While Haasan himself is not contesting in the upcoming polls, his party will contest all 40 Lok Sabha constituencies and the 18 vacant Assembly seats in Tamil Nadu. The party has been allotted the 'battery torch' symbol. The manifesto titled 'Vision 2024' chalked out ambitious plans for the district consisted of categories such as industrial growth, water, infrastructure and connectivity, farmers, clean energy, green footprint, talent capital and civil society participation. It enlisted the scheme and plans that the party has envisioned for Coimbatore and also mentioned that most projects would be completed before 2022, while some would be completed by 2024. Speaking to reporters at the event, Kamal Haasan responded to various issues ranging from the response to his party's campaign and the emerging scenario after the upcoming polls. "In 60 years as an actor, people have showered so much love on me, when I go up close now I feel it much more, even in the smallest of villages." He also said that Tamil Nadu is on the cusp of a revolution as the circumstances have united angry people. Making a mention of his party’s prospects, he said many more MPs from across India will join his party Dr Mahendran, who would emerge victorious from Coimbatore. On the possibility of a Third Front, Haasan said he believed in the emergence of a third front and that many leaders across the country were thinking of it. Haasan's party MNM, which is a little over a year old is in an alliance with smaller parties such as the Republican Party of India and the Valarum Thamilagam Party. While the Republican party of India has been allotted one Lok Sabha constituency and 3 Assembly seats, the Valarum Thamilagam Party has been allotted 2 seats in the Assembly by-polls. MNM’s Vice President Dr Mahendran will be up against the BJP's CP Radhakrishnan and P R Natarajan of the CPI(M). P Nagarajan is the incumbent MP in this constituency. The AIADMK has an alliance with the PMK, BJP and DMK, whereas the DMK is in an alliance with the Congress, Left parties and other smaller outfits.

Kamal Haasan’s Makkal Needhi Maiam unveils Coimbatore-specific manifesto

A Delhi court Monday sent Sushen Mohan Gupta, an alleged defence agent arrested in the Rs 3,600-crore VVIP chopper case, to judicial custody till April 20.

Special Judge Arvind Kumar sent Gupta to judicial custody.

Gupta was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

The probe agency had said Gupta's role in the case came to light on the basis of disclosures made by Rajiv Saxena, who has turned approver in the case after he was deported from the UAE and arrested by the agency here.

A Delhi court Monday sent Sushen Mohan Gupta, an alleged defence agent arrested in the Rs 3,600-crore VVIP chopper case, to judicial custody till April 20. Special Judge Arvind Kumar sent Gupta to judicial custody.

A Delhi court Monday sent Sushen Mohan Gupta, an alleged defence agent arrested in the Rs 3,600-crore VVIP chopper case, to judicial custody till April 20. Special Judge Arvind Kumar sent Gupta to judicial custody. Gupta was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The probe agency had said Gupta's role in the case came to light on the basis of disclosures made by Rajiv Saxena, who has turned approver in the case after he was deported from the UAE and arrested by the agency here.

VVIP chopper case: Delhi court sends defence agent Sushen Gupta to judicial custody till April 20

From doubling farmers' income to Make in India in Defence: Key points of BJP manifesto

Ahead of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-manifesto-not-prepared-with-tukde-tukde-mindset-but-with-strong-nationalist-vision-says-jaitley-while-unveiling-of-party-manifesto-208720">first phase of polling on April 11th</a>, the BJP today presented its manifesto at the party headquarters in New Delhi.

The "Sankalp Patra" was unveiled in the presence of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nationalism-our-inspiration-good-governance-our-mantra-says-pm-modi-as-bjp-unveils-election-manifesto-208728">PM Narendra Modi</a> and party president Amit Shah. Rajnath Singh who was the key member of the party's manifesto committee presented the BJP's programme.

The vision document 2019&nbsp;emphasised on "zero tolerance" on terrorism and illegal migration.

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We will ensure corruption-free Bharat by effective governance and transparent decision making. 
 
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"We have our full commitment for uniform civil code,"&nbsp;Rajnath Singh said.

"We reiterate our position since the time of the Jan Sangh to the abrogation of Article 370."&nbsp;

"We are committed to annulling Article 35A of the Constitution of India as the provision is discriminatory against non-permanent residents and women of Jammu and Kashmir," Rajnath Singh added.

"Citizenship Amendment bill will&nbsp;be passed,"&nbsp;Rajanath Singh said while asserting that regional identity will be protected. Our "Sankalp Patra"&nbsp;is a vision document that lists expectations of 130 crore Indians, Rajnath Singh, head of BJP's manifesto committee, said.

"All alternative options will be explored for construction of Ram temple in a most conducive manner," Rajnath Singh said adding, "We will also give pension facility to small and marginal farmers after 60 years of age.

"We will give Rs 6,000 yearly income support to all farmers and pension to small and marginal farmers above 60 years of age&nbsp;under Kisan Samman Nidhi,"&nbsp;he said.

"BJP promises to spend Rs 25 lakh crore on rural development in the next five years," Rajnath Singh informed.&nbsp;

"Seventy-five&nbsp;new medical colleges and postgraduate colleges will be established if BJP is voted to power,"&nbsp;he said.

During his opening speech, Amit Shah reminded party leaders about the 2014 polls when Narendra Modi was presented as the PM candidate. He emphasised on the party's programme in the last five years on the Swachh campaign, housing and farmer policy.

"The nation has achieved new heights under PM Modi," Amit Shah said, adding, "India is the fastest growing economy in the world."

"The country feels safe under PM Modi," he added.

The presentation ceremony was attended by top leaders including external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj,<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-manifesto-not-prepared-with-tukde-tukde-mindset-but-with-strong-nationalist-vision-says-jaitley-while-unveiling-of-party-manifesto-208720"> finance minister Arun Jaitley </a>among others.

The seven-phase Lok Sabha polls will conclude on May 19th with the results to be announced on May 23rd.

Ahead of the first phase of polling on April 11th, the BJP today presented its manifesto at the party headquarters in New Delhi. The "Sankalp Patra" was unveiled in the presence of PM Narendra Modi and party president Amit Shah.

Ahead of the first phase of polling on April 11th, the BJP today presented its manifesto at the party headquarters in New Delhi. The "Sankalp Patra" was unveiled in the presence of PM Narendra Modi and party president Amit Shah. Rajnath Singh who was the key member of the party's manifesto committee presented the BJP's programme. The vision document 2019 emphasised on "zero tolerance" on terrorism and illegal migration. We will ensure corruption-free Bharat by effective governance and transparent decision making. To empower citizens and ensure time-bound delivery of public services, we will explore every avenue to implement the Right to Service. #BJPSankalpPatr2019 pic.twitter.com/4W8GbVqWr0 — BJP (@BJP4India) April 8, 2019 × "We have our full commitment for uniform civil code," Rajnath Singh said. "We reiterate our position since the time of the Jan Sangh to the abrogation of Article 370." "We are committed to annulling Article 35A of the Constitution of India as the provision is discriminatory against non-permanent residents and women of Jammu and Kashmir," Rajnath Singh added. "Citizenship Amendment bill will be passed," Rajanath Singh said while asserting that regional identity will be protected. Our "Sankalp Patra" is a vision document that lists expectations of 130 crore Indians, Rajnath Singh, head of BJP's manifesto committee, said. "All alternative options will be explored for construction of Ram temple in a most conducive manner," Rajnath Singh said adding, "We will also give pension facility to small and marginal farmers after 60 years of age. "We will give Rs 6,000 yearly income support to all farmers and pension to small and marginal farmers above 60 years of age under Kisan Samman Nidhi," he said. "BJP promises to spend Rs 25 lakh crore on rural development in the next five years," Rajnath Singh informed. "Seventy-five new medical colleges and postgraduate colleges will be established if BJP is voted to power," he said. During his opening speech, Amit Shah reminded party leaders about the 2014 polls when Narendra Modi was presented as the PM candidate. He emphasised on the party's programme in the last five years on the Swachh campaign, housing and farmer policy. "The nation has achieved new heights under PM Modi," Amit Shah said, adding, "India is the fastest growing economy in the world." "The country feels safe under PM Modi," he added. The presentation ceremony was attended by top leaders including external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj, finance minister Arun Jaitley among others. The seven-phase Lok Sabha polls will conclude on May 19th with the results to be announced on May 23rd.

BJP unveils election manifesto; 'zero tolerance' on terrorism, full commitment towards uniform civil code

After the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-unveils-election-manifesto-zero-tolerance-on-terrorism-full-commitment-towards-uniform-civil-code-208715">BJP presented its election manifesto</a> today, PM Modi speaking on the occasion on Monday said the party has based its vision document on "multi-layered development".

"We have set <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-manifesto-not-prepared-with-tukde-tukde-mindset-but-with-strong-nationalist-vision-says-jaitley-while-unveiling-of-party-manifesto-208720">75 well-defined resolutions</a> in our manifesto that we can fulfil in a time-bound manner, he said, adding, "we are moving forward with 'one mission, one rection'."

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> live from Delhi: BJP releases their manifesto for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2019</a> <a href="https://t.co/x4t3F7srhI">https://t.co/x4t3F7srhI</a>
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"Nationalism is our inspiration, the Antoydaya mission is our aim and good governance is our mantra," he said.&nbsp;"BJP's 'Sankalp Patra' aims to make India a developed nation by 2047, on completion of 100 years of Independence," PM Modi added.

"This is the reason why we have made multi-layered development our main thrust in the manifesto."

PM Modi said in order to develop India, development had to be made into a "mass movement". "A successful result of that is "swacchta" (cleanliness) today "swachhta"&nbsp;is a mass movement."

BJP's "Sankalp Patra"&nbsp;addresses expectations and aspirations of our&nbsp;country and&nbsp;contains 'Jan ki Mann ki Baat', PM Modi said.

"We will form separate Jal Shakti Ministry," PM Modi revealed as the BJP released its manifesto.&nbsp;

"We first addressed needs of people, now we will fulfil their aspirations," PM Modi added.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

After the BJP presented its election manifesto today, PM Modi speaking on the occasion on Monday said the party has based its vision document on "multi-layered development".

After the BJP presented its election manifesto today, PM Modi speaking on the occasion on Monday said the party has based its vision document on "multi-layered development". "We have set 75 well-defined resolutions in our manifesto that we can fulfil in a time-bound manner, he said, adding, "we are moving forward with 'one mission, one rection'." #WATCH live from Delhi: BJP releases their manifesto for #LokSabhaElections2019 https://t.co/x4t3F7srhI — ANI (@ANI) April 8, 2019 × "Nationalism is our inspiration, the Antoydaya mission is our aim and good governance is our mantra," he said. "BJP's 'Sankalp Patra' aims to make India a developed nation by 2047, on completion of 100 years of Independence," PM Modi added. "This is the reason why we have made multi-layered development our main thrust in the manifesto." PM Modi said in order to develop India, development had to be made into a "mass movement". "A successful result of that is "swacchta" (cleanliness) today "swachhta" is a mass movement." BJP's "Sankalp Patra" addresses expectations and aspirations of our country and contains 'Jan ki Mann ki Baat', PM Modi said. "We will form separate Jal Shakti Ministry," PM Modi revealed as the BJP released its manifesto. "We first addressed needs of people, now we will fulfil their aspirations," PM Modi added.

Nationalism our inspiration, good governance our mantra, says PM Modi as BJP unveils election manifesto

The Supreme Court Monday asked the CBI to apprise it of the status of the ongoing trial in a case involving former Congress leader Sajjan Kumar in connection with a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case and listed his bail plea for hearing on April 15.

The CBI told a bench of Justices S A Bobde and S A Nazeer that Kumar, who was a sitting MP in 1984, was the "kingpin" of the massacre of Sikhs in the national capital in 1984.

"This is a gruesome offence of massacre of Sikhs. He (Kumar) was the leader and he was the kingpin of this," Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the CBI, told the bench.

Mehta also told the bench it would be a "travesty of justice" if Kumar is enlarged on bail as he is facing trial in another 1984 anti-Sikh riots case at Patiala House district court here.

The bench said that it would hear on April 15 bail plea of Kumar, who was convicted and sentenced to life term by the Delhi High Court in connection with a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case.

The case in which Kumar was convicted and sentenced relates to the killing of five Sikhs in Delhi Cantonment's Raj Nagar Part-I area of southwest Delhi on November 1 and 2, 1984, and burning down of a Gurudwara in Raj Nagar Part-II.

Anti-Sikh riots had broken out after the assassination of then prime minister Indira Gandhi on October 31, 1984, by her two Sikh bodyguards.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court Monday asked the CBI to apprise it of the status of the ongoing trial in a case involving former Congress leader Sajjan Kumar in connection with a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case and listed his bail plea for hearing on April 15.

The Supreme Court Monday asked the CBI to apprise it of the status of the ongoing trial in a case involving former Congress leader Sajjan Kumar in connection with a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case and listed his bail plea for hearing on April 15. The CBI told a bench of Justices S A Bobde and S A Nazeer that Kumar, who was a sitting MP in 1984, was the "kingpin" of the massacre of Sikhs in the national capital in 1984. "This is a gruesome offence of massacre of Sikhs. He (Kumar) was the leader and he was the kingpin of this," Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the CBI, told the bench. Mehta also told the bench it would be a "travesty of justice" if Kumar is enlarged on bail as he is facing trial in another 1984 anti-Sikh riots case at Patiala House district court here. The bench said that it would hear on April 15 bail plea of Kumar, who was convicted and sentenced to life term by the Delhi High Court in connection with a 1984 anti-Sikh riots case. The case in which Kumar was convicted and sentenced relates to the killing of five Sikhs in Delhi Cantonment's Raj Nagar Part-I area of southwest Delhi on November 1 and 2, 1984, and burning down of a Gurudwara in Raj Nagar Part-II. Anti-Sikh riots had broken out after the assassination of then prime minister Indira Gandhi on October 31, 1984, by her two Sikh bodyguards.

1984 anti-Sikh riots case: Supreme Court asks CBI to apprise it of status of ongoing trial of Sajjan Kumar

As the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-unveils-election-manifesto-zero-tolerance-on-terrorism-full-commitment-towards-uniform-civil-code-208715">BJP released its party manifesto</a>, finance minister Arun Jaitley said the party will not allow the "Balkanisation of India".

"BJP manifesto is not prepared with "tukde tukde" mindset but with strong nationalist vision," Jaitley said, adding, "BJP manifesto is rooted in Indian reality."

"Our new policy, new doctrine of striking terror in its origin has received global recognition," he said.

"We are the first government in history which has consolidated India's middle class and which brought out the fastest depletion of poverty," he said while addressing reporters.

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We will increase the coverage of Ayushman Bharat to include all Anganwadi workers and ASHA workers to ensure improved health and social support system. 
 
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"A new security doctrine makes India into one of the most powerful nations in the world where our deterrent is the best defence," he said.

"Our fiscal prudence since 1947 has been best ever for any government,"&nbsp;Jaitley emphasised, adding, "BJP manifesto is to deplete poverty over next five years to single digit and then gradually eliminate it."

"When India is at the cusp of history making most of all its lost opportunities, does it require a fragile government or a decisive government," he asked.

"Previous governments only gave slogans. PM Modi government gave resources to the&nbsp;poor,"&nbsp;Jaitley said as the party launched its manifesto.

As the BJP released its party manifesto, finance minister Arun Jaitley said the party will not allow the "Balkanisation of India". "BJP manifesto is not prepared with "tukde tukde" mindset but with strong nationalist vision," Jaitley said, adding, "BJP manifesto is rooted in Indian reality.

As the BJP released its party manifesto, finance minister Arun Jaitley said the party will not allow the "Balkanisation of India". "BJP manifesto is not prepared with "tukde tukde" mindset but with strong nationalist vision," Jaitley said, adding, "BJP manifesto is rooted in Indian reality." "Our new policy, new doctrine of striking terror in its origin has received global recognition," he said. "We are the first government in history which has consolidated India's middle class and which brought out the fastest depletion of poverty," he said while addressing reporters. We will increase the coverage of Ayushman Bharat to include all Anganwadi workers and ASHA workers to ensure improved health and social support system. BJP is committed to 33% reservation in parliament & state assemblies through a constitutional amendment. #BJPSankalpPatr2019 pic.twitter.com/4COiFBndro — BJP (@BJP4India) April 8, 2019 × "A new security doctrine makes India into one of the most powerful nations in the world where our deterrent is the best defence," he said. "Our fiscal prudence since 1947 has been best ever for any government," Jaitley emphasised, adding, "BJP manifesto is to deplete poverty over next five years to single digit and then gradually eliminate it." "When India is at the cusp of history making most of all its lost opportunities, does it require a fragile government or a decisive government," he asked. "Previous governments only gave slogans. PM Modi government gave resources to the poor," Jaitley said as the party launched its manifesto.

BJP manifesto not prepared with 'tukde tukde' mindset but with strong nationalist vision, says Jaitley while unveiling party manifesto

In a scathing attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Sunday "speed-breaker Didi" has applied brakes on several central schemes, denying people of the benefits available in other parts of the country.

Addressing a rally at Rash Mela ground here, he alleged that Banerjee has let loose goons in the state, dashing the hopes of people.

"Didi has maligned Bengal with Saradha Scam, Rose Valley scam and Narada scam. I want to promise you all that this Chowkidar (Modi) will seek answers for each and every paisa looted," he said.

Noting that a venue with limited space was allotted for today's rally, Modi said, "Didi tried her best to stop people from attending the rally in large numbers.

How does she expect to win the elections with such childish antics."

"The way Mamata expressed her anger against Election Commission only shows how perplexed she is. Didi is fast losing her political ground in Bengal," the PM said.

Banerjee had expressed her displeasure when the Election Commission announced seven-phase Lok Sabha polls in West Bengal.

Modi also charged Banerjee with protecting illegal immigrants to secure her vote bank.

"Didi has betrayed the Centre by giving protection to the intruders. This chowkidar has brought NRC and Citizenship (Amendment) Bill to drive out infiltrators. But Didi with her 'Mahamilawati' (opposition alliance) colleagues are trying to stop the government from pursuing them," he said.

Sharing his plans for the development of the country, Modi said, phone calls will soon become free in the country and the charges for the Internet will be the least in the world.

"Every poor has a bank account and a debit card. Women have easy access to gas connections. What seemed impossible a few years ago has been made possible by the Modi government," he added.

Lok Sabha elections in West Bengal will be held in seven phases between April 11 and May 19.

In a scathing attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Sunday "speed-breaker Didi" has applied brakes on several central schemes, denying people of the benefits available in other parts of the country.

In a scathing attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Sunday "speed-breaker Didi" has applied brakes on several central schemes, denying people of the benefits available in other parts of the country. Addressing a rally at Rash Mela ground here, he alleged that Banerjee has let loose goons in the state, dashing the hopes of people. "Didi has maligned Bengal with Saradha Scam, Rose Valley scam and Narada scam. I want to promise you all that this Chowkidar (Modi) will seek answers for each and every paisa looted," he said. Noting that a venue with limited space was allotted for today's rally, Modi said, "Didi tried her best to stop people from attending the rally in large numbers. How does she expect to win the elections with such childish antics." "The way Mamata expressed her anger against Election Commission only shows how perplexed she is. Didi is fast losing her political ground in Bengal," the PM said. Banerjee had expressed her displeasure when the Election Commission announced seven-phase Lok Sabha polls in West Bengal. Modi also charged Banerjee with protecting illegal immigrants to secure her vote bank. "Didi has betrayed the Centre by giving protection to the intruders. This chowkidar has brought NRC and Citizenship (Amendment) Bill to drive out infiltrators. But Didi with her 'Mahamilawati' (opposition alliance) colleagues are trying to stop the government from pursuing them," he said. Sharing his plans for the development of the country, Modi said, phone calls will soon become free in the country and the charges for the Internet will be the least in the world. "Every poor has a bank account and a debit card. Women have easy access to gas connections. What seemed impossible a few years ago has been made possible by the Modi government," he added. Lok Sabha elections in West Bengal will be held in seven phases between April 11 and May 19.

Didi maligned Bengal with scams, denied people of central Scheme benefits: PM Modi

Senior BJP leader Nirmala Sitharaman Saturday urged people to assess the Congress' five years in the opposition, claiming it was creating chaos to stop the government from doing good work.

She said the amount of 72,000 per year, promised by the Congress to the poor under its NYAY scheme, was half of what the Narendra Modi government is giving away currently to poor citizens through direct subsidy transfers.

While addressing professionals and intellectuals of the city here as part of BJP's Lok Sabha campaign, she said, though PM Modi was ready to reply to the Congress' questions in Parliament, leaders in the opposition created chaos and did not allow him to do so.

"Before 2014, the BJP was in opposition and it campaigned to uproot a corrupt government. Now, we are in power while Congress is in opposition. You should compare our performance as opposition and that of the Congress," she said.

"As an opposition party, we used to raise questions in the Parliament. But, we never made any baseless allegations. Now, though Modi ji was ready to give answers, he was not allowed by the opposition leaders who created chaos in the Parliament. This is today's opposition. They are trying to stop us from doing good work," she claimed.

"This is what the opposition has become. You have to think about this too," Sitharaman told the gathering.

On the minimum income guarantee scheme promised by the Congress, Sitharaman said "The Rs 72,000, which Congress is promising to give, is less than what Modiji is giving right now to the needy citizens through direct subsidy transfers."

She said because of the efforts of Modi, no country had criticised India for its February 26 Balakot air strike.

"Pakistan is already in the grey list of the Financial Action Task Force for not taking sufficient action against terror outfits. Now, it may be added in the black list of FATF," she said.

"Even Pakistan has admitted that they are on the verge of being blacklisted because of India's campaign. Why did such things not happen earlier? Because Modi hai to mumkin hai (With Modi, it is possible)," said the BJP leader.

When queried on National Conference president Farooq Abdullah's allegation that the Modi government was lying about the shooting down of a Pakistani F-16 in the aerial engagement on February 27, she said the Indian Air Force had already presented proof to establish it.

"There are many who are spreading such misinformation. Those who are questioning our army are part of the bhajan mandli of the Congress. What more I can say when some Indians are saying such things. It is painful" she said.

Responding to a question about Rahul Gandhi's allegations of irregularities in the Rafale deal and the involvement of Anil Ambani, Sitharaman dared the Congress chief to provide proof.

"Just show a simple proof to validate your allegation that Rs 30,000 crore was given to him (Ambani). If you can't show that proof, you do not have any right to say that the PM is a thief. I challenge you to show proof. If you cannot, you must stop levelling false and baseless allegations," she said.

The Congress allegations have been refuted routinely by the Centre as well as Ambani.

She was here to campaign for BJP national president Amit Shah who is contesting from Gandhinagar Lok Sabha seat.

Senior BJP leader Nirmala Sitharaman Saturday urged people to assess the Congress' five years in the opposition, claiming it was creating chaos to stop the government from doing good work.

Senior BJP leader Nirmala Sitharaman Saturday urged people to assess the Congress' five years in the opposition, claiming it was creating chaos to stop the government from doing good work. She said the amount of 72,000 per year, promised by the Congress to the poor under its NYAY scheme, was half of what the Narendra Modi government is giving away currently to poor citizens through direct subsidy transfers. While addressing professionals and intellectuals of the city here as part of BJP's Lok Sabha campaign, she said, though PM Modi was ready to reply to the Congress' questions in Parliament, leaders in the opposition created chaos and did not allow him to do so. "Before 2014, the BJP was in opposition and it campaigned to uproot a corrupt government. Now, we are in power while Congress is in opposition. You should compare our performance as opposition and that of the Congress," she said. "As an opposition party, we used to raise questions in the Parliament. But, we never made any baseless allegations. Now, though Modi ji was ready to give answers, he was not allowed by the opposition leaders who created chaos in the Parliament. This is today's opposition. They are trying to stop us from doing good work," she claimed. "This is what the opposition has become. You have to think about this too," Sitharaman told the gathering. On the minimum income guarantee scheme promised by the Congress, Sitharaman said "The Rs 72,000, which Congress is promising to give, is less than what Modiji is giving right now to the needy citizens through direct subsidy transfers." She said because of the efforts of Modi, no country had criticised India for its February 26 Balakot air strike. "Pakistan is already in the grey list of the Financial Action Task Force for not taking sufficient action against terror outfits. Now, it may be added in the black list of FATF," she said. "Even Pakistan has admitted that they are on the verge of being blacklisted because of India's campaign. Why did such things not happen earlier? Because Modi hai to mumkin hai (With Modi, it is possible)," said the BJP leader. When queried on National Conference president Farooq Abdullah's allegation that the Modi government was lying about the shooting down of a Pakistani F-16 in the aerial engagement on February 27, she said the Indian Air Force had already presented proof to establish it. "There are many who are spreading such misinformation. Those who are questioning our army are part of the bhajan mandli of the Congress. What more I can say when some Indians are saying such things. It is painful" she said. Responding to a question about Rahul Gandhi's allegations of irregularities in the Rafale deal and the involvement of Anil Ambani, Sitharaman dared the Congress chief to provide proof. "Just show a simple proof to validate your allegation that Rs 30,000 crore was given to him (Ambani). If you can't show that proof, you do not have any right to say that the PM is a thief. I challenge you to show proof. If you cannot, you must stop levelling false and baseless allegations," she said. The Congress allegations have been refuted routinely by the Centre as well as Ambani. She was here to campaign for BJP national president Amit Shah who is contesting from Gandhinagar Lok Sabha seat.

Defence minister Sitharaman slams Congress' role as opposition party

National security and corruption have emerged as some of the main issues in the Lok Sabha elections but regional parties in Jammu and Kashmir have kept protection of the state's special status under the Constitution of India as their key poll plank.

The National Conference, its arch-rival Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and new entrant People's Conference led by Sajad Gani Lone have been talking about protection of Articles 35A and 370 of the Constitution in their rallies in the run-up to the polling which is scheduled to begin on April 11, latching on to BJP chief Amit Shah's remarks that Article 35A will be repealed by 2020.

"Protecting the special status of Jammu and Kashmir as guaranteed in the Constitution of the country, is one of the main cornerstones of our campaign for these elections," National Conference vice president Omar Abdullah told PTI.

The former chief minister dismissed suggestions that six Lok Sabha members from Jammu and Kashmir were numerically insignificant in case the special provision related to the state was to be scrapped through legislation in Parliament.

"It is not a numerical argument, it is an argument based on facts. Yes, we only have six seats but Jammu and Kashmir bats far above its rankings otherwise. The smallest thing in Jammu and Kashmir becomes international news, very big things in other states are often ignored. So, I think six members in Parliament can do more than 60 from another state," he said.

PDP president Mehbooba Mufti is using the special status of the state and the buzz surrounding it to stage a comeback after her party's coalition government with the BJP fell last year.

She has adopted a more hardline posture than any of the regional parties on the issues related to Article 35A and Article 370.

"The relationship between our state and the country is based on our special constitutional position that legitimises it. If we remove, what legalises this relationship, it will turn into an occupation and colonisation," she said.

Mehbooba, while reacting to Shah's remarks on Article 35A, said the relation of Jammu and Kashmir with India will end if the terms and conditions of state's accession to the Union were changed.&nbsp;

"2020 will also be a deadline from Jammu and Kashmir to the nation. If you remove those terms and conditions on which Jammu and Kashmir acceded to India, our relation with the country will also finish," the former chief minister, who is contesting from Anantnag Lok Sabha seat, said.

Lone, who was a minister in the PDP-led coalition government in the state from the BJP quota, has also vowed to defend the state's special status.

"Article 35A is a matter of faith and dignity for the people of the J&amp;K through which the Constitution of India guarantees to safeguard the special identity and unique status of Jammu &amp; Kashmir. In matters of pride and identity, profit and loss are immaterial. Can a country allow a foreign country to undermine its sovereignty and national pride just for the sake of some monetary gains," Lone asked.

He said Jammu and Kashmir was not the only state with special residency laws.

"All northeastern states and even Himachal Pradesh have laws prohibiting non-locals from purchasing land. Why are politicians in New Delhi only against J&amp;K's special status? What are their views on Art 371-A to 371-K which guarantee provisions like 370 as applicable to the northeastern states," he said.

Although Congress leaders in their campaign have focussed more on issues dominating the discourse at the national level, the local leaders have made it a point to raise the issue of protecting the special status in electioneering in the valley.

"No power in the world can revoke Article 370 and Article 35-A," state Congress chief Ghulam Ahmad Mir, who is contesting from the Anantnag Lok Sabha seat, claimed.&nbsp;

National security and corruption have emerged as some of the main issues in the Lok Sabha elections but regional parties in Jammu and Kashmir have kept protection of the state's special status under the Constitution of India as their key poll plank.

National security and corruption have emerged as some of the main issues in the Lok Sabha elections but regional parties in Jammu and Kashmir have kept protection of the state's special status under the Constitution of India as their key poll plank. The National Conference, its arch-rival Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and new entrant People's Conference led by Sajad Gani Lone have been talking about protection of Articles 35A and 370 of the Constitution in their rallies in the run-up to the polling which is scheduled to begin on April 11, latching on to BJP chief Amit Shah's remarks that Article 35A will be repealed by 2020. "Protecting the special status of Jammu and Kashmir as guaranteed in the Constitution of the country, is one of the main cornerstones of our campaign for these elections," National Conference vice president Omar Abdullah told PTI. The former chief minister dismissed suggestions that six Lok Sabha members from Jammu and Kashmir were numerically insignificant in case the special provision related to the state was to be scrapped through legislation in Parliament. "It is not a numerical argument, it is an argument based on facts. Yes, we only have six seats but Jammu and Kashmir bats far above its rankings otherwise. The smallest thing in Jammu and Kashmir becomes international news, very big things in other states are often ignored. So, I think six members in Parliament can do more than 60 from another state," he said. PDP president Mehbooba Mufti is using the special status of the state and the buzz surrounding it to stage a comeback after her party's coalition government with the BJP fell last year. She has adopted a more hardline posture than any of the regional parties on the issues related to Article 35A and Article 370. "The relationship between our state and the country is based on our special constitutional position that legitimises it. If we remove, what legalises this relationship, it will turn into an occupation and colonisation," she said. Mehbooba, while reacting to Shah's remarks on Article 35A, said the relation of Jammu and Kashmir with India will end if the terms and conditions of state's accession to the Union were changed. "2020 will also be a deadline from Jammu and Kashmir to the nation. If you remove those terms and conditions on which Jammu and Kashmir acceded to India, our relation with the country will also finish," the former chief minister, who is contesting from Anantnag Lok Sabha seat, said. Lone, who was a minister in the PDP-led coalition government in the state from the BJP quota, has also vowed to defend the state's special status. "Article 35A is a matter of faith and dignity for the people of the J&K through which the Constitution of India guarantees to safeguard the special identity and unique status of Jammu & Kashmir. In matters of pride and identity, profit and loss are immaterial. Can a country allow a foreign country to undermine its sovereignty and national pride just for the sake of some monetary gains," Lone asked. He said Jammu and Kashmir was not the only state with special residency laws. "All northeastern states and even Himachal Pradesh have laws prohibiting non-locals from purchasing land. Why are politicians in New Delhi only against J&K's special status? What are their views on Art 371-A to 371-K which guarantee provisions like 370 as applicable to the northeastern states," he said. Although Congress leaders in their campaign have focussed more on issues dominating the discourse at the national level, the local leaders have made it a point to raise the issue of protecting the special status in electioneering in the valley. "No power in the world can revoke Article 370 and Article 35-A," state Congress chief Ghulam Ahmad Mir, who is contesting from the Anantnag Lok Sabha seat, claimed.

Lok Sabha elections: J&K parties make special status key poll issue

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Lok Sabha elections: J&K parties make special status key poll issue