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Two Indian naval ships -- INS 'Kolkata' and 'Shakti' -- would take part in the Chinese Navy's 70th anniversary of celebrations later this month.

The two ships are scheduled to visit Chinese port of Qingdao from April 21 to 26 to participate in an International Fleet Review to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy, an Indian Embassy press release said here on Sunday.

During the visit, Indian Ambassador to China Vikram Misri long with the Commanding Officer of INS Kolkata, Captain Aditya Hara, will host an onboard reception for the public.&nbsp;

INS Kolkata is the lead ship of the Kolkata-class stealth guided-missile destroyers of the Indian Navy. It lists of armaments reportedly included Brahmos supersonic anti-ship and land-attack cruise missiles.&nbsp;

INS Shakti is tanker and supply ship.

The PLA Navy which is fast expanding its fleet including the aircraft carriers as China intensified efforts to increase global presence and influence plans to have grand celebrations to commemorate the event.&nbsp;

China's defence spokesman Col Wu Qian told the media on March 28 that over 60 countries would join the commemorative event for the PLA Navy's 70th founding anniversary on April 23.

It will include various activities, including high-level symposiums, an international fleet inspection, joint military music display, cultural and sports exchanges, among others.

Two Indian naval ships -- INS 'Kolkata' and 'Shakti' -- would take part in the Chinese Navy's 70th anniversary of celebrations later this month. The two ships are scheduled to visit Chinese port of Qingdao from April 21 to 26 to participate in an International Fleet Review to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy, an Indian Embassy press release said here on Sunday.

Two Indian naval ships -- INS 'Kolkata' and 'Shakti' -- would take part in the Chinese Navy's 70th anniversary of celebrations later this month. The two ships are scheduled to visit Chinese port of Qingdao from April 21 to 26 to participate in an International Fleet Review to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy, an Indian Embassy press release said here on Sunday. During the visit, Indian Ambassador to China Vikram Misri long with the Commanding Officer of INS Kolkata, Captain Aditya Hara, will host an onboard reception for the public. INS Kolkata is the lead ship of the Kolkata-class stealth guided-missile destroyers of the Indian Navy. It lists of armaments reportedly included Brahmos supersonic anti-ship and land-attack cruise missiles. INS Shakti is tanker and supply ship. The PLA Navy which is fast expanding its fleet including the aircraft carriers as China intensified efforts to increase global presence and influence plans to have grand celebrations to commemorate the event. China's defence spokesman Col Wu Qian told the media on March 28 that over 60 countries would join the commemorative event for the PLA Navy's 70th founding anniversary on April 23. It will include various activities, including high-level symposiums, an international fleet inspection, joint military music display, cultural and sports exchanges, among others.

Two Indian naval ships to take part in Chinese Navy's 70th anniversary celebrations

An encounter between security forces and terrorists took place in Tral in Pulwama district on Sunday, an official said.

The firing has stopped and a search operation is underway, the official said.

On Saturday, two terrorists were killed in an encounter with security forces in Imam Sahib area of Shopian district.

An encounter between security forces and terrorists took place in Tral in Pulwama district on Sunday, an official said. The firing has stopped and a search operation is underway, the official said.

An encounter between security forces and terrorists took place in Tral in Pulwama district on Sunday, an official said. The firing has stopped and a search operation is underway, the official said. On Saturday, two terrorists were killed in an encounter with security forces in Imam Sahib area of Shopian district.

J&K: Encounter between security forces and terrorists underway in Pulwama

Senior BJP leader Arun Jaitley Sunday launched the party's campaign themes for the Lok Sabha polls and asserted that the choice for people in the elections will be between the "cohesive and tested" government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and "chaos and mahamilawat" offered by the Opposition.&nbsp;

Taking a swipe at the Opposition, he said people have to decide between a government led by one captain or a team of 11 players, and that of 40 captains.

His party's campaign with the tag line of "Phir ek bar, Modi sarkar" (Modi government, once more) will centre on the Modi's five-year performance, including on the national security front, "honesty", and his ability to take big decisions among other issues, Jaitley told reporters. The Union minister said these promises are not for future as the government has fulfilled them in its five-year term.

The BJP will launch its manifesto on Monday. Jaitley was joined by Union minister Piyush Goyal and BJP general secretary Bhupender Yadav, among others, at the press conference, where they also released slogans and video materials for the party's campaign.

The poor, the middle class and the neo-middle class will be at the centre of the BJP's electioneering, Jaitley said and took a swipe at the Congress for "not even saying a word" on the emerging middle class when it launched its manifesto. In fact, some of the advisers to the Congress have spoken of levying more taxes on this class, he said, adding the Modi government has consistently reduced their taxes, something that has never happened earlier.

The Indian middle class will impact the global economy in the coming decades in the same way the Chinese economy influenced it earlier, he said. Pitching for a majority for the BJP in the Lok Sabha polls as it got in 2014, he said it enabled the party to take decisive and big decisions on a host of measures, including national security, corruption and black money.

Many opposition leaders have spoken about their wish for a hung Parliament and it is now for people to decide, Jaitley said. "The country has decided as to whether a weak centre (government) will be in the country's interest or a decisive prime minister heading a majority government," he said.

On one hand, is a cohesive and tested government and on the other is the choice of chaos and mahamilawat (grand adulteration), he said. The Modi government succeeded in keeping inflation low while also expanding the tax base, reducing taxes on the middle class and spending money on welfare measures and exercises like One Rank One Pension, he said.

Senior BJP leader Arun Jaitley Sunday launched the party's campaign themes for the Lok Sabha polls and asserted that the choice for people in the elections will be between the "cohesive and tested" government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and "chaos and mahamilawat" offered by the Opposition.

Senior BJP leader Arun Jaitley Sunday launched the party's campaign themes for the Lok Sabha polls and asserted that the choice for people in the elections will be between the "cohesive and tested" government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and "chaos and mahamilawat" offered by the Opposition. Taking a swipe at the Opposition, he said people have to decide between a government led by one captain or a team of 11 players, and that of 40 captains. His party's campaign with the tag line of "Phir ek bar, Modi sarkar" (Modi government, once more) will centre on the Modi's five-year performance, including on the national security front, "honesty", and his ability to take big decisions among other issues, Jaitley told reporters. The Union minister said these promises are not for future as the government has fulfilled them in its five-year term. The BJP will launch its manifesto on Monday. Jaitley was joined by Union minister Piyush Goyal and BJP general secretary Bhupender Yadav, among others, at the press conference, where they also released slogans and video materials for the party's campaign. The poor, the middle class and the neo-middle class will be at the centre of the BJP's electioneering, Jaitley said and took a swipe at the Congress for "not even saying a word" on the emerging middle class when it launched its manifesto. In fact, some of the advisers to the Congress have spoken of levying more taxes on this class, he said, adding the Modi government has consistently reduced their taxes, something that has never happened earlier. The Indian middle class will impact the global economy in the coming decades in the same way the Chinese economy influenced it earlier, he said. Pitching for a majority for the BJP in the Lok Sabha polls as it got in 2014, he said it enabled the party to take decisive and big decisions on a host of measures, including national security, corruption and black money. Many opposition leaders have spoken about their wish for a hung Parliament and it is now for people to decide, Jaitley said. "The country has decided as to whether a weak centre (government) will be in the country's interest or a decisive prime minister heading a majority government," he said. On one hand, is a cohesive and tested government and on the other is the choice of chaos and mahamilawat (grand adulteration), he said. The Modi government succeeded in keeping inflation low while also expanding the tax base, reducing taxes on the middle class and spending money on welfare measures and exercises like One Rank One Pension, he said.

BJP launches campaign themes, says choice between decisive Modi & Opposition's chaos

The CBI has moved the Supreme Court seeking a recall of the court’s February 5 order staying the arrest of former Kolkata police commissioner Rajeev Kumar to let the agency put him to custodial interrogation in the Saradha and Rose Valley ponzi scam cases.&nbsp;

In its plea to the apex court, the agency said the recall of the order granting Kumar interim protection from the arrest was necessary “to unravel the entire gamut of the larger conspiracy in the ponzi scam cases”.

The CBI also sought the court’s directions to the West Bengal authorities to comply with the court’s earlier orders “in letter and spirit” and not to create any hurdle in the CBI probe or try to “intimidate, harass and scare the agency officials” probing the cases. A bench of Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi is to hear the CBI’s plea on Monday.

“Recall the interim protection granted to Rajeev Kumar for no coercive steps, including arrest, granted by this court by order dated February 5, 2019, to enable the CBI to subject him to interrogation in accordance with the law to unravel the entire gamut of larger conspiracy in these ponzi scam cases and its subsequent investigation,” the CBI’s application said.

The agency said it needs to examine Kumar and other police officials to recover the material evidence and to investigate into the acts of omission and commission on the part of Bidhan Nagar police commissioner and SIT officials in causing concealment of the evidence collected by them during the investigation. It said erstwhile Bidhan Nagar Police Commissioner Kumar besides the then deputy commissioner of police (detective department) and other SIT officials did not cooperate with the CBI in the investigation and did not help in making available to it all the material evidence in the Ponzi scam cases.

The CBI said there were around 270 Ponzi firms operating in West Bengal of which Saradha and Rose Valley groups were the most important ones. It said Saradha group collected around Rs 2,450 crore and even after the scam came to the fore, the Rose Valley group managed to collect around Rs 2,536.80 crore in 2013-14 from the public at large.

The CBI application said former Bidhan Nagar Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar “by his inaction or otherwise facilitated Saradha Group to illegally operate and further collect Rs 805.77 crores during 2012-13 and Rose Valley Group to illegally operate and collect Rs 6865.85 crores during 2012-14”.

On March 29, the apex court had agreed to hear a CBI plea against mobile service providers Vodafone and Airtel that they were not cooperating with the investigation in Saradha chit fund scam cases. The CBI claimed they were not providing it full call detail records (CDRs) of the scam accused despite repeated requests.

The agency had recently filed a status report on Kumar’s interrogation in connection with the scam. The apex court had on March 26 termed as “very very serious” the revelations made by the CBI in its status report relating to Kumar’s interrogation. The top court had said it cannot “close its eyes” if some “very very serious facts” were disclosed to it and directed the agency to file an application seeking appropriate relief against Kumar, who had earlier headed the state SIT probing the chit fund scam. It had refused to drop the contempt proceedings against the West Bengal DGP, the chief secretary and Kumar.

The apex court is hearing a CBI’s plea to initiate contempt of court proceedings against various senior officials of the West Bengal government, accusing them of not cooperating in its probe and tampering with the evidence, including CDRs of key accused and Sardha group CMD Sudipta Sen and Debjani Mukherjee.

The court, which had earlier asked the CBI director to file an affidavit giving details of the alleged acts of contempt committed by the West Bengal police officials and others in the case, had perused the CBI director’s reply and the fresh status report, pertaining to quizzing of Kumar.

The apex court had said the allegations made by the CBI were serious enough and it was an “obligation” on the part of the agency to disclose full details of the alleged contempt committed by the then police commissioner. It had questioned the CBI for the delay in moving the apex court when the agency allegedly noticed the tampering of electronic evidence in June 2018.

The probe agency came out with a contempt petition after the February 3 incident in which the CBI sleuths, who had gone to probe Kumar at his residence, were taken into custody and manhandled by the West Bengal Police. The apex court had taken note of the February 3 incident in which top officers of the state police allegedly sat with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on dharna.

The CBI has moved the Supreme Court seeking a recall of the court’s February 5 order staying the arrest of former Kolkata police commissioner Rajeev Kumar to let the agency put him to custodial interrogation in the Saradha and Rose Valley ponzi scam cases.

The CBI has moved the Supreme Court seeking a recall of the court’s February 5 order staying the arrest of former Kolkata police commissioner Rajeev Kumar to let the agency put him to custodial interrogation in the Saradha and Rose Valley ponzi scam cases. In its plea to the apex court, the agency said the recall of the order granting Kumar interim protection from the arrest was necessary “to unravel the entire gamut of the larger conspiracy in the ponzi scam cases”. The CBI also sought the court’s directions to the West Bengal authorities to comply with the court’s earlier orders “in letter and spirit” and not to create any hurdle in the CBI probe or try to “intimidate, harass and scare the agency officials” probing the cases. A bench of Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi is to hear the CBI’s plea on Monday. “Recall the interim protection granted to Rajeev Kumar for no coercive steps, including arrest, granted by this court by order dated February 5, 2019, to enable the CBI to subject him to interrogation in accordance with the law to unravel the entire gamut of larger conspiracy in these ponzi scam cases and its subsequent investigation,” the CBI’s application said. The agency said it needs to examine Kumar and other police officials to recover the material evidence and to investigate into the acts of omission and commission on the part of Bidhan Nagar police commissioner and SIT officials in causing concealment of the evidence collected by them during the investigation. It said erstwhile Bidhan Nagar Police Commissioner Kumar besides the then deputy commissioner of police (detective department) and other SIT officials did not cooperate with the CBI in the investigation and did not help in making available to it all the material evidence in the Ponzi scam cases. The CBI said there were around 270 Ponzi firms operating in West Bengal of which Saradha and Rose Valley groups were the most important ones. It said Saradha group collected around Rs 2,450 crore and even after the scam came to the fore, the Rose Valley group managed to collect around Rs 2,536.80 crore in 2013-14 from the public at large. The CBI application said former Bidhan Nagar Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar “by his inaction or otherwise facilitated Saradha Group to illegally operate and further collect Rs 805.77 crores during 2012-13 and Rose Valley Group to illegally operate and collect Rs 6865.85 crores during 2012-14”. On March 29, the apex court had agreed to hear a CBI plea against mobile service providers Vodafone and Airtel that they were not cooperating with the investigation in Saradha chit fund scam cases. The CBI claimed they were not providing it full call detail records (CDRs) of the scam accused despite repeated requests. The agency had recently filed a status report on Kumar’s interrogation in connection with the scam. The apex court had on March 26 termed as “very very serious” the revelations made by the CBI in its status report relating to Kumar’s interrogation. The top court had said it cannot “close its eyes” if some “very very serious facts” were disclosed to it and directed the agency to file an application seeking appropriate relief against Kumar, who had earlier headed the state SIT probing the chit fund scam. It had refused to drop the contempt proceedings against the West Bengal DGP, the chief secretary and Kumar. The apex court is hearing a CBI’s plea to initiate contempt of court proceedings against various senior officials of the West Bengal government, accusing them of not cooperating in its probe and tampering with the evidence, including CDRs of key accused and Sardha group CMD Sudipta Sen and Debjani Mukherjee. The court, which had earlier asked the CBI director to file an affidavit giving details of the alleged acts of contempt committed by the West Bengal police officials and others in the case, had perused the CBI director’s reply and the fresh status report, pertaining to quizzing of Kumar. The apex court had said the allegations made by the CBI were serious enough and it was an “obligation” on the part of the agency to disclose full details of the alleged contempt committed by the then police commissioner. It had questioned the CBI for the delay in moving the apex court when the agency allegedly noticed the tampering of electronic evidence in June 2018. The probe agency came out with a contempt petition after the February 3 incident in which the CBI sleuths, who had gone to probe Kumar at his residence, were taken into custody and manhandled by the West Bengal Police. The apex court had taken note of the February 3 incident in which top officers of the state police allegedly sat with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on dharna.

Chit fund scam: CBI seeks Supreme Court permission to arrest top cop Rajeev Kumar

A <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-government-orders-highway-closure-2-days-in-week-till-may-31-207814">"complete ban" on civilian traffic on Jammu-Srinagar highway </a>for two days a week came into force on Sunday in order to ensure safe passage for army convoys to pass through the national highway, news agency PTI reported.

The ban will be in effect on Sundays and Wednesdays of every week from 4 am to 5 pm on most parts of the 300-km long Jammu-Srinagar National Highway. Medical emergency vehicles are exempted from the order.

These restrictions would remain in force till May 31, 2019.

"The main purpose is to ensure that the security forces are given safe passage so that their movement is faster and secure. District magistrates, SHOs, SDMs, and tehsildars have been deployed so that people can approach them if they require assistance," news agency ANI quoted Jammu Divisional Commissioner Sanjeev Verma as saying.

Asked on people using the highway during the affected days in times of emergency, Verma informed that passes would be issued subject to verification and establishment of the credential of purpose.

"To avoid incidents like Pulwama and Banihal, the highway has been sanitised to ensure safe and secure passage of security forces so that they can reach their destination safely. Troops will be going up and down for deployment during elections or other assignments. So, keeping this in mind, this has been done," Verma added.

The prohibition on the movement of civilian traffic on these two days of each week would be from Baramulla through Srinagar, Qazigund, Jawahar-Tunnel, Banihal, and Ramban till Udhampur.

Echoing similar sentiments, Bhim Singh Tuti, DIG, Udhampur-Ramban range urged the public to cooperate with the administration when the restrictions are in effect.

"Prohibitory orders have been imposed in Ramban and Udhampur districts. The adequate number of personnel has been deployed. We urge the public to cooperate with us. Plying of two-way traffic is difficult. At some places, landslides are frequent, which increases the vulnerability of the troops. After the&nbsp;

Banihal incident, this decision has been taken," he said.

In the event of any requirement for local traffic movement for any emergency or for other purposes, the local administration and police would evolve necessary procedures for this as is done during curfew days.

The restrictions come in the wake of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/close-aide-of-pulwama-attack-mastermind-sent-to-judicial-custody-till-april-26-206529">February 14 terrorist attack on CRPF convoy in Pulwama district</a> while it was on its way from Jammu and Srinagar. It was attacked by a suicide car bomber in which 40 personnel were killed.

Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) had claimed responsibility for the attack.

Subsequently, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, during his visit to Kashmir, had announced that no civilian traffic movement would be allowed during the convoy days.

(With inputs from agencies)

A "complete ban" on civilian traffic on Jammu-Srinagar highway for two days a week came into force on Sunday in order to ensure safe passage for army convoys to pass through the national highway, news agency PTI reported.

A "complete ban" on civilian traffic on Jammu-Srinagar highway for two days a week came into force on Sunday in order to ensure safe passage for army convoys to pass through the national highway, news agency PTI reported. The ban will be in effect on Sundays and Wednesdays of every week from 4 am to 5 pm on most parts of the 300-km long Jammu-Srinagar National Highway. Medical emergency vehicles are exempted from the order. These restrictions would remain in force till May 31, 2019. "The main purpose is to ensure that the security forces are given safe passage so that their movement is faster and secure. District magistrates, SHOs, SDMs, and tehsildars have been deployed so that people can approach them if they require assistance," news agency ANI quoted Jammu Divisional Commissioner Sanjeev Verma as saying. Asked on people using the highway during the affected days in times of emergency, Verma informed that passes would be issued subject to verification and establishment of the credential of purpose. "To avoid incidents like Pulwama and Banihal, the highway has been sanitised to ensure safe and secure passage of security forces so that they can reach their destination safely. Troops will be going up and down for deployment during elections or other assignments. So, keeping this in mind, this has been done," Verma added. The prohibition on the movement of civilian traffic on these two days of each week would be from Baramulla through Srinagar, Qazigund, Jawahar-Tunnel, Banihal, and Ramban till Udhampur. Echoing similar sentiments, Bhim Singh Tuti, DIG, Udhampur-Ramban range urged the public to cooperate with the administration when the restrictions are in effect. "Prohibitory orders have been imposed in Ramban and Udhampur districts. The adequate number of personnel has been deployed. We urge the public to cooperate with us. Plying of two-way traffic is difficult. At some places, landslides are frequent, which increases the vulnerability of the troops. After the Banihal incident, this decision has been taken," he said. In the event of any requirement for local traffic movement for any emergency or for other purposes, the local administration and police would evolve necessary procedures for this as is done during curfew days. The restrictions come in the wake of February 14 terrorist attack on CRPF convoy in Pulwama district while it was on its way from Jammu and Srinagar. It was attacked by a suicide car bomber in which 40 personnel were killed. Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) had claimed responsibility for the attack. Subsequently, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, during his visit to Kashmir, had announced that no civilian traffic movement would be allowed during the convoy days. (With inputs from agencies)

J&K: Ban on civilian traffic for two days a week on Jammu-Srinagar highway comes into effect

India has rejected the claim by Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi that India plans to launch an attack on his country between April 16 and 20.

India's Ministry of External Affairs said the statement by Qureshi was "irresponsible and preposterous", and that its objective was "whipping up war hysteria in the region".

The MEA, in its statement, added that Qureshi's statement was a "public gimmick" which appears to be a "call to Pakistan-based terrorists to undertake a terror attack in India".&nbsp;

Interestingly, Pakistan, after its attempted attack on Indian military installations on February 27, had told the international community that India may launch missiles against it.

Qureshi seemed to suggest Sunday that a terror attack may occur in Kashmir sometime after April 16,&nbsp;on the pretext of which India will attack Pakistan. Responding to that, New Delhi advised Islamabad to use established "diplomatic and DGMO channels" to share any actionable and credible intelligence it has about imminent terror attacks.&nbsp;

Remember, India-Pakistan DGMO talks take place every Tuesday.

The MEA also reminded Pakistan that it needs to take "credible and irreversible" steps against terrorism operating from all territories under its control rather than making "hysterical statements to obfuscate the core issue that bedevils our region: cross-border terrorism".&nbsp;

Relations between the two nuclear-armed neighbours have plummeted since the Febuary 14 Pulwama terror attack which left over 40 CRPF personnel dead. The attack was claimed by the Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed.&nbsp;

Twelve days later, on February 26, the Indian Air Force conducted a "surgical strike" on a JeM training camp in Balakot in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunwa province. &nbsp;

India has rejected the claim by Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi that India plans to launch an attack on his country between April 16 and 20. India's Ministry of External Affairs said the statement by Qureshi was "irresponsible and preposterous", and that its objective was "whipping up war hysteria in the region".

India has rejected the claim by Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi that India plans to launch an attack on his country between April 16 and 20. India's Ministry of External Affairs said the statement by Qureshi was "irresponsible and preposterous", and that its objective was "whipping up war hysteria in the region". The MEA, in its statement, added that Qureshi's statement was a "public gimmick" which appears to be a "call to Pakistan-based terrorists to undertake a terror attack in India". Interestingly, Pakistan, after its attempted attack on Indian military installations on February 27, had told the international community that India may launch missiles against it. Qureshi seemed to suggest Sunday that a terror attack may occur in Kashmir sometime after April 16, on the pretext of which India will attack Pakistan. Responding to that, New Delhi advised Islamabad to use established "diplomatic and DGMO channels" to share any actionable and credible intelligence it has about imminent terror attacks. Remember, India-Pakistan DGMO talks take place every Tuesday. The MEA also reminded Pakistan that it needs to take "credible and irreversible" steps against terrorism operating from all territories under its control rather than making "hysterical statements to obfuscate the core issue that bedevils our region: cross-border terrorism". Relations between the two nuclear-armed neighbours have plummeted since the Febuary 14 Pulwama terror attack which left over 40 CRPF personnel dead. The attack was claimed by the Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed. Twelve days later, on February 26, the Indian Air Force conducted a "surgical strike" on a JeM training camp in Balakot in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunwa province.

'Preposterous' says New Delhi after Pakistan claims India is planning to attack it

World Health Day was celebrated in a Naxal affected village in Kondagaon.district on Sunday, which was organised by USAID MCSP and led by Jhpiego along with the help of the state health department. Marathon race, yoga, cycle rally and blood donation camp were also organised on the occasion.

"On the occasion of World Health Day, we have organised this program. It is a matter of pride that Jhpiego is associated with it. This function will continue throughout the day," District collector Neelkanth Tekam, told ANI. "Since elections are approaching we are trying to create awareness among the people about the same," he added.

He also informed that there are two Lok Sabha seats that fall under the district, on one seat the polling will take place on April 11 and on the other seat voting will happen on April 18.

The World Health Day is a global health awareness day celebrated every year on April 7, under the sponsorship of the World Health Organization, as well as other related organizations.

Polling for 11 Lok Sabha seats in Chhattisgarh will be held in three phases on- April 11, 18 and 23. The results will be announced on May 23.

World Health Day was celebrated in a Naxal affected village in Kondagaon.district on Sunday, which was organised by USAID MCSP and led by Jhpiego along with the help of the state health department.

World Health Day was celebrated in a Naxal affected village in Kondagaon.district on Sunday, which was organised by USAID MCSP and led by Jhpiego along with the help of the state health department. Marathon race, yoga, cycle rally and blood donation camp were also organised on the occasion. "On the occasion of World Health Day, we have organised this program. It is a matter of pride that Jhpiego is associated with it. This function will continue throughout the day," District collector Neelkanth Tekam, told ANI. "Since elections are approaching we are trying to create awareness among the people about the same," he added. He also informed that there are two Lok Sabha seats that fall under the district, on one seat the polling will take place on April 11 and on the other seat voting will happen on April 18. The World Health Day is a global health awareness day celebrated every year on April 7, under the sponsorship of the World Health Organization, as well as other related organizations. Polling for 11 Lok Sabha seats in Chhattisgarh will be held in three phases on- April 11, 18 and 23. The results will be announced on May 23.

Chhattisgarh: Naxal affected Kondagaon celebrates World Health Day

The road opening party (ROP) of 27th battalion of Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) thwarted a Naxal attack in Fadki the area here on Sunday said police.&nbsp;

A soldier, Shrinivas, who discovered the IEDs sustained minor injuries in a remote-controlled twin improvised explosive device (IED) blast triggered by Naxalites. He is out of danger.

"ITBP soldiers were deployed between Ambagarh and Manpur for a public meeting programme of Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel," said police.&nbsp;

"The ITBP soldiers at around 9.30 am noticed some IEDs were being planted near the road to target security forces moving on the main road," police said.

Police have recovered batteries from the spot. "This is the first time in the recent history that Naxals have used remote-controlled IEDs to target security forces," said police.

The road opening party (ROP) of 27th battalion of Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) thwarted a Naxal attack in Fadki the area here on Sunday said police. A soldier, Shrinivas, who discovered the IEDs sustained minor injuries in a remote-controlled twin improvised explosive device (IED) blast triggered by Naxalites.

The road opening party (ROP) of 27th battalion of Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) thwarted a Naxal attack in Fadki the area here on Sunday said police. A soldier, Shrinivas, who discovered the IEDs sustained minor injuries in a remote-controlled twin improvised explosive device (IED) blast triggered by Naxalites. He is out of danger. "ITBP soldiers were deployed between Ambagarh and Manpur for a public meeting programme of Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel," said police. "The ITBP soldiers at around 9.30 am noticed some IEDs were being planted near the road to target security forces moving on the main road," police said. Police have recovered batteries from the spot. "This is the first time in the recent history that Naxals have used remote-controlled IEDs to target security forces," said police.

ITBP jawans foil Naxal attack in Chhattisgarh

With the successful anti-satellite missile test, India is capable of hitting a target at a range of over 1,000 km in space and a lower orbit was chosen for the mission to avoid a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/asat-satellite-destruction-led-to-400-pieces-of-debris-endangering-iss-nasa-207311">threat of debris to global space assets</a>, DRDO Chairman G Satheesh Reddy said Saturday.

On being asked whether multiple satellite targets can be hit, he said, "It is a question of how many launchers we have, and with multiple launchers, one can have multiple engagements. But, multiple (targets) is definitely feasible."

India shot down one of its satellites in space on March 27 with an anti-satellite (A-SAT) missile to demonstrate this complex capability, joining the elite club of countries -- the US, Russia and China -- which have such capabilities.

"The A-SAT test was successfully conducted with a new interceptor missile against a live orbiting satellite in the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) in a hit-to-kill mode. The interceptor has the capability to hit the target at a range of 1,000 km, which covers most of the LEO satellites," he told a press conference at the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Bhawan here.

"An orbit of around 300 km was chosen for the test for capability demonstration and the purpose was to avoid the threat of debris to any global space assets," Reddy said.

His remarks come days after NASA raised concerns about the spread of debris from the A-SAT test India conducted under Mission Shakti.

"The debris created following the intercept will decay in a matter of weeks," he added.

Addressing the media persons, Reddy also said, "For a similar application we don't need another test."

On Tuesday, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) had termed a "terrible thing" India's shooting down of its satellite, saying the hit-to-kill mission created about 400 pieces of orbital debris.

"Some debris going up could be a possibility, as per our simulation also. We don't have information on that.. From our simulation, we can very clearly say that the possibilities of (debris) hitting the ISS are not there," Reddy said.

He said the first 10 days since the test were critical and that have passed, and in 45 days all debris will disintegrate.

The Ministry of External Affairs too has said the test was done in the lower atmosphere to ensure that there is no space debris.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had hailed the A-SAT test's success as "an unprecedented achievement" that makes India a "space power".

Some 150 scientists, including at least 40 women scientists, worked round-the-clock, and especially in the last six months on this project. About 2,000 components were sourced from 50 private industries. The idea began around 2014 and development started in 2016 with a go-ahead from the government.

The press interaction came days ahead of the first phase of the Lok Sabha polls on April 11 due to which the model code of conduct is in place.

He also said that earlier in the day there was a meeting with eminent scientists to inform them about the A-SAT test.&nbsp;

He also responded to a question on Congress leader P Chidambaram's criticism of the government on the test, who had said that "only a foolish government" would reveal a defence secret.

"Mission of this nature after a test is conducted can't be kept secret. The satellite is tracked by many stations across the world. All necessary permissions were taken, Reddy said.

With the successful anti-satellite missile test, India is capable of hitting a target at a range of over 1,000 km in space and a lower orbit was chosen for the mission to avoid a threat of debris to global space assets, DRDO Chairman G Satheesh Reddy said Saturday.

With the successful anti-satellite missile test, India is capable of hitting a target at a range of over 1,000 km in space and a lower orbit was chosen for the mission to avoid a threat of debris to global space assets, DRDO Chairman G Satheesh Reddy said Saturday. On being asked whether multiple satellite targets can be hit, he said, "It is a question of how many launchers we have, and with multiple launchers, one can have multiple engagements. But, multiple (targets) is definitely feasible." India shot down one of its satellites in space on March 27 with an anti-satellite (A-SAT) missile to demonstrate this complex capability, joining the elite club of countries -- the US, Russia and China -- which have such capabilities. "The A-SAT test was successfully conducted with a new interceptor missile against a live orbiting satellite in the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) in a hit-to-kill mode. The interceptor has the capability to hit the target at a range of 1,000 km, which covers most of the LEO satellites," he told a press conference at the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Bhawan here. "An orbit of around 300 km was chosen for the test for capability demonstration and the purpose was to avoid the threat of debris to any global space assets," Reddy said. His remarks come days after NASA raised concerns about the spread of debris from the A-SAT test India conducted under Mission Shakti. "The debris created following the intercept will decay in a matter of weeks," he added. Addressing the media persons, Reddy also said, "For a similar application we don't need another test." On Tuesday, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) had termed a "terrible thing" India's shooting down of its satellite, saying the hit-to-kill mission created about 400 pieces of orbital debris. "Some debris going up could be a possibility, as per our simulation also. We don't have information on that.. From our simulation, we can very clearly say that the possibilities of (debris) hitting the ISS are not there," Reddy said. He said the first 10 days since the test were critical and that have passed, and in 45 days all debris will disintegrate. The Ministry of External Affairs too has said the test was done in the lower atmosphere to ensure that there is no space debris. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had hailed the A-SAT test's success as "an unprecedented achievement" that makes India a "space power". Some 150 scientists, including at least 40 women scientists, worked round-the-clock, and especially in the last six months on this project. About 2,000 components were sourced from 50 private industries. The idea began around 2014 and development started in 2016 with a go-ahead from the government. The press interaction came days ahead of the first phase of the Lok Sabha polls on April 11 due to which the model code of conduct is in place. He also said that earlier in the day there was a meeting with eminent scientists to inform them about the A-SAT test. He also responded to a question on Congress leader P Chidambaram's criticism of the government on the test, who had said that "only a foolish government" would reveal a defence secret. "Mission of this nature after a test is conducted can't be kept secret. The satellite is tracked by many stations across the world. All necessary permissions were taken, Reddy said.

A-SAT: India chose much lower orbit to avoid debris threat to global space assets, says DRDO

As the National Register of Citizens (NRC) is being updated to identify illegal immigrants in Assam, Naxals are trying to take full advantage of the situation, a government official told the Zee group. The official said top Naxal leaders are making efforts to establish bases among the terrorist outfit the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) and radical Muslim&nbsp;organisations based in Assam.

Naxals are giving support openly to radical Muslim organisations who are critical of the government and also guiding their agitation, the official said. He added that they are also trying to form a new red corridor by establishing contact with the ULFA so that they can get a regular supply of arms for their cadres.

''There are reports about the presence of Maoists in Assam. We are trying to know what is the current scale of Maoist activities in Assam including cadre strength, the area of operations, leadership and traction," said an officer deployed with the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The final draft of the NRC list excluded nearly four million people triggering widespread anguish and intense agitation in several parts of the state.

Maoists lay considerable emphasis on the preparation of documents regarding their attacks on security forces. They have a strength of around five thousand armed cadres. The Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee, covering parts of the states of Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra presented the most formidable challenge for security forces. However, the increasing age of the senior leaders of the outfit is also a matter of concern for the Maoists, as it affecting their mobility. Further, the death and surrender of many senior leaders had adversely affected the outfit.

"There is a crisis in the mid-level leadership in the Maoist group. Security forces have enhanced operations in the core areas of the outfit had affected their supply chain. This is the reason the top leadership of Naxals are desperate to form a new supply line," the MHA officer said.

Three districts of South Bastar — Bijapur, Dantewada and Sukma — are the most formidable strongholds of the Naxals and it is also their main recruiting ground. South Sukma is the operating area of the Battalion Number 1 of PLGA which had an estimated strength of 150 armed cadres.

As the National Register of Citizens (NRC) is being updated to identify illegal immigrants in Assam, Naxals are trying to take full advantage of the situation, a government official told the Zee group.

As the National Register of Citizens (NRC) is being updated to identify illegal immigrants in Assam, Naxals are trying to take full advantage of the situation, a government official told the Zee group. The official said top Naxal leaders are making efforts to establish bases among the terrorist outfit the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) and radical Muslim organisations based in Assam. Naxals are giving support openly to radical Muslim organisations who are critical of the government and also guiding their agitation, the official said. He added that they are also trying to form a new red corridor by establishing contact with the ULFA so that they can get a regular supply of arms for their cadres. ''There are reports about the presence of Maoists in Assam. We are trying to know what is the current scale of Maoist activities in Assam including cadre strength, the area of operations, leadership and traction," said an officer deployed with the Ministry of Home Affairs. The final draft of the NRC list excluded nearly four million people triggering widespread anguish and intense agitation in several parts of the state. Maoists lay considerable emphasis on the preparation of documents regarding their attacks on security forces. They have a strength of around five thousand armed cadres. The Dandakaranya Special Zonal Committee, covering parts of the states of Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra presented the most formidable challenge for security forces. However, the increasing age of the senior leaders of the outfit is also a matter of concern for the Maoists, as it affecting their mobility. Further, the death and surrender of many senior leaders had adversely affected the outfit. "There is a crisis in the mid-level leadership in the Maoist group. Security forces have enhanced operations in the core areas of the outfit had affected their supply chain. This is the reason the top leadership of Naxals are desperate to form a new supply line," the MHA officer said. Three districts of South Bastar — Bijapur, Dantewada and Sukma — are the most formidable strongholds of the Naxals and it is also their main recruiting ground. South Sukma is the operating area of the Battalion Number 1 of PLGA which had an estimated strength of 150 armed cadres.

Reports of Naxals establishing new base in Assam: Official

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/middle-class-has-always-suffered-under-congress-pm-modi-in-tripura-208537">Middle</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/middle-class-has-always-suffered-under-congress-pm-modi-in-tripura-208537"> class has always suffered under Congress rule: PM Modi in Tripura</a>

Modi is on another one of his campaign blitzkriegs, having spoken in Bengal earlier in the day, and is scheduled to speak later in Manipur.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/middle-class-has-always-suffered-under-congress-pm-modi-in-tripura-208537">No decision yet on Priyanka Gandhi contesting from Varanasi: Rajeev Shukla</a>

Shukla said the Congress, under Priyanka, the party's in-charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh, would do well in the Lok Sabha elections and sweep the 2022 assembly elections.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/there-has-been-a-positive-response-after-our-appeal-to-kashmiri-mothers-army-208530">There has been a 'positive response' after our appeal to Kashmiri mothers: Army</a>

One of the most senior armymen in Kashmir has said that there has been a "positive response" after his last appeal to Kashmiri mothers — that they not allow their sons to become militants.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-pm-may-holds-out-possibility-of-compromise-with-opposition-labour-party-208558">Brexit: PM May holds out </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-pm-may-holds-out-possibility-of-compromise-with-opposition-labour-party-208558">possibility</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-pm-may-holds-out-possibility-of-compromise-with-opposition-labour-party-208558"> of compromise with opposition Labour party</a>

Britain's government held out the possibility of compromise on Sunday with the opposition Labour Party to try to win support in parliament for leaving the European Union with a deal, just days before the latest Brexit date.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/goair-says-it-did-not-stop-preity-zinta-from-boarding-its-flights-208551">GoAir says it did not stop Preity Zinta from boarding its flights</a>

GoAir has denied news reports that it stopped actor Preity Zinta from boarding its flights."Sections of the media have reported malicious and factually incorrect story that is false, fabricated and without any basis stating that 'Preity Zinta was stopped from boarding GoAir flight'," the airline said in a statement.&nbsp;

Middle class has always suffered under Congress rule: PM Modi in Tripura Modi is on another one of his campaign blitzkriegs, having spoken in Bengal earlier in the day, and is scheduled to speak later in Manipur.

Middle class has always suffered under Congress rule: PM Modi in Tripura Modi is on another one of his campaign blitzkriegs, having spoken in Bengal earlier in the day, and is scheduled to speak later in Manipur. No decision yet on Priyanka Gandhi contesting from Varanasi: Rajeev Shukla Shukla said the Congress, under Priyanka, the party's in-charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh, would do well in the Lok Sabha elections and sweep the 2022 assembly elections. There has been a 'positive response' after our appeal to Kashmiri mothers: Army One of the most senior armymen in Kashmir has said that there has been a "positive response" after his last appeal to Kashmiri mothers — that they not allow their sons to become militants. Brexit: PM May holds out possibility of compromise with opposition Labour party Britain's government held out the possibility of compromise on Sunday with the opposition Labour Party to try to win support in parliament for leaving the European Union with a deal, just days before the latest Brexit date. GoAir says it did not stop Preity Zinta from boarding its flights GoAir has denied news reports that it stopped actor Preity Zinta from boarding its flights."Sections of the media have reported malicious and factually incorrect story that is false, fabricated and without any basis stating that 'Preity Zinta was stopped from boarding GoAir flight'," the airline said in a statement.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Senior Congress leader Rajeev Shukla said on Sunday no decision had been taken yet about general secretary<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/priyanka-gandhi-vadras-political-debut-is-just-to-bail-out-her-failed-elder-brother-piyush-goyal-205250"> Priyanka Gandhi Vadra</a> contesting the election against Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Varanasi.

Rajeev Shukla claimed that under the leadership of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/priyanka-gandhi-vadras-ganga-yatra-and-triumph-of-soft-hindutva-204136">Priyanka Gandhi Vadra,</a> who is the party's in-charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh, the Congress would do well in the Lok Sabha election and sweep the 2022 assembly election.

On the recent speculation about Vadra contesting from Varanasi, Shukla told PTI: "In response to a question, she had made a comment which is unnecessarily being talked about now. No definite decision has been taken on her contesting the election.''

During campaigning at Rae Bareli a fortnight ago, Vadra had dropped a hint that she is not averse to taking on Modi in his own Lok Sabha constituency.

"Shouldn't I fight from Varanasi?" Vadra had quipped when a party worker asked her to contest from Rae Bareli, the constituency of her mother and UPA chairperson, Sonia Gandhi.

Shukla said Vadra was getting a very good response from the public wherever she is going for campaigning. "In the past 20 years, the Congress has become very weak in Uttar Pradesh. The party has to be strengthened under her leadership for 2022."

The former Union minister said the common people would benefit from all the promises made in the Congress manifesto. "Providing Rs 72,000 per annum under the Nyay (minimum income) scheme and increasing the agricultural budget will be the priority," he said.

The Congress leader exuded confidence that Nyay could be implemented. "I have been a planning minister, this scheme can be implemented. People who are spreading rumours did the same when our government launched the MGNREGA (rural job guarantee scheme). There will be no burden on the middle class or working class."

Shukla also hit out at the Bharatiya Janata Party on the issue of nationalism. "Nationalism was displayed during the Indira Gandhi government when Pakistan was taught a lesson in 1971. Atal Bihari Vajpayee had also given a fitting reply to Pakistan. Modi has just created a ruckus through false propaganda."

The Congress leader said the party's focus was employment, farmers and women's safety.

"The BJP is only talking about Hindu-Muslim and Pakistan. We are more concerned about the common man," Shukla said. "The biggest problem India is facing is that of unemployment. Our agenda is to give jobs to the youths and look after the issues of farmers and women's safety in the country."

The former Union minister claimed that the "Modi brand" would not work this time, adding that the Opposition was fighting strongly in different states and would collectively get a majority.

Asked if the Opposition parties would accept the leadership of Congress chief Rahul Gandhi after the election, Shukla said: "The Congress president himself has mentioned that there is no dispute over the leadership and later he will accept what everyone decides.''

Senior Congress leader Rajeev Shukla said on Sunday no decision had been taken yet about general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra contesting the election against Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Varanasi.

Senior Congress leader Rajeev Shukla said on Sunday no decision had been taken yet about general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra contesting the election against Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Varanasi. Rajeev Shukla claimed that under the leadership of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who is the party's in-charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh, the Congress would do well in the Lok Sabha election and sweep the 2022 assembly election. On the recent speculation about Vadra contesting from Varanasi, Shukla told PTI: "In response to a question, she had made a comment which is unnecessarily being talked about now. No definite decision has been taken on her contesting the election.'' During campaigning at Rae Bareli a fortnight ago, Vadra had dropped a hint that she is not averse to taking on Modi in his own Lok Sabha constituency. "Shouldn't I fight from Varanasi?" Vadra had quipped when a party worker asked her to contest from Rae Bareli, the constituency of her mother and UPA chairperson, Sonia Gandhi. Shukla said Vadra was getting a very good response from the public wherever she is going for campaigning. "In the past 20 years, the Congress has become very weak in Uttar Pradesh. The party has to be strengthened under her leadership for 2022." The former Union minister said the common people would benefit from all the promises made in the Congress manifesto. "Providing Rs 72,000 per annum under the Nyay (minimum income) scheme and increasing the agricultural budget will be the priority," he said. The Congress leader exuded confidence that Nyay could be implemented. "I have been a planning minister, this scheme can be implemented. People who are spreading rumours did the same when our government launched the MGNREGA (rural job guarantee scheme). There will be no burden on the middle class or working class." Shukla also hit out at the Bharatiya Janata Party on the issue of nationalism. "Nationalism was displayed during the Indira Gandhi government when Pakistan was taught a lesson in 1971. Atal Bihari Vajpayee had also given a fitting reply to Pakistan. Modi has just created a ruckus through false propaganda." The Congress leader said the party's focus was employment, farmers and women's safety. "The BJP is only talking about Hindu-Muslim and Pakistan. We are more concerned about the common man," Shukla said. "The biggest problem India is facing is that of unemployment. Our agenda is to give jobs to the youths and look after the issues of farmers and women's safety in the country." The former Union minister claimed that the "Modi brand" would not work this time, adding that the Opposition was fighting strongly in different states and would collectively get a majority. Asked if the Opposition parties would accept the leadership of Congress chief Rahul Gandhi after the election, Shukla said: "The Congress president himself has mentioned that there is no dispute over the leadership and later he will accept what everyone decides.''

No decision yet on Priyanka Gandhi contesting from Varanasi: Rajeev Shukla

With elections drawing closer, campaigning on social media platform Facebook is also picking up the pace with political parties and their supporters spending well over Rs 10 crore on advertisements in February-March this year.

According to Facebook's Ad Library Report, there were 51,810 political ads with total spending of more than Rs 10.32 crore between February and March 30 this year, with a major chunk coming in from BJP and its supporters.

Till the previous week (ending March 23), the number of such ads was 41,974, while the total spending was Rs 8.58 crore.

Facebook said these ads were related to politics and issues of national importance.&nbsp;

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its supporters continued to corner a bulk of ad spends with 'Bharat Ke Mann Ki Baat' page continuing to be the top spender with well over 3,700 ads and pumping in more than Rs 2.23 crore (under two categories).&nbsp;

The BJP had about 1,100 ads and spent over Rs 36.2 lakh, while other pages like 'My First Vote for Modi' and 'Nation with NaMo' also had large spending.&nbsp;

Compared to this, the Indian National Congress page had 410 ads and its ad spend was Rs 5.91 lakh in the February to March 30 period, as per the data.

Biju Janata Dal had the spending of Rs 8.56 lakh, Telugu Desam Party (TDP) Rs 1.58 lakh and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Rs 58,355 in the said timeframe.

In February, Facebook had said political advertisements on its platform will carry a 'disclaimer' offering details about those responsible for running the ad as the social media giant looks to bring transparency into political ads ahead of elections in India. This was done to give people more information about who is responsible for the ads they see.&nbsp;

With ensuing general elections, the Indian government had warned social media platforms of strong action if any attempt was made to influence the country's electoral process through undesirable means.&nbsp;

Over the past few months, social media players like Facebook, Twitter and Google have promised to infuse more transparency into political advertisements on their platform and have since announced a slew of measures as part of election integrity efforts.&nbsp;

Facebook, which has over 200 million users in India, has stated that it is committed to creating a new standard of transparency and authenticity for political advertising on its platform and Instagram.

With elections drawing closer, campaigning on social media platform Facebook is also picking up the pace with political parties and their supporters spending well over Rs 10 crore on advertisements in February-March this year.

With elections drawing closer, campaigning on social media platform Facebook is also picking up the pace with political parties and their supporters spending well over Rs 10 crore on advertisements in February-March this year. According to Facebook's Ad Library Report, there were 51,810 political ads with total spending of more than Rs 10.32 crore between February and March 30 this year, with a major chunk coming in from BJP and its supporters. Till the previous week (ending March 23), the number of such ads was 41,974, while the total spending was Rs 8.58 crore. Facebook said these ads were related to politics and issues of national importance. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its supporters continued to corner a bulk of ad spends with 'Bharat Ke Mann Ki Baat' page continuing to be the top spender with well over 3,700 ads and pumping in more than Rs 2.23 crore (under two categories). The BJP had about 1,100 ads and spent over Rs 36.2 lakh, while other pages like 'My First Vote for Modi' and 'Nation with NaMo' also had large spending. Compared to this, the Indian National Congress page had 410 ads and its ad spend was Rs 5.91 lakh in the February to March 30 period, as per the data. Biju Janata Dal had the spending of Rs 8.56 lakh, Telugu Desam Party (TDP) Rs 1.58 lakh and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Rs 58,355 in the said timeframe. In February, Facebook had said political advertisements on its platform will carry a 'disclaimer' offering details about those responsible for running the ad as the social media giant looks to bring transparency into political ads ahead of elections in India. This was done to give people more information about who is responsible for the ads they see. With ensuing general elections, the Indian government had warned social media platforms of strong action if any attempt was made to influence the country's electoral process through undesirable means. Over the past few months, social media players like Facebook, Twitter and Google have promised to infuse more transparency into political advertisements on their platform and have since announced a slew of measures as part of election integrity efforts. Facebook, which has over 200 million users in India, has stated that it is committed to creating a new standard of transparency and authenticity for political advertising on its platform and Instagram.

With elections drawing closer, political ad spend on Facebook crosses Rs 10 crore

Income Tax officials are conducting searches at 50 locations including the premises of&nbsp;Madhya Pradesh chief minister Kamal Nath's aides, reported news agency ANI.

According to the report, a&nbsp;search is underway at Bhopal residence of Praveen Kakkar, Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to Kamal Nath.&nbsp;

Searches are also underway at his residence and official premises in Indore, the report added.

The premises of Ratul Puri, Amira Group and Moser Bayer are also being searched, the report added.&nbsp;

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Indore: Visuals from official premises of Praveen Kakkar, OSD to Madhya Pradesh CM, where income-tax officials are conducting a raid. <a href="https://t.co/fWoOS4qT4o">pic.twitter.com/fWoOS4qT4o</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1114744357909868551?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Ratul Puri, the nephew of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath, recently appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the AgustaWestland VVIP choppers money laundering case.

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I-T Sources: I-T dept is conducting searches at 50 locations. Searches underway at locations of MP Chief Minister's OSD, Ratul Puri, Amira Group&amp;Moser Bayer. Searches also underway in Bhopal* ,Indore,Goa&amp; 35 locations in Delhi. More than 300 I-T officials conducting the searches. <a href="https://t.co/x5wkkEE01p">https://t.co/x5wkkEE01p</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1114737086337363969?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Searches are underway in Bhopal, Indore, Goa and 35 locations in Delhi, the report added.

More than 300 I-T officials conducting the searches.

ANI also tweeted pictures of cash recovered during the raid at residential premises of Prateek Joshi in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.

The pictures were provided by I-T sources, the report claimed.&nbsp;

Income Tax officials are conducting searches at 50 locations including the premises of Madhya Pradesh chief minister Kamal Nath's aides, reported news agency ANI.

Income Tax officials are conducting searches at 50 locations including the premises of Madhya Pradesh chief minister Kamal Nath's aides, reported news agency ANI. According to the report, a search is underway at Bhopal residence of Praveen Kakkar, Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to Kamal Nath. Searches are also underway at his residence and official premises in Indore, the report added. The premises of Ratul Puri, Amira Group and Moser Bayer are also being searched, the report added. Indore: Visuals from official premises of Praveen Kakkar, OSD to Madhya Pradesh CM, where income-tax officials are conducting a raid. pic.twitter.com/fWoOS4qT4o — ANI (@ANI) April 7, 2019 × Ratul Puri, the nephew of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath, recently appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the AgustaWestland VVIP choppers money laundering case. I-T Sources: I-T dept is conducting searches at 50 locations. Searches underway at locations of MP Chief Minister's OSD, Ratul Puri, Amira Group&Moser Bayer. Searches also underway in Bhopal* ,Indore,Goa& 35 locations in Delhi. More than 300 I-T officials conducting the searches. https://t.co/x5wkkEE01p — ANI (@ANI) April 7, 2019 × Searches are underway in Bhopal, Indore, Goa and 35 locations in Delhi, the report added. More than 300 I-T officials conducting the searches. ANI also tweeted pictures of cash recovered during the raid at residential premises of Prateek Joshi in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. The pictures were provided by I-T sources, the report claimed.

Income Tax officials raid premises of Madhya Pradesh chief minister Kamal Nath's aides

The Election Commission has rejected allegations of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee that it ordered the transfer of four police officers at the behest of the ruling BJP at the Centre, saying the decision was based on “cumulative feedback” from one of its top officials and the special police observer.&nbsp;

The Commission also told Banerjee that as per election law, it is “fully within its rights” to transfer and appoint officers during a model code. It said it won’t respond to the averment to prove its image.

Banerjee had on Saturday has written to the EC alleging that the poll panel was working at the behest of the BJP. Responding to Banerjee’s letter, the poll panel said Saturday that “It is the ECI and the governments of states/UTs who are jointly responsible to electors of the largest democracy and are bound to act strictly in the letter and spirit of the respective roles set forth by the founding fathers of the Constitution.”

The letter, written by one of the deputy election commissioners, and addressed to Banerjee, referred to Section 28A of the Representation of the People Act to drive home the point that EC can transfer and post them during the poll code period. It said the Kerala High court has also approved of the provision in one of its judgements.

“It is unfortunate that an exercise carried out by ECI only for the duration of the Model Code of Conduct is being labelled as arbitrary, motivated at the behest of ruling party at the Centre. It would not be correct and dignified to respond to such averments to prove/burnish its credentials,” the letter read.

The Commission pointed out that the transfer of four police officials was “based on the cumulative feedback from the DEC (deputy election commissioner) who oversees electoral process in West Bengal and Special Police Observer”. It said even the officers who have been posted in their place are of similar seniority and being from West Bengal cadre are expected to know about field situation in the state.

“It is understood that the Government of West Bengal has already operationalised the decision of ECI in respect of transfers. This action of the Government of West Bengal amply demonstrates the willingness of the state administration to conduct free, fair, credible and ethical elections in West Bengal and ECI is appreciative of this irrespective of the factually incorrect innuendoes …,” the letter read.

It said, after several rounds of review, including the one in mid-March, EC appointed a Special Police Observer for West Bengal. Similarly, such observers were appointed for Jharkhand, Mizoram, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh and Telangana. “Thus, it is not as if any particular state was being singled out. Special Expenditure Observers have also been appointed for Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, Gujarat and Maharashtra,” it said.

The Election Commission has rejected allegations of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee that it ordered the transfer of four police officers at the behest of the ruling BJP at the Centre, saying the decision was based on “cumulative feedback” from one of its top officials and the special police observer.

The Election Commission has rejected allegations of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee that it ordered the transfer of four police officers at the behest of the ruling BJP at the Centre, saying the decision was based on “cumulative feedback” from one of its top officials and the special police observer. The Commission also told Banerjee that as per election law, it is “fully within its rights” to transfer and appoint officers during a model code. It said it won’t respond to the averment to prove its image. Banerjee had on Saturday has written to the EC alleging that the poll panel was working at the behest of the BJP. Responding to Banerjee’s letter, the poll panel said Saturday that “It is the ECI and the governments of states/UTs who are jointly responsible to electors of the largest democracy and are bound to act strictly in the letter and spirit of the respective roles set forth by the founding fathers of the Constitution.” The letter, written by one of the deputy election commissioners, and addressed to Banerjee, referred to Section 28A of the Representation of the People Act to drive home the point that EC can transfer and post them during the poll code period. It said the Kerala High court has also approved of the provision in one of its judgements. “It is unfortunate that an exercise carried out by ECI only for the duration of the Model Code of Conduct is being labelled as arbitrary, motivated at the behest of ruling party at the Centre. It would not be correct and dignified to respond to such averments to prove/burnish its credentials,” the letter read. The Commission pointed out that the transfer of four police officials was “based on the cumulative feedback from the DEC (deputy election commissioner) who oversees electoral process in West Bengal and Special Police Observer”. It said even the officers who have been posted in their place are of similar seniority and being from West Bengal cadre are expected to know about field situation in the state. “It is understood that the Government of West Bengal has already operationalised the decision of ECI in respect of transfers. This action of the Government of West Bengal amply demonstrates the willingness of the state administration to conduct free, fair, credible and ethical elections in West Bengal and ECI is appreciative of this irrespective of the factually incorrect innuendoes …,” the letter read. It said, after several rounds of review, including the one in mid-March, EC appointed a Special Police Observer for West Bengal. Similarly, such observers were appointed for Jharkhand, Mizoram, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh and Telangana. “Thus, it is not as if any particular state was being singled out. Special Expenditure Observers have also been appointed for Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, Gujarat and Maharashtra,” it said.

Fully within rights to transfer officials during polls: Election Commission tells Mamata Banerjee

The middle class has always suffered under Congress rule, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in Tripura on Sunday. Modi is on another one of his campaign blitzkriegs, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/didi-supporting-those-who-want-two-prime-ministers-pm-modi-208494">having </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/didi-supporting-those-who-want-two-prime-ministers-pm-modi-208494">spoke</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/didi-supporting-those-who-want-two-prime-ministers-pm-modi-208494">n in Bengal earlier in the day</a>, and being scheduled to speak later in Manipur.&nbsp;

"The middle-class has always suffered under the Congress government, the party has said that more taxes should be levied on the middle class," Modi said on Sunday.&nbsp;

He also referred to the Congress's recently-released election manifesto which contains a large dose of what is referred to as "welfarism". Modi called it a "dhakosla patra" (hypocricy document).&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Congress has, among other things, said in its manifesto that it will invest 6% of GDP in health and education, and that it will strengthen government hospitals and provide high-quality healthcare access to the poor if voted to power.

The party has also promised to enact the Right to Healthcare Act and guarantee every citizen free diagnostics, out-patient care, free medicines and hospitalisation, through a network of public hospitals and enlisted private hospitals.&nbsp;

Then of course there is its NYAY (Nyuntam Aay Yojana) scheme which envisages the giving of Rs 72,000 a year to 20% or 5 crore of India's poorest families.&nbsp;

"Congress released their manifesto, their 'dhakosla patra' three days ago, not even once 'dhakosla patra' mentions middle class, such hatred towards middle class," Modi said.&nbsp;

"They think middle class has made Modi win and that's why they're adamant on punishing middle class," he added.&nbsp;

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PM Modi in Udaipur, Tripura: Congress released their manifesto, their 'dhakosla patra' 3 days ago,not even once 'dhakosla patra' mentions middle class,such hatred towards middle class.They think middle class has made Modi win &amp; that's why they're adamant on punishing middle class <a href="https://t.co/TnqVg7DIp3">pic.twitter.com/TnqVg7DIp3</a>
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Modi also added Sunday that "the Congress and the Left are working to oust Modi, even if that means they have to support the interests of Pakistan".&nbsp;

"The Congress and the Left are working together to oust Modi. They have stooped too low, singing paeans to Pakistan even when the NDA government was taking on the terrorists on the soil of the neighbouring country," Modi said.&nbsp;

"Am I not doing the right thing by giving a befitting reply to the enemies of the country?" he asked.

Modi meanwhile heaped praise on Chief Minister Biplab Deb, saying the state government had improved the law and order situation and developed infrastructure in only one year.

Election to two Lok Sabha seats in Tripura will be held on April 11 and 18.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

The middle class has always suffered under Congress rule, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in Tripura on Sunday. Modi is on another one of his campaign blitzkriegs, having spoken in Bengal earlier in the day, and being scheduled to speak later in Manipur.

The middle class has always suffered under Congress rule, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in Tripura on Sunday. Modi is on another one of his campaign blitzkriegs, having spoken in Bengal earlier in the day, and being scheduled to speak later in Manipur. "The middle-class has always suffered under the Congress government, the party has said that more taxes should be levied on the middle class," Modi said on Sunday. He also referred to the Congress's recently-released election manifesto which contains a large dose of what is referred to as "welfarism". Modi called it a "dhakosla patra" (hypocricy document). The Congress has, among other things, said in its manifesto that it will invest 6% of GDP in health and education, and that it will strengthen government hospitals and provide high-quality healthcare access to the poor if voted to power. The party has also promised to enact the Right to Healthcare Act and guarantee every citizen free diagnostics, out-patient care, free medicines and hospitalisation, through a network of public hospitals and enlisted private hospitals. Then of course there is its NYAY (Nyuntam Aay Yojana) scheme which envisages the giving of Rs 72,000 a year to 20% or 5 crore of India's poorest families. "Congress released their manifesto, their 'dhakosla patra' three days ago, not even once 'dhakosla patra' mentions middle class, such hatred towards middle class," Modi said. "They think middle class has made Modi win and that's why they're adamant on punishing middle class," he added. PM Modi in Udaipur, Tripura: Congress released their manifesto, their 'dhakosla patra' 3 days ago,not even once 'dhakosla patra' mentions middle class,such hatred towards middle class.They think middle class has made Modi win & that's why they're adamant on punishing middle class pic.twitter.com/TnqVg7DIp3 — ANI (@ANI) April 7, 2019 × Modi also added Sunday that "the Congress and the Left are working to oust Modi, even if that means they have to support the interests of Pakistan". "The Congress and the Left are working together to oust Modi. They have stooped too low, singing paeans to Pakistan even when the NDA government was taking on the terrorists on the soil of the neighbouring country," Modi said. "Am I not doing the right thing by giving a befitting reply to the enemies of the country?" he asked. Modi meanwhile heaped praise on Chief Minister Biplab Deb, saying the state government had improved the law and order situation and developed infrastructure in only one year. Election to two Lok Sabha seats in Tripura will be held on April 11 and 18. (With inputs from PTI)

Middle class has always suffered under Congress rule: PM Modi in Tripura

BJP is all set to launch its election campaign blitzkrieg in Bihar for the ensuing Lok Sabha polls with back-to-back visits by the top guns of the party.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Bihar on April 2, party sources said on Monday.

He is expected to address election rallies in Jamui and Gaya.

But before his visit, BJP president Amit Shah is scheduled to visit Bihar on March 29.

He too will address public meetings in Aurangabad and Nawada.

NDA had finalised a seat-sharing plan in Bihar under which JD(U) and BJP will contest on 17 seats each while the LJP will contest the remaining six seats.

In 2014, NDA won 31 out of 40 seats in Bihar with leading the tally at 22. JD(U) could only manage to win two seats.

In Bihar, the different constituencies will see elections on April 11, 18, 23, and 29 and May 6, 12 and 19.

The counting of votes will take place on May 23.

 
&nbsp;

BJP is all set to launch its election campaign blitzkrieg in Bihar for the ensuing Lok Sabha polls with back-to-back visits by the top guns of the party. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Bihar on April 2, party sources said on Monday.

BJP is all set to launch its election campaign blitzkrieg in Bihar for the ensuing Lok Sabha polls with back-to-back visits by the top guns of the party. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Bihar on April 2, party sources said on Monday. He is expected to address election rallies in Jamui and Gaya. But before his visit, BJP president Amit Shah is scheduled to visit Bihar on March 29. He too will address public meetings in Aurangabad and Nawada. NDA had finalised a seat-sharing plan in Bihar under which JD(U) and BJP will contest on 17 seats each while the LJP will contest the remaining six seats. In 2014, NDA won 31 out of 40 seats in Bihar with leading the tally at 22. JD(U) could only manage to win two seats. In Bihar, the different constituencies will see elections on April 11, 18, 23, and 29 and May 6, 12 and 19. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.

BJP to kick off campaign blitz in Bihar as poll heat picks up

One of the most senior armymen in Kashmir has said that there has been a "positive response" <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-anyone-who-has-picked-up-a-gun-will-be-killed-says-indian-army-198231">after his last appeal to Kashmiri mothers</a> — that they not allow their sons to become militants.&nbsp;

The statement was made by Lt General KJS Dhillon, GOC of the Chinar Corps.

"Two militants were killed in yesterday's Shopian encounter... one was a technical graduate and had joined (the) outfit on April 3," the news agency ANI quoted &nbsp;Dhillon as saying.&nbsp;

"It takes me back to the point I've been repeating, my request to mothers of Kashmir, please don't let your children take this path," he added.&nbsp;

"You sent him for higher education but he dies days after joining the outfit. Is this the future of the youth of Kashmir? Are we working to see this day?" Dhillon said.&nbsp;

He added that "after my last appeal to mothers, there has been (a) positive response, boys are approaching us and (a) few have been rehabilitated".&nbsp;

Dhillon said that "this year, especially after Pulwama, we targeted (the) JeM leadership. Today I can assure (you), JeM leadership is non-existent in (the) Kashmir valley".&nbsp;

Dhillon had made his appeal to Kashmiri mothers after the February&nbsp;14 suicide attack on a security convoy in Pulwama that left <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/crpf-convoy-attacked-in-jammu-kashmirs-pulwama-death-toll-climbs-to-40-197468">over</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/crpf-convoy-attacked-in-jammu-kashmirs-pulwama-death-toll-climbs-to-40-197468"> 40 CRPF personnel dead</a>. The attack was claimed by the terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed.&nbsp;

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Lt General KJS Dhillon: After my last appeal to mothers, there has been positive response, boys are approaching us &amp; few have been rehabilitated...This yr, especially after Pulwama we targeted JeM leadership, today I can assure JeM leadership is non-existent in Kashmir valley.
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The general added that "his request to all boys joining the (militant) outfits" was to surrender.&nbsp;

One of the most senior armymen in Kashmir has said that there has been a "positive response" after his last appeal to Kashmiri mothers — that they not allow their sons to become militants.

One of the most senior armymen in Kashmir has said that there has been a "positive response" after his last appeal to Kashmiri mothers — that they not allow their sons to become militants. The statement was made by Lt General KJS Dhillon, GOC of the Chinar Corps. "Two militants were killed in yesterday's Shopian encounter... one was a technical graduate and had joined (the) outfit on April 3," the news agency ANI quoted Dhillon as saying. "It takes me back to the point I've been repeating, my request to mothers of Kashmir, please don't let your children take this path," he added. "You sent him for higher education but he dies days after joining the outfit. Is this the future of the youth of Kashmir? Are we working to see this day?" Dhillon said. He added that "after my last appeal to mothers, there has been (a) positive response, boys are approaching us and (a) few have been rehabilitated". Dhillon said that "this year, especially after Pulwama, we targeted (the) JeM leadership. Today I can assure (you), JeM leadership is non-existent in (the) Kashmir valley". Dhillon had made his appeal to Kashmiri mothers after the February 14 suicide attack on a security convoy in Pulwama that left over 40 CRPF personnel dead. The attack was claimed by the terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed. Lt General KJS Dhillon: After my last appeal to mothers, there has been positive response, boys are approaching us & few have been rehabilitated...This yr, especially after Pulwama we targeted JeM leadership, today I can assure JeM leadership is non-existent in Kashmir valley. — ANI (@ANI) April 7, 2019 × The general added that "his request to all boys joining the (militant) outfits" was to surrender.

There has been a 'positive response' after our appeal to Kashmiri mothers: Army

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.&nbsp;

“I'm grateful to Waheguru &amp; thankful to the Party, Shri Narendra Modiji &amp; Shri Amit Shahji for reposing faith in me yet again &amp; nominating me to contest Lok Sabha from Bardhaman-Durgapur, an area I spent most of my youth in. I look fwd to serving the people of Bardhaman and Durgapur,” Ahluwalia wrote on Twitter.&nbsp;

According to sources in the party, BJP’s electoral ally in the Darjeeling hills - Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) led by party chief Bimal Gurung had objected to Ahluwalia’s candidature being announced from the Darjeeling seat.&nbsp;

Sources in the GJM said that the people of the hills were upset with Ahluwalia, as he never turned up even once during the violent Gorkhaland unrest in 2017 when the hills experienced a shutdown for 104 days as many as 13 people were killed.&nbsp;

Party insiders reveal that Ahluwalia had asked for a ticket from Asansol where he is originally from. However, senior leaders in the party were of the opinion that shifting sitting MP Babul Supriyo who has a good local connect in his own constituency would yield no results.&nbsp;

Eventually, he was offered Asansol adjoining seat - Burdwan-Durgapur.

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 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. “I'm grateful to Waheguru & thankful to the Party, Shri Narendra Modiji & Shri Amit Shahji for reposing faith in me yet again & nominating me to contest Lok Sabha from Bardhaman-Durgapur, an area I spent most of my youth in. I look fwd to serving the people of Bardhaman and Durgapur,” Ahluwalia wrote on Twitter. According to sources in the party, BJP’s electoral ally in the Darjeeling hills - Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) led by party chief Bimal Gurung had objected to Ahluwalia’s candidature being announced from the Darjeeling seat. Sources in the GJM said that the people of the hills were upset with Ahluwalia, as he never turned up even once during the violent Gorkhaland unrest in 2017 when the hills experienced a shutdown for 104 days as many as 13 people were killed. Party insiders reveal that Ahluwalia had asked for a ticket from Asansol where he is originally from. However, senior leaders in the party were of the opinion that shifting sitting MP Babul Supriyo who has a good local connect in his own constituency would yield no results. Eventually, he was offered Asansol adjoining seat - Burdwan-Durgapur. 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.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: BJP fields SS Ahluwalia from Burdwan-Durgapur seat

Six years after fleeing Muzaffarnagar and taking refuge in camps in Kairana following the deadly riots in 2013, victims here have alleged that despite repeated requests, the government has not built houses for them and they lack basic amenities.

The victims of the 2013 riots, who have been living in refugee camps for the last six years, have said that they will vote for peace in the ensuing Lok Sabha elections, slated to begin from April 11.

"We have been living here for the past six years. We still do not have a proper house despite repeated requests to the government. There is no water or electricity. We want houses to be built for us. We will vote for peace in the upcoming elections," one of the victims, Mahmood, told ANI.

The&nbsp;riots&nbsp;took place over a minor altercation between Hindu and Muslim youths at Kawal village in&nbsp;Muzaffarnagar district. As many as 62 people died, while 93 others were injured and over 50,000 were rendered homeless.

Kairana Lok Sabha constituency, which comes under western Uttar Pradesh region, hit headlines when its MP Hukum Singh released a list of Hindu families and alleged that there had been a mass exodus of Hindus from his constituency due to the law and order situation.

After the demise of Singh, the Samajwadi Party (SP), Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and Rashtriya Lok Dal jointly fielded Begum Tabassum Hasan who later won the by-elections after beating Singh’s daughter Mriganka from BJP.

Hasan has bagged the SP ticket from the constituency for the ensuing Lok Sabha polls, while the BJP has fielded Pradeep Choudhary instead of Mriganka in the impending polls.

Kairana parliamentary constituency will witness voting in the first phase of Lok Sabha polls on April 11. Counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Six years after fleeing Muzaffarnagar and taking refuge in camps in Kairana following the deadly riots in 2013, victims here have alleged that despite repeated requests, the government has not built houses for them and they lack basic amenities.

Six years after fleeing Muzaffarnagar and taking refuge in camps in Kairana following the deadly riots in 2013, victims here have alleged that despite repeated requests, the government has not built houses for them and they lack basic amenities. The victims of the 2013 riots, who have been living in refugee camps for the last six years, have said that they will vote for peace in the ensuing Lok Sabha elections, slated to begin from April 11. "We have been living here for the past six years. We still do not have a proper house despite repeated requests to the government. There is no water or electricity. We want houses to be built for us. We will vote for peace in the upcoming elections," one of the victims, Mahmood, told ANI. The riots took place over a minor altercation between Hindu and Muslim youths at Kawal village in Muzaffarnagar district. As many as 62 people died, while 93 others were injured and over 50,000 were rendered homeless. Kairana Lok Sabha constituency, which comes under western Uttar Pradesh region, hit headlines when its MP Hukum Singh released a list of Hindu families and alleged that there had been a mass exodus of Hindus from his constituency due to the law and order situation. After the demise of Singh, the Samajwadi Party (SP), Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and Rashtriya Lok Dal jointly fielded Begum Tabassum Hasan who later won the by-elections after beating Singh’s daughter Mriganka from BJP. Hasan has bagged the SP ticket from the constituency for the ensuing Lok Sabha polls, while the BJP has fielded Pradeep Choudhary instead of Mriganka in the impending polls. Kairana parliamentary constituency will witness voting in the first phase of Lok Sabha polls on April 11. Counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Uttar Pradesh: Will vote for peace, say Muzaffarnagar riot victims

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a blistering attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accusing her of supporting those who want two Prime Ministers in the country.&nbsp;

“Didi stands by the tukde-tukde gang. Didi is supporting those who want two prime ministers in the country. They want one prime minister for the country and one for Jammu &amp; Kashmir. Are you going to support such a demand? The bua-bhatija duo is destroying the state,” Modi said at the Coochbehar rally.&nbsp;

He claimed that Banerjee has lost her sleep with people chanting prime minister’s name. “The more you chant Modi, Modi, didi is not getting sleep, she is the speed breaker towards development in the state. She is hyperventilating on the Election Commission as police officers have been transferred. She is scared,” he said.&nbsp;

He used the Saradha - Rose Valley - Narada rhetoric and alleged that Goddess Saradha is worshipped everywhere. But, in Bengal her name is embroiled in chit fund scams, he said. “I promise to bring those who have suffered from the Narada, Saradha and Rose Valley scams to justice,” he added.&nbsp;

The rally, held at Rash Mela Grounds near the Coochbehar Palace -- the same venue where West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will address a public meeting tomorrow.&nbsp;

TMC had erected a stage on the grounds even before the BJP’s meeting was to be held.&nbsp;

Interestingly, the stage erected by TMC remained on one side of the ground as Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the public meeting from the other side.&nbsp;

Reacting to the stage present on the other side of the ground, Modi said, “Didi is acting like kids. You can’t win elections by acting like kids. The stage you see in front of you is a memorial. It signifies the end of TMC rule in Bengal.”

The district administration had granted permission to BJP to hold a meeting on April 7 and TMC to hold a meeting on April 8.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held his last rally in Coochbehar district going for the polls in the first phase of elections. This is his second visit to West Bengal within a week after he addressed twin rallies in Siliguri and Kolkata’s Brigade Parade Grounds.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a blistering attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accusing her of supporting those who want two Prime Ministers in the country.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a blistering attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accusing her of supporting those who want two Prime Ministers in the country. “Didi stands by the tukde-tukde gang. Didi is supporting those who want two prime ministers in the country. They want one prime minister for the country and one for Jammu & Kashmir. Are you going to support such a demand? The bua-bhatija duo is destroying the state,” Modi said at the Coochbehar rally. He claimed that Banerjee has lost her sleep with people chanting prime minister’s name. “The more you chant Modi, Modi, didi is not getting sleep, she is the speed breaker towards development in the state. She is hyperventilating on the Election Commission as police officers have been transferred. She is scared,” he said. He used the Saradha - Rose Valley - Narada rhetoric and alleged that Goddess Saradha is worshipped everywhere. But, in Bengal her name is embroiled in chit fund scams, he said. “I promise to bring those who have suffered from the Narada, Saradha and Rose Valley scams to justice,” he added. The rally, held at Rash Mela Grounds near the Coochbehar Palace -- the same venue where West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will address a public meeting tomorrow. TMC had erected a stage on the grounds even before the BJP’s meeting was to be held. Interestingly, the stage erected by TMC remained on one side of the ground as Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the public meeting from the other side. Reacting to the stage present on the other side of the ground, Modi said, “Didi is acting like kids. You can’t win elections by acting like kids. The stage you see in front of you is a memorial. It signifies the end of TMC rule in Bengal.” The district administration had granted permission to BJP to hold a meeting on April 7 and TMC to hold a meeting on April 8. Prime Minister Narendra Modi held his last rally in Coochbehar district going for the polls in the first phase of elections. This is his second visit to West Bengal within a week after he addressed twin rallies in Siliguri and Kolkata’s Brigade Parade Grounds.

Didi stands by 'tukde-tukde gang', supports those who want two PMs, says Modi

Trinamool Congress Mamata Banerjee Sunday accused the Centre of intervening in state matters while questioning the removal of Andhra Pradesh chief secretary by the Election Commission.

She sought to know why Prime Minister Narendra Modi isn't removing his own Cabinet secretary or the Union home secretary if he was so "fond of making last-minute changes".

"Why is the Centre intervening in state matters? Why was Andhra Pradesh chief secretary removed?" Banerjee asked at an election rally here. 
"Why don't you (Modi) remove your own cabinet secretary," she asked.

The Election Commission on Friday removed Andhra Pradesh Chief Secretary Anil Chandra Punetha from the post and appointed senior-most IAS officer LV Subrahmanyam in his place.

Reacting to the poll panel's move of removing four IPS officers in West Bengal, including Kolkata and Bidhanagar police commissioners, the West Bengal chief minister Saturday wrote a letter protesting its decision.

The letter said the removals were "unfortunate, highly arbitrary, motivated and biased" and taken at the behest of BJP, and urged the poll panel to review its decision.

Retorting to PM's claim that the TMC supremo was afraid of him, Banerjee said that it was Modi who was afraid of her and not the other way round.

Without naming former political associate Mukul Roy, whom she addressed as a traitor for quitting her party to join the BJP, she accused Modi of holding a meeting with a person accused in Saradha, Narada cases.

"Have you (PM Narendra Modi) been able to clean the Ganga at Varanasi, that you are looking at Bengal?" Banerjee questioned, saying that the BJP should trying to save its seat in Delhi before turning to Bengal.

She dared the BJP to implement NRC in Bengal, saying it will never be allowed in the state.&nbsp;

Trinamool Congress Mamata Banerjee Sunday accused the Centre of intervening in state matters while questioning the removal of Andhra Pradesh chief secretary by the Election Commission.

Trinamool Congress Mamata Banerjee Sunday accused the Centre of intervening in state matters while questioning the removal of Andhra Pradesh chief secretary by the Election Commission. She sought to know why Prime Minister Narendra Modi isn't removing his own Cabinet secretary or the Union home secretary if he was so "fond of making last-minute changes". "Why is the Centre intervening in state matters? Why was Andhra Pradesh chief secretary removed?" Banerjee asked at an election rally here. "Why don't you (Modi) remove your own cabinet secretary," she asked. The Election Commission on Friday removed Andhra Pradesh Chief Secretary Anil Chandra Punetha from the post and appointed senior-most IAS officer LV Subrahmanyam in his place. Reacting to the poll panel's move of removing four IPS officers in West Bengal, including Kolkata and Bidhanagar police commissioners, the West Bengal chief minister Saturday wrote a letter protesting its decision. The letter said the removals were "unfortunate, highly arbitrary, motivated and biased" and taken at the behest of BJP, and urged the poll panel to review its decision. Retorting to PM's claim that the TMC supremo was afraid of him, Banerjee said that it was Modi who was afraid of her and not the other way round. Without naming former political associate Mukul Roy, whom she addressed as a traitor for quitting her party to join the BJP, she accused Modi of holding a meeting with a person accused in Saradha, Narada cases. "Have you (PM Narendra Modi) been able to clean the Ganga at Varanasi, that you are looking at Bengal?" Banerjee questioned, saying that the BJP should trying to save its seat in Delhi before turning to Bengal. She dared the BJP to implement NRC in Bengal, saying it will never be allowed in the state.

Mamata lashes out at Modi, questions Andhra chief secretary's Removal

The Congress on Sunday launched its campaign slogan for Lok Sabha polls, 'Ab Hoga Nyay', asserting that there was an atmosphere of 'anyay' or injustice prevailing in the country.

Announcing that the Congress campaign will be centred around 'Nyay', senior Congress leader Anand Sharma said the word not only alludes to the party's proposed minimum income guarantee scheme but encompasses justice to all sections of the society.

The theme song has been penned by Javed Akhtar and the campaign video has been filmed by Nikkhil Advani, he said.

Percept Edge is the main agency behind the campaign, Sharma said.

Big container trucks fitted with screens will take Congress' message to various parts of the country, he said.

The Congress on Sunday launched its campaign slogan for Lok Sabha polls, 'Ab Hoga Nyay', asserting that there was an atmosphere of 'anyay' or injustice prevailing in the country.

The Congress on Sunday launched its campaign slogan for Lok Sabha polls, 'Ab Hoga Nyay', asserting that there was an atmosphere of 'anyay' or injustice prevailing in the country. Announcing that the Congress campaign will be centred around 'Nyay', senior Congress leader Anand Sharma said the word not only alludes to the party's proposed minimum income guarantee scheme but encompasses justice to all sections of the society. The theme song has been penned by Javed Akhtar and the campaign video has been filmed by Nikkhil Advani, he said. Percept Edge is the main agency behind the campaign, Sharma said. Big container trucks fitted with screens will take Congress' message to various parts of the country, he said.

'Ab hoga nyay': Congress launches campaign slogan for Lok Sabha polls

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray will share the stage at a rally in Maharashtra on Tuesday for the first time after the tie-up of their parties for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

The two leaders will address a public gathering at Ausa in Latur in support of the alliance candidates in that district and Osmanabad, where polling will be held on April 18, BJP spokesman Keshav Upadhyay said on Sunday.

Modi and Thackeray last shared the dais in Mumbai in December 2016 at a function to lay the foundation stone of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj memorial off the Arabian Sea.

On Saturday, Modi addressed a rally in Nanded, where state Congress president and former chief minister Ashok Chavan is contesting against BJP's Pratap Chikhalikar.

The Sena, which has often been critical of the BJP and policies of the NDA government, entered into a seat-sharing pact with it recently after the ruling party's president, Amit Shah, visited Thackeray at his residence here.

The BJP and Sena announced to contest 25 and 23 seats, respectively, in Maharashtra which has 48 Lok Sabha constituencies.

Earlier, the two parties went separate ways after the 2014 Lok Sabha polls and contested the Maharashtra Assembly elections held later that year on their own.

The BJP-led government under the leadership of Devendra Fadnavis took charge in the state in October 2014 and the Shiv Sena joined it in December that year.

Polling for the 48 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra will be held in four phases on April 11, 18, 23 and 29, and the results will be declared on May 23.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray will share the stage at a rally in Maharashtra on Tuesday for the first time after the tie-up of their parties for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray will share the stage at a rally in Maharashtra on Tuesday for the first time after the tie-up of their parties for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. The two leaders will address a public gathering at Ausa in Latur in support of the alliance candidates in that district and Osmanabad, where polling will be held on April 18, BJP spokesman Keshav Upadhyay said on Sunday. Modi and Thackeray last shared the dais in Mumbai in December 2016 at a function to lay the foundation stone of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj memorial off the Arabian Sea. On Saturday, Modi addressed a rally in Nanded, where state Congress president and former chief minister Ashok Chavan is contesting against BJP's Pratap Chikhalikar. The Sena, which has often been critical of the BJP and policies of the NDA government, entered into a seat-sharing pact with it recently after the ruling party's president, Amit Shah, visited Thackeray at his residence here. The BJP and Sena announced to contest 25 and 23 seats, respectively, in Maharashtra which has 48 Lok Sabha constituencies. Earlier, the two parties went separate ways after the 2014 Lok Sabha polls and contested the Maharashtra Assembly elections held later that year on their own. The BJP-led government under the leadership of Devendra Fadnavis took charge in the state in October 2014 and the Shiv Sena joined it in December that year. Polling for the 48 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra will be held in four phases on April 11, 18, 23 and 29, and the results will be declared on May 23.

Modi, Thackeray to share dais at Lok Sabha poll rally in Maharashtra's Latur

All the BJP and Congress candidates, except five, who are in the fray for the 26 Lok Sabha seats in Gujarat, are'crorepatis', revealed the affidavits submitted by them with their nomination papers.

Four of the five candidates, whose total assets are less than one crore rupees, belong to the tribal community.

Some of the richest candidates from these two major parties include Congress's Mehsana nominee, Ambalal Patel, who has declared assets worth Rs 69.9 crore.

BJP candidate and sitting MP from Navsari, Chandrakant Patel, has declared assets worth Rs 44.6 crore.

Poonam Maadam, BJP MP from Jamnagar, who is seeking her re-election from the same seat, has declared assets worth Rs 42.7 crore.

BJP's Shardaben Patel, who is pitted against Ambalal Patel in Mehsana, has shown assets worth Rs 44 crore.

Ramesh Dhaduk, the BJP candidate who replaced sitting MP Vitthal Radadiya on Porbandar seat, has declared assets worth Rs 35.75 crore.

Three candidates of the Congress and two BJP nominees have declared assets less than Rs one crore.

Mansukh Vasava, the sitting BJP MP from Bharuch, who is seeking his re-election for the sixth time, has declared assets worth Rs 68.35 lakh.

Congress candidate Sherkhan Pathan, who is pitted against Vasava, has declared assets of Rs 33.4 lakh.

Naresh Maheshwari, the Congress candidate from Kutch, has declared total assets of Rs 38.13 lakh.

BJP nominee Gitaben Rathva, who is contesting the election from a tribal-reserved seat of Chhota Udepur, has declared assets worth Rs 86.3 lakh.

Jitu Chaudhary, the Congress candidate from tribal-reserved seat of Valsad, has declared total assets of Rs 66.1 lakh.

Total assets include both movable and immovable assets belonging to the candidates, their spouses, and dependents, as declared in the affidavits submitted along with the nomination papers to the returning officer.

Total 573 candidates are in the fray for the 26 Lok Sabha seats in Gujarat, where elections will be held on April 23.

Both the major parties- the Congress as well as the BJP- have fielded candidates from all the 26 seats.&nbsp;

All the BJP and Congress candidates, except five, who are in the fray for the 26 Lok Sabha seats in Gujarat, are'crorepatis', revealed the affidavits submitted by them with their nomination papers.

All the BJP and Congress candidates, except five, who are in the fray for the 26 Lok Sabha seats in Gujarat, are'crorepatis', revealed the affidavits submitted by them with their nomination papers. Four of the five candidates, whose total assets are less than one crore rupees, belong to the tribal community. Some of the richest candidates from these two major parties include Congress's Mehsana nominee, Ambalal Patel, who has declared assets worth Rs 69.9 crore. BJP candidate and sitting MP from Navsari, Chandrakant Patel, has declared assets worth Rs 44.6 crore. Poonam Maadam, BJP MP from Jamnagar, who is seeking her re-election from the same seat, has declared assets worth Rs 42.7 crore. BJP's Shardaben Patel, who is pitted against Ambalal Patel in Mehsana, has shown assets worth Rs 44 crore. Ramesh Dhaduk, the BJP candidate who replaced sitting MP Vitthal Radadiya on Porbandar seat, has declared assets worth Rs 35.75 crore. Three candidates of the Congress and two BJP nominees have declared assets less than Rs one crore. Mansukh Vasava, the sitting BJP MP from Bharuch, who is seeking his re-election for the sixth time, has declared assets worth Rs 68.35 lakh. Congress candidate Sherkhan Pathan, who is pitted against Vasava, has declared assets of Rs 33.4 lakh. Naresh Maheshwari, the Congress candidate from Kutch, has declared total assets of Rs 38.13 lakh. BJP nominee Gitaben Rathva, who is contesting the election from a tribal-reserved seat of Chhota Udepur, has declared assets worth Rs 86.3 lakh. Jitu Chaudhary, the Congress candidate from tribal-reserved seat of Valsad, has declared total assets of Rs 66.1 lakh. Total assets include both movable and immovable assets belonging to the candidates, their spouses, and dependents, as declared in the affidavits submitted along with the nomination papers to the returning officer. Total 573 candidates are in the fray for the 26 Lok Sabha seats in Gujarat, where elections will be held on April 23. Both the major parties- the Congress as well as the BJP- have fielded candidates from all the 26 seats.

Gujarat Lok Sabha polls: All BJP, Congress candidates except 5 are crorepatis

EC: Kolkata Police commissioner, 3 Bengal cops replaced

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