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The Madras High Court on Wednesday asked the government to ban Chinese video app TikTok, saying it was "encouraging pornography".

Created by Beijing Bytedance Technology Co, TikTok allows users to create and share short videos with special effects. It has become hugely popular in rural India.

Jokes, clips and footage related to India's thriving movie industry dominate the platform, along with memes and videos in which youngsters, some scantily clad, lip-sync and dance to popular music.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iCB0fMjhXzQ" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Earlier, IT minister of Tamil Nadu had described some of its more suggestive dance content as "unbearable".

The Madras High Court, which has been hearing a public interest litigation against the app, on Wednesday said children who were using TikTok were vulnerable to exposure to sexual predators.

"Inappropriate" content was TikTok's "dangerous aspect", the court said in an order, adding that "there is a possibility of the children contacting strangers directly".

A TikTok spokesman said the company was committed to abiding by local laws and was awaiting a copy of the court’s order, following which it would take appropriate action.

"Maintaining a safe and positive in-app environment ... is our priority," he said.

As well as asking the government to ban the application and prohibit its downloads, the court said TikTok videos should not be broadcast by media.

TikTok, whose video-only interface makes it less elaborate and easier to use than platforms such as Facebook or Twitter, has been downloaded more than 240 million times in India, according to app analytics firm Sensor Tower.

The Madras High Court on Wednesday asked the government to ban Chinese video app TikTok, saying it was "encouraging pornography". Created by Beijing Bytedance Technology Co, TikTok allows users to create and share short videos with special effects.

The Madras High Court on Wednesday asked the government to ban Chinese video app TikTok, saying it was "encouraging pornography". Created by Beijing Bytedance Technology Co, TikTok allows users to create and share short videos with special effects. It has become hugely popular in rural India. Jokes, clips and footage related to India's thriving movie industry dominate the platform, along with memes and videos in which youngsters, some scantily clad, lip-sync and dance to popular music. Earlier, IT minister of Tamil Nadu had described some of its more suggestive dance content as "unbearable". The Madras High Court, which has been hearing a public interest litigation against the app, on Wednesday said children who were using TikTok were vulnerable to exposure to sexual predators. "Inappropriate" content was TikTok's "dangerous aspect", the court said in an order, adding that "there is a possibility of the children contacting strangers directly". A TikTok spokesman said the company was committed to abiding by local laws and was awaiting a copy of the court’s order, following which it would take appropriate action. "Maintaining a safe and positive in-app environment ... is our priority," he said. As well as asking the government to ban the application and prohibit its downloads, the court said TikTok videos should not be broadcast by media. TikTok, whose video-only interface makes it less elaborate and easier to use than platforms such as Facebook or Twitter, has been downloaded more than 240 million times in India, according to app analytics firm Sensor Tower.

Ban Chinese video app TikTok: Madras High Court to government

IEW: 'The tukde-tukde manifesto'; Jaitley slams Congress for proposing to amend AFSPA

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that Congress's manifesto is full of lies and termed it as a ''hypocrisy document''. He was addressing his second rally this week at Pasighat in Arunachal Pradesh.

Modi also talked about Congress' 2014 manifesto&nbsp;and said it had promised that every house would have electricity by 2009.

"However, till 2014 around 18,000 houses were unelectrified... Just like them (the Congress), their manifesto is corrupt and full of lies. Therefore, it should be called hypocrisy document, not a manifesto," Modi said.

Citing Congress' manifesto for farmers, Modi said, ''Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) govt has never asked for votes by fooling farmers.''

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-unveils-manifesto-titled-congress-will-deliver-207408">Congress released party's manifesto</a> for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections on Tuesday at the party headquarters in New Delhi.&nbsp;

Modi also talked about the developments of roads, national highways and railways.

''It is with the support of the people of Arunachal Pradesh that we have been able to develop roads, national highway, railway and improves air connectivity of the state with the rest of the nation. It is the result of your strong trust on us,'' Modi said.

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PM Modi in Pasighat: It is with the support of the people of Arunachal Pradesh that we have been able to develop roads, national highway, railway and improve air connectivity of the state with the rest of the nation. It is the result of your strong trust on us. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ArunachalPradesh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ArunachalPradesh</a> <a href="https://t.co/cV7h5pfMR7">pic.twitter.com/cV7h5pfMR7</a>
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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-manifesto-some-ideas-positively-dangerous-says-bjp-207472">BJP on Tuesday said</a> that some of the ideas in the Congress manifesto were "positively dangerous".&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that Congress's manifesto is full of lies and termed it as a ''hypocrisy document''. He was addressing his second rally this week at Pasighat in Arunachal Pradesh.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that Congress's manifesto is full of lies and termed it as a ''hypocrisy document''. He was addressing his second rally this week at Pasighat in Arunachal Pradesh. Modi also talked about Congress' 2014 manifesto and said it had promised that every house would have electricity by 2009. "However, till 2014 around 18,000 houses were unelectrified... Just like them (the Congress), their manifesto is corrupt and full of lies. Therefore, it should be called hypocrisy document, not a manifesto," Modi said. Citing Congress' manifesto for farmers, Modi said, ''Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) govt has never asked for votes by fooling farmers.'' Congress released party's manifesto for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections on Tuesday at the party headquarters in New Delhi. Modi also talked about the developments of roads, national highways and railways. ''It is with the support of the people of Arunachal Pradesh that we have been able to develop roads, national highway, railway and improves air connectivity of the state with the rest of the nation. It is the result of your strong trust on us,'' Modi said. PM Modi in Pasighat: It is with the support of the people of Arunachal Pradesh that we have been able to develop roads, national highway, railway and improve air connectivity of the state with the rest of the nation. It is the result of your strong trust on us. #ArunachalPradesh pic.twitter.com/cV7h5pfMR7 — ANI (@ANI) April 3, 2019 × BJP on Tuesday said that some of the ideas in the Congress manifesto were "positively dangerous". (With inputs from PTI)

Congress manifesto corrupt, full of lies: PM Modi in Arunachal Pradesh

The Delhi government on Wednesday sought before a court here a month's time to decide whether to grant sanction to prosecute JNU students' union president Kanhaiya Kumar and others in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jnu-sedition-case-court-says-role-of-delhi-police-on-sanction-matter-complete-206660">2016 JNU sedition case</a>.&nbsp;

Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Deepak Sherawat directed the AAP government to file a "proper reply" citing a definite time-frame.

DCP of Special Cell of Delhi Police, Pramod Kushwaha, had earlier told the court that the agency has already sent a request to the Delhi government seeking sanction and added that sanction was an administrative action and the charge sheet can be filed without that.&nbsp;

The Delhi Police had earlier told the court that authorities were yet to give requisite sanctions to prosecute Kumar and others in the case, and it would take two to three months to procure sanctions.

On January 14, police had filed a charge sheet in the court against Kumar and others, saying he was leading a procession and supported seditious slogans raised in the JNU campus during an event on February 9, 2016.

The Delhi government on Wednesday sought before a court here a month's time to decide whether to grant sanction to prosecute JNU students' union president Kanhaiya Kumar and others in the 2016 JNU sedition case.

The Delhi government on Wednesday sought before a court here a month's time to decide whether to grant sanction to prosecute JNU students' union president Kanhaiya Kumar and others in the 2016 JNU sedition case. Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Deepak Sherawat directed the AAP government to file a "proper reply" citing a definite time-frame. DCP of Special Cell of Delhi Police, Pramod Kushwaha, had earlier told the court that the agency has already sent a request to the Delhi government seeking sanction and added that sanction was an administrative action and the charge sheet can be filed without that. The Delhi Police had earlier told the court that authorities were yet to give requisite sanctions to prosecute Kumar and others in the case, and it would take two to three months to procure sanctions. On January 14, police had filed a charge sheet in the court against Kumar and others, saying he was leading a procession and supported seditious slogans raised in the JNU campus during an event on February 9, 2016.

JNU case: Delhi government seeks month's time before court to grant sanction to prosecute Kanhaiya

India Election Watch, 3rd April 2019

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Over 1.2 million people died in India due to air pollution in 2017, said a global report on air pollution.

As per the State of Global Air 2019, overall long-term exposure to outdoor and indoor air pollution contributed to nearly 5 million deaths from stroke, diabetes, heart attack, lung cancer, and chronic lung disease in 2017.

Out of these, 3 million deaths are directly attributed to PM2.5, half of which is from India and China together. The analysis found that China and India together were responsible for over half of the total global attributable deaths, with each country facing over 1.2 million deaths from all air pollution in 2017, the report said.

The report, which was released by US-based organisation Health Effects Institute (HEI) on Wednesday, said that air pollution is the third highest cause of death among all health risks in India, ranking just above smoking.

As per the report, the life of a South Asian child born today will be shortened by two years and six months growing up in current high levels of air pollution, while the global life expectancy loss is 20 months.

The institute said schemes initiated by the Indian government to address pollution like the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, Household LPG program, accelerated Bharat Stage 6/VI clean vehicle standards, and the new National Clean Air Programme can have significant health benefits in the coming years.

These and future initiatives have the potential if fully implemented as part of a sustained commitment to air quality, to result in significant health benefits in coming years, said Robert O'Keefe, Vice President Health Effects Institute.

Worldwide, air pollution is responsible for more deaths than many better-known risk factors such as malnutrition, alcohol use, and physical inactivity, said the report.

Each year, more people globally die from air pollution-related disease than from road traffic injuries or malaria, the study said.

Over 1.2 million people died in India due to air pollution in 2017, said a global report on air pollution. As per the State of Global Air 2019, overall long-term exposure to outdoor and indoor air pollution contributed to nearly 5 million deaths from stroke, diabetes, heart attack, lung cancer, and chronic lung disease in 2017.

Over 1.2 million people died in India due to air pollution in 2017, said a global report on air pollution. As per the State of Global Air 2019, overall long-term exposure to outdoor and indoor air pollution contributed to nearly 5 million deaths from stroke, diabetes, heart attack, lung cancer, and chronic lung disease in 2017. Out of these, 3 million deaths are directly attributed to PM2.5, half of which is from India and China together. The analysis found that China and India together were responsible for over half of the total global attributable deaths, with each country facing over 1.2 million deaths from all air pollution in 2017, the report said. The report, which was released by US-based organisation Health Effects Institute (HEI) on Wednesday, said that air pollution is the third highest cause of death among all health risks in India, ranking just above smoking. As per the report, the life of a South Asian child born today will be shortened by two years and six months growing up in current high levels of air pollution, while the global life expectancy loss is 20 months. The institute said schemes initiated by the Indian government to address pollution like the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, Household LPG program, accelerated Bharat Stage 6/VI clean vehicle standards, and the new National Clean Air Programme can have significant health benefits in the coming years. These and future initiatives have the potential if fully implemented as part of a sustained commitment to air quality, to result in significant health benefits in coming years, said Robert O'Keefe, Vice President Health Effects Institute. Worldwide, air pollution is responsible for more deaths than many better-known risk factors such as malnutrition, alcohol use, and physical inactivity, said the report. Each year, more people globally die from air pollution-related disease than from road traffic injuries or malaria, the study said.

Over 1.2 million early deaths in India due to air pollution: Report

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An Indian national, wanted in his home country on charges including attempted murder, extortion, theft and possession of illegal firearms, was removed from the US and turned over to Indian authorities, an official statement said Tuesday.

Ubaidullah Abdulrashid Radiowala, 46, also known as Obed Radiowala, is a key accused in the 2014 cases of alleged conspiracy to kill Bollywood director Mahesh Bhatt and firing on film-maker Karim Morani.&nbsp;

An Interpol Red Corner notice was also issued on the request of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in 2015 after a Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) court issued a fresh non-bailable warrant against Radiowala.&nbsp;

"He was wanted in India on charges of attempted murder, criminal conspiracy, extortion, forgery, cheating, theft, abetment, use and possession of illegal firearms, and transmission of information by using the internet to form an organised crime syndicate," the US Immigration and&nbsp; 
Customs Enforcement (ICE) said in a press release.

Radiowala was arrested by the Newark's Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) in September 2017 from Iselin, New Jersey for illegally staying in the US.

He was later ordered removed to India by an immigration judge, the release said.&nbsp;

Radiowala was held in detention by the ERO Newark, until his removal and handing over to Indian authorities on Monday, following the dismissal of his appeal by the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA), the release said.

"This individual's long list of criminal charges in his home country, including attempted murder, show that he was a danger to the community here in the US," ERO Newark field office director John Tsoukaris said.

A total of 256,085 aliens have been removed or returned in fiscal year 2018 by the ICE, the release said.&nbsp;

The proportion of FY18 removals resulting from ICE arrests increased by nearly 17 per cent over the previous fiscal year, and the number of ICE interior removals in FY18 increased by nearly 14,000 from FY17, it said.

The ICE is focused on removing public safety threats, such as convicted criminal aliens and gang members, as well as individuals who have violated our nation's immigration laws, including those who illegally re-entered the country after being removed and immigration fugitives ordered removed by federal immigration judges.

An Indian national, wanted in his home country on charges including attempted murder, extortion, theft and possession of illegal firearms, was removed from the US and turned over to Indian authorities, an official statement said Tuesday.

An Indian national, wanted in his home country on charges including attempted murder, extortion, theft and possession of illegal firearms, was removed from the US and turned over to Indian authorities, an official statement said Tuesday. Ubaidullah Abdulrashid Radiowala, 46, also known as Obed Radiowala, is a key accused in the 2014 cases of alleged conspiracy to kill Bollywood director Mahesh Bhatt and firing on film-maker Karim Morani. An Interpol Red Corner notice was also issued on the request of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in 2015 after a Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) court issued a fresh non-bailable warrant against Radiowala. "He was wanted in India on charges of attempted murder, criminal conspiracy, extortion, forgery, cheating, theft, abetment, use and possession of illegal firearms, and transmission of information by using the internet to form an organised crime syndicate," the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) said in a press release. Radiowala was arrested by the Newark's Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) in September 2017 from Iselin, New Jersey for illegally staying in the US. He was later ordered removed to India by an immigration judge, the release said. Radiowala was held in detention by the ERO Newark, until his removal and handing over to Indian authorities on Monday, following the dismissal of his appeal by the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA), the release said. "This individual's long list of criminal charges in his home country, including attempted murder, show that he was a danger to the community here in the US," ERO Newark field office director John Tsoukaris said. A total of 256,085 aliens have been removed or returned in fiscal year 2018 by the ICE, the release said. The proportion of FY18 removals resulting from ICE arrests increased by nearly 17 per cent over the previous fiscal year, and the number of ICE interior removals in FY18 increased by nearly 14,000 from FY17, it said. The ICE is focused on removing public safety threats, such as convicted criminal aliens and gang members, as well as individuals who have violated our nation's immigration laws, including those who illegally re-entered the country after being removed and immigration fugitives ordered removed by federal immigration judges.

US deports Indian wanted in home country for attempted murder, extortion

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A Banaras Hindu University student, who was shot at by unidentified assailants in front of a hostel in the campus, succumbed to injuries in a hospital, police said Wednesday.

The incident occurred on Tuesday evening when Gaurav Singh, pursuing his masters in the university and residing in the Lal Bahadur Shastri Hostel on the campus was standing outside Birla Hostel, and talking to his friends.

Some unidentified motorcycle-borne assailants opened fire at him, said a police official.

Gaurav sustained bullet injuries in his stomach and was rushed to the trauma centre of the BHU's Institute of Medical Sciences where he succumbed to injuries late on Tuesday night, police said.&nbsp;

A Banaras Hindu University student, who was shot at by unidentified assailants in front of a hostel in the campus, succumbed to injuries in a hospital, police said Wednesday.

A Banaras Hindu University student, who was shot at by unidentified assailants in front of a hostel in the campus, succumbed to injuries in a hospital, police said Wednesday. The incident occurred on Tuesday evening when Gaurav Singh, pursuing his masters in the university and residing in the Lal Bahadur Shastri Hostel on the campus was standing outside Birla Hostel, and talking to his friends. Some unidentified motorcycle-borne assailants opened fire at him, said a police official. Gaurav sustained bullet injuries in his stomach and was rushed to the trauma centre of the BHU's Institute of Medical Sciences where he succumbed to injuries late on Tuesday night, police said.

BHU student attacked on campus, dies in hospital

The Centre has told the National Green Tribunal that action plan for 37 railway stations which are to be developed as "eco-smart stations" will be implemented in three months.

The Centre told a bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel that nodal officers have been identified by the railway administration to oversee the implementation of environment management systems at the 37 stations.

"They will also act as regulators for environment norms and will have authority to lay down and collect compensation on 'Polluter Pays'' principle. They will be authorised to issue receipts for the compensation so recovered. This mechanism will be put on the website," Additional Solicitor General Pinky Anand, appearing for the Railways, told the NGT.

Noting the submissions, the tribunal said that with regard to the next phase, action plans should be prepared for all the remaining major stations indicating phase-wise steps and categories of implementation.

"The action plans may have categories for number of stations for different phases but all the major stations should be covered within one year on the pattern of 37 major stations already identified."

"We also expect that de-centralised municipal solid waste plants may be set up at the identified locations in terms of Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016. The Executive Director, Environment and Health Management (ENHM), Railway Headquarters, may compile the progress of execution of action plans periodically and also lay down adverse consequences for the nodal officers or others who fail to execute the action plans within the targeted timeline by way of entry into their annual reports," the tribunal said.

It also said the Railway Board may also compile data of preparation of action plans for the remaining major stations within three months and furnish the same to the Central Pollution Control Board for analysis.

"If the CPCB finds that action plan has been duly implemented and selected railway stations are meeting the parameters of ISO 14001, such stations may be certified as eco-smart stations," the tribunal said.

The green panel had earlier said there was an urgent need for the railways to put in place an effective implementation and monitoring mechanism with provisions of fixing accountability of individuals in respect of solid waste disposal, littering of solid and plastic wastes, defecation etc.

The NGT was hearing a petition filed by lawyers Saloni Singh and Arush Pathania seeking steps to check pollution on railway properties, particularly on tracks.

The Centre has told the National Green Tribunal that action plan for 37 railway stations which are to be developed as "eco-smart stations" will be implemented in three months.

The Centre has told the National Green Tribunal that action plan for 37 railway stations which are to be developed as "eco-smart stations" will be implemented in three months. The Centre told a bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel that nodal officers have been identified by the railway administration to oversee the implementation of environment management systems at the 37 stations. "They will also act as regulators for environment norms and will have authority to lay down and collect compensation on 'Polluter Pays'' principle. They will be authorised to issue receipts for the compensation so recovered. This mechanism will be put on the website," Additional Solicitor General Pinky Anand, appearing for the Railways, told the NGT. Noting the submissions, the tribunal said that with regard to the next phase, action plans should be prepared for all the remaining major stations indicating phase-wise steps and categories of implementation. "The action plans may have categories for number of stations for different phases but all the major stations should be covered within one year on the pattern of 37 major stations already identified." "We also expect that de-centralised municipal solid waste plants may be set up at the identified locations in terms of Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016. The Executive Director, Environment and Health Management (ENHM), Railway Headquarters, may compile the progress of execution of action plans periodically and also lay down adverse consequences for the nodal officers or others who fail to execute the action plans within the targeted timeline by way of entry into their annual reports," the tribunal said. It also said the Railway Board may also compile data of preparation of action plans for the remaining major stations within three months and furnish the same to the Central Pollution Control Board for analysis. "If the CPCB finds that action plan has been duly implemented and selected railway stations are meeting the parameters of ISO 14001, such stations may be certified as eco-smart stations," the tribunal said. The green panel had earlier said there was an urgent need for the railways to put in place an effective implementation and monitoring mechanism with provisions of fixing accountability of individuals in respect of solid waste disposal, littering of solid and plastic wastes, defecation etc. The NGT was hearing a petition filed by lawyers Saloni Singh and Arush Pathania seeking steps to check pollution on railway properties, particularly on tracks.

Plan for 37 'eco-smart stations' will be implemented in 3 months: Railways to NGT

The quaint region of Wayanad is witnessing some hectic political activity.&nbsp;AICC President Rahul Gandhi has chosen Wayanad as his second seat to contest the Lok Sabha elections - also being called as his safe seat by many owing to its substantial minority population.&nbsp;

Wayanad is a picturesque district nestled in the eco-sensitive Western Ghats, but the parliamentary constituency spreads across three districts - Wayanad, Malappuram and Kozhikode.&nbsp;

Under Wayanad district, the constituency has Mananthavady, Sulthan Bathery and Kalpetta, Thiruvamabady in Kozhikode district and Nilambur, Wandoor and Eranad in Malappuram.&nbsp;

According to the 2011 census data, Wayanad has 28.8% Muslims, 21.5% Christians and 49.5% Hindus. In Mallapuram the Muslim population is stronger at 70%, Christians at 21.5% and Hindus at 28%. In Kozhikode too, Muslims play a decisive role in electorally with a population of 39.24%.&nbsp;

But there is more than one reason for Rahul Gandhi to contest from this second seat. While one popular perception is that the AICC chief needed a safer seat than Amethi, the truth is Congress in Kerala also desperately needed the national leader to hold its factions together.&nbsp;

The two warring groups within the state Congress, one led by former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and the other led by Leader of Opposition Ramesh Chennitala, were at loggerheads over the candidate from Wayanad.&nbsp;

Though Oommen Chandy's close aide T Siddique was finally chosen for the job, the party looked up to Rahul Gandhi to save it from self-destructive dissidence.&nbsp;

'All the rank and file of the party and UDF are in a good mood to welcome Rahul Ji. The people of Wayanad now feel that through Rahul Ji's candidature their problems will finally be addressed and heard at the national level. It is for the first time Kerala is witnessing such a candidature' asserted Siddique while speaking to WION, as the two factions seem to have finally united for the elections.&nbsp;

But in its supposed battle for secularism against the BJP, Congress seems to have rubbed off the LDF in Kerala. Wayanad has barely any presence of the saffron party and the state's ruling LDF is its prime opposition.&nbsp;

The Left candidate from Wayanad, PP Suneer, has been vocally critical of the Congress leader's candidature from the region. 'Rahul Gandhi's decision is a Himalayan blunder. It is disappointing to the secular, democratic forces in India. This is a direct fight between LDF and UDF. The BJP has no presence. Around 600 farmers committed suicide in the district during the UPA government's tenure and the previous Congress MP Shanavas failed to address many problems. Wayanad will be Rahul Gandhi's Waterloo. He will be surely defeated' says Suneer as he carries on his third round of the door-to-door campaign. In response, Congress claims the Left is merely rattled. 'In the elections, the LDF has decided to contest some seats in Kerala. According to a survey report, they will not get any seats in West Bengal, they will lose in Tripura and they had hopes only with Kerala. But with Rahul Gandhi's candidature, their hopes have been dashed' responded Congress' Siddique. However, LDF asserts that it will put up a tough fight as it has 4 out of the 7 MLAs, 4 out of the 5 municipalities and 29 out of 50-gram panchayats in the constituency.&nbsp;

The third candidate pitted against Rahul Gandhi is NDA'S Thussar Vellapally. The President of Bharat Dharma Jana Sena or BDJS that has entered into an alliance with the BJP, Thussar Vellapally is the son of Vellapally Natesan, the tallest Ezhava Caste leader, a backward community that enjoys substantial strength in the region.&nbsp;

'We are only talking about development. Kerala is not like other states. We are not here to communally balance. BDJS has followers from all communities. All communities will vote for me. There are 50% Hindus here. I will get votes from all communities' says Thussar Vellapally while speaking to WION.&nbsp;

Interestingly senior Vellapally who is the General Secretary of the community organisation SNDP has backed LDF and portrays opposing views on several issues like the Women's Wall in Kerala on the Sabarimala issue.&nbsp;

This is the first time Rahul Gandhi will be contesting from the South of India where surveys indicate that he enjoys more popularity than Prime Minister Narendra Modi.&nbsp;

Though other states like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka had also urged the party president to contest, Rahul Gandhi seems to have chosen Kerala where Congress continues to enjoy dominance.

The quaint region of Wayanad is witnessing some hectic political activity. AICC President Rahul Gandhi has chosen Wayanad as his second seat to contest the Lok Sabha elections - also being called as his safe seat by many owing to its substantial minority population.

The quaint region of Wayanad is witnessing some hectic political activity. AICC President Rahul Gandhi has chosen Wayanad as his second seat to contest the Lok Sabha elections - also being called as his safe seat by many owing to its substantial minority population. Wayanad is a picturesque district nestled in the eco-sensitive Western Ghats, but the parliamentary constituency spreads across three districts - Wayanad, Malappuram and Kozhikode. Under Wayanad district, the constituency has Mananthavady, Sulthan Bathery and Kalpetta, Thiruvamabady in Kozhikode district and Nilambur, Wandoor and Eranad in Malappuram. According to the 2011 census data, Wayanad has 28.8% Muslims, 21.5% Christians and 49.5% Hindus. In Mallapuram the Muslim population is stronger at 70%, Christians at 21.5% and Hindus at 28%. In Kozhikode too, Muslims play a decisive role in electorally with a population of 39.24%. But there is more than one reason for Rahul Gandhi to contest from this second seat. While one popular perception is that the AICC chief needed a safer seat than Amethi, the truth is Congress in Kerala also desperately needed the national leader to hold its factions together. The two warring groups within the state Congress, one led by former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and the other led by Leader of Opposition Ramesh Chennitala, were at loggerheads over the candidate from Wayanad. Though Oommen Chandy's close aide T Siddique was finally chosen for the job, the party looked up to Rahul Gandhi to save it from self-destructive dissidence. 'All the rank and file of the party and UDF are in a good mood to welcome Rahul Ji. The people of Wayanad now feel that through Rahul Ji's candidature their problems will finally be addressed and heard at the national level. It is for the first time Kerala is witnessing such a candidature' asserted Siddique while speaking to WION, as the two factions seem to have finally united for the elections. But in its supposed battle for secularism against the BJP, Congress seems to have rubbed off the LDF in Kerala. Wayanad has barely any presence of the saffron party and the state's ruling LDF is its prime opposition. The Left candidate from Wayanad, PP Suneer, has been vocally critical of the Congress leader's candidature from the region. 'Rahul Gandhi's decision is a Himalayan blunder. It is disappointing to the secular, democratic forces in India. This is a direct fight between LDF and UDF. The BJP has no presence. Around 600 farmers committed suicide in the district during the UPA government's tenure and the previous Congress MP Shanavas failed to address many problems. Wayanad will be Rahul Gandhi's Waterloo. He will be surely defeated' says Suneer as he carries on his third round of the door-to-door campaign. In response, Congress claims the Left is merely rattled. 'In the elections, the LDF has decided to contest some seats in Kerala. According to a survey report, they will not get any seats in West Bengal, they will lose in Tripura and they had hopes only with Kerala. But with Rahul Gandhi's candidature, their hopes have been dashed' responded Congress' Siddique. However, LDF asserts that it will put up a tough fight as it has 4 out of the 7 MLAs, 4 out of the 5 municipalities and 29 out of 50-gram panchayats in the constituency. The third candidate pitted against Rahul Gandhi is NDA'S Thussar Vellapally. The President of Bharat Dharma Jana Sena or BDJS that has entered into an alliance with the BJP, Thussar Vellapally is the son of Vellapally Natesan, the tallest Ezhava Caste leader, a backward community that enjoys substantial strength in the region. 'We are only talking about development. Kerala is not like other states. We are not here to communally balance. BDJS has followers from all communities. All communities will vote for me. There are 50% Hindus here. I will get votes from all communities' says Thussar Vellapally while speaking to WION. Interestingly senior Vellapally who is the General Secretary of the community organisation SNDP has backed LDF and portrays opposing views on several issues like the Women's Wall in Kerala on the Sabarimala issue. This is the first time Rahul Gandhi will be contesting from the South of India where surveys indicate that he enjoys more popularity than Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Though other states like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka had also urged the party president to contest, Rahul Gandhi seems to have chosen Kerala where Congress continues to enjoy dominance.

Kerala’s Wayanad: The other constituency Congress chief Rahul Gandhi is fighting from

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Wednesday that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had to go for the betterment of the state. He said she was a "speed breaker" in the state's development.&nbsp;

Modi was speaking at an election rally in Siliguri in West Bengal.&nbsp;

"'Didi' (Mamata Banerjee) is a speed breaker in the path of West Bengal's development," Modi said.

"I am waiting for this speed breaker to go so development can gather speed," he added.&nbsp;

Modi also took on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-manifesto-some-ideas-positively-dangerous-says-bjp-207472">the Congress and their election manifesto</a>, as he had done earlier in the day during&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-manifesto-is-corrupt-full-of-lies-pm-modi-in-arunachal-pradesh-207658">an election rally in Pasighat in Arunachal Pradesh</a>.&nbsp;

The Congress had released its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-exactly-does-the-congress-manifesto-promise-207487">manifesto</a> at its party headquarters in Delhi on Tuesday. The pushback from the BJP was swift, with Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley saying some of the ideas in it were "positively dangerous".&nbsp;

Jaitley added that some of the ideas in the manifesto looked like they had been written by the Congress president's (Rahul Gandhi) "friends in the tukde-tukde gang".&nbsp;

Jaitley had been referring to what the Congress manifesto says about Kashmir — that there would be no change to the constitutional status of Jammu and Kashmir, that the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) would be reviewed, and that fewer soldiers and more policemen instead would be deployed in Kashmir.&nbsp;

"They (the Congress) want our defence forces to be helpless...Their hands and feet tied," Modi said in Siliguri on Wednesday.

He also accused the Congress and its allies of sympathising with Pakistan.&nbsp;

The Congress manifesto also says the party, if it is voted to power in the upcoming general elections, will increase expenditure on education and health to 6% of GDP — India will this year spend 1.44% of its GDP on defence — and bring in a single, moderate GST rate.&nbsp;

Jaitley on Tuesday said a number of those ideas were "unimplementable".&nbsp;

Modi kept up his vitriol later in the day while addressing yet another rally in Kolkata. (He tends to do three a day. On his first day of campaigning after the general elections were announced, he addressed three rallies in three different states — Meerut in Uttar Pradesh, Rudrapur in Uttarakhand, and Jammu — in one single day.)&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Today some people in their hate for Modi have started speaking against India," Modi said in Kolkata.

"Who raised doubts on airstrike? Who demoralised armed forces? Who had asked for count of bodies of terrorists?"

(With inputs from PTI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Wednesday that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had to go for the betterment of the state. He said she was a "speed breaker" in the state's development.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Wednesday that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had to go for the betterment of the state. He said she was a "speed breaker" in the state's development. Modi was speaking at an election rally in Siliguri in West Bengal. "'Didi' (Mamata Banerjee) is a speed breaker in the path of West Bengal's development," Modi said. "I am waiting for this speed breaker to go so development can gather speed," he added. Modi also took on the Congress and their election manifesto, as he had done earlier in the day during an election rally in Pasighat in Arunachal Pradesh. The Congress had released its manifesto at its party headquarters in Delhi on Tuesday. The pushback from the BJP was swift, with Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley saying some of the ideas in it were "positively dangerous". Jaitley added that some of the ideas in the manifesto looked like they had been written by the Congress president's (Rahul Gandhi) "friends in the tukde-tukde gang". Jaitley had been referring to what the Congress manifesto says about Kashmir — that there would be no change to the constitutional status of Jammu and Kashmir, that the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) would be reviewed, and that fewer soldiers and more policemen instead would be deployed in Kashmir. "They (the Congress) want our defence forces to be helpless...Their hands and feet tied," Modi said in Siliguri on Wednesday. He also accused the Congress and its allies of sympathising with Pakistan. The Congress manifesto also says the party, if it is voted to power in the upcoming general elections, will increase expenditure on education and health to 6% of GDP — India will this year spend 1.44% of its GDP on defence — and bring in a single, moderate GST rate. Jaitley on Tuesday said a number of those ideas were "unimplementable". Modi kept up his vitriol later in the day while addressing yet another rally in Kolkata. (He tends to do three a day. On his first day of campaigning after the general elections were announced, he addressed three rallies in three different states — Meerut in Uttar Pradesh, Rudrapur in Uttarakhand, and Jammu — in one single day.) "Today some people in their hate for Modi have started speaking against India," Modi said in Kolkata. "Who raised doubts on airstrike? Who demoralised armed forces? Who had asked for count of bodies of terrorists?" (With inputs from PTI)

Mamata Banerjee a 'speed breaker' in Bengal's development: PM Modi

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-approves-anti-submarine-helicopter-sale-to-india-207615">US</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-approves-anti-submarine-helicopter-sale-to-india-207615"> approves 24 anti-submarine helicopter sale to India worth $2.6 billion</a>

The United States said Tuesday it had approved the sale of 24 MH-60R helicopters to India, significantly boosting its emerging ally's firepower to target submarines as China expands in the Indian Ocean.

The United States said Tuesday it had approved the sale of 24 MH-60R helicopters to India, significantly boosting its emerging ally's firepower to target submarines as China expands in the Indian Ocean.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-pm-theresa-may-seeks-new-brexit-delay-to-approve-deal-207606">British PM Theresa May seeks new Brexit delay to approve </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-pm-theresa-may-seeks-new-brexit-delay-to-approve-deal-207606">deal</a>

Prime Minister Theresa May said Tuesday she would ask the EU to delay Brexit again to avoid Britain crashing out of the bloc next week, signalling she could accept a closer relationship with Europe to break months of political deadlock.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuelas-guaido-stripped-of-immunity-can-face-prosecution-official-207607">Venezuela's Constituent Assembly strips Guaido of immunity, may face prosecution</a>

Venezuela's ruling Constituent Assembly stripped opposition leader Juan Guaido's immunity Tuesday and authorised the crisis-hit country's high court to criminally prosecute him for usurpation of functions.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-woman-arrested-at-trumps-resort-with-malware-on-thumb-drive-207610">Chinese woman arrested at Trump's resort with malware on </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-woman-arrested-at-trumps-resort-with-malware-on-thumb-drive-207610">thumb</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-woman-arrested-at-trumps-resort-with-malware-on-thumb-drive-207610"> drive</a>

A Chinese woman carrying multiple cellphones and a thumb drive containing malware was arrested on Saturday at US President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida while he was staying there, court documents revealed Tuesday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/english-premier-league-wolverhampton-wanderers-topple-manchester-united-207613">English Premier League: Wolverhampton Wanderers topple Manchester United</a>

Wolverhampton Wanderers repeated their FA Cup defeat of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's Manchester United thanks to a Chris Smalling own goal that gave them a 2-1 comeback win in a pulsating Premier League game on Tuesday.

US approves 24 anti-submarine helicopter sale to India worth $2.6 billion The United States said Tuesday it had approved the sale of 24 MH-60R helicopters to India, significantly boosting its emerging ally's firepower to target submarines as China expands in the Indian Ocean.

US approves 24 anti-submarine helicopter sale to India worth $2.6 billion The United States said Tuesday it had approved the sale of 24 MH-60R helicopters to India, significantly boosting its emerging ally's firepower to target submarines as China expands in the Indian Ocean. The United States said Tuesday it had approved the sale of 24 MH-60R helicopters to India, significantly boosting its emerging ally's firepower to target submarines as China expands in the Indian Ocean. British PM Theresa May seeks new Brexit delay to approve deal Prime Minister Theresa May said Tuesday she would ask the EU to delay Brexit again to avoid Britain crashing out of the bloc next week, signalling she could accept a closer relationship with Europe to break months of political deadlock. Venezuela's Constituent Assembly strips Guaido of immunity, may face prosecution Venezuela's ruling Constituent Assembly stripped opposition leader Juan Guaido's immunity Tuesday and authorised the crisis-hit country's high court to criminally prosecute him for usurpation of functions. Chinese woman arrested at Trump's resort with malware on thumb drive A Chinese woman carrying multiple cellphones and a thumb drive containing malware was arrested on Saturday at US President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida while he was staying there, court documents revealed Tuesday. English Premier League: Wolverhampton Wanderers topple Manchester United Wolverhampton Wanderers repeated their FA Cup defeat of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's Manchester United thanks to a Chris Smalling own goal that gave them a 2-1 comeback win in a pulsating Premier League game on Tuesday.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Chinese wall graffiti appear on Kolkata streets

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-manifesto-some-ideas-positively-dangerous-says-bjp-207472">Congress party on Tuesday</a> released a list of 20 candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha election. Senior Congress leader Pawan Kumar Bansal will contest from the Chandigarh seat.

Besides him, the party has fielded Preneet Kaur from Patiala, Ravneet Singh Bittu from Ludhiana, Rajkumar Chabbewal Hoshiarpur, Santokh Singh Chaudhary from Jalandhar, Gurjit Singh Aujla from Amritsar and Sunil Jakhar from Gurdaspur in Punjab.

In Gujarat, CJ Chavda will contest from Gandhinagar, Geetaben Patel from Ahmedabad East, Somabhai Patel from Surendranagar and Murubhai Kandoriya from Jamnagar.

In Jharkhand, Subodh Kant Sahay will represent the party from Ranchi, Geeta Kora from Singhbhum and Sukhdeo Bhagat from Lohardaga.

The party has also announced names of Pawan Kajal from Kangra (Himachal Pradesh) and Prabhu Ratnabhai Tokiya from Dadra and Nagar Haveli.

In Karnataka, Congress has fielded Vinay Kulkarni from Dharwad and HB Manjappa Davanagere.

The Lok Sabha election will start on April 11 and will end on May 19. The result will be announced on May 23.

Meanwhile, the Congress has also released a list of nine candidates for Odisha Assembly election.

The Congress party on Tuesday released a list of 20 candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha election. Senior Congress leader Pawan Kumar Bansal will contest from the Chandigarh seat.

The Congress party on Tuesday released a list of 20 candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha election. Senior Congress leader Pawan Kumar Bansal will contest from the Chandigarh seat. Besides him, the party has fielded Preneet Kaur from Patiala, Ravneet Singh Bittu from Ludhiana, Rajkumar Chabbewal Hoshiarpur, Santokh Singh Chaudhary from Jalandhar, Gurjit Singh Aujla from Amritsar and Sunil Jakhar from Gurdaspur in Punjab. In Gujarat, CJ Chavda will contest from Gandhinagar, Geetaben Patel from Ahmedabad East, Somabhai Patel from Surendranagar and Murubhai Kandoriya from Jamnagar. In Jharkhand, Subodh Kant Sahay will represent the party from Ranchi, Geeta Kora from Singhbhum and Sukhdeo Bhagat from Lohardaga. The party has also announced names of Pawan Kajal from Kangra (Himachal Pradesh) and Prabhu Ratnabhai Tokiya from Dadra and Nagar Haveli. In Karnataka, Congress has fielded Vinay Kulkarni from Dharwad and HB Manjappa Davanagere. The Lok Sabha election will start on April 11 and will end on May 19. The result will be announced on May 23. Meanwhile, the Congress has also released a list of nine candidates for Odisha Assembly election.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Congress releases list of 20 candidates

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-bsf-officer-5-year-old-girl-killed-in-ceasefire-violation-by-pakistan-army-in-poonch-207208">Jammu and Kashmir</a> poll panel has received over 180 complaints of alleged violations of the model code of conduct, through the cVigil app and other modes, an official said Tuesday.&nbsp;

The Election Commission had launched the cVigil application last month to facilitate a person send to the poll panel geo-tagged videos and photos of various electoral malpractice.

Of the total complaints, 123 have been disposed of while the rest 59 are being looked into, State Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Shalinder Kumar said, adding over 20 employees were also suspended for violating the poll code.&nbsp;

Out of 88 complaints received through C-Vigil and other online modes, 61 were dropped, 22 disposed of and five are under examination, he added.

The actions against electoral malpractice included registration of 6 FIRs, suspension of 24 state government employees, besides seizure of 36 illegal weapons and cash worth Rs 19.68, he said, adding a considerable quantity of liquor too has been seized.

For free and fair conduct of the Lok Sabha elections in the state, the election department has also formed 1,500 mobile and static teams, besides deploying flying squads with video cameras to ensure strict adherence of the poll code.&nbsp;

"We will not overlook a single complaint whether it is against a big leader or a junior one, no one will be spared," said CEO Kumar.

The CEO said citizens can register their complaints on the poll panel's app eVigil for a number of violations, including those against candidates distributing money or liquor to influence voters.

They can also alert the Election Commission if they find a candidate involved in promoting paid news, he said, adding candidates using vehicles or convoys without permission are also breach the poll code.

Transporting voters on the day of polling or campaigning within 200 metres of the polling booth are strictly prohibited under the guidelines, Kumar said.&nbsp;

The Jammu and Kashmir poll panel has received over 180 complaints of alleged violations of the model code of conduct, through the cVigil app and other modes, an official said Tuesday.

The Jammu and Kashmir poll panel has received over 180 complaints of alleged violations of the model code of conduct, through the cVigil app and other modes, an official said Tuesday. The Election Commission had launched the cVigil application last month to facilitate a person send to the poll panel geo-tagged videos and photos of various electoral malpractice. Of the total complaints, 123 have been disposed of while the rest 59 are being looked into, State Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Shalinder Kumar said, adding over 20 employees were also suspended for violating the poll code. Out of 88 complaints received through C-Vigil and other online modes, 61 were dropped, 22 disposed of and five are under examination, he added. The actions against electoral malpractice included registration of 6 FIRs, suspension of 24 state government employees, besides seizure of 36 illegal weapons and cash worth Rs 19.68, he said, adding a considerable quantity of liquor too has been seized. For free and fair conduct of the Lok Sabha elections in the state, the election department has also formed 1,500 mobile and static teams, besides deploying flying squads with video cameras to ensure strict adherence of the poll code. "We will not overlook a single complaint whether it is against a big leader or a junior one, no one will be spared," said CEO Kumar. The CEO said citizens can register their complaints on the poll panel's app eVigil for a number of violations, including those against candidates distributing money or liquor to influence voters. They can also alert the Election Commission if they find a candidate involved in promoting paid news, he said, adding candidates using vehicles or convoys without permission are also breach the poll code. Transporting voters on the day of polling or campaigning within 200 metres of the polling booth are strictly prohibited under the guidelines, Kumar said.

J&K poll panel gets over 180 complaints of model code breach through cVigil app: Official

Niti Aayog vice-chairman Rajiv Kumar is learnt to have told the Election Commission that he spoke against Congress's Nyay scheme as an economist and not as part of the policy body.

In his reply to a show-cause notice submitted on Tuesday, Kumar is also learnt to have said that he can speak out his mind as an economist on important issues concerning policy and economy.

He said that his remarks should not be construed as the stand of Niti Aayog.

On March 27, the poll panel had sought Kumar's response on his remarks in which he had attacked Congress over minimum income guarantee promise.

The EC had felt that since Kumar is a bureaucrat, his remarks were prima facie violative of the model code.

As he was abroad he had sought time till April 5 to respond. But the EC gave him time till April 2.

Kumar had accused the Congress of promising the moon to win elections. 
He had also tweeted, "The proposed income guarantee scheme fails the economics test, fiscal discipline test and execution test."

In another tweet, Kumar had claimed that "true to its past record of promising the moon to win elections, Congress President announces a scheme that will bust fiscal discipline, create strong incentives against work and which will never be implemented."

Kumar is reported to made similar remarks in an interview also.

At a press conference here on March 25, Congress president Rahul Gandhi announced that 20 per cent families belonging to the poorest category will be given Rs 72,000 each annually as minimum income if his party comes to power.

Niti Aayog vice-chairman Rajiv Kumar is learnt to have told the Election Commission that he spoke against Congress's Nyay scheme as an economist and not as part of the policy body.

Niti Aayog vice-chairman Rajiv Kumar is learnt to have told the Election Commission that he spoke against Congress's Nyay scheme as an economist and not as part of the policy body. In his reply to a show-cause notice submitted on Tuesday, Kumar is also learnt to have said that he can speak out his mind as an economist on important issues concerning policy and economy. He said that his remarks should not be construed as the stand of Niti Aayog. On March 27, the poll panel had sought Kumar's response on his remarks in which he had attacked Congress over minimum income guarantee promise. The EC had felt that since Kumar is a bureaucrat, his remarks were prima facie violative of the model code. As he was abroad he had sought time till April 5 to respond. But the EC gave him time till April 2. Kumar had accused the Congress of promising the moon to win elections. He had also tweeted, "The proposed income guarantee scheme fails the economics test, fiscal discipline test and execution test." In another tweet, Kumar had claimed that "true to its past record of promising the moon to win elections, Congress President announces a scheme that will bust fiscal discipline, create strong incentives against work and which will never be implemented." Kumar is reported to made similar remarks in an interview also. At a press conference here on March 25, Congress president Rahul Gandhi announced that 20 per cent families belonging to the poorest category will be given Rs 72,000 each annually as minimum income if his party comes to power.

I criticised NYAY scheme as an economist, not as part of Niti Aayog: Rajiv Kumar tells Election Commission

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mamata-banerjee-a-speed-breaker-in-bengals-development-modi-in-siliguri-207693">Mamata Banerjee a 'speed breaker' in Bengal's development: PM Modi</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Wednesday that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had to go for the betterment of the state. He said she was a "speed breaker" in the state's development.&nbsp;

Modi was speaking at an election rally in Siliguri in West Bengal.&nbsp;

"'Didi' (Mamata Banerjee) is a speed breaker in the path of West Bengal's development," Modi said.

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/sensex-snaps-4-day-winning-streak-drops-180-points-207701">Sensex snaps 4-day winning streak, drops 180 points</a>

Breaking its four-day rising streak, the BSE Sensex dropped about 180 points Wednesday on profit booking and forecast of below-normal monsoon this year.

Despite a strong rally in global equities, Indian market failed to sustain at lifetime highs led by losses in oil and gas, telecom, metal and healthcare stocks.

After swinging nearly 450 points, the 30-share Sensex settled 179.53 points, or 0.46 per cent lower at 38,877.12.

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/former-pakistan-intelligence-officer-who-helped-osama-bin-laden-sworn-in-as-minister-report-207692">Former Pakistani IB chief, who reportedly helped Osama bin Laden, sworn in as minister</a>

Despite objections from the Opposition, Pakistan's former Intelligence Bureau (IB) chief Ijaz Shah, who reportedly helped Osama bin Laden in Pakistan, was sworn in as Minister for Parliamentary Affairs on Tuesday by President Arif Alvi here.&nbsp;

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/former-pakistan-intelligence-officer-who-helped-osama-bin-laden-sworn-in-as-minister-report-207692">This is the photograph Sonia Gandhi wanted on Congress manifesto cover</a>

Sonia Gandhi, after going through the Congress manifesto, suggested that the photograph published on page nine could have been used as the cover picture. The photograph showed Congress president Rahul Gandhi sitting with a group of rural women wearing ghoonghats (veils).&nbsp;

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/malaysia-open-saina-nehwal-knocked-out-after-losing-to-thailands-chochuwong-in-first-round-207725">Malaysia Open: Saina Nehwal knocked out in </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/malaysia-open-saina-nehwal-knocked-out-after-losing-to-thailands-chochuwong-in-first-round-207725">first</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/malaysia-open-saina-nehwal-knocked-out-after-losing-to-thailands-chochuwong-in-first-round-207725"> round after losing to Thailand's Chochuwong</a>

Saina Nehwal Wednesday registered a major upset as she lost to Thailand's Pornpawee Chochuwong 22-20, 15-21, 10-21 in the first round of the Malaysian Open.

Mamata Banerjee a 'speed breaker' in Bengal's development: PM Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Wednesday that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had to go for the betterment of the state.

Mamata Banerjee a 'speed breaker' in Bengal's development: PM Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Wednesday that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had to go for the betterment of the state. He said she was a "speed breaker" in the state's development. Modi was speaking at an election rally in Siliguri in West Bengal. "'Didi' (Mamata Banerjee) is a speed breaker in the path of West Bengal's development," Modi said. Sensex snaps 4-day winning streak, drops 180 points Breaking its four-day rising streak, the BSE Sensex dropped about 180 points Wednesday on profit booking and forecast of below-normal monsoon this year. Despite a strong rally in global equities, Indian market failed to sustain at lifetime highs led by losses in oil and gas, telecom, metal and healthcare stocks. After swinging nearly 450 points, the 30-share Sensex settled 179.53 points, or 0.46 per cent lower at 38,877.12. Former Pakistani IB chief, who reportedly helped Osama bin Laden, sworn in as minister Despite objections from the Opposition, Pakistan's former Intelligence Bureau (IB) chief Ijaz Shah, who reportedly helped Osama bin Laden in Pakistan, was sworn in as Minister for Parliamentary Affairs on Tuesday by President Arif Alvi here. This is the photograph Sonia Gandhi wanted on Congress manifesto cover Sonia Gandhi, after going through the Congress manifesto, suggested that the photograph published on page nine could have been used as the cover picture. The photograph showed Congress president Rahul Gandhi sitting with a group of rural women wearing ghoonghats (veils). Malaysia Open: Saina Nehwal knocked out in first round after losing to Thailand's Chochuwong Saina Nehwal Wednesday registered a major upset as she lost to Thailand's Pornpawee Chochuwong 22-20, 15-21, 10-21 in the first round of the Malaysian Open.

''Congress' expiry date is May 23rd'', says PM Modi from Kolkata rally

Cash-strapped Jet Airways has only 12-15 planes operating after 15 more grounded

Arunachal's CM convoy caught with Rs.1.8 Cr cash, Congress releases video

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/oppositions-defeat-is-certain-bjp-shiv-sena-are-together-in-lok-sabha-polls-uddhav-thackeray-206756">Shiv Sena</a> on Wednesday accused the Congress of spreading the word “<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-labelled-peace-loving-hindus-as-terrorists-pm-modi-207160">Hindu terro</a>r” during its rule, saying it encouraged to carry o terrorists from Pakistan to carry out their activities in India. It also criticised former Jammu and Kashmir chief ministers <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mehbooba-mufti-hits-out-at-jammu-and-kashmir-governor-for-reversing-decision-taken-by-her-govt-193057&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwi63or467PhAhXch3AKHX61BnwQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw3vRl7ndVCM86XQKN7icah4">Mehbooba Mufti </a>and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-hits-out-at-omar-abdullah-over-his-separate-pm-statement-207359">Omar Abdullah</a> over their stand on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/article-35a-surreptitiously-inserted-by-nehru-govt-in-constitution-arun-jaitley-206257">Article 35-A</a> of the Constitution, saying if such voices are not curbed, the border state will remain in the grip of unrest and instability. The remarks of the Sena, a constituent of the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre, came two days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi targeted the Congress, accusing it of insulting “peace-loving” Hindus by linking them to terrorism.

“The word ‘saffron terror’ or ‘Hindu terror’ was spread when the Congress was in power at the Centre. Besides allegations, false cases were also filed against Hindus in the Samjhauta train blast and Malegaon bomb blast cases,” the Sena said in an editorial in party mouthpiece ‘Saamana’. It claimed that “gross injustice” was meted out to Swami Aseemanand (in the Samjhauta blast case), and Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur and Lt Col Prasad Purohit (both accused in the Malegaon case).

“The spread of the term ‘Hindu terror’ encouraged terrorists from Pakistan. Pakistanis put the onus of terror strikes on Hindu extremists… now, a court has found Swami Assemanand not guilty,” the Marathi daily said. It noted that Modi, during his rally at Wardha in Maharashtra on Monday, slammed the Congress for insulting the Hindu religion worldwide and blotting the country’s 5,000-year-old culture by linking Hindus to terrorism. “Modi has aggressively played the Hindutva card in the 2019 battleground. Some say 40 per cent of the ground (at Wardha rally) was empty during Modi’s speech. But, it is important that 60 per cent was filled with people in the extremely hot weather conditions,” it said.

By raising a voice for it, Modi and the BJP have proved that “Hindutva cannot be separated from politics,” the Uddhav Thackeray-led party said. Further slamming the Congress, it said the party earlier claimed that late ATS chief Hemant Karkare, IPS officer Ashok Kamte and senior police inspector Vijay Salaskar were not killed by terrorists during the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/photos/2611-attacks-4-days-of-terror-567&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwi8mLqh7LPhAhXFq48KHR_TCQkQFggIMAE&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw0v9LsVb-h0qaiKfP01zJok">26/11</a> attack in Mumbai, but were victims of “Hindu terror”.

“This was unfortunate for the country and brought disrepute to it. Pakistan’s hand in the attack could be proven as terrorist Ajmal Kasab was captured alive…otherwise the Pakistan connection would have remained hidden…,” it said. The Sena also hit out at PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti and National Conference leader Omar Abdullah over their stands on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/article-370-on-status-of-jk-not-a-temporary-provision-supreme-court-128245">Articles 370</a> and 35-A of the Constitution. Mufti recently warned that any tampering with Jammu and Kashmir’s special status would “undermine and nullify” the state’s accession to the Union, while Abdullah sought a separate Prime Minister for Kashmir. The Sena said both the leaders have openly challenged the Constitution and the law of the land.

“If such worms are not crushed in time, then Kashmir will always remain unstable and in unrest. Only the roar of Hindutva can provide a shield for the country. However the issue should not be forgotten after elections,” it said. Petitions have been filed in the Supreme Court, challenging the constitutional validity of Articles 370 and 35-A, which grant special status to Jammu and Kashmir and special rights and privileges to its “permanent residents”, respectively.

The Shiv Sena on Wednesday accused the Congress of spreading the word “Hindu terror” during its rule, saying it encouraged to carry o terrorists from Pakistan to carry out their activities in India.

The Shiv Sena on Wednesday accused the Congress of spreading the word “Hindu terror” during its rule, saying it encouraged to carry o terrorists from Pakistan to carry out their activities in India. It also criticised former Jammu and Kashmir chief ministers Mehbooba Mufti and Omar Abdullah over their stand on Article 35-A of the Constitution, saying if such voices are not curbed, the border state will remain in the grip of unrest and instability. The remarks of the Sena, a constituent of the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre, came two days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi targeted the Congress, accusing it of insulting “peace-loving” Hindus by linking them to terrorism. “The word ‘saffron terror’ or ‘Hindu terror’ was spread when the Congress was in power at the Centre. Besides allegations, false cases were also filed against Hindus in the Samjhauta train blast and Malegaon bomb blast cases,” the Sena said in an editorial in party mouthpiece ‘Saamana’. It claimed that “gross injustice” was meted out to Swami Aseemanand (in the Samjhauta blast case), and Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur and Lt Col Prasad Purohit (both accused in the Malegaon case). “The spread of the term ‘Hindu terror’ encouraged terrorists from Pakistan. Pakistanis put the onus of terror strikes on Hindu extremists… now, a court has found Swami Assemanand not guilty,” the Marathi daily said. It noted that Modi, during his rally at Wardha in Maharashtra on Monday, slammed the Congress for insulting the Hindu religion worldwide and blotting the country’s 5,000-year-old culture by linking Hindus to terrorism. “Modi has aggressively played the Hindutva card in the 2019 battleground. Some say 40 per cent of the ground (at Wardha rally) was empty during Modi’s speech. But, it is important that 60 per cent was filled with people in the extremely hot weather conditions,” it said. By raising a voice for it, Modi and the BJP have proved that “Hindutva cannot be separated from politics,” the Uddhav Thackeray-led party said. Further slamming the Congress, it said the party earlier claimed that late ATS chief Hemant Karkare, IPS officer Ashok Kamte and senior police inspector Vijay Salaskar were not killed by terrorists during the 26/11 attack in Mumbai, but were victims of “Hindu terror”. “This was unfortunate for the country and brought disrepute to it. Pakistan’s hand in the attack could be proven as terrorist Ajmal Kasab was captured alive…otherwise the Pakistan connection would have remained hidden…,” it said. The Sena also hit out at PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti and National Conference leader Omar Abdullah over their stands on Articles 370 and 35-A of the Constitution. Mufti recently warned that any tampering with Jammu and Kashmir’s special status would “undermine and nullify” the state’s accession to the Union, while Abdullah sought a separate Prime Minister for Kashmir. The Sena said both the leaders have openly challenged the Constitution and the law of the land. “If such worms are not crushed in time, then Kashmir will always remain unstable and in unrest. Only the roar of Hindutva can provide a shield for the country. However the issue should not be forgotten after elections,” it said. Petitions have been filed in the Supreme Court, challenging the constitutional validity of Articles 370 and 35-A, which grant special status to Jammu and Kashmir and special rights and privileges to its “permanent residents”, respectively.

Shiv Sena flays Congress for spread of ‘Hindu terror’ terminology, says it encouraged Pakistan-based terrorists

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Arunachal's CM convoy caught with Rs.1.8 Cr cash, Congress releases video

Shiv Sena flays Congress for spread of ‘Hindu terror’ terminology, says it encouraged Pakistan-based terrorists