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Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced Wednesday that India had shot down a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-is-low-earth-orbit-satellite-against-which-india-launched-a-surgical-strike-in-space-205974">low earth orbit satellite</a> with an A-Sat (anti-satellite) missile.&nbsp;

With that, Modi added, India had become an "elite space power".&nbsp;

Only three countries — America, Russia and China — the prime minister said, have this capability. India is the fourth to join the club.&nbsp;

The operation had been called "Mission Shakti", and consisted of the A-Sat missile shooting down a live satellite in low earth orbit.&nbsp;

The entire operation, Modi said, had taken three minutes.&nbsp;

Modi added that India's A-Sat missile was not meant to be used for offence, but for defence.&nbsp;

Modi said he wanted to clarify to the world's powers that this new technology was not meant to be used against any country, but that it was for India's defence.&nbsp;

He added India is against a space race, and that "we still follow this policy".&nbsp;

"We did not violate any international treaty," he added.&nbsp;

"We want to use our technology for the safety and betterment of our 130 crore people," he said. "We need a strong India".&nbsp;

Modi added that India's new anti-satellite missile will help the country "emerge as a safe, progressive and strong country".&nbsp;And that "we should be ready to counter all threats in the future".&nbsp;

Modi had said earlier on Wednesday that he had an "important message" to give to the country.&nbsp;

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An important message to the nation. Watch. <a href="https://t.co/0LEOATgOOQ">https://t.co/0LEOATgOOQ</a>
— Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1110797218703761408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 27, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MissionShakti?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MissionShakti</a> is special for 2 reasons: 
(1) India is only the 4th country to acquire such a specialised &amp; modern capability. 
(2) Entire effort is indigenous. 
India stands tall as a space power! 
It will make India stronger, even more secure and will further peace and harmony.
— Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1110801488559759360?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 27, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"#MissionShakti is special for 2 reasons," Modi tweeted after making his announcement.&nbsp;

"India is only the 4th country to acquire such a specialised &amp; modern capability" and "entire effort is indigenous" he elaborated.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced Wednesday that India had shot down a low earth orbit satellite with an A-Sat (anti-satellite) missile. With that, Modi added, India had become an "elite space power".

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced Wednesday that India had shot down a low earth orbit satellite with an A-Sat (anti-satellite) missile. With that, Modi added, India had become an "elite space power". Only three countries — America, Russia and China — the prime minister said, have this capability. India is the fourth to join the club. The operation had been called "Mission Shakti", and consisted of the A-Sat missile shooting down a live satellite in low earth orbit. The entire operation, Modi said, had taken three minutes. Modi added that India's A-Sat missile was not meant to be used for offence, but for defence. Modi said he wanted to clarify to the world's powers that this new technology was not meant to be used against any country, but that it was for India's defence. He added India is against a space race, and that "we still follow this policy". "We did not violate any international treaty," he added. "We want to use our technology for the safety and betterment of our 130 crore people," he said. "We need a strong India". Modi added that India's new anti-satellite missile will help the country "emerge as a safe, progressive and strong country". And that "we should be ready to counter all threats in the future". Modi had said earlier on Wednesday that he had an "important message" to give to the country. An important message to the nation. Watch. https://t.co/0LEOATgOOQ — Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 27, 2019 × #MissionShakti is special for 2 reasons: (1) India is only the 4th country to acquire such a specialised & modern capability. (2) Entire effort is indigenous. India stands tall as a space power! It will make India stronger, even more secure and will further peace and harmony. — Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 27, 2019 × "#MissionShakti is special for 2 reasons," Modi tweeted after making his announcement. "India is only the 4th country to acquire such a specialised & modern capability" and "entire effort is indigenous" he elaborated.

In 'important message' to nation, Modi says India shot down satellite in space

India has attained anti-satellite capability, becoming the fourth such country after the US, China and Russia, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Wednesday.

The mission was completed within three minutes when a pre-determined target satellite some 300 km away in the sky was destroyed using a complicated space manoeuvre, Modi said in a nationally televised speech.

Calling it "Mission Shakti", the Prime Minister said it did not violate any international law.

His address to the nation was widely hailed on social media.

"#MissionShakti is special for 2 reasons: (1) India is only the 4th country to acquire such a specialised &amp; modern capability. (2) Entire effort is indigenous. India stands tall as a space power! It will make India stronger, even more secure and will further peace and harmony," PM Modi posted on his Twitter handle after the address.

India's main Opposition party, the Congress, congratulated the country's space scientists for the feat.

"We congratulate @isro &amp; the Govt on the latest achievement for India. The Indian Space Programme established in 1961 by Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru &amp; the Indian Space Research Organisation set up under Smt. Indira Gandhi has always made India proud with its ground breaking achievements," said a tweet from Congress's official handle.

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We congratulate <a href="https://twitter.com/isro?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@isro</a> &amp; the Govt on the latest achievement for India. The Indian Space Programme established in 1961 by Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru &amp; the Indian Space Research Organisation set up under Smt. Indira Gandhi has always made India proud with its ground breaking achievements.
— Congress (@INCIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia/status/1110805841374928897?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 27, 2019</a></blockquote>
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A tweet from Home Minister Rajnath Singh said, "Congratulations to @DRDO_India &amp; @isro scientists on the success of ‘Mission Shakti’. The success of this mission will help in strengthening India’s defence capabilities. We are proud that our Space &amp; Defence prog has touched unprecedented heights with this glorious achievement."

"Massive Space Leap for India. Kudos to #DRDO scientists for this huge technological advancement. Arrival of #India as #Space Super Power... India only 4th Country after #US, #Russia and #China to acquire anti-satellite missile capability. #MissionShakti," Civil Aviation minister Suresh Prabhu said on Twitter.

"Under the able leadership of PM @narendramodi, team @DRDO_India has achieved a remarkable &amp; historic feat. I am feeling proud that #MissionShakti has been successfully conducted making India, the only 4th nation with capability to destroy low orbit satellite using A-SAT missile," tweeted former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

"Space wars are not just Hollywood fiction. The US, Russia and China continue to pursue anti-satellite (ASAT) weapons. Space is being turned into a battlefront, making counter-space capabilities critical. In this light, India's successful "kill" with an ASAT weapon is significant," strategic affairs expert Brahma Chellaney said on Twitter.

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Without building deterrence by demonstrating an ASAT capability, India risked encouraging an adversary like China to go after Indian space capabilities early in a conflict. To "defend" its satellites, India has to deter China's use of its direct ascent missiles and laser weapons.
— Brahma Chellaney (@Chellaney) <a href="https://twitter.com/Chellaney/status/1110808292358533120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 27, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Modi said he wanted to clarify to the world's powers that this new technology was not meant to be used against any country, but that it was for India's defence.

He added India is against a space race, and that "we still follow this policy".

India has attained anti-satellite capability, becoming the fourth such country after the US, China and Russia, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Wednesday.

India has attained anti-satellite capability, becoming the fourth such country after the US, China and Russia, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Wednesday. The mission was completed within three minutes when a pre-determined target satellite some 300 km away in the sky was destroyed using a complicated space manoeuvre, Modi said in a nationally televised speech. Calling it "Mission Shakti", the Prime Minister said it did not violate any international law. His address to the nation was widely hailed on social media. "#MissionShakti is special for 2 reasons: (1) India is only the 4th country to acquire such a specialised & modern capability. (2) Entire effort is indigenous. India stands tall as a space power! It will make India stronger, even more secure and will further peace and harmony," PM Modi posted on his Twitter handle after the address. India's main Opposition party, the Congress, congratulated the country's space scientists for the feat. "We congratulate @isro & the Govt on the latest achievement for India. The Indian Space Programme established in 1961 by Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru & the Indian Space Research Organisation set up under Smt. Indira Gandhi has always made India proud with its ground breaking achievements," said a tweet from Congress's official handle. We congratulate @isro & the Govt on the latest achievement for India. The Indian Space Programme established in 1961 by Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru & the Indian Space Research Organisation set up under Smt. Indira Gandhi has always made India proud with its ground breaking achievements. — Congress (@INCIndia) March 27, 2019 × A tweet from Home Minister Rajnath Singh said, "Congratulations to @DRDO_India & @isro scientists on the success of ‘Mission Shakti’. The success of this mission will help in strengthening India’s defence capabilities. We are proud that our Space & Defence prog has touched unprecedented heights with this glorious achievement." "Massive Space Leap for India. Kudos to #DRDO scientists for this huge technological advancement. Arrival of #India as #Space Super Power... India only 4th Country after #US, #Russia and #China to acquire anti-satellite missile capability. #MissionShakti," Civil Aviation minister Suresh Prabhu said on Twitter. "Under the able leadership of PM @narendramodi, team @DRDO_India has achieved a remarkable & historic feat. I am feeling proud that #MissionShakti has been successfully conducted making India, the only 4th nation with capability to destroy low orbit satellite using A-SAT missile," tweeted former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. "Space wars are not just Hollywood fiction. The US, Russia and China continue to pursue anti-satellite (ASAT) weapons. Space is being turned into a battlefront, making counter-space capabilities critical. In this light, India's successful "kill" with an ASAT weapon is significant," strategic affairs expert Brahma Chellaney said on Twitter. Without building deterrence by demonstrating an ASAT capability, India risked encouraging an adversary like China to go after Indian space capabilities early in a conflict. To "defend" its satellites, India has to deter China's use of its direct ascent missiles and laser weapons. — Brahma Chellaney (@Chellaney) March 27, 2019 × Modi said he wanted to clarify to the world's powers that this new technology was not meant to be used against any country, but that it was for India's defence. He added India is against a space race, and that "we still follow this policy".

Mission Shakti: Giant leap for India, say leaders

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said India is the fourth country to have used an anti-satellite weapon after the United States, Russia and China.

Speaking to the nation in a televised address, Modi said India had shot down a live satellite in space on Wednesday with an anti-satellite missile, hailing the test as a major breakthrough in its space programme.

Mission Shakti, which was led by the Defence Research and Development Organisation, was aimed at strengthening India's overall security, Modi&nbsp;said

The prime minister earlier tweeted about his address to the nation, calling it an important message.&nbsp;

"Do watch the address on television, radio or social media," he said, setting off speculation across the country on what the topic was likely to be.

Earlier in the day, the Cabinet Committee on Security had met at the prime minister's residence.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said India is the fourth country to have used an anti-satellite weapon after the United States, Russia and China. Speaking to the nation in a televised address, Modi said India had shot down a live satellite in space on Wednesday with an anti-satellite missile, hailing the test as a major breakthrough in its space programme.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said India is the fourth country to have used an anti-satellite weapon after the United States, Russia and China. Speaking to the nation in a televised address, Modi said India had shot down a live satellite in space on Wednesday with an anti-satellite missile, hailing the test as a major breakthrough in its space programme. Mission Shakti, which was led by the Defence Research and Development Organisation, was aimed at strengthening India's overall security, Modi said The prime minister earlier tweeted about his address to the nation, calling it an important message. "Do watch the address on television, radio or social media," he said, setting off speculation across the country on what the topic was likely to be. Earlier in the day, the Cabinet Committee on Security had met at the prime minister's residence. (With inputs from agencies)

Mission Shakti: India fourth country to have used anti-satellite weapon after US, Russia, China, says Modi

Modi said India had successfully tested an anti-satellite missile.

PM Modi says India has successfully tested anti-satellite weapon

A Singapore Airlines flight carrying 263 passengers landed safely at the Changi International Airport here on Tuesday, after the pilot had raised a bomb threat alert, which later turned out to be a hoax.

SQ Flight 423 had taken off at around 11:35 pm (local time) on Monday from Mumbai. Shortly after it took off, the airline received a call claiming that there was a bomb on the plane, The Straits Times reported.

The flight was safely escorted back to Changi Airport by Singapore's air force and made an emergency landing at about 8 am (local time).

All the passengers were disembarked safely and had to undergo a security check before they could leave. However, authorities have detained a woman and a child and are being questioned by the police.

"Singapore Airlines confirms there was a bomb threat concerning SQ423 operating from Mumbai to Singapore. The aircraft arrived in Singapore on 26 March 2019 at about 0800hrs (local time). There were 263 passengers on board. We are assisting the authorities with their investigations and regret that we are unable to provide further details," said a spokesperson for the airline.

Further details in the matter are awaited.

A Singapore Airlines flight carrying 263 passengers landed safely at the Changi International Airport here on Tuesday, after the pilot had raised a bomb threat alert, which later turned out to be a hoax.

A Singapore Airlines flight carrying 263 passengers landed safely at the Changi International Airport here on Tuesday, after the pilot had raised a bomb threat alert, which later turned out to be a hoax. SQ Flight 423 had taken off at around 11:35 pm (local time) on Monday from Mumbai. Shortly after it took off, the airline received a call claiming that there was a bomb on the plane, The Straits Times reported. The flight was safely escorted back to Changi Airport by Singapore's air force and made an emergency landing at about 8 am (local time). All the passengers were disembarked safely and had to undergo a security check before they could leave. However, authorities have detained a woman and a child and are being questioned by the police. "Singapore Airlines confirms there was a bomb threat concerning SQ423 operating from Mumbai to Singapore. The aircraft arrived in Singapore on 26 March 2019 at about 0800hrs (local time). There were 263 passengers on board. We are assisting the authorities with their investigations and regret that we are unable to provide further details," said a spokesperson for the airline. Further details in the matter are awaited.

Mid-air bomb hoax on Mumbai to Singapore-bound Singapore Airlines flight

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested Sushen Mohan Gupta, an alleged middleman in the VVIP chopper scam.

ED sources said Gupta will be produced in Delhi's Patiala House Court later today.

Last week, the Delhi court had allowed Rajiv Saxena, an accused in the case, to turn "approver".

Saxena had moved an application before Special CBI Judge Arvind Kumar to become an approver in the case on February 27.

He had told the court that he was not under any pressure and that assurance was neither given to or sought from him.

The AgustaWestland helicopter deal, finalised during the previous government headed by then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, got mired in the allegations of kickbacks.

According to a charge sheet filed by the ED, the alleged middleman Christian Michel had received kickbacks to the tune of 30 million Euros from AgustaWestland for the deal involving the purchase of 12 VVIP helicopters.

The deal, signed in 2007, was scrapped in 2013 after bribery allegations surfaced. (ANI)&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested Sushen Mohan Gupta, an alleged middleman in the VVIP chopper scam. ED sources said Gupta will be produced in Delhi's Patiala House Court later today.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested Sushen Mohan Gupta, an alleged middleman in the VVIP chopper scam. ED sources said Gupta will be produced in Delhi's Patiala House Court later today. Last week, the Delhi court had allowed Rajiv Saxena, an accused in the case, to turn "approver". Saxena had moved an application before Special CBI Judge Arvind Kumar to become an approver in the case on February 27. He had told the court that he was not under any pressure and that assurance was neither given to or sought from him. The AgustaWestland helicopter deal, finalised during the previous government headed by then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, got mired in the allegations of kickbacks. According to a charge sheet filed by the ED, the alleged middleman Christian Michel had received kickbacks to the tune of 30 million Euros from AgustaWestland for the deal involving the purchase of 12 VVIP helicopters. The deal, signed in 2007, was scrapped in 2013 after bribery allegations surfaced. (ANI)

AgustaWestland case: ED arrests alleged middleman Sushen Mohan Gupta

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has said that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sushma-swaraj-takes-note-hindu-girls-forcible-conversion-to-islam-in-pakistan-demands-report-205199">Hindu girls who were abducted last week in Pakistan</a>'s southern Sindh province should be returned immediately to their families. She added that they are minors and therefore cannot decide if they can convert to another religion or not.

"Forced conversion of Hindu girls in Pakistan: The age of the girls is not disputed... Justice demands that both these girls should be restored to their family immediately," Swaraj said on Twitter.&nbsp;

Taking a dig at Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, Swaraj added, "Even the Prime Minister on 'Naya Pakistan' will not believe that girls of this tender age can voluntarily decide about their conversion to another religion and marriage".

Swaraj and Pakistan's Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry sparred publicly over the abduction of the girls with the former asking the Indian High Commissioner in Islamabad to send a report on the abduction, thereby drawing an angry response from Chaudhry.

Responding to the Pak minister's comment on the situation of minorities in India, Swaraj said, "I only asked for a report from Indian High Commissioner in Islamabad about the kidnapping and forced conversion of two minor Hindu girls to Islam."

"This was enough to make you jittery. This only shows your guilty conscience," she added.&nbsp;

On Sunday, New Delhi sent an official note to Pakistan's Foreign Office over the abduction of the two Hindu girls in Sindh province and shared its concern with Pakistan.&nbsp;

Sources told WION, India called on Pak government to "protect and promote safety, security and welfare of its own citizens, especially from the minority communities."

Sindh in southern Pakistan has a higher percentage of Hindus than the rest of the country. Three districts, Mirpurkhas (33% Hindus), Tharparkar (36% Hindus) and Umerkot (49% Hindus), contribute to the significant Hindu community in Sindh and these are the districts where most underage Hindu girls were reportedly forced to convert and were married off.

In the past also New Delhi has taken up cases of intimidation of Sikhs, Hindus, as also the desecration of their places of worship with the Pakistan government.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has said that the Hindu girls who were abducted last week in Pakistan's southern Sindh province should be returned immediately to their families.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has said that the Hindu girls who were abducted last week in Pakistan's southern Sindh province should be returned immediately to their families. She added that they are minors and therefore cannot decide if they can convert to another religion or not. "Forced conversion of Hindu girls in Pakistan: The age of the girls is not disputed... Justice demands that both these girls should be restored to their family immediately," Swaraj said on Twitter. Taking a dig at Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, Swaraj added, "Even the Prime Minister on 'Naya Pakistan' will not believe that girls of this tender age can voluntarily decide about their conversion to another religion and marriage". Swaraj and Pakistan's Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry sparred publicly over the abduction of the girls with the former asking the Indian High Commissioner in Islamabad to send a report on the abduction, thereby drawing an angry response from Chaudhry. Responding to the Pak minister's comment on the situation of minorities in India, Swaraj said, "I only asked for a report from Indian High Commissioner in Islamabad about the kidnapping and forced conversion of two minor Hindu girls to Islam." "This was enough to make you jittery. This only shows your guilty conscience," she added. On Sunday, New Delhi sent an official note to Pakistan's Foreign Office over the abduction of the two Hindu girls in Sindh province and shared its concern with Pakistan. Sources told WION, India called on Pak government to "protect and promote safety, security and welfare of its own citizens, especially from the minority communities." Sindh in southern Pakistan has a higher percentage of Hindus than the rest of the country. Three districts, Mirpurkhas (33% Hindus), Tharparkar (36% Hindus) and Umerkot (49% Hindus), contribute to the significant Hindu community in Sindh and these are the districts where most underage Hindu girls were reportedly forced to convert and were married off. In the past also New Delhi has taken up cases of intimidation of Sikhs, Hindus, as also the desecration of their places of worship with the Pakistan government.

Abducted Hindu girls in Pakistan: Sushma Swaraj says 'restore them to their families immediately'

Absconding diamantaire Nirav Modi's artworks fetch Rs 59.37 crore at an auction by the income tax department Tuesday evening in Mumbai.

In first of its kind auction in India, where tax authorities have usually auctioned property, gold and luxury items, but not art, 68 paintings were to be sold.

The Income Tax Department appointed professional auction house Saffronart after a special court allowed it to sell artworks seized from the fugitive businessman.

Modi was arrested in London last week. He was remanded in custody till March 29 by a court there. Modi and his uncle, Mehul Choksi, another accused in the case, had left India before the fraud came to light in January 2018.

The Income Tax Department had last month provisionally attached 29 properties and 105 bank accounts of Modi, his family members and firms as part of its probe.

The taxman had also filed a charge sheet against Modi before the special court under sections 276 C (1) (willful attempt to evade tax), 277 A (false statement in verification), 278 B (offences by companies) and 278 E (presumption as to culpable mental state) of the Income Tax Act, 1961.

(With inputs from agencies)

Absconding diamantaire Nirav Modi's artworks fetch Rs 59.37 crore at an auction by the income tax department Tuesday evening in Mumbai. In first of its kind auction in India, where tax authorities have usually auctioned property, gold and luxury items, but not art, 68 paintings were to be sold.

Absconding diamantaire Nirav Modi's artworks fetch Rs 59.37 crore at an auction by the income tax department Tuesday evening in Mumbai. In first of its kind auction in India, where tax authorities have usually auctioned property, gold and luxury items, but not art, 68 paintings were to be sold. The Income Tax Department appointed professional auction house Saffronart after a special court allowed it to sell artworks seized from the fugitive businessman. Modi was arrested in London last week. He was remanded in custody till March 29 by a court there. Modi and his uncle, Mehul Choksi, another accused in the case, had left India before the fraud came to light in January 2018. The Income Tax Department had last month provisionally attached 29 properties and 105 bank accounts of Modi, his family members and firms as part of its probe. The taxman had also filed a charge sheet against Modi before the special court under sections 276 C (1) (willful attempt to evade tax), 277 A (false statement in verification), 278 B (offences by companies) and 278 E (presumption as to culpable mental state) of the Income Tax Act, 1961. (With inputs from agencies)

I-T department earns Rs 59.37 crore selling Nirav Modi's artworks

A collection of rare artefacts discovered by a couple after years of lying wrapped up in their attic in the English county of Berkshire and evaluated as items from Tipu Sultan's armoury were auctioned on Tuesday for around 107,000 pounds.

The highlight lot, a silver-mounted 20-bore flintlock gun and bayonet from the personal armoury of the last ruler of Mysore, proved hugely popular as it attracted 14 bids before going under the hammer for 60,000 pounds.

"Unlike other Tipu Sultan guns, this one exhibits clear signs of having been badly damaged in its past...Rather than being taken directly from the rack after the fall of Seringapatam, it appears to have been collected from the battlefield," the lot description notes.

The other highlight lot, a gold-encrusted sword and suspension belt ensemble believed to be one of Tipu Sultan's personal swords, attracted as many as 58 bids before being sold to the winning bidder for 18,500 pounds.

The two centrepieces formed part of a collection of eight items brought back by Major Thomas Hart of the East India Company after the Tiger of Mysore's defeat at Seringapatam in 1799.

Alongside the arms, an intricately designed Betel Nut Casket (17,500 pounds) and a Gold East India Company Seal ring (2,800 pounds) belonging to Major Hart, believed to have passed down generations before landing in the hands of the current owners, were among the other big sellers of Tuesday's sale.

Berkshire-based Antony Cribb Ltd auctioneers, who specialise in arms and armoury related sales, had announced the auction following the "exciting discovery" earlier this year and said that majority of the buyer interest had come from Indians based in India.

The Indian High Commission in London was made aware of the artefacts by the India Pride Project, a worldwide volunteer network set up to track "India's stolen heritage", and attempted to convince the auction house to consider voluntarily restoring the items to India.

The India Pride Project, which was instrumental in the restitution of a 12th century Buddha statue stolen from Nalanda in Bihar last year via the Indian High Commission in London, said it would continue lobbying for such artefacts to find their way back to India.

"You haven't really decolonised a nation unless you've given back what's theirs," said Anuraag Saxena, founder of the India Pride Project.

However, the auction house insisted that no laws were being broken and also confirmed that the beneficiary family had decided to make a sizeable donation to a school in India from the money generated from the auction. 
"The family is not motivated by money and sincerely hope these items find their way back to India, maybe to a museum, for future generations to have access to it," said Antony Cribb of the auction house.

The latest cache of Tipu Sultan related artefacts, which included three further swords from the ruler's armoury and a lacquered leather shield, was described as special because of its rare discovery under one roof after nearly 220 years.

The items bore the trademark tiger and tiger stripes associated with the Tiger of Mysore as proof of their provenance. The lots came to light in January this year when the couple who made the discovery of this innocuous family heirloom contacted Antony Cribb Ltd about a sword they had in their attic.

After an evaluation, a gold "Haider" symbol found on the sword confirmed that the sword belonged Haider Ali Khan? Tipu Sultan's father. The three other swords bearing similar gold markings were found soon after, along with the other items.&nbsp;

A collection of rare artefacts discovered by a couple after years of lying wrapped up in their attic in the English county of Berkshire and evaluated as items from Tipu Sultan's armoury were auctioned on Tuesday for around 107,000 pounds.

A collection of rare artefacts discovered by a couple after years of lying wrapped up in their attic in the English county of Berkshire and evaluated as items from Tipu Sultan's armoury were auctioned on Tuesday for around 107,000 pounds. The highlight lot, a silver-mounted 20-bore flintlock gun and bayonet from the personal armoury of the last ruler of Mysore, proved hugely popular as it attracted 14 bids before going under the hammer for 60,000 pounds. "Unlike other Tipu Sultan guns, this one exhibits clear signs of having been badly damaged in its past...Rather than being taken directly from the rack after the fall of Seringapatam, it appears to have been collected from the battlefield," the lot description notes. The other highlight lot, a gold-encrusted sword and suspension belt ensemble believed to be one of Tipu Sultan's personal swords, attracted as many as 58 bids before being sold to the winning bidder for 18,500 pounds. The two centrepieces formed part of a collection of eight items brought back by Major Thomas Hart of the East India Company after the Tiger of Mysore's defeat at Seringapatam in 1799. Alongside the arms, an intricately designed Betel Nut Casket (17,500 pounds) and a Gold East India Company Seal ring (2,800 pounds) belonging to Major Hart, believed to have passed down generations before landing in the hands of the current owners, were among the other big sellers of Tuesday's sale. Berkshire-based Antony Cribb Ltd auctioneers, who specialise in arms and armoury related sales, had announced the auction following the "exciting discovery" earlier this year and said that majority of the buyer interest had come from Indians based in India. The Indian High Commission in London was made aware of the artefacts by the India Pride Project, a worldwide volunteer network set up to track "India's stolen heritage", and attempted to convince the auction house to consider voluntarily restoring the items to India. The India Pride Project, which was instrumental in the restitution of a 12th century Buddha statue stolen from Nalanda in Bihar last year via the Indian High Commission in London, said it would continue lobbying for such artefacts to find their way back to India. "You haven't really decolonised a nation unless you've given back what's theirs," said Anuraag Saxena, founder of the India Pride Project. However, the auction house insisted that no laws were being broken and also confirmed that the beneficiary family had decided to make a sizeable donation to a school in India from the money generated from the auction. "The family is not motivated by money and sincerely hope these items find their way back to India, maybe to a museum, for future generations to have access to it," said Antony Cribb of the auction house. The latest cache of Tipu Sultan related artefacts, which included three further swords from the ruler's armoury and a lacquered leather shield, was described as special because of its rare discovery under one roof after nearly 220 years. The items bore the trademark tiger and tiger stripes associated with the Tiger of Mysore as proof of their provenance. The lots came to light in January this year when the couple who made the discovery of this innocuous family heirloom contacted Antony Cribb Ltd about a sword they had in their attic. After an evaluation, a gold "Haider" symbol found on the sword confirmed that the sword belonged Haider Ali Khan? Tipu Sultan's father. The three other swords bearing similar gold markings were found soon after, along with the other items.

Tipu Sultan's silver-mounted gun fetches 60,000 pounds at UK auction

Businessman Vijay Mallya on Tuesday urged Indian banks to "take his money" and save <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/naresh-goyal-quits-jet-airways-205510">cash-strapped Jet Airways</a>.

"I repeat once again that I have placed liquid assets before the Hon'ble Karnataka High Court to pay off the PSU Banks and all other creditors. Why do the Banks not take my money. It will help them to save Jet Airways if nothing else," the liquor baron tweeted.

Mallya, who is currently facing trial in a UK Court, went on to highlight the "double standards" of the NDA government, and questioned why public sector banks pitched in to save Jet Airways but let his company, Kingfisher Airlines, "fail ruthlessly."

"Happy to see that PSU Banks have bailed out Jet Airways saving jobs, connectivity and enterprise. Only wish the same was done for Kingfisher," he wrote on the micro-blogging site.

"I invested over 4000 crores into Kingfisher Airlines to save the Company and its employees. Not recognised and instead slammed in every possible way. The same PSU Banks let India's finest airline with the best employees and connectivity fail ruthlessly. Double standards under NDA," read another tweet.

Mallya also claimed that the media "decimated" him for writing to Prime Minister Narendra Modi while a BJP spokesman "eloquently read out" letters he wrote to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and alleged that PSU banks under the UPA government "wrongly supported" Kingfisher Airlines.

Jet Airways has been suffering bruising competition from low-cost airlines, fluctuating crude prices and a weak rupee.

The airline has over one billion dollars in debt and has to repay money to banks, lessors of planes and suppliers besides clearing pending salaries to its pilots.

Last week, State Bank of India (SBI) Chairman Rajnish Kumar had said that the resolution plan is almost ready and it will not involve a bailout for any individual.

At the same time, talks with Abu Dhabi-based airline Etihad to secure a rescue deal are still on, he said adding there is also a possibility of bringing in another investor.

"We believe Jet Airways is a good aviation property and it is in every body's interest that it continues to fly," Kumar had said on March 20.

The chairman of the airline, Naresh Goyal, stepped down on March 25, following which lenders agreed to pump in Rs 1500 crore to bail out the financially troubled airline.

Meanwhile, a Delhi court had, last week, ordered attachment of Mallya's properties in Bengaluru under section 83 of the Code of Criminal Procedure in connection with a FERA (Foreign Exchange Regulation Act) violation case, and fixed the next date of hearing as July 10.

Businessman Vijay Mallya on Tuesday urged Indian banks to "take his money" and save cash-strapped Jet Airways. "I repeat once again that I have placed liquid assets before the Hon'ble Karnataka High Court to pay off the PSU Banks and all other creditors.

Businessman Vijay Mallya on Tuesday urged Indian banks to "take his money" and save cash-strapped Jet Airways. "I repeat once again that I have placed liquid assets before the Hon'ble Karnataka High Court to pay off the PSU Banks and all other creditors. Why do the Banks not take my money. It will help them to save Jet Airways if nothing else," the liquor baron tweeted. Mallya, who is currently facing trial in a UK Court, went on to highlight the "double standards" of the NDA government, and questioned why public sector banks pitched in to save Jet Airways but let his company, Kingfisher Airlines, "fail ruthlessly." "Happy to see that PSU Banks have bailed out Jet Airways saving jobs, connectivity and enterprise. Only wish the same was done for Kingfisher," he wrote on the micro-blogging site. "I invested over 4000 crores into Kingfisher Airlines to save the Company and its employees. Not recognised and instead slammed in every possible way. The same PSU Banks let India's finest airline with the best employees and connectivity fail ruthlessly. Double standards under NDA," read another tweet. Mallya also claimed that the media "decimated" him for writing to Prime Minister Narendra Modi while a BJP spokesman "eloquently read out" letters he wrote to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and alleged that PSU banks under the UPA government "wrongly supported" Kingfisher Airlines. Jet Airways has been suffering bruising competition from low-cost airlines, fluctuating crude prices and a weak rupee. The airline has over one billion dollars in debt and has to repay money to banks, lessors of planes and suppliers besides clearing pending salaries to its pilots. Last week, State Bank of India (SBI) Chairman Rajnish Kumar had said that the resolution plan is almost ready and it will not involve a bailout for any individual. At the same time, talks with Abu Dhabi-based airline Etihad to secure a rescue deal are still on, he said adding there is also a possibility of bringing in another investor. "We believe Jet Airways is a good aviation property and it is in every body's interest that it continues to fly," Kumar had said on March 20. The chairman of the airline, Naresh Goyal, stepped down on March 25, following which lenders agreed to pump in Rs 1500 crore to bail out the financially troubled airline. Meanwhile, a Delhi court had, last week, ordered attachment of Mallya's properties in Bengaluru under section 83 of the Code of Criminal Procedure in connection with a FERA (Foreign Exchange Regulation Act) violation case, and fixed the next date of hearing as July 10.

Take my money, save Jet Airways: Mallya to banks

Nirmohi Akhara, one of the original litigants in the Ayodhya Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute case, has requested the Supreme Court to consider moving the mediation panel proceedings from Faizabad in Uttar Pradesh to New Delhi or some other “neutral place” due to the sensitive nature of the issue.

It has also said that an amicable resolution would be possible only through “direct dialogue” between the UP Sunni Wakf Board and the Nirmohi Akhara.

Besides, it has further requested that two more retired judges of the apex court be appointed to the mediation panel which is exploring the possibility of an amicable settlement of the land dispute.&nbsp;

A five-judge Constitution bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi had on March 8 referred the land dispute case for mediation by a panel headed by former apex court judge F M I Kalifulla for exploring the possibility of an amicable settlement.

The bench had said that spiritual guru and founder of Art of Living Foundation Sri Sri Ravishankar and senior advocate Sriram Panchu, a renowned mediator, will be the other two members of the panel of mediators and the proceedings will be held at Faizabad.

In its application dated March 25, 2019, Nirmohi Akhara has said that the original parties claiming the title — The Panch Ramanandi Nirmohi Akhara Ayodhya and The UP Sunni Central Waqf Board — can be encouraged to have a dialogue under the aegis of the panel of mediators without requiring them to give proposals in writing.

Nirmohi Akhara, one of the original litigants in the Ayodhya Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute case, has requested the Supreme Court to consider moving the mediation panel proceedings from Faizabad in Uttar Pradesh to New Delhi or some other “neutral place” due to the sensitive nature of the issue.

Nirmohi Akhara, one of the original litigants in the Ayodhya Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute case, has requested the Supreme Court to consider moving the mediation panel proceedings from Faizabad in Uttar Pradesh to New Delhi or some other “neutral place” due to the sensitive nature of the issue. It has also said that an amicable resolution would be possible only through “direct dialogue” between the UP Sunni Wakf Board and the Nirmohi Akhara. Besides, it has further requested that two more retired judges of the apex court be appointed to the mediation panel which is exploring the possibility of an amicable settlement of the land dispute. A five-judge Constitution bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi had on March 8 referred the land dispute case for mediation by a panel headed by former apex court judge F M I Kalifulla for exploring the possibility of an amicable settlement. The bench had said that spiritual guru and founder of Art of Living Foundation Sri Sri Ravishankar and senior advocate Sriram Panchu, a renowned mediator, will be the other two members of the panel of mediators and the proceedings will be held at Faizabad. In its application dated March 25, 2019, Nirmohi Akhara has said that the original parties claiming the title — The Panch Ramanandi Nirmohi Akhara Ayodhya and The UP Sunni Central Waqf Board — can be encouraged to have a dialogue under the aegis of the panel of mediators without requiring them to give proposals in writing.

Ayodhya case: Nirmohi Akhara requests SC to move mediation proceedings to ‘neutral place’

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel's father Nand Kumar Baghel on Monday expressed his willingness to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Nand Kumar Baghel is not a member of any political party. Addressing reporters outside the Congress headquarters here, he said, "I want to contest election against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. If Congress gives me a ticket, I will contest to defeat him and make Rahul Gandhi the next Prime Minister of India."

Terming Prime Minister as "dictator", he said, "He (Modi) has made false promises to the country. Congress should field me against him."

"Congress party should not ally with regional parties and if the alliance happens, it should happen only on condition that Rahul Gandhi will be the next Prime Minister," he added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is once again set to contest general elections from Varanasi Lok Sabha constituency, the seat from which he won in 2014 polls.

The Lok Sabha elections are scheduled to be conducted in seven phases. The counting of votes will be done on May 23.&nbsp;

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel's father Nand Kumar Baghel on Monday expressed his willingness to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel's father Nand Kumar Baghel on Monday expressed his willingness to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Nand Kumar Baghel is not a member of any political party. Addressing reporters outside the Congress headquarters here, he said, "I want to contest election against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. If Congress gives me a ticket, I will contest to defeat him and make Rahul Gandhi the next Prime Minister of India." Terming Prime Minister as "dictator", he said, "He (Modi) has made false promises to the country. Congress should field me against him." "Congress party should not ally with regional parties and if the alliance happens, it should happen only on condition that Rahul Gandhi will be the next Prime Minister," he added. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is once again set to contest general elections from Varanasi Lok Sabha constituency, the seat from which he won in 2014 polls. The Lok Sabha elections are scheduled to be conducted in seven phases. The counting of votes will be done on May 23.

Lok Sabha polls: Chhattisgarh CM's father wishes to contest against PM Modi

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pentagon-authorises-1-bn-for-trumps-border-wall-205641">Pentagon authorises $1 billion for Trump's border wall</a>

The Pentagon has authorised $1 billion for US President's Donald Trump's wall along the US-Mexico border. The authorisation was made by acting Pentagon chief Patrick Shanahan.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-mps-vote-to-seize-control-of-brexit-for-a-day-205630">British MPs vote to seize control of Brexit for a day</a>

British lawmakers wrested control of the parliamentary agenda from the government for a day in a highly unusual bid to find a way through the Brexit impasse after Prime Minister Theresa May's EU divorce deal was rejected again.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/55-indians-happy-with-way-things-are-going-in-the-country-public-satisfaction-dips-15-points-us-survey-205636">55</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/55-indians-happy-with-way-things-are-going-in-the-country-public-satisfaction-dips-15-points-us-survey-205636">%</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/55-indians-happy-with-way-things-are-going-in-the-country-public-satisfaction-dips-15-points-us-survey-205636"> Indians happy with way things are going in the country, public satisfaction dips 15 points: US survey</a>

Fifty-five per cent of Indians are happy with the way things are going in the country even as the public satisfaction level has gone down by 15 points to 70 per cent, according to a Pew survey released late Monday night.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/stormy-daniels-lawyer-charged-with-trying-to-extort-20-million-from-nike-205631">Stormy Daniels' lawyer charged with trying to extort $20 million from Nike</a>

Attorney Michael Avenatti, who represented adult film star Stormy Daniels in her legal battles with US President Donald Trump, was charged on Monday with what prosecutors said was an attempt to "shakedown" Nike Inc for over $20 million.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/apple-unveils-apple-tv-streaming-service-credit-card-205624">Apple starts streaming service to take on Netflix, Amazon</a>

Apple unveiled a new streaming-video service with original TV-series content called Apple TV+ on Monday, aiming to join the audiovisual streaming market mainly dominated by Netflix, Hulu and Amazon.

Pentagon authorises $1 billion for Trump's border wall The Pentagon has authorised $1 billion for US President's Donald Trump's wall along the US-Mexico border. The authorisation was made by acting Pentagon chief Patrick Shanahan.

Pentagon authorises $1 billion for Trump's border wall The Pentagon has authorised $1 billion for US President's Donald Trump's wall along the US-Mexico border. The authorisation was made by acting Pentagon chief Patrick Shanahan. British MPs vote to seize control of Brexit for a day British lawmakers wrested control of the parliamentary agenda from the government for a day in a highly unusual bid to find a way through the Brexit impasse after Prime Minister Theresa May's EU divorce deal was rejected again. 55% Indians happy with way things are going in the country, public satisfaction dips 15 points: US survey Fifty-five per cent of Indians are happy with the way things are going in the country even as the public satisfaction level has gone down by 15 points to 70 per cent, according to a Pew survey released late Monday night. Stormy Daniels' lawyer charged with trying to extort $20 million from Nike Attorney Michael Avenatti, who represented adult film star Stormy Daniels in her legal battles with US President Donald Trump, was charged on Monday with what prosecutors said was an attempt to "shakedown" Nike Inc for over $20 million. Apple starts streaming service to take on Netflix, Amazon Apple unveiled a new streaming-video service with original TV-series content called Apple TV+ on Monday, aiming to join the audiovisual streaming market mainly dominated by Netflix, Hulu and Amazon.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Tuesday said that West Bengal and Delhi are two states who do not cooperate with any of the schemes of central government.

"Opposition CM in Kerala has a Left government but it is implementing all the schemes of the Central government. Southern states are better. Two states which do not cooperate at all are West Bengal and Delhi," Jaitley told Zee News Editor-in-Chief Sudhir Chaudhary.

He also said that Modi gave India a strong leadership. The ability to take strong decisions like Balakot airstrike has given an assurance to the people of this nation that Modi will give the country a strong leadership.

Jaitley also slammed Congress's direct benefit transfer scheme announced by its president Rahul Gandhi on Monday.

Calling Rahul Gandhi's minimum income promise a bluff he said: "Congress has only given slogans to the poor, we gave them means. We got 91% of villages connected to roads. We have promised that all the BPL families will have a house by 2022. We waived off the hospital expense for 50 crore people of this country. We did not increase income tax by a single rupee, in fact, we reduced it.we also increased the tax base. 10,000km national highways were constructed every year during our tenure. We already have 55 scheme for our poor."

Earlier on Monday, Congress President Rahul Gandhi announced that his party, if voted to power, would give a minimum income guarantee of Rs 6,000 per month to 20 crore household. He said that the move would bring the people out of poverty.

Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Tuesday said that West Bengal and Delhi are two states who do not cooperate with any of the schemes of central government.

Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Tuesday said that West Bengal and Delhi are two states who do not cooperate with any of the schemes of central government. "Opposition CM in Kerala has a Left government but it is implementing all the schemes of the Central government. Southern states are better. Two states which do not cooperate at all are West Bengal and Delhi," Jaitley told Zee News Editor-in-Chief Sudhir Chaudhary. He also said that Modi gave India a strong leadership. The ability to take strong decisions like Balakot airstrike has given an assurance to the people of this nation that Modi will give the country a strong leadership. Jaitley also slammed Congress's direct benefit transfer scheme announced by its president Rahul Gandhi on Monday. Calling Rahul Gandhi's minimum income promise a bluff he said: "Congress has only given slogans to the poor, we gave them means. We got 91% of villages connected to roads. We have promised that all the BPL families will have a house by 2022. We waived off the hospital expense for 50 crore people of this country. We did not increase income tax by a single rupee, in fact, we reduced it.we also increased the tax base. 10,000km national highways were constructed every year during our tenure. We already have 55 scheme for our poor." Earlier on Monday, Congress President Rahul Gandhi announced that his party, if voted to power, would give a minimum income guarantee of Rs 6,000 per month to 20 crore household. He said that the move would bring the people out of poverty.

Only West Bengal, Delhi resist Centre's development schemes: Arun Jaitley

Fifty-five per cent of Indians are happy with the way things are going in the country even as the public satisfaction level has gone down by 15 points to 70 per cent, according to a Pew survey released late Monday night.

Conducted in India among 2,521 respondents from May 23 to July 23, 2018, the Washington-based Pew Research Centre study said a majority of Indians voiced concern about terrorism and the threat posed to their country by <a href="Conducted in India among 2,521 respondents from May 23 to July 23, 2018, the Washington-based Pew Research Centre study said a majority of Indians voiced concern about terrorism and the threat posed to their country by Pakistan.">Pakistan</a>.

According to the survey, conducted much before <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/crpf-convoy-attacked-in-jammu-kashmirs-pulwama-death-toll-climbs-to-40-197468">the ghastly Pulwama terrorist attack</a>, about 76 per cent of Indians believe Pakistan is a threat to the country. Only seven per cent do not see Pakistan as a danger to India.&nbsp;

Roughly two-thirds (65 per cent) said the financial situation of average people in India is better today than it was 20 years ago. Only 15 per cent said things are worse.&nbsp;

The survey said lack of employment opportunities is seen by the public as India's biggest challenge. Seventy-six per cent said employment is a very big problem and little has changed over the past year. While just one in five persons (21 per cent) said job opportunities have become better, 67 per cent believed it has gotten worse.&nbsp;

In 2018, despite an estimated 3.5 per cent formal unemployment rate, 18.6 million Indians were jobless and another 393.7 million work in poor-quality jobs vulnerable to displacement, according to estimates by the International Labour Office.

The study said 73 per cent believe inflation is a very big problem in India. As many as 65 per cent said prices have gotten worse.&nbsp;

Noting that Indians voiced strong frustration about elections and elected officials, the study said nearly two-thirds (64 per cent) of the Indians said most politicians are corrupt (including 43 per cent who very intensely hold this view). Notably, nearly seven in 10 (69 per cent) of both BJP and Congress supporters share the view that elected leaders are corrupt, it said.

Another 58 per cent opined that no matter who wins an election, things do not change very much. This includes a majority of both BJP and Congress supporters, it said.

According to the survey, 71 per cent believe trade is good for India. While 59 per cent of youths aged between 18 and 29 believe that trade generates new employment, 50 per cent of older Indians (aged 50 and above) shares similar view.&nbsp;

Fifty-five per cent of Indians are happy with the way things are going in the country even as the public satisfaction level has gone down by 15 points to 70 per cent, according to a Pew survey released late Monday night.

Fifty-five per cent of Indians are happy with the way things are going in the country even as the public satisfaction level has gone down by 15 points to 70 per cent, according to a Pew survey released late Monday night. Conducted in India among 2,521 respondents from May 23 to July 23, 2018, the Washington-based Pew Research Centre study said a majority of Indians voiced concern about terrorism and the threat posed to their country by Pakistan. According to the survey, conducted much before the ghastly Pulwama terrorist attack, about 76 per cent of Indians believe Pakistan is a threat to the country. Only seven per cent do not see Pakistan as a danger to India. Roughly two-thirds (65 per cent) said the financial situation of average people in India is better today than it was 20 years ago. Only 15 per cent said things are worse. The survey said lack of employment opportunities is seen by the public as India's biggest challenge. Seventy-six per cent said employment is a very big problem and little has changed over the past year. While just one in five persons (21 per cent) said job opportunities have become better, 67 per cent believed it has gotten worse. In 2018, despite an estimated 3.5 per cent formal unemployment rate, 18.6 million Indians were jobless and another 393.7 million work in poor-quality jobs vulnerable to displacement, according to estimates by the International Labour Office. The study said 73 per cent believe inflation is a very big problem in India. As many as 65 per cent said prices have gotten worse. Noting that Indians voiced strong frustration about elections and elected officials, the study said nearly two-thirds (64 per cent) of the Indians said most politicians are corrupt (including 43 per cent who very intensely hold this view). Notably, nearly seven in 10 (69 per cent) of both BJP and Congress supporters share the view that elected leaders are corrupt, it said. Another 58 per cent opined that no matter who wins an election, things do not change very much. This includes a majority of both BJP and Congress supporters, it said. According to the survey, 71 per cent believe trade is good for India. While 59 per cent of youths aged between 18 and 29 believe that trade generates new employment, 50 per cent of older Indians (aged 50 and above) shares similar view.

55% Indians happy with way things are going in the country, public satisfaction dips 15 points: US survey

Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is going to be the game changer in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

"I don't think any other issue or scheme is going to do anything. Only PM Narendra Modi is going to be the game changer in this election," Jaitley told Zee News Editor-in-Chief Sudhir Chaudhary.

He also said that Modi gave India a strong leadership.

"The people of the country know that we can take tough decisions, provide leadership and that the country is safe under PM Modi's leadership. Any other PM would have thought 'whether I should give the permission or not for the airstrikes in Balakot'. He decided to strike the terrorists at their point of origin - both surgical strikes and IAF strikes prove it," Jaitley said.

The ability to take such decisions has given an assurance to the people of this nation that Modi will give the country a strong leadership.

"They violate the sanctity of Line of Control nearly every day. The changed defence doctrine that we have adopted will give a new sense of safety to the countrymen," he said.

Jaitley also slammed Congress's direct benefit transfer scheme announced by its president Rahul Gandhi on Monday.

Calling Rahul Gandhi's minimum income promise a bluff he said: "Congress has only given slogans to the poor, we gave them means. We got 91% of villages connected to roads. We have promised that all the BPL families will have a house by 2022. We waived off the hospital expense for 50 crore people of this country. We did not increase income tax by a single rupee, in fact, we reduced it.we also increased the tax base. 10,000km national highways were constructed every year during our tenure. We already have 55 scheme for our poor."

"Jitna ye vada kar rahe hain, usse 1.5 guna zyada hum already kar rahe hain&nbsp;(what they (Congress) is promising, we are already giving 1.5 times of that)," he added. 
 
Earlier on Monday, Congress President Rahul Gandhi announced that his party, if voted to power, would give a minimum income guarantee of Rs 6,000 per month to 20 crore household. He said that the move would bring the people out of poverty.

Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is going to be the game changer in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. "I don't think any other issue or scheme is going to do anything.

Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is going to be the game changer in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. "I don't think any other issue or scheme is going to do anything. Only PM Narendra Modi is going to be the game changer in this election," Jaitley told Zee News Editor-in-Chief Sudhir Chaudhary. He also said that Modi gave India a strong leadership. "The people of the country know that we can take tough decisions, provide leadership and that the country is safe under PM Modi's leadership. Any other PM would have thought 'whether I should give the permission or not for the airstrikes in Balakot'. He decided to strike the terrorists at their point of origin - both surgical strikes and IAF strikes prove it," Jaitley said. The ability to take such decisions has given an assurance to the people of this nation that Modi will give the country a strong leadership. "They violate the sanctity of Line of Control nearly every day. The changed defence doctrine that we have adopted will give a new sense of safety to the countrymen," he said. Jaitley also slammed Congress's direct benefit transfer scheme announced by its president Rahul Gandhi on Monday. Calling Rahul Gandhi's minimum income promise a bluff he said: "Congress has only given slogans to the poor, we gave them means. We got 91% of villages connected to roads. We have promised that all the BPL families will have a house by 2022. We waived off the hospital expense for 50 crore people of this country. We did not increase income tax by a single rupee, in fact, we reduced it.we also increased the tax base. 10,000km national highways were constructed every year during our tenure. We already have 55 scheme for our poor." "Jitna ye vada kar rahe hain, usse 1.5 guna zyada hum already kar rahe hain (what they (Congress) is promising, we are already giving 1.5 times of that)," he added. Earlier on Monday, Congress President Rahul Gandhi announced that his party, if voted to power, would give a minimum income guarantee of Rs 6,000 per month to 20 crore household. He said that the move would bring the people out of poverty.

Narendra Modi will be the game changer in Lok Sabha Elections 2019: Arun Jaitley

Union minister Nitin Gadkari, Maharashtra Congress chief Ashok Chavan and Dalit leader Prakash Ambedkar were among prominent candidates who Monday filed their nomination papers in the state for the Lok Sabha elections.

Gadkari filed his papers for the Nagpur Lok Sabha seat, where polls will be held on April 11.

The BJP stalwart, who had defeated Vilas Muttemwar (Congress) in the 2014 elections by a margin of 2.84 lakh votes, said he will win with a bigger margin this time around.

"This time, I will win with a bigger margin. People have a good opinion of the work done by the Narendra Modi-led government in the last five years. Our government did more than (what was promised) in the poll manifesto," Gadkari told reporters.

The former BJP president was accompanied by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Energy Minister Chandrashekar Bawankule, family members and a large number of party workers, while filing his papers.

"Your support and love is the biggest strength for us," said Gadkari, who handles a number of infrastructure-related portfolios in the Modi government. 
Fadnavis said Gadkari will register a "historic win" in Nagpur.

"He will create a record in Maharashtra," the chief minister said, adding the "BJP-Shiv Sena combine would win 45 of the 48 Lok Sabha seats in the state.

Shiv Sena's Krupal Tumane, the sitting MP from Ramtek (SC) seat, also filed his nomination papers for the Ramtek seat.

Nana Patole of the Congress, who will take on Gadkari in Nagpur, and former IAS officer Kishor Gajbhiye, pitted against Tumane in Ramtek, also filed their nomination papers later in the day.

Patole claimed Nagpur and Ramtek seats were Congress bastions, and said he would defeat Gadkari comfortably.

Chavan filed his papers from the Nanded constituency.

He was accompanied by NCP leader Kamal Kishore Kadam on the occasion.

Chavan, the sitting MP from Nanded, exuded confidence that the Congress will emerge victorious in the country winning seats "in big numbers".

The former Maharashtra chief minister claimed the present atmosphere in the country was against the BJP.

"People are fed up. Farmers, students, unemployed and traders are fed up with the government. The (BJP-led) government has not kept its promises. Hence, there will definitely be a change in guard," Chavan claimed.

Chavan is pitted against Shiv Sena MLA Pratap Chikhlikar, who is contesting on a BJP ticket.

Another senior Maharashtra Congress leader, Manikrao Thakre, filed his papers from the Yavatmal-Washim seat.

Meanwhile, Bharip Bahujan Mahasangh leader Prakash Ambedkar, who has formed a new political front, the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi, along with AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, filed his papers from the Solapur seat.

He will take on Congress veteran Sushilkumar Shinde there. The seat is held by BJP's Sharad Bansode, who defeated Shinde in the 2014 polls by a margin of 1.49 lakh votes.

Ambedkar accused Shinde, a former Union Home Minister, of not protecting the interests of backward class communities from the constituency.

Union Minister of State for Home Hansraj Ahir of the BJP also filed his nomination papers. He is contesting from the Chandrapur constituency and will take on Suresh Dhanorkar of the Congress.

The other BJP candidates who filed their papers included Sanjay Dhotre (Akola), Ashok Nete (Gadchiroli-Chimur), Jaysiddheshwar Swami (Solapur) and Dr Pritam Munde (Beed).

Dhotre will contest against NCP's Hidayat Patel, while Munde will take on NCP's Bajarang Sonawane. BJP's Nete will take on Congress candidate Dr Namdev Usendi.

The three sitting MPs of the Shiv Sena from western Vidarbha -- Anandrao Adsul (Amravati), Prataprao Jadhav (Buldana) and Bhavana Gawali (Yavatmal-Washim) also filed their nomination papers.

Yuva Sena chief Aaditya Thackeray was present when Adsul, whose candidature has been opposed by a Sena faction, filed his nomination papers.

Shiv Sena candidate Omraje Nimbalkar filed his nomination papers from the Osmanabad Lok Sabha constituency. The sitting Sena MP from Osmanabad Ravindra Gaikwad has been denied ticket this time.

Adsul will be challenged by NCPs Navneet Rana. Jadhav will take on NCPs Rajendra Shingane, while Gawali's main opponent is Thakre (Congress).

Maharashtra, which has the second highest Lok Sabha seats in the country, will vote in four phases - on April 11, 18, 23, 29.&nbsp;

Union minister Nitin Gadkari, Maharashtra Congress chief Ashok Chavan and Dalit leader Prakash Ambedkar were among prominent candidates who Monday filed their nomination papers in the state for the Lok Sabha elections.

Union minister Nitin Gadkari, Maharashtra Congress chief Ashok Chavan and Dalit leader Prakash Ambedkar were among prominent candidates who Monday filed their nomination papers in the state for the Lok Sabha elections. Gadkari filed his papers for the Nagpur Lok Sabha seat, where polls will be held on April 11. The BJP stalwart, who had defeated Vilas Muttemwar (Congress) in the 2014 elections by a margin of 2.84 lakh votes, said he will win with a bigger margin this time around. "This time, I will win with a bigger margin. People have a good opinion of the work done by the Narendra Modi-led government in the last five years. Our government did more than (what was promised) in the poll manifesto," Gadkari told reporters. The former BJP president was accompanied by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Energy Minister Chandrashekar Bawankule, family members and a large number of party workers, while filing his papers. "Your support and love is the biggest strength for us," said Gadkari, who handles a number of infrastructure-related portfolios in the Modi government. Fadnavis said Gadkari will register a "historic win" in Nagpur. "He will create a record in Maharashtra," the chief minister said, adding the "BJP-Shiv Sena combine would win 45 of the 48 Lok Sabha seats in the state. Shiv Sena's Krupal Tumane, the sitting MP from Ramtek (SC) seat, also filed his nomination papers for the Ramtek seat. Nana Patole of the Congress, who will take on Gadkari in Nagpur, and former IAS officer Kishor Gajbhiye, pitted against Tumane in Ramtek, also filed their nomination papers later in the day. Patole claimed Nagpur and Ramtek seats were Congress bastions, and said he would defeat Gadkari comfortably. Chavan filed his papers from the Nanded constituency. He was accompanied by NCP leader Kamal Kishore Kadam on the occasion. Chavan, the sitting MP from Nanded, exuded confidence that the Congress will emerge victorious in the country winning seats "in big numbers". The former Maharashtra chief minister claimed the present atmosphere in the country was against the BJP. "People are fed up. Farmers, students, unemployed and traders are fed up with the government. The (BJP-led) government has not kept its promises. Hence, there will definitely be a change in guard," Chavan claimed. Chavan is pitted against Shiv Sena MLA Pratap Chikhlikar, who is contesting on a BJP ticket. Another senior Maharashtra Congress leader, Manikrao Thakre, filed his papers from the Yavatmal-Washim seat. Meanwhile, Bharip Bahujan Mahasangh leader Prakash Ambedkar, who has formed a new political front, the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi, along with AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, filed his papers from the Solapur seat. He will take on Congress veteran Sushilkumar Shinde there. The seat is held by BJP's Sharad Bansode, who defeated Shinde in the 2014 polls by a margin of 1.49 lakh votes. Ambedkar accused Shinde, a former Union Home Minister, of not protecting the interests of backward class communities from the constituency. Union Minister of State for Home Hansraj Ahir of the BJP also filed his nomination papers. He is contesting from the Chandrapur constituency and will take on Suresh Dhanorkar of the Congress. The other BJP candidates who filed their papers included Sanjay Dhotre (Akola), Ashok Nete (Gadchiroli-Chimur), Jaysiddheshwar Swami (Solapur) and Dr Pritam Munde (Beed). Dhotre will contest against NCP's Hidayat Patel, while Munde will take on NCP's Bajarang Sonawane. BJP's Nete will take on Congress candidate Dr Namdev Usendi. The three sitting MPs of the Shiv Sena from western Vidarbha -- Anandrao Adsul (Amravati), Prataprao Jadhav (Buldana) and Bhavana Gawali (Yavatmal-Washim) also filed their nomination papers. Yuva Sena chief Aaditya Thackeray was present when Adsul, whose candidature has been opposed by a Sena faction, filed his nomination papers. Shiv Sena candidate Omraje Nimbalkar filed his nomination papers from the Osmanabad Lok Sabha constituency. The sitting Sena MP from Osmanabad Ravindra Gaikwad has been denied ticket this time. Adsul will be challenged by NCPs Navneet Rana. Jadhav will take on NCPs Rajendra Shingane, while Gawali's main opponent is Thakre (Congress). Maharashtra, which has the second highest Lok Sabha seats in the country, will vote in four phases - on April 11, 18, 23, 29.

Lok Sabha polls: Gadkari, Chavan, Ambedkar file nominations in Maharashtra 

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/missile-defense-system-deterrent-against-a-very-real-threat-us-military-205807">Missile </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/missile-defense-system-deterrent-against-a-very-real-threat-us-military-205807">defense</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/missile-defense-system-deterrent-against-a-very-real-threat-us-military-205807"> system deterrent against a very real threat: US military</a>

While it has been tested before, this was the first successful test involving a salvo of interceptor missiles, the US military said in a statement.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tejasvi-surya-28-year-old-lawyer-bjps-surprise-pick-over-late-ananth-kumars-wife-for-bengaluru-south-seat-205803">Tejasvi Surya: BJP’s surprise pick over late Ananth Kumar’s wife for Bengaluru</a>

Surya is the general secretary of Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha(BJYM), the youth wing of the BJP.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-destroyed-30000-world-maps-mentioning-arunachal-pradesh-taiwan-report-205789">China destroyed 30,000 world maps mentioning Arunachal Pradesh, Taiwan: Report</a>

China claims the north-eastern Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh as part of South Tibet.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/1947-when-real-vinoo-mankad-mankaded-australian-batsman-bill-brown-205811">1947: When real Vinoo Mankad '</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/1947-when-real-vinoo-mankad-mankaded-australian-batsman-bill-brown-205811">mankaded</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/1947-when-real-vinoo-mankad-mankaded-australian-batsman-bill-brown-205811">' Australian batsman Bill Brown</a>

The rule and name 'mankaded' is given after Indian bowler Vinoo Mankad's name.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/the-tashkent-files-trailer-has-mithun-chakraborty-naseeruddin-shah-question-lal-bahadur-shastris-mysterious-death-205705">'The Tashkent Files' asks 'Who killed Lal Bahadur Shastri?'</a>

Shastri’s death is a controversial debate that has led to many conspiracy theories around it. He died in January 1966 in Tashkent (now in Uzbekistan), a day after signing the Tashkent Agreement.

Missile defense system deterrent against a very real threat: US military While it has been tested before, this was the first successful test involving a salvo of interceptor missiles, the US military said in a statement.

Missile defense system deterrent against a very real threat: US military While it has been tested before, this was the first successful test involving a salvo of interceptor missiles, the US military said in a statement. Tejasvi Surya: BJP’s surprise pick over late Ananth Kumar’s wife for Bengaluru Surya is the general secretary of Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha(BJYM), the youth wing of the BJP. China destroyed 30,000 world maps mentioning Arunachal Pradesh, Taiwan: Report China claims the north-eastern Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh as part of South Tibet. 1947: When real Vinoo Mankad 'mankaded' Australian batsman Bill Brown The rule and name 'mankaded' is given after Indian bowler Vinoo Mankad's name. 'The Tashkent Files' asks 'Who killed Lal Bahadur Shastri?' Shastri’s death is a controversial debate that has led to many conspiracy theories around it. He died in January 1966 in Tashkent (now in Uzbekistan), a day after signing the Tashkent Agreement.

Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) Vice-Chancellor M Jagadesh Kumar alleged on Monday that the varsity students forcibly entered his house and confined his wife inside for several hours.

Police, however, said there was a call for a march by some students, but security personnel stopped them when they tried to gain entry.

"This evening few hundred students forcibly broke into my JNU residence and confined my wife inside home for several hours while I was away in a meeting. Is it the way to protest? Terrorosing (sic) a lonely lady at home?" Kumar asked on Twitter.

A student from a Left outfit rejected the allegation and said a group of students had gone to meet the vice-chancellor, but they were allegedly manhandled by the security personnel.

Seven students have been on a hunger strike since last week in protest against the online system of entrance exam that will be implemented from this academic session.

According to sources, students from Left outfits went to the vice-chancellor's residence to demand an audience with him since he had not been meeting them. When they went to meet him last week, he offered them sweets rather than addressing their concern.

On Monday evening, the students allegedly barged inside Kumar's residence while he was away and surrounded his wife. Police were called in and the wives of other university professors rescued her, a professor said. Kumar's wife was rushed to a hospital as she was in a state of trauma.

"We had gone to his residence to meet the V-C. We were manhandled by security personnel and many students have sustained injuries, including JNUSU president N Sai Balaji," a student said.

The police said the situation was under control. The university professors were patrolling the campus to ensure that no untoward incident happened.

Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) Vice-Chancellor M Jagadesh Kumar alleged on Monday that the varsity students forcibly entered his house and confined his wife inside for several hours.

Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) Vice-Chancellor M Jagadesh Kumar alleged on Monday that the varsity students forcibly entered his house and confined his wife inside for several hours. Police, however, said there was a call for a march by some students, but security personnel stopped them when they tried to gain entry. "This evening few hundred students forcibly broke into my JNU residence and confined my wife inside home for several hours while I was away in a meeting. Is it the way to protest? Terrorosing (sic) a lonely lady at home?" Kumar asked on Twitter. A student from a Left outfit rejected the allegation and said a group of students had gone to meet the vice-chancellor, but they were allegedly manhandled by the security personnel. Seven students have been on a hunger strike since last week in protest against the online system of entrance exam that will be implemented from this academic session. According to sources, students from Left outfits went to the vice-chancellor's residence to demand an audience with him since he had not been meeting them. When they went to meet him last week, he offered them sweets rather than addressing their concern. On Monday evening, the students allegedly barged inside Kumar's residence while he was away and surrounded his wife. Police were called in and the wives of other university professors rescued her, a professor said. Kumar's wife was rushed to a hospital as she was in a state of trauma. "We had gone to his residence to meet the V-C. We were manhandled by security personnel and many students have sustained injuries, including JNUSU president N Sai Balaji," a student said. The police said the situation was under control. The university professors were patrolling the campus to ensure that no untoward incident happened.

JNU VC accuses students of forcibly entering his residence, confining his wife inside 

In a surprise move, the BJP Tuesday fielded party's youth wing leader Tejaswi Surya from its bastion of Bangalore South from where the widow of union minister Ananth Kumar, a six-time MP from this prestigious Lok Sabha constituency, was denied the ticket.

Ending the suspense with just hours left for the deadline for filing of nominations for the first phase of polls in Karnataka, the BJP central leadership announced past midnight last night the name of 28-year-old Surya, a lawyer and a member of the party's national social media campaign team.&nbsp;

Surya is the general secretary of Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha(BJYM), the youth wing of the BJP.

It was widely expected that the BJP would field Tejaswini given her active participation in scripting her husband's victories from the seat six times, but Surya emerged as the dark horse. Surya filed his nomination papers Tuesday.

The Karnataka BJP core committee had proposed only Tejaswini's name, according to Padmanabhanagar MLA and former deputy chief minister R Ashok.

Tejaswini was also confident about fighting the poll on BJP ticket and had been preparing for it and had started a door-to-door campaign.

She said the party decision came as a shock to her and all of her supporters but maintained that it is very important to show that the BJP was a party with a difference.

"OMG OMG!!! I can't believe this. PM of world's largest democracy &amp; President of largest political party has reposed faith in a 28 yr old guy to represent them in a constituency as prestigious as B'lore South. This can happen only in my BJP," Surya tweeted, reacting to the announcement. 
"Tejaswini Ji has given her blessings".

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
OMG OMG!!! I can't believe this. 
PM of world's largest democracy &amp; President of largest political party have reposed faith in a 28 yr old guy to represent them in a constituency as prestigious as B'lore South. This can happen only in my BJP. Only in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NewIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NewIndia</a> of <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a>
— Chowkidar Tejasvi Surya (@Tejasvi_Surya) <a href="https://twitter.com/Tejasvi_Surya/status/1110289883887656960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The reason behind projecting Surya, said BJP sources, was to build a second line of young and talented leaders who can lead the party.

Counted for his oratorical skills, Surya was involved in strengthening the party base in the city as well as in coastal Karnataka, especially around Mangaluru and Udupi, the BJP strongholds.

He will take on Congress Rajya Sabha member B K Hariprasad.

The party apparently plumped for Surya who is from the RSS stable.&nbsp;

Besides being a part of the BJP social media campaign team, he heads the party's state IT cell.

A BJP veteran, Ananth Kumar, who died last year after battling cancer, represented Bangalore South for six terms and had defeated IT czar Nandan Nilekani in the 2014 polls.

"It's Tejaswi and not Tejaswini!" the Twitterati reacted, as the BJP central leadership sprang a surprise for the Bangalore South seat.

Following the denial of ticket to Tejaswini, her loyalists made a bee-line to her house.

A group of her supporters shouted slogans, saying she should have been given the ticket.

Tejaswini, however, insisted that she remained loyal to the party and she accepted their decision to ensure 'NaMo Again'.

"I urge all the BJP karyakartas, friends and well-wishers who are anxious and upset &amp; still visiting our house in large numbers, time to show we are a party with a difference. We are all committed to tread the path of ideology. And work for #NamoAgain2019," she said in a tweet.

Later talking to reporters here, she said there can be some sense of dissatisfaction because things did not happen according to one's beliefs. 
"It is but natural. But above all is the decision of the party... I have been telling my party workers, whatever the party has decided will remain binding on me. Nation first, party next and my interests come last," she added.

Tejaswini, an aerospace engineer, runs an NGO Adamya Chetana in memory of her mother-in-law Girija Shastry, a staunch RSS loyalist, who was active in politics as the member of Bharatiya Jan Sangh, the earlier avatar of BJP. 
Active in public life through the NGO, Tejaswini had worked as a scientist at Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) between 1993-1997 and also on the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA - Tejas) project.

During her student days, she was very active in Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and has also served as its state Joint Secretary and the National executive member.

Highly politically conscious Bangalore South has remained an anti-Congress pocket since 1977, barring once when former late chief minister and a Congress stalwart R Gundu Rao won the 1989 polls.

Bangalore South has eight assembly segments, with BJP holding five and Congress three after the 2018 assembly polls in Karnataka.

True to its cosmopolitan nature, the constituency has a considerable share of Brahmin, Vokkaliga and Muslim voters and a mix of upper and middle-class voters.

The constituency was under the hold of the erstwhile Janata Party after the 1977, 1980 and 1984 general elections and from 1991-2014 in successive parliamentary polls the BJP has maintained its grip, mostly with Ananth Kumar, who first got elected to the Lok Sabha in 1996.

In a surprise move, the BJP Tuesday fielded party's youth wing leader Tejaswi Surya from its bastion of Bangalore South from where the widow of union minister Ananth Kumar, a six-time MP from this prestigious Lok Sabha constituency, was denied the ticket.

In a surprise move, the BJP Tuesday fielded party's youth wing leader Tejaswi Surya from its bastion of Bangalore South from where the widow of union minister Ananth Kumar, a six-time MP from this prestigious Lok Sabha constituency, was denied the ticket. Ending the suspense with just hours left for the deadline for filing of nominations for the first phase of polls in Karnataka, the BJP central leadership announced past midnight last night the name of 28-year-old Surya, a lawyer and a member of the party's national social media campaign team. Surya is the general secretary of Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha(BJYM), the youth wing of the BJP. It was widely expected that the BJP would field Tejaswini given her active participation in scripting her husband's victories from the seat six times, but Surya emerged as the dark horse. Surya filed his nomination papers Tuesday. The Karnataka BJP core committee had proposed only Tejaswini's name, according to Padmanabhanagar MLA and former deputy chief minister R Ashok. Tejaswini was also confident about fighting the poll on BJP ticket and had been preparing for it and had started a door-to-door campaign. She said the party decision came as a shock to her and all of her supporters but maintained that it is very important to show that the BJP was a party with a difference. "OMG OMG!!! I can't believe this. PM of world's largest democracy & President of largest political party has reposed faith in a 28 yr old guy to represent them in a constituency as prestigious as B'lore South. This can happen only in my BJP," Surya tweeted, reacting to the announcement. "Tejaswini Ji has given her blessings". OMG OMG!!! I can't believe this. PM of world's largest democracy & President of largest political party have reposed faith in a 28 yr old guy to represent them in a constituency as prestigious as B'lore South. This can happen only in my BJP. Only in #NewIndia of @narendramodi — Chowkidar Tejasvi Surya (@Tejasvi_Surya) March 25, 2019 × The reason behind projecting Surya, said BJP sources, was to build a second line of young and talented leaders who can lead the party. Counted for his oratorical skills, Surya was involved in strengthening the party base in the city as well as in coastal Karnataka, especially around Mangaluru and Udupi, the BJP strongholds. He will take on Congress Rajya Sabha member B K Hariprasad. The party apparently plumped for Surya who is from the RSS stable. Besides being a part of the BJP social media campaign team, he heads the party's state IT cell. A BJP veteran, Ananth Kumar, who died last year after battling cancer, represented Bangalore South for six terms and had defeated IT czar Nandan Nilekani in the 2014 polls. "It's Tejaswi and not Tejaswini!" the Twitterati reacted, as the BJP central leadership sprang a surprise for the Bangalore South seat. Following the denial of ticket to Tejaswini, her loyalists made a bee-line to her house. A group of her supporters shouted slogans, saying she should have been given the ticket. Tejaswini, however, insisted that she remained loyal to the party and she accepted their decision to ensure 'NaMo Again'. "I urge all the BJP karyakartas, friends and well-wishers who are anxious and upset & still visiting our house in large numbers, time to show we are a party with a difference. We are all committed to tread the path of ideology. And work for #NamoAgain2019," she said in a tweet. Later talking to reporters here, she said there can be some sense of dissatisfaction because things did not happen according to one's beliefs. "It is but natural. But above all is the decision of the party... I have been telling my party workers, whatever the party has decided will remain binding on me. Nation first, party next and my interests come last," she added. Tejaswini, an aerospace engineer, runs an NGO Adamya Chetana in memory of her mother-in-law Girija Shastry, a staunch RSS loyalist, who was active in politics as the member of Bharatiya Jan Sangh, the earlier avatar of BJP. Active in public life through the NGO, Tejaswini had worked as a scientist at Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) between 1993-1997 and also on the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA - Tejas) project. During her student days, she was very active in Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and has also served as its state Joint Secretary and the National executive member. Highly politically conscious Bangalore South has remained an anti-Congress pocket since 1977, barring once when former late chief minister and a Congress stalwart R Gundu Rao won the 1989 polls. Bangalore South has eight assembly segments, with BJP holding five and Congress three after the 2018 assembly polls in Karnataka. True to its cosmopolitan nature, the constituency has a considerable share of Brahmin, Vokkaliga and Muslim voters and a mix of upper and middle-class voters. The constituency was under the hold of the erstwhile Janata Party after the 1977, 1980 and 1984 general elections and from 1991-2014 in successive parliamentary polls the BJP has maintained its grip, mostly with Ananth Kumar, who first got elected to the Lok Sabha in 1996.

Tejasvi Surya: 28-year-old lawyer, BJP’s surprise pick over late Ananth Kumar’s wife for Bengaluru South seat

The Supreme Court Tuesday refused to acknowledge the claim of the TTV Dhinakaran-led outfit over ‘pressure cooker’ as common election symbol.

The apex court, however, directed the Election Commission (EC) to consider granting common free election symbol to the candidates of the Dhinakaran-led outfit for the upcoming general and assembly by-elections in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.

A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi also made clear that its order asking the EC to consider granting common election symbol would not amount to granting recognition to his outfit as a political group and the candidates of the group would be treated as Independents for all practical purposes.

The bench, which also comprised Justices Deepak Gupta and Sanjiv Khanna, said that it was the duty and the rights of the Election Commission only to consider granting registration to Dhinakaran’s outfit as a political party and it will be done in due course by the poll panel.

The Supreme Court Tuesday refused to acknowledge the claim of the TTV Dhinakaran-led outfit over ‘pressure cooker’ as common election symbol. The apex court, however, directed the Election Commission (EC) to consider granting common free election symbol to the candidates of the Dhinakaran-led outfit for the upcoming general and assembly by-elections in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.

The Supreme Court Tuesday refused to acknowledge the claim of the TTV Dhinakaran-led outfit over ‘pressure cooker’ as common election symbol. The apex court, however, directed the Election Commission (EC) to consider granting common free election symbol to the candidates of the Dhinakaran-led outfit for the upcoming general and assembly by-elections in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi also made clear that its order asking the EC to consider granting common election symbol would not amount to granting recognition to his outfit as a political group and the candidates of the group would be treated as Independents for all practical purposes. The bench, which also comprised Justices Deepak Gupta and Sanjiv Khanna, said that it was the duty and the rights of the Election Commission only to consider granting registration to Dhinakaran’s outfit as a political party and it will be done in due course by the poll panel.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Setback to TTV Dhinakaran, SC rejects claim to ‘pressure cooker’ symbol

With memories of last year’s devastating floods still fresh in the minds of people of Kerala, they want the issue of climate change to be a dominant theme of the electoral discourse in the run-up to Lok Sabha polls beginning April 11.

A total of 483 people lost their lives in the August 2018 floods, which were the state’s worst in a century.

According to the Kerala government, one-sixth of the state’s total population was directly affected by the deluge and related incidents.

The residents now want the political parties to take up climate change as one of the main issues in the upcoming general election.

“I am 100 per cent certain about the need for climate change to be one of the main discussion points in the impending elections,” said Arun K Nair, a senior management executive with a leading hospital group in Kochi.

“As a Keralite who has enjoyed the most optimum climatic conditions for over four decades, the plight of flood victims in other parts of the country was more like a tall tale for me, but only until I witnessed the floods in Kerala last year,” he said.

Arun’s relatives, living in nearby Aluva, were among those hit hard by the floods.

According to a UN report released last year, which assessed the damage caused by the floods in Kerala, the state would need about Rs 31,000 crore for recovery and reconstruction.

Thiruvananthapuram-based writer K S Manu said the floods were a time when people realised the incapacity of politicians as the majority of the rehabilitation work was undertaken by young volunteers.

He said the deluge was a man-made disaster which was allegedly caused by “an eccentric political decision when more than 22 dams were opened one by one.”

The floods not just led to the loss of lives, but also the loss of property and means of livelihood, he added.

Manu alleged that the state government had made a “conscious effort” to divert people’s ire by creating new political issues like the entry of women of menstrual age into Lord Ayyappa temple in Sabarimala.

“Justice will be denied to people unless the general political discourse is changed. It should be based on green politics and modern concepts of a welfare society,” he said.

Manu also questioned the sincerity of politicians in handling such issues.

“Whether it is Left or Right, a natural disaster means funds, and funds mean bribes and misappropriation,” he said.

Referring to the failed rehabilitation of victims of the 2004 tsunami, which ravaged the south-west Kerala coast, Manu asserted that politicians and politics will not change anytime soon.

Citing a report released by the IPCC last year — Global Warming of 1.5ºC noted Indian climate expert Chandra Bhushan said a 2 degrees Celsius warmer world will have devastating effects on communities, economies and ecosystems.

Bhushan, who is also the deputy director general of the New Delhi-based advocacy group Centre for Science and Environment, urged the politicians to listen to the people and take steps to minimise the impact of climate change.

In a speech in September last year, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres had referred to the devastating Kerala floods to highlight the urgency of the climate crisis, which, he said, was nearing the point of no return.

The UN chief had also emphasised on the need to step up efforts to reverse the course of climate change.

With memories of last year’s devastating floods still fresh in the minds of people of Kerala, they want the issue of climate change to be a dominant theme of the electoral discourse in the run-up to Lok Sabha polls beginning April 11.

With memories of last year’s devastating floods still fresh in the minds of people of Kerala, they want the issue of climate change to be a dominant theme of the electoral discourse in the run-up to Lok Sabha polls beginning April 11. A total of 483 people lost their lives in the August 2018 floods, which were the state’s worst in a century. According to the Kerala government, one-sixth of the state’s total population was directly affected by the deluge and related incidents. The residents now want the political parties to take up climate change as one of the main issues in the upcoming general election. “I am 100 per cent certain about the need for climate change to be one of the main discussion points in the impending elections,” said Arun K Nair, a senior management executive with a leading hospital group in Kochi. “As a Keralite who has enjoyed the most optimum climatic conditions for over four decades, the plight of flood victims in other parts of the country was more like a tall tale for me, but only until I witnessed the floods in Kerala last year,” he said. Arun’s relatives, living in nearby Aluva, were among those hit hard by the floods. According to a UN report released last year, which assessed the damage caused by the floods in Kerala, the state would need about Rs 31,000 crore for recovery and reconstruction. Thiruvananthapuram-based writer K S Manu said the floods were a time when people realised the incapacity of politicians as the majority of the rehabilitation work was undertaken by young volunteers. He said the deluge was a man-made disaster which was allegedly caused by “an eccentric political decision when more than 22 dams were opened one by one.” The floods not just led to the loss of lives, but also the loss of property and means of livelihood, he added. Manu alleged that the state government had made a “conscious effort” to divert people’s ire by creating new political issues like the entry of women of menstrual age into Lord Ayyappa temple in Sabarimala. “Justice will be denied to people unless the general political discourse is changed. It should be based on green politics and modern concepts of a welfare society,” he said. Manu also questioned the sincerity of politicians in handling such issues. “Whether it is Left or Right, a natural disaster means funds, and funds mean bribes and misappropriation,” he said. Referring to the failed rehabilitation of victims of the 2004 tsunami, which ravaged the south-west Kerala coast, Manu asserted that politicians and politics will not change anytime soon. Citing a report released by the IPCC last year — Global Warming of 1.5ºC noted Indian climate expert Chandra Bhushan said a 2 degrees Celsius warmer world will have devastating effects on communities, economies and ecosystems. Bhushan, who is also the deputy director general of the New Delhi-based advocacy group Centre for Science and Environment, urged the politicians to listen to the people and take steps to minimise the impact of climate change. In a speech in September last year, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres had referred to the devastating Kerala floods to highlight the urgency of the climate crisis, which, he said, was nearing the point of no return. The UN chief had also emphasised on the need to step up efforts to reverse the course of climate change.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: After 2018 floods, Keralites want climate change to drive poll narrative

It may well be a Jai Ram versus Sukh Ram poll battle for the Mandi Lok Sabha seat in Himachal Pradesh in the ensuing general elections, even though neither of them is actually in the fray.&nbsp;

Former Union Telecom Minister Sukh Ram and Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur’s prestige will be at stake in Mandi seat, which is going to the polls along with three other parliamentary seats of the hill state on May 19.

The BJP has already renominated its sitting MP Ramswaroop Sharma, whose candidature was openly supported by Thakur despite Sukh Ram’s grandson Aashray Sharma vying for the BJP ticket from the seat.

With Sukh Ram joining the Congress along with his grandson on Monday, the Congress will most probably give the ticket to Aashray Sharma, a senior Congress leader said.

Mandi being the chief minister’s home district, ensuring Ramswaroop Sharma’s victory will be a matter of personal prestige for Thakur.

On the other hand, Sukh Ram too will leave no stone unturned to get his grandson to win this seat. Ninety-one-year-old Sukh Ram, the former Union telecom minister in P V Narasimha Rao-led Congress government, has represented Mandi thrice in the Lok Sabha — in 1984, 1991 and 1996.

Sukh Ram’s grandson Aashray has already been electioneering in Mandi for weeks, even before joining the Congress.

“I have already campaigned in 15 out of 17 assembly segments except Seraj and Jogindernagar falling under Mandi parliamentary constituency,” Sharma, 33, told PTI.

Interestingly, Sukh Ram’s son and Aashray’s father Anil Sharma is currently the power minister in Jai Ram Thakur-led BJP government in the state. Sukh Ram joining the Congress along with his grandson has left his son Anil Sharma’s political career in a quandary. State BJP president Satpal Singh Satti told PTI, “It is up to Anil Sharma to decide whether to remain as a minister or quit.”

Anil Sharma has been elected as MLA for four times so far and was also a minister during the Virbhadra Singh-led Congress government in the state from 1993 to 1996 and from 2013 to 2017.

Sitting BJP MP Ramswaroop Sharma had won the seat by a margin of nearly 40,000 votes in 2014. He had secured 3,62,824 votes in 2014, defeating Congress candidate and Virbhadra Singh’s wife Pratibha Singh, who had got 3,22,968 votes. Amid the prospect of the two Rams testing their electoral power in Mandi, this Lok Sabha constituency is set to become a hot seat in Himachal Pradesh.

It may well be a Jai Ram versus Sukh Ram poll battle for the Mandi Lok Sabha seat in Himachal Pradesh in the ensuing general elections, even though neither of them is actually in the fray.

It may well be a Jai Ram versus Sukh Ram poll battle for the Mandi Lok Sabha seat in Himachal Pradesh in the ensuing general elections, even though neither of them is actually in the fray. Former Union Telecom Minister Sukh Ram and Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur’s prestige will be at stake in Mandi seat, which is going to the polls along with three other parliamentary seats of the hill state on May 19. The BJP has already renominated its sitting MP Ramswaroop Sharma, whose candidature was openly supported by Thakur despite Sukh Ram’s grandson Aashray Sharma vying for the BJP ticket from the seat. With Sukh Ram joining the Congress along with his grandson on Monday, the Congress will most probably give the ticket to Aashray Sharma, a senior Congress leader said. Mandi being the chief minister’s home district, ensuring Ramswaroop Sharma’s victory will be a matter of personal prestige for Thakur. On the other hand, Sukh Ram too will leave no stone unturned to get his grandson to win this seat. Ninety-one-year-old Sukh Ram, the former Union telecom minister in P V Narasimha Rao-led Congress government, has represented Mandi thrice in the Lok Sabha — in 1984, 1991 and 1996. Sukh Ram’s grandson Aashray has already been electioneering in Mandi for weeks, even before joining the Congress. “I have already campaigned in 15 out of 17 assembly segments except Seraj and Jogindernagar falling under Mandi parliamentary constituency,” Sharma, 33, told PTI. Interestingly, Sukh Ram’s son and Aashray’s father Anil Sharma is currently the power minister in Jai Ram Thakur-led BJP government in the state. Sukh Ram joining the Congress along with his grandson has left his son Anil Sharma’s political career in a quandary. State BJP president Satpal Singh Satti told PTI, “It is up to Anil Sharma to decide whether to remain as a minister or quit.” Anil Sharma has been elected as MLA for four times so far and was also a minister during the Virbhadra Singh-led Congress government in the state from 1993 to 1996 and from 2013 to 2017. Sitting BJP MP Ramswaroop Sharma had won the seat by a margin of nearly 40,000 votes in 2014. He had secured 3,62,824 votes in 2014, defeating Congress candidate and Virbhadra Singh’s wife Pratibha Singh, who had got 3,22,968 votes. Amid the prospect of the two Rams testing their electoral power in Mandi, this Lok Sabha constituency is set to become a hot seat in Himachal Pradesh.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: In Ram vs Ram, a battle of prestige in Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi

China has destroyed 30,000 world maps printed in the country for export for not mentioning <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modis-arunachal-visit-irks-china-new-delhi-slams-beijing-saying-the-northeastern-state-is-integral-inalienable-to-india-196228">Arunachal Pradesh and Taiwan</a> as part of Chinese territory, the official media reported on Tuesday.

China claims the north-eastern Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh as part of South Tibet. China routinely objects to Indian leaders visiting Arunachal Pradesh to highlight its stand.

India says the State of Arunachal Pradesh is its integral and inalienable part and Indian leaders visit Arunachal Pradesh from time to time, as they visit other parts of the country.

The two countries have so far held 21 rounds of talks to resolve the border dispute covering 3,488-km-long Line of Actual Control (LAC).

China also claims the estranged island of Taiwan as part of its territory that must be reunified with the mainland, even by force.

The world maps were meant for export to an "unspecified country", state-run Global Times reported on Tuesday.

Almost 30,000 "incorrect" world maps<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-urges-us-to-block-taiwan-leaders-hawaii-stop-over-204683">, showing Taiwan as a separate country</a> and wrong depiction of the Sino-Indian border, were destroyed by the customs authorities in Qingdao in eastern Shandong province, it said.

"What China did in the map market was absolutely legitimate and necessary, because sovereignty and territorial integrity are the most important things to a country.&nbsp;

"Both Taiwan and South Tibet are parts of China's territory which is sacred and inviolable based on the international law," Liu Wenzong, professor from the Department of International Law of China Foreign Affairs University was quoted as saying.

China has destroyed 30,000 world maps printed in the country for export for not mentioning Arunachal Pradesh and Taiwan as part of Chinese territory, the official media reported on Tuesday.

China has destroyed 30,000 world maps printed in the country for export for not mentioning Arunachal Pradesh and Taiwan as part of Chinese territory, the official media reported on Tuesday. China claims the north-eastern Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh as part of South Tibet. China routinely objects to Indian leaders visiting Arunachal Pradesh to highlight its stand. India says the State of Arunachal Pradesh is its integral and inalienable part and Indian leaders visit Arunachal Pradesh from time to time, as they visit other parts of the country. The two countries have so far held 21 rounds of talks to resolve the border dispute covering 3,488-km-long Line of Actual Control (LAC). China also claims the estranged island of Taiwan as part of its territory that must be reunified with the mainland, even by force. The world maps were meant for export to an "unspecified country", state-run Global Times reported on Tuesday. Almost 30,000 "incorrect" world maps, showing Taiwan as a separate country and wrong depiction of the Sino-Indian border, were destroyed by the customs authorities in Qingdao in eastern Shandong province, it said. "What China did in the map market was absolutely legitimate and necessary, because sovereignty and territorial integrity are the most important things to a country. "Both Taiwan and South Tibet are parts of China's territory which is sacred and inviolable based on the international law," Liu Wenzong, professor from the Department of International Law of China Foreign Affairs University was quoted as saying.

China destroyed 30,000 world maps mentioning Arunachal Pradesh, Taiwan: Report

The Supreme Court Tuesday termed as “very, very serious” the revelations made by CBI in its fresh status report relating to the recent interrogation of the then Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar in connection with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/saradha-chit-fund-probe-sc-directs-cbi-to-file-affidavit-detailing-contempt-by-bengal-cops-200083">Saradha chit fund case</a>.

A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi said it cannot “close its eyes” if some “very, very serious facts” are disclosed to it and directed CBI to file an application seeking appropriate relief against Kumar, who had earlier headed the state SIT on the chit fund case.

The bench, which also comprised Justices Deepak Gupta and Sanjiv Khanna, granted 10 days to the probe agency for filing the application.

Kumar and others can respond to the plea seven days thereafter.

Supreme Court said that as the CBI’s status report was filed in a sealed cover, it cannot pass any order at the moment without hearing the other side.

The apex court was hearing the CBI’ contempt application against various senior officials of the West Bengal government including state’s DGP and then Kolkata police chief on the ground of non-cooperation in its probe and alleged destruction of evidence.

The Supreme Court Tuesday termed as “very, very serious” the revelations made by CBI in its fresh status report relating to the recent interrogation of the then Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar in connection with the Saradha chit fund case.

The Supreme Court Tuesday termed as “very, very serious” the revelations made by CBI in its fresh status report relating to the recent interrogation of the then Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar in connection with the Saradha chit fund case. A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi said it cannot “close its eyes” if some “very, very serious facts” are disclosed to it and directed CBI to file an application seeking appropriate relief against Kumar, who had earlier headed the state SIT on the chit fund case. The bench, which also comprised Justices Deepak Gupta and Sanjiv Khanna, granted 10 days to the probe agency for filing the application. Kumar and others can respond to the plea seven days thereafter. Supreme Court said that as the CBI’s status report was filed in a sealed cover, it cannot pass any order at the moment without hearing the other side. The apex court was hearing the CBI’ contempt application against various senior officials of the West Bengal government including state’s DGP and then Kolkata police chief on the ground of non-cooperation in its probe and alleged destruction of evidence.

Saradha chit fund case: Supreme Court says can’t close eyes to ‘very, very serious’ facts in CBI status report

Model Code of Conduct is a set of guidelines laid down by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/election-commission-fixes-timeline-for-political-parties-to-release-manifesto-203758">Election Commission</a> to govern the conduct of<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/election-commission-to-deploy-more-special-expenditure-observers-120-sensitive-seats-identified-205583"> political parties and candidates </a>in the run-up to an election.

Simply, it comprises all the rules to ensure free and fair polls.

The rules range from issues related to speeches, polling day, polling booths, portfolios, the content of election manifestos, processions and general conduct so that free and fair elections are conducted.

Model Code of Conduct comes into force from the date the election schedule is announced until the date that results are out. As a result, it kicked in from March 11 evening and will remain in effect until the election process is concluded.

What restrictions does the Model Code of Conduct impose on government and political parties?

According to the Model Code of Conduct, any political party — whether at the Centre or in the States — should ensure that it does not use its official position for campaigning.

Ministers and other government authorities cannot announce financial grants in any form.

The ruling government cannot make any ad-hoc appointments in Government, Public Undertakings etc.

No project or scheme which may have the effect of influencing the voter can be announced.

Politicians and officers cannot use executive machinery for the election campaign or any purposes to influence voters.

What happens at the violation of Model Code of Conduct

If a political party, a candidate or a government official is found violating or not adhering to the rules prescribed under the MCC, the citizens can apprise the Election Commission of India (ECI) of such violation through specified means.

The ECI will deliberate on the issue and can take a range of actions: Impose a fine, file an FIR that leads to imprisonment or even cancel the polls in that constituency.

cVIGIL mobile app

Citizens can report violations of model code via cVIGIL mobile app introduced by the ECI. All one has to do is click a picture or a video, describe the activity and upload it via the app. Flying squads will reach the spot in minutes. The identity and other details of the complainant will be kept anonymous in the app.

Model Code of Conduct is a set of guidelines laid down by the Election Commission to govern the conduct of political parties and candidates in the run-up to an election.

Model Code of Conduct is a set of guidelines laid down by the Election Commission to govern the conduct of political parties and candidates in the run-up to an election. Simply, it comprises all the rules to ensure free and fair polls. The rules range from issues related to speeches, polling day, polling booths, portfolios, the content of election manifestos, processions and general conduct so that free and fair elections are conducted. Model Code of Conduct comes into force from the date the election schedule is announced until the date that results are out. As a result, it kicked in from March 11 evening and will remain in effect until the election process is concluded. What restrictions does the Model Code of Conduct impose on government and political parties? According to the Model Code of Conduct, any political party — whether at the Centre or in the States — should ensure that it does not use its official position for campaigning. Ministers and other government authorities cannot announce financial grants in any form. The ruling government cannot make any ad-hoc appointments in Government, Public Undertakings etc. No project or scheme which may have the effect of influencing the voter can be announced. Politicians and officers cannot use executive machinery for the election campaign or any purposes to influence voters. What happens at the violation of Model Code of Conduct If a political party, a candidate or a government official is found violating or not adhering to the rules prescribed under the MCC, the citizens can apprise the Election Commission of India (ECI) of such violation through specified means. The ECI will deliberate on the issue and can take a range of actions: Impose a fine, file an FIR that leads to imprisonment or even cancel the polls in that constituency. cVIGIL mobile app Citizens can report violations of model code via cVIGIL mobile app introduced by the ECI. All one has to do is click a picture or a video, describe the activity and upload it via the app. Flying squads will reach the spot in minutes. The identity and other details of the complainant will be kept anonymous in the app.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: What is Model Code of Conduct?

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Lok Sabha polls 2019: What is Model Code of Conduct?