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Election authorities have registered cases against representatives of the BJP and Shiv Sena for alleged violation of poll code during campaign rallies of Yogi Adityanath, Smriti Irani and Uddhav Thackeray in Palghar district.&nbsp

The campaigning for the May 28 Palghar Lok Sabha by-poll, necessitated by the death of BJP MP Chintaman Wanaga, ended today. A release from the district administration said banners and flags were found to have been put up without permission during the Uttar Pradesh chief minister's rally at Nala Sopara on May 24.

A case was registered against local organisers under the Maharashtra Prevention of Defacement of Property Act and the Representation of the People (RP) Act.

Similarly, welcome arches were found to have been put up without permission at Dahanu, where Union minister Smriti Irani addressed a rally on Friday, the official release said.

Also, on May 24, the Shiv Sena hadn't allegedly taken permission for party chief Uddhav Thackeray's rally, and a case was registered against the organisers.

Tulinj police in the district registered a case against BJP activists who allegedly bashed up officials when they were pulling down banners put up without permission on the same day.

Police detained 12 persons who were allegedly distributing money at Ransheth village on Friday. Envelopes containing Rs. 1,500 each were seized from them the total cash seized added up to Rs. 1,48,500.

A release from the district administration said banners and flags were found to have been put up without permission during Yogi rally at Nala Sopara on May 24.

Election authorities have registered cases against representatives of the BJP and Shiv Sena for alleged violation of poll code during campaign rallies of Yogi Adityanath, Smriti Irani and Uddhav Thackeray in Palghar district. The campaigning for the May 28 Palghar Lok Sabha by-poll, necessitated by the death of BJP MP Chintaman Wanaga, ended today. A release from the district administration said banners and flags were found to have been put up without permission during the Uttar Pradesh chief minister's rally at Nala Sopara on May 24. A case was registered against local organisers under the Maharashtra Prevention of Defacement of Property Act and the Representation of the People (RP) Act. Similarly, welcome arches were found to have been put up without permission at Dahanu, where Union minister Smriti Irani addressed a rally on Friday, the official release said. Also, on May 24, the Shiv Sena hadn't allegedly taken permission for party chief Uddhav Thackeray's rally, and a case was registered against the organisers. Tulinj police in the district registered a case against BJP activists who allegedly bashed up officials when they were pulling down banners put up without permission on the same day. Police detained 12 persons who were allegedly distributing money at Ransheth village on Friday. Envelopes containing Rs. 1,500 each were seized from them the total cash seized added up to Rs. 1,48,500.

Cases registered against BJP, Shiv Sena leaders for poll code violations during rallies

India on Sunday summoned Pakistan's Deputy High Commissioner Syed Haider Shah over Islamabad's Gilgit-Baltistan order and told him that any action to alter the status of any part of the territory under his country's forcible occupation has no legal basis.

In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs said it conveyed to the Pakistan envoy that the entire state of Jammu and Kashmir, which also includes the so-called 'Gilgit-Baltistan' areas, is an integral part of India by virtue of its accession in 1947.

"Any action to alter the status of any part of the territory under forcible and illegal occupation of Pakistan has no legal basis whatsoever, and is completely unacceptable. Instead of seeking to alter the status of the occupied territories, Pakistan should immediately vacate all areas under its illegal occupation," the MEA said.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has seized more authority from the local council to deal with the affairs of Gilgit-Baltistan through its order on the region on May 21

Civil rights groups in Pakistan have criticised the order.

The ministry said it was also conveyed to the Pakistani deputy envoy that such actions can neither hide the illegal occupation of part of Jammu and Kashmir by Pakistan nor the grave human rights violations, exploitation and denial of freedom to the people residing in Pakistan-occupied territories.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI) 
&nbsp;

India on Sunday summoned Pakistan's Deputy High Commissioner Syed Haider Shah over Islamabad's so-called Gilgit-Baltistan order

India on Sunday summoned Pakistan's Deputy High Commissioner Syed Haider Shah over Islamabad's Gilgit-Baltistan order and told him that any action to alter the status of any part of the territory under his country's forcible occupation has no legal basis. In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs said it conveyed to the Pakistan envoy that the entire state of Jammu and Kashmir, which also includes the so-called 'Gilgit-Baltistan' areas, is an integral part of India by virtue of its accession in 1947. "Any action to alter the status of any part of the territory under forcible and illegal occupation of Pakistan has no legal basis whatsoever, and is completely unacceptable. Instead of seeking to alter the status of the occupied territories, Pakistan should immediately vacate all areas under its illegal occupation," the MEA said. Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has seized more authority from the local council to deal with the affairs of Gilgit-Baltistan through its order on the region on May 21 Civil rights groups in Pakistan have criticised the order. The ministry said it was also conveyed to the Pakistani deputy envoy that such actions can neither hide the illegal occupation of part of Jammu and Kashmir by Pakistan nor the grave human rights violations, exploitation and denial of freedom to the people residing in Pakistan-occupied territories. (With inputs from PTI)

J&K also includes Gilgit-Baltistan: India to Pakistan

The opposition launched a multi-pronged attack on the Narendra Modi-led government on its fourth anniversary today, saying it "failed" to fulfil its promises, had no achievement to highlight, and that the prime minister-BJP president duo was "harmful" for the country.

The Congress described the four years of the BJP government as one of "treachery, trickery, revenge and lies", while the Left parties, the SP and the BSP said all sections of the society suffered due its "failures".

While the Congress described BJP as "Betrayal Janata Party" for failing to deliver on its promises, party chief Rahul Gandhi led the attack by mocking the NDA government's performance and calling Narendra Modi a "master communicator" who struggled with complex issues and had a short attention span.

Taking to Twitter, he gave grades to the BJP-led NDA government in a mock report card of the Prime Minister. While he gave 'F' to the Modi government for agriculture, foreign policy and job creation, he gave 'A+' to the prime minister for 'slogan creation and self-promotion'.

"4 year Report Card. Agriculture: F, Foreign Policy: F, Fuel Prices: F, Job Creation: F, Slogan Creation: A+, Self Promotion: A+, Yoga: B-. Remarks: Master communicator struggles with complex issues short attention span," Mr Gandhi said on Twitter.

Separately at a joint press conference, Congress leaders Ghulam Nabi Azad, Ashok Gehlot and Randeep Surjewala released a booklet, titled 'India Betrayed', to mark the occasion, in which it posed 40 questions and alleged that an atmosphere of fear and hatred had been created under the NDA rule.

The Congress observed "Betrayal Day" to mark four years of the Modi government by organising protests in all district headquarters in the country. The party also released a short-film on the prevailing atmosphere in the country.

"People now know that the Modi-(BJP president) Amit Shah duo is harmful for the country. The four years of the Modi government can be defined in four terms -- treachery, trickery, revenge and lies," AICC communications in-charge Randeep Surjewala said.

He said while the Prime Minister is in perpetual campaign mode, he refuses to understand peoples' pain and he has accumulated publicity but India only accumulated pain.

Referring to alleged atrocities on Dalits, tribals, minorities and women, Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad told reporters, "Under Modi's Government, nobody is safe. Everybody is having sleepless nights including all of you. Whatever you think, you cannot express. Whatever you want to write, you cannot write."

Highlighting the importance of national security, he said PM Modi exploited this "to the hilt" as this was one of the major points which he tried to score during election campaign and got maximum votes on it.

"National security does not mean only territorial integrity of the country. National security means whether we have peace and harmony in the country, but that is least at the moment. National security also means whether downtrodden, minorities, SCs, poor people and have-nots are secure, but they are not," he told reporters.

AICC General Secretary Ashok Gehlot said an "atmosphere of fear, hatred and violence has been created in the last four years of the Modi government".

"There has never been such betrayal with the people. One has never had such a prime minister in the history of the country, who has lowered the dignity of the office he holds. He speaks lies all the time and misleads people," he alleged.

BSP chief Mayawati slammed the Modi government for its historic failure on dealing with issues concerning the common man.

"The four years of Narendra Modi government prove that it has historically failed on the issues of inflation, poverty, unemployment, welfare work and other issues which affect the life of the people in the country," Ms Mayawati said, as she accused the government of misusing official machinery to weaken opposition parties.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav hit out at the Modi government, alleging that the poor, Dalits and women suffered in the last four years.

Taking to Twitter, the former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister raised the issue of bank frauds and alleged that the corrupt were allowed to flee the country. He said farmers, businessmen and unemployed masses were reeling from the decisions of the Modi government.

The Left claimed that the BJP government had nothing to show for its four years at the Centre except "failures and rhetoric" and should be ousted from power.

The CPI (M) alleged that these four years had seen an "unprecedented assault" on India's social fabric and the livelihood of the people.

"These four years have seen an unprecedented assault on India as a country and the livelihood of our people. There has been a four-pronged attack that continued to intensify by the day during these four years," CPI-M leader Sitaram Yechury said.

CPI leader D Raja alleged that the BJP-RSS combine had unleashed "fascism, fear and intimidation".

"There is no other achievement. It is full of failures. All we got is rhetoric in these years...All this rhetoric and there is nothing to celebrate and term as achievements," he said, adding that PM Modi had "not even respected his own promises".

The Congress described BJP as "Betrayal Janata Party" for failing to deliver on its promises.

The opposition launched a multi-pronged attack on the Narendra Modi-led government on its fourth anniversary today, saying it "failed" to fulfil its promises, had no achievement to highlight, and that the prime minister-BJP president duo was "harmful" for the country. The Congress described the four years of the BJP government as one of "treachery, trickery, revenge and lies", while the Left parties, the SP and the BSP said all sections of the society suffered due its "failures". While the Congress described BJP as "Betrayal Janata Party" for failing to deliver on its promises, party chief Rahul Gandhi led the attack by mocking the NDA government's performance and calling Narendra Modi a "master communicator" who struggled with complex issues and had a short attention span. Taking to Twitter, he gave grades to the BJP-led NDA government in a mock report card of the Prime Minister. While he gave 'F' to the Modi government for agriculture, foreign policy and job creation, he gave 'A+' to the prime minister for 'slogan creation and self-promotion'. "4 year Report Card. Agriculture: F, Foreign Policy: F, Fuel Prices: F, Job Creation: F, Slogan Creation: A+, Self Promotion: A+, Yoga: B-. Remarks: Master communicator struggles with complex issues short attention span," Mr Gandhi said on Twitter. Separately at a joint press conference, Congress leaders Ghulam Nabi Azad, Ashok Gehlot and Randeep Surjewala released a booklet, titled 'India Betrayed', to mark the occasion, in which it posed 40 questions and alleged that an atmosphere of fear and hatred had been created under the NDA rule. The Congress observed "Betrayal Day" to mark four years of the Modi government by organising protests in all district headquarters in the country. The party also released a short-film on the prevailing atmosphere in the country. "People now know that the Modi-(BJP president) Amit Shah duo is harmful for the country. The four years of the Modi government can be defined in four terms -- treachery, trickery, revenge and lies," AICC communications in-charge Randeep Surjewala said. He said while the Prime Minister is in perpetual campaign mode, he refuses to understand peoples' pain and he has accumulated publicity but India only accumulated pain. Referring to alleged atrocities on Dalits, tribals, minorities and women, Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad told reporters, "Under Modi's Government, nobody is safe. Everybody is having sleepless nights including all of you. Whatever you think, you cannot express. Whatever you want to write, you cannot write." Highlighting the importance of national security, he said PM Modi exploited this "to the hilt" as this was one of the major points which he tried to score during election campaign and got maximum votes on it. "National security does not mean only territorial integrity of the country. National security means whether we have peace and harmony in the country, but that is least at the moment. National security also means whether downtrodden, minorities, SCs, poor people and have-nots are secure, but they are not," he told reporters. AICC General Secretary Ashok Gehlot said an "atmosphere of fear, hatred and violence has been created in the last four years of the Modi government". "There has never been such betrayal with the people. One has never had such a prime minister in the history of the country, who has lowered the dignity of the office he holds. He speaks lies all the time and misleads people," he alleged. BSP chief Mayawati slammed the Modi government for its historic failure on dealing with issues concerning the common man. "The four years of Narendra Modi government prove that it has historically failed on the issues of inflation, poverty, unemployment, welfare work and other issues which affect the life of the people in the country," Ms Mayawati said, as she accused the government of misusing official machinery to weaken opposition parties. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav hit out at the Modi government, alleging that the poor, Dalits and women suffered in the last four years. Taking to Twitter, the former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister raised the issue of bank frauds and alleged that the corrupt were allowed to flee the country. He said farmers, businessmen and unemployed masses were reeling from the decisions of the Modi government. The Left claimed that the BJP government had nothing to show for its four years at the Centre except "failures and rhetoric" and should be ousted from power. The CPI (M) alleged that these four years had seen an "unprecedented assault" on India's social fabric and the livelihood of the people. "These four years have seen an unprecedented assault on India as a country and the livelihood of our people. There has been a four-pronged attack that continued to intensify by the day during these four years," CPI-M leader Sitaram Yechury said. CPI leader D Raja alleged that the BJP-RSS combine had unleashed "fascism, fear and intimidation". "There is no other achievement. It is full of failures. All we got is rhetoric in these years...All this rhetoric and there is nothing to celebrate and term as achievements," he said, adding that PM Modi had "not even respected his own promises".

Opposition targets PM Modi, Amit Shah on 4th anniversary of government

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will share his thoughts with the people in India and abroad through `Mann Ki Baat` on Sunday, at 11 am.

This will be the 44th edition of the monthly programme, according to news agency ANI.

The programme will be broadcasted on the entire network of AIR and Doordarshan.

It will also be streamed on the YouTube channels of the Prime Minister`s Office, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, AIR and DD News. And will be simultaneously broadcast on AIR`s website - www.allindiaradio.gov.in.AIR will broadcast the programme in regional languages immediately after the Hindi broadcast.

Regional language versions of the programme will also be repeated at 8 PM.

This will be the 44th edition of the monthly programme.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will share his thoughts with the people in India and abroad through `Mann Ki Baat` on Sunday, at 11 am. This will be the 44th edition of the monthly programme, according to news agency ANI. The programme will be broadcasted on the entire network of AIR and Doordarshan. It will also be streamed on the YouTube channels of the Prime Minister`s Office, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, AIR and DD News. And will be simultaneously broadcast on AIR`s website - www.allindiaradio.gov.in.AIR will broadcast the programme in regional languages immediately after the Hindi broadcast. Regional language versions of the programme will also be repeated at 8 PM.

Mann Ki Baat: PM Modi to address the nation today

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will on Sunday inaugurate the 16-lane NH 24 highway at 10 am, news agency ANI reported.

He will also hold a roadshow, the report further said.

The Prime Minister is also likely to inaugurate the Kundli-Palwal highway at 11 am.

At 12 pm the Prime Minister will hold a Public Rally in Baghpat.&nbsp;

The Prime Minister is also likely to inaugurate the Kundli-Palwal highway at 11 am.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will on Sunday inaugurate the 16-lane NH 24 highway at 10 am, news agency ANI reported. He will also hold a roadshow, the report further said. The Prime Minister is also likely to inaugurate the Kundli-Palwal highway at 11 am. At 12 pm the Prime Minister will hold a Public Rally in Baghpat.

PM Modi to inaugurate 16-lane NH 24 highway today

The Jammu and Kashmir Police has a new task at hand -- identify the 'keypad jihadis' who spew venom on social networking sites to try and create a law and order situation in the state by spreading on the Internet rumours or giving communal colour to any event.

The police has registered cases against five Twitter handles and filed complaints with service providers against such misleading posts on Facebook and WhatsApp so that necessary action is taken at the earliest, officials have said.

The officials said a communication had been sent to the micro-blogging site for providing details of the Twitter handles so that punitive action could be initiated at the earliest as it would help in reining in what is called 'keypad jihadis'. 
&nbsp; 
Police has laid special emphasis on monitoring the social networking websites and also various groups created on messaging services like WhatsApp, Telegram and similar such tools available on the Internet, they said.

The idea behind the crackdown on 'keypad jihadis' was to ensure that police could concentrate more on nabbing or eliminating terrorists with real guns rather than those who wage war against the state machinery using keypads.

The officials said that post-2016, the misinformation campaign from some groups in Kashmir as well as in Jammu was at its peak with each party trying to project an incident for their political goals which had a potential of pushing the state to communal clashes.

They said the new battleground and a new battle is far removed from the conventional weaponry and the conventional fighting zones of the narrow streets and forests where new age jihadis use computers and smartphones to wage war from just about anywhere in the Valley or outside, well entrenched inside their homes or out on the streets, from a nearby cafe or even just a convenient roadside.

"We have passed on several complaints to the Computer Emergency Response Team-India (CERT-IN) for blocking several pages on Facebook and Twitter," said officials, adding that many SIM cards which were used to spread canards on messaging services like WhatsApp have been blocked with the help of the service provider.

The immediate worry for security agencies is the forthcoming two-month-long Amarnath Yatra, beginning last week of next month, and they fear that anyone, while just sitting from the confines of a home, can plant fake news in one of the thousand chat groups and the entire state can plunge into communal violence, the officials said.

They claimed there have been instances when fake pictures of desecration of shrines are circulated by a particular community and all of sudden there is an outrage when no such incident had taken place.

Similarly, in the Valley, false news about firing and subsequent killing of civilians was circulated in an attempt to create unrest in other parts of Kashmir. However, timely action saved the day for the police and it was ensured that the culprits were booked.

There have also been instances of circulation of photo-shopped pictures of ordinary civilians as militants whereas the unknown victim would have been attending his daily duties. "We had many such cases including the one in Ganderbal where picture of a shopkeeper was circulated with an assault rifle as having joined a militant group."

"On inquiry we found that he was selling his groceries and one of his business rivals had played the mischief. A case was registered under relevant sections of Information and Technology act and the accused was arrested," a senior police official said.

"It is a virtual battleground where a bloody war is fought, but with words. However, this has an impact on the young minds," the officer said.

The social chat groups are active not just in Jammu and Kashmir. They are seeing participation from youngsters in the national capital, rest of the country and abroad as well.

In the Valley, social media access had been controlled to a large extent after authorities clamped down on over two dozen websites but the problem in Jammu and other parts of the country continues.

The 'keypad jihadis' spew venom on social networking sites to try and create a law and order situation in the state by spreading on the Internet rumours or giving communal colour to any event

The Jammu and Kashmir Police has a new task at hand -- identify the 'keypad jihadis' who spew venom on social networking sites to try and create a law and order situation in the state by spreading on the Internet rumours or giving communal colour to any event. The police has registered cases against five Twitter handles and filed complaints with service providers against such misleading posts on Facebook and WhatsApp so that necessary action is taken at the earliest, officials have said. The officials said a communication had been sent to the micro-blogging site for providing details of the Twitter handles so that punitive action could be initiated at the earliest as it would help in reining in what is called 'keypad jihadis'. Police has laid special emphasis on monitoring the social networking websites and also various groups created on messaging services like WhatsApp, Telegram and similar such tools available on the Internet, they said. The idea behind the crackdown on 'keypad jihadis' was to ensure that police could concentrate more on nabbing or eliminating terrorists with real guns rather than those who wage war against the state machinery using keypads. The officials said that post-2016, the misinformation campaign from some groups in Kashmir as well as in Jammu was at its peak with each party trying to project an incident for their political goals which had a potential of pushing the state to communal clashes. They said the new battleground and a new battle is far removed from the conventional weaponry and the conventional fighting zones of the narrow streets and forests where new age jihadis use computers and smartphones to wage war from just about anywhere in the Valley or outside, well entrenched inside their homes or out on the streets, from a nearby cafe or even just a convenient roadside. "We have passed on several complaints to the Computer Emergency Response Team-India (CERT-IN) for blocking several pages on Facebook and Twitter," said officials, adding that many SIM cards which were used to spread canards on messaging services like WhatsApp have been blocked with the help of the service provider. The immediate worry for security agencies is the forthcoming two-month-long Amarnath Yatra, beginning last week of next month, and they fear that anyone, while just sitting from the confines of a home, can plant fake news in one of the thousand chat groups and the entire state can plunge into communal violence, the officials said. They claimed there have been instances when fake pictures of desecration of shrines are circulated by a particular community and all of sudden there is an outrage when no such incident had taken place. Similarly, in the Valley, false news about firing and subsequent killing of civilians was circulated in an attempt to create unrest in other parts of Kashmir. However, timely action saved the day for the police and it was ensured that the culprits were booked. There have also been instances of circulation of photo-shopped pictures of ordinary civilians as militants whereas the unknown victim would have been attending his daily duties. "We had many such cases including the one in Ganderbal where picture of a shopkeeper was circulated with an assault rifle as having joined a militant group." "On inquiry we found that he was selling his groceries and one of his business rivals had played the mischief. A case was registered under relevant sections of Information and Technology act and the accused was arrested," a senior police official said. "It is a virtual battleground where a bloody war is fought, but with words. However, this has an impact on the young minds," the officer said. The social chat groups are active not just in Jammu and Kashmir. They are seeing participation from youngsters in the national capital, rest of the country and abroad as well. In the Valley, social media access had been controlled to a large extent after authorities clamped down on over two dozen websites but the problem in Jammu and other parts of the country continues.

Jammu and Kashmir Police cracks down on 'keypad jihadis' on social media

Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday said the government was ready to hold dialogue with the Hurriyat Conference leadership if the separatists come forward for talks.&nbsp

Mr Singh, however, made it clear that so far there has been no indication from the Hurriyat that it was ready for peace talks with the government.

"I have already said that we are ready for dialogue with all stakeholders in Kashmir. If Hurriyat comes forward for talks, we don't mind talking to them. Whoever wants to talk with us, we are ready for talks," he told a TV channel in New Delhi.

On whether there was any indication from the separatists leadership for peace dialogue with the government, Mr Singh said, "There has been no indication so far."

The government's special representative Dineshwar Sharma is holding talks with a cross-section of people in Jammu and Kashmir, the Home Minister said.

Mr Singh's comments came days after the government had announced suspension of operations against terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir during the holy month of Ramzan that began on May 17.

Past attempts to initiate dialogue with the Hurriyat had failed after the separatists demanded a declaration of Kashmir as "disputed" and involvement of Pakistan in the dialogue.

Rajnath Singh, however, made it clear that so far there has been no indication from the Hurriyat that it was ready for peace talks with the government.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday said the government was ready to hold dialogue with the Hurriyat Conference leadership if the separatists come forward for talks. Mr Singh, however, made it clear that so far there has been no indication from the Hurriyat that it was ready for peace talks with the government. "I have already said that we are ready for dialogue with all stakeholders in Kashmir. If Hurriyat comes forward for talks, we don't mind talking to them. Whoever wants to talk with us, we are ready for talks," he told a TV channel in New Delhi. On whether there was any indication from the separatists leadership for peace dialogue with the government, Mr Singh said, "There has been no indication so far." The government's special representative Dineshwar Sharma is holding talks with a cross-section of people in Jammu and Kashmir, the Home Minister said. Mr Singh's comments came days after the government had announced suspension of operations against terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir during the holy month of Ramzan that began on May 17. Past attempts to initiate dialogue with the Hurriyat had failed after the separatists demanded a declaration of Kashmir as "disputed" and involvement of Pakistan in the dialogue.

Government ready for talks if Hurriyat agrees, says Rajnath Singh

There has been no information about the spread of Nipah virus beyond two districts of Kerala, Himachal Pradesh Additional Chief Secretary of Health BK Aggarwal said in Shimla today and appealed to the residents of the hilly state not to panic.&nbsp

Mr Aggarwal held a meeting with officers of Health, Animal Husbandry, Forest and Horticulture departments on the issue today.

Reports of dead bats being found on the premises of a government school in Himachal Pradesh created panic in the state.

The samples from bats found dead in Himachal Pradesh, which were sent to the National Institute of Virology in Pune, have been found negative, the officer said.

He advised the people not to panic about the Nipah virus and said all medical colleges in the state were prepared to deal with any eventuality.

Additional Chief Secretary of Health BK Aggarwal held a meeting with officers of Health, Animal Husbandry, Forest and Horticulture departments on the issue today.

There has been no information about the spread of Nipah virus beyond two districts of Kerala, Himachal Pradesh Additional Chief Secretary of Health BK Aggarwal said in Shimla today and appealed to the residents of the hilly state not to panic. Mr Aggarwal held a meeting with officers of Health, Animal Husbandry, Forest and Horticulture departments on the issue today. Reports of dead bats being found on the premises of a government school in Himachal Pradesh created panic in the state. The samples from bats found dead in Himachal Pradesh, which were sent to the National Institute of Virology in Pune, have been found negative, the officer said. He advised the people not to panic about the Nipah virus and said all medical colleges in the state were prepared to deal with any eventuality.

No trace of Nipah virus in Himachal Pradesh, no need to panic: Officer

In an attempt to free the BSP of the blame of dynastic rule, party national president Mayawati on Saturday amended the party’s constitution barring close relatives of party president from holding organisational posts.

In April 2017, Mayawati appointed Anand Kumar party vice-president on condition that he would dedicate himself to the organisation and never contest polls or hold office of power.

Meanwhile, the national executive made several decisions to gear up the party for the challenging electoral battle at the national level.&nbsp

UP state chief Ramachal Rajbhar has been promoted as the national general secretary and made coordinator of three states.&nbsp

The new UP BSP president is BSP MLC RS Kushwaha. BSP UP legislature party leader Lalji Verma has been made coordinator of Chhattisgarh and Ashok Siddharth for South India. Vir Singh and Jai Prakash Singh have been appointed national coordinator.

UP state chief Ramachal Rajbhar has been promoted as the national general secretary and made coordinator of three states.

In an attempt to free the BSP of the blame of dynastic rule, party national president Mayawati on Saturday amended the party’s constitution barring close relatives of party president from holding organisational posts. In April 2017, Mayawati appointed Anand Kumar party vice-president on condition that he would dedicate himself to the organisation and never contest polls or hold office of power. Meanwhile, the national executive made several decisions to gear up the party for the challenging electoral battle at the national level. UP state chief Ramachal Rajbhar has been promoted as the national general secretary and made coordinator of three states. The new UP BSP president is BSP MLC RS Kushwaha. BSP UP legislature party leader Lalji Verma has been made coordinator of Chhattisgarh and Ashok Siddharth for South India. Vir Singh and Jai Prakash Singh have been appointed national coordinator.

Mayawati removes her brother from post of BSP vice-president

Phishing and malware-based attacks are the most prolific online fraud tactics globally and India is one of the top three target countries for such attacks, says a report.

According to the RSA Quarterly Fraud Report for the period between January 1 to March 31, 2018, phishing accounted for 48 per cent of all cyber-attacks.

The report that contains fraud attack and consumer fraud data and analysis, noted that Canada, the United States, India and Brazil were the countries most targeted by phishing.

Other most phishing-targeted countries include Brazil in the fourth place, Netherlands (5th), Colombia (6th), Spain (7th), Mexico (8th), Germany (9th) and South Africa (10th).&nbsp

As per the report, consumer transactions and fraud continue to grow in the mobile channel. In the first quarter, 55 per cent of transactions originated in the mobile channel and 65 per cent of fraud transactions used a mobile application or browser.

The report further noted that the top hosting countries list for such attacks was topped by the United States, followed by Russia and India in the second and third place, respectively.&nbsp

Others in the list include Australia in the fourth position, Canada (5th), France (6th), Luxembourg (7th), Germany (8th), China (9th) and Italy (10th).

The report represents a snapshot of the cyber fraud environment, providing actionable intelligence to consumer-facing organisations of all sizes and types to enable more effective digital risk management.&nbsp

The report that contains fraud attack and consumer fraud data and analysis, noted that Canada, the United States, India and Brazil were the countries most targeted by phishing

Phishing and malware-based attacks are the most prolific online fraud tactics globally and India is one of the top three target countries for such attacks, says a report. According to the RSA Quarterly Fraud Report for the period between January 1 to March 31, 2018, phishing accounted for 48 per cent of all cyber-attacks. The report that contains fraud attack and consumer fraud data and analysis, noted that Canada, the United States, India and Brazil were the countries most targeted by phishing. Other most phishing-targeted countries include Brazil in the fourth place, Netherlands (5th), Colombia (6th), Spain (7th), Mexico (8th), Germany (9th) and South Africa (10th). As per the report, consumer transactions and fraud continue to grow in the mobile channel. In the first quarter, 55 per cent of transactions originated in the mobile channel and 65 per cent of fraud transactions used a mobile application or browser. The report further noted that the top hosting countries list for such attacks was topped by the United States, followed by Russia and India in the second and third place, respectively. Others in the list include Australia in the fourth position, Canada (5th), France (6th), Luxembourg (7th), Germany (8th), China (9th) and Italy (10th). The report represents a snapshot of the cyber fraud environment, providing actionable intelligence to consumer-facing organisations of all sizes and types to enable more effective digital risk management.

India one of the most vulnerable to cyber attacks & data theft; third behind Canada, US

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-death-toll-from-nipah-virus-rises-to-14-140144">Kerala: Death toll from Nipah virus rises to 14</a>

The death toll from the deadly Nipah virus on Sunday rose to 14 in Kerala after one more death was reported in&nbspKozhikode. Most of the deaths reported are from Kozhikode and Malappuram districts.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/why-kairana-bypoll-is-a-key-player-in-the-run-up-to-2019-ls-polls-140093">Why Kairana by-poll is a key player in the run-up to 2019 Lok Sabha polls</a>

Kairana constituency in the politically crucial state of Uttar Pradesh has virtually assumed the dimension of a strategic player in the run-up to the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtra-bypoll-keen-contest-on-cards-in-2-lok-sabha-seats-tomorrow-140117">Maharashtra by-poll: </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtra-bypoll-keen-contest-on-cards-in-2-lok-sabha-seats-tomorrow-140117">Keen</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtra-bypoll-keen-contest-on-cards-in-2-lok-sabha-seats-tomorrow-140117"> contest on cards in 2 Lok Sabha seats tomorrow</a>

The by-elections to Palghar and Bhandara-Gondia Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra will be held on May 28 for which all four major parties have pulled out all stops as the outcome is likely to have a bearing on their future course.&nbsp

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-shahid-abbasi-inaugurates-1st-section-of-cpecs-superhighway-140120">Pakistan PM Shahid Abbasi inaugurates 1st section of CPEC's superhighway</a>

Pakistan Prime Minister Shadid Abbasi on Saturday inaugurated the first section of the 392-km Multan-Sukkur Motorway, which is the largest transportation infrastructure project under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).&nbsp

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-refutes-reports-saying-its-seeking-economic-help-from-us--140112">North Korea refutes reports saying it's seeking economic help from </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-refutes-reports-saying-its-seeking-economic-help-from-us--140112">US</a>

North Korea on Sunday disputed reports which said that North Korea is seeking economic assistance from the United States in exchange for complete denuclearisation.&nbsp

Kerala: Death toll from Nipah virus rises to 14 The death toll from the deadly Nipah virus on Sunday rose to 14 in Kerala after one more death was reported in&nbspKozhikode. Most of the deaths reported are from Kozhikode and Malappuram districts. Why Kairana by-poll is a key player in the run-up to 2019 Lok Sabha polls Kairana constituency in the politically crucial state of Uttar Pradesh has virtually assumed the dimension of a strategic player in the run-up to the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Maharashtra by-poll: Keen contest on cards in 2 Lok Sabha seats tomorrow The by-elections to Palghar and Bhandara-Gondia Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra will be held on May 28 for which all four major parties have pulled out all stops as the outcome is likely to have a bearing on their future course. Pakistan PM Shahid Abbasi inaugurates 1st section of CPEC's superhighway Pakistan Prime Minister Shadid Abbasi on Saturday inaugurated the first section of the 392-km Multan-Sukkur Motorway, which is the largest transportation infrastructure project under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). North Korea refutes reports saying it's seeking economic help from US North Korea on Sunday disputed reports which said that North Korea is seeking economic assistance from the United States in exchange for complete denuclearisation.

News brief: Big stories of the day

In the wake of frequent ceasefire violations by Pakistan across the International Border in Jammu and Kashmir, the authorities in the state have initiated construction of underground bunkers and community halls to facilitate the safety of residents along the border.

The officials of the Rajouri district in J&K will be constructing over 5,500 underground bunkers and 200 community halls as well as "border bhawans" to help the settlements along the border survive the brunt of Pakistani shelling and firing.

The Union Ministry and the state government have already approved the project which is expected to cost Rs 153.60 crore and is targetted to be completed in the current financial year.

"A total of 5,196 bunkers are being constructed in seven blocks along the 120 km long stretch of LoC. These include Sunderbani, Qila Drahal, Nowshera, Doongi, Rajouri, Panjgrain and Manajakote," an official spokesman said.

He also added that over 260 community bunkers and 160 community halls were also to be constructed in villages located 0-3 km distance from LOC.

The bhawans to be constructed will be designed to accommodate over 10,000 people.

The government had also announced the construction of 14,460 individual and community bunkers at a cost of Rs 415.73 crore for people living along the LoC and IB in Jammu region in December last year.

Over thousands of people across the International border in Jammu and Kashmir moved out of&nbsp;their homes in the last few days to escape heavy shelling by the Pakistan forces.

&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

The officials of the Rajouri district in J&K will be constructing over 5,500 underground bunkers and 200 community halls as well as "border bhawans" to help the settlements along the border survive the brunt of Pakistani shelling and firing

In the wake of frequent ceasefire violations by Pakistan across the International Border in Jammu and Kashmir, the authorities in the state have initiated construction of underground bunkers and community halls to facilitate the safety of residents along the border. The officials of the Rajouri district in J&K will be constructing over 5,500 underground bunkers and 200 community halls as well as "border bhawans" to help the settlements along the border survive the brunt of Pakistani shelling and firing. The Union Ministry and the state government have already approved the project which is expected to cost Rs 153.60 crore and is targetted to be completed in the current financial year. "A total of 5,196 bunkers are being constructed in seven blocks along the 120 km long stretch of LoC. These include Sunderbani, Qila Drahal, Nowshera, Doongi, Rajouri, Panjgrain and Manajakote," an official spokesman said. He also added that over 260 community bunkers and 160 community halls were also to be constructed in villages located 0-3 km distance from LOC. The bhawans to be constructed will be designed to accommodate over 10,000 people. The government had also announced the construction of 14,460 individual and community bunkers at a cost of Rs 415.73 crore for people living along the LoC and IB in Jammu region in December last year. Over thousands of people across the International border in Jammu and Kashmir moved out of their homes in the last few days to escape heavy shelling by the Pakistan forces. (With inputs from PTI)

J&K ceasefire violations: Bunkers, community halls to be constructed along IB to safeguard residents

India has concluded price negotiations with Russia for a nearly Rs 40,000 crore deal to procure S-400 Triumf air defence missile systems for the Indian Air Force, officials said.&nbsp;

They said the two countries are now trying to find a way out to evade the provisions of a US law that seeks to punish countries and entities engaged in transactions with the defence or intelligence establishment of Russia.

"The negotiations for the missile deal have been concluded. The financial component has been finalised," a top official involved in the negotiations for the deal with Russia said.

The official said both Russia and India are likely to announce the deal before an annual summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin in October.

Two other officials said both sides are now looking at ways to insulate the deal from the sanctions announced by the US against Russia under its Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).

The issue is understood to have figured during Modi's informal talks with Putin in Sochi last week.

There has been mounting concerns in India over the US sanctions against Russian defence majors including Rosoboronexport as billions of dollars of military purchases may be impacted because of the punitive measure.&nbsp;

The US had announced sanctions against Russia under the stringent law for its alleged meddling in the American presidential election in 2016.

CAATSA, which came into effect in January, mandates the Donald Trump administration to punish entities engaging in significant transaction with the defence or intelligence establishment of Russia.

US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis last month appealed to the Congress to urgently provide India with the national security waiver, saying imposing sanctions under CAATSA for the S-400 air defence missile deal would only hit the US.

India wants to procure the long-range missile systems to tighten its air defence mechanism, particularly along the nearly 4,000-km-long Sino-India border.

In 2016, India and Russia had signed an agreement on the 'Triumf' interceptor-based missile system which can destroy incoming hostile aircraft, missiles and even drones at ranges of up to 400 km. S-400 is known as Russia's most advanced long-range surface-to-air missile defence system.

China was the first foreign buyer to seal a government-to-government deal with Russia in 2014 to procure the lethal missile system and Moscow has already started delivery of unknown number of the S-400 missile systems to Beijing.

The S-400 is an upgraded version of the S-300 systems. The missile system, manufactured by Almaz-Antey, has been in service in Russia since 2007.&nbsp;

India has concluded price negotiations with Russia for a nearly Rs 40,000 crore deal to procure S-400 Triumf air defence missile systems for the Indian Air Force, officials said

India has concluded price negotiations with Russia for a nearly Rs 40,000 crore deal to procure S-400 Triumf air defence missile systems for the Indian Air Force, officials said. They said the two countries are now trying to find a way out to evade the provisions of a US law that seeks to punish countries and entities engaged in transactions with the defence or intelligence establishment of Russia. "The negotiations for the missile deal have been concluded. The financial component has been finalised," a top official involved in the negotiations for the deal with Russia said. The official said both Russia and India are likely to announce the deal before an annual summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin in October. Two other officials said both sides are now looking at ways to insulate the deal from the sanctions announced by the US against Russia under its Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA). The issue is understood to have figured during Modi's informal talks with Putin in Sochi last week. There has been mounting concerns in India over the US sanctions against Russian defence majors including Rosoboronexport as billions of dollars of military purchases may be impacted because of the punitive measure. The US had announced sanctions against Russia under the stringent law for its alleged meddling in the American presidential election in 2016. CAATSA, which came into effect in January, mandates the Donald Trump administration to punish entities engaging in significant transaction with the defence or intelligence establishment of Russia. US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis last month appealed to the Congress to urgently provide India with the national security waiver, saying imposing sanctions under CAATSA for the S-400 air defence missile deal would only hit the US. India wants to procure the long-range missile systems to tighten its air defence mechanism, particularly along the nearly 4,000-km-long Sino-India border. In 2016, India and Russia had signed an agreement on the 'Triumf' interceptor-based missile system which can destroy incoming hostile aircraft, missiles and even drones at ranges of up to 400 km. S-400 is known as Russia's most advanced long-range surface-to-air missile defence system. China was the first foreign buyer to seal a government-to-government deal with Russia in 2014 to procure the lethal missile system and Moscow has already started delivery of unknown number of the S-400 missile systems to Beijing. The S-400 is an upgraded version of the S-300 systems. The missile system, manufactured by Almaz-Antey, has been in service in Russia since 2007.

India, Russia conclude negotiations for air defence missiles

Low-cost carriers IndiGo and Air India Express have been ranked among the top five cheapest airlines in the world in providing international connectivity.

Air India Express, the wholly-owned subsidiary of state-run carrier Air India has been ranked second and the budget carrier IndiGo placed at fifth position in a Global Flight Pricing Report prepared by Melbourne-based Rome2rio -- a multimodal travel planning site.&nbsp

Two other Indian carriers also figured in the list. Jet Airways gained the 12th place followed by Air India at 13th position. 
 
The report compared 200 major airlines across continents by the average price per kilometer with Air Asia X taking the pole position.

Air India Express, mostly connecting Gulf countries and Singapore, has an average cost of USD 0.08 per km and IndiGo USD 0.10 per km. The latter connects Indian cities with Gulf countries besides Bangkok, Colombo and Kathmandu.&nbsp

AirAsia X at the top has an average of USD 0.07 per km.

The data was analysed by taking into account the economy class airfares displayed by Rome2rio during the first two months of this year, totalling some 1.5 million price points. The outcome of the report was released this month.

According to the report, four out of the top five cheapest airlines are in Asia.&nbsp

Indonesia AirAsia and the Primera Air are the other two to have been put in the top five. Etihad, Ryanair, Qantas, Wow Air and Virgin Australia were among the top ten affordable airlines. Wow Air had recently announced to connect Delhi with Europe and US cities through its hub in Reykjavik in Iceland from December 7 onwards, with the base price starting at Rs 13,499. 
 
None of the airlines from the UK or US found a place among the top 10 affordable airlines in the report.&nbsp

Air India Express, the wholly-owned subsidiary of state-run carrier Air India has been ranked second and the budget carrier IndiGo placed at fifth position in a Global Flight Pricing Report

Low-cost carriers IndiGo and Air India Express have been ranked among the top five cheapest airlines in the world in providing international connectivity. Air India Express, the wholly-owned subsidiary of state-run carrier Air India has been ranked second and the budget carrier IndiGo placed at fifth position in a Global Flight Pricing Report prepared by Melbourne-based Rome2rio -- a multimodal travel planning site. Two other Indian carriers also figured in the list. Jet Airways gained the 12th place followed by Air India at 13th position. The report compared 200 major airlines across continents by the average price per kilometer with Air Asia X taking the pole position. Air India Express, mostly connecting Gulf countries and Singapore, has an average cost of USD 0.08 per km and IndiGo USD 0.10 per km. The latter connects Indian cities with Gulf countries besides Bangkok, Colombo and Kathmandu. AirAsia X at the top has an average of USD 0.07 per km. The data was analysed by taking into account the economy class airfares displayed by Rome2rio during the first two months of this year, totalling some 1.5 million price points. The outcome of the report was released this month. According to the report, four out of the top five cheapest airlines are in Asia. Indonesia AirAsia and the Primera Air are the other two to have been put in the top five. Etihad, Ryanair, Qantas, Wow Air and Virgin Australia were among the top ten affordable airlines. Wow Air had recently announced to connect Delhi with Europe and US cities through its hub in Reykjavik in Iceland from December 7 onwards, with the base price starting at Rs 13,499. None of the airlines from the UK or US found a place among the top 10 affordable airlines in the report.

IndiGo, Air India Express among top 5 cheapest airlines in the world

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu said on Sunday that all regional parties were coming together to defeat the BJP which would "taste defeat" in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

"In 2019, the regional parties will be king-makers. All regional parties are coming together to defeat BJP. In upcoming Lok Sabha elections, BJP will taste defeat," Chandrababu Naidu, who withdrew from the NDA alliance in March said.

The Andhra Pradesh chief minister also criticised the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led BJP government over the demonetisation&nbsp 
of high-value currency notes in 2016, stating that it had led to a never-seen-before shortage of currency.

"I supported demonetization. I thought it would be good for the economy. But because of centre, banks are going insolvent. People have lost faith in the banking system. We have never seen such shortage of currency," Chandrababu Naidu said.

Chandrababu Naidu said his party played a key role in forming governments in the past and had the power to change the political narrative in the country, hinting that it would tie-up with like-minded parties to stop the BJP's juggernaut in 2019.&nbsp

"The Congress is in the opposition. It cannot do much. But the BJP will definitely not come to power in 2019," the Andhra Pradesh chief minister said while inaugurating the TDP's annual conclave Mahanadu in Andhra Pradesh's Vijayawada.

Calling PM Modi a "campaign PM" who has "failed to deliver on promises", Chandrababu Naidu said that the BJP coming to power in 2019 was a "distant dream".

The party president said the TDP was key in forming the United Front government in 1996.

"The TDP has in the past played a key role in forming governments. It has the power to change the political narrative in the country. We won't step back," Naidu said.

He said the TDP withdrew support from the NDA government as the Centre had reneged on its promise to grant Andhra Pradesh Special Category status and to implement the AP Reorganisation Act.&nbsp

Naidu accused the BJP of betraying the people of Andhra Pradesh and trying to create law and order problems in the state in collusion with the YSRCP.&nbsp

Andhra Pradesh has been seeking special category status on the grounds that it is at a disadvantage, especially because of the loss of capital Hyderabad to Telangana.&nbsp

When erstwhile Andhra Pradesh was being bifurcated in 2014, then prime minister Manmohan Singh, during a discussion on the AP Reorganisation Bill, had said, "Special category status will be extended to the successor state of Andhra Pradesh for a period of five years.

But the BJP, which came to power at the Centre a few months later, has been saying that the 14th Finance Commission does not provide for such treatment to Andhra Pradesh.

The TDP had in March withdrawn support from the NDA government over the Centre's refusal to grant special category status to the state.&nbsp

Naidu and his party have in the past accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of reneging on his election promise made in 2014 to accord special category status to Andhra Pradesh.&nbsp 
 
(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp

The Andhra Pradesh chief minister said that all regional parties were coming together to defeat the BJP

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu said on Sunday that all regional parties were coming together to defeat the BJP which would "taste defeat" in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. "In 2019, the regional parties will be king-makers. All regional parties are coming together to defeat BJP. In upcoming Lok Sabha elections, BJP will taste defeat," Chandrababu Naidu, who withdrew from the NDA alliance in March said. The Andhra Pradesh chief minister also criticised the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led BJP government over the demonetisation of high-value currency notes in 2016, stating that it had led to a never-seen-before shortage of currency. "I supported demonetization. I thought it would be good for the economy. But because of centre, banks are going insolvent. People have lost faith in the banking system. We have never seen such shortage of currency," Chandrababu Naidu said. Chandrababu Naidu said his party played a key role in forming governments in the past and had the power to change the political narrative in the country, hinting that it would tie-up with like-minded parties to stop the BJP's juggernaut in 2019. "The Congress is in the opposition. It cannot do much. But the BJP will definitely not come to power in 2019," the Andhra Pradesh chief minister said while inaugurating the TDP's annual conclave Mahanadu in Andhra Pradesh's Vijayawada. Calling PM Modi a "campaign PM" who has "failed to deliver on promises", Chandrababu Naidu said that the BJP coming to power in 2019 was a "distant dream". The party president said the TDP was key in forming the United Front government in 1996. "The TDP has in the past played a key role in forming governments. It has the power to change the political narrative in the country. We won't step back," Naidu said. He said the TDP withdrew support from the NDA government as the Centre had reneged on its promise to grant Andhra Pradesh Special Category status and to implement the AP Reorganisation Act. Naidu accused the BJP of betraying the people of Andhra Pradesh and trying to create law and order problems in the state in collusion with the YSRCP. Andhra Pradesh has been seeking special category status on the grounds that it is at a disadvantage, especially because of the loss of capital Hyderabad to Telangana. When erstwhile Andhra Pradesh was being bifurcated in 2014, then prime minister Manmohan Singh, during a discussion on the AP Reorganisation Bill, had said, "Special category status will be extended to the successor state of Andhra Pradesh for a period of five years. But the BJP, which came to power at the Centre a few months later, has been saying that the 14th Finance Commission does not provide for such treatment to Andhra Pradesh. The TDP had in March withdrawn support from the NDA government over the Centre's refusal to grant special category status to the state. Naidu and his party have in the past accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of reneging on his election promise made in 2014 to accord special category status to Andhra Pradesh. (With inputs from agencies)

BJP will taste defeat in 2019 elections: Chandrababu Naidu

Bahujan Samaj Party president Mayawati on Saturday told her partymen that the stand of the party while entering into any alliance in any election has been to get a respectable share of the seats to contest. Otherwise, it sees fighting on its own as a better option, she added.&nbsp;

Though the BSP was discussing alliances with other parties for future polls in Uttar Pradesh and other states, they should be prepared for any situation, news agency PTI reported quoting the BSP leader as saying at the meeting of national-level officer bearers.

"Although talks are underway for poll alliances in Uttar Pradesh and other states, you have to remain prepared for facing any situation in your respective states at all levels," she said according to PTI.&nbsp;

Mayawati, who was part of the show of unity among opposition parties at the swearing-in ceremony of Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy, said after the debacle in that state the BJP government may advance the Lok Sabha elections.

The BSP chief effected a major reshuffle within her party, appointing R S Kushwaha as the Uttar Pradesh unit president in place of Ram Achal Rajbhar who has now been appointed as the BSP national general secretary and made coordinator for three states.

But Mayawati made it clear that she would lead the BSP for the next 20 to 22 years, telling partymen that nobody needed to dream of becoming the party president.

The BSP president, who had come in for criticism after she made her younger brother Anand Kumar vice president, also announced changes in party constitution to check nepotism.

She said no close relatives of the national president will be given any position in the party in their lifetime.

(With PTI inputs) 
&nbsp;

The BSP chief effected a major reshuffle within her party, appointing R S Kushwaha as the Uttar Pradesh unit president in place of Ram Achal Rajbhar

Bahujan Samaj Party president Mayawati on Saturday told her partymen that the stand of the party while entering into any alliance in any election has been to get a respectable share of the seats to contest. Otherwise, it sees fighting on its own as a better option, she added. Though the BSP was discussing alliances with other parties for future polls in Uttar Pradesh and other states, they should be prepared for any situation, news agency PTI reported quoting the BSP leader as saying at the meeting of national-level officer bearers. "Although talks are underway for poll alliances in Uttar Pradesh and other states, you have to remain prepared for facing any situation in your respective states at all levels," she said according to PTI. Mayawati, who was part of the show of unity among opposition parties at the swearing-in ceremony of Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy, said after the debacle in that state the BJP government may advance the Lok Sabha elections. The BSP chief effected a major reshuffle within her party, appointing R S Kushwaha as the Uttar Pradesh unit president in place of Ram Achal Rajbhar who has now been appointed as the BSP national general secretary and made coordinator for three states. But Mayawati made it clear that she would lead the BSP for the next 20 to 22 years, telling partymen that nobody needed to dream of becoming the party president. The BSP president, who had come in for criticism after she made her younger brother Anand Kumar vice president, also announced changes in party constitution to check nepotism. She said no close relatives of the national president will be given any position in the party in their lifetime. (With PTI inputs)

Mayawati tells partymen to be ready to fight elections solo

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday urged everyone to include yoga and traditional sports in their life and focus on fitness, saying "if we are fit, India is fit".

In his monthly 'Mann ki Baat' radio broadcast, he said he was overwhelmed by the response to his 'fit India' campaign.

"For me, it's heartwarming that the captain of the Indian cricket team Virat Kohli has included me in his challenge... I too have accepted his challenge. I believe this is gainful and this kind of a challenge will inspire us to be fit alongwith others, as well," he said.

But at the same time he expressed concern over "fading away" of traditional sport such as 'kho khho', 'pitthu', 'lattu' and 'gulli-danda' "to the point of extinction".

"...It will be the loss of the spirit of childhood," he said and recalled a poem which talked of end of childhood and the games and the fun associated with it.

"It is crucial that today schools, neighbourhoods and youth congregations come forward and promote these games. Through crowd sourcing we can create a very large archive of our traditional games," Modi suggested. 
He said the videos of these games can be shot, outlining the way to play them along with the mandatory rules and regulations.

Animation films, he suggested, can also be made so that the young generations can see and play for themselves.

On the 'Fit India' campaign, the prime minister said, "The more we play, the more we inspire the country to come out and play."

He said people are sharing videos of 'fitness challenge' on social media and everybody is getting connected with the Fit India campaign.

"People from the film fraternity, from the world of sports, common citizens of the country, members of the armed forces, school teachers or even those toiling in fields are building up a crescendo ?Hum Fit toh India Fit'? ?If we are fit, India is fit'," he said.

He said games are not just games; they teach us values for life, such as, setting targets, building up determination, developing team spirit and fostering mutual co-operation.

"And then, there is no prescribed age limit for participating in them. From tiny tots to grandfather-Grandmother, when we all play these games together then the term ?generation gap' disappears," he said.

The prime minister also highlighted the need to have a sense of adventure, saying adventure gives birth to development. He referred to the all women team of Indian navy which circumnavigated the globe for more than 250 days on board the INSV Tarini.

He also complemented people, some women and a girl, who climbed the Mount Everest. He also appreciated a BSF team who cleaned up Mount Everest of garbage while returning.

Modi also had a word of praise for Cuttack's D Prakash Rao, a tea seller, who spends 50 per cent of his earnings to run a school.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is addressing the nation in 44th edition of his monthly radio programme today.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday urged everyone to include yoga and traditional sports in their life and focus on fitness, saying "if we are fit, India is fit". In his monthly 'Mann ki Baat' radio broadcast, he said he was overwhelmed by the response to his 'fit India' campaign. "For me, it's heartwarming that the captain of the Indian cricket team Virat Kohli has included me in his challenge... I too have accepted his challenge. I believe this is gainful and this kind of a challenge will inspire us to be fit alongwith others, as well," he said. But at the same time he expressed concern over "fading away" of traditional sport such as 'kho khho', 'pitthu', 'lattu' and 'gulli-danda' "to the point of extinction". "...It will be the loss of the spirit of childhood," he said and recalled a poem which talked of end of childhood and the games and the fun associated with it. "It is crucial that today schools, neighbourhoods and youth congregations come forward and promote these games. Through crowd sourcing we can create a very large archive of our traditional games," Modi suggested. He said the videos of these games can be shot, outlining the way to play them along with the mandatory rules and regulations. Animation films, he suggested, can also be made so that the young generations can see and play for themselves. On the 'Fit India' campaign, the prime minister said, "The more we play, the more we inspire the country to come out and play." He said people are sharing videos of 'fitness challenge' on social media and everybody is getting connected with the Fit India campaign. "People from the film fraternity, from the world of sports, common citizens of the country, members of the armed forces, school teachers or even those toiling in fields are building up a crescendo ?Hum Fit toh India Fit'? ?If we are fit, India is fit'," he said. He said games are not just games; they teach us values for life, such as, setting targets, building up determination, developing team spirit and fostering mutual co-operation. "And then, there is no prescribed age limit for participating in them. From tiny tots to grandfather-Grandmother, when we all play these games together then the term ?generation gap' disappears," he said. The prime minister also highlighted the need to have a sense of adventure, saying adventure gives birth to development. He referred to the all women team of Indian navy which circumnavigated the globe for more than 250 days on board the INSV Tarini. He also complemented people, some women and a girl, who climbed the Mount Everest. He also appreciated a BSF team who cleaned up Mount Everest of garbage while returning. Modi also had a word of praise for Cuttack's D Prakash Rao, a tea seller, who spends 50 per cent of his earnings to run a school. (With inputs from PTI)

Mann Ki Baat: PM Modi urges citizens to include yoga and traditional sports in life

In the wake of the Nipah virus outbreak in Kerala, which has claimed 13 lives until now, the Bihar government, Sikkim health department, Madhya Pradesh Health Ministry, and Pudducherry collector office have issued advisories urging the people of their respective states to take precaution against the disease.

The Nipah virus, which is spread by fruit bats, can cause a communicable disease that can be fatal for both animals and humans.

The symptoms of the disease include fever, headache, drowsiness, respiratory illness, disorientation, and mental confusion.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), these signs and symptoms can progress to coma within 24-48 hours.

The Sikkim health department has issued an advisory urging the people to take precaution. "Though there is minimal possibility of Nipah virus in Sikkim, but the people need to take precaution," it said in an advisory yesterday in the wake of Nipah outbreak in Kerala.

The Bihar, Puducherry and Madhya Pradesh governments also issued advisories against Nipah virus and have urged people to take precautions.

Nipah virus, spread by fruit bats, causes communicable disease and can be fatal for both animals and humans

In the wake of the Nipah virus outbreak in Kerala, which has claimed 13 lives until now, the Bihar government, Sikkim health department, Madhya Pradesh Health Ministry, and Pudducherry collector office have issued advisories urging the people of their respective states to take precaution against the disease. The Nipah virus, which is spread by fruit bats, can cause a communicable disease that can be fatal for both animals and humans. The symptoms of the disease include fever, headache, drowsiness, respiratory illness, disorientation, and mental confusion. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), these signs and symptoms can progress to coma within 24-48 hours. The Sikkim health department has issued an advisory urging the people to take precaution. "Though there is minimal possibility of Nipah virus in Sikkim, but the people need to take precaution," it said in an advisory yesterday in the wake of Nipah outbreak in Kerala. The Bihar, Puducherry and Madhya Pradesh governments also issued advisories against Nipah virus and have urged people to take precautions.

Nipah virus: Bihar, Sikkim, MP, Puducherry issue advisories for people

State-run oil marketing companies increased prices of petrol and diesel for the fourteenth day in a row, even as the Narendra Modi government said it would formulate a policy to shield consumers from rising fuel prices.

The revised petrol prices in metropolitan cities are- Delhi: Rs 78.12 per litre Mumbai: 85.93 Kolkata: 80.76 and Chennai: 81.11.

Meanwhile, the cost of diesel per litre has been increased to 69.06 in Delhi: 68.90 71.61 in Kolkata, 73.53 in Mumbai and 72.91 in Chennai.

As the Centre has come under fire over fuel price hike, Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan earlier assured the public that the government will soon take out a solution to tackle the situation.

He further pointed out that less production of oil in the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and hike in crude oil price in the international market are some of the factors affecting the fuel price.

(With inputs from ANI)

The revised petrol prices in metropolitan cities are- Delhi: Rs 78.12 per litre; Mumbai: 85.93; Kolkata: 80.76 and Chennai: 81.11.

State-run oil marketing companies increased prices of petrol and diesel for the fourteenth day in a row, even as the Narendra Modi government said it would formulate a policy to shield consumers from rising fuel prices. The revised petrol prices in metropolitan cities are- Delhi: Rs 78.12 per litre Mumbai: 85.93 Kolkata: 80.76 and Chennai: 81.11. Meanwhile, the cost of diesel per litre has been increased to 69.06 in Delhi: 68.90 71.61 in Kolkata, 73.53 in Mumbai and 72.91 in Chennai. As the Centre has come under fire over fuel price hike, Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan earlier assured the public that the government will soon take out a solution to tackle the situation. He further pointed out that less production of oil in the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and hike in crude oil price in the international market are some of the factors affecting the fuel price. (With inputs from ANI)

Fuel prices continue to rise for 14th consecutive day

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday led the nation in paying tributes to first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru on his 54th death anniversary.&nbsp

Nehru, who was born on November 14, 1889, died on May 27, 1964.

"Tributes to our first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru on his death anniversary," Modi said in a tweet.

Former president Pranab Mukherjee, former vice-president Hamid Ansari and Congress chief Rahul Gandhi paid floral tributes to the departed leader at Shanti Van--Nehru's memorial on the banks of Yamuna here.

Senior Congress leaders, including Ghulam Nabi Azad, Ashok Gehlot and Motilal Vora also paid tributes to the country's first prime minister.&nbsp

Devotional songs were played and an all-religion prayer meeting was organised at the memorial.

Nehru, who was born on November 14, 1889, died on May 27, 1964.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday led the nation in paying tributes to first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru on his 54th death anniversary. Nehru, who was born on November 14, 1889, died on May 27, 1964. "Tributes to our first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru on his death anniversary," Modi said in a tweet. Former president Pranab Mukherjee, former vice-president Hamid Ansari and Congress chief Rahul Gandhi paid floral tributes to the departed leader at Shanti Van--Nehru's memorial on the banks of Yamuna here. Senior Congress leaders, including Ghulam Nabi Azad, Ashok Gehlot and Motilal Vora also paid tributes to the country's first prime minister. Devotional songs were played and an all-religion prayer meeting was organised at the memorial.

Leaders pay homage to Nehru on 54th death anniversary

BSP chief Mayawati on Saturday termed the four years of the Narendra Modi-led government as "disappointing" and said the parting of ways by some of the NDA partners was its clear indication.

The Modi government completed four years in power today.

"NDA alliance partners are parting ways one by one and this proves that the four years of the BJP-led government have been most unsuccessful and disappointing at all levels," Mayawati said.

"This kind of exploitation of the poor, labourers, common people and women under the central government has never been seen before...Their 'chori aur seena jori' has also been unheard of in the past," the BSP chief said.

She had convened a meeting of her party office bearers later in the day.

"The BJP and PM's unfulfilled promises undermined the faith and effectiveness of this government," she said.

Their own people were not listening to the leaders and it was an indication that the countdown of the BJP government had started, Mayawati said.

The BSP chief claimed that the government had bowed down before the capitalists as a result of which the country's economy had suffered and the people were concerned whether their money was safe in banks or not.

She alleged that there was anarchy in all walks of life, which proved that the BJP's rule meant "jungle raj".

"It seems that they have given permission to their people to level all kind of unfounded allegations and indulge in illegal acts," she alleged.

"There had also been an unsuccessful attempt to hush up rape cases in Kathua and Unnao by the BJP, showing the reality of the party," Mayawati alleged.&nbsp;

The Modi government completed four years in power today.

BSP chief Mayawati on Saturday termed the four years of the Narendra Modi-led government as "disappointing" and said the parting of ways by some of the NDA partners was its clear indication. The Modi government completed four years in power today. "NDA alliance partners are parting ways one by one and this proves that the four years of the BJP-led government have been most unsuccessful and disappointing at all levels," Mayawati said. "This kind of exploitation of the poor, labourers, common people and women under the central government has never been seen before...Their 'chori aur seena jori' has also been unheard of in the past," the BSP chief said. She had convened a meeting of her party office bearers later in the day. "The BJP and PM's unfulfilled promises undermined the faith and effectiveness of this government," she said. Their own people were not listening to the leaders and it was an indication that the countdown of the BJP government had started, Mayawati said. The BSP chief claimed that the government had bowed down before the capitalists as a result of which the country's economy had suffered and the people were concerned whether their money was safe in banks or not. She alleged that there was anarchy in all walks of life, which proved that the BJP's rule meant "jungle raj". "It seems that they have given permission to their people to level all kind of unfounded allegations and indulge in illegal acts," she alleged. "There had also been an unsuccessful attempt to hush up rape cases in Kathua and Unnao by the BJP, showing the reality of the party," Mayawati alleged.

Four years of Modi government disappointing: Mayawati

Thousands of people in Ireland are celebrating after the country voted overwhelmingly to change the constitution so that abortion can be legalised.

According to exit polls, 69 per cent of voters voted to repeal the 35-year-old 8th amendment to Ireland's constitution, which had put in place some of the most restrictive abortion laws in the world.&nbsp;

This could be a stunning victory for the Yes side after a long and often divisive campaign.

It is an historic moment for a country long viewed as deeply religious and traditional.

And it is a moment brought about by the untimely and tragic death of a vivacious young Indian woman from Karnataka after she was denied an abortion six years ago caused widespread outrage across Ireland and revulsion at what many saw as the country's archaic abortion laws.

In 2012, 31-year-old Savita Halappanavar was living the dream. She was a successful dentist who lived with her husband Praveen in Galway, on the west coast of the Republic of Ireland - one of the most breathtakingly beautiful parts of the world. In October 2012, the four-month pregnant Kavita was admitted to the University Hospital in Galway with back pain.

She was released and readmitted the same day when doctors determined that she was miscarrying.

<img alt="2018-05-25T225736Z_1_LYNXNPEE4O1UK_RTROPTP_4_IRELAND-ABORTION.JPG" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="351" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/news/2018-05-25T225736Z_1_LYNXNPEE4O1UK_RTROPTP_4_IRELAND-ABORTION.JPG" width="527" />

Savita asked for an abortion, realising that her life was now in danger. The doctors, who Savita's husband says were fearful of the consequences of granting his wife's wishes, repeatedly refused the termination.

At one point, her husband claims, doctors told him: "You can't have an abortion, this is a Catholic country", as his wife begged for a termination.

A little over a week later, Savita was dead from severe sepsis. She had suffered a miscarriage four days after she had been admitted to hospital.

Her death caused widespread revulsion. Thousands of people took to the streets across the country and even prompted representatives of the Catholic church - which has long shaped public policy and attitudes in Ireland - to publicly state that the church did not believe the right of an unborn child was more important than a woman's right to life.

A subsequent government investigation revealed that the ambiguity which surrounds the 8th amendment to the constitution - which only allows for abortions in cases where the life of the mother is in extreme danger - was a "materially contributory factor" in Savita`s death.

Savita's beaming face has appeared widely on posters and banners for the "yes" campaign which called for the repealing of the 8th amendment.

Her father Andanappa Yalagi released a video calling on voters to "remember Savita" when they voted. And Ireland has today voted overwhelmingly for a radical and historical change, sparked by the martyrdom of a young Indian girl whose life was cruelly snatched away.

<img alt="2018-05-25T230200Z_2_LYNXNPEE4O1JT_RTROPTP_4_IRELAND-ABORTION.JPG" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="353" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/news/2018-05-25T230200Z_2_LYNXNPEE4O1JT_RTROPTP_4_IRELAND-ABORTION.JPG" width="530" />

According to exit polls, 69 per cent of voters voted to repeal the 35-year-old 8th amendment to Ireland's constitution

Thousands of people in Ireland are celebrating after the country voted overwhelmingly to change the constitution so that abortion can be legalised. According to exit polls, 69 per cent of voters voted to repeal the 35-year-old 8th amendment to Ireland's constitution, which had put in place some of the most restrictive abortion laws in the world. This could be a stunning victory for the Yes side after a long and often divisive campaign. It is an historic moment for a country long viewed as deeply religious and traditional. And it is a moment brought about by the untimely and tragic death of a vivacious young Indian woman from Karnataka after she was denied an abortion six years ago caused widespread outrage across Ireland and revulsion at what many saw as the country's archaic abortion laws. In 2012, 31-year-old Savita Halappanavar was living the dream. She was a successful dentist who lived with her husband Praveen in Galway, on the west coast of the Republic of Ireland - one of the most breathtakingly beautiful parts of the world. In October 2012, the four-month pregnant Kavita was admitted to the University Hospital in Galway with back pain. She was released and readmitted the same day when doctors determined that she was miscarrying. Savita asked for an abortion, realising that her life was now in danger. The doctors, who Savita's husband says were fearful of the consequences of granting his wife's wishes, repeatedly refused the termination. At one point, her husband claims, doctors told him: "You can't have an abortion, this is a Catholic country", as his wife begged for a termination. A little over a week later, Savita was dead from severe sepsis. She had suffered a miscarriage four days after she had been admitted to hospital. Her death caused widespread revulsion. Thousands of people took to the streets across the country and even prompted representatives of the Catholic church - which has long shaped public policy and attitudes in Ireland - to publicly state that the church did not believe the right of an unborn child was more important than a woman's right to life. A subsequent government investigation revealed that the ambiguity which surrounds the 8th amendment to the constitution - which only allows for abortions in cases where the life of the mother is in extreme danger - was a "materially contributory factor" in Savita`s death. Savita's beaming face has appeared widely on posters and banners for the "yes" campaign which called for the repealing of the 8th amendment. Her father Andanappa Yalagi released a video calling on voters to "remember Savita" when they voted. And Ireland has today voted overwhelmingly for a radical and historical change, sparked by the martyrdom of a young Indian girl whose life was cruelly snatched away.

How tragic death of a young Indian woman sparked history-making vote in Ireland

As the BJP-led government at the Centre completed four years in office, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said development has become a vibrant mass movement and he will continue to serve the people as it is always "India First" for him.

"On this day in 2014, we began our journey of working towards India`s transformation," said Modi.&nbsp

Modi assumed office on May 26, 2014.&nbsp

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On this day in 2014, we began our journey of working towards India’s transformation. 
 
Over the last four years, development has become a vibrant mass movement, with every citizen feeling involved in India's growth trajectory. 125 crore Indians are taking India to great heights!
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1000194984719466496?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"Over the last four years, development has become a vibrant mass movement, with every citizen feeling involved in India`s growth trajectory, 125 crore Indians are taking India to great heights!" Modi said in a series of tweets.&nbsp

In another tweet, he thanked the people and said: "I bow to my fellow citizens for their unwavering faith in our government."&nbsp

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I bow to my fellow citizens for their unwavering faith in our Government. This support and affection is the biggest source of motivation and strength for the entire Government. We will continue to serve the people of India with the same vigour and dedication.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1000195377390211073?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"This support and affection is the biggest source of motivation and strength for the entire Government. We will continue to serve the people of India with the same vigour and dedication," the Prime Minister said.

Modi also appreciated his government for taking people-friendly decisions and said, "For us, it is always India First."&nbsp

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For us, it is always India First. 
 
With the best intent and complete integrity, we have taken futuristic and people-friendly decisions that are laying the foundations of a New India. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SaafNiyatSahiVikas?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SaafNiyatSahiVikas</a> <a href="https://t.co/xyYx6KFIv3">pic.twitter.com/xyYx6KFIv3</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1000196071232946176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"With the best intent and complete integrity, we have taken futuristic and people-friendly decisions that are laying the foundations of a new India. `Saaf Niyat Sahi Vikas` (clean intention, perfect development)," he said, adding the government is gaining the confidence of people.&nbsp

 
&nbsp

"Over the last four years, development has become a vibrant mass movement, with every citizen feeling involved in India`s growth trajectory, 125 crore Indians are taking India to great heights!" Modi said in a series of tweets.

As the BJP-led government at the Centre completed four years in office, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said development has become a vibrant mass movement and he will continue to serve the people as it is always "India First" for him. "On this day in 2014, we began our journey of working towards India`s transformation," said Modi. Modi assumed office on May 26, 2014. On this day in 2014, we began our journey of working towards India’s transformation. Over the last four years, development has become a vibrant mass movement, with every citizen feeling involved in India's growth trajectory. 125 crore Indians are taking India to great heights! — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 26, 2018 × "Over the last four years, development has become a vibrant mass movement, with every citizen feeling involved in India`s growth trajectory, 125 crore Indians are taking India to great heights!" Modi said in a series of tweets. In another tweet, he thanked the people and said: "I bow to my fellow citizens for their unwavering faith in our government." I bow to my fellow citizens for their unwavering faith in our Government. This support and affection is the biggest source of motivation and strength for the entire Government. We will continue to serve the people of India with the same vigour and dedication. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 26, 2018 × "This support and affection is the biggest source of motivation and strength for the entire Government. We will continue to serve the people of India with the same vigour and dedication," the Prime Minister said. Modi also appreciated his government for taking people-friendly decisions and said, "For us, it is always India First." For us, it is always India First. With the best intent and complete integrity, we have taken futuristic and people-friendly decisions that are laying the foundations of a New India. #SaafNiyatSahiVikas pic.twitter.com/xyYx6KFIv3 — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 26, 2018 × "With the best intent and complete integrity, we have taken futuristic and people-friendly decisions that are laying the foundations of a new India. `Saaf Niyat Sahi Vikas` (clean intention, perfect development)," he said, adding the government is gaining the confidence of people.

Modi says 'India First' as BJP-led government completes 4 years

After serving as the chief minister of Gujarat for over a decade, Narendra Modi assumed office as the Prime Minister of the country on 26 May, 2014.

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The BJP fought the 2014 Lok Sabha elections under his leadership and came to power with a huge mandate. The “Modi wave” that prevailed during the elections helped BJP to emerge as the first party to have achieved the majority mark singlehandedly since 1984. Several media reports showed that the BJP was able to garner mass support in 2014 only because of Narendra Modi.

Earlier, Modi served as the chief minister of Gujarat from October 7, 2001 to May 22, 2014. 
&nbsp; 
He took over the reigns of the state in 2001, when the then chief minister Keshubhai Patel’s health was deteriorating. Modi was handed over the responsibility of the state at a time when the BJP government in Gujarat was experiencing allegations of abuse of power, corruption and poor administration. The chief minister was also criticised for his handling of the 2001 earthquake. 
&nbsp; 
Modi’s appointment however did not go down well with the party’s veteran leader LK Advani who thought he was not experienced enough for the post.&nbsp;

Modi, on the other hand, refused to accept any other post other than the Chief Minister. He declined the proposal of becoming the Deputy chief minister of Gujarat and demanded that he would either be “fully responsible for the state or not at all”. 
&nbsp; 
He finally replaced chief minister Keshubhai Patel and took over the command of the state on October 7, 2001 and continued till the end of the term. 
&nbsp; 
He was again appointed as the chief minister of the state after winning over the assembly polls next year in 2002. 
&nbsp; 
The party under his leadership continued to win every single assembly election that followed in the state after this. 
&nbsp; 
He served as the chief Minister of the state for four terms, from October 7, 2001 before resigning on May 22, 2014 to take up the charge of the country as the Prime Minister. 
&nbsp; 
The Bhartiya Janata party fielded him as the prime ministerial candidate for the 2014 Lok Sabha polls.&nbsp;

His nomination was again subject to a lot of criticism by some senior leaders of the party, however the party did not take back his name keeping in mind the growing prominence that was developing for him in and outside the country. 
&nbsp; 
Modi fought the 2014 general elections from two constituencies, Varanasi and Vadodra. He registered victory in both the constituencies. While he retained the Varanasi constituency where he had won against the AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal, Modi vacated the Vadodra seat where he beat Madhusudan Mistry of the Congress. 
&nbsp; 
Modi had always shown great leadership and mastery at political developments.

He had joined the RSS as a young boy. During his long stint in the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, he played an important role in the 1974 Navnirman anti-corruption agitation. He also fought during the years of emergency when he had to go underground for a brief period of time. 
&nbsp; 
Modi joined the BJP in 1987 and within a year he was promoted to the level of General Secretary of the Gujarat unit. While working in the party he had coordinated two important events - Somnath to Ayodhya Rath Yatra and a march from Kanyakumari to Kashmir.

A person who believes the ‘Gujarat Model’ of development can be applied to the whole country, PM Modi is eyeing another general election victory like 2014 to stamp his mark on India & Bharat.

After serving as the chief minister of Gujarat for over a decade, Narendra Modi assumed office as the Prime Minister of the country on 26 May, 2014

After serving as the chief minister of Gujarat for over a decade, Narendra Modi assumed office as the Prime Minister of the country on 26 May, 2014. × The BJP fought the 2014 Lok Sabha elections under his leadership and came to power with a huge mandate. The “Modi wave” that prevailed during the elections helped BJP to emerge as the first party to have achieved the majority mark singlehandedly since 1984. Several media reports showed that the BJP was able to garner mass support in 2014 only because of Narendra Modi. Earlier, Modi served as the chief minister of Gujarat from October 7, 2001 to May 22, 2014. He took over the reigns of the state in 2001, when the then chief minister Keshubhai Patel’s health was deteriorating. Modi was handed over the responsibility of the state at a time when the BJP government in Gujarat was experiencing allegations of abuse of power, corruption and poor administration. The chief minister was also criticised for his handling of the 2001 earthquake. Modi’s appointment however did not go down well with the party’s veteran leader LK Advani who thought he was not experienced enough for the post. Modi, on the other hand, refused to accept any other post other than the Chief Minister. He declined the proposal of becoming the Deputy chief minister of Gujarat and demanded that he would either be “fully responsible for the state or not at all”. He finally replaced chief minister Keshubhai Patel and took over the command of the state on October 7, 2001 and continued till the end of the term. He was again appointed as the chief minister of the state after winning over the assembly polls next year in 2002. The party under his leadership continued to win every single assembly election that followed in the state after this. He served as the chief Minister of the state for four terms, from October 7, 2001 before resigning on May 22, 2014 to take up the charge of the country as the Prime Minister. The Bhartiya Janata party fielded him as the prime ministerial candidate for the 2014 Lok Sabha polls. His nomination was again subject to a lot of criticism by some senior leaders of the party, however the party did not take back his name keeping in mind the growing prominence that was developing for him in and outside the country. Modi fought the 2014 general elections from two constituencies, Varanasi and Vadodra. He registered victory in both the constituencies. While he retained the Varanasi constituency where he had won against the AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal, Modi vacated the Vadodra seat where he beat Madhusudan Mistry of the Congress. Modi had always shown great leadership and mastery at political developments. He had joined the RSS as a young boy. During his long stint in the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, he played an important role in the 1974 Navnirman anti-corruption agitation. He also fought during the years of emergency when he had to go underground for a brief period of time. Modi joined the BJP in 1987 and within a year he was promoted to the level of General Secretary of the Gujarat unit. While working in the party he had coordinated two important events - Somnath to Ayodhya Rath Yatra and a march from Kanyakumari to Kashmir. A person who believes the ‘Gujarat Model’ of development can be applied to the whole country, PM Modi is eyeing another general election victory like 2014 to stamp his mark on India & Bharat.

Narendra Modi: Journey from CM to PM

The fashionista Sonam Kapoor designed her mangalsutra, which had Sonam and Anand's sun signs--Gemini and Leo--placed on left and right, respectively. The mangalsutra even boasted of a solitaire, which shines just as bright as the adorable duo.

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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BimXB13FxbY/" style=" color:#000 font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px font-style:normal font-weight:normal line-height:17px text-decoration:none word-wrap:break-word" target="_blank">Congratulations on your wedding @sonamkapoor & @anandahuja A mangalsutra is a sacred necklace that a groom ties around a brides neck in an Indian wedding ceremony. This one was especially designed by the bride (@sonamkapoor) herself and executed by us. It has symbols of both their star signs. Hers being Gemini (on the left) and his Leo (on the right) these are complimented by a Solitaire in the centre. #sonamkishaadi #everydayphenomenal #sonamkapoor #sonamkapoorwedding #sonamkapoorjewellery #anandahuja #sonamanand #anandsonam #mangalsutra #indianwedding #tradition #congratulations #bestwishes #veerediwedding</a>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px line-height:17px margin-bottom:0 margin-top:8px overflow:hidden padding:8px 0 7px text-align:center text-overflow:ellipsis white-space:nowrap">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/usheeta.devnani.rawtani/" style=" color:#c9c8cd font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px font-style:normal font-weight:normal line-height:17px" target="_blank"> Usheeta Rawtani</a> (@usheeta.devnani.rawtani) on <time datetime="2018-05-10T13:56:01+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px line-height:17px">May 10, 2018 at 6:56am PDT</time>
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The actress recently made an appearance for the promotion of her upcoming film, 'Veere Di Wedding', where she was dressed up in lovely red-white fusion suit. Apart from how graceful and edgy the attire was, something that caught the attention was we Sonam's mangalsutra, which she had worn around her wrist.

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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BjNBha9HAOr/" style=" color:#000 font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px font-style:normal font-weight:normal line-height:17px text-decoration:none word-wrap:break-word" target="_blank">In Delhi for #VeereDiWedding promotions. @vdwthefilm ?: @ketichkhikvadze ?: @jimmychoo Earrings : @isharya Bag : @wearerheson Styled by: @rheakapoor Assisted by: @manishamelwani Hair : @alpakhimani Make up : @mitalivakil</a>

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Teamed with a gold bracelet, Sonam sported the mangalsutra on her right wrist, whereas most Indian brides wear their mangalsutras around the neck, which is also the ideal way of carrying them.

Sonam was flaunting her mangalsutra in an unusual manner, simply just the way she flaunts the big ring rumoured to be costing of 90 lakhs on her ring finger.

Sonam Kapoor was recently married to Anand Ajuja on&nbsp;May 8 in Mumbai which was a grand event followed by a reception.

The upcoming film of Sonam Kapoor will be releasing on June 1 which has been co-produced by her sister Rhea Kapoor.

The fashionista Sonam Kapoor designed her mangalsutra, which had Sonam and Anand's sun signs: Gemini and Leo

The fashionista Sonam Kapoor designed her mangalsutra, which had Sonam and Anand's sun signs--Gemini and Leo--placed on left and right, respectively. The mangalsutra even boasted of a solitaire, which shines just as bright as the adorable duo. Congratulations on your wedding @sonamkapoor & @anandahuja A mangalsutra is a sacred necklace that a groom ties around a brides neck in an Indian wedding ceremony. This one was especially designed by the bride (@sonamkapoor) herself and executed by us. It has symbols of both their star signs. Hers being Gemini (on the left) and his Leo (on the right) these are complimented by a Solitaire in the centre. #sonamkishaadi #everydayphenomenal #sonamkapoor #sonamkapoorwedding #sonamkapoorjewellery #anandahuja #sonamanand #anandsonam #mangalsutra #indianwedding #tradition #congratulations #bestwishes #veerediwedding A post shared by Usheeta Rawtani (@usheeta.devnani.rawtani) on May 10, 2018 at 6:56am PDT × The actress recently made an appearance for the promotion of her upcoming film, 'Veere Di Wedding', where she was dressed up in lovely red-white fusion suit. Apart from how graceful and edgy the attire was, something that caught the attention was we Sonam's mangalsutra, which she had worn around her wrist. In Delhi for #VeereDiWedding promotions. @vdwthefilm ?: @ketichkhikvadze ?: @jimmychoo Earrings : @isharya Bag : @wearerheson Styled by: @rheakapoor Assisted by: @manishamelwani Hair : @alpakhimani Make up : @mitalivakil A post shared by SonamKAhuja (@sonamkapoor) on May 25, 2018 at 7:18am PDT × Teamed with a gold bracelet, Sonam sported the mangalsutra on her right wrist, whereas most Indian brides wear their mangalsutras around the neck, which is also the ideal way of carrying them. Sonam was flaunting her mangalsutra in an unusual manner, simply just the way she flaunts the big ring rumoured to be costing of 90 lakhs on her ring finger. Sonam Kapoor was recently married to Anand Ajuja on May 8 in Mumbai which was a grand event followed by a reception. The upcoming film of Sonam Kapoor will be releasing on June 1 which has been co-produced by her sister Rhea Kapoor.

Sonam Kapoor wears her mangalsutra in an unusual manner

Vicky Kaushal who has been a part of films such as 'Masaan'&nbsp;(2015), 'Zubaan'&nbsp;(2016), 'Raman Raghav 2.0'&nbsp;(2016), and 'Love Per Square Foot'&nbsp;says that he finds his 'Raazi'&nbsp;co-star, Alia Bhatt, to be real — both as a human being and a performer on screen.

He is a huge admirer of Alia’s work and enjoys watching her on screen.

“When I saw 'Udta Punjab'&nbsp;(2016), I was blown away by her (Alia’s) performance. On the script level, if anybody would have told me that the role is being played by Alia, I would have been like, ‘I don’t know, can’t connect the dots’. But when I saw the film, I felt no one else could play the part the way Alia did. That’s the magic of an actor,” says Vicky, who can’t stop gushing about Alia’s performance.

“The power she holds as a performer can’t be expressed. There is a lot of honesty in her eyes that come across whenever she is playing a particular character. So, when someone like her is your co-star, it helps in many ways,” says Alia's co-star of the film

Vicky shares about the bond that both of them developed while shooting for 'Raazi'&nbsp;and also all the fun time that they had while shooting for the film is something that he would always cherish throughout his life.

When the 30-year-old actor was asked one thing about Alia that not many would know so he would simply laugh&nbsp;and tell. “She is the most accident-prone human being I have ever known. On the set, whenever you hear someone hurting herself, it has to be her. She would keep on banging her knee against the bed or her toe somewhere,” he shares.

He also told about one more funny incident from the sets, Vicky reveals that every time Alia would hold the gun, everyone would get worried.

“There are many instances in the film where she is holding a gun, so every time she was holding one, the person who is in front of the gun is not scared but everybody else used to get worried that she might end up hurting herself. Yes, she would hurt herself just by holding the gun,” he says.

Vicky is a huge admirer of Alia’s work and enjoys watching her on screen

Vicky Kaushal who has been a part of films such as 'Masaan' (2015), 'Zubaan' (2016), 'Raman Raghav 2.0' (2016), and 'Love Per Square Foot' says that he finds his 'Raazi' co-star, Alia Bhatt, to be real — both as a human being and a performer on screen. He is a huge admirer of Alia’s work and enjoys watching her on screen. “When I saw 'Udta Punjab' (2016), I was blown away by her (Alia’s) performance. On the script level, if anybody would have told me that the role is being played by Alia, I would have been like, ‘I don’t know, can’t connect the dots’. But when I saw the film, I felt no one else could play the part the way Alia did. That’s the magic of an actor,” says Vicky, who can’t stop gushing about Alia’s performance. “The power she holds as a performer can’t be expressed. There is a lot of honesty in her eyes that come across whenever she is playing a particular character. So, when someone like her is your co-star, it helps in many ways,” says Alia's co-star of the film Vicky shares about the bond that both of them developed while shooting for 'Raazi' and also all the fun time that they had while shooting for the film is something that he would always cherish throughout his life. When the 30-year-old actor was asked one thing about Alia that not many would know so he would simply laugh and tell. “She is the most accident-prone human being I have ever known. On the set, whenever you hear someone hurting herself, it has to be her. She would keep on banging her knee against the bed or her toe somewhere,” he shares. He also told about one more funny incident from the sets, Vicky reveals that every time Alia would hold the gun, everyone would get worried. “There are many instances in the film where she is holding a gun, so every time she was holding one, the person who is in front of the gun is not scared but everybody else used to get worried that she might end up hurting herself. Yes, she would hurt herself just by holding the gun,” he says.

Vicky Kaushal:  Alia Bhatt is real

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