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<p>Hours after the Supreme Court convicted him for voluntarily hurting a 65-year-old man but spared him a jail term, Punjab cabinet minister Navjot Singh Sidhu said that he had told Congress president Rahul Gandhi and his sister Priyanka that "my life is yours".</p>

<p>The Congress leader also said that he would meet Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi to thank them for supporting him.</p>

<p>"I have sent messages to Rahul ji and Priyanka ji. I have stated that my life is yours. The CM sahib also called me up and I told him, till my last breath, I am committed to the welfare of Punjab," Sidhu said.</p>

<p>The Punjab cabinet minister described the 1988 road rage case as "an accident, nothing else" and said he has been a survivor all his life. He also thanked God for helping him during "trying times" and expressed gratitude to the people for their blessings.</p>

<p>A bench of justices J Chelameswar and Sanjay Kishan Kaul reversed the findings of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, which had convicted Sidhu for culpable homicide not amounting to murder and sentenced him to three years in jail.</p>

<p>The Supreme Court bench also imposed a Rs 1,000-fine on the cricketer-turned-politician.</p>

<p>"Well, it was an accident, nothing else," Sidhu told reporters. He said the top court too said it was an accident.</p>

<p>Asked whether he regretted the episode, Sidhu said, "A life was lost and everybody will regret it. But the court says it was an accident. I have submitted to the majesty of the law and whatever the court says I abide by it."</p>

<p>The minister said he was not nervous ahead of the verdict in the 30-year-old case. "I got up at 3 am... I meditated. I played with my dogs for almost an hour," he said.<br />
"You will never see me cribbing and pointing fingers at others. I am strong enough to carry my burden on my own shoulder," he said. "The Almighty has always helped him tide over difficult circumstances. It is the grace of God which has helped me through trying times."</p>

<p>"I have been a survivor all my life. It is the grace of God which always prevails and bails me through. Every adversity has made me bigger and hence my reputation. From the age of 7 till 53, there has been no defeat," he said.</p>

<p>Sidhu said he had no hard feelings against anybody and he has forgiven everyone who had criticised him.</p>

<p>"I forgive those who criticized me, who condemned me and made political capital out of this case," he said.</p>

<p>The Amarinder Singh-led Congress government in Punjab had on April 12 favoured the high court's judgment awarding three-year jail term to Sidhu in the top court. The chief minister had maintained that his government had taken the only legally tenable stand in the Supreme Court.</p>

<p>On the Karnataka poll results disappointing the Congress, Sidhu said he did not think Rahul Gandhi's leadership would be questioned. "Rahul bhai is a leader in ascent. He is a man of character. He is growing every day, evolving every day."</p>

<p>"2019 Lok Sabha polls are going to be a different ball game. You look at the allies, you see in UP and Bihar what is happening there," he said, referring to the political success the Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party achieved after reaching an understanding for the by-polls held in March.</p>

<p>Sidhu, who ditched the BJP for the Congress days before the Punjab polls last year, said he wanted to see a prosperous Punjab. "The whole world is my country and all mankind my brethren... The desire in my heart is to see a prosperous Punjab," said the Punjab cabinet minister.</p>

<p>"Truth does not see profit or loss. In a war between right or wrong, you can't afford to be neutral. Mission of Sidhu's life is to see Punjab again become the 'Punjab' it was during the time of Maharaja Ranjit Singh," he added.</p>

<p>"I live Punjab, I dream Punjab."</p>

<p>&nbsp</p>


Hours after the Supreme Court convicted him for voluntarily hurting a 65-year-old man but spared him a jail term, Punjab cabinet minister Navjot Singh Sidhu said that he had told Congress president Rahul Gandhi and his sister Priyanka that 'my life is yours'

Hours after the Supreme Court convicted him for voluntarily hurting a 65-year-old man but spared him a jail term, Punjab cabinet minister Navjot Singh Sidhu said that he had told Congress president Rahul Gandhi and his sister Priyanka that "my life is yours". The Congress leader also said that he would meet Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi to thank them for supporting him. "I have sent messages to Rahul ji and Priyanka ji. I have stated that my life is yours. The CM sahib also called me up and I told him, till my last breath, I am committed to the welfare of Punjab," Sidhu said. The Punjab cabinet minister described the 1988 road rage case as "an accident, nothing else" and said he has been a survivor all his life. He also thanked God for helping him during "trying times" and expressed gratitude to the people for their blessings. A bench of justices J Chelameswar and Sanjay Kishan Kaul reversed the findings of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, which had convicted Sidhu for culpable homicide not amounting to murder and sentenced him to three years in jail. The Supreme Court bench also imposed a Rs 1,000-fine on the cricketer-turned-politician. "Well, it was an accident, nothing else," Sidhu told reporters. He said the top court too said it was an accident. Asked whether he regretted the episode, Sidhu said, "A life was lost and everybody will regret it. But the court says it was an accident. I have submitted to the majesty of the law and whatever the court says I abide by it." The minister said he was not nervous ahead of the verdict in the 30-year-old case. "I got up at 3 am... I meditated. I played with my dogs for almost an hour," he said. "You will never see me cribbing and pointing fingers at others. I am strong enough to carry my burden on my own shoulder," he said. "The Almighty has always helped him tide over difficult circumstances. It is the grace of God which has helped me through trying times." "I have been a survivor all my life. It is the grace of God which always prevails and bails me through. Every adversity has made me bigger and hence my reputation. From the age of 7 till 53, there has been no defeat," he said. Sidhu said he had no hard feelings against anybody and he has forgiven everyone who had criticised him. "I forgive those who criticized me, who condemned me and made political capital out of this case," he said. The Amarinder Singh-led Congress government in Punjab had on April 12 favoured the high court's judgment awarding three-year jail term to Sidhu in the top court. The chief minister had maintained that his government had taken the only legally tenable stand in the Supreme Court. On the Karnataka poll results disappointing the Congress, Sidhu said he did not think Rahul Gandhi's leadership would be questioned. "Rahul bhai is a leader in ascent. He is a man of character. He is growing every day, evolving every day." "2019 Lok Sabha polls are going to be a different ball game. You look at the allies, you see in UP and Bihar what is happening there," he said, referring to the political success the Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party achieved after reaching an understanding for the by-polls held in March. Sidhu, who ditched the BJP for the Congress days before the Punjab polls last year, said he wanted to see a prosperous Punjab. "The whole world is my country and all mankind my brethren... The desire in my heart is to see a prosperous Punjab," said the Punjab cabinet minister. "Truth does not see profit or loss. In a war between right or wrong, you can't afford to be neutral. Mission of Sidhu's life is to see Punjab again become the 'Punjab' it was during the time of Maharaja Ranjit Singh," he added. "I live Punjab, I dream Punjab."

Sidhu's message to Gandhis: 'My life is yours'

<p>The stock market on Wednesday saw a boom in the morning as Karnataka elections prevail with BSE Sensex opening around 20 points in the negative but made it to the green zone.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At 9.30 am, Sensex was up more than 260 points at 35,759.40. The broader NSE Nifty also jumped 70.50 points, or 0.65 per cent, to 10,877.10.</p>

<p>Overseas, markets in Asia were trading mixed as investors assessed the outlook for trade relations between the US and China and tensions in the Middle East.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) bought shares worth a net Rs 717.99 crore while domestic institutional investors (DIIs) bought shares worth Rs 687.23 crore yesterday, as per provisional data.</p>

<p>Also, &nbsp;the rupee declined by 28 paise to a fresh 16-month low of 67.79 against the dollar in early trade today amid gains in the US currency overseas.</p>

<p>Forex dealers said the dollar strengthened against major global currencies today, having pulled up from its lowest level in more than a week as hopes for easing global trade tensions pushed US bond yields higher.</p>

<p>Early losses in stock markets and demand for the US currency from importers also weighed on the local unit, they added.<br />
Yesterday, the rupee had lost 18 paise to end at a fresh 16-month low of 67.51 against the US currency on heavy dollar purchases and sustained fund outflows from equities.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


At 9.30 am, Sensex was up more than 200 points at 35,759.40. The broader 50-share NSE Nifty too was gaining more than half a per cent and had gone past 10,850-mark

The stock market on Wednesday saw a boom in the morning as Karnataka elections prevail with BSE Sensex opening around 20 points in the negative but made it to the green zone. At 9.30 am, Sensex was up more than 260 points at 35,759.40. The broader NSE Nifty also jumped 70.50 points, or 0.65 per cent, to 10,877.10. Overseas, markets in Asia were trading mixed as investors assessed the outlook for trade relations between the US and China and tensions in the Middle East. Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) bought shares worth a net Rs 717.99 crore while domestic institutional investors (DIIs) bought shares worth Rs 687.23 crore yesterday, as per provisional data. Also, the rupee declined by 28 paise to a fresh 16-month low of 67.79 against the dollar in early trade today amid gains in the US currency overseas. Forex dealers said the dollar strengthened against major global currencies today, having pulled up from its lowest level in more than a week as hopes for easing global trade tensions pushed US bond yields higher. Early losses in stock markets and demand for the US currency from importers also weighed on the local unit, they added. Yesterday, the rupee had lost 18 paise to end at a fresh 16-month low of 67.51 against the US currency on heavy dollar purchases and sustained fund outflows from equities.

Sensex zooms as BJP smells victory in Karnataka

<p>After a fractured mandate, political parties must strive to build coalitions and form a government. Elections are a costly affair and should not be held in close succession. But we must all be careful what we wish for. An undecided Karnataka threw up no single party that has a majority. Perhaps the people of the state were not too enamoured by the choices that they had, or it could be a simple case of poll arithmetic. But all said and done, to have chief minister from a party that finished third at the hustings both in terms of seats and vote percentages seems ‘undemocratic’.</p>

<p>When HD Kumaraswamy speaks about staking a claim or Siddaramaiah says his Congress party will extend unconditional support to Kumaraswamy’s JD(S), it isn’t about the numbers that they help on, it is as much about the spirit of democracy and upholding the mandate that has been given.</p>

<p>The precedent that’s been set by the Supreme Court is that the Governor invites the largest pre-poll alliance, then the single-largest parties. In 2015, hearing a public interest litigation, the then Chief Justice HL Dattu and Justice Amitava Roy had expressed their inability to step-in an act against two political parties that chose to form a post-poll alliance. Justice Roy observed that a promise made by a political party was not a promise enforceable by law.</p>

<p>Apart from the options stated above, there are two other options that were enumerated in the Sarkaria Commission recommendations, which were affirmed by a Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court in Rameshwar Prasad v Union of India in 2005. These are that the governor can invite a post-electoral coalition of parties, with all the partners in the coalition joining the government or that can invite a post-electoral alliance of parties, with some of the parties in the alliance forming a government and the remaining parties, including independents, supporting the government from outside.</p>

<p>The Congress has been harping on what happened in Goa last year where the Governor didn’t consult them even though they were the single largest party and went ahead after the BJP with the support of two other local parties staked claim. Post poll alliances aren’t new to the Indian context — but rarely has the experiment been in interests of the populace if the party that won the most seats or the party that finished second doesn’t manage to lead the government. Remember Madhu Koda anyone — the independent who became Jharkhand chief minister for almost 2 years in 2006. That experiment didn’t augur too well for the people of Jharkhand, did it? He allegedly made 4000-crore rupees in a mining scam, for which he was convicted in 2017 to three years in jail.</p>

<p>We clearly live in interesting times where phone connections are pre-paid and political alliances are post-poll, where consumers have number portability and the parties port ideologies. Politics makes strange bedfellows, no permanent foes or friends and certainly no untouchables. In the land of Mahatma Gandhi where the journey is more important than the destination, we seem to be surrounded by Machiavellian princes for whom the end justifies the means. The only question that then remains is what justifies the end?</p>


The precedent that’s been set by the Supreme Court is that the Governor invites the largest pre-poll alliance

After a fractured mandate, political parties must strive to build coalitions and form a government. Elections are a costly affair and should not be held in close succession. But we must all be careful what we wish for. An undecided Karnataka threw up no single party that has a majority. Perhaps the people of the state were not too enamoured by the choices that they had, or it could be a simple case of poll arithmetic. But all said and done, to have chief minister from a party that finished third at the hustings both in terms of seats and vote percentages seems ‘undemocratic’. When HD Kumaraswamy speaks about staking a claim or Siddaramaiah says his Congress party will extend unconditional support to Kumaraswamy’s JD(S), it isn’t about the numbers that they help on, it is as much about the spirit of democracy and upholding the mandate that has been given. The precedent that’s been set by the Supreme Court is that the Governor invites the largest pre-poll alliance, then the single-largest parties. In 2015, hearing a public interest litigation, the then Chief Justice HL Dattu and Justice Amitava Roy had expressed their inability to step-in an act against two political parties that chose to form a post-poll alliance. Justice Roy observed that a promise made by a political party was not a promise enforceable by law. Apart from the options stated above, there are two other options that were enumerated in the Sarkaria Commission recommendations, which were affirmed by a Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court in Rameshwar Prasad v Union of India in 2005. These are that the governor can invite a post-electoral coalition of parties, with all the partners in the coalition joining the government or that can invite a post-electoral alliance of parties, with some of the parties in the alliance forming a government and the remaining parties, including independents, supporting the government from outside. The Congress has been harping on what happened in Goa last year where the Governor didn’t consult them even though they were the single largest party and went ahead after the BJP with the support of two other local parties staked claim. Post poll alliances aren’t new to the Indian context — but rarely has the experiment been in interests of the populace if the party that won the most seats or the party that finished second doesn’t manage to lead the government. Remember Madhu Koda anyone — the independent who became Jharkhand chief minister for almost 2 years in 2006. That experiment didn’t augur too well for the people of Jharkhand, did it? He allegedly made 4000-crore rupees in a mining scam, for which he was convicted in 2017 to three years in jail. We clearly live in interesting times where phone connections are pre-paid and political alliances are post-poll, where consumers have number portability and the parties port ideologies. Politics makes strange bedfellows, no permanent foes or friends and certainly no untouchables. In the land of Mahatma Gandhi where the journey is more important than the destination, we seem to be surrounded by Machiavellian princes for whom the end justifies the means. The only question that then remains is what justifies the end?

Opinion: Congress-JD(S) deal done, are post-poll alliances undemocratic?

<p>At least 18 people died after a portion of an&nbsp;under-construction flyover&nbsp;collapsed Tuesday in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.</p>

<p>Authorities fear the death toll could go up since a number of construction workers working on the site are said to be trapped in the rubble.</p>

<p>The relief commissioner said&nbsp;bodies of at least 16 people were recovered from the site while three people were safely rescued.</p>

<p>Pictures from the site showed gruesome images of crushed cars with their occupants still in them.&nbsp;</p>

<p>UP Chief Minister has announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh for family members of those who died in the accident while Rs 2 lakh for those who got serious injuries.</p>

<p>The flyover collapsed near Varanasi's Cantt railway station.&nbsp;</p>

<p>News reports said the flyover was a kilometre long.&nbsp;</p>

<p>An eyewitness to the incident said that 4 four wheelers, an autorickshaw and a minibus were crushed in the collapse.</p>

<p>UP minister Sidharth Nath Singh said CM Yogi Adityanath "expressed grief" over the deaths and directed Deputy Chief Minister KP Maurya and minister Neelkanth Tiwari to visit the accident site. Singh added that Adityanath had also asked the administration to speed up rescue operations.</p>

<p>Yogi Adityanath also said&nbsp;that five teams of NDRF (250 jawans) with full equipment were rushed to the spot of accident.</p>

<p>PM Modi also tweeted,"Extremely saddened by the loss of lives due to the collapse of an under-construction flyover in Varanasi. I pray that the injured recover soon. Spoke to officials and asked them to ensure all possible support to those affected.&nbsp;I spoke to UP CM Yogi Adityanath Ji regarding the situation due to the collapse of an under-construction flyover in Varanasi. The UP Government is monitoring the situation very closely and is working on the ground to assist the affected."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">SpotVisuals from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Varanasi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Varanasi</a>: Portion of an under construction flyover collapses near Varanasi Cantt railway station, several feared trapped <a href="https://t.co/126cWZhEbj">pic.twitter.com/126cWZhEbj</a></p>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/996372883961143296?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SpotVisuals?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SpotVisuals</a> More than 12 people dead, several feared trapped after portion of an under construction flyover collapses in Varanasi's Cantt. area <a href="https://t.co/09byRFwSPx">pic.twitter.com/09byRFwSPx</a></p>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/996379915564990464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I was at a distance of 50 m from the flyover when it collapsed, trapping people under it. 4 four-wheelers, an auto-rickshaw & a minibus were crushed by it. The help came after an hour: Eye-witnesses at Varanasi's Cantt area where portion of under-construction flyover collapsed. <a href="https://t.co/Q70kiNUSHK">pic.twitter.com/Q70kiNUSHK</a></p>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/996385257493487616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Authorities fear the death toll could go up since a number of construction workers working on the site are said to be trapped in the rubble

At least 18 people died after a portion of an under-construction flyover collapsed Tuesday in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. Authorities fear the death toll could go up since a number of construction workers working on the site are said to be trapped in the rubble. The relief commissioner said bodies of at least 16 people were recovered from the site while three people were safely rescued. Pictures from the site showed gruesome images of crushed cars with their occupants still in them. UP Chief Minister has announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh for family members of those who died in the accident while Rs 2 lakh for those who got serious injuries. The flyover collapsed near Varanasi's Cantt railway station. News reports said the flyover was a kilometre long. An eyewitness to the incident said that 4 four wheelers, an autorickshaw and a minibus were crushed in the collapse. UP minister Sidharth Nath Singh said CM Yogi Adityanath "expressed grief" over the deaths and directed Deputy Chief Minister KP Maurya and minister Neelkanth Tiwari to visit the accident site. Singh added that Adityanath had also asked the administration to speed up rescue operations. Yogi Adityanath also said that five teams of NDRF (250 jawans) with full equipment were rushed to the spot of accident. PM Modi also tweeted,"Extremely saddened by the loss of lives due to the collapse of an under-construction flyover in Varanasi. I pray that the injured recover soon. Spoke to officials and asked them to ensure all possible support to those affected. I spoke to UP CM Yogi Adityanath Ji regarding the situation due to the collapse of an under-construction flyover in Varanasi. The UP Government is monitoring the situation very closely and is working on the ground to assist the affected." SpotVisuals from #Varanasi: Portion of an under construction flyover collapses near Varanasi Cantt railway station, several feared trapped pic.twitter.com/126cWZhEbj — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) May 15, 2018 × #SpotVisuals More than 12 people dead, several feared trapped after portion of an under construction flyover collapses in Varanasi's Cantt. area pic.twitter.com/09byRFwSPx — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) May 15, 2018 × I was at a distance of 50 m from the flyover when it collapsed, trapping people under it. 4 four-wheelers, an auto-rickshaw & a minibus were crushed by it. The help came after an hour: Eye-witnesses at Varanasi's Cantt area where portion of under-construction flyover collapsed. pic.twitter.com/Q70kiNUSHK — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) May 15, 2018 ×

Over 18 dead in Varanasi after under-construction flyover collapses, several feared trapped

<p>Apart from inflicting loss of lives and properties, the recent thunderstorm has also destroyed the mango harvest in northern India.</p>

<p>One of the affected farmers in Uttar Pradesh's Kanpur district told ANI on Monday, that he suffered a loss of Rs 1 lakh.</p>

<p>He appealed to the government to provide give him an aid.</p>

<p>"I have suffered a loss of about Rs 1 lakh. It will be good if the government provides us compensation, otherwise we are destroyed," the farmer said.</p>

<p>According to the Union home ministry, at least 80 people have died across five states: West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Delhi-NCR in the past two days due to thunderstorms and lightning strikes.</p>

<p>In Uttar Pradesh alone, over 50 people have died, whereas 14 people have lost their lives in West Bengal and another 12 in Andhra Pradesh.</p>

<p>The latest devastation comes nearly two weeks after dust and thunderstorm claimed 134 lives injured 400 people in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Telangana, Uttarakhand and Punjab.</p>

<p>As many as 71 people lost their lives in five states, including 42 in Uttar Pradesh, due to lightning and thunderstorms since yesterday, the home ministry said today. Among the dead, 42 were in Uttar Pradesh, 14 in West Bengal, 12 in Andhra Pradesh, two in Delhi and one in Uttarakhand, a ministry spokesperson said.</p>

<p>Altogether 83 people were injured in Uttar Pradesh, 11 in Delhi and two in Uttarakhand. A total of 24 districts in Uttar Pradesh, six in West Bengal, three in Andhra Pradesh, two in Delhi and one in Uttarakhand were hit by the lightning and thunderstorms, the spokesperson said.</p>

<p>Dust storms and thunderstorms wreaked havoc since yesterday in Delhi and parts of Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, leaving behind a trail of destruction.</p>


One of the affected farmers in Uttar Pradesh's Kanpur district told ANI on Monday, that he suffered a loss of Rs 1 lakh

Apart from inflicting loss of lives and properties, the recent thunderstorm has also destroyed the mango harvest in northern India. One of the affected farmers in Uttar Pradesh's Kanpur district told ANI on Monday, that he suffered a loss of Rs 1 lakh. He appealed to the government to provide give him an aid. "I have suffered a loss of about Rs 1 lakh. It will be good if the government provides us compensation, otherwise we are destroyed," the farmer said. According to the Union home ministry, at least 80 people have died across five states: West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Delhi-NCR in the past two days due to thunderstorms and lightning strikes. In Uttar Pradesh alone, over 50 people have died, whereas 14 people have lost their lives in West Bengal and another 12 in Andhra Pradesh. The latest devastation comes nearly two weeks after dust and thunderstorm claimed 134 lives injured 400 people in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Telangana, Uttarakhand and Punjab. As many as 71 people lost their lives in five states, including 42 in Uttar Pradesh, due to lightning and thunderstorms since yesterday, the home ministry said today. Among the dead, 42 were in Uttar Pradesh, 14 in West Bengal, 12 in Andhra Pradesh, two in Delhi and one in Uttarakhand, a ministry spokesperson said. Altogether 83 people were injured in Uttar Pradesh, 11 in Delhi and two in Uttarakhand. A total of 24 districts in Uttar Pradesh, six in West Bengal, three in Andhra Pradesh, two in Delhi and one in Uttarakhand were hit by the lightning and thunderstorms, the spokesperson said. Dust storms and thunderstorms wreaked havoc since yesterday in Delhi and parts of Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, leaving behind a trail of destruction.

Thunderstorm: Farmers suffer loss of mango crop in northern India

<p>According to reports, a boat carrying around 40 people capsized in Godavari River in Andhra Pradesh on Tuesday.</p>

<p>At least 17 people have been rescued while 23 people are still missing.&nbsp</p>

<p>National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams from Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam, and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams from Kakinada & Visakhapatnam have been deployed for rescue operations. More details are awaited.&nbsp</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A boat carrying around 40 people capsized in Godavari River. 17 people have been rescued while 23 people are still missing. Rescue operations underway <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AndhraPradesh?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AndhraPradesh</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/996409510393561088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Last Friday, passengers on a river cruise to Papikondalu Hills in Andhra Pradesh had a narrow escape after the boat caught fire.</p>

<p>The driver of the boat successfully steered the boat to safety and passengers were rescued.&nbsp</p>

<p>The double-decker boat was carrying at least 80 passengers to Papikondalu Hills. Reports suggest a short circuit triggered the fire.&nbsp</p>

<p>(<em>With inputs from ANI</em>)&nbsp</p>


At least 17 people have been rescued while 23 people are still missing

According to reports, a boat carrying around 40 people capsized in Godavari River in Andhra Pradesh on Tuesday. At least 17 people have been rescued while 23 people are still missing. National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams from Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam, and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams from Kakinada & Visakhapatnam have been deployed for rescue operations. More details are awaited. A boat carrying around 40 people capsized in Godavari River. 17 people have been rescued while 23 people are still missing. Rescue operations underway #AndhraPradesh — ANI (@ANI) May 15, 2018 × Last Friday, passengers on a river cruise to Papikondalu Hills in Andhra Pradesh had a narrow escape after the boat caught fire. The driver of the boat successfully steered the boat to safety and passengers were rescued. The double-decker boat was carrying at least 80 passengers to Papikondalu Hills. Reports suggest a short circuit triggered the fire. (With inputs from ANI)

Andhra Pradesh: Boat carrying around 40 people capsizes

<p>The Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, a top state-run Chinese bank has launched China's first India-dedicated publicly offered investment fund, urging the Chinese to invest heavily stating that the Indian economy is entering the "golden age of economic take-off".<br />
<br />
The move, regarded as significant by observers to boost investments in India, comes just about a fortnight after the first ever informal summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping at Wuhan, where the two leaders sought to give a new direction to the bilateral ties to tap their economic potential.<br />
<br />
The fund, named as the Industrial and Commercial Bank Credit Suisse India Market Fund, will "invest in exchange-traded funds listed on more than 20 exchanges in Europe and the US that are based on the Indian market."&nbsp<br />
<br />
It is China's first publicly offered fund for investing in India, state-run Global Times reported.<br />
<br />
The fund will invest in the future of the Indian economy and track the distribution of the industrial structure across the Indian market, the report quoted a fund manager as saying.<br />
<br />
The bank listed sectors for investments specifically, in terms of the major industries weighted distribution of the index.<br />
<br />
The financial industry will account for the highest proportion, followed by information technology, alternative consumption, energy, essential consumption, raw materials, medicine, healthcare and other industries, it said.<br />
<br />
The ICBC bank, the largest in the world with over $ 3.6 trillion in assets, has given an upbeat picture of India's economic growth path, while launching the fund.<br />
<br />
According to the announcement of the offering, the ICBC Credit Suisse Indian Market Fund (LOF) will be available for sale at both the on-site and off-site markets from May 7 to May 25.<br />
<br />
"Across the overseas market, India, as the second largest emerging market economy, is entering the golden age of economic take-off, and has become an area where international and domestic capitals are competing to pursue," a write-up on the ICBC's website said.<br />
<br />
The fund opened the way for domestic investors and "provided a good tool for low-threshold investment in India," it said.&nbsp<br />
<br />
"Since 2017, the global economy has entered a recovery, and the relative advantages of emerging markets have gradually expanded, with India showing remarkable performance," it said.<br />
<br />
India has become the second largest economy in emerging markets, ranking seventh in the GDP world, ranking second only to China and the US in purchasing power parity, and third in the world, it said.<br />
<br />
The report said in the context of the ageing population of the world's major economies, India's low labour costs and abundant labour supply have attracted much attention, and the capital market has given high expectations for its economic growth, it said.<br />
<br />
"The larger marginal improvement formed by various structural reforms led by Modi government is expected to unleash India's abundant demographic dividend," it said.<br />
<br />
Quoting IMF projections stating that India's economy will continue to lead the global economy for a long time to come, it said "at the same time, the Indian rupee value stability, guarantee the security of the investment in India, India's stock markets risk/reward ratio is high and a low correlation with the A-shares," it said.<br />
<br />
A write-up in the Global Times by the fund manager said "as the most important emerging market overseas, the Indian stock market's long-term trend must be positive. For Chinese investors, the current moment offers the best opportunity to get started in Indian stocks."&nbsp<br />
<br />
"The certainty of India's growth is very clear. But considering the continuous acceleration of urbanisation and the expansion of the middle class, India's future value will be large," it said.<br />
<br />
If estimated by purchasing power parity, India's GDP is already close to seven per cent of the world. The situation is similar to China when it started to rise a decade ago, it said.<br />
<br />
"Now, investing in the Indian market means an investor can enjoy double-digit economic growth," it said and added that the Indian stock market underwent a correction in the first quarter, which means it offers a good opportunity for opening positions.<br />
<br />
Recent research indicates that the Indian market has gradually become one of the best-performing markets in the world due to ongoing reforms, macroeconomic improvement and enhanced profitability, it said.<br />
<br />
"Take March as an example. Due to trade friction between China and the US, foreign capital showed mostly net outflows from other Asian stock markets. However, India's capital inflows reached $ 2.1 billion, which was in sharp contrast to other markets in the region," it said.</p>

<p>"This shows that foreign investors recognise India's economic strength," it said.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, India is not affected by the trade friction between China and the US, and it has become a safe haven for funds. Chinese investors should pay close attention to the Indian stock market and seize new opportunities, it said.</p>


The fund will invest in the future of the Indian economy and track the distribution of the industrial structure across the Indian market, the report quoted a fund manager as saying

The Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, a top state-run Chinese bank has launched China's first India-dedicated publicly offered investment fund, urging the Chinese to invest heavily stating that the Indian economy is entering the "golden age of economic take-off". The move, regarded as significant by observers to boost investments in India, comes just about a fortnight after the first ever informal summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping at Wuhan, where the two leaders sought to give a new direction to the bilateral ties to tap their economic potential. The fund, named as the Industrial and Commercial Bank Credit Suisse India Market Fund, will "invest in exchange-traded funds listed on more than 20 exchanges in Europe and the US that are based on the Indian market." It is China's first publicly offered fund for investing in India, state-run Global Times reported. The fund will invest in the future of the Indian economy and track the distribution of the industrial structure across the Indian market, the report quoted a fund manager as saying. The bank listed sectors for investments specifically, in terms of the major industries weighted distribution of the index. The financial industry will account for the highest proportion, followed by information technology, alternative consumption, energy, essential consumption, raw materials, medicine, healthcare and other industries, it said. The ICBC bank, the largest in the world with over $ 3.6 trillion in assets, has given an upbeat picture of India's economic growth path, while launching the fund. According to the announcement of the offering, the ICBC Credit Suisse Indian Market Fund (LOF) will be available for sale at both the on-site and off-site markets from May 7 to May 25. "Across the overseas market, India, as the second largest emerging market economy, is entering the golden age of economic take-off, and has become an area where international and domestic capitals are competing to pursue," a write-up on the ICBC's website said. The fund opened the way for domestic investors and "provided a good tool for low-threshold investment in India," it said. "Since 2017, the global economy has entered a recovery, and the relative advantages of emerging markets have gradually expanded, with India showing remarkable performance," it said. India has become the second largest economy in emerging markets, ranking seventh in the GDP world, ranking second only to China and the US in purchasing power parity, and third in the world, it said. The report said in the context of the ageing population of the world's major economies, India's low labour costs and abundant labour supply have attracted much attention, and the capital market has given high expectations for its economic growth, it said. "The larger marginal improvement formed by various structural reforms led by Modi government is expected to unleash India's abundant demographic dividend," it said. Quoting IMF projections stating that India's economy will continue to lead the global economy for a long time to come, it said "at the same time, the Indian rupee value stability, guarantee the security of the investment in India, India's stock markets risk/reward ratio is high and a low correlation with the A-shares," it said. A write-up in the Global Times by the fund manager said "as the most important emerging market overseas, the Indian stock market's long-term trend must be positive. For Chinese investors, the current moment offers the best opportunity to get started in Indian stocks." "The certainty of India's growth is very clear. But considering the continuous acceleration of urbanisation and the expansion of the middle class, India's future value will be large," it said. If estimated by purchasing power parity, India's GDP is already close to seven per cent of the world. The situation is similar to China when it started to rise a decade ago, it said. "Now, investing in the Indian market means an investor can enjoy double-digit economic growth," it said and added that the Indian stock market underwent a correction in the first quarter, which means it offers a good opportunity for opening positions. Recent research indicates that the Indian market has gradually become one of the best-performing markets in the world due to ongoing reforms, macroeconomic improvement and enhanced profitability, it said. "Take March as an example. Due to trade friction between China and the US, foreign capital showed mostly net outflows from other Asian stock markets. However, India's capital inflows reached $ 2.1 billion, which was in sharp contrast to other markets in the region," it said. "This shows that foreign investors recognise India's economic strength," it said. Meanwhile, India is not affected by the trade friction between China and the US, and it has become a safe haven for funds. Chinese investors should pay close attention to the Indian stock market and seize new opportunities, it said.

China's top state-run bank launches first India-dedicated investment fund

<p>If the initial trends are anything to go by in the counting of votes in the Karnataka Assembly elections, there is no shock. The&nbsp;big guns from all three major political parties are leading. However, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who is contesting from two constituencies, is trailing in&nbsp;Chamundeshwari seat.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Siddaramaiah trailing by about 8,000 votes in Chamundeshwari seat, according to PTI. However, he is&nbsp;leading in Badami constituency.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>BJP chief ministerial candidate BS Yeddyurappa is leading in Shikaripura constituency.</p>

<p>Siddaramaiah's son Dr Yathindra is leading from Varuna constituency.&nbsp;</p>

<p>JD (S) chief ministerial candidate HD Kumaraswamy is leading in Ramanagara and Channapatna constituencies __ two constituencies he is contesting.&nbsp;</p>

<p>BJP leads in 9 seats, Congress in 3, according to initial trends in Karnataka Assembly polls, reports PTI.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


Siddaramaiah trailing by about 8,000 votes in Chamundeshwari seat

If the initial trends are anything to go by in the counting of votes in the Karnataka Assembly elections, there is no shock. The big guns from all three major political parties are leading. However, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who is contesting from two constituencies, is trailing in Chamundeshwari seat. Siddaramaiah trailing by about 8,000 votes in Chamundeshwari seat, according to PTI. However, he is leading in Badami constituency. BJP chief ministerial candidate BS Yeddyurappa is leading in Shikaripura constituency. Siddaramaiah's son Dr Yathindra is leading from Varuna constituency. JD (S) chief ministerial candidate HD Kumaraswamy is leading in Ramanagara and Channapatna constituencies __ two constituencies he is contesting. BJP leads in 9 seats, Congress in 3, according to initial trends in Karnataka Assembly polls, reports PTI.

Karnataka results: Big guns leading as counting begins

<p>The JD(S)'s HD Kumaraswamy met Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala Tuesday evening, and staked his claim to forming a government in the state.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kumaraswamy was accompanied by the Congress' Ghulam Nabi Azad, Mallikarjun Kharge, and former Karnataka chief minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/siddaramaiah-offers-crown-to-foe-kumaraswamy-years-after-expulsion-from-jds-137139">Siddaramaiah</a>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Congress told Vala that it was offering the JD(S) unconditional support.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-does-a-goa-in-karnataka-137130">Congress does to BJP in Karnataka what latter did to it in Goa</a></p>

<p>The JD(S) has won fewer seats than both the Congress and BJP but the Congress offered it its support earlier in the day, telling the JD(S) that it could pick a chief minister of its choice.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kumaraswamy decided to opt for the post himself.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Baiju Narajan of the JD(S) meanwhile said the Congress's G Parameshwara would be the deputy chief minister.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The two parties, should they be invited by Governor Vala to do so, will now form a coalition government in the state.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Karnataka has a total of 224 assembly seats, but only 222 seats went to the polls this election. (Voting was postponed in two seats.)</p>

<p>The halfway mark then is 111 seats, with a party needing 112 seats for a simple majority.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Official EC trends at the moment say the BJP has won or is leading in 104 seats, the Congress in 78, the JD(S)+ in 37, and Others 3.&nbsp;</p>

<p>That would give the JD(S)-Congress combine a total of 115 seats.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-offers-outside-support-to-jds-to-form-government-in-karnataka-reports-137018">'Doing everything to keep BJP out of power,' says JD(S)</a></p>

<p>The BJP by itself on the other hand is short of 9 seats.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But the race for Karnataka is far from over.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The BJP's chief ministerial candidate Yeddyurappa got to the Raj Bhavan just before Kumaraswamy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Just now we met governor because we are single largest party, and that he allows us to prove majority in the Assembly," Yeddyurappa said after meeting Vala.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On his way to meeting the governor, &nbsp;Yeddyurappa said "100 per cent we will form the government."&nbsp;</p>

<p>All eyes then are now on Governor Vala.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Vala can now call either the JD(S)-Congress combine to form a government, or the BJP, which has emerged as the single-largest party — whichever combine/ party he thinks will provide the state with a stable government.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Remember that in both Goa and Manipur, where elections were held in 2017, the Congress had emerged as the single-largest party. But the BJP ended up forming coalition governments in both states because the Congress was not able to muster up the needed numbers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A Zee News report quoting sources though said Tuesday evening that the governor may first invite BJP's Yeddyurappa to form a&nbsp;government in Karnataka and that the oath-taking ceremony is likely to take place on May 17.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Vala can now call either the JD(S)-Congress combine to form a government, or the BJP, which has emerged as the single-largest party — whichever combine/ party he thinks will provide the state with a stable government.

The JD(S)'s HD Kumaraswamy met Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala Tuesday evening, and staked his claim to forming a government in the state. Kumaraswamy was accompanied by the Congress' Ghulam Nabi Azad, Mallikarjun Kharge, and former Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah. The Congress told Vala that it was offering the JD(S) unconditional support. Also read: Congress does to BJP in Karnataka what latter did to it in Goa The JD(S) has won fewer seats than both the Congress and BJP but the Congress offered it its support earlier in the day, telling the JD(S) that it could pick a chief minister of its choice. Kumaraswamy decided to opt for the post himself. Baiju Narajan of the JD(S) meanwhile said the Congress's G Parameshwara would be the deputy chief minister. The two parties, should they be invited by Governor Vala to do so, will now form a coalition government in the state. Karnataka has a total of 224 assembly seats, but only 222 seats went to the polls this election. (Voting was postponed in two seats.) The halfway mark then is 111 seats, with a party needing 112 seats for a simple majority. Official EC trends at the moment say the BJP has won or is leading in 104 seats, the Congress in 78, the JD(S)+ in 37, and Others 3. That would give the JD(S)-Congress combine a total of 115 seats. Also read: 'Doing everything to keep BJP out of power,' says JD(S) The BJP by itself on the other hand is short of 9 seats. But the race for Karnataka is far from over. The BJP's chief ministerial candidate Yeddyurappa got to the Raj Bhavan just before Kumaraswamy. "Just now we met governor because we are single largest party, and that he allows us to prove majority in the Assembly," Yeddyurappa said after meeting Vala. On his way to meeting the governor, Yeddyurappa said "100 per cent we will form the government." All eyes then are now on Governor Vala. Vala can now call either the JD(S)-Congress combine to form a government, or the BJP, which has emerged as the single-largest party — whichever combine/ party he thinks will provide the state with a stable government. Remember that in both Goa and Manipur, where elections were held in 2017, the Congress had emerged as the single-largest party. But the BJP ended up forming coalition governments in both states because the Congress was not able to muster up the needed numbers. A Zee News report quoting sources though said Tuesday evening that the governor may first invite BJP's Yeddyurappa to form a government in Karnataka and that the oath-taking ceremony is likely to take place on May 17.

JD(S)'s Kumaraswamy, BJP's Yeddyurappa stake claim to form Karnataka govt; all eyes now on Governor

<p>The JD(S) said Tuesday that it was doing "doing everything to keep BJP out of power" in Karnataka after the Congress offered it support to form a government in the state.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>"Congress has extended its support, we have accepted it. We will jointly go to meet governor after 5.30 pm today," ANI quoted JD(S) spokesman Danish Ali as saying.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Congress' Ghulam Nabi Azad had announced earlier on Tuesday that his party had offered&nbsp;support to the JD(S).&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We had a telephonic conversation with Deve Gowda ji&nbsp;and Kumaraswamy. They have accepted our offer. Hopefully, we will be together," Azad said.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Karnataka has a total of 224 assembly seats, but only 222 seats went to the polls this election. (Voting was postponed in two seats.)</p>

<p>The halfway mark then is 112 seats.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Official EC trends at the moment say the BJP has won or is leading in 104 seats, the Congress in 78, the JD(S)+ in 37, and Others 3.&nbsp;</p>

<p>That would give the JD(S)-Congress a total of 115 seats.&nbsp;</p>

<p>News reports had said earlier that former Congress President Sonia Gandhi had spoken&nbsp;with Ghulam Nabi Azad, who then spoke with JD(S) leader HD Deve Gowda and his son HD Kumaraswamy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Azad said he had told Gowda and Kumaraswamy that the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-case-of-hung-verdict-both-siddaramaiah--yeddyurappa-may-have-to-give-up-karnataka-cm-ambitions-136655">picking of a chief minister</a> would be left to them.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Should the JD(S) accept the Congress' offer, it is expected that Kumaraswamy will take the CM's post.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Congress' KC Venugopal meanwhile said the JD(S) and Congress would together meet the governor in the evening today to stake their claim to forming a government in the state.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;What happens next will depend&nbsp;on the governor, Vajubhai Vala. Vala was appointed by the Modi government four years ago.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We had a telephonic conversation with Deve Gowda ji & Kumaraswamy. They have accepted our offer. Hopefully, we will be together: Ghulam Nabi Azad, Congress. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElections2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/OemBerpX7r">pic.twitter.com/OemBerpX7r</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/996320637332275200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We (Congress & JDS) are jointly meeting the Governor in the evening today: KC Venugopal, Congress. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElections2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/jUd5cVaSNu">pic.twitter.com/jUd5cVaSNu</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/996321482300010496?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>News reports Tuesday meanwhile said the BJP too had reached out to Deve Gowda.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="in">JP Nadda, Dharmendra Pradhan & Prakash Javadekar are going to Bengaluru today. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElections2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElections2018</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/996329945793155072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">JD(S) had always maintained that HD Kumaraswamy will be CM. As per results, we're doing everything to keep BJP out of power. Congress has extended its support, we have accepted it. We will jointly go to meet Governor after 5.30 pm today: Danish Ali, JD(S) <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElections2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/qCfgOhGM9t">pic.twitter.com/qCfgOhGM9t</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/996330925909725184?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
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The Congress' Ghulam Nabi Azad said the picking of a chief minister would be left to the JD(S)

The JD(S) said Tuesday that it was doing "doing everything to keep BJP out of power" in Karnataka after the Congress offered it support to form a government in the state. × "Congress has extended its support, we have accepted it. We will jointly go to meet governor after 5.30 pm today," ANI quoted JD(S) spokesman Danish Ali as saying. The Congress' Ghulam Nabi Azad had announced earlier on Tuesday that his party had offered support to the JD(S). "We had a telephonic conversation with Deve Gowda ji and Kumaraswamy. They have accepted our offer. Hopefully, we will be together," Azad said. Karnataka has a total of 224 assembly seats, but only 222 seats went to the polls this election. (Voting was postponed in two seats.) The halfway mark then is 112 seats. Official EC trends at the moment say the BJP has won or is leading in 104 seats, the Congress in 78, the JD(S)+ in 37, and Others 3. That would give the JD(S)-Congress a total of 115 seats. News reports had said earlier that former Congress President Sonia Gandhi had spoken with Ghulam Nabi Azad, who then spoke with JD(S) leader HD Deve Gowda and his son HD Kumaraswamy. Azad said he had told Gowda and Kumaraswamy that the picking of a chief minister would be left to them. Should the JD(S) accept the Congress' offer, it is expected that Kumaraswamy will take the CM's post. The Congress' KC Venugopal meanwhile said the JD(S) and Congress would together meet the governor in the evening today to stake their claim to forming a government in the state. What happens next will depend on the governor, Vajubhai Vala. Vala was appointed by the Modi government four years ago. We had a telephonic conversation with Deve Gowda ji & Kumaraswamy. They have accepted our offer. Hopefully, we will be together: Ghulam Nabi Azad, Congress. #KarnatakaElections2018 pic.twitter.com/OemBerpX7r — ANI (@ANI) May 15, 2018 × We (Congress & JDS) are jointly meeting the Governor in the evening today: KC Venugopal, Congress. #KarnatakaElections2018 pic.twitter.com/jUd5cVaSNu — ANI (@ANI) May 15, 2018 × News reports Tuesday meanwhile said the BJP too had reached out to Deve Gowda. JP Nadda, Dharmendra Pradhan & Prakash Javadekar are going to Bengaluru today. #KarnatakaElections2018 — ANI (@ANI) May 15, 2018 × JD(S) had always maintained that HD Kumaraswamy will be CM. As per results, we're doing everything to keep BJP out of power. Congress has extended its support, we have accepted it. We will jointly go to meet Governor after 5.30 pm today: Danish Ali, JD(S) #KarnatakaElections2018 pic.twitter.com/qCfgOhGM9t — ANI (@ANI) May 15, 2018 ×

'Doing everything to keep BJP out of power,' says JD(S)

<p>He was thrown out of the JD(S) in 2005 for anti-party activities following his sharp differences with its leadership over HD Kumaraswamy's growing clout in the party.</p>

<p>Twelve years down the line, Siddaramaiah, the 69-year-old leader from the backward Kuruba community, today offered Karnataka's chief ministership to his political foe Kumaraswamy whose party finished a poor third with barely 37 seats in its kitty.</p>

<p>Siddaramaiah suffered a humiliating defeat in Chamundeshwari where he lost to GT Deve Gowda of the JD(S) by over 36,000 votes, but managed to win Badami by a slender margin of 1,696 votes against BJP's B Sreeramulu, a sitting saffron party MP and close aide of the controversial Reddy brothers.</p>

<p>Despite being considered an "outsider" by a section of the Karnataka Congress for his socialist roots, Siddaramaiah became the first chief minister since Devraj Urs (1972-77) to complete a full five-year term in office.</p>

<p>Born into a poor farming family in Siddaramanahundi village in 1948, Siddaramaiah, the second of five siblings, did not have formal education initially, and joined school in the 5th grade.</p>

<p>Overcoming adversity, he did his BSc and obtained a degree in law. He practised law and even taught it for a while in Mysuru.</p>

<p>Siddaramaiah, who goes by the single name, joined politics under the influence of Nanjunda Swamy, a farmer leader who campaigned against agricultural patenting by multinational corporations.</p>

<p>He made his debut in the Assembly in 1983 from Chamundeshwari constituency on a Lok Dal ticket. He later joined the Janata Dal.</p>

<p>Admired for his canny political sense and his rustic, down to earth characteristics, Siddaramaiah climbed up the ladder in the Janata Dal, and served as minister in the party's governments. He also served as deputy chief minister twice.</p>

<p>A 7-term legislator, Siddaramaiah followed his mentor H D Deve Gowda after the Janata Dal split and the former prime minister formed the JD(S).</p>

<p>Siddaramaiah later floated his own party-- All India Progressive Janata Dal--following his expulsion from the JD (S). He had irreconcilable differences with Deve Gowda over the growing influence of his son H D Kumaraswamy in the party.</p>

<p>The expulsion came when Siddaramaiah started actively particiating in the AHINDA (Kannada acronym for minorities, backward classes and Dalits) movement. Castes and communities constituting the AHINDA were considered the bedrock of the Congress's support base in Karnataka.</p>

<p>Siddaramaiah later merged his party with the Congress.</p>

<p>In the 2006 Assembly elections, Siddaramaiah contested from Chamundeshwari on Congress ticket and won by a wafer thin margin of 257 votes against the JD(S) candidate. However, he had exacted a sweet revenge.</p>

<p>He was appointed chairman of the publicity committee of the Congress in the 2008 Assembly polls, which the BJP won. He was then appointed the Leader of the Opposition, a reflection of his growing clout in the Congress.</p>

<p>The BJP's stint in power was marred by intra-party feuds and allegations of corruption.</p>

<p>When the BJP lost the 2013 polls, Siddaramaiah was appointed the chief minister.</p>

<p>Known for taking bold decisions, Siddaramaiah decided to celebrate 'Tipu Jayanti', a move denounced by the BJP as "appeasement politics". His government also took the controversial decision of recommending religious minority status for the influential Lingayat community in the run up to the polls.<br />
He launched a plethora of populist schemes like the Annabhagya for free distribution of rice, Ksheeradhare under which subsidy was given for milk, Vidyasiri that made available hostel facilities for students, and many others.</p>

<p>The Siddaramaiah government also substantially raised the budgetary allocations for Dalits.</p>

<p>These populist measures were expected to effectively insulate Siddaramaiah against allegations of corruption as Modi mounted an aggressive assault, calling him a "Seedha rupaiah government" and "10 per cent commission government".</p>

<p>Apparently, the charges did stick.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


He was thrown out of the JD(S) in 2005 for anti-party activities following his sharp differences with its leadership over HD Kumaraswamy's growing clout in the party

He was thrown out of the JD(S) in 2005 for anti-party activities following his sharp differences with its leadership over HD Kumaraswamy's growing clout in the party. Twelve years down the line, Siddaramaiah, the 69-year-old leader from the backward Kuruba community, today offered Karnataka's chief ministership to his political foe Kumaraswamy whose party finished a poor third with barely 37 seats in its kitty. Siddaramaiah suffered a humiliating defeat in Chamundeshwari where he lost to GT Deve Gowda of the JD(S) by over 36,000 votes, but managed to win Badami by a slender margin of 1,696 votes against BJP's B Sreeramulu, a sitting saffron party MP and close aide of the controversial Reddy brothers. Despite being considered an "outsider" by a section of the Karnataka Congress for his socialist roots, Siddaramaiah became the first chief minister since Devraj Urs (1972-77) to complete a full five-year term in office. Born into a poor farming family in Siddaramanahundi village in 1948, Siddaramaiah, the second of five siblings, did not have formal education initially, and joined school in the 5th grade. Overcoming adversity, he did his BSc and obtained a degree in law. He practised law and even taught it for a while in Mysuru. Siddaramaiah, who goes by the single name, joined politics under the influence of Nanjunda Swamy, a farmer leader who campaigned against agricultural patenting by multinational corporations. He made his debut in the Assembly in 1983 from Chamundeshwari constituency on a Lok Dal ticket. He later joined the Janata Dal. Admired for his canny political sense and his rustic, down to earth characteristics, Siddaramaiah climbed up the ladder in the Janata Dal, and served as minister in the party's governments. He also served as deputy chief minister twice. A 7-term legislator, Siddaramaiah followed his mentor H D Deve Gowda after the Janata Dal split and the former prime minister formed the JD(S). Siddaramaiah later floated his own party-- All India Progressive Janata Dal--following his expulsion from the JD (S). He had irreconcilable differences with Deve Gowda over the growing influence of his son H D Kumaraswamy in the party. The expulsion came when Siddaramaiah started actively particiating in the AHINDA (Kannada acronym for minorities, backward classes and Dalits) movement. Castes and communities constituting the AHINDA were considered the bedrock of the Congress's support base in Karnataka. Siddaramaiah later merged his party with the Congress. In the 2006 Assembly elections, Siddaramaiah contested from Chamundeshwari on Congress ticket and won by a wafer thin margin of 257 votes against the JD(S) candidate. However, he had exacted a sweet revenge. He was appointed chairman of the publicity committee of the Congress in the 2008 Assembly polls, which the BJP won. He was then appointed the Leader of the Opposition, a reflection of his growing clout in the Congress. The BJP's stint in power was marred by intra-party feuds and allegations of corruption. When the BJP lost the 2013 polls, Siddaramaiah was appointed the chief minister. Known for taking bold decisions, Siddaramaiah decided to celebrate 'Tipu Jayanti', a move denounced by the BJP as "appeasement politics". His government also took the controversial decision of recommending religious minority status for the influential Lingayat community in the run up to the polls. He launched a plethora of populist schemes like the Annabhagya for free distribution of rice, Ksheeradhare under which subsidy was given for milk, Vidyasiri that made available hostel facilities for students, and many others. The Siddaramaiah government also substantially raised the budgetary allocations for Dalits. These populist measures were expected to effectively insulate Siddaramaiah against allegations of corruption as Modi mounted an aggressive assault, calling him a "Seedha rupaiah government" and "10 per cent commission government". Apparently, the charges did stick.

Once expelled from JD(S), Siddaramaiah now offers crown to foe Kumaraswamy

<p>Despite their electoral loss, the Congress has been able to upset the BJP’s applecart by ensuring that Kumaraswamy becomes the Chief Minister of the state. BJP has cried foul saying that it is unethical but the fact that BJP made governments in Manipur, Meghalaya and Goa does not cut much ice in the public domain. Despite the loss, the Congress by allowing JD(S) to step in will allow regional parties to further collaborate with each other closely. The case in example is the way the SP and the BSP cooperated with each other during the Phulpur and the Gorakhpur by-elections. It will also boost the morale of the Congress which has been outmanoeuvred and outwitted by BJP continuously in the last four years. It will help them retain the state in partnership and ensure that the party prepares well for the upcoming assembly election in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. The success will add shine to Rahul Gandhi’s leadership for being proactive and ready with a plan B which was not done in the case of Goa and Manipur.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
That is where the bright side to this story ends as one doesn’t know till when the honeymoon between the JD(S) and the Congress will last. The present result shows that the JD(S) did well at the expense of the Congress Party in Mysore Karnataka.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
The Congress despite increasing its voter base in the state received less seats than the BJP. It also lost large number of rural seats and the party did not do well in coastal, central and Hyderabad Karnataka.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
The downside to the development is that the BJP can take the high moral ground and cry injustice. Karnataka being the bigger state will draw more attention than Manipur and Goa. BJP did very well in the rural areas and the 100+ seats that they got show that Prime Minister Narendra Modi still has the capacity to turn elections around. Atal Bihari Vajpayee could not politically function as prime minister despite being the single largest party as other regional parties ganged up against him. It was 1999, he was able to set the stage after being PM for 13 days and 13 months as the Opposition realised that the more they ganged up against him, the more sympathy he generated. On top of it, he was able to build an umbrella coalition which the Congress did not possess.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
The Karnataka elections have shown that the BJP is organisationally powerful and understands that it needs to expand in areas to compensate for a saturated performance in Western and Northern India in the 2014 elections. There are places where they have succeeded but in the East and deep South, they have not been able to cut much ice.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Despite the Congress being weak, it will embolden regional parties to come together and tie up against the BJP. This could pose to be the real challenge for the BJP in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. It can put the Congress in a secondary role but urgency to put the BJP in a corner to survive can lead to the party's political isolation. In politics, position of strength can also create isolation as other political units can band to prevent overt hegemony. This should remain the BJP’s big fear.</p>

<p>Rajiv Gandhi faced a similar situation. The only difference is that the man opposing him was VP Singh who was the toast of the year and the man defending the fort was Rajiv Gandhi who was reeling under the charge of corruption. In 2019, there is no such face or leadership in the Opposition. Neither is there any consensus but political climate does exist for everyone to come together to fight an ever-expanding BJP.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Despite their electoral loss, the Congress has been able to upset the BJP’s applecart by ensuring that Kumaraswamy becomes the Chief Minister of the state

Despite their electoral loss, the Congress has been able to upset the BJP’s applecart by ensuring that Kumaraswamy becomes the Chief Minister of the state. BJP has cried foul saying that it is unethical but the fact that BJP made governments in Manipur, Meghalaya and Goa does not cut much ice in the public domain. Despite the loss, the Congress by allowing JD(S) to step in will allow regional parties to further collaborate with each other closely. The case in example is the way the SP and the BSP cooperated with each other during the Phulpur and the Gorakhpur by-elections. It will also boost the morale of the Congress which has been outmanoeuvred and outwitted by BJP continuously in the last four years. It will help them retain the state in partnership and ensure that the party prepares well for the upcoming assembly election in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. The success will add shine to Rahul Gandhi’s leadership for being proactive and ready with a plan B which was not done in the case of Goa and Manipur. That is where the bright side to this story ends as one doesn’t know till when the honeymoon between the JD(S) and the Congress will last. The present result shows that the JD(S) did well at the expense of the Congress Party in Mysore Karnataka. The Congress despite increasing its voter base in the state received less seats than the BJP. It also lost large number of rural seats and the party did not do well in coastal, central and Hyderabad Karnataka. The downside to the development is that the BJP can take the high moral ground and cry injustice. Karnataka being the bigger state will draw more attention than Manipur and Goa. BJP did very well in the rural areas and the 100+ seats that they got show that Prime Minister Narendra Modi still has the capacity to turn elections around. Atal Bihari Vajpayee could not politically function as prime minister despite being the single largest party as other regional parties ganged up against him. It was 1999, he was able to set the stage after being PM for 13 days and 13 months as the Opposition realised that the more they ganged up against him, the more sympathy he generated. On top of it, he was able to build an umbrella coalition which the Congress did not possess. The Karnataka elections have shown that the BJP is organisationally powerful and understands that it needs to expand in areas to compensate for a saturated performance in Western and Northern India in the 2014 elections. There are places where they have succeeded but in the East and deep South, they have not been able to cut much ice. Despite the Congress being weak, it will embolden regional parties to come together and tie up against the BJP. This could pose to be the real challenge for the BJP in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. It can put the Congress in a secondary role but urgency to put the BJP in a corner to survive can lead to the party's political isolation. In politics, position of strength can also create isolation as other political units can band to prevent overt hegemony. This should remain the BJP’s big fear. Rajiv Gandhi faced a similar situation. The only difference is that the man opposing him was VP Singh who was the toast of the year and the man defending the fort was Rajiv Gandhi who was reeling under the charge of corruption. In 2019, there is no such face or leadership in the Opposition. Neither is there any consensus but political climate does exist for everyone to come together to fight an ever-expanding BJP.

Congress does to BJP in Karnataka what latter did to it in Goa

<p>With both the BJP and the Janata Dal Secular (JDS) staking claim to form the government in Karnataka, constitutional expert Subhash Kashyap said on Tuesday that it is entirely up to the Governor to appoint anyone he thinks proper.</p>

<p>Subhash Kashyap added that the governor is expected to be guided by his assessment of who is likely to command majority support in the house.</p>

<p>No party has got a clear majority in the assembly elections. Official EC trends at the moment say the BJP has won or is leading in 104 seats, the Congress in 78, the JD(S)+ in 37, and Others 3.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;BJP leader BS Yeddyurappa has met the governor and asked for a chance to prove his majority.&nbsp; The JD(S) has also told the governor it would form the government with Congress support. The Congress and the JD(S) have joined hands with the former agreeing to give "unconditional support" to JD(S) chief Deve Gowda's son HD Kumaraswamy as chief minister of a coalition government.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Constitutional expert S Kashyap says 'Entirely up to Guv to appoint anyone he thinks proper. He's expected to be guided by his assessment of who is likely to command majority support in the House.' <a href="https://t.co/v4Z7Y6HjiJ">pic.twitter.com/v4Z7Y6HjiJ</a></p>
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No party has got a clear majority in the assembly elections. The BJP is ahead in 106 of the state's 224 seats, six short of a clear majority. The Congress is ahead in 77 and Deve Gowda's JD(S) in 37 seats

With both the BJP and the Janata Dal Secular (JDS) staking claim to form the government in Karnataka, constitutional expert Subhash Kashyap said on Tuesday that it is entirely up to the Governor to appoint anyone he thinks proper. Subhash Kashyap added that the governor is expected to be guided by his assessment of who is likely to command majority support in the house. No party has got a clear majority in the assembly elections. Official EC trends at the moment say the BJP has won or is leading in 104 seats, the Congress in 78, the JD(S)+ in 37, and Others 3. BJP leader BS Yeddyurappa has met the governor and asked for a chance to prove his majority. The JD(S) has also told the governor it would form the government with Congress support. The Congress and the JD(S) have joined hands with the former agreeing to give "unconditional support" to JD(S) chief Deve Gowda's son HD Kumaraswamy as chief minister of a coalition government. #WATCH Constitutional expert S Kashyap says 'Entirely up to Guv to appoint anyone he thinks proper. He's expected to be guided by his assessment of who is likely to command majority support in the House.' pic.twitter.com/v4Z7Y6HjiJ — ANI (@ANI) May 15, 2018 ×

Karnataka results: What happens next will depend on Governor, says constitutional expert

<p>With the BJP emerging as the single-largest party in Karnataka, its chief Amit Shah today asserted that the party's winning streak will continue and it will win all elections from now on including the Lok Sabha polls in 2019.</p>

<p>The BJP chief, who was speaking in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several other senior leaders of the party, said the state had shown trust in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "clean governance" and rejected the Congress' "divisive politics".</p>

<p>"Congress used the politics of caste to divide the people and tried to incite Dalits on SC/ST Act in Karnataka," Amit Shah said while addressing BJP workers at the party headquarters in New Delhi.</p>

<p>Accusing the Congress of using money and muscle power in Karnataka, Amit Shah said that the party was rejected by the people of the state.</p>

<p>The Congress and the JD(S) have joined hands and staked claim to form government.</p>

<p>Official EC trends at the moment say the BJP has won or is leading in 104 seats, the Congress in 78, the JD(S)+ in 37, and Others 3.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The majority mark is 112 in the 222-member Assembly. Voting for two seats is yet to take place.</p>

<p>Shah today dispatched three Union ministers, including Prakash Javadekar, J P Nadda and Dharmendra Pradhan, to Karnataka to talk to potential allies to cobble up a majority for forming a government in the state.</p>

<p>(<em>With inputs from PTI</em>)</p>


With the BJP emerging as the single-largest party in Karnataka, its chief Amit Shah today asserted that the party will win all elections from now on including the Lok Sabha polls in 2019

With the BJP emerging as the single-largest party in Karnataka, its chief Amit Shah today asserted that the party's winning streak will continue and it will win all elections from now on including the Lok Sabha polls in 2019. The BJP chief, who was speaking in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several other senior leaders of the party, said the state had shown trust in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "clean governance" and rejected the Congress' "divisive politics". "Congress used the politics of caste to divide the people and tried to incite Dalits on SC/ST Act in Karnataka," Amit Shah said while addressing BJP workers at the party headquarters in New Delhi. Accusing the Congress of using money and muscle power in Karnataka, Amit Shah said that the party was rejected by the people of the state. The Congress and the JD(S) have joined hands and staked claim to form government. Official EC trends at the moment say the BJP has won or is leading in 104 seats, the Congress in 78, the JD(S)+ in 37, and Others 3. The majority mark is 112 in the 222-member Assembly. Voting for two seats is yet to take place. Shah today dispatched three Union ministers, including Prakash Javadekar, J P Nadda and Dharmendra Pradhan, to Karnataka to talk to potential allies to cobble up a majority for forming a government in the state. (With inputs from PTI)

BJP's winning streak will continue: Amit Shah

<p>PM Narendra Modi on Tuesday congratulated the workers on the party’s success in Karnataka election.</p>

<p>He also expressed grief over the loss of lives in Varanasi, after a portion of an under-construction flyover collapsed this evening.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I am happy about Karnataka’s victory but on the other hand, I am saddened by the loss of lives in Varanasi. I extend my condolences to the families of the deceased and assure that the government will do whatever it can to support these families,” he said.</p>

<p>PM Modi said that language was never a barrier in Karnataka. Congress wanted North-South divide.</p>

<p>PM Modi said: "They say BJP is a party of Hindi speaking states. Are Goa, Gujarat, Maharashtra states in North East Hindi speaking states? No, BJP represents India. There was no barrier between people of Karnataka & me. I’ll always cherish the affection I received from them."</p>

<p>PM Modi speaking at the BJP headquarters slammed the Mamata government over the West Bengal Panchayat violence calling it a ‘murder of democracy’. He said people were bullied and weren't even allowed to file nominations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said: “There is one more thing I want to talk about...the scenes from the Panchayat Elections in West Bengal. It was nothing but a murder of democracy. From the nomination stage to the day of polling, where was the spirit of democracy? People were bullied.”</p>

<p>He added: “People were disallowed to file nominations also. It is not only BJP people who suffered. People from all the leading parties except the one that rules Bengal suffered. This is serious. A land as great as West Bengal has to see such sights, it is unfortunate. It is not about who wins polls....all those who are democratic-minded, including friends in civil society, they must come together to strengthen the democratic spirit. We cannot see things only in partisan terms.”</p>


PM Modi said that language was never a barrier in Karnataka. Congress wanted North-South divide.

PM Narendra Modi on Tuesday congratulated the workers on the party’s success in Karnataka election. He also expressed grief over the loss of lives in Varanasi, after a portion of an under-construction flyover collapsed this evening. “I am happy about Karnataka’s victory but on the other hand, I am saddened by the loss of lives in Varanasi. I extend my condolences to the families of the deceased and assure that the government will do whatever it can to support these families,” he said. PM Modi said that language was never a barrier in Karnataka. Congress wanted North-South divide. PM Modi said: "They say BJP is a party of Hindi speaking states. Are Goa, Gujarat, Maharashtra states in North East Hindi speaking states? No, BJP represents India. There was no barrier between people of Karnataka & me. I’ll always cherish the affection I received from them." PM Modi speaking at the BJP headquarters slammed the Mamata government over the West Bengal Panchayat violence calling it a ‘murder of democracy’. He said people were bullied and weren't even allowed to file nominations. He said: “There is one more thing I want to talk about...the scenes from the Panchayat Elections in West Bengal. It was nothing but a murder of democracy. From the nomination stage to the day of polling, where was the spirit of democracy? People were bullied.” He added: “People were disallowed to file nominations also. It is not only BJP people who suffered. People from all the leading parties except the one that rules Bengal suffered. This is serious. A land as great as West Bengal has to see such sights, it is unfortunate. It is not about who wins polls....all those who are democratic-minded, including friends in civil society, they must come together to strengthen the democratic spirit. We cannot see things only in partisan terms.”

PM Modi hails BJP’s showing in Karnataka, says Congress wanted North-South divide

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-karnataka-election-results-counting-underway-as-bjp-congress-wait-for-results-136866">Live Karnataka election leads: Congress: 30 | BJP: 29 | JD(S)+: 15</a></p>

<p>After a high voltage election campaign and big voter turnout on Saturday, the day has finally arrived, today results will be declared in Karnataka with the BJP and Congress waiting with bated breath. The seat placement in the 222-member Karnataka Assembly is likely to change dramatically today with a hung house predicted. &nbsp&nbsp</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-result-hd-kumaraswamy-offers-prayers-ahead-of-counting-136879">Karnataka result: HD Kumaraswamy offers prayers ahead of counting</a></p>

<p>JD (S) chief ministerial candidate HD Kumaraswamy offered prayers at Adichunchanagiri Mahasamsthana Math in Nagamangala ahead of counting of votes for Karnataka Assembly elections, according to news agency ANI.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bsf-soldier-killed-in-ceasefire-violation-in-jammu-and-kashmir-136864">BSF soldier killed in ceasefire violation in Jammu and Kashmir</a></p>

<p>A Border Security Force (BSF) soldier was killed in a ceasefire violation by Pakistan Army in Samba sector of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday morning, news agency ANI reports.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/gap-apologises-for-wiping-out-taiwan-from-map-in-new-t-shirts-136858">GAP </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/gap-apologises-for-wiping-out-taiwan-from-map-in-new-t-shirts-136858">apologises</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/gap-apologises-for-wiping-out-taiwan-from-map-in-new-t-shirts-136858"> for wiping out Taiwan from </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/gap-apologises-for-wiping-out-taiwan-from-map-in-new-t-shirts-136858">map</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/gap-apologises-for-wiping-out-taiwan-from-map-in-new-t-shirts-136858"> in new T-shirts</a></p>

<p>US retailer Gap Inc apologised on Monday for selling a T-shirt which it said had an incorrect map of China, adding it would implement "rigorous reviews" to prevent a repeat mistake.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-interior-minister-ahsan-iqbal-released-from-hospital-after-assassination-bid-136881">Pakistan interior minister Ahsan Iqbal released from </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-interior-minister-ahsan-iqbal-released-from-hospital-after-assassination-bid-136881">hospital</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-interior-minister-ahsan-iqbal-released-from-hospital-after-assassination-bid-136881"> after </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-interior-minister-ahsan-iqbal-released-from-hospital-after-assassination-bid-136881">assassination</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-interior-minister-ahsan-iqbal-released-from-hospital-after-assassination-bid-136881"> bid</a></p>

<p>Pakistan Interior minister Ahsan Iqbal was discharged from the services hospital on Monday, a week after he was shot at a rally in Narowal.&nbsp</p>


Live Karnataka election leads: Congress: 30 | BJP: 29 | JD(S)+: 15 After a high voltage election campaign and big voter turnout on Saturday, the day has finally arrived, today results will be declared in Karnataka with the BJP and Congress waiting with bated breath. The seat placement in the 222-member Karnataka Assembly is likely to change dramatically today with a hung house predicted. Karnataka result: HD Kumaraswamy offers prayers ahead of counting JD (S) chief ministerial candidate HD Kumaraswamy offered prayers at Adichunchanagiri Mahasamsthana Math in Nagamangala ahead of counting of votes for Karnataka Assembly elections, according to news agency ANI. BSF soldier killed in ceasefire violation in Jammu and Kashmir A Border Security Force (BSF) soldier was killed in a ceasefire violation by Pakistan Army in Samba sector of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday morning, news agency ANI reports. GAP apologises for wiping out Taiwan from map in new T-shirts US retailer Gap Inc apologised on Monday for selling a T-shirt which it said had an incorrect map of China, adding it would implement "rigorous reviews" to prevent a repeat mistake. Pakistan interior minister Ahsan Iqbal released from hospital after assassination bid Pakistan Interior minister Ahsan Iqbal was discharged from the services hospital on Monday, a week after he was shot at a rally in Narowal.

News brief: Big stories of the day

<p>The JD(S)'s HD Kumaraswamy met Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala Tuesday evening, and staked his claim to forming a government in the state.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kumaraswamy was accompanied by the Congress' Ghulam Nabi Azad, Mallikarjun Kharge, and former chief minister Siddaramaiah.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Congress told Vala that it was offering the JD(S) unconditional support.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The JD(S) has won fewer seats than both the BJP and the Congress but the Congress offered it outside support earlier in the day, telling the JD(S) that it could pick a chief minister of its choice.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kumaraswamy decided to opt for the post himself.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Baiju Narajan of the JD(S) meanwhile said G Parameshwara of Congress would be the deputy chief minister.</p>

<p>Karnataka has a total of 224 assembly seats, but only 222 seats went to the polls this election. (Voting was postponed in two seats.)</p>

<p>The halfway mark then is 111 seats, with a party needing 112 seats for a simple majority.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Official EC trends at the moment say the BJP has won or is leading in 104 seats, the Congress in 78, the JD(S)+ in 37, and Others 3.&nbsp;</p>

<p>That would give the JD(S)-Congress combine a total of 115 seats.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Intriguingly, the BJP's chief ministerial candidate Yeddyurappa got to the Raj Bhavan just before Kumaraswamy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Just now we met governor because we are single largest party, and that he allows us to prove majority in the Assembly," Yeddyurappa said after meeting Vala.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On his way to the governor,&nbsp; Yeddyurappa said "100 per cent we will form the government."&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="in">HD Kumaraswamy, Siddaramaiah, Ghulam Nabi Azad, and Mallikarjun Kharge at Raj Bhawan in Bengaluru. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElections2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/swRZKUbpsT">pic.twitter.com/swRZKUbpsT</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/996362783770918912?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Just now we met Governor because we are single largest party, and that he allows us to prove majority in the Assembly: BS Yeddyurappa <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElections2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/D9RLMU9zVY">pic.twitter.com/D9RLMU9zVY</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/996358625600782336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">100 percent we will form the government: BS Yeddyurappa <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElections?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElections</a> <a href="https://t.co/06633TqFBv">pic.twitter.com/06633TqFBv</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/996354476708577280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>What happens next depends on Governor Vala. He can invite whichever combine or single party he thinks commands majority support in the house.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A Zee News report quoting sources though said Tuesday evening that the governor may first invite BJP's Yeddyurappa to form a&nbsp;government in Karnataka and that the oath-taking ceremony is likely to take place on May 17.</p>


The BJP's chief ministerial candidate BS Yeddyurappa met Governor Vajubhai Vala shortly before Kumaraswamy

The JD(S)'s HD Kumaraswamy met Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala Tuesday evening, and staked his claim to forming a government in the state. Kumaraswamy was accompanied by the Congress' Ghulam Nabi Azad, Mallikarjun Kharge, and former chief minister Siddaramaiah. The Congress told Vala that it was offering the JD(S) unconditional support. The JD(S) has won fewer seats than both the BJP and the Congress but the Congress offered it outside support earlier in the day, telling the JD(S) that it could pick a chief minister of its choice. Kumaraswamy decided to opt for the post himself. Baiju Narajan of the JD(S) meanwhile said G Parameshwara of Congress would be the deputy chief minister. Karnataka has a total of 224 assembly seats, but only 222 seats went to the polls this election. (Voting was postponed in two seats.) The halfway mark then is 111 seats, with a party needing 112 seats for a simple majority. Official EC trends at the moment say the BJP has won or is leading in 104 seats, the Congress in 78, the JD(S)+ in 37, and Others 3. That would give the JD(S)-Congress combine a total of 115 seats. Intriguingly, the BJP's chief ministerial candidate Yeddyurappa got to the Raj Bhavan just before Kumaraswamy. "Just now we met governor because we are single largest party, and that he allows us to prove majority in the Assembly," Yeddyurappa said after meeting Vala. On his way to the governor, Yeddyurappa said "100 per cent we will form the government." HD Kumaraswamy, Siddaramaiah, Ghulam Nabi Azad, and Mallikarjun Kharge at Raj Bhawan in Bengaluru. #KarnatakaElections2018 pic.twitter.com/swRZKUbpsT — ANI (@ANI) May 15, 2018 × Just now we met Governor because we are single largest party, and that he allows us to prove majority in the Assembly: BS Yeddyurappa #KarnatakaElections2018 pic.twitter.com/D9RLMU9zVY — ANI (@ANI) May 15, 2018 × 100 percent we will form the government: BS Yeddyurappa #KarnatakaElections pic.twitter.com/06633TqFBv — ANI (@ANI) May 15, 2018 × What happens next depends on Governor Vala. He can invite whichever combine or single party he thinks commands majority support in the house. A Zee News report quoting sources though said Tuesday evening that the governor may first invite BJP's Yeddyurappa to form a government in Karnataka and that the oath-taking ceremony is likely to take place on May 17.

JD(S)'s Kumaraswamy meets Karnataka Governor, stakes claim to form government

<p>A Border Security Force (BSF) soldier was killed in a ceasefire violation by Pakistan Army in Samba sector of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday morning, news agency ANI reports.</p>

<p>The deceased has been identified as Devender Kumar, the report added.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Devender Kumar, a Border Security Force (BSF) Constable, who lost his life in a ceasefire violation by Pakistan in Samba sector <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a> <a href="https://t.co/nqNJAH9C3u">pic.twitter.com/nqNJAH9C3u</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/996202916317839361?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The constable lost his&nbsp;life in a ceasefire violation by Pakistan Army.</p>

<p>Recent times have seen a spurt in cross-border infiltration with many such attacks.</p>

<p>On May 11 a policeman lost his life in a militant attack that took place in Jammu and Kashmir's Budgam district earlier today.</p>

<p>Constable Shamim Ahmad was reported injured when militants opened fire at a guard post in Wadwan village in the valley. Shamim was moved to the nearest hospital but succumbed to injuries.</p>


The deceased has been identified as Devender Kumar, a BSF soldier.

A Border Security Force (BSF) soldier was killed in a ceasefire violation by Pakistan Army in Samba sector of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday morning, news agency ANI reports. The deceased has been identified as Devender Kumar, the report added. Devender Kumar, a Border Security Force (BSF) Constable, who lost his life in a ceasefire violation by Pakistan in Samba sector #JammuAndKashmir pic.twitter.com/nqNJAH9C3u — ANI (@ANI) May 15, 2018 × The constable lost his life in a ceasefire violation by Pakistan Army. Recent times have seen a spurt in cross-border infiltration with many such attacks. On May 11 a policeman lost his life in a militant attack that took place in Jammu and Kashmir's Budgam district earlier today. Constable Shamim Ahmad was reported injured when militants opened fire at a guard post in Wadwan village in the valley. Shamim was moved to the nearest hospital but succumbed to injuries.

BSF soldier killed in ceasefire violation in Jammu and Kashmir

<p>JD (S) chief ministerial candidate HD Kumaraswamy offered prayers at Adichunchanagiri Mahasamsthana Math in Nagamangala ahead of counting of votes for Karnataka Assembly elections, according to news agency ANI.</p>

<p>Kumaraswamy is contesting from Ramanagara and Channapatna constituencies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Similarly, BJP's B Sriramalu also offered prayers in Bellary ahead of counting of votes. He is contesting against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah from Badami constituency, the report added.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Congress workers performed 'Havan' outside AICC office in Delhi.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">JDS's HD Kumaraswamy offers prayers at Adichunchanagiri Mahasamsthana Math in Nagamangala ahead of counting of votes for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaElections2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaElections2018</a> . Kumaraswamy is contesting from Ramanagara and Channapatna constituencies <a href="https://t.co/3usqTFsRch">pic.twitter.com/3usqTFsRch</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/996212740728352770?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


BJP's B Sriramalu also offered prayers in Bellary ahead of counting of votes. He is contesting against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah from Badami constituency.

JD (S) chief ministerial candidate HD Kumaraswamy offered prayers at Adichunchanagiri Mahasamsthana Math in Nagamangala ahead of counting of votes for Karnataka Assembly elections, according to news agency ANI. Kumaraswamy is contesting from Ramanagara and Channapatna constituencies. Similarly, BJP's B Sriramalu also offered prayers in Bellary ahead of counting of votes. He is contesting against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah from Badami constituency, the report added. Meanwhile, Congress workers performed 'Havan' outside AICC office in Delhi. JDS's HD Kumaraswamy offers prayers at Adichunchanagiri Mahasamsthana Math in Nagamangala ahead of counting of votes for #KarnatakaElections2018 . Kumaraswamy is contesting from Ramanagara and Channapatna constituencies pic.twitter.com/3usqTFsRch — ANI (@ANI) May 15, 2018 ×

Karnataka result: HD Kumaraswamy offers prayers ahead of counting

<p>China has approved a $1 billion loan to revive a long-delayed expressway in central Sri Lanka, the island's government said Monday.<br />
<br />
Construction of the first phase of the road linking the capital Colombo with the hill resort of Kandy had been delayed for more than two years due to a lack of foreign funding, according to local media reports.<br />
<br />
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's office said he met the Chinese ambassador on Monday, who told him Beijing had decided to approve the loan that will be provided through the Export-Import Bank of China.<br />
<br />
China has emerged as the largest single lender to Sri Lanka in recent years, securing contracts to build roads, railways and ports under the former government of Mahinda Rajapakse.<br />
<br />
After Wickremesinghe came to power in January 2015, many projects were suspended pending investigations into corruption allegations, but construction work has recently restarted following renegotiations.<br />
<br />
Last August, China took over a loss-making deep-sea port in the island's south on a 99-year lease under a $1.1 billion deal.</p>

<p>Colombo is a key hub for Indian cargo, and Beijing has been accused of seeking to develop facilities around the Indian Ocean to counter the rise of its rival and secure its own economic interests.<br />
<br />
Under Sri Lanka's former regime, China began a controversial $1.4 billion land reclamation project next to Colombo's harbour.<br />
<br />
There are plans to build a new city centre on the land, with Chinese firms set to invest another billion to construct three 60-storey buildings.<br />
<br />
The project was formally launched after a visit to Colombo by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2014 but work was suspended by the new administration.</p>

<p>It resumed after the state-owned China Communications Construction Company entered into a fresh agreement with the new regime in August 2016 -- despite concerns from India.<br />
<br />
The 269-hectare (665-acre) reclamation is due to be completed next year.</p>


Construction of the first phase of the road linking the capital Colombo with the hill resort of Kandy had been delayed for more than two years due to a lack of foreign funding

China has approved a $1 billion loan to revive a long-delayed expressway in central Sri Lanka, the island's government said Monday. Construction of the first phase of the road linking the capital Colombo with the hill resort of Kandy had been delayed for more than two years due to a lack of foreign funding, according to local media reports. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's office said he met the Chinese ambassador on Monday, who told him Beijing had decided to approve the loan that will be provided through the Export-Import Bank of China. China has emerged as the largest single lender to Sri Lanka in recent years, securing contracts to build roads, railways and ports under the former government of Mahinda Rajapakse. After Wickremesinghe came to power in January 2015, many projects were suspended pending investigations into corruption allegations, but construction work has recently restarted following renegotiations. Last August, China took over a loss-making deep-sea port in the island's south on a 99-year lease under a $1.1 billion deal. Colombo is a key hub for Indian cargo, and Beijing has been accused of seeking to develop facilities around the Indian Ocean to counter the rise of its rival and secure its own economic interests. Under Sri Lanka's former regime, China began a controversial $1.4 billion land reclamation project next to Colombo's harbour. There are plans to build a new city centre on the land, with Chinese firms set to invest another billion to construct three 60-storey buildings. The project was formally launched after a visit to Colombo by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2014 but work was suspended by the new administration. It resumed after the state-owned China Communications Construction Company entered into a fresh agreement with the new regime in August 2016 -- despite concerns from India. The 269-hectare (665-acre) reclamation is due to be completed next year.

China clears $1 billion road in Sri Lanka, countering India influence

<p>In the state where exit polls projected a hung assembly after a bitterly fought electoral battle, the Narendra-Modi led BJP was ahead in 104 seats, the Congress in 78 and the JD(S) 37.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Others/independents were ahead in three seats. Results were being declared for 222 of the 224 seats in the assembly, with voting in two constituencies countermanded.</p>

<p><strong>Watch live:&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="550" id="frmwion" scrolling="no" src="http://wionews.dittotv.com/?header=no" width="100%"></iframe></p>


Results were being declared for 222 of the 224 seats in the assembly, with voting in two constituencies countermanded.

In the state where exit polls projected a hung assembly after a bitterly fought electoral battle, the Narendra-Modi led BJP was ahead in 104 seats, the Congress in 78 and the JD(S) 37. Others/independents were ahead in three seats. Results were being declared for 222 of the 224 seats in the assembly, with voting in two constituencies countermanded. Watch live:

Watch: PM Narendra Modi addresses party workers at BJP headquarters

<p>Amid all the negative news of celebrities jealous of the creativity and success of their peers, a photo made our morning today.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Two beauties, Sonam Kapoor and Mahira Khan shared a photo of them hugging it out at Cannes right before they were to walk the red carpet on their first day this year. For Sonam, it was like coming back to her roots as she showed everyone -- who was a little too disappointed with her choice of clothes during her wedding -- that she is indeed, the true diva. Meanwhile, Mahira debuted this year at Cannes red carpet.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the photo, Sonam can be seen embracing Mahira in a warm hug as the latter smiles. Both are dressed in their official clothes for the red carpet appearance.&nbsp;</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0 padding:0 4px"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BixGA5AFMbV/" 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">Special Moment ? Sonam Kapoor and Mahira Khan meet each other at Cannes. @instantbollywood ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ . . . #Instantbollywood #Instabollywood #bollywood #sonamkapoor #mahirakhan</a></p>

<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/instantbollywood/" style=" color:#c9c8cd font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px font-style:normal font-weight:normal line-height:17px" target="_blank"> Instant Bollywood</a> (@instantbollywood) on <time datetime="2018-05-14T17:58:59+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px line-height:17px">May 14, 2018 at 10:58am PDT</time></p>
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<p>While Sonam opted to dress as a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-sonam-kapoor-takes-lehenga-to-cannes-turns-up-as-a-desi-bride-on-the-red-carpet-136863">desi bride</a> on her first outing this year at Cannes, Mahira chose a midnight blue coloured gown with pleats at the bust, side-swept hair on one shoulder, red lips and a beautiful neckpiece.&nbsp;</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0 padding:0 4px"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BixLr4iH6o2/" 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">? #lorealpkatcannes #cannes2018 #lorealcannes</a></p>

<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/mahirahkhan/" style=" color:#c9c8cd font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px font-style:normal font-weight:normal line-height:17px" target="_blank"> Mahira Khan</a> (@mahirahkhan) on <time datetime="2018-05-14T18:48:33+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px line-height:17px">May 14, 2018 at 11:48am PDT</time></p>
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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0 padding:0 4px"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BixDzzeBRW3/" 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">@sonamkapoor Outfit - @ralphandrusso Earrings - @chopard Parandi - @amrapalijewels Styled by - @rheakapoor @thedeepkailey Assisted by - @chandiniw @lydie_harrison Makeup by - @namratasoni Hair by - @stephanelancien #bollywood #style #fashion #beauty #bollywoodstyle #bollywoodfashion #indianfashion #celebstyle #celebrityfashion #indianstyle #afashionistasdiaries #indianfashionblogger #delhidiaries #bollywoodstylefile #sonamkapoor #sonamatcannes #cannes #ralphandrusso #couture #chopard #amrapalijewels</a></p>

<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/afashionistasdiaries/" style=" color:#c9c8cd font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px font-style:normal font-weight:normal line-height:17px" target="_blank"> A Fashionista's Diary</a> (@afashionistasdiaries) on <time datetime="2018-05-14T17:39:43+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px line-height:17px">May 14, 2018 at 10:39am PDT</time></p>
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<p>Sonam recently got <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-inside-videos-and-pics-sonam-kapoor-anand-ahujas-most-romantic-moments-from-their-wedding--135547">married</a> to her businessman boyfriend Anand Ahuja. The couple had to postpone their honeymoon owing to Sonam's work commitments including Cannes.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Both the actresses are at Cannes currently and walked the red carpet on the same day

Amid all the negative news of celebrities jealous of the creativity and success of their peers, a photo made our morning today. Two beauties, Sonam Kapoor and Mahira Khan shared a photo of them hugging it out at Cannes right before they were to walk the red carpet on their first day this year. For Sonam, it was like coming back to her roots as she showed everyone -- who was a little too disappointed with her choice of clothes during her wedding -- that she is indeed, the true diva. Meanwhile, Mahira debuted this year at Cannes red carpet. In the photo, Sonam can be seen embracing Mahira in a warm hug as the latter smiles. Both are dressed in their official clothes for the red carpet appearance. Special Moment ? Sonam Kapoor and Mahira Khan meet each other at Cannes. @instantbollywood ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ . . . #Instantbollywood #Instabollywood #bollywood #sonamkapoor #mahirakhan A post shared by Instant Bollywood (@instantbollywood) on May 14, 2018 at 10:58am PDT × While Sonam opted to dress as a desi bride on her first outing this year at Cannes, Mahira chose a midnight blue coloured gown with pleats at the bust, side-swept hair on one shoulder, red lips and a beautiful neckpiece. ? #lorealpkatcannes #cannes2018 #lorealcannes A post shared by Mahira Khan (@mahirahkhan) on May 14, 2018 at 11:48am PDT × @sonamkapoor Outfit - @ralphandrusso Earrings - @chopard Parandi - @amrapalijewels Styled by - @rheakapoor @thedeepkailey Assisted by - @chandiniw @lydie_harrison Makeup by - @namratasoni Hair by - @stephanelancien #bollywood #style #fashion #beauty #bollywoodstyle #bollywoodfashion #indianfashion #celebstyle #celebrityfashion #indianstyle #afashionistasdiaries #indianfashionblogger #delhidiaries #bollywoodstylefile #sonamkapoor #sonamatcannes #cannes #ralphandrusso #couture #chopard #amrapalijewels A post shared by A Fashionista's Diary (@afashionistasdiaries) on May 14, 2018 at 10:39am PDT × Sonam recently got married to her businessman boyfriend Anand Ahuja. The couple had to postpone their honeymoon owing to Sonam's work commitments including Cannes.

Here's proof that Sonam Kapoor Ahuja is good friends with Pakistan's Mahira Khan!

<p>As the ballot boxes in Karnataka today, the fate of Congress chief minister Siddaramaiah and BJP's CM face Yeddyurappa will be decided by voters who exercised their franchise on Saturday.</p>

<p>On Saturday, the voter turnout in Karnataka was 72.36 which was a record, however, exit polls predict it would be a hung assembly.</p>

<p>The state which saw a heated poll campaign in the last two months between the BJP and the Congress became a battle of nerves as PM Modi joined the campaign trail in the last leg on May 1st addressing rallies in over 20 locations.</p>

<p>Although the Indian prime minister focused his campaign on Rahul Gandhi and the Congress, attacking Siddaramaiah's performance in the last five years, the country will finally get to know the verdict of the voters on Tuesday.</p>

<p>Siddaramaiah in his last tweet on May 9th had called on voters to pick "peace, stability & progress", asserting that his government had ensured a "stable government and delivered on our promises and developed the state."</p>

<p>"As I look back on the 5 years I feel a deep sense of fulfilment. I do have a list of things we could do better and a list of things that we need to do," he said in his tweet, adding,"I am looking forward to your love & support for doing more."&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, with chief minister Siddaramaiah declaring he may step aside if the Congress high command decided to field a Dalit CM has created quite a stir ahead of counting day.</p>

<p>BJP's Yeddyurappa on the other hand confidently declared ahead of polling day that the party is "headed towards a landslide victory."</p>

<p>The twist in the tale could be HD Deve Gowda led-Janata Dal (Secular) which may hold the crucial "trump card" if the election ends in a stalemate with neither the BJP or the Congress unable to cobble up a majority.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rahul Gandhi had branded the JD(S) as the "B-team" of the BJP, the party which had won 40 seats in the 224-seat assembly in 2013 could once again surprise everyone and become a "kingmaker" as is being widely speculated.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The JD(S) strategy to target Dalits and Vokkaligas could help it to get crucial seats.</p>

<p>H D Kumaraswamy, Deve Gowda's son has led the campaign for his party and it remains to be seen if the party will see its finest hour today.</p>


On Saturday, the voter turnout in Karnataka was 72.36 which was a record, however, exit polls predict it would be a hung assembly

As the ballot boxes in Karnataka today, the fate of Congress chief minister Siddaramaiah and BJP's CM face Yeddyurappa will be decided by voters who exercised their franchise on Saturday. On Saturday, the voter turnout in Karnataka was 72.36 which was a record, however, exit polls predict it would be a hung assembly. The state which saw a heated poll campaign in the last two months between the BJP and the Congress became a battle of nerves as PM Modi joined the campaign trail in the last leg on May 1st addressing rallies in over 20 locations. Although the Indian prime minister focused his campaign on Rahul Gandhi and the Congress, attacking Siddaramaiah's performance in the last five years, the country will finally get to know the verdict of the voters on Tuesday. Siddaramaiah in his last tweet on May 9th had called on voters to pick "peace, stability & progress", asserting that his government had ensured a "stable government and delivered on our promises and developed the state." "As I look back on the 5 years I feel a deep sense of fulfilment. I do have a list of things we could do better and a list of things that we need to do," he said in his tweet, adding,"I am looking forward to your love & support for doing more." However, with chief minister Siddaramaiah declaring he may step aside if the Congress high command decided to field a Dalit CM has created quite a stir ahead of counting day. BJP's Yeddyurappa on the other hand confidently declared ahead of polling day that the party is "headed towards a landslide victory." The twist in the tale could be HD Deve Gowda led-Janata Dal (Secular) which may hold the crucial "trump card" if the election ends in a stalemate with neither the BJP or the Congress unable to cobble up a majority. Rahul Gandhi had branded the JD(S) as the "B-team" of the BJP, the party which had won 40 seats in the 224-seat assembly in 2013 could once again surprise everyone and become a "kingmaker" as is being widely speculated. The JD(S) strategy to target Dalits and Vokkaligas could help it to get crucial seats. H D Kumaraswamy, Deve Gowda's son has led the campaign for his party and it remains to be seen if the party will see its finest hour today.

Karnataka elections: D-Day for Congress, BJP as Siddaramaiah & Yeddyurappa eye top spot

<p>The Narendra Modi government has spent a whopping Rs 4,300 crore on publicity since it came to power from May 2014, an agency under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has said in reply to an Right to Information (RTI) query.</p>

<p>The Bureau of Outreach Communication under the Ministry said the government spent ₹4,343.26 crore on advertising its programmes across media platforms.</p>

<p>This included ₹1732.15 crore on advertisements in the print media (from June 1, 2014, to December 7, 2017) and ₹2079.87 crore in the electronic media (from June 1, 2014, to March 31, 2018). A sum of ₹531.24 crore was spent on outdoor publicity (June 2014 to January 2018), it said.</p>

<p>Mumbai-based RTI activist Anil Galgali had sought details from the centre's Bureau of Outreach and Communication (BOC) on all spend on advertisement and publicity in all media since the present government assumed office.</p>

<p>The RTI replies also said that between April-December 2017 (nine-month period), the government spent Rs. 333.23 crore on the print medium alone, with the total figure of last fiscal (April 2017-March 2018) coming to Rs. 955.46 crore.</p>

<p>However, as per reports, the total spending of last financial year is still significantly higher than the present government's first year in office when it spent Rs. 953.54 crore in just nine months in office.</p>

<p>Tapan Sutradhar, Financial Advisor, Bureau of Outreach Communication, provided expenditure details on publicity campaigns from June 2014.</p>

<p>“Print media included newspapers, magazines, while electronic media covered TV, Internet, radio, digital cinema, SMSs etc. Outdoor publicity included posters, banners, digital panels, hoardings, railway tickets etc,” the reply stated.</p>

<p>The bureau was formed after merging three media units of the I&B Ministry to ensure “credible, consistent and clear communication” by various wings of the government across media platforms.</p>


The RTI replies also said that between April-December 2017 (nine-month period), the government spent Rs. 333.23 crore on the print medium alone, with the total figure of last fiscal (April 2017-March 2018) coming to Rs. 955.46 crore

The Narendra Modi government has spent a whopping Rs 4,300 crore on publicity since it came to power from May 2014, an agency under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has said in reply to an Right to Information (RTI) query. The Bureau of Outreach Communication under the Ministry said the government spent ₹4,343.26 crore on advertising its programmes across media platforms. This included ₹1732.15 crore on advertisements in the print media (from June 1, 2014, to December 7, 2017) and ₹2079.87 crore in the electronic media (from June 1, 2014, to March 31, 2018). A sum of ₹531.24 crore was spent on outdoor publicity (June 2014 to January 2018), it said. Mumbai-based RTI activist Anil Galgali had sought details from the centre's Bureau of Outreach and Communication (BOC) on all spend on advertisement and publicity in all media since the present government assumed office. The RTI replies also said that between April-December 2017 (nine-month period), the government spent Rs. 333.23 crore on the print medium alone, with the total figure of last fiscal (April 2017-March 2018) coming to Rs. 955.46 crore. However, as per reports, the total spending of last financial year is still significantly higher than the present government's first year in office when it spent Rs. 953.54 crore in just nine months in office. Tapan Sutradhar, Financial Advisor, Bureau of Outreach Communication, provided expenditure details on publicity campaigns from June 2014. “Print media included newspapers, magazines, while electronic media covered TV, Internet, radio, digital cinema, SMSs etc. Outdoor publicity included posters, banners, digital panels, hoardings, railway tickets etc,” the reply stated. The bureau was formed after merging three media units of the I&B Ministry to ensure “credible, consistent and clear communication” by various wings of the government across media platforms.

Modi government has spent Rs 4,300 crore on advertising, publicity: RTI query

<p>India has asked the UN to focus on how to differentiate between legal and illegal migration as it risks hurting immigrants who follow the law and may benefit criminal human trafficking networks.</p>

<p>India’s Deputy Permanent Representative Tanmaya Lal, addressing an intergovernmental conference to adopt a global compact for safe, orderly and regular migration at UN General Assembly, said that migration has become a complex and divisive issue, and may imply different things to different groups at different times.</p>

<p>He said that the global compact on migration, which is being negotiated, was more focussed on illegal immigration in some countries.</p>

<p>“This is unfortunate, since this negative narrative is not at all helpful and, in fact, hurts the genuine interests and concerns of regular, legal migrants whose ongoing contribution to both their host and origin countries is well-documented but risks being ignored,” he told UN General Assembly.</p>

<p>“Undoubtedly, there is also a small percentage of illegal or undocumented migrants across countries. In many instances, such illegal migration is based on criminal networks engaged in human trafficking,” he said at a session of the intergovernmental negotiations on the global compact on migration that is to be adopted in December in Marrakesh, Morocco.</p>

<p>At the same time, Lal said it needs to be stressed and made clear that this category of migrants cannot be treated at par under national laws with the legal migrants.</p>

<p>A number of organisations, some international leaders and, even, some of the UN bodies had made attempts to remove distinctions between legal and illegal immigrants and refugees.</p>

<p>“Any such attempts to blur any sort of distinction of legal status between regular and the numerically far fewer irregular migrants can only disadvantage the larger interests of regular migrants and even incentivise irregular migration. Surely, that is not our intention here?” he added.</p>

<p>Asserting that a more humane treatment of irregular migrants was essential, Lal said “it was also important to not let the focus on regular migrants and their contributions be diluted in the Global Compact that we are working on”.</p>

<p>He urged the member States to “rework” and “rearrange” the narrative in the draft Global Compact to highlight the overwhelming positive contribution of international migration upfront in the document and adequate space in the text be provided.</p>

<p>“The current draft provides much greater attention than necessary to the discussion on what rights the irregular migrants should be entitled to. It must, instead, focus more on how to facilitate regular migration. This needs to be corrected,” Lal said.</p>


A number of organisations, some international leaders and, even, some of the UN bodies had made attempts to remove distinctions between legal and illegal immigrants and refugees.

India has asked the UN to focus on how to differentiate between legal and illegal migration as it risks hurting immigrants who follow the law and may benefit criminal human trafficking networks. India’s Deputy Permanent Representative Tanmaya Lal, addressing an intergovernmental conference to adopt a global compact for safe, orderly and regular migration at UN General Assembly, said that migration has become a complex and divisive issue, and may imply different things to different groups at different times. He said that the global compact on migration, which is being negotiated, was more focussed on illegal immigration in some countries. “This is unfortunate, since this negative narrative is not at all helpful and, in fact, hurts the genuine interests and concerns of regular, legal migrants whose ongoing contribution to both their host and origin countries is well-documented but risks being ignored,” he told UN General Assembly. “Undoubtedly, there is also a small percentage of illegal or undocumented migrants across countries. In many instances, such illegal migration is based on criminal networks engaged in human trafficking,” he said at a session of the intergovernmental negotiations on the global compact on migration that is to be adopted in December in Marrakesh, Morocco. At the same time, Lal said it needs to be stressed and made clear that this category of migrants cannot be treated at par under national laws with the legal migrants. A number of organisations, some international leaders and, even, some of the UN bodies had made attempts to remove distinctions between legal and illegal immigrants and refugees. “Any such attempts to blur any sort of distinction of legal status between regular and the numerically far fewer irregular migrants can only disadvantage the larger interests of regular migrants and even incentivise irregular migration. Surely, that is not our intention here?” he added. Asserting that a more humane treatment of irregular migrants was essential, Lal said “it was also important to not let the focus on regular migrants and their contributions be diluted in the Global Compact that we are working on”. He urged the member States to “rework” and “rearrange” the narrative in the draft Global Compact to highlight the overwhelming positive contribution of international migration upfront in the document and adequate space in the text be provided. “The current draft provides much greater attention than necessary to the discussion on what rights the irregular migrants should be entitled to. It must, instead, focus more on how to facilitate regular migration. This needs to be corrected,” Lal said.

Need to differentiate between legal, illegal migration: India

<p>Cabinet reshuffle is an exercise which is carried out in secrecy but when announced, conveys a loud message. The same has happened today.</p>

<p>While the charge of finance ministry has been given to Piyush Goyal, who has won accolades during his tenure as power minister, the biggest shock is sidelining of Smriti Irani, again. Irani has been moved back to the textiles ministry, from the high profile Information and Broadcasting ministry.</p>

<p>The message is clear from Prime Minister Narendra Modi - silent workers are welcome and controversy making ministers are not. Smriti Irani was first sidelined in the year 2016 after the Rohith Vemula controversy. Prime Minister had to make a special effort to counter the charge of the Opposition that NDA is not anti-Dalit. She kept her low profile and was given a second chance by the Prime Minister in July 2017 when she was appointed as the I&B minister.</p>

<p>Irani was again in news recently&nbsp;for the wrong reason. Irani had come under attack earlier this month after I&B Ministry amended guidelines on accreditation of journalists for, what it said, to check fake news.&nbsp;The amended guidelines had stated that a journalist or a publication could lose accreditation in the event of a confirmed incident of fake news. The guidelines were withdrawn following a directive to do so by the PMO.</p>

<p>The controversy impacted the office of the President. It was followed by the issue related to the freedom of press on which the PM had to intervene. These two incidents were the final nails in the coffin.</p>

<p>This decision also needs to be seen in the context of the rise and rise of the Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman whose quiet work and ability to keep the government away from controversy led to her elevation as the top 5 ministers in the country. Her failure to rally the press and get along with all the constituents added to this.</p>

<p>The inclusion of SS Ahluwalia is seen as an adjustment. He is close to Sushma Swaraj and was a leading light during LK Advani’s tenure as the Deputy Prime Minister (2002-2004). This move is a clear indication that patience and silence can be more rewarding with Modi.</p>

<p>The real beneficiary has been Rajyavardhan Rathore. He already heads the Sports Ministry, and now has also been given independent charge of I&B Ministry. He is already the spokesperson for the government of India.</p>

<p>The reshuffle may be small and limited but the message is loud and clear. Ministers who create controversies at the expense of the government will not be tolerated. Smriti Irani is a case in example. She lost two ministries because of being outspoken. What keeps her alive is probably Amethi where she is pitched against Rahul Gandhi. She has not left the constituency and wants to ensure that BJP can defeat Congress in its own bastion.</p>


The message is clear from the Prime Minister. Silent workers are welcome and controversy making ministers are not

Cabinet reshuffle is an exercise which is carried out in secrecy but when announced, conveys a loud message. The same has happened today. While the charge of finance ministry has been given to Piyush Goyal, who has won accolades during his tenure as power minister, the biggest shock is sidelining of Smriti Irani, again. Irani has been moved back to the textiles ministry, from the high profile Information and Broadcasting ministry. The message is clear from Prime Minister Narendra Modi - silent workers are welcome and controversy making ministers are not. Smriti Irani was first sidelined in the year 2016 after the Rohith Vemula controversy. Prime Minister had to make a special effort to counter the charge of the Opposition that NDA is not anti-Dalit. She kept her low profile and was given a second chance by the Prime Minister in July 2017 when she was appointed as the I&B minister. Irani was again in news recently for the wrong reason. Irani had come under attack earlier this month after I&B Ministry amended guidelines on accreditation of journalists for, what it said, to check fake news. The amended guidelines had stated that a journalist or a publication could lose accreditation in the event of a confirmed incident of fake news. The guidelines were withdrawn following a directive to do so by the PMO. The controversy impacted the office of the President. It was followed by the issue related to the freedom of press on which the PM had to intervene. These two incidents were the final nails in the coffin. This decision also needs to be seen in the context of the rise and rise of the Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman whose quiet work and ability to keep the government away from controversy led to her elevation as the top 5 ministers in the country. Her failure to rally the press and get along with all the constituents added to this. The inclusion of SS Ahluwalia is seen as an adjustment. He is close to Sushma Swaraj and was a leading light during LK Advani’s tenure as the Deputy Prime Minister (2002-2004). This move is a clear indication that patience and silence can be more rewarding with Modi. The real beneficiary has been Rajyavardhan Rathore. He already heads the Sports Ministry, and now has also been given independent charge of I&B Ministry. He is already the spokesperson for the government of India. The reshuffle may be small and limited but the message is loud and clear. Ministers who create controversies at the expense of the government will not be tolerated. Smriti Irani is a case in example. She lost two ministries because of being outspoken. What keeps her alive is probably Amethi where she is pitched against Rahul Gandhi. She has not left the constituency and wants to ensure that BJP can defeat Congress in its own bastion.

Opinion: PM Modi shows way, reshuffles cabinet, sidelines Smriti Irani again

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