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On Mother's Day yesterday, Bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor Khan was in Delhi to attend a UNICEF event where she highlighted the importance of a child's safety, mother-child relationship, education and the steps to take in nurturing and developing a child in the right atmosphere. As a mother, she revealed how important a role her family, husband Saif Ali Khan and immediate surroundings played in bringing up own child Taimur. Addressing a press conference, she revealed that every child's safety is close to her heart. For those who feel it's only the mother who is responsible for a child, she mentioned that there are many things that a mother can't do but the father can.

Kareena Kapoor at UNICEF event in Delhi

It ultimately takes a woman to tell a tale of patriotism sans jingoism. Meghna Gulzar, who impressed one and all with her taut film Talvar in 2016, is back with another thriller - Raazi. And while the film has its emotions in place, the director, who is also the screenplay writer along with Bhavani Iyer, weaves an intricate espionage thriller which keeps you hooked throughout&nbsp;its two hours twenty minutes run time. There isn't any dull moment in Meghna Gulzar's Raazi.&nbsp; 
 
The director&nbsp;dives into the main plot from the first itself. Sehmat (Alia Bhatt) is a college-going Kashmiri girl, whose father(Rajit Kapur) is a spy for the Indian intelligence. His dying wish is to send his daughter across the border as it's wartime. He cannot do the job anymore, and he feels his untrained, naive girl has grit and potential to become a spy. So Sehmat is married to Iqbal Syed(Vicky Kaushal), a Pakistani army officer. Iqbal's father is a top ranking army officer himself, who has contacts in the top rung - and hence Sehmat can fit in perfectly in the family and pass on the desired information at home.&nbsp;

<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xv9Wb-7jrac" width="560"></iframe> 
 
Based on Harneet Singh's novel Calling Sehmat, which itself is based on a true story, Raazi recreates 1971 India and Pakistan. Of two countries on tenterhooks, on the brink of a war. Amid all of the tension, lies the story of a sensitive girl Sehmat and her transformation from a naive, innocent girl to a spy that history would perhaps be indebted to always. Raazi is Sehmat's story and Alia Bhatt fits in the character perfectly. Does she deliver? Mostly, yes. As the new daughter-in-law who is trying to fit into a new household, as the woman of steel, who knows what her job is and what she is there for. The only portions where Alia falters are the scenes which show her being trained. Where unsuspecting Sehmat is attacked by her trainer time and again to make her learn an important lesson in life. Every time her trainer attacks her to check her instincts, she yelps- in that's the most synthetic yelp I've ever heard. But truly that one little glitch can be ignored, for Alia, like always, delivers a mature, restraint performance.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<img alt="raazi.JPG" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/raazi.JPG" width="770" /> 
 
The film also boaast some incredible male-actors. Vicky Kaushal as the unsuspecting, good guy Iqbal Syed brings a lot of vulnerability to his character. Kaushal always adapts himself to his characters. Be it in Masaan or&nbsp;Raman Raghav 2.0, or now Raazi, the actor brings in a lot of conviction to all his roles. I wish he had more screen time, but Kaushal reaches out to the audience with his soft, understated performance.&nbsp; 
 
The other actor to watch out for in Raazi is Jaideep Ahlawat. Those who remember him in Gangs Of Wasseypur would know that Ahlawat has the ability to leave an impact despite his screen time. In Raazi, Ahlawat plays the spymaster, who may appear to be devoid of any emotions, but always knows what is right. Ahlwat's performance is sharp and smart making his character a memorable one.&nbsp;

<img alt="alia raazi.JPG" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="435" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/alia%20raazi.JPG" width="770" /> 
 
Raazi though has a few things illogical. As it nosedives into the main plot, it takes some time to grasp the political scenario of that era. For those who were born much later, it may take some time to comprehend what is the backdrop of the film. Sehmat's communications with Indian intelligence happens through set up inside the bathroom right next to a big window, which remains open for view from the main entrance of the house. Also, its a family of army officers, yet when things go awry, no one suspects the Indian bahu within them. They all seem to have believed she has converted.&nbsp; 
 
Raazi though overcomes these glitches quite well. From the soulful music by Shankar Ehsan Loy and Gulzar's beautiful lyrics (Ae Watan is my favourite) to editor Nitin Baid's timely cuts which make the thriller overboard to the mellow, matter-of-fact story that doesn't take sides- Raazi is a winner throughout.&nbsp; 
 
Raazi comes at a time when the entire nation is enthused about the idea of nationalism. Yet, the film doesn't do unnecessary bashing, doesn't take sides, and presents a patriotic film - a story that would make you proud of your country and numerous unsung heroes. Which is why the film is relevant for our times.&nbsp;

<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YjMSttRJrhA" width="560"></iframe> 
 
There are ways of showing one's love for the motherland, and often we resort to polarised, chest-thumping patriotism. Raazi shows how its okay to not be jingoistic and yet appreciate our motherland.&nbsp;

The film is a gripping espionage thriller with top performances from its lead actors.

It ultimately takes a woman to tell a tale of patriotism sans jingoism. Meghna Gulzar, who impressed one and all with her taut film Talvar in 2016, is back with another thriller - Raazi. And while the film has its emotions in place, the director, who is also the screenplay writer along with Bhavani Iyer, weaves an intricate espionage thriller which keeps you hooked throughout its two hours twenty minutes run time. There isn't any dull moment in Meghna Gulzar's Raazi. The director dives into the main plot from the first itself. Sehmat (Alia Bhatt) is a college-going Kashmiri girl, whose father(Rajit Kapur) is a spy for the Indian intelligence. His dying wish is to send his daughter across the border as it's wartime. He cannot do the job anymore, and he feels his untrained, naive girl has grit and potential to become a spy. So Sehmat is married to Iqbal Syed(Vicky Kaushal), a Pakistani army officer. Iqbal's father is a top ranking army officer himself, who has contacts in the top rung - and hence Sehmat can fit in perfectly in the family and pass on the desired information at home. Based on Harneet Singh's novel Calling Sehmat, which itself is based on a true story, Raazi recreates 1971 India and Pakistan. Of two countries on tenterhooks, on the brink of a war. Amid all of the tension, lies the story of a sensitive girl Sehmat and her transformation from a naive, innocent girl to a spy that history would perhaps be indebted to always. Raazi is Sehmat's story and Alia Bhatt fits in the character perfectly. Does she deliver? Mostly, yes. As the new daughter-in-law who is trying to fit into a new household, as the woman of steel, who knows what her job is and what she is there for. The only portions where Alia falters are the scenes which show her being trained. Where unsuspecting Sehmat is attacked by her trainer time and again to make her learn an important lesson in life. Every time her trainer attacks her to check her instincts, she yelps- in that's the most synthetic yelp I've ever heard. But truly that one little glitch can be ignored, for Alia, like always, delivers a mature, restraint performance. The film also boaast some incredible male-actors. Vicky Kaushal as the unsuspecting, good guy Iqbal Syed brings a lot of vulnerability to his character. Kaushal always adapts himself to his characters. Be it in Masaan or Raman Raghav 2.0, or now Raazi, the actor brings in a lot of conviction to all his roles. I wish he had more screen time, but Kaushal reaches out to the audience with his soft, understated performance. The other actor to watch out for in Raazi is Jaideep Ahlawat. Those who remember him in Gangs Of Wasseypur would know that Ahlawat has the ability to leave an impact despite his screen time. In Raazi, Ahlawat plays the spymaster, who may appear to be devoid of any emotions, but always knows what is right. Ahlwat's performance is sharp and smart making his character a memorable one. Raazi though has a few things illogical. As it nosedives into the main plot, it takes some time to grasp the political scenario of that era. For those who were born much later, it may take some time to comprehend what is the backdrop of the film. Sehmat's communications with Indian intelligence happens through set up inside the bathroom right next to a big window, which remains open for view from the main entrance of the house. Also, its a family of army officers, yet when things go awry, no one suspects the Indian bahu within them. They all seem to have believed she has converted. Raazi though overcomes these glitches quite well. From the soulful music by Shankar Ehsan Loy and Gulzar's beautiful lyrics (Ae Watan is my favourite) to editor Nitin Baid's timely cuts which make the thriller overboard to the mellow, matter-of-fact story that doesn't take sides- Raazi is a winner throughout. Raazi comes at a time when the entire nation is enthused about the idea of nationalism. Yet, the film doesn't do unnecessary bashing, doesn't take sides, and presents a patriotic film - a story that would make you proud of your country and numerous unsung heroes. Which is why the film is relevant for our times. There are ways of showing one's love for the motherland, and often we resort to polarised, chest-thumping patriotism. Raazi shows how its okay to not be jingoistic and yet appreciate our motherland.

Raazi: Alia Bhatt film is textbook example of how to make espionage thrillers sans jingoism

Taking a dim view of clashes in Maharashtra's Aurangabad district that claimed two lives, the Shiv Sena today dubbed it as a "communal" and "pre-planned" act of violence.

It rapped the state Home department, headed by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, over the security lapses and failing to appoint a police commissioner for the city which is considered a "highly sensitive" area.

Two persons - a 65-year-old man and a 17-year-old boy - were killed in clashes on Friday night between groups of two communities over illegal water connections in the city, located in the Marathwada region.&nbsp

"It is clear that the riots were communal and not some clashes between two groups. The way petrol bombs were used within the first 15 minutes of riots is enough to conclude that it was pre-planned attack," the Sena in an editorial in party mouthpiece 'Saamana'.

The post of the commissioner of police in Aurangabad has been lying vacant since some time, despite the city being one of the "highly sensitive areas" in the state, it noted.

"It is a failure of the Home department headed by the chief minister. Or is it because the chief minister wants a pro-BJP IPS officer to be appointed there?" it wondered.

According to the police, the violence also left more than 60 people, including police personnel, injured. Around 100 shops were also set on fire and more than 40 vehicles destroyed.

Sources earlier said tension was brewing up in Aurangabad's Moti Karanja area for the last few days as the municipal corporation was carrying out a drive against illegal water connections. It got a communal colour when an illegal water connection at a place of worship in the area was removed, they said.

The Sena mocked the reasons that have come to light -- like drive against illegal water connections, a quarrel over an exchange of mobile phone at a garage, removal of illegal 'paan' shops, and the alleged beating of a customer who complained to a shop owner for selling rotten mangoes -- for the possible trigger behind the violence.

Such incidents should not be the cause of riots, the BJP's bickering ally said, adding that "the riots are a proof of the collapse of the security agencies' network."

The Marathi daily said the image of Maharashtra was already dented by the Koregaon-Bhima violence in Pune district, where Dalits were targeted on January 1 this year.

Besides, there were two major incidents of "double murders" in Ahmednagar (of two Shiv Sena leaders and as many NCP workers last month) and still the chief minister claims the situation is under control, the Sena quipped, adding that the high-powered committees set up for probe in such cases were of no use.

"The rioters set ablaze the entire Shahganj Peth (a market area in Aurangabad). Hundreds of houses and several vehicles were set on fire or damaged and a senior citizen lost his life. How come some people act so blatantly?," it asked.

"It looks like the law and order does not exist in Maharashtra," the Sena said.

During the Koregaon-Bhima violence, no policeman opened fire or baton-charged the rioters. On the other hand, in the absence of a police commissioner, the cops in Aurangabad fired at the mob, it said, adding that this was "suspicious".

"We are not interested in whether it was a communal riot or not. It is the state's responsibility to find out why the violence happened. But, the incident has shown that certain areas in the city are equipped for such riots," the Sena publication said.&nbsp

Two persons - a 65-year-old man and a 17-year-old boy - were killed in clashes on Friday night between groups of two communities over illegal water connections in the city, located in the Marathwada region.

Taking a dim view of clashes in Maharashtra's Aurangabad district that claimed two lives, the Shiv Sena today dubbed it as a "communal" and "pre-planned" act of violence. It rapped the state Home department, headed by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, over the security lapses and failing to appoint a police commissioner for the city which is considered a "highly sensitive" area. Two persons - a 65-year-old man and a 17-year-old boy - were killed in clashes on Friday night between groups of two communities over illegal water connections in the city, located in the Marathwada region. "It is clear that the riots were communal and not some clashes between two groups. The way petrol bombs were used within the first 15 minutes of riots is enough to conclude that it was pre-planned attack," the Sena in an editorial in party mouthpiece 'Saamana'. The post of the commissioner of police in Aurangabad has been lying vacant since some time, despite the city being one of the "highly sensitive areas" in the state, it noted. "It is a failure of the Home department headed by the chief minister. Or is it because the chief minister wants a pro-BJP IPS officer to be appointed there?" it wondered. According to the police, the violence also left more than 60 people, including police personnel, injured. Around 100 shops were also set on fire and more than 40 vehicles destroyed. Sources earlier said tension was brewing up in Aurangabad's Moti Karanja area for the last few days as the municipal corporation was carrying out a drive against illegal water connections. It got a communal colour when an illegal water connection at a place of worship in the area was removed, they said. The Sena mocked the reasons that have come to light -- like drive against illegal water connections, a quarrel over an exchange of mobile phone at a garage, removal of illegal 'paan' shops, and the alleged beating of a customer who complained to a shop owner for selling rotten mangoes -- for the possible trigger behind the violence. Such incidents should not be the cause of riots, the BJP's bickering ally said, adding that "the riots are a proof of the collapse of the security agencies' network." The Marathi daily said the image of Maharashtra was already dented by the Koregaon-Bhima violence in Pune district, where Dalits were targeted on January 1 this year. Besides, there were two major incidents of "double murders" in Ahmednagar (of two Shiv Sena leaders and as many NCP workers last month) and still the chief minister claims the situation is under control, the Sena quipped, adding that the high-powered committees set up for probe in such cases were of no use. "The rioters set ablaze the entire Shahganj Peth (a market area in Aurangabad). Hundreds of houses and several vehicles were set on fire or damaged and a senior citizen lost his life. How come some people act so blatantly?," it asked. "It looks like the law and order does not exist in Maharashtra," the Sena said. During the Koregaon-Bhima violence, no policeman opened fire or baton-charged the rioters. On the other hand, in the absence of a police commissioner, the cops in Aurangabad fired at the mob, it said, adding that this was "suspicious". "We are not interested in whether it was a communal riot or not. It is the state's responsibility to find out why the violence happened. But, the incident has shown that certain areas in the city are equipped for such riots," the Sena publication said.

Aurangabad clashes pre-planned; failure of state Home department: Sena

A day after polling in the Karnataka assembly elections, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Sunday asserted that he has no problem if the Congress high command decides to choose a Dalit leader for the state's top post.&nbsp;

To a question on the possibility of a Dalit chief minister, he said, “It is fine if the party decides to have a Dalit chief minister.”

But he made it clear no one could forcibly take the decision – and he was quick to add that he was popular among MLAs, whose opinion will have weight in the final decision.

The issue had been raised by BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during the election campaign, daring the Congress to replace Siddaramaiah with a Dalit face.

Meanwhile, BJP’s Sadananda Gowda took a dig at Siddaramaiah’s Dalit CM remark, saying that his stance had now shifted due to his fear of losing the polls.

Assembly Elections in Karnataka witnessed the highest voter turnout in the state in over 35 years.

As polling came to a close in Karnataka at 6 pm on Saturday, the Election Commission announced that 72.13% voters turned out across the state to vote.

But Siddaramaiah made it clear no one could forcibly take the decision – and he was quick to add that he was popular among MLAs, whose opinion will have weight in the final decision.

A day after polling in the Karnataka assembly elections, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Sunday asserted that he has no problem if the Congress high command decides to choose a Dalit leader for the state's top post. To a question on the possibility of a Dalit chief minister, he said, “It is fine if the party decides to have a Dalit chief minister.” But he made it clear no one could forcibly take the decision – and he was quick to add that he was popular among MLAs, whose opinion will have weight in the final decision. The issue had been raised by BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during the election campaign, daring the Congress to replace Siddaramaiah with a Dalit face. Meanwhile, BJP’s Sadananda Gowda took a dig at Siddaramaiah’s Dalit CM remark, saying that his stance had now shifted due to his fear of losing the polls. Assembly Elections in Karnataka witnessed the highest voter turnout in the state in over 35 years. As polling came to a close in Karnataka at 6 pm on Saturday, the Election Commission announced that 72.13% voters turned out across the state to vote.

I am okay with Dalit CM if Congress high command says so: Siddaramaiah

The incident of dogs attacking children continue as a pack of ferocious dogs, on Sunday, attacked a 12-year-old girl. The 13th incident in the last six months out of which seven have died.

District magistrate, Sitapur, Sheetal Verma said the 12-year-old girl Reena was attacked by a pack of seven dogs when she was going to the fields alone at around 7 am on Sunday and died on the spot.

Some 22 villages of Khairabad block are affected by the dog menace

"A 12-year-old girl, Reena, died today after being attacked by a pack of dogs," Superintendent of Police (SP) Anand Kulkarni told PTI in Sitapur.

As per reports, Reena’s father Chhanga said he would not perform her last rites till the district administration assures the people that it would take effective steps to curb the menace. Later, 300 villagers blocked traffic on the national highway for half-an-hour to demand action.

Chief minister Yogi Adityanath had visited Sitapur on Friday to meet family members of the children who had been attacked by feral dogs.

District Magistrate Sheetal Verma, when contacted, told PTI, "Of the 13 deaths due to dog attacks since November 2017, as many as 10 took place in Khairabad police station area."

"Three other cases which took place in the district, were reported from Imlia Sultanpur, Kotwali Sitapur and Taalgaon police station areas," Verma said.

As the problem continued unabated, opposition parties slammed the Yogi Adityanath government by accusing it of ignoring the serious matter.

Congress spokesperson Ashok Singh said, "The incidents of children being killed in dog attacks definitely raises questions on the state government, which has failed to control the menace."

The attacks have generated such fear that school attendance has dipped, the police conduct patrols and men go to work in their orchards and fields armed with rods and axes.

Earlier, attacks had taken place at Gurpaliya, Tikariya and Talgaon villages, which are to the north of Khairabad. However, since May 10, Machhrehta area has been the dogs' happy hunting ground. 
&nbsp

District magistrate, Sitapur, Sheetal Verma said the 12-year-old girl Reena was attacked by a pack of seven dogs when she was going to the fields alone at around 7 am on Sunday and died on the spot.\

The incident of dogs attacking children continue as a pack of ferocious dogs, on Sunday, attacked a 12-year-old girl. The 13th incident in the last six months out of which seven have died. District magistrate, Sitapur, Sheetal Verma said the 12-year-old girl Reena was attacked by a pack of seven dogs when she was going to the fields alone at around 7 am on Sunday and died on the spot. Some 22 villages of Khairabad block are affected by the dog menace "A 12-year-old girl, Reena, died today after being attacked by a pack of dogs," Superintendent of Police (SP) Anand Kulkarni told PTI in Sitapur. As per reports, Reena’s father Chhanga said he would not perform her last rites till the district administration assures the people that it would take effective steps to curb the menace. Later, 300 villagers blocked traffic on the national highway for half-an-hour to demand action. Chief minister Yogi Adityanath had visited Sitapur on Friday to meet family members of the children who had been attacked by feral dogs. District Magistrate Sheetal Verma, when contacted, told PTI, "Of the 13 deaths due to dog attacks since November 2017, as many as 10 took place in Khairabad police station area." "Three other cases which took place in the district, were reported from Imlia Sultanpur, Kotwali Sitapur and Taalgaon police station areas," Verma said. As the problem continued unabated, opposition parties slammed the Yogi Adityanath government by accusing it of ignoring the serious matter. Congress spokesperson Ashok Singh said, "The incidents of children being killed in dog attacks definitely raises questions on the state government, which has failed to control the menace." The attacks have generated such fear that school attendance has dipped, the police conduct patrols and men go to work in their orchards and fields armed with rods and axes. Earlier, attacks had taken place at Gurpaliya, Tikariya and Talgaon villages, which are to the north of Khairabad. However, since May 10, Machhrehta area has been the dogs' happy hunting ground.

UP: 12-year-old Sitapur girl dead in dog attack, 13th such incident in six months

After a 19-day pre-Karnataka poll hiatus, petrol price was today hiked by 17 paise a litre and diesel by 21 paise as PSU oil firms began passing on the spike witnessed in international rates to consumers.

Petrol price in Delhi was hiked to Rs 74.80 per litre from Rs 74.63 while diesel rates were increased to Rs 66.14 a litre from Rs 65.93, according to a price notification issued by state-owned oil marketing companies.

With this, diesel prices have touched a record high while petrol is at a 56-month peak.

Oil PSUs, who had kept rates unchanged for nearly three weeks before Karnataka went to polls despite input cost spiking, reverted to daily revision in prices no sooner had the state voted to elect a new government on Saturday.

State-owned oil marketing companies are estimated to have lost about Rs 500 crore as they absorbed higher cost resulting from the spike in international oil rates and fall in rupee against the US dollar.

Oil PSUs, which have been since June last year revising auto fuel prices on a daily basis to reflect changes in the cost, have kept pump rates static since April 24, an analysis of daily price notification issued by oil companies showed.

Oil PSUs have refused to acknowledge if the freeze followed a government diktat so as to help ruling BJP in Karnataka.

Indian Oil Corp (IOC) Chairman Sanjiv Singh last week said that the state-owned firms were "temporarily moderating" prices to avoid sharp spikes and panic among consumers.

Petrol and diesel prices were last revised on April 24 when they were hiked by 13 paise each. But prices were frozen thereafter. This despite benchmark international rate for petrol going up from USD 78.84 per barrel, which was used for raising the price to Rs 74.63 a litre on April 24, to USD 82.98 now, according to sources privy to fuel pricing methodology.

The benchmark international diesel rates during this period have climbed from USD 84.68 per barrel to USD 88.63. Also, the rupee has weakened to Rs 67 per US dollar from Rs 66.62, making imports costlier.

Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan had last month denied reports of a directive to state oil firms to absorb at least Re 1 a litre hike by not raising prices in line with cost.

The prices at petrol pumps of state-owned fuel retailers like Indian Oil Corp (IOC) were cut by 1-3 paise every day in the first fortnight of December 2017 before Gujarat went to polls.

They started moving up immediately after polling for assembly elections in Gujarat concluded on December 14, leading to speculation that government may have asked oil companies to hold the prices.

State-owned oil companies in June last year dumped the 15-year old practice of revising rates on 1st and 16th of every month and instead adopted a dynamic daily price revision to instantly reflect changes in cost.

If this practice was followed in letter and spirit, petrol and diesel prices should have been increased by Rs 1.5 a litre in last 19 days, an analyst tracking the sector said.

The government had in June 2010 freed petrol price from its control and the diesel rates were deregulated in October 2014. Prices have since then moved more or less in tandem with international rates barring a few exceptions like the period before a crucial election.

Finance Secretary Hasmukh Adhia and Economic Affairs Secretary Subhash Garg have in the past weeks ruled out any immediate reduction in excise duty to cushion the increases warranted from a spike in international oil price.

The BJP-led government had raised excise duty nine times between November 2014 and January 2016 to shore up finances as global oil prices fell, but then cut the tax just once in October last year by Rs 2 a litre.

The government had between November 2014 and January 2016 raised excise duty on petrol by Rs 11.77 a litre and that on diesel by Rs 13.47 per litre to take away gains arising from plummeting global oil prices. This led to its excise mop up more than doubling to Rs 2,42,000 crore in 2016-17 from Rs 99,000 crore in 2014-15.

The central government had cut excise duty by Rs 2 per litre in October 2017, when petrol price reached Rs 70.88 per litre in Delhi and diesel Rs 59.14. Because of the reduction in excise duty, diesel prices had on October 4, 2017, come down to Rs 56.89 per litre and petrol to Rs 68.38 per litre.

However, a global rally in crude prices pushed domestic fuel prices far higher than those levels.

Petrol price in Delhi was hiked to Rs 74.80 per litre from Rs 74.63 while diesel rates were increased to Rs 66.14 a litre from Rs 65.93, according to a price notification issued by state-owned oil marketing companies.

After a 19-day pre-Karnataka poll hiatus, petrol price was today hiked by 17 paise a litre and diesel by 21 paise as PSU oil firms began passing on the spike witnessed in international rates to consumers. Petrol price in Delhi was hiked to Rs 74.80 per litre from Rs 74.63 while diesel rates were increased to Rs 66.14 a litre from Rs 65.93, according to a price notification issued by state-owned oil marketing companies. With this, diesel prices have touched a record high while petrol is at a 56-month peak. Oil PSUs, who had kept rates unchanged for nearly three weeks before Karnataka went to polls despite input cost spiking, reverted to daily revision in prices no sooner had the state voted to elect a new government on Saturday. State-owned oil marketing companies are estimated to have lost about Rs 500 crore as they absorbed higher cost resulting from the spike in international oil rates and fall in rupee against the US dollar. Oil PSUs, which have been since June last year revising auto fuel prices on a daily basis to reflect changes in the cost, have kept pump rates static since April 24, an analysis of daily price notification issued by oil companies showed. Oil PSUs have refused to acknowledge if the freeze followed a government diktat so as to help ruling BJP in Karnataka. Indian Oil Corp (IOC) Chairman Sanjiv Singh last week said that the state-owned firms were "temporarily moderating" prices to avoid sharp spikes and panic among consumers. Petrol and diesel prices were last revised on April 24 when they were hiked by 13 paise each. But prices were frozen thereafter. This despite benchmark international rate for petrol going up from USD 78.84 per barrel, which was used for raising the price to Rs 74.63 a litre on April 24, to USD 82.98 now, according to sources privy to fuel pricing methodology. The benchmark international diesel rates during this period have climbed from USD 84.68 per barrel to USD 88.63. Also, the rupee has weakened to Rs 67 per US dollar from Rs 66.62, making imports costlier. Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan had last month denied reports of a directive to state oil firms to absorb at least Re 1 a litre hike by not raising prices in line with cost. The prices at petrol pumps of state-owned fuel retailers like Indian Oil Corp (IOC) were cut by 1-3 paise every day in the first fortnight of December 2017 before Gujarat went to polls. They started moving up immediately after polling for assembly elections in Gujarat concluded on December 14, leading to speculation that government may have asked oil companies to hold the prices. State-owned oil companies in June last year dumped the 15-year old practice of revising rates on 1st and 16th of every month and instead adopted a dynamic daily price revision to instantly reflect changes in cost. If this practice was followed in letter and spirit, petrol and diesel prices should have been increased by Rs 1.5 a litre in last 19 days, an analyst tracking the sector said. The government had in June 2010 freed petrol price from its control and the diesel rates were deregulated in October 2014. Prices have since then moved more or less in tandem with international rates barring a few exceptions like the period before a crucial election. Finance Secretary Hasmukh Adhia and Economic Affairs Secretary Subhash Garg have in the past weeks ruled out any immediate reduction in excise duty to cushion the increases warranted from a spike in international oil price. The BJP-led government had raised excise duty nine times between November 2014 and January 2016 to shore up finances as global oil prices fell, but then cut the tax just once in October last year by Rs 2 a litre. The government had between November 2014 and January 2016 raised excise duty on petrol by Rs 11.77 a litre and that on diesel by Rs 13.47 per litre to take away gains arising from plummeting global oil prices. This led to its excise mop up more than doubling to Rs 2,42,000 crore in 2016-17 from Rs 99,000 crore in 2014-15. The central government had cut excise duty by Rs 2 per litre in October 2017, when petrol price reached Rs 70.88 per litre in Delhi and diesel Rs 59.14. Because of the reduction in excise duty, diesel prices had on October 4, 2017, come down to Rs 56.89 per litre and petrol to Rs 68.38 per litre. However, a global rally in crude prices pushed domestic fuel prices far higher than those levels.

Karnataka elections done, fuel prices hiked

Inflation based on wholesale prices shot up to 3.18 per cent in April on increasing prices of petrol and diesel as well as fruits and vegetables.

The Wholesale Price Index (WPI) based inflation stood at 2.47 per cent in March and 3.85 per cent in April last year.

According to government data released today, inflation in food articles was at 0.87 per cent in April 2018, as against a deflation of 0.29 per cent in the preceding month.

Deflation in vegetables was 0.89 per cent in April, while in the previous month it was 2.70 per cent.

Inflation in 'fuel and power' basket rose sharply to 7.85 per cent in April from 4.70 per cent in March as prices of domestic fuel increased in line with rising global crude oil rates.

Inflation in fruits was in double digits at 19.47 per cent in April, up from 9.26 per cent in the previous month.

The WPI inflation for February was revised upwards to 2.74 per cent from the provisional estimate of 2.48 per cent.

In its first monetary policy review for the fiscal, the Reserve Bank last month maintained status-quo on interest rate citing inflationary concerns.

Data on retail inflation is scheduled to be released later in the day. RBI mainly takes into account retail inflation data while formulating monetary policy.

The central bank revised downward forecast for retail inflation to 4.7-5.1 per cent for April-September and 4.4 per cent for October-March.&nbsp

According to government data released today, inflation in food articles was at 0.87 per cent in April 2018, as against a deflation of 0.29 per cent in the preceding month

Inflation based on wholesale prices shot up to 3.18 per cent in April on increasing prices of petrol and diesel as well as fruits and vegetables. The Wholesale Price Index (WPI) based inflation stood at 2.47 per cent in March and 3.85 per cent in April last year. According to government data released today, inflation in food articles was at 0.87 per cent in April 2018, as against a deflation of 0.29 per cent in the preceding month. Deflation in vegetables was 0.89 per cent in April, while in the previous month it was 2.70 per cent. Inflation in 'fuel and power' basket rose sharply to 7.85 per cent in April from 4.70 per cent in March as prices of domestic fuel increased in line with rising global crude oil rates. Inflation in fruits was in double digits at 19.47 per cent in April, up from 9.26 per cent in the previous month. The WPI inflation for February was revised upwards to 2.74 per cent from the provisional estimate of 2.48 per cent. In its first monetary policy review for the fiscal, the Reserve Bank last month maintained status-quo on interest rate citing inflationary concerns. Data on retail inflation is scheduled to be released later in the day. RBI mainly takes into account retail inflation data while formulating monetary policy. The central bank revised downward forecast for retail inflation to 4.7-5.1 per cent for April-September and 4.4 per cent for October-March.

WPI inflation rises to 3.18% in April on costlier fuel, fruits

In the wake of the stray dog menace in Uttar Pradesh, an animal rights activist has suggested that the administration should ensure that there is no “illegal extermination” of the canines as this would only “worsen” the situation and lead to more conflict.

Gauri Maulekhi, member of the Uttar Pradesh Animal Birth Control Monitoring Committee, has shot off a letter to the state chief secretary to ensure that the local administration “actively” informs the people about the scientific and legal steps that are being taken by the government and “discourage” them from taking law into their hands.

Feral dogs have created panic in Sitapur and have mauled to death around 12 children since November. Maulekhi blamed the local municipal body for “knee jerk” reactions to deal with street dogs, which she said will lead to more conflict and bites and spread of disease in the long run.

“Instead of making any effort to implement the mandatory animal birth control programme to curb population of dogs and decrease man- animal conflict, the district administration is giving irresponsible statements leading to wanton killing of animals in Sitapur. “May I please request you to issue necessary instructions to seek compliance reports from the 16 municipal corporations, with regard to the minutes of the Animal Birth Control Monitoring Committee, dated 06.09.2018,” she wrote. She also said that people should be informed about the scientific and legal steps that are being taken by the government and discouraged from taking law into their hands.

“Ensure that no steps for illegal extermination of dogs is being taken by the district administration or the municipal corporation,” she suggested. According to her, the Supreme Court had ordered the implementation of the Animal Birth Control Dog Rules, 2001 for population management and rabies eradication. The rules also prescribe the obligations of the local authorities governments with respect to capturing, sterilisation, immunisation and release of dogs to control their population, she said.

Maulekhi claimed that widespread massacre of animals is going on in Sitapur in “complete violation of the law” and in “total disregard” of the directions of the Supreme Court. “Rather than resorting to scientific and legal methods for dog population management, knee jerk reactions are being taken to deal with street dogs, which will lead to more conflict and bites and spread of disease in the long run,” she added.

She asserted that this kind of violence is totally counterproductive and will not reduce but greatly increase man animal conflict.

Gauri Maulekhi, member of the Uttar Pradesh Animal Birth Control Monitoring Committee asserted that this kind of violence is totally counterproductive and will not reduce but greatly increase man animal conflict.

In the wake of the stray dog menace in Uttar Pradesh, an animal rights activist has suggested that the administration should ensure that there is no “illegal extermination” of the canines as this would only “worsen” the situation and lead to more conflict. Gauri Maulekhi, member of the Uttar Pradesh Animal Birth Control Monitoring Committee, has shot off a letter to the state chief secretary to ensure that the local administration “actively” informs the people about the scientific and legal steps that are being taken by the government and “discourage” them from taking law into their hands. Feral dogs have created panic in Sitapur and have mauled to death around 12 children since November. Maulekhi blamed the local municipal body for “knee jerk” reactions to deal with street dogs, which she said will lead to more conflict and bites and spread of disease in the long run. “Instead of making any effort to implement the mandatory animal birth control programme to curb population of dogs and decrease man- animal conflict, the district administration is giving irresponsible statements leading to wanton killing of animals in Sitapur. “May I please request you to issue necessary instructions to seek compliance reports from the 16 municipal corporations, with regard to the minutes of the Animal Birth Control Monitoring Committee, dated 06.09.2018,” she wrote. She also said that people should be informed about the scientific and legal steps that are being taken by the government and discouraged from taking law into their hands. “Ensure that no steps for illegal extermination of dogs is being taken by the district administration or the municipal corporation,” she suggested. According to her, the Supreme Court had ordered the implementation of the Animal Birth Control Dog Rules, 2001 for population management and rabies eradication. The rules also prescribe the obligations of the local authorities governments with respect to capturing, sterilisation, immunisation and release of dogs to control their population, she said. Maulekhi claimed that widespread massacre of animals is going on in Sitapur in “complete violation of the law” and in “total disregard” of the directions of the Supreme Court. “Rather than resorting to scientific and legal methods for dog population management, knee jerk reactions are being taken to deal with street dogs, which will lead to more conflict and bites and spread of disease in the long run,” she added. She asserted that this kind of violence is totally counterproductive and will not reduce but greatly increase man animal conflict.

Illegal extermination of dogs in Sitapur would only worsen situation, says activist

Six people were killed when a bus plunged into a deep gorge on Sunday&nbsp;at Solan-Rajgarh road in Himachal Pradesh’s Sirmaur district.

The injured were rushed to a hospital in Solan, police said.

The bus was on its way to Solan. Over 20 passengers were travelling in the bus at the time of the mishap.

Rescue teams are at the spot and rescue operation is underway.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SpotVisuals?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SpotVisuals</a> from Himachal Pradesh: Six people died and several injured after a private bus fell into deep gorge near Sanora in Sirmaur district . Police says, 'Rescue operation underway'. <a href="https://t.co/jUh1vfx657">pic.twitter.com/jUh1vfx657</a>
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The bus was on its way to Solan. Over 20 passengers were travelling in the bus at the time of the mishap.

Six people were killed when a bus plunged into a deep gorge on Sunday at Solan-Rajgarh road in Himachal Pradesh’s Sirmaur district. The injured were rushed to a hospital in Solan, police said. The bus was on its way to Solan. Over 20 passengers were travelling in the bus at the time of the mishap. Rescue teams are at the spot and rescue operation is underway. #SpotVisuals from Himachal Pradesh: Six people died and several injured after a private bus fell into deep gorge near Sanora in Sirmaur district . Police says, 'Rescue operation underway'. pic.twitter.com/jUh1vfx657 — ANI (@ANI) May 13, 2018 ×

Himachal Pradesh: 11 dead, several injured after bus falls into gorge

Six Maoists, carrying a total bounty of several lakhs on their heads, were gunned down by security forces in Odisha's Balangir and&nbspKandhamal districts early today, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp

Acting on a tip-off, a team of CRPF and District Voluntary Force (DVF) officials carried out an operation in the forest areas near Dudkamal village of the district around 1.30 am, PTI reported quoting a senior police officer said.

According to ANI, the operation is still underway.

"We had information that around a dozen leftwing extremists (LWE) had assembled at a hideout near Dudkamal village. When the security personnel approached the site, a fierce gun battle broke out between the two sides, resulting in the death of two rebels. The rest managed to flee taking advantage of the darkness, Balangir superintendent of Police K Siba Subramani said.

Describing the elimination of two rebels as a "major success", the SP said the operation would go a long way in breaking the network of the Maoists in the region.

The slain extremists were identified as CPI (Maoist) members Sanjib and Rakesh. Both hailed from neighbouring Chhattisgarh, he said.

"Sanjib, a divisional committee member, carried a reward of Rs 5 lakh over his head, while the bounty amount for Rakesh, an area committee member of Balangi-Baragarh division, was Rs 4 lakh," the officer stated, adding that one AK 47 rifle, an INSAS rifle and some ammunition were recovered from the site of encounter.&nbsp

Describing the elimination of two rebels as a "major success", the SP said the operation would go a long way in breaking the network of the Maoists in the region.

Six Maoists, carrying a total bounty of several lakhs on their heads, were gunned down by security forces in Odisha's Balangir and&nbspKandhamal districts early today, news agency ANI reported. Acting on a tip-off, a team of CRPF and District Voluntary Force (DVF) officials carried out an operation in the forest areas near Dudkamal village of the district around 1.30 am, PTI reported quoting a senior police officer said. According to ANI, the operation is still underway. "We had information that around a dozen leftwing extremists (LWE) had assembled at a hideout near Dudkamal village. When the security personnel approached the site, a fierce gun battle broke out between the two sides, resulting in the death of two rebels. The rest managed to flee taking advantage of the darkness, Balangir superintendent of Police K Siba Subramani said. Describing the elimination of two rebels as a "major success", the SP said the operation would go a long way in breaking the network of the Maoists in the region. The slain extremists were identified as CPI (Maoist) members Sanjib and Rakesh. Both hailed from neighbouring Chhattisgarh, he said. "Sanjib, a divisional committee member, carried a reward of Rs 5 lakh over his head, while the bounty amount for Rakesh, an area committee member of Balangi-Baragarh division, was Rs 4 lakh," the officer stated, adding that one AK 47 rifle, an INSAS rifle and some ammunition were recovered from the site of encounter.

Six Maoists gunned down in Odisha; encounter still underway

Disgruntled BJP MP Shatrughan Sinha today hinted that he would contest the 2019 Lok Sabha polls from the constituency from where he had won in 2014, "even if the situation is otherwise".

Replying to a question, the actor-turned-politician, who was in Patna to attend the marriage ceremony of RJD chief Lalu Prasad's son Tej Pratap, told PTI, "The location (of the constituency) will be the same, even if the situation is otherwise."

Shatrughan Sinha is a Lok Sabha member from his native Patna Sahib seat for the second consecutive term.

"We are family friends. Visiting each other on such an occasion is part of our sanskar (tradition)," he said, when asked if the visit had any hidden political message.

"It has emotional value and no politics should be read into it," Sinha said, while adding, "At least for now."

After a slew of attacks on the current BJP leadership and firing salvos at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, it is being speculated whether the actor-turned-politician would be fielded by the BJP in the 2019 general election.

Shatrughan Sinha, who is popularly known as "Bihari Babu" has been at loggerheads with the party leadership ever since he was ignored during the 2015 Bihar Assembly election.

The BJP leader had also visited Lalu Prasad at the Ranchi jail, where the RJD chief was lodged after being convicted in fodder scam cases. He had yesterday congratulated Lalu Prasad on his son's marriage and for getting a six-week provisional bail on medical grounds.

After he shared the dais at an event in Patna with former Union minister Yashwant Sinha, who recently quit the BJP after consistently attacking Modi and BJP president Amit Shah, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi, through a tweet, had made an oblique dig at him, saying the "shatru" (enemy) of the saffron party should quit, instead of waiting for expulsion.

Shatrughan Sinha has previously served as a Union minister in the NDA government led by former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

(With inputs from PTI) 
&nbsp;

The disgruntled BJP MP hints that he will contest the 2019 Lok Sabha polls from the constituency from where he had won in 2014

Disgruntled BJP MP Shatrughan Sinha today hinted that he would contest the 2019 Lok Sabha polls from the constituency from where he had won in 2014, "even if the situation is otherwise". Replying to a question, the actor-turned-politician, who was in Patna to attend the marriage ceremony of RJD chief Lalu Prasad's son Tej Pratap, told PTI, "The location (of the constituency) will be the same, even if the situation is otherwise." Shatrughan Sinha is a Lok Sabha member from his native Patna Sahib seat for the second consecutive term. "We are family friends. Visiting each other on such an occasion is part of our sanskar (tradition)," he said, when asked if the visit had any hidden political message. "It has emotional value and no politics should be read into it," Sinha said, while adding, "At least for now." After a slew of attacks on the current BJP leadership and firing salvos at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, it is being speculated whether the actor-turned-politician would be fielded by the BJP in the 2019 general election. Shatrughan Sinha, who is popularly known as "Bihari Babu" has been at loggerheads with the party leadership ever since he was ignored during the 2015 Bihar Assembly election. The BJP leader had also visited Lalu Prasad at the Ranchi jail, where the RJD chief was lodged after being convicted in fodder scam cases. He had yesterday congratulated Lalu Prasad on his son's marriage and for getting a six-week provisional bail on medical grounds. After he shared the dais at an event in Patna with former Union minister Yashwant Sinha, who recently quit the BJP after consistently attacking Modi and BJP president Amit Shah, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi, through a tweet, had made an oblique dig at him, saying the "shatru" (enemy) of the saffron party should quit, instead of waiting for expulsion. Shatrughan Sinha has previously served as a Union minister in the NDA government led by former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. (With inputs from PTI)

Will contest 2019 polls from Patna Sahib even if 'situation otherwise': Shatrughan Sinha

Chaos prevailed at the wedding of Tej Pratap Yadav, the elder son of RJD chief Lalu Prasad, as an unruly crowd breached the cordon separating the pandal meant for VIPs and the media and started looting food items.&nbsp

Yadav tied the nuptial knot with Aishwarya Rai, who is the daughter of RJD MLA Chandrika Rai. Preparations were made for thousands of people gathered for the wedding.

Shortly after Tej Pratap and Aishwarya exchanged garlands, a horde of people – believed to be RJD supporters — broke the cordon and started looting food items.&nbsp

Soon the entire area was strewn with broken crockery and upturned tables and chairs, while a number of party leaders made a vain attempt to chase away intruders by wielding sticks.

Several media persons, including cameramen, complained of having been manhandled and their equipment damaged. Caterers said the unruly crowd looted some of their utensils and other items.&nbsp

Organisers had earlier said that arrangement of food had been made for around 7,000 people, but it appeared that no adequate attention had been paid towards regulating such a huge number of people.

Yadav tied the nuptial knot with Aishwarya Rai, who is the daughter of RJD MLA Chandrika Rai. Preparations were made for thousands of people gathered for the wedding.

Chaos prevailed at the wedding of Tej Pratap Yadav, the elder son of RJD chief Lalu Prasad, as an unruly crowd breached the cordon separating the pandal meant for VIPs and the media and started looting food items. Yadav tied the nuptial knot with Aishwarya Rai, who is the daughter of RJD MLA Chandrika Rai. Preparations were made for thousands of people gathered for the wedding. Shortly after Tej Pratap and Aishwarya exchanged garlands, a horde of people – believed to be RJD supporters — broke the cordon and started looting food items. Soon the entire area was strewn with broken crockery and upturned tables and chairs, while a number of party leaders made a vain attempt to chase away intruders by wielding sticks. Several media persons, including cameramen, complained of having been manhandled and their equipment damaged. Caterers said the unruly crowd looted some of their utensils and other items. Organisers had earlier said that arrangement of food had been made for around 7,000 people, but it appeared that no adequate attention had been paid towards regulating such a huge number of people.

Chaos at Tej Pratap’s wedding; RJD supporters loot food items, crockery

In a major bureaucratic reshuffle, the Himachal Pradesh government today transferred 18 senior IAS officers, including six officers of additional chief secretary rank.

Additional chief secretary-cum-Principal Secretary to chief minister Manisha Nanda has been replaced by Additional Chief Secretary (Finance) Srikant Baldi, an official release said.

Nanda has been posted as Additional Chief Secretary, Public Works Department.

Additional Chief Secretary B K Agarwal has been given the charge of Home and Vigilance department. He would also hold the additional charge of health and family welfare, the release said.

Anil Kumar Khachi, Secretary (PWD) would now hold the charge of finance, planning, economics and statistics, it said.

Additional Chief Secretary Ram Subhag Singh, holding the charge of revenue and transport, has been posted as additional chief secretary of tourism and civil aviation with the additional charge of urban development.

Tarun Kapoor, the Additional Chief Secretary of forest, town and country planning, urban development and housing has been posted as Additional Chief Secretary MPP and power, forest, environment, science and technology.

Additional chief secretary-cum-Principal Secretary to chief minister Manisha Nanda has been replaced by Additional Chief Secretary (Finance) Srikant Baldi, an official release said.

In a major bureaucratic reshuffle, the Himachal Pradesh government today transferred 18 senior IAS officers, including six officers of additional chief secretary rank. Additional chief secretary-cum-Principal Secretary to chief minister Manisha Nanda has been replaced by Additional Chief Secretary (Finance) Srikant Baldi, an official release said. Nanda has been posted as Additional Chief Secretary, Public Works Department. Additional Chief Secretary B K Agarwal has been given the charge of Home and Vigilance department. He would also hold the additional charge of health and family welfare, the release said. Anil Kumar Khachi, Secretary (PWD) would now hold the charge of finance, planning, economics and statistics, it said. Additional Chief Secretary Ram Subhag Singh, holding the charge of revenue and transport, has been posted as additional chief secretary of tourism and civil aviation with the additional charge of urban development. Tarun Kapoor, the Additional Chief Secretary of forest, town and country planning, urban development and housing has been posted as Additional Chief Secretary MPP and power, forest, environment, science and technology.

18 IAS officers transferred in Himachal Pradesh

A squall and dust storm with a wind speed of up to 109 kmph barrelled through Delhi and neighbouring areas on Sunday, affecting flight, rail and metro operations, uprooting trees, and leading to incidents of wall collapse.&nbsp;

Nine people were killed in Uttar Pradesh and another nine people have died in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, which also witnessed a storm.

Eight including four children lost their lives due to heavy rainfall and thunderstorm in West Bengal's&nbsp;Howrah while two died in Delhi.

The sky turned dark grey around 4:30 pm. Gusty winds and rain lashed the national capital, causing the temperature to drop around 10 notches.

The much-needed reprieve came after a sweltering day when the maximum temperature had reached 40.60 degrees Celsius, a notch above the normal. Humidity during the morning hours was recorded at 60 per cent, a MeT official said.&nbsp;

The strong winds knocked down a number of trees in the city.&nbsp;

Four incidents of wall collapse were reported from Najafgarh, Transit Camp, Nehru Place, Mohan Garden in Uttam Nagar and Raj Nagar in Palam, said a senior officer from the Delhi Fire Service.

Operations at the Delhi airport came to a halt due to the dust storm.&nbsp;

At least 70&nbsp;flights were diverted and more than 24 delayed, an official said.&nbsp;

Metro operations were affected at a number of stations on the Violet and Blue lines after trees fell on overhead electricity (OHE) wires.

The Northern Railways said the train movement was disrupted on the section between the Hazrat Nizamuddin and Palwal stations due to tree felling.

A few passenger and freight trains were held up for around 25 minutes because of the disruption. The Kalka-New Delhi Shatabdi Express was also stopped near Sonepat due to the uprooting of trees.

According to MeT department officials, the Safdarjung Observatory gauged 4.2 mm of rainfall. The Palam, Aya Nagar and Lodhi Road areas recorded 0.8, 6.4 and 2.1 mm of precipitation.&nbsp;

The weatherman forecast partly cloudy skies and the possibility of light rainfall tomorrow.&nbsp;

The officials said two squalls whipped through the national capital. One clocking 109 kmph hit the Safdarjung area at 4:44 pm and continued till 4:46 pm. The other gusting to 96 kmph battered the Palam area at 4:33 pm.&nbsp;

The India Meteorological Department yesterday predicted that Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh would witness thunderstorm accompanied by the squall.

Its forecast said parts of Rajasthan might also see the dust storm.

Thunderstorm over the northern hill-states and its effect in the plains is due to a western disturbance, the IMD said.

"Thunderstorm accompanied with gusty winds are also very likely at isolated places over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, west Uttar Pradesh, Vidharbha, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Telangana, north coastal Andhra Pradesh, south interior Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Lakshadweep and Kerala," the IMD said in an advisory said.&nbsp;

The sky turned dark grey around 4:30 pm. Gusty winds and rain lashed the national capital, causing the temperature to drop around 10 notches

A squall and dust storm with a wind speed of up to 109 kmph barrelled through Delhi and neighbouring areas on Sunday, affecting flight, rail and metro operations, uprooting trees, and leading to incidents of wall collapse. Nine people were killed in Uttar Pradesh and another nine people have died in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, which also witnessed a storm. Eight including four children lost their lives due to heavy rainfall and thunderstorm in West Bengal's Howrah while two died in Delhi. The sky turned dark grey around 4:30 pm. Gusty winds and rain lashed the national capital, causing the temperature to drop around 10 notches. The much-needed reprieve came after a sweltering day when the maximum temperature had reached 40.60 degrees Celsius, a notch above the normal. Humidity during the morning hours was recorded at 60 per cent, a MeT official said. The strong winds knocked down a number of trees in the city. Four incidents of wall collapse were reported from Najafgarh, Transit Camp, Nehru Place, Mohan Garden in Uttam Nagar and Raj Nagar in Palam, said a senior officer from the Delhi Fire Service. Operations at the Delhi airport came to a halt due to the dust storm. At least 70 flights were diverted and more than 24 delayed, an official said. Metro operations were affected at a number of stations on the Violet and Blue lines after trees fell on overhead electricity (OHE) wires. The Northern Railways said the train movement was disrupted on the section between the Hazrat Nizamuddin and Palwal stations due to tree felling. A few passenger and freight trains were held up for around 25 minutes because of the disruption. The Kalka-New Delhi Shatabdi Express was also stopped near Sonepat due to the uprooting of trees. According to MeT department officials, the Safdarjung Observatory gauged 4.2 mm of rainfall. The Palam, Aya Nagar and Lodhi Road areas recorded 0.8, 6.4 and 2.1 mm of precipitation. The weatherman forecast partly cloudy skies and the possibility of light rainfall tomorrow. The officials said two squalls whipped through the national capital. One clocking 109 kmph hit the Safdarjung area at 4:44 pm and continued till 4:46 pm. The other gusting to 96 kmph battered the Palam area at 4:33 pm. The India Meteorological Department yesterday predicted that Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh would witness thunderstorm accompanied by the squall. Its forecast said parts of Rajasthan might also see the dust storm. Thunderstorm over the northern hill-states and its effect in the plains is due to a western disturbance, the IMD said. "Thunderstorm accompanied with gusty winds are also very likely at isolated places over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, west Uttar Pradesh, Vidharbha, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Telangana, north coastal Andhra Pradesh, south interior Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Lakshadweep and Kerala," the IMD said in an advisory said.

Several dead as storm hits UP, AP, Delhi and West Bengal; 70 flights diverted at Delhi Airport

The maha exit poll conducted by Zee News shortly after the polling ended on Saturday predicted a hung assembly in Karnataka with no political party winning a clear majority in the 225-member assembly. According to the Zee Maha exit poll, BJP is likely to win 102 seats, Congress 92, JD-S 26 and others, including independents, 2.

This implies that no major political party will be able to reach the halfway mark of 113 seats required for a simple majority.

In such a scenario, the JD(S) led by HD Deve Gowda will assume the role of a kingmaker in the later stage of government formation in this southern state. Though the final picture will emerge only after the counting of votes on May 15, the exit poll predictions have clearly shattered the hopes of Congress to retain power in the state for the second time and the BJP, which was hoping to make a comeback, putting the ball in the HD Deve Gowda's court.

Here is what the major exit poll surveys projected for Karnataka.

-According to Suvarna exit poll survey for Karnataka, Congress is likely to win 106-118 seats, BJP 79-92, JD-S 22-30 and others 1-4 seats in the southern state.

-According to ABP exit poll, BJP is likely to win 97-109 seats, Congress 87-99, JD-S 21-30 and others 1-8 in Karnataka.&nbsp;

-Republic TV Jan Ki Baat exit polls on Karnataka assembly elections 2018 predicts that BJP will be the single largest party with 95-114 seats. Congress is likely to win 73-82, JD-S 32-42 seats and other 2 to 3 seats in Karnataka. In the 2013 Karnataka elections, Congress had won 122 seats, BJP and JD-S had ended with 40 seats each while 22 seats were won by others and independents.

-According to IndiaTV-VMR exit poll, BJP may win 87 seats, Congress 97 seats, JD-S 35 seats in Karnataka, the survey predicts a hung assembly. &nbsp;

-News X-CNX exit poll survey predicts BJP will emerge as the single largest party in Karnataka with 102-110 seats, Congress second with 72-78 seats, JD-S + third with 35-39 and others will get 3-5 seats. &nbsp;

-According to Times Now-VMR Exit poll on Karnataka Assembly elections, Congress will 90-103 seats, BJP 82-93, JDS 31-39 and others 2-4. Karnataka has a 225-member assembly of which the voting takes place for 224 seats. But this time voting was held for 222 seats only. The results will be declared on May 15&nbsp;

-Congress will emerge as the single largest party in Karnataka Assembly elections 2018 with 106-118 seats, BJP second with 79-92, JD-S+ 22-30 and others 1 to 4, according to According to Suvarna exit poll survey for Karnataka, Congress is likely to win 106-118 seats, BJP 79-92, JD-S 22-30 and others 1-4 seats in the southern state.

Polling was held today for 222 seats in the 224-seat Karnataka assembly.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
The high-stakes battle for the Karnataka Assembly ended on Saturday evening, with over 35 million voting in an election crucial for the ruling Congress as well as the BJP and the JD-S.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said he was "very very confident" that the Congress would retain power in the only major southern state it now rules even as officials said about 70 percent of the over 5.06 crore electorate had voted till 6 pm.

Voting was peaceful by and large barring a few incidents of some non-functional EVMs, missing voter names and procedural delays, a poll panel official said.

All three main contenders for power - Congress, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Janata Dal-Secular (JD-S) - claimed they would win hands down.

Voting in Chikkaballapur and Ramanagara districts witnessed a record 76 percent polling, while the average polling across Bengaluru was 48 percent till 5.30 pm.

The BJP's Chief Ministerial face BS Yeddyurappa was among the first to vote at Shikaripura in Shivamogga district. He has claimed that the BJP will secure 140-150 seats and that he will invite Prime Minister Narendra Modi to his swearing in.

Siddaramaiah ridiculed him after voting on Saturday, saying the BJP leader was "mentally disturbed" and that the Congress was sure of bagging more than 120 seats.

JD-S chief and former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda, his wife Chennamma and second son HD Revanna cast their votes in their hometown Holenarsipura in Hassan district.

Polling in Bengaluru's Raja Rajeshwari Nagar segment has been postponed to May 28 following the discovery of voter ID cards and cancelled in the city's Jayanagar seat following the death of BJP contestant BN Vijaya Kumar.

In all, voting was conducted in 26 of the 28 constituencies in the city.

Karnataka has over 5.06 crore electorate, including 2.6 crore men and 2.5 crore women. A total of 15.42 lakh voters, aged 18-19, have registered for the first time.

The highest number of voters (6.03 lakh) are in Bengaluru South and the lowest (1.7 lakh) at Sringeri in Chikkamagaluru district.

Polling was held in 58,008 stations in 30 districts, with 600 of them dubbed 'pink booths', overseen by women personnel. Over 1.5 lakh security personnel were deployed.

The vote count will take place on May 15.

In all, 2,654 candidates are in the fray, including 219 women. A total of 222 are from the Congress and BJP each, 201 from JD-S, 1,155 Independents and 800 from other national, regional and fringe parties. About 450 contestants are in the battle from Bengaluru.

Siddaramaiah is contesting from Chamundeshwari at Mysuru and Badami in Bagalkot district.

BJP's Lok Sabha member from Ballari B.R. Sriramaulu, contesting from two seats including Badami and Molakamuru (reserved) seat in Chitradurga district, on Saturday worshipped a cow and visited temples before voting.

JD-S state president and former Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy is in the fray from Ramanagara and Channapatna seats in the old Mysuru region. Yeddyurappa is contesting from Shikaripura in Shivamogga district in Malnad region.

Siddaramaiah has fielded his son Yatindra from his hometown Varuna in Mysuru district.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

According to the Zee Maha exit poll, BJP is likely to win 102 seats, Congress 92, JD-S 26 and others, including independents, 2

The maha exit poll conducted by Zee News shortly after the polling ended on Saturday predicted a hung assembly in Karnataka with no political party winning a clear majority in the 225-member assembly. According to the Zee Maha exit poll, BJP is likely to win 102 seats, Congress 92, JD-S 26 and others, including independents, 2. This implies that no major political party will be able to reach the halfway mark of 113 seats required for a simple majority. In such a scenario, the JD(S) led by HD Deve Gowda will assume the role of a kingmaker in the later stage of government formation in this southern state. Though the final picture will emerge only after the counting of votes on May 15, the exit poll predictions have clearly shattered the hopes of Congress to retain power in the state for the second time and the BJP, which was hoping to make a comeback, putting the ball in the HD Deve Gowda's court. Here is what the major exit poll surveys projected for Karnataka. -According to Suvarna exit poll survey for Karnataka, Congress is likely to win 106-118 seats, BJP 79-92, JD-S 22-30 and others 1-4 seats in the southern state. -According to ABP exit poll, BJP is likely to win 97-109 seats, Congress 87-99, JD-S 21-30 and others 1-8 in Karnataka. -Republic TV Jan Ki Baat exit polls on Karnataka assembly elections 2018 predicts that BJP will be the single largest party with 95-114 seats. Congress is likely to win 73-82, JD-S 32-42 seats and other 2 to 3 seats in Karnataka. In the 2013 Karnataka elections, Congress had won 122 seats, BJP and JD-S had ended with 40 seats each while 22 seats were won by others and independents. -According to IndiaTV-VMR exit poll, BJP may win 87 seats, Congress 97 seats, JD-S 35 seats in Karnataka, the survey predicts a hung assembly. -News X-CNX exit poll survey predicts BJP will emerge as the single largest party in Karnataka with 102-110 seats, Congress second with 72-78 seats, JD-S + third with 35-39 and others will get 3-5 seats. -According to Times Now-VMR Exit poll on Karnataka Assembly elections, Congress will 90-103 seats, BJP 82-93, JDS 31-39 and others 2-4. Karnataka has a 225-member assembly of which the voting takes place for 224 seats. But this time voting was held for 222 seats only. The results will be declared on May 15 -Congress will emerge as the single largest party in Karnataka Assembly elections 2018 with 106-118 seats, BJP second with 79-92, JD-S+ 22-30 and others 1 to 4, according to According to Suvarna exit poll survey for Karnataka, Congress is likely to win 106-118 seats, BJP 79-92, JD-S 22-30 and others 1-4 seats in the southern state. Polling was held today for 222 seats in the 224-seat Karnataka assembly. The high-stakes battle for the Karnataka Assembly ended on Saturday evening, with over 35 million voting in an election crucial for the ruling Congress as well as the BJP and the JD-S. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said he was "very very confident" that the Congress would retain power in the only major southern state it now rules even as officials said about 70 percent of the over 5.06 crore electorate had voted till 6 pm. Voting was peaceful by and large barring a few incidents of some non-functional EVMs, missing voter names and procedural delays, a poll panel official said. All three main contenders for power - Congress, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Janata Dal-Secular (JD-S) - claimed they would win hands down. Voting in Chikkaballapur and Ramanagara districts witnessed a record 76 percent polling, while the average polling across Bengaluru was 48 percent till 5.30 pm. The BJP's Chief Ministerial face BS Yeddyurappa was among the first to vote at Shikaripura in Shivamogga district. He has claimed that the BJP will secure 140-150 seats and that he will invite Prime Minister Narendra Modi to his swearing in. Siddaramaiah ridiculed him after voting on Saturday, saying the BJP leader was "mentally disturbed" and that the Congress was sure of bagging more than 120 seats. JD-S chief and former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda, his wife Chennamma and second son HD Revanna cast their votes in their hometown Holenarsipura in Hassan district. Polling in Bengaluru's Raja Rajeshwari Nagar segment has been postponed to May 28 following the discovery of voter ID cards and cancelled in the city's Jayanagar seat following the death of BJP contestant BN Vijaya Kumar. In all, voting was conducted in 26 of the 28 constituencies in the city. Karnataka has over 5.06 crore electorate, including 2.6 crore men and 2.5 crore women. A total of 15.42 lakh voters, aged 18-19, have registered for the first time. The highest number of voters (6.03 lakh) are in Bengaluru South and the lowest (1.7 lakh) at Sringeri in Chikkamagaluru district. Polling was held in 58,008 stations in 30 districts, with 600 of them dubbed 'pink booths', overseen by women personnel. Over 1.5 lakh security personnel were deployed. The vote count will take place on May 15. In all, 2,654 candidates are in the fray, including 219 women. A total of 222 are from the Congress and BJP each, 201 from JD-S, 1,155 Independents and 800 from other national, regional and fringe parties. About 450 contestants are in the battle from Bengaluru. Siddaramaiah is contesting from Chamundeshwari at Mysuru and Badami in Bagalkot district. BJP's Lok Sabha member from Ballari B.R. Sriramaulu, contesting from two seats including Badami and Molakamuru (reserved) seat in Chitradurga district, on Saturday worshipped a cow and visited temples before voting. JD-S state president and former Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy is in the fray from Ramanagara and Channapatna seats in the old Mysuru region. Yeddyurappa is contesting from Shikaripura in Shivamogga district in Malnad region. Siddaramaiah has fielded his son Yatindra from his hometown Varuna in Mysuru district.

Exit polls: Hung assembly likely in Karnataka; BJP has slight edge

People across Delhi-NCR braved a dust storm accompanied by squall on Sunday afternoon. So far, four incidents of wall collapse have been reported from various parts of Delhi.

The incidents were reported from Najafgarh, Transit Camp, Nehru Place, Mohan Garden in Uttam Nagar, and Raj Nagar in Palam.

Two fire tenders each were rushed to the areas, no casualty, injury or loss of property have been reported so far.&nbsp;

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Number of flight diversions at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport due to bad weather conditions goes up to 70. <a href="https://t.co/tdETtZNMRb">pic.twitter.com/tdETtZNMRb</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/995689878011564032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The storm affected flight, rail and metro operations across Delhi-NCR. As many as 70 flights were diverted and more than 24 delayed. Metro operations were also halted for as long as 45 minutes.&nbsp;

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Ghaziabad: One killed, 4 injured after a tree fell on them near Lal Kuan Shiv temple during the thunderstorm.
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The Northern Railways said the train movement was disrupted on the section between the Hazrat Nizamuddin and Palwal stations due to tree felling.

A few passenger and freight trains were held up for around 25 minutes because of the disruption. The Kalka-New Delhi Shatabdi Express was also stopped near Sonepat due to the uprooting of trees.

The weatherman forecast partly cloudy skies and a possibility of light rainfall tomorrow.&nbsp;

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1 woman dead & 1 man seriously injured after a hoarding fell on them due to heavy dust storm in Greater Noida
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/995693726818156545?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The officials said two squalls whipped through the national capital. One clocking 109 kmph hit the Safdarjung area at 4:44 pm and continued till 4:46 pm. The other gusting to 96 kmph battered the Palam area at 4:33 pm.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The storm affected flight, rail and metro operations across Delhi-NCR

People across Delhi-NCR braved a dust storm accompanied by squall on Sunday afternoon. So far, four incidents of wall collapse have been reported from various parts of Delhi. The incidents were reported from Najafgarh, Transit Camp, Nehru Place, Mohan Garden in Uttam Nagar, and Raj Nagar in Palam. Two fire tenders each were rushed to the areas, no casualty, injury or loss of property have been reported so far. Number of flight diversions at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport due to bad weather conditions goes up to 70. pic.twitter.com/tdETtZNMRb — ANI (@ANI) May 13, 2018 × The storm affected flight, rail and metro operations across Delhi-NCR. As many as 70 flights were diverted and more than 24 delayed. Metro operations were also halted for as long as 45 minutes. Ghaziabad: One killed, 4 injured after a tree fell on them near Lal Kuan Shiv temple during the thunderstorm. — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) May 13, 2018 × The Northern Railways said the train movement was disrupted on the section between the Hazrat Nizamuddin and Palwal stations due to tree felling. A few passenger and freight trains were held up for around 25 minutes because of the disruption. The Kalka-New Delhi Shatabdi Express was also stopped near Sonepat due to the uprooting of trees. The weatherman forecast partly cloudy skies and a possibility of light rainfall tomorrow. 1 woman dead & 1 man seriously injured after a hoarding fell on them due to heavy dust storm in Greater Noida — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) May 13, 2018 × The officials said two squalls whipped through the national capital. One clocking 109 kmph hit the Safdarjung area at 4:44 pm and continued till 4:46 pm. The other gusting to 96 kmph battered the Palam area at 4:33 pm. (With inputs from agencies)

Delhi dust storm: Four incidents of wall collapse reported

Mother’s Day, an occasion to celebrate motherhood is celebrated on the second Sunday of May.&nbsp

The mother is the one who not only gives you birth but nurtures you with love, care and affection.&nbsp

She is the one who makes you understand what’s good or bad in life and the principles that would take you forward in rest of your life.

Her complete dedication and patience in the daily struggle of raising kids in hilarious, insightful and heart-warming ways balancing with work-life deserve all appreciation.&nbsp

On the occasion of Mother’s Day 2018, it is a terrific opportunity to wish the beautiful mothers and make her feel special. It is a day to thank your mom for putting up with all your tantrums throughout.&nbsp

Here are some wishes you can send this mother’s day:

There’s nothing like a mother’s love to give us all the strength we need to succeed. Thanks for everything, Mom.

Because of you, I am me. Happy Mother’s Day!

May your Mother’s Day be filled with as much happiness as you brought to my childhood.

Thanks for giving me the best things in life: Your love, your care, and your cooking. Happy Mother’s Day!

You gave me the gift of life so our gifts to you pale in comparison. Happy Mother’s Day!

To the most awesome mother in the entire world. Here’s to the eternal love I feel for you mom! I love you! Happy Mother’s Day!

Even words aren’t enough to express my love for you, my beloved mother. I do not know what I would do without you! Happy Mother’s Day!

Dear mom, the love I feel for you cannot be described in words alone. Even a lifetime is short to tell you how much I love you! Happy Mother’s Day!

To the most beautiful woman of my life, wishing you a very Happy Mother’s Day! May you continue to be your savage self forever mom! 
Your hug is my safest place in this whole world mom. I love you. Happy Mother’s Day!

Dearest mom, I may grow old and wiser. But for you, I will always remain that child who rushed to your arms after being scared, happy or sad. Happy Mother’s Day!

Mother, on this special day, I would like to thank you for all the times you have been with me, stood by me like a rock and held my hands in the most troubled times. Happy Mother’s Day!

You have seen me through the toughest and the happiest times in life, dear mother. I do not know how would I survive in this harsh world without you. You are the biggest blessing in my life. Happy Mother’s Day!

We hope that the above Mother’s Day wishes are useful to you as you shower your mom with all praises and affection. And to all the beautiful moms you deserve the world’s attention and admiration for making every child strong enough to fight like they are. Happy Mother’s Day!

On the occasion of Mother’s Day 2018, it is a terrific opportunity to wish the beautiful mothers and make her feel special.

Mother’s Day, an occasion to celebrate motherhood is celebrated on the second Sunday of May. The mother is the one who not only gives you birth but nurtures you with love, care and affection. She is the one who makes you understand what’s good or bad in life and the principles that would take you forward in rest of your life. Her complete dedication and patience in the daily struggle of raising kids in hilarious, insightful and heart-warming ways balancing with work-life deserve all appreciation. On the occasion of Mother’s Day 2018, it is a terrific opportunity to wish the beautiful mothers and make her feel special. It is a day to thank your mom for putting up with all your tantrums throughout. Here are some wishes you can send this mother’s day: There’s nothing like a mother’s love to give us all the strength we need to succeed. Thanks for everything, Mom. Because of you, I am me. Happy Mother’s Day! May your Mother’s Day be filled with as much happiness as you brought to my childhood. Thanks for giving me the best things in life: Your love, your care, and your cooking. Happy Mother’s Day! You gave me the gift of life so our gifts to you pale in comparison. Happy Mother’s Day! To the most awesome mother in the entire world. Here’s to the eternal love I feel for you mom! I love you! Happy Mother’s Day! Even words aren’t enough to express my love for you, my beloved mother. I do not know what I would do without you! Happy Mother’s Day! Dear mom, the love I feel for you cannot be described in words alone. Even a lifetime is short to tell you how much I love you! Happy Mother’s Day! To the most beautiful woman of my life, wishing you a very Happy Mother’s Day! May you continue to be your savage self forever mom! Your hug is my safest place in this whole world mom. I love you. Happy Mother’s Day! Dearest mom, I may grow old and wiser. But for you, I will always remain that child who rushed to your arms after being scared, happy or sad. Happy Mother’s Day! Mother, on this special day, I would like to thank you for all the times you have been with me, stood by me like a rock and held my hands in the most troubled times. Happy Mother’s Day! You have seen me through the toughest and the happiest times in life, dear mother. I do not know how would I survive in this harsh world without you. You are the biggest blessing in my life. Happy Mother’s Day! We hope that the above Mother’s Day wishes are useful to you as you shower your mom with all praises and affection. And to all the beautiful moms you deserve the world’s attention and admiration for making every child strong enough to fight like they are. Happy Mother’s Day!

Mothers Day 2018: Wishes, messages and quotes

Celebrating Mother`s Day, Google today dedicated an adorable doodle to all the mothers out there.

Today`s doodle shows a mother dinosaur and her baby walking side by side showing how a mother is always there for her children, guiding and protecting them.

The day is especially dedicated to the woman who devotes all her life to the well-being of her child and in return for this selfless love from her, she expects nothing.

The custom of celebrating Mother's Day on the second Sunday of May was first adopted by the United States, following which many other countries adopted the same.&nbsp

It is celebrated on various days in many parts of the world, most commonly in the months of March or May. The modern holiday of Mother's Day was first celebrated in 1908 when Anna Jarvis held a memorial for her mother at St Andrew`s Methodist Church in Grafton, West Virginia.

Jarvis wanted to honour her mother, hence set aside a day to recognise and appreciate the devotion of all mothers towards their child or children because she believed a mother is "the person who has done more for you than anyone in the world."Happy Mother`s Day to all the lovely mothers out there!

The modern holiday of Mother's Day was first celebrated in 1908 when Anna Jarvis held a memorial for her mother at St Andrew`s Methodist Church in Grafton, West Virginia.

Celebrating Mother`s Day, Google today dedicated an adorable doodle to all the mothers out there. Today`s doodle shows a mother dinosaur and her baby walking side by side showing how a mother is always there for her children, guiding and protecting them. The day is especially dedicated to the woman who devotes all her life to the well-being of her child and in return for this selfless love from her, she expects nothing. The custom of celebrating Mother's Day on the second Sunday of May was first adopted by the United States, following which many other countries adopted the same. It is celebrated on various days in many parts of the world, most commonly in the months of March or May. The modern holiday of Mother's Day was first celebrated in 1908 when Anna Jarvis held a memorial for her mother at St Andrew`s Methodist Church in Grafton, West Virginia. Jarvis wanted to honour her mother, hence set aside a day to recognise and appreciate the devotion of all mothers towards their child or children because she believed a mother is "the person who has done more for you than anyone in the world."Happy Mother`s Day to all the lovely mothers out there!

Google celebrates 'Mother's Day' with a cute doodle

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/exit-poll-fractured-mandate-hung-assembly-likely-in-karnataka-136419">Exit poll: Hung assembly likely in Karnataka, BJP has </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/exit-poll-fractured-mandate-hung-assembly-likely-in-karnataka-136419">slight</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/exit-poll-fractured-mandate-hung-assembly-likely-in-karnataka-136419"> edge</a>

The maha exit poll conducted by Zee News shortly after the polling ended on Saturday predicted a hung assembly in Karnataka with no political party winning a clear majority in the 225-member assembly. According to the Zee Maha exit poll, BJP is likely to win 102 seats, Congress 92, JD-S 26 and others, including independents, 2.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/one-dead-4-injured-after-knife-attack-in-paris-islamic-state-claims-responsibility-136433">One dead, 4 injured after </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/one-dead-4-injured-after-knife-attack-in-paris-islamic-state-claims-responsibility-136433">knife</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/one-dead-4-injured-after-knife-attack-in-paris-islamic-state-claims-responsibility-136433"> attack in Paris. Islamic State claims responsibility</a>

A knifeman shouting "Allahu akbar" was shot dead by police in central Paris late Saturday after he killed one person and injured four, prompting a terror probe.

The attack took place near the city's main opera house in an area full of bars, restaurants and theatres which were brimming on a weekend night.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-at-least-two-dead-13-injured-after-bomb-attacks-on-churches-136435">Indonesia: At least two dead, 13 injured after bomb attacks on churches</a>

At least two people have been killed and 13 injured, AFP reported Sunday, in bomb attacks on churches in Indonesia.&nbsp;

The attacks took place in Surabaya, the country's second-biggest city.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-stops-us-diplomat-involved-in-accident-from-leaving-country-136437">Pakistan stops US diplomat involved in </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-stops-us-diplomat-involved-in-accident-from-leaving-country-136437">accident</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-stops-us-diplomat-involved-in-accident-from-leaving-country-136437"> from leaving </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-stops-us-diplomat-involved-in-accident-from-leaving-country-136437">country</a>

A US diplomat involved in a fatal road accident in Pakistan was not allowed to leave the country Saturday, officials said, a day after Islamabad imposed "reciprocal" restrictions on the movement of American envoys after Washington took similar measures.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/very-smart-and-gracious-gesture-trump-thanks-north-korea-for-promising-to-destroy-nuclear-test-site-136434">'Gracious gesture!' Trump thanks North Korea for promising to destroy nuclear test site</a>

US President Donald Trump thanked North Korea Saturday for promising to destroy its nuclear test site.&nbsp;

North Korean state media had reported earlier that the country was "taking technical measures" to dismantle its test site.&nbsp;

Read the five big stories of the day here

Exit poll: Hung assembly likely in Karnataka, BJP has slight edge The maha exit poll conducted by Zee News shortly after the polling ended on Saturday predicted a hung assembly in Karnataka with no political party winning a clear majority in the 225-member assembly. According to the Zee Maha exit poll, BJP is likely to win 102 seats, Congress 92, JD-S 26 and others, including independents, 2. One dead, 4 injured after knife attack in Paris. Islamic State claims responsibility A knifeman shouting "Allahu akbar" was shot dead by police in central Paris late Saturday after he killed one person and injured four, prompting a terror probe. The attack took place near the city's main opera house in an area full of bars, restaurants and theatres which were brimming on a weekend night. Indonesia: At least two dead, 13 injured after bomb attacks on churches At least two people have been killed and 13 injured, AFP reported Sunday, in bomb attacks on churches in Indonesia. The attacks took place in Surabaya, the country's second-biggest city. Pakistan stops US diplomat involved in accident from leaving country A US diplomat involved in a fatal road accident in Pakistan was not allowed to leave the country Saturday, officials said, a day after Islamabad imposed "reciprocal" restrictions on the movement of American envoys after Washington took similar measures. 'Gracious gesture!' Trump thanks North Korea for promising to destroy nuclear test site US President Donald Trump thanked North Korea Saturday for promising to destroy its nuclear test site. North Korean state media had reported earlier that the country was "taking technical measures" to dismantle its test site.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Asking all opposition parties to unite to fight the ruling BJP, senior socialist leader Sharad Yadav said on Sunday that he does not see any possibility of a third front emerging before the 2019 general elections.

Asked whether the efforts by TMC chief Mamata Banerjee and TRS head K Chandrashekar Rao to cobble up a federal front of regional parties would damage the opposition unity, he said, "I don't think the third front will come into existence. Wait for some time, the people trying to form a third front will themselves start talking about a united opposition."

"This time, protecting the Constitution is the challenge. I am satisfied with the success achieved in uniting all parties and organisations on the platform of a 'shared legacy' to bring India out of the trouble the Modi government has pushed it into."

The Janata Dal (United) leader told PTI-Bhasha that efforts by a few political parties to provide an alternative to the BJP and the Congress would not affect the unity among the other opposition parties to put up a formidable front against the saffron party.

Sharad Yadav said he is regularly communicating with all political parties in opposition and will unite them when the time comes.

Stressing that a united opposition is the only option, he said if the parties ignore this fact for narrow and regional gains, the BJP would teach them a lesson in the upcoming elections.

Citing his political experince of over four decades, Sharad Yadav said, "Whenever the political, social and economic situation in the country has turned delicate, opposition parties have come together to fight the opportunist forces."

He said the country's social fabric today is under duress, like it was during the Emergency.

Asked about comparing the current situation in India to that during the Emergency, Yadav said: "It is for the first time in the country that a central government is running on the recovery made from fuel prices."

Citing government data, he said the central government, which has a total budget of Rs 24 lakh crore, has recovered Rs 19.61 lakh crore by taxing the consumers on petrol and diesel. This data helps understand the amount of stress on the common people, he said.&nbsp;

Sharad Yadav alleged that economy is in bad shape following the sudden demonetisation of high-value currency in 2016 and the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax last year. He also said that the constituional provisions are regularly breached.

The JD(U) leader acknowledged that bringing together parties with similar ideologies is a serious task but said it is not impossible.

Asked if mistakes by young leaders of the Congress, the Samajwadi Party, the Rashtriya Janata Dal and the Rashtriya Lok Dal contributed to the BJP's spectacular rise, he said, "People who dismiss experience are punished, but when they correct those mistakes, they are immediately rewarded also."

He said the result is before everyone to understand.

Sharad Yadav cited the example of Akhilesh Yadav did not listen to Samajwadi Party patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav during the Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls and lost to the BJP. He said that when Akhilesh corrected that mistake by joining hands with BSP chief Mayawati for the two by polls in Gorakhpur and Phulpur, both of them emerged winners.

The JD(U) leader also gave the example of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar who walked out of the Grand Alliance with the Congress and the Rashtriya Janata Dal after more than a year of winning the state polls. But soon he lost the assembly bypolls in the state in March, Yadav said.

"So those who will not correct (their mistakes) and unite will be taught a lesson by the BJP," he said.

He said his supporters have formed the Loktantrik Janata Dal (LJD) after Nitish Kumar severed ties with the Grand Alliance, but he made it clear that he is not part of the new party. The socialist leader, however, said he will participate in the LJD's first national conference as a special invitee on May 18.

He said the LJD will emerge as an important pillar of the opposition unity in the future.

(With inputs from PTI)

Sharad Yadav said he is regularly communicating with all political parties in opposition and will unite them when the time comes

Asking all opposition parties to unite to fight the ruling BJP, senior socialist leader Sharad Yadav said on Sunday that he does not see any possibility of a third front emerging before the 2019 general elections. Asked whether the efforts by TMC chief Mamata Banerjee and TRS head K Chandrashekar Rao to cobble up a federal front of regional parties would damage the opposition unity, he said, "I don't think the third front will come into existence. Wait for some time, the people trying to form a third front will themselves start talking about a united opposition." "This time, protecting the Constitution is the challenge. I am satisfied with the success achieved in uniting all parties and organisations on the platform of a 'shared legacy' to bring India out of the trouble the Modi government has pushed it into." The Janata Dal (United) leader told PTI-Bhasha that efforts by a few political parties to provide an alternative to the BJP and the Congress would not affect the unity among the other opposition parties to put up a formidable front against the saffron party. Sharad Yadav said he is regularly communicating with all political parties in opposition and will unite them when the time comes. Stressing that a united opposition is the only option, he said if the parties ignore this fact for narrow and regional gains, the BJP would teach them a lesson in the upcoming elections. Citing his political experince of over four decades, Sharad Yadav said, "Whenever the political, social and economic situation in the country has turned delicate, opposition parties have come together to fight the opportunist forces." He said the country's social fabric today is under duress, like it was during the Emergency. Asked about comparing the current situation in India to that during the Emergency, Yadav said: "It is for the first time in the country that a central government is running on the recovery made from fuel prices." Citing government data, he said the central government, which has a total budget of Rs 24 lakh crore, has recovered Rs 19.61 lakh crore by taxing the consumers on petrol and diesel. This data helps understand the amount of stress on the common people, he said. Sharad Yadav alleged that economy is in bad shape following the sudden demonetisation of high-value currency in 2016 and the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax last year. He also said that the constituional provisions are regularly breached. The JD(U) leader acknowledged that bringing together parties with similar ideologies is a serious task but said it is not impossible. Asked if mistakes by young leaders of the Congress, the Samajwadi Party, the Rashtriya Janata Dal and the Rashtriya Lok Dal contributed to the BJP's spectacular rise, he said, "People who dismiss experience are punished, but when they correct those mistakes, they are immediately rewarded also." He said the result is before everyone to understand. Sharad Yadav cited the example of Akhilesh Yadav did not listen to Samajwadi Party patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav during the Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls and lost to the BJP. He said that when Akhilesh corrected that mistake by joining hands with BSP chief Mayawati for the two by polls in Gorakhpur and Phulpur, both of them emerged winners. The JD(U) leader also gave the example of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar who walked out of the Grand Alliance with the Congress and the Rashtriya Janata Dal after more than a year of winning the state polls. But soon he lost the assembly bypolls in the state in March, Yadav said. "So those who will not correct (their mistakes) and unite will be taught a lesson by the BJP," he said. He said his supporters have formed the Loktantrik Janata Dal (LJD) after Nitish Kumar severed ties with the Grand Alliance, but he made it clear that he is not part of the new party. The socialist leader, however, said he will participate in the LJD's first national conference as a special invitee on May 18. He said the LJD will emerge as an important pillar of the opposition unity in the future. (With inputs from PTI)

Third front not possible, opposition will unite before 2019 polls: Sharad Yadav

Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has said under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has made tremendous strides in providing energy justice to all.

Addressing a gathering at the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on Saturday, the Union minister said during the Modi government`s regime, their endeavour has been to provide affordable, sustainable and clean cooking fuel, energy and electricity to all and that has also made India an attractive investment spot, especially in the energy sector.

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Today India is the number 3 absolute energy consumer, our energy appetite is very high. Our per capita energy consumption is very modest which will increase in the coming years. So we request stakeholders to come and invest in India: Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan <a href="https://t.co/LcuQmmd7sE">pic.twitter.com/LcuQmmd7sE</a>
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"Under the leadership of PM Modi, India in the last four years has made tremendous strides in providing energy justice to all. Our government`s endeavour to provide affordable, sustainable and clean cooking fuel, energy and electricity provides a plethora of investment opportunities in India," he said according to news agency PTI while addressing over 250 Indian professionals, business leaders and community representatives working in the UAE.

Further talking about the achievement of the Modi government, Pradhan, who is on a three-day visit to the UAE, said, "It has been 70 years of Independence, still there was no electricity in 18,000 villages in last two years. But in last two months, the electricity has reached to almost every village."

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India is a new and emerging market. Downstream Investment Forum is a very important forum and UAE is a reliable partner of India. I appeal all the stakeholders in this energy business to come and invest in India: Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan <a href="https://t.co/Dp9tdFyJlt">pic.twitter.com/Dp9tdFyJlt</a>
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"In about 4 crore houses, there is no electricity. But by 2019-20, we will provide electricity to every house in the country," he added.

He further highlighted the attractive investment opportunities in the Petroleum and Natural Gas and Skill Development sectors in India and also extended an invitation to the business community in the UAE for greater collaborations and increased investments in India.

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Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan met Nasser Thani Al Hamli, UAE Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation in Dubai, UAE. <a href="https://t.co/jxfujdrtyz">pic.twitter.com/jxfujdrtyz</a>
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Yesterday, Pradhan and UAE Minister of State and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) Group CEO Dr. Sultan Al Jaber flagged off the first consignment of 2 million barrels of ADNOC crude for Mangalore Cavern on Saturday.

During the day, Pradhan also held a bilateral meeting with HE&nbspDr&nbspJaber. Minister Pradhan was accompanied by Ambassador Navdeep Suri, senior officials and CEOs for Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum and Hindustan Petroleum.

Pradhan is visiting UAE to follow up on the February 2018 UAE visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

During the visit of the Prime Minister, Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Ltd (ISPRL) signed an agreement with the ADNOC of UAE under which the latter will store about 5.86 million barrels of crude oil in India`s Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) facility at Mangalore at its own cost.&nbsp

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India is our strategic partner. We are honoured & glad about Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's participation. Proud of all the Indian companies that are looking for investments: UAE Energy Minister Suhail Al Mazrouei in Abu Dhabi <a href="https://t.co/FjiluC2jfA">pic.twitter.com/FjiluC2jfA</a>
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&nbsp

(With PTI inputs)

"In about 4 crore houses, there is no electricity. But by 2019-20, we will provide electricity to every house in the country," he said.

Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has said under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has made tremendous strides in providing energy justice to all. Addressing a gathering at the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on Saturday, the Union minister said during the Modi government`s regime, their endeavour has been to provide affordable, sustainable and clean cooking fuel, energy and electricity to all and that has also made India an attractive investment spot, especially in the energy sector. Today India is the number 3 absolute energy consumer, our energy appetite is very high. Our per capita energy consumption is very modest which will increase in the coming years. So we request stakeholders to come and invest in India: Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan pic.twitter.com/LcuQmmd7sE — ANI (@ANI) May 13, 2018 × "Under the leadership of PM Modi, India in the last four years has made tremendous strides in providing energy justice to all. Our government`s endeavour to provide affordable, sustainable and clean cooking fuel, energy and electricity provides a plethora of investment opportunities in India," he said according to news agency PTI while addressing over 250 Indian professionals, business leaders and community representatives working in the UAE. Further talking about the achievement of the Modi government, Pradhan, who is on a three-day visit to the UAE, said, "It has been 70 years of Independence, still there was no electricity in 18,000 villages in last two years. But in last two months, the electricity has reached to almost every village." India is a new and emerging market. Downstream Investment Forum is a very important forum and UAE is a reliable partner of India. I appeal all the stakeholders in this energy business to come and invest in India: Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan pic.twitter.com/Dp9tdFyJlt — ANI (@ANI) May 13, 2018 × "In about 4 crore houses, there is no electricity. But by 2019-20, we will provide electricity to every house in the country," he added. He further highlighted the attractive investment opportunities in the Petroleum and Natural Gas and Skill Development sectors in India and also extended an invitation to the business community in the UAE for greater collaborations and increased investments in India. Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan met Nasser Thani Al Hamli, UAE Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation in Dubai, UAE. pic.twitter.com/jxfujdrtyz — ANI (@ANI) May 13, 2018 × Yesterday, Pradhan and UAE Minister of State and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) Group CEO Dr. Sultan Al Jaber flagged off the first consignment of 2 million barrels of ADNOC crude for Mangalore Cavern on Saturday. During the day, Pradhan also held a bilateral meeting with HE&nbspDr&nbspJaber. Minister Pradhan was accompanied by Ambassador Navdeep Suri, senior officials and CEOs for Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum and Hindustan Petroleum. Pradhan is visiting UAE to follow up on the February 2018 UAE visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. During the visit of the Prime Minister, Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Ltd (ISPRL) signed an agreement with the ADNOC of UAE under which the latter will store about 5.86 million barrels of crude oil in India`s Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) facility at Mangalore at its own cost. India is our strategic partner. We are honoured & glad about Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's participation. Proud of all the Indian companies that are looking for investments: UAE Energy Minister Suhail Al Mazrouei in Abu Dhabi pic.twitter.com/FjiluC2jfA — ANI (@ANI) May 13, 2018 × (With PTI inputs)

Modi government providing energy justice to all: Dharmendra Pradhan

Delhi Police arrested four men Saturday for allegedly assaulting a Kashmiri woman in southeast Delhi's Sunlight Colony, a senior police officer said.

Earlier in the day, Delhi Police Commissioner Amulya Patnaik informed Union Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba that the incident was a local issue, triggered by a dispute over feeding stray dogs and had nothing to do with the woman's origin.

On Thursday night, the victims, including four women, were allegedly surrounded and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-group-of-kashmiris-get-beaten-up-by-mob-136185">roughed up by a mob</a> of around 30-40 people. A police case was registered following a complaint from one of the women. She had alleged that she was physically assaulted by the mob.

The police arrested the four men -- Kalyan, a security guard, and three locals, SN Pandey, RK Chopra and Anil Lath -- on the basis of CCTV footage collected from the area.

The complainant has alleged that they were targeted because of their Kashmiri origin.

"My sisters were abused and beaten up. I have a broken left hand and a person who had come to visit us was also attacked. It was a planned attack and the accused were carrying hockey sticks," one of the victims had told PTI.

He had claimed that the accused were shouting slogans like "Kashmiri terrorists should be sent back".

He had also claimed that they had asked for police protection on May 2, but did not get any help.

"The main culprit is yet to be arrested. We have informed the police about his involvement but they have not taken any action against him. We have not been given police protection even after the incident," he told PTI today.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti spoke to her Delhi counterpart Arvind Kejriwal today about the incident.&nbsp

Delhi Police Commissioner said the incident was triggered by a dispute over the feeding of stray dogs. Four people have been arrested

Delhi Police arrested four men Saturday for allegedly assaulting a Kashmiri woman in southeast Delhi's Sunlight Colony, a senior police officer said. Earlier in the day, Delhi Police Commissioner Amulya Patnaik informed Union Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba that the incident was a local issue, triggered by a dispute over feeding stray dogs and had nothing to do with the woman's origin. On Thursday night, the victims, including four women, were allegedly surrounded and roughed up by a mob of around 30-40 people. A police case was registered following a complaint from one of the women. She had alleged that she was physically assaulted by the mob. The police arrested the four men -- Kalyan, a security guard, and three locals, SN Pandey, RK Chopra and Anil Lath -- on the basis of CCTV footage collected from the area. The complainant has alleged that they were targeted because of their Kashmiri origin. "My sisters were abused and beaten up. I have a broken left hand and a person who had come to visit us was also attacked. It was a planned attack and the accused were carrying hockey sticks," one of the victims had told PTI. He had claimed that the accused were shouting slogans like "Kashmiri terrorists should be sent back". He had also claimed that they had asked for police protection on May 2, but did not get any help. "The main culprit is yet to be arrested. We have informed the police about his involvement but they have not taken any action against him. We have not been given police protection even after the incident," he told PTI today. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti spoke to her Delhi counterpart Arvind Kejriwal today about the incident.

Woman was not assaulted because she was Kashmiri: Delhi Police Commissioner

A brand new railway line will reduce the travel time between Agartala and Kolkata by 21 hours. The 12.3 km Akhaura rail line will pass through Bangladesh's capital Dhaka instead of Guwahati, Assam.

The present line will go to Akhaura which is linked to Dhaka Chittagong rail route and is expected to get operational by 2020.

At present, the travel time between the two cities is over 30 hours which will now be cut down to just 10 hours.

The total distance covered by the train will also be slashed to half from 1600kms to a mere 550 km.

India and Bangladesh have four operational rail links between West Bengal and Western Bangladesh.

"Kolkata is a major destination for people in this area, but as of now there was no direct connectivity to the city. The line will help not only people from Agartala but also those from Mizoram which is 150 km away," Chief engineer of the Rs 570 crore project M S Chauhan said.

The railway line is expected to facilitate freight movement. Goods from the northeastern state can now reach Kolkata in one third the time.&nbsp

(With inputs from PTI)&nbsp

At present, the travel time between the two cities is over 30 hours which will now be cut down to just 10 hours

A brand new railway line will reduce the travel time between Agartala and Kolkata by 21 hours. The 12.3 km Akhaura rail line will pass through Bangladesh's capital Dhaka instead of Guwahati, Assam. The present line will go to Akhaura which is linked to Dhaka Chittagong rail route and is expected to get operational by 2020. At present, the travel time between the two cities is over 30 hours which will now be cut down to just 10 hours. The total distance covered by the train will also be slashed to half from 1600kms to a mere 550 km. India and Bangladesh have four operational rail links between West Bengal and Western Bangladesh. "Kolkata is a major destination for people in this area, but as of now there was no direct connectivity to the city. The line will help not only people from Agartala but also those from Mizoram which is 150 km away," Chief engineer of the Rs 570 crore project M S Chauhan said. The railway line is expected to facilitate freight movement. Goods from the northeastern state can now reach Kolkata in one third the time. (With inputs from PTI)

Travel time between Agartala, Kolkata to reduce by more than half

The 72.13 per cent voter turnout in the Karnataka Assembly elections is the highest since the 1952 state polls, chief electoral officer Sanjeev Kumar said today.

"The voter turnout in the polls broke all records last night. By midnight, the figures showed that it was 72.13 per cent," he told PTI in Bengaluru, adding that the turnput was the highest-ever in Karnataka since the 1952 assembly elections.

Women and young voters exercised their franchise in large numbers yesterday, the top election official told PTI.&nbsp

Sanjeev Kumar said that the 71.45 per cent turnout in the 2013 Assembly polls was the highest in the last six Assembly elections. It was 65 per cent in 2008 and 2004, 69 per cent in the 1989 and 1994 and 69 per cent in the 1990 elections, he said.

Asked about the seizures in the run-up to the polls, the chief electoral officer said Rs 94 crore in cash, besides liquor worth Rs 24.78 crore and other items such as clothes, vehicles and electronic gadgets worth Rs 66 crore had been collected.

The official said that re-election would take place in a polling station at Lottegollahalli in the Hebbal constituency in Bengaluru since an electronic voting machine had developed a glitch.

The election for the Jayanagara seat in Bengaluru was countermanded following the death of BJP candidate and sitting MLA BN Vijaykumar on May 4.

The Election Commission has deferred the polls for the Rajarajeswari Nagar seat to May 28 after a massive row erupted over a large number of voter ID cards being found in a Bengaluru apartment. 
&nbsp 
Polling was held in a single phase in 222 out of the 224 constituencies in the Assembly, including 36 reserved for the Scheduled Castes (SC) and 15 for the Scheduled Tribes (ST).&nbsp

Karnataka has an electorate of over 4.97 crore, including 2.52 crore men and 2.45 crore women.

There were 15.42 lakh new voters, all in the age group of 18-19.

The counting of votes will take place on May 15.&nbsp

(With inputs from PTI) 
&nbsp

Women and young voters exercised their franchise in large numbers yesterday, bringing the turnout to 72.13%

The 72.13 per cent voter turnout in the Karnataka Assembly elections is the highest since the 1952 state polls, chief electoral officer Sanjeev Kumar said today. "The voter turnout in the polls broke all records last night. By midnight, the figures showed that it was 72.13 per cent," he told PTI in Bengaluru, adding that the turnput was the highest-ever in Karnataka since the 1952 assembly elections. Women and young voters exercised their franchise in large numbers yesterday, the top election official told PTI. Sanjeev Kumar said that the 71.45 per cent turnout in the 2013 Assembly polls was the highest in the last six Assembly elections. It was 65 per cent in 2008 and 2004, 69 per cent in the 1989 and 1994 and 69 per cent in the 1990 elections, he said. Asked about the seizures in the run-up to the polls, the chief electoral officer said Rs 94 crore in cash, besides liquor worth Rs 24.78 crore and other items such as clothes, vehicles and electronic gadgets worth Rs 66 crore had been collected. The official said that re-election would take place in a polling station at Lottegollahalli in the Hebbal constituency in Bengaluru since an electronic voting machine had developed a glitch. The election for the Jayanagara seat in Bengaluru was countermanded following the death of BJP candidate and sitting MLA BN Vijaykumar on May 4. The Election Commission has deferred the polls for the Rajarajeswari Nagar seat to May 28 after a massive row erupted over a large number of voter ID cards being found in a Bengaluru apartment. Polling was held in a single phase in 222 out of the 224 constituencies in the Assembly, including 36 reserved for the Scheduled Castes (SC) and 15 for the Scheduled Tribes (ST). Karnataka has an electorate of over 4.97 crore, including 2.52 crore men and 2.45 crore women. There were 15.42 lakh new voters, all in the age group of 18-19. The counting of votes will take place on May 15. (With inputs from PTI)

Voter turnout in Karnataka highest since 1952 Assembly polls: Chief electoral officer

Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar said in a video message today that he would return to his home state in the "next few weeks" from the US, where he has been undergoing medical treatment since March.

The video message was played at a BJP workers' meeting addressed by party president Amit Shah.

Manohar Parrikar said he could not attend the party workers' meeting because of his ill health.

The Goa chief minister asked the cadres to get ready for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections and said the country needed Narendra Modi as prime minister again.

Parrikar, 62, has been undergoing treatment for a pancreatic ailment at a hospital in the US. He was initially treated at Mumbai's Lilavati Hospital.

In the absence of the chief minister, a three-member advisory committee, comprising cabinet ministers, is looking after the day-to-day affairs of the government.&nbsp;

The Congress has demanded the appointment of a "full-time" chief minister for the coastal state in Mr Parrikar's absence. 
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My message to BJP Booth Karyakartas. <a href="https://t.co/cgkfIY31cF">pic.twitter.com/cgkfIY31cF</a>
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Parrikar, 62, has been undergoing treatment for a pancreatic ailment at a hospital in the US

Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar said in a video message today that he would return to his home state in the "next few weeks" from the US, where he has been undergoing medical treatment since March. The video message was played at a BJP workers' meeting addressed by party president Amit Shah. Manohar Parrikar said he could not attend the party workers' meeting because of his ill health. The Goa chief minister asked the cadres to get ready for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections and said the country needed Narendra Modi as prime minister again. Parrikar, 62, has been undergoing treatment for a pancreatic ailment at a hospital in the US. He was initially treated at Mumbai's Lilavati Hospital. In the absence of the chief minister, a three-member advisory committee, comprising cabinet ministers, is looking after the day-to-day affairs of the government. The Congress has demanded the appointment of a "full-time" chief minister for the coastal state in Mr Parrikar's absence. My message to BJP Booth Karyakartas. pic.twitter.com/cgkfIY31cF — Manohar Parrikar (@manoharparrikar) May 13, 2018 ×

Manohar Parrikar's video message: Will be back in Goa in few weeks

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday dubbed as a serious disclosure Pakistan's ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif publicly acknowledging that militant organisations were active in his country and said it proved India's position that the handlers of 26/11 Mumbai terror attack were in Pakistan.

For the first time, Sharif also questioned <a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khan-slams-nawaz-sharif-says-he-speaks-pm-narendra-modis-language-136534">Pakistan's policy</a> to allow the "non-state actors" to cross the border and "kill" people in Mumbai, according to a media report.

Also read: <a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/south-asia/nawaz-sharif-admits-pak-militant-groups-role-in-mumbai-terror-attacks--136372">Nawaz Sharif admits Pakistan militant group's role in Mumbai terror attacks</a>

Well, it is very serious disclosure. India's position has been that the mastermind of the Mumbai terror attack operated from Pakistan. We strongly believe that the handlers of the attack were in Pakistan," news agency PTI reported quoting Sitharaman.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"It (Sharif's remarks) only proves that India's stand has been right all the way, she said in a press conference in Delhi.&nbsp;

Sharif, who has been disqualified to hold public office for life by his country's Supreme Court in the Panama Papers case, said Pakistan has isolated itself.

"We have isolated ourselves. Despite giving sacrifices, our narrative is not being accepted. Afghanistan's narrative is being accepted, but ours is not. We must look into it, Sharif had told Dawn.&nbsp;

Without naming Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed and Maulana Masood Azhar's militant organisations -- Jamaat-ud-Dawah and Jaish-e-Mohammad, -- operating in the country with impunity, Sharif said, Militant organisations are active in Pakistan."

To a question on Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti's call for a unilateral ceasefire in the state during the month of Ramzan till completion of the Amarnath Yatra, Sitharaman said, I think it is important to handle J&K affairs with a great deal of sensitivity.&nbsp;

"The Indian Army will have to make sure that India is a safe country. It has to handle firmly any terrorism which threatens peace and harmony of J&K and the rest of India.

To a query on Karnataka exit polls, she said the BJP will form the government in the state as the Congress will face defeat.

On Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's comment that he was ready to make way for a Dalit to take his place in the government if the Congress leadership wished so, Sitharaman said I never heard this during the campaigning.

Sharif, who has been disqualified to hold public office for life by his country's Supreme Court in the Panama Papers case, said Pakistan has isolated itself.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday dubbed as a serious disclosure Pakistan's ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif publicly acknowledging that militant organisations were active in his country and said it proved India's position that the handlers of 26/11 Mumbai terror attack were in Pakistan. For the first time, Sharif also questioned Pakistan's policy to allow the "non-state actors" to cross the border and "kill" people in Mumbai, according to a media report. Also read: Nawaz Sharif admits Pakistan militant group's role in Mumbai terror attacks Well, it is very serious disclosure. India's position has been that the mastermind of the Mumbai terror attack operated from Pakistan. We strongly believe that the handlers of the attack were in Pakistan," news agency PTI reported quoting Sitharaman. "It (Sharif's remarks) only proves that India's stand has been right all the way, she said in a press conference in Delhi. Sharif, who has been disqualified to hold public office for life by his country's Supreme Court in the Panama Papers case, said Pakistan has isolated itself. "We have isolated ourselves. Despite giving sacrifices, our narrative is not being accepted. Afghanistan's narrative is being accepted, but ours is not. We must look into it, Sharif had told Dawn. Without naming Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed and Maulana Masood Azhar's militant organisations -- Jamaat-ud-Dawah and Jaish-e-Mohammad, -- operating in the country with impunity, Sharif said, Militant organisations are active in Pakistan." To a question on Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti's call for a unilateral ceasefire in the state during the month of Ramzan till completion of the Amarnath Yatra, Sitharaman said, I think it is important to handle J&K affairs with a great deal of sensitivity. "The Indian Army will have to make sure that India is a safe country. It has to handle firmly any terrorism which threatens peace and harmony of J&K and the rest of India. To a query on Karnataka exit polls, she said the BJP will form the government in the state as the Congress will face defeat. On Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's comment that he was ready to make way for a Dalit to take his place in the government if the Congress leadership wished so, Sitharaman said I never heard this during the campaigning.

Sharif's remarks prove India's stand: Nirmala Sitharaman

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