Aggrieved Chinese office workers have recently initiated a 'worker lives matter'&nbsp;campaign over gruelling work hours in the country.

The campaign is against the '996 work culture'&nbsp;in the country. According to this culture, people are scheduled to work from 9 am to 9 pm for six days in a week, Taiwan News reported.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/imf-cuts-chinas-growth-forecast-amid-disorderly-corporate-debt-defaults-420197">IMF cuts China's growth forecast amid 'disorderly corporate debt defaults'</a>

The campaign asks employees to share their work schedules on an open-access spreadsheet that is being circulated over the internet.

As per the updates on Thursday, the sheet had entries from over 4,000 people working in tech giants including Tencent, Alibaba and ByteDance.

Meanwhile, China has witnessed a huge backlash from the people against the dreaded work schedule in recent years, Taiwan News reported.

This 996 culture has also been publically praised by founders of China's tech unicorns, including Jack Ma, who once reportedly said that "To be able to work 996 is a huge bliss.

"But Chinese population, particularly youth emphasis on healthy life and a balance work trend with phrases such as "laying flat" and "feeling fish" being used as terms for slacking off among exhausted employees, Taiwan News reported.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/dasu-bus-blast-china-demands-38-million-from-pakistan-for-the-dead-workers-420930">Dasu bus blast: China demands $38 million from Pakistan for the dead workers​</a>​​​​​​

Besides, Chinese tech companies are also attempting to bring productivity-enhancing tools into everyday office life, worker's efficiency is being channelized into squeezing more value from employees by using software-driven surveillance management and monitoring into their professional lives.

Despite fierce criticism over such aggressive practices and complaints from employees, they have had little impact on investor sentiment, reported Nikkei Asia.

Companies are running even more brutal working hours - ByteDance allows its employees a full weekend only every other week, while employees at Pinduoduo's newer units are required to work at least 300 hours a month.&nbsp;

Aggrieved Chinese office workers have recently initiated a 'worker lives matter' campaign over gruelling work hours in the country. The campaign is against the '996 work culture' in the country.

Aggrieved Chinese office workers have recently initiated a 'worker lives matter' campaign over gruelling work hours in the country. The campaign is against the '996 work culture' in the country. According to this culture, people are scheduled to work from 9 am to 9 pm for six days in a week, Taiwan News reported. Also Read | IMF cuts China's growth forecast amid 'disorderly corporate debt defaults' The campaign asks employees to share their work schedules on an open-access spreadsheet that is being circulated over the internet. As per the updates on Thursday, the sheet had entries from over 4,000 people working in tech giants including Tencent, Alibaba and ByteDance. Meanwhile, China has witnessed a huge backlash from the people against the dreaded work schedule in recent years, Taiwan News reported. This 996 culture has also been publically praised by founders of China's tech unicorns, including Jack Ma, who once reportedly said that "To be able to work 996 is a huge bliss. "But Chinese population, particularly youth emphasis on healthy life and a balance work trend with phrases such as "laying flat" and "feeling fish" being used as terms for slacking off among exhausted employees, Taiwan News reported. Also Read | Dasu bus blast: China demands $38 million from Pakistan for the dead workers Besides, Chinese tech companies are also attempting to bring productivity-enhancing tools into everyday office life, worker's efficiency is being channelized into squeezing more value from employees by using software-driven surveillance management and monitoring into their professional lives. Despite fierce criticism over such aggressive practices and complaints from employees, they have had little impact on investor sentiment, reported Nikkei Asia. Companies are running even more brutal working hours - ByteDance allows its employees a full weekend only every other week, while employees at Pinduoduo's newer units are required to work at least 300 hours a month.

Exhausted Chinese employees start 'worker lives matter' campaign over grueling work hours

The East Delhi Municipal Corporation has intensified its drive to combat dengue, and a new awareness campaign via radio stations will be set in motion from Monday, officials said.

Over 480 cases of dengue have been reported in the national capital this season, including more than 140 in October, according to data shared by civic bodies.

Over 80 cases of dengue, 20 of malaria and two of chikungunya have been logged in areas falling under the EDMC's jurisdiction.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="Former Indian PM Manmohan Singh diagnosed with dengue, health improving">Former Indian PM Manmohan Singh diagnosed with dengue, health improving</a>

"We have intensified our anti-dengue drive as large number of cases are being recorded due to excessive rains this year. A radio campaign is ready. It will carry the message of precautions to be taken at home to ward off any possibility of breeding of mosquito larvae at home," East Delhi Mayor Shyam Sunder Aggarwal told PTI.

Besides, our dengue breeding checking (DBC) staff are going from house to house to check any breeding of dengue mosquitoes to prevent its spread, he said, and claimed that the staff has visited nearly 40 lakh households till date.

Dengue mosquito larvae breed in clear, standing water, while those of malaria thrive even in dirty water.

Cases of vector-borne diseases are usually reported between July and November, but the period may stretch till mid-December.

A senior official said a message in the voice of the mayor on precautions to be taken at home has been already recorded, and the EDMC has partnered with multiple private radio stations which will play it to raise awareness.

"The radio campaign is ready, and it will be launched tomorrow. People will get to hear the message on the airwaves either from tomorrow or the day after," he said.

Aggarwal said as part of the EDMC's intensive drive to combat dengue, fogging and disinfection exercise have been carried out at various police stations.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/what-is-mosquirix-the-worlds-first-malaria-vaccine-who-recommends-418937">What is Mosquirix, the world's first malaria vaccine WHO recommends?</a>

Of the total count of dengue cases in Delhi this year, nearly 140 have been reported this month till October 9. However, no deaths have been reported due to dengue in the city this year till now.

In September this season, 217 cases were logged in the city, the highest for this month in the last three years.

Last year, 188 dengue cases were reported in September, and 190 in 2019. In preceding years, the corresponding figures were 374 (2018), 1,103 (2017), 1,362 (2016) and 6,775 (2015), according to data shared by Delhi health department on September 22.

The month-wise distribution of dengue cases reported this year -- January (0), February (2), March (5), April (10) and May (12), June (7), July (16) and August (72).

According to the civic report on vector-borne diseases released on Monday, a total of 480 dengue cases have been recorded this season till October 9, which was the highest since 2018 for the same period.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-hospitals-run-out-of-beds-on-dengue-surge-419622">Pakistan hospitals run out of beds on dengue surge</a>

The number of cases reported for the January 1-October 9 period in the previous three years were -- 316 (2020), 467 (2019) and 830 (2018), according to the report.

A total of 1,072 cases and one death, were logged in the entire year in 2020, according to the report released by the South Delhi Municipal Corporation, the nodal agency for tabulating data on vector-borne diseases in the city.

According to the civic report, 127 cases of malaria and 62 cases of chikungunya have also been reported till October 9 this year in Delhi.

In the previous years, the total dengue cases recorded in the city were -- 4431 (2016), 4726 (2017), 2798 (2018), 2036 (2019) and 1072 (2020), as per the report.

The East Delhi Municipal Corporation has intensified its drive to combat dengue, and a new awareness campaign via radio stations will be set in motion from Monday, officials said.

The East Delhi Municipal Corporation has intensified its drive to combat dengue, and a new awareness campaign via radio stations will be set in motion from Monday, officials said. Over 480 cases of dengue have been reported in the national capital this season, including more than 140 in October, according to data shared by civic bodies. Over 80 cases of dengue, 20 of malaria and two of chikungunya have been logged in areas falling under the EDMC's jurisdiction. Also Read | Former Indian PM Manmohan Singh diagnosed with dengue, health improving "We have intensified our anti-dengue drive as large number of cases are being recorded due to excessive rains this year. A radio campaign is ready. It will carry the message of precautions to be taken at home to ward off any possibility of breeding of mosquito larvae at home," East Delhi Mayor Shyam Sunder Aggarwal told PTI. Besides, our dengue breeding checking (DBC) staff are going from house to house to check any breeding of dengue mosquitoes to prevent its spread, he said, and claimed that the staff has visited nearly 40 lakh households till date. Dengue mosquito larvae breed in clear, standing water, while those of malaria thrive even in dirty water. Cases of vector-borne diseases are usually reported between July and November, but the period may stretch till mid-December. A senior official said a message in the voice of the mayor on precautions to be taken at home has been already recorded, and the EDMC has partnered with multiple private radio stations which will play it to raise awareness. "The radio campaign is ready, and it will be launched tomorrow. People will get to hear the message on the airwaves either from tomorrow or the day after," he said. Aggarwal said as part of the EDMC's intensive drive to combat dengue, fogging and disinfection exercise have been carried out at various police stations. Also Read | What is Mosquirix, the world's first malaria vaccine WHO recommends? Of the total count of dengue cases in Delhi this year, nearly 140 have been reported this month till October 9. However, no deaths have been reported due to dengue in the city this year till now. In September this season, 217 cases were logged in the city, the highest for this month in the last three years. Last year, 188 dengue cases were reported in September, and 190 in 2019. In preceding years, the corresponding figures were 374 (2018), 1,103 (2017), 1,362 (2016) and 6,775 (2015), according to data shared by Delhi health department on September 22. The month-wise distribution of dengue cases reported this year -- January (0), February (2), March (5), April (10) and May (12), June (7), July (16) and August (72). According to the civic report on vector-borne diseases released on Monday, a total of 480 dengue cases have been recorded this season till October 9, which was the highest since 2018 for the same period. Also Read | Pakistan hospitals run out of beds on dengue surge The number of cases reported for the January 1-October 9 period in the previous three years were -- 316 (2020), 467 (2019) and 830 (2018), according to the report. A total of 1,072 cases and one death, were logged in the entire year in 2020, according to the report released by the South Delhi Municipal Corporation, the nodal agency for tabulating data on vector-borne diseases in the city. According to the civic report, 127 cases of malaria and 62 cases of chikungunya have also been reported till October 9 this year in Delhi. In the previous years, the total dengue cases recorded in the city were -- 4431 (2016), 4726 (2017), 2798 (2018), 2036 (2019) and 1072 (2020), as per the report.

EDMC anti-dengue campaign via radio stations to start from tomorrow: Official

Angela Merkel has said she wanted to stay out of the election campaign for her replacement as Germany’s chancellor. But with her party polling at record lows, Merkel used a speech to Germany’s Parliament on Tuesday to plead with Germans to keep the Christian Democrats in power.

Since late July, the conservative Christian Democrats and their Bavaria-only partners, the Christian Social Union, have been dropping steadily in the polls, while their candidate to replace Merkel, Armin Laschet, has struggled to overcome a series of gaffes that sent his own popularity plunging.

The situation has become alarming enough that Merkel has dropped the pretense of being a bystander, and in recent weeks she has been using her voice and platform to try to drum up support for Laschet and distance herself from his main rival, Olaf Scholz.

Scholz, Germany’s finance minister and Merkel’s vice chancellor, has been seeing his popularity rise, along with that of his center-left Social Democratic Party — often by positioning himself as the true successor to the chancellor under whom he has governed since 2017.

In an effort to claw back support, Laschet has taken to warning that a government led by Scholz could shift the country away from its current centrist course, especially if he includes the Left Party in any governing coalition. The Left Party has repeatedly rejected Germany’s participation in NATO missions and questioned whether the alliance should exist.

Merkel, who is not seeking another term in office, echoed that warning on Tuesday in what was likely her last speech before Parliament as chancellor, urging voters to throw their support behind Laschet when they go to the polls on Sept. 26 to elect a new government. It is the first time since modern Germany was founded in 1949 that the incumbent chancellor is willingly ceding power.

“In a few days, our citizens have to make a choice: either between a government with the Social Democrats and the Greens, that accepts support from the Left Party, or at least does not exclude it,” Merkel said, “or a German government led by the Christian Democrats and Christian Social Union, with Armin Laschet as chancellor.”

Despite Merkel’s intentions to stay out of the campaign, Tuesday’s remarks were not the first time she has stepped up to help her party’s flagging fortunes. On Aug. 20, when Laschet sought to relaunch his election campaign heading into the final weeks, Merkel praised, among other things, his Christianity as his guiding moral compass. Still, his fortunes failed to turn around.

Last week, Laschet presented a team of expert advisers he hoped would shore up his numbers, but that appears to have had little impact.

Polls released this week have shown Laschet’s party struggling to retain 20% support — a previously unthinkable position for a party that has governed Germany for all but two of the past seven decades.

Merkel also went on the attack against Scholz, who during a campaign speech last week described the 50 million Germans who had been vaccinated against COVID-19 as “guinea pigs” who had proved the safety of the vaccines.

“We were the guinea pigs for those who have waited,” Scholz told a radio station in North Rhine-Westphalia. “As one of the 50 million, I can say, it went well! Please join us!”

In her speech on Tuesday, Merkel shot back: “Of course no one of us who has been vaccinated is in any way a guinea pig,” she said, adding that all vaccines had undergone the necessary testing to be granted approval.

Scholz defended his comment as a lighthearted attempt to persuade more people to get their inoculation against COVID-19. “If some people don’t want to laugh, but get upset, maybe it has something to do with their ratings in the polls that aren’t very funny,” he said.

Long the traditional rivals of the center-right conservatives, the Social Democrats spent 12 of Merkel’s nearly 16 years in government as the junior coalition partner in her government, influencing many of the policies passed, like a national minimum wage and billions in COVID relief.

Scholz, who was initially dismissed as a viable candidate for chancellor, has surprised the conservatives with his strong showing. Headed into the race, the Christian Democrats thought their biggest challenge would be the Green Party and its 40-year-old candidate, Annalena Baerbock, who has campaigned on a promise to usher in an era of change.

Scholz, 63, has understood that after four terms of prosperity and relative stability under Merkel, Germans still value a feeling of security. He has focused his campaign on pledging to ensure jobs and working to shore up social stability by fighting child poverty and keeping housing prices in check.

“A new beginning is needed,” Scholz told Parliament on Tuesday. “I hope, and I am sure, that it will succeed.”

Angela Merkel has said she wanted to stay out of the election campaign for her replacement as Germany’s chancellor. But with her party polling at record lows, Merkel used a speech to Germany’s Parliament on Tuesday to plead with Germans to keep the Christian Democrats in power.

Angela Merkel has said she wanted to stay out of the election campaign for her replacement as Germany’s chancellor. But with her party polling at record lows, Merkel used a speech to Germany’s Parliament on Tuesday to plead with Germans to keep the Christian Democrats in power. Since late July, the conservative Christian Democrats and their Bavaria-only partners, the Christian Social Union, have been dropping steadily in the polls, while their candidate to replace Merkel, Armin Laschet, has struggled to overcome a series of gaffes that sent his own popularity plunging. The situation has become alarming enough that Merkel has dropped the pretense of being a bystander, and in recent weeks she has been using her voice and platform to try to drum up support for Laschet and distance herself from his main rival, Olaf Scholz. Scholz, Germany’s finance minister and Merkel’s vice chancellor, has been seeing his popularity rise, along with that of his center-left Social Democratic Party — often by positioning himself as the true successor to the chancellor under whom he has governed since 2017. In an effort to claw back support, Laschet has taken to warning that a government led by Scholz could shift the country away from its current centrist course, especially if he includes the Left Party in any governing coalition. The Left Party has repeatedly rejected Germany’s participation in NATO missions and questioned whether the alliance should exist. Merkel, who is not seeking another term in office, echoed that warning on Tuesday in what was likely her last speech before Parliament as chancellor, urging voters to throw their support behind Laschet when they go to the polls on Sept. 26 to elect a new government. It is the first time since modern Germany was founded in 1949 that the incumbent chancellor is willingly ceding power. “In a few days, our citizens have to make a choice: either between a government with the Social Democrats and the Greens, that accepts support from the Left Party, or at least does not exclude it,” Merkel said, “or a German government led by the Christian Democrats and Christian Social Union, with Armin Laschet as chancellor.” Despite Merkel’s intentions to stay out of the campaign, Tuesday’s remarks were not the first time she has stepped up to help her party’s flagging fortunes. On Aug. 20, when Laschet sought to relaunch his election campaign heading into the final weeks, Merkel praised, among other things, his Christianity as his guiding moral compass. Still, his fortunes failed to turn around. Last week, Laschet presented a team of expert advisers he hoped would shore up his numbers, but that appears to have had little impact. Polls released this week have shown Laschet’s party struggling to retain 20% support — a previously unthinkable position for a party that has governed Germany for all but two of the past seven decades. Merkel also went on the attack against Scholz, who during a campaign speech last week described the 50 million Germans who had been vaccinated against COVID-19 as “guinea pigs” who had proved the safety of the vaccines. “We were the guinea pigs for those who have waited,” Scholz told a radio station in North Rhine-Westphalia. “As one of the 50 million, I can say, it went well! Please join us!” In her speech on Tuesday, Merkel shot back: “Of course no one of us who has been vaccinated is in any way a guinea pig,” she said, adding that all vaccines had undergone the necessary testing to be granted approval. Scholz defended his comment as a lighthearted attempt to persuade more people to get their inoculation against COVID-19. “If some people don’t want to laugh, but get upset, maybe it has something to do with their ratings in the polls that aren’t very funny,” he said. Long the traditional rivals of the center-right conservatives, the Social Democrats spent 12 of Merkel’s nearly 16 years in government as the junior coalition partner in her government, influencing many of the policies passed, like a national minimum wage and billions in COVID relief. Scholz, who was initially dismissed as a viable candidate for chancellor, has surprised the conservatives with his strong showing. Headed into the race, the Christian Democrats thought their biggest challenge would be the Green Party and its 40-year-old candidate, Annalena Baerbock, who has campaigned on a promise to usher in an era of change. Scholz, 63, has understood that after four terms of prosperity and relative stability under Merkel, Germans still value a feeling of security. He has focused his campaign on pledging to ensure jobs and working to shore up social stability by fighting child poverty and keeping housing prices in check. “A new beginning is needed,” Scholz told Parliament on Tuesday. “I hope, and I am sure, that it will succeed.”

With her party fading, Merkel dips into the campaign fray

The shadows of history are difficult to leave, and when many are missing they become part of the present. Even after 38 years, since the end of the civic-military dictatorship of Argentina in 1983, several remain missing, and the country has launched an international campaign to find them.

The Argentine Government, the Grandmothers of Plaza de Mayo, and relatives are still looking for more than 350 granddaughters and grandsons who live with their false identities.

The dictatorship in Argentina from 1976 to 1983 saw massive human rights violations, including the abduction of about 500 babies, girls, and boys. These children, separated from their families, grew up with false identities, unknown as to who they were.&nbsp;

Since the fall of the dictatorship, 130 cases have been solved but 350 people remain missing. To find the missing, "#ArgentinaTeBusca [#ArgentinaIsLookingForYou] International Campaign has been launched.

Earlier this year, the campaign was launched by Grandmothers of Plaza de Mayo, Argentina's CONADI or National Commission for the Right to Identity, and the Government of Argentina.

Grandmothers of Plaza de Mayo is an Argentinian human rights organisation that aims to locate these children. Interestingly the organisation, chaired by Estela de Carlotto, has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize five times for the work.

Argentina's embassies and consulates, including in India, are pitching in for the campaign to find its missing. They have released a brochure that says, "Qere you born between 1974 and 1983?,&nbsp;you might be one of the granddaughters or grandsons we are looking for" with the hashtag-- #ArgentinaTeBusca.

Genetic data has also been used to identify the children who have been kidnapped. The issues still garners an emotional response in the country, with many still waiting for their loved ones to return.

The shadows of history are difficult to leave, and when many are missing they become part of the present. Even after 38 years, since the end of the civic-military dictatorship of Argentina in 1983, several remain missing, and the country has launched an international campaign to find them.

The shadows of history are difficult to leave, and when many are missing they become part of the present. Even after 38 years, since the end of the civic-military dictatorship of Argentina in 1983, several remain missing, and the country has launched an international campaign to find them. The Argentine Government, the Grandmothers of Plaza de Mayo, and relatives are still looking for more than 350 granddaughters and grandsons who live with their false identities. The dictatorship in Argentina from 1976 to 1983 saw massive human rights violations, including the abduction of about 500 babies, girls, and boys. These children, separated from their families, grew up with false identities, unknown as to who they were. Since the fall of the dictatorship, 130 cases have been solved but 350 people remain missing. To find the missing, "#ArgentinaTeBusca [#ArgentinaIsLookingForYou] International Campaign has been launched. Earlier this year, the campaign was launched by Grandmothers of Plaza de Mayo, Argentina's CONADI or National Commission for the Right to Identity, and the Government of Argentina. Grandmothers of Plaza de Mayo is an Argentinian human rights organisation that aims to locate these children. Interestingly the organisation, chaired by Estela de Carlotto, has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize five times for the work. Argentina's embassies and consulates, including in India, are pitching in for the campaign to find its missing. They have released a brochure that says, "Qere you born between 1974 and 1983?, you might be one of the granddaughters or grandsons we are looking for" with the hashtag-- #ArgentinaTeBusca. Genetic data has also been used to identify the children who have been kidnapped. The issues still garners an emotional response in the country, with many still waiting for their loved ones to return.

Argentina launches international campaign to find missing people after 30 years

According to a White House official, the US has administered 200 million doses of Covid-19 vaccine. Cyrus Shahpar, White House Covid-19 Data Director, announced the news on Twitter on Friday.&nbsp;

Around 40 per cent of US citizens have had at least one dose, and about a quarter have completed the one- and two-dose vaccinations.&nbsp;

In the US, the vaccine rollout has been accelerating as supply increases. The US seems to have been giving shots to about 1% of the population every day. The country took 89 days to administer the first 100 million doses. The milestone was reached on March 12 while the second 100 million came in just 36 days.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden had earlier said the coronavirus vaccination program he inherited from Donald Trump was in 'much worse shape' than he expected, while urging patience and also announcing the government has bought 200 million more doses.&nbsp;

Earlier, Brian Morgenstern, a former White House official involved with the coronavirus effort, said the Trump administration’s Operation Warp Speed programme had prepared plans well in advance, aided by many career officials still serving in government.&nbsp;

“That is why the new Administration’s goals were being surpassed before they even came into office. Enough with the lies, excuses &amp; political pot shots. Time to lead,” he said.&nbsp;

Trump had expressed pride in the speed of the vaccine development on his watch. “We’ve now purchased enough vaccine to vaccinate all Americans,” Biden said.&nbsp;

He said the US government has signed contracts for 100 million doses of the Moderna vaccine and 100 million more from Pfizer to help reach the target.&nbsp;

“We appreciate the confidence that the US government has demonstrated in our COVID-19 Vaccine,” Moderna CEO Stéphane Bancel said in a press release.&nbsp;

Pfizer spokeswoman Sharon Castillo confirmed that it and BioNTech had reached a deal with the US government.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

According to a White House official, the US has administered 200 million doses of Covid-19 vaccine. Cyrus Shahpar, White House Covid-19 Data Director, announced the news on Twitter on Friday.

According to a White House official, the US has administered 200 million doses of Covid-19 vaccine. Cyrus Shahpar, White House Covid-19 Data Director, announced the news on Twitter on Friday. Around 40 per cent of US citizens have had at least one dose, and about a quarter have completed the one- and two-dose vaccinations. In the US, the vaccine rollout has been accelerating as supply increases. The US seems to have been giving shots to about 1% of the population every day. The country took 89 days to administer the first 100 million doses. The milestone was reached on March 12 while the second 100 million came in just 36 days. Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden had earlier said the coronavirus vaccination program he inherited from Donald Trump was in 'much worse shape' than he expected, while urging patience and also announcing the government has bought 200 million more doses. Earlier, Brian Morgenstern, a former White House official involved with the coronavirus effort, said the Trump administration’s Operation Warp Speed programme had prepared plans well in advance, aided by many career officials still serving in government. “That is why the new Administration’s goals were being surpassed before they even came into office. Enough with the lies, excuses & political pot shots. Time to lead,” he said. Trump had expressed pride in the speed of the vaccine development on his watch. “We’ve now purchased enough vaccine to vaccinate all Americans,” Biden said. He said the US government has signed contracts for 100 million doses of the Moderna vaccine and 100 million more from Pfizer to help reach the target. “We appreciate the confidence that the US government has demonstrated in our COVID-19 Vaccine,” Moderna CEO Stéphane Bancel said in a press release. Pfizer spokeswoman Sharon Castillo confirmed that it and BioNTech had reached a deal with the US government. (With inputs from agencies)

US vaccinations reach 200 million as campaign efforts pick up pace 

Donald Trump headed to Nevada on Saturday to woo the Joe Biden supporters and raise funds for his money-draining election campaign.

The US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a> is running against&nbsp;Joe Biden&nbsp;in the upcoming <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/us-election">US elections</a> that are scheduled for November 03.

According to several opinion polls, the state of Nevada is favouring&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>. The polls have come back to haunt Trump as even in the 2016 elections, Trump was trailing behind the then&nbsp;Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton in Nevada.

This rally was important for Trump as this was his one opportunity to prove to the people of the state that he is the right fit to run the country.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-donald-trumps-nevada-rallies-cancelled-due-to-over-crowding-326452">Also read|&nbsp;US election 2020: Donald Trump's Nevada rallies cancelled due to over-crowding</a>

However, the rally attracted a lot of criticism as Trump's rallies have been hosting audiences of thousands of people, who are usually spotted without any face mask and are seen&nbsp;defying social distancing rules.

Biden used this opportunity to prove to the state of Nevada why Trump is not the right candidate. Highlighting how Trump has been carelessly hosting rallies, Biden said, "Nevadans don`t need more bluster from the president, and don`t need his reckless rallies that ignore the realities of COVID-19 and endanger public health."

"Nevada families need solutions — from containing the pandemic to building the economy back better to making quality health care more accessible to millions of Americans," he added.

Earlier, the rallies in Nevada were cancelled with the&nbsp;reason being over crowd-size restrictions. The party was not given permit, but Trump decided to visit the state irrespective of the warnings issued by the local authorities.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-donald-trump-admits-downplaying-seriousness-of-covid-19-326412">Also read|&nbsp;US election 2020: Donald Trump admits 'downplaying' seriousness of COVID-19</a>

"The Governor’s Office had no involvement or communication with the event organizers or potential hosts regarding the proposed campaign events advertised by the Trump campaign," Nevada’s Governor Steve Sisolak had earlier tweeted.

Trump's campaign had alleged&nbsp;Sisolak of manipulating the 'Trump supporters' and had accused the governor of not allowing him to visit his supporters.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-seeks-to-ramp-up-big-small-dollar-fundraising-citing-money-crunch-327057">Also read|&nbsp;Trump seeks to ramp up big, small dollar fundraising citing money crunch</a>

Cash crunch&nbsp;

This rally was also important for trump as his re-election campaign has run his pocket dry. Trump is facing a cash crunch and was hoping to raise some money through donations during this rally.

A Republican official said some $18 million would be raised over the weekend through events in Washington and Nevada.

Trump will hold a rally in Reno on Saturday evening, a "Latinos for Trump" event and another rally in Las Vegas on Sunday, followed by a campaign event in Phoenix on Monday. He is also planning to make a stop in Californis to assess the damage caused by the huge wildfires.

Donald Trump headed to Nevada on Saturday to woo the Joe Biden supporters and raise funds for his money-draining election campaign. The US President Donald Trump is running against Joe Biden in the upcoming US elections that are scheduled for November 03.

Donald Trump headed to Nevada on Saturday to woo the Joe Biden supporters and raise funds for his money-draining election campaign. The US President Donald Trump is running against Joe Biden in the upcoming US elections that are scheduled for November 03. According to several opinion polls, the state of Nevada is favouring Joe Biden. The polls have come back to haunt Trump as even in the 2016 elections, Trump was trailing behind the then Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton in Nevada. This rally was important for Trump as this was his one opportunity to prove to the people of the state that he is the right fit to run the country. Also read| US election 2020: Donald Trump's Nevada rallies cancelled due to over-crowding However, the rally attracted a lot of criticism as Trump's rallies have been hosting audiences of thousands of people, who are usually spotted without any face mask and are seen defying social distancing rules. Biden used this opportunity to prove to the state of Nevada why Trump is not the right candidate. Highlighting how Trump has been carelessly hosting rallies, Biden said, "Nevadans don`t need more bluster from the president, and don`t need his reckless rallies that ignore the realities of COVID-19 and endanger public health." "Nevada families need solutions — from containing the pandemic to building the economy back better to making quality health care more accessible to millions of Americans," he added. Earlier, the rallies in Nevada were cancelled with the reason being over crowd-size restrictions. The party was not given permit, but Trump decided to visit the state irrespective of the warnings issued by the local authorities. Also read| US election 2020: Donald Trump admits 'downplaying' seriousness of COVID-19 "The Governor’s Office had no involvement or communication with the event organizers or potential hosts regarding the proposed campaign events advertised by the Trump campaign," Nevada’s Governor Steve Sisolak had earlier tweeted. Trump's campaign had alleged Sisolak of manipulating the 'Trump supporters' and had accused the governor of not allowing him to visit his supporters. Also read| Trump seeks to ramp up big, small dollar fundraising citing money crunch Cash crunch This rally was also important for trump as his re-election campaign has run his pocket dry. Trump is facing a cash crunch and was hoping to raise some money through donations during this rally. A Republican official said some $18 million would be raised over the weekend through events in Washington and Nevada. Trump will hold a rally in Reno on Saturday evening, a "Latinos for Trump" event and another rally in Las Vegas on Sunday, followed by a campaign event in Phoenix on Monday. He is also planning to make a stop in Californis to assess the damage caused by the huge wildfires.

US election 2020: Donald Trump heads to Nevada to raise funds for election campaign

Manchester United's Marcus Rashford is set to become the youngest recipient of an honorary doctorate from the University of Manchester because of his campaign on Wednesday.

Manchester United's Marcus Rashford is set to become the youngest recipient of an honorary doctorate from the University of Manchester because of his campaign on Wednesday. Rashford has led a campaign to help the poor needy children. Brits across the country praised the player for his successful initiative for school food vouchers to be provided over the summer holidays in Britain, revealing that he had relied on such support as a boy. Manchester United's legendary coach Alex Ferguson and England's football great Bobby Charlton have received the honorary doctorate and the 22-year-old player will be the youngest to join the club. "It's a proud day for myself and my family. When you look at the great names that have been awarded this doctorate in the past, it's humbling," Rashford told United's website. "We still have a long way to go in the fight to combat child poverty in this country but receiving recognition from your city means we're heading in the right direction... that means a lot." The star forward has also raised around 20 million pounds with charity Fareshare UK to supply meals to struggling families during the coronavirus pandemic. United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer told reporters later that he was proud of Rashford and described him as a "great person and human being". "He cares about others so much more than himself. I'm very proud of him and hopefully he can keep his personality for the rest of his life and be himself," Solskjaer said. (Inputs from Reuters)

Man Utd forward Rashford becomes youngest recipient to receive Manchester honorary doctorate

U.S. President Donald Trump and the Republican National Committee (RNC) raised $74 million in May, Trump's re-election campaign announced on Saturday, short of Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden's haul of for the month.

Trump's fundraising, up from $61.7 million in April, comes as the president is set to hold his first major campaign event since the coronavirus pandemic shut down most campaigning with a rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on Saturday.

Former Vice President Biden and the Democratic National Committee (DNC) raised $80.8 million in May, their largest single month of fundraising.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/coronapalooza-twitter-users-give-another-name-to-trumps-tulsa-rally-307206">Also read|&nbsp;Coronapalooza: Twitter users give another name to Trump's Tulsa rally</a>

The Trump campaign and the RNC hold a massive cash advantage over Biden ahead of the Nov. 3 election, however, amassing a total of $817 million in three years of fundraising, according to a statement.

The Trump campaign and RNC's joint fundraising committees had $265 million in cash on hand, and recently hired 300 new staff in "target states," it said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-prosecutor-who-has-investigated-trump-lawyer-refuses-resign-307237">Also read|&nbsp;US prosecutor who has investigated Trump lawyer refuses resign</a>

Trump's fundraising has regularly outstripped Biden's presidential campaign, which was only launched in April last year and fought a competitive Democratic primary campaign.

But since becoming the Democratic Party's presumptive nominee in April, Biden has built a lead over Trump in national opinion polls, amid the twin crises of the coronavirus pandemic and civil unrest over police brutality in many U.S. cities.

Biden announced his first major advertising blitz on this week, launching $15 million in TV and digital ads in the crucial states of Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, Arizona, Florida and North Carolina, all states Trump won in 2016.

U.S. President Donald Trump and the Republican National Committee (RNC) raised $74 million in May, Trump's re-election campaign announced on Saturday, short of Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden's haul of for the month.

U.S. President Donald Trump and the Republican National Committee (RNC) raised $74 million in May, Trump's re-election campaign announced on Saturday, short of Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden's haul of for the month. Trump's fundraising, up from $61.7 million in April, comes as the president is set to hold his first major campaign event since the coronavirus pandemic shut down most campaigning with a rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on Saturday. Former Vice President Biden and the Democratic National Committee (DNC) raised $80.8 million in May, their largest single month of fundraising. Also read| Coronapalooza: Twitter users give another name to Trump's Tulsa rally The Trump campaign and the RNC hold a massive cash advantage over Biden ahead of the Nov. 3 election, however, amassing a total of $817 million in three years of fundraising, according to a statement. The Trump campaign and RNC's joint fundraising committees had $265 million in cash on hand, and recently hired 300 new staff in "target states," it said. Also read| US prosecutor who has investigated Trump lawyer refuses resign Trump's fundraising has regularly outstripped Biden's presidential campaign, which was only launched in April last year and fought a competitive Democratic primary campaign. But since becoming the Democratic Party's presumptive nominee in April, Biden has built a lead over Trump in national opinion polls, amid the twin crises of the coronavirus pandemic and civil unrest over police brutality in many U.S. cities. Biden announced his first major advertising blitz on this week, launching $15 million in TV and digital ads in the crucial states of Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, Arizona, Florida and North Carolina, all states Trump won in 2016.

Trump campaign raised 74 million dollars in May, short of Biden's haul

Britain's main political party leaders are continuing to push their election pledges to voters, as the campaign enters its final stretch.

Ahead of Thursday polls, the candidates were seen travelling around the country in a bid to shore up support and spread their election messages. 
&nbsp; 
From cosplaying a Football Goalie to a Barista, these leaders are leaving no stone unturned to win the hearts and minds of the people of the United Kingdom.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
In the latest move, to woo the Indian origin voters, Boris Johnson visited a Swami-Narayan ‌temple in London at the occasion of a traditional Hindu festival. He offered prayers and spoke to community leaders, children and addressed an audience. 
&nbsp; 
Johnson also spoke on strengthening ties with India under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 
&nbsp; 
A day after the Conservative Party announced its plans to invest $706 million for a bid to host the 2030 World Cup, Johnson himself entered the football field to play around with children in the city of Cheadle. 
&nbsp; 
Meanwhile, the main opposition party leader Jeremy Corbyn did a 'Barista style' campaign in Wales Bakery, where he handed out cookies and made the famous Welsh espresso for the customers at the bakery shop. 
&nbsp; 
Jeremy Corbyn also visited a primary school in Peterborough and interacted with the kids and the staff. Corbyn's visit came just a day after the Labour Party announced to cap class sizes to 30 and recruit nearly 20,000 extra teachers over five years. 
&nbsp; 
Leader of the Liberal Democrats Jo Swinson tried her hand at tennis during a campaign event in Shinfield. 
&nbsp; 
The Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage visited small businesses in the English town of Sedgefield. 
&nbsp; 
According to a panel-based survey in the UK, the polls show Johnson's governing party well ahead of Labour. 
&nbsp; 
The survey shows the Conservatives extending their lead slightly over the opposition party to nine points, up from eight a week ago. 
&nbsp; 
Johnson, who renegotiated a new divorce deal with the European Union in October, has promised to get Brexit done, a pitch he has constantly repeated during all his campaigning to try to win over supporters who backed Brexit, and those who are simply fed up of the political haggling over the issue. 
&nbsp; 
In 2016, Britons had voted by 52 per cent to 48 per cent for Brexit but Parliament has been stuck in a deadlock for almost three years now. 
&nbsp; 
If Johnson wins the majority, Britain will leave the European Union by January 31, 2020, and then seek to secure a trade deal with the bloc by the end of 2020, as per Johnson's plans and promises.

(With inputs from agencies)

Britain's main political party leaders are continuing to push their election pledges to voters, as the campaign enters its final stretch. Ahead of Thursday polls, the candidates were seen travelling around the country in a bid to shore up support and spread their election messages.

Britain's main political party leaders are continuing to push their election pledges to voters, as the campaign enters its final stretch. Ahead of Thursday polls, the candidates were seen travelling around the country in a bid to shore up support and spread their election messages. From cosplaying a Football Goalie to a Barista, these leaders are leaving no stone unturned to win the hearts and minds of the people of the United Kingdom. In the latest move, to woo the Indian origin voters, Boris Johnson visited a Swami-Narayan ‌temple in London at the occasion of a traditional Hindu festival. He offered prayers and spoke to community leaders, children and addressed an audience. Johnson also spoke on strengthening ties with India under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. A day after the Conservative Party announced its plans to invest $706 million for a bid to host the 2030 World Cup, Johnson himself entered the football field to play around with children in the city of Cheadle. Meanwhile, the main opposition party leader Jeremy Corbyn did a 'Barista style' campaign in Wales Bakery, where he handed out cookies and made the famous Welsh espresso for the customers at the bakery shop. Jeremy Corbyn also visited a primary school in Peterborough and interacted with the kids and the staff. Corbyn's visit came just a day after the Labour Party announced to cap class sizes to 30 and recruit nearly 20,000 extra teachers over five years. Leader of the Liberal Democrats Jo Swinson tried her hand at tennis during a campaign event in Shinfield. The Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage visited small businesses in the English town of Sedgefield. According to a panel-based survey in the UK, the polls show Johnson's governing party well ahead of Labour. The survey shows the Conservatives extending their lead slightly over the opposition party to nine points, up from eight a week ago. Johnson, who renegotiated a new divorce deal with the European Union in October, has promised to get Brexit done, a pitch he has constantly repeated during all his campaigning to try to win over supporters who backed Brexit, and those who are simply fed up of the political haggling over the issue. In 2016, Britons had voted by 52 per cent to 48 per cent for Brexit but Parliament has been stuck in a deadlock for almost three years now. If Johnson wins the majority, Britain will leave the European Union by January 31, 2020, and then seek to secure a trade deal with the bloc by the end of 2020, as per Johnson's plans and promises. (With inputs from agencies)

UK election: From cosplaying Football goalie to Barista, Political leaders try to gather votes as Britain enters final stretch of campaign

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px; color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; text-align: justify;">The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has launched its cinema ad campaign 'Feed Our Future'&nbsp;in India. Based on last year’s success, WFP is again collaborating with UFO Moviez - India's largest in-cinema advertising platform and SAWA -the Global Cinema Advertising Association, for the second time to raise awareness on hunger and malnutrition, a reality facing millions of people around the world.

<p style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; margin-bottom: 17.4pt; text-align: justify; background: white;">The campaign launch event included a panel discussion hosted by TV host Mini Mathur, featuring actress and director Nandita Das and filmmakers Neeraj Ghaywan and Anubhav Sinha, all of whom shared their perspectives over cinema and social change. Through a partnership with Facebook, the event took place via a live broadcast from the social network's Mumbai office. The campaign is also being supported by Showbox Music TV Channel, LF (Living Foodz TV Channel) and Red FM 93.5.

<p style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; margin-bottom: 17.4pt; text-align: justify; background: white;"><a name="m_4700947342058851984_m_-6805868577164424772__Hlk21964702">Cinema does not create revolutions but has the power to inform, create empathy, challenge prejudices and ask uncomfortable questions. Films hold a special place for Indians as it's one of the primary sources of entertainment, traversing through time and space. It crosses borders and speaks to a variety of audiences.</a> 
<a name="m_4700947342058851984_m_-6805868577164424772__Hlk21964702" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"> 
Feed Our Future campaign has a much needed and powerful message that will connect with the audiences and garner the support it deserves. the critical issue of hunger and malnutrition in India needs urgent attention”, said Nandita Das.</a> 
 
The creative force behind the new advertisement is Sir John Hegarty, of The Garage SOHO. The advert highlights the potential loss to the world when children's voices are silenced due to hunger. The poignant narrative of the ad sees a group of Syrian refugee children who were selected from the local community playing in rubble and gazing out of bombed-out buildings in an apparent war zone. 
 
''We think that this year's campaign is even more emotionally engaging, and we expect more people will respond to our call. In a world full of noise, cinema has proven incredibly effective for us at cutting through to not only establish our brand but also to convert cinema-goers into active supporters and donors'', said&nbsp;Corinne Woods, Chief Marketing Officer at WFP. 
&nbsp; 
Last year's global results showed the advertisement helped to double awareness of WFP among those who saw it and raised more than half a million dollars through online giving and through a 38% increase in downloads of WFP's Share the Meal donation App. 
 
''UFO was the India partner for UNWFP's 2018 campaign and it was a very successful campaign for WFP, learning of the successes of last year, we are pleased to extend our UNWFP partnership into 2019. We are very confident that the partnership will help drive the message of zero hunger deeper into the hearts &amp; minds of India,''&nbsp;said Mr. Siddharth Bhardwaj, Chief Marketing Officer, UFO Moviez, India's largest in-cinema advertising platform.&nbsp; 
 
''We strongly believe that Big Ideas need the Big screen to make an impact. UNWFP's campaign will run across UFO Moviez network of 3500+ screens, the campaign is packaged in an emotionally stirring 70-sec ad film and is scheduled to run for a period of eight weeks. We are certain that our network of cinema screens coupled with the powerful message crafted by Sir John Hegarty will help UNWFP engage with the Indian audience and inspire people to support an important cause of eliminating hunger from our planet”, he added. 
 
Celebrity nutritionist Pooja Makhija, who just released her book 'N for Nourish', spoke about the importance of nutrition during the first 1000 days of a child's life. Celebrities including actors Gul Panag and Minissha Lamba and director Mira Nair also lent their support to the campaign.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has launched its cinema ad campaign 'Feed Our Future' in India. Based on last year’s success, WFP is again collaborating with UFO Moviez - India's largest in-cinema advertising platform and SAWA -the Global Cinema Advertising Association, for the second time to raise awareness on hunger and malnutrition, a reality facing millions of people around the world.

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has launched its cinema ad campaign 'Feed Our Future' in India. Based on last year’s success, WFP is again collaborating with UFO Moviez - India's largest in-cinema advertising platform and SAWA -the Global Cinema Advertising Association, for the second time to raise awareness on hunger and malnutrition, a reality facing millions of people around the world. The campaign launch event included a panel discussion hosted by TV host Mini Mathur, featuring actress and director Nandita Das and filmmakers Neeraj Ghaywan and Anubhav Sinha, all of whom shared their perspectives over cinema and social change. Through a partnership with Facebook, the event took place via a live broadcast from the social network's Mumbai office. The campaign is also being supported by Showbox Music TV Channel, LF (Living Foodz TV Channel) and Red FM 93.5. Cinema does not create revolutions but has the power to inform, create empathy, challenge prejudices and ask uncomfortable questions. Films hold a special place for Indians as it's one of the primary sources of entertainment, traversing through time and space. It crosses borders and speaks to a variety of audiences. Feed Our Future campaign has a much needed and powerful message that will connect with the audiences and garner the support it deserves. the critical issue of hunger and malnutrition in India needs urgent attention”, said Nandita Das. The creative force behind the new advertisement is Sir John Hegarty, of The Garage SOHO. The advert highlights the potential loss to the world when children's voices are silenced due to hunger. The poignant narrative of the ad sees a group of Syrian refugee children who were selected from the local community playing in rubble and gazing out of bombed-out buildings in an apparent war zone. ''We think that this year's campaign is even more emotionally engaging, and we expect more people will respond to our call. In a world full of noise, cinema has proven incredibly effective for us at cutting through to not only establish our brand but also to convert cinema-goers into active supporters and donors'', said Corinne Woods, Chief Marketing Officer at WFP. Last year's global results showed the advertisement helped to double awareness of WFP among those who saw it and raised more than half a million dollars through online giving and through a 38% increase in downloads of WFP's Share the Meal donation App. ''UFO was the India partner for UNWFP's 2018 campaign and it was a very successful campaign for WFP, learning of the successes of last year, we are pleased to extend our UNWFP partnership into 2019. We are very confident that the partnership will help drive the message of zero hunger deeper into the hearts & minds of India,'' said Mr. Siddharth Bhardwaj, Chief Marketing Officer, UFO Moviez, India's largest in-cinema advertising platform. ''We strongly believe that Big Ideas need the Big screen to make an impact. UNWFP's campaign will run across UFO Moviez network of 3500+ screens, the campaign is packaged in an emotionally stirring 70-sec ad film and is scheduled to run for a period of eight weeks. We are certain that our network of cinema screens coupled with the powerful message crafted by Sir John Hegarty will help UNWFP engage with the Indian audience and inspire people to support an important cause of eliminating hunger from our planet”, he added. Celebrity nutritionist Pooja Makhija, who just released her book 'N for Nourish', spoke about the importance of nutrition during the first 1000 days of a child's life. Celebrities including actors Gul Panag and Minissha Lamba and director Mira Nair also lent their support to the campaign.

United Nations launches 'Feed Our Future' cinema ad campaign in India

Mozambique began voting in a general election on Tuesday that some fear could test the country's fragile peace, after a heated campaign marred by violence and allegations of electoral fraud.

The Frelimo party, which has ruled the impoverished southern African nation since independence from Portugal in 1975, is widely expected to again beat its arch-rival Renamo, a former rebel group turned main opposition party.

President Filipe Nyusi, who cast his ballot as polls opened at 7:00 am, called on voters to show "the world we stand for democracy and tolerance".

"Mozambique has chosen to move forward peacefully," he said, adding that more than 4,000 observers had been deployed in the most-watched election in the country's history.

"Let's continue this process in a serene way. Peace means that everything must be done according to the rules."

Nyusi, 60, is forecast to win a second five-year term despite his popularity taking a hit from chronic unrest and a financial crisis linked to alleged state corruption.

While the election is expected to see regional wins for Renamo, few think Frelimo will be unseated from government after 44 years at the helm.

"Frelimo is a machine," said Castro Davis, a 42-year-old public servant in the capital Maputo, predicting a "straight-forward victory."&nbsp;

Elena Jorge, 50, told AFP she wants Renamo to win "but people know that these elections will not be free, fair or transparent -- but we have hope."

Around 13 million of Mozambique's 30 million citizens are registered to vote at more than 20,000 polling booths, which close at 6:00 pm.

'Test for democracy'

Renamo is predicted to take control of three to five of Mozambique's 10 provinces for the first time following a change of law allowing voters to elect provincial governors.

"This election will be a test for democracy," said Ericino de Salema of the Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa.

"For the first time, the political geography of the country may change substantially, it may even lead to confrontation."

Renamo's candidate Ossufo Momade, 58, heads a party of former anti-communist rebels who fought a brutal civil war with Frelimo from 1975-1992, devastating the economy and leaving almost one million people dead.&nbsp;

Renamo picked up arms again in 2013 to 2016, but tension continued until Nyusi and Momade signed a peace deal in August.&nbsp;

But an armed breakaway faction of Renamo has rejected Momade's candidacy and threatened to attack campaign events, raising fears the presidential, parliamentary and provincial polls could be marred by bloodshed.

The six-week campaign was one of the most violent in the country's turbulent history, with candidates threatened, election material destroyed, and deadly clashes breaking out between supporters.

The opposition has already accused Frelimo of tampering with the vote.

Enrolment has more than doubled in the southeastern Gaza province, a Frelimo bastion, and civil society groups have expressed concern about the size of the increase.

They also estimate that there are around 300,000 "ghost voters" on electoral rolls -- names on the electoral roll not aligned with real, potential voters.

"We definitely have some irregularities that put stains on the whole process," said Hermenegildo Mulhovo of election monitoring group Sala da Paz.

The situation escalated last week, when the head of a local election observation mission was shot dead by members of a special police unit in Gaza's capital Xai-Xai.

Lutero Simango, an MP of the country's third-biggest party MDM, accused Frelimo of "using all state means, including police and secret services, to intimidate people".

Scandals and setbacks

Frelimo suffered its worst result at the ballot box -- 51.8 per cent -- in local elections last year and has been severely weakened in recent years.

In 2016 it was revealed the government secretly borrowed $2 billion, sparking the worst financial crisis in the country's history and uncovering a vast corruption network with links to the regime.

The government is also battling to recover from two devastating cyclones in March which displaced nearly two million people.&nbsp;

And a shadowy jihadist insurgency that has killed hundreds in the far north has delayed development of one of the government's biggest selling points -- the discovery of vast gas reserves that is hoped to put billions in state coffers and lift millions out of poverty.

The instability has already forced the National Election Commission to close 10 polling booths.

Preliminary results are expected to be announced on Thursday.&nbsp;

Mozambique began voting in a general election on Tuesday that some fear could test the country's fragile peace, after a heated campaign marred by violence and allegations of electoral fraud.

Mozambique began voting in a general election on Tuesday that some fear could test the country's fragile peace, after a heated campaign marred by violence and allegations of electoral fraud. The Frelimo party, which has ruled the impoverished southern African nation since independence from Portugal in 1975, is widely expected to again beat its arch-rival Renamo, a former rebel group turned main opposition party. President Filipe Nyusi, who cast his ballot as polls opened at 7:00 am, called on voters to show "the world we stand for democracy and tolerance". "Mozambique has chosen to move forward peacefully," he said, adding that more than 4,000 observers had been deployed in the most-watched election in the country's history. "Let's continue this process in a serene way. Peace means that everything must be done according to the rules." Nyusi, 60, is forecast to win a second five-year term despite his popularity taking a hit from chronic unrest and a financial crisis linked to alleged state corruption. While the election is expected to see regional wins for Renamo, few think Frelimo will be unseated from government after 44 years at the helm. "Frelimo is a machine," said Castro Davis, a 42-year-old public servant in the capital Maputo, predicting a "straight-forward victory." Elena Jorge, 50, told AFP she wants Renamo to win "but people know that these elections will not be free, fair or transparent -- but we have hope." Around 13 million of Mozambique's 30 million citizens are registered to vote at more than 20,000 polling booths, which close at 6:00 pm. 'Test for democracy' Renamo is predicted to take control of three to five of Mozambique's 10 provinces for the first time following a change of law allowing voters to elect provincial governors. "This election will be a test for democracy," said Ericino de Salema of the Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa. "For the first time, the political geography of the country may change substantially, it may even lead to confrontation." Renamo's candidate Ossufo Momade, 58, heads a party of former anti-communist rebels who fought a brutal civil war with Frelimo from 1975-1992, devastating the economy and leaving almost one million people dead. Renamo picked up arms again in 2013 to 2016, but tension continued until Nyusi and Momade signed a peace deal in August. But an armed breakaway faction of Renamo has rejected Momade's candidacy and threatened to attack campaign events, raising fears the presidential, parliamentary and provincial polls could be marred by bloodshed. The six-week campaign was one of the most violent in the country's turbulent history, with candidates threatened, election material destroyed, and deadly clashes breaking out between supporters. The opposition has already accused Frelimo of tampering with the vote. Enrolment has more than doubled in the southeastern Gaza province, a Frelimo bastion, and civil society groups have expressed concern about the size of the increase. They also estimate that there are around 300,000 "ghost voters" on electoral rolls -- names on the electoral roll not aligned with real, potential voters. "We definitely have some irregularities that put stains on the whole process," said Hermenegildo Mulhovo of election monitoring group Sala da Paz. The situation escalated last week, when the head of a local election observation mission was shot dead by members of a special police unit in Gaza's capital Xai-Xai. Lutero Simango, an MP of the country's third-biggest party MDM, accused Frelimo of "using all state means, including police and secret services, to intimidate people". Scandals and setbacks Frelimo suffered its worst result at the ballot box -- 51.8 per cent -- in local elections last year and has been severely weakened in recent years. In 2016 it was revealed the government secretly borrowed $2 billion, sparking the worst financial crisis in the country's history and uncovering a vast corruption network with links to the regime. The government is also battling to recover from two devastating cyclones in March which displaced nearly two million people. And a shadowy jihadist insurgency that has killed hundreds in the far north has delayed development of one of the government's biggest selling points -- the discovery of vast gas reserves that is hoped to put billions in state coffers and lift millions out of poverty. The instability has already forced the National Election Commission to close 10 polling booths. Preliminary results are expected to be announced on Thursday.

Mozambique votes in tense election after violent campaign

Corey Lewandowski, President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/afghanistan-donald-trump-calls-off-peace-talks-secret-summit-with-taliban-over-terror-attacks-248340">Donald Trump</a>'s former campaign manager and close confidant, is due to testify in Congress on Tuesday despite a White House effort to prevent him from talking about Trump's alleged efforts to impede the federal probe into Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election.

Late on Monday, the White House instructed Lewandowski not to discuss conversations he had with Trump after he became president, including an exchange at the White House that Democrats view as evidence that Trump obstructed justice and may need to be impeached.

Lewandowski, who is mulling a run for the US Senate, is the first <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-steps-up-donald-trump-impeachment-probe-248698">impeachment</a>&nbsp;witness to appear before the House of Representatives Judiciary Committee since former Special Counsel Robert Mueller testified in July about his probe of Russian election interference and Trump's alleged efforts to impede the investigation.

Democrats, who hope to decide whether to recommend Trump's impeachment to the full House by year-end, had intended to grill Lewandowski about an effort by the president to persuade then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions to redirect the Mueller probe away from the 2016 Trump campaign.

The episode is among several incidents contained in Mueller's 448-page Russia investigation report that Democrats view as evidence Trump obstructed justice.

Mueller did not determine whether Trump obstructed justice but did not exonerate him of possible wrongdoing.

White House Counsel Pat Cipollone told the committee in a letter on Monday that Lewandowski could not testify about conversations with Trump after he became president or with his senior advisers.

The White House also ordered two other witnesses, former Trump White House aides Rob Porter and Rick Dearborn, not to testify.

Cipollone's letter said they were "absolutely immune from compelled congressional testimony with respect to matters related to their service as senior advisers to the President."

The Judiciary Committee's chairman, Democrat Jerrold Nadler, denounced the White House move as a "shocking and dangerous assertion of executive privilege and absolute immunity."

"If he were to prevail in this cover-up while the Judiciary Committee is considering whether to recommend articles of impeachment, he would upend the separation of powers as envisioned by our founders," Nadler said in a statement, referring to Trump.

A Lewandowski spokeswoman, who had said earlier that the former campaign manager would cooperate fully with the committee, was not available for comment. 
An attorney for Dearborn said he advised his client to comply with the White House's direction. Porter could not be reached for comment.

Described by Mueller as a Trump "devotee" who has a "close" relationship with the president, Lewandowski has said he intends to defend Trump.

"I want to go and remind the American people that these guys are on a witch hunt," the former campaign manager told Fox News Radio on August 16.

Republicans contend that the Mueller investigation uncovered no evidence of wrongdoing by Trump and denounce the Democrats' impeachment probe as theatrics intended to pander to voters.

In June 2017, Trump met Lewandowski, then a private citizen, at the White House and dictated a message he was to deliver to Sessions.

The message said Sessions should shift the Russia probe's focus to future elections despite his recusal from the investigation.

At a second meeting a month later, Trump asked about the status of the message and said Lewandowski should "tell Sessions he was fired" if he would not meet with the former campaign manager, according to the Mueller report.

Corey Lewandowski, President Donald Trump's former campaign manager and close confidant, is due to testify in Congress on Tuesday despite a White House effort to prevent him from talking about Trump's alleged efforts to impede the federal probe into Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election.

Corey Lewandowski, President Donald Trump's former campaign manager and close confidant, is due to testify in Congress on Tuesday despite a White House effort to prevent him from talking about Trump's alleged efforts to impede the federal probe into Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election. Late on Monday, the White House instructed Lewandowski not to discuss conversations he had with Trump after he became president, including an exchange at the White House that Democrats view as evidence that Trump obstructed justice and may need to be impeached. Lewandowski, who is mulling a run for the US Senate, is the first impeachment witness to appear before the House of Representatives Judiciary Committee since former Special Counsel Robert Mueller testified in July about his probe of Russian election interference and Trump's alleged efforts to impede the investigation. Democrats, who hope to decide whether to recommend Trump's impeachment to the full House by year-end, had intended to grill Lewandowski about an effort by the president to persuade then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions to redirect the Mueller probe away from the 2016 Trump campaign. The episode is among several incidents contained in Mueller's 448-page Russia investigation report that Democrats view as evidence Trump obstructed justice. Mueller did not determine whether Trump obstructed justice but did not exonerate him of possible wrongdoing. White House Counsel Pat Cipollone told the committee in a letter on Monday that Lewandowski could not testify about conversations with Trump after he became president or with his senior advisers. The White House also ordered two other witnesses, former Trump White House aides Rob Porter and Rick Dearborn, not to testify. Cipollone's letter said they were "absolutely immune from compelled congressional testimony with respect to matters related to their service as senior advisers to the President." The Judiciary Committee's chairman, Democrat Jerrold Nadler, denounced the White House move as a "shocking and dangerous assertion of executive privilege and absolute immunity." "If he were to prevail in this cover-up while the Judiciary Committee is considering whether to recommend articles of impeachment, he would upend the separation of powers as envisioned by our founders," Nadler said in a statement, referring to Trump. A Lewandowski spokeswoman, who had said earlier that the former campaign manager would cooperate fully with the committee, was not available for comment. An attorney for Dearborn said he advised his client to comply with the White House's direction. Porter could not be reached for comment. Described by Mueller as a Trump "devotee" who has a "close" relationship with the president, Lewandowski has said he intends to defend Trump. "I want to go and remind the American people that these guys are on a witch hunt," the former campaign manager told Fox News Radio on August 16. Republicans contend that the Mueller investigation uncovered no evidence of wrongdoing by Trump and denounce the Democrats' impeachment probe as theatrics intended to pander to voters. In June 2017, Trump met Lewandowski, then a private citizen, at the White House and dictated a message he was to deliver to Sessions. The message said Sessions should shift the Russia probe's focus to future elections despite his recusal from the investigation. At a second meeting a month later, Trump asked about the status of the message and said Lewandowski should "tell Sessions he was fired" if he would not meet with the former campaign manager, according to the Mueller report.

Ex-Trump campaign chief Lewandowski to testify in impeachment hearing

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau admired abroad for his progressive policies but damaged by scandals at home, kicks off a six-week re-election campaign on Wednesday with opinion polls suggesting his hold on power will be weakened.

Trudeau, who swept to office in November 2015 promising "sunny ways" and stressing the importance of gender equality, gay rights and the environment, faces an electorate more focused on the economy and affordability when it votes on October 21.

Trudeau will visit the Ottawa residence of Governor General Julie Payette, the acting head of state, to formally launch the race at 10 am.&nbsp;(1400 GMT).

The 47-year-old married father of three, whose colourful socks and classic good looks are often splashed across the international media, may have history on his side.

Not since 1935 has a Canadian prime minister who won a parliamentary majority in his first term been booted from office in the next election.

But Trudeau may not win enough seats to govern by himself after a series of missteps that called into question his leadership while cutting into his once sky-high popularity. That would leave him and his Liberal Party weakened, relying on opposition members of parliament to push through legislation.

A Nanos Research poll released on Tuesday showed the Liberals at 34.6 per cent&nbsp;and the main opposition Conservatives, led by Andrew Scheer, at 30.7 per cent.&nbsp;That margin would not be enough to guarantee a majority of seats in the House of Commons.

 
'Punish the bums'

Senior Liberals say they are quietly confident of victory and predict Trudeau will campaign much more effectively than Scheer, 40, who is fighting his first election as Conservative leader.

But Canadian campaigns can produce major surprises. The Liberals trailed in the third place when the 2015 election was called but steadily improved to pull off an outright victory.

"This is not a 'Throw the bums out' election. This is a 'Punish the bums' election," said Nik Nanos, head of Nanos Research.

Trudeau's challenge is that he is running on his record rather than the uplifting message of hope and change that helped the Liberals attract record numbers of green, youth and aboriginal voters in 2015.

Since then, Trudeau, the son of former Liberal Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, has broken major campaign promises by scrapping plans to introduce voter reform and allowing budget deficits to mushroom. He also angered environmentalists by buying an oil pipeline to ensure crude exports could increase.

"For average Canadians, the key takeaway is that Justin Trudeau is not an exception, he's like other politicians," said Nanos.

Liberals, however, cite near-record low jobless numbers, booming growth and lower levels of poverty as grounds for re-election.

"(We) have delivered for Canadians for four years in a way that is concrete and measurable," said a senior party official.

World is watching

Although rivals may dismiss Trudeau's achievements, diplomats in allied countries say his focus on feminism, the environment and the need for multilateral organizations is important at a time when populism is on the rise and the United States seems intent on shrinking its global ambitions.

"We are paying very close attention. What will it mean if one of the few remaining progressive leaders is defeated?" said an official at one major Western embassy in Ottawa.

The worst moment of Trudeau's tenure came in February when former Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould accused the prime minister and top officials of inappropriately pressuring her to ensure that construction firm SNC-Lavalin Group Inc avoid a trial on corruption charges.

Last month, a top watchdog ruled the prime minister and his team had indeed breached ethics rules.

Trudeau also raised eyebrows when he admitted he had had no idea Wilson-Raybould was unhappy, prompting questions about how involved he was in the day-to-day running of the country.

Scheer had surged after the SNC-Lavalin affair, but he appears to be struggling in Ontario, the most populous of Canada's 10 provinces, where a conservative premier is pushing through unpopular spending cuts.

Major planks of the Liberal platform will include measures to address cellphone and internet bills and a limited expansion to the universal healthcare system to cover part of the cost of prescription drugs, say, party insiders.

Scheer promises to halt what he calls unsustainable government spending, saying in a video last week: "We have a plan for a government that lives within its means so we can put more money in your pocket."

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau admired abroad for his progressive policies but damaged by scandals at home, kicks off a six-week re-election campaign on Wednesday with opinion polls suggesting his hold on power will be weakened.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau admired abroad for his progressive policies but damaged by scandals at home, kicks off a six-week re-election campaign on Wednesday with opinion polls suggesting his hold on power will be weakened. Trudeau, who swept to office in November 2015 promising "sunny ways" and stressing the importance of gender equality, gay rights and the environment, faces an electorate more focused on the economy and affordability when it votes on October 21. Trudeau will visit the Ottawa residence of Governor General Julie Payette, the acting head of state, to formally launch the race at 10 am. (1400 GMT). The 47-year-old married father of three, whose colourful socks and classic good looks are often splashed across the international media, may have history on his side. Not since 1935 has a Canadian prime minister who won a parliamentary majority in his first term been booted from office in the next election. But Trudeau may not win enough seats to govern by himself after a series of missteps that called into question his leadership while cutting into his once sky-high popularity. That would leave him and his Liberal Party weakened, relying on opposition members of parliament to push through legislation. A Nanos Research poll released on Tuesday showed the Liberals at 34.6 per cent and the main opposition Conservatives, led by Andrew Scheer, at 30.7 per cent. That margin would not be enough to guarantee a majority of seats in the House of Commons. 'Punish the bums' Senior Liberals say they are quietly confident of victory and predict Trudeau will campaign much more effectively than Scheer, 40, who is fighting his first election as Conservative leader. But Canadian campaigns can produce major surprises. The Liberals trailed in the third place when the 2015 election was called but steadily improved to pull off an outright victory. "This is not a 'Throw the bums out' election. This is a 'Punish the bums' election," said Nik Nanos, head of Nanos Research. Trudeau's challenge is that he is running on his record rather than the uplifting message of hope and change that helped the Liberals attract record numbers of green, youth and aboriginal voters in 2015. Since then, Trudeau, the son of former Liberal Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, has broken major campaign promises by scrapping plans to introduce voter reform and allowing budget deficits to mushroom. He also angered environmentalists by buying an oil pipeline to ensure crude exports could increase. "For average Canadians, the key takeaway is that Justin Trudeau is not an exception, he's like other politicians," said Nanos. Liberals, however, cite near-record low jobless numbers, booming growth and lower levels of poverty as grounds for re-election. "(We) have delivered for Canadians for four years in a way that is concrete and measurable," said a senior party official. World is watching Although rivals may dismiss Trudeau's achievements, diplomats in allied countries say his focus on feminism, the environment and the need for multilateral organizations is important at a time when populism is on the rise and the United States seems intent on shrinking its global ambitions. "We are paying very close attention. What will it mean if one of the few remaining progressive leaders is defeated?" said an official at one major Western embassy in Ottawa. The worst moment of Trudeau's tenure came in February when former Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould accused the prime minister and top officials of inappropriately pressuring her to ensure that construction firm SNC-Lavalin Group Inc avoid a trial on corruption charges. Last month, a top watchdog ruled the prime minister and his team had indeed breached ethics rules. Trudeau also raised eyebrows when he admitted he had had no idea Wilson-Raybould was unhappy, prompting questions about how involved he was in the day-to-day running of the country. Scheer had surged after the SNC-Lavalin affair, but he appears to be struggling in Ontario, the most populous of Canada's 10 provinces, where a conservative premier is pushing through unpopular spending cuts. Major planks of the Liberal platform will include measures to address cellphone and internet bills and a limited expansion to the universal healthcare system to cover part of the cost of prescription drugs, say, party insiders. Scheer promises to halt what he calls unsustainable government spending, saying in a video last week: "We have a plan for a government that lives within its means so we can put more money in your pocket."

Canada's Trudeau, star dimmed by scandals, kicks off tough re-election campaign

Conservative leadership candidate Boris Johnson said on Friday he took full responsibility for the role he played during the campaigning leading up to the 2016 referendum in which Britain voted to leave the European Union and for the political impasse that followed.

Boris Johnson: 'I take personal responsibility for the vote to leave the EU'

President Donald Trump campaign raised $24.8 million in the less-than 24 hours after formally kicking off his re-election campaign. Watch this video to know more.

Trump campaign raises $24.8 mn on the day of his campaign launch

Microphones fell silent as weeks of high-octane poll campaigning in the national capital, that had all elements of a political soap opera, ended Friday evening.

The campaigning witnessed an attack on Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, acrimonious exchanges between the AAP and the BJP over allegations of horse-trading, rivals jabbing at one another over alleged discrepancies in affidavits and even a candidate of the ruling party in Delhi breaking down in a press conference.

As many as 164 candidates, including 18 women, are in the fray for the seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi which goes to polls on Sunday under the sixth phase of the general elections.

It is expected to be a three-cornered fight involving the BJP, AAP and the Congress in the seven parliamentary seats of the national capital all of which were won by the saffron party in 2014.

Prominent candidates in the fray include veteran Congress leader Sheila Dikshit, Olympian boxer Vijender Singh, Union minister Harsh Vardhan, Atishi from AAP and her BJP rival cricketer-turned-politician Gautam Gambhir.

Voting will begin at 7 am on May 12 and scheduled to go on till 6 am.

The 48 hour-period from 6 pm Friday to 6 pm Sunday, known as the silence period, will also be observed as 'dry day'.

Earlier in the day on Friday, Delhi CEO Ranbir Singh told reporters, "The campaigning will end this evening as the 48-hour silence period will kick in at 6 pm today which would stay till 6 pm on Sunday."

A total of 13,819 polling stations will be set up at 2,700 locations in Delhi, with one model polling station in each of the 70 assembly segments. Seventeen polling stations will be staffed only by women.

As many as 523 polling locations have been identified as critical, Singh said, adding, "Special paramilitary forces will be deployed there, besides webcasting and CCTV facilities. Micro-observers would also be there. We have made all arrangements for smooth polling."

Beyond Friday's 6 pm limit, no campaigning shall be allowed, including on social media, Singh said at the press conference, adding, "All print ads need to be pre-certified for publication in any newspaper."

Before the announcement of the silence period, the AAP had scheduled to hold campaigns at few places beyond 6 pm, but the party claimed those events were cancelled.

The campaign which got off to a slow start as alliance talks between the AAP and Congress lingered on till the last days of nomination, gained momentum over the last fortnight with senior leaders drawing huge crowds at mega rallies and road shows in the national capital.

It reached a crescendo in its last lap with Prime Minister Narendra Modi holding a massive rally at the iconic Ramlila Maidan here, Congress President Rahul Gandhi addressing two public meetings, while his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra taking out two road shows in the city.

The campaign also saw cine stars -- Hema Malini, Sunny Deol, Prakash Raj, Swara Bhaskar -- garnering support for the candidates.

From trying to strike a personal chord with the voters in parks at six in the morning to holding door-to-door campaigns till late night, the candidates literally sweated it out in the oppressive heat as mercury crossed the 40-degree Celsius mark.

While the BJP's campaign revolved around the party's high-pitched nationalism narrative and the popularity of Modi, the Congress kept him in the cross hairs and sought to hard sell its minimum income guarantee scheme -- Nyay.

The AAP, on the other hand, focussed on the demand for full statehood for Delhi.

Candidates also tried to out-manoeuvre each other before the poll body. AAP candidates Atishi and Raghav Chadha sought rejection of nomination papers of their BJP rivals Gautam Gambhir and Ramesh Bidhuri, respectively.

Poll officers were also hard-pressed as several Model Code of Conduct violations were reported.

In a security breach, Chief Minister Kejriwal was slapped by a man during a roadshow in Moti Nagar. Allegations of horse trading flew thick and fast as two AAP MLAs -- Anil Bajpai and Devinder Sehrawat -- crossed over to the BJP.

The campaigning also saw South Delhi BJP MP Ramesh Bidhuri using a Hindi slur against Kejriwal. On a penultimate day, the AAP and the BJP sparred over a derogatory pamphlet that targeted Delhi's ruling party candidate Atishi.

The AAP alleged her rival Gautam Gambhir was behind it, a charge the former cricketer vehemently denied.

According to the summary of the electoral roll published on April 23, there are over 1.43 crore voters in Delhi -- 78,73,022 male and 64,42,762 female, while 669 belong to the third gender.

While 2,54,723 voters are in the age group of 18 and 19, there are 40,532 electorates with disability who would be provided pick up and drop facility.

As many as 2,674 complaints were found on 'cVigil' app out of which 2,057 were found to be correct. Nearly 270 FIRs and daily diary (DD) entries were registered against political parties and others here till date for violation of poll code, officials said.

The statistics surveillance team of Delhi's Chief Electoral Office, constituted to keep an eye on the expenses of political parties, has seized Rs 4.38 crore in cash and 1,411 kg of narcotics and drugs till date.

Police have registered 1,378 FIRs and arrested 1,381 people under the Excise Act. They have also seized 691 unlicensed arms and weapons, and 3,007 cartridges and explosives, a statement said, adding 1,14,482 people have been booked till date under various sections of the CrPC and the Delhi Police Act.&nbsp;

Microphones fell silent as weeks of high-octane poll campaigning in the national capital, that had all elements of a political soap opera, ended Friday evening. The campaigning witnessed an attack on Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, acrimonious exchanges between the AAP and the BJP over allegations of horse-trading, rivals jabbing at one another over alleged discrepancies in affidavits and even a candidate of the ruling party in Delhi breaking down in a press conference.

Microphones fell silent as weeks of high-octane poll campaigning in the national capital, that had all elements of a political soap opera, ended Friday evening. The campaigning witnessed an attack on Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, acrimonious exchanges between the AAP and the BJP over allegations of horse-trading, rivals jabbing at one another over alleged discrepancies in affidavits and even a candidate of the ruling party in Delhi breaking down in a press conference. As many as 164 candidates, including 18 women, are in the fray for the seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi which goes to polls on Sunday under the sixth phase of the general elections. It is expected to be a three-cornered fight involving the BJP, AAP and the Congress in the seven parliamentary seats of the national capital all of which were won by the saffron party in 2014. Prominent candidates in the fray include veteran Congress leader Sheila Dikshit, Olympian boxer Vijender Singh, Union minister Harsh Vardhan, Atishi from AAP and her BJP rival cricketer-turned-politician Gautam Gambhir. Voting will begin at 7 am on May 12 and scheduled to go on till 6 am. The 48 hour-period from 6 pm Friday to 6 pm Sunday, known as the silence period, will also be observed as 'dry day'. Earlier in the day on Friday, Delhi CEO Ranbir Singh told reporters, "The campaigning will end this evening as the 48-hour silence period will kick in at 6 pm today which would stay till 6 pm on Sunday." A total of 13,819 polling stations will be set up at 2,700 locations in Delhi, with one model polling station in each of the 70 assembly segments. Seventeen polling stations will be staffed only by women. As many as 523 polling locations have been identified as critical, Singh said, adding, "Special paramilitary forces will be deployed there, besides webcasting and CCTV facilities. Micro-observers would also be there. We have made all arrangements for smooth polling." Beyond Friday's 6 pm limit, no campaigning shall be allowed, including on social media, Singh said at the press conference, adding, "All print ads need to be pre-certified for publication in any newspaper." Before the announcement of the silence period, the AAP had scheduled to hold campaigns at few places beyond 6 pm, but the party claimed those events were cancelled. The campaign which got off to a slow start as alliance talks between the AAP and Congress lingered on till the last days of nomination, gained momentum over the last fortnight with senior leaders drawing huge crowds at mega rallies and road shows in the national capital. It reached a crescendo in its last lap with Prime Minister Narendra Modi holding a massive rally at the iconic Ramlila Maidan here, Congress President Rahul Gandhi addressing two public meetings, while his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra taking out two road shows in the city. The campaign also saw cine stars -- Hema Malini, Sunny Deol, Prakash Raj, Swara Bhaskar -- garnering support for the candidates. From trying to strike a personal chord with the voters in parks at six in the morning to holding door-to-door campaigns till late night, the candidates literally sweated it out in the oppressive heat as mercury crossed the 40-degree Celsius mark. While the BJP's campaign revolved around the party's high-pitched nationalism narrative and the popularity of Modi, the Congress kept him in the cross hairs and sought to hard sell its minimum income guarantee scheme -- Nyay. The AAP, on the other hand, focussed on the demand for full statehood for Delhi. Candidates also tried to out-manoeuvre each other before the poll body. AAP candidates Atishi and Raghav Chadha sought rejection of nomination papers of their BJP rivals Gautam Gambhir and Ramesh Bidhuri, respectively. Poll officers were also hard-pressed as several Model Code of Conduct violations were reported. In a security breach, Chief Minister Kejriwal was slapped by a man during a roadshow in Moti Nagar. Allegations of horse trading flew thick and fast as two AAP MLAs -- Anil Bajpai and Devinder Sehrawat -- crossed over to the BJP. The campaigning also saw South Delhi BJP MP Ramesh Bidhuri using a Hindi slur against Kejriwal. On a penultimate day, the AAP and the BJP sparred over a derogatory pamphlet that targeted Delhi's ruling party candidate Atishi. The AAP alleged her rival Gautam Gambhir was behind it, a charge the former cricketer vehemently denied. According to the summary of the electoral roll published on April 23, there are over 1.43 crore voters in Delhi -- 78,73,022 male and 64,42,762 female, while 669 belong to the third gender. While 2,54,723 voters are in the age group of 18 and 19, there are 40,532 electorates with disability who would be provided pick up and drop facility. As many as 2,674 complaints were found on 'cVigil' app out of which 2,057 were found to be correct. Nearly 270 FIRs and daily diary (DD) entries were registered against political parties and others here till date for violation of poll code, officials said. The statistics surveillance team of Delhi's Chief Electoral Office, constituted to keep an eye on the expenses of political parties, has seized Rs 4.38 crore in cash and 1,411 kg of narcotics and drugs till date. Police have registered 1,378 FIRs and arrested 1,381 people under the Excise Act. They have also seized 691 unlicensed arms and weapons, and 3,007 cartridges and explosives, a statement said, adding 1,14,482 people have been booked till date under various sections of the CrPC and the Delhi Police Act.

High-pitched poll campaign in Delhi ends as city votes on Sunday 

US Senator<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/us-senator-warren-seeks-to-quiet-critics-with-2020-campaign-launch-196253&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiQuZjr_NPhAhWJMY8KHWxjCoIQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw19K7kWtoZBxFowvGikMlGC"> Elizabeth Warren</a> has hired the largest campaign staff in the run-up to the 2020 presidential election, quickly building a payroll that far exceeds her Democratic rivals, according to disclosures filed with the Federal Elections Commission.

Warren spent more than $1 million on the payroll in the first quarter of 2019, more than double that of rivals such as US Senators Bernie Sanders and Kamala Harris, the two who raised the most money in the first quarter.

The total does not include other payroll-related expenses. She spent about $566,000 on payroll taxes and $114,000 on health insurance.

Warren has said she intends to build a "grassroots" campaign. She has sworn off expensive fundraisers and is relying almost entirely on online donations to fund her <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/us-senator-warren-formally-launches-2020-campaign-sounds-note-of-economic-equality-196404&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiQuZjr_NPhAhWJMY8KHWxjCoIQFggLMAI&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw16IsazWGM_hy4Rc0wcdf3q">campaign</a>.

Building a large campaign staff can create challenges. If a campaign begins to run short on cash, it is often more difficult to cut back on staff compared to trimming other expenses, such as advertising.

Warren had 161 employees already on her staff by the end of the first quarter, according to the disclosures she filed. About half of the staff, her campaign said, are positioned in early primary states of Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina and Nevada.

By comparison, Sanders' campaign had 86 people on its payroll by the end of the quarter, during which he spent $417,209 on salaries. Harris spent $477,108 on salaries on the 44 people she had on her payroll in the first quarter.

Warren has also outpaced Republican President Donald Trump's campaign hiring. Trump spent about $408,000 on staff in the first quarter, although the Republican National Committee is already working to help his reelection and has hundreds on staff.

Warren isn't without cash to pay her employees - she raised $6 million in the first quarter and had an additional $10.4 million from her Senate campaign. She finished the quarter with $11 million in cash.

However, her campaign disclosures revealed that she may be making tradeoffs.

Warren spent about $905,000 on online advertising. Sanders spent about $1.6 million and Harris $1 million.

US Senator Elizabeth Warren has hired the largest campaign staff in the run-up to the 2020 presidential election, quickly building a payroll that far exceeds her Democratic rivals, according to disclosures filed with the Federal Elections Commission.

US Senator Elizabeth Warren has hired the largest campaign staff in the run-up to the 2020 presidential election, quickly building a payroll that far exceeds her Democratic rivals, according to disclosures filed with the Federal Elections Commission. Warren spent more than $1 million on the payroll in the first quarter of 2019, more than double that of rivals such as US Senators Bernie Sanders and Kamala Harris, the two who raised the most money in the first quarter. The total does not include other payroll-related expenses. She spent about $566,000 on payroll taxes and $114,000 on health insurance. Warren has said she intends to build a "grassroots" campaign. She has sworn off expensive fundraisers and is relying almost entirely on online donations to fund her campaign. Building a large campaign staff can create challenges. If a campaign begins to run short on cash, it is often more difficult to cut back on staff compared to trimming other expenses, such as advertising. Warren had 161 employees already on her staff by the end of the first quarter, according to the disclosures she filed. About half of the staff, her campaign said, are positioned in early primary states of Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina and Nevada. By comparison, Sanders' campaign had 86 people on its payroll by the end of the quarter, during which he spent $417,209 on salaries. Harris spent $477,108 on salaries on the 44 people she had on her payroll in the first quarter. Warren has also outpaced Republican President Donald Trump's campaign hiring. Trump spent about $408,000 on staff in the first quarter, although the Republican National Committee is already working to help his reelection and has hundreds on staff. Warren isn't without cash to pay her employees - she raised $6 million in the first quarter and had an additional $10.4 million from her Senate campaign. She finished the quarter with $11 million in cash. However, her campaign disclosures revealed that she may be making tradeoffs. Warren spent about $905,000 on online advertising. Sanders spent about $1.6 million and Harris $1 million.

Elizabeth Warren builds largest United States presidential campaign staff

Concerts and mass prayers bring lengthy election campaign to close in Indonesia

Senior BJP leader Arun Jaitley Sunday launched the party's campaign themes for the Lok Sabha polls and asserted that the choice for people in the elections will be between the "cohesive and tested" government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and "chaos and mahamilawat" offered by the Opposition.&nbsp;

Taking a swipe at the Opposition, he said people have to decide between a government led by one captain or a team of 11 players, and that of 40 captains.

His party's campaign with the tag line of "Phir ek bar, Modi sarkar" (Modi government, once more) will centre on the Modi's five-year performance, including on the national security front, "honesty", and his ability to take big decisions among other issues, Jaitley told reporters. The Union minister said these promises are not for future as the government has fulfilled them in its five-year term.

The BJP will launch its manifesto on Monday. Jaitley was joined by Union minister Piyush Goyal and BJP general secretary Bhupender Yadav, among others, at the press conference, where they also released slogans and video materials for the party's campaign.

The poor, the middle class and the neo-middle class will be at the centre of the BJP's electioneering, Jaitley said and took a swipe at the Congress for "not even saying a word" on the emerging middle class when it launched its manifesto. In fact, some of the advisers to the Congress have spoken of levying more taxes on this class, he said, adding the Modi government has consistently reduced their taxes, something that has never happened earlier.

The Indian middle class will impact the global economy in the coming decades in the same way the Chinese economy influenced it earlier, he said. Pitching for a majority for the BJP in the Lok Sabha polls as it got in 2014, he said it enabled the party to take decisive and big decisions on a host of measures, including national security, corruption and black money.

Many opposition leaders have spoken about their wish for a hung Parliament and it is now for people to decide, Jaitley said. "The country has decided as to whether a weak centre (government) will be in the country's interest or a decisive prime minister heading a majority government," he said.

On one hand, is a cohesive and tested government and on the other is the choice of chaos and mahamilawat (grand adulteration), he said. The Modi government succeeded in keeping inflation low while also expanding the tax base, reducing taxes on the middle class and spending money on welfare measures and exercises like One Rank One Pension, he said.

Senior BJP leader Arun Jaitley Sunday launched the party's campaign themes for the Lok Sabha polls and asserted that the choice for people in the elections will be between the "cohesive and tested" government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and "chaos and mahamilawat" offered by the Opposition.

Senior BJP leader Arun Jaitley Sunday launched the party's campaign themes for the Lok Sabha polls and asserted that the choice for people in the elections will be between the "cohesive and tested" government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and "chaos and mahamilawat" offered by the Opposition. Taking a swipe at the Opposition, he said people have to decide between a government led by one captain or a team of 11 players, and that of 40 captains. His party's campaign with the tag line of "Phir ek bar, Modi sarkar" (Modi government, once more) will centre on the Modi's five-year performance, including on the national security front, "honesty", and his ability to take big decisions among other issues, Jaitley told reporters. The Union minister said these promises are not for future as the government has fulfilled them in its five-year term. The BJP will launch its manifesto on Monday. Jaitley was joined by Union minister Piyush Goyal and BJP general secretary Bhupender Yadav, among others, at the press conference, where they also released slogans and video materials for the party's campaign. The poor, the middle class and the neo-middle class will be at the centre of the BJP's electioneering, Jaitley said and took a swipe at the Congress for "not even saying a word" on the emerging middle class when it launched its manifesto. In fact, some of the advisers to the Congress have spoken of levying more taxes on this class, he said, adding the Modi government has consistently reduced their taxes, something that has never happened earlier. The Indian middle class will impact the global economy in the coming decades in the same way the Chinese economy influenced it earlier, he said. Pitching for a majority for the BJP in the Lok Sabha polls as it got in 2014, he said it enabled the party to take decisive and big decisions on a host of measures, including national security, corruption and black money. Many opposition leaders have spoken about their wish for a hung Parliament and it is now for people to decide, Jaitley said. "The country has decided as to whether a weak centre (government) will be in the country's interest or a decisive prime minister heading a majority government," he said. On one hand, is a cohesive and tested government and on the other is the choice of chaos and mahamilawat (grand adulteration), he said. The Modi government succeeded in keeping inflation low while also expanding the tax base, reducing taxes on the middle class and spending money on welfare measures and exercises like One Rank One Pension, he said.

BJP launches campaign themes, says choice between decisive Modi & Opposition's chaos

Intensifying his 'Main Bhi Chowkidar' (I too am watchman) campaign, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-pays-tribute-to-manohar-parrikar-in-goa-204051">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> on March 31 will interact with people, who have pledged their support to the campaign, from 500 places across the country.

Speaking at a press conference here, senior BJP leader and Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said the campaign has become a "people's movement" as the 'Main Bhi Chowkidar' hashtag has been tweeted 20 lakh times and had 1680 crore impressions.

Replying to a question if the campaign was a counter to Congress chief Rahul Gandhi's 'chowkidar chor hai' (watchman is the thief) barb, he rejected the suggestion and asserted that Modi in his campaign for the 2014 Lok Sabha polls had projected himself as the "first servant" and 'chowkidar' of the country.

On Saturday, Modi had urged his supporters to take the ''main bhi chowkidar''&nbsp;(I too am watchman) pledge, saying he is not alone in the fight against graft and social evils.

Following his appeal, all BJP leaders, including party chief Amit Shah and Union ministers, prefixed the word 'chowkidar' to their names in their Twitter profile as they sought people's support in the Lok Sabha elections.&nbsp;

Intensifying his 'Main Bhi Chowkidar' (I too am watchman) campaign, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 31 will interact with people, who have pledged their support to the campaign, from 500 places across the country.

Intensifying his 'Main Bhi Chowkidar' (I too am watchman) campaign, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 31 will interact with people, who have pledged their support to the campaign, from 500 places across the country. Speaking at a press conference here, senior BJP leader and Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said the campaign has become a "people's movement" as the 'Main Bhi Chowkidar' hashtag has been tweeted 20 lakh times and had 1680 crore impressions. Replying to a question if the campaign was a counter to Congress chief Rahul Gandhi's 'chowkidar chor hai' (watchman is the thief) barb, he rejected the suggestion and asserted that Modi in his campaign for the 2014 Lok Sabha polls had projected himself as the "first servant" and 'chowkidar' of the country. On Saturday, Modi had urged his supporters to take the ''main bhi chowkidar'' (I too am watchman) pledge, saying he is not alone in the fight against graft and social evils. Following his appeal, all BJP leaders, including party chief Amit Shah and Union ministers, prefixed the word 'chowkidar' to their names in their Twitter profile as they sought people's support in the Lok Sabha elections.

PM Modi to interact with people on March 31 over 'Main Bhi Chowkidar' campaign

Jordanian initiative provides human hair wigs to children with cancer

Female Ugandan activists on Thursday slammed a government campaign to use "curvy women" as a tourism "product", which has sparked a furore in the east African nation.

Tourism Minister Godfrey Kiwanda unveiled the campaign on Wednesday at a press conference attended by a bevy of curvaceous women.

"Uganda is endowed with beautiful women. Their beauty is unique and diverse. That's why we decided to use the unique beauty, the curves... to make this beauty a product to be marketed along with what we already have as a country ranging from nature, the language and food, to make it a tourist attraction," Kiwanda told AFP on Thursday.

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Part of the plan to market Ugandan women is a beauty pageant, Miss Curvy Uganda, to be held in June.

"The winner of the Miss Curvy contest was to be part of our tourism campaign brand using beauty as one other product of tourism," Kiwanda said.

Ugandan women were outraged at the proposal and have called for Kiwanda's resignation.

"This is a perversion. To think women can be used as sex objects in this age and time is an absurdity and we condemn it," Rita Aciro, executive director of the Uganda Women's Network, told AFP.&nbsp;

Ugandan entrepreneur and activist Primrose Nyonyozi Murungi launched an online petition to stop the campaign, which she said was "totally unacceptable and demeaning to us."

"Women in Uganda have been attacked while on the streets. What happens now that the government is confirming a stereotype that women are sexual objects and can be touched regardless and more so made a product of tourism," she told AFP.

She said that if the campaign was not stopped immediately, the petitioners would take their case to court.

In addition to Kiwanda's resignation, she has demanded an apology from the government.&nbsp;

Former opposition leader in parliament Winnie Kiiza told AFP the move came "at the time (when) women face fear and stigma in a male-dominated society."

"We have been outraged by this campaign that a government can parade curves of women as a tourist attraction," she said.

Kiwanda, trying to stem the anger, insisted the campaign was not aimed at demeaning women.

"Diverse as we are as a country we have a message to put out there about the different curves our women have, which we believe is a tourist attraction."

Female Ugandan activists on Thursday slammed a government campaign to use "curvy women" as a tourism "product", which has sparked a furore in the east African nation.

Female Ugandan activists on Thursday slammed a government campaign to use "curvy women" as a tourism "product", which has sparked a furore in the east African nation. Tourism Minister Godfrey Kiwanda unveiled the campaign on Wednesday at a press conference attended by a bevy of curvaceous women. "Uganda is endowed with beautiful women. Their beauty is unique and diverse. That's why we decided to use the unique beauty, the curves... to make this beauty a product to be marketed along with what we already have as a country ranging from nature, the language and food, to make it a tourist attraction," Kiwanda told AFP on Thursday. 'Uganda is endowed with beautiful women. Their beauty is unique and diverse. That's why we decided to use the unique beauty, the curves... to make this beauty a product to be marketed along with what we already have as a country ranging from nature, the language and food, to make it a tourist attraction,' Tourism Minister George Kiwanda said × Part of the plan to market Ugandan women is a beauty pageant, Miss Curvy Uganda, to be held in June. "The winner of the Miss Curvy contest was to be part of our tourism campaign brand using beauty as one other product of tourism," Kiwanda said. Ugandan women were outraged at the proposal and have called for Kiwanda's resignation. "This is a perversion. To think women can be used as sex objects in this age and time is an absurdity and we condemn it," Rita Aciro, executive director of the Uganda Women's Network, told AFP. Ugandan entrepreneur and activist Primrose Nyonyozi Murungi launched an online petition to stop the campaign, which she said was "totally unacceptable and demeaning to us." "Women in Uganda have been attacked while on the streets. What happens now that the government is confirming a stereotype that women are sexual objects and can be touched regardless and more so made a product of tourism," she told AFP. She said that if the campaign was not stopped immediately, the petitioners would take their case to court. In addition to Kiwanda's resignation, she has demanded an apology from the government. Former opposition leader in parliament Winnie Kiiza told AFP the move came "at the time (when) women face fear and stigma in a male-dominated society." "We have been outraged by this campaign that a government can parade curves of women as a tourist attraction," she said. Kiwanda, trying to stem the anger, insisted the campaign was not aimed at demeaning women. "Diverse as we are as a country we have a message to put out there about the different curves our women have, which we believe is a tourist attraction."

Uganda wanted to draw tourists with 'curvy women', it got outry instead

Facebook said Thursday it took down hundreds of accounts from Iran that were part of a vast manipulation campaign operating in more than 20 countries.

The world's biggest social network said it removed 783 pages, groups and accounts "for engaging in coordinated inauthentic behaviour tied to Iran."

The pages were part of a campaign to promote Iranian interests in various countries by creating fake Facebook or Instagram identities as residents of those nations, according to a statement by <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-removes-more-pages-accounts-with-russia-links-191006">Nathaniel Gleicher, head of cybersecurity policy at Facebook.</a>

"We can prove that this is content emanating from Iran; controlled by actors in Iran, and most of the content is reposted from Iran state media," Gleicher said during a press briefing.

"But, we are not in a position to directly assert who the actor is in this case."

The announcement was the latest by Facebook as it seeks to stamp out efforts by state actors and others to manipulate the social network using fraudulent accounts.

"We are constantly working to detect and stop this type of activity because we don't want our services to be used to manipulate people," Gleicher said.

"In this case, the people behind this activity coordinated with one another and used fake accounts to misrepresent themselves, and that was the basis for our action."

The operators "typically represented themselves as locals, often using fake accounts, and posted news stories on current events," including "commentary that repurposed Iranian state media's reporting on topics like Israel-Palestine relations and the conflicts in Syria and Yemen," Gleicher said.

Twitter in the wings

Facebook's team looked for additional activity related to a large taken-down of Iran-linked content in August of last year and collaborated with Twitter which provided insights from the one-to-many messaging platform, according to Gleicher.

"This is an encouraging example of the kind of collaboration we are working to build across the industry," Gleicher said.

The operation dating back to as early as 2010 had 262 pages, 356 accounts, and three groups on Facebook, as well as 162 accounts on Instagram and were followed by about two million users.

About two million users followed at least one of these pages, about 1,600 accounts joined at least one of these groups.

More than 254,000 accounts followed at least one of these Instagram accounts.

Less than $30,000 was spent in total by the accounts on Facebook or Instagram ads, paid for mostly in US dollars, British pounds, and euros, according to the social network.

Facebook said the fake accounts were part of an influence campaign that operated in Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Libya, Mexico, Morocco, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, South Africa, Spain, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, US, and Yemen.

Facebook began looking into these kinds of activities after revelations of Russian influence campaigns during the 2016 US election, aimed at sowing discord.

Twitter meanwhile released a report on its efforts to curb manipulation during the 2018 US elections, noting that it blocked accounts originating in Russia, Iran and Venezuela.

Facebook said Thursday it took down hundreds of accounts from Iran that were part of a vast manipulation campaign operating in more than 20 countries. The world's biggest social network said it removed 783 pages, groups and accounts "for engaging in coordinated inauthentic behaviour tied to Iran.

Facebook said Thursday it took down hundreds of accounts from Iran that were part of a vast manipulation campaign operating in more than 20 countries. The world's biggest social network said it removed 783 pages, groups and accounts "for engaging in coordinated inauthentic behaviour tied to Iran." The pages were part of a campaign to promote Iranian interests in various countries by creating fake Facebook or Instagram identities as residents of those nations, according to a statement by Nathaniel Gleicher, head of cybersecurity policy at Facebook. "We can prove that this is content emanating from Iran; controlled by actors in Iran, and most of the content is reposted from Iran state media," Gleicher said during a press briefing. "But, we are not in a position to directly assert who the actor is in this case." The announcement was the latest by Facebook as it seeks to stamp out efforts by state actors and others to manipulate the social network using fraudulent accounts. "We are constantly working to detect and stop this type of activity because we don't want our services to be used to manipulate people," Gleicher said. "In this case, the people behind this activity coordinated with one another and used fake accounts to misrepresent themselves, and that was the basis for our action." The operators "typically represented themselves as locals, often using fake accounts, and posted news stories on current events," including "commentary that repurposed Iranian state media's reporting on topics like Israel-Palestine relations and the conflicts in Syria and Yemen," Gleicher said. Twitter in the wings Facebook's team looked for additional activity related to a large taken-down of Iran-linked content in August of last year and collaborated with Twitter which provided insights from the one-to-many messaging platform, according to Gleicher. "This is an encouraging example of the kind of collaboration we are working to build across the industry," Gleicher said. The operation dating back to as early as 2010 had 262 pages, 356 accounts, and three groups on Facebook, as well as 162 accounts on Instagram and were followed by about two million users. About two million users followed at least one of these pages, about 1,600 accounts joined at least one of these groups. More than 254,000 accounts followed at least one of these Instagram accounts. Less than $30,000 was spent in total by the accounts on Facebook or Instagram ads, paid for mostly in US dollars, British pounds, and euros, according to the social network. Facebook said the fake accounts were part of an influence campaign that operated in Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Libya, Mexico, Morocco, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, South Africa, Spain, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, US, and Yemen. Facebook began looking into these kinds of activities after revelations of Russian influence campaigns during the 2016 US election, aimed at sowing discord. Twitter meanwhile released a report on its efforts to curb manipulation during the 2018 US elections, noting that it blocked accounts originating in Russia, Iran and Venezuela.

Facebook takes down over 700 pages for engaging in Iran-led manipulation campaign

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/saudi-arabia-and-the-wests-right-wing-a-dubious-alliance-187880">Saudi Arabia </a>has ended a sweeping crackdown on corruption ordered by <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-receives-second-us-1-billion-bailout-package-from-saudi-arabia-184108&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwj-3MyKrZjgAhUKwI8KHanXCRcQFggRMAQ&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw1MNBmc02pE7V_0gW1KOjYH">Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman</a> that it said had recovered more than $106 billion through settlements with scores of senior princes, ministers and top businessmen.

A royal court said in a statement on Wednesday authorities had summoned 381 people, some as witnesses, under the campaign launched in November 2017, but it provided no names.

It said 87 people confessed to charges against them and reached settlements that included the forfeiture of real estate, companies, cash and other assets.

The campaign ended as abruptly as it began, despite speculation in the business community that a new round of arrests was imminent.

The public prosecutor refused to settle the cases of 56 people due to existing criminal charges against them. Eight more who declined settlement offers stand accused of corruption, the court said.

Detainees who were not indicted were freed, but it was unclear when travel bans, bank freezes and electronic monitoring of at least some of those released earlier would end.

For the first three months of the campaign, many members of the kingdom's economic and political elite were held in Riyadh's Ritz-Carlton Hotel, with some later moved to a prison.

Some detainees were reportedly tortured, which the authorities have denied.

Critics called it a shakedown and power play by Prince Mohammed. It unsettled some foreign investors that he is courting to diversify the economy away from oil.

The October killing of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/khashoggi-crisis-reshaping-us-politics-and-relations-with-saudi-arabia-178498">journalist Jamal Khashoggi</a> by Saudi agents inside the kingdom's Istanbul consulate tarnished the crown prince's reputation in the West and intensified criticism of Riyadh's human rights record and its role in the Yemen war.

Prince Mohammed has defended the anti-corruption campaign as "shock therapy" as he tries to overhaul the economy.

His social reforms, including the easing of restrictions such as bans on cinemas and women driving, have been accompanied by a crackdown on dissent, including the arrests of dozens of clerics, women's rights activists and intellectuals.

SIGNAL GOVERNMENT 'WANTS TO MOVE ON'

Karen Young, a resident scholar at the American Enterprise Institute in Washington, said it was hard to say if the campaign had been successful.

"The good news is that the government seems to be signalling that it wants to move on," she said. "On Saudi foreign policy and domestic politics, particularly towards citizen activists, there is still deep apprehension in the West."

Ali Shihabi, head of the Arabia Foundation in Washington which regularly supports Saudi policy, said the end of the campaign reflected a government attempt to address international criticism of a lack of due process and transparency.

"Now critics will bemoan lack of names and details on each case but we must remember that individuals themselves have no desire to be named," he said.

The figures released on Wednesday were little different from those the government announced in its last update, exactly one year earlier.

It is unclear how much of the money it says was recovered has actually reached state coffers.

Only a month ago, the finance minister told Reuters the authorities had collected some $13 billion from settlements in 2018 and expected a similar amount this year.

The initial sweep netted cousins of Prince Mohammed, such as billionaire investor Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, National Guard minister Prince Miteb bin Abdullah and former Riyadh governor Prince Turki bin Abdullah.

Miteb was freed within weeks after agreeing to pay more than $1 billion to settle corruption allegations against him, a Saudi official said at the time.

Two months later, Alwaleed settled after reaching what he called "a confirmed understanding between me and the government". Turki has not been heard from.

Also detained were senior officials, including ousted economy minister Adel Fakieh, who is believed to be in detention, and former chief of the royal court, Khalid al-Tuwaijri.

Top businessmen were held alongside them. Waleed al-Ibrahim and Saleh Kamel were released early on, while others including Amr Dabbagh and Mohammed Hussein al-Amoudi only got out this month. The fate of Bakr bin Laden, released temporarily last week, remains unclear.

Saudi Arabia has ended a sweeping crackdown on corruption ordered by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman that it said had recovered more than $106 billion through settlements with scores of senior princes, ministers and top businessmen.

Saudi Arabia has ended a sweeping crackdown on corruption ordered by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman that it said had recovered more than $106 billion through settlements with scores of senior princes, ministers and top businessmen. A royal court said in a statement on Wednesday authorities had summoned 381 people, some as witnesses, under the campaign launched in November 2017, but it provided no names. It said 87 people confessed to charges against them and reached settlements that included the forfeiture of real estate, companies, cash and other assets. The campaign ended as abruptly as it began, despite speculation in the business community that a new round of arrests was imminent. The public prosecutor refused to settle the cases of 56 people due to existing criminal charges against them. Eight more who declined settlement offers stand accused of corruption, the court said. Detainees who were not indicted were freed, but it was unclear when travel bans, bank freezes and electronic monitoring of at least some of those released earlier would end. For the first three months of the campaign, many members of the kingdom's economic and political elite were held in Riyadh's Ritz-Carlton Hotel, with some later moved to a prison. Some detainees were reportedly tortured, which the authorities have denied. Critics called it a shakedown and power play by Prince Mohammed. It unsettled some foreign investors that he is courting to diversify the economy away from oil. The October killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi by Saudi agents inside the kingdom's Istanbul consulate tarnished the crown prince's reputation in the West and intensified criticism of Riyadh's human rights record and its role in the Yemen war. Prince Mohammed has defended the anti-corruption campaign as "shock therapy" as he tries to overhaul the economy. His social reforms, including the easing of restrictions such as bans on cinemas and women driving, have been accompanied by a crackdown on dissent, including the arrests of dozens of clerics, women's rights activists and intellectuals. SIGNAL GOVERNMENT 'WANTS TO MOVE ON' Karen Young, a resident scholar at the American Enterprise Institute in Washington, said it was hard to say if the campaign had been successful. "The good news is that the government seems to be signalling that it wants to move on," she said. "On Saudi foreign policy and domestic politics, particularly towards citizen activists, there is still deep apprehension in the West." Ali Shihabi, head of the Arabia Foundation in Washington which regularly supports Saudi policy, said the end of the campaign reflected a government attempt to address international criticism of a lack of due process and transparency. "Now critics will bemoan lack of names and details on each case but we must remember that individuals themselves have no desire to be named," he said. The figures released on Wednesday were little different from those the government announced in its last update, exactly one year earlier. It is unclear how much of the money it says was recovered has actually reached state coffers. Only a month ago, the finance minister told Reuters the authorities had collected some $13 billion from settlements in 2018 and expected a similar amount this year. The initial sweep netted cousins of Prince Mohammed, such as billionaire investor Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, National Guard minister Prince Miteb bin Abdullah and former Riyadh governor Prince Turki bin Abdullah. Miteb was freed within weeks after agreeing to pay more than $1 billion to settle corruption allegations against him, a Saudi official said at the time. Two months later, Alwaleed settled after reaching what he called "a confirmed understanding between me and the government". Turki has not been heard from. Also detained were senior officials, including ousted economy minister Adel Fakieh, who is believed to be in detention, and former chief of the royal court, Khalid al-Tuwaijri. Top businessmen were held alongside them. Waleed al-Ibrahim and Saleh Kamel were released early on, while others including Amr Dabbagh and Mohammed Hussein al-Amoudi only got out this month. The fate of Bakr bin Laden, released temporarily last week, remains unclear.

$106 billion recovered through princes, businessmen in corruption crackdown: Saudi Arabia

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/ex-trump-advisor-stone-indicted-in-mueller-probe-192975">Roger Stone, an ally of President Donald Trump </a>and a longtime Republican operative, did not rule out on Sunday cooperating with Special Counsel Robert Mueller in his investigation of Russian meddling in the 2016 US presidential election.

Arrested at his waterfront home in Florida on Friday in a dawn raid by FBI agents, Stone told reporters he would not "bear false witness against the president."

Stone was charged with lying to Congress about the Trump campaign's efforts to use stolen emails to undercut Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton.

Asked on ABC's "This Week" if he would cooperate with Mueller, he said, "You know, that's a question I would have to – I have to determine after my attorneys have some discussion."

"I'd also testify honestly about any other matter, including any communications with the president," he said. "It's true that we spoke on the phone, but those communications are political in nature, they're benign, and there is certainly no conspiracy with Russia."

Stone, 66, will be arraigned in federal court in Washington on Tuesday.

Stone's indictment cut deeply into Trump's inner circle and revealed a link between his campaign and WikiLeaks, the online publisher of secret documents, to damage Clinton with material that US intelligence agencies have said was stolen by Russians.

Stone shared with Trump campaign staffers advance knowledge that he had of WikiLeaks' plan to release senior Democrats' emails, Mueller said in court papers.

The special counsel's indictment also said a top Trump campaign official was directed to contact Stone about additional damaging information that WikiLeaks had on Clinton.

Jerome Corsi, a right-wing commentator and conspiracy theorist, said on Friday that he is the "Person 1" cited in the indictment as having communicated with Stone about the stolen emails and WikiLeaks' plan to release them.

He also said the information in the indictment was accurate and that he would testify against Stone. "I will be happy to testify," he told CNN's "State of the Union" on Sunday. "And I will let the testimony fall wherever it falls."

'FIGHT FOR MY LIFE' &nbsp;

Stone said the evidence in Mueller's indictment was thin, "so I'm prepared to fight for my life."

US Representative Adam Schiff, the Democratic chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, said, however, that the indictment presented specific allegations of lies and witness intimidation that were unambiguous and provable.

"They are very detailed and I think he's going to need a much better defence than the one you just heard," he told ABC.

Republican Senator Marco Rubio said working with WikiLeaks should be considered a crime because it was tantamount to cooperating with a foreign intelligence agency.

"It should have been clear to people a long time ago that WikiLeaks and others like that could have been tools of foreign intelligence used to divide America," Rubio said on NBC's "Meet the Press."

The Kremlin denies US intelligence agencies’ findings that Russia interfered to sway the 2016 election away from Clinton and toward Trump, who denies any collusion.

Schiff said his panel would give Mueller access to all transcripts of testimony before the committee, including Trump's son Donald Trump Jr, for prosecution purposes. He also pledged to continue congressional probes of any Trump-Russia ties.

"We are determined the public is going to know exactly what Donald Trump did, what his family did, what his campaign did, what the Russians did and what we need to do to protect the country,” Schiff said.

Roger Stone, an ally of President Donald Trump and a longtime Republican operative, did not rule out on Sunday cooperating with Special Counsel Robert Mueller in his investigation of Russian meddling in the 2016 US presidential election.

Roger Stone, an ally of President Donald Trump and a longtime Republican operative, did not rule out on Sunday cooperating with Special Counsel Robert Mueller in his investigation of Russian meddling in the 2016 US presidential election. Arrested at his waterfront home in Florida on Friday in a dawn raid by FBI agents, Stone told reporters he would not "bear false witness against the president." Stone was charged with lying to Congress about the Trump campaign's efforts to use stolen emails to undercut Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton. Asked on ABC's "This Week" if he would cooperate with Mueller, he said, "You know, that's a question I would have to – I have to determine after my attorneys have some discussion." "I'd also testify honestly about any other matter, including any communications with the president," he said. "It's true that we spoke on the phone, but those communications are political in nature, they're benign, and there is certainly no conspiracy with Russia." Stone, 66, will be arraigned in federal court in Washington on Tuesday. Stone's indictment cut deeply into Trump's inner circle and revealed a link between his campaign and WikiLeaks, the online publisher of secret documents, to damage Clinton with material that US intelligence agencies have said was stolen by Russians. Stone shared with Trump campaign staffers advance knowledge that he had of WikiLeaks' plan to release senior Democrats' emails, Mueller said in court papers. The special counsel's indictment also said a top Trump campaign official was directed to contact Stone about additional damaging information that WikiLeaks had on Clinton. Jerome Corsi, a right-wing commentator and conspiracy theorist, said on Friday that he is the "Person 1" cited in the indictment as having communicated with Stone about the stolen emails and WikiLeaks' plan to release them. He also said the information in the indictment was accurate and that he would testify against Stone. "I will be happy to testify," he told CNN's "State of the Union" on Sunday. "And I will let the testimony fall wherever it falls." 'FIGHT FOR MY LIFE' Stone said the evidence in Mueller's indictment was thin, "so I'm prepared to fight for my life." US Representative Adam Schiff, the Democratic chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, said, however, that the indictment presented specific allegations of lies and witness intimidation that were unambiguous and provable. "They are very detailed and I think he's going to need a much better defence than the one you just heard," he told ABC. Republican Senator Marco Rubio said working with WikiLeaks should be considered a crime because it was tantamount to cooperating with a foreign intelligence agency. "It should have been clear to people a long time ago that WikiLeaks and others like that could have been tools of foreign intelligence used to divide America," Rubio said on NBC's "Meet the Press." The Kremlin denies US intelligence agencies’ findings that Russia interfered to sway the 2016 election away from Clinton and toward Trump, who denies any collusion. Schiff said his panel would give Mueller access to all transcripts of testimony before the committee, including Trump's son Donald Trump Jr, for prosecution purposes. He also pledged to continue congressional probes of any Trump-Russia ties. "We are determined the public is going to know exactly what Donald Trump did, what his family did, what his campaign did, what the Russians did and what we need to do to protect the country,” Schiff said.

Roger Stone open to talk with Mueller in Russia probe

Baloch Republican Party (BRP) workers held a seven-day awareness campaign outside the United Kingdom Prime Minister's office in London to highlight the unending killings, enforced disappearances, and alleged human rights violations in Balochistan.

BRP central spokesman Sher Mohammad Bugti said in a statement that the campaign started on January 19 and came to an end with a protest demonstration on January 26.&nbsp;

On the last day of the campaign, the demonstration was joined by the activists of Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) and Free Balochistan Movement (FBM).

While addressing the protesters, BRP central leader Mansoor Baloch urged the UK government to take notice of human rights violations in Balochistan and pressurise the Pakistan government for releasing hundreds of Baloch missing persons reportedly lodged there.

Meanwhile, FBM leader Faiz Mohammad Baloch said that the UK should halt any kind of funds or aid to Pakistan army, adding that the latter has created many religious groups that are allegedly being used to suppress the voice of the oppressed such as Pashtun, Sindhi, and Baloch.

London-based PTM activist Falak Niyaz Khan expressed solidarity with BRP activists on a successful awareness campaign and said that Pashtuns were going through a similar phase. "Pashtuns are also missing in the thousands, hence we feel the pain of the Baloch people. The demands of the Baloch and Pashtun people are not outside the circle of Pakistan’s constitution; rather, the Baloch and Pashtun are simply asking for the basic right to their resources, hence are being disappeared at the hands of the Pakistan army,” he added.

Bugti thanked the activists of FBM and PTM and said the BRP will continue to raise the plight of Baloch at every possible forum. He further said that Pakistan’s policy of abductions and killing has completely failed, adding that Baloch will not back off from their basic demands and will appeal to all European Union member states to take cognizance of the gross human rights violations and take practical steps to put an end to it.

Baloch Republican Party (BRP) workers held a seven-day awareness campaign outside the United Kingdom Prime Minister's office in London to highlight the unending killings, enforced disappearances, and alleged human rights violations in Balochistan.

Baloch Republican Party (BRP) workers held a seven-day awareness campaign outside the United Kingdom Prime Minister's office in London to highlight the unending killings, enforced disappearances, and alleged human rights violations in Balochistan. BRP central spokesman Sher Mohammad Bugti said in a statement that the campaign started on January 19 and came to an end with a protest demonstration on January 26. On the last day of the campaign, the demonstration was joined by the activists of Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) and Free Balochistan Movement (FBM). While addressing the protesters, BRP central leader Mansoor Baloch urged the UK government to take notice of human rights violations in Balochistan and pressurise the Pakistan government for releasing hundreds of Baloch missing persons reportedly lodged there. Meanwhile, FBM leader Faiz Mohammad Baloch said that the UK should halt any kind of funds or aid to Pakistan army, adding that the latter has created many religious groups that are allegedly being used to suppress the voice of the oppressed such as Pashtun, Sindhi, and Baloch. London-based PTM activist Falak Niyaz Khan expressed solidarity with BRP activists on a successful awareness campaign and said that Pashtuns were going through a similar phase. "Pashtuns are also missing in the thousands, hence we feel the pain of the Baloch people. The demands of the Baloch and Pashtun people are not outside the circle of Pakistan’s constitution; rather, the Baloch and Pashtun are simply asking for the basic right to their resources, hence are being disappeared at the hands of the Pakistan army,” he added. Bugti thanked the activists of FBM and PTM and said the BRP will continue to raise the plight of Baloch at every possible forum. He further said that Pakistan’s policy of abductions and killing has completely failed, adding that Baloch will not back off from their basic demands and will appeal to all European Union member states to take cognizance of the gross human rights violations and take practical steps to put an end to it.

Baloch activists hold awareness campaign in London to highlight issue of missing persons

Kamala Harris: First Indian-origin black woman to contest US presidential election

There is no opposition candidate for prime minister, hundreds of people have been arrested and incumbent premier Sheikh Hasina stands accused of ignoring democratic checks on her power, but Bangladesh began campaigning Monday for a year-end election.

More than 100 million people are registered to vote on December 30 for either Hasina's Awami League and its allies, or a beleaguered opposition that says it is being hobbled by police.

On the eve of the campaign launch, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which hopes to deny Hasina a record fourth term, said nearly 2,000 of its supporters had been arrested.

Police said those detained since the election was announced in November -- including a number of candidates about to hit the hustings -- had prior warrants for their arrest.

But the opposition said Hasina and her party were following a pre-election "blueprint" designed to stifle her rivals and intimidate their voters.

"The government wants to hold a lopsided election. These arrests are just to create fear among the people so that they don't go to vote," BNP spokesman Rizvi Ahmed told AFP.

The sweep has further thinned the ranks of an opposition whose veteran leader, Khaleda Zia, is already behind bars serving 10 years for graft.

The 73-year-old's supporters say the charges are politically motivated to keep Hasina's chief rival out of the race.

The BNP boycotted the 2014 election over fears it would be rigged, allowing Hasina to be re-elected unchallenged.

That election was condemned by international observers.

The opposition opted to contest the ballot this time around, but with just weeks to go before the voting day has not named anyone to run against Hasina.

Still, it has fielded candidates in all 300 constituencies and is counting on a groundswell of support to overcome its other hurdles.

"If there are free and fair polls, we will win," Ahmed said.

Uneven playing field&nbsp;

The ruling party is confident of victory, and some independent polls suggest Hasina enjoys broad support.

Her administration has presided over record economic growth during its decade in power and invested considerably in Bangladesh's rickety infrastructure.

"We are 100 per cent certain that people will vote for us because we worked for the people. We have successfully maintained peace and prosperity," said Jahangir Kabir Nanak, a ruling party spokesman.

But Hasina, 71, has refused to dissolve parliament and allow a caretaker government to take over ahead of the election -- breaking with long-standing democratic norms.

Experts said this removed limitations on government power during the critical campaign phase, undermining the fairness of the poll.

"There is no level playing field (in the campaign)," M Sakhawat Hossain, a former election commissioner, told AFP.

Critics say Hasina has drifted toward authoritarianism, using strict laws to muzzle dissent and media freedom in the Muslim-majority nation of 160 million.

Thousands were jailed after massive student protests in July, including a respected international photographer whose detention and alleged beating drew international opprobrium. &nbsp;

Bangladesh has been led by either Zia or Hasina since the 1990s.&nbsp;

Their rivalry dates back 30 years but the pair were briefly allies in the late 1980s, as they joined forces to oust a military dictator from power.

There is no opposition candidate for prime minister, hundreds of people have been arrested and incumbent premier Sheikh Hasina stands accused of ignoring democratic checks on her power, but Bangladesh began campaigning Monday for a year-end election.

There is no opposition candidate for prime minister, hundreds of people have been arrested and incumbent premier Sheikh Hasina stands accused of ignoring democratic checks on her power, but Bangladesh began campaigning Monday for a year-end election. More than 100 million people are registered to vote on December 30 for either Hasina's Awami League and its allies, or a beleaguered opposition that says it is being hobbled by police. On the eve of the campaign launch, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which hopes to deny Hasina a record fourth term, said nearly 2,000 of its supporters had been arrested. Police said those detained since the election was announced in November -- including a number of candidates about to hit the hustings -- had prior warrants for their arrest. But the opposition said Hasina and her party were following a pre-election "blueprint" designed to stifle her rivals and intimidate their voters. "The government wants to hold a lopsided election. These arrests are just to create fear among the people so that they don't go to vote," BNP spokesman Rizvi Ahmed told AFP. The sweep has further thinned the ranks of an opposition whose veteran leader, Khaleda Zia, is already behind bars serving 10 years for graft. The 73-year-old's supporters say the charges are politically motivated to keep Hasina's chief rival out of the race. The BNP boycotted the 2014 election over fears it would be rigged, allowing Hasina to be re-elected unchallenged. That election was condemned by international observers. The opposition opted to contest the ballot this time around, but with just weeks to go before the voting day has not named anyone to run against Hasina. Still, it has fielded candidates in all 300 constituencies and is counting on a groundswell of support to overcome its other hurdles. "If there are free and fair polls, we will win," Ahmed said. Uneven playing field The ruling party is confident of victory, and some independent polls suggest Hasina enjoys broad support. Her administration has presided over record economic growth during its decade in power and invested considerably in Bangladesh's rickety infrastructure. "We are 100 per cent certain that people will vote for us because we worked for the people. We have successfully maintained peace and prosperity," said Jahangir Kabir Nanak, a ruling party spokesman. But Hasina, 71, has refused to dissolve parliament and allow a caretaker government to take over ahead of the election -- breaking with long-standing democratic norms. Experts said this removed limitations on government power during the critical campaign phase, undermining the fairness of the poll. "There is no level playing field (in the campaign)," M Sakhawat Hossain, a former election commissioner, told AFP. Critics say Hasina has drifted toward authoritarianism, using strict laws to muzzle dissent and media freedom in the Muslim-majority nation of 160 million. Thousands were jailed after massive student protests in July, including a respected international photographer whose detention and alleged beating drew international opprobrium. Bangladesh has been led by either Zia or Hasina since the 1990s. Their rivalry dates back 30 years but the pair were briefly allies in the late 1980s, as they joined forces to oust a military dictator from power.

Campaigning underway in Bangladesh polls amid opposition arrests

After a high-voltage campaign that saw war of words among contending parties, Telangana is set for Assembly polls on Friday with the Congress-led alliance challenging the ruling TRS, and the BJP seeking to make it a triangular contest.

More than 1.50 lakh polling officials including reserve staff are in the process of giving final touches Thursday to make the election to the 119-member House a smooth affair.

Over 2.80 crore electorate are eligible to exercise their franchise in the State, which has a total of 32,815 polling stations across.Campaigning by political parties came to an end at 5 pm Wednesday.

Additional DG ( Law and order) Jitender Thursday told PTI that about one lakh police personnel including 25,000 central paramilitary forces and 20,000 from other states are engaged in poll duties.

A senior police official said security was beefed up at bordering areas which were identified as Left Wing Extremist-affected regions.

The assembly polls in Telangana were originally scheduled to be held simultaneously with the Lok Sabha elections next year, but the House was dissolved on September 6 as per a recommendation by the state cabinet.

It is to be seen if KCR's gamble to opt for early elections pays off.

The Congress has stitched together "Prajakutami" (People's Front) along with the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), the Telangana Jana Samiti (TJS) and the CPI to take on the ruling TRS, led by caretaker Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR).

The TRS, seeking a second term in office, is going alone, as also the BJP. 
While KCR was, without doubt, the star campaigner for TRS, the Congress and the BJP fielded their bigwigs for campaigning which turned out to be a shrill one.

For the Congress, UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and the party President Rahul Gandhi addressed election rallies.

The BJP relied on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the party President Amit Shah.

Gandhi also addressed a joint meeting with TDP chief and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu.

"We will win 100 seats", KCR repeatedly said in campaign meetings. 
Rahul Gandhi said Wednesday the Congress-led alliance is confident of winning the elections "hands-down" and claimed that KCR was showing "signs of nervousness and insecurity" in recent campaign meetings he addressed.

The BJP, which won five seats in alliance with the TDP in the last elections in 2014, said it ensured that there is a triangular fight in Telangana this time.

"Earlier, when the election season began, it was projected by both the Congress and TRS as if the fight is between them but it was a propaganda," Telangana BJP spokesperson Krishna Saagar Rao told PTI.

Vigorous campaign by BJP's national and state leaders ensured that it has become a "triangular contest where nobody can actually say who is winning and how many seats," Rao said.

Meanwhile, Chief Electoral Officer Rajat Kumar in a press conference said, "Some political parties expressed apprehensions that there was the distribution of liquor and money in some places.

We gave strict instructions to police and other officials to deal with such incidents sternly."

"Distribution of voters' slips was done 100 per cent," he said.Polling will start at 7 am and end at 5 pm, while in 13 constituencies which were classified as Left Wing Extremist-affected, polling ends one hour before (4 pm).

As many as 446 flying squads are in operation in the state to swing into action if any irregularity is reported during the elections and 448 static surveillance teams would also keep a watch on the situation and would wait in wings to take action, Kumar said.

Besides, 224 video-surveillance teams and 133 video-viewing teams have been pressed into service.

There are 126 assistant expenditure observers and 123 accounting teams.For the first time, Election Commission is using Voters Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) in Telangana.

As many as 1,821 candidates including a transgender are in the fray in the election.

Counting of votes would be taken up on December 11.

Huge sums of unaccounted cash and illegal liquor and other goods were seized since the Model Code of Conduct came into effect on September 27.

As per the last count, the total seizures stood at nearly Rs 135 crore including unaccounted cash, illegal liquor and other goods, Rajat Kumar said adding that the total seizures were 90 per cent more than that of during 2014 polls.

After a high-voltage campaign that saw war of words among contending parties, Telangana is set for Assembly polls on Friday with the Congress-led alliance challenging the ruling TRS, and the BJP seeking to make it a triangular contest.

After a high-voltage campaign that saw war of words among contending parties, Telangana is set for Assembly polls on Friday with the Congress-led alliance challenging the ruling TRS, and the BJP seeking to make it a triangular contest. More than 1.50 lakh polling officials including reserve staff are in the process of giving final touches Thursday to make the election to the 119-member House a smooth affair. Over 2.80 crore electorate are eligible to exercise their franchise in the State, which has a total of 32,815 polling stations across.Campaigning by political parties came to an end at 5 pm Wednesday. Additional DG ( Law and order) Jitender Thursday told PTI that about one lakh police personnel including 25,000 central paramilitary forces and 20,000 from other states are engaged in poll duties. A senior police official said security was beefed up at bordering areas which were identified as Left Wing Extremist-affected regions. The assembly polls in Telangana were originally scheduled to be held simultaneously with the Lok Sabha elections next year, but the House was dissolved on September 6 as per a recommendation by the state cabinet. It is to be seen if KCR's gamble to opt for early elections pays off. The Congress has stitched together "Prajakutami" (People's Front) along with the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), the Telangana Jana Samiti (TJS) and the CPI to take on the ruling TRS, led by caretaker Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR). The TRS, seeking a second term in office, is going alone, as also the BJP. While KCR was, without doubt, the star campaigner for TRS, the Congress and the BJP fielded their bigwigs for campaigning which turned out to be a shrill one. For the Congress, UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and the party President Rahul Gandhi addressed election rallies. The BJP relied on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the party President Amit Shah. Gandhi also addressed a joint meeting with TDP chief and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu. "We will win 100 seats", KCR repeatedly said in campaign meetings. Rahul Gandhi said Wednesday the Congress-led alliance is confident of winning the elections "hands-down" and claimed that KCR was showing "signs of nervousness and insecurity" in recent campaign meetings he addressed. The BJP, which won five seats in alliance with the TDP in the last elections in 2014, said it ensured that there is a triangular fight in Telangana this time. "Earlier, when the election season began, it was projected by both the Congress and TRS as if the fight is between them but it was a propaganda," Telangana BJP spokesperson Krishna Saagar Rao told PTI. Vigorous campaign by BJP's national and state leaders ensured that it has become a "triangular contest where nobody can actually say who is winning and how many seats," Rao said. Meanwhile, Chief Electoral Officer Rajat Kumar in a press conference said, "Some political parties expressed apprehensions that there was the distribution of liquor and money in some places. We gave strict instructions to police and other officials to deal with such incidents sternly." "Distribution of voters' slips was done 100 per cent," he said.Polling will start at 7 am and end at 5 pm, while in 13 constituencies which were classified as Left Wing Extremist-affected, polling ends one hour before (4 pm). As many as 446 flying squads are in operation in the state to swing into action if any irregularity is reported during the elections and 448 static surveillance teams would also keep a watch on the situation and would wait in wings to take action, Kumar said. Besides, 224 video-surveillance teams and 133 video-viewing teams have been pressed into service. There are 126 assistant expenditure observers and 123 accounting teams.For the first time, Election Commission is using Voters Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) in Telangana. As many as 1,821 candidates including a transgender are in the fray in the election. Counting of votes would be taken up on December 11. Huge sums of unaccounted cash and illegal liquor and other goods were seized since the Model Code of Conduct came into effect on September 27. As per the last count, the total seizures stood at nearly Rs 135 crore including unaccounted cash, illegal liquor and other goods, Rajat Kumar said adding that the total seizures were 90 per cent more than that of during 2014 polls.

After high-voltage campaign, Telangana set for Assembly poll

Two weeks into a showdown between rival prime ministers, the Sri Lankan president's party admitted for the first time Friday that it does not have a majority to get its candidate through a parliamentary vote of confidence.

President Maithripala Sirisena named authoritarian former president Mahinda Rajapakse as prime minister after sacking Ranil Wickremesinghe on October 26.

Wickremesinghe has since refused to leave the premier's official residence amid a deepening power struggle. The president also suspended parliament meaning neither of the rivals has been able to pass a vote of confidence.

United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) spokesman Keheliya Rambukwella said Rajapakse needs at least eight more votes in the 225 member assembly to reach the required 113 to win a vote.

"At the moment we have 104 or 105 MPs," Rambukwella told reporters. He said the Sirisena-Rajapakse group needed "crossover" legislators and expressed hope enough would be secured by the time the assembly meets next week.

Rambukwella's comments contradicted Sirisena's announcement on Monday that he had the support of 113 legislators when he sacked Wickremesinghe and his government.

"Do not doubt the 113 MPs. We have completed getting 113 MPs," Sirisena told a public rally. The Sirisena-Rajapakse camp has insisted since the start of the dispute that it has enough parliament votes.

Wickremesinghe, who maintains that the action against him was unconstitutional and illegal, insists his group can muster a majority.

According to an AFP count, Wickremesinghe and his allies have 120 MPs while Rajapakse and Sirisena have 104. The speaker, the 225th member, is neutral.

Wickremesinghe remains holed up in his official residence, saying his removal would be illegal, while Rajapakse is running a parallel administration from the prime minister's office.

Sirisena suspended parliament to give himself more time to engineer defections, according to the opposition. Several legislators have said they were offered millions of dollars to defect and at least eight have jumped to Sirisena's side.

Under pressure from the United Nations, the United States and European Union states to allow a parliament vote, Sirisena agreed twice to lift the suspension but changed his mind. &nbsp;His latest order calls for parliament to meet on November 14.

The EU said Friday that the crisis had scarred the Indian Ocean island's international reputation.

Image damaged&nbsp;

Amid rumours that Sirisena may seek to delay matters further, the EU, in a joint statement with Norway and Switzerland, said parliament should vote "immediately when reconvened".

"Any further delay could damage Sri Lanka's international reputation and deter investors," the statement said.

Wickremesinghe late Thursday thanked his supporters and urged them not to give up in the showdown.

"In extraordinary numbers and with extraordinary courage you came out on to the streets, you spoke out," Wickremesinghe said in a video message posted on Facebook.

"You have not let this country be plunged into the darkness of dictatorship. For this inspiring effort, I want to thank everyone who has risen to fight for democracy and justice," he said.

His supporters staged a noisy cavalcade of motorcycles, auto-rickshaws, cars and vans in the capital Colombo on Thursday.

The power struggle on the island of 21 million people has paralysed much of the administration, according to legislators on both sides of the dispute.

Sirisena has filled only 22 of 30 cabinet positions -- purposefully keeping some jobs vacant to tempt legislators of Wickremesinghe's party to defect.

Two weeks into a showdown between rival prime ministers, the Sri Lankan president's party admitted for the first time Friday that it does not have a majority to get its candidate through a parliamentary vote of confidence.

Two weeks into a showdown between rival prime ministers, the Sri Lankan president's party admitted for the first time Friday that it does not have a majority to get its candidate through a parliamentary vote of confidence. President Maithripala Sirisena named authoritarian former president Mahinda Rajapakse as prime minister after sacking Ranil Wickremesinghe on October 26. Wickremesinghe has since refused to leave the premier's official residence amid a deepening power struggle. The president also suspended parliament meaning neither of the rivals has been able to pass a vote of confidence. United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) spokesman Keheliya Rambukwella said Rajapakse needs at least eight more votes in the 225 member assembly to reach the required 113 to win a vote. "At the moment we have 104 or 105 MPs," Rambukwella told reporters. He said the Sirisena-Rajapakse group needed "crossover" legislators and expressed hope enough would be secured by the time the assembly meets next week. Rambukwella's comments contradicted Sirisena's announcement on Monday that he had the support of 113 legislators when he sacked Wickremesinghe and his government. "Do not doubt the 113 MPs. We have completed getting 113 MPs," Sirisena told a public rally. The Sirisena-Rajapakse camp has insisted since the start of the dispute that it has enough parliament votes. Wickremesinghe, who maintains that the action against him was unconstitutional and illegal, insists his group can muster a majority. According to an AFP count, Wickremesinghe and his allies have 120 MPs while Rajapakse and Sirisena have 104. The speaker, the 225th member, is neutral. Wickremesinghe remains holed up in his official residence, saying his removal would be illegal, while Rajapakse is running a parallel administration from the prime minister's office. Sirisena suspended parliament to give himself more time to engineer defections, according to the opposition. Several legislators have said they were offered millions of dollars to defect and at least eight have jumped to Sirisena's side. Under pressure from the United Nations, the United States and European Union states to allow a parliament vote, Sirisena agreed twice to lift the suspension but changed his mind. His latest order calls for parliament to meet on November 14. The EU said Friday that the crisis had scarred the Indian Ocean island's international reputation. Image damaged Amid rumours that Sirisena may seek to delay matters further, the EU, in a joint statement with Norway and Switzerland, said parliament should vote "immediately when reconvened". "Any further delay could damage Sri Lanka's international reputation and deter investors," the statement said. Wickremesinghe late Thursday thanked his supporters and urged them not to give up in the showdown. "In extraordinary numbers and with extraordinary courage you came out on to the streets, you spoke out," Wickremesinghe said in a video message posted on Facebook. "You have not let this country be plunged into the darkness of dictatorship. For this inspiring effort, I want to thank everyone who has risen to fight for democracy and justice," he said. His supporters staged a noisy cavalcade of motorcycles, auto-rickshaws, cars and vans in the capital Colombo on Thursday. The power struggle on the island of 21 million people has paralysed much of the administration, according to legislators on both sides of the dispute. Sirisena has filled only 22 of 30 cabinet positions -- purposefully keeping some jobs vacant to tempt legislators of Wickremesinghe's party to defect.

Sri Lanka president Sirisena short of votes in crisis campaign

The Congress has identified 5 major issues in the run-up to the 2019 Lok Sabha elections on which Congress President Rahul Gandhi will build a stark contrast between the Congress and the BJP.&nbsp;

Sources said that it will take an anti-Modi campaign to the next level. As of now a large part of Congress' campaign has been against the stated policies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.&nbsp;

The present attempt is limited to chiselling away the halo around him built on his key decision like demonetisation, surgical strikes, GST, muscular foreign policy and anti-corruption image. But as of now, the criticism has not addressed the issue of alternative vision. Come December and it will happen.

The Congress has identified agriculture, jobs, education, health care and foreign policy as key areas. The party steps up campaigns on these keys areas once assembly elections in five states conclude. The campaign will include interviews by Rahul Gandhi apart from massive social media interface. These subjects have been identified as areas which require massive transformation and through them, the Congress will give an alternative to Narendra Modi’s vision on these subjects.

Sources say that the work on these five areas has already started and meetings with stakeholders are being done in a phased manner. The party has also decided to focus more on smaller target groups like colleges and create mini-events that are more intimate and conversational. To put forward these views, the party is also in the exercise to identify strong credible voices for the national campaign in run up to the Lok Sabha elections. “Everything cannot depend on Rahul Gandhi and he cannot be everywhere,” said a person involved in the project.

&nbsp;This focus has been accompanied by a vibrant social media strategy. The Congress is also working to target new voters and women as specific constituencies. To this effect, Rahul Gandhi’s team has utilized both Facebook and Twitter intensively. It was for this reason that Rahul Gandhi’s Facebook engagement has increased dramatically and his recent outing at 66 Bhog in Madhya Pradesh registered 3.2 million views.

The Congress has identified 5 major issues in the run-up to the 2019 Lok Sabha elections on which Congress President Rahul Gandhi will build a stark contrast between the Congress and the BJP.

The Congress has identified 5 major issues in the run-up to the 2019 Lok Sabha elections on which Congress President Rahul Gandhi will build a stark contrast between the Congress and the BJP. Sources said that it will take an anti-Modi campaign to the next level. As of now a large part of Congress' campaign has been against the stated policies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The present attempt is limited to chiselling away the halo around him built on his key decision like demonetisation, surgical strikes, GST, muscular foreign policy and anti-corruption image. But as of now, the criticism has not addressed the issue of alternative vision. Come December and it will happen. The Congress has identified agriculture, jobs, education, health care and foreign policy as key areas. The party steps up campaigns on these keys areas once assembly elections in five states conclude. The campaign will include interviews by Rahul Gandhi apart from massive social media interface. These subjects have been identified as areas which require massive transformation and through them, the Congress will give an alternative to Narendra Modi’s vision on these subjects. Sources say that the work on these five areas has already started and meetings with stakeholders are being done in a phased manner. The party has also decided to focus more on smaller target groups like colleges and create mini-events that are more intimate and conversational. To put forward these views, the party is also in the exercise to identify strong credible voices for the national campaign in run up to the Lok Sabha elections. “Everything cannot depend on Rahul Gandhi and he cannot be everywhere,” said a person involved in the project. This focus has been accompanied by a vibrant social media strategy. The Congress is also working to target new voters and women as specific constituencies. To this effect, Rahul Gandhi’s team has utilized both Facebook and Twitter intensively. It was for this reason that Rahul Gandhi’s Facebook engagement has increased dramatically and his recent outing at 66 Bhog in Madhya Pradesh registered 3.2 million views.

Come December and Congress to go into campaign overdrive

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