<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his 45-hour long meditation at the Vivekananda Rock Memorial on Thursday evening (May 30)&nbsp;after days of intense campaigning for the Lok Sabha Election. PM Modi is&nbsp;meditating&nbsp;at Rock Memorial, which is a monument built in tribute to Swami Vivekananda, in Kanyakumari.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Modi worshipped at the Bhagavathi Amman temple and reached the rock memorial by a ferry service after arriving from nearby Thiruvananthapuram by helicopter. PM Modi started meditation that is scheduled to go on till June 1.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Modi prayed at the shrine and circled the 'garbhagriha'. He was dressed in a dhoti and a white shawl. Priests performed a special 'arthi' and he was given temple 'prasad' that included a shawl and a framed photograph of the presiding deity of the temple.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Security has been heightened as around 2,000 police personnel have been deployed in the area.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-excise-policy-case-cm-arvind-kejriwal-moves-court-seeking-regular-bail-727025">Delhi excise policy case: CM Arvind Kejriwal moves court seeking regular bail</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<h2><strong>Congress calls it violation</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>However, the Indian National Congress (INC) is not happy about the nearly two-day meditation exercise as they have appealed to the Election Commission to take action against it and have also urged to ensure it is not aired by the media as it violates the model code of conduct.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Congress party alleged that the meditation plan was an attempt to "circumvent" the silence period restrictions. A delegation of Congress leaders Randeep Surjewala, Abhishek Manu Singhvi and Syed Naseer Hussain handed over a memorandum in this regard along with 27 other complaints of alleged model code violations by the BJP in the last few days.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The said trip would be widely televised and would therefore be shown during the 48-hour silence period in Varanasi, the constituency from which Shri Narendra Modi is contesting", the Congress memorandum to the poll body said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Through the meditation trip, Shri Narendra Modi is attempting to circumvent the 48-hour silence period and unfairly leverage the ethno-cultural significance of the chosen location in an attempt to bolster his campaign and maximise his vote share in violation of the Representation of the People Act, as well as the Model Code of Conduct", the party also said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/shashi-tharoors-pa-shiv-kumar-arrested-for-gold-smuggling-at-delhi-airport-726915">Former aide of Shashi Tharoor caught 'smuggling' gold at Delhi airport</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>The memorandum further noted that it was also against the orders related to the Dos and Don'ts during the election period that political parties and their candidates are required to follow.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The PM will start his meditation on the evening of May 30, and we have complained about that. We all know that the silence period will begin on May 30 and thus his declaration is a violation of the MCC.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The PM can start his meditation after 24-48 hours, which is from the evening of June 1. Otherwise, if he wants to meditate from May 30, then the ECI should ensure that this is not broadcast by the TV or print media", Singhvi told reporters.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Tamil Nadu: Visuals from outside the Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanniyakumari where PM Modi will meditate from 30th May evening to 1st June evening.<br />
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PM Modi will meditate day and night at the same place where Swami Vivekanand did meditation, at the Dhyan Mandapam. <a href="https://t.co/b7J1wZEiPF">pic.twitter.com/b7J1wZEiPF</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1796047709796700261?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 30, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>Old image of PM Modi&nbsp;surfaces</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Amid meditation talks, PM Modi's 33-year-old photo at the same spot has gone viral on social media forums. The image was taken during the nationwide Ekta Yatra which commenced from the iconic Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari and stretched to Kashmir. BJP veteran Dr Murli Manohar Joshi can also be seen in the image. &nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Thirty-three years ago, the massive nationwide Ekta Yatra commenced from the iconic Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari, stretching all the way to Kashmir. All the Ekta Yatris including Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi and <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> circumambulated the statue of Swami Vivekananda… <a href="https://t.co/bMQ6qjjIuQ">pic.twitter.com/bMQ6qjjIuQ</a></p>
— Modi Archive (@modiarchive) <a href="https://twitter.com/modiarchive/status/1796066086380617897?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 30, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Notably, &nbsp;PM Modi chose Kedarnath cave to reflect and meditate following the end of campaign in 2019 Lok Sabha polls.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Nirupam supports PM Modi&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam came in support of PM Modi. He said, "What is illegal or the violation of the Model Code of Conduct if he (PM Modi) has decided to go for meditation to a place where Swami Vivekanand had done so."</p>

<p>"It's his choice if someone chooses to get peace through meditation. Some people get peace by consuming 'ganja', it's their choice. But those who consume that won't understand the spiritual importance of meditation. Congress is against meditation, Hindu and Swami Vivekanand," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his 45-hour long meditation at the Vivekananda Rock Memorial on Thursday evening (May 30) after days of intense campaigning for the Lok Sabha Election.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his 45-hour long meditation at the Vivekananda Rock Memorial on Thursday evening (May 30) after days of intense campaigning for the Lok Sabha Election. PM Modi is meditating at Rock Memorial, which is a monument built in tribute to Swami Vivekananda, in Kanyakumari. Modi worshipped at the Bhagavathi Amman temple and reached the rock memorial by a ferry service after arriving from nearby Thiruvananthapuram by helicopter. PM Modi started meditation that is scheduled to go on till June 1. Modi prayed at the shrine and circled the 'garbhagriha'. He was dressed in a dhoti and a white shawl. Priests performed a special 'arthi' and he was given temple 'prasad' that included a shawl and a framed photograph of the presiding deity of the temple. Security has been heightened as around 2,000 police personnel have been deployed in the area. Also read: Delhi excise policy case: CM Arvind Kejriwal moves court seeking regular bail Congress calls it violation However, the Indian National Congress (INC) is not happy about the nearly two-day meditation exercise as they have appealed to the Election Commission to take action against it and have also urged to ensure it is not aired by the media as it violates the model code of conduct. The Congress party alleged that the meditation plan was an attempt to "circumvent" the silence period restrictions. A delegation of Congress leaders Randeep Surjewala, Abhishek Manu Singhvi and Syed Naseer Hussain handed over a memorandum in this regard along with 27 other complaints of alleged model code violations by the BJP in the last few days. "The said trip would be widely televised and would therefore be shown during the 48-hour silence period in Varanasi, the constituency from which Shri Narendra Modi is contesting", the Congress memorandum to the poll body said. "Through the meditation trip, Shri Narendra Modi is attempting to circumvent the 48-hour silence period and unfairly leverage the ethno-cultural significance of the chosen location in an attempt to bolster his campaign and maximise his vote share in violation of the Representation of the People Act, as well as the Model Code of Conduct", the party also said. Also read: Former aide of Shashi Tharoor caught 'smuggling' gold at Delhi airport The memorandum further noted that it was also against the orders related to the Dos and Don'ts during the election period that political parties and their candidates are required to follow. "The PM will start his meditation on the evening of May 30, and we have complained about that. We all know that the silence period will begin on May 30 and thus his declaration is a violation of the MCC. "The PM can start his meditation after 24-48 hours, which is from the evening of June 1. Otherwise, if he wants to meditate from May 30, then the ECI should ensure that this is not broadcast by the TV or print media", Singhvi told reporters. #WATCH | Tamil Nadu: Visuals from outside the Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanniyakumari where PM Modi will meditate from 30th May evening to 1st June evening. PM Modi will meditate day and night at the same place where Swami Vivekanand did meditation, at the Dhyan Mandapam. pic.twitter.com/b7J1wZEiPF — ANI (@ANI) May 30, 2024 × Old image of PM Modi surfaces Amid meditation talks, PM Modi's 33-year-old photo at the same spot has gone viral on social media forums. The image was taken during the nationwide Ekta Yatra which commenced from the iconic Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari and stretched to Kashmir. BJP veteran Dr Murli Manohar Joshi can also be seen in the image. Thirty-three years ago, the massive nationwide Ekta Yatra commenced from the iconic Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari, stretching all the way to Kashmir. All the Ekta Yatris including Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi and @narendramodi circumambulated the statue of Swami Vivekananda… pic.twitter.com/bMQ6qjjIuQ — Modi Archive (@modiarchive) May 30, 2024 × Notably, PM Modi chose Kedarnath cave to reflect and meditate following the end of campaign in 2019 Lok Sabha polls. Nirupam supports PM Modi Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam came in support of PM Modi. He said, "What is illegal or the violation of the Model Code of Conduct if he (PM Modi) has decided to go for meditation to a place where Swami Vivekanand had done so." "It's his choice if someone chooses to get peace through meditation. Some people get peace by consuming 'ganja', it's their choice. But those who consume that won't understand the spiritual importance of meditation. Congress is against meditation, Hindu and Swami Vivekanand," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Modi's old image surfaces as he starts meditation at Vivekananda Rock, Congress calls it violation

Political observers are handing India's poll result to Prime Minister Narendra Modi ahead of the last phase of polling. But investors are taking a more cautious approach despite the likely and expected result. So, how do you position your portfolio during such volatile times? Take a look at this report for more.

Global investors' guide to Indian stocks; how markets could react to Indian poll results

Startups have become a key force in disrupting key industries and driving economic growth and innovation. As the third largest hub for startups, India is a key market for these companies. So, what do these visionary companies and their founders want from india's new government? Take a look to find out.

Tracking India's Unicorn boom under Modi's leadership

PM Modi filed his nomination from Uttar Pradesh's Varanasi Lok Sabha seat. PM Modi is seeking a third term from the constituency. Varanasi will go to polls in the seventh and last phase of the elections on June 1.

India PM Narendra Modi files nomination from Varanasi, offers prayers at Dasaswamedh Ghat

Boosting rural incomes has always been a big aim of the Narendra Modi government. A new document reviewed by Reuters reveal a plan to lift rural per-capita income by 50% by 2030. But Prime Minister Modi faces significant challenges as he tries to achieve that target. Today's Pollnomics takes a deep dive into India's agricultural economy.

India: Govt document aims to lift rural incomes by 50% by 2030

India Elections 2024: Decoding government's plan for rural India

The third phase of polls involves some key seats whose results will impact the future of some political families. A total of 17.24 crore voters are eligible to cast their vote in this phase at 185,000 polling stations. Just for a reminder, voting was held in 102 seats in the first phase of Lok Sabha polls and in 88 seats in the second phase. Watch in for more details!

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Polling underway in 93 seats; PM Modi, Amit Shah cast vote

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been invited by his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni to attend the G7 Summit Outreach Sessions in Italy in June this year. Watch in for more details!

Italian PM Meloni invites Indian PM Modi to attend G7 Summit in June

<p>Bollywood star Ranveer Singh has reacted after a deepfake video of him 'criticising' Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi went viral online. The clip has an AI-generated Ranveer cirticising PM Modi over unemployment and inflation in the country. The video went viral on Thursday and prompted Singh to take to social media to refute it.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
On Friday, Ranveer took to X (formerly Twitter) to squash the video and warn his followers against deepfake. Ranveer wrote, "<em>Deepfake se bacho dostonnnn</em>,( beware of deepfake)".&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="und">Deepfake se bacho dostonnnn 💀</p>
— Ranveer Singh (@RanveerOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/RanveerOfficial/status/1781287202745676137?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Ranveer Singh's deepfake video&nbsp;</strong><br />
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In the 42-second doctored video, Ranveer is heard saying, "This is Modiji's purpose. He intended to celebrate our sad lives, our fear, our unemployment and inflation. Because our India is now heading towards a time of injustice at such a pace... so we should never stop demanding our development and justice - this is why we must think and vote."&nbsp;<br />
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Fact-checkers have since then claimed that the video is fake with Ranveer's voice being synthetically cloned. In the original video, an interview given to Asian News International (ANI), the actor praised Modi and his work.&nbsp;<br />
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The doctored video later concludes with a message urging people to vote for Congress.<br />
<br />
Earlier this week, another deepfake video&nbsp;featuring Aamir Khan was shared widely on social media.&nbsp;<br />
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Aamir had to issue a statement denying his involvement with any political party.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The actor's team made it clear that he had never endorsed any political party in the past, and that his team are constantly tracking social media to report the culprits to concerned authorities.</p>

<p>"We want to clarify that Mr Aamir Khan has never endorsed any political party throughout his 35-year career. He has dedicated his efforts to raising public awareness through Election Commission public awareness campaigns for many past elections. We are alarmed by the recent viral video alleging that Aamir Khan is promoting a particular political party. He would like to clarify that this is a fake video and untrue," read the statement.</p>


Bollywood star Ranveer Singh has reacted after a deepfake video of him 'criticising' Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi went viral online. The clip has an AI-generated Ranveer cirticising PM Modi over unemployment and inflation in the country.

Bollywood star Ranveer Singh has reacted after a deepfake video of him 'criticising' Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi went viral online. The clip has an AI-generated Ranveer cirticising PM Modi over unemployment and inflation in the country. The video went viral on Thursday and prompted Singh to take to social media to refute it. On Friday, Ranveer took to X (formerly Twitter) to squash the video and warn his followers against deepfake. Ranveer wrote, "Deepfake se bacho dostonnnn,( beware of deepfake)". Deepfake se bacho dostonnnn 💀 — Ranveer Singh (@RanveerOfficial) April 19, 2024 × Ranveer Singh's deepfake video In the 42-second doctored video, Ranveer is heard saying, "This is Modiji's purpose. He intended to celebrate our sad lives, our fear, our unemployment and inflation. Because our India is now heading towards a time of injustice at such a pace... so we should never stop demanding our development and justice - this is why we must think and vote." Fact-checkers have since then claimed that the video is fake with Ranveer's voice being synthetically cloned. In the original video, an interview given to Asian News International (ANI), the actor praised Modi and his work. The doctored video later concludes with a message urging people to vote for Congress. Earlier this week, another deepfake video featuring Aamir Khan was shared widely on social media. Aamir had to issue a statement denying his involvement with any political party. The actor's team made it clear that he had never endorsed any political party in the past, and that his team are constantly tracking social media to report the culprits to concerned authorities. "We want to clarify that Mr Aamir Khan has never endorsed any political party throughout his 35-year career. He has dedicated his efforts to raising public awareness through Election Commission public awareness campaigns for many past elections. We are alarmed by the recent viral video alleging that Aamir Khan is promoting a particular political party. He would like to clarify that this is a fake video and untrue," read the statement.

Ranveer Singh reacts as deep fake video of the actor criticising PM Modi goes viral

Seeking a straight third term, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a campaign blitz in Southern states - back to back rallies, mega road shows, fierce attacks on Opposition - the PM is leading BJP's attack for 129 seats in Southern India.

Former CM Sadananda Gowda may quit BJP, says 'BJP not a party with a difference'

<p>Saket Gokhale, an Indian Member of Parliament, on Monday (Mar 18) filed a complaint with the Election Commission of India (ECI) against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Gokhale of Trinamool Congress party claimed that PM Modi violated the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) for using an Indian Air Force helicopter to attend an election rally in Andhra Pradesh.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In his social media post, Gokhale said, "Filed a complaint with the Election Commission against Modi for using an Indian Air Force helicopter to attend an election rally in AC 96-Chilakaluripet in Palnadu, Andhra Pradesh yesterday".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-ji-twisting-shakti-remark-rahul-gandhi-clears-stance-on-pm-modis-jaan-ki-baazi-attack-701555">'Modi ji twisting 'Shakti' remark': Rahul Gandhi clears stance on PM Modi's 'jaan ki baazi' attack</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>The politician referred to EC rules which according to him prohibit the use of state machinery for campaigning. The same rule which had disqualified former prime minister Indira Gandhi in 1975.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"If BJP paid for renting the IAF chopper, then EC should let us all know along with the grounds for why an IAF chopper was essential (CMs &amp; other Z+ protectees use normal VVIP choppers which have all required security features)," he said in his post on X as he made the complaint public by sharing its photo.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Indian politician said in a separate post that the Supreme Court doesn't interfere in electoral matters, hence, he approached the election commission.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Complaint against PM Modi with ECI for violating code of conduct 👇<br />
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Filed a complaint with the Election Commission against Modi for using an Indian Air Force helicopter to attend an election rally in AC 96-Chilakaluripet in Palnadu, Andhra Pradesh yesterday<br />
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EC rules prohibit… <a href="https://t.co/vHp8ooE32Z">pic.twitter.com/vHp8ooE32Z</a></p>
— Saket Gokhale (@SaketGokhale) <a href="https://twitter.com/SaketGokhale/status/1769555927215054917?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>What do the rules say?</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>"The Commission directs that, subject to exceptions mentioned herein, there shall be a total and absolute ban on the use of official vehicles for campaigning, electioneering, or election-related travel during elections. There shall be a total prohibition on the use of any vehicles such as helicopters, aircraft (except as regulated by the Commission's order on the subject), cars, jeeps, automobiles, boats, hovercrafts, etc., belonging to the (i) Central Government, (ii) State Government/UT Administration, (iii) Public Undertakings of the Central and State Governments, (iv) Joint Sector Undertakings of the Central and State Governments, (v) Local Bodies, (vi) Marketing Boards, (vii) Co-operative Societies, (viii) Autonomous District Councils, or any other body in which public funds, however small a portion of the total, are invested for any purpose connected with the elections, by any political party, candidate, or any other person connected with the election (except officials performing any election-related official duty)."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-prime-minister-narendra-modi-congratulates-russian-president-vladimir-putin-on-his-re-election-701516">PM Modi congratulates Russian President Vladimir Putin on his re-election</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Rahul Gandhi concludes rally in Mumbai | Will Bharat Jodo Yatra have an impact?&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>But on page number 105 under the subheading of "Use of Aircraft / Helicopter by Political Parties", an exception has been mentioned.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It reads that "during the election process, there is a complete ban on the use of aircraft by political functionaries, including the Chief Minister and Ministers. The only exemption is for the Prime Minister in office."&nbsp;</p>

<p>When a user highlighted the same, Gokhale replied that the "exception is for the use of official bulletproof vehicles &amp; convoy vehicles (like jammer cars etc). for security reasons &amp; NOT for using IAF helicopters".&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Saket Gokhale, an Indian Member of Parliament, on Monday (Mar 18) filed a complaint with the Election Commission of India (ECI) against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Saket Gokhale, an Indian Member of Parliament, on Monday (Mar 18) filed a complaint with the Election Commission of India (ECI) against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Gokhale of Trinamool Congress party claimed that PM Modi violated the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) for using an Indian Air Force helicopter to attend an election rally in Andhra Pradesh. In his social media post, Gokhale said, "Filed a complaint with the Election Commission against Modi for using an Indian Air Force helicopter to attend an election rally in AC 96-Chilakaluripet in Palnadu, Andhra Pradesh yesterday". Also read: 'Modi ji twisting 'Shakti' remark': Rahul Gandhi clears stance on PM Modi's 'jaan ki baazi' attack The politician referred to EC rules which according to him prohibit the use of state machinery for campaigning. The same rule which had disqualified former prime minister Indira Gandhi in 1975. "If BJP paid for renting the IAF chopper, then EC should let us all know along with the grounds for why an IAF chopper was essential (CMs & other Z+ protectees use normal VVIP choppers which have all required security features)," he said in his post on X as he made the complaint public by sharing its photo. The Indian politician said in a separate post that the Supreme Court doesn't interfere in electoral matters, hence, he approached the election commission. Complaint against PM Modi with ECI for violating code of conduct 👇 Filed a complaint with the Election Commission against Modi for using an Indian Air Force helicopter to attend an election rally in AC 96-Chilakaluripet in Palnadu, Andhra Pradesh yesterday EC rules prohibit… pic.twitter.com/vHp8ooE32Z — Saket Gokhale (@SaketGokhale) March 18, 2024 × What do the rules say? "The Commission directs that, subject to exceptions mentioned herein, there shall be a total and absolute ban on the use of official vehicles for campaigning, electioneering, or election-related travel during elections. There shall be a total prohibition on the use of any vehicles such as helicopters, aircraft (except as regulated by the Commission's order on the subject), cars, jeeps, automobiles, boats, hovercrafts, etc., belonging to the (i) Central Government, (ii) State Government/UT Administration, (iii) Public Undertakings of the Central and State Governments, (iv) Joint Sector Undertakings of the Central and State Governments, (v) Local Bodies, (vi) Marketing Boards, (vii) Co-operative Societies, (viii) Autonomous District Councils, or any other body in which public funds, however small a portion of the total, are invested for any purpose connected with the elections, by any political party, candidate, or any other person connected with the election (except officials performing any election-related official duty)." Also read: PM Modi congratulates Russian President Vladimir Putin on his re-election Watch: Rahul Gandhi concludes rally in Mumbai | Will Bharat Jodo Yatra have an impact? × But on page number 105 under the subheading of "Use of Aircraft / Helicopter by Political Parties", an exception has been mentioned. It reads that "during the election process, there is a complete ban on the use of aircraft by political functionaries, including the Chief Minister and Ministers. The only exemption is for the Prime Minister in office." When a user highlighted the same, Gokhale replied that the "exception is for the use of official bulletproof vehicles & convoy vehicles (like jammer cars etc). for security reasons & NOT for using IAF helicopters". (With inputs from agencies)

Complaint filed against PM Modi over use of IAF helicopter during election rally. What do rules say?

Pokhran is hosting ‘Bharat Shakti’ the integrated tri-service firepower and manoeuvre exercise. PM Modi witnesses the first-of-its-kind exercise in Pokhran.

PM Modi witnesses tri-service 'Bharat Shakti' exercise in Pokhran

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's outreach, coupled with diplomatic efforts from various countries, played a pivotal role in preventing Russia from a "potential nuclear attack" on Ukraine, a CNN report claimed.

PM Modi's outreach to Putin helped prevent potential nuclear war: CNN, hails PM Modi's diplomacy

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday dedicated to the nation and laid the foundation stone of multiple development projects related to power, rail and road sectors in Telangana. Watch in for more details!

India: PM Modi launches multiple development projects in Telangana

India Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a key meeting of his Bhartiya Janata Party's Central Election Committee. The meeting was held late on Thrusday evening to finalise the first list of candidates for upcoming elections.

General Elections 2024: BJP Central Election Cell holds late-night meet, finalises first list

The Ministry of Home Affairs plans to notify the rules for implementing the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) before the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) comes into effect ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

India's MHA to notify CAA rules before Lok Sabha poll announcement

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched the country's first indegenously built Hydrogen-powered ferry. It is said to have zero emission and zero noise.

India paving way for Green Maritime Transport, builds 1st indigenously built Hydrogen-powered ferry

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to launch 14000 projects worth more than Rs 10 Lakh Crore at the fourth ground breaking ceremony for investment proposals received during the UP Global Investors Summit 2024.

UP Global Investors Summit kicks off, PM Modi says 'UP replaced red tape with red carpet culture'

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday held bilateral talks with the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamin bin Hamad Al Thani in Doha. PM Modi was accorded a ceremonial welcome during his Qatar visit.

PM Modi meets Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, discuss region & global issues

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in UAE. This is the Indian prime minister's two-day visit to the United Arab Emirates. The focus is on boosting cooperation in various sectors including energy, ports, fintech, digital infrastructure, Railways and investment flows.

India: As PM Modi arrives in UAE, excitement builds among Indian diaspora

<p>The ₹777 crore ($93.6 million) Pragati Maidan Tunnel has been rendered beyond repair because of negligence, claim&nbsp;reports in the media. As senior official of the Delhi Public Works Department (PWD) while speaking to&nbsp;<em>The Hindu </em>said&nbsp;the delay in its completion, paired with negligence in&nbsp;maintenance, means that the tunnel now needs a "major revamp".</p>

<h2><strong>Pragati Maidan Tunnel</strong></h2>

<p>The tunnel was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as recently as June 2022, but&nbsp;not even two years in, the tunnel is not safe to commute.</p>

<p>"The tunnel at present is not safe for commuters. The condition is such that it cannot be repaired without a major revamp," the PWD official told the publication.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-pet-dog-protects-owners-body-from-wild-animals-for-48-hours-amid-heavy-snow-watch-688293">Pet dog protects owner's body from wild animals for 48 hours amid heavy snow. Watch</a></strong><br />
&nbsp;<br />
The 1.3 km long tunnel and the five underpasses linking it are part of the Pragati Maidan Integrated Transit Corridor Project that aims to ease connectivity between central Delhi and Noida and Ghaziabad.</p>

<p>As per the report,&nbsp;the tunnel witnessed multiple closures due to waterlogging during floods last year. While&nbsp; another official said that the tunnel floods whenever the city receives moderate intensity&nbsp;rainfall.</p>

<p>"While all underground tunnels develop minor leakages, this particular tunnel was not repaired by the maintaining authority&nbsp;despite multiple communications to the company in the past two months," he said.</p>

<h2><strong>Show cause notice</strong></h2>

<p>The Delhi Public Works Department (PWD) has reportedly&nbsp;issued the project contractor Larsen and Turbo (L&amp;T) a show cause notice. In it, the authorities said that the company failed to complete the construction on time. They said that the project was expected to be completed by 2019, but was only inaugurated in 2022.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-union-government-gives-nod-to-establishment-of-supreme-court-regional-benches-688345">Indian union government gives nod to establishment of Supreme Court regional benches</a></strong></p>

<p>Asking L&amp;T to deposit a "minimum token amount of ₹500 crore," PWD also instructed the company to initiate repair work besides rectifying its defective design.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Furthermore, it warned that the company&nbsp;was liable under civil as well as criminal laws for evading responsibility of repairing and maintaining a construction that was agreed upon to have a design life of 100 years or more.</p>

<p>As per the report citing an L&amp;T spokesperson, the company has filed "a counter-claim of ₹500 crore" against the PWD.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The ₹777 crore ($93.6 million) Pragati Maidan Tunnel has been rendered beyond repair because of negligence, claim reports in the media. As senior official of the Delhi Public Works Department (PWD) while speaking to The Hindu said the delay in its completion, paired with negligence in maintenance, means that the tunnel now needs a "major revamp".

The ₹777 crore ($93.6 million) Pragati Maidan Tunnel has been rendered beyond repair because of negligence, claim reports in the media. As senior official of the Delhi Public Works Department (PWD) while speaking to The Hindu said the delay in its completion, paired with negligence in maintenance, means that the tunnel now needs a "major revamp". Pragati Maidan Tunnel The tunnel was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as recently as June 2022, but not even two years in, the tunnel is not safe to commute. "The tunnel at present is not safe for commuters. The condition is such that it cannot be repaired without a major revamp," the PWD official told the publication. Also read | Pet dog protects owner's body from wild animals for 48 hours amid heavy snow. Watch The 1.3 km long tunnel and the five underpasses linking it are part of the Pragati Maidan Integrated Transit Corridor Project that aims to ease connectivity between central Delhi and Noida and Ghaziabad. As per the report, the tunnel witnessed multiple closures due to waterlogging during floods last year. While another official said that the tunnel floods whenever the city receives moderate intensity rainfall. "While all underground tunnels develop minor leakages, this particular tunnel was not repaired by the maintaining authority despite multiple communications to the company in the past two months," he said. Show cause notice The Delhi Public Works Department (PWD) has reportedly issued the project contractor Larsen and Turbo (L&T) a show cause notice. In it, the authorities said that the company failed to complete the construction on time. They said that the project was expected to be completed by 2019, but was only inaugurated in 2022. Also read | Indian union government gives nod to establishment of Supreme Court regional benches Asking L&T to deposit a "minimum token amount of ₹500 crore," PWD also instructed the company to initiate repair work besides rectifying its defective design. Furthermore, it warned that the company was liable under civil as well as criminal laws for evading responsibility of repairing and maintaining a construction that was agreed upon to have a design life of 100 years or more. As per the report citing an L&T spokesperson, the company has filed "a counter-claim of ₹500 crore" against the PWD. (With inputs from agencies)

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