War and popularity keep Zelensky in power despite term expiring

Martial law and a desire for stability keeps the Ukrainian leader in power without new elections.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/kT6V2SM

"Will Be Very Happy To Win MP Of The Year Award": Kangana Ranaut

Bharatiya Janata Party candidate from Mandi, Kangana Ranaut, expressed her excitement about securing victory in the Lok Sabha elections.

She also hailed the BJP for adhering to strict protocols and fulfilling promises, while criticising other parties for not doing the same.

Kangana Ranaut, who is bidding for a maiden term in the Lok Sabha from her native Mandi, also expressed her excitement at the prospect of winning the MP of the Year award if she gets elected.

"As an actress, I have won various awards, including the Padma Shri and National awards. In the future, if I get elected, I will represent the opinions and problems of the people of Mandi and work effortlessly for them. Since the Lok Sabha conducts various award sessions, in the future, if I receive the Member of Parliament of the Year award, I will be very happy," said Kangana Ranaut.

While hailing her party, the BJP, she added, "We take 'Modi Ki Guarantee' seriously and adhere to stricter guidelines from the party, which also prevent us from making false promises to win elections. I personally believe this level of integrity is not present in other parties."

Addressing the problems of the people of Mandi, especially apple orchard owners, she added, "Himachal orchards are facing numerous challenges. Some owners advocate for an increase in the number of cold storage facilities, while others call for a rise in import duties. It is essential to address all these issues."

While speaking to news agency ANI, she also stated that she is working on various film projects, the most recent one being 'Emergency'.

"Currently, I am involved in several projects. I was shooting a film with R Madhavan Ji but I had to pause due to the elections and will resume post-election. Apart from that, I have 3-4 other films lined up in a row, including the Sita Trilogy and the biopic on Noti Binodini. I have also worked on the movie 'Emergency,' which is set to be released soon," said Kangana Ranaut.

Kangana Ranaut is contesting elections from the Mandi Lok Sabha constituency. Traditionally, this seat has been a stronghold of the ruling Congress in the state. The decision to field Kangana Ranaut from Mandi adds a layer of intrigue to the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

In her maiden bid for membership of the Lower House, she faces a formidable challenge in the form of a Congress heavyweight and the son of the late former chief minister Virbhadra Singh, Vikramaditya Singh.

Polling in Himachal, which is scheduled for June 1, will not only elect candidates for Lok Sabha membership from four seats but also elect members for six assembly seats that fell vacant following the resignation and switchover of dissident Congress lawmakers.

The BJP, which won all four Lok Sabha constituencies in the state in the 2019 elections, is eyeing an encore this time.

The Mandi constituency holds symbolic significance for the Congress, as it is considered a bastion of the Virbhadra family. The seat is currently held by Pratibha Devi Singh, the late leader's widow.

She wrested the seat for the Congress in the bye-election that was held following the demise of then-BJP MP Ram Swaroop Sharma.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

from NDTV News-India-news https://ift.tt/W7THjgX

Ship That Hit Baltimore Bridge To Move On Monday, Indian Crew Still Onboard

A stranded cargo ship that has been blocking one of America's busiest ports will be removed Monday nearly two months after it struck and destroyed a bridge in Baltimore, authorities said over the weekend.

The complex operation would see the nearly 1,000-foot (300-meter) Dali container vessel transported to a marine terminal, marking a major step in reopening the key shipping channel.

The Singapore-flagged ship lost power before it plowed into a support column of the Francis Scott Key Bridge on March 26, causing it to collapse and killing six construction workers who had been atop the major transit route.

The accident shut down the port, though temporary channels have allowed some traffic in and out of Baltimore.

Authorities leading the salvage operation said the Dali would be prepared for refloating from midday (1600 GMT) Sunday ahead of being moved at high tide on Monday, forecast for 5:24 am.

Divers will first inspect the ship to ensure there are no obstructions after demolition experts last week used explosives to remove parts of the collapsed steel bridge trapping the Dali, which still has its 21-man crew onboard.

Salvagers will then draw out up to 1.25 million gallons (4.7 million liters) of water previously pumped into the Dali to stabilize it as ballast, before releasing its anchors and mooring lines.

Tugboats will transport the Dali at around 1 mile per hour (1.6 kilometers per hour) to a nearby marine terminal, with the journey expected to take three hours.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore told NBC News on Sunday he was "proud that we're on track and by the end of May we'll have that federal channel reopened."

Authorities have been working around the clock to clear the fallen bridge and reopen the waterway after it was rendered impassable due to the sprawling wreckage.

The port is a key hub for the auto industry, handling almost 850,000 autos and light trucks last year -- more than any other US port, according to state figures.

In April the FBI launched a criminal probe into the incident, with its agents boarding the Dali as part of the investigation.

The National Transportation Safety Board, which is also investigating, said on Tuesday the ship had two electricity blackouts in the moments before the disaster.

It also said the crew had been tested multiple times, before and after the disaster, for drugs and alcohol, and that none had showed.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

from NDTV News-India-news https://ift.tt/egpaXBQ

"ISRO Aims To Explore Human Space Flight Activities, Moon": Chief

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman Sreedhara Panicker Somanath attended a programme at a school on Sunday and said that the space agency aims to explore human space flight activities and build space stations.

While speaking with the reporters, Sreedhara Panicker Somanath lauded the Chandrayaan Mission and said, "I would like to say today, after the successful Chandrayan Mission, the world is looking at us. We have announced Space Act Reforms in 2020 and there is a new Indian Space Policy 2023 by the government which has enabled private companies and institutions to come and work together."

He further added, "We are looking at a substantial growth in the space activity in private but more than that, there are institutional works which are happening. There is a new vision that has been put forward by the government in terms of what we want to do in the space sector in future."

The ISRO Chairman called the vision exciting and said, "And all of that is very exciting. We can explore human space flight activities, moon and other planets, and build space stations.

He added, "We also want to do a lot of economic activities in the space sector to create job, industries, and startups in the country."

On being asked about the Prime Minister's vision to send an astronaut to the moon by 2040, Somanath said, "It's already there in the announcement."

As per ISRO, the Government of India unleashed reforms in the space domain in 2020, opening the doors for enhanced participation of Non-Governmental Entities (NGEs) in carrying out end-to-end activities in the space domain and providing them a level playing field.

Subsequent to these reforms, the Government sought to provide regulatory certainty for space activities by various stakeholders, to create a thriving space ecosystem.

The Indian Space Policy - 2023 was thus formulated as an overarching, composite and dynamic framework to implement the reform vision approved by Cabinet.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

from NDTV News-India-news https://ift.tt/kBVwCNp

Singapore, Nepal Envoys Among 20 Diplomats Attend PM's Public Meeting

A delegation comprising several foreign diplomats, including Singapore High Commissioner to India Simon Wong and Nepal's Ambassador to India Shankar P Sharma, attended Prime Minister Narendra Modi's public meeting in North East Delhi today.

Voting in Delhi for all seven Lok Sabha seats will be held in a single phase on May 25. BJP's Manoj Tiwari is in the electoral fray against Congress candidate Kanhaiya Kumar in the North East Delhi Lok Sabha seat.

Speaking to news agency ANI, Nepal's Ambassador to India, Shankar P Sharma, said that about 20 dignitaries, including six ambassadors, will witness the rally and stressed that it is similar to Nepal.

Mr Sharma said, "Now we are here about 20 dignitaries from the embassies, including six ambassadors, to watch what the rally like in Delhi, especially, and also see what kind of programs you will have in the rally. So it's similar to Nepal, no doubt about that. But, we would like to have first-hand experience of the rally, especially that of the Prime Minister. We are proud of it."

Front row seats w fellow diplomatic colleagues to watch the world's largest democracy in action. Electrifying! Thank you @BJP4India, @vijai63 for the opportunity. - HC Wong@narendramodi pic.twitter.com/iEQKZKdtVV

— Singapore in India (@SGinIndia) May 18, 2024

Calling India the "largest democracy" in the world, he said that part of the election has already been completed.

Nepal envoy said, "I think India is the mother of democracy, largest democracy in the world. So, I think we are very proud of that one. And then the general election is coming. The part of it has been already completed."

Lok Sabha elections 2024 are being held in 7 phases from April 19 to June 1. The fourth phase of polling for Lok Sabha elections was conducted on May 7. The remaining three phases of voting will be held on May 20, May 25, and June 1. The results of the seven-phase Lok Sabha elections will be announced on June 4.

Voting was held in 96 Lok Sabha seats in the fourth phase, out of which 25 were from Andhra Pradesh, 17 from Telangana, 13 from Uttar Pradesh, 11 from Maharashtra, eight each from Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal, five from Bihar, four each from Jharkhand and Odisha, and one from Jammu and Kashmir. A total of 1,717 candidates were in the electoral fray in this phase.

The fourth phase of polling for Lok Sabha polls on May 7 in 96 constituencies saw a voter turnout of 69.16 per cent, the Election Commission said on Friday. It said 69.58 per cent of men voters, 68.73 per cent of women voters, and 34.23 per cent of third-gender individuals exercised their franchise.

"Actual data of Form 17 C shall prevail which is already shared with candidates. Final turnout will only be available post-counting with counting of postal ballots and its addition to total vote count," an Election Commission release said.

It said postal ballots include those given to service voters, absentee voters (85 , PwD, Essential Services etc) and voters on election duty. Daily account of such postal ballots received, as per statutory provisions, are given to all candidates.

The poll panel also gave parliamentary constituency-wise details of registered electors for 49 PCs going for polls in phase 5 on May 20.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

from NDTV News-India-news https://ift.tt/sVifDRY

Iran Nobel laureate says she faces new trial

Narges Mohammadi, 52, speaks out in a message from Evin prison where she is being held.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/1qg8eKY

Give Those Going Outside Manipur For UPSC Exams Rs 3,000 Per Day: Top Court

In a rare order, the Supreme Court on Monday directed the Manipur government to pay Rs 3,000 per day to civil services aspirants from its violence-hit hill districts to travel outside the state to appear in the UPSC Civil Services Examination on May 26.

In a special hearing at 6:50 p.m., a bench comprising Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra took note of the grievances of the civil services aspirants from hill districts of the state who have opted for examination centres outside Manipur over safety concerns.

"The persons who are presently residing in hill districts and applied for the UPSC examination shall be paid Rs 3,000 per day per candidate so as to enable such candidates to travel outside the state to attend the examination. Any candidate desirous of obtaining this benefit should indicate the nodal officer where they are currently staying on the email address as provided in this order," it said.

The top court was hearing a plea on behalf of 140 students seeking transfer of examination centres outside Manipur.

During the proceedings, it transpired that the state government was asked by the high court to give Rs 1,500 to those who have opted for an examination centre outside Manipur.

"While it was not practical to arrange transport for others, the allowance was increased from 1,500. We are of view that the quantum ordered by HC is increased to Rs 3,000," the CJI said and disposed of the plea.

Earlier on March 29, the UPSC had told the Delhi High Court that it will permit candidates from the hill districts of Manipur who have opted for Imphal as their examination centre to change it and that the state government will facilitate their travel.

The commission had said such aspirants can choose any of the centres in Aizawl, Mizoram; Kohima, Nagaland; Shillong, Meghalaya; Dispur, Assam; Jorhat, Assam; Kolkata, West Bengal; and Delhi by making a request for change of examination centre between April 8 and 19 through an e-mail.

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) had said that since the Manipur government has expressed its inability to open examination centres in Churachandpur and Kangpokpi, it was not feasible to open and operate examination venues there for the UPSC examination.

Manipur plunged into violence in May 2023 over a high court order directing the state government to consider including the non-tribal Meitei community in the list of Scheduled Tribes.

This order led to rampant ethnic clashes. More than 160 people have been killed and several hundred injured since the ethnic violence first broke out in the state on May 3 when a 'Tribal Solidarity March' was organised in the hill districts to protest against the majority Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe status.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

from NDTV News-India-news https://ift.tt/oeOWvld

Mass wedding for Nigeria orphans sparks outcry

Nigeria's women's minister says she has filed a court order to stop the ceremony planned for next week.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/DkMl6Hv

Indore Civic Body Withdraws 'Military' Uniform Of Anti Encroachment Team

The Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) on Thursday said it would withdraw the new uniform of its anti-encroachment squad after opposition Congress alleged that it resembled military fatigues and amounted to insulting the Army.

The uniform has a camouflage pattern, generally associated with the armed forces.

Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargava said in a statement that the civic body decided to give a uniform to its anti-encroachment squad staff for promoting discipline besides bringing uniformity in their attire.

"If this uniform is hurting the sentiments of any person, necessary changes will be made," he said.

Earlier, Congress' Chintu Choukse, leader of opposition in the IMC, had claimed that the civic body insulted the Army by selecting "the uniform of soldiers" for the anti-encroachment squad personnel.

"These employees are infamous for extortion from carts and street vendors," he had said.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

from NDTV News-India-news https://ift.tt/fUg08Kz

South Africa seeks halt to Israel's Gaza offensive

It says Israel must be forced to stop its operation in Rafah, in a fresh bid to the UN's top court.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/xWS0BIn

Army Sets Up 2 Of World's Highest Tank Repair Facilities Near China Border

With over 500 of its tanks and infantry combat vehicles deployed in Eastern Ladakh, the Indian Army has created a record of sorts by setting up two of world's highest tank repair facilities in that area to support its operations there.

The Indian Army has set up two armoured vehicle maintenance and repair facilities near the China border in Nyoma and the DBO Sector in that region to at altitudes of over 14,500 feet in the area, which is the world's highest battlefield for tanks and infantry combat vehicles along the LAC in Eastern Ladakh.

A large number of tanks and BMP combat vehicles, along with Indian-made armoured vehicles like the Quick Reaction Fighting Vehicles, have been deployed in Eastern Ladakh after the stand-off between India and China started in April-May 2020, post-Chinese aggression there.

"The tanks and infantry combat vehicles have been deployed in these sWith over 500 of its tanks and infantry combat vehicles deployed in Eastern Ladakh, the Indian Army has created a record of sorts by setting up two of world's highest tank repair facilities in that area to support its operations there.uper-high-altitude areas, where it is very difficult even to get them back for maintenance and repair," Indian Army officials told ANI.

"To help sustain the armoured vehicle operations in the region, we have set up these Medium Maintenance (Reset) Facilities at Nyoma and near KM-148 on the DS-DBO Road in the DBO sector. These are the two main areas where tank and ICV operations are focussed in the eastern Ladakh sector," they added.

The Indian Army has been creating infrastructure in a big way for housing its tanks, including the T-90 and T-72, the BMPs and the K-9Vajra self-propelled Howitzers, in the high-altitude areas where temperatures are extremely low in winter.

Recently, Army Chief General Manoj Pande visited the Medium Maintenance (Reset) Facility for Armoured Fighting Vehicles (AFVs), where he saw the unique maintenance facility. Army officials said the new facilities promote enhanced serviceability and mission reliability of tanks and infantry combat vehicles.

The facilities also keep the combat fleet operationally ready even in rugged terrain and challenging weather with temperatures dipping down to minus 40 degrees, the officials said. 

Staging forward of specialist technical support infrastructure for the AFVs has resulted in higher standards of operational efficiency and battle readiness.

India and China have been engaged in a standoff in the eastern Ladakh region for the past four years and have deployed around 50,000 troops each near the borders in the region.

At the time of aggression, China had brought in a large number of infantry, combat vehicles and tanks to unilaterally change the status along the line of actual control there.

The Indian Army responded in a very swift manner and within no time, heavy armoured elements were brought in from the deserts and planes in C-17 transport aircraft to counter the adversary.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

from NDTV News-India-news https://ift.tt/ZWN3DRP

"Raebareli, Amethi Not Constituencies, But Our Karmabhoomi": Rahul Gandhi

As he seeks to retain the Rae Bareli seat represented by his mother Sonia Gandhi for two decades, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday said he has an emotional family relationship with the people and will stand by both Amethi and Rae Bareli whenever required.

He shared an emotional video with his mother on social media, where he is seen watching family pictures in Amethi and Rae Bareli and remembered their connect with the people of both Amethi and Rae Bareli.

Rahul Gandhi is contesting the Rae Bareli Lok Sabha seat and is pitted against BJP's Dinesh Pratap Singh, who had unsuccessfully contested the last Lok Sabha election against Sonia Gandhi.

Rahul Gandhi was earlier an MP from Amethi but had lost to Smriti Irani in 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

"Rae Bareli and Amethi are not just constituencies for us, they are our 'karmabhoomi', every corner of which is holding the memories of generations.

रायबरेली और अमेठी हमारे लिए सिर्फ चुनाव क्षेत्र नहीं, हमारी कर्मभूमि है, जिसका कोना कोना पीढ़ियों की यादें संजोए हुए है।

मां के साथ पुरानी तस्वीरें देखकर पापा और दादी की याद भी आ गयी, जिनकी शुरू की गयी सेवा की परंपरा मैंने और मां ने आगे बढ़ाई।

प्रेम और विश्वास की बुनियाद पर… pic.twitter.com/9RKgGG8qjb

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 14, 2024

"Looking at old photographs with my mother, I also remembered my father and grandmother, whose started this tradition of service and was carried forward by me and my mother," he said in a post in Hindi on X.

"This relationship of more than 100 years old, built on the foundation of love and trust, has given us everything. Whenever Amethi and Rae Bareli calls us, we will be there," he also said while sharing the video.

In the over 6-minute video, Sonia Gandhi said she started visiting Amethi in 1982 when they used to go there for holding medical camps and several good doctors from Delhi used to always work there and offer help.

"Panditji started this political life with the area in 1921 and a farmer leader Baba Ram Chandra shared his grief with Panditji. Rahul's grandfather Feroze Gandhi was the MP from Rae Bareli in 1952," she also said, adding that after his demise, his grandmother Indira Gandhi started representing Rae Bareli.

"We used to visit village to village during weddings or deaths and even visited during floods or drought and visited people during to attend villages. They accepted me immediately and I shared a relationship like a daughter and daughter-in-law," Sonia Gandhi also said.

Mr said, "Our family has a relationship of over 100 years with Amethi and Rae Bareli".

He added that his great grandfather started his politics against the British from Rae Bareli.

He also said that during Atal Bihari Vajpayee government, people of the area had come to them when an ITI was being shut in Rae Bareli and said, "we worked hard to save it as we wanted to save that technological spirit in the area." "In 1982 when my father went there, he worked hard and initiated a lot of development work and transformed Amethi completely.

"In Rae Bareli, my grandmother had initiated a lot of development and it was ahead of Amethi. But, whn my father went to Amethi, he ushered in a lot of developmental works and then it looked as if Amethi is ahead of Rae Bareli," he also said.

Then, he said, our government was formed and my mother and I initiated a lot of works and ensured road connectivity and constructed national highways and other roads. "We also started self help groups and helped lakhs of women and opened their bank accounts that transformed their lives." Mr Gandhi said they also opened institutions there like the Petroleum institute and CRPF training camp.

"The biggest work that could have transformed Amethi and Rae areli, and was stopped by the BJP, was the food park, where 40 separate storage would have been created. I felt that that food park would have changed the face of Amethi and Rae Bareli.

"That is my plan for Rae Bareli, to connect Rae Bareli with the entire country and open up manufacturing units there. I would also want to set up a food processing unit there," Mr Gandhi said.

"I also want to hear out the hearts of people of Rae Bareli and act on it. The works done by my grandmother and mother in Rae Bareli, I want to take that forward," he noted.

"That relationship is different, it is like a family, friendship and affection. Like I have my relationship with my mother and sister, I have the same relationship with Rae Bareli. I also like the food there and the 'Arhar ki Dal' made there, you can't find anywhere else. For me, Amethi and Rae Bareli are the same and whenever Amethi and Rae Bareli require us, we will be available," Rahul Gandhi also said.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

from NDTV News-India-news https://ift.tt/xr8cI4e

Court Issues Arrest Warrant Against Odisha MP In Domestic Violence Case

A court in Odisha's Cuttack district on Monday issued a non-bailable warrant (NBW) against actor-turned-Lok Sabha MP Anubhav Mohanty in connection with a four-year-old domestic violence case registered against him by his now-divorced wife.

The judicial magistrate's court issued the warrant after Mohanty failed to appear before it for the second time and asked the police to execute the NBW by May 23.

The Orissa High Court in December last year granted divorce to Mohanty from his wife Varsha Priyadarshini.

The cine star who was the Kendrapara MP of BJD joined the BJP on April 1.

The court had fixed May 10 for framing charges against Mohanty but later given him time to appear before it on May 13 when he sought some more time citing personal reasons.

However, he did not appear during the day.

Priyadarshini filed a complaint with the police in December 2020 alleging that Mohanty and two of his aides had locked her in a room in his parental house located in the City. Police went there and rescued her.

On the basis of her complaint, a case was registered against the MP under several sections of the IPC and the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act of 2005.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

from NDTV News-India-news https://ift.tt/IUT64fF

Students walk out at Seinfeld graduation speech

Pro-Palestinian students booed the comedian who has been a vocal supporter of Israel during the war in Gaza.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/AzSYdMZ

'400 Paar' Push, BJP's Governance Model: PM Modi Exclusive On NDTV. Full Transcript

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke exclusively to NDTV during a roadshow on Sunday and predicted a clean sweep for the alliance in Bihar. He said the BJP will expand its footprint hugely in eastern India this time, which would take the NDA easily over the 400-seat mark.

Here is the full transcript of the exclusive interview:

NDTV: The tallest mass leader that India has seen in many decades, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is today in Patliputra and in this epic battle and has decided to give us time from his busy schedule.

Thank you very much for speaking to the viewers of NDTV. The viewers of our six channels are watching you right now. You have done programmes across the country. Is Patna's vibe a bit different?

PM Modi: I have visited almost all the states of India. And I can say that Bihar has added many colours to the BJP and NDA's resolution of '400 paar'. The atmosphere in Bihar is the same as that of the entire country.

NDTV: Many people are speculating that there is a BJP upswing in east India, whether you talk about Bengal or Odisha, even in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. What is your assessment?

PM Modi: If I talk beyond politics, there is a 2013 speech by me. I was not even the PM candidate then. So, if we want to develop India, we will have to develop east India. Eastern India should be made a growth engine. In the last ten years, I have laid emphasis on infrastructure, education, health and many such projects in eastern India. As far as this election is concerned, there is a huge storm that will sweep north, south, east and west. In the east, this time the results will be better than before and I believe that these will be surprising for the people of the country. One example for that would be Telangana. In Telangana, you won't be able to imagine the results. You will get the same results in Andhra, you will get the same results in Odisha, Bengal. You will get the same results in eastern India, be it Bihar, Jharkhand, Assam. So, in a way, I can see that the the Bharatiya Janata Party will be adding more areas to its tally.

NDTV: You are talking about these catchment areas. Please assess Bihar. What do you think will happen in Bihar?

PM Modi: In Bihar, I spoke to our colleagues that we had lost one seat earlier, perhaps this time we will not lose any.

NDTV: We are near Charkha samiti right now. Tell me what comes to your mind when you come to Bihar.

PM Modi: Well, I have come here a lot for organisational work and I have been to many areas. I am connected with many old things here.

NDTV: Do you see this election as a referendum or as a governance model fight?

PM Modi: The Bharatiya Janata Party has given a model of governance to the country. The country has seen the model of Congress, the country has seen the model of the Left, the country has seen the model of coalition governments and the country has seen the model of BJP and NDA full majority and it has seen a dynamic government and a decisive government, a risk-taking government. And on the basis of that we have been moving ahead.

NDTV: The number of women is very high here. You have created a constituency for yourself because whatever you have done, Ujjwala scheme, many states also have women-centric schemes, so do you think that women voters are with you?

PM Modi: Empowerment of women is my commitment and I have taken lead in G-20 summit on women-led development and for this we should give opportunities to women. Women should rise above the traditional things that we have. Like we initiated drone didi (scheme) in the villages, like we opened the doors of the Army, when we made them pilots in the Air Force, we sent our daughters to the border, our daughters are going to Siachen and protecting the country. So I have succeeded in bringing in a psychological change. And the power of women will become an additional force in the country's development journey and will accelerate the results.

NDTV: Thank you very much for talking to us.

from NDTV News-India-news https://ift.tt/7dblN3g

Thousands evacuated due to British Columbia wildfire

Fort McMurray residents in neighbouring Alberta, Canada are also under an evacuation alert due to a blaze.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/38lJgci

Dutch contestant disqualified from Eurovision

The singer, Joost Klein, had been among the favourites to win the contest in Malmö, Sweden.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/IcvsOli

"Why Is BJP Obsessed With Congress' Manifesto": Priyanka Gandhi Vadra

Questioning BJP's "obsession" with the Congress party's manifesto, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Friday said that BJP must start talking about their own poll document adding that ruling party should also list out on what it has done for the people in last 10 years.

Speaking to news agency ANI, Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said, "BJP is attributing their imagination to our manifesto. It is speaking of buffaloes. It lists things that are nowhere in our manifesto. Why is it not listing things from their own manifesto?. They should list what they did. Why are they obsessed with our manifesto? They have their own. All their leaders know that if the election comes to concrete issues - unemployment, inflation, farmers' issues, they will not be able to win."

Earlier today, Priyanka Gandhi also slammed Centre over Agnipath scheme.

"What kind of scheme does Modi govt bring for you? They brought schemes like Agniveer. At one time, when you used to go in the military, you would have thought that it's fine I am ready to sacrifice myself for the country but, my family will be secured. What is today now, join the military, get retired in five years, and you are unemployed again," she said at a public meeting in Amethi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other BJP leaders have repeatedly said that the Congress manifesto has an "imprint of the ideology of the Muslim League."

Hitting back at the Bharatiya Janata Party over their leaders calling Congress' manifesto having "imprints of Muslim League", Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge asked how promising employment to youth, MSP to farmers and money to women related to Muslim League.

"Is giving Rs 1 lakh annually to every woman a program of the Muslim League? Giving jobs to the youth, giving them training and giving them Rs 1 lakh for training, is it a program of the Muslim League? We have promised MSP for farmers. Is it for Muslim League? We have promised to fill the backlog and vacancies. Is it for Muslim League?" Kharge asked.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday took a swipe at the Congress over its manifesto for the Lok Sabha elections, alleging that it smacks of appeasement and reads like a poll document of the erstwhile 'Muslim League'.

Addressing a rally in Bihar's Nawada, PM Modi accused the Opposition bloc--INDIA of trying to divide the country."The leaders of the INDI alliance talk about another partition of India. The leaders of the Congress party are openly advocating separate nationhood for South India. The Congress manifesto that was released earlier smacks of appeasement and reads like a poll document of the Muslim League," PM Modi said.

Congress has made a slew of promises in its manifesto including a legal guarantee for MSP, Rs 1 lakh to women annually, apprenticeship program for youth, 50 per cent reservation for women in government jobs, removing 50 per cent reservation cap, repealing Agnipath scheme, doubling GDP in next ten years, strengthening anti-defection law, restoring status quo ante with China, mobile phones for students from class IX to XII and amending the GST regime.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

from NDTV News-India-news https://ift.tt/gAEctq2

After Rottweiler Attack, Tamil Nadu Bans 23 "Dangerous" Dog Breeds

In the wake of a Rottweiler dog attacking a five-year-old girl in Chennai, the Tamil Nadu Animal Husbandry Department on Thursday banned any import, breeding, or sale of 33 breeds of dogs that have been termed "dangerous" for people.

According to the Animal Husbandry Department statement, the dog breeds that are banned are Tosa Inu, Fila Brasileiro, American Bulldog, Caucasian Shephard, Kangal Shepherd Dog, Terriers, Mastiffs, Tornjak, Cane Corso, Wolf Dogs, Akbash, Pitbull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Dogo Argentino, Boerboel, Central Asian Shepherd Dog, South Russian Shepherd Dog, Japanese Tosa and Akita, Rottweiler, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Canaria, Moscow Guard, and Bandog.

It stated that the dogs in the above list should undergo sterilisation surgery immediately to prevent reproduction.

The Union Animal Husbandry Department has already recommended bans on various dog breeds, including Rottweilers, Pitbulls, American Bulldogs and others considered dangerous. It has directed the state governments and Union Territories to ensure that licenses are not given for the sale, breeding, and keeping as pets of such dogs that are dangerous to human lives.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

from NDTV News-India-news https://ift.tt/OuMGv1Q

Passengers flee burning plane that skidded off runway

Footage posted to social media shows chaotic scenes in Senegal's capital, Dakar.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/5Azxv3T

UN says 80,000 have fled Rafah as strikes intensify

Israeli tanks reportedly mass close to built-up areas of the south Gaza city amid constant shelling.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/fLaYAZE

Rain Causes Havoc In Parts Of Uttarakhand, But Also Douses Forest Fires

This year's first major spell of rain has led to a few roads being blocked and water entering houses in some parts of Uttarakhand. A silver lining to the tragedy, however, is that fires raging in forests were doused in some of the places where the rainfall occurred.

A cloudburst in Someshwar in Almora district on Wednesday caused the destruction of crops and farmers with both small and large landholdings suffered losses. Water also entered several houses. Farmers in Pithoragarh have also demanded compensation from the government for crop losses caused by a hailstorm.  

In some parts of the Kumaon region, under which the Almora district falls, the rainfall led to forest fires being extinguished. 

In the Bageshwar district of the region, the heavy caused traffic jams in many places on the Kapkot Bageshwar road. Many people were also stuck while trying to cross a small stream that had a lot of water flowing in it because of the rain. 

Vehicular movement was also stopped in a market near the Purola Hudoli ravine in Uttarkashi district.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Supreme Court rapped the Uttarakhand government while hearing a petition on forest fires in the state and said the administration cannot depend only on rain and cloud seeding to control the blazes.

The government said only 0.1 per cent of the forest cover in the hill state was on fire. It also told the court that 398 incidents of forest fires were recorded and 350 cases have been registered. 

from NDTV News-India-news https://ift.tt/G3kPYSl

The rise of Sweden's super rich

Why the Nordic nation, despite its reputation for social equality, has so many billionaires.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/cEGiXJq

Man Kills Wife, Had Told Cops She Was Strangled By Robbers: Cops

A man was arrested in Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh for allegedly killing his wife and then telling police she was strangled by motorcycle-borne robbers, an official said on Monday.

Accused Shubham Chaudhary (26) was having an affair with a woman, which was opposed by his wife Reshma (25), said Jabalpur Superintendent of Police Aditya Pratap Singh.

Shubham had told police he and his wife were attacked by motorcycle borne robbers while the couple was driving in Madhotal area here on Saturday night.

He had told police the robbers strangled her with a saree while resisting their bid to snatch her purse and jewellery.

"When we checked CCTV footage of the area, we could not find the four wheeler they were supposedly travelling. Local residents too denied knowledge of any such incident," the SP said.

During questioning, Shubham confessed to choking his wife to death, he said.

"Based on his interrogation, we also arrested his friends Prahlad Singh Thakur (27), Anurag Kushwah (21), Shibbu (24)," the official said.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

from NDTV News-India-news https://ift.tt/wo9FbjS

Gazans celebrate after Hamas says it accepts ceasefire

Video shows people jumping for joy and chanting joyously outside Al Aqsa hospital in Central Gaza.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/xePW5gF

Eurovision hopefuls put on the style in Malmo

The world's biggest song contest reaches its finale on Saturday and contestants have arrived in style.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/HJGBPqA

Monitor ICU Brain Deaths For Better Organ Donation Rate: Centre To States

The Centre has asked states to monitor cases of brain stem deaths in ICU patients, saying poor identification and certification of such cases is keeping the organ donations rate at low levels in the country.

The advisory to the states is aimed at augmenting the organ donation rate in the country which is less than one donor per million population.

"The organ donation rate in India continues to be low (less than one donor per million population in a year). One of the key challenges identified in this is poor identification and certification of brain stem death (BSD) cases despite availability of many such potential cases," Director of National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO) Dr Anil Kumar stated in the letter to the states.

As per provisions of "The Transplantation of Human Organs Tissues Act, 1994", it is required to identify potential brain stem death cases in the ICU.

Further, it is mandatory to enquire whether such potential donors had pledged for organ donation and if not to make the family members aware of the opportunity to donate organs before the heart stops under the law, he said.

The doctor on duty, with the help of transplant coordinator, is required to make the above-mentioned inquiry after certification of such BSD cases, Dr Anil Kumar said in the letter sent to all states and UTs and directors of regional and state organ and tissue transplant organisation (ROTTOs and SOTTOs) last month.

Dr Anil Kumar said every institution is requested to facilitate and monitor the certification of BSD cases to ensure compliance of provisions of the Act and Rules.

In his letter, the official attached a template of 'required request display board' that is to be placed outside ICUs, emergency or any other strategic location in the hospital. He also attached a list of information to be collected from the hospitals on a regular monthly basis.

The head of the institution and respective SOTTO should analyse the collected information and the corrective actions must be taken with the aim to maximise organ donation from all potential donors, he said.

Further, all SOTTOs are requested to collect such information as per the list from each registered hospital and send it to the NOTTO by the seventh of every subsequent month, the letter said.

"I seek your cooperation and support for augmenting the organ donation rate in the country so as to achieve self-sufficiency in the field of dead organ donation," the letter added.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

from NDTV News-India-news https://ift.tt/70BF9Ny

6 Of Family Killed In Accident On Mumbai-Delhi Expressway In Rajasthan

Six people of a family were killed and two children injured when their car collided with a tractor on the Mumbai-Delhi Expressway in Rajasthan's Sawai Madhopur on Sunday, police said.

According to the police, the family was going from Khandela in Sikar to the Trinetra Ganesh Temple in Ranthambore when the accident occurred. Assistant Superintendent of Police Dinesh Yadav said that the car was badly damaged and bodies could only be taken out with a hard effort. The two children injured in the accident were first admitted to the Community Health Centre in Baunli village and later were referred to Jaipur.

As per the police, the family was originally from Mukundgarh in Jhunjhunu but currently living in Sikar.
 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

from NDTV News-India-news https://ift.tt/Q3PVvcD

RLD Leader Quits Party After Ally BJP Gives Ticket To Brij Bhushan's Son

National spokesperson of BJP ally Rashtriya Lok Dal Rohit Jakhar has resigned from the party in protest against the BJP giving a ticket to the son of incumbent MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who is facing criminal charges of sexually harassing women wrestlers.

"Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh is an accused in the sexual harassment case of women wrestlers. Giving tickets to his son is an insult to the women wrestlers. For me the honour of the country comes first," Rohit Jakhar told PTI on Saturday.

"I sent my resignation from the post of the national spokesperson and the primary membership of the Rashtriya Lok Dal to party president Jayant Choudhary on Friday," the Jat leader added.

Rohit Jakhar also said that he was not joining any political party but his struggle for social issues would continue as before.

Rohit Jakhar is among the top leaders of the RLD and is also the state president of the National Jat Federation. He has been associated with the RLD and the farmers' movement for over a decade.

The BJP on Thursday named Karan Bhushan Singh as its Lok Sabha candidate from the Kaiserganj seat in Uttar Pradesh, replacing his father and former Wrestling Federation of India president Brij Bhushan Singh.

Brij Bhushan Singh stepped down from his post as the wrestling federation president amid a raging protest against him over the allegations but has denied the charges. The Delhi Police has filed a charge sheet against him in court. 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

from NDTV News-India-news https://ift.tt/NuQY7r9

Palestinian doctor dies in Israeli prison

Israeli authorities said they were investigating the death of orthopaedic surgeon Dr Adnan Al-Bursh.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/386017l

'To Stop Congress From Looting Farmers': J Scindia Explains 2020 Coup

Union Minister and BJP candidate from Guna parliamentary seat, Jyotiraditya Scindia on Friday took a jibe at former CMs Kamal Nath and Digvijaya Singh saying that if he had not changed the government in 2020, the money of Kisan Samman Nidhi would have gone in the pockets of ex-CMs.

Mr Scindia made the remark while addressing a public gathering at Gormi in Bhind district in support of BJP nominee from Bhind constituency, Sandhya Ray for Lok Sabha elections 2024.

"Money under Kisan Nidhi Samman is being given to 11 crore farmers in the country. Rs 6000 is being provided from PM Modi (central government) and Rs 6000 from CM Mohan Yadav (state government) annually. If I had not changed the government in 2020, you (farmers) would not have got this money. That money would have gone to the pockets of Kamal Nath ji and Digvijaya Singh ji. I cut their pockets and put that money in your pockets," Mr Scindia said.

Mr Scindia further praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying under his leadership the country was developing rapidly and construction works were going on at a fast pace.

"Today the country is developing rapidly, construction of bridges and dams are going on at a fast pace in the country. A good network of roads is being formed across the country. All this has been possible due to the resolution of developed India by Prime Minister Narendra Modi," the BJP leader said.

Today free treatment for poor people has become possible in any private hospital in the country under the Ayushman Bharat Scheme. The country is constantly moving forward in the field of education. New trains have been started in India and railway stations have been developed, he added.

He further said, "The Scindia family has a 250 years old relationship with Bhind district. It is our family. Many development works have been done in Bhind district by the Scindia family, right from the constructing railway line to college, various things have been constructed here by the Scindia family."

Meanwhile, wooing the voters, the BJP leader said that a double engine government is needed for the rapid development of Bhind.

"A double engine government is needed for the development of Bhind. When Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be at the centre and there is a BJP government in the state. When there will be a double engine government, your city, your town, your village will run fast on the axis of development," Scindia added.

Lok Sabha polls in Madhya Pradesh are being conducted in four phases. The first phase of polling was held on April 19 and the second phase was concluded on April 26.

The next two phases will be conducted on May 7 and May 13. The counting of votes will be held on June 4.

A total of nine parliamentary constituencies- Morena, Bhind, Gwalior, Guna, Sagar, Vidisha, Bhopal, Rajgarh and Betul- will go to the polls in the third phase on May 7.

On the other hand, eight constituencies - Dewas, Ujjain, Mandsaur, Ratlam, Dhar, Indore, Khargone and Khandwa- will go to the polls in the fourth and the last phase in the state on May 13.

With 29 Lok Sabha constituencies, Madhya Pradesh ranks sixth among all states in terms of its representation in the Lower House. Of these, 10 seats are reserved for SC and ST candidates, while the remaining 19 are unreserved.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

from NDTV News-India-news https://ift.tt/65VG9Rv

Man Arrested For Threatening Rajasthan MLA In Name Of Gangster: Police

The Rajasthan police have arrested a man for threatening an Independent MLA from Sheo (Barmer), Ravindra Singh Bhati, in the name of gangster Rohit Godara.

Mr Bhati recently contested the Lok Sabha elections from Barmer as an Independent candidate.

Barmer SP Narendra Singh Meena said on Thursday that the accused, Mangaram, had given the threat on social media a few days back. After investigation, the accused was arrested.

He said during interrogation, the accused revealed that when he saw comments about Bhati and the Congress candidate in Lok Sabha election, Umedaram Beniwal, on Facebook and Instagram, he posted threatening comments on Bhati's Facebook account from a fake profile made in the name of Rohit Godara.

Later, he deleted the post, he said.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

from NDTV News-India-news https://ift.tt/b1j9zB0

"Has There Been A Deal In Wayanad That Muslims...?" PM Modi Attacks Congress

Attacking the Congress party, Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked if there has been a 'deal' in Wayanad to extend the benefit of reservation to the Muslim community.

Asserting that giving religion-based reservations is "unconstitutional", he accused Congress of snatching reservations from the SC, ST and OBC communities.

In an interview with TV9 Bharatvarsh, PM Modi said, "There is a question in my mind. Has there been a deal in Wayanad, that Muslims will be given a share in the reservation, and in return make us win the seat of Wayanad? The country wants to know this."

"Today, what is happening, is they (Congress) are finding ways to snatch the reservation for SC, ST and OBC, given to them by the Constitution. They want to give religion-based reservation," he added.

PM Modi further said that it was decided by the makers of the Constitution that reservation can't be given on the basis of religion.

"When the Constitution was formed, months of discussion took place. It was discussed between many knowledgeable people whether reservations should be given on a religious basis. It was agreed upon that it can't be given...now they are trying to give reservation on a religious basis, because of vote bank," he said.

He also attacked the Congress party over not going to the Pran Pratishtha of Ayodhya Ram Mandir and accused the BJP of asserting their right to the temple.

"Can anyone have a right on the almighty? An ordinary party like the BJP is nothing in front of Lord Ram. Lord Ram should be of everyone. And why do they talk about this? To hide their hidden agenda, which is to maintain their vote bank," PM Modi said.

"They (Congress) thought, if they went to Ram Mandir, they would lose their vote bank...if you remember Rajiv Gandhi had started his election campaign from Ram Mandir. But then their vote bank asked, 'If you do this, what is the difference between you and the BJP'. So they ran away. Earlier they used to visit temples, but not now. Because their vote bank had scolded them last time.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

from NDTV News-India-news https://ift.tt/Rzj35aC

VK Pandian's Wife Transferred On Alleged Misuse Of Public Office: Report

The Election Commission on Thursday ordered the immediate transfer of senior Odisha bureaucrat Sujata R Kartikeyan to a non-public dealing department following complaints of alleged misuse of public office, sources said.

She is the wife of BJD leader V K Pandian, a close associate of Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.

Ms Kartikeyan was holding the post of commissioner cum secretary in the Department of Mission Shakti, Odisha.

The sources said Ms Kartikeyan was shunted out with immediate effect following complaints of alleged misuse of public office.

The BJP had petitioned the Election Commission to remove Ms Karthikeyan from her post contending that she was "actively" operating as an agent of the ruling BJD in the state.

"It is unfortunate that the serving IAS officer has given a go-bye to professionalism and is actively indulging as an agent of the BJD because of the influence of her husband on her. She is actively participating in the elections as a front person of the BJD in a manner which has been unheard of earlier," it said.

"With a view to preserve the unbiased and unblemished reputation of the ECI, it would be in the fitness of things to relieve Sujata R Kartikeyan, IAS from the post of commissioner-cum secretary, department of of Mission Shakti, government of Odisha and not assigned any public dealing duty till the conclusion of the impending parliamentary and assembly elections in the state of Odisha," the BJP demanded.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

from NDTV News-India-news https://ift.tt/q2vJz6Q

BJP Will Take Action If Pawan Singh Contests Against NDA Nominee: Minister

Union Minister R K Singh on Thursday sought action against Bhojpuri singer-turned-politician Pawan Singh who has announced that he will contest the Lok Sabha elections against NDA despite being a BJP member.

R K Singh was responding to queries about the singer's decision to enter the fray as an independent from the Karakat Lok Sabha seat in Bihar, where former Union minister Upendra Kushwaha, chief of Rashtriya Lok Morcha, is contesting as the NDA candidate.

"Either he should announce that he would not contest polls against the NDA nominee from Karakat or he should be suspended from the primary membership of the BJP. If he fights elections from Karakat, his suspension from the party will be the appropriate decision. Upendra Kushwa is the NDA candidate, who is Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji's nominee," said R K Singh, seeking re-election from the Arrah Lok Sabha seat.

Anybody contesting against the NDA nominee means he or she is against the alliance headed by Modi Ji, the minister said.

"Kushwaha's win will strengthen the hands of the prime minister. It's as simple as that," the union minister told reporters in Arrah.

Despite several attempts, Pawan Singh could not be reached for comment.

Asked about the Bhojpuri singer's decision, Bihar BJP president Samrat Chaudhary evaded a direct reply.

"Upendra Kushwaha is the NDA nominee from Karakat. He has the approval from PM Modi. The entire BJP is with Kushwaha. All BJP workers and leaders of NDA parties are working for him," Chaudhary told PTI.

Pawan Singh, who had earlier turned down a BJP ticket for Asansol in West Bengal, had recently said he would contest polls from the Karakat seat.

He has started campaigning there and announced that he would soon file his nomination papers as an independent candidate.

If Pawan Singh throws his hat into the ring as an independent candidate, the Karakat Lok Sabha seat is all set to witness a triangular contest.

Mr Kushwaha will soon file his nomination papers from the seat as the NDA nominee, while the CPI(M-L) Liberation's former MLA Rajaram Singh is also in the fray as a 'Mahagathbandhan' candidate.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

from NDTV News-India-news https://ift.tt/3XYuzIQ

Rajasthan Government School Teacher Suspended For Beating Class 3 Student

The Rajasthan government on Wednesday suspended a government school teacher in Barmer district for allegedly beating a class 3 student.

Ganpat Patalia, a teacher of Government Higher Primary School in Chhota Hathala village, was suspended after the authorities took suo moto cognizance of a video in which he was seen slapping a student.

The teacher had slapped an eight-year-old student named Praveen on Monday, Bakhasar Police Station SHO Vishan Singh said.

An FIR was booked in the matter on Tuesday evening after a video of it surfaced on the internet.

Singh said the medical examination of the boy has been done and further action will be taken against the teacher after the boy's and his family members' statements have been recorded.

Rajasthan School Education Minister Madan Dilawar had earlier in the day ordered officials to take strict action in the matter.

"Taking this whole incident seriously, necessary guidelines have been given to them after talking to the concerned officers for taking strict action against each culprit involved in this act," Mr Dilawar wrote on X.

इस पूरी घटना को गंभीरता से लेते हुए इस कृत्य में शामिल प्रत्येक दोषी के खिलाफ कठोर कार्रवाई हेतु संबंधित अधिकारियों से वार्तालाप कर उन्हें आवश्यक दिशा निर्देश दिए गए हैं।

हमारी सरकार के कार्यकाल में राजस्थान के स्वर्णिम भविष्य के आधार स्तंभ बच्चों के साथ किसी भी प्रकार के… https://t.co/smyVykchmu

— Madan Dilawar (मोदी का परिवार) (@madandilawar) May 1, 2024

He added, "During the tenure of our government, any kind of misbehavior with children, who are the pillars of the golden future of Rajasthan, will not be tolerated at all."

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

from NDTV News-India-news https://ift.tt/TyFaC2q

Watch: Russians flock to see captured Western tanks

The exhibition was on display in Moscow's Victory Park, it included British hardware given to Ukraine.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/mRyc1zv

In pictures: May Day rallies around the world

Workers take to the streets across the globe, as more than 200 protesters are arrested in Istanbul.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/RPd0kJw

Blinken says 'time is now' for Israel-Hamas deal in Gaza

Hamas has not yet responded to the latest proposal, which reportedly includes a 40-day ceasefire.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/rso1WRE

Case Against Salman Khurshid, His Niece Over "Vote Jihad" Remark Row

The Uttar Pradesh Police Tuesday filed a case against Congress leader Salman Khurshid and his niece Maria Alam after she called for a "vote jihad" in favour of the INDIA bloc candidate from Farrukhabad Lok Sabha seat.

Seeking votes for INDIA bloc candidate Naval Kishore Shakya on Monday, Ms Alam, a Samajwadi Party (SP) leader, made an appeal for "vote jihad", terming it as necessary in the current situation for the minority community to drive away the BJP government.

Taking cognisance of the remarks made by Maria Alam, a case was registered against her for violating the provisions of the IPC and Representation of People Act following a complaint made by the Flying Squad and Surveillance Team, police said, and added that a case was also registered against Mr Khurshid, who was the chief guest at the election meeting in Kaimganj.

The SHO of Kaimganj police station, Ramautar, on Tuesday told PTI, "A case was registered against Maria Alam and Salman Khurshid on the basis of a complaint made by the Flying Squad and Surveillance Team.

"The case was registered under sections 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant), 295A (deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs) of the IPC and section 125 (promoting enmity between classes in connection with election) of the Representation of People Act," he said.

She said, "Together do vote jihad -- with intelligence, without being sentimental and with silence. As we can only do vote jihad to drive away this Sanghi government." Stressing that it was time to join hands, she said otherwise this "Sanghi government will succeed in wiping out our existence".

"People say that Constitution and democracy are under threat. But I say that insaniyat (humanity) is under threat.

"Now there is an attack on 'insaniyat'. If you want to save the country, its beauty and 'ganga-jamuni' (composite) culture, then vote very intelligently without getting influenced by anyone," she stressed.

The video of Ms Alam's statement has also gone viral on social media.

Asked to comment on the statement of his niece, Mr Khurshid said generally he avoids using such words because its literal meaning is misinterpreted.

"Jihad means to fight against a situation. Her intention must have been to carry out vote jihad to protect the Constitution," he said.

On his candidature from INDIA bloc from the Farrukhabad seat, Mr Khurshid said he was offered a Congress ticket from Aligarh. But he politely declined saying that "I am Salman Khurshid from Farrukhabad and I stay that only".

This was the first public meeting of the INDIA bloc in Farrukhabad with most of the senior leaders of the Congress and the SP present together on the dias.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

from NDTV News-India-news https://ift.tt/ABGc1TF

More than 100 arrested in Spain over WhatsApp scam

A gang of scammers stole almost a million euros pretending to be relatives in distress, police say.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/rs1x9wd

Kolkata Airport Receives Second Bomb Threat In 3 Days

Authorities at the Kolkata airport on Monday received a bomb threat by email, three days after a similar communication, triggering a frantic search across the facility, officials said. However, the mail, which threatened to blow up the airport, turned out to be a hoax, they said. 

The threat mail was sent to all airports in the country on Monday, said Aishwariya Sagar, the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Airport Division of Bidhannagar Police Commissionerate.

Security agencies at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (NSCBIA) conducted a thorough search operation after receiving the email, she said.

The CISF conducted the search in the airport's terminal building and operational area, while police personnel carried out checks in the city-side area. Sniffer dogs were also deployed during the operation, airport sources said.

"The security personnel concluded that the threat was a hoax," Ms Sagar said. Efforts were underway to track the sender of the email. A cybercrime case will be started, the sources added.

On April 26, the Kolkata airport authorities had received an email, claiming bombs were planted at various places on its premises. However, the mail turned out to be a hoax, too. 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

from NDTV News-India-news https://ift.tt/K5RY0zq

"There Are Many Who Don't Like A Strong India": PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday alleged that some countries and institutions want India and its government to be weak to make profits easily.

He alleged that Congress was also a beneficiary of "this corruption." “When the country is moving fast, some countries and some institutions don't like it. There are many people who don't like a strong India. They want the country and its government to be weak, so that they can make profits easily,” PM Modi said addressing a public meeting at this taluka headquarters town in Vijayanagara district.

Weak government helps them get their work done according to their requirements, he said.

“Congress too was a clear beneficiary of this corruption. This was the game going on but the BJP has become a challenge for them. Their worry is that there is a BJP government which no one can bend,” the Prime Minister said.

He added that those who are aware of the Lutyens Delhi know that before 2014 brokers ruled the roost in the corridors of power.

Hotel suites were booked for years for the lobbyists who would get all their works done through lobbying, Modi said.

The Prime Minister said there is a cleanliness drive in the corridors of power after 2014.

“I want to tell the Congress and its allies in clear terms that however much effort you make to stall the BJP, India will be a developed nation,” he said.

He told the gathering that India used to import toys worth crores of rupees but due to his initiatives, the country has become a big toy exporter.

“BJP's ‘vocal for local' campaign is creating a global market for our products,” the Prime Minister pointed out.

He blamed the Congress government for allegedly destroying the seeds of development sowed by the BJP in Karnataka. "The Congress does not work, and stalls all the good work BJP had done," he added.

“We worked to develop industries in Karnataka but the Congress created electricity scarcity in the state after coming to power. Without electricity, industries will collapse. The power scarcity has impacted the industries of Karnataka,” Modi alleged.

The Prime Minister targeted the Congress for not implementing the Indian Constitution in Jammu and Kashmir.

He alleged that the Congress did "injustice" to the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes of Jammu and Kashmir due to Article 370 as they were not getting reservation as per the constitutional provision.

“It is my tribute to Baba Saheb Ambedkar. I respected the constitution. By abrogating Article 370, I granted the reservation rights to the SC/ST communities of Jammu and Kashmir,” Modi said.

Accusing Congress of anti-SC/ST and anti-women, the Prime Minister said the BJP for the first time made a woman from a Scheduled Tribe, Droupadi Murmu, the President of India.

To defeat her, the INDIA bloc put all its efforts, said PM Modi, adding that they had also opposed a Dalit, Ramnath Kovind, as President.

The Prime Minister said the Congress wants to usurp 55 percent of the wealth of people, which people saved to inherit to their children and distribute among its "vote bank".

“After squandering the resources of this country, these corrupt people now want to usurp private properties,” PM Modi charged.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

from NDTV News-India-news https://ift.tt/6ocGNB1

World Central Kitchen to resume food aid in Gaza

The aid organisation had stopped distributing food in Gaza after an Israeli strike killed seven workers.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/P7oAYyW

BJP Complains Against Congress For Sharing Amit Shah's "Tampered Speech"

The BJP on Saturday filed a complaint with the chief electoral office of Andhra Pradesh, accusing a social media handle of the Congress of posting a "tampered speech" of Home Minister Amit Shah on the issue of quota for traditionally disadvantaged communities.

The complained filed by the Andhra Pradesh unit of the BJP urged the Election Commission official in the state to take action and also block the said 'X' account of the Congress.

The BJP said Mr Shah's original speech made in a public meeting was tampered with to give an impression that he spoke against the reservation for the SCs, STs and OBCs.

Its complaint said, "Union Home Minister Amit Shah Ji did not deliver any such word against the reservation for SC, ST and OBC and tampering of the original speech was done by the social media activists of the Congress party for their political gains and to cause immeasurable damage to the BJP in the forthcoming elections in Andhra Pradesh and as well as throughout India."

The party submitted a similar complaint to the cyber crime investigation department of police.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

from NDTV News-India-news https://ift.tt/WbmJMIf

Major Gaza protests at US universities

Protests have erupted across more than two dozen campuses, including New York, Texas and California.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/d27l6vh

Man Booked For Threatening To Kill UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath

A person from the Gopal Ganj area of this district has been booked for allegedly threatening to kill Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and challenging him to bulldoze his house, police said on Thursday. The man, Shamim alias Bablu, threw the challenge and made the threat in a video that surfaced online recently. 

According to the video, the person said, "My name is Shamim and I am a resident of Lal Gopalganj in Prayagraj district. I challenge you to bulldoze my house and I will hack Yogi like a goat." Taking exception to the claim made in the video, Sarvesh Kumar, who identifies himself as a Social activist, lodged a complaint against Shamim at the Nawabganj Police Station.

On Tuesday night, Shamim was booked in an FIR under section 506 of IPC (criminal intimidation) and section 66 of the IT Act.

According to police, Sarvesh Kumar in his complaint said, "On April 23, I saw a video on social media in which a young man named Shamim alias Bablu is threatening to kill Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. My sentiments are hurt by his statement." He also shared the purported video as evidence along with his complaint.

Nawabganj Police Station SHO Dharmendra Kumar Dubey said three teams have been formed to arrest Shamim.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

from NDTV News-India-news https://ift.tt/skW4P98

Have Not Given Poll Ticket Offer To Uddhav Thackeray Aide: E Shinde

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has clarified that he is neither in touch with Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray's close aide Milind Narvekar nor has he given him an offer to contest Lok Sabha polls from any seat.

The assertion by Mr Shinde, who heads the ruling Shiv Sena, came in the backdrop of speculations that Narvekar has been given an offer to contest Lok Sabha polls from a seat in Mumbai.

"I am neither in touch with Milind Narvekar nor have I given him any offer (to contest polls). He is with (Shiv Sena) UBT. I give him good wishes and he should stay happy," the CM told a news channel.

Once known to be a powerful figure in the undivided Shiv Sena, Mr Narvekar is a key aide of Mr Thackeray.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

from NDTV News-India-news https://ift.tt/TxKuFWy

"I Don't Look After Everything": Mamata Banerjee On School Jobs Scam Order

A day after the Calcutta High Court cancelled appointments of 25,753 teachers and non-teaching staff in West Bengal schools, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday said she does not look after everything and her government could have been given a chance to correct the "mistakes".

Speaking at an election rally in Bhatar for party candidate, former cricketer Kirti Azad, Ms Banerjee assured those affected by the Calcutta High Court verdict to take the case to the Supreme Court for 'justice'.

"I will not name any judge, but I am talking about the verdict. If you had pointed out the mistakes and directed us to correct them, we could have easily done that. Anybody can make a mistake, I do not look after everything. The education department is a separate one. There are different departments like the SSC, the primary board, and the College commission," she added.

While delivering the verdict, the court said, "It is shocking that, at the level of the cabinet of the State Government, decision is taken to protect employment obtained fraudulently in a selection process conducted by SSC for state-funded schools, knowing fully well that, such appointments were obtained beyond the panel and after expiry of the panel," the court said.

The bench had also directed that the CBI will hold further investigations with regard to the "persons involved, in the state government approving creation of supernumerary posts to accommodate illegal appointments" and custodial interrogation will be done if required.

Stating that India has the highest number of unemployed youths, Ms Banerjee came down heavily on the BJP government in the Centre, accusing them of using the judiciary to take away jobs from people.

Ms Banerjee also questioned who would take the responsibility if any one of those affected by the verdict "dies by suicide".

"You (BJP) are asking for votes? How many people have you given employment? You had promised to employ 2 crore. Not a single person got any job," the Trinamool chief said.

She described the order directing a section of the recruits to return all remunerations and benefits received by them with 12 per cent per annum interest, within four weeks, as "one-sided".

"If there was anyone from your family, would you not be worried? If someone dies by suicide, will you take the responsibility? Do not be worried, I will fight the case as per our capability," she said.

On the huge number of vacancies created by the cancellation of the appointments, the Trinamool chief also questioned who would be teaching the students in the schools.

"Will the BJP or the RSS people teach them?" she questioned.

Earlier addressing another rally in Hasan for the party's Birbhum Lok Sabha candidate Satabdi Roy, the Bengal Chief Minister alleged that the BJP is trying to kill or imprison people who are speaking out against it.

Her reference was to Kolkata Police arresting a Mumbai resident, who had allegedly met 26/11 attack accused David Headley earlier, for purportedly conducting a recce of TMC national general secretary and her nephew Abhishek Banerjee's residence and office in Kolkata.

The Trinamool wondered why the BJP was intimidating opposition leaders if it was confident of winning the polls.

"One BJP leader says he will explode a bomb. If you have any grudge against Mamata Banerjee, kill me. You were plotting to kill Abhishek Banerjee and we caught the person before he executed the plan," she said.

Ms Banerjee's reference was to a remark of the Leader of the Opposition in the assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, on Saturday that there would be a "big explosion" on Monday which would shake the Trinamool Congress and its top brass". "The accused conducted a recce of Abhishek's house and called him up, asking for an appointment. If he had given an appointment to the accused, that man could have killed him," the Chief Minister said.

"They (BJP) want to kill or imprison people who speak out against them. They want to remove such people from this world," she alleged.

The police arrested the Mumbai resident Rajaram Rege on Monday, a day after the Chief Minister alleged that the BJP was targeting her and her nephew and they did not feel safe. Both are covered by Z-plus security.

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

from NDTV News-India-news https://ift.tt/mfx0dGO

Dozens die after boat capsizes off Djibouti coast

Officials say those aboard were returning home to Ethiopia from Yemen and some are still missing.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/NJnYUk5

"Shocking": Court On 3,000 Tonnes Of Municipal Waste Unprocessed In Delhi

The Supreme Court on Monday termed as "shocking" that 3,000 tonnes of 11,000 tonnes of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) generated in Delhi every day is not processed.

A bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan, which perused a report of the Commission of Air Quality Management (CAQM) on pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR) and adjoining areas said it is a serious issue.

"It's been eight years since the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 have come into existence but in the capital city, there is no compliance. It's shocking," the bench said, adding that the CAQM report says on average 11,000 tonnes of MSW is generated in Delhi every day but only 8,000 tonnes are processed.

"So, it means every day 3,000 tonnes of MSW is generated that cannot be processed in the capital city," the bench said, as it issued notice to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) and the Delhi Cantonment Board.

The bench sought their response by May 10 and said before the next hearing, the three civic bodies shall call a meeting of officials on compliance of the 2016 rules and the Centre's Urban Development department shall formulate and place on record a plan to tackle the problem.

The top court was hearing pleas seeking directions to authorities to check worsening air pollution in Delhi and adjoining areas.

The bench also flagged non-compliance of the Construction and Demolition Waste Management Rules of 2016 and said deterrent action has been taken against very few.

"Stricter action is required to be taken against sites which generate uncontrolled Construction and Demolition (C&D) wastes," the bench said, adding it will examine the issue in detail.

On stubble burning, the bench said it would like to see the standard operating procedure and the framework issued by the CAQM and the manner in which the task forces in different states are functioning.

"We would like to see the power and duties of different task force working to check the stubble burning," the bench added.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

from NDTV News-India-news https://ift.tt/honMjsZ

Palestinian UN agency must improve neutrality - report

The report adds Israel has not provided "supporting evidence" that many UNRWA staff are members of terror groups.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/ija1PzK

"People Of PoK Will Demand To Be With India": Rajnath Singh

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday asserted that considering the development taking place in India, the people of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir will themselves demand to be with this country.

Mr Singh also said India was taking giant strides in the defence sector, maintaining that the country is fast turning into a defence-equipment exporting nation from that of an importer.

"PoK was, is and will remain ours," Mr Singh said, addressing a rally at Siliguri in Darjeeling constituency, where the BJP has renominated sitting MP Raju Bista.

"The way the country is developing and its economy growing, the people of PoK will themselves demand to be with India," he claimed.

The senior BJP leader said India has attained a stature where no one can browbeat the country.

Mr Singh also asserted that India does not interfere in the matters of others, "but if we are interfered with... you understand what will happen".

India will be among the top three economies in the world in a few years, he added.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

from NDTV News-India-news https://ift.tt/ad0Br7J

People Above 65 Can Also Buy Health Insurance Now

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has removed the age cap on buying health insurance policies, effective from April 1, 2024.

Earlier, individuals were restricted to purchasing new insurance policies only until the age of 65. However, after the recent changes that have come into effect from April 01, 2024, anyone, regardless of age, is eligible to purchase a new health insurance.

"Insurers shall ensure that they offer health insurance products to cater to all age groups. Insurers may design products specifically for senior citizens, students, children, maternity, and any other group as specified by the Competent Authority" said a notification issued by the IRDAI.

The move by the insurance regulatory body aims to create a more inclusive healthcare ecosystem in India and to encourage insurance provider companies to diversify their product offerings.

IRDAI has also instructed health insurance providers to introduce tailored policies for specific demographics, such as senior citizens, and establish dedicated channels for handling their claims and grievances.

"It's a welcome change since it now opens Avenue for people above 65 to seek health cover. Insurers based on their Board approved Underwriting guidelines can cover people above 65. The coverage is subject to offer and acceptance between the Insured and Insurer based on affordability for the senior citizens and viability for Insurers." said an Industry Expert.

After the recent notification, the insurers are now also prohibited from refusing to issue policies to individuals with severe medical conditions like cancer, heart or renal failure, and AIDS.

According to the notification, IRDAI has decreased the health insurance waiting period from 48 months to 36 months. According to the insurance regulator, all pre-existing conditions should be covered after 36 months, regardless of whether the policyholder disclosed them initially or not. Put simply, health insurers are prohibited from rejecting claims based on pre-existing conditions after these 36 months.

The insurance companies are barred from introducing indemnity-based health policies, which compensate for hospital expenses. Instead, they are only permitted to provide benefit-based policies, offering fixed costs upon the occurrence of a covered disease.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

from NDTV News-India-news https://ift.tt/rWPj8bf

US Speaker may pay political price for Ukraine deal

Republican Mike Johnson can savour a hard-fought victory, but hard-line colleagues are plotting to oust him.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/LWS42NU

Watch US House pass critical Ukraine aid package

The long-awaited vote comes as Kyiv faces a weapons shortage in its fight against Russia.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/HRCOqX3

UP Man Books Cab From Salman Khan's Home Under Gangster's Name, Arrested

A 20-year-old man has been arrested for booking a cab from Bollywood superstar Salman Khan's home in the name of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, said police on Friday.

According to Mumbai police, the accused has been identified as Rohit Tyagi, a 20-year-old man from Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh.

Sharing details, police said that the accused had booked a cab in the name of Lawrence Bishnoi from Galaxy Apartment, the house of actor Salman Khan, to the Bandra Police Station.

"When the cab driver reached Galaxy Apartment at Salman Khan's house and asked the watchman there about the booking, the watchman who was stunned at first, immediately informed about the booking to the nearby Bandra Police Station," said police.

Acting on the same, Bandra Police of Mumbai interrogated the cab driver and tracked the information about the person who booked the cab online.

"The person who booked the cab turned out to be a 20-year-old student from Ghaziabad, identified as Rohit Tyagi," said the police.

The police further said that during the investigation it was revealed that the accused had booked the cab in the name of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi as a prank.

The police registered a case against the accused and arrested him from Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh.

He was thereafter brought Mumbai and presented before the court after which he was sent to the custody of Bandra Police for two days.

Further details into the matter are awaited.

Earlier, on Tuesday, Kutch Police arrested the two accused persons and handed them to the Mumbai Crime Branch. Later, a city court sent the two accused to the custody of the Mumbai Crime Branch until April 25 in connection with the firing incident.

The accused, identified as Vicky Gupta (24) and Sagar Pal (21) from Bihar, were presented before the court after a medical examination.

The two men, who came on a motorbike, fired four rounds outside the Galaxy Apartments, where the actor resides, around 5 am on Sunday morning and fled.CCTV footage showed that both accused sported caps and carried backpacks.

The clip also showed them firing in the direction of the actor's home.

After the arrest of the accused, Kutch DSP AR Zankant said preliminary investigations revealed that the accused were in contact with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang.

Notably, since November 2022, Salman Khan's security level has been elevated to Y-Plus after threats from gangsters Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldy Brar.

The actor was also authorised to carry a personal firearm and has also acquired a new armoured vehicle for added protection.

On Monday, Salman's brother Arbaaz Khan issued a statement on the family's behalf, saying they all have been affected due to the 'disturbing' firing incident.

He also shared that the family was fully cooperating with the Mumbai Police in the ongoing probe into the incident.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

from NDTV News-India-news https://ift.tt/YO6vuVU

BBC Verify examines video from Israel's attack on Iran

Footage showing explosions in the sky over Iran has been analysed by BBC Verify.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/nmMTtNJ

Man Killed Over Threatening People By Recording Videos, Making Reels: Cops

The investigation into the murder of a 27-year-old man in east Delhi's Trilokpuri area has revealed that he allegedly used to threaten people and record the video of the act, police said on Thursday.

Ashok alias Thanda Pani was found with multiple injuries near his residence on Wednesday night. He was taken to the Lal Bahadur Shastri Hospital where the doctors declared him dead.

According to a senior police officer, Ashok allegedly used to make reels, where he would threaten people and record the act to influence his friends and exercise dominance in the locality.

Ashok was previously allegedly involved in 20 cases of petty crimes in the area.

"It is suspected that the attackers were among one of them whom he had threatened and punished (forced to kneel down) in front of people. He had also recorded a video of the act and put it on a social media platform," the officer said.

The officer said the person, whose video was made, caught Ashok alone in the area on Wednesday night and allegedly attacked him with sticks and rods. The attacker was accompanied by a group of men, police said.

They also attacked two passersby, suspecting that they were Ashok's associates, police said.

Another officer said that three of the attackers have been identified and teams were formed to nab them.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

from NDTV News-India-news https://ift.tt/wF6vMYk

Himachal Pradesh Village Gets Mobile Network, PM Modi Speaks To Residents

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday spoke to residents of Giu village in Himachal Pradesh's Spiti after the area was connected to the mobile network for the first time.

In a more than 13-minute telephonic conversation with them, PM Modi spoke about his visit to the border region during Diwali and asserted that connecting the village with the mobile network will quicken the 'Digital India' campaign.

The government is now prioritising linking all places with communication technology after meeting success with the electrification exercise, the prime minister said, noting that when he came to power more than 18,000 villages lacked electricity.

A villager told him that they could not believe it for a moment when they were told that the area would be connected to the mobile network and their happiness knew know no bounds when it finally happened.

They had to earlier travel for around eight kilometres to use their mobile-phones, he said.

PM Modi highlighted his government's efforts to boost development in border areas under the 'Vibrant Village Programme (VVP)', saying the earlier dispensations left these regions to their fate.

In his third term, he will focus on people's quality of life after prioritising their ease of living so far and this will immensely benefit remote regions, the poor and the middle class, PM Modi said.

The region will also benefit a lot from the 'One District One Product' programme, he added.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

from NDTV News-India-news https://ift.tt/r6WOvin

Chinese cities sinking under their own weight

Extracting ground water for growing urban populations causes half of China's big cities to sink.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/9UTegVx

Congress Will Work For Karnataka's Unemployed Youth, Says Rahul Gandhi

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday assured the 'Pehli Naukri Pakki' scheme and said that the party would work for the unemployed youth of Karnataka.

While addressing a public meeting in Mandya, the Congress MP said that the party is going to do historic work for the youth after it comes to power after the Lok Sabha polls.

"I am here to tell the unemployed youth of Karnataka, the Congress party is going to do historic work for you, the name of the scheme is 'Pehali Naukari Pakki'. It means, that the youth who are unemployed, Congress is going to give them the right to the first job. If you are a diploma holder or graduate from college, Congress party is going to give you a right (right to the first job)," Wayanad MP said.

He further said that first time in India, a legally guaranteed minimum support price will be given to farmers by Congress.

"Farmers said to me that millionaires' loans are waived off. PM Narendra Modi has waived off 16 lakh crores of loans of the 25 wealthiest people of India, which means the money is worth 24 years of MGNREGA. Farmers are asking if the millionaire's loans can be waived off, why can't it be for farmers? Congress will work for farmers, and women in Karnataka," he added.

Rahul Gandhi further hit out at the BJP and said that the Congress party and the INDIA bloc are fighting to save the Indian Constitution and Democracy.

"Congress party and INDIA bloc fighting to save the Indian Constitution and Democracy. On the other hand, we have the BJP and RSS which are trying to kill the Democracy and Constitution of the country. BJP people run the government of billionaires. We run the government of common people, farmers, laborers and businessmen," he said.

He further attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his remarks on electoral bonds and said that Electoral Bonds are the world's biggest "extortion racket."

"A few days ago, PM Narendra Modi was giving clarification on electoral bonds in an interview. PM Modi says that the Electoral Bond is a transparent scheme, but he hides the fact of who gave the donation to whom. If an investigating agency takes action against any company, then the same company donates money to the BJP and the investigation stops. On the streets, it is called 'extortion' which is done by small-time goons. Therefore, Electoral Bonds are the world's biggest 'extortion racket'," he said.

In an interview with ANI, PM Modi said the electoral bonds scheme was aimed at curbing black money in elections and said the opposition wants to run away after making allegations.

Highlighting the fulfillment of the party's guarantees made during the Karnataka assembly elections, Rahul Gandhi said that the state government has proudly fulfilled all the guarantees in the state.

"We had given 5 guarantees to the people of Karnataka during the elections. I proudly say that our government has fulfilled all the guarantees. Today, 1 crore women in the state receive 2 thousand rupees every month through the Grihalakshmi Scheme. Under the Griha Jyoti Yojana, more than 1.5 crore families are being given free electricity. More than one crore families are getting 10 kg rice under the Anna Bhagya scheme. Under the Yuva Nidhi Scheme, 3 thousand rupees are being given every month to 1.5 lakh youth. Today, under the Shakti Yojana, our mothers and sisters travel free in buses in Karnataka," he asserted.

In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the Congress and JD-S fought together against the BJP and the combine was decimated. The BJP had won a record 25 seats; Congress and JD-S won just one seat each.

The BJP's alliance partner, Janata Dal (Secular), is contesting from Mandya under the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) this time.

Karnataka is going to the polls in two phases. The southern segments of the state will vote on April 26 in the second phase, and those in the northern parts will vote in the second phase on May 7 in the third phase.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

from NDTV News-India-news https://ift.tt/bo2u6VB

Prehistoric sea reptile 'twice as long as bus'

Scientists say a fossilised jawbone found in Somerset may be from one of the biggest sea creatures ever.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/OLhKetN

Stop Congress' 'Guarantee Cards' Campaign: BJP To Poll Body

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday urged the Election Commission of India (ECI) to restrain the Congress from “publishing, disseminating and distributing Guarantee Cards or any such material aimed to promote electoral bribery and inducement of voters”.

The party has also requested the poll panel to order filing of FIRs against the 'agents' of the Congress distributing the Guarantee Cards to the voters throughout India.

The BJP has termed the Congress' “Ghar Ghar Guarantee” initiative -- launched by party chief Mallikarjun Kharge on April 3 -- as a “corrupt practice that amounts to bribery”.

“This initiative purportedly involves disseminating Guarantee Cards to the households across India, purportedly containing QR code, perforated application form, and manifesto pledges,” the BJP said in its representation to the ECI.

“To further confound the wrong, the cards bear the promissory signatures of prominent Congress leaders, namely Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, as official endorsement,” stated the party, adding, “These purported activities raise serious concerns regarding grave violation of electoral laws and regulations, particularly about the manipulation of voters' trust and the misrepresentation of the Guarantee Cards as legitimate instruments for accessing promised INC freebies, largesse and utopian promises.”

The party contended that “allowing such practices openly contradicts the principles of free and fair elections, and sets a precedent where only registered political supporters may be entitled to government schemes and not the remaining ones".

Citing the Model Code of Conduct and the Indian Penal Code, the BJP told the ECI that this practice falls under corrupt practice and bribery, and stern action needs to be taken in this case under the relevant laws.

The BJP also accused the Congress and its leaders of committing similar “unethical and illegal” acts in the past as well.

“During the Rajasthan Assembly polls in 2023, the Congress had carried out a similar surrogate campaign to bribe and mislead the voters and the EC had then taken a serious view of the matter,” the BJP submitted to the poll panel.

It further said that to an unsuspecting voter, it may sound as if such 'goodies' would actually be handed over to them and hence it amounts to inducement that is expressly barred under the laws of the land, including the Model Code of Conduct.

This practice erodes the sanctity of the electoral process and undermines the foundational principles of democracy, the BJP pointed out, stating that practices like this warrant thorough investigation and stringent enforcement of legal measures to preserve the integrity of the electoral system.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

from NDTV News-India-news https://ift.tt/exzHvFS

Endangered California condor chicks hatched in LA

The endangered birds are part of a recovery program that aims to release them into the wild.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/O0r4Ax9

5 Dead, Many Injured After Kolkata-Bound Bus Falls From Bridge In Odisha

Five people, including a woman, died and several others are reported injured after a Kolkata-bound bus fell from a bridge in Odisha's Jajpur district on Monday evening, police said. 

The accident took place around 9 pm on Barabati bridge on National Highway-16, when the bus with 40 passengers was en route to Kolkata from Puri.

Rescue operation is underway at the accident spot.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik condoled the deaths and announced a compensation of Rs 3 lakh each for the families who lost a loved one. 

from NDTV News-India-news https://ift.tt/TVEKsQm

Rust film armourer sentenced to 18 months in prison

A judge sentenced Hannah Gutierrez-Reed to prison after the 2021 on-set shooting.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/HdEhyiT

Income Tax Department On "Chopper Searched" Charge By Trinamool Leader

As a row erupted over the TMC's claim of a "raid" by income tax officials targeting a helicopter used by party general secretary Abhishek Banerjee, I-T department sources claimed on Sunday that there was no enforcement action such as search or survey and the TMC leader wasn't even present in the chopper.

To fulfil its mandate of coordinating with law enforcement agencies to ensure free and fair elections, a quick response team of the Income Tax department was sent in "a routine manner" to collect information about the arrival of a helicopter at the Behala Flying Club from Malda in West Bengal around 1 pm on Sunday, the sources in the department said.

Information about the arrival of the helicopter was received from the Air Traffic Control, they said adding that after collecting the required information and meeting security personnel and aviation authorities, officials of the department left the place.

The helicopter, they said, was carrying two security personnel only.

Mr Banerjee was not even there, they claimed, adding no enforcement action like a search or survey was intended nor did it happen.

Earlier in the day, in a post on X, the TMC said the chopper was undergoing a trial run at Behala Flying Club for Abhishek Banerjee's visit to Haldia in Purba Medinipur district on Monday when a team of I-T officials arrived and extensively searched it.

The party alleged that this was part of a deliberate ploy by the BJP to harass and intimidate opposition candidates whom they cannot engage with politically.

Mr Banerjee took to 'X' to claim, "Instead of removing the NIA DG and SP, EC and BJP chose to deploy minions from I-T (dept) to search and raid my chopper and security personnel today, resulting in no findings."

However, the Income Tax department sources said the Election Commission mandates coordination between the law enforcement agencies to ensure free and fair elections in the country.

It is as per this mandate that the Income Tax Department collects or shares information from/with various law enforcement agencies like RBI, customs, air traffic control and other authorities or persons to help in conducting free and fair elections in the country, the sources said.

They said a report on this matter has been sent to the Election Commission too.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

from NDTV News-India-news https://ift.tt/NxoBfXk