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.)

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Iran Nobel laureate says she faces new trial

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

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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.)

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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.

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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.)

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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.

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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.)

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"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.)

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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.)

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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.

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'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.

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Thousands evacuated due to British Columbia wildfire

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

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Dutch contestant disqualified from Eurovision

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

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"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.)

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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.)

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Passengers flee burning plane that skidded off runway

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

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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.

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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. 

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The rise of Sweden's super rich

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

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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.)

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Gazans celebrate after Hamas says it accepts ceasefire

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

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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.

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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.)

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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.)

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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.)

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Palestinian doctor dies in Israeli prison

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

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'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.)

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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.)

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"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.)

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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.)

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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.)

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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.)

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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.

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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.

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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.

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