THE HEADLINES::
- Campaigning for first phase of Lok Sabha Elections intensifies with three days left for polling; Senior political leaders hold back to back rallies to woo voters.
- Prime Minister and Senior BJP leader Narendra Modi says, implementation of ‘One nation, One election’ is the commitment of his government.
- India and France assess counter terrorism challenges, including use of new and emerging technologies by terrorists; Meeting of Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism held in New Delhi.
- IMD says, country likely to experience above-normal monsoon rainfall this year.
- In IPL Cricket, match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad underway in Bengaluru.
<><><>
Star campaigners of all political parties are canvassing in favour of their candidates for the Lok Sabha elections, with just three days left for the first phase of polling.
Prime Minister and Senior BJP leader Narendra Modi addressed a public rally at Tirunelveli in Tamil Nadu today. He said the NDA government is always keen on developing the Country in all spheres. Speaking on the ocassion, Mr Modi also listed out the various assurances given by his Government.
Earlier in the day, Mr Modi addressed a public meeting in Alathur constituency in Kerala. On the other hand, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also addressed a rally at Kozhikode this evening. LDF leaders Sitaram Yechury, Prakash Karat, Brinda Karat , Subhashini Ali and Tapan Sen are also scheduled to hit the campaign trail this week.
In Uttar Pradesh, the campaign for the Lok Sabha elections has intensified. Senior leaders of various political parties are holding public meetings and rallies in support of their respective candidates. BSP chief Mayawati today addressed election rallies in Moradabad and Bisalpur of Pilibhit. Ms Mayawati said that instead of issuing election manifesto, BSP believes in working in the interest of the public.
Samajwadi Party’s National President Akhilesh Yadav also addressed an election rally in Muzaffarnagar.
In Bihar, campaigning for the first phase of Lok Sabha elections in Jamui, Nawada, Gaya and Aurangabad has reached a feverish pitch. Senior leaders and star campaigners of different political parties are holding back to back election rallies in the state.
In Rajasthan, all political parties and independent candidates have put all their might in the election campaign with only two days left for campaigning in the first phase of elections for 12 Lok Sabha seats. Senior BJP leader and Union Minister Amit Shah held a road show in support of the BJP candidate in the walled city of Jaipur. On the other hand, Senior Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi today led a road show in support of the Congress candidate in Alwar.
In West Bengal, senior Trinamool Congress leader and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee addressed a public rally at Rasleela maidan of Coochbehar Parliamentary constituency. Ms Banarjee said the TMC government has done everything for the welfare of the common people. However, addressing a public meeting at Dinhata in Coochbehar district, BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari alleged that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is misleading the common people of West Bengal about the Citizenship Amendment Act. In a related development, the Election Commission has transferred Mr Mukesh, DIG Murshidabad range to a non election related post. The Commission has ordered the State government to submit a panel of three eligible officers for the post.
In Uttrakhand, as the electoral heat rises, prominent contenders from all political parties are also vying for parliamentary seats across the state.
In Manipur, Senior BJP leader Amit Shah addressed an election rally in Imphal this afternoon. Mr Shah said development of the North East is the priority of the NDA government. He said that the future of India will be better when the North East region is fully developed.
<><><>
The BJP today approached the Election Commission alleging that TMC leaders including the West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee are trying to intimidate voters ahead of the Lok Sabha polls. A party delegation comprising BJP leaders Tarun Chugh, Sudhanshu Trivedi and others, met the commission in New Delhi over the issue. Talking to media after the meeting, Mr Chugh alleged that TMC is trying to vitiate the atmosphere in West Bengal. The party also lodged a complaint against senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his remarks in which he accused the BJP of having a goal of one language, one leader.
<><><>
In the first phase of Lok Sabha Elections 2024, polling will be held for eight seats of Uttar Pradesh. Rampur Parliamentary seat is included in this phase.
“Rampur Lok Sabha constituency consists of five Assembly segments, they are, Swar, Chamrauaa, Bilaspur, Rampur and Milak seats. Apart from the candidates of BJP, INDIA Alliance and BSP, Arshad Warsi of Minorities Democratic Party and two independent candidates, Shiv Prasad and Mahmood Pracha are also contesting on this seat. Senior Samajwadi Party leader and 10 time MLA Mohammad Azam Khan was elected from this seat in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Azam Khan had defeated BJP candidate and famous film actress Jaya Prada with a huge margin of votes. When Azam khan resigned from this seat, the result of Bye election was gone in favour of BJP. Faizanul Haque for Akashvani Samachar.”
<><><>
In a democracy, elections are very important, and there’s a whole system to get as many people to vote as possible. However, citizens sometimes go the extra mile to encourage each other to vote. Our correspondent brings you some inspiring stories.
“In the 2019 Parliamentary Election, Mary from Kerala came up with a unique idea. Instead of just talking about voting, she distributed saplings. She asked people to plant trees after voting. People liked the idea and planted the trees enthusiastically. Niyaz Ali, a 102-year-old resident of Bishnupur, Manipur, is another example. He believes in encouraging young voters to think about the future of the nation and to strengthen democracy. In the 2020 Delhi Assembly elections, 96 centenarians voted, including 111-year-old Bachan Singh, who set a record. Stories like these inspire others to come out and vote, showing the power of citizens encouraging each other in the democratic process. This is Durgesh Bhadauria, Akashvani News, New Delhi.”
<><><>
Prime Minister and Senior BJP leader Narendra Modi today said that he take decisions for the wholesome development of the nation.
Speaking in an interview with a news agency, Mr Modi spelt out his vision for a developed India by 2047.
The Prime Minister said, the implementation of ‘One nation, One election’ is the commitment of his government. He said, the committee formed under the chairmanship of former President Ram Nath Kovind to prepare the report on ‘One nation, One election’, received very positive and innovative suggestions.
Refuting the opposition parties’ allegations of being targeted by the BJP government, Mr Modi said the maximum number of cases registered by the Enforcement Directorate are against those persons and entities who have no connection with politics. Replying to a query on electoral bond, Mr Modi said, it was meant to fight the use of black money in elections. He added that everyone will regret it when there is an honest reflection on the scheme.
On the other hand, Congress took a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s interview saying he did not speak about inflation, farmers and unemployment.
<><><>
The 16th Meeting of India-France Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism was held in New Delhi today. During the meeting, the two sides assessed counter terrorism challenges, including the use of new and emerging technologies by terrorists, misuse of internet for terrorist purposes, radicalisation and terror financing. The External Affairs Ministry said, Anti-India separatist activities, and countering terror financing, organised crime and narco-terror network also featured in the discussions. Both sides also exchanged views on the terrorist threats in their respective regions. This includes State-sponsored, cross-border terrorism in South Asia, Africa and West Asia, besides terror activities in the Afghanistan-Pakistan region.
<><><>
The Indian Army contingent has departed today to take part in the fifth edition of India-Uzbekistan joint military exercise DUSTLIK. The exercise will be conducted from the 15th to the 28th of this month at Termez in Uzbekistan.
According to the Defence Ministry, the Indian Armed Forces contingent comprises 60 personnel while 100 personnel will participate from the Uzbekistan side. The exercise is aimed at fostering military cooperation and enhancing combined capabilities to execute joint operations in mountainous as well as semi urban terrain. The exercise will enable the two sides to share their best practices and facilitate inter-operability.
<><><>
India and Mauritius closed another lacuna in their Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement, DTAA, tightening the scrutiny on tax avoidance on investments coming into India. The new protocol on DTAA was signed on the 7th of March this year. The latest amendment includes a Principal Purpose Test to decide whether a foreign investor is actually eligible for treaty benefits, or was the tax benefit the primary reason to route investments via Mauritius.
<><><>
The Supreme Court today issued a notice to the Enforcement Directorate on Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s petition. Mr. Kejriwal had filed the petition seeking his release from custody in relation to the alleged Delhi excise scam case. The apex court will hear the case again on the 29th of April and has refused to consider the plea for an interim release without waiting for ED’s reply. In a related development, Delhi Rouse Avenue Court extended the judicial custody of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal till April 23rd.
<><><>
The country is likely to receive above normal monsoon rainfall this year. Briefing media on Southwest Monsoon season rainfall forecast in New Delhi, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences Dr M. Ravichandran said, the monsoon seasonal rainfall from June to September is likely to be 106 per cent of the long period average. He however said that in some areas of northwest, east and northeastern states, rainfall is likely to be below normal.
India Meteorological Department Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said from 1st June to 30th September, the average of the total rainfall of the entire country will be 87 centimeters. He said, El Niño conditions are likely to weaken during the early part of the monsoon season.
<><><>
In IPL Cricket, Sunrisers Hyderabad were 285 runs for 3 wickets in 19.5 overs against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, a short while ago. For the Sunrisers, Travis Head scored 102 runs from 41 balls.
Earlier, Royal Challengers Bengaluru skipper Faf du Plessis won the toss and elected to bowl.
In the points table, Sunrisers Hyderabad is at the 4th spot while RCB is at the bottom of the table.
<><><>
THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN
- Campaigning for first phase of Lok Sabha Elections intensifies with three days left for polling; Senior political leaders hold back to back rallies to woo voters.
- Prime Minister and Senior BJP leader Narendra Modi says, implementation of ‘One nation, One election’ is the commitment of his government.
- India and France assess counter terrorism challenges, including use of new and emerging technologies by terrorists; Meeting of Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism held in New Delhi.
- IMD says, country likely to experience above-normal monsoon rainfall this year.
- In IPL Cricket, match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad underway in Bengaluru.
<><><>
