THE HEADLINES :
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi says his government aims at making India a developed country with a vision beyond vote-bank politics.
- Campaigning by political heavy weights acquires high pitch in Maharashtra and Jharkhand Assembly elections.
- At least five maoists killed in an encounter with security forces in Narayanpur district of Chhattisgarh.
- National Press Day being observed across the country today.
- Air quality in Delhi NCR deteriorates to enter severe category; Shallow fog to continue during night and morning hours for the next two days.
- And in Hockey, India to take on China at ongoing Women’s Asian Champions Trophy in Bihar this evening.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emphasised that the government’s goal is to transform India into a developed nation, with a vision that goes beyond vote-bank politics. Addressing the gathering at the Leadership Summit organized by a private media organisation, Mr Modi highlighted that the government is working with the mantra of progress for the people and by the people underlining that when the people trust their government, the impact on the development is profound.
He further highlighted that the state of uncertainty kept Jammu and Kashmir engulfed in violence for seven decades, but the contrast today is that newspapers across the country are reporting about the record breaking voting in the region. Mentioning about the Bodo cultural festival, the Prime Minister said that the lives of these people have changed with the Bodo peace accord. Mr Modi pointed out that times have changed, and now it is the terrorists who feel unsafe in their own homes.
Mr. Modi further underlined that in 2014, the country’s Union budget was around 16 lakh crore, and today it stands at 48 lakh crore rupees. He mentioned that the capital expenditure has now exceeded 11 lakh crore rupees, with funds being allocated to new schools, research facilities, and the rail sector.
Mr. Modi also pointed out that the governments after independence did not instill the energy needed for taking risks, but in the last 10 years, the youth have developed strong risk-taking ability.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi has lauded the efforts of the Mahayuti government in Maharashtra, highlighting its focus on empowering every section of society. In virtual interaction with BJP workers from Maharashtra under the Mera Booth Sabse Mazboot programme, Mr. Modi underlined that the people of Maharashtra were highly satisfied with the 2.5 years of governance under the Mahayuti government. He also praised the relentless dedication of BJP workers, noting that for several months, they have been working tirelessly for what he described as the greatest ‘tapasya’ (sacrifice) of democracy.
Maharashtra is set to go to the polls on 20th November and the counting of votes is scheduled for 23rd November.
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In Jharkhand, political heavyweights from both the NDA and I.N.D.I.A blocs are crisscrossing the state to garner support for their party’s candidates for the second phase of the assembly elections. Senior BJP leader and Union Minister Amit Shah alleged Hemant Soren government is treating tribals for vote bank only. Addressing an election meeting at Gandhi Maidan in Dumka. Mr Shah said UPA government did not allocated funds for the welfare of tribals of the state.
While addressing an election meeting at Jamtara Senior BJP leader and Assembly Co-Incharge Himanta Biswa Sarma accused Hemant Soren for making false promises. Mr Sarma said election is the right time to dethrone Hemant Soren government.
On the other hand, Senior JMM leader and Chief Minister Hemant Soren accused BJP of threatening his government. While addressing an election meeting at Dumka Mr Soren accused that the Centre has activated ED and CBI during ongoing elections in the state.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge is holding public meetings in Jamtara and Khijri.
RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav will also address a gathering at Godda.
The second and final phase of voting will take place on the 20th of November. Counting of votes will take place on the 23rd of this month.
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In our series of constituency profiles today we take a look at Digars constituency in Yavatmal district from where the sitting minister Sanjay Rathod is contesting. More from our correspondent:
“Shiv Sena’s Sanjay Rathod has been a four-term MLA from Digras Constituency in Yavatmal district of Western Vidarbha. He is handling the food and drug portfolio in Ekanath Shinde’s cabinet. In 2014, Sanjay Rathod defeated Nationalist Congress Party’s Vasant Ghuikhedkar, While in 2019, Rathod defeated independent candidate Sanjay Deshmukh, Following the shift in Shiv Sena in 2022 Sanjay Rathod joined to Shinde faction of Shiv Sena . This year, Congress has fielded former state president Manikrao Thackeray against him. After almost 20 years, these two rivals Manikrao Thackeray and Sanjay Rathore will lock horns with each other in this electoral battle. Digras constituency has over 3 lakh 44 voters and this constituency faces issues like cotton and soybean crop prices, drought relief and unemployment in the region due to lack of industry. With Dhananjay Wankhede Hemangi Kulkarni, Akashvani News, Nagpur.”
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In Chhattisgarh, at least five Maoists were killed in an encounter with security forces today. A joint team of BSF, Special task force- STF and District Reserve Guard-DRG was on a search operation in North Abujhmad area of Narayanpur district after receiving intelligence inputs about the presence of Maoists in the area. During the operation, an encounter took place, in which Maoists were killed in the gun battle.
The security forces have recovered the bodies of the killed Maoists. Apart from this, a large number of arms and ammunition have been recovered from the spot.Two security personnel were injured in the exchange of fire. The search operation is still going on in the area.
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Three bodies out of 10 newborns, who lost their lives in the fire incident at Maharani Laxmibai Medical College Hospital, Jhansi yesterday are yet to be identified. Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak said that DNA tests will be conducted to identify three of the ten newborns if required. More from our correspondent :
“President Draupdi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, and several other leaders have expressed grief over the tragedy and conveyed their condolences to the families of the victims. PM has announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund for the next of kin of each deceased, and the injured would be given Rs 50 thousand. CM Yogi Adityanath has also announced a financial aid package, with₹5 lakh for the families of the deceased and₹50,000 for those seriously injured. The CM has sought a report on the incident from Jhansi divisional commissioner and DIG. Strict action will be taken against those found guilty. Principal of Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College in Jhansi, Narendra Singh Sengar informed that 16 injured children are receiving medical care and have minor injuries. The children under treatment are stable. The fire, believed to have started due to a short circuit in an oxygen concentrator. The fire spread quickly in the NICU, where over 50 newborns were being treated. Om Awasthi, Akashwani News, Lucknow.”
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Seven people including six members of a family were killed in a tragic accident at Bijnor in Uttar Pradesh this morning. The incident took place in Dhampur area on Dehradun Nainital National Highway, when a speeding car hit a three wheeler. Abhishek Jha, the SP of Bijnor district told Aakashvani news that six members of a family were coming back from Moradabad to their home town Tibari in a three wheeler, when the car hit their vehicle. The car driver and another person were injured and admitted in hospital. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has expressed deep sorrow over the incident.
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Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla highlighted that Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) is working with great transparency, and its credibility and authenticity are now recognised globally. Addressing the 4th Audit Diwas in New Delhi today, Mr Birla mentioned that he witnessed people from the different countries coming to India for studying of the Indian auditing system. He said that these visitors learn from the Indian system and try to adopt it in their own countries.
Audit Diwas is celebrated every year on 16th of November to commemorate the inception of the institution of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) and its contribution towards good governance, transparency and accountability.
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National Press Day is being celebrated across the country today to honour the essential role of a free and responsible press in society. It was on this day in 1966 that the Press Council of India began its operations as a moral watchdog to ensure that the press maintains high standards and is not unduly influenced or threatened. The day not only celebrates the achievements of the press but also reinforces the responsibility it carries in building a more informed and transparent society.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi has embarked on a five day visit to Nigeria, Brazil and Guyana today. In his departure statement, the Prime Minister said this will be his first visit to Nigeria, which is India’s close partner in the west African region. Mr. Modi noted that his visit will be an opportunity to build upon the Strategic Partnership, which is based on a shared belief in democracy and pluralism.
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The air quality in Delhi-NCR has deteriorated to the severe category, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 407 recorded at 1pm this Afternoon. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the AQI in Delhi’s Shadipur station was recorded at 462, Bawana at 438, Anand Vihar at 436, Alipur at 438, Ashok Vihar at 439 and Rohini at 426. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast that Delhi and NCR are likely to experience smog and shallow fog during the night and morning hours over the next 2 days.
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In Hockey, India will lock horns with China at the ongoing Women’s Asian Champions Trophy in Bihar, this evening. The match will begin at 4.45 PM Indian Standard Time.
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THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN:
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi says his government aims at making India a developed country with a vision beyond vote-bank politics.
- Campaigning by political heavy weights acquires high pitch in Maharashtra and Jharkhand Assembly elections.
- At least five maoists killed in an encounter with security forces in Narayanpur district of Chhattisgarh.
- National Press Day being observed across the country today.
- Air quality in Delhi NCR deteriorates to enter severe category; Shallow fog to continue during night and morning hours for the next two days.
- And in Hockey, India to take on China at ongoing Women’s Asian Champions Trophy in Bihar this evening.
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