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Photo-Gallery

A monkey eats ice-cream for respite from the scorching heat on a hot summer day, in Jammu

Monkey eats ice-cream on a hot summer day

Pilgrims on their way to Kedarnath.

Kedarnath Yatra

Devansh Sharma

Tourists at the Taj Mahal on a hot summer day, in Agra, on Tuesday.

Tourists at Taj Mahal

People cast their votes in their respective areas

People cast their votes in their respective areas Phase 4

Leaders cast their votes Phase 4

Manan Tandon

Voting at Tirupati Polling Booth Phase 4

Andhra Pradesh Governor S Abdul Nazeer along with his wife cast their votes at the Green Polling Station in Vijayawada

Andhra Pradesh Governor S Abdul Nazeer Phase 4 Voting

AIMIM's Asaduddin Owaisi casts his vote at Vattapally polling station during the fourth phase of Lok Sabha polls

Voting at Srinagar Polling Booth Phase 4

Devotees take part in a shobha yatra, on the occasion of ‘Lord Parshuram Jayanti’

Kedarnath temple being decorated ahead of the opening of the 'Char Dham Yatra'

Hot day in Mumbai

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarmah along with his family

Actor Riteish Deshmukh with mother Vaishali Deshmukh and wife Genelia D’souza (R) shows their ink-marked finger

Maharashtra votes

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant with wife  

Vats Ambardar

Seniors are participating whole heartedly in the Phase 3 of the Lok Sabha polls. Here are some pictures:

Age is just a number; Seniors vote in Phase 3

Gujarat State All Lok Sabha Seats Goes For polls, PM Modi Votes.

As the West Zone Gets to Polls, PM Narendra Modi Votes

Tiger Park in Phuket, Thailand

Students participating in Save Birds campaign in Jammu

Save Birds campaign in Jammu

Hot day in Jaipur

trade unions take part in a rally to mark the International Labour Day in Bengaluru

 Participants during a state-level bullock cart race, at Thegur, in Chikkamagaluru

Campaigning is in full form  for the Lok Sabha elections 2024.

Campaigning is in full form for the Lok Sabha elections 2024

Srinagar's Dal Lake during rains

Srinagar's Dal Lake on a rainy day

Mr and Mrs Murty vote in Bengaluru

The senior citizens cast votes in their respective constituencies 

Congress candidate from Thiruvananthapuram casts his vote

Congress candidate Shashi Tharoor casts his vote at Thiruvananthapuram

BJP candidate Rajeev Chandrashekar vists at a polling station in Thiruvananthapuram.

BJP candidate Rajeev Chandrashekar visits a polling station in Thiruvananthapuram

94-year-old retired Air Marshall PV Iyer cast his vote at Bengaluru

People queued up to vote for the 2nd phase of the Lok Sabha elections in 2024

Leaders cast their votes for 2nd phase of Lok Sabha polls 2024.

Leaders cast their votes for 2nd phase of Lok Sabha polls 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's public meeting for Lok Sabha elections, in Malda

Ansh Mavani

Maharashtra Students go out of the box for creating awareness in citizens to Vote.

Fabulous Approach by Thane Students for Awareness Campaign

Voter Turnout is Relatively Slow but Gaining Pace as the temperature heats up.

The West Zone Votes for Lok Sabha Phase 2 Elections

Phase 2 elections are going to be held on April 26 in 89 constituencies across 13 states.

Preparations for Phase 2 across in the nation

Happenings along the Campaign trail

Polling Officers prepare for Phase 2

Rallying the public: Elections 2024 Phase-2

The democratic showdown Phase-2: In pictures

Picture of the day

Deepan

The electoral fervor kicks off in the East and Northeastern states as citizens cast their votes at polling stations. A robust voter turnout is observed across these regions of India.

Ballots and beliefs: Northeast's democratic dance

Amarpreet Kaur

Sadhguru, Politicians participate in Tamil Nadu LS Polls, displays Inked finger post voting.

Tamil Nadu LS polls: Sadhguru shows his ink-marked finger after casting his vote

We also find the element of inclusivity the Western States for the Elections Phase 1.

As the Temperature rises in the afternoon the Motivation of the Voters is better than ever

Images from Northern India as voters came out in large numbers to caste their votes.

North India goes to polls

East and Northeast Indian states painted in election colors

Politicians in Tamil Nadu casts their votes. 

Tamil Nadu: Political leaders casts their votes

Voters Wait for their turn to Vote in Maharashtra

Voter Emerge in Maharashtra in Huge Numbers to Cast Their Votes

Check out the Latest Photos or Voting in Lakshadweep,Rajasthan, Maharashtra & Madhya Pradesh.

First Phase Elections in West

News Arena Network

Shyna Gupta

On Sunday, National Conference president Farooq Abdullah called on the Centre to launch an investigation into the recent twin terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir and urged Pakistan to cease its support for terrorism in the region.
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Abdullah, the former chief minister, stated that if the Centre does not initiate a probe into the two violent incidents, his party would seek the involvement of an international committee to identify those responsible for the attacks.
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The attacks occurred on Saturday night, resulting in the death of Aijaz Sheikh, a former sarpanch associated with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), in Shopian, and injuring a tourist couple from Rajasthan in Anantnag.
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During an election rally in Mendhar, Poonch district, Abdullah questioned the effectiveness of the abrogation of Article 370 in curbing terrorism. "I have been repeatedly saying that those in Delhi are misleading the people by claiming that Article 370 was responsible for terrorism. How many years have passed since its abrogation? Has terrorism stopped?&rdquo; he asked reporters.
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Abdullah emphasized the need for justice in Sheikh's murder, describing him as an innocent former BJP sarpanch who had the right to live in a free country where any party can promote its ideology. He called for an investigation to identify those behind the killing and the attack on tourists in Anantnag.
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"If the Centre does not conduct a probe, we should invite an international committee to investigate who is responsible for such attacks," he reiterated.
&nbsp;
Addressing the broader issue of regional peace, Abdullah urged Pakistan to end its support for terrorism, suggesting that once terror activities cease, both nations could engage in dialogue to resolve their issues.
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Responding to Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari's claim that Shah&rsquo;s visit aimed to benefit NC and PDP before the parliamentary elections' fifth and sixth phases, Abdullah dismissed the assertion, refusing to discuss the party or its claims.
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He pointedly questioned the origins of militancy in the region, hinting at separatist-turned-mainstream politician Sajad Lone without naming him. "Who brought the gun here (in J-K) and who raised a party that imported arms from across the border to target our innocent people and workers? Who received money from Pakistan and distributed it here?" he asked.
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Abdullah concluded by highlighting his long-standing warnings in Parliament about these issues, noting that the same individuals now stand with the BJP.

Jammu

Farooq Abdullah urges international investigation into twin Kashmir terror attacks

In a recent appearance at a media agency, Sam Stevenson, assistant editor at UK's Daily Express, shed light on what he perceives as prevailing misconceptions about India in Europe and the West.
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Stevenson expressed concern over the negative narratives being circulated about India in the media, attributing them to biassed reporting.
&nbsp;
During his visit to India, Stevenson emphasised the importance of firsthand experiences in understanding the country's reality. He encouraged people to visit India, interact with locals, and witness the diversity and inclusivity firsthand, challenging the simplistic narratives perpetuated by the media.
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Stevenson also called for a shift towards highlighting India's successes and potential, advocating for a more positive portrayal of the country. He urged the media to move away from negative narratives and instead focus on telling the true stories of India's progress and development.
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Addressing concerns about religious dynamics in India, Stevenson highlighted the country's acceptance of all cultures and religions. He disputed claims of religious divisions, citing his observations of communal harmony at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's campaign rallies.
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Stevenson underscored the responsibility of the media in presenting a comprehensive and accurate portrayal of India. He called for an end to India bashing and urged for a more informed and nuanced understanding of the country's complexities.
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Stevenson reaffirmed his commitment to journalistic integrity and factual reporting, vowing to challenge existing narratives and bring forth the reality of India's pluralistic society to the forefront of British media coverage.

New Delhi

UK Editor commits to cover truth amidst 'media bias' against India

Ayesha Banerjee

All eyes will be on Saran, which is among five constituencies in Bihar voting in the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha polls on May 20 as sitting BJP MP Rajiv Pratap Rudy takes on INDIA bloc's RJD represented by party supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav&rsquo;s daughter Rohini Acharya this time round.
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Acharya, 47, a doctor by qualification, made news when she donated a kidney to her ailing father.&nbsp;
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She had moved to Singapore after marriage with her computer engineer husband, raising their two children instead of opting for a career. Now she is entering the political arena determined to win the seat her father held once.
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&nbsp;Rudy, 62, had made his debut in Lok Sabha in 1996 after winning the Chhapra seat, as Saran was known before the 2008 delimitation. Yadav won the seat in 2004 in a contest marred by large-scale electoral violence that had necessitated a repoll in the entire constituency.
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Five years later, after an embarrassing defeat in Pataliputra, Yadav retained Saran, holding it till &nbsp;2013, when conviction in a fodder scam case led to his disqualification and debarment from contesting polls.
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In 2014, Rudy defeated Yadav&rsquo;s wife Rabri Devi and five years later he got the better of Yadav&rsquo;s elder son Tej Pratap Yadav's father-in-law Chandrika Roy.
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So much so, Rudy also joked recently that his &ldquo;name could enter record books for winning against the maximum number of members of one family."&nbsp;
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Acharya is the sixth member of her family, and fourth among her siblings to enter politics, but she has demonstrated that she has what it takes to be a popular leader. Her courageous decision to donate a kidney to her father and her readiness to take to social media to support her family during any political crises back home has won her countless admirers.
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There is a lot of curiosity in villages where she goes, with everyone eager to get a glimpse of Lalu&rsquo;s &lsquo;laadli&rsquo; as she is called, who did not hesitate to risk her life to save her father.
&nbsp;
In public speeches, she has mentioned &ldquo;sacrifices,&rdquo; saying there is nothing she won&rsquo;t be willing to do for her country and state.
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Locals welcomed her in Saran when she arrived to win back for her father's party the seat from where he had begun his political journey as a young MP in 1977, riding high on the Janata Party wave.
&nbsp;
In chaste Bhojpuri, she launched her speech with, "Raua sab ke gor laagatani (I prostrate before you all)," invoking the memory of legendary poet Bhikhari Thakur.
&nbsp;
Despite being in the company of RJD's two biggest crowd pullers, her father and younger brother Tejashwi Yadav, Acharya confidently took on her adversary as she compared her father&rsquo;s track record against his.
&nbsp;
&ldquo;My father got a rail wheel plant set up in Saran while he was the railway minister. The current MP (Rudy) had been the Union minister for skill development. He should tell us what he did for the youth here during his tenure," Acharya said, amid cheers from the crowds. &nbsp;
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She also said Rudy, who holds a commercial pilot's licence, would be "hawa hawai," from the constituency once he was elected.
&nbsp;
The BJP seems to have realised that its challenger here is no pushover, a reason why it ran a high-profile campaign in the constituency.
&nbsp;
The filing of nomination papers was followed, immediately, by a rally of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, in an obvious bid to galvanize Rajput voters.&nbsp;
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On paper, both parties look equally well-placed.
&nbsp;
For Rudy it has been a see-saw battle. Though in 2019 he won by a comfortable margin of just under 95,000 votes, a year later, in the Vidhan Sabha polls, the RJD clawed back, grabbing four of the six assembly segments falling in the Lok Sabha constituency.
 Other constituencies set for polls on Monday are Sitamarhi, Madhubani, Muzaffarpur and Hajipur.

Patna

Post

Bihar’s Saran could spring a surprise as BJP’s Rudy takes on Lalu’s daughter Rohini

Palak Chouhan

Polling in the fifth and final phase of general elections in Maharashtra is set to take place in 13 Lok Sabha constituencies, including six in Mumbai, on Monday. Over 2.46 crore eligible voters will have the opportunity to cast their ballots, deciding the fate of 264 candidates contesting across various constituencies. Voting will be conducted from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. across 24,553 polling centres.
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Key contenders include Union ministers Piyush Goyal (Mumbai North), Bharati Pawar (Dindori), and Kapil Patil (Bhiwandi), along with BJP lawyer Ujjwal Nikam (Mumbai North Central). Shiv Sena&rsquo;s Shrikant Shinde (Kalyan) and city Congress chief Varsha Gaikwad (Mumbai North Central) are also prominent candidates.
&nbsp;
The main contest is between the ruling Mahayuti, comprising the Shiv Sena, BJP, and NCP, and the opposition alliance of the Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress, and NCP (SP). Mumbai, Thane, and Palghar, where 10 of these 13 seats are located, form a significant part of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, one of the most urbanised pockets in the country.
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Altogether, 2,46,69,544 persons are eligible to cast their votes, including 1,31,38,526 men, 1,15,28,278 women, and 2,740 from the third gender.
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The Shiv Sena, led by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, has fielded candidates in Mumbai South, Mumbai North West, and Mumbai South Central seats, while the ruling BJP has candidates in Mumbai North, Mumbai North Central, and Mumbai North East constituencies.
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The opposition Shiv Sena (UBT), led by former CM Uddhav Thackeray, has candidates in Mumbai South, Mumbai South Central, Mumbai North East, and Mumbai North West as part of a seat-sharing deal with its Maha Vikas Aghadi partners NCP (SP) and Congress.
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Congress candidates are contesting in Mumbai North Central and Mumbai North.
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Thane and Kalyan, where the rival Senas are competing, are prestige battles for CM Shinde as they fall under his political turf. CM Shinde's close aide Naresh Mhaske and his son Shrikant Shinde are the Shiv Sena nominees in Thane and Kalyan, respectively.
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The contest is between the BJP and Sena (UBT) in Palghar, while the BJP and NCP (SP) are the main contenders in the textile manufacturing hub of Bhiwandi.
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Dhule is witnessing a BJP versus Congress fight. In Dindori, it is the BJP versus the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP), while CM Shinde&rsquo;s Shiv Sena and Thackeray's Shiv Sena (UBT) are facing off in Nashik.
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Mumbai police will deploy nearly 30,000 security personnel to ensure smooth voting in the city. Five officers in the rank of Additional Commissioner of Police, 25 Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs), and 77 Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs) will lead various teams during the election day.
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Nearly 5,000 policemen, 6,200 home guards, and 36 units of the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) will also be brought from outside for the voting day.
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Out of Maharashtra's total 48 Lok Sabha seats, polling in 35 seats was conducted in previous phases. The votes cast will be counted on June 4.

Mumbai

Polling in 13 LS seats in Maharashtra on May 20; Mumbai’s 6 constituencies hold key to state's future

Neha Singh

A Trinamool Congress worker has been detained for allegedly molesting a minor girl in West Bengal&rsquo;s Sandeshkhali area, police said.
&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">According to the complaint lodged by the girl&rsquo;s mother, the accused &ldquo;somehow&rdquo; entered their house on Friday night and molested the minor.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">The riverine Sandeshkhali area &mdash; situated on the borders of the Sundarbans, about 100 km from Kolkata &mdash; had been on the boil in February with protests over allegations of sexual abuse and land grab against now-arrested TMC leader Shahjahan Sheikh and his supporters.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">The girl, a Class-8 student, managed to escape and started shouting for help as family members and neighbours came out, police said, quoting the complaint.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">An officer of Basirhat Police District said the accused, around 20-years-old, is being questioned.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">A medical test has been conducted on the girl, he said, adding that its report is awaited. 
&nbsp;

Sandeshkhali

Sandeshkhali TMC leader allegedly molests minor

In the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha elections 2024, slated for May 20, the electoral battleground spans across 49 seats, spread over six States and two Union Territories, hosting pivotal contests that could reshape the political landscape of India.
&nbsp;
Raebareli, a bastion of the Congress party, witnesses Rahul Gandhi, also contesting from Wayanad, facing off against BJP's Dinesh Pratap Singh. The constituency, deeply entrenched in Congress history, saw an emotional appeal from Sonia Gandhi, urging voters to extend their support to Rahul as they did to her.
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Amethi, synonymous with the Gandhi family, braces for a face-off between Congress loyalist Kishori Lal Sharma and BJP's Smriti Irani. Sharma underscores the developmental legacy of the Gandhis, while Irani emphasises her leadership credentials.
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In Lucknow, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh seeks reelection against Samajwadi Party's Ravidas Mehrotra, aiming to continue the city's progress initiated by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
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Mumbai North gears up for a fierce battle between Union Minister Piyush Goyal and Congress' Bhushan Patil. Goyal expresses confidence in BJP's governance track record, while Patil highlights his deep-rooted local connections.
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In Mumbai North Central, BJP introduces 26/11 prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam against Congress' Varsha Gaikwad, underscoring his commitment to national interests and legal expertise.
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Kaiserganj's electoral landscape witnesses Brij Bhushan Singh's son, Karan Bhushan Singh, seeking to continue the family's political legacy amidst controversy, facing off against opponents from Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party.
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Hajipur, a stronghold of LJP, sees Chirag Paswan vying to carry forward his father's political legacy, contesting against RJD's Shiv Chandra Ram.
Saran hosts a high-stakes battle between RJD's Rohini Acharya and BJP's Rajiv Pratap Rudy, with Rudy dismissing Opposition's claims of electoral&nbsp;uncertainty in Bihar.
&nbsp;
In Baramulla, former Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah squares off against Sajad Lone and Mir Mohammad Fayaz, amidst heightened political tensions in the region.
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With each seat representing unique political dynamics and historical legacies, the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha elections 2024 holds immense significance, shaping the contours of India's political future.

Political heavyweights clash in phase 5 elections

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday condemned West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee&rsquo;s remarks against Ramakrishna Mission and Bharat Sevashram Sangha and said threats are being issued against these socio-religious organisations to &ldquo;appease&rdquo; one&rsquo;s vote bank.
&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">Addressing a rally in Purulia, Modi said the TMC has crossed the limits of decency by stooping so low that it is &ldquo;spreading canards against ISKCON, Ramakrishna Mission and Bharat Sevashram Sangha&rdquo;.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&ldquo;The TMC has gone beyond its limits by spreading canards against ISKCON, Ramakrishna Mission and Bharat Sevashram Sangha. West Bengal Chief Minister (Mamata Banerjee) is threatening them. They are threatening them just to appease their vote bank,&rdquo; he said.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">Addressing an election rally in Goghat under the Arambagh Lok Sabha constituency, Banerjee had claimed, &ldquo;Some monks of Ramakrishna Mission and Bharat Sevashram Sangha are working under the influence of BJP leaders in Delhi. Those who are looking after temples are doing great spiritual jobs, but everyone is not doing so. This is not done. We respect the monks.&rdquo;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
The prime minister hit out at the &ldquo;corrupt INDIA bloc, including the TMC&rdquo;, saying, &ldquo;It is Modi&rsquo;s guarantee that no corrupt persons will be spared. After the new government is formed on June 4, corrupt people will spend their lives in jail. After the Lok Sabha poll results, the action against them will intensify,&rdquo; he added.

West Bengal

PM Modi pans Mamata to promote vote-bank politics

Matua Mahasangha maelstrom: Family feud fuels powerplay in Bengal's Bongaon

Seeking a second term in Sultanpur, BJP leader Maneka Gandhi on Sunday emphasised her focus on local issues and predicted a larger victory margin this time.
&nbsp;
The former Union minister refrained from commenting on the BJP's decision to deny a poll ticket to her son, Varun Gandhi, from Pilibhit. She mentioned that Varun would soon campaign for her in Sultanpur.
&nbsp;
In an interview with PTI,the eight-time MP stated her primary concern is the problems of her constituency, avoiding remarks on the BJP's intent to eliminate the Congress presence in Rae Bareli.
&nbsp;
"I have no comments to make. I am concerned about problems in my own constituency and among the among the people here," Gandhi told PTI when asked about the BJP's promise to defeat the Gandhi family in Rae Bareli.
&nbsp;
Amethi and Rae Bareli are neighbouring districts. Rahul Gandhi is contesting Rae Bareli, while Gandhi family loyalist K.L. Sharma faces Smriti Irani in Amethi.
&nbsp;
Maneka Gandhi, who won Sultanpur in 2019 by a margin of 14,000 votes, confidently stated, "This time my victory margin will be bigger."
&nbsp;
She also noted that while the local population appreciates the upcoming grand Ram temple in Ayodhya, it is "not an issue in the polls here."
&nbsp;
Gandhi is contesting against the SP's Ram Bhual Nishad, with the BSP fielding Udraj Verma, an OBC candidate.
&nbsp;
When asked if she anticipates a ministerial role if the BJP forms the government again, she replied, "It is not in my hands. It is the prerogative of the PM."
&nbsp;
&nbsp;The BJP is counting on support from around two lakh Nishad (fishermen community) voters, with their leader Sanjay Nishad serving as a minister in Uttar Pradesh.
&nbsp;
Sultanpur will go to the polls in the sixth phase on May 25.

Lucknow

Maneka Gandhi predicts bigger win in Sultanpur, steers clear of BJP's Rae Bareli strategy

DELHI In light of concerns regarding the use of banned calcium carbide, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has alerted fruit traders to ensure strict compliance with the prohibition on its use for artificial ripening, especially during mango season.
&nbsp;
The FSSAI has also advised the Food Safety Departments of States and Union Territories to remain vigilant and take stringent action against individuals engaging in these unlawful practices as per existing laws.
&nbsp;
The national food regulator has approved the use of ethylene gas as a safer alternative for fruit ripening. &ldquo;Ethylene gas can be used at concentrations up to 100 ppm, depending upon the crop, variety, and maturity,&rdquo; said the FSSAI. &ldquo;Ethylene, a naturally occurring hormone in fruits, regulates the ripening process by initiating and controlling a series of chemical and biochemical activities.&rdquo;
&nbsp;
Calcium carbide releases acetylene gas, which contains harmful traces of arsenic and phosphorus. These substances can cause serious health issues such as dizziness, frequent thirst, irritation, weakness, difficulty swallowing, vomiting, and skin ulcers.
&nbsp;
&ldquo;There are chances that calcium carbide may come into direct contact with fruits during application and leave residues of arsenic and phosphorus on fruits,&rdquo; the food regulator stated.
&nbsp;
The FSSAI further urged consumers to report any observed use of calcium carbide or any improper use of ripening agents to the concerned State Commissioners of Food Safety for action against violators.

FSSAI warns fruit traders against using calcium carbide for fruit ripening

BJP has launched &lsquo;operation jhaadu&rsquo; (broom) to send Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders to jail, AAP National Convener and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal alleged on Sunday.
 Kejriwal&rsquo;s remarks have come during a protest march by AAP workers towards the BJP office in New Delhi, where police presence has been strengthened.
&nbsp;
Addressing AAP workers and leaders at the party office on Sunday Kejriwal accused PM Modi and his party for starting operation jhadoo (broom, which also happens to be AAP's election symbol) so that AAP could not pose a challenge to the ruling party.
&nbsp;
More AAP leaders will be arrested and in the coming days the party's bank accounts would be frozen, he said.
&nbsp;
Kejriwal had earlier called for the protest march against the arrest of his aide Bibhav Kumar for allegedly assaulting his own party&rsquo;s Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal.&nbsp;
 News agencies reported the DCP Delhi Central Harsha Vardhan Mandava as saying that preventive arrangements had been made at DDU Marg to maintain law and order.
 Section 144 had also been imposed on DDU Marg with no permissions granted for any kind of protests there, he said.
 Bibhav Kumar, who was arrested on Saturday was produced before the Tis Hazari Court, which remanded him in police custody for five days.

‘Operation jhaadu’ BJP ploy to send our leaders to jail, says Kejriwal

As rains lashed many parts of Kerala, authorities on Sunday urged people, particularly those living in hilly and coastal areas, to exercise vigil.
&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">The Meteorological Department has issued red alerts for Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, and Idukki districts for Sunday and Monday, and sounded orange alerts for four other districts, including Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, and Ernakulam, for these days.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">The Met office predicted thunderstorms with moderate rainfall and gusty winds reaching speeds of 40 km/h at one or two places in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Kannur and Kasaragod districts of Kerala till 1 pm on Sunday.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">The Idukki District Collector has ordered a ban on night travel through the hilly areas of the district from Sunday until the red and orange alerts are withdrawn.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&ldquo;Strict instructions have been issued to the District Superintendent of Police, Sub Divisional Magistrates, Regional Transport Officers, and Tehsildars to implement the ban effectively,&rdquo; an official statement said.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">Mining activities have been banned in Ernakulam and Kottayam districts in view of the forecast for heavy rain.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">The southern district of Thiruvananthapuram experienced heavy rains on Saturday night, leading to waterlogging in the city and its suburbs, affecting normal life.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">Visuals aired by news channels showed that houses and shops were flooded in some parts.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">Due to the non-completion of the Smart City Road, waterlogging has worsened in many places.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">In some areas, canals crisscrossing the capital city and its suburbs overflowed.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">The affected people alleged that the lack of pre-monsoon cleaning of canals and drainage systems was the reason for the waterlogging in the capital city and its suburbs. 
&nbsp;

Thiruvananthapuram

Heavy rains prompt warnings, travel bans in many Kerala districts

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut claimed on Sunday that leaders from both the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) did not support Eknath Shinde for the chief minister's post in 2019.
&nbsp;
Speaking to reporters, Raut stated that senior NCP leaders, including Ajit Pawar, Dilip Walse Patil, and Sunil Tatkare, opposed Shinde's candidature, citing they will not work under a junior and inexperienced person like him.
&nbsp;
"Congress and the NCP said they had several senior leaders, and the alliance leader should be someone who is experienced, senior, and can take everyone along," said Raut, a Rajya Sabha member.
&nbsp;
Raut further claimed that before the Shiv Sena (then undivided under Uddhav Thackeray) allied with Congress and the NCP to form the Maha Vikas Aghadi government, BJP leaders such as Devendra Fadnavis, Girish Mahajan, and Sudhir Mungantiwar also expressed their reluctance to support Shinde as the chief minister.
&nbsp;
"Shinde was already named as the leader of the Shiv Sena legislature party, but the BJP said they would not like Shinde as CM of the alliance," Raut asserted. "Shinde was appointed leader of the legislature party, and he could have been the CM candidate. But no one wanted him," he added.
&nbsp;
Raut mentioned that NCP chief Sharad Pawar and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi advocated for a leader who had the support of all three parties in the Maha Vikas Aghadi.
&nbsp;
Following the 2019 state assembly elections, Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena broke ties with the BJP and joined forces with the NCP and Congress to form the government. In 2022, Shinde led a rebellion against the Sena leadership, resulting in a split within the party. Subsequently, he formed a government with the BJP.
&nbsp;
Last year, Ajit Pawar and eight other NCP MLAs joined Shinde's government, causing a division within the NCP, which was founded by Sharad Pawar.

Sanjay Raut claims NCP, BJP leaders opposed Eknath Shinde as Maharashtra CM in 2019

It was &ldquo;a night to remember&rdquo;, said actor Kiara Advani, who was honoured at the Women In Cinema Gala, which was held alongside the 77th edition of the Cannes Film Festival.
&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">Advani was one of the six women to be felicitated at the dinner, hosted by the Red Sea International Film Festival and Vanity Fair Europe on Saturday on the sidelines of the ongoing extravaganza in France.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">For the event, she opted for an off-shoulder pink and black gown with a bow on the back and black lace gloves. She tied her hair in a high bun, and completed her look with an ornate neckpiece and a ring.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">The Satyaprem Ki Katha actor shared a series of photos on her Instagram page on Sunday.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&ldquo;A night to remember&rdquo;, Advani captioned her post.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">According to Red Sea International Film Festival&rsquo;s X page, the Women In Cinema Gala honoured six women who are &ldquo;fiercely redefining what is possible for future generations of female storytellers&rdquo;.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">Besides Advani, the honourees were Saudi Arabian singer-actor Aseel Omran, Saudi Arabian actor Adhwa Fahad, Senegalese director-screenwriter Ramata-Toulaye Sy, Thai actor-model Sarocha Chankimha aka Freen, and Egyptian actor-model Salma Abu Deif.
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">&nbsp;
<p style="background: white; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; word-spacing: 0px;">The Cannes Film Festival will conclude on May 25. 
&nbsp;

Cannes

Kiara Advani expresses gratitude for being honoured at Cannes 2024

India&rsquo;s storyteller through the decades Ruskin Bond turns 90 today, May 19.
 You will find him most days at his picturesque home Ivy Cottage in the quiet cantonment town of Landour, at a short distance from Mussoorie.
&nbsp;
His childlike enthusiasm is evident as he discusses life, old age, writing, food and everything in between.
&nbsp;
"Ninety-nine per cent of writers are forgotten in the long run. We are writing for posterity but nobody remembers us afterwards... I am happy if my family remembers me and a few readers get some pleasure out of my writing but it is very easy for a writer to disappear, to go out of print,&rdquo; Bond told PTI in a rare interview at his home, often breaking into laughter at his own answers.
&nbsp;
At 90, Bond continues to be a voracious reader with his nose either in the books or newspapers... quite literally, due to his poor eyesight.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The ace raconteur makes light of his celebrity status and of being India&rsquo;s favourite children&rsquo;s author with more than 500 titles, including short stories, essays and novellas, since his debut novel, The Room on the Roof, in 1956.
&nbsp;
"They say 'old soldiers never die, they simply fade away'. Even old writers never die, they simply go out of print," Bond laughed.
&nbsp;
His latest book, Hold On To Your Dreams, published by Penguin Random House India (PRHI), offers a unique glimpse into Bond's personal space and everyday life -- memories of his boyhood, his friends, lost love, moments of joy, anguish, triumphs and tragedies.
&nbsp;
He became a writer almost by accident. His first two ambitions, and he failed miserably at both, were to become an actor or a tap dancer.
&nbsp;
"I wanted to be an actor, that never happened. I wanted to be a tap dancer, never had the figure for it. Then I realised I could write. I was a great bookworm. I grew up on books. Then I thought this is the best thing to do. Nothing better than a book, then why not write a few. Join the brigade of authors, so I did."&nbsp;
&nbsp;
He fits the typical definition of a bookworm. "Books, I finish two-three of them a week easily. I read biographies, history, if it is interesting, crime thrillers for entertainment, and read classics... I have a fairly wide range of interest in books."&nbsp;
&nbsp;
A newspaper addict, also, he gets "irritated when I don't get my newspaper early in the day. I read four newspapers a day."
&nbsp;
Born to British parents Edith Clarke and Aubrey Bond in 1934 in Kasauli, Bond was only four years old when his mother separated from his father and married an Indian.
&nbsp;
Though Bond's custody was handed to his father, he soon relocated to his grandmother's house in Dehradun when his father died after being diagnosed with jaundice.
&nbsp;
Bond grew up in Jamnagar, Shimla, New Delhi, and Dehradun. He finally made Landour his home in 1963.
&nbsp;
The quiet mountain town has for years been attracting fans hoping to have a glimpse of the star author sipping tea at the famous Chaar Dukaan, a string of four shops somewhere on a winding road, or grab a fleeting look at him through the window of his bright yellow room.
&nbsp;
In fact, when Bond's grandson Sidharth created his Instagram account, which in no time amassed over two lakh followers,Bond jokingly said, "I hope they all don't turn up here together one day".
&nbsp;
"Lots of people come, knocking at the door, ringing the bell, wanting to meet me. Now, how can I spend all day meeting them? Still, I meet people sometimes when I can," said Bond.
&nbsp;
Till the Covid pandemic in 2020, Bond was a regular at book signing sessions in Mussoori&rsquo;s Cambridge Book Depot. Those visits have become infrequent but Bond fans still enquire at the shop about when he might come next.
&nbsp;
Bond has received numerous awards and honours, including Sahitya Akademi Award for English writing in 1992, the Padma Shri in 1999, the Padma Bhushan in 2014 and the Sahitya Akademi Fellowship in 2021.
&nbsp;
Having lived all his life in India, barring the four years that he spent in the Channel Islands and London, Bond, who has always identified himself as an Indian and nothing else, admits that even now some people take him for a foreigner in the country.
&nbsp;
Ever the storyteller, he recalls with humour a visit to Odisha's Konark Sun temple.
&nbsp;
"They wanted to charge me extra because they said I was a foreigner. They charge extra from foreigners for entry. I said 'I am not a foreigner, I am an Indian', but then to avoid an argument I paid extra. And behind me came a sardar ji, he had a British passport but they let him in. He wasn't charged extra because he didn't look like a foreigner," he laughed.
&nbsp;
Bond said he leads a happy and content life and doesn't think twice in indulging in things he likes, be it slurping his favourite strawberry milk shakes or going on short drives with his grandchildren.
&nbsp;
Bond also scrupulously follows his doctor's advice. He gave up on his favourite tipple vodka but isn&rsquo;t a teetotaller and "chota, chota whiskey pegs" is his current favourite.
&nbsp;
"The doctor tells me to cut down on salt as well. But I can't give up pickle. This morning only I had haldi pickle on bread toast. Very nice," said Bond, whose favourite all time delicacy is Kashmiri style 'mutton kofta curry.'
&nbsp;

Dehradun

Happy 90th birthday, India's storyteller Ruskin Bond

Former sarpanch Aijaz Ahmed Sheikh was killed in Shopian&rsquo;s Heerapora and a couple from Jaipur were injured in an attack in Anantnag&rsquo;s Pahalgam late on Saturday night even as Kashmir is set for Lok Sabha elections in Baramulla and Anantnag-Rajouri consituencies on May 20 and 25, respectively.
 Aijaz Ahmad Sheikh, who was a BJP member, died in hospital after terrorists fired at him in Heerapora village in Shopian district at 10.30 pm.&nbsp;
 The couple from Rajasthan was injured in a separate incident in Anantnag.
&nbsp;
Sheikh was moved to hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.&nbsp;
 Tourists Tabriz and his wife Farha were also injured when terrorists fired at them in the Yannar area of Anantnag district.&nbsp;
 Kashmir Zone Police tweeted on X, "Terrorists fired upon and injured a lady, Farha, a resident of Jaipur, and her spouse, Tabrez, at Yannar, Anantnag. The injured were evacuated to the hospital for treatment. The area was cordoned off."
 Baramulla will vote on May 20 in the fifth round of polls and Anantnag-Rajouri constituency on May 25.
&nbsp;
The BJP, National Conference and People&rsquo;s Democratic Party have condemned the incident.

Srinagar

Sarpanch killed, Jaipur couple injured in J&K terror attacks

The streets of Bengaluru transformed into a sea of jubilation as Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) secured their berth in the playoffs of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season.
&nbsp;
The city erupted in joyous celebration after Virat Kohli and his men staged a remarkable comeback to clinch victory over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Saturday, 18th May.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
Aaarrr Ceeee Beeee ❤️👏 6️⃣ in a row for Royal Challengers Bengaluru ❤️ They make a thumping entry into the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TATAIPL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TATAIPL</a> 2024 Playoffs 👊 Scorecard ▶️ <a href="https://t.co/7RQR7B2jpC">https://t.co/7RQR7B2jpC</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RCBvCSK?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RCBvCSK</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/RCBTweets?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RCBTweets</a> <a href="https://t.co/otq5KjUMXy">pic.twitter.com/otq5KjUMXy</a>
&mdash; IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/IPL/status/1791905628216344616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 18, 2024</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
RCB's journey to the playoffs was nothing short of a rollercoaster ride, marked by adversity and resilience.
&nbsp;
After enduring a tough start to the season with seven losses in their first eight games, the team orchestrated a stunning turnaround, clinching six consecutive victories to secure a coveted playoff spot.
&nbsp;
With the stakes high and the tension palpable, RCB delivered a performance for the ages, leaving fans on the edge of their seats until the final ball.
&nbsp;
As the clock struck midnight, the streets of Bengaluru came alive with celebrations. RCB loyalists poured out onto the roads, their faces adorned with smiles of triumph.
&nbsp;
When it finally appeared, cheers erupted into the night sky as fans showered the players with adulation and congratulations for their heroic feat on the field.
&nbsp;
The climax of the match against CSK epitomized the epitome of sportsmanship and determination. In a nail-biting finale, RCB needed to defend 35 runs in the final over to secure their playoff berth.
&nbsp;
It was a daunting task, but young sensation Yash Dayal rose to the occasion, delivering a masterful performance and conceding just 7 runs to seal the deal.
&nbsp;
With RCB's entry into the playoffs confirmed, the stage is set for an exhilarating climax to the IPL 2024 season.
&nbsp;
Alongside RCB, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Rajasthan Royals (RR), and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have already booked their spots in the final four.&nbsp;

Bengaluru

Midnight madness: Bengaluru erupts in celebration for RCB

Tycoon Elon Musk arrived on the Indonesian island of Bali on Sunday ahead of the planned launch of SpaceX's Starlink internet service.
&nbsp;
The Indonesian government hopes this initiative will boost internet penetration and improve health services in remote areas of the vast archipelago.
&nbsp;
Chief Investment Minister Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan welcomed Musk at Bali's airport, announcing on Instagram that they would discuss key collaborations, including the Starlink inauguration. Providing equal internet access across Indonesia, Southeast Asia's largest economy with over 270 million people spanning three time zones, would enable remote areas to enjoy the same high-speed internet as urban centers, he said.
&nbsp;
Musk, the billionaire head of SpaceX and Tesla, will launch Starlink alongside Indonesian President Joko Widodo at a community health center in Denpasar, Bali's capital, on Sunday afternoon.
&nbsp;
The satellite unit of SpaceX has already secured a permit to operate in Indonesia, as confirmed by Communications Minister Budi Arie Setiadi. Starlink has received authorization to function as an internet service provider for retail consumers and has been granted a very small aperture terminal (VSAT) permit.
&nbsp;
Indonesia is the third Southeast Asian country where Starlink will operate, following Malaysia and the Philippines. Starlink has also been extensively used in Ukraine by the military, hospitals, businesses, and aid organizations.
&nbsp;
Recently, Ukraine requested SpaceX to prevent Russia from using Starlink terminals for communications in occupied areas.

Jakarta

Starlink to boost Internet access in Indonesia; Musk arrives in Bali

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways is aiming to transition 80% of India's major ports to the landlord model by the end of this decade, according to Secretary TK Ramachandran.
&nbsp;
This model involves private players taking over operational aspects while the port authority acts as a regulator and landlord, with the goal of increasing efficiency and reducing logistics costs.
&nbsp;
Speaking at the CII Annual Business Summit 2024, Ramachandran highlighted that Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNPT) is the first major port in India to achieve 100% landlord status, with all berths operated under the public-private partnership (PPP) model.
&nbsp;
The PPP model is recognized as an effective tool for attracting investment in the port sector.
&nbsp;
"We have 12 major ports, and we have a huge capacity. We want to shift to an 80% landlord model by the end of this decade," Ramachandran stated.
&nbsp;
He outlined four key pillars that the ministry is focusing on to improve the cost and ease of doing business: developing port-based industrial clusters, investing in the maritime sector, ensuring successful PPPs, and promoting multi-modal transportation.
&nbsp;
Ramachandran also noted significant progress in India's waterways infrastructure. "Ten years ago, India had five national waterways. Now, the country has 111 waterways. We have reformed the Major Ports Act and the Inland Vessels Act. We have made changes to the model concession agreements (MCAs) to make them more private sector-friendly, banking-friendly, and investment-friendly," he added.

Major ports to shift to landlord model by 2030: Shipping ministry

Several viral videos captured a giant meteorite crossing the skies of Spain and Portugal, creating a sensation on the internet. While there has been no official confirmation regarding the meteorite, numerous social media users shared images and videos showing the sky illuminated by a bright blue light due to the meteorite's passage.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
JUST IN: Meteor spotted in the skies over Spain and Portugal. This is insane. Early reports claim that the blue flash could be seen darting through the night sky for hundreds of kilometers. At the moment, it has not been confirmed if it hit the Earth&rsquo;s surface however some&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/PNMs2CDkW9">pic.twitter.com/PNMs2CDkW9</a>
&mdash; Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) <a href="https://twitter.com/CollinRugg/status/1791997578097389807?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2024</a></blockquote>
As the visuals spread online, social media platforms were flooded with various reactions. Many users expressed their amazement, while others were left in awe of the celestial event.
&nbsp;
"Wow, this was impressive, so bright! From the color, it seems to be made of magnesium," commented one user on Reddit.
&nbsp;
"Here&rsquo;s where I&rsquo;m weirded out. The person filming it probably missed actually seeing it. I thank you for your service," wrote another user.
"That green glow is consistent with meteorites," observed another commenter.
&nbsp;
One user on X (formerly Twitter) shared videos of the meteorite, writing, "UNREAL!! MASSIVE Meteor sighting over Portugal! To see a streak like this is a once-in-a-lifetime event! No word on whether it hit Earth and became a meteorite! Also seen for hundreds of miles! Wow."
&nbsp;
The event, capturing the imagination of many, has sparked widespread interest and discussion about the rare and spectacular occurence.

Spain

Meteorite lights up skies over Spain and Portugal, goes viral

An Air India Express flight from Bengaluru to Kochi made an emergency landing at Bengaluru after a fire was noticed in one of the engines, the Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) reported on Sunday.
&nbsp;
According to Air India Express, all passengers and crew were evacuated safely, and no injuries were reported. The fire was detected minutes after takeoff.
&nbsp;
Crew members alerted Air Traffic Control, leading to the declaration of a full-scale emergency. The flight, IX 1132, landed safely at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in Bengaluru at 11:12 PM on May 18, 2024. The fire was extinguished shortly after landing.
&nbsp;
A BIAL spokesperson confirmed that all 179 passengers and six crew members were evacuated without injury. An Air India Express spokesperson stated that suspected flames from the right engine prompted the flight to return and make a precautionary landing.
&nbsp;
Ground services corroborated the presence of flames, necessitating the evacuation.
&nbsp;
"The crew successfully evacuated all guests without injury. We regret the inconvenience caused and are arranging alternative transportation for passengers to reach their destination as soon as possible," the airline stated.
&nbsp;
Air India Express also announced a thorough investigation with regulatory authorities to determine the cause of the incident.

Air India Express flight makes emergency landing in Bengaluru due to engine fire

A special court for MPs and MLAs has issued an arrest warrant against JD(S) MP Prajwal Revanna in a sexual assault case. The warrant, issued on Saturday, pertains to a case in which Prajwal's father, Holenarasipura MLA H D Revanna, is also an accused.
&nbsp;
Prajwal, son of former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda, had previously spent seven days in jail and was on bail following a four-day police custody for allegedly kidnapping a woman. He is now implicated in three sexual assault cases filed by three different women.
&nbsp;
Interpol has issued a blue corner notice against Prajwal, who remains at large. The situation escalated after numerous explicit videos allegedly showing Prajwal sexually assaulting women were made public.
&nbsp;
In response, the Karnataka government formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate Prajwal's alleged crimes against women, following recommendations from Karnataka State Commission for Women chairperson Nagalakshmi Chowdhary.

Special court orders arrest of Prajwal Revanna

The fifth phase of the Lok Sabha elections is poised to be a significant chapter in India's democratic narrative, with electoral battles unfolding across various states and union territories.
&nbsp;
This phase, scheduled for May 20, encompasses 49 constituencies spread across six states and two union territories, each with its unique political dynamics and contests.
&nbsp;
One of the focal points of this phase is the state of Uttar Pradesh, where traditional strongholds like Amethi and Raebareli are under the spotlight. Raebareli, long represented by Congress matriarch Sonia Gandhi, sees her son Rahul Gandhi stepping into the electoral arena, facing off against opponents determined to challenge the Congress's dominance.
&nbsp;
Meanwhile, Amethi, once considered a bastion of the Gandhi family, witnessed a seismic shift in the last election when BJP's Smriti Irani unseated Rahul Gandhi. The battle for these constituencies symbolises the larger struggle for political supremacy in the state.
&nbsp;
Maharashtra, particularly Mumbai, presents another arena of intense electoral competition. Union Minister Piyush Goyal's candidacy adds a layer of significance to the contests in Mumbai, where the outcomes will not only shape the political landscape of the city but also influence the power dynamics within the Shiv Sena.
&nbsp;
In Ladakh, a vast and strategically vital constituency, the electoral landscape is marked by nuanced local issues and geopolitical considerations. The candidacy of independent aspirants, alongside contenders from established parties like the BJP and Congress, underscores the region's unique electoral dynamics.
&nbsp;
Bihar's Hajipur constituency carries the legacy of former Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan, with his son Chirag Paswan seeking to uphold the family's political heritage.
&nbsp;
The electoral battle here reflects not only the aspirations of the local electorate but also broader narratives of identity and representation.
&nbsp;
In Odisha, where simultaneous assembly and Lok Sabha polls are underway, key constituencies like Bargarh and Sundargarh witness spirited contests, with candidates vying for the electorate's mandate amidst diverse socio-economic and political considerations.
&nbsp;
West Bengal, a state witnessing a political churn in recent years, remains a crucial battleground for parties like the BJP and Trinamool Congress.
&nbsp;
Constituencies like Bangaon and Barrackpur exemplify the intense electoral tussle playing out, with each party seeking to consolidate its electoral gains and expand its footprint.
&nbsp;
Uttar Pradesh, with its vast electoral significance, sees high-stakes contests in constituencies like Mohanlalganj and Lucknow. Leaders like Union Minister Rajnath Singh and Congress scion Rahul Gandhi are among the prominent contenders, each aiming to sway the electorate with their vision and promises.
&nbsp;
In Jammu and Kashmir, the first Lok Sabha election post the abrogation of Article 370, constituencies like Baramulla and Ladakh witness contests infused with regional identity and geopolitical ramifications. The electoral outcomes here will not only shape the region's political trajectory but also resonate nationally.
&nbsp;
The fifth phase of polling embodies the diverse tapestry of India's electoral democracy, with constituencies across the country casting their votes to determine the nation's future course of governance and representation.

Electoral spotlight on political dynasties in Phase 5

Riya Bishnoi

National BJP President Jagat Prakash Nadda today said 'Lotus' will bloom with a resounding majority on all four seats of Devbhoomi Himachal Pradesh.
 Addressing election rallies in his home state in Nurpur, Chamba and Solan in Himachal Pradesh, Nadda said Narendra Modi will become the Prime Minister for the third consecutive time with 400 seats.
 He said the Congress government in Himachal was prioritizing its own interests and had nothing in the name of state interest. He said the Sukhu government allocated the disaster relief funds from the central government among its favourites and that the Congress government even failed to construct the rural roads for which the Modi government provided budget.
 Nadda highlighted that INDI alliance leader Arvind Kejriwal protested during the Nirbhaya case, yet a female MP from his own party was assaulted at his residence. Such leaders are not fit to remain in power.&nbsp;
 He emphasised that the Constitution of India clearly states that there will be no reservations based on religion in India, yet the Congress is attempting to implement religion-based reservations.&nbsp;"The Congress is trying to deprive dalits, backward classes and tribals of their rights to allocate them to a specific community."&nbsp;
 Nadda stated that the Congress party was not only anti-Ram and anti-Sanatan but also anti-national. "They have even given a Lok Sabha ticket to an individual who chanted "Tukde-Tukde" slogans calling for the country's division,"&nbsp;
 He asserted that INDI alliance was a union of dynastic parties without any regard for the public. "While Prime Minister Narendra Modi preaches "Bhrashtachar Hatao" they advocate "Bhrashtachari Bachao"."
&nbsp;
He said a decade ago, the nation was governed by a weak administration. "Terrorist attacks were common and the then Prime Minister would send dossiers to Pakistan. The previous government would engage in dialogue with terrorist leaders by inviting them to the Prime Minister's Office,".&nbsp;

Shimla

'Lotus' will bloom on all four Lok Sabha seats in Himachal: Nadda

The campaign for the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha election came to a close on May 18. In this phase, 49 seats, including the notable constituencies of Amethi and Raebareli, are set to vote on May 20.
&nbsp;
Throughout the campaign, both the BJP and the INDIA bloc engaged in intense rhetoric. Prime Minister Narendra Modi targeted the Congress, alleging that the previous UPA government had proposed allocating 15% of the budget to Muslims.
&nbsp;
Meanwhile, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge promised to increase the allocation of free grains for the poor from 5 kg to 10 kg if his party comes to power.
&nbsp;
During his campaign in Uttar Pradesh, Mr. Modi warned that the Congress and Samajwadi Party would obstruct the construction of the Ram temple if elected, leading to a complaint lodged by the Congress with the Election Commission.
&nbsp;
Out of the 49 seats up for grabs, the BJP won 32 in the 2019 elections, with the Congress securing only Raebareli. This time, the BJP is contesting in 40 seats, while the Congress is vying for 18 seats, leaving the rest to its allies.
&nbsp;
This phase features 695 candidates, including 82 women, competing for seats. Notable candidates include Rahul Gandhi from Raebareli, Smrti Irani from Amethi, Rajnath Singh from Lucknow, Piyush Goyal from Mumbai-North, Omar Abdullah from Baramulla, and Rohini Acharya from Saran.
&nbsp;
Uttar Pradesh, with 14 seats voting in this phase, holds significant sway in parliamentary elections. Congress strongholds Raebareli and Amethi are among the contested seats. Additionally, Faizabad, which includes Ayodhya, a key area for BJP's Hindutva politics, will also vote.
&nbsp;
In Rae Bareli, Sonia Gandhi campaigned for Rahul Gandhi, expressing confidence in his capabilities. Meanwhile, in Amethi, Priyanka Gandhi lent her support to K.L. Sharma, who is challenging Smriti Irani.
&nbsp;
In Delhi, AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal faced controversy as his aide, Bibhav Kumar, was arrested following an assault allegation by AAP MP Swati Maliwal.
&nbsp;
All seats in Mumbai will also see polling in this phase. Mamata Banerjee of the Trinamool Congress stirred debate within the INDIA bloc by stating her party would only offer outside support if the group forms the government.
&nbsp;
With the conclusion of the fifth phase, voting in 25 states and Union Territories will be complete. The next phases are scheduled for May 25 and June 1, with vote counting set for June 4.

Campaigning for 5th phase of Lok Sabha ends, voting on 20th

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday openly challenged Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying the AAP supremo along with the other party leaders will go to the BJP headquarters on May 19 'so that the prime minister can send anyone he wants to jail'.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The BJP is saying they will send AAP MP Raghav Chadha and Delhi ministers Atishi and Saurabh Bharadwaj to jail too, he claimed at a press briefing hours after his aide Bibhav Kumar&nbsp;was arrested&nbsp;in connection with the alleged assault on his party's parliamentarian Swati Maliwal.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Kejriwal, who is also the AAP national convener, however, asserted that&nbsp;his party could not be crushed&nbsp;by sending its leaders to jail.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of "playing the game" of sending AAP leaders such as Manish Sisodia, Satyendar Jain, and Sanjay Singh to jail, he said, "I&nbsp;along&nbsp;with my MLAs and&nbsp;MPs&nbsp;would go to the BJP office at noon tomorrow so that the prime minister can send anyone he wants to jail."&nbsp;
&nbsp;
"The AAP is an idea. For as many AAP leaders you jail, the country would produce leaders a hundred times more," Kejriwal said.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
He claimed that the AAP's "fault" was that its government in Delhi built good schools, set up Mohalla Clinics, provided free treatment, and ensured free round-the-clock power supply in the city&nbsp;which&nbsp;the BJP could not do.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Kejriwal,&nbsp;who&nbsp;was&nbsp;arrested&nbsp;in a money laundering case linked to the alleged Delhi excise policy scam, has been granted interim bail till June 1 by the Supreme Court to campaign in the Lok Sabha polls.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
He will have to surrender and&nbsp;go back&nbsp;to jail on June 2, a day after the last phase of polling in the general elections.

Kejriwal's challenge to PM Modi: Will go to BJP office, PM can send anyone to jail

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was directly dealing with a hawala operator to pump slush funds into the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) unit to contest the 2022 Goa state assembly election.
&nbsp;
The alleged slush fund was part of kickbacks Kejriwal had received from the South group to tweak Delhi liquor policy.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) investigating a Delhi liquor scam worth over Rs 100 Crore made a partial disclosure of the alleged association of Kejriwal with&nbsp;hawala&nbsp;operator.
&nbsp;
Authoritative&nbsp;sources confided that the agency had long placed the hawala operator on surveillance when it detected Kejriwal purportedly chatting with him to coordinate cash transfer to Goa through hawala channels.
&nbsp;
The ED which filed a chargesheet against Kejriwal and his party&nbsp; the AAP &mdash; on Friday has claimed that the said lengthy chat is among many clinching evidence that the agency possesses against Kejriwal and his party.
&nbsp;
&ldquo;Physical and electronic identity of persons (Kejriwal and Hawala operator) involved in chat are well established. There is no ambiguity about the issue (fund transfer) they are talking about. The conversation establishes what they are&nbsp;planning and how they want to execute that plan. Hence if someone (Kejriwal) claims unawareness about the scam, denying any kind of involvement, this chat is evidence,&rdquo; well-placed sources said.
&nbsp;
As per the ED&nbsp;out of Rs 100 Crore in bribes Rs 45 crore was funneled to the AAP to fund the campaign for the 2022 Goa Assembly elections and Kejriwal was directly dealing&nbsp;Hawala&nbsp;transfer.

Kejriwal directly connived with Hawala operator for fund transfer, claims ED

In a potential shake-up to its smartphone offerings, Apple is rumoured to unveil the iPhone 17 Slim, anticipated to debut as the most expensive variant in the tech giant's 2025 lineup, a recent report suggests.
&nbsp;
Traditionally, Apple has maintained a consistent roster of four models, including the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max. However, indications point towards the introduction of a new 'Slim' iteration, possibly supplanting or supplementing existing models.
&nbsp;
As per insights from The Information (via GSMArena), Apple's purported plan includes integrating the iPhone 17 Slim into its forthcoming smartphone catalogue for 2025.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
This development comes amid the anticipation surrounding the imminent release of the iPhone 16 series, projected to hit the market in the latter half of 2024.
&nbsp;
Details regarding the displacement of existing models by the iPhone 17 Slim remain speculative, with uncertainties looming over the fate of the 'Plus' variant, reminiscent of the fate that befell the iPhone 13 Mini, Apple's diminutive offering launched in 2021.
&nbsp;
Sources, cited anonymously, intimate that the iPhone 17 Slim is poised to command the highest price point within Apple's lineup, potentially surpassing the previously esteemed iPhone 17 Pro Max.
&nbsp;
Recent trends in Apple's product launches hint at a potential design overhaul for the iPhone 17 Slim, featuring a centred rear camera module and an aluminium chassis, diverging from the iterative design trajectory maintained since the advent of the iPhone X in 2017.
&nbsp;
Furthermore, reports suggest Apple's endeavour to diminish the size of the Dynamic Island on the iPhone 17 series, is&nbsp;indicative of the company's relentless pursuit of innovation and refinement in its flagship offerings.
&nbsp;
Notably, the iPhone 17 Slim is purported to boast a spacious 6.6-inch display, outstripping the dimensions of its counterparts, the iPhone 17 (6.1 inches) and iPhone 17 Pro (6.3 inches), while falling short of the expansive screen of the iPhone 17 Pro Max (6.9 inches).

Apple's 'Slim' iPhone rumoured to be most expensive ever

The news was shared by even Elon Musk via a post on X, which states, "All core systems are now on&nbsp;<a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://x.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">http://X.com</a>."&nbsp;
&nbsp;
With this, officially, the legacy of Twitter ends.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Musk finally acquired the new brand domain, which is now live and accessible on the internet for everyone.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Despite, Musk purchased Twitter and changed its name to 'X', many people around the globe still call it Twitter.&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
All core systems are now on <a href="https://t.co/bOUOek5Cvy">https://t.co/bOUOek5Cvy</a> <a href="https://t.co/cwWu3h2vzr">pic.twitter.com/cwWu3h2vzr</a>
&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1791351500217754008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 17, 2024</a></blockquote>
For now, on X, you can make video or audio calls, write long posts, and access the AI chatbot Grok, though the latter is available exclusively for premium users.

San Francisco

Bidding official farewell to Twitter, X.com is now live

As the third phase of Assembly elections approaches in Odisha, a significant revelation surfaces: 126 candidates vying for seats in the state assembly are 'crorepatis'.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Sanatan Mahakud, contesting from the Champua segment under the BJD banner, leads the wealth chart with assets worth Rs 227.67 crore.
&nbsp;
On May 25, constituents from Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Dhenkanal, Keonjhar, Puri, and Sambalpur Lok Sabha constituencies, along with 42 assembly seats under these segments, will cast their votes.
&nbsp;
The Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and Odisha Election Watch have meticulously scrutinised the self-sworn affidavits of 381 out of 383 candidates contesting for the 42 MLA seats in Odisha.
&nbsp;
According to the report, a staggering 33% of the candidates, totalling 126, are 'crorepatis' in the third phase of the assembly polls.
&nbsp;
Following Mahakud, Soumya Ranjan Patnaik, an independent candidate from Ghasipura, claims the second spot with family assets amounting to Rs 122.86 crore.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Pratyusha Rajeshwari Singh, BJP's candidate from Nayagarh Assembly segment, secures the third position, declaring combined movable and immovable assets worth Rs 120.56 crore.
&nbsp;
The report underscores the prominence of financial prowess in elections, noting that major political parties frequently nominate affluent candidates.
&nbsp;
Of the major parties, 36 out of 42 BJD candidates, 29 from Congress, 28 from BJP, and four from AAP boast assets exceeding Rs 1 crore.
&nbsp;
On average, each candidate contesting in the Odisha Assembly elections 2024 (phase-III) possesses assets valued at Rs 3.47 crore.
&nbsp;
Despite the affluence prevalent among candidates, some outliers emerge with meagre assets.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Kailash Chandra Nayak from Samruddha Odisha, contesting from Baramba MLA segment, declares assets of Rs 1,000, followed by independent candidate Sukanta Ghadai from Brahmagiri and CPI (ML) Red Star nominee Gopinath Nayak from Bhubaneswar North, both with assets amounting to Rs 2,000.
&nbsp;
Out of the 381 candidates analysed, 100 face criminal charges, with 86 accused of serious criminal offences.
&nbsp;
Among the major parties, BJP leads with 23 candidates facing serious criminal cases, followed by one CPI(M) candidate, 13 from Congress, and 12 from BJD.
&nbsp;
Educational qualifications also vary among the candidates, with 155 holding qualifications ranging from 5th to 12th standard, 210 being graduates or above, 12 holding diplomas, and two declaring themselves as literate. Two candidates admit to being illiterate.

Bhubaneswar

126 'Crorepati' hopefuls to compete in 3rd phase of Odisha assembly polls

Former Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari, former Prime Minister&nbsp;Dr. Manmohan Singh, former Deputy Prime Minister L.K. Advani, and former Union Minister Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi have utilised the home voting facility, according to the Delhi poll body.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
On Thursday, the office of&nbsp;the&nbsp;Chief Electoral Officer (CEO)&nbsp;of Delhi&nbsp;launched the home voting facility for elderly voters and persons with disabilities (PwDs), which will be available until May 24.
&nbsp;
According to the data shared by the office, 1409 voters cast their ballots from the comfort of their homes across all seven parliamentary constituencies in Delhi on Friday,&nbsp;which was&nbsp;the second day of the facility&nbsp;being started.
&nbsp;
The West Delhi constituency reported the highest number of home votes, with 348 voters participating. Among them, 299 were elderly&nbsp;individuals.&nbsp;&nbsp;With the&nbsp;completion of the second day, a total of&nbsp;2,956 voters have exercised their right to vote from home, the CEO's office said.&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
"Former prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh and former&nbsp;Union minister Dr Murli Manohar Joshi successfully cast their&nbsp;votes on May 17 from their home availing home voting facility in the New Delhi parliamentary constituency," the office said.
&nbsp;
Former vice president Mohammad Hamid Ansari cast his vote on Thursday, it added.
&nbsp;
Former deputy prime minister LK Advani cast his vote on Saturday, sources said. &nbsp; On the first day, 1,482 voters exercised their franchise from home. A total of 5,406 voters across Delhi elderly individuals and PwDs have filled out Form 12D to avail of the home voting facility in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
&nbsp;
This initiative ensures these voters can participate in the electoral process with ease and dignity, eliminating the need to visit polling stations. Delhi will go to polls on May 25.&nbsp;

Political leaders cast vote via home voting facility

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has ignited a firestorm by alleging that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has been displaying the Chinese constitution at his rallies, instead of the Indian one.
&nbsp;
Sarma, a prominent figure in the BJP, asserted that the book exhibited by Gandhi bears a red cover resembling the original Chinese constitution, in stark contrast to the blue cover of the authentic Indian constitution.
&nbsp;
"Rahul is displaying a red Chinese constitution to the people attending his meetings," Sarma remarked, sparking a flurry of debate and speculation on social media.
&nbsp;
In response to Sarma's claim, several social media users have countered, suggesting that the red-bound book is merely a coat pocket edition of the Indian Constitution, often presented to top Indian dignitaries including the President and the Union Home Minister.
&nbsp;
Sarma further emphasised the significance of the Indian constitution's Directive Principles of State Policy, particularly regarding the enactment of a Uniform Civil Code, which he alleged Gandhi opposes.
&nbsp;
"The Indian constitution, in blue, includes a chapter called the Directive Principles of State Policy, which makes it a sacred duty to enact a Uniform Civil Code in our country; Rahul is now opposing this," Sarma added, intensifying the controversy.
&nbsp;
Accompanying his allegations were photographs depicting Gandhi holding the red-bound book, as well as signing an agreement with Chinese delegates during a visit to the Beijing Olympics, with Sonia Gandhi standing alongside her son.
&nbsp;
This is not the first time Sarma has questioned the book displayed by Gandhi. 
&nbsp;
He previously took to social media to scrutinise the authenticity of the book, comparing it to the original Indian constitution, characterised by its blue cover.

Guwahati

Sarma accuses Rahul of displaying Chinese constitution at rallies

Indian cinema has consistently made its mark at the Cannes Film Festival, whether through the films being screened or the inclusion of Bollywood celebrities on the juries over the years. Additionally, Bollywood stars have often graced the iconic red carpet in stunning outfits that regularly make the Best Dressed lists worldwide.
&nbsp;
The 77th Cannes Film Festival will feature numerous Indian celebrities and online influencers walking the red carpet, each representing the country in their unique way. Notably, this year&rsquo;s festival marks an unprecedented number of Indian films premiering at the event, with many competing for prestigious awards.
&nbsp;
1. All We Imagine As Light
<figure class="image"><img src="https://api.newsarenaindia.com//uploads/screenshot-20240518-at-50613pmpng_1716032210090.png" width="1247" height="840">
<figcaption>(Photo Courtesy: IMDb)</figcaption>
</figure>
Directed by Payal Kapadia, "All We Imagine As Light" has been nominated for the Palme d&rsquo;Or at the Cannes Film Festival. This drama, set in Mumbai, centers around Pratibha, a nurse whose life is thrown into turmoil by an unexpected gift from her estranged husband. Meanwhile, her roommate Anu struggles to find a private place in the city to be intimate with her boyfriend. Their quest for space leads them on a journey where they eventually discover a place to fulfill their desires. The film, an Indo-French co-production, stars Kani Kusruti and Divya Prabha and will be screened at the festival on May 23.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
2. Santosh
<figure class="image"><img src="https://api.newsarenaindia.com//uploads/screenshot-20240518-at-51235pmpng_1716032562816.png" width="934" height="1168">
<figcaption>(Photo Courtesy: IMDb)</figcaption>
</figure>
&nbsp;
Directed and written by Sandhya Suri, "Santosh" has been nominated for the Un Certain Regard Award. Set in rural North India, the film follows Santosh, a young widow who inherits her late husband&rsquo;s job as a police constable through a government scheme. Her life takes a dramatic turn when the body of a raped and murdered girl is discovered. Santosh becomes involved in the investigation, working under the guidance of Inspector Sharma, a charismatic feminist.
&nbsp;
3. Sunflowers Were The First Ones to Know
<figure class="image"><img src="https://api.newsarenaindia.com//uploads/screenshot-20240518-at-51323pmpng_1716032614693.png" width="622" height="934">
<figcaption>(Photo Courtesy: IMDb)</figcaption>
</figure>
&nbsp;
"Sunflowers Were The Best Ones To Know," a film created by four students from the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Pune, has been selected for the competition in the La Cinef section. Directed by Chidanand S. Naik, this 16-minute short film tells the story of an elderly woman who steals the village rooster, causing chaos in the community. To retrieve the rooster, a prophecy must be invoked, leading to the exile of the old lady&rsquo;s family.
&nbsp;
4. Manthan
<figure class="image"><img src="https://api.newsarenaindia.com//uploads/screenshot-20240518-at-51405pmpng_1716032655836.png" width="672" height="908">
<figcaption>(Photo Courtesy: IMDb)</figcaption>
</figure>
&nbsp;
The 1976 Hindi film "The Churning," a classic by Shyam Benegal, has been restored and is set to be screened at the Cannes Film Festival. The story, co-written by Verghese Kurien and Shyam Benegal, follows Dr. Rao, a young veterinary surgeon who initiates a pioneering milk cooperative movement in a village. The film stars Girish Karnad, Naseeruddin Shah, Amrish Puri, and Smita Patil in the lead roles.
&nbsp;
5. Sister Midnight
<figure class="image"><img src="https://api.newsarenaindia.com//uploads/screenshot-20240518-at-51431pmpng_1716032681294.png" width="692" height="290">
<figcaption>(Photo Courtesy: Pinterest)</figcaption>
</figure>
&nbsp;
Written and directed by Karan Kandhari, "Sister Midnight" tells the story of an arranged marriage that descends into darkness. The wife, portrayed by Radhika Apte, grapples with the challenges of married life in Mumbai, ultimately transforming into a ruthless, feral force driven by her desire for revenge. This dramatic comedy is scheduled to be screened on May 19.
&nbsp;
6. The Shameless
<figure class="image"><img src="https://api.newsarenaindia.com//uploads/screenshot-20240518-at-51505pmpng_1716032714844.png" width="818" height="1168">
<figcaption>(Photo Courtesy: IMDb)</figcaption>
</figure>
&nbsp;
Konstantin Bojanov&rsquo;s romantic crime thriller has been selected for the Un Certain Regard category. The film follows an Indian sex worker who confronts her past on a pilgrimage, challenging the age-old traditions that have kept her in sex work. Her forbidden love affair with Renuka becomes her path to freedom. The cast includes Indian and Nepali actors Auroshikha Dey, Omara, Anasuya Sengupta, and Mita Vashisht.
&nbsp;
7. In the Retreat
<figure class="image"><img src="https://api.newsarenaindia.com//uploads/screenshot-20240518-at-51538pmpng_1716032747418.png" width="932" height="700">
<figcaption>(Photo Courtesy: IMDb)</figcaption>
</figure>
&nbsp;
"In the Retreat," directed by Maisam Ali, has been selected for the Cannes Film Festival&rsquo;s Sidebar Programme ACID (Association for the Diffusion of Independent Cinema). The film follows a nomad from Ladakh, played by Harish Khanna, who returns home after many years. It explores themes of identity, belonging, and home, highlighting the diversity of Ladakh.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

77th Cannes Film Festival: 7 Indian films set to premiere and shine on the global stage

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has sounded a red alert for select districts in Kerala, with Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, and Idukki bracing for heavy rainfall on May 19 and 20.
&nbsp;
Additionally, Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, and Ernakulam have been put on orange alert during the same period.
&nbsp;
On May 21, nine districts are on orange alert, indicating potential rainfall levels akin to a red alert in some areas.
&nbsp;
IMD also forecasts thunderstorms with lightning and strong winds across Kerala from May 19 to 22.
&nbsp;
For Saturday,&nbsp;Pathanamthitta, Idukki, and Malappuram districts are under an orange alert. 
&nbsp;
A red alert signifies heavy to extremely heavy rainfall exceeding 20 cm within 24 hours, while an orange alert indicates very heavy rainfall ranging from 6 cm to 20 cm.
&nbsp;
The IMD's prior prediction of very heavy rainfall from May 18 to 20 attributes the phenomenon to the anticipated presence of robust westerly and southwesterly winds in the region.

IMD issues red alert for heavy rains in Kerala

Addressing constituents alongside Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav and Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Rae Bareli MP Sonia Gandhi expressed her faith in the electorate, urging them to extend the same affection to her son Rahul as they did to her.
&nbsp;
On the eve of the conclusion of campaigning for the fifth phase of elections, Amethi and Rae Bareli witnessed fervent canvassing.
&nbsp;
Akhilesh Yadav, accompanied by Sonia and Priyanka, lent his support to Rahul's campaign in Rae Bareli and also rallied for Congress candidate K L Sharma in Amethi.
&nbsp;
&ldquo;Your love never left me alone. I am entrusting my son to you. The way you considered me as your own, now you have to see Rahul as your own. He will not disappoint you,&rdquo; Sonia assured her constituents.
&nbsp;
Reflecting on her three-decade-long service to Rae Bareli, Sonia hailed it as the "biggest asset" of her life and highlighted her family's enduring connection to the constituency, spanning a century.
&nbsp;
Akhilesh Yadav rallied voters and party workers from both SP and Congress, urging them to secure a "record victory" for Rahul.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
He accused BJP's Rae Bareli candidate, Dinesh Pratap Singh, of ties to the land mafia.
&nbsp;
Taking a swipe at BJP's tactics, Akhilesh called upon Rae Bareli residents to wield their votes as a "bulldozer" against the BJP and SP MLA Manoj Pandey, who defected to the party on Friday.
&nbsp;
Akhilesh also remarked on reports of another defection, alluding to "our second traitor."
&nbsp;
Earlier in the day, campaigning for Congress candidate Sharma in Amethi, Akhilesh lamented the loss of respect Amethi has suffered due to BJP's actions.
&nbsp;
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, AICC General Secretary, emphasized the solidarity between SP and Congress, likening their workers to a unified army.
&nbsp;
In his address in Rae Bareli, Rahul Gandhi asserted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi&nbsp;has&nbsp;sensed defeat in the elections, declaring, &ldquo;Goodbye ho gayi Narendra Modi ki.&rdquo;
&nbsp;
Rahul reiterated Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge's pledge, promising not just 10 kg of ration but also "dal and oil" to voters.
&nbsp;
Recalling his earliest visits to Amethi with his father, former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, Rahul pledged to represent not only Rae Bareli but also Amethi as its MP.

Rae Bareli

Sonia passes baton to Rahul in Rae Bareli, says 'He won't disappoint'

Sahara Group has criticised the upcoming series titled&nbsp;"Scam 2010 - The Subrata Roy Saga",&nbsp;calling it an&nbsp;"abusive and grossly condemnable act"&nbsp;and said it is contemplating&nbsp;"suitable legal action"&nbsp;against the makers.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The series, dubbed as a&nbsp;"dust-to-diamonds story of maverick businessman Subrata Roy",&nbsp;is the third chapter of filmmaker Hansal&nbsp;Mehta's&nbsp;smash hit series&nbsp;&ldquo;Scam&rdquo;&nbsp;for streaming service Sony LIV after&nbsp;&ldquo;Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story&rdquo;&nbsp;and&nbsp;"Scam 2003: The Telgi Story".&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The latest installment&nbsp;was announced by the director on Thursday. In a statement, Sahara India said the&nbsp;"aggrieved members"&nbsp;are seeking advice to take&nbsp;"suitable legal action against the producer, director, and all those&nbsp;who are&nbsp;involved"&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;making&nbsp;of&nbsp;the show.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
"An abusive and grossly condemnable act has been demonstrated by the makers of&nbsp;'Scam'&nbsp;to achieve cheap and wide&nbsp;publicity,&nbsp;by announcing to&nbsp;unveil,&nbsp;'Scam 2010: The Subrata Roy Saga'.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
"Sahara India Pariwar condemns such acts of all the individuals and parties involved and shall resist their offending behaviour. In this regard, the aggrieved members are seeking advice to take suitable legal action against the producer, director, and all&nbsp;involved in making the illegal portrayal,"&nbsp;the statement said.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The group said the dispute between SEBI and Sahara is still pending before the Supreme Court&nbsp;and&nbsp;"any attempt to influence the proceedings of the said case shall attract contempt of Court, besides such acts amount to criminality".&nbsp;
&nbsp;
It claimed Sahara India Pariwar has never&nbsp;been involved&nbsp;in any chit fund activity&nbsp;and&nbsp;even&nbsp;the Sahara-SEBI issue was a dispute on the&nbsp;Sebi's&nbsp;jurisdiction on certain bonds issued by the group.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Based on the book&nbsp;&ldquo;Sahara: The Untold Story by Tamal Bandyopadhyay&rdquo;,&nbsp;the series will be produced by Applause&nbsp;Entertainment,&nbsp;in association with Studio Next, and helmed by Mehta.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
According to the makers,&nbsp;"Scam 2010"&nbsp;will delve into the depths of one of&nbsp;India&rsquo;s&nbsp;most storied financial scandals.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
"In the early 2000s, Roy was caught in a whirlwind of accusations ranging from chit-fund manipulations to fake investors, ultimately leading to his arrest in 2014. With approximately Rs 25,000 crore still lying unclaimed with government authorities, the repercussions of the scam continue to reverberate even today,"&nbsp;they said in a press release.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
In its statement, the group said in the garb of a right of free speech and expression, no one&nbsp;can&nbsp;be allowed to&nbsp;"undermine the goodwill and reputation of a person, who is not available to defend himself".&nbsp;
&nbsp;
"The use of the word&nbsp;'scam'&nbsp;in the title of the so-called web series and linking it to Sahara seems prima-facie&nbsp;defamatory,&nbsp;and tends to lower the image and reputation of Saharasri Ji and Sahara India Pariwar,"&nbsp;it read.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Roy, who passed away in November 2023 at the age of 75 after battling a prolonged illness, faced multiple regulatory and legal battles in connection with his group firms that&nbsp;were accused&nbsp;of circumventing regulations with Ponzi schemes, allegations his group always denied.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
In 2011, capital markets regulator Sebi ordered two Sahara Group firms -Sahara India Real Estate Corporation Ltd (SIREL) and Sahara Housing Investment Corporation Ltd (SHICL) - to refund the money raised from nearly&nbsp;3&nbsp;crore investors through certain bonds known as Optionally Fully Convertible Bonds (OFCDs).&nbsp;
&nbsp;
This order came after the regulator ruled that the funds&nbsp;were raised&nbsp;by the two firms&nbsp;in violation of&nbsp;its rules and regulations.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
After a long process of appeals and cross-appeals, the Supreme Court on August 31, 2012&nbsp;upheld&nbsp;Sebi's&nbsp;directions&nbsp;asking&nbsp;the two firms to refund the money collected from investors with 15 per cent interest.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Sahara&nbsp;was eventually asked&nbsp;to deposit an estimated ₹24,000 crore with Sebi for further refund to investors, though&nbsp;the group has been maintaining that it had already refunded more than 95 per cent of investors directly.

'Scam 2010' in trouble after Sahara Group opposes series

In a vibrant push to raise voting awareness, a cyclothon&nbsp;was organised in Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh, on Saturday.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The event aimed to highlight the significance of voting and motivate residents to exercise their democratic rights.
&nbsp;
Organised under the Systematic Voters' Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) programme, the Election Commission&rsquo;s key voter awareness initiative, the&nbsp;cyclothon&nbsp;was flagged off by Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena from the deputy commissioner's (DC) office.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Saxena also launched the "Fit Voter, Creator of the Country's Destiny" programme.
&nbsp;
The cyclists commenced their journey from the DC office complex, traversing key landmarks such as Gandhi Chowk, Bhota Chowk, Bypass Road, Nalti Chowk, Government ITI, and Nadaun Chowk, before returning to the starting point.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
A large number of youths participated, effectively spreading the message of voting through their energetic presence.
&nbsp;
Chief Secretary Saxena expressed optimism about the impact of SVEEP in Hamirpur.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
He conveyed confidence that the district's voters would turn out in record numbers for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&ldquo;The enthusiasm displayed today is promising. It signifies a heightened awareness and commitment among the youth,&rdquo; Saxena noted.
&nbsp;
In conjunction with the&nbsp;cyclothon, Saxena convened a meeting with senior district officials to review the preparations for the Lok Sabha elections and the assembly by-polls scheduled for June 1.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Discussions included the deployment of officers, employees, police, and security forces for polling duties.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Assurance was given that all 532 polling stations in the district are equipped with essential amenities such as electricity, water, toilets, and ramps.

Cyclothon in HP's Hamirpur promotes voting awareness

Large swathes of northwest India are facing a relentless heatwave that is expected to persist for another five days, posing a significant health risk and disrupting daily life.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The scorching temperatures, which have already broken records this season, are forecast to impact Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh the most.
&nbsp;
On Friday, weather stations recorded alarming highs, with Najafgarh in west Delhi reaching a staggering 47.4 degrees Celsius, the hottest in the country so far this year.
&nbsp;
This brutal heat comes as India grapples with general elections, raising concerns about a rise in heat-related illnesses amongst voters and campaign workers exposed to the sun for extended periods.
&nbsp;
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a stark warning, classifying the situation as a "severe heatwave" in the northwest plains for the coming week.
&nbsp;
Eastern and central India can also expect scorching conditions, with a heatwave predicted for the next three days.
&nbsp;
The IMD has implemented a colour-coded warning system to highlight the health risks. Red alerts have been issued for Delhi, Haryana, Punjab and west Rajasthan, indicating an urgent need for "extreme care for vulnerable people" such as children, the elderly and those with chronic health conditions.
&nbsp;
Orange alerts signifying "high health concerns" are in place for east Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
&nbsp;
Climate experts warn that human-induced climate change is a major factor behind the increased frequency and intensity of heatwaves. "Climate Central," a US-based climate science group, estimates that over 543 million people in India will endure at least one day of extreme heat during the period between May 18th and 21st.
&nbsp;
"This intense heat is much more likely due to human-caused climate change," said Andrew Pershing, Vice President for Science at Climate Central. "The high overnight temperatures make this event particularly alarming."
&nbsp;
Heatwaves pose a serious threat to life, with the elderly and young children especially vulnerable to heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
&nbsp;
The World Health Organisation estimates that heatwaves claimed over 166,000 lives globally between 1998 and 2017.
&nbsp;
The scorching temperatures also have a detrimental impact on economies.
&nbsp;
Extreme heat reduces productivity levels, even for those working indoors.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Children's learning abilities are also hampered in sweltering classrooms.
&nbsp;
A 2022 study revealed that extreme heat resulted in a staggering USD 2.1 trillion equivalent loss in global labour productivity in 2017.
&nbsp;
The severity of the current heatwave is evident in the recent temperature records.
&nbsp;
On Friday, Najafgarh in Delhi and Sirsa in Haryana recorded highs of 47.4 degrees Celsius and 47.1 degrees Celsius respectively.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Previously, the hottest temperature recorded this season was 47.2 degrees Celsius in Kalaikunda, West Bengal, on April 30th.
&nbsp;
The IMD defines a heatwave as a situation where the maximum temperature at a weather station reaches at least 40 degrees Celsius in the plains, 37 degrees Celsius in coastal areas, and 30 degrees Celsius in hilly regions, with a departure from normal exceeding 4.5 degrees Celsius.
&nbsp;
A severe heatwave is declared when the departure from normal temperature climbs above 6.4 degrees Celsius.
&nbsp;
This scorching spell follows a record-breaking April that saw exceptionally high temperatures across eastern, northeastern and southern India.
&nbsp;
Government agencies issued health warnings, and some states were forced to suspend in-person classes to safeguard students.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Alarmingly, at least two heatstroke-related deaths were reported in Kerala during this period.
&nbsp;
A recent study by the World Weather Attribution group highlighted the increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves due to climate change.
&nbsp;
The group suggests that similar heatwaves, previously occurring once every 30 years, are now 45 times more likely.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The scientists emphasised that these climate-intensified heatwaves pose a significant threat to vulnerable populations across Asia.
&nbsp;
The IMD had previously cautioned about the possibility of extreme heat impacting India throughout the April-June period, coinciding with the seven-phase Lok Sabha elections that culminate on June 1st.&nbsp; However, extreme heat conditions often occur during the pre-monsoon season (March to May) over India.&nbsp;Exposure to such conditions can induce dehydration, exhaustion, nausea, heat stroke and may&nbsp;lead to death in severe cases. In general, senior citizens are more vulnerable to extreme&nbsp;temperatures and should take more precautions.&nbsp;

Heatwave to bake north India for five more days

India's premier men's doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty entered the final of the Thailand Open badminton tournament on Saturday. The Indian duo won an easy straight-game defeating Lu Ming-Che and Tang Kai-Wei of Chinese Taipei.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Asian Games gold medallists Satwik and Chirag needed just 35 minutes to beat their opponents 21-11 21-12 in the semifinal match of the Super 500 tournament.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
In the final on Sunday, the world number three Indian duo, the top seeds in this tournament, will be up against the Chinese pair of Chen Bo Yang and Liu Yi&nbsp;who&nbsp;defeated Kim Gi Jung and Kim Sa Rang of South Korea 21-19 21-18 in the other semifinal on Saturday.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
In the women's doubles, the fourth-seeded Indian pair of Tanisha Carsto and Ashwini Ponnappa will face top seeds Jongkolphan Kititharakul and Rawinda Prajongjai of Thailand in the semifinals later on Saturday.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The Indians had on Friday beaten the South Korean duo of Lee Yu Lim and Shen Seung Chan 21-15 21-23 21-19 in the quarterfinals.

India's Satwik-Chirag enters Thailand Open tournament finals

Shweta Sengar

Delhi has inaugurated an advanced therapy centre for children with special needs called Umeed Niketan at an IAF facility.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Neeta Chaudhari, president of the Air Force Family Welfare Association, visited the Base Repair Depot, Air Force Palam and inaugurated the centre.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Umeed Niketan aims to create a nurturing environment where children with special needs can develop life skills through tailored recreational activities.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The centre offers programs such as sensory exploration, speech therapy, adaptive sports, and interactive immersive experiences to promote the physical, emotional, and social well-being of special children.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
It will cater to nearly 55 specially-abled children with the help of a dedicated team of trained special educators.
&nbsp;

Delhi gets advanced therapy centre for children with special needs

The majority of the Indian cricket team players will leave for New York on May 25 while the remaining team will head for the World Cup only after the May 26 IPL final.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Earlier, the members of teams failing to qualify for the play-offs were supposed to leave for New York on May 21, two days after the final league game of the IPL on May 19&nbsp;but&nbsp;it has since&nbsp;been learned&nbsp;that there has been some change in plans and now the first batch will leave on May 25.
&nbsp;
"The likes of skipper Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Rishabh Pant, Arshdeep Singh, Axar Patel are some of the players along with support staff who&nbsp;are expected&nbsp;to leave on May 25," a BCCI source told PTI on the condition of anonymity.
&nbsp;
"Earlier, the&nbsp;departure date for the first batch was May 21&nbsp;but&nbsp;since India is playing only one warm-up game (vs Bangladesh on June 1), the players will get to spend some extra days at home," the source added.
&nbsp;
Only those players who are part of the IPL final will stay back and&nbsp;will&nbsp;leave for New York on May 27.
&nbsp;
This&nbsp;will also give adequate time to the squad to reduce jet lag and have at least three to four quality net sessions before the Bangladesh warm-up game.
&nbsp;
India will open their campaign against Ireland on June 5 in New York, followed by the marquee clash against Pakistan on June 9.
&nbsp;
India squad: Rohit Sharma (Captain), Hardik Pandya (Vice Captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant (WK), Sanju Samson (WK), Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohd. Siraj.

Indian men's team all set to head to NYC for T20 WC

ISRO Chairman S Somanath on Saturday advocated for setting up libraries in temples, stating that such an initiative would help attract youngsters to places of worship.
&nbsp;
Speaking after receiving an award instituted by the Sree Udiyannoor Devi Temple, Somanath said temples should not only be places where elderly people come for nama japa (chanting the name of God), but they should also become places for "transforming society."&nbsp;
&nbsp;
He urged temple&nbsp;managements&nbsp;to work towards attracting youngsters to temples.
&nbsp;
"I expected youngsters in large numbers at this award presentation ceremony, but somehow their numbers are considerably low. Temple&nbsp;managements&nbsp;should work towards attracting them to the temples. Why not set up libraries in temples?" he asked after receiving the award from former ISRO chairman G Madhavan Nair.
&nbsp;
He said that such an initiative would help attract youth to temples where they could read, discuss various issues in the evenings, and develop their careers.
&nbsp;
"If the temple managements work in that direction, it would bring big changes," Somanath said.
&nbsp;
Former Chief Secretary K Jayakumar and V K Prasanth MLA were among the dignitaries who attended the function.

ISRO head advocates for temple libraries

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's aide, Bibhav Kumar, was arrested on Saturday in connection with the alleged assault on AAP MP Swati Maliwal. The party claimed that she was "blackmailed" by the BJP as she faced a corruption case.
&nbsp;
A senior police officer stated that Kumar was picked up from the chief minister's residence by a Delhi Police team a day after Maliwal recorded her statement before a magistrate at the Tis Hazari court.
&nbsp;
Maliwal alleged that the CM's aide attacked her with full force, slapping her in the face and kicking her in the chest and abdomen on May 13 when she had gone to meet the chief minister.
&nbsp;
The senior police officer also mentioned that Kumar was arrested on Saturday from the chief minister's residence, stating that he had gone there in the morning to meet Kejriwal.
&nbsp;
The officer said, "He will be produced before a court, and police will seek his custody for further interrogation."
&nbsp;
Police have stated that they have taken statements from at least ten individuals, including security personnel and other staff at the chief minister's residence, who were present during the alleged assault on May 13.
&nbsp;
Earlier in the day, Bibhav Kumar wrote to the police, expressing his willingness to cooperate in their investigation and asking them to consider his complaint against Maliwal.
&nbsp;
On Friday, Kumar filed a police complaint, alleging that Maliwal breached the security of the CM's residence on May 13 to gain unauthorized entry and create a disturbance there. He also alleged that when he tried to stop her, she hurled abuses at him.
&nbsp;
Senior AAP leader Atishi addressed a press conference and stated that if the Delhi Police is impartial, it should also register an FIR on Kumar's complaint.
&nbsp;
In an interview with PTI Videos, Atishi claimed that the former DCW chief faces arrest in an illegal recruitment case and that the BJP "blackmailed" her into joining a "conspiracy" against Kejriwal.
&nbsp;
Atishi, a Delhi government cabinet minister, alleged that Maliwal went to the chief minister's official residence on Monday without an appointment.
&nbsp;
"Why did she barge in? Why did she land at the chief minister's residence without an appointment? Arvind Kejriwal was busy that day and did not meet her. If he had met her that day, the allegations against Bibhav Kumar could have been levelled against him," Atishi said.
&nbsp;
She said Maliwal was made the face of this "conspiracy" by the BJP.
&nbsp;
"The BJP has a pattern. First they file cases and then threaten to send leaders to jail. Swati Maliwal is facing charges in an illegal recruitment case registered by the Anti-Corruption Branch. An FIR has been registered in the case and it is at a stage where she could be arrested.
&nbsp;
"The BJP blackmailed Maliwal and made her the face of this conspiracy," the AAP leader charged.
&nbsp;
Meanwhile, another purported video of Maliwal from the day of the incident surfaced online.
&nbsp;
In a video, a female security personnel is seen holding Maliwal by her arm while escorting her out of Kejriwal's residence. As they exit the main gate, Maliwal frees her arm from the security personnel's grip.
&nbsp;
Maliwal's medical examination was conducted at AIIMS on Friday. According to the medico-legal certificate (MLC), she has "bruises over proximal left leg dorsal aspect of approximately 3x2 cm in size and on the right cheek elbow below the right eye of approximately 2x2 cm in size." Meanwhile, the BJP accused AAP leaders of tarnishing Maliwal's image by circulating "edited" videos.
&nbsp;
Maliwal also criticised her party for dismissing her assault allegations against Bibhav Kumar as baseless. She said that the AAP has given in under "goon's pressure" and is now questioning her character.
&nbsp;
Maliwal said the AAP made a "U-turn" two days after accepting that Kumar had "misbehaved" with her.&nbsp;

Bibhav Kumar arrested; AAP alleges BJP blackmail tactics in corruption case

The political skirmish between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) intensified on Saturday as the Delhi BJP alleged that AAP leaders are disseminating doctored videos to discredit their own party member, Swati Maliwal.
&nbsp;
The controversy erupted after AAP MP Maliwal, accused Bibhav Kumar, an aide to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, of assaulting her at the CM's residence.
&nbsp;
This accusation led to Kumar&rsquo;s arrest earlier in the day.
&nbsp;
Virendra Sachdeva, the Delhi BJP president, voiced his regret over what he described as the circulation of "edited" videos on social media since Friday.
&nbsp;
He claimed these videos aim to malign Maliwal, who has been a prominent figure within the AAP.
&nbsp;
Two videos from the day of the incident surfaced on social media. One depicted Maliwal in a heated exchange with security personnel, while the other showed her exiting the CM&rsquo;s residence in Civil Lines. Here are the videos:
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
First video from mobile phone in Swati Maliwal case shows the Rajya Sabha MP abusing and threatening the staff of Delhi CM when &lsquo;requested&rsquo; rather politely to leave by Bibhav Kumar . In interest of fairness and justice to both sides, entire CCTV video must be put in public&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/snGZ9Oc5QX">https://t.co/snGZ9Oc5QX</a>
&mdash; Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) <a href="https://twitter.com/sardesairajdeep/status/1791389227139334247?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 17, 2024</a></blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
स्वाति मालीवाल के आरोपों की असलियत उजागर कर रहा है ये वीडियो 👇🏻 <a href="https://t.co/dBkH5YhKdD">pic.twitter.com/dBkH5YhKdD</a>
&mdash; AAP (@AamAadmiParty) <a href="https://twitter.com/AamAadmiParty/status/1791699116097208347?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 18, 2024</a></blockquote>
"Now that the entire Aam Aadmi Party is tarnishing the image of Swati Maliwal, it's time Kejriwal comes forward and speaks on the matter," Sachdeva demanded.
&nbsp;
He asserted that the release of these videos is a deliberate effort by the AAP to frame Maliwal in a negative light, alleging her involvement in a BJP conspiracy against Kejriwal amidst the ongoing elections.
&nbsp;
In a counterclaim, the AAP accused Maliwal of fabricating the assault story to aid the BJP's political maneuvering.
&nbsp;
Sachdeva responded by suggesting that the Delhi Police should seize the full CCTV footage from the CM's residence to uncover the truth.
&nbsp;
"This isn't the first instance of the AAP defaming its women leaders," Sachdeva noted, pointing out past controversies involving Kiran Bedi, Shazia Ilmi, and Richa Pandey, all of whom have since parted ways with the AAP.

BJP: AAP using doctored videos to discredit Maliwal

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini expressed grief over the tragic loss of lives after a moving bus caught fire in Nuh district. He assured that the injured would receive the best possible treatment.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
According to police, at least nine people were burnt alive and 15 others injured in the fire, which occurred near Tauru in Haryana's Nuh district early Saturday morning.
&nbsp;
Saini also expressed grief over the loss of lives in the incident. In a post on X, he said&nbsp;that the&nbsp;injured are&nbsp;being treated&nbsp;at the government medical college at Nalhar in the district.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
He also said the government is making arrangements for the best possible treatment of the injured.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Former chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar also expressed grief over the loss of lives in the incident.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The incident occurred around 2 am on the Kundli-Manesar-Palwal (KMP) Expressway. The bus was carrying around 60 people, all residents of Punjab, who were returning from the pilgrim towns of Mathura and Vrindavan. All of them are relatives, police said.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The cause of the fire is yet to&nbsp;be ascertained&nbsp;and&nbsp;a probe is underway, a police official said.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
A resident said that after noticing the fire, some people chased the bus on a motorcycle and asked the driver to stop. The locals also informed the police and the fire department.

Chandigarh

Haryana CM assures best treatment to injured in bus fire

Ever since the entry of radical Sikh preacher Amritpal Singh into the electoral fray, from the predominantly panthic constituency of Khadoor Sahib, it is the mainstream Shiromani Akali Dal-Badal (SAD-B) that is the most annoyed, and apparently worried as well.
&nbsp;
The reason is obvious. Amritpal will definitely cut into the vote share of the SAD-B. Given its predominantly panthic composition, Khadoor Sahib was considered to be the SAD-B bastion till 2019, when the Congress candidate Jasbir Singh Dimpa defeated the SAD-B candidate Bibi Jagir Kaur by a margin of over one lakh votes.
The main reason for SAD-B&rsquo;s loss was the division in panthic votes. Besides Bibi Jagir Kaur, there was Paramjit Kaur Khalra, the wife of the late Jaswant Singh Khalra, a human rights activist who went missing under mysterious circumstances during militancy in Punjab.
&nbsp;
While Bibi Jagir Kaur got about 3.19 lakh votes, Ms Khalra, contesting on the ticket of the now defunct Punjab Ekta Party then headed by Sukhpal Singh Khaira, got about 2.14 lakh votes. Congress&rsquo; Dimpa got about 4.59 lakh votes, thus straightway benefitting from the division of the panthic votes.
&nbsp;
This time around, Amritpal is expected to get many more votes than Ms Khalra. Given his popularity, particularly among the youth, he may well end up victorious from here. And nobody will be having any problem, except the SAD-B as it sees its base eroding and going to the radicals.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Amritpal heads an organisation &lsquo;Waris Punjab De&rsquo; (WPD) which was founded by Deep Sidhu, who died in a road accident. Till then Amritpal was never thought to be a potential radical leader. He was already settled in Dubai where he was in the transport business. But he was already a familiar face on social media platforms, preaching and supporting radicalism. After Deep Sidhu&rsquo;s tragic death in a road accident, he returned to India, rather all of a sudden, to head the WPD organisation. Since he was already a familiar face on social media, he instantly caught the imagination of the youth.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Amritpal assumed the role of a self-appointed preacher trying to wean away the youth from drugs and also preaching for baptising them, called &lsquo;Amrit Sanchar&rsquo;. He has been copying the late popular militant leader Jarnail Singh Bhindrawale, often referred to as &lsquo;Sant Ji&rsquo; (Saint).&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Although Amirtpal&rsquo;s ideas are rebellious, he remained vague and evasive about his position on Khalistan. Currently, he is in Dibrugarh jail in Assam and has been arrested under National Security Act (NSA). He filed his nomination papers in absentia and was represented by his mother under due permission from the election authorities.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The SAD-B has more reasons to worry. It is fast losing traction among its traditional panthic base. This happened after the sacrilege incident preceded by the &ldquo;pardon&rdquo; to Dera Sacha Sauda head Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh for alleged blasphemy of trying to copy the Tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh. In fact, SAD-B&rsquo;s base is eroding very fast. Whether it has touched its nadir or not will be established after the results of the current General Elections are declared on June 4.
&nbsp;
In the last assembly elections held in March 2022, the SAD-B came down to just three seats in a house of 117 members. It was the party&rsquo;s worst-ever performance. Later in the Sangrur parliamentary byelection, the party candidate fared equally worse. Although it had fielded a radical face, the sister of Balwant Singh Rajoana from Sangrur, she came a poor fifth in a five-cornered contest, even behind the BJP.
&nbsp;
The election was won by Simranjit Singh Mann of the Shiromani Akali Dal-Amritsar, one of the radical Akali outfits. Mann publicly proclaims support for a separate Sikh state of Khalistan.&nbsp; In Jalandhar parliamentary by-election the Akali candidate came a distant third, while the BJP came fourth, with not much gap between the two parties.
The SAD-B is faced with a double challenge from within and outside. It parted ways with the BJP precisely to consolidate the &lsquo;panthic&rsquo; vote base.
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But that seems a far cry as radicals like Amritpal are cutting into its support base. It is not just Amritpal in Khadoor Sahib and Simrajnjit Singh Mann in Sangrur, the SAD-B faces a challenge in its family borough of Bathinda, where Simranjit Singh Mann has fielded Lakha Sidhana, a staunch proponent of Punjabi sub-nationalism. In Khadoor Sahib, Simranjit Singh Mann&rsquo;s party withdrew its candidate in favour of Amritpal.
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On the face of it, the rise and strengthening of the radicals and extremists like Mann and Amritpal is not good for the state. A moderate and patriotic organisation like the Shiromani Akali Dal-Badal should always be preferred and promoted. You never know, when the radicals get out of hand even if they may seem to be perfectly &ldquo;under control&rdquo;, as is usually alleged.
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However, there is a silver lining in the entire issue. The very fact that Amritpal has decided to participate in electoral politics and to establish his acceptability and credibility through elections, is also encouraging. His participation in the election process should come as a pleasing surprise for the government.&nbsp;
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At least Amritpal has accepted the sovereignty of the country and that of its parliament. Anyone, even if he may be a radical like Amritpal or Simranjit Singh Mann is always better, while accepting and acknowledging the parliamentary democracy than defying it. That is why it is not bad news for the government, while it may, rather shall, be very bad news for the traditional Akalis as they are fast losing base to the radicals.&nbsp;
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A moderate Akali Dal is always preferable and must be protected, patronised, encouraged and supported, rather than letting any radical hijack the panthic politics. Recent history must serve as a lesson that radicalism does not take much time to turn into extremism.&nbsp;
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On their part, the Akalis will also need to introspect and look within as to why they are losing their base, not just to the radicals, but to other mainstream parties like the AAP and the Congress. Punjabis, by nature and by tradition do not support extremism and radicalism. Because they are rebellious by nature, they may sometimes end up supporting radicalism, if they do not find a convincing and appealing alternative in the moderate mainstream parties.&nbsp;
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