Odisha: Folk artists perform at poll rallies, help candidates garner people's support

Odisha: Folk artists perform at poll rallies, help candidates garner people's support By Sandeep Pradhan Amid the high-octane election campaign across the country, the folk artists from Odisha's western part are busy participating in public gatherings helping the candidates in garnering people's support. Even with the emergence of social media platforms and modern musical instruments (like DJs), artists performing folk art still keep audience spellbound during election campaigns in the coastal state of Odisha. Extensive election campaigns across the state extended the opportunity for folk artists too to better their financial status. Apart from opting for new methods, political parties still prefer the performance of folk artists as the most effective tool to attract people to gatherings and rallies. A local artist Shankar Prasad Behra said that during the time of elections, the demand for folk artists from Odisha's western part is on the rise and these local artists attract people towards political rallies and public meetings held by candidates. Speaking to ANI, the artist said that the world-famous Sambalpuria folk art is very popular in the western part of Odisha and through this artwork, they attract people to the venue of election campaigns and appeal to them to vote in support of a candidate. We have performed across the state and made appeals to the voters during the poll campaigns to register their active participation in the festival of democracy, Behra said. As invited by different political parties, we wrote songs for them and performed as well, the artists said, adding that be it any party, we prepare songs for them and perform. As compared to the previous time, the trend of engaging folk artists into the poll campaign has witnessed a slight decline due to the emergence of social media platforms and other modes of communication, pointed Behra, adding that currently, our team comprising of singers, dancers and musicians are getting good opportunities to make money. Still, political parties engage with folk artists in the campaign because of their calibre to connect with people through their performances in local language and dance, the artist said. The assembly elections and Lok Sabha polls in Odisha are taking place simultaneously. The elections are being held across four phases--from May 13 to June 1. The counting of votes will be held on June 4. In the last assembly elections in 2019, the BJD won 112 out of 146 seats. BJP won 23 seats and Congress got nine seats. In the Lok Sabha elections, the BJD mopped up the lion's share of the electoral spoils, with the BJP and the Congress bringing up the rear. The BJD won 12 seats, the BJP finished a close second at 8, and the Congress bagged just a lone seat. (ANI)

'Dream Girl' seeks double-engine government in Odisha

BHUBANESWAR/CUTTACK: A double-engine government by BJP is crucial for acceleration of development in Odisha, said Bollywood's dream girl and BJP leader Hema Malini on Friday. The star campaigner of BJP in her first election campaign in the state targeted the BJD government accusing it of failing to secure Odisha's progress on many fronts. Hema, who attended BJP's Ashirvad Samabesh at Salia Sahi, the state capital's biggest slum, to canvass for party's Bhubaneswar Lok Sabha candidate Aparajita Sarangi and Bhubaneswar-North Assembly candidate Priyadarshi Mishra said Congress ruled Odisha for 50 years and BJD for another 25 years. However, corruption and unemployment increased in the state during the period and people have become helpless, she said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has come up with a number of schemes for women, dalits, adivasis, poor as well as those belonging to backward sections. Unfortunately, people of Odisha have been deprived of all the schemes and programmes, said Hema. She said the prime minister has given Rs 18 lakh crore for development of the state. However, nothing much has been done by the BJD government. Development can only be secured if BJP forms its government in Odisha, she said. Hema also spoke on the Subhadra scheme as per which BJP has promised Rs 50,000 cash voucher to women and urged everyone to vote for the saffron party candidates to accelerate Odisha's growth and development under prime minister's New India vision. While residents of Salia Sahi saw and listened to the dream girl, the latter's much-hyped election meeting in Cuttack Sadar Assembly constituency turned to be a damp squib, as she failed to reach the venue leaving the crowd disappointed. The saffron party had organised an election meeting at Kishan Nagar High School play ground. As announced earlier, Hema along with Rajasthan government's cabinet minister Avinash Gehlot and party candidate for Cuttack Sadar Assembly constituency Prakash Chandra Sethi were scheduled to hold a roadshow and reach the meeting venue at 1.15 pm. The promise of dream girl at the venue saw around 5,000 people from different gram panchayats gathered at the venue notwithstanding the scorching heat. But the excitement turned into disappointment as while Sethi reached the venue with Gehlot at 2.45 pm and announced that the actress-turned-politician returned midway due to ill-health. Hema Malini suddenly fell ill due to which she returned midway, said Gehlot. However, it had little effect as people left the venue in hordes. I had come to the meeting and waited for around four hours to see and hear Bollywood's dream girl Hema Malini. When I learnt she was not coming, I left the meeting spot and returned home, said a disgruntled Subas Mahali of Sudukhanda. After campaigning in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, the veteran Bollywood actor held a roadshow in Pipili to canvass for the party candidates. BJP Puri Lok Sabha candidate Sambit Patra and Pipili assembly candidate Ashrit Pattanayak accompanied her in the roadshow.

Political tourists of BJP resorting to derogatory, abusive language: Naveen Patnaik

BHUBANESWAR: As campaign has reached a peak ahead of the second phase elections in Odisha on May 20, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday came down heavily on the Union ministers, CMs from other states and others leaders for resorting to what he termed derogatory and abusive language in their campaign meetings and rallies. With the Opposition, particularly the BJP pressing all its might in the state to win the polls by bringing in top ministers, its CMs and top leaders, the chief minister said they were political tourists and their visits would not have any impact on the people of Odisha. Some chief ministers and Union ministers come as political tourists only at the time of elections and then they disappear. Their speeches have no effect on the people of Odisha, Naveen told the media. It is most unfortunate that many of them use derogatory and abusive language. I never believe in doing that and the people here in our state dont appreciate such language, he added. The BJP has launched a campaign blitzkrieg by top leadership of the party who are holding roadshows, addressing public meeting and rallies in constituencies where elections are scheduled to be held in the second phase on May 20. The saffron party campaign has made Odia Asmita or Odia pride its main poll plank, targeting Tamil Nadu-born bureaucrat-turned-politician and Naveens close aide VK Pandian for his hold over the regional party and the BJD government. The party has also vociferously raised questions on Naveens health condition and alleged that he has been held captive. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already campaigned for party candidates twice in May after visiting the state twice earlier in March. The prime minister conducted a roadshow at Bhubaneswar on May 10 and is scheduled hold another one at Puri on Monday. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP national president JP Nadda, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai, Rajasthan CM Bhajan Lal Sharma have been frequenting the state and covered almost all the constituencies that are going to polls in phases. On Friday, apart from the chief ministers and Shah, Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and his cabinet colleague Bhupender Yadav, and BJP MP Hema Malini held meetings at different places of the state.

Opposition is telling lies, says Naveen Patnaik

SAMBALPUR/ANGUL: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday visited Sambalpur, Angul and Dhenkanal districts urging people to exercise their franchise in favour of BJD candidates from the areas during the polls. In Sambalpur, the chief minister, bolstering his support for BJD organisational secretary and MP candidate from Sambalpur seat Pranab Prakash Das along with MLA candidates from Sambalpur and Rengali, Rohit Pujari and Sudarshan Haripal, appealed to the people to vote for Jodi Sankha. Addressing a gathering at PHED colony in the city, Naveen highlighted the government welfare schemes like Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana (BSKY), Mission Shakti, LAccMI bus service, 5T school transformation, Kalia, Mamata, Madhu Babu pension scheme, and sought feedback from the people who responded in the affirmative. The chief minister was accompanied by his close aide and BJD leader VK Pandian. Addressing the gathering, Pandian launched a scathing attack on Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan by putting forth a set of questions for the latter. As the Union minister is contesting from here, I have a few questions to ask him. Sambalpuri/Koshali language is the identity of this area. Even though our CM has written letters to include the language in the 8th schedule of the Constitution, at least five times, what have you done for the Sambalpuri Asmita in the last 10 years as a Union minister? Pandian asked. Cabinet approves fund outlay for EKAMRA, SAMALEI projects Accusing Pradhan of attempting to hinder the SAMALEI Project, Pandian said the Union minister had even moved the Supreme Court in this connection. Later, the CM campaigned at Rairakhol for their candidate and former minister Prasanna Acharya. In Angul and Dhenkanal, Naveen addressed two election meetings where he accused the Opposition of telling lies and shedding crocodile tears. There will be no electricity bill from July, he told the gathering. Among others, Dhenkanal Lok Sabha candidate Abinash Samal also spoke at the meetings.

Odisha: Amit Shah tags BJD government Jhola Sarkar in Rourkela rally

ROURKELA: Union Home Minister Amit Shah once again launched a scathing attack on the Naveen Patnaik-led BJD government, dubbing it the Jhola Sarkar over issues related to the Public Distribution System (PDS) rice scheme. Addressing a massive election rally in Rourkela, Shah sought votes for BJPs Sundargarh Lok Sabha candidate Jual Oram and the partys Assembly candidates for Rourkela, RN Pali, and Birmitrapur. Shah questioned the competence of the BJD government, raising concerns about the administration of Odisha being led by non-Odias. Naveen Babu, people of Odisha want to know where are the original keys of the Ratna Bhandar of Puri Jagannath temple, who made the duplicate keys and if the Bhandar was opened? he asked and promised to reveal the suppressed inquiry report within a month if BJP forms the government in Odisha. It is a Jhola Sarkar. Modiji sends five kg grain per person and Naveen Babu delivers it in a bag, he said referring to the alleged hijacking of central schemes. Shah accused the BJD government of repackaging the central grain allocation of five kg per person. He challenged the state government to contribute an additional 2.5 kg of rice to benefit the poor, emphasising the need for a double-engine government for Odishas development. Odisha lost 25 yrs under Naveen Patnaik government: Amit Shah Shah criticised the BJD for Odishas lack of progress over the past 25 years, claiming the state has regressed by 50 years. He cited deficiencies in basic amenities, with 27 lakh families still lacking pucca houses, over 26 lakh households without piped water, and 6,412 villages without roads. The income of farmers in Odisha is lowest in the country and if BJP government comes to power, we would enhance paddy MSP to Rs 3,100 per quintal and implement Ayushman Bharat universally, Shah roared. He pointed to unfulfilled promises, including a government medical college, hospital, and the Koel Barrage project. Highlighting the importance of Odia culture and governance, Shah lamented that government officers, rather than elected representatives, run the administration under Naveens rule. Under Modi government, tribal welfare budget was increased from Rs 24,000 crore to Rs 1.24 lakh crore, 740 Eklavya Residential Model Schools were constructed and a mission launched to end sickle cell disease, Shah said urging voters to support Modi for a third term as prime minister, aiming to make India the third-largest economy.

Kangana vs Vikramaditya: The Ultimate Battle for Mandi's Throne

Kangana vs Vikramaditya: The Ultimate Battle for Mandi's Throne Clash of the two richest titans, a celebrity and a 'royal', is on the cards in Himachal Pradesh's Mandi Lok Sabha constituency, known for electing erstwhile ''royals'' maximum number of times. The BJP has for the first time fielded a woman and a Bollywood celebrity in Kangana Ranaut who will take on Vikramaditya Singh, scion of the erstwhile Rampur ''royal family'' and son of six-time chief minister Virbhadra Singh. Both the rivals have launched a high-pitched campaign, even with offensive outbursts. Vikramaditya fired a salvo at Kangana asking about her vision about the development of the constituency. Taking a dig at his rival, he said she is on a month-long political tourism and would pack up and return to Bollywood after June 4. Returning the salvo, Kangana dubbed Vikramaditya as ''Chhota Pappu''. It was a mocking reference to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi who is often dubbed as ''Pappu'' or a novice by his political opponents. Kangana called Vikramaditya a ''junior Pappu''. She asked him why he stood mum when Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu took ''anti-Mandi decisions'' like stalling the Rs 250-crore Shiv Dhan project, curtailing the jurisdiction of Mandi University and pushing the Sundernagar airfield project under the carpet. Kangana's main agendas include restarting all the stalled projects besides improving connectivity to remote tribal areas, and popularising local cuisines and traditional attires, and promoting women-centric rural tourism in Seraj and Karsog. ''Mandi will be made a smart city,'' this is my promise, said Vikramaditya, adding that Jalori Jot tunnel will be constructed on the line of Rohtang tunnel and remote Pangi area of Chamba will be connected with Tissa, besides the construction of Beas river front. The alleged insulting remarks by Kangana on farmers during the farmer agitation are recoiling and the Samyukt Kisan Manch has rendered their support to Vikramaditya. On the other hand, Kangana got support from unexpected quarters. The scion of Kullu Maheshwar Singh, who was an aspirant of a BJP ticket from Mandi; former Union minister Sukh Ram's grandson Ashray Sharma, who was defeated by BJP candidate Ram Swaroop Sharma in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls; and Kargil hero Brig Khushal Singh, who was defeated by Pratibha Singh in the 2021 parliamentary byelection with a narrow margin have extended their support to the Bollywood actor. Kangana dubbed Vikramaditya also as a ''bigda hua shezada'' (spolit prince) and a 'paltu' (one who makes U-turns) and said he used to criticise his own government but now is praising it. Singh retaliated by saying she will return ''purified'' from the 'Dev bhoomi'. Both Bollywood reel 'Queen' Kangana and 'Raja' Vikramaditya Singh have declared their assets over of Rs 90 crore. Kangana is banking on her celebrity image, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Ram temple factors. Vikramaditya is hoping to sail through riding on the legacy of his father Virbhadra Singh and state Congress chief Pratibha Singh, the sitting MP from Mandi. Vikramaditya, who was active during the monsoon disaster in 2023, has been asking where Kangana was when it had hit the state and caused havoc in the Mandi-Kullu region. The BJP candidate is accused of being unfamiliar with her constituency while the Congress candidate has extensively campaigned for his mother in the last byelections. Out of 19 parliamentary elections, including two byelections held in Mandi since 1952, the Congress has won 13 times, with both Virbhadra Singh and Pratibha Singh winning thrice. Further, the scions of erstwhile princely states won from Mandi 13 times while the ''non-royals'' were elected six times. Raj Kumai Amrit Kaur of the Kapurthala dynasty and Raja Joginder Sen Bahadur of the princely state of Mandi were elected once, Raja Lalit Sen of Suket represented Mandi twice, Virbhadra Singh and Pratibha Singh three times each and Raja Maheshwar Singh of Kullu won thrice. Sukh Ram who won from Mandi three times, Ram Swaroop who won two times and Ganga Singh who won once, when he defeated Virbhadra Singh in 1977, were the exceptions who hailed from non-royal families. The sprawling constituency spreads over six districts and comprises 17 assembly segments. In the 2022 assembly polls, the BJP had won 12 assembly seats falling under Mandi parliamentary constituency. The seat has become prestigious for former chief minister Jai Ram Thakur, who has to establish that the BJP still holds sway in Mandi. Vikramaditya Singh has to prove that the impact of the Rampur 'ruling' family is deep-rooted in this constituency. There are 13,77,173 voters in the Mandi Lok Sabha constituency, including 6,98,666 males, 6,78,504 females and three third gender.

Votes not yet counted, but berth pangs begin in Telangana

HYDERABAD: Though there is still over a fortnight left for the votes cast for the Lok Sabha elections to be counted, supporters of some candidates in Telangana are expressing confidence that their leaders would not only win, but also bag a berth in the Union Cabinet. With votes in four of the seven phases of elections now cast, both the NDA and INDIA blocs are claiming that they are ahead and would form the government at the Centre. In the state, candidates fielded by the Congress and BJP are confident of victory, despite the neck-to-neck contest in most seats, and are fancying their chances of making it to the Union Cabinet. Among the many leaders who have a realistic chance of a Cabinet berth is BJP state president and Secunderabad MP G Kishan Reddy. Kishan, a minister in the outgoing government, is a very senior leader and a close follower of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He has also been active in the BJP in various positions for the past three decades. Along with Kishan, sitting MPs Bandi Sanjay and Dharmapuri Arvind will also be the front-runners for a Union Cabinet berth provided they win the elections and the NDA retains power. However, since both Sanjay and Arvind hail from the same community, Munnuru Kapu, its highly unlikely that the BJP leadership will pick both for a Cabinet berth. Incidentally, Sanjay served as BJP state president and is currently the partys national general secretary. Other BJP leaders who could be considered by the BJP leadership, provided the NDA retains power, are DK Aruna and Eatala Rajender, both former ministers at the state level. Aruna and Rajender have been fielded by the BJP from Mahbubnagar and Malkajgiri Lok Sabha seats. While campaigning for the Lok Sabha elections, a few national-level BJP leaders expressed the view that Rajender has bright chances of a Cabinet post in the NDA government. Meanwhile, Congress candidates are also quite optimistic that the INDIA bloc will come to power at the Centre and they may be picked for a Cabinet berth, either as Union minister or minister of state. Congress Mahabubabad candidate P Balaram Naik, who served as minister of state in the UPA-II dispensation, is confident of a second chance. The social equations in play also give him brighter chances than his party colleagues. Also hopeful of a Union Cabinet berth, if INDIA bloc comes to power, are Suresh Shetkar, T Jeevan Reddy and Ch Vamshi Chand. Incidentally, Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy had announced during campaigning that if the people of Nizamabad send Jeevan Reddy to Parliament, there is a realistic chance of him becoming the Union agriculture minister. Many players in game of thrones Both NDA and INDIA blocs are claiming that they are ahead and would form the government at the Centre Candidates from both the Congress and BJP candidates are confident of victory and are fancying their chances of making it to the Union Cabinet However, clarity will only emerge on who from Telangana makes it to the Union Cabinet after the votes are counted and the next government at the Centre takes shape

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Turncoat vs BJP councillor, North West Delhi to witness a two-cornered contest

NEW DELHI: North West Delhi, the reserved constituency of the national capital, is all set to witness a two-cornered fight between BJP and INDIA bloc with the former replacing its sitting MP Hans Raj Hans with councellor Yogendra Chandolia while latter fielding Udit Raj, a former MP and BJP turncoat on Congress ticket. The constituencycomprising ten assembly seatsNarela, Badli, Rithala, Bawana, Mundka, Kirari, Sultanpur Majra, Nangloi Jat, Mangolpuri, and Rohinicame into existence in 2008 after the delimitation and was categorised as reserved for Scheduled Castes (SC). As of January 2024 data, the total number of electors in North West Delhi is 2472910, out of which 1339266 are male electors, 1133406 are female electors, and the remaining 238 are transgender voters. A total of 55 candidates filed their nominations for this seat, of which 26 are contesting the election. The seat was represented by Congress in 2009 when Krishna Tirath defeated BJPs Meera Kanwaria by a margin of nearly 1,85,000 votes. In 2014, BJPs Udit Raj defeated AAPs Rakhi Birla by a margin of almost 1,06,000 votes. In 2019, BJPs Hans Raj Hans defeated AAPs Guggan Singh Ranga by a margin of more than 5.50 lakh votes. As far as assembly-wise status is concerned, the AAP currently holds nine assembly seats, and the BJP legislature represents one seat. The Lok Sabha constituency mainly comprises rural and semi-urban villages, where several types of problems have been prevailing. Residents have complained about garbage dumping in their locality, sewerage issues, illegal encroachment, and construction. Residents complained of frequent waterlogging and a general lack of cleanliness in the village areas. When you look at the conditions, it is hard to believe that we are living in the national capital, said Sunil Yadav, one of the residents in Badli constituency. Pollution is another major problem faced by residents in this constituency. The area is also frequently in the news as crime is rampant. The police have always neglected our area. As a result, murders and other serious crimes have always been common here, said Naveen Kumar, a resident living in the area. Residents living here are also unhappy with the public transport facility available in this constituency and want more public transport facilities. We want improved transport facilities. Metro connectivity is good, but it requires more expansion. The need of the hour is to ensure last-mile connectivity in every nook and corner, he said. Problems unresolved Lajpat Nagar is one such locality with two members of parliament (MPs) since its divided into two constituencies: East and New Delhi. The residents complain that due to dual constituency, their grievances keep shuffling between the MPs and, most of the time, remain unresolved.

Odisha CPET 2024 scheduled from July 3 to 14

Common PG Entrance Test (CPET)-2024 for PG admission in Odisha's degree colleges and universities will be conducted from July 3 to July 14. Applications available on Student Academic Management System (SAMS) by May 27. Includes MA programme at Odia University, Satyabadi, and PG courses of Shri Jagannath Sanskrit University, Puri. Admission process includes three phases.

Orange alert issued in five TN districts for May 18,19

CHENNAI: Several places across Tamil Nadu received widespread rains on Thursday and Friday. Mylaudy in Kanniyakumari district registered the highest rainfall of 7 cm in the 24 hours ending at 8.30 am on Friday. Tiruchendur in Thoothukudi, Valparai in Coimbatore, and Nannilam in Tiruvarur received 6 cm each; Cuddalore and Kottaram in Kanniyakumari received 5 cm each; and Kayalpattinam in Thoothukudi received 4 cm during the same period. Karur Paramathi received 4.5 cm of rain from 8.30 am to 7.30 on Friday. Coimbatore, Tiruchy, and Dharmapuri received 3.5 cm, 3.3 cm and 3.2 cm, respectively in the same period. The regional meteorological centre said that the Southwest monsoon is very likely to advance into the South Andaman Sea, some parts of the Southeast Bay of Bengal and Nicobar Islands around May 19. However, the monsoon will set in the mainland around May 31. TN usually receives 35-37% of annual total rainfall during this period. The moisture level in the interior districts will increase during this period. The rain the state is getting now is due to cyclonic circulation, said an official from the RMC. RMCs forecast said light to moderate rain at many places with thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds with speed of 30-40 kmph at one or two places is likely to continue till May 21. It also added that moderate rainfall is likely in Chennai city. It also gave orange alerts to several districts over the next few days including Theni, Dindigul and Tenkasi for Saturday and Sunday. The alert also extends to Kanniyakumari and Tirunelveli on Sunday. Meanwhile, heavy rain is likely over The Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Erode, Salem, Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri, Tirupattur, Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, Tiruppur, Virudhunagar, Thoothukudi and Madurai districts on Saturday. On Friday, the maximum temperature of various districts was below normal. Meenambakkam in Chennai registered a maximum temperature of 31.6C, which was 6.8C below normal; Madurai 30.8C (6.7C below normal); and Palayamkottai 31C (6.3C below normal). On Thursday, Meenambakkam registered 10.3C below normal temperature.

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Justice BP Saraf remembered through commemorative initiatives

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'Global interest in India encouraging for local industry': Sanjiv Puri

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PM Modi desires to give Sikh community its rightful place in terms of nations contribution: Hardeep Singh Puri

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Eminent Sikhs Engage with Puri on Modi Govt's Milestones

Eminent Sikhs Engage with Puri on Modi Govt's Milestones Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Friday interacted with eminent members of the Sikh community to discuss the Modi government's achievements during its 10-year tenure and the prime minister's vision of ''Viksit Bharat - 2047''. Eminent Sikhs from all walks of life attended the programme, initiated by Puri, at his residence during which the minister highlighted how Prime Minister Narendra Modi has worked for the welfare of the community and his love for them. The interactive session -- ''Vishesh Sampark Abhiyan'' -- was attended by eminent lawyers, industrialists, academics, members of armed forces and politicians, among others. Puri said the Sikh community is small but very accomplished and second to none. He listed out several members of the community -- from fashion designers to those in the culinary world, the principals of Shriram College of Commerce and Mata Sundri College for Women, singer Daler Mehndi, the president of the governing body of Miranda House, civil servants, National Commission for Minorities Chairperson Iqbal Singh Lalpura, senior advocate and former Punjab MLA HS Phoolka, former PNB chief SS Kohli and Rajya Sabha ex-MP Tarlochan Singh. The minister said the prime minister has a special place in his mind and heart for the Sikh community. ''It is his desire to give this community its rightful place in the country,'' he noted, listing several initiatives taken by Modi for the community. Puri said Sikhs are spread all over India and the world and they have always had a deep, abiding faith and love for the prime minister -- not only since he assumed the responsibility at the Centre in May 2014 but from his days as a ''pracharak''. ''All his actions during the past 10 years speak for that love for the Sikh community, starting from (operationalising the) Kartarpur Sahib corridor to ropeways at gurdwara sahibs. The prime minister has always had this long-standing faith for the Sikh community. Today, I thought it would be appropriate to invite members of the Sikh community, cutting across segments,'' Puri said. Speaking on ''Sikhs with NaMo'', he said it is part of a series and expressed happiness that it got off to a flying start. ''We are holding another function on Sunday with members of the armed forces, police and civil services (personnel) and eminent intellectuals. We are holding another function with members of the tech community on May 20,'' the minister noted. Popular Punjabi singer Mehndi said Modi's love for Sikhs is sincere and added that he wished him well so that he can do more for the community's welfare. BJP leaders Manjinder Singh Sirsa and Arvinder Singh Lovely said the prime minister has done a lot for the community and will continue his sincere efforts for the cause of the Sikhs. Sirsa also accused the Congress of being responsible for the attack on the Golden Temple and the killings of thousands of Sikhs in the riots following the assassination of Indira Gandhi in 1984.

IPL: Incredibly Popular League

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Assam CM Himant Biswa Sarma give BJD govt to find Lord Jagannaths Ratna Bhandar keys by June 10

Bhubaneswar: Assam chief minister and BJPs star campaigner Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday tore apart the ruling BJD over the missing of Ratna Bhandar keys of Puri Srimandir while addressing a public gathering at Kabisuryanagar in Ganjam district on Friday. Biswa Sarma gave an ultimatum to Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaiks close aide VK Pandian to find the missing keys of Ratna Bhandar by June 10. He also said that if the BJD government fails to find the missing key, BJP will find the key after the party forms government in Odisha on June 10. I feel sad because the keys of Ratna Bhandar of Jagannath temple have gone missing and the Naveen Patnaik government is clueless about it. Even the judicial inquiry report in this regard has not been made public. If Lord Jagannaths key is missing in Odisha, it means people of the State have lost everything on their home soil, said Biswa Sarma. I want to ask Pandian, where has he kept the keys? You have time till June 10. BJP will form government in Odisha on June 10. Find the keys till that date or else BJP will find the keys at any cost. It is our promise. Pandian knows where the key is placed. However, he is not revealing the truth. I ask Pandian not to play with the emotions of Odia people. If you dont find the keys by June 10, you have to spend the rest of your life with the curse of Lord Jagannath, he alleged. Biswa Sarma assured about the opening of all the four dwaras (doors) of Puri Srimandir if the BJP is voted to power. Devotees across the globe face a lot of difficulties while having darshan of Lord Jagannath at Puri Srimandir due to the opening of only one dwara. We assure you that all the gates of Srimandir will be opened to facilitate smooth darshan of the devotees if BJP is voted to power, said Biswa Sarma. He also reiterated that the BJP government will provide Rs 3,100 to farmers per quintal paddy. Farmers, women, elderly persons and youths are getting many facilities in BJP ruled states across the country. We assure you to provide Rs 3,100 per quintal paddy instead of Rs 2,100 with Pandians katni-Chhatni. Our farmers will be greatly benefitted by it. Everything has its expiry date and BJDs expiry date has come, said Biswa Sarma. Centre gives rice to the people of Odisha. However, Pandian only gives empty packets. If PM Modi is providing rice, the state government should have provided dal or at least salt with it. But they are giving only empty packets in the name of Naveen Patnaik government. I have read from newspapers that those empty packets have been made in Tamil Nadu. We will not provide empty packets to our mothers. BJP will provide Rs 50,000 under Subhadra Yojana to every mother in the State, he added.

How well has the NDA's live-within-your-means economic philosophy served India?

India's fiscal policy seems to have the virtues of both a Swabian housewife and the Japanese Mrs Watanabe. If the government's fiscal prudence, even in the face of a once-in-a-century pandemic, is symptomatic of Southern Germany's Swabian housewives known for their pragmatic ways of handling money, the decisive increase in capital expenditure over the past five years illustrates the financial acuity of Mrs Watanabe -- an archetypal housewife, who raked in substantial profits from currency trading when the Japanese economy was in a crisis. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, the fiscal policy's chief architect, ensured that our financial housekeeping has all the necessary elements of thrift and spendthrift. Even as critics pounce on her as the big villain of government spending for putting the State on lean rations squeezing education and healthcare budgets, she stuck sincerely to Rudyard Kipling's live-within-your-means philosophy to guard the nation's finances. Five years into the job, not everyone is willing to concede that economies may be ruined due to austerity, but never due to prudence. So, early this week, she wrote a detailed post on X comparing the debt profiles of both the UPA and the NDA regimes, besides justifying that India's debt, including that of states, was safe and prudent, and that the country was in a better position than others. Taking a dig at the opposition's fiscally flamboyant poll promises, she thundered, The truth is that our government's fiscal management is much better than that of the UPA despite facing the Covid-19 pandemic, in which substantial resources were used for relief efforts. The nub of the matter is that, should there be a second term, it's highly unlikely that Sitharaman will indulge in any hyper-Keynesianism spending. The lady's not for turning, she'd perhaps say, channeling her inner Margret Thatcher. 'Still a poor country': Behind India's quest to be the world's third largest economy If central government debt (including external debt), under the UPA rule between 2004 and 2014, grew 3.2 times from Rs 18.74 lakh crore to Rs 58.59 lakh crore, in contrast, it increased by 2.9 times to Rs 172.37 lakh crore in FY24 (RE) under the NDA regime. If the Centre's net market borrowings (G-Secs) shot up 4.5 times during the UPA regime, they rose by 2.6 times under the NDA government, notwithstanding the pandemic year excesses. Likewise, if capex as a percentage of total expenditure (net of interest payments) fell to 16% in FY14 from 31% in FY04, under NDA government, it was back to 28% in FY24, increasing by 5 times from FY14 to FY24. Sitharaman's defence of debt management comes amid a heated political debate over economic performance and the track record of the ruling and opposition parties. Both the BJP and the Congress have been digging in for ideological purity, defending their respective economic and fiscal policies and criticizing the other's mismanagement. Going one step further, the BJP even tabled a 'black paper,' in Parliament, accusing the UPA regime of undermining the country's macroeconomic fundamentals, while the Congress hit back citing price rise and unemployment. Another trigger for Sitharaman's debt rant One of the other triggers for Sitharaman's debt rant includes the promises made by the Congress. Last month, addressing a rally, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi made a poll promise to transfer Rs 1 lakh in the account of one woman from every poor household in the country if they win the elections. How many welfare schemes would @RahulGandhi shut down to accommodate the fiscal cost of the ' Khata Khat ' schemes?, she questioned, adding, Will they borrow substantially for them, or will they raise taxes to fund them? Often, politicians propose welfare schemes increasing the size of the State, but rarely explain the source of the expense and if it'll increase the tax burden. Since no welfare scheme is self-funded, such measures may pile forcing the governments to cut a cheque they cannot cash. Precisely to avoid this, policymakers operate within set frameworks, in our case, the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) act. It tracks sovereign debt using two metrics -- debt-to-GDP ratio and fiscal deficit. The former is the total government debt including central and states' borrowings and is expressed as a fraction of GDP, while the latter is the difference between the central government's total expenditure and revenue. Sitharaman's post gives a detailed snapshot of how India fared on these two metrics under both the UPA and the NDA regime. Of the fastest growing economy, Amitabh Bachchans and what India truly can deliver Passed in 2003, the FRBM Act was to reduce annual deficits in a phased manner with a goal of bringing it down to 3% of GDP by March, 2009. It did decline to 2.5% in FY09, while the debt-to-GDP ratio fell from 83% in FY02 to 71% by FY08. But then, the global financial crisis struck in 2008 forcing the government to put fiscal targets on hold, while embarking on a stimulus festival to counter the crisis. But even after the crisis passed, fiscal consolidation was nowhere to be seen and the FRBM Act was amended subsequently. In its 2016 report, the FRBM Committee suggested a debt-to-GDP ratio of 60% by 2023, with central government debt coming down to roughly 40% and states' by 20%. For six consecutive years between FY09 and FY14 under the UPA reign, the ratio of Gross Fiscal Deficit (GFD) to GDP stood at 4.5%. According to Sitharaman, it was between 4.5%-5% of GDP in three out of the six years, between 5%-6% in one, and more than 6% in two years. And there was no Covid-19-like crisis that needed such a quantum of fiscal expansion, she reasoned. Fiscal deficit was sanded down to 3.5% of GDP by FY17, and stayed pat for three years. In 2019, it increased from 3.4% to 4.6%, as the crazy macro cocktail of slow growth and falling tax revenue hit the economy. Then Covid-19 struck in 2020 and as GDP and tax revenues crashed even as spending surged, deficit peaked to 9.4% of GDP. As for NDA-I, the central government's debt stood at 52.2% of GDP in FY14, which was reduced to 48.9% in FY19 through gradual fiscal consolidation. Consequently, fiscal deficit reduced from 4.5% in FY14 to 3.4% in FY19. But following the pandemic, it surged to 9.2% in FY21, or 61.4% of GDP, but fell to 57.1% in FY24. The government went on to pursue a balanced approach to fiscal consolidation, while sustaining growth. The interim budget projected a further reduction to 5.1% of GDP in FY25. As for the debt-to-GDP ratio, total government debt was steady at about 70% of GDP from FY12 to FY19, but jumped to 90% in FY21 and reduced to 81% in FY22. This, the finance minister, claimed was relatively lower than that of Japan's at 260.1%, the US' 121.3%, France's 111.8% and and the UK's 101.9%. Similarly, a comparative analysis with other low- and middle-income countries too shows that India's external debt remains robust, while short-term debt at 18.7% stands way lower than that of China, Thailand, Turkey, Vietnam, South Africa and Bangladesh. As for the ratio of total external debt to Gross National Income (GNI), India emerges as the third least indebted country among all such economies, she reasoned. India's total external debt to its exports is 91.9%, positioning India as the fifth-least indebted nation among low and middle-income countries. According to Sitharaman, government debt is overwhelmingly rupee-denominated, with external borrowings from bilateral and multilateral sources comprising less than 5% of total debt. So exposure to volatility in exchange rates tend to be on the lower end, she added. The window dressing charge Sitharaman also accused the UPA government of 'window dressing' national accounts and compromising the integrity of the fiscal numbers. FY09 deficit would have been 7.9% instead of 6.1% as officially stated, she reasoned, adding that about Rs 1.9 lakh crore was kept off the books during the five years from FY06 to FY10, mostly in the form of special bonds to oil marketing companies, fertilizer companies, and Food Corporation of India. Including these off-budget borrowings would have severely increased the fiscal and revenue deficit numbers, she said. In fact, the NDA government too indulged in such off-budget borrowings, raising as much as Rs 1.62 lakh crore in FY19, Rs 1.48 lakh crore in FY20 and Rs 1.21 lakh crore in FY21. respectively. However, Sitharaman took a bold step and ended such borrowings once and for all in FY22. As some concede, the government's aggregate fiscal management has been sound, our debt-to-GDP ratio under control, besides an exemplary external account management. However, fiscal and economic outcomes are not, as economist Rathin Roy observed. Revenue GDP numbers have stagnated, disinvestments failed, expenditure-GDP ratio has shrunk, interest on debt, subsidies are rising, defence spending did not increase, government capital expenditure on budget has gone up, but rise in overall central government capex (budget plus public sector) is modest...subsidies like PLI (Production Linked Incentive schemes) and free ration to 800 million appears to have become permanent freebies with no strategy to reduce the fiscal drag, he concluded. Should we fear inheritance tax? Hard truths and the Chidambaram-Jaitley dalliance with it

Extreme poverty in rural areas largely conquered: Dr Arvind Panagariya at CII Summit

Extreme poverty in rural areas largely conquered: Dr Arvind Panagariya at CII Summit Dr Arvind Panagariya, chairman of the 16th Finance Commission of India, delivered an address at the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Annual Business Summit 2024 on Friday, highlighting significant strides in overcoming extreme poverty concentrated in rural areas. Extreme poverty concentrated in the rural areas has been largely conquered and the growth prospects are excellent, said Panagariya, during the plenary session on Future of Economic Transformation: Integrating Rural and Urban Economies at the CII Summit. The summit, themed 'Co-creating the Future Responsibly: Role of Business,' brought together leaders and experts to discuss the future of India's economic landscape. Panagariya emphasized the importance of creating pathways to integrate the rural workforce into larger enterprises and urban economies. It is important to create pathways for the movement of rural workforce into larger enterprises and connect them to the urban space. To transform rural economies, it is important to enhance the productivity of rural workforce by reallocation of rural labour into other sectors, urbanise rural habitats and create enterprises which are employment intensive in rural India, he stated. The summit also featured insights from Dr Manoj Nardeosingh, Secretary General of the African Asian Rural Development Organization. Dr Nardeosingh highlighted the increasing interest of African nations in India's development model, particularly following the successful G20 summit. He expressed a keen desire for Indian industries to invest in technology transfer to bolster rural economies across Africa. Nardeosingh, All countries in the African continent are looking towards India especially after the success of G20 summit. African nations are keen to invite the Indian industry to investment in technology transfer in rural areas which comprise a large part of their economies. Dr Nandini Rangaswamy, Chairperson and Founder Trustee of GRG Institutions, Coimbatore, and Managing Director of Chandra Group of Companies, Coimbatore, underscored the critical role of education in rural transformation. She stressed the need for robust infrastructure and policy frameworks, alongside essential services such as healthcare, clean water, and technology, to improve the overall quality of life in rural areas. Surabhi Yadav, Co-Founder of Sajhe Sapne, advocated for the ruralization of businesses. She emphasized fostering a sense of partnership between rural and urban economies to create sustainable growth. The session focused on how India can stimulate its rural economy, making it a vibrant and dynamic contributor to national growth through innovative strategies, collaborative models, and supportive policy frameworks. Setting the context for the summit, Sanjiv Puri, President Designate of CII, highlighted the significance of the rural economy. He pointed out that rural areas are crucial as sources of raw materials for food production and provide a young, dynamic workforce. The rural and urban economies need to grow synergistically for people to actualize their potential within the rural economy, he stated, emphasizing the potential for growth across agriculture, manufacturing, and services sectors. (ANI)

India advances iron-ore beneficiation policy

Use of ore with less iron content needs beneficiation process by which impurities are removed

Bus taking pilgrims to Char Dham Yatra catches fire, no casualties

A total of 30 passengers, including eight children, were on-board when it caught fire near Kolaras town in Shivpuri district

Empowering Communities Under Universal Health Coverage - A Kenyan Government Initiative

Empowering Communities Under Universal Health Coverage - A Kenyan Government Initiative SMPL Nairobi [Kenya], May 17: In Kenya, a remarkable healthcare initiative is unfolding, driven by the tireless commitment of Community Health Promoters (CHPs) who serve as the backbone of the Universal Healthcare program. These dedicated individuals are at the forefront, delivering crucial healthcare services directly to households nationwide, free of charge. Equipped with comprehensive kits, each CHP is empowered to provide basic medical care, conduct screenings, and offer health education within their communities. With the Ministry of Health enrolling 100,000 community health promoters for this initiative, and each being assigned 100 households, the aim is to reach every corner of the nation, covering a staggering 10 million households. The kits provided to CHPs are carefully designed to equip them with essential tools for vital screenings and basic care. Produced and assembled by Harmony Vibrant Limited, these kits include a range of equipment such as backpacks, First Aid Boxes, Digital Thermometers, Glucometers, Blood Pressure Machines, and other consumables. The kits enable CHPs to capture crucial health indicators including blood sugar levels, hypertension, body mass index, chronic ailments, mother and child health among others and in turn helps in identifying first stage of diagnosis, facilitating a robust preventive care mechanism. Regular check-ups of blood pressure and blood sugar levels play a crucial role in the early detection and management of diabetes and hypertension. Community Health Promoters (CHPs) not only conduct screenings but also provide education on lifestyle modifications, medication compliance, and disease management. By fostering regular communication and follow-up visits, CHPs help to ensure that individuals adhere to their treatment plans, maintain regular check-ups, and prioritize their overall health and well-being. This proactive approach not only improves health outcomes but also enhances patient safety by identifying and addressing potential health concerns in a timely manner. The CHPs are able to reach even the most remote and underserved areas, ensuring every household has access to essential healthcare services. The success of this initiative was made possible through the generous support of stakeholders including Government of Kenya, Ministry of Health together with CIFF Foundation, providing crucial funding. While strengthening Universal Healthcare, the government of Kenya has also resolved to support and encourage local manufacturing. As a result, Dinlas Pharma Limited, a local pharmaceutical company has been contracted to provide among many a few of the medicines such as Paracetamol Syrup and tablets for relieving mild to moderate pain and reducing fever in children and adults, Zinc Sulphate for zinc deficiency, Antacid Tablets to alleviate indigestion, heartburn, and acid reflux, Sanitizer (Liquid) to combat the spread of infections, deworming tablets to treat parasitic infections, and Chlorine tablets to purify water and prevent waterborne diseases. The Medicines are provided to each household delivered to their door steps. By decentralizing healthcare services, Kenyans no longer face the challenge of traveling long distances to access basic medical care. CHPs provide immediate relief for minor ailments and early detection of serious health issues, thereby alleviating the burden on formal healthcare facilities. To further augment their capabilities, CHPs are equipped with smart tablets for efficient data capture of patient information, which will then be utilized to generate insights and enhance healthcare delivery. AI-driven technology will be built to analyzing this data, identifying trends, and optimizing resource allocation to better meet community needs. Under the leadership of Dr William Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya, the Community Health Strategy represents a significant stride towards achieving Universal Health Coverage. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by SMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)

Check Out Latest Kids Malayalam Nursery Story 'Bhelpuri of Railway Station' for Kids - Check Out Children's Nursery Stories, Baby Songs, Fairy Tales In Malayalam

Watch the popular children's moral story 'Bhelpuri of Railway Station' in Malayalam. For popular children story, kids songs, children songs, children's poems, baby songs, baby rhymes, kids nursery rhymes, nursery poems in Malayalam visit ETimes Malayalam kids sections. Check out ETimes Kids videos section for more Kids Nursery rhymes, Baby songs, Kids poems, and Moral stories.

Shah Predicts Saffron Wave in Odisha: BJP Eyes 75 Assembly and 15 LS Seats

Shah Predicts Saffron Wave in Odisha: BJP Eyes 75 Assembly and 15 LS Seats Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday claimed that Odisha would turn saffron after the elections, since the BJP would win over 75 assembly and 15 Lok Sabha seats. He asserted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already won 270 Lok Sabha seats in the first four phases of elections and is now moving towards 400. Lok Sabha and assembly elections are held simultaneously in Odisha. ''With more than 15 MPs and 75 MLAs, Odisha is about to be coloured saffron. This election is the election to make Narendra Modi the PM for the third time,'' Shah said while addressing a rally at Rourkela. The state has 21 Lok Sabha and 147 assembly seats. Referring to the missing keys of the Puri Jagannath Temple 'Ratna Bhandar' (treasure chest), the BJP leader alleged that Odisha Chief Minister and BJD president Naveen Patnaik is misleading people and playing with their faith. The missing keys of the Ratna Bhandar have been a major political issue in Odisha for the past few years. Shah said this election is to restore Odishas pride, language, culture and tradition. He also claimed that the Odisha government is run by officers.

Watch Latest Bhojpuri Devotional Song 'Teri Jai Ho Anjani Lala' Sung By Anu Dubey

Check out the latest Bhojpuri Devotional Song 'Teri Jai Ho Anjani Lala' sung by Anu Dubey. To know more about Anu Dubey's Devotional Bhojpuri song 'Teri Jai Ho Anjani Lala' enjoy the video. Check out Bhojpuri ETimes music videos section for more Bhojpuri songs, Anu Dubey, New Video Songs 2024 and Bhojpuri Gana Video Song.

PM Modi To Visit Odisha On May 19

Bhubaneswar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Odisha on May 19, informed State BJP chief Manmohan Samal. Modi will hold a review meeting with party workers at the State BJP office. The next day, on May 20, he will visit Puri to seek the blessings of Lord Jagannath before holding a roadshow there. He also [] The post PM Modi To Visit Odisha On May 19 appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .

Acer has launched the Acerpure brand in India. Introducing air purifiers, robot vacuum cleaners and

Acer unveiled its Acerpure sub-brand on Thursday, May 16, at an event in Bengaluru, India. Present in several Asian and European countries, this lifestyle brand is entering the Indian market with a range of new products including air purifiers, electric fans, rechargeable vacuum cleaners, robot vacuum cleaners, water purifiers and more. The newly launched Acerpure ... Read more

Watch The Latest Haryanvi Music Video For Lucky By Harjeet Deewana

Get ready to groove to the latest Haryanvi song Lucky, a sensational track by the talented Harjeet Deewana. The heartfelt lyrics of the song Lucky are penned by Amit Faridpuriya. Don't miss out on the opportunity to experience the magic of Harjeet Deewana in Lucky song. Visit the music videos section of Haryanvi ETimes for more exciting Haryanvi songs. Explore the musical brilliance of Harjeet Deewana, discover the latest Haryanvi video songs of 2024. Delight in the melodious compositions by Harjeet Deewana, indulge in the charm of Haryanvi Gana Video Songs.

Viral Video: After Butter Chicken, Young Cook's Pani Puri Wins Approval Of Desis Online

In the reel, we get glimpses of Kian preparing various elements of pani puri. Read to know how people reacted online.

BJD Leader Kartik Pandian Hits Back At Opposition Leaders For Spreading False Narratives On Puri Mathas

Bhubaneswar: Senior Biju Janata Dal leader and 5T Chairman Kartik Pandian has hit back on the opposition leaders for spreading false narratives on the Mathas of Puri. In a video released on Instagram, Kartik Pandian has said that For ages, Mathas have had an organic connection with Jagannath culture. Over the years, a lot commercial [] The post BJD Leader Kartik Pandian Hits Back At Opposition Leaders For Spreading False Narratives On Puri Mathas appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .

Acer Launches Acerpure Brand in India; Brings Air Purifiers, Robotic Vacuum Cleaners, More

Acer unveiled its sub-brand Acerpure in India on Thursday (May 16) at an event in Bengaluru. The lifestyle brand available in several Asian and European countries makes its entry into the Indian market with a slew of new products including air purifiers, air circulator fans, cordless vacuum cleaners, robotic vacuum cleaners and water purifiers.

Raisin Water: The Rising Star in Health - What Is It, When to Drink, and Its Benefits

In the realm of wellness and health, new trends are constantly emerging, offering natural alternatives to enhance our well-being. One such trend gaining attention is raisin water, praised for its simplicity and potential health benefits. Lets delve into what raisin water is, when to drink it, and its numerous advantages. What is Raisin Water? Raisin water is exactly what its name suggests: water that has been infused with raisins. This straightforward concoction involves soaking raisins in water overnight, which allows the fruit to release its nutrients and flavor into the water. The resulting drink is a refreshing beverage that retains the nutritional benefits of raisins. When to Drink Raisin Water? The best time to drink raisin water is in the morning on an empty stomach. This allows your body to absorb the nutrients more effectively. Simply soak a handful of raisins in a glass of water the night before, and consume the infused water first thing in the morning. Benefits of Raisin Water: Rich in Nutrients: Raisins are packed with essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They contain iron, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, among others, which are crucial for maintaining overall health. Improves Digestion: Raisin water acts as a natural laxative, aiding digestion and relieving constipation. The fiber content in raisins helps to regulate bowel movements and promote a healthy gut. Boosts Energy: Raisins are a concentrated source of natural sugars like glucose and fructose, which can provide a quick energy boost. This makes raisin water a beneficial drink for those needing a natural pick-me-up. Supports Bone Health: The calcium and boron in raisins contribute to better bone health and may help prevent conditions like osteoporosis. Fights Acidity: Raisin water has alkaline properties that help neutralize excess acidity in the stomach, reducing symptoms of acid reflux and heartburn. Anti-inflammatory Properties: Raisins contain polyphenols and antioxidants, which have anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce inflammation in the body. Supports Heart Health: Potassium in raisins helps regulate blood pressure, reducing strain on the cardiovascular system and supporting heart health. Aids in Weight Management: Raisins are low in fat and rich in fiber, making raisin water a satisfying and low-calorie drink that may aid in weight management when consumed as part of a balanced diet. How to Make Raisin Water: Making raisin water is simple and requires minimal preparation: Ingredients: 1 cup of raisins and 4 cups of water. Instructions: Rinse the raisins thoroughly to remove any impurities. Place the rinsed raisins in a glass container or pitcher. Add 4 cups of water to the container. Cover the container and let the raisins soak overnight, or for at least 8 hours. In the morning, strain the raisins from the water and drink the infused water. Raisin water is a natural and nutritious beverage that offers a multitude of health benefits. From improving digestion to supporting heart health and providing an energy boost, this simple drink is a great addition to your daily routine. Incorporate raisin water into your mornings and experience the potential benefits it can offer your overall well-being. Why Hiccups? Quick Fixes and Genius Methods to Stop Them in Seconds Combatting the Silent Killer: The Significance of World Hypertension Day Why What You Eat in the Morning Matters More Than You Think

Indian Entrepreneurs Shine on Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia List , Who Are They?

Forbes recently unveiled its 30 Under 30 Asia list, celebrating 300 young entrepreneurs, leaders, and innovators across the Asia-Pacific in various fields. Among them are several Indian entrepreneurs making waves in consumer technology. Raghav Arora and Akshit Bansal, founders of the EV charging startup Statiq, were recognized for their nationwide network of charging stations for electric vehicles. The duo, part of the 'Industry, Manufacturing and Energy' category, have secured $27.5 million in funding and are set to achieve profitability next year. Bhagya Shree Jain, founder of The Disposal Company (TDC), was featured in the 'Social Impact' category. TDC advises consumer goods firms on reducing plastic usage and brokers plastic credits to fund plastic waste collection. Aayush Anand, CEO of Ship Global Express, focuses on affordable international shipping for SMEs. His New Delhi-based firm raised $2.5 million in seed funding. Ankit Jain and Narayan Lal Gurjar, cofounders of EF Polymer, developed a biodegradable water-retention product for agriculture, raising over $4 million. Rahil Gupta, CTO of Hop Electric Mobility, designs electric motorbikes. His startup raised $6 million, including $2.6 million from a publicly listed Indian firm. Ankit Jaipuria, founder of ZYOD, supports small fashion brands in India with design and logistics services, raising $3.5 million in seed funding. Abhi Gawri and Alok Bagaria, creators of Loopworm, convert insects into animal feed, receiving $3.4 million in seed funding. Pranav Manpuria, cofounder of Flux Auto, develops autonomous driving software for forklifts, receiving nearly $6 million in funding. Arun Sreyas and Gautham Maheshwaran, cofounders of RACE Energy, offer swappable battery packs for auto-rickshaws, raising $4 million. Dinesh Venkatasami, Karthikeyan Adhikesavan, Keerthivasan Ravi, and Phunith Kumar V, founders of Raptee Energy, designed an electric motorbike with $5 million in funding, including $3 million from Bluehill Capital.

Chinese social media companies remove posts showing off wealth and worshipping money

Targeting posts boasting of personal wealth appears to be part of campaign to purify the internet cultural environment Chinese social media companies have launched a new crackdown on user content, targeting posts that show off personal wealth and financial extravagance. In a statement posted online on Wednesday, Weibo said it had spent this month carrying out special management work on undesirable value-orientated content, including content showing off wealth and worshipping money . Continue reading...

DMs asked to look after leprosy patients

BHUBANESWAR: The Department of Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities on Thursday directed collectors of nine districts to strictly implement Orissa High Courts orders in connection with treatment, rehabilitation and other aspects of leprosy-affected persons. In a directive to collectors of Bargarh, Balasore, Cuttack, Jajpur, Jharsuguda, Khurda, Mayurbhanj, Puri and Sundargarh, the department asked them to ensure regular visits of district welfare officers and medical teams to rehabilitation colonies of leprosy patients, cleaning and sanitation of the colonies, skill development of the patients and their families, and follow up on concerning issues relating to surgery, implants, distribution of micro-cellular rubber footwear, wheelchairs and other ancillary items to them. The high court had last year appointed three amicus curiaeadvocates Bibhu Prasad Tripathy, Gautam Mishra and Pami Rathto learn about the various problems faced by leprosy patients. A PIL was filed by Bipin Bihari Pradhan, general secretary of state leprosy welfare federation, in 2015, seeking direction to the government for effective implementation of the National Leprosy Eradication Programme.

Focus shifts to appointment of new Telangana Congress chief, Cabinet expansion

HYDERABAD: Now that the Telangana phase of the Lok Sabha elections is past, the talk in Congress corridors has shifted to the possibility of a new PCC president and expansion of the Cabinet. In all likelihood, the Congress high command will ask Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy to step down as TPCC president by the end of June or the first week of July so that a leader from the BC community can succeed him in the post. If one goes by the animated discussions in Congress circles, senior leaders like Campaign Committee chairman Madhu Yaskhi Goud, Minister Ponnam Prabhakar, MLC and working president Mahesh Kumar Goud are the front-runners for the TPCC chief post. On other hand, AICC secretary SA Sampath Kumar and TPCC working president T Jayaprakash Reddy alias Jagga Reddy are also expecting the post. According to sources in the Congress, the high command is contemplating appointing a leader from the BC community for the TPCC president post since the chief minister is from the Reddy community. A BC leader being appointed as the TPCC chief would balance the social equations. This was the setup in the Congress during the tenure of the late YS Rajasekhara Reddy as chief minister in undivided Andhra Pradesh when Dharmapuri Srinivas was the PCC chief. Meanwhile, speculation regarding the expansion of the state Cabinet continues to echo in Congress corridors, with party leaders talking about who would be the fortunate ones to fill the six vacant positions. According to sources in the Gandhi Bhavan, the high command is expected to give the green light to the chief minister to expand his Cabinet in the third or last week of June, after the results of the Lok Sabha elections are announced. Currently, there is no representation from Rangareddy, Adilabad, Nizamabad and Hyderabad districts in the Cabinet and MLAs from these regions remain optimistic about their chances. Former minister and Bodhan MLA P Sudharshan Reddy, Ibrahimpatnam MLA Malreddy Ranga Reddy and Devarakonda MLA Balu Naik, along with first-time Makthal MLA V Srihari, are among those hoping for a Cabinet berth. From Adilabad, the contenders include Mancherial MLA Prem Sagar, former minister and Bellampalli MLA G Vinod, and first-time Khanapur MLA Edma Bojju. Interestingly, Congress leaders are discussing, albeit in private, about the chances of newly joined and soon-to-join MLAs from the BRS. From the BRS migrants, former deputy chief minister Kadiyam Srihari and former minister Danam Nagender could make it to the Cabinet. Additionally, there is talk that BRS MLAs might be accommodated in key positions such as corporation or board chairmanships if they join the Congress with certain assurances. This possibility has already sparked heated debates regarding the priority to migrants over leaders who have served the Congress for a long time. The coming two months are expected to witness a flurry of political activity in the state in the form of the expected Cabinet expansion and migrations of MLAs from the BRS. Contenders for Cabinet berths Former minister and Bodhan MLA P Sudharshan Reddy, Ibrahimpatnam MLA Malreddy Ranga Reddy and Devarakonda MLA Balu Naik, along with first-time MLA V Srihari from Makthal, are among those hoping for a Cabinet berth.

People will not tolerate insult to CM: Pandian

BHUBANESWAR: Star campaigner of BJD VK Pandian on Thursday said people of Odisha will not tolerate ministers from Chhattisgarh disrespecting Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik during their poll campaign and give a befitting reply to them. Launching a marathon campaign in Balangir Lok Sabha constituency during which he addressed election meetings at Titlagarh, Kantabanji, Patnagarh and Loisingha, Pandian said BJP leaders are talking about Odia Asmita but abusing the most popular leader of the state with most disrespectful words. You should give a befitting reply to this, he added. Pandian said an attempt was made to throw footwear at the chief minister during by-poll to Bijepur Assembly constituency, but the BJP candidate lost by over 45,000 votes as people did not accept such behaviour. Similarly, eggs were hurled at the chief minister while he was returning after laying foundation of Srimandir Parikrama project at Puri and the BJP lost the zilla parishad elections, he said. Stating people of Odisha will give a befitting reply to the verbal assault on the chief minister, the star campaigner said BJD will return to power. The BJP leaders do not know to what extent people love the chief minister, he said. Pandian urged the people to respond decisively in the ongoing elections to counter such behaviour. The 5T chairman said the victory margin of the chief minister from Kantabanji will break all records. There were offers from several places for the chief minister to contest and he selected Kantabanji, he said adding this will lead to further development of the region. If any person other than the chief minister wins, it will take the region 25 years back, he said.

Niladri Mahodaya observed in Srimandir

PURI: Niladri Mahodaya, the foundation day of the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri was observed with traditional fervour and according to the prescribed guidelines of the shrine on Wednesday. As per the Madala panji, (almanac) Srimandir was consecrated on this day which falls on Astami Tithi, and idols of Lord Jagannath, Devi Subhadra and Lord Balabhadra installed on the Ratnasimhasan. The occasion holds significance as it is one of the 12 important festivals observed in the temple. The day began with performance of Mangala Arati by the temple servitors followed by Tadap Lagi, Abakash and Rosa Homa. Thereafter, Sakal Dhupa was offered to the Trinity following which they were smeared with sandalwood paste and bathed in 108 pitchers of aromatic water by the Puspalak servitors. The deities were then offered Ghantachhata bhog, Jaata bhog and Madhyahna dhupa (lunch). This was followed by a complex set of rituals like offering sacrifices to Dasa digapal (lords of direction) and other deities, which continued till late in the night till the representative idol of Lord Jagannath (Madan Mohan), his consort Goddess Lakshmi and Panch Mahadevas returned after participating in the Chandan Yatra.

Rs 1 crore cash, kilo of gold seized from absconding cops house in Maharashtras Beed district

Rs 1 crore cash, kilo of gold seized from absconding cops house in Maharashtras Beed district The police in Maharashtras Beed district have seized Rs 1.08 crore cash and gold and jewellery worth Rs 72 lakh from the house of a cop named in a corruption case, an official said on Friday. Police inspector Haribhau Khade (52) has been on the run since he was named in the graft case on May 15. The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has booked Khade and two others for allegedly demanding Rs 1 crore, which they later brought down to Rs 30 lakh, for not making a complainant an accused in a case, the official said. The ACB first trapped one of the accused, Kushak Jain (29), after he collected the initial instalment of Rs 5 lakh. After getting a warrant, the police on Thursday searched Khades house in the Chanakyapuri area of Beed. They seized Rs 1.08 crore cash, 970 grams of gold biscuits and jewellery worth Rs 72 lakh and 5.5 kg of silver, he said. The police have also seized property documents concerning four flats and a commercial shop owned by Khade, the official added.

Lalu's daughter seeks to wrest back her father's stronghold Saran

Lalu's daughter seeks to wrest back her father's stronghold Saran Sitting BJP MP Rajiv Pratap Rudy's remark that ''my name could enter record books for winning against the maximum number of members of one family'' has set the political mood in Bihar's Saran where RJD president Lalu Prasad's daughter Rohini Acharya has entered the fray to wrest back her father's erstwhile pocket borough. Rudy, a former Union minister, who lost to Prasad whenever the RJD supremo was himself in the fray, has been successful against the latter's wife Rabri Devi in 2014. Five years later, Rudy defeated Prasad's elder son Tej Pratap Yadav's father-in-law Chandrika Roy. Acharya, 47, happens to be the sixth member of her family, and fourth among her siblings to enter politics, yet, in more than one respect, she stands out as an atypical politician. Rudy, 62, had made his debut in parliamentary elections in 1996 from Chhapra, as Saran was known before the 2008 delimitation. In 2004, Prasad wrested the seat in a contest marred by large-scale electoral violence that had necessitated a repoll in the entire constituency. Five years later, Prasad retained Saran, which made up for an embarrassing defeat in Pataliputra, and he held the seat till 2013, when conviction in a fodder scam case caused disqualification and debarment from contesting polls. A qualified doctor, Acharya got married at an early age and chose not to pursue a career but settle abroad with her computer engineer husband and raise their two kids. For quite some time, though, Acharya had been demonstrating that she was no run-of-the-mill homemaker. Be it her stunning decision to donate a kidney to her father or her doughty social media combatant avatar, whenever her family faced a political crisis back home, Acharya grabbed eyeballs. No wonder that the air was thick with anticipation when she arrived in Saran 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. The crowds roared in response to her salutation, in chaste Bhojpuri ''raua sab ke gor laagatani (I prostrate before you all)'' and as she launched into her speech, invoking the memory of legendary poet Bhikhari Thakur, it became clear that she had spark. Speaking in the presence of the RJD's two biggest crowd pullers, her father and younger brother Tejashwi Yadav, Acharya demonstrated that she could hold her own as she weighed the track record of Prasad against that of Rudy. ''My father got a rail wheel plant set up in Saran while he was the Railway minister. The current MP had been the Union minister for skill development. He should tell us what he did for the youth here during his tenure'', Acharya said, evoking cheers from the crowds and making it clear that she was new, but not a novice. The BJP seems to have realised that its challenger here is no pushover, a reason why the party has run a high-profile campaign in the constituency. The filing of nomination papers was followed, immediately, by a rally of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, in an obvious bid to galvanize Rajput voters. The Defence minister also referred to Rudy being a trained pilot and remarked ''he will send his opponents flying''. On paper, both parties look equally well-placed. In 2019, Rudy won by a comfortable margin of just under 95,000 votes. A year later, in the Vidhan Sabha polls, RJD clawed back, grabbing four of the six assembly segments falling in the Lok Sabha constituency. As such, Saran is likely to be one of the most keenly watched seats, in Bihar and beyond, when polling takes place on May 20 and votes are counted on June 4.

Review of Santa Khurais The Yellow Sparrow Memoir of a Transgender Woman: Living to fight another day

Santa Khurai has battled for equality for the Manipuri transgender community, a struggle which began with her own rights

44% Lok Sabha candidates in Odisha's third phase are crorepatis

BHUBANESWAR: Fourty-four percent of the candidates contesting the Lok Sabha polls in the third phase in Odisha are crorepatis and 28 percent of them have criminal records. The average assets per candidate in the round is Rs 11.8 crore. Simultaneous Assembly and General Elections will be held in six Parliamentary constituencies and 42 Assembly segments in the third phase on May 25. A total of 64 candidates, including nine women, are in the fray from Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Dhenkanal, Keonjhar, Puri and Sambalpur constituencies. The highest 14 contenders are contesting from Sambalpur, followed by 12 from Bhubaneswar, 11 from Keonjhar, 10 each from Cuttack and Dhenkanal and seven from Puri. At least 28 candidates have assets worth more than Rs 1 crore. As per the poll affidavits analysed by Odisha Election Watch and the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), BJD seems to have preferred to promote all wealthy politicians, as all six candidates of the regional outfit contesting in this phase of the Lok Sabha elections are crorepatis. The average of assets per BJD candidate is Rs 95.69 crore. While the BJP and Congress have fielded four crorepati candidates, three of the five BSP candidates and one from Utkal Samaj are crorepatis. The average assets per BSP candidate is Rs 7.97 crore and those of the BJP and Congress are Rs 5.8 crore and Rs 2.21 crore, respectively. With assets worth over Rs 482.21 crore, the BJD candidate from Cuttack Santrupt Misra is the richest. BJDs Dhenkanal candidate Abinash Samal owns assets worth over Rs 36.78 crore, while BSP candidate from Keonjhar Ram Prasad Hembram is ranked third with assets worth more than Rs 35.81 crore. While Misra had the highest income of Rs 66.21 crore, Samal had the maximum liabilities of Rs 13.95 crore. An independent candidate from Puri Dillip Kumar Baral is the poorest, with assets of only Rs 4,032. Of the 64 candidates analysed, 18 have declared criminal cases and 13 of them have serious criminal cases pending against them. One candidate has declared cases related to murder, four have cases related to attempt-to-murder and four related to crime against women. All six BJP candidates have declared criminal cases and three of them have serious offences pending against them. Three of the Congress and two of the BJD have declared serious criminal cases against them. As many as 19 candidates have educational qualifications between Class VIII and XII, while 43 are either graduates or above. Almost 70 percent of candidates are aged between 41 and 60 years, 11 are aged above 61 years and only eight are 25 to 40- years -old.

Lok Sabha polls: Gurjar vs Gurjar in South Delhi

NEW DELHI: Once considered a bastion of the affluent, represented by popular leaders like Madan Lal Khurana and Sushma Swaraj, South Delhi transformed the 2008 delimitation exercise. Affluent colonies such as Greater Kailash, Hauz Khas, and RK Puram were redefined, leaving behind a constituency marked by urban villages and slums. Today, the constituencys voting segments predominantly comprise urban villages, slums and resettlement colonies, setting the stage for intense caste politics in the national capital. The BJP's Ramvir Singh Bidhuri and the INDIA blocs Sahiram Pehalwan are vying for the seat, with caste and community equations poised to influence the electoral outcome, given that both candidates hail from the same community and village. In the previous general election, the BJP secured victory with 56.8 percent of the vote share, but the incumbent MP, Ramesh Bidhuri, has been replaced by Ramvir Singh Bidhuri amidst growing discontent and anti-incumbency sentiment. Conversely, a decade earlier, Congress clinched the seat in 2009 with 50 percent of the vote share, while the BJP trailed with 36.5 percent. South Delhi has historically grappled with low voter turnout, with only one instance surpassing 60 percent in the 2014 parliamentary election. The constituency witnessed its highest turnout at 62.90 percent in 2014, but a trend of alternating high and low turnout persists in subsequent elections. With approximately 22,21,445 voters across 10 assembly seats, the constituency comprises 9,86,726 female voters, 12,34,380 male voters, and 339 third-gender voters. A compelling poll battle is unfolding between AAP and BJP candidates, both sitting MLAs from the same community, in what has become a Gurjar versus Gurjar contest for the Lok Sabha seat. Ramvir Singh Bidhuri, a seasoned politician with a background in the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad and Jan Sangh, brings decades of experience, having served as an MLA and National Executive Member of the BJP. Meanwhile, Sahiram Pehalwan, an AAP MLA and former CISF member, has a track record of grassroots activism and political engagement, having served as Municipal Councillor and Deputy Mayor. The ongoing campaign of Bidhuri revolves around Modis gurantees, the Ram Mandir inauguration and the alleged excise policy scam in which several AAP senior leaders have been named as accused. On the other hand, Pehalwan highlights the development work of the Kejriwal-led government and the alleged failure of sitting MP to address the issues. Water scarcity has become a pressing issue in the constituency, particularly affecting unauthorised colonies. Battlegrounds for water disputes include Badarpur, Sangam Vihar, Deoli Khanpur, Pul Prahladpur, Govindpuri, Kalkaji, Bijwasan, Chhatarpur, and Mehrauli, reflecting the urgent need for infrastructure development in South Delhi. The other key issue is traffic jam at Tigri and Khanpur main road owing to metro construction. The construction has narrowed the roads besides encroachement, says a resident.

Gujarat Panipuri Seller's Daughter Secures 99.7 Percentile In Class 10 Exams - NDTV

Gujarat Panipuri Seller's Daughter Secures 99.7 Percentile In Class 10 Exams NDTV

Manipuri cinemas feat in Cannes to be celebrated Nagaland Post

Manipuri cinemas feat in Cannes to be celebratedNagaland Post

Sunil Chhetri was over the moon for accepting token money for his first contract, recalls childhood coach

Sunil Chhetri began his journey by enrolling himself at the Mamta Modern Senior Secondary School in Vikaspuri, where he was spotted by his childhood coach Mohammad Sajid

Summer of discontent in the Hindi heartland

If there is one striking difference between the 2019 and 2024 Lok Sabha elections, its the lack of a wave - be it a Modi wave, NDA wave, INDIA wave or even a Mandir wave. With the hyper-nationalist fervour in 2019 after the Pulwama blasts and Balakot air strikes, several voters clearly stated that the BJP candidate didn't matter and that their vote for the party was essentially one for Modi. This time, in the absence of a national narrative, local candidates and local issues are playing a role in determining voter choices in Uttar Pradesh. The 'Modi factor' isnt strong enough for them to vote for a disapproving candidate. So far, the team and I have travelled to 14 Lok Sabha constituencies in Uttar Pradesh that have voted in the first four phases - from west UP's Ghaziabad, Meerut, Bijnor, Nagina, Saharanpur, Kairana and Muzaffarnagar towards Etawah, Kheri, Dhaurahra, Kannauj, Badayun, Mainpuri and Hathras. We identified influential communities in each constituency and visited villages and townships where these communities have a strong presence to understand how voters are thinking, the issues determining their votes and if and why their voting preferences have changed since 2019. On average, we covered at least two Vidhan Sabha areas in each of the 14 Lok Sabha constituencies. One of the most prominent issues across castes was the agrarian crisis. Even those of the Brahmin community who praised Modi as 'king' and were supporting BJP consistently spoke about their struggles as farmers. One of the specific issues all farmers faced was the menace of the stray cattle that destroyed crops in the fields. With the Yogi government's increased restrictions on slaughterhouses and the fear of cow vigilantes, many farmers are left in a lurch. They are clueless about how to deal with their male cattle, essentially an economic burden on farmers who are anyway dealing with growing financial distress. These policies have robbed farmers of an additional source of income, and they are now forced to abandon their male cattle and older cows and buffalos who can no longer produce milk. The state government has unsuccessfully attempted to build cow sheds to address the issue. The stray cattle run over crops, graze on them and destroy them. The losses thus incurred are substantially higher than the quarterly cash transfer of Rs 500 a month from the central government as part of the much-hyped Kisan Samman Nidhi. Will UP's rural voters spring a surprise in this election? Add to this the shrinkflation in ureathe sacks have become smaller while the price has remained constant. Meanwhile, the state-mandated price for sugarcane has grown by only about Rs 45 a quintal in the last seven years, lower than under previous regimes. This has resulted in the drifting away of several non-Yadav, non-Jat agrarian Other Backward Classes from the BJP in west UP. This includes castes like Lodhi Rajputs, Kurmis, Kushwahas and Sainis, who are mostly marginal farmers. The exact percentage of this shift is hard to determine, but a significant breaking away is evident. When asked about a possible alliance with the BJP during the 2022 UP assembly elections, Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) chief Jayant Chaudhary had said, I am not a chavanni (25-paise coin) that can be flipped. Two years later, this March 2, the RLD that has a significant Jat following in West UP, joined the NDA. It was in the hope of consolidating Jat voters for the BJP-led alliance. But in many seats like Kairana, Muzaffarnagar, Aligarh and Agra, Jat voters haven't shifted to the NDA to the extent hoped for. The ripples from the historic thirteen-month-long farmers' movement of 2020-21 continue to impact the Jat voters of the region and they remain suspicious of the new alliance. In many of these constituencies, the lower turnout is a result of core BJP communities voting in fewer numbers. Another factor that could hurt the BJP in the first three phases is the massive Rajput panchayats held in Meerut, Kairana and Muzaffarnagar against the party. This was in response to a couple of speeches made allegedly against the community by BJP leaders. On March 22, Parshottan Rupala, a BJP candidate from Rajkot, said, Even kings and royals bowed down to the British but not Rukhi samaj (a Dalit community). He was seen to praise Dalits at the expense of Rajputs and Kshatriyas, whom he accused of entering into roti-beti relations with the British (breaking bread and entering into marital relations). Many also accused the BJP of 'keeping silent' when the caste name Gurjar was inscribed on the statue of Mihir Bhoj who they claim is a Rajput. While there is a level of disillusionment with the ruling party, the opposition INDIA bloc has not been able to win over these communities. As a result, voter enthusiasm has been minimal and many have chosen not to vote. What is also evident is a simmering anger against the ruling dispensation among large sections of the rural and semi-urban poor and even middle classes. Issues of inflation and unemployment are soaring and oft-repeated by voters. In Meerut, many voters talked about how BJPs key campaign points like the scrapping of Article 370 in Kashmir have no impact on their lives. One of them said, We are not buying land there! The anger among the youth was further fuelled when the Uttar Pradesh Constable Recruitment and Promotion 2024 examination was cancelled. The exam was held on February 17 and 18 this year and over 48 lakh aspirants vied for 60,244 posts. It was later revealed that the examination papers had leaked. The state government announced that the exam would be held again after the Lok Sabha elections. Repeated incidents of paper leaks under the Yogi government have increased the despondency among young voters who eye government jobs. Young people from across rural western UP have always eyed a job in the army. The recently unveiled Agniveer scheme has proven to be yet another wet blanket. Apart from the anger on unemployment and inflation that's evident among Dalits across UP, there is another concern. This March 25, BJP MP Anant Kumar Hegde from Karnataka called for 'rewriting' the Indian Constitution, which would not be possible without winning 400 of the 543 seats. At least three other BJP candidates have openly stated the same intention. The videos of their statements have gone viral. So the BJP's slogan of ' Abki baar , 400 paar' has caused a growing insecurity among Scheduled Caste voters about reservation. This includes non-Jatav SC communities, large sections of which have in the past few years been voting for the BJP. Another factor that could have worked in BJP's favour but is proving to be a dampener is that the BSP and SP couldn't ally. In 2019, because of the SP-BSP alliance, on many seats which didn't have a BSP candidate, there was a shift of a substantial number of Dalit votes to BJP. This time, in constituencies like Meerut, Saharanpur, Nagina, Kairana, Etawah, Lakhimpur Kheri and Mainpuri, there is a visible shift of such voters from the BSP to the INDIA bloc, essentially looking to vote for the strongest candidate against the BJP. It must be noted that a substantial share has also been retained by the BSP. In some places, even Muslims are looking to consolidate in favour of not just the strongest candidate against the BJP but also voting beyond traditional patterns. For example, in the Nagina constituency, there is a strong consolidation of both Muslims and Dalits in favour of Chandrashekhar Azad from the Azad Samaj Party. This is because Muslims were looking for an alternative owing to the SP's silence on many issues related to the Muslim community. As one moves further away from west UP, it seems Akhilesh Yadav's PDA slogan - with P for pichhde or backward classes, D for Dalits, and A for alpsankhyak or minorities - has rung a bell. Many voters are also calling it 'Pandit harao abhiyan ' (Defeat the Brahmins campaign). The importance of being Akhilesh Yadav in this Lok Sabha election Women voters in rural areas are particularly upset with the lack of allocation of houses under the PM Awaas Yojana. Village after village, they were keen to show their abysmal living conditions. Many who got gas cylinders for the first time because of the government's much-touted Ujjwala Yojana are back to using clay stoves since they can't afford to refill their cylinders with the skyrocketing prices. Yet, despite the growing discontent among various communities, it would be wrong to underestimate the BJP. Numerically significant castes like Brahmins and Baniyas have consolidated behind the BJP across UP. Also, unlike west UP, the Rajput anger doesn't seem to have much of an impact in central and eastern UP. The BJP still has a strong cadre base across castes. As one voter in Kairana said, The voters are silent and that could mean anything. Nakul Singh Sawhney is an independent documentary filmmaker and founder of Chalchitra Abhiyaan. (Views are personal) Amethi: A tryst with destiny that wasnt to be

Bomb Blast In Puri Srikhetra Colony Leaves Youth Critically Injured

Puri: A youth sustained critical injuries following a bomb explosion at Mishra Lane in Srikhetra Colony area under Puri Municipality on Thursday. The seriously injured youth, identified as Nitai Charan Nayak of Markandeswara Sahi, was rescued and admitted to Sadar Hospital. According to Puri City DSP Prashant Kumar Sahu, Vicky Nayak was standing near Mishra [] The post Bomb Blast In Puri Srikhetra Colony Leaves Youth Critically Injured appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .

Kejriwal embraced Congress, against whom Anna protested, says Yogi Adityanath

Kejriwal embraced Congress, against whom Anna protested, says Yogi Adityanath Strongly rebutting the remarks of Aam Aadmi Party National President and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath asserted on Thursday that 'Kejriwal has lost his mind after going to jail' and added that the Delhi CM has embraced Congress against whom Anna Hazare had protested. Kejriwal, who shattered Anna Hazare's aspirations and sided with the corrupt, is now targeting me. Kejriwal has embraced Congress, against whom Anna protested... he added. CM Yogi made these comments while addressing an election rally for the Hamirpur-Mahoba Lok Sabha seat in Tindwari town in Banda district. He urged the public to cast their votes in favour of the party candidate Pushpendra Singh Chandel from this constituency. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath remarked that following his incarceration, Kejriwal likely realised his imprisonment might have been indefinite. He has shattered Anna Hazare's hopes. It must be disheartening for Anna to witness the kind of politics that has arisen from his movement, said Yogi, suggesting that Anna Hazare might never forgive him for this betrayal. Yogi also noted that since assuming power, the Aam Aadmi Party has surrounded itself with corrupt individuals. On a jocular note, Yogi added that with Kejriwal in jail, the people of Delhi felt a sense of relief, as if their 'cough' had subsided, but his release would likely cause them to 'cough' again. In his address, the Chief Minister highlighted the significance of the Tindwara Assembly, noting its historical importance in shaping the nation's trajectory. This assembly has not only produced a Chief Minister for the state but also a Prime Minister for the country. When I was invited to participate in a programme here, I felt compelled to attend, he said. He underscored the remarkable transformation witnessed in Bundelkhand over the past decade. Previously, this region was dominated by various mafias, including the mining mafia, land mafia, forest mafia, and dacoits. The SP and Congress were complicit in protecting these criminal elements, he remarked. They would nominate such individuals as public representatives, allowing the mafia and dacoits to exploit the populace and plunder the region's resources. As a result, the youth of Bundelkhand were compelled to migrate, while daughters and sisters faced the arduous task of fetching water from afar. Asserting that the people have witnessed a transformation in Bundelkhand over the past decade, Yogi declared, This is just the beginning. Bundelkhand will once again lead the country. Gone are the days when daughters and sisters had to travel miles to fetch water. Every household will now have access to tap water, and that too, purified through RO systems. He continued, In terms of connectivity, every road is being expanded to accommodate two lanes and four lanes. Tourist destinations are being developed to attract visitors. Our defence corridor will be so robust that when our soldiers fire cannons on the border, it will proudly display 'Made in Banda'. In the past, youth here struggled to find employment. However, in the next five years, the tables will turn, and the world will come here seeking job opportunities. By linking Jhansi to Chitrakoot, Mahoba, Hamirpur, and Banda, we aim to establish developed cities comparable to Noida and Greater Noida, he concluded. In a scathing critique of the opposition, the CM asserted that those who once left Bundelkhand yearning for water and development, compromised the safety of sisters and daughters, robbed youth of job opportunities, and plundered resources, should now be made to yearn for every vote. Ensure that such individuals lose their deposits in the current elections. He further remarked that parties like SP, Congress, AAP, and RJD belong to the same category. When they come into power, they exploit the common man. Fortunately, we have witnessed the transformation of India. The nation's reputation is growing globally, with welfare schemes benefiting the poor. 80 crore poor are reaping the benefits of ration, 50 crore people have their Jan-Dhan accounts opened, 12 crore farmers received the benefits of Kisan Samman Nidhi, toilets have been constructed in 12 crore households, 10 crore households received gas cylinder under Ujjawala Scheme, houses have been constructed for 4 crore poor people. All these are Modi's guarantees, he said. Uttar Pradesh's Banda will go into polls in the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha elections on May 20. (ANI)

Heavy rain lashes Warangal and Hanamkonda

Karimnagar: Two persons died and three were injured in two separate incidents of lightning amid the heavy rains that lashed the Rajanna Sircilla district on Thursday. According to the police, farmer Ramadagu Chandraiah (45), a resident of Bharat Nagar of Thangallapally mandal, died of lightning when he was doing work in his fields. In another incident, to escape from the heavy rain, some farmers took shelter under a tree in Shatrajpalli village in Vemulawada mandal. Lightning struck them. One person died and injuries were caused to three persons. The deceased farmer was Kambala Srinivas (30). The injured were shifted to a hospital for treatment. Meanwhile, heavy rain with gusty winds caused havoc in Sircilla town and various other places in the district. Several trees were uprooted in gusty winds and these fell on the roads, disrupting the vehicular movement. The roofs of the houses were blown away. With electricity poles uprooted, the power supply was affected at several places. Meanwhile, heavy rain brought relief to the people who were facing problems of the searing summer heat for the past three days in the tri-cities of Warangal, Hanamkonda and Kazipet. Heavy downpour was experienced in the evening for nearly two hours in several colonies in Kashibugga, Khila Warangal, Karimabad, Shiva Nagar, Charbouli, Enumamula, Gudibandal, Kothur Jenda, Vidyaranya puri, diesel colony and main chowrasta in Warangal and Hanamkonda cities. Several streets and roads in these colonies looked like lakes with the heavy flow of floodwater. Gusty winds followed by lightning disrupted power supply to many colonies.

Make pilgrimages blessed experiences

The Char Dham Yatra, including Puri, Rameswaram, Dwarka, and Badrinath, set a record on Day 1 with over 29,000 pilgrims at Kedarnath causing road congestion. Uttarakhand government plans a Dharmik Yatra Authority to regulate the yatra, addressing past inactions and lobbying concerns. Focus on long-term planning includes climate-resilient infra, tourist management, and employment needs.

Swati Maliwal 'assault' case: Police register FIR; Kejriwal's aide named as accused

NEW DELHI: The Delhi Police on Thursday registered an FIR in connection with the alleged assault on AAP MP Swati Maliwal by an aide of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, even as the BJP hit out at the AAP supremo for maintaining silence over the incident. Bibhav Kumar, the personal assistant of Kejriwal, has been named as an accused in the case, officials said. He has also been summoned by the National Commission for Women (NCW) on Friday over the matter. The FIR was registered after Maliwal's statement was recorded by a two-member team, led by Additional Commissioner of Police P S Kushwaha. It was at the Rajya Sabha member's residence in Central Delhi for nearly four and a half hours. Officials said the FIR has been registered under Indian Penal Code sections pertaining to violence against a woman. The development comes two days after Maliwal went to the Civil Lines police station and alleged that a member of Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Kejriwal's personal staff assaulted her at the CM's official residence. In a post on X after the police team left her residence, Maliwal said she has recorded her statement with the Delhi Police on what happened with her and urged the BJP to not indulge in politics. Hope appropriate action is taken. Whatever happened with me was extremely bad, said the MP. She also said, The past days have been very difficult for me. I thank those who prayed. Those who tried to indulge in character assassination, said that I was doing it at the behest of the other party, God bless them too. Kejriwal avoids question on Swati Maliwal 'assault'; Sanjay Singh accuses BJP of 'playing political games' According to sources, in her police complaint, Maliwal has named Kumar as the main person who allegedly assaulted her when she had gone to meet Kejriwal on Monday. The BJP attacked Kejriwal after he refused to comment on the Maliwal assault matter during a press conference in Lucknow. He was flanked by Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav and AAP Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Singh. Kejriwal avoided a question on the issue and it was fielded by Singh who said his party has already made its stand clear on the issue. On Tuesday, at a press conference in Delhi, Singh had accepted that Kumar had misbehaved with Maliwal. When Kejriwal was avoiding the question, Yadav took the microphone and said, There are more important things than that. He then unfolded a piece of paper and said, BJP people are not with anyone, it is a 'gang' that lodges false cases. Singh then took the microphone from the SP chief, and said the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi should answer for atrocities against women during the party's rule. BJP national spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia claimed that Kejriwal is the main criminal in the complaint that his aide Kumar had physically attacked Maliwal at the chief minister's residence, as he cited the telephone call she had made to the Delhi Police to report the matter. His (Kejriwal) silence speaks a lot. Out of jail, he is more a 'goonda' than a chief minister, he told reporters, noting that Kumar was seen with the chief minister in Lucknow. Swati Maliwal assault issue: BJP steps up attack after Bibhav Kumar seen with Kejriwal at Lucknow Airport Stringent action should be taken against the accused in the case, he said. Kumar, he noted, was photographed with Kejriwal during his visit to Lucknow. During the press conference in the Uttar Pradesh capital, Singh, who had met Maliwal at her residence on Wednesday, said, The AAP is our family. Party has made its view clear. He also targeted the BJP government at the Centre by raising the issue of a Manipuri woman being paraded naked, the Prajwal Revanna sex scandal and Maliwal being eaten up by police during protests by wrestlers when she was the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) chief. I want that BJP and PM should also answer on the issues I have kept before you. He (PM) should answer on the issue of Swati Maliwal, who was dragged and beaten when she went to seek justice for the female wrestlers. I just want to say don't play political games on the issues, he said. The NCW summoned Kumar after taking suo moto cognisance of a media post titled Ex-DCW chief Swati Maliwal accuses Arvind Kejriwal's personal secretary of assaulting her, where she claimed that she was brutally assaulted at the chief minister's residence by Kumar. In light of these accusations, the commission issued a notice, emphasising that failure to comply could result in further actions as deemed necessary by them. Reacting to the incident, the Congress said strict action should be taken against the person who was involved in the alleged assault on Maliwal. The Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party are fighting the Lok Sabha elections under the banner of INDIA bloc in the national capital. Congress spokesperson Ragini Nayak said the party's stand in the matter has been absolutely clear. If any crime takes place against a woman, whoever is involved in the crime, whether he belongs to any political party or not, strictest action should be taken against him. (AAP MP) Sanjay Singh also said the same thing and the Congress also said the same, Nayak said. The Mahila Morcha of the Delhi BJP also extended support to Maliwal, writing a letter to her saying the incident was a matter of honour of women in the country. The letter written by its president Richa Pandey Mishra, a former AAP leader, urged Maliwal to approach police to ensure that strict action be taken against the guilty.

Maliwal 'assault' case: Police register FIR, Delhi CM Kejriwal's aide named as accused

Maliwal 'assault' case: Police register FIR, Delhi CM Kejriwal's aide named as accused The Delhi Police on Thursday registered an FIR in connection with the alleged assault on AAP MP Swati Maliwal by an aide of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, even as the BJP hit out at the AAP supremo for maintaining silence over the incident. Bibhav Kumar, the personal assistant of Kejriwal, has been named as an accused in the case, officials said. He has also been summoned by the National Commission for Women (NCW) on Friday over the matter. The FIR was registered after Maliwal's statement was recorded by a two-member team, led by Additional Commissioner of Police P S Kushwaha. It was at the Rajya Sabha member's residence in Central Delhi for nearly four and a half hours. Officials said the FIR has been registered under Indian Penal Code sections pertaining to violence against a woman. The development comes two days after Maliwal went to the Civil Lines police station and alleged that a member of Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Kejriwal's personal staff ''assaulted'' her at the CM's official residence. In a post on X after the police team left her residence, Maliwal said she has recorded her statement with the Delhi Police on what happened with her and urged the BJP to not indulge in politics. ''Hope appropriate action is taken. Whatever happened with me was extremely bad,'' said the MP. She also said, ''The past days have been very difficult for me. I thank those who prayed. Those who tried to indulge in character assassination, said that I was doing it at the behest of the other party, God bless them too.'' According to sources, in her police complaint, Maliwal has named Kumar as the ''main person'' who allegedly assaulted her when she had gone to meet Kejriwal on Monday. The BJP attacked Kejriwal after he refused to comment on the Maliwal ''assault'' matter during a press conference in Lucknow. He was flanked by Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav and AAP Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Singh. Kejriwal avoided a question on the issue and it was fielded by Singh who said his party has already made its stand clear on the issue. On Tuesday, at a press conference in Delhi, Singh had accepted that Kumar had ''misbehaved'' with Maliwal. When Kejriwal was avoiding the question, Yadav took the microphone and said, ''There are more important things than that''. He then unfolded a piece of paper and said, ''BJP people are not with anyone, it is a 'gang' that lodges false cases''. Singh then took the microphone from the SP chief, and said the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi should answer for atrocities against women during the party's rule. BJP national spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia claimed that Kejriwal is the main ''criminal'' in the complaint that his aide Kumar had physically attacked Maliwal at the chief minister's residence, as he cited the telephone call she had made to the Delhi Police to report the matter. ''His (Kejriwal) silence speaks a lot. Out of jail, he is more a 'goonda' than a chief minister,'' he told reporters, noting that Kumar was seen with the chief minister in Lucknow. Stringent action should be taken against the accused in the case. Kumar, he noted, was photographed with Kejriwal during his visit to Lucknow. During the press conference in the Uttar Pradesh capital, Singh, who had met Maliwal at her residence on Wednesday, said, ''The AAP is our family. Party has made its view clear.'' He also targeted the BJP government at the Centre by raising the issue of a Manipuri woman being paraded naked, the Prajwal Revanna sex scandal and Maliwal being ''beaten up'' by police during protests by wrestlers when she was the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) chief. ''I want that BJP and PM should also answer on the issues I have kept before you. He (PM) should answer on the issue of Swati Maliwal, who was dragged and beaten when she went to seek justice for the female wrestlers. I just want to say don't play political games on the issues,'' he said. The NCW summoned Kumar after taking suo moto cognisance of a media post titled ''Ex-DCW chief Swati Maliwal accuses Arvind Kejriwal's personal secretary of assaulting her'', where she claimed that she was brutally assaulted at the chief minister's residence by Kumar. In light of these accusations, the commission issued a notice, emphasising that failure to comply could result in further actions as deemed necessary by them. Reacting to the incident, the Congress said strict action should be taken against the person who was involved in the alleged assault on Maliwal. The Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party are fighting the Lok Sabha elections under the banner of INDIA bloc in the national capital. Congress spokesperson Ragini Nayak said the party's stand in the matter has been absolutely clear. ''If any crime takes place against a woman, whoever is involved in the crime, whether he belongs to any political party or not, strictest action should be taken against him. (AAP MP) Sanjay Singh also said the same thing and the Congress also said the same,'' Nayak said. The Mahlia Morcha of the Delhi BJP also extended support to Maliwal, writing a letter to her saying the incident was a matter of honour of women in the country. The letter written by its president Richa Pandey Mishra, a former AAP leader, urged Maliwal to approach police to ensure that strict action be taken against the guilty.

Talking to morning walkers, playing badminton with voters BJP goes all out in Delhi for LS polls

Talking to morning walkers, playing badminton with voters BJP goes all out in Delhi for LS polls BJP's Lok Sabha candidates in the national capital pulled out all stops as part of its voter outreach on Thursday -- talking to morning walkers at parks, playing badminton with people and taking out roadshows ahead of the Lok Sabha polls in Delhi. New Delhi Lok Sabha constituency candidate Bansuri Swaraj played badminton with youngsters at Ajmal Khan park in her constituency. Senior BJP leader and two-time MP Manoj Tiwari, campaigning for party's Chandni Chowk candidate Praveen Khandelwal, said that 90 per cent of problems created by the Aam Aadmi Party government in Delhi will be solved after BJP wins the polls. Tiwari, a famous Bhojpuri singer and actor contesting from the North East Delhi constituency for the third time in a row, held a roadshow in support of Khandelwal. Tiwari also addressed a poll meeting of Purvanchali people in West Delhi constituency's Vikas Puri seeking support for BJP candidate Kamaljeet Sehrawat. Senior party leaders led by Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva earlier in the day visited parks across the city and campaigned among morning walkers for the polls. Sachdeva said that during the campaign BJP workers were able to meet and greet around 50,000 people directly. ''Most people we met in parks expressed gratitude towards Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for the development India has seen in last decade. At several parks, people greeted BJP leaders by saying 'Jo Ram Mandir Laye Hain, Hum Unko Layenge,''' he said. South Delhi parliamentary constituency candidate Ramveer Singh Bidhuri also appealed to morning walkers to cast their votes. Polling for seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi will be held on May 25.

BJP vows to find missing Ratna Bhandar key if elected in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: The BJP will ensure that the missing key of the Ratna Bhandar at Puris Jagannath temple is found if it is voted to power in Odisha, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said Thursday. Sarma addressed back-to-back election rallies in Brajarajnagar in Jharsuguda, Bonai in Sundargarh district, Attabira in Bargarh and Jatni in Khurda []

What are gold, silver hallmarking charges? Check details and importance

Gold and silver jewellery require hallmarking for purity assurance under Indian standards. Charges are fixed per article, with testing at recognized centres for BIS compliance. HUID codes ensure traceability and lifetime validity.

Congress Should Rise Above Plea Bargaining, Seize Power: TNCC Chief

Congress Should Rise Above Plea Bargaining, Seize Power: TNCC Chief TNCC chief K Selvaperunthagai deplored the present plight of his party in fighting elections in the shadow of the Dravidian majors, and appealed to cadres to strive to capture power in the state. Wondering how long the party should plead for seats from its ally, he said it was time that the Congress grew in stature and captured power in the 2026 assembly election. ''The Congress has been dependent on alliance partners in obtaining seats at the time of elections for 57 years from 1967,'' Selvaperunthagai told party workers at a meeting in Dharmapuri on Wednesday, without naming the DMK or the AIADMK. ''This situation should change. The party should grow to apportion seats to other parties instead of asking for seats. The party workers should work hard to establish late Chief Minister Kamaraj's rule,'' the TNCC chief, on a mission to revive the grand old party's lost glory, said. He urged the Congress cadres to gear up for the state assembly election to be held in two years. ''Should we still be silent? We should not delay further. The party infrastructure should be strengthened. How long will we ask for seats? It is time to grow in stature and give seats to allies,'' he said at the meeting. Selvaperunthagai further claimed that the Congress had ''wasted 57 years'' without power in Tamil Nadu. The Congress had ruled the state for 20 years from 1947 and was sent packing in the 1967 elections, which saw the emergence of the DMK and signalled the strengthening of Dravidian politics in the state. Since then, the Congress has been fighting electoral battles in the shadows of the DMK or the AIADMK, though the party has been enjoying strong ties with the DMK since 2004. In 1989, the Congress made a bid to avoid alliances with the Dravidian parties when G K Moopanar was the state party chief but it fell short of the target. Later, the party suffered a split when Moopanar launched the Tamil Maanila Congress in 1996. However, he aligned with the DMK under the leadership of its then president M Karunanidhi. Following Moopanar's death, his son G K Vasan merged the faction with the Congress in 2002 only to revive it in 2014. Vasan is now an ally of the BJP. Since it lost power, the Congress has been attempting to revive the golden rule of Kamaraj but this has been elusive till now.

PM Modi To Hold Roadshow In Puri On May 20

Puri: Prime Minister Sri Narendra Modi will visit Odisha on May 20 and hold a roadshow in Puri after visiting Sri Jagannath Temple, said BJPs candidate from Puri Lok Sabha seat, Sambit Patra. The post PM Modi To Hold Roadshow In Puri On May 20 appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .

Manipur: Government Allots 30 Acre Grassland To Conserve Endangered Polo Ponies

In a significant development, the Manipur government has allotted 30 acres of grassland to conserve the endangered polo ponies at Lamphelpat in Imphal West district. Manipur CM Biren Singh took to his official social media handles to announced this development. To protect the endangered Manipuri Pony, they are now being given a new home at... The post Manipur: Government Allots 30 Acre Grassland To Conserve Endangered Polo Ponies appeared first on Northeast Today .

Congress must mature and seize power, says TNCC chief

Congress must mature and seize power, says TNCC chief The Congress, which has been out of power in Tamil Nadu for over five decades, is attempting to stage a bid to capture power in the state in the 2026 assembly elections. TNCC chief K Selvaperunthagai deplored the present plight of his party in fighting elections in the shadow of the Dravidian majors, and appealed to cadres to strive to capture power in the state. ''The Congress has been dependent on alliance partners in obtaining seats at the time of elections for 57 years from 1967,'' Selvaperunthagai told party workers at a meeting in Dharmapuri on Wednesday, without naming the DMK or the AIADMK. ''This situation should change. The party should grow to apportion seats to other parties instead of asking for seats. The party workers should work hard to establish late Chief Minister Kamaraj's rule,'' the TNCC chief on a mission to revive the grand old party's lost glory, said. He urged the Congress cadres to gear up for the state assembly election to be held in two years. ''Should we still be silent? We should not delay further. The party infrastructure should be strengthened. How long will we ask for seats? It is time to grow in stature and give seats to allies,'' he said at the meeting. Selvaperunthagai further claimed that the Congress had ''wasted 57 years'' without power in Tamil Nadu. The Congress had ruled the state for 20 years from 1947 and was sent packing home in the 1967 elections, which saw the emergence of the DMK signaling the commencement of Dravidian politics in the state. Since then, the Congress has been fighting electoral battles in the shadows of the DMK or the AIADMK, though the party has been enjoying strong ties with the DMK since 2004. In 1989, the Congress made a bid to avoid alliances with the Dravidian parties when G K Moopanar was the state party chief but it fell short of the target. Later, the party suffered a split when Moopanar launched the Tamil Maanila Congress in 1996. However, he aligned with the DMK under the leadership of its president M Karunanidhi, then. Following Moopanar's death, his son G K Vasan merged the faction with the Congress in 2002 only to revive it in 2014. Vasan is now an ally of the BJP. Since it lost power, the Congress has been attempting to revive the golden rule of Kamaraj but this has been elusive till now.

Heavy to very heavy rain likely to pour in several districts of Tamil Nadu till May 20

CHENNAI: The regional meteorological centre on Thursday said that heavy to very heavy rain is likely to occur at isolated places in Kanniyakumari, Tirunelveli and Tenkasi districts till May 19. It also gave the same forecast for Thoothukudi and Theni on Friday; Theni, Coimbatore and The Nilgiris on Saturday and Sunday, and Dindigul on Sunday. The centre also added that isolated heavy to very heavy rain with extremely heavy rain at one or two places is likely to occur over the Ghat areas of Coimbatore, Nilgiris, Dindigul, and Theni, districts. Kanniyakumari, Tirunelveli and Tenkasi on May 20. According to the forecast, heavy rain is likely to occur at isolated places over Virudhunagar, Madurai, Pudukkottai, Tiruvarur, Thanjavur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Tiruppur, and Erode districts and Karaikal area. It is also likely to rain in Sivaganga, Ramanathapuram, Dindigul, Coimbatore, the Nilgiris on Friday, Tiruchirappalli, Karur, Namakkal, Salem, Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri, Tirupattur, Thoothukudi, Ramanathapuram, Sivaganga, Dindigul on Saturday and Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri, Salem, Tiruchirappalli, Namakkal and Karur on Sunday. A father-daughter duo holds an umbrella while travelling on two-wheeler in Pondicherry on Thursday. As far as the general forecast, it said that light to moderate rain at many places with thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds with speeds reaching 40-50 kmph at one or two places is likely to occur over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal area till May 20. The maximum temperature is likely to fall gradually by 3-4C at many places for the next five days and it will be below normal to normal in most parts. In Chennai, the maximum temperature is likely to be around 29C and the minimum temperature is likely to be 26-27C on Friday. While sky conditions will be cloudy, moderate rain with thunderstorms and lightning is likely to occur in some areas. In the 24 hours ending on Thursday morning, Pattukkottai in Thanjavur district registered the highest of 16 cm of rain, Singampunari in Sivagangai district 14 cm and Mannargudi in Thiruvarur 13 cm. Chennai and suburban areas also received widespread rains on Thursday.

Hi-tech rollout: Nagpurians to get smart prepaid power meters after LS poll results

Nagpur: The Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) is poised to introduce smart prepaid electricity meters across the State, after the Lok Sabha (LS) poll results. This strategic timing aims to mitigate potential negative consumer reactions and ensure a smooth transition to the new system. While no meters have been installed as of yet, [] The post Hi-tech rollout: Nagpurians to get smart prepaid power meters after LS poll results appeared first on Nagpur Today : Nagpur News .

Politics only place where youths are fewer: JJP candidate Rahul Yadav Fazilpuria

JJP candidate Rahul Yadav Fazilpuria calls for youth leadership in politics, highlighting the revolution needed to empower the youth, who represent India's largest youth population. He engages in street-corner meetings, emphasizing efforts to increase youth participation in various fields.

Which planet starts giving auspicious results with the remedy of turmeric?

Astrology, the ancient science of celestial bodies and their impact on human lives, has long fascinated and guided individuals seeking insight into their destiny. According to Vedic astrology, each planet is believed to exert a unique influence, shaping various aspects of our existence. Among these celestial bodies, Jupiter, the benevolent planet associated with wisdom, prosperity, and spirituality, holds a significant place. Understanding Planetary Remedies In Vedic astrology, planetary remedies are prescribed to alleviate the adverse effects of malefic planets and enhance the positive influence of auspicious ones. These remedies often involve rituals, prayers, gemstones, and even simple yet powerful elements from nature. The Potent Power of Turmeric Turmeric, a vibrant golden spice revered for its culinary and medicinal properties, holds a special place in Hindu culture and Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine. Beyond its culinary uses, turmeric is also valued for its auspicious and purifying qualities. Unlocking Jupiter's Blessings with Turmeric Among the nine celestial bodies in Vedic astrology, Jupiter, known as Guru or Brihaspati, is revered as the Guru of the Devas and symbolizes wisdom, knowledge, and fortune. When Jupiter is afflicted in one's birth chart or undergoing challenging transits, it may lead to obstacles in various aspects of life, including education, finances, and spiritual growth. The Remedy: Harnessing Turmeric's Potency Astrologers often recommend remedies to strengthen the positive influence of Jupiter and mitigate its adverse effects. One such powerful remedy involves the use of turmeric, a sacred herb with potent purifying properties. Implementation of the Turmeric Remedy To perform this remedy, you'll need: Turmeric Powder: Obtain high-quality turmeric powder from a trusted source. Water: Pure and clean water for mixing the turmeric. Devotion: Approach the remedy with faith and sincerity. Step-by-Step Procedure: Choose an Auspicious Day: Select a Thursday, the day ruled by Jupiter, to perform the remedy. Purification: Begin by purifying yourself through a bath or shower. Preparation: Mix a small amount of turmeric powder with water, creating a paste. Invocation: Light a ghee lamp or incense and offer prayers to Jupiter, seeking his blessings. Application: Apply the turmeric paste on your forehead, symbolizing the activation of Jupiter's positive energy. Mantra Recitation: Chant the Jupiter mantra Om Guruve Namaha or any other Jupiter-related mantra with devotion. Gratitude: Express gratitude to Jupiter for his blessings and guidance. Regular Practice: Repeat this remedy on consecutive Thursdays for an extended period to enhance its effectiveness. The Auspicious Results As per astrological beliefs, implementing the turmeric remedy with sincerity and devotion can attract the benevolent blessings of Jupiter. This may manifest in various positive outcomes, including: Wisdom and Knowledge: Enhanced intellect, learning, and academic success. Prosperity and Abundance: Financial stability, wealth accumulation, and business growth. Spiritual Growth: Deepened spiritual insights, inner peace, and alignment with higher purpose. Protection from Negativity: Shielding against malefic influences and obstacles on the path of progress. Embracing Jupiter's Blessings In the intricate tapestry of cosmic energies, Jupiter's influence shines brightly as a harbinger of wisdom, prosperity, and spiritual growth. By harnessing the potent power of turmeric as a remedy, individuals can seek Jupiter's benevolent blessings and navigate life's journey with confidence and grace. Indian Football Icon Sunil Chhetri Announces Retirement: Farewell Match Set for June 6th Here's What India's Ambitious AI Agenda Means for Food Processing Here's How LG Aims to Strengthen TV Leadership in India with These Tailored Products

Watch: Mohammed Shami Embraces The Favours Of Life, Enjoys Pani Puri

Ace bowler Mohammed Shami recently took to Instagram to share a reel about savouring pani puri. He is seen assembling the dish for himself.

Will open Shree Jagannath temple's 4 doors in six hrs says Amit Shah

CUTTACK/BERHAMPUR: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday made two big promises to the people if the BJP government is elected in the state. The first would be opening all the four doors of Shree Jagannath temple at Puri for devotees within six hours of the party chief minister taking oath and the second ensuring that all the people who fell victim to the chit fund scam get back their lost deposits within one-and-a-half years. Speaking to mediapersons during his massive roadshow in Cuttack in the evening, Shah also said the findings of the enquiry report of Lord Jagannath temples Ratna Bhandar missing keys will be made public within a month of BJP forming government in Odisha. Alleging that the BJD government was not cooperating in the probe into the chit fund scam, Shah said, We declare to return money to all those who have lost their deposits. Besides, all those involved in the chit fund scam will be sent to jail. Asserting that the BJP chief minister will take oath on June 10, Shah said there was widespread resentment among the people against the Naveen Patnaik regime in the state. The pride of Odisha and dignity of Odias are the main issues. We do not have any personal dispute with Naveen Babu. But the people of Odisha have a problem with the non-Odia officer who is ruling the state as his proxy, he said. Before his roadshow in Cuttack, Shah addressed an election meeting in Sorada in Ganjam district where he came down heavily on the Naveen Patnaik government for hijacking Central government schemes. Prime Minister Narendra Modi sends 5 kg of rice to every individual every month, benefiting 80 crore people across the country, including Odisha. However, Naveen Patnaiks government puts his photo on the rice sacks and claims credit for it. The Central government led by Prime Minister Modi is focused on providing essentials like rice, whereas Naveen Patnaik government is only interested in symbolic gestures, he said. The people of Odisha have bid farewell to Naveen Patnaik, signalling the end of his tenure, and now the BJPs chief minister is set to take over, he added. Shah further alleged that the Naveen Patnaik government has set Odisha back by 50 years in 25 years. Gujarat, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh have no villages without roads, but Odisha still has 6,412 villages without roads. The people should choose the lotus, and within two years, Modi Ji will ensure construction of roads in every village, he stated. He also promised that the BJP government will establish irrigation facilities, set up ethanol factories, and ensure cooperative sugarcane milling to make sugarcane farming lucrative for farmers. Ganjam is Naveen Patnaiks area, and he has been the chief minister for 25 years, but not a single factory has been established here. There is no drinking water supply, no irrigation system, and no cold storage facilities. If the people of Ganjam make the BJP victorious in Lok Sabha and their six Assembly constituencies, it will work to make Ganjam district the number one district in the country, he said.

Post LS poll verdict, new political chapter will be scripted in Telangana: BJP state chief Kishan Reddy

HYDERABAD: Stating that there was a silent wave in favour of the BJP during the Telangana phase of Lok Sabha elections, BJP state president G Kishan Reddy said that a new political chapter will begin in Telangana after the peoples verdict is announced on June 4. Speaking to reporters in Delhi on Wednesday, Kishan Reddy exuded confidence that the BJP would emerge as an alternative force in Telangana. He said that the BRS, which became irrelevant in the state, would disappear after the Lok Sabha results are announced. Kishan, who sought re-election from the Secunderabad Lok Sabha segment, alleged that both the Congress and BRS failed to fulfil the promises made to the people of Telangana. Instead of focusing on the states development and future of the people, both the BRS and Congress are practising vote bank politics, he alleged. The BJP leader said that the state will soon face a financial crisis. The state government implemented only one scheme -- free travel for women in RTC buses. The government should reimburse the amount to RTC every month under this scheme, he said. Kishan also demanded that the government spell out its stand on the Dalit Bandhu, fee reimbursement scheme and others, which were not being implemented now. The Congress government should also implement its assurances given to the people in the elections, he said. On the low turnout in the Lok Sabha polls in urban areas, Kishan said that the voters list should be purified. He alleged that the names of a large number of voters were deleted in the elections, especially those who support the BJP. He said that he would meet the Chief Election Commissioner on Thursday to lodge a complaint over this issue. He also suggested that the voter cards should be linked with Aadhar cards so that the real voters will not be denied the right to exercise their franchise. He alleged that rigging took place in several booths in Hyderabad Lok Sabha segment.

Foe-turned-friend: Kejriwal holds roadshows for Congress nominees

NEW DELHI: May 15 marked a new day in the political discourse of the national capital, as AAPs national convener and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal held a roadshow in support of Congress candidates for the Lok Sabha elections. Bitter rivals AAP and Congress, both members of the opposition INDIA bloc allies, are in a poll alliance in Delhi with a 4:3 seat-sharing agreement. They are also fighting together in Haryana and Gujarat. At Model Town, an assembly segment of Chandni Chowk, where former MP Jai Prakash Agarwal is contesting on a Congress ticket, Kejriwal said it is the voters hand whether he will return to jail. If you press the lotus button [BJP symbol] on May 25 [election day], I will have to go to jail and if you press the hand [Congress symbol] button, I may not have to, he claimed. Clearing the possible doubt in voters minds, he said, There is an alliance between the Congress and the AAP. Jai Prakash is a Congress contestant. You will not find the broom [AAP symbol] on the EVM. He urged the AAP supporters to elect a Congress nominee. During the road show in Jahangirpuri, which falls under the North West constituency, the Delhi CM highlighted the development work of the AAP-led Delhi government. We built 500 schools here and raised the quality of education to global standards, he said, and he trained guns at Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led central government by questioning the number of schools built by the Centre in the past ten years. Over the 400-plus seat poll slogan of the BJP, Kejriwal alleged that the saffron party wants to change the Constitution of the country and end the reservation for OBCs, SCs and STs. They repeatedly say they are crossing 400 marks but are not telling why 400 seats were needed. They say that Modi ji will do great things. They need 400 seats to end reservations for OBC, SC and ST. But, they will be unable to get even 250 seats, he alleged. He claimed that the INDIA bloc will form the next government. I have spoken to many across the country. Their [BJP] seats are decreasing in Rajasthan, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Jharkhand and Punjab. They [BJP] are going to be eliminated from Delhi. Then how can their government be formed?, he asked.

Patel Nagar: AAP turncoat Raj Anand makes it a three-cornered contest

NEW DELHI: Established after partition as a colony for refugees from Pakistan, Patel Nagar has developed into a posh residential locality with clean, tree-lined streets and parks. The area is also well connected by metro, with three stations on the Blue Line located in and around Patel Nagar. Residents in these colonies have little to complain about, with the exception of occasional traffic congestion, parking troubles, and mushrooming PGs and hostels. However, the situation is entirely different in the nearby localities of Baljit Nagar, Ranjeet Nagar, Babu Farid Puri and the village of Shadipur. Rampant crime, water shortage, poor sanitation, and narrow and congested lanes are among the issues crippling the everyday life of residents. Petty crimes like theft have always been a problem here, but now we are seeing more serious crimes like murders. We now advise our daughters to avoid going out after dark, said Ram Chander, a resident of Baljit Nagar The Patel Nagar area has been a fortress for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) over the past decade. The party won all the wards in Patel Nagar in the 2022 MCD elections. It also won the Patel Nagar seat in the last three assembly elections, despite fielding different candidates in each election. Raj Kumar Anand, a businessman and activist, won the seat by a landslide margin of over 30,000 votes in 2020 on an AAP ticket. His wife, Veen Anand, had previously won the seat in 2013, also on an AAP ticket. Raj Kumar, also a cabinet minister, resigned from the party on April 10, weeks after Chief Minister Kejriwals arrest, citing corruption. He subsequently joined the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and will contest the polls from the New Delhi Lok Saha constituency, including Patel Nagar. The addition of Anand into the fray in New Delhi has added a new dimension to the high-profile constituency. The BJP has replaced incumbent MP Meenakshi Lekhi with Bansuri Swaraj, a supreme court lawyer and daughter of former Union Minister Sushma Swaraj. She will be up against the INDIA alliance candidate, AAPs Somnath Bharti. Another lawyer, Bharti has won three consecutive elections from the Malviya Nagar assembly.

Leopards day out in Nagpur locality, makes calf a victim!?

Nagpur: A leopard has come back to haunt Nagpurians and this time it has ventured into the residential area near Gorewada International Zoo. In Zingabai Takli area of West Nagpur, a leopard is suspected to have killed a calf on Wednesday night. The incident, as per the reports, occurred around 10 pm in Sawant Society. [] The post Leopards day out in Nagpur locality, makes calf a victim!? appeared first on Nagpur Today : Nagpur News .

Sambalpuri Handloom Shines At Cannes Film Festival! Filmmaker Jitendra Mishra & Partha Panda In Sambalpuri Attire On Red Carpet!

Cannes: While the much-awaited Cannes Film Festival 2024 kicks off with celebrated stars, filmmakers and influencers from across the globe yesterday, an internationally acclaimed filmmaker from Odisha, Jitendra Mishra and entrepreneur and non-resident Odia, Partha Panda made a mark at the one-of-a-kindinternational event by appearing in Sambalpuri attire. They are currently visiting the festival for [] The post Sambalpuri Handloom Shines At Cannes Film Festival! Filmmaker Jitendra Mishra & Partha Panda In Sambalpuri Attire On Red Carpet! appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .

Jyeshtha Month: Date, Importance And Major Muhurtas You Need To Know

Dr. Ganesh Mishra, astrologer of Puri's Central Sanskrit University shared the important dates of major festivals and fasts.

BJD has a task at hand to reclaim prestigious Puri Assembly seat

PURI: After losing the prestigious Puri Assembly segment in 2019 to the Bharatiya Janata Party, the Biju Janata Dal is determined to reclaim it this year. It is making all out efforts to keep dissent at bay and garner as much support to win the seat back. In 2019, BJD heavyweight and former minister Maheswar Mohanty narrowly lost to BJPs Jayant Sarangi. However, after Mohantys passing, the BJD has nominated his son, Sunil Mohanty for the seat this year. To ensure victory of Mohanty junior and curb dissent, the BJD nominated Subhasis Khuntia, the main detractor of Maheswar Mohanty, to Rajya Sabha while Dibakar Patra was posted as the district party president. This apart, on Monday, the ruling party elevated Daita servitor Ramakrishna Dasmahapatra by appointing him as one of the state general secretaries, Arun Kumar Mishra and Pritam Jagdeb as vice presidents of BJD state youth wing. Besides, a nine-member body of senior leaders including two former civic body chairpersons has been formed to look after the electioneering. Fourteen candidates are in the fray this election. Sujit Mahapatra, whose Congress ticket was revoked, is now running as an Independent candidate. However, the fight has finally turned triangular among BJD, BJP with the entry of Umaballav Rath of Congress. Puri seat was historically the Janata Partys bastion before it went to Janata Dal, and later to the BJD till BJPs Sarangi won it last time. Sarangi won the previous election by securing 76,747 votes against Mohantys 72,739. Sarangi whose base voters are servitors of Srimandir is in a tight spot as Harekrushna Simhari, an influential servitor, has jumped into the fray as an Independent. Before joining BJP in 2019 just before the elections, Sarangi was in BJD and served as chairman of Puri civic body. A protg of Maheswar Mohanty, Sarangi during his five-year tenure as MLA claims he was instrumental in almost all the development works of Puri. Known for his organisational skills and polite demeanour, Congress nominee Rath is expected to make inroads into both BJD and BJP vote banks. He had a significant victory in his fight against the Vedanta University project. He has supporters primarily in the area where the university project was being planned but in other parts of Puri Sadar constituency, he may find little help. His late nomination could also be a problem. The upcoming elections are crucial for all parties involved. The BJD is striving to regain the seat from the BJP, while the BJP aims to consolidate its position. The Congress, with its new nominee, hopes to make a mark in the electoral landscape. The BJD would like to focus on the Shree Jagannath Parikrama project and other infrastructure initiatives, adding another dimension to the electoral discourse. Political analysts closely monitoring the situation feel that the ruling party must remain vigilant against potential sabotage from within, as experienced in the 2019 elections.

Bhojpuri star Pawan Singh says he will contest from Bihars Karakat LS seat at any cost

Bhojpuri star Pawan Singh says he will contest from Bihars Karakat LS seat at any cost Patna: Bhojpuri star Pawan Singh has said that he will not withdraw his candidature from Bihars Karakat Lok Sabha seat at any cost. The actor-politician made the remarks on Wednesday after senior BJP leader and Bihar minister Prem [] The post Bhojpuri star Pawan Singh says he will contest from Bihars Karakat LS seat at any cost appeared first on Mangalorean.com .

Shillong Civil Hospital dialysis unit under stress

The Dialysis Unit in Shillong Civil Hospital is gasping for air as the number of patients has increased considerably ever since it started in 2017. The recent breakdown of the Reverse Osmosis plant that purifies water for dialysis treatments to ensure patients receive safe and clean water, may not be able to cater to patients [] The post Shillong Civil Hospital dialysis unit under stress first appeared on Highland Post .

Tiruchy exceeds pulse cultivation target by 240 acres

TIRUCHY: Even though the government set a target of 2,717 acres for pulse cultivation in the district this summer season, the agriculture department has exceeded the target area by 240 acres. The season's target area is 161 acres more as compared to last year. Despite the prevailing water scarcity for nearly a year in delta districts, including Tiruchy, farmers in the district have achieved the target with the help of available groundwater tables and adopting micro-irrigation techniques, officials said. Gingelly crops are extensively cultivated in the Lalgudi block of the Tiruchy district, followed by Manapparai, Marungapuri and Uppiliyapuram blocks. Farmers in certain parts of Lalgudi block have raised black gram crops too. In several parts of Manapparai and Marungapuri blocks, farmers have cultivated groundnut and black gram, officials said. The target for this summer season was to cultivate gingelly on 1,976 acres, black gram and other pulses on 494 acres and groundnut on 247 acres. However, farmers have exceeded expectations by covering 2,957 acres, surpassing the targeted area of 2,717 acres, said N Kannan, deputy director of agriculture (pulses). Despite water shortage, farmers from Tiruchy district managed to grow crops on 2,957 acres this summer, the deputy director told TNIE . Currently, all crops are in the flowering stage in the district. While it takes 90 days to harvest groundnut, the other two crops can be harvested within 60 days, he said. It is expected that gingelly and pulses will be ready for harvest by the first week of July, Kannan stated. With limited groundwater tables, farmers have started adopting micro-irrigation techniques such as drip irrigation and sprinklers to use water judiciously, he said. Seven regulated markets are present in the Tiruchy district, and facilities at Lalgudi and Thuvarankuruchi blocks are seeing an increase in footfalls during the harvest season, he added.

When Arvind Kejriwal held 1st roadshow for Delhis 3 Congress candidates

CM Arvind Kejriwal urged people to vote for 'INDIA' bloc candidates in all seven Delhi seats on May 25, warning of going back to jail if BJP wins. He held roadshows supporting Congress candidates for Lok Sabha polls, joined by Delhi Congress president in Model Town and Jahangirpuri.

Agricultural university pays homage toSurjit Patar, Dr Karam Singh Nandpuri

Manipuri Pony finds new home in sanctuary

Naveen has taken Odisha back by 50 years: Amit Shah

Amit Shah criticizes Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik for setting the state back 50 years. Shah accuses Naveen of hindering Ram Utsav attendance and misusing Modi's rice aid. V K Pandian hints BJP will regress state 25 years if elected. Shah pledges to open Puri's Sri Jagannath Temple gates and protect Ratna Bhandar's glory if BJP wins.

Urban Voter Apathy Continues in Nizamabad Segment

Nizamabad: The Nizamabad Urban Assembly constituency reported the lowest turnout in Parliament elections this time. Of the seven Assembly constituencies, Balkonda topped the polling with a 74.75 per cent turnout and Nizamabad Urban polled 61.83 per cent. As usual, urban voters did not show much interest in the polls. The voting percentage in the minority areas also decreased this time. The Election Commissions efforts to get the maximum voters to polling booths failed. Under the Nizamabad LS constituency, Nizamabad Urban is an exclusive urban assembly segment. Before the delimitation of the assembly constituency, Nizamabad had 19 villages in the Nizamabad mandal. After delimitation, Nizamabad turned into an exclusively urban constituency, which covers Nizamabad municipal corporation limits. Nizamabad has been the district headquarters for more than a century and it has a population of around five lakh urbanites. Many people came and settled down in the town for education, employment, and other needs areas in the undivided Nizamabad district. The minority population is sizable in the town. Muslims from neighbouring Bhainsa, Bhokar, Nanded, Biloli, etc came and set up homes in the town. To garner the support of voters, the Congress, BJP and BRS leaders conducted the intensified campaign in all 60 municipal divisions. In the last assembly elections, the polling was at 61.67 per cent in Nizamabad urban. The trend continued in the LS polls this time. Of the total 3,04,317 votes, 1,88,159 votes (61.83 per cent) were polled in the town. Congress leaders focussed both on majority and minority voters. Party leaders in Nizamabad approached Muslim elders and others and sought their support in favour of the LS candidate T Jeevan Reddy. BJPs LS candidate Arvind Dharmapuri, also concentrated on Nizamabad urban assembly constituency and encouraged the party cadre to work hard in sensitive polling stations. Both BJP and Congress leaders are confident of a win.

Battleground Odisha: Modi, Shah, Patnaik, Rahul ready for attack

With Lok Sabha and assembly elections happening concurrently in Odisha, key leaders from various political parties are actively campaigning in the state. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has held multiple rallies, directly addressing challenges from Navin Patnaik. Modi is set to visit Odisha again on May 20 for public meetings in Angul and Cuttack, as well as a roadshow in Puri. Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP President JP Nadda are also campaigning aggressively, with Shah accusing Patnaik of distributing rice bags with his own pictures pasted on them.

Manipur government initiatives safeguard endangered polo ponies through grassland allotment

The Manipur government has allotted 30 acres of grassland at Lamphelpat, Imphal West district, to protect the endangered 'polo ponies'. Chief Minister N. Biren Singh highlighted the cultural significance of the Manipuri Pony in the state.

Shah Accuses Naveen Patnaik of Blocking Ram Temple Participation

Bhubaneswar: Union home minister and senior BJP leader Amit Shah on Wednesday attacked Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik by accusing that the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) government headed by him very tactfully stopped the people of the state from participating in Prana Pratishta Utsav of Ram Lalla at Ayodhyas Ram Temple on January 22. He asserted that people of Odisha will not forgive Naveen Patnaik for his misdemeanour and vote him out of power this time. When the whole world was celebrating the Pran Pratishtha of Ram Lalla, Naveen Babu very cunningly deprived them of the opportunity to be part of this festival. This is a sheer act of ungratefulness, Shah said while addressing a grand public rally at Soroda in Ganjam district. Shah, as per political experts, hinted at the BJD government celebrating Jagannath Parikrama Pakalpa, a renovation programme of Lord Jagannath temples courtyard in Puri, in a grand style, apparently to divert the attention of Odisha people from all the euphoria that was created around the Prana Pratishta Utsav. The home minister also castigated the ruling BJD for not the Centres Ayushman Bharat healthcare programme saying CM Naveen Patnaik denied the scheme to people of Odisha fearing that it will account for rise in Prime Minister Narendra Modis popularity in the state. He also took a potshot at the BJD for rebranding the free rice provided by the Centre to the poor in the state. Naveen Babu! You have pushed Odisha backward by 25 years. People of Odisha have decided to say Bye-bye, Tata, Goodbye to you. You cannot any longer cheat them. Odisha will have a new government after the elections and an Odia will become the chief minister of the state, declared Shah. The home minister, while questioning the state government on its silence over the missing of Lord Jagannaths Ratna Bhandar keys, assured that the Narendra Modi government will ensure that the persons responsible for missing of the keys are brought to book and punished. He also told the people that the patrons of chit fund scamsters who have looted Odisha people to the tune of Rs 20,000 crore will also be strictly dealt with. The BJP stalwart said there had been a complete halt in extremism and Maoist activism in the country due to strong leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Earlier, we used to see bloodshed caused by the Pakistan-sponsored terrorists. After Narendra Modi came to power at the Centre, he challenged them and destroyed the enemy camps in Pakistan soil. Now, bloodshed in Jammu and Kashmir has stopped and Maoist activities have also come to an end, said Shah. Later in the evening, Shah held a roadshow in Cuttack city seeking votes for the party's Lok Sabha candidate Bhartruhari Mahtab and MLA candidates.

Legendary Manipuri Ponies, that gifted the world polo, find a new home India Today

Legendary Manipuri Ponies, that gifted the world polo, find a new homeIndia Today

Legendary Manipuri Ponies, that gifted the world polo, find a new home

Legendary Manipuri Ponies that gifted the world polo find a new home

Significant move: Manipur Govt allots 30 acres land to conserve the legendary Manipuri ponies Northeast Live

Significant move: Manipur Govt allots 30 acres land to conserve the legendary Manipuri poniesNortheast Live

Naveen Patnaik pushed Odisha back 50 years during BJD's 25-year rule: Amit Shah

Soroda (Odisha): Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday alleged that Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has pushed the state back by 50 years during the BJD's 25-year rule, and urged voters to give an opportunity to the BJP to form government. Addressing an election rally at Soroda under the Aska Lok Sabha constituency in Ganjam, Shah also claimed that the state is being run by outsiders instead of elected representatives. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has enhanced the reputation of Odisha across the world... However, in 25 years of BJD rule, Naveen babu pushed the state back 50 years, he said. The home minister also said the BJP will implement the 'One Nation One Ration Card' scheme in Odisha if it comes to power in the state. We will make public the judicial commission report on the missing keys of Puri Jagannath temple's Ratna Bhandar within six days of forming government in Odisha, Shah asserted. Hailing PM Modi, Shah said he ended terrorism and Naxalism in India. You have given 25 years to Naveen babu, just give five years to Modi and see the change, the senior BJP leader told the rally.