Category Archives: National

Crime, National, Politics

ED in SC opposes interim bail to Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, says electioneering not fundamental right

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It is relevant to note that the right to campaign for an election is neither a fundamental right nor a constitutional right and not even a legal right: ED
Arvind Kejriwal : File photo

PTI, New Delhi, 09.05.24 : The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday opposed in the Supreme Court the grant of interim bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in a money-laundering case linked to the alleged excise policy scam, saying the right to campaign in elections is neither fundamental nor constitutional.

In a fresh affidavit filed in the top court, the ED said no political leader has ever been granted interim bail for campaigning even if he is not contesting polls.
“It is relevant to note that the right to campaign for an election is neither a fundamental right nor a constitutional right and not even a legal right,” the agency said. It added that to its knowledge, “no political leader has been granted interim bail for campaigning even though he is not the contesting candidate. Even a contesting candidate is not granted interim bail if he is in custody for his own campaigning”.

On Wednesday, Justice Sanjiv Khanna, who headed the bench that heard Kejriwal’s petition against his arrest in the case, said, “We will pronounce the interim order (on bail) on Friday. The main matter related to the challenge to arrest will also be taken up on the same day.” The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader was arrested on March 21 and is currently lodged in Tihar Jail under judicial custody.

On May 7, the bench, also comprising Justice Dipankar Datta, had reserved its verdict on Kejriwal’s interim bail plea.

On Tuesday, a Delhi court extended Kejriwal’s judicial custody in the case till May 20.

The Delhi High Court had, on April 9, upheld the AAP leader’s arrest, saying there was no illegality and the ED was left with “little option” after he skipped repeated summonses and refused to join the investigation.

The matter relates to alleged corruption and money laundering in the formulation and execution of the Delhi government’s now-scrapped excise policy for 2021-22.
National, Politics, Regional, West Bengal

Phase 3 records 77.53% voter turnout in 4 LS seats in state

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MP, 9 May 2024, Kolkata: The four Parliamentary constituencies in Bengal that went for polls on Tuesday in the third phase of elections, witnessed the lowest voter turnout in the last four decades. 

The four constituencies that had consistently witnessed 80 per cent turnout recorded 77.53 per cent voting, with the only saving grace being Murshidabad that saw over 80 per cent polls. Considering the last two Lok Sabha elections, there has been a decline of nearly four per cent. In 2019 and 2014, the four constituencies saw an average voter turnout of 81.66 and 81.85 per cent, respectively. 
Murshidabad, historically known for high voter participation, recorded 81.52 per cent in this election making it the lowest ever turnout in the last 40 years. In the 1980 Lok Sabha polls, Murshidabad recorded a turnout of 80.31 per cent, which is less than the current polling percentage.
Similarly, Jangipur registered a turnout of only 73.71 per cent, its lowest since 1977 when it was 58.07 percent. In Malda district, comprising Malda South and Malda North constituencies, the voter turnout was also low with Malda South recording 76.69 per cent and Malda North at 76.03 per cent. 
Prior to this, the district only saw a turnout of 75.54 per cent in 1980, which is lower than the current turnout. Interestingly, before the delimitation in 2004, Malda was only one constituency, which was subsequently divided into Malda South and Malda North. 
“The installation of CCTV cameras in all the polling stations and the strategic deployment of Central Forces have contributed significantly in keeping away the unwanted elements from the election process. We have also taken suitable measures for corrections in the voters list that resulted in weeding out fake voters from the list. This may have contributed to this turnout.  However, considering the other constituencies in the country that went for polls, our polling has been satisfactory,” an official in the office of Bengal CEO (Chief Electoral Officer) said. He added that there was hardly any complaint of false voting in this election. The genuine voters only exercised their franchise. 
A section of political analysts however believe that absentee voters and public apathy toward engaging in the democratic process, possibly due to widespread political corruption in recent months, may have significantly contributed to the low voter turnout in this election. 
https://www.millenniumpost.in/bengal/phase-3-records-7753-voter-turnout-in-4-ls-seats-in-state-563034
National, Regional, Sikkim, West Bengal

NH 10 opens today after 3 days closure and carpeting

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KalimNews, Kalimpong, 9 May 2024 : After 3 days of closure NH 10 from Rabi Jhora to 29th Mile opened today from 6 am. Normal traffic is plying in this highway. The road was closed for some repairing work and bituminous work. 

Earlier Balasubramanian T, District Magistrate of Kalimpong had notified that the said highway from Rabi Jhora to 29th Mile shall be closed from 6th May for 72 hours for carrying out bituminous work. 

His earlier order stated that a prayer has been received from the Executive Engineer II, National Highway, Division IX, P.W (Roads) requesting restriction and diversion of movement of all type of vehicles to carry out bituminous work at the stretch between Rabi bora to Gail Khola along NH 10. Therefore the administration finds it necessary to impose temporary restriction for movement of all type of vehicles to carry out the said bituminous work at the stretch between Rabi bora to Gail Khola along NH 10 to be carried on by PWD, National Highway, Division IX, P.W (Roads). 

There was protest from the drivers for closure of the highway as normal traffic on NH 10 was closed for several times and they had to follow the restriction of movement for all types of vehicles in the NH 10 specially from Rabi Jhora to 29th Mile.  

The alternative route allowed to were diversion routes for small vehicles to move from Rangpoo towards Siliguri via Munsong – 17’1′ Mile – Algarah – Lava -Gorubathan and to Siliguri and vice versa round the clock. 

For small vehicles was from Chitrey – Kalimpong town Algarah – Lava – Gorubathan and to Siliguri and vice versa round the clock. 

For goods Vehicle was from Chitrey – Kalimpong town Algarah – Lava – Gorubathan and to Siliguri and vice versa from 21.00 hrs to 06.00 hrs. 
And for goods vehicle and small vehicles from Reshi – Pedong – Algarah – Lava – Gorubathan and to Siliguri and vice versa round the clock. 
Crime, International, National, Regional, West Bengal

American nationals apprehended at Border with fake Aadhar card

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Photo Source & courtesy : Siliguri Times

PRASHANT ACHARYA, EOI, SILIGURI, MAY 8, 2024 : SSB’s 41 battalion on Tuesday afternoon apprehended two American nationals along with an Indian while they were entering India from Nepal via Panitanki border outpost. 

The arrested were identified as Naina Kala Poudel and Younis Biswakarma, both US national and Nima Poudel, a resident of Kalchini under Alipurduar district. 
According to SSB sources, Naina Kala Poudel (40) resident of English Drive in US along with her niece Eunice Biswa (11) of New York City came to India from America and landed at Bagdogra airport on March 19 this year. 
The two US citizens and the Indian were arrested with fake Aadhaar at Kharibari Indo-Nepal border.  
KalimNews: Siliguri Times reports that According to reports, the incident unfolded after Neena and Nima Tamang engaged in holy matrimony on April 13 in India, following which they embarked on a honeymoon trip to Nepal on April 21. 
However, their return journey encountered a setback when they were intercepted by Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) personnel at the border checkpoint. Sources within the SSB revealed that the trio attempted to enter India using counterfeit Aadhaar cards, raising suspicion among border security officials. 
Siluri Time further adds that  Upon investigation, it was revealed that the American nationals paid ₹10,000 in Hamiltonganj of Alipurduar for the making of the counterfeit aadhaar cards and left for Nepal. Subsequently, they were arrested at the Indo-Nepal border. Following their apprehension, the SSB handed over the individuals to Kharibari police for further legal proceedings. At present, the case has been forwarded to the Siliguri Sub-Divisional Court while the matter is under further investigation.  (source: https://siliguritimes.com/two-american-citizens-arrested-at-indo-nepal-border-with-fake-aadhaar-cards-in-kharibari/)
Crime, International, National, Regional

Smugglers shot dead in Phansidewa

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EOI, SILIGURI, MAY 8, 2024 : Two suspected smugglers were killed in BSF firing on the India-Bangladesh border under Phansidewa in Darjeeling district. Iftikar-ul Hasan, OC Phansidewa police station along with BSF officers visited the spot to enquire into the incident.

According to Sujoy Kumar Roy, officer-in-charge of Tetuloa Model police station in Bangladesh the dead bodies were that of Abdul Jalil (24) and Yasin Ali (23)both residents under Bagduria district of Bangladesh., Quoting their families and neighbours, 
Roy said that BSF personnel opened fire when the t
wo tried to bring in cows illegally from India. (
Crime, National, Politics

Supreme Court to pass order on interim bail to Arvind Kejriwal on May 10

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We will pronounce the interim order (on interim bail) on Friday. The main matter related to the challenge to arrest will also be taken on the same day, says Justice Sanjiv Khanna
Arvind Kejriwal File picture

PTI, New Delhi, 08.05.24 : The Supreme Court will deliver its order on granting interim bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in a money laundering case linked to the alleged excise policy scam on May 10.

Justice Sanjiv Khanna, who headed the bench which heard Kejriwal’s petition against his arrest in the case, said, “We will pronounce the interim order (on interim bail) on Friday. The main matter related to the challenge to arrest will also be taken on the same day.” Justice Khanna, who was sitting in a different combination with Justices MM Sundresh and Bela M Trivedi, made the remark after Additional Solicitor General SV Raju, who was appearing for the Centre in a matter related to Goods and Services Tax, sought clarification on the listing of Kejriwal’s plea.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader was arrested on March 21 and is currently lodged in Tihar Jail under judicial custody.

On May 7, the bench, also comprising Justice Dipankar Datta, had reserved its verdict on interim bail to Kejriwal.

The two-judge bench had risen without pronouncing order on granting Kejriwal interim bail to enable him to campaign in the Lok Sabha elections.

The bench had reserved its decision after hearing the arguments put forth by senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi and Additional Solicitor General S V Raju, who appeared for Kejriwal and the Enforcement Directorate, respectively.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who also appeared for the probe agency, had staunchly opposed showing any leniency to Kejriwal on account of the Lok Sabha polls and said granting interim bail to the AAP national convenor would amount to creating a separate class for politicians.

The bench has divided the hearing on Kejriwal’s petition against his arrest into two parts.

His main petition challenges his arrest by the ED and seeks it to be declared as illegal, while the second aspect pertains to grant of interim bail keeping in mind the ongoing Lok Sabha polls.

The court reserved the order on the issue of grant of interim bail.

On Tuesday, a Delhi court has extended Kejriwal’s judicial custody in the money laundering case till May 20.

The Delhi High Court had on April 9 upheld Kejriwal’s arrest, saying there was no illegality and the ED was left with “little option” after he skipped repeated summonses and refused to join the investigation.

The matter relates to alleged corruption and money laundering in the formulation and execution of the Delhi government’s now-scrapped excise policy for 2021-22.
National, Politics

J P Nadda, Amit Malviya summoned by Bengaluru police over social media post

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 For the purpose of investigation of the said case, you are hereby directed to appear before the undersigned investigation officer at 11 am at High grounds police station within seven days of receipt of this notice, read the summons
BJP’s IT cell head Amit Malviya and BJP President J P Nadda, File picture.

PTI, Bengaluru, 08.05.24 : Bengaluru Police has summoned BJP President J P Nadda and the party’s IT cell head Amit Malviya in connection with a social media post allegedly intimidating members of SC and ST community not to vote for a particular candidate, officials said on Wednesday.

They have been asked to join the probe at the High grounds police station here.

“For the purpose of investigation of the said case, you are hereby directed to appear before the undersigned investigation officer at 11 am at High grounds police station within seven days of receipt of this notice,” the summons read.

The move comes after an FIR was registered against Nadda, Malviya and BJP’s Karnataka unit chief B Y Vijayendra in connection with a social media following a complaint filed by the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) with the Election Commission and police on May 5 alleging violation of model code of conduct.

They were booked under sections of Representation of People Act and section 505 (2) (Statements creating or promoting enmity, hatred or ill-will between classes) of the Indian Penal Code, a senior police officer said.

In the complaint, the KPCC cited the video uploaded on social media platform ‘X’ by the official account of Karnataka State BJP which, it alleged, is operated by Malviya, on instructions of Nadda and Vijayendra, BJP State President and Social Media incharge- Karnataka BJP, on May 4.

“The said video posted on social media featured animated characters of (Congress leader) Rahul Gandhi and (Chief Minister) Siddaramaiah. In the clip, SC, ST and OBC community are portrayed as “eggs” in a nest and it also suggested Rahul Gandhi planting a big egg labelled as Muslim community. It is projected as though funds are being fed to the chick depicting the Muslim community, which then kicks out SC, ST and OBC community,” it alleged.

“The act of the accused person (s) is to wantonly provoke rioting and promote enmity between different religions and is prejudicial to maintenance of harmony apart from intimidating members of SC/ST community not to vote for particular candidate and causing enmity against members of SC/ST community,” the complaint alleged.
Crime, International, National, Regional, West Bengal

Nepalese national held with carcasses of wild animals

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Photo Courtesy: Siliguri TimesMP,8 May 2024, Siliguri: A Nepalese national was arrested with several body parts of wild animals in the Panitanki area on the India-Nepal border in Kharibari on Monday night. The accused has been identified as Dambar Sapkota (29), a resident of Nepal.

According to sources, on Monday night, the 41 number battalion of SSB conducted a naka check at the Indo-Nepal Border, where they stopped a four-wheeler. While checking the vehicle, the jawans recovered 5 deer horns, 30 pieces of thorn, a deer skull, snake bone and horn of Himalayan Goral. 
The arrested was later handed over to Tukriajhar Forest department. Sources said that the accused was taking them from Sikkim to Nepal but before he entered Nepal, the SSB caught him. 
The accused was produced at Siliguri Court on Tuesday and has been taken in remand. Debesh Pandey, Divisional Forest Officer of Kurseong Wildlife Division said: “We are investigating whether the accused is involved in international wildlife trafficking or if anyone else is involved in the case.” 
https://www.millenniumpost.in/bengal/nepalese-natl-held-with-carcasses-of-wild-animals-562885?infinitescroll=1
Crime, National, Politics

ED recovers huge cash from domestic help allegedly linked to Jharkhand minister’s secy

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The premises are alleged to be of the domestic help of Jharkhand Rural Development Minister Alamgir Alam’s personal secretary Sanjiv Lal
A huge amount of “unaccounted” cash which was recovered by the Enforcement Directorate from premises of Sanjiv Lal, allegedly an aide of Jharkhand minister Alamgir Alam, in Ranchi, Monday, May 6, 2024.: PTI

PTI,  Ranchi, 06.05.24 : 

 The Enforcement Directorate on Monday claimed to have recovered a huge amount of “unaccounted” cash during searches at the premises of a domestic help allegedly linked to the secretary of Jharkhand minister Alamgir Alam, official sources said.

Videos and photos shared by the sources showed officials of the central probe agency taking out wads of currency notes from large bags in a room located in a building at Gadikhana Chowk.

Some central force security personnel were also seen.

A domestic help of Jharkhand Rural Development Minister Alam’s personal secretary Sanjiv Lal is alleged to be residing at this location.

When contacted by PTI, Alam said, “I have no official information regarding this so far.” “I have been watching TV and it says the premises are linked to the official PS (private secretary) provided to me by the government,” he added.

ED sources said the note-counting machines have been deployed to count the cash to ascertain the exact amount which could range between Rs 20-30 crore.

The cash is largely in the denomination of Rs 500 and some jewellery has also been recovered, the sources said.

Alam (70), is a Congress leader and represents the Pakur seat in the Jharkhand assembly.

The searches are linked to a money laundering case against the former chief engineer of the rural development department, Veerendra Kumar Ram, who was arrested by the ED last year.

“Veerendra Kumar Ram, posted as chief engineer in the Rural Works Department in Ranchi, had generated proceeds of crime in the name of commission from contractors in lieu of allotment of tenders to them,” the agency had alleged in a statement issued last year in April after it attached assets worth Rs 39 crore of the officer.

“The proceeds of crime thus generated were used by Veerendra Kumar Ram and his family members to live a very lavish lifestyle,” it said.

The money laundering case against Ram stems from a complaint of the Jharkhand anti-corruption bureau (ACB). 
International, Misc, National, Techno/ Science

Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams set to fly into space for a third time on May 7

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Starliner will carry Williams, 58, and Butch Wilmore to the International Space Station, marking what could be a momentous and long-awaited victory for the beleaguered Boeing programmeSunit,  Williams : File 

PTI, Washington, 06.05.24, : Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams is ready to fly into space for the third time on Tuesday as the pilot aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft in its the first crewed test flight.

Boeing’s Starliner will blast off for the International Space Station from Cape Canaveral in Florida.

Starliner will carry Williams, 58, and Butch Wilmore to the International Space Station, marking what could be a momentous and long-awaited victory for the beleaguered Boeing programme.

The scheduled lift-off is set for 22:34 local time on Monday (8:04  am IST on Tuesday) “We are all here because we are all ready. Our friends and family have heard about it and we’ve talked about it and they are happy and proud that we are part of the process to fix it all,” the BBC quoted Williams as saying The mission has been delayed for several years because of setbacks in the spacecraft’s development.

If it is successful, it will become the second private firm able to provide crew transport to and from the ISS, alongside Elon Musk’s SpaceX.

Such a scenario — with both SpaceX’s Crew Dragon and Starliner flying regularly — is one for which the US space agency has long waited.

“Design and development is hard — particularly with a human space vehicle,” said Mark Nappi, vice president and Starliner programme manager at Boeing, during a Thursday news briefing.

“There’s a number of things that were surprises along the way that we had to overcome. … It certainly made the team very, very strong. I’m very proud of how they’ve overcome every single issue that we’ve encountered and gotten us to this point,” Nappi said.

“This is history in the making,” NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said of the upcoming Starliner mission during a March 22 news conference. “We’re now in the golden era of space exploration.” SpaceX and Boeing developed their respective vehicles under NASA’s Commercial Crew Programme, a partnership with private industry contractors. From the outset, the space agency aimed to have both companies operating at once. The Crew Dragon and Starliner spacecraft would each serve as a backup to the other, giving astronauts the option to keep flying, even if technical issues or other setbacks grounded one spacecraft.

Williams received her commission as an Ensign in the United States Navy from the United States Naval Academy in May 1987.

Williams was selected as an astronaut by NASA in 1998 and is a veteran of two space missions, Expeditions 14/15 and 32/33.

She served as a flight engineer on Expedition 32 and then commander of Expedition 33.

During her first spaceflight, Expedition 14/15, Williams was launched with the crew of STS-116 on December 9, 2006, docking with the International Space Station on December 11, 2006. While onboard, she established a world record for females with four spacewalks totalling 29 hours and 17 minutes. Astronaut Peggy Whitson subsequently broke the record in 2008 with a total of five spacewalks.

On Expedition 32/33, Williams was launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, along with Russian Soyuz commander Yuri Malenchenko and Flight Engineer Akihiko Hoshide of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, on July 14, 2012.

Williams spent four months conducting research and exploration aboard the orbiting laboratory.

She landed in Kazakhstan on November 18, 2012, after spending 127 days in space.

During their Expedition, Williams and Hoshide performed three spacewalks to replace a component that relays power from the space station’s solar arrays to its systems and repair an ammonia leak on a station radiator. With 50 hours and 40 minutes, Williams once again held the record for total cumulative spacewalk time by a female astronaut. The record has since been overtaken by Peggy Whitson. Williams has spent a cumulative total of 322 days in space.

Williams was born in Euclid, Ohio, to Indian-American neuroanatomist Deepak Pandya and Slovene-American Ursuline Bonnie (Zalokar) Pandya.

She holds a physical science degree from the US Naval Academy and a Master of Science in Engineering Management from Florida Institute of Technology.
Crime, National

14-year-old girl in Chhattisgarh kills elder brother for stopping her from using mobile phone

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Rajnandgaon, May 5 (PTI) A 14-year-old girl allegedly hacked her elder brother to death with an axe after he scolded her for talking to boys on mobile phone in Chhattisgarh’s Khairagarh-Chhuikhadan-Gandai district, police said.

The teenager has been detained for the offence that took place at Amlidihkala village under Chhuikhadan police station limits on Friday, the police said in a statement on Saturday.


The girl told the police that she and her brother (18) were at home at the time of the incident while the other family members had gone out for work.


Her brother reprimanded her claiming she talked to boys on mobile phone, and asked her not to use the phone anymore.


Angry over the rebuke, the girl allegedly hit her brother on his throat with an axe when he had fallen asleep. Her brother died on the spot, police said.


The girl then had a bath and cleaned the blood stains on her clothes before telling neighbours that her brother had been murdered.


After being alerted by villagers, a police team reached the spot and launched an investigation into the incident.


During questioning by police, the girl admitted to have killed him, the statement said.


A case was registered and further investigation was underway.

National, Politics, West Bengal

Record-breaking election spending set to ignite rural demand, feel experts

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PTI, Kolkata: Even as the 2024 Lok Sabha polls have started to unfold, anticipation remained high not only in the political landscape but also about the ripple effects on the economy, particularly in rural India, as experts described the elections as the most expensive one ever fought in the country’s history. 


With an expenditure of a staggering Rs 1.35 lakh crore estimated by N Bhaskara Rao, who chairs the Centre for Media Studies and has been tracking election spending for 35 years, significant parts of the amount spent during the polls will reach the pockets of India’s rural population boosting sales, business houses feel.

According to a study, about 35 per cent of election expenditure in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections in India was made on campaigns and publicity. 

The second highest expenditure head was payments to voters via various means – hiring workers, purchasing campaign materials, freebies and direct cash transfers in some cases. Industry leaders expect these will have a positive impact on the economy, especially in India’s countryside
He said his company aims to leverage this opportunity by monitoring rural market dynamics and adapting its product offerings and marketing strategies to align with the evolving preferences and needs of rural consumers. 

“The company also plans to intensify its efforts to expand its distribution network and enhance brand visibility in rural areas to capture a larger share of the anticipated post-election market growth,” Bhajanka said. Shreeram Bagla, Managing Director of city-based snacks major Annapurna Swadisht, highlighted that rural demand for the FMCG sector as a whole had been slightly subdued during the second and third quarters of the 2023-24 fiscal.

“We are expecting a steady recovery in demand in the rural and semi-urban markets in the wake of higher spending on election-related expenses. The government seems to be laying a major thrust on boosting the rural economy. This is likely to spur consumption in villages, thereby shoring up the demand for FMCG products,” Bagla noted. Emami Ltd, another FMCG major with considerable rural dependence, also expressed a positive outlook. 

“We expect the economy to bounce back on multiple counts in the backdrop of the election. First, anticipation of a good monsoon is expected to boost the rural economy. Secondly, with the softening of raw material prices, while companies are gearing up to pass on the benefits to the consumers, they will also invest more in brand building. The combination of these will definitely push the demand for the FMCG sector up,” Emami Wholetime Director & Vice Chairman, Mohan Goenka, told PTI.

Amnish Aggarwal, head of Institutional Research at Prabhudas Lilladher, while offering a nuanced perspective, pointed out that in present circumstances election spending may not be boosting rural demand in the manner it did before. Reflecting on the trends observed in past elections, Aggarwal underscored that the correlation between poll expenditure translating into a surge in rural demand is over-hyped in current times due to cash movement restrictions which are imposed with the model code of conduct. 

“This direct correlation was perhaps true a decade or more ago. Factors like the anticipation of a good monsoon and inflation play pivotal roles in shaping consumer behaviour in current times compared to cash flow during polls,” he said. 

Political parties, though, acknowledged that demand for vehicles goes up during poll seasons, whether sourced from rentals or new purchases for use in election activities. Automobile sales in March this year were up by 10 per cent over last year, totalling 3.7 lakh vehicles. However, a senior official of a major car company said that on account of model code of conduct-related restrictions, overall sales of both passenger and commercial vehicles were subdued in April. 

Grassroots-level workers of political parties said that there has been a high purchase of snacks and beverages and certain FMCG items required for workers. FMCG products are also used as freebies for audiences brought to political rallies, they said. 

A shopkeeper in Hooghly district stated, “Local political leaders become more generous during election times, and we sell more.” West Bengal’s Chief Electoral Officer confirmed that since the commencement of MCC, freebies worth Rs 57.67 crore have been seized from the state.
National, Politics

Once a militant stronghold, Downtown Srinagar witnesses political resurgence

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PTI, Srinagar, May 5, 2024 : Once a hunting ground for terrorists, the downtown Srinagar is witnessing a vibrant political revival as former chief minister Omar Abdullah orchestrated a bold move Sunday by hosting a rally for his National Conference candidate from the Srinagar Lok Sabha seat.


The region’s Hawal, which used to be a stronghold of the banned Al Umar Mujahideen (AuM) terrorist group and where kidnappings were the order of the day in early 1990s, is a completely different place now as it is abuzz with political rallies and party activities.

So much so was the enthusiasm that the security forces had a tough time managing the crowd at the NC rally hosted at a park in the Tibetan colony, just meters away from the historic Jama Masjid, a focal point for Mirwaiz Umar Farooq’s moderate Hurriyat Conference.

During his tenure as chief minister, Abdullah had made significant efforts to support unemployed youths in the downtown city by providing them with soft loans to operate roadside kiosks, aiming to prevent them from being influenced by anti-national elements and involve in activities like stone-pelting.

However, many youths lost their occupation to the massive 2014 floods, leading to a resurgence in the incidents of stone-pelting. The National Conference was voted out of power, but the floods couldn’t wash away the investment in youths Abdullah made during his tenure.

And its impact was on full display during Sunday rally as many of them turned up to show their support.

The atmosphere was electric as people filled the park and even perched on their rooftops, chanting slogans in support of the National Conference and their candidate, Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi.

“‘Omar Saab aagey badho, hum tumhare saath hain’ (You march ahead Omar, we are with you)” slogans rent the air as women gathered at the venue, singing traditional Kashmiri wanwun (chorus) and cheering for Abdullah.

Addressing the jubilant crowd, a visibly elated Abdullah justified his choice of Mehdi as a candidate, praising his fearlessness and ability to represent the constituency’s aspirations.

During his speech, punctuated by frequent chants from the spirited audience, Abdullah highlighted the challenges faced by the people of Jammu and Kashmir, emphasising their “silenced” voices and the presence of “outsiders” in government offices.

The people of Jammu and Kashmir are going through a very difficult time, he said. “Our lips are sealed, our voices are not heard and our government offices are filled with outsiders.” With the Srinagar Lok Sabha elections scheduled for May 13, the National Conference faces stiff competition from the PDP’s Waheed Para. The surge in political activities in a region once plagued by terrorism underlined a significant shift towards a more politically active future.

Veteran politician Farooq Abdullah held political rallies on Saturday in downtown Srinagar, signalling a resurgence of democratic processes in the region that was synonymous with violence and unrest.

The senior Abdullah held rallies in Khanyar and Ali Kadal while Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party chief Altaf Bukhari held a small rally in Fateh Kadal of downtown.

PDP’s Para has been mainly focussing on holding street meetings in the area.

This upsurge in political engagement underscores the evolving dynamics of the area, moving from a turbulent past to a more engaged and politically active tomorrow.  
National, Politics

SP, Cong work only to benefit their families, votebanks; INDIA Bloc using Muslims as pawns: PM Modi

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PTI, Etawah (UP), May 5, 2024 :  Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday attacked the Samajwadi Party and the Congress, saying they are contesting elections to benefit their families and their vote banks.


Addressing a Lok Sabha poll rally here in Samajwadi Party (SP) founder the late Mulayam Singh Yadav’s home turf, Modi also recalled Yadav’s 2019 speech in Parliament, where he had said that Modi was going to become the prime minister again.

“It was his blessing,” Modi said.

The prime minister said the slogans of both the SP and the Congress are “lies” and their “intentions are also not good”.

The SP and the Congress, both members of the opposition INDIA bloc, are contesting the polls in the state as allies.

“The Samajwadi Party and the Congress are contesting the elections for their future and that of their children. They work only to benefit their families and their vote banks,” Modi alleged.

He also attacked the Samajwadi Party on the issue of COVID-19 vaccines, alleging that its leaders had instigated people against the vaccines but got themselves inoculated in secret.
“Modi and Yogi are working for the future of your children.. we don’t have children,” Modi further said, addressing a Lok Sabhapoll rally here in the home district of Samajwadi Party(SP) founder Mulayam Singh Yadav, who died in 2022.

The prime minister said that he is laying the foundation to ensure that India remains a powerful nation for the next 1,000years. “Modi is doing this because irrespective of whether Modi is there or not, the country will always remain and what are these SP-Congress people doing? They are fighting elections for their future and the future of their children, “he added.

The prime minister also said that the slogans of both the SP and the Congress are “lies” and their “intentions are also not good”. “They work only to benefit their families and their vote banks,” he alleged.
Entertainment, International, National

Kareena Kapoor appointed as UNICEF India’s national ambassador

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Since 2014, the actor has been involved with this humanitarian initiative, serving as a celebrity advocate.


SNS | New Delhi | May 4, 2024 :  Bollywood actor Kareena Kapoor Khan was appointed on Saturday as the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) India’s national ambassador.

Since 2014, the actor has been involved with this humanitarian initiative, serving as a celebrity advocate.

Kareena will assist UNICEF India in advancing every child’s right to gender equality, health, education, and early childhood development in her capacity as an employee.

On her confirmation as the UNICEF ambassador, Kareen posted a picture on Instagram captioning, “An emotional day for me… I am honored to be appointed as UNICEF India National Ambassador.

Working with @unicefindia over the past 10 years has been truly enriching and insightful. I am proud of the work that we have done and am reiterating my commitment to being a voice for promoting and protecting child rights and an equal future for all children.”

The 43-year-old actress further thanked UNICEF’s entire team, which has been tirelessly working for the rights of women and children across the country.

The ‘Singham Returns’ actress also welcomed Gauranshi, Kartik, Vinisha and Nahid as UNICEF’s newest Youth Advocate.

She also made a pledge to continue to be a voice #ForEveryChild.

UNICEF India Representative Cynthia McCaffrey said, “UNICEF is delighted to welcome Kareena Kapoor Khan as our National Ambassador, building on her years of commitment to advance children’s rights. She has brought energy and impact through her support for several national and global campaigns.”
Education, National, Politics

BJP Govt’s plan to convert English medium schools back to Hindi language to be an absurd decision: Gehlot

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 “Our government started Mahatma Gandhi English Medium Schools with the objective of providing English education to the children of poor and middle class families,” Gehlot said.
Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot
SNS | Jaipur | May 4, 2024 : On the Rajasthan BJP government’s plan to convert English medium schools back to Hindi language, former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot today said that it would be an absurd decision and against the poor and middle class families.

“Our government started Mahatma Gandhi English Medium Schools with the objective of providing English education to the children of poor and middle class families,” Gehlot said.

In his X post, Gehlot said: “If there was a need for improvement in these schools, then the present government would have made the necessary improvements, but converting English medium schools back to Hindi medium seems absurd and against the poor and middle class. Hindi is the mother tongue of all of us, but English medium gives new employment opportunities to children.”

“The previous government opened English medium schools on the demand of local residents and public representatives and these created a good environment. Hence, the BJP Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma should reconsider this decision,” he opined.

The State Education Department has issued a 38 points format to the District Education Department to review the previous Congress government’s decision and submit their reports to the government, whether to revert it back to Hindi medium schools. There are about 3300 English medium government schools which are being run in the state even in villages.
Education, National, Northeast, Regional, West Bengal

Two fake circulars announcing date and time of the ICSE and ISC results cause panic

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Anxious ICSE, ISC students check websites

Jhinuk Mazumdar,  TT, Calcutta, 05.05.24 : 

Two fake circulars announcing the date and time of the ICSE and ISC results and a fake link to a page with the name of the council on social media caused anxiety for thousands of students on Saturday.

ICSE (Class X) and ISC (Class XII) examinees kept calling their teachers and checking the website in anticipation of their results.

“The circulars were fake,” Sangeeta Bhatia, deputy secretary of Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE), told The Telegraph from Delhi.

One of the circulars said the results would be published on May 4 at 1pm while the other one said they would be out on May 7 at 10am.

“The council will take up this matter with police and is waiting for advisers to say what to do,” said a council official in Delhi. Asked if the council would lodge any complaint, the official said: “Yes, we will be doing that.”

A senior officer of Kolkata Police’s detective department said they had not received any complaint till Saturday evening. “We have not received any complaint so far.”

The ICSE and ISC results are usually published by the middle of May and the council makes an announcement before publishing the results.

Last year, the results were published on May 14.

Some of the teachers issued their own clarification to anxious students.

“I sent out a message to parents and children saying that one should check the official website of the council and not believe in any other link,” said Souvic Jati, ICSE coordinator of The Heritage School.

The ICSE exam ended on March 28 and ISC on April 4.

“This is a serious harassment of students. Some will be appearing for the Neet (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) on Sunday and they are getting unnecessarily stressed. There should be action against those who are spreading such rumours,” said Rodney Borneo, principal, St Augustine’s Day School Shyamnagar.