LIVE
Wed, 08 March 2017
Now, Delhi college cancels Subramanian Swamy's programme
Timeline Refresh
23:39 747 Gujarat fishermen captured by Pakistan in two years
The Gujarat government on Wednesday revealed on the floor of the assembly that as many as 747 Gujarat-based fishermen have been apprehended by Pakistani authorities during the last two years.
Replying to a question raised by BJP MLA from Bharuch Dushyant Patel during the Question Hour, Gujarat Fisheries Minister Babu Bokhiria informed the House that 747 fishermen from Gujarat were apprehended by the neighbouring country during the last two years (as on December 2016).
Bokhiria in his written reply stated that the state government has made 23 written representations to the Centre for the release of these fishermen, captured by Pakistan Maritime Security Agency near International Maritime Border Line in the Arabian Sea.
The minister also informed the members of the House that 858 fishermen were also released by Pakistan during last two years.
Raising concern over the recent incidents of apprehension by PMSA, Congress MLA Punja Vansh gave a short call notice to seek reply from the government.
In his response, Bokhiria stated that as per the latest government records, PMSA has apprehended only 10 fishermen on board 2 boats on March 1.
23:27 Now, Delhi college cancels Subramanian Swamy's programme
Delhi College of Arts and Commerce has cancelled a programme of BJP Rajya Sabha MP Subramanian Swamy scheduled for Thursday, days after it had postponed an event featuring Swaraj India leader Yogendra Yadav.
Members of the organising committee claimed that the programme has been cancelled as the "authorities did not find the atmosphere to be appropriate for conducting such an event".
The college principal, however, maintained that he was "not kept in the loop about the invitation to Swamy" and no permission was sought for the event.
Swamy was slated to participate in an interactive session on 'Journalism on Trial?', being organised by the college's journalism department as part of its annual fest 'Scoop'.
The posters of the event had been put up across the campus and on social media since last week.
"We were told that we can't hold the event as the atmosphere is not appropriate for such an event on the campus. When we protested, we were told that we won't be allowed to use the auditorium," a member of the organising committee said on the condition of anonymity.
College principal Rajiv Chopra defended the decision saying, "I was not kept in the loop about the invitation to Swamy."
"The college authorities did not extend any invite to Swamy. The invitation was given by students and no permission was taken from me to hold such an event," he said, adding, "We have received communications from Delhi University to maintain peace and harmony in the college."
The cancellation comes against the backdrop of the recent violence in Ramjas College where the RSS-backed ABVP and the CPI(ML)-affiliated AISA clashed over the withdrawal of a seminar invite to JNU students Umar Khalid and Shehla Rashid.
22:46 Retired defence personnel to need Aadhaar to get pension
All defence pensioners and dependent family members of deceased personnel will be required to enroll for Aadhaar card by June 30 to receive pension.
The defence ministry has issued a notification making Aadhaar mandatory for receiving pension by the beneficiaries numbering around 25 lakh.
The government has been steadily making Aadhaar mandatory for a series of financial benefits and other services, saying it is doing so to ensure transparency.
"Any eligible beneficiary entitled to receive pension benefits, who does not possess the Aadhaar number or, not yet enrolled for Aadhaar, but desirous of availing pension benefits is hereby required to make application for Aadhaar enrollment by June 30," the notification said.
It said that the defence ministry through pension disbursement agencies or other means which requires an individual to furnish Aadhaar is required to offer Aadhaar enrollment facilities for the beneficiaries who are not yet enrolled for it.
22:17 Maharashtra government is still on notice period: Shiv Sena
On a day the BJP helped Shiv Sena install its Mayor in the BMC, the Uddhav Thackeray-led party said that the BJP government in Maharashtra was still on "notice period".
"Yes... This (the BJP-led NDA) government is still on the notice period. Unless our chief (Thackeray) clarifies, the government will continue to be on notice," Sena spokesperson Neelam Gorhe said.
She was speaking to reporters on the campus of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation in South Mumbai after the mayoral election.
Interestingly, Gorhe's remarks came days after Sena minister Ramdas Kadam said the party ministers had put away the resignation letters they were carrying in their pockets.
Sena's Vishwanath Mahadeshwar was today elected as the Mayor of the country's richest civic body, with the BJP corporators voting in his favour.
He bagged 171 votes against the 31 won by his Congress rival Vitthal Lokare.
The decks for his election were cleared recently after the BJP, locked in a battle with the Sena to reach the magic figure of 114 votes to rule the 227-member BMC, decided to hand a virtual walkover to the warring ally.
22:12 Might give up Trump impression on 'SNL': Alec Baldwin
Alec Baldwin says his days of impersonating US President Donald Trump on a popular long-running sketch series are numbered.
The 58-year-old actor, writer, producer and comedian said he thinks viewers may tire of his portrayal of President Trump on "Saturday Night Live."
"His policies aside, which you can hate, I thought he would have just relaxed," Baldwin told "Extra".
"The maliciousness of this White House has people worried. ... That's why I'm not going to do it much longer, the impersonation, I don't know how much more people can take it."
Baldwin adds: "Trump just overwhelmingly lacks any sportsmanship, he remains bitter and angry, and you just want to look at him and go, 'You won!'"
21:22 Kohli receives the Polly Umrigar award
Indian cricket team captain Virat Kohli received the Polly Umrigar award from former Indian cricketer Farokh Engineer.
21:09 Gender sensitisation has to start from home: CJI Khehar
Gender sensitisation is not a matter of punishment and has to start from home, Chief Justice of India J S Khehar today said while questioning the mindset of presuming a girl child as "a life-long liability".
He also said gender sensitisation is a matter of "mindset" since the children see the behaviour of their parents at home as to who takes the decision and who controls the purse.
"Society must look into the matter of gender sensitisation. It is not a matter of punishment. Gender sensitisation has to start from home. It's just a matter of mindset," CJI Khehar said.
Speaking at a seminar on Gender Justice, organised by the gender sensitisation and internal complaints committee in New Delhi, the CJI also questioned as to why man is the master of the house.
"In this matter of sensitisation, man is the master of the house. Why? Because his wife cooks for him, cleans for him, washes his clothes, looks after children. Wife takes the responsibility of making the man and children comfortable. That makes the man master. This is the mindset.
"What do the children see? They see the parents behaviour. They see the roles and management inside the house. They see who takes the decision. Who controls the purse," he asked.
"A man goes out on his own free will but his wife with his permission. A man spends money as he choose to and his wife as he allows her," he said.
The CJI expressed concern over the tendency of celebrating the birth of a male child but not that of a girl and said this is what our children see.
"When a girl is presumed as a life long liability, how do you sensitise people," he said.
21:04
Just In: Government makes Aadhaar must for availing crop insurance policies from kharif sowing season onward.
20:31 DRS row: No action against Kohli and Smith, says ICC
The International Cricket Council has decided not to take action against India Test captain Virat Kohli and his Australian counterpart Steve Smith over the ongoing DRS controversy.
The ICC has confirmed in a media release that no charges have been laid against any player under the ICC Code of Conduct following the second Test match between India and Australia in Bengaluru.
A controversy erupted on Tuesday after Australian skipper Steve Smith sought dressing room's input for a DRS referral in the second Test.
Kohli in a post-match press conference nearly accused Smith of cheating.
On his part, after the defeat, Smith had admitted to what he termed a "brain fade" -- that is, looking in the direction of the dressing room on Tuesday after being given out lbw to Umesh Yadav.
20:20 Five injured in bomb blast in imphal city
Five people, including two women, were injured in a bomb explosion this evening in the heart of the Imphal city, hours after the final phase of the assembly poll in Manipur concluded.
The police said that the two women among the five injured in the blast, which took place in the Kasturi Thong area in Imphal, were admitted to the Regional Institute of Medical Science, a government hospital.
The rest of the injured were discharged from the same hospital after being given the first aid, the police said.
The police is on the look-out of the culprits as a case has been registered with the City Police Station. Polling was conducted in Imphal in the first phase on March 4.
19:53
Team akhilesh predicts : Alliance not less than 190 BJP - below 150 BSP - below 70
CNN-New18's Pallvai Ghosh tweets:-
19:45 Yazidis in Iraq are IS genocide victims: Amal Clooney
International human rights lawyer Amal Clooney, acting on behalf of the Yazidis in Iraq, is calling for a formal investigation into Islamic State for the crime of genocide.
Clooney, wife of Hollywood film star George Clooney, told the BBC's Fiona Bruce why she decided to represent the Yazidis -- an ethnic Kurdish group -- and why their cause was so important to her.
Watch the interview HERE
19:11 'Can't express the horror we feel': Kansas governor writes to PM over techie's murder
Kansas Governor San Brownback has written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressing "profound regret" at the terrible act of violence against the Indian nationals last month and said that acts of hate and intolerance have no place in his state.
Srinivas Kuchibhotla, 32, was killed and Alok Madasani, another Indian of the same age, injured in a shooting by navy veteran Adam Purinton, who yelled "terrorist" and "get out of my country" before opening fire on them in Kansas last month.
"As Governor of the State of Kansas, I would like to express my deep sadness and profound regret at the terrible act of violence committed against Srinu Kuchibhotla and Alok Madasani. The people of Kansas share in my shock and horror. Words cannot express the sorrow that we feel for Srinu's wife, Sunayana, and his family in Hyderabad," Brownback wrote.
"In the time since Srinu's death, we have reflected on his life, and the words I have heard most often to describe him are that he was courageous, and that he loved his family, and that he respected elders. We strive to live in Srinus example of courage and love and respect," he wrote in the letter dated March 3.
18:50 Record 86% voter turnout in Manipur; UP records 60.03%
Manipur recorded a record high voter turnout of 86 per cent. Polling is being held in 22 seats in the second and final phase of the state assembly election. This is the highest voter turnout since 2009.
The state chief electoral officer said polling was peaceful except a few incidents of violence outside polling booths in Tamenglong assembly segment.
The 22 assembly segments, where polling is being held, are spread over the valley district of Thoubal and the hill districts of Ukhrul, Chandel, Tamenglong and Senapati.
A huge voter turnout of 84 per cent was recorded in the first phase of polling to the 60-member Assembly on March 4.
Meanwhile, 60.03 per cent voter turnout was recorded in UP where the final phase of voting was underway.
The seventh phase saw polling in 40 assembly seats spread across seven districts with all eyes on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Lok Sabha constituency Varanasi.
18:44
JUST IN: 2 critically injured in explosion near Kasturi Bridge in Imphal Bazar
18:34 Unfollow those who threaten & abuse women: Kejriwal to Modi
Wishing "all" on the occasion of Women's Day, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal took a jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, "urging" him to "unfollow" those who threaten and abuse women online.
"Happy women's day to all. On this day, I urge Hon'ble PM to unfollow all those who abuse n threaten women n take strong action against them," Kejriwal tweeted.
Last month, Delhi University student Gurmehar Kaur was threatened with rape after she posted a message on social media following the Ramjas College ruckus that saw clashes between RSS-backed ABVP and Left-affiliated AISA.
The AAP had attacked Modi for "following" those on Twitter, who allegedly abused women. Some women leaders of the party had then asked the PM to "unfollow" them.
TMC's Rajya Sabha MP Dereck O'Brien retweeted Kejriwal's tweet.
"Made the same request last month in #Parliament Maybe he will heed a CM's request," O'Brien wrote retweeting the tweet.
18:22
JUST IN: 60.03 per cent turnout in seventh and last phase of Uttar Pradesh assembly polls
18:16 Lucknow encounter: Self-radicalised operative, no proof of ISIS link
Saifullah, the man who was shot dead on the outskirts of Lucknow in a 12-hour operation by commandos yesterday, was a "self-radicalised terrorist and there was no proof he was an ISIS operative," the Uttar Pradesh police said today. Admitting intel failure, the ADG Daljit Chaudhary said Saifullah died in exchange of fire. He said there was no proof about Saifullah's connection with any terrorist group and had been radicalised on social media. He had learnt to make bombs online.
Bomb-making equipment, gold, cash, weapons like knives, eight pistols and three passports were found in the home where Saifullah was cornered yesterday by the Anti-Terror Squad. For 12 hours, he refused to surrender. Finally, commandos forced their way into the area and killed him.
His father, Sartaj, who lives in Kanpur, has refused to accept his body today, saying he "cannot make his peace with a traitor."
Saifullah and eight other men were all members of a group that was radicalized online by ISIS propaganda and then decided to plot terror attacks, said Daljit Choudhary, a senior police officer in Uttar Pradesh. He said manuals on how to assemble bombs were recovered from the Lucknow safe house, which had been rented a few months ago. "They did not receive funding or aid from any external source, this was all self-generated and financed," he said, describing the gang as "self-proclaimed ISIS cell."
Image: The encounter at Thakurganj outside Lucknow lasted for 12 hours.
Bomb-making equipment, gold, cash, weapons like knives, eight pistols and three passports were found in the home where Saifullah was cornered yesterday by the Anti-Terror Squad. For 12 hours, he refused to surrender. Finally, commandos forced their way into the area and killed him.
His father, Sartaj, who lives in Kanpur, has refused to accept his body today, saying he "cannot make his peace with a traitor."
Saifullah and eight other men were all members of a group that was radicalized online by ISIS propaganda and then decided to plot terror attacks, said Daljit Choudhary, a senior police officer in Uttar Pradesh. He said manuals on how to assemble bombs were recovered from the Lucknow safe house, which had been rented a few months ago. "They did not receive funding or aid from any external source, this was all self-generated and financed," he said, describing the gang as "self-proclaimed ISIS cell."
Image: The encounter at Thakurganj outside Lucknow lasted for 12 hours.
17:26 The curious case of Khizr Khan's 'Travel Privileges'
It's not clear precisely what led to the cancellation of an event in Toronto, Canada, featuring the Gold Star father known for his criticism of Donald Trump. Read more
And for a background to Mr Khan, read this: 'Would Muslims have a place in your America?'
And for a background to Mr Khan, read this: 'Would Muslims have a place in your America?'
17:20 The believer
As Swami Aseemanand is acquitted in the Ajmer dargah blast case, a look at the man's radical service to the Sangh. Read
17:17 Lucknow encounter: A traitor cannot be my son, says father
"A traitor cannot be my son, straight and simple," said Sartaj, the father of suspected ISIS terrorist Saifullah who was killed in an encounter with the Uttar Pradesh police today.
Sartaj refused to take the body of his slain son, saying, "A traitor cannot be related to me, let alone be my son." Saifullah was killed in Lucknow this morning in an exchange of fire with the police after a 12-hour stand-off. He was suspected to be linked with the blast in the Bhopal-Ujjain train yesterday, police said.
Speaking to reporters, Sartaj emphasised, "We are Indian citizens. I was born here, my ancestors were born here." He said he had heard this morning about the death of his son in the encounter.
Sartaj said Saifullah had left home about two-and-a-half months back after he beat him up for not finding work and not listening to him. "On Monday, I got a call from Saifullah, who told me that he had got a visa to visit Saudi (Arabia) and he was preparing to go there. I told him go ahead," the father said.
Superintendent of Police (Kanpur City) Somen Verma said Saifullah's family was contacted but they refused to take the body. He added that the police may again make an attempt to convince the family about it.
Meanwhile, the father of two other men, who have been arrested on terror-related charges, has claimed that they were innocent and has sought a fair probe.
Sartaj refused to take the body of his slain son, saying, "A traitor cannot be related to me, let alone be my son." Saifullah was killed in Lucknow this morning in an exchange of fire with the police after a 12-hour stand-off. He was suspected to be linked with the blast in the Bhopal-Ujjain train yesterday, police said.
Speaking to reporters, Sartaj emphasised, "We are Indian citizens. I was born here, my ancestors were born here." He said he had heard this morning about the death of his son in the encounter.
Sartaj said Saifullah had left home about two-and-a-half months back after he beat him up for not finding work and not listening to him. "On Monday, I got a call from Saifullah, who told me that he had got a visa to visit Saudi (Arabia) and he was preparing to go there. I told him go ahead," the father said.
Superintendent of Police (Kanpur City) Somen Verma said Saifullah's family was contacted but they refused to take the body. He added that the police may again make an attempt to convince the family about it.
Meanwhile, the father of two other men, who have been arrested on terror-related charges, has claimed that they were innocent and has sought a fair probe.
17:00 JK govt denies distributing LED bulbs with surveillance cameras
The Jammu and Kashmir government today dismissed reports that LED bulbs distributed under the 'UJALA' scheme had surveillance cameras fitted in them, saying the initiative was not Kashmir-centric but pan-India, whereby 40 crore bulbs have been distributed so far.
"There is absolutely no truth in these reports that surveillance cameras have been fitted inside the LED bulbs. This is not just a Kashmir-centric scheme," Hashmat Qazi, Nodal Officer for Demand Side Management (DSM) of the scheme, told PTI.
He said the UJALA scheme was being implemented across the country and so far 40 crore bulbs have been distributed. "We had set a target of distributing around 80 lakh bulbs in Jammu and Kashmir and so far we have achieved nearly 75 per cent of the target," he said.
"There is absolutely no truth in these reports that surveillance cameras have been fitted inside the LED bulbs. This is not just a Kashmir-centric scheme," Hashmat Qazi, Nodal Officer for Demand Side Management (DSM) of the scheme, told PTI.
He said the UJALA scheme was being implemented across the country and so far 40 crore bulbs have been distributed. "We had set a target of distributing around 80 lakh bulbs in Jammu and Kashmir and so far we have achieved nearly 75 per cent of the target," he said.
16:49 Ajmer dargah blast: Swami Aseemanand acquitted by NIA court
Ajmer dargah blast: NIA Court acquits Swami Aseemanand. Aseemanand, a member of the right-wing Hindu group 'Abhinav Bharat', has been in jail since December 2010. Swami Aseemanand along with six others- Devendra Gupta, Chandrashekhar Leve, Mukesh Vasani, Bhavesh Patel Rateshwar, Lokesh Sharma and Harshad Solanki have been chargesheeted in the case.
Three of the six have been found guilty by the NIA court. They are Sunil Joshi (deceased), Bhavesh Patel and Devendra Gupta. They were accused of various charges, including hatching the conspiracy, planting and exploding bombs, murdering and spreading communal hatred.
Investigation of the bombing that took place on 11 October 2007, was transferred to the NIA in 2011 and only two FIRs were registered in 2007.
The NIA subsequently filed the chargesheet and accused Aseemanand of masterminding the blast.
The bombing had killed three people and injured over 17 at the Dargah of Khawaja Moinuddin Chishti in Ajmer.
Three of the six have been found guilty by the NIA court. They are Sunil Joshi (deceased), Bhavesh Patel and Devendra Gupta. They were accused of various charges, including hatching the conspiracy, planting and exploding bombs, murdering and spreading communal hatred.
Investigation of the bombing that took place on 11 October 2007, was transferred to the NIA in 2011 and only two FIRs were registered in 2007.
The NIA subsequently filed the chargesheet and accused Aseemanand of masterminding the blast.
The bombing had killed three people and injured over 17 at the Dargah of Khawaja Moinuddin Chishti in Ajmer.
16:35 There should be one day dedicated to men, Maneka tells Kejriwal
There should be one day dedicated to men, is Minister for Women and Child Development Maneka Gandhi's suggestion to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.
"The Delhi Chief Minister has taken so many initiatives. He should now start a Men's Day in the state," Gandhi said at an award function to celebrate International Women's Day today.
"International Women's Day is a very important day. I feel that it will be just if there is also one day in the year dedicated to men," she said.Gandhi was speaking at the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) Annual Awards.
She urged the women in the country to join the WCD Ministry's "I am equal" campaign on Twitter. "We should start by saying -- I am equal -- and I am sure there will be equality one day," she said.
Earlier today, Kejriwal urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to pull up those who "abuse" women and to take action against them.
Speaking at the same ceremony, Kejriwal made a plea to Modi to "unfollow all those who abuse and threaten women and take strong action against them"."When we celebrate one women's day, the rest of the days of the year seem like men's days. All 365 days should be women's days," he said.
"The Delhi Chief Minister has taken so many initiatives. He should now start a Men's Day in the state," Gandhi said at an award function to celebrate International Women's Day today.
"International Women's Day is a very important day. I feel that it will be just if there is also one day in the year dedicated to men," she said.Gandhi was speaking at the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) Annual Awards.
She urged the women in the country to join the WCD Ministry's "I am equal" campaign on Twitter. "We should start by saying -- I am equal -- and I am sure there will be equality one day," she said.
Earlier today, Kejriwal urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to pull up those who "abuse" women and to take action against them.
Speaking at the same ceremony, Kejriwal made a plea to Modi to "unfollow all those who abuse and threaten women and take strong action against them"."When we celebrate one women's day, the rest of the days of the year seem like men's days. All 365 days should be women's days," he said.
15:43 Ujjain train blast: Terror suspect escapes after shopkeepers protest arrest
The two suspected terrorists arrested from Kanpur and neighbouring Unnao were today taken to Lucknow by a team of the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad for further questioning. Searches are also underway for nabbing other terror suspects.
Superintendent of Police (Kanpur City) Somen Verma said a team of UP ATS left from here to Lucknow with the two terror suspects at around 3 am today for further questioning.
Last evening, a team of UP ATS had arrested Mohammed Faisal Khan from Jajamau and his brother Mohammed Imran from a leather factory in nearby Unnao. Police had also apprehended one Shakeel alias Ajgar from the Rehmani market in Kanpur, but he escaped after the shopkeepers there started protesting. Searches are also underway out to arrest him.
Verma said the police is looking for some more terror suspects, however, he refused to disclose more details about them and whether they were involved in the the Bhopal-Ujjain train blast. Police sources said the ATS team has questioned the suspect's family and their neighbours.
Superintendent of Police (Kanpur City) Somen Verma said a team of UP ATS left from here to Lucknow with the two terror suspects at around 3 am today for further questioning.
Last evening, a team of UP ATS had arrested Mohammed Faisal Khan from Jajamau and his brother Mohammed Imran from a leather factory in nearby Unnao. Police had also apprehended one Shakeel alias Ajgar from the Rehmani market in Kanpur, but he escaped after the shopkeepers there started protesting. Searches are also underway out to arrest him.
Verma said the police is looking for some more terror suspects, however, he refused to disclose more details about them and whether they were involved in the the Bhopal-Ujjain train blast. Police sources said the ATS team has questioned the suspect's family and their neighbours.
14:17 Thousands of children will no longer receive meals, medical care... Here's why
Indias crackdown on foreign aid will claim its most prominent casualty this month, as a Colorado-based Christian charity that is one of Indias biggest donors closes its operations here after 48 years, informing tens of thousands of children that they will no longer receive meals, medical care or tuition payments. Read more
13:42 Trump admin seeks 60 days to respond to case on H1B visa issue
The Trump administration has sought 60 days from a US appeals court to "consider" its response in a case challenging Obama government's decision to allow spouses of H-1B visa holders to work in the US, putting the jobs of thousands of Indians at stake. The H1-B community, which includes a large number of Indians, had welcomed the move by the Barack Obama administration in 2015 to allow H4 visa-holders - mainly spouses of the H-1B visa-holders - to be gainfully employed. But the group 'Save Jobs USA' soon took the matter to the Washington DC appeals court after a district court upheld the Obama administration's decision. Now, the Trump administration has sought a 60-day suspension in the appeals court proceedings.
On February 1, the Department of Justice filed a petition in the court titled 'Consent motion to hold proceedings in abeyance for 60 days'. The Trump administration sought the freeze to "allow incoming leadership personnel adequate time to consider the issues".
The "abeyance" in court proceedings has led to concern among H4 visa holders, particularly as Attorney General Jeff Sessions is a known critic of the H1B programme. Immigration Voice yesterday announced to intervene in the case for thousands of H4 visa-holders, saying this was the "only option" to protect the rights of its members and their families, including children who are US citizens.
On February 1, the Department of Justice filed a petition in the court titled 'Consent motion to hold proceedings in abeyance for 60 days'. The Trump administration sought the freeze to "allow incoming leadership personnel adequate time to consider the issues".
The "abeyance" in court proceedings has led to concern among H4 visa holders, particularly as Attorney General Jeff Sessions is a known critic of the H1B programme. Immigration Voice yesterday announced to intervene in the case for thousands of H4 visa-holders, saying this was the "only option" to protect the rights of its members and their families, including children who are US citizens.
13:26 From bashful bahu to backroom boss, Dimple Yadav has come a long, long way
The reticent and soft-spoken 'bahu' of the first family of the ruling Samajwadi Party in UP, Dimple Yadav, has finally found her groove, emerging as a major crowd puller in election rallies all over the state.
From the fumbling leader who repeatedly corrected herself while going through her written text in Parliament on Kaushal Vikas mission some months ago to proper utilisation of manpower, the 39-year-old Kannauj MP has come a long way.
The new Dimple - the star campaigner - has learnt how to keep the audience especially the youth involved and impress them. Aptly donning the role of the 'bahu' and 'bhabhi', she has gone about endearingly reprimanding the young enthusiasts with warnings that she will complain about them to their 'bhaiya' (Akhilesh Yadav) and at the same time taking care of the elders among the electorate seeking 'muhdekhaiye' (gift) for her in terms of votes.When party workers went berserk in Allahabad, she said, "I will tell bhaiya (Akhilesh) that you did not let me speak. I will complain...bhaiya is coming here tomorrow."
Addressing another election rally in Jaunpur, she won over the elders and young alike when she started her speech seeking 'muhdikhai' -- a ritual where family members give a gift to a bride when they see her face for the first time. "...Main pehli baar poorvanchal aayee hoon...mujhe muh dikhai milegi...poora vishwas hai (I have come to Poorvanchal for the first time. I am confident I will get the gift of votes as muhdikhai)," she said striking an instant chord with the people.
In the face of dissent in the family which had left Chief Minister and party president Akhilesh Yadav almost alone to lead the campaign, he found sufficient support in his wife who took to electioneering on her own and with ease.
The shy daughter-in-law of Mulayam Singh Yadav has not desisted from attacking even the high and mighty political opponents but with dignity and decorum in the times when electioneering touched a new low. "Mere angney mein tumhara kya kaam hai?" she questioned in a clear reference to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's adopted son remark.
She was firm when she remarked in Bhadohi: "I am the daughter of an armyman, these people are taking credit for the martyrdom of our soldiers...they are politicising the army... never seen such a government earlier." She also paid back when she said, "The Modi government which had promised 'achchy din' did the 'karnama' of note ban. ...you were made to run around for taking out your own money from banks...that was your hard earned money...till date there is no detail of how much black money has been detected."
In the over two dozen meetings that she addressed, Dimple's interaction with the surging crowds had been extempore and personal and the response was surprising.
According to party insiders, Dimple's involvement in these elections had not just been confined to campaigning but she had also worked back channels on behalf of her husband. She is said to have met the Congress leadership, carrying message from Akhilesh, for finalising the SP-Congress alliance around which the party built up its election strategy. Shedding the tag of a reluctant politician, Dimple led a sustained attack on political opponents. Not only did her presence add colour to the SP's campaign, she also connected well with the youth and the women.
Also read: The power bahus of Uttar Pradesh
From the fumbling leader who repeatedly corrected herself while going through her written text in Parliament on Kaushal Vikas mission some months ago to proper utilisation of manpower, the 39-year-old Kannauj MP has come a long way.
The new Dimple - the star campaigner - has learnt how to keep the audience especially the youth involved and impress them. Aptly donning the role of the 'bahu' and 'bhabhi', she has gone about endearingly reprimanding the young enthusiasts with warnings that she will complain about them to their 'bhaiya' (Akhilesh Yadav) and at the same time taking care of the elders among the electorate seeking 'muhdekhaiye' (gift) for her in terms of votes.When party workers went berserk in Allahabad, she said, "I will tell bhaiya (Akhilesh) that you did not let me speak. I will complain...bhaiya is coming here tomorrow."
Addressing another election rally in Jaunpur, she won over the elders and young alike when she started her speech seeking 'muhdikhai' -- a ritual where family members give a gift to a bride when they see her face for the first time. "...Main pehli baar poorvanchal aayee hoon...mujhe muh dikhai milegi...poora vishwas hai (I have come to Poorvanchal for the first time. I am confident I will get the gift of votes as muhdikhai)," she said striking an instant chord with the people.
In the face of dissent in the family which had left Chief Minister and party president Akhilesh Yadav almost alone to lead the campaign, he found sufficient support in his wife who took to electioneering on her own and with ease.
The shy daughter-in-law of Mulayam Singh Yadav has not desisted from attacking even the high and mighty political opponents but with dignity and decorum in the times when electioneering touched a new low. "Mere angney mein tumhara kya kaam hai?" she questioned in a clear reference to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's adopted son remark.
She was firm when she remarked in Bhadohi: "I am the daughter of an armyman, these people are taking credit for the martyrdom of our soldiers...they are politicising the army... never seen such a government earlier." She also paid back when she said, "The Modi government which had promised 'achchy din' did the 'karnama' of note ban. ...you were made to run around for taking out your own money from banks...that was your hard earned money...till date there is no detail of how much black money has been detected."
In the over two dozen meetings that she addressed, Dimple's interaction with the surging crowds had been extempore and personal and the response was surprising.
According to party insiders, Dimple's involvement in these elections had not just been confined to campaigning but she had also worked back channels on behalf of her husband. She is said to have met the Congress leadership, carrying message from Akhilesh, for finalising the SP-Congress alliance around which the party built up its election strategy. Shedding the tag of a reluctant politician, Dimple led a sustained attack on political opponents. Not only did her presence add colour to the SP's campaign, she also connected well with the youth and the women.
Also read: The power bahus of Uttar Pradesh
12:50 Red-carpet welcome, balloons, snacks for women votes in UP
Special arrangement have been made for women at a polling booth in Bhadohi as the world celebrates International Women's Day today. There was a red carpet (literally) welcome and a festoon of balloons at the polling booth to mark the occasion. Women were also offered snacks after they voted.
It's the last day of the polls in UP and BJP leader Murli Manohar Joshi and Manoj Sinha cast their vote in Varanasi and Ghazipur respectively.
Polling in 40 assembly seats in Uttar Pradesh is currently underway.
Around 22.48 percent voting was recorded till 11 a.m. A total of 535 candidates, including 51 women, are in the fray in these assembly seats spread across seven districts of eastern Uttar Pradesh, known as Poorvanchal.
Over 1.41 crore voters are eligible to exercise their franchise in the seventh and last phase of the assembly elections, including 76.87 lakh men and 64.99 lakh women. As many as 8,682 polling stations with 14,458 polling booths have been set up.
It's the last day of the polls in UP and BJP leader Murli Manohar Joshi and Manoj Sinha cast their vote in Varanasi and Ghazipur respectively.
Polling in 40 assembly seats in Uttar Pradesh is currently underway.
Around 22.48 percent voting was recorded till 11 a.m. A total of 535 candidates, including 51 women, are in the fray in these assembly seats spread across seven districts of eastern Uttar Pradesh, known as Poorvanchal.
Over 1.41 crore voters are eligible to exercise their franchise in the seventh and last phase of the assembly elections, including 76.87 lakh men and 64.99 lakh women. As many as 8,682 polling stations with 14,458 polling booths have been set up.
12:34 No development, no vote in Mirzapur
In Mirzapur, UP, farmers boycott voting in the Chunar assembly segment saying lack of irrigation facilities and development. Polling is underway in 40 seats spread across seven districts, including PM Modi's Lok Sabha constituency Varanasi, in the seventh and final phase of UP Assembly elections.
12:28 Team OPS on day-long fast demands probe into Amma's death
The O Panneerselvam led AIADMK faction is observing a day-long fast here and in the district capitals of Tamil Nadu today, demanding an independent probe into the death of former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa.
Besides Panneerselvam, former ministers Pandiarajan and Ponnaiyan and Rajya Sabha MP V Maithreyan led party cadres in observing the fast across Tamil Nadu.
The OPS faction had announced on February 28 that they would observe a one-day fast as the "silence" maintained by the government on the issue was a cause of worry to the people and to the true loyalists of Jayalalithaa.
A 12-member delegation led by Maitreyan had also called on President Pranab Mukherjee in Delhi that day and submitted a memorandum, seeking a probe.
In their memorandum, they sought steps for instituting a probe (a judicial enquiry or a CBI probe), which may be decided by the President. On March 6, the government had cited reports from Apollo Hospitals and AIIMS to state that Jayalalithaa died on December 5 after a massive cardiac arrest.
Besides Panneerselvam, former ministers Pandiarajan and Ponnaiyan and Rajya Sabha MP V Maithreyan led party cadres in observing the fast across Tamil Nadu.
The OPS faction had announced on February 28 that they would observe a one-day fast as the "silence" maintained by the government on the issue was a cause of worry to the people and to the true loyalists of Jayalalithaa.
A 12-member delegation led by Maitreyan had also called on President Pranab Mukherjee in Delhi that day and submitted a memorandum, seeking a probe.
In their memorandum, they sought steps for instituting a probe (a judicial enquiry or a CBI probe), which may be decided by the President. On March 6, the government had cited reports from Apollo Hospitals and AIIMS to state that Jayalalithaa died on December 5 after a massive cardiac arrest.
12:23 My mom, Anushka two strongest women in my life: Virat
Virat Kohli has praised his mother Saroj Kohli and actress Anushka Sharma for being the two "strongest" ladies in his life as the cricket star shared a special message on International Women's Day. The 28-year-old Indian skipper gave a shout-out to all the women around the world and posted a collage on Instagram featuring him along with his mother and Anushka.
"Happy women's day to every woman out there, but specially to the two strongest women in my life. "...My mom for looking after the family in toughest times in life and @anushkasharma for fighting against the odds regularly and standing up for righteousness and changing the norms. #happywomenday," writes Virat.
Last month, Virat also shared a sweet Valentine's Day message for Anushka in which he said, "Everyday is a valentine day if you want it to be. You make everyday seem like one for me. @anushkasharma."
"Happy women's day to every woman out there, but specially to the two strongest women in my life. "...My mom for looking after the family in toughest times in life and @anushkasharma for fighting against the odds regularly and standing up for righteousness and changing the norms. #happywomenday," writes Virat.
Last month, Virat also shared a sweet Valentine's Day message for Anushka in which he said, "Everyday is a valentine day if you want it to be. You make everyday seem like one for me. @anushkasharma."
11:48 RSS meet in Coimbatore, Amit Shah, Gadkari to attend
The RSS General Council will meet in Coimbatore on March 21, Tuesday, its first meet in Tamil Nadu. The RSS feels there is fertile ground
in the state for Hindutva to flower.
BJP president Amit Shah and union minister Nitin Gadkari will join the General Council meeting as as special invitees.
Over 1250 RSS delegates from all over India will arrive in Coimbatore for the meeting.
The RSS will also strategise the 2019 poll scenario -- direct the BJP for an alliance at the national level to regain its lost positions -- and deliberate on external policies.
The RSS will also observe two minutes silence for J Jayalalithaa.
in the state for Hindutva to flower.
BJP president Amit Shah and union minister Nitin Gadkari will join the General Council meeting as as special invitees.
Over 1250 RSS delegates from all over India will arrive in Coimbatore for the meeting.
The RSS will also strategise the 2019 poll scenario -- direct the BJP for an alliance at the national level to regain its lost positions -- and deliberate on external policies.
The RSS will also observe two minutes silence for J Jayalalithaa.
11:16 Thursday is snow day in Himachal
And in Narkanda, Himachal Pradesh, fresh snowfall.
Moderate snowfall and thundershowers will occur in Himachal Pradesh for the next two days that will bring down the mercury before Holi.
The hills of Kullu, Chamba, Kinnaur and Lahaul and Spiti districts are likely to experience moderate snowfall over the next 48 hours till Thursday, says the Met.
Moderate snowfall and thundershowers will occur in Himachal Pradesh for the next two days that will bring down the mercury before Holi.
The hills of Kullu, Chamba, Kinnaur and Lahaul and Spiti districts are likely to experience moderate snowfall over the next 48 hours till Thursday, says the Met.
11:13 Reign of fire
Diverse country. Diverse weather.
A forest fire that broke out in Sikkim's Reythang area on March 5, continues to rage. It has now spread to another forest.
A forest fire that broke out in Sikkim's Reythang area on March 5, continues to rage. It has now spread to another forest.
11:04 Terrorists attack military hospital in Kabul
An explosion and gunfire rattled Kabul's diplomatic district today as insurgents attacked Afghanistan's largest military hospital, officials said. The Sardar Daud Khan hospital is under attack and the attackers have entered the hospital. Details awaited.
10:57 We will win, says NDA ally Anupriya Patel
As the voting for the last phase of Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls is underway, Apna Dal leader and Union Minister Anupriya Patel on Wednesday expressed confidence of forming government. "The fate of every other politician, who is active in Uttar Pradesh politics, is at stake. We all want to win the elections from our respective constituency. As far as our alliance is concerned, I have full confidence that we would win each and every seat and NDA alliance will form government in Uttar Pradesh .There is no other option in Uttar Pradesh politics," Patel told ANI after casting her vote in Mirzapur.
Asserting confidence about winning all the seats, she said, "We will win all the 40 seats. I know I am going to win all the seats. I have work hard that is why I have the confidence. The one who works hard, carries confidence also."
Hailing Prime Minister Narendra Modi for holding roadshow in Varanasi, Patel said, "I believe if Prime Minister Modi is focusing on his Parliament constituency then this is positive sign for the democracy. Everybody should learn from him."
Asserting that elections are like yagya in democracy, Patel said the voters decide the representative of the state in the elections therefore every politician should actively participate in the campaigning.
Asserting confidence about winning all the seats, she said, "We will win all the 40 seats. I know I am going to win all the seats. I have work hard that is why I have the confidence. The one who works hard, carries confidence also."
Hailing Prime Minister Narendra Modi for holding roadshow in Varanasi, Patel said, "I believe if Prime Minister Modi is focusing on his Parliament constituency then this is positive sign for the democracy. Everybody should learn from him."
Asserting that elections are like yagya in democracy, Patel said the voters decide the representative of the state in the elections therefore every politician should actively participate in the campaigning.
10:48 NIA team at Bhopal to probe India's 1st ISIS attack
A team from the National Investigations Agency reaches Bhopal to investigate the Bhopal-Ujjain passenger train explosion that took place on Tuesday.
Confirming that the explosion in the Bhopal-Ujjain passenger train was a handiwork of ISIS operatives, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has said that after planting the pipe bomb they uploaded its photograph and sent it to Syria. We have proof of the involvement of ISIS, Chouhan said. The blast occurred in a general coach of the train between 9.30 am and 10 am on Tuesday, when it was on its way to Ujjain from Bhopal near Jabdi station.
The suspected IS terrorist killed in the outskirts of Lucknow could have had a role to play in the Bhopal-Ujjain train blast near Jabdi station in Shajapur district of Madhya Pradesh on Tuesday that led to injuries to at least 10 people, three of whom are in critical condition.
Image: Smoke bellows from a bogie of the Bhopal-Ujjain passenger train near Jabdi station after suspected IS operatives planted an IED device on the train.
Confirming that the explosion in the Bhopal-Ujjain passenger train was a handiwork of ISIS operatives, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has said that after planting the pipe bomb they uploaded its photograph and sent it to Syria. We have proof of the involvement of ISIS, Chouhan said. The blast occurred in a general coach of the train between 9.30 am and 10 am on Tuesday, when it was on its way to Ujjain from Bhopal near Jabdi station.
The suspected IS terrorist killed in the outskirts of Lucknow could have had a role to play in the Bhopal-Ujjain train blast near Jabdi station in Shajapur district of Madhya Pradesh on Tuesday that led to injuries to at least 10 people, three of whom are in critical condition.
Anti Terror Squad IG Assem Arun told news agency ANI that the neutralised terrorist was a member of the ISIS Khorasan module. Arun said, "Efforts were made to catch the suspected
terrorist (identified as Saifullah) alive, but unfortunately this did
not materialise. We fired tear gas shells and chilly bombs, so that he
comes out. But, he did not come out."
The ATS
commandos then stormed inside the house (after issuing a warning to the
terrorist), Arun said, adding "The suspected terrorist then fired at the
ATS commandos, which was then appropriately retaliated by the ATS
commandos. After this, two rooms were thoroughly searched and checked,
and the person identified as Saifullah was found dead."
"One pistol, revolvers, knife and ammunition have been recovered," he said.
Image: Smoke bellows from a bogie of the Bhopal-Ujjain passenger train near Jabdi station after suspected IS operatives planted an IED device on the train.
10:24 Manipur polls: 21 percent voter turnout recorded till 9 am
A total of 21 percent voter turnout was recorded till 9 am in the last phase of Manipur Assembly polls.
Expressing confidence, Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh earlier in the day said they will get a clear majority in the state polls
Both he and his son Kenedy Singh cast their votes for the last and final phase of the state assembly polls.
Kenedy Singh who is contesting from the Khangabok constituency said he is sure and confident of their win in the elections.
Polling for 22 assembly seats spread across ten districts is being held under tight security from seven in the morning till three in the afternoon.
A total of about eight lakh voters will decide the electoral fortune of 98 candidates at 1151 polling stations in second and last phase of poll.Patr
Expressing confidence, Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh earlier in the day said they will get a clear majority in the state polls
Both he and his son Kenedy Singh cast their votes for the last and final phase of the state assembly polls.
Kenedy Singh who is contesting from the Khangabok constituency said he is sure and confident of their win in the elections.
Polling for 22 assembly seats spread across ten districts is being held under tight security from seven in the morning till three in the afternoon.
A total of about eight lakh voters will decide the electoral fortune of 98 candidates at 1151 polling stations in second and last phase of poll.Patr
10:21 Last and final call: PM Modi urges UP to turn out in large numbers
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday urged the citizens of Uttar Pradesh and Manipur to turn out in large number and vote in the last phase of state assembly elections.
The Prime Minister took to his twitter handle to reach to the masses.Last phase of election is being held today in Uttar Pradesh and Manipur.
A total of 40 constituencies spread over seven districts of eastern region of Uttar Pradesh will vote under the seventh phase.
Districts covered in this phase of polls are Ghazipur, Varanasi, Jaunpur, Chandauli, Sant Ravidas Nagar Bhadohi, Sonebhadra and Mirzapur.A total of 14,560 polling centres have been set up for over one crore 41 Lakhs electorates to cast their votes. A total of 535 candidates including 51 women are in the fray. Maximum 24 candidates are in contest from Varanasi Cant seat and minimum 6 are from Kerakat in Jaunpur district.
Elaborate security arrangements with the deployment of central Para military forces have been made for free and fair voting. Voting will be held from 7 am to 5 pm.
In three constituencies of Robertsganj and Dudhhi in Naxal hit Sonebhadra district and Chakia in Chandauli district, voting will conclude at 4 PM one hour earlier to schedule time.Inter-state border with Bihar, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand have been sealed and patrolling by security forces have been intensified.
The Prime Minister took to his twitter handle to reach to the masses.Last phase of election is being held today in Uttar Pradesh and Manipur.
A total of 40 constituencies spread over seven districts of eastern region of Uttar Pradesh will vote under the seventh phase.
Districts covered in this phase of polls are Ghazipur, Varanasi, Jaunpur, Chandauli, Sant Ravidas Nagar Bhadohi, Sonebhadra and Mirzapur.A total of 14,560 polling centres have been set up for over one crore 41 Lakhs electorates to cast their votes. A total of 535 candidates including 51 women are in the fray. Maximum 24 candidates are in contest from Varanasi Cant seat and minimum 6 are from Kerakat in Jaunpur district.
Elaborate security arrangements with the deployment of central Para military forces have been made for free and fair voting. Voting will be held from 7 am to 5 pm.
In three constituencies of Robertsganj and Dudhhi in Naxal hit Sonebhadra district and Chakia in Chandauli district, voting will conclude at 4 PM one hour earlier to schedule time.Inter-state border with Bihar, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand have been sealed and patrolling by security forces have been intensified.
10:18 Video emerges of 'son' of assassinated Kim Jong-Nam
A video of a man describing himself as the son of assassinated North Korean exile Kim Jong-Nam emerged today, apparently the first time a family member has spoken about the killing. South Korea's intelligence agency confirmed the individual on the video -- uploaded to the YouTube page of a previously unknown group calling itself Cheollima Civil Defense (CCD) -- is Kim Han-Sol.
His father was murdered at Malaysia's main airport last month by two women using the banned VX nerve agent, with Pyongyang widely blamed for the assassination. "The man is indeed Kim Han-Sol," a spokesman for the National Intelligence Service told AFP.
His father was murdered at Malaysia's main airport last month by two women using the banned VX nerve agent, with Pyongyang widely blamed for the assassination. "The man is indeed Kim Han-Sol," a spokesman for the National Intelligence Service told AFP.
09:37
71 arrested in Ghazipur for attempting to cast bogus votes, were being sheltered by sitting Zamaniya MLA & tourism minister OP Singh, Times of India reports.
09:32 Harvard dropout Zuckerberg to address grads at alma mater
Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg, one of Harvard University's most famous dropouts, will return to his one-time alma mater this summer to deliver the commencement address at the convocation ceremony.
Zuckerberg, 32 will be the featured speaker at Harvard's 366th Commencement on May 25, the University announced yesterday. This is an honour that brings distinguished
political leaders, business chiefs and artists to address graduating students.
A young Zuckerberg, now among the world's most powerful and influential billionaires, had founded Facebook in 2004 in his Harvard dormitory and had then dropped out of the prestigious institution to focus full-time on building the social media company, which transformed the way people interacted with each other.
Harvard President Drew Faust lauded the former student's leadership and his company's impact on how nearly 1.9 billion people interact, saying she looks forward to welcoming Zuckerberg back to the varsity on Commencement day.
"Mark Zuckerberg's leadership has profoundly altered the nature of social engagement worldwide. Few inventions in modern times can rival Facebook in its far-reaching impact on how people around the globe interact with one another," Faust said.
09:24 Terror op: Slain terrorist belonged to ISIS Khorasan module
Media agencies are reporting that the suspected IS terrorist killed in the outskirts of Lucknow could have had a role to play in the Bhopal-Ujjain train blast near Jabdi station in Shajapur district of Madhya Pradesh on Tuesday that led to injuries to at least 10 people, three of whom are in critical condition.
Anti Terror Squad IG Assem Arun told news agency ANI that the neutralised terrorist was a member of the ISIS Khorasan module.
IG ATS Aseem Arun said, "Efforts were made to catch the suspected terrorist (identified as Saifullah) alive, but unfortunately this did not materialise. We fired tear gas shells and chilly bombs, so that he comes out. But, he did not come out."
The ATS commandos then stormed inside the house (after issuing a warning to the terrorist), Arun said, adding "The suspected terrorist then fired at the ATS commandos, which was then appropriately retaliated by the ATS commandos. After this, two rooms were thoroughly searched and checked, and the person identified as Saifullah was found dead."
"One pistol, revolvers, knife and ammunition have been recovered," he said.
09:17 Train blast: IS terrorists sent pix of pipe bomb to Syria
Assuring concrete proof that the terrorists responsible for the Bhopal-Ujjain passenger train blast were affiliated with the Islamic State, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has said that after placing the pipe bomb in the train, the terrorists had then proceeded to send the pictures to Syria.
Speaking to ANI, Chouhan further informed that the terrorists, who hailed from Kanpur and Kannauj had made plans to rush back to Lucknow once their nefarious plans to set off the bomb had come through.
"The explosives recovered from them had inscriptions on it saying 'ISIS -- we are in India'. The terrorists even uploaded the picture of the pipe bomb they had placed in the train and the then sent it to Syria. So it's proof that they were related to ISIS," he said.
The chief minister also revealed that the terrorists had learned the mechanism of making a bomb on the internet and then trained to carry out the explosion.
"They had placed the timer of the bomb in such a way that it explodes in two hours. Fortunately the pipe bomb was placed in an upper berth, which significantly reduced the damage and loss of lives in the attack. Our ATS was in constant touch with central agencies and nabbed them. Ateef Mazaffar was their mastermind and Mohammad Danish and Sayyed Mir Hussain were also caught," he said.
09:10 SC to continue hearing plea seeking ban on Odisha illegal mining
The Supreme Court on Wednesday will continue its hearing on the plea filed by NGO, Common Cause seeking complete ban on the illegal mining across Odisha.
Earlier in September 21 last year, the apex court had issued notice ato the Centre and Odisha Government demanding a detailed reply of the iron ore sharing contract between Sarda Mines and Jindal Steel and power Limited (JSPL) within two months.
A division bench of the apex court, headed by Justice Dipak Misra and also comprising Justice C Nagappan, sought the reply from both the Centre and Odisha government.
09:08 Manipur polls: CM Okram Ibobi, son cast their votes
Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh and his son Kenedy Singh on Wednesday cast their votes for the last and final phase of the state assembly polls.
"We will get a clear mandate. This election is something like a referendum both hill and the valley," Chief Minister Singh said.
Kenedy Singh who is contesting from the Khangabok constituency said he is sure and confident of their win in the elections.
Polling for 22 assembly seats spread across ten districts is being held under tight security from seven in the morning till three in the afternoon.
A total of about eight lakh voters will decide the electoral fortune of 98 candidates at 1151 polling stations in second and last phase of poll.
08:41 On women's day, PM Modi salutes their indomitable spirit
On the occasion of International Women's Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday saluted the indomitable spirit, determination and dedication of women power.
"Saluting the indomitable spirit, determination & dedication of Nari Shakti on International Women's Day. GoI's various initiatives seek to facilitate economic empowerment, self-reliance & social equality as far as Nari Shakti is concerned," Prime Minister Modi tweeted.
The prime minister will today address a conclave of women sarpanchs in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
"Looking forward to addressing a conclave of women sarpanchs & honouring trailblazers who have worked towards a Swachh Bharat," he tweeted.
Women sarpanchs from different parts of the country will attend the event, which has been jointly organised by the Centre and the Rural Development Department of Gujarat government.
08:39 WikiLeaks claims Samsung TVs enable surveillance
WikiLeaks claims Samsung smart TVs are among the CIA's weapons for surveillance.
WikiLeaks claims the CIA worked with UK intelligence officials to turn microphones in TVs into listening devices.
Samsung smart TVs have microphones so viewers can make voice commands, such as requests for movie recommendations.
The commands typically aren't transmitted outside the home unless users activate the feature. If the TV is off, there's no listening being done.
But WikiLeaks claims that documents it obtained show that through a program called Weeping Angel, the target TV appears to be off when it is actually on and listening.
WikiLeaks says the audio goes to a covert CIA server rather than a party authorized by Samsung. In such cases, audio isn't limited to TV commands but could include everyday conversations.
08:17 Polling begins in 40 UP assembly seats in phase 7
Polling in 40 Uttar Pradesh assembly seats spread across seven districts in the seventh and final phase started today with all eyes on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Lok Sabha constituency Varanasi.
Prominent candidates who are in fray include former Cabinet minister Om Prakash, Parasnath Yadav, Ajay Rai, former MP Dhananjay Singh, Sigbatullah Ansari brother of Mukhtar Ansari and Seema Singh wife of jailed mafia Munna Bajrangi.
A total of 1.41 crore voters, including 64.76 lakh women, are eligible to exercise their franchise in 14,458 polling booths and 8,682 polling centres to decide fate of 585 candidates, including 51 women.
Three Naxal-affected districts of Sonbhadra, Mirzapur and Chandauli, along with the five Assembly segments under Varanasi Lok Sabha constituency, will be in prime focus. Ghazipur, Jaunpur and Bhadoi are the other districts where polling is going on in this phase.
Tight security has been put in place in these seven districts. Polling will be held between 7 AM to 5 PM in all constituencies, except the Naxal-hit Duddhi, Robertsganj and Chakia seats, where polling will end at 4 PM.
Counting of votes polled in all the seven phases of the Assembly polls will be taken up on March 11.
00:44 WikiLeaks publishes CIA spying documents
Anti-secrecy group WikiLeaks on Tuesday said it had obtained a top-secret trove of hacking tools used by the CIA to break into phones, communication apps and other electronic devices, and published confidential documents on those programs.
Among the most noteworthy WikiLeaks claims are that the Central Intelligence Agency, in partnership with other US and foreign agencies, has been able to bypass the encryption on popular messaging apps such as WhatsApp, Telegram and Signal, by hacking phones that use Google's Android platform to collect audio and message traffic before encryption is applied.
Google declined to comment but said it was investigating the matter.
If verified, the information in the documents would amount to yet another breach of classified material stolen in recent years from U.S. intelligence agencies. US officials said they were unaware of where WikiLeaks might have obtained the material.
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