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Wed, 27 March 2019

Pulwama: Pak seeks 'more evidence' on JeM's hand

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23:30 Rahul takes injured scribe to AIIMS

Exhibiting his humane side, Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday took an injured journalist to AIIMS after he had a fall from his two-wheeler.

The Congress chief, who was on his way to the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium to address an OBC convention, saw local journalist Rajinder Vyas lying injured on the roadside near the Humayun Road.

Gandhi stopped his convoy and got the injured scribe into his vehicle and took him to AIIMS for treatment, eyewitnesses said.

Vyas had fallen off after his scooter skidded near a petrol pump on Humayun road, they said.

After dropping the injured journalist at AIIMS, Rahul then proceeded to the Indira Gandhi Indoor Satdium and addressed the gathering.

A video of the incident also went viral on social media. -- PTI

22:46 Modi unlikely to contest from Gujarat

Prime Minister Minister Narendra Modi is unlikely to contest election from Gujarat is spite of the demands from the Bharatiya Janata Party's state unit, a party leader in Ahmedabad has said.

Modi had won from Vadodara and Varanasi in 2014 and chose to retain the latter.

As BJP president Amit Shah will be contesting from Gandhinagar, the chances of another national-level leader contesting from the state are very slim, a state BP leader said on the condition of anonymity.

"I do not think that they will field two national leaders from one state. There is no chance of Modi fighting from a seat in Gujarat," the BJP leader said.

State BJP leaders have requested Modi to contest from Gujarat to boost party workers' morale, especially in the aftermath of the 2017 assembly elections when the Congress managed to restrict the BJP to 99 seats, lowest in two decades, and increased its own tally by 16 seats to 77 in the 182-member Legislative Assembly.

Till Tuesday, rumours were doing rounds in BJP circles that Modi was going to contest from Surat, but party sources said it was not true.

The BJP is yet to declare its candidate from Surat. BJP's Ranjanben Dhananjay Bhatt, who won from Vadodra after Modi vacated it, is seeking re-election from the seat.

Gujarat will vote on April 23. The last date of filing nominations is April 4. -- PTI

Pakistan on Wednesday sought 'more information/evidence' from India on the involvement of the Jaish-e-Mohammed in the deadly Pulwama terror attack and the presence of camps of the United Nations-proscribed terror outfit in the country.

Indian High Commissioner Ajay Bisaria was called to the Foreign Ministry by Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua and the 'preliminary findings' on the 'Pulwama incident' were shared with him, the Foreign Office said, referring the deadly terror attack as an 'incident'.

The preliminary findings were shared with India after examining the Indian dossier on the Pulwama attack, it said in a statement.

India handed over the dossier to the Acting High Commissioner of Pakistan in New Delhi on February 27 with specific details of JeM's complicity in the Pulwama attack and the presence of JeM terror camps and its leadership in Pakistan.

"We have sought further information/evidence from India to take the process forward," the Foreign Office said.

Stating that Prime Minister Imran Khan had offered cooperation in the investigation if 'credible evidence' was provided by India, the FO said, 'in response to this offer, a paper was handed over to Pakistan'.

Pakistan has acted with a high sense of responsibility and extended full cooperation, it claimed.

"We do so in the interest of regional peace and security," the FO said as it sought more evidence from India to take the process forward. -- PTI

JUST IN: The Election Commission has set up panel of officers to examine Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address to nation today in light of model code which is in force.

In a broadcast to the nation on television, radio and social media, Modi announced that India had demonstrated anti-satellite missile capability by shooting down a live satellite.

'Matter related to address of the prime minister to the nation on electronic media today afternoon has been brought to the notice of ECI.

'The Commission has directed a Committee of Officers to examine the matter immediately in the light of Model Code of Conduct,' the EC said. -- ANI/PTI

As campaigning for general election picks up, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and its supporters continued to corner a bulk of ad spends on Facebook that have grown to Rs 8.38 crore, as per data from the social media giant.

As per Facebook's Ad Library Report, the number of political ads was at 34,048 with the total spend at over Rs 6.88 crore between February up to March 16, 2019.

This number grew to 41,514 at the end of March 23 with cumulative ad spends touching Rs 8.38 crore.

This is an increase of over 7,400 ads 'related to politics and issues of national importance' on Facebook in India during the week ended March 23, 2018 as compared to the previous week.

'Bharat Ke Mann Ki Baat' page emerged as the top spender with well over 3,700 ads and pumping in more than Rs 2.23 crore (under two categories).

The BJP had about 600 ads and spent over Rs 7 lakh, while other pages like 'My First Vote for Modi' and 'Nation with NaMo' saw large spending as well.

Amit Shah's page had one ad and an ad spend of Rs 2.12 lakh.

Compared to this, the Indian National Congress page had 410 ads and its ad spend was Rs 5.91 lakh in the February to March 23 period, as per data.

In February, Facebook had said political advertisements on its platform will carry a 'disclaimer' offering details about those responsible for running the ad as the social media giant looks to bring transparency into political ads ahead of elections in India.

This was done to give people more information about who is responsible for the ads they see.

With ensuing general elections, the Indian government had warned social media platforms of strong action if any attempt was made to influence the country's electoral process through undesirable means.

Over the past few months, social media players like Facebook, Twitter and Google have promised to infuse more transparency into political advertisements on their platform and have since announced a slew of measures as part of election integrity efforts.

Facebook, which has over 200 million users in India, has stated that it is committed to creating a new standard of transparency and authenticity for political advertising on its platform and Instagram. -- PTI

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Wednesday claimed he had to drop his deputy and Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party MLA Sudin Dhavalikar from the Cabinet as he 'failed' to adhere to the common minimum programme of the coalition government.

He rejected suggestions that the Bharatiya Janata Party had engineered a split in the MGP, whose two MLAs joined the saffron party in a dramatic turn of events in the early hours of Wednesday.

Talking to reporters, Sawant said coalition partners had worked out a common minimum programme (CMP) while forming the government under his leadership after the demise of Manohar Parrikar on March 17.

The MGP, which won three assembly seats in the 2017 polls, was one of the key allies in the BJP-led government in the coastal state.

However, Sudin Dhavalikar 'failed' to adhere to the common minimum programme of the coalition government, he claimed.

"One of the conditions in the common minimum programme was that no alliance partner would contest the Shiroda assembly by-election.

"But MGP president Dipak Dhavalikar (brother of Sudin Dhavalikar) refused to withdraw from the Shiroda assembly constituency (where the BJP will field its candidate)," said the 46-year-old chief minister who took charge on March 19.

"We can't help him if he keep his interest above the party and the state government," Sawant said, referring to Dipak Dhavalikar's refusal to withdraw from the contest.

Two of the three MLAs of the MGP, the state's oldest regional party, joined the BJP in early hours of Wednesday.

The MLAs, Manohar Ajgaonkar and Dipak Pawaskar, split from the parent party, formed their own legislature wing and then merged it with the BJP.

Sawant asserted that the BJP or his government was in no way responsible for the split in the MGP.

"Both the MLAs were not feeling comfortable in the MGP. They were also apprehensive that they would be removed from the party. That is why they broke away and approached me (for merger with the BJP)," Sawant said.

The chief minister sought to downplay the MGP's announcement that it will contest both the Lok Sabha seats in Goa where polling will take place on April 23.

Sawant said the MGP's decision will not have any adverse impact on the prospects of BJP candidates Shripad Naik (North) and Narendra Sawaikar (South Goa).

Besides Shiroda, two more assembly seats - Mandrem and Mapusa - will see bypolls on April 23. -- PTI

20:23 Giriraj Singh to contest from Begusarai: Shah

Bharatiya Janata Party chief Amit Shah said on Wednesday that Union Minister Giriraj Singh would contest the parliamentary election from Bihar's Begusarai constituency and all his problems would be resolved by the party.

Singh had on Monday accused the party's state leadership of letting him down by 'violating' his self-respect after denying him a ticket from Nawada, a seat which he won in 2014.

The BJP has announced Singh as its candidate from Begusarai this year.

Extending best wishes to Singh, Shah in a tweet said he has heard all the issues raised by the Union minister and 'all his problems will be resolved by the party'.

'Giriraj Singh will contest from Beghusarai only,' Shah tweeted.

BJP is contesting on 17 out of 40 Lok Sabha seats in Bihar. An equal number number of seats are being contested by its ally Janata Dal-United.

Its another partner Lok Janshakti Party is contesting on the remaining seats.

As per the seats arrangement between the three parties, the Nawada seat has been given to the JD-U. -- PTI

19:40

Visuals of Prime Minister of Malaysia Mahathir Mohamad in a Tejas fighter jet at the 15th edition of Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA-19) underway in Malaysia. -- ANI

19:36 Misison Shakti nod taken 2 yrs ago: DRDO chief

Defence Research and Development Organisation chief G Satheesh Reddy speaks on successful anti-satellite missile test.

Calling it 'a great achievement for India', Reddy said technology used for test has been completely developed indigenously.

"We have matured to develop technology which could achieve accuracy in terms of centimeters. Anti-satellite missile test has reflected our capability and will act as good deterrence," Reddy said.

He said that clearance for the project was given over two years ago.

"The project was implemented in fastest way possible. It shows DRDO's capability in doing such programmes," he said. -- PTI

China on Wednesday reacted guardedly to India's anti-satellite missile test and expressed hope that all countries will uphold peace and tranquillity in the outer space.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday announced that India successfully test-fired an anti-satellite missile by shooting down a live satellite, describing it as a rare achievement that puts the country in an exclusive club of space super powers.

The test makes India the fourth country in the world after the United States, Russia and China to acquire the strategic capability to shoot down enemy satellites.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry, in a written response to a question from PTI on India successfully test-firing an anti-satellite missile, said: "We have noticed reports and hope that each country will uphold peace and tranquillity in outer space."

China conducted such a test in January 2007 when its anti-satellite missile destroyed a defunct weather satellite.

Prime Minister Modi said in New Delhi that the action was not directed against any country and the satellite was a pre-determined target orbiting at an altitude of 300 km.

He said India did not breach any international laws or treaties by testing the the anti-satellite missile.

Mission Shakti, which was led by the Defence Research and Development Organisation, was aimed at strengthening India's overall security, he said in his address that comes a fortnight before the start of the general election. -- PTI

17:54 PM's 'hum bhi kisi se kam nahin' to scientists

Buoyed by the successful testing of Anti-Satellite (A-SAT) missile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said: "Hum bhi kisi se Kam Nahi (We are no less than anyone).

"The Prime Minister made this comment during an interaction through video-conference with the team of scientists and engineers involved in the development and testing of the Anti-Satellite weapons.

"Congratulations to you all. Your hard work paid off," Prime Minister said."If someone who does not think ill about anyone becomes powerless, then those who think ill will keep breeding evils. That is why someone who does not think ill for others must be powerful," Prime Minister told the scientists and engineers.

He also termed the successful development of the weapon as an example of "Make-in-India".India on Wednesday announced successful testing of its anti-satellite missile by shooting down its own decommissioned satellite in the Low Earth Orbit.

Making the announcement about the test, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that India's feat is only for its own defence needs and not for use against any country. -- PTI

17:36 BJP has thought out its candidate list

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah's decision of dropping 36 sitting MPs from contesting the 2019 Lok Sabha poll and fielding 85 hard core RSS cadres, will enthuse RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat.

New faces have been brought in. For instance in Bengaluru, the BJP has introduced Tejasvi Surya, 28-year-old RSS worker.

Narendra Modi has also pulled up union ministers who are seen to be treading a different path from the party line -- Maneka Gandhi and Giriraj Singh.

The Prime Minister has told both the ministers that they have to accept the change in seat. Giraj Singh has been sulking for more than a month after his seat was changed from from Nawada to Begusarai in Bihar.

BJP chief Amit Shah said on Wednesday that Union Minister Giriraj Singh would contest the parliamentary all his problems would be resolved by the party.

Singh had on Monday accused the party's state leadership of letting him down by "violating" his self-respect after denying him a ticket from Nawada, a seat which he won in 2014.

Maneka Gandhi has been sulking for more than two years. The party is none to happy that her son and MP Varun Gandhi has been hobnobbing with the Congress. Varun was pulled up by BJP Chief Amit Shah his Lok Sabha constituency interchanged with mother's constituency.

An internal study by the BJP has shown that if these MPs were to be renominated there will be a backlash, which is why the change.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also has intelligence reports about these MPs and the situation on the ground have been analysed.

It has not been easy for the party to drop stalwarts like Dr Murli Manohar Joshi and LK Advani. Modi spoke to the senior leaders and has informed them of that in the event of the BJP being re-elected they will be suitably accommodated.

Advani will likely be given a Rajya Sabha seat and Dr Joshi will be accommodated in the best position possibile. Given that they are both in advanced years -- Advani is 91, Dr Joshi is 86, it would be difficult for them to canvass in the searing Indian summer.

The Bombay High Court Wednesday directed the Income Tax (I-T) department to file a reply to a petition by fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi's firm, Camelot Enterprises, challenging the auction of 68 paintings belonging to him.

A bench of justices Akil Kureshi and Sarang Kotwal directed the I-T department to file its reply by April 1. Earlier this month, a special court in the city had permitted the I-T department to auction 68 paintings owned by Nirav Modi and his shell firm, Camelot Enterprises.

The firm approached the Bombay HC against the auction, calling it unlawful. On March 26, the I-T department, in accordance with the special court order, auctioned 55 of the 68 paintings and claimed to have raised Rs 55 crore.

On March 22, a special court in the city had permitted the Enforcement Directorate to auction 11 luxury vehicles belonging to Nirav Modi, and had permitted the Income Tax department to auction the high-value art collection belonging to the jeweller. Nirav Modi, an accused in the PNB scam, was arrested in London last week and remanded in judicial custody by a local court there. -- PTI

IMAGE: Raja Ravi Varma's 1881 work depicting the Maharaja of Travancore and his younger brother welcoming Richard Temple-Grenville, and Chandos, the third duke of Buckingham and the governor general of Madras, got sold for Rs 16.10 crore.

17:03 Economists laud Rahul's minimum income plan

Congress President Rahul Gandhi's electoral promise of a minimum income guarantee scheme is not a silver bullet, but if implemented, it can be a game changer in eliminating poverty in India, co-director of the World Inequality Lab at the Paris School of Economics Lucas Chancel said on Wednesday.

Welcoming the proposal to increase living standards at the bottom of the income scale, he said, if voted to power, the Congress can impose a 2 per cent annual wealth tax on the top 0.1 per cent super-rich (owning more than Rs 2.5 crore) to fund the scheme.

"Given the extreme rise of inequality in India over the past 3 decades, it is welcome that a party comes up with proposals to increase living standards at the bottom of the income scale. "... minimum income guarantee is not a silver bullet, but can be a game changer," the eminent economist told PTI.

Asked to comment on on the fiscal implication of proposed income guarantee scheme on the India's GDP, Chancel said that given the poor quality of Indian inequality data, the estimation of the cost of such a measure is not straightforward.

"For a Rs 72,000 minimum income guarantee, we arrive at estimates of the same order of magnitude than those provided by Congress - in fact a bit lower, that is the cost of the measure would be 1.3 per cent of GDP under our estimation. A Rs 100,000 minimum income guarantee would cost about 2.6 per cent of GDP," he said.

On Monday, Gandhi had announced in New Delhi that Rs 72,000 per year will be given as minimum income to poor families, benefiting around 25 crore people, if his party is voted to power in Lok Sabha polls, asserting that it would be the final assault on poverty.

Gandhi had said 20 per cent or five crore families belonging to the poorest category with monthly income less than Rs 12,000 would come under the scheme.

Gandhi had also said his party had consulted "big economists" including former RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan before it came up with the idea of minimum guaranteed income to the poorest 20 per cent households in the country.

On funding of the proposed pre-poll scheme, Chancel said that the progressive taxes are proven tools to tackle extreme inequality at the top of the income scale, while providing funding for redistribution. "From an international perspective, India is an under-taxed country and there is a lot that can be done to increase existing income tax compliance as well as to introduce new taxes on the wealthiest (i.e. taxes that would have absolutely no impact on the vast majority of the population). -- PTI

Benchmark indices witnessed heavy volatility amid Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address to the nation, reflecting the nervousness of the investor community over the subject.

The 30-share benchmark index dived by over 100 points but recovered sharply to 38,402.35 at 1234 hours as Prime Minister announced that India had shot down a live satellite in space with an anti-satellite missile in a major breakthrough in space programme.

The markets, which opened higher in the morning over Tuesday's close, sharply dipped following the twitter message as it wasn't clear what the subject of the address to the nation was.

The benchmark BSE Sensex jumped over 200 points on Wednesday during Modi's announcement that India had demonstrated anti-satellite missile capability by shooting down a live satellite.

The 30-share index was trading at 38,443.5, up 212.98 points at 12.24 hrs. The benchmark index had jumped over 200 points in the opening trading session.

Meanwhile, buying was also seen in defence stocks, with Hindustan Aeronautics rising 7.25 per cent, Bharat Dynamics 6.26 per cent, Walchandnagar Industries Ltd 3.61 per cent and BEML 1.31 per cent on the BSE.

The benchmark BSE Sensex was at 38,445.38 points a minute before the Prime Minister took to the twitter at 11.23 am to announce his address to the nation.

"I would be addressing the nation at around 11:45 am - 12.00 noon with an important message. Do watch the address on television, radio or social media," he tweeted. But it was not until 12:24 that he made the near 10-minute address. With no precedence of such address after general elections were announced, other than when Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi were assassinated in 1984 and 1991 respectively, memories of November 8, 2016, were revived when Modi made his first address to the nation to announce demonetisation of 86 per cent of the currency in circulation.

With election code is in place, it was felt that no policy announcement could be made and there could be some development on the Pakistan front as the Cabinet Committee on Security met just before the twitter message. Sensex fell to 38,332.22 by 11.35 am and further to 38,304.09 by 11.58 am. -- PTI

14:31 Urmila joins Congress in Rahul's presence

Urmila Matondkar joins Congress in the presence of party President Rahul Gandhi. Addressing a press conference she says she has been inspired by the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Patel and Jawaharlal Nehru. "I believe in the Congress. I believe in Rahul Gandhi. A leader should be one who takes everyone along," she said.

She is likely to take on the BJP's incumbent MP Gopal Shetty in Mumbai North.

14:21 PM got himself an hour of free TV: Akhilesh

Prime Minister Narendra Modi got himself an hour of free TV and diverted nation's attention away from issues on the ground, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav Wednesday said, shortly after Modi addressed the nation on India's anti-satellite missile capability.

"Today @narendramodi got himself an hour of free TV & divert(ed) nation's attention away from issues on ground #Unemployment #RuralCrisis & #WomensSecurity by pointing at the sky," he tweeted.

Modi on Wednesday announced that India had demonstrated anti-satellite missile capability by shooting down a live satellite, describing it as a rare achievement that puts the country in an exclusive club of space super powers. Akhilesh also said, "Congratulations @drdo_india & @isro this success belongs to you. Thank you for making India safer.

14:05 Rahul wishes PM 'Happy World Theatre day'

Rahul Gandhi reacts to Mission Shakti. The Congress president @RahulGandhi tweets: "Well done DRDO, extremely proud of your work.

I would also like to wish the PM a very happy World Theatre Day."

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee reacted similarly saying, "Indias Mission Programme is world-class for many many years. We are always proud of our scientists, @DRDO_India , other research & space organisations.

"Todays announcement is yet another limitless drama and publicity mongering by Modi desperately trying to reap political benefits at the time of election. This is a gross violation of Model Code of Conduct.

"There is no great urgency in conducting and announcing the mission now by a government past its expiry date. It seems a desperate oxygen to save the imminent sinking of the BJP boat. We are lodging a complaint with the Election Commission."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation on Wednesday at 12:10 PM announcing that India has entered an elite space club by successfully testing A-SAT, an anti-satellite missile. India is now an entrant in a club of three nations -- United States, Russia and China -- with anti-satellite weapon capabilities, informed Prime Minister Modi.

File pic.

13:34 Decommissioned Indian satellite targeted: DRDO

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation on Wednesday at 12:10 pm announcing that India has entered an elite space club by successfully testing A-SAT, an anti-satellite missile. India is now an entrant in a club of three nations -- United States, Russia and China -- with anti-satellite weapon capabilities, informed Prime Minister Modi.

Government sources revealed to ANI that the A-SAT weapon was launched around 11:16 am on Wednesday and targeted an Indian satellite which had been decommissioned and was orbiting on a 'Low Earth Orbit' at a height of 300 KM from the earth's surface. The entire test, with confirmation of target elimination, took 3 minutes.

The project announced by Prime Minister Modi in a televised address as "Mission Shakti" was coordinated by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Chairman G. Satheesh Reddy and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval along with officers of the National Security Council.

The missile was launched from the DRDO's testing range in Odisha's Balasore. At the time of testing of the A-SAT missile, G. Satheesh Reddy was camping in Balasore to see the project through.

"A-SAT missile will give new strength to India's space programme. I assure the international community that our capability won't be used against anyone but is purely India's defence initiative for its security," assured Prime Minister Modi in his televised address. Government sources also assured that this test would have no bearing on India's status in the MTCR (Missile Technology Control Regime) or other such treaties.

Former DRDO Chief and NITI Aayog member Dr VK Saraswat: This is a fantastic capability to have and it gives us a deterrence in case our adversaries try to militarise the space or try to prevent us from using our existing space capabilities.

Naresh Fernandes: Phew. It's only a cow jumping over the moon. Someone quickly tell those poor sods who are already lining up at the bank counter looking to deposits that cash.

Shekhar Gupta: While a successful A-SAT launch is a bold strategic move, PM making such a big deal of it personally shows a poll-eve desperation we hadnt yet detected/suspected. Its just a frantic new national security headline as Balakot has faded in a month.

Shivam Vij: Hello friends. Chai pi lo

Prashant Bhushan: As we waited with baited breath for Modi's grand announcement on National TV & Radio on the eve of elections, Modi chose to announce DRDO & ISRO's decades old work on an anti satellite weapon as his new 'surgical strike'! Clearly it will now provide 10Cr jobs to our people!

Sonali Ranade: Normally this would be announced via a DRDO press release.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday announced that India had demonstrated anti-satellite missile capability by shooting down a live satellite, describing it as a rare achievement that puts the country in an exclusive club of space super powers.

"In the journey of every nation there are moments that bring utmost pride and have a historic impact on generations to come. One such moment is today," he said in an unprecedented broadcast to the nation on television, radio and social media.

"India has successfully tested the Anti-Satellite (ASAT) Missile. Congratulations to everyone on the success of #MissionShakti," the prime minister tweeted later.

Representational image.

12:50 India shoots down satellite, announces Modi

PM Narendra Modi says India shoots down low orbit satellite and becomes a major space power. Mission Shakti is a big win for India.

"India has entered its name as an elite space power. An anti-satellite weapon A-SAT, successfully targeted a live satellite on a low earth orbit. 'Mission Shakti' operation was a difficult target to achieve which was completed successfully within three minutes of launch. Today, we have enough satellites that are contributing in various segments such as agriculture, disaster management, communication, weather, navigation etc," the PM said.

"Today is 27th March. A while ago, India achieved a historic feat. India today registered itself as a space power. Till now, 3 countries of the world- America, Russia, & China had this achievement. India is the 4th country to have achieved this feat.

The satellite was orbiting at an altitude of 300 km, he said, describing India as a space power.

"A-SAT missile will give new strength to India's space prog. I assure int'l community that our capability won't be used against anyone but is purely India's defence initiative for its security.We're against arms raised in space. This test won't breach any int'l law or treaties."

He said the mission was completed in three minutes.

12:15 PM's announcement still awaited

Half an hour past the time the PM was supposed to address the nation. Crazy speculation everywhere, but since there is model code of conduct in place, it is unlikely to be a policy decision. The Cabinet Committee on Security meeting is on which means it could be a security related announcement.

12:06

Omar Abdullah @OmarAbdullah What announcement will fit within the code of conduct guidelines of the election commission of India?

12:05

CBI will send a team to London for Nirav Modi's case hearing, on 29 March.

11:59 Priyanka hits Amethi

As we wait for the PM's address with bated breath and beating heart (remember the demonetisation address on November 8, 2016) Congress workers in Amethi welcome Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on her arrival.

11:48 PM to address the nation shortly

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation today, two weeks ahead of the commencement of polling in the country. "I would be addressing the nation at around 11:45 am - 12.00 noon with an important message. Do watch the address on television, radio or social media" he tweeted on Wednesday."

Seven-phased elections in the country will begin on April 11 and end on May 19. Counting of votes will take place on May 23.

The tenure of the current government will end on May 22.

10:40 On sick leave, Abhinandan returns to squadron

Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, who was captured by Pakistan last month and returned to India two days later, has gone back to his squadron in Srinagar though he is on a four-week sick leave, official sources said Tuesday.

They said Varthaman preferred to stay with his squadron in Srinagar than going to his family home in Chennai while on leave.The IAF pilot went on leave around 12 days ago after security agencies completed a nearly two-week debriefing after his return from Pakistan.

Varthaman could have gone to his family home in Chennai to spend time with his parents. But he chose to go to Srinagar where his squadron is based, the sources said.

After his four-week sick leave period, a medical board will review his fitness to help the IAF top brass decide whether he can return to fighter cockpit as desired by him. -- PTI

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath claimed that Congress president Rahul Gandhi, during his recent visit to Somnath temple, sat like he was offering namaz (one of the five pillars of Islam).

"It's the people of Gujarat who exposed Rahul Gandhi. He went to Somnath temple and sat there as if offering namaz. Temple priest had to scold him that this is a temple, sit cross-legged," Adityanath said at a public rally on Tuesday.

"Nakal mein bhi akal chahiye," he then quipped (presence of mind is required even to copy).

He further claimed that the Congress' "new generation" visits temples only during elections, in an apparent reference to Rahul and his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, ahead of the latter's visit to Ayodhya.

"They (Rahul and Priyanka) go to temples only during elections. They do not have time to visit holy sites if elections are not around," the Uttar Pradesh chief minister said.

At another public rally in the state, Adityanath claimed that the new scheme introduced by the Congress for the poor was nothing but a poll "gimmick".

He also claimed that Congress, when in power, was "insensitive" towards the poor.The Lok Sabha elections are scheduled to be held from April 11 and will go on till May 19 in seven phases. The polls in Uttar Pradesh will be held in all seven phases. The counting of votes will take place on May 23. -- ANI

The Election Commission is learnt to have decided to seek details of remarks made by Niti Aayog vice-chairman Rajiv Kumar in which he had attacked Congress over minimum income guarantee promise.

Sources in the poll panel said, since Kumar is part of "bureaucratic executive", such remarks may be violative of the model code.

"It is not a case of one politician attacking the other or one party attacking the other," said a functionary.

Kumar had accused the Congress of promising the moon to win elections.

He had also tweeted, saying "The proposed income guarantee scheme fails the economics test, fiscal discipline test and execution test".

In another tweet, Kumar had claimed that, "true to its past record of promising the moon to win elections, Congress President announces a scheme that will bust fiscal discipline, create strong incentives against work and which will never be implemented."

Kumar is reported to made similar remarks in an interview also.

At a press conference in New Delhi on Monday, Rahul Gandhi announced that 20 per cent families belonging to the poorest category will be given Rs 72,000 each annually as minimum income if Congress comes to power.

-- PTI

Pakistan's former prime minister Nawaz Sharif was released from jail on Wednesday, a day after the Supreme Court granted him six weeks' bail to receive medical treatment within the country.

Sharif, 69, was lodged in Lahore's Kot Lakhpat jail since December last year, serving a seven-year imprisonment in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills graft case.

The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo, who denies wrongdoing, has suffered four angina attacks in recent weeks, according to his daughter Maryam Nawaz.

On Tuesday, a three-member bench of the Supreme Court headed by Chief Justice Asif Saeed Khosa accepted Sharif's appeal and allowed him to get medical treatment from any health facility of his choice within the country. Sharif is barred from leaving Pakistan.

The deposed prime minister's supporters and party workers gathered in large numbers outside the jail and showered his car with flowers as he left the area. -- PTI

09:30 Malayalam writer Ashita passes away

Well-known Malayalam writer and poet Ashita passed away at the age of 63 in Thrissur at a private hospital on Wednesday.

After fighting a prolonged battle with cancer, Ashita breathed her last at 12:55 am.

The celebrated short story writer was born on April 5, 1956, in Thrissur.

She had pursued her graduation and post graduation in English Literature from Maharaja's College, Ernakulam.

As many as twenty books including poems, translations and children's literature were published on Ashita's name.

Some of her noted works include Apoorna Viramangal, Vismaya Chhihnangal and Ashithayude Kathakal.

Ashita has been the recipient of several awards including the prestigious Padmarajan Award - Thathagatha (2000), Lalithambika Antharjanam Award (1994) and Edaserri Award (1986). -- ANI

Jailed self-styled godman Asaram withdrew a plea for bail and suspension of sentence awarded to him for raping a girl in his ashram in 2013.

The application was withdrawn after a division bench comprising Justices Sandeep Mehta and Vineet Kumar Mathur told the defence counsel to proceed with arguments or "the court would pass an order accordingly".

"Seeing the stand of the court, his counsel decided to withdraw the application with a prayer of 'not press' and the court dismissed the petition," said prosecution Counsel P C Solanki.

"We have withdrawn the application for suspension of sentence and will proceed with the arguments on an appeal against the sentence," a defence counsel said.

The appeal will be heard after four weeks.

Last month, Asaram had sought interim bail to attend to his ailing wife Laxmi Devi, but the court rejected the plea.

A Jodhpur court had convicted Asaram and two of his associates in a 2013 rape case. He is currently serving a life term sentence in the Jodhpur central jail. -- PTI

Uttar Pradesh Yogi Adityanath Tuesday criticised the previous UPA government over its way to tackle terrorism and asked Congress president Rahul Gandhi what was his "relation with Ishrat Jahan", who was killed in an alleged fake encounter by the Gujarat Police in 2004.

Addressing a huge rally in Ghatlodiya area under the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency, he also alleged that Gandhi had told the US ambassador that people of India are a "bigger threat" to the country than Jaish-e-Mohammed terror group.

"What is your relation with Ishrat Jahan, a terrorist? When Rahul Gandhi met the US ambassador, he told him that the people of India, and not Jaish-e-Mohammad, are a bigger threat to our country," alleged Adityanath.

Attacking Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, he said, "They (Rahul and Priyanka) go to temples only during elections. They do not have time to visit holy sites if elections are not around."

"When they learned that over 24 crore people took part in Kumbh mela (held in Prayagraj recently), the new generation (of the Congress) also dropped by," he said.

Adityanath was apparently referring to Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's recently concluded Ganga Yatra from Prayagraj to Varanasi during which she visited several temples.

He said Gujarat had first exposed Rahul Gandhi when he had visited the Somnath temple in 2017.

"During that visit, a temple priest asked Rahul to sit properly, as his sitting posture resembled someone offering Namaz," the UP chief minister said.

Referring to Priyanka Gandhi upcoming visit to Ayodhya, the BJP leader alleged that Congress leaders who do not believe in the existence of Lord Ram are now talking about visiting his birth place.

"Some new Congress leaders (Priyanka) are planning to visit Ayodhya. When the supreme court was hearing the case of Ram Setu, the past Congress government had told the court that Lord Ram never existed. Now, people who do not even believe in the existence of Lord Ram are talking about visiting Ayodhya," he said.

He also attacked the Congress over its promise to roll out the minimum income guarantee scheme for the poor, if voted back to power.

Union minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Tuesday courted controversy when he hit out at Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, saying that having identical features like former prime minister Indira Gandhi did not ensure that one gets power.

"It is being talked about in the Congress that she (Priyanka) has the nose like her grandmother (Indira)," Mandaviya said.

"If you get power by having a nose like your grandmother, then won't there be a president in every household in China?" the BJP leader asked at the party's 'Vijay Sankalp' rally at Anand in Gujarat.

Many leaders of Congress had openly said Priyanka Gandhi Vadra reminded them of her late grandmother.

Vadra, who is the Congress's incharge of eastern Uttar Pradesh, had reportedly said she was often likened with Indira Gandhi because people loved the former prime minister.

Last month, BJP MP Harish Dwivedi had also made personal comments on Vadra.

Dwivedi had said Vadra wears "jeans and top" in Delhi and "saree and sindoor (vermilion)" when she is on an election campaign. -- PTI

As the uncertainty over an alliance with the Congress continued, the Aam Aadmi Party stepped up its campaigning with plans to rope in 1.5 lakh volunteers for the Lok Sabha election.

Senior AAP leader Gopal Rai said one central war room, where all campaigning would be closely monitored, would be set up. Seven war rooms will be established in all the Lok Sabha constituency offices that would be reporting to the central office.

"Seven observers would also be deployed with one observer in each constituency. There would also be an emergency feedback team with 14 people who would carry the inspection of the campaigning rallies," Rai said.

He said for on-ground monitoring, 560 teams would be deployed and a total engagement of 1.5 lakh people would be seen.

The AAP has been seeking an alliance with the Congress in Delhi but the grand old party has not made its stand clear on the possible tie-up, following which the AAP declared all its seven candidates for the upcoming polls an started campaigning for them.

A senior leader said announcement of all the candidates was made seeing the Congress' "irresponsible and indecisive" attitude towards the alliance.

Delhi Chief Minister and AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal had also said internal surveys indicated that the AAP was capable of winning all the seven seats in Delhi on its own and it did not require an alliance with the Congress in Delhi.

However, the Congress and the AAP last Tuesday made fresh efforts with the help of NCP chief Sharad Pawar to forge an alliance in Delhi for the polls. -- PTI

08:51 EC likely to clear revised MNREGA wage rates

Going by precedents and instructions issued in the past, the Election Commission is likely to approve a rural development ministry request to revise the wages under MGNREGA from April 1, a move that could benefit crores of beneficiaries across the country, sources said Tuesday.

The wages paid under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act are linked with the Consumer Price Index for agricultural labourers and new wage rates are notified on April 1, the beginning of the new financial year.

The ministry had approached the EC for approval as the model code is in force.

The sources in the poll panel said going by precedents and instructions issued issued in the past, the request is likely to be granted.

They said the government would be specifically asked against publicising the hike, if the request is approved.

Different states have different wage rates so the increase in wages will also be different. The wages may remain flat in some states, while the increase could be up to 5 per cent over and above the current wage in others.

The government in this year's interim budget had proposed to allocate Rs 60,000 crore for rural employment scheme under MGNREGA for the year 2019-20.

The amount allocated for 2019-20 is 11 per cent higher compared to Rs 55,000 crore for 2018-19.

The revised estimate for the year 2018-19 was Rs 61,084.09 crore.

MGNREGA, a rural job guarantee scheme introduced in 2005, now covers all the rural districts of the country.

The main objective of the scheme involves providing up to 100 days of unskilled manual work in a financial year to every household in rural areas as per demand, resulting in creation of productive assets. -- PTI

08:21 In Goa, 2 MGP MLAs join BJP

Two of the three Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party MLAs in Goa early Wednesday merged their party's legislative wing with the Bharatiya Janata Party, which now has 14 legislators in the 40-member state assembly.

Legislators Manohar Ajgaonkar and Dipak Pawaskar gave a letter to merge the MGP legislature party with the BJP to officiating Goa assembly speaker Michael Lobo at 1:45 am.

However, Sudin Dhavalikar, the third MGP MLA, has not signed the letter.

While Ajgaonkar is tourism minister, Dhavalikar is the transport minister in the BJP-led state government in Goa.

As two out of the three MLAs have merged the legislative wing, they are saved from inviting anti-defection law, which makes it mandatory that two-third of the strength should agree for merger.

The legislators broke away from the MGP and formed a group, MGP (two) on Tuesday. They have now merged the legislative unit with the BJP.

Lobo confirmed that he received the letter at 1:45 am from both the MLAs for merging their legislature party with the BJP.

The signature of Dhavalikar is not there on the letter, he said.

The mid-night political drama has increased the strength of the BJP from 12 to 14 in the 40-member House, bringing them on par with opposition Congress which has an equal number of MLAs on the floor.

The MGP is an alliance partner of the BJP in Goa since 2012.

Pawaskar said the resolution to split from the MGP and create another faction was taken by him and Ajgaonkar at 5 pm Tuesday.

After adopting the resolution, we approached Chief Minister Pramod Sawant with the letter, who instructed us to submit it to officiating Speaker Michael Lobo," he said.

The letter was finally handed over to Lobo at 1:45 am Wednesday, Pawaskar said. -- PTI

00:23 Boeing holds test flights for 737 MAX fix

Boeing has flown test flights of its 737 MAX to evaluate a fix for the system targeted as a potential cause of two deadly plane crashes, two sources familiar with the matter said.

The aviation giant, which has been under fire and its flagship narrow-body planes grounded since March 13, tested the system upgrade on Monday, two days after pilots from American Airlines did simulation flights in Renton, Washington, the sources said.

Boeing needs authorizsation from the Federal Aviation Administration before the MAX can return to service. But the company still has not submitted its proposed software patch to the FAA.

The aircraft was grounded following two deadly accidents involving Ethiopian Airlines earlier this month and Lion Air in October which killed 346 people.

Engineers have been focusing on addressing problems with the MCAS system, a stall prevention system designed to point the nose of the 737 MAX 8 downward if it is in danger of stalling, or losing lift.

The system has been criticised since it can malfunction, and make it difficult for pilots to control the aircraft. Both of the recent crashes occurred moments after takeoff.

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