Month: May 2024

The Supreme Court on Friday declined to pass any direction on a plea seeking the uploading of Form 17C data on the Election Commission of India website and publication of booth-wise voter turnout data.

A bench of Justices Dipankar Dutta and Satish Chandra Sharma refused to grant any interim relief to petitioners and said it could not interrupt the polls.

The bench said that of the seven-phase elections, five phases are over, and the sixth phase is scheduled for Saturday.

The “hands-off” approach is needed in the middle of the election process, observed the apex court while adjourning the application. The bench told the petitioner that the interim prayer raised in the present application was the same as of the petition pending before it since 2019.

“Prima facie we are not inclined to grant any interim relief since prayer A of the 2019 petition is similar to prayer B of the 2024 application. List the interim plea after (summer) vacation,” ordered the bench.

The apex court clarified that it has not expressed any opinion on the merits of the case apart from the prima facie view.

The apex court was hearing an application filed by the NGO Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) seeking disclosure of final authenticated data of voter turnout in all polling stations including the number of votes polled in the Lok Sabha Elections 2024 within 48 hours of the polling.

During the hearing today, senior advocate Maninder Singh, representing the Election Commission of India (ECI), said that ADR’s application was based on “unfounded suspicions” and “false”.

Petitions like these are responsible for reducing the voter turnout because of the “continuous questioning of the process”, said Singh. He said such kind of attitude is causing damage to the public interest by always putting a question mark on the sanctity of the elections.

Earlier, ECI had filed an affidavit before the top court and said that voter turnout data based on Form 17C (records of votes polled in each polling station) will cause confusion among voters as it will also include postal ballot counts.

The ECI had contended that there is no legal right that can be claimed towards publishing final authenticated data of voter turnout in all polling stations.

On May 17, the Supreme Court asked ECI to file its response to the application seeking direction to immediately upload accounts of votes recorded at all polling stations after the close of polling of each phase.

The NGO ADR alleged an inordinate delay in the publication of voter turnout data for the first two phases of polling in the elections. The application, besides the delay in publishing the voter turnout details, said there was a sharp spike in figures from the initial voter turnout percentages released by the Election Commission.

It sought a direction to the Election Commission to provide tabulated polling station-wise data in absolute figures of the number of votes polled as recorded, in Form 17C Part- I, after each phase of polling in the ongoing 2024 Lok Sabha elections and also a tabulation of constituency-wise figures of voter turnout in absolute numbers in the on-going 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

It further asked for uploading on the ECI website the scanned legible copies of Form 17C Part- II which contained the candidate-wise result of counting after the compilation of results of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

The application said the voter turnout data for the first two phases of the Lok Sabha elections were published by the ECI on April 30, after 11 days of the first phase of polling held on April 19 and four days after the second phase of polling held on April 26.

It said that the data published by the ECI in its April 30 press release showed a sharp increase (by about 5-6 per cent) from the initial percentages announced by it on the polling day.

The NGO pointed out the data published in the press release by the ECI on April 30, 2024 (Phase I voter turnout- 66.14 per cent and Phase II voter turnout – 66.71 per cent) when compared with the initial date of April 19, 2024, and April 26, 2024 respectively showed an increase of nearly 6 per cent in the Phase I data and increase of approximately 5.75 per cent in the Phase II data. (ANI)

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The Kerala Disaster Management Authority has issued a forecast for moderate rainfall in the districts of Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, and Malappuram on Friday. Light rainfall is anticipated in the remaining districts of Kerala.

According to the latest update from the authority, “Moderate rainfall is likely to occur at one or two places in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, and Malappuram districts, while light rainfall is likely at one or two places in all other districts of Kerala.”

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on X that a well-marked low pressure system over the central Bay of Bengal has intensified into a depression as of 5:30 AM today.

“Likely to move northeastwards and intensify further into a cyclone over east-central BoB by the 25 morning. Subsequently, it would move nearly northwards, intensify into a severe cyclone by 25 evening,” IMD said.

The IMD further added, “Continuing to move nearly northward, it is very likely to cross the Bangladesh and adjoining West Bengal coasts between Sagar Island and Khepupara around midnight on May 26 as a severe cyclonic storm.”

In the meantime, Thiruvananthapuram has been experiencing heavy rainfall for the past several days, leading to significant surges in local rivers and raising concerns of potential flooding. The city has been dealing with waterlogging due to continuous downpours since May 18.

Earlier, the India Meteorological Department issued a red alert for heavy rains in Kerala’s Ernakulam and Thrissur districts and an orange alert in Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode and Wayanad districts.

The Kerala Chief Minister’s office has advised residents to avoid venturing into the sea due to expected strong winds and adverse weather conditions. The public is urged to stay vigilant against potential hazards such as flash floods, urban waterlogging, and landslides. Those living in vulnerable housing conditions should be particularly cautious and ready to evacuate if necessary.

Heavy rains can create hazards, including flash floods, urban waterlogging, and landslides. Residents, particularly those in unsealed houses or houses with weak roofs, should exercise caution. If danger is imminent, contact authorities and evacuate to safe places.

On May 23, the IMD announced a red alert, forecasting extremely heavy rainfall (exceeding 204.5 mm) for Kerala and Mahe, with heavy to very heavy rainfall (115.5-204.5 mm) expected on May 24. Although rain has lessened in many areas, the situation remains critical. (ANI)

According to the IMD, recorded rainfall up to 100 mm in the last 24 hours on May 20, over a few watersheds and neighbourhoods of Kerala and Mahe, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal Met subdivisions. (ANI)

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Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath applauded the recent decision by the Calcutta High Court to cancel all Other Backward Class (OBC) certificates issued in West Bengal post-2010 and said that the unconstitutional decision by TMC in 2010 was scrapped by HC.

“West Bengal CM-TMC government touching the heights of political appeasement gave reservations to 118 Muslims by adding them to the OBC category forcefully in 2010. This means they were deliberately snatching away the rights of the OBC. This unconstitutional decision was scrapped by the Calcutta High Court giving a tight slap to the TMC government. This was unconstitutional and this cannot be given permission. We should not create an atmosphere in the country that leads to the division of the country,” Yogi said.

Supporting the decision Yogi said, “We welcome the decision given by the Calcutta High Court regarding not the OBC reservation but the Muslim reservation. Indian Constitution does not permit to give reservations based on religion.”

The Calcutta High Court’s directive, issued on May 22, instructs the West Bengal Backward Classes Commission to prepare a new list of OBCs in accordance with the 1993 Act. Individuals who were included in the OBC list prior to 2010 will retain their status, while nominations made after 2010 will be annulled.

It is estimated that approximately 5 lakh OBC certificates are set to be invalidated as a result of this decision. However, individuals who have secured jobs under the OBC quota or are in the process of obtaining them will not be affected, as they cannot be excluded from the quota.

Hours after the Calcutta High Court cancelled OBC certificates issued in West Bengal after 2010, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday said she will not accept the judgement and “OBC reservation continues and will always continue”. Addressing a poll rally at Khardah under the Dumdum Lok Sabha constituency, she attacked the BJP and also spoke about the court order.

“Even today I heard a judge passing an order, who has been very famous. The Prime Minister is saying that minorities will take away the Tapasheeli reservation, can this ever happen? Minorities can never touch the Tapasheeli or tribal reservation, but these mischievous people (BJP) get their work done through agencies, they have got the order through someone but I will not accept this opinion…Those who have given the order should keep it to themselves, we will not accept the opinion of BJP, OBC reservation continues and will always continue,” she said.

Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya on Thursday criticized the Trinamool Congress (TMC) after the Calcutta High Court decided to cancel all Other Backward Class (OBC) certificates and labelled the TMC as a “corrupt and intruder-supporting government.”

“Congress did injustice to the SC, ST, and OBC communities in the country by looting their rights. I welcome the Calcutta High Court’s decision to cancel all OBC certificates issued in West Bengal after 2010. Mamata Banerjee had issued these certificates to Bangladeshi and Rohingya intruders,” Maurya said. (ANI)

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Indian shuttler and two-time Olympic medalist PV Sindhu moved to the semifinals of the ongoing Malaysia Masters competition on Friday.

Sindhu fought against China’s world number 6 shuttler Han Yue in the quarterfinal round. She defeated her Chinese opponent by 13-21, 21-14 and 12-21 in a match that lasted for 55 minutes.

Sindhu’s next clash will be against either Putri Kusuma Wardani or Busanan Ongbamrungphan in the semis.

In the previous round, Sindhu beat South Korea’s Sim Yu Jin. She won by 21-13, 12-21 and 21-14. The match lasted for 59 minutes.

In the other match, the 24-year-old Ashmita Chaliha ranked world number 53, suffered a defeat against Zhang Yi Man by 21-10, and 21-15 of China in a match that lasted for 30 minutes.

While Chaliha made her place in the quarterfinal after beating USA’s Beiwen Zhang by 21-19, 16-21, 21-12 in a 43-minute match.

Earlier in the tournament, the Indian women’s doubles duo of Simran Singhi and Ritika Thaker lost their second-round match by 21-17, 21-11 in lasted 37 minutes, against the Malaysian pair of Pearly Tan and Thinaah Muralitharan.

In the other pre-quarterfinals clash, the Indian women’s doubles pair of Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand crashed out of the competition as well, losing to the Chinese Taipei pair of Yu Chien Hui and Sung Shuo Yun by 18-21, 22-20, 14-21.

The Malaysia Masters is being held from May 21 to 26 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It is a Badminton World Federation (BWF) World Tour Super 500 level tournament. PV Sindhu has captured the women’s singles title in the competition twice in 2013 and 2016, while Saina Nehwal secured the title in 2017.

HS Prannoy also won the title as he beat Weng Hongyang of China by 21-19, 13-21, 21-18 in the final last year. (ANI)

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Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Friday said that Google Pixel smartphones will soon be manufactured locally in the State at a facility near Chennai.

Manufacturing units of Samsung and Apple smartphones are already present in the State and now the Sundar Pichai-led Alphabet Inc. has jumped into the fray to capitalise on the rising demand for premium smartphones among consumers in the country, which is estimated as the world’s second-largest smartphone market.

State Industry Minister TRB Raja had visited the US headquarters of Google along with Foxconn company officials and held discussions about starting a business in Tamil Nadu, Stalin said.

As a result of these negotiations, Google officials have offered to set up a Google Pixel cell phone manufacturing plant in Tamil Nadu along with Foxconn, the chief minister said today.

Officials from Google met with the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister in Chennai on Thursday, the Chief Minister said. The CM said that this development will lead to employment opportunities for the youth of Tamil Nadu who have obtained higher education in the field of information technology.

Last year, Google partnered with personal computer (PC) maker HP to manufacture Chromebooks at a Flex facility in Chennai.

Alphabet Inc, the parent company of Google announced at the ‘Google for India 2023’ last year that it will manufacture its Pixel smartphones in India. The devices, starting with Pixel 8, are expected to begin rolling out in markets from 2024, Rick Osterloh, senior vice president of devices and services, Google, said at the event.

Sundar Pichai stated in October 2023, “We shared plans at GoogleforIndia to manufacture Pixel smartphones locally and expect the first device to roll out in 2024. We’re committed to being a trusted partner in India’s digital growth -appreciate the support for Make In India.”

Tamil Nadu aims to establish itself as an advanced manufacturing hub. Chief Minister Stalin said that his government has set the target of making the state into a USD 1 trillion economy by 2030.

The state has attracted investments to the tune of Rs 9.61 lakh crore by attending investment conferences held in Tamil Nadu, Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, Arab countries and France. As a result, 30 lakh youths have been given employment in Tamil Nadu.

India’s smartphone market shipped 34 million smartphone units in the first quarter of 2024. It also registered an 11.5 per cent growth YoY (year-over-year), making it the third consecutive quarter of growth in shipments, as per the Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker by International Data Corporation.

Tamil Nadu, India’s largest exporter of electronic goods in FY23, accounted for 30% of all electronic goods exports from India in FY24. (ANI)

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Finally, good news for SRK fans as King Khan, who was admitted to KD Hospital in Ahmedabad due to dehydration and heat stroke, is doing well now.

Giving health updates to Shah Rukh Khan fans, his manager Pooja Dadlani posted on her X handle.

She wrote, “To all of Mr Khan’s fans and well-wishers – he is doing well. Thank you for your love, prayers and concern.”

Shah Rukh on Wednesday was admitted to KD Hospital in Ahmedabad due to dehydration and heat stroke.

According to the Ahmedabad (Rural) Superintendent, the actor was admitted to the hospital after he suffered from a heat stroke.

SRK’s wife and interior designer Gauri Khan was clicked arriving at the hospital.

The actor’s friend and actress Juhi Chawla along with her husband Jay Mehta visited the actor at the hospital.

SRK was in Ahmedabad to watch the Indian Premier League (IPL) match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Sunrisers Hyderabad on Tuesday.

The King Khan was accompanied by his daughter Suhana Khan, younger son AbRam, and manager Pooja Dadlani. Juhi Chawla and Jay Mehta, KKR’s co-owners, and Suhana’s close friends Ananya Panday, Shanaya Kapoor, Navya Nanda and Agastya Nanda were also present in the stadium on Tuesday evening, cheering for Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) Qualifier 1 match against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).

After the match, SRK, Suhana and AbRam greeted the spectators with a lap around the Narendra Modi Stadium. The ‘Jawan’ star not only greeted the audience with his folded hands but also enthralled them with his signature pose.

Meanwhile, on the work front, SRK was last seen in Rajkumar Hirani’s Dunki. The actor will reportedly begin shooting for his upcoming film ‘King.’ (ANI)

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Even being busy shooting for the much-awaited Nitesh Tiwari’s ‘Ramayana’, actor Ranbir Kapoor never misses a chance to show love for his daughter Raha. Pictures of him wearing a t-shirt with her name on it are viral on various social media platforms.

Taking to Instagram, costume designer Rimple Narulah recently shared a picture with Ranbir which caught the attention of netizens.

He was seen wearing a pink t-shirt with his daughter Raha’s name written on it in Hindi.

Ranbir flaunted his clean-shaven look for the film.

On Christmas 2023, Ranbir and Alia surprised fans by making their first public appearance with their daughter Raha.

Alia and Ranbir tied the knot on April 14, 2022, and the couple welcomed their first child in November 2022.

Recently, in Kapil Sharma’s show ‘The Great Indian Kapil Show, Neetu Kapoor talked about her son Ranbir as the doting father. She said, “Whenever Raha enters the room, you should see his face, it’s full of expressions. He is very excited. I have to tell you that I have seen many fathers but I haven’t seen anyone like him. She keeps looking for him and loves to play with her dad.”

Coming back to his upcoming film, ‘Ramayana’ also stars Sai Pallavi and Lara Dutta. However, an official announcement regarding the film is still awaited. Ranbir will be seen essaying the role of Lord Ram in the film.

Recently, a few photos of Ranbir with his archery instructor were shared on social media by Ranbir’s fans, hinting that actor is taking archery lessons.

Ranbir was last seen on screen in Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s ‘Animal’, receiving wholesome praise for his performance as Ranvijay Singh. He will play Aziz in the sequel to Animal, called ‘Animal Park’, which is yet to go on floors.

In the coming months, Ranbir will also be seen in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Love & War’. The film also stars his wife Alia Bhatt and actor Vicky Kaushal in the lead roles. (ANI)

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Union Minister and BJP candidate from Amethi Lok Sabha seat Smriti Irani launched a scathing attack on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) following recent revelations in the Delhi High Court regarding corruption allegations against Delhi’s Deputy Chief Minister, Manish Sisodia.

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday dismissed the bail petitions moved by Manish Sisodia, Aam Aadmi Party leader and former Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi in liquor policy cases, saying the prosecution has made out a “prima facie case” of money laundering against the former deputy CM.

Addressing a Press conference, Irani highlighted the court’s observations, stating, “A judgment yesterday regarding Manish Sisodia became public. The Delhi High Court prima facie finds a case of corruption against Manish Sisodia. The court accepts that corruption to the tune of Rs. 100 crores have been committed by Manish Sisodia and all accused in this case.”

She further noted that the court acknowledged Sisodia’s alleged attempts to destroy evidence and intimidate potential witnesses, particularly those willing to testify against the AAP.

“The observations of the Delhi High Court are now in the public domain,” Irani emphasized.

“My appeal to citizens is to read these substantial observations about the corruption of Manish Sisodia and the AAP. These so-called political activists entered the corridors of power with a promise of change but ended up becoming nothing but looters of the people’s treasury,” she said.

Addressing the issue involving Swati Maliwal and her allegations of assault against Arvind Kejriwal’s aide Bibhav Kumar, Smriti Irani remarked, “The very fact that Arvind Kejriwal goes on campaign with an assaulter is an indication to you as to where his loyalties lie. With the assaulter in the company of Arvind Kejriwal, can you honestly expect him to do justice to anybody? The question is, while a lady was being assaulted in his house, who was present? What was done by Arvind Kejriwal?… AAP is not only corrupt, but its women workers are not safe in their own CM’s house.”

Former DCW Chief, Swati Maliwal had earlier this month lodged a complaint against Delhi Chief Minister’s aide Bibhav Kumar accusing him of assaulting her at the CM’s residence.

Bibhav lodged a counter-complaint against Maliwal accusing her of forced and illegal entry into the CM’s entrance.

The assault case row surfaced days ahead of polling in the national capital which is scheduled to take place on May 25 in the sixth phase. (ANI)

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Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma raised serious concerns regarding the autonomy and well-being of Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik alleging that Biju Janata Dal leader VK Pandian effectively captured Patnaik, restricting his ability to interact independently.

“This election is about the dignity of Odisha,” Sarma said. He emphasized that as a Chief Minister, he travels alone, meets people freely, and is accessible to the media. In contrast, he noted that Patnaik is never seen without Pandian by his side.

“I am also a Chief Minister of a state, but I have come alone. I can speak alone, I can meet people, and people can meet me just like you all (media persons) are meeting me now. But the Chief Minister of Odisha cannot meet anyone alone, he cannot speak to people alone, and VK Pandian is always with him. One needs to find out whether Naveen Babu himself is with Pandian or if Pandian is playing some game, due to which Naveen Babu cannot get out of Pandian’s grip,” Sarma said.

He suggested that a High Court judge, a neutral figure, should speak to Patnaik privately to assess his well-being and ensure he is not under duress.

“I believe a High Court judge should speak to Naveen Babu alone to see if he is happy and if he is okay. I mentioned a High Court judge because they would be neutral. Once, a High Court judge should speak to Naveen Babu alone for 10 minutes. I have spoken to many friends in the BJD, and in the last 10 years, no one has met Naveen Babu alone. Whenever they meet, Pandian is with him, and Naveen Babu only says ‘ok ok,’ nothing more,” Sarma said.

“Whether there is an election or not, I believe a High Court judge should speak to Naveen Babu alone once. What is happening today is an extraordinary situation; this is not a normal situation. If Naveen Babu is happy, then we are also happy. I feel that Pandian has literally captured Naveen Babu,” he added.

Sarma said that several BJD members have expressed concerns about Patnaik’s lack of private interactions over the past decade, always accompanied by Pandian.

“If a CM, a constitutionally elected CM, is in a hostage situation, it is not good for the country and not good for Odisha,” Sarma said.

Meanwhile, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, along with Union Minister and BJP Lok Sabha candidate from Sambalpur, Dharmendra Pradhan, offered prayers at ‘Maa Samaleswari’ temple in Sambalpur, Odisha today.

Polling for Sambalpur will be held on May 25. Dharmendra Pradhan is up against three-time MLA Pranab Prakash Das of the BJD and Nagendra Pradhan of Congress.

Assembly elections and Lok Sabha elections in Odisha are being held simultaneously in four phases, running from May 13 to June 1.

In the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the BJD won 12 seats, the BJP finished a close second at 8, and the Congress bagged just a lone seat. In the 2014 general elections, the BJD won 20 seats and the BJP managed to secure one seat.

In the 2019 Assembly election, Biju Janata Dal (BJD) won 112 out of 146 seats, while Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) won 23 seats and Congress won 9.

The Lok Sabha elections are being held across seven phases, from April 19 to June 1. The counting is scheduled for June 4. (ANI)

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