News updates: 1 killed, a couple injured in Kashmir twin attacks ahead of polling

From Swati Maliwal's assault case to the raging heat wave in North India, catch all the latest updates from around the world here

11:49 PM

1 killed, Jaipur couple injured in Kashmir twin attacks ahead of polling

A former sarpanch was killed and a couple from Rajasthan was injured in firing by terrorists in two separate incidents in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday, two days before polling. The country is in the middle of a marathon six-week general election. Four rounds are over, three more remain. The votes will be counted on June 4. 

9:31 PM

Fire breaks out in Gurugram slum, 65 shanties gutted

About 65 shanties were gutted after a major fire broke out in local slum cluster in sector 65 here on Saturday, a fire official said.

 

Initial investigations have revealed the cause of the fire was a cooking gas leakage, the official said.

 

According to police, a fire broke out in the sector 65 area around 10 am. Five fire engines were immediately pressed into the service, they said, adding that the blaze was brought under control but 65 shanties were gutted.

 

There were no casualties or burn injuries reported, the police said.

8:40 PM

Our goal is to protect Constitution: Rahul Gandhi at a poll rally

"...Our goal is to protect this Constitution...If this (Constitution) goes away - which the BJP and PM Modi want...So, the first work is to safeguard this Constitution because this is your future, your dream and the voice of your heart..," says Rahul Gandhi at a poll rally.

8:03 PM

Omar Abdullah requests to lift the ban on Jamaat-e-Islami

“I would request the central government to lift the ban on Jamaat-e-Islami immediately after the Lok Sabha elections conclude and it should contest the upcoming state elections. They have supported other candidates in the past but not fought elections themselves,” says National Conference vice president Omar Abdullah.

8:02 PM

Nepali Ambassador to India attends PM Modi's public rally in Delhi today

On attending PM Modi's public rally in Delhi today, Nepali Ambassador to India, Dr. Shankar P Sharma says, "20 foreign delegates including 6 ambassadors of different countries are here today to see what the election rally looks like. We are proud to attend the PM's rally and get a first-hand experience of it. India is the mother of democracy...

7:08 PM

PM Modi addresses a public rally in North East Delhi

"This is the time when Bharat is taking a leap for development. 2024 elections is to make India one of the top three economies in the world. This election is also to protect the country's economy from powers which want to bankrupt the country with its policies. It is also to protect the poor and middle class from those who want to snatch away their wealth...," the PM said.

7:07 PM

'BJP and its Delhi Police know that this case is false,' says Atishi

Aam Aadmi Party leader and Delhi Minister Atishi on Saturday said that BJP and Delhi Police know that the case against Bhibhav Kumar is fake. “From the videos that have surfaced in the last two days, it has become clear that there was no attack on Swati Maliwal ji. When the court was about to dictate its order at 4:45 PM, the Delhi Police counsel through VC said that this is no longer the nature of anticipatory bail.

7:07 PM

FSSAI warns against use of calcium carbide for ripening fruits, urges strict compliance

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has alerted traders’/fruits handlers/Food Business Operators (FBOs) operating ripening chambers to strictly ensure compliance with the prohibition on calcium carbide for artificial ripening of fruits, particularly during the mango season. FSSAI is also advising Food Safety Departments of States /UTs to remain vigilant and take serious action and deal stringently against person(s) indulging in such unlawful practices as per the provisions of FSS Act, 2006 and Rules/Regulations made thereunder.

5:53 PM

Delhi CM, AAP leaders to go to BJP headquarters at 12 noon tomorrow, dares PM to get them arrested

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said that he will go to the Bharatiya Janata Party headquarters at 12 pm on Sunday (May 19) along with all Aam Aadmi Party leaders, MLAs and MPs. 'Arrest us together. You think that by jailing AAP leaders, you will crush AAP. It will not happen. You can try. AAP is a thought that has made home in the hearts of the people of the country,' the AAP supremo said.

5:48 PM

Court dismisses CM Kejriwal ex-aide Bibhav Kumar's anticipatory bail plea

His bail application has become infructuous. After the conclusion of arguments, Public Prosecutor informed the court that Bibhav Kumar has been arrested at 4.15 PM. Earlier, the order was reserved.