Solapur (Maharashtra), Apr 17 (ANI): Amidst the Lok Sabha elections, while addressing a public rally in Maharashtra's Solapur today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "Several times Congress party and its workers have used derogatory terms for my character, community and caste. But, this time they have crossed one more level as they are calling the entire backward society as robber (chor)." "This country will not tolerate the insult of backward society made by Congress," PM added.
Lucknow (UP), Apr 17 (ANI): Soon after meeting Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, actor turned politician Ravi Kishan on Wednesday appealed the whole Bhojpuri community to vote for BJP. Kishan said, "I tell this to everyone in UP, Bihar, Jharkhand and the whole nation where election is left, every Bhojpuri should come and vote. Everyone should vote for BJP, not elephant, cycle or hand." Further speaking on SP leader Azam Khan's derogatory comments on Jaya Prada, Kishan said "Opposition is making derogatory comments on women. Jaya Prada ji is our senior in our industry, we respect her a lot. Just because she has come to Rampur to contest elections you will comment on her? Dignity should be maintained during election. Some dignity must be maintained during elections in a democracy. Democracy is not about insulting and disrespecting people, just because you are losing. It will be a historic win for BJP."
Alwar/ Bharatpur/ Rajsamand (Rajasthan)/Agar Malwa (MP) Apr 17 (ANI): Parts of northern India were hit by a severe storm. Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh were the areas which were affected largely. Total 16 people died across Madhya Pradesh in last two days due to heavy rain, storm and lightning. The weather condition had also affected the grain market in Agar Malwa of the state. Six people died in Rajasthan due to the storm and rain. Farmers of the region suffered huge loss as their crops were damaged.
New Delhi, Apr 17 (ANI): Fire broke out at a car showroom in Delhi's Mahipalpur area. Fire engine rushed to the spot to douse the fire. Reason behind the fire is yet to be ascertained. No casualties have been reported.
Himmatnagar (Gujarat) Apr 17 (ANI): Dust storm hit Gujarat's Himmatnagar a day before PM Modi's rally. The storm damaged parts of tents which were installed for the rally. Some of the parts of tents were torn into pieces or it was blown away with the wind. Storm swept across several parts of Gujarat. PM Modi has approved an ex- gratia of Rs 2 lakh each from the National Relief Fund for the next of kin of those who have lost their lives due to unseasonal rain and storms.
Solapur (Maharashtra), Apr 17 (ANI): While addressing a public rally, Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Maharashtra's Solapur on Wednesday said, "Those sitting in Delhi in AC rooms and keeping a tab on things which will happen after who hugs whom, after who shakes hands with whom, after who looks at whom, they don't know the ground reality. Now I know why Sharad Rao ran away from the battleground. Sharad Rao bhi bade khiladi hain, wo samay se pehle hawa ka rukh samajh jaate hain. Aur wo kabhi aisa kuch nahi karte jiske kaaran unko aur unke parivar ko kharonch aa jaaye, baaki koi bhi bali chadh jaaye to chadh jaaye."
Wayanad (Kerala), Apr 17 (ANI): Congress general secretary KC Venugopal apprised media of party president Rahul Gandhi's Thirunelli temple visit in Wayanad, and said that the latter performed rituals for the martyrs of Pulwama attack and also for his grandmother and father. Venugopal added that Gandhi wanted to visit the temple last year but couldn't due to security restrictions. "As per pujari's directions, he has performed all rituals for his grandmother, father, forefathers and victims of Pulwama incident," Venugopal told media in Wayanad.
Patna (Bihar), Apr 17 (ANI): Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Modi on Wednesday claimed that RJD patriarch Lalu Yadav offered Finance Minister Arun Jaitley of 'toppling Nitish Kumar government' in exchange of the latter blocking CBI action against him, but Jaitley refused to interfere in CBI's functioning as it is an autonomous institution. "Lalu Prasad Yadav and Prem Gupta (his messenger), both met Arun Jaitley and offered to topple Nitish Kumar government. Arun Jaitley clearly said that we can't interfere in CBI's functioning as it is an autonomous institution," Sushil Modi said at a press conference in Patna.
New Delhi, Apr 17 (ANI): Union Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in an exclusive interview to ANI on Wednesday said that post the Supreme Court order allowing leaked documents in the review petition of Rafale case, the position of the central government, which had objected to use of leaked documents, has become 'firmer' instead of 'weaker' that some people are trying to portray. Sitharaman added that even if SC allows the 'stolen documents' in Rafale review petition, it doesn't alter the 'clear process' which was adopted for the purchase of 36 Rafale fighter jets.
New Delhi, Apr 17 (ANI): In an exclusive interview to ANI on Wednesday, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's statement 'India-Pak have better chance of settling Kashmir issue only if Modi's BJP wins' said, "Such statements come around elections in India and also there have been eminent Congress leaders who've gone there to seek help 'Modi hatane ke liye madad karo business'. I wonder if this is also part of scheme of things which have been put forth by the Congress' side."
Wayanad (Kerala), Apr 17 (ANI): Congress president Rahul Gandhi today offered prayers at Wayanad's Thirunelli temple. Rahul Gandhi has filed nomination for Wayanad Lok Sabha Parliamentary seat. Ancient Thirunelli temple is dedicated to Lord Maha Vishnu. Lok Sabha election will be held in Kerala third phase on April 23.
New Delhi, Apr 17 (ANI): Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday in an exclusive interview to ANI said that her party doesn't want to politicise the Armed forces but if certain actions have become possible due to the 'political will' of the present government, then can't the government even talk about the decisions it take. "We don't want to politicise but if because of political will some actions have been taken up and some actions became possible now, does that mean governments never speak about what decisions they take?, " Sitharaman asked. "Political dispensations will have to have that clear headedness to stand up and defend the sovereignty of the country and therefore talking about the political will which made the difference is not politicizing of Armed forces", she added.
Ranchi (Jharkhand), Apr 17 (ANI): Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Congress leaders filed their nominations for Ranchi Parliamentary constituency. Congress has fielded senior Congress leader Subodh Kant Sahai from Ranchi. BJP's candidate Sanjay Seth accompanied by Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das filed nomination. Sitting MP Ram Tahal Choudhary filed nomination as an independent candidate to retain his seat after he was denied ticket from BJP. People in Ranchi will vote on May 6 to elect the Member of Parliament.
New Delhi, Apr 17 (ANI): While speaking to ANI, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on the question 'why is international media not willing to believe India's explanation on Balakot' said, "Has there been any one government questioning us and therefore staying away from extending their support 'saying your claims are not verifiable?' In any case it is not we who claimed it; subsequently Pakistanis themselves claimed the Balakot attack."
New Delhi, Apr 17 (ANI): Empathising with BJP candidates and actor Jaya Prada, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today said political leaders should apply their minds before they speak about women-related issues. In an exclusive interview to ANI, Minister Sitharaman said, "100 per cent. It is always easy to hit at a woman when you talk about other things which don't become part of the conversation or which are not germane to the discussion. You easily pick up on things which are very personal or are gender specific and not called for at all. I find that coming very easily without a thought.""This is where I think all of us think before the word comes out of the vocal cord to the lips. There should be some kind of momentary application of mind at least," said the Defence Minister on Jaya Prada and other women politicians who face sexist remarks from male counterparts.
New Delhi, Apr 17 (ANI): Union Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, speaking on the Army veterans' letter on 'politicisation' of Armed forces, said that the 'credibility' of the letter has been lost as senior veterans have denied their involvement in writing the letter. Sitharaman, however, said that it is the prerogative of every veteran to 'contact the Supreme Commander (President)', and that there was no dispute on it. "The point is, no one ever disputes veterans contacting or writing to the Supreme Commander...It is well within every veteran's prerogative to contact the Supreme Commander. But the problem is, especially when it is election time all of us will have to be conscious we don't give rise to questions of credibility and in the letter even if one individual says, 'I haven't signed it', my worry is that credibility of whole appeal is lost," Sitharaman told ANI Editor Smita Prakash in an exclusive interview.
Rajouri (Jammu and Kashmir), Apr 17 (ANI): Snow clearing operations finally paved the way for commuters on Rajouri's Mughal Road on Tuesday. Mughal Road was closed since December. Snow clearance operation restarted with heavy machinery by the help of PWD and mechanical department workers. The local peoples of Rajouri and Poonch district business was affected because of heavy snow in the valley.
Madurai (TN), Apr 17 (ANI): Locals of Tamil Nadu's Madurai celebrated 'Chithirai festival' with great pomp and show. The festival is an annual celebration that marks the coronation of Goddess Meenakshi and the marriage of Lord Sundareswara and Goddess Meenakshi. And, the next 15 days mark the celebrations of the journey of Lord Alagar from Kallazhagar Temple in Alagar Koyil to Madurai. The devotees prepared various variety of food for their God. 'Chithirai festival' is celebrated in the month of April every year.
Karimganj (Assam), Apr 17 (ANI): A unique story of patriotism and dedication came into light from Assam's Karimganj. A 116-year-old man is all set for Lok Sabha elections 2019. Mahmud Ali never misses a chance to vote and even encourages his family to use their 'right' properly.
New Delhi, Apr 17 (ANI): People holding sleep myths- like five hours of sleep is sufficient for them, snoring has no harm or drinking helps you to fall asleep- are at a significant health threat, reveals a new study. The findings were published in the Journal 'Sleep Health'. "Sleep is a vital part of life that affects our productivity, mood, and general health and well-being. Dispelling myths about sleep promotes healthier sleep habits which, in turn, promote overall better health," says study lead investigator, Rebecca Robbins. Researchers reviewed more than 8000 websites to identify 20 most common assumptions about sleep. They ranked them based on whether each could be dispelled as a myth or supported by scientific evidence, and on the harm that the myth could cause. Among the top myth researchers were able to dispel was the claim by people that five hours of sleep is enough for them. This misconception poses risks to health from long-term sleep deficits. Another common myth relates