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New Delhi: In the world's largest democracy, every five years, a spectacular theatrical performance unfolds, captivating crores of people with its vibrancy, diversity, and sheer scale. Yes, we're talking about the <keyword id="19923279" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="lok-sabha-elections" source="keywords">Lok Sabha Elections</keyword> in India. And we have the dates now for the grand finale: June 4! The Election Commission of India on Saturday announced the dates for the general elections to be held from April 19 to June 1 in seven phases. Chief Election Commissioner <keyword id="20110344" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="rajiv-kumar" source="keywords">Rajiv Kumar</keyword> announced today that the results will be announced on June 4. Phase 1 voting will be held on April 19, Phase 2 on April 26, Phase 3 on May 7, Phase 4 on May 13, Phase 5 on May 20, Phase 6 on May 25, and Phase 7 on June 1. “We will take democracy to every corner of the country. It is our promise to deliver a national election in a manner that we... remain a beacon for democracy around the world,” said the Chief Election Commissioner. <div type="image" title="Polling schedule" agency="ANI" msid="108550459" hostid="261" sizebytes="17144" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Polling schedule (ANI)&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> The tenure of the present <keyword id="19895394" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="lok-sabha" source="keywords">Lok Sabha</keyword> ends on June 16 and a new House will have to be constituted before that. As the tenure of Andhra Pradesh, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, and Odisha assemblies will also end in June, these states will get an early taste of the ‘one nation, one election’ process, wherein voters will be casting votes for both Lok Sabha and assembly elections. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="subhead" text="Model code of conduct kicks in">Model code of conduct kicks in</cmsannotation> With the announcement of election dates, the model code of conduct comes into immediate effect. Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar asked all political parties and their leaders to strictly adhere to the poll code. The Model Code of Conduct (MCC) mandates that no party or candidate shall indulge in any activity which may aggravate existing differences, create mutual hatred or cause tension between different castes and communities, religious or linguistic, according to the set of guidelines issued by the EC. It lists out the dos and don'ts regarding general conduct, meetings, processions, conduct of parties and their candidates on polling day, polling booth, observers, party in power and guidelines on election manifestos. According to the guidelines, all parties and candidates shall avoid scrupulously all activities which are "corrupt practices" and offences under the election law, such as bribing of voters, intimidation of voters, impersonation of voters, canvassing within 100 meters of polling stations, holding public meetings during the period of 48 hours ending with the hour fixed for the close of the poll, and the transport and conveyance of voters to and from the polling station. Political parties and candidates shall ensure that their supporters do not create obstructions in or break up meetings and processions organized by other parties. As soon as the poll code comes into effect, the party in power be it at the Centre or in the State or states concerned, shall ensure that no cause is given for any complaint that it has used its official position for the purposes of its election campaign. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="subhead" text="Major players and issues">Major players and issues</cmsannotation> Undoubtedly, the scale and magnitude of a nationwide election in a country like India involve numerous complex considerations. However, the major political parties are hoping to narrow down the voter’s priorities to a few major foundational aspirations on which powerful campaigns can be built. Prime Minister <keyword id="19895781" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="narendra-modi" source="keywords">Narendra Modi</keyword>, and his party <keyword id="19931558" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="bharatiya-janata-party" source="keywords">Bharatiya Janata Party</keyword> (BJP), are confident of reelection for a third consecutive term. They have pitched 'Modi Ki Guarantee' as the main theme of his campaign. PM's website describes it as a guarantee for the development of youth, empowerment of women, welfare of farmers, and all those marginalised and vulnerable who have been ignored for decades. In a letter to the citizens of India on March 15, the Prime Minister noted, “The trust and support of 140 crore Indians inspires and motivates me. The transformation that has taken place in the lives of the people is the biggest achievement of our government over the last 10 years. These transformative outcomes are the result of the sincere efforts made by a determined government to improve the quality of life for the poor, farmers, youth and women.” BJP is building its campaign by highlighting the welfare schemes of the government, infrastructural development across the country, and the rejuvenation of the country’s cultural heritage. The major opposition party <keyword id="19895371" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="congress" source="keywords">Congress</keyword>, on the other hand, is banking on its <keyword id="20366194" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="nyay" source="keywords">Nyay</keyword> guarantees to woo voters. The grand old party saw some success in the state elections of Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka and Telangana when it pitched such 'Nyay' guarantees to the people. For the Lok Sabha polls, the party has put forward its 5 guarantees aimed at ensuring justice for youth, farmers, women, labourers, and participatory justice. The INDIA bloc, including the Congress, has been raising the issue of unemployment and rising prices of essential commodities. They have stated repeatedly that the lack of jobs is the single biggest issue and sought to corner the government over the issue. The BJP has hit back citing job growth and a fast-growing economy. Other major poll issues include electoral bonds, abrogation of Article 370, <keyword id="19963301" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="caa" source="keywords">CAA</keyword>, Uniform Civil Code, Ayodhya Ram Mandir, farmer protests for legal guarantee of MSP, and the Viksit Bharat vision of the government. Overall, India is poised to see an enthralling clash of ideologies, ideas, and personalities throughout the election season as the EC has opened the race for ruling the most populous country on Earth. (With inputs from ANI and PTI)

Elections 2024: Lok Sabha general elections in 7 phases from April 19, results on June 4; Here’s all you need to know

Laapata Ladies, Bridgerton and Heeramandi might have dominated the OTT cycle last month, but none of these dramas can hold a candle to the absolute thriller that unfolded during the Lok Sabha election cycle this year. While the parties scramble to decide their allegiances, most people are already convinced about a result familiar to the previous two general elections: <keyword id="20509939" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Modi-3-0" source="keywords">Modi 3.0</keyword>. However, the road to the end has proven anything but a bed of lotuses for the Bharatiya Janata Party (<keyword id="19894848" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="BJP" source="keywords">BJP</keyword>). Despite staunch optimism of winning 400 out of 543 seats, the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (<keyword id="19938590" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="NDA" source="keywords">NDA</keyword>) managed to capture only 293 — a margin barely above the 272 seats majority, and dozens below their 2014 and 2019 standings. Then came the fact that the BJP, with only 240 seats won, would have to be supported by two major partner parties: the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the Janata Dal (United), if they wished to finalise a majority and form the next Lok Sabha. This meant that the ball currently remains in the courts of these two quintessential “Kingmakers”; will they keep their pre-poll promises to ensure the continuity of Mr Modi, or usurp him by joining the opposition <keyword id="19895063" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="INDIA" source="keywords">INDIA</keyword> bloc? This mystery may linger not just this week, but throughout the term of the next government given the fickle nature of the Indian political system. As we move into the final few legs of this political marathon, the story has only taken a turn for the juicier. According to media reports, INDIA has now offered the position of Deputy Prime Minister to JD(U) Nitish Kumar and a special status to Andhra Pradesh (with TDP majority) if the parties align with the alliance and forsake their NDA partnership. If they agree, the INDIA-TDP-JD(U) coalition could overthrow BJP-NDA to form the government, making for the biggest <keyword id="21945335" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="political-plot-twist" source="keywords">political plot twist</keyword> in decades. While we wait for the historical gavel to drop, let’s take a look back at the other bombshells to have come out of the tallying process so far. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="BJP falls short of majority" comment="subhead" text="BJP falls short of majority">BJP falls short of majority</cmsannotation> Despite battle cries of ‘Abki baar 400 par’, the Modi-led party has failed to cross the required 272 seats necessary for a clear majority and stands far below their performances in 2014 and 2019. They are no longer self-sufficient enough to make a third term without the support from allies. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="BJP loses ground in Hindi Heartland" comment="subhead" text="BJP loses ground in Hindi Heartland">BJP loses ground in Hindi Heartland</cmsannotation> The northern states, which constitute a large section of the Hindi-speaking population, have been considered BJP’s biggest loyalists. Despite this, the party has faced unexpected stiff competition in states such as Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chandigarh and Haryana. These are crucial states for the BJP, as they hold a large number of seats and losing a majority of these seats has weakened their moral position. While some blame the loss on the anger of dominant castes in the region, others say that the party ignored these stronghold regions in pursuit of expansion to the east and south. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="NDA wins below 300 seats, far below landslide 400 predictions" comment="subhead" text="NDA wins below 300 seats, far below landslide 400 predictions">NDA wins below 300 seats, far below landslide 400 predictions</cmsannotation> Not only has BJP itself been unable to capture the required majority, their NDA coalition hasn’t even touched 300 Lok Sabha seats. This indicates a significant loss of public support compared to predictions. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="BJP loses Ram Temple Constituency" comment="subhead" text="BJP loses Ram Temple Constituency">BJP loses <keyword id="41267" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ram-temple" source="Orion">Ram Temple</keyword> Constituency</cmsannotation> Construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya has been one of BJP’s most prominent election promises in the past two elections. Despite delivering on this front, the party has lost the Faizabad seat to Samajwadi Party candidate Awadhesh Prasad. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Lotus blooms down south" comment="subhead" text="Lotus blooms down south">Lotus blooms down south</cmsannotation> BJP opened its account for the first time in Kerala with a win for actor-turned-politician Suresh Gopi at the Thrissur seat. In Telangana, both BJP and Congress put up a strong performance by winning eight seats each and sidelining the regional parties. However, for the BJP, Tamil Nadu was a disappointment as it failed to win even one seat despite immense push from all quarters. The party did manage to increase the vote share to double digits despite a lack of support from the regional parties. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="BJP wins all Delhi seats" comment="subhead" text="BJP wins all Delhi seats">BJP wins all Delhi seats</cmsannotation> Making a hat-trick, the BJP won all seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi for the third time, beating the Congress-AAP alliance. <h3>Individual/Regional Politics</h3><cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Rahul Gandhi wins two seats" comment="subhead" text="Rahul Gandhi wins two seats">Rahul Gandhi wins two seats</cmsannotation> After a risky contest for two seats in Kerala’s Wayanad and Uttar Pradesh’s Rae Bareli, the Congress leader has won both by a massive margin. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Kangana Ranaut wins Himachal seat" comment="subhead" text="Kangana Ranaut wins Himachal seat"><keyword id="10343350" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="kangana-ranaut-wins" source="Orion">Kangana Ranaut wins</keyword> Himachal seat</cmsannotation> The celebrity candidate’s debut resulted in a strong win for the Mandi seat for BJP. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Smriti Irani loses" comment="subhead" text="Smriti Irani loses">Smriti Irani loses</cmsannotation> Despite high expectations, Smriti Irani loses the Amethi seat by a large margin to Congress’ Kishori Lal Sharma. This is a high-profile defeat for a key BJP figure. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Shashi Tharoor faces a brief hiccup" comment="subhead" text="Shashi Tharoor faces a brief hiccup">Shashi Tharoor faces a brief hiccup</cmsannotation> Earlier trends had briefly indicated trouble for the recurrent Thiruvananthapuram MP. However, the tides turned quickly, handing Tharoor the win over Rajeev Chandrasekhar. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Former cricketer Yusuf Pathan wins" comment="subhead" text="Former cricketer Yusuf Pathan wins">Former cricketer Yusuf Pathan wins</cmsannotation> Stepping up to politics for the first time, cricketer turned politician Yusuf Pathan won West Bengal’s Baharampur seat for the Trinamool Congress. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Jailed pro-Khalistani candidate victorious in Punjab" comment="subhead" text="Jailed pro-Khalistani candidate victorious in Punjab">Jailed pro-Khalistani candidate victorious in Punjab</cmsannotation> Amritpal Singh, a notable Khalistan supporter and independent candidate clinched the Khadoor Sahib seat from jail in Punjab. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Sexual assault-accused Prajwal Revanna pulls considerable vote share" comment="subhead" text="Sexual assault-accused Prajwal Revanna pulls considerable vote share">Sexual assault-accused Prajwal Revanna pulls considerable vote share</cmsannotation> Despite a final win by Congress candidate Shreyas M. Patel in Karnataka’s Hassan constituency, JD(U)’s Prajwal Revanna garnered 46.5% of the total votes. This has occurred despite being in police custody and having a massive sexual assault case lodged against the candidate. <h3>Other notable events</h3><cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Indore sets record for highest NOTA voters" comment="subhead" text="Indore sets record for highest NOTA voters">Indore sets record for highest NOTA voters</cmsannotation> Controversy had earlier erupted in Indore after Congress candidate Akshya Kanti Bam deferred to BJP shortly before the voting process had begun. In response, over 2 lakh voters placed their bets on ‘None of the Above’, expressing dissatisfaction with the choices presented to them. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Stock market falls by COVID-19 levels" comment="subhead" text="Stock market falls by COVID-19 levels">Stock market falls by COVID-19 levels</cmsannotation> Anticipating an easy win and stable third term for Modi, the Indian stock surged right before the election. However, government uncertainty later on spurred the Nifty and BSE Sensex indices to crash by as much as 8.5%.

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Biggest shockers to come out of the thrilling election results

It seems <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=Nitish+Kumar">Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar</a> is in no mood to let go <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=prime+minister+narendra+modi">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> with his ‘<a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/Bihar-CM-Nitish-Kumar-raises-objection-on-Modis-DNA-remark-writes-open-letter-to-him/articleshow/48360727.cms">DNA’ remark</a>. 
 
Kumar along with Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=lalu+prasad+yadav">Lalu Prasad Yadav</a> will be launching a signature campaign 'shabd wapasi' tomorrow against Modi's remark. 
 
"Inspite of our repeated pleas, Modiji hasn't retracted his derogatory remarks on our DNA. We're going to launch a ' shabd wapasi' campaign against him," tweeted Kumar. 
 
The chief minister added that 50 lakh people from Bihar would be a part of 'shabdwapasi' signature campaign and would be sending DNA sample test to Modi. 
 
While addressing a rally in Muzaffarpur on July 25, Modi remembered the way Kumar had invited him to dinner and later cancelled the invitation. 
 
Modi said that Kumar had not only disrespected him but also a 'mahadalit' like former Chief Minister <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=jitan+ram+manjhi">Jitan Ram Manjhi</a>. 
 
"There seems to be some problem in his DNA because the DNA of democracy is not like that. In democracy you respect even your political rivals," Modi had said at the rally. 
 
Earlier, Kumar had written an open letter to Modi over the issue. 
 
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
	
		Inspite of our repeated pleas Modiji hasn't retracted his derogatory remarks on our DNA, we're going to launch शब्दवापसी /TakeBackYourWords
	— Nitish Kumar (@NitishKumar) <a href="https://twitter.com/NitishKumar/status/630583253175435264">August 10, 2015</a></blockquote>

Nitish Kumar asks PM Modi to take back his ‘DNA’ remark again

A six-year-old girl studying in class 1 has written a letter to Prime Minister <keyword id="6354477" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="narendra-modi" source="Orion">Narendra Modi</keyword> about the 'hardship' she is facing due to price rise. The girl, <keyword id="14604015" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="kriti-dubey" source="Orion">Kriti Dubey</keyword>, of Chhibramau town in Uttar Pradesh's Kannauj district wrote in her letter, "My name is Kriti Dubey. I study in class 1. Modiji, you have caused immense price rise. Even my <keyword id="915694" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="pencil" source="Orion">pencil</keyword> and rubber (eraser) have got costlier and the price of <keyword id="6369404" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="maggi" source="Orion">Maggi</keyword> has been increased, too. Now my mother beats me for asking for a pencil. What shall I do? Other kids steal my pencil." The letter written in <keyword id="6357660" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="hindi" source="Orion">Hindi</keyword> has gone viral on the social media. Her father <keyword id="3622632" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="vishal-dubey" source="Orion">Vishal Dubey</keyword>, who is an advocate, said, "It is my daughter's '<keyword id="6364850" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="mann-ki-baat" source="Orion">Mann Ki Baat</keyword>'. She got annoyed recently when her mother scolded her when she lost her pencil in school." Chhibramau SDM <keyword id="6363061" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="ashok-kumar" source="Orion">Ashok Kumar</keyword> told reporters that he came to know about this little girl's letter through social media platforms. "I am ready to help the child in any way and will also try my best to ensure that her letter reaches concerned authorities," he said. SEE ALSO : <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/gadgets/news/realme-pad-x-tablet-review/articleshow/93258235.cms">Realme Pad X review – a good budget tablet with a few compromises</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/markets-to-see-a-tepid-opening-amid-mixed-cues-from-global-counterparts/articleshow/93263447.cms">Markets to see a tepid opening amid mixed cues from global counterparts</a>

Maggi, pencils are on top of this 6 year old girl's inflation troubles

<a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=Nitish+Kumar">Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar</a> took offence at <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=Narendra+Modi">Prime Minister Narendra </a><a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=Narendra+Modi">Modi</a>’s ‘DNA’ remark and has asked him to withdraw it. 
 
Kumar said Modi’s remark was an insult to large section of the people of the state and beyond. 
 
While addressing a rally in Muzaffarpur on July 25, Modi remembered the way Kumar had invited him to dinner and later cancelled the invitation. 
 
Modi said that Kumar had not only disrespected him but also a 'mahadalit' like former Chief Minister <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=jitan+ram+manjhi">Jitan Ram Manjhi</a>. 
 
"There seems to be some problem in his DNA because the DNA of democracy is not like that. In democracy you respect even your political rivals," Modi had said at the rally. 
 
Today, Kumar wrote an open letter to Modi, which was released on <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=facebook">Facebook</a> and <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=twitter">Twitter</a>. 
 
"Most of us feel these statements have gone beyond questioning my own descent. They have disrespected the lineage of our people and denigrated the great legacy of the state," the letter stated. 
 
"This also gives credence to the feeling that perhaps you and your party hold a prejudice against the people of Bihar. I wonder how come the gravity of such statements repeatedly miss your alert conscience," said Kumar. 
 
Kumar said Modi’s comment was unbecoming of the office he holds. 
 
"I have no doubt that this gesture of yours (withdrawing the DNA remark) would go a long way in assuaging the sentiments of people and would further enhance the respect people have for you," he said. 
 
Modi is likely to address a rally in Gaya on August 9. 
 
Kumar also reminded Modi that this was not the first time such remarks were made by <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=BJP">BJP</a> leaders. 
 
"Earlier, your colleague and BJP leader Nitin Gadkari had said that casteism is in the DNA of Bihar. Interestingly, these are the same people who reposed their faith in you and contributed towards electing you to the highest office of the country with an overwhelming majority," he added. 
 
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
	
		Sharing my Open Letter to <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi">@NarendraModi</a> about his comment on my DNA <a href="http://t.co/x1qypoZEus">http://t.co/x1qypoZEus</a> <a href="http://t.co/dFekhbpLjI">pic.twitter.com/dFekhbpLjI</a> — <keyword id="6358190" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Nitish-Kumar">Nitish Kumar</keyword> (@NitishKumar) <a href="https://twitter.com/NitishKumar/status/628790147304165377">August 5, 2015</a></blockquote>

Bihar CM Nitish Kumar raises objection on Modi’s ‘DNA’ remark, writes open letter to him

The Bharatiya Janata Party, led by <keyword id="6354477" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Narendra-Modi">Narendra Modi</keyword>, created history in the just-concluded elections by becoming the first party since 1984 (the year Indira Gandhi was assassinated) to win majority on its own. The exit polls had predicted a Modi tsunami but it turned out to be a tsuNaMo. 
 The only chunk in the armour for the <keyword id="14666" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="BJP">BJP</keyword> was the defeat of Arun Jaitley from Amritsar. Jaitley was widely speculated to get a major portfolio in the next government (probably the finance ministry). However, he might find a Cabinet berth despite losing the <keyword id="6359191" type="EVENT" weightage="100" keywordseo="election">election</keyword> as Rajnath Singh has said that “the party would fully utilise his abilities.” 
 The <keyword id="1575" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="Congress">Congress</keyword>’ entire India tally was reduced to a meagre 44, which is way below the BJP’s tally of 71 from UP alone. The drubbing was so massive that the ruling party could not even manage to get 55 seats (10% of the total number of Lok Sabha seats) required to nominate the leader of opposition. 
 
The decimated Congress failed to open its account in as many as nine states – Delhi, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Jammu and Kashmir, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Goa. On the other hand, the BJP, riding on the Modi wave, conquered all the seats in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Delhi, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Goa. 
 
With such a strong mandate in his favour, now Modi needs to live up to the expectations of the people and usher in all round development and good governance. Modi showed his humble side after his victory. Addressing his supporters in Vadodara, Modi spoke about taking everyone along and gave the mantra of “sabka sath, sabka vikaas.” 
 
The most positive outcome of the result has been the fact that the new government will not be constrained by or subjected to blackmailing by the coalition partners. The outgoing Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, had often referred to coalition compulsions and admitted that he had to make some compromises in the name of coalition dharma. 
 
Any analysis of the election results would remain incomplete without a special mention of Uttar Pradesh, where people rejected caste-based politics, reducing Mayawati’s BSP to nought. It shows that voters have become aspirational and can no longer be swayed by empty caste rhetoric and symbolism. However, it would be premature to write her off completely as her party, though could not win any seat, managed to get a vote share of 19.6%. 
 In Bihar too, the Modi wave shattered Lalu’s dream of making a comeback and he could not increase his party’s 2009 tally of just four seats. <keyword id="6358190" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Nitish-Kumar">Nitish Kumar</keyword>’s JD (U) also faced a rout and could win just two seats. Following this, he put in his papers on ‘moral grounds’. However, it seems more of a face-saving exercise as there were reports of growing discontent within his party. Now, JD (U) President Sharad Yadav has extended a lifeline to Lalu by signalling an alliance between the arch rivals. 
 The results also show Congress Vice-President <keyword id="5268" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Rahul-Gandhi">Rahul Gandhi</keyword>’s growing disconnect with the masses over the years. When scams after scams propped up during UPA II, he seemed oblivious to it. Neither he nor outgoing PM Manmohan Singh ever took any step to crack down on graft. Gandhi never talked to the media on uncomfortable issues and was seen as a leader who refused to own up responsibility. 
 
The BJP had undergone a transition within the party before the polls as it required a new face after the debacle under LK Advani. The Congress, too, after successive debacles under Rahul Gandhi, needs to look for a new face with fresh ideas.

Election 2014: An
Absolute Analysis

Industry body <keyword id="114668" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Federation-of-Indian-Export-Organisations">Federation of Indian Export Organisations</keyword> (<keyword id="154579" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="FIEO">FIEO</keyword>) has urged the government to immediately provide ₹30,000 crore worth of interest-free working capital term loan to exporting companies for easing their working capital liquidity issues and prevent large- scale unemployment that could follow post-lockdown, especially in the labour intensive sectors. The demand for addressing the liquidity issues of <keyword id="45574" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Exporters">exporters</keyword> has been made in a letter sent to Prime Minister <keyword id="6354477" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Narendra-Modi">Narendra Modi</keyword> by FIEO president Sharad Kumar Saraf. In the letter, Saraf has said that the country's exports will take an unprecedented hit in these challenging times with the sector facing over 50 per cent cancellation of orders. "The worst hit are the lifestyle products such as leather, carpets, handicrafts and apparels which are having over 75 per cent cancellations. This will also put pressure on current account deficit as overseas remittance will decline and so will be FDI/FIIs inflow in the country," he said, urging the Prime Minister to do something urgently. In its proposal for interest-free working capital loan for exporters, FIEO said that the burden on the government would only be to the tune of Rs 1,974 crore while the benefits to exporters would be immense and help their operations during the current difficult period. It said a working capital loan could cover 6 months gross salary and wages, rent and electricity charges and should be given without additional collateral or paperwork to all industrial units who have a clean record with the bank before lockdown. The repayment should be in 18 equal installments after 6 months initial moratorium, the letter to the PM mentions. The exporters body has also sought EPF and ESIC waiver for three months to support labour Intensive sectors that are in extreme pressure to pay wages, but do not have liquidity or cash flow to even pay the EPF and ESIC. Such units, Saraf informed the PM in his letter, would close down unless support from the government came in. To allow exporters faster shipments of goods once the markets open up, FIEO has also urged the government to provide subsidy on air shipments and lowering of CONCOR charges. "Provide 50 per cent freight subsidy on air freight to encourage exporters to use air freight to compensate for time loss. CONCOR may also be asked to reduce charges in view of challenging times faced by exporters," the FIEO letter to PM said. In other demands, FIEO has urged for time-bound exports refund in 15 days. It also sought that RBI may extend the tenure of pre-post shipment credit. All existing pre and post shipment finance in foreign currency or Indian rupee should be extended on maturity by additional 90-180 days on auto route irrespective of the tenure of contract and sanctioned limit, the letter mentions. FIEO has also made a strong case for reduction in GST rates on hotels, aviation and travel &amp; tour operators who are bearing the maximum brunt of the present lockdown. It said that GST rates for these sectors should be reduced by 50 per cent for the next 12 months. In the letter, Saraf also called for a one-time amnesty in advance authorisation/EPCG/EOU and other default in <keyword id="6360806" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="customs">customs</keyword> duties. This, it said, should be done by waiving interest and penalty and charging only basic customs duty. SEE ALSO:<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/topic/coronavirus">Coronavirus News and Updates</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/how-to-check-coronavirus-symptoms-at-home/articleshow/74960334.cms">What are the Coronavirus symptoms and how to check for them at home</a>

Exporters seek ₹30,000 cr interest-free working capital loan

Full transcript of PM Narendra Modi's TV interview

<ul><li>IiAS in its open letter questions the silence of five independent board members even though another board member – Nawaz Modi Singhania – has alleged assault by the CEO and accused him of financial misconduct. </li><li>Institutional <keyword id="87717" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="advisory-firm" source="Orion">advisory firm</keyword> seeks independent investigation by the board and urges them to protect the interests of minority shareholders. </li><li>Proxy advisory firm asks independent directors to send promoters on leave till investigation is complete. </li></ul><keyword id="6405378" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="gautam-singhania" source="Orion">Gautam Singhania</keyword>, the flamboyant chairman and managing director of <keyword id="6368261" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="raymond" source="Orion">Raymond</keyword>, is in news for the wrong reasons yet again. But this time the company’s stock has taken a beating after his wife went public with their spat. The company’s <keyword id="30335" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="shares" source="Orion">shares</keyword> are down 15% in November after a video of his wife Nawaz Modi Singhania went viral where she is seen sitting outside the gates of JK House because she was not allowed inside. While Singhania wrote to the board that it was business as usual, <keyword id="6359051" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="investors" source="Orion">investors</keyword> are not so convinced. In his letter to the board, he has said he is fully committed to the smooth functioning of the company and that he remained the Chairman and MD. Shortly after his letter became public, proxy advisory firm Institutional Investor Advisory Services, has written an open letter to the five independent members on Raymond’s board. These four members are Mukeeta Jhaveri, Ashish Kapadia, Dinesh Lal, K Narsimha Murthy and Shiv Surinder Kumar. The letter recounts the sordid tale of the alleged assault on another board member – Nawaz Modi Singhania – who has alleged that she and her daughter were physically assaulted by Gautam Singhania at JK House (company property) in September 2023. His wife and a board member has also also alleged that company funds were being used for Gautam Singhania’s personal benefit (CEO excesses) – and that she was acting as a whistle-blower of sorts. IiAS in its open letter says that “despite such serious and heinous accusations by one board member against another, you have been silent. Investors are worried, which is reflected in the significant erosion in stock price over the past few days. Your silence can be misconstrued – surely you don’t want stakeholders thinking that these accusations are to be tolerated.” The proxy advisory firm has said in its letter that at the very least, independent directors need to communicate with investors and other stakeholders – assuage their concerns and articulate a course of action that they have taken following these public allegations. “Your actions must protect the company from what proposes to be a long-drawn acrimonious battle between Nawaz Modi and Gautam Singhania. To protect yourselves and delineate yourselves from the allegations, you may wish to retain independent legal counsel.” the letter further says. In the interest of the company and to safeguard interests of a larger set of stakeholders, IiAS urged the independent directors to undertake an independent investigation into the allegations of both – assault and CEO excesses. For the duration of this investigation, they have been asked to consider asking both, Nawaz Modi and Gautam Singhania, to take time off from their responsibilities as board members. IiAS said that it recognizes that asking promoters to step aside would not be easy – but as independent directors they have a fiduciary responsibility towards minority investors, employees and larger set of the company’s stakeholders. “Therefore, you will need to dispassionately separate ownership from management,” the letter says. From the company’s FY23 annual report, IiAS notes that the company has an experienced leadership team with extensive industry experience. The company has also initiated a succession planning process for key roles. Given the leadership depth, IiAS said that they were sure the independent directors would be able to find an interim CEO from within the ranks, who can take over from Gautam Singhania for the duration of the investigation. While the investigation will provide the facts, as independent directors the advisory firm has asked the directors four key questions: <ul><li>1. Has either director violated the company’s code of conduct and ethics policy including (but not limited to) moral turpitude? </li><li>2. Is there a possibility of criminal liabilities on the company or any of its directors? </li><li>3. Are the actions of either director in consonance with the company’s brand? Alternatively, can their actions be disassociated from the brand? </li><li>4. If there is merit in the allegations of CEO excesses, what controls will you put in place to arrest any further slippages? Will the impending divorce and these allegations remain a distraction for the Chairman and Managing Director? If so, then having an interim CEO will support unhindered operations of the company, at least until the divorce settlement is done and that there are no further distractions to discharging the role.</li></ul> Based on the answers to these questions, IiAs has requested the independent directors to take the necessary steps that are in the long-term interest of the company and its stakeholders. If need be, the advisory firm has said that it expects the independent board members to protect the company from its own promoters.

Proxy advisory firm IiAS asks independent board members of Raymond to protect company from promoters by asking them to step away

A resident of <keyword id="1158976" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Pipra-village" source="Orion">Pipra village</keyword> in Bihar's West Champaran district has taken a vow to remain unmarried for environmental protection, similar to '<keyword id="105415" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="bhishma" source="Orion">Bhishma</keyword>' in 'Dvapara yuga' (in Hinduism, an age believed to be the best of the four yugas) took a vow of lifelong celibacy for his father's happiness. <keyword id="4791527" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Gajendra-Yadav" source="Orion">Gajendra Yadav</keyword>, of Pipra village under Narwal Borwal Panchayat of Bagaha block, has planted about eight lakh saplings so far. Yadav considers the trees his family and celebrates major festivals such as Dussehra, Diwali and Raksha Bandhan with them. In a conversation with IANS, Yadav apprised that he is the eldest of four siblings and all of them are married. He said he gets worried if his trees are harmed. Yadav talked about how he was listening to the radio in his teens, wherein in a programme it was said that the environment would become unbalanced in the absence of trees, threatening all life on earth due to lack of oxygen. Yadav changed the course of his life after that episode and dedicated himself to protecting the environment. Marriage proposals started coming in for the modern day 'Bhishma' when he reached the suitable age, but Yadav stood firm on his ground and remained dedicated to his work. Yadav mentioned how he once met Vikas Vaibhav, an IPS officer who was posted in Bagaha as the Superintendent of Police. Yadav invited the SP to the banks of Semarkol Tirhut canal of the panchayat, which was known for being an area where crimes like rape, murder and theft were common. Vaibhav planted a mango tree in the area to spread the message of peace and harmony. Yadav said that his work intensified after getting inspired by this gesture and he now spends his entire day in serving the trees. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and former Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi honoured Yadav in Patna and were impressed by his commendable work and dedication towards tree plantation. Yadav apprised that he has been indulging in the work since 2003 and has planted about eight lakh saplings so far, most of which include Banyan, Peepal, Pakad and Neem as they provide shelter to birds and small animals, along with preventing soil erosion during floods. These trees live long and provide ample oxygen to humans. Yadav's use of empty spaces on embankments, canals, roads, school premises and outskirts of villages to plant trees has won him wide acclaim. He said that he prepares the saplings himself and has a team of 100 youths who help him in the process. Adding that, he keeps an eye out for woodcutters, who are mostly released by the police after they admit to their action. Yadav said that FIRs are registered against the ones who do not admit their mistake. While speaking of his upcoming plans, Yadav said that he would stick to his routine as long as his body allows him to. Sakina Khatoon, head of Narwal Borwal Panchayat, also praised Yadav's work and said that he is spreading the message of protecting the environment and motivating youths to do the same. She added that greenery could be seen everywhere in the village because of Yadav's efforts. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/meta-planning-a-fresh-round-of-layoffs-in-year-of-efficiency-says-a-financial-times-report/articleshow/97802692.cms">Meta planning a fresh round of layoffs in 'year of efficiency', says FT report</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/seventh-operation-dost-flight-reaches-earthquake-hit-syria-with-over-23-tons-of-relief-material/articleshow/97835516.cms">Seventh Operation Dost flight reaches earthquake-hit Syria with over 23 tons of relief material</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/thelife/news/chatgpt-wrote-6-love-letters-as-the-bard-chandler-bing-an-srk-fan-more-heres-what-it-missed/articleshow/97823242.cms">ChatGPT wrote 6 love letters as the Bard, Chandler Bing, an SRK fan &amp; more – here’s what it missed</a>

Staying single for a greener planet, Bihar's 'Bhishma' plants over 8 lakh trees

Patna, Jul 9 () The coronavirus infection continued to rage through Bihar with the state registering over 700 cases for the second day in a row on Thursday, prompting more district administrations to impose lockdown or similar restrictive measures. According to the Bihar health department, the total tally of coronavirus cases reached 13,978 with 704 new instances of the infection on Thursday, a day after the state witnessed its biggest single-day spike of 749. With the steepest rise of nine fatalities, the COVID-19 death toll in the state mounted to 109. However, it was not known how many of the fatalities that were reported on Thursday had taken place in the last 24 hours. Patna district, where a seven-day lockdown would begin on Friday, accounts for the highest number of casualties at 13, followed by Begusarai, Darbhanga and Samastipur with seven each and Muzaffarpur, Nalanda, Saran and Siwan with five each. Patna also topped the state in the number of cases reported during the day at 132 and the overall tally which now stood at 1,485. The positive cases included four staff attached to the office of Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi. The office has been sealed for thorough sanitisation. Recently, a relative of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, staying at his official residence in Patna, and a police personnel have tested positive for COVID-19. In view of the continued spurt in the number of cases, lockdowns were announced on Thursday in Khagaria and Nalanda districts for five days. Khagaria District Magistrate Alok Ranjan said the lockdown would remain in force from July 10-14, while Nalanda DM Yogendra Singh announced the same from July 11 to July 15. Earlier, lockdowns of different durations have been announced in Bhagalpur, Nawada, Jehanabad, West Champaran and East Champaran and Kishanganj districts. Muzaffarpur District Magistrate Chandrashekhar Singh did not go for a full lockdown but ordered that all commercial establishments shall be open only between 10 am and 5 pm on weekdays and remain shut on Saturday and Sunday. In all, 9,272 people have been discharged after full recovery from the viral infection till date. Moreover, on account of the number of fresh cases outnumbering recoveries for quite some time, the recovery rate has dipped to 70.04 per cent from about 77 per cent a week ago. It is, however, still higher than the national average. The number of samples tested so far was 2.82 lakh. The number of tests conducted per day on an average remains less than 7,000 which is much lower than in many other states, for which the opposition has been targeting the Nitish Kumar government. NAC SNS NSD NSD

704 fresh COVID-19 cases take total tally in Bihar to 13,978; death toll reaches 109

<ul><li>Photos show that <keyword id="36838" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="indian-banks">Indian banks</keyword> are taking precautionary measures to enforce <keyword id="8897280" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="social-distancing">social distancing</keyword> within branches.</li><li>Essential services at banks will continue during the 21-day lock down announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.</li><li>The Ministry of Finance requested state administrations to allow bankers leave their homes so that ATMs can be restocked and cheques can be cleared.</li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/searchresult.cms?query=coronavirus&amp;sortorder=effectivedate">Follow the comprehensive coverage of the coronavirus pandemic and its impact, and other useful resources that can help you in the fight on Business Insider India.</a></li></ul>Public and private banks in India are shoring up to work through the pandemic. Even though a 21-day lock down was enforced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, select branches will remain operational to provide citizens with essential services. 
 
 <div type="image" title="ATM" msid="74804810" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Some banks have placed sanitsers at ATMs&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>





 Even before the lockdown was called on March 24, banks were already finding innovative ways to implement social distancing. Many roped up counters and desks to keep at least a meter of distance between branch officers and customers. Hand sanitizers have also been placed at all windows, outside the branch and at ATMs. The Indian Bank’s Association (IBA) has asked all banks to maintain at least four services for its customers: <ul><li>Cash deposits and withdrawal</li><li>Clearing cheques</li><li>Remittances</li><li>Government transactions</li></ul> 
	
 <div type="image" title="IMG-20200320-WA0032_edited" msid="74804909" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Other banks set up more strict barricades&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>




 Even though banks are an essential service, some bankers aren’t being allowed to leave their home by state authorities, according to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). To address the situation the Ministry of Finance has written to the chief secretaries of all states to allow the physical movement of bank employees. 

 
 <div type="image" title="IMG-20200320-WA0031" msid="74804828" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Counters and windows at banks have been roped off to keep customers at a safe distance&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>




 “It is expected that people’s need for and reliance on electronic and digital modes of payment, and ATMs for cash withdrawals, will be greater in the days to come,” said the letter by Madnesh Kumar Mishra, joint secretary to the government of India. 
 
 <div type="image" title="IMG-20200320-WA0035" msid="74804851" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Notices have been put up asking customers to keep a distance of one meter when they&amp;#39;re in line&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>





 In Chandigarh, the administration has issued a list of 27 branches that will be allowed to stay open even though there’s a curfew imposed on the city. In Mumbai, where a curfew has also been imposed, government-owned Bank of Baroda is reimbursing its employees with ₹200 a day to cover their transit costs as public transportation shut down. 

 
 <div type="image" title="ATM2" msid="74804863" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;ATMs and other bank facilities being sanitised&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>




 Canara Bank took a different approach. It is going to credit each employee’s salary with an extra ₹1,000 at the end of the month for sanitizer, masks and other sanitary supply expenditures. 

 
 <div type="image" title="IMG-20200320-WA0030" msid="74804878" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Some banks are using make shift techniques like using laundry lines to set up a perimeter to enforce social distancing&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>




 See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/heres-how-a-21-day-lockdown-might-help-break-the-covid-19-chain/articleshow/74802999.cms">Here's how a 21-day lockdown might help break the Covid-19 chain</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/a-whole-lot-of-doctors-reportedly-forced-to-reuse-same-mask-for-a-week-are-crying-for-support/articleshow/74802854.cms">A whole lot of doctors reportedly forced to reuse same mask for a week are crying for support</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/heres-what-you-can-access-during-the-21-day-lockdown-across-india/articleshow/74798770.cms">Here’s what you can access during the 21-day lockdown across India</a>

You Searched For "Nitish Kumar open letter to Modi" and got 12 results

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Full transcript of PM Narendra Modi's TV interview

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