Category: national

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) released its first list of 195 candidates on Saturday, March 2nd. With decisions pending on remaining seats, the party is set to finalize its roster soon, convening a meeting of the Central Election Committee on March 8th. Amidst these developments, the party has notably tightened its screening process for selecting candidates.

Reinforcing the Screening Process

The decision to tighten the screening process comes following the reinstatement of Bhojpuri star Pawan Singh and Upendra Singh Rawat as candidates. Individuals familiar with the matter have indicated that there is an expectation of a meeting of the party’s Central Election Committee (CEC), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, towards the end of this week to announce the second list of candidates.

Reevaluation of Candidate Selection

An official within the party has stated that directives have been issued to reevaluate the names of candidates presented before the CEC to avoid any discrepancies at the state level. The State Screening Committee has been tasked with re-verifying candidates, conducting background checks, reassessing any criminal cases, and evaluating their potential for electoral success. While the party typically evaluates candidates based on various criteria, winning potential remains the paramount factor, sometimes outweighing other considerations.

Pawan Singh Withdraws Candidacy

Just a day after receiving the ticket from Asansol in West Bengal, BJP candidate Pawan Singh announced his withdrawal from the electoral race citing personal reasons. He took to social media platform X to express his gratitude towards the party leadership, stating, “I express heartfelt gratitude to the Bharatiya Janata Party’s leadership. While the party had shown faith in me and declared me as a candidate from Asansol, due to certain personal reasons, I will not be able to contest from Asansol.”

Upendra Singh Rawat Opts Out

Following the emergence of controversial images, sitting MP from Barabanki in Uttar Pradesh, Upendra Singh Rawat, retracted his candidacy. In a post on his official X account, Rawat stated, “A doctored video of mine is being circulated, generated through deepfake AI technology, for which I have filed an FIR. I have requested respected National President J.P. Nadda to investigate this matter. Until I am proven innocent, I will not contest any elections.”

Lalu Prasad Yadav, the leader of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), has reiterated his statement targeting the Prime Minister once again. He stated on Wednesday that he did not say anything wrong. If Modi were a Hindu, he would have shaved his head. While attacking the ‘Modi family’, he mentioned that when he announced his own family of 140 crore, everyone should tell them to shave their heads. Your mother has passed away, perform the rituals.

PM Modi Targeted by Lalu

During PM Modi’s rally in Bihar, Lalu Prasad Yadav targeted him, saying that Modi is holding rallies. We are being accused. We haven’t said anything wrong. The entire country, the entire Bihar is watching. The other thing we said is that after death, the mustache and hair are shaved. Nails are trimmed. If they want to shave, we’ll accept that everyone is a family. They are just talking nonsense in defense.

Whenever the Prime Minister Comes to Bihar…

Lalu Yadav said in a post on social media that whenever the Prime Minister comes to Bihar. At that time, they feel ashamed to talk about employment, unemployment, inflation, poverty, and the special status of the state. In the course of reading scripts written on the teleprompter and repeating rehearsed lines for decades, they also forget that the BJP has been in power at the center for 10 years and in Bihar for 15 years.

Lalu Prasad and His Family – Bihar’s Biggest Culprits

Before this, PM Modi said on Wednesday that Lalu Prasad and his family are the ‘biggest culprits in Bihar’ and accused them of establishing jungle raj in the state during their tenure of more than a decade. Addressing a rally in Bettiah in West Champaran district, Prime Minister Modi said, ‘When jungle raj came to Bihar, the exodus of youths from here increased. Those who brought jungle raj were only concerned about their families, they put Bihar’s lakhs of children’s future at stake.

Modi’s Reversal on Lalu

PM Modi, while reversing his stance on Lalu’s ‘having no family’ remark, said, ‘If people like Jayaprakash Narayan, Ram Manohar Lohia, Babasaheb Ambedkar, and Karpoori Thakur were alive, they would also attack them for not promoting their own families.’ He said, ‘Today, the person in front of you is someone who left home at a very young age. Any person from Bihar may live in any state, but returns home for Chhath Puja, Diwali. But Modi left home in childhood. Which home should I return to… for me, the whole of India is my home.’

A Former Stripper’s Claim

A former stripper has come forward with a sensational claim regarding an alleged encounter with Prince Harry during his wild party days in Las Vegas. The stripper, going by the name Carrie Royale, asserts that she kissed Prince Harry during an event at the Wynn Hotel in 2012, and has threatened to leak nude photos of him. According to reports, she is displeased with Harry’s memoir, “Spear,” for not mentioning their alleged interaction.

The Viral Nude Photos and Their Fallout

The scandal deepens with the emergence of purported nude photos of the Duke of Sussex, which circulated widely on social media. These images, published by The Sun in 2012, depict Harry embracing a woman clad in challenging attire. Now, Carrie Royale claims to possess additional compromising images of Harry and has hinted at posting them on her OnlyFans account.

Carrie Royale’s Grievances and Motivations

Carrie Royale’s motivations appear to stem from her dissatisfaction with Harry’s memoir, particularly his omission of their supposed liaison. She expressed her dismay, stating, “I’m a bit angry about being omitted from his book. He might not remember everyone he met that night, but he could have acknowledged certain things that happened between us.” Despite initially refraining from publicizing the photos out of respect, she now feels justified in her actions, labeling Harry as “foolish.”

Controversy Unveiled: The Night in Question

According to Carrie’s recollection of events, she was summoned to a hotel room under the impression that she was hired for an ordinary gig. Unaware of the royal presence, she alleges to have encountered a visibly intoxicated Harry and claims to have kissed him amidst his inebriation. She intends to provide further details about the incident, suggesting there is more to the story.

Facing the Fallout: Harry’s Alleged State and Carrie’s Intentions

Carrie maintains that Harry was in a state of intoxication during their encounter in 2012, insinuating that he may not recall the events clearly. She plans to divulge additional information about their interaction, implying that her intentions extend beyond mere sensationalism.

Trump Emerges as the Lead Republican Candidate

In a surprising turn of events following a devastating loss on Super Tuesday, Nikki Haley has decided to suspend her presidential campaign on Wednesday, March 6th. This decision paves the way for Donald Trump to emerge as the final major contender for the 2024 Republican nomination. Currently, Trump stands as the sole Republican candidate, although he will face opposition from candidates of other parties in the presidential election. Nonetheless, Trump’s dominance among Republican candidates could prove advantageous for him in the presidential race.

Haley’s Narrow Defeat on Super Tuesday

Following the results of Super Tuesday, Donald Trump, aged 77, has gained significant momentum against his Republican rival, the 52-year-old Haley. Trump secured impressive victories in states like Texas, California, and 11 others. However, Haley managed to thwart his chances of a clean sweep by winning in Vermont. While Trump did not garner enough delegates from the 15 states that voted on Tuesday to secure the party’s nomination, he remains in close contention.

Haley’s Victories and Challenges

Haley secured her second victory in the primary elections in Vermont. Her success in the ‘Super Tuesday’ primaries marked a significant milestone for her campaign. According to reports from American media outlets, after counting 98% of the votes, the 52-year-old Haley received 49.9% of the vote, while former President Trump received 45.8%.

Campaign Statement and Public Reaction

Haley’s campaign spokesperson, Olivia Perez-Cuba, released a statement on Tuesday, March 5th, expressing gratitude for the recognition of Haley’s victory in the Vermont Republican primary. Perez-Cuba stated, “Today, we feel honored to receive the support of millions of Americans across the nation, including Vermont, where Nikki has become the first Republican woman to win in two primary elections for the presidency.”

Delegate Count and Path Forward

However, Perez-Cuba cautioned against complacency, emphasizing that unity cannot be achieved solely through claims. To secure the Republican Party’s nomination for the presidency, both candidates require the support of 1,215 delegates. Currently, Trump holds 893 delegates, while Haley lags behind with only 66 delegates to her name.

Barabanki Lok Sabha seat in Uttar Pradesh witnessed a significant turn of events when the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) announced its candidate for the upcoming elections. This decision was unveiled last Saturday, naming the incumbent Member of Parliament, Upendra Singh Rawat, as the official contender. However, shortly after the announcement, a purported video involving Rawat went viral, leading to his own withdrawal from the electoral race. Despite this setback, speculations are rife that BJP might once again nominate a candidate from the Rawat community. Presently, the BJP remains tight-lipped on the matter, navigating through the challenges of damage control amidst these developments.

Barabanki: A Reserved Constituency and the Rawat Influence

Barabanki constituency is reserved for Scheduled Castes (SC) in Uttar Pradesh, where the Rawat community holds significant sway. It’s estimated that approximately 12% of the population belongs to the Rawat community, making them a pivotal demographic in electoral dynamics. Consequently, irrespective of the party affiliation, candidates are often chosen from the Rawat community to contest elections. Parties like the Samajwadi Party, Indian National Congress, Bharatiya Janata Party, and Bahujan Samaj Party regularly field candidates from this community, recognizing its electoral significance.

Rawat Dominance: A Historical Perspective

The political history of Barabanki reveals the dominance of the Rawat community in parliamentary representation. Over the span of 47 years, Rawat candidates have been elected as Members of Parliament 11 times. This streak commenced in 1977 and continues till date, showcasing the enduring influence of the Rawat community. However, there was a brief interruption in 2009 when P.L. Punia won the seat on a Congress ticket. Nonetheless, since 2014, the representation reverted to Rawat candidates. Priyanka Singh Rawat secured victory in 2014, followed by Upendra Singh Rawat’s election in 2019. Rawat was once again nominated by the BJP as its candidate. In the 2019 elections, RamSagar Rawat contested as the SP-BSP alliance candidate, with Tanuj Puniya from Congress securing the third position.

New Entrants and Strategic Shifts

Following the viral video incident, Upendra Singh Rawat withdrew his candidacy, opening up avenues for new contenders from the Rawat community. The upcoming 2024 elections for the Barabanki seat are poised to be intriguing. With Upendra Rawat retracting his name, the BJP is now scouting for fresh contenders. In the legislative assembly elections, Samajwadi Party legislators currently hold seats in Ramanagar, Jaidpur, and Barabanki Sadar. However, neither BSP nor SP has yet declared their candidate for this seat, adding to the anticipation surrounding the electoral landscape.

Chronicles of Barabanki MPs Over the Decades

Since 1952, Barabanki constituency has seen a rotation of MPs from various political affiliations. From Mohan Lal Saxena of the Congress (1952-1957) to Upendra Singh Rawat of the BJP (2019-2024), each MP has left their mark on the region’s political landscape. The Rawat community’s consistent representation underscores its political significance, shaping the electoral narrative of Barabanki over the decades.

Lok Sabha Election in Maharashtra: The upcoming Lok Sabha election in Maharashtra has yet to reveal a clear picture regarding seat sharing between both alliances. However, India’s seat sharing formula has been speculated upon by sources linked to ABP News.

Current Status of Seat Allocation

As of now, no final formula has been decided for the allocation of the 48 seats in Maharashtra. Additionally, there is a deadlock regarding seat allocation within the Mahavikas Aghadi. Reports suggest that while discussions regarding Maharashtra are ongoing within the BJP’s core group, the Congress election committee is also deliberating on the candidates from the Aghadi.

Allocation of Seats for Election in India

ABP News has exclusive information regarding the division of opposition seats in Maharashtra. According to sources, the seat sharing formula between India Alliance has been finalized. According to sources, the Shiv Sena-Uddhav Thackeray faction is likely to contest on the highest number of 23 seats, with Congress possibly getting 15 and NCP-Sharad Pawar faction receiving 10 seats. This leaves a question mark on the seats available for Prakash Ambedkar’s Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA), which has also been addressed in the meeting.

Prospects for Prakash Ambedkar’s VBA

It is reported that Uddhav and Sharad Pawar are likely to offer seats to Prakash Ambedkar from their respective quotas. Prakash Ambedkar is expected to communicate the number of seats VBA wishes to contest on within the next two days. The next meeting of the Mahavikas Aghadi is slated for March 9th.

Ongoing Negotiations within NDA

Concurrently, negotiations within the NDA are ongoing. Amit Shah is engaged in discussions with the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, and party leaders. According to potential formulas within the NDA, BJP is expected to contest on more than 30 seats in Maharashtra. Seats will be allocated to Shinde and Ajit faction based on their visibility.

Potential for BJP in Mumbai

According to sources, BJP could contest on 5 out of the 6 seats in Mumbai, with one seat potentially going to Eknath Shinde. There are also rumors of some Shiv Sena candidates contesting on BJP’s symbol.

BJP’s Strategy for Maximum Seats

Sources reveal that Amit Shah’s priority is to ensure Narendra Modi’s re-election as Prime Minister, aiming to win more than 45 out of Maharashtra’s 48 seats. Shah has urged allies to allocate more seats to BJP for Lok Sabha elections, assuring reciprocation in the assembly elections later this year. However, attention is also drawn to the upcoming assembly elections, where Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar are pivotal players.

The Challenge of Alliance Dynamics

In the previous Lok Sabha elections, BJP and Shiv Sena contested together in Maharashtra, securing victories on 41 seats. However, the current divide within Shiv Sena poses a challenge in formulating a winning strategy for Maharashtra.

Empowering Women in Leadership: In a world where gender equality is gaining momentum, the tech industry stands as a beacon of progress. As we celebrate International Women’s Day in 2024, it’s imperative to recognize the remarkable achievements of Indian-origin female CEOs who are breaking barriers and redefining success. Let’s delve into the inspiring journeys of Revathi Advaithi, Reshma Kewalramani, Priya Lakhani, and Anjali Sud, who are leaving an indelible mark on the global business landscape.

Revathi Advaithi: Leading with Vision and Tenacity

Revathi Advaithi’s ascent to the summit of corporate leadership is nothing short of awe-inspiring. With a background rooted in engineering and finance, Advaithi’s journey exemplifies perseverance and strategic acumen. Currently serving as the CEO of Flex Ltd., a multinational electronics manufacturing services company, she has steered the organization to unprecedented growth and innovation.

Flex Ltd.: Revolutionizing the Electronics Industry

Under Advaithi’s guidance, Flex Ltd. has embraced disruptive technologies, leveraging them to stay ahead in an ever-evolving market. From IoT solutions to renewable energy initiatives, the company’s diverse portfolio reflects Advaithi’s visionary approach towards sustainability and digital transformation.

Reshma Kewalramani: Pioneering Pharmaceuticals with Purpose

In the realm of biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, Reshma Kewalramani stands as a trailblazer, redefining the industry’s landscape with her commitment to scientific excellence and social responsibility. As the CEO of Vertex Pharmaceuticals, her leadership has propelled the company towards groundbreaking advancements in cystic fibrosis treatment and beyond.

Vertex Pharmaceuticals: Transforming Lives Through Innovation

Under Kewalramani’s stewardship, Vertex Pharmaceuticals continues to push the boundaries of medical science, focusing on rare diseases and unmet medical needs. With a relentless pursuit of innovation and patient-centricity, the company remains at the forefront of transformative therapies, bringing hope to millions around the globe.

Priya Lakhani: Championing Education and Entrepreneurship

Priya Lakhani’s journey epitomizes the intersection of education, technology, and social impact. As the founder and CEO of Century Tech, an AI-driven education technology company, she has pioneered personalized learning experiences, revolutionizing the way students engage with curriculum and content.

Century Tech: Empowering Learners Through AI

Lakhani’s vision for Century Tech extends beyond academic excellence, aiming to bridge educational inequalities and empower learners of all backgrounds. By harnessing the power of artificial intelligence, the platform adapts to individual learning styles, fostering mastery and critical thinking skills essential for success in the digital age.

Anjali Sud: Redefining Digital Media and Entrepreneurship

Anjali Sud’s meteoric rise in the realm of digital media underscores the transformative power of innovation and adaptability. As the CEO of Vimeo, she has reimagined the platform as a hub for creative professionals, empowering them to share their stories and amplify their voices on a global scale.

Vimeo: Empowering Creativity and Collaboration

Under Sud’s leadership, Vimeo has evolved beyond a video-sharing platform, embracing tools and features tailored to the needs of filmmakers, artists, and entrepreneurs. From professional-grade hosting services to intuitive editing tools, the platform continues to democratize content creation and distribution, fostering a vibrant community of creators.

The political landscape in Uttar Pradesh is on the verge of a significant transformation as talks of a potential alliance between Congress, Samajwadi Party (SP), and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) gain momentum. While the Lok Sabha elections of 2024 were initially marked by the BSP supremo Mayawati’s call for a solitary journey, recent developments suggest the possibility of these three parties coming together on a common platform. Within the next 8 days, Uttar Pradesh might witness a substantial political upheaval, with speculations rife about the alignment of forces.

Mayawati’s Strategic Maneuvering: A Game-Changer?

Rumors are abuzz with the news of a prolonged telephonic conversation between Priyanka Gandhi and Mayawati, indicating efforts to persuade the latter to contest the Lok Sabha elections in collaboration. The Congress party might unveil a masterstroke just before the elections, possibly nominating a Dalit face to challenge Prime Minister Narendra Modi. There are speculations that Mayawati could emerge as the prime ministerial candidate from the opposition’s India Alliance. This strategic move could pose a formidable challenge to the incumbent government, presenting a united front against the ruling party.

A New Twist in the Ram Mandir Saga

Malook Nagar, a prominent member of the Bahujan Samaj Party, stirred controversy with his remarks concerning Mayawati and the India Alliance. While earlier discussions hinted at a possible alignment with the BJP, recent developments have turned the tide. Nagar’s statement, advocating for Mayawati as a potential prime ministerial candidate, has added a new dimension to the political discourse, especially in the aftermath of the Ram Mandir inauguration. These developments might compel Rahul Gandhi’s team to reassess their strategy in light of the shifting dynamics.

Sonia Gandhi’s Strategic Outreach

The recent dialogue between Priyanka Gandhi and Mayawati underscores the strategic maneuvers within the political arena. Sonia Gandhi’s proactive engagement with Mayawati reflects a concerted effort to forge alliances and consolidate opposition forces. With the potential to challenge the BJP on 80 Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh alone, an alliance between SP, BSP, and Congress could significantly alter the electoral landscape. The India Alliance, comprising SP, BSP, and Congress, might once again emerge as a formidable contender in the political arena.

Congress’s Calculated Moves

As discussions intensify regarding Mayawati’s potential inclusion in the opposition alliance, the Congress party is leaving no stone unturned to ensure her participation. Recognizing the significant vote share commanded by Mayawati across several constituencies in Uttar Pradesh, the Congress leadership is keen on collaborating with her to strengthen their electoral prospects. The party’s high command has been actively pursuing discussions with BSP and SP leaders, indicating a strategic realignment to counter the ruling dispensation effectively.

A Potential Game-Changer: Mayawati’s Role in the Alliance

Speculations are rife that Mayawati might contest elections on 25 seats as part of the alliance. While formal announcements are yet to be made, the prospect of BSP joining the coalition remains a subject of intense debate. Some pundits suggest that the ongoing negotiations to include BSP in the alliance might be the reason behind the delay in announcing candidates by SP. With Mayawati’s potential inclusion, Congress aims to send a strong message to marginalized communities across the country, emphasizing their commitment to social justice and inclusivity.

Celebrating Women’s Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has presented a significant gift to the women of the nation. PM Narendra Modi announced on Twitter that the government has decided to reduce the prices of domestic LPG cylinders by 100 rupees. This decision will alleviate the economic burden for millions of people and will particularly benefit women.

Modi Government’s Initiative

The Modi government’s decision to reduce the prices of LPG cylinders comes as a welcome move, especially amidst rising fuel costs. This initiative showcases the government’s commitment to easing the financial strain on citizens, particularly women, who often manage household expenses.

Impact on Household Budgets

With the reduction in LPG cylinder prices, households across the country can expect relief in their monthly budgets. As LPG is a vital cooking fuel for many households, the price cut directly translates to savings for families. This move by the government aligns with its efforts to support the welfare of citizens, promoting financial stability and security.

Empowering Women Economically

By reducing the cost of LPG cylinders, the government empowers women economically. Women, who primarily manage kitchen expenses and cooking responsibilities in Indian households, will benefit significantly from this price reduction. The saved amount can be redirected towards other essential needs, further enhancing women’s financial independence and well-being.

Alleviating Financial Burdens

The decision to lower LPG cylinder prices alleviates financial burdens on families, especially during challenging economic times. As household expenses continue to rise, any relief in essential commodity prices is welcomed by citizens. This move reflects the government’s responsiveness to the needs of the people, prioritizing their economic welfare.

Supporting Sustainable Development

Reducing the prices of LPG cylinders not only benefits individuals but also supports sustainable development goals. Access to affordable cooking fuel is essential for promoting clean energy usage and reducing reliance on traditional cooking methods. By making LPG more accessible through price reductions, the government contributes to environmental sustainability and public health.