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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

MPs and MLAs taking bribes to vote or make a speech in the <keyword id="19910021" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="house" source="keywords">House</keyword> are not immune from prosecution, the Supreme Court said on Monday in a landmark, unanimous verdict that overrules its 1998 judgment protecting such lawmakers. Observing that bribery is not protected by parliamentary privileges, a seven-judge constitution bench headed by Chief Justice D Y <keyword id="19985698" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="chandrachud" source="keywords">Chandrachud</keyword> held that a five-judge bench's interpretation in the 1998 verdict in the JMM bribery case was contrary to Articles 105 and 194 of the Constitution. Describing the judgment as "great", Prime Minister <keyword id="19895781" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="narendra-modi" source="keywords">Narendra Modi</keyword> said in a post on X that it would "ensure clean politics and deepen people's faith in the system". Articles 105 and 194 deal with the powers and privileges of MPs and MLAs in the Parliament and the legislative assemblies. "Corruption and bribery by members of the legislatures erode probity in public life," the CJI, who read the operative part of the verdict, said while pronouncing the verdict today. The bench also comprised Justices A S Bopanna, M M Sundresh, P S Narasimha, J B Pardiwala, <keyword id="19931190" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sanjay-kumar" source="keywords">Sanjay Kumar</keyword> and Manoj Misra. In 1998, the five-judge constitution bench held in its majority verdict on the Narasimha Rao versus CBI case that parliamentarians have immunity against criminal prosecution for any speech made and vote cast inside the House under Articles 105(2) and 194(2). The seven-judge bench was reconsidering the 1998 judgement. While pronouncing the verdict, the CJI said Article 105 of the Constitution seeks to sustain an environment to have deliberations by the lawmakers in the House and this atmosphere is vitiated when a member is bribed to deliver a speech. Justice Chandrachud said the privileges claimed must have a nexus to the collective functioning of the House and must have a relationship with the essential functions of a legislator which he or she has to discharge. The seven-judge bench had reserved its judgement in the matter on October 5 last year. During the arguments, the Centre had submitted that bribery can never be a subject matter of immunity and a parliamentary privilege is not meant to place a lawmaker above law. The top court, in the course of the hearing, had said it will examine whether the immunity granted to lawmakers from prosecution for taking bribes to make a speech or vote in Parliament and state legislatures extends to them even if criminality is attached to their actions. On September 20, 2023, the <keyword id="19936355" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="apex-court" source="keywords">apex court</keyword> had agreed to reconsider its 1998 judgement, saying it was an important issue having a significant bearing on "morality of polity". The issue came under the apex court's lens in 2019, when a bench headed by then Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi was hearing an appeal filed by <keyword id="20405400" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sita-soren" source="keywords">Sita Soren</keyword>, JMM MLA from Jama and daughter-in-law of party chief Shibu <keyword id="19968807" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="soren" source="keywords">Soren</keyword>. She was an accused in the JMM bribery scandal. The Gogoi-led bench had referred to a five-judge bench the matter, noting it had "wide ramification" and was of "substantial public importance". Sita Soren was accused of taking bribes to vote for a particular candidate in the Rajya Sabha election in 2012. She contended that the constitutional provision granting lawmakers immunity from prosecution, which saw her father-in-law being let off the hook in the JMM bribery scandal, be applied to her. She moved the apex court against the Jharkhand High Court order of February 17, 2014 refusing to quash the criminal case lodged against her. The three-judge bench had then said it will revisit the apex court verdict in the JMM bribery case involving Shibu Soren, a former Jharkhand chief minister and ex-union minister, and four other party MPs who had accepted bribes to vote against the no-confidence motion threatening the survival of the P V Narasimha Rao government in 1993. The Narasimha Rao government, which was in a minority, survived the no-confidence vote with their support. The CBI registered a case against Soren and four other JMM Lok Sabha MPs but the Supreme Court quashed it citing immunity from prosecution they enjoyed under Article 105(2) of the Constitution. SEE ALSO:<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/realme-12-5g-with-dimensity-7050-chipset-to-launch-in-india-on-march-6/articleshow/108129873.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/realme-12-5g-with-dimensity-7050-chipset-to-launch-in-india-on-march-6/articleshow/108129873.cms" target="_blank">Realme 12+ 5G with Dimensity 7050 chipset to launch in India on March 6</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/xiaomi-14-to-launch-in-india-on-march-7-to-take-on-the-galaxy-s23-and-oneplus-12/articleshow/107841326.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/xiaomi-14-to-launch-in-india-on-march-7-to-take-on-the-galaxy-s23-and-oneplus-12/articleshow/107841326.cms" target="_blank">Xiaomi 14 to launch in India on March 7, to take on the Galaxy S23 and OnePlus 12</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/upcoming-cars-launching-in-india-in-march-2024/slidelist/108095936.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/upcoming-cars-launching-in-india-in-march-2024/slidelist/108095936.cms" target="_blank">Upcoming cars launching in India in March 2024</a>

No immunity for MPs, MLAs taking bribe to vote, make speech in House: SC

New Delhi, The <keyword id="40807" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="election-commission" source="Orion">Election Commission</keyword> (EC) issued a show-cause notice to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday for his "panauti", "pickpocket" and "loan waiver for the super rich" jibes at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and asked him to respond by Saturday. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had approached the poll panel against the <keyword id="6316776" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="former-congress-president" source="Orion">former Congress president</keyword>, saying it was "unbecoming" of a "very senior leader" to use such language. The EC reminded Gandhi that the Model Code of Conduct prohibits leaders from making unverified allegations against political rivals. The Congress leader used those words targeting the prime minister at recent rallies in poll-bound Rajasthan. In its representation to the EC, the BJP had asserted that the allegation of grant of waivers to industrialists of Rs 14,00,000 crore over the last nine years was "not borne out on facts". The EC notice said the expression "panauti" ex-facie falls in the equity of the prohibition of section 123 of the Representation of the People Act, dealing with corrupt practices. Clause 2, sub section (ii) of section 123 states that any person who induces or attempts to induce a candidate or an elector to believe that he, or any person in whom he is interested, will become or will be rendered an object of divine displeasure or spiritual censure, shall be deemed to interfere with the free exercise of the electoral right of such a candidate or elector, the notice reminded Gandhi. The Congress leader had used the "panauti" barb against Modi in a poll speech in Rajasthan as the prime minister had attended the World Cup cricket final that India lost to Australia after 10 consecutive wins in the tournament. A Hindi slang, "panauti" loosely refers to someone who brings bad luck. The former Congress president took the "pickpocket" dig at Modi during a poll speech on Wednesday, alleging that the prime minister diverts people's attention while industrialist Gautam Adani picks their pockets. This is how pickpockets operate, he had alleged. The notice also recalled a general advisory issued by the EC, in which the poll panel had expressed concerns at the "plummeting level of political discourse" during electioneering. The commission also told Gandhi about a Supreme Court observation that if freedom of speech and expression is protected by Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution, the right to reputation is also considered to be an inextricable part of the right to life protected by Article 21 and "balancing these two rights is a constitutional necessity". "Accordingly, you are requested to provide your explanation on the allegation made and to show causes as to why action as deemed fit for alleged violation of Model Code of Conduct and relevant penal provisions is not initiated by the commission. "Your reply, if any, be reached by 6.00 pm of November 25. If no reply is received by then, action deemed fit will be taken by the commission," the notice said.

EC issues notice to Rahul Gandhi for 'panauti', pickpocket remarks targeting PM Narendra Modi

New Delhi, Months after a US short seller shook markets with a damning report on the <keyword id="76451" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="adani" source="Orion">Adani</keyword> group, the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (<keyword id="12406255" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="OCCRP" source="Orion">OCCRP</keyword>) - an organisation funded by likes of <keyword id="101566" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="George-Soros" source="Orion">George Soros</keyword> and Rockefeller Brothers Fund - is said to be planning another 'expose' on certain corporate houses in India, sources said. OCCRP, which calls itself "<keyword id="18528613" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="an-investigative-reporting-platform" source="Orion">an investigative reporting platform</keyword> formed by 24 nonprofit investigative centres... spread across Europe, Africa, Asia and Latin America, may publish a report or a series of articles, three sources with knowledge of the matter said. An email sent to OCCRP seeking comments remained unanswered. Founded in 2006, OCCRP claims to specialize in reporting on organized crime and largely publishes these news articles through partnerships with media houses. On its website, it identifies the Open Society Foundations of George Soros, a financier with a penchant for funding radical causes around the world, as one of the institutional donors. Others include Ford Foundation, Rockefeller Brothers Fund and Oak Foundation. Sources said the 'expose' may involve overseas funds investing in the stocks of the corporate house. The identity of the corporate house wasn't immediately known but agencies are said to be keeping a tight vigil on the capital market. <keyword id="191733" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Hindenburg" source="Orion">Hindenburg</keyword> Research in a January 24 report alleged accounting fraud, stock price manipulation and improper use of tax havens, triggering a stock market rout that had erased close to USD 150 billion in the market value at its lowest point. Adani Group has denied all allegations. In May this year, a Supreme Court-appointed expert committee to investigate claims in the Hindenburg Report stated that there was evidence of a build-up in short positions on Adani Group stocks ahead of the release of the Hindenburg report. Profits were earned from squaring off positions after prices crashed post-publication of the damning allegations. Financial crime-fighting agency Enforcement Directorate (ED) "found intelligence about potentially violative and concerted selling by specific parties just ahead of the publication of the Hindenburg report, and this may lead to credible charges of concerted destabilisation of the Indian markets, and Sebi ought to be probing such actions under securities laws," it had said citing a response from ED. Suspicious trading was observed on the part of six entities. Of these, four are FPIs, one body corporate and one individual, it had said. Soon after the Hindenburg report, Soros had stated that the turmoil at Gautam Adani's business empire may weaken Prime Minister Narendra Modi's hold on the government - a statement which was strongly countered by BJP as an attack on Indian democracy.

Hindenburg 2.0? George Soros-backed OCCRP said to be planning another 'expose'

<ul class="summary-list"><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/why-india-israel-failed-moon-landings-failed-final-descent-2019-9">India</a> plans to build on its historic lunar landing by sending people to the moon.</li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/watch-india-attempt-first-ever-moon-landing-2023-8">India landed its first lunar spacecraft</a>, and the first robotic mission near <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/nasa-scientist-microbial-life-hiding-on-moon-south-pole-2023-6">the moon's south pole</a>.</li></ul>Prime Minister <keyword id="6354477" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="narendra-modi" source="Orion">Narendra Modi</keyword> confirmed <keyword id="3658" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="india" source="Orion">India</keyword>'s intention to <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/nasa-helping-private-companies-build-business-moon-make-lunar-billions-2023-6">send people to the moon</a> in the near future as the nation celebrated the successful landing of the world's first-ever robotic mission to the lunar south pole region.India's Chandrayaan-3 probe defeated all odds on August 23 after it managed to successfully land near the south pole of the moon, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/russia-launches-mission-beat-us-india-moon-south-pole-rover-2023-8">beating competing nations</a> to the strategically important site. With the landing, India has become the fourth nation — after Russia, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/nasa-china-race-to-the-moon-photos-launches-2022-11">the US, and China</a> — to land on the moon."It definitely puts them on the international stage as an emerging space power," Robert Braun, head of space exploration at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, told Insider.The nation will build on this mission success by launching its first <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/moon-missions-why-astronauts-have-not-returned-2018-7">crewed mission to the moon</a>, Modi said in Hindi during a livestream of the landing, Sky News <a href="https://news.sky.com/story/india-moon-landing-live-updates-chandrayaan-3-making-historic-bid-to-reach-south-pole-of-lunar-surface-12945600" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reported</a>.<div type="image" title="room full of men watches narendra modi on a screen under a white ceiling" height="1499" width="1999" msid="102995553" hostid="261"></div>"India is now on the moon," said Modi, per the <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/world-asia-india-66576580#:~:text=Chandrayaan%2D3's%20lander%20touches%20down,to%20the%20hunt%20for%20water." target="_blank" rel="noopener">BBC</a>. The nation "will look into a human flight mission as well for the future," he said, per Sky News. <h2>Indian astronauts to Earth's orbit and beyond</h2><div type="image" title="man poses in white waving astronaut uniform with india flag patches on each shoulder" height="1500" width="2250" msid="102995554" hostid="261"></div>India has previously said it will attempt a crewed mission to low-Earth orbit by late <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/gaganyaan-launch-delayed-manned-mission-now-in-fourth-quarter-of-2024/articleshow/96406198.cms" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2024</a>, the Times of India reported."India is showing and proving that the sky is not the limit," said Modi per Sky News.<div type="image" title="white rocket with two boosters on its sides launches through clouds with flames shooting out of boosters" height="1500" width="1999" msid="102995555" hostid="261"></div>Per the <a href="https://www.isro.gov.in/Gaganyaan.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Indian Space Research Organisation,</a> India plans to first launch two uncrewed missions, Gaganyaan 1 and 2, the first of which is planned by the end of this year. The missions should test the capacity of the nation's rocket, LVM3.This should be followed by the nation's first crewed mission, which will aim to send three astronauts to low-Earth orbit for a three-day mission.<h2>India nailed a difficult feat amid multiple moon crashes</h2><div type="image" title="surface of moon grey rocky cratered with luna 25 spacecraft piece visible in upper left corner" height="1500" width="2000" msid="102995557" hostid="261"></div>The <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/india-space-mission-chandrayaan-2-set-to-land-on-moon-2019-9">Chandrayaan-3 mission</a>, which successfully landed the <keyword id="1091" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="vikram" source="Orion">Vikram</keyword> lander near the south pole of the moon, cemented India's position as a frontrunner in the race to the moon.The south polar region is strategically important because scientists <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/nasa-new-moon-rover-sample-water-ice-lunar-south-pole-2019-10">believe water ice</a> is present in the area. The hope is this water could someday support humans living on the moon and help manufacture fuel for rockets launching from the moon to Mars.Russia's space agency, Roscosmos, tried to land its own robotic mission near the south pole of the moon, but on August 20 it <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/russia-luna-25-crash-land-on-moon-2023-8">misfired its engines and crashed</a>.Both Japanese private <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/japanese-company-ispace-fears-moon-probe-crash-landed-2023-4">company ispace</a> and Israeli nonprofit SpaceIL have also crashed on the moon in recent years.India's first attempt at the lunar south pole region in 2019, called Chandrayaan-2, crashed as well. Clearly the Indian space agency learned a lot from that <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/why-moon-landings-on-lunar-south-pole-crashed-2023-8">failed landing</a>."Last time they got to the playoffs, if you will, and this time they won the Super Bowl," Braun said.Correction: August 28, 2023 — An earlier version of this article misstated Robert Braun's title. He is head of space exploration at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, not head of a Space Exploration Center there.Correction August 23, 2023: An earlier version of this article misstated which entities have tried to land on the lunar south pole. Two countries have attempted this feat so far: India and Russia. Only India has succeeded. An earlier version of this article also misstated the planned orbit of India's first crewed mission. It's expected to orbit Earth. This post has also been updated with new information. It was originally published on August 23, 2023.Editor's note September 1, 2023: This article has been updated to clarify that India's spacecraft landed in the lunar south pole region, not on the point of the lunar south pole.

India wants to fly its own astronauts to the moon, after becoming the first nation to land near the lunar south pole

<keyword id="6354814" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="prime-minister-narendra-modi" source="Orion">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</keyword> on Saturday took to social media to highlight the widespread adoption of digital payments in India, sharing a photo of a roadside tailor who has integrated <keyword id="6357120" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="paytm" source="Orion">Paytm</keyword> <keyword id="6361008" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="qr-codes" source="Orion">QR codes</keyword> into his sewing machine. The image was retweeted by PM Modi with the remark, “It is a common sight across India…our people have shown remarkable dexterity in adapting to tech and innovation.” <div type="twitter" handle="narendramodi" handlename="Narendra Modi" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1565985672501927936/d-r-h241_normal.jpg" favoritecount="18971" retweetcount="3054" status="It is a common sight across India…our people have shown remarkable dexterity in adapting to tech and innovation. https://t.co/Bl8EsPEshn" createdat="1674305719000" id="1616781487898251266"></div>The tweet quickly gained traction, receiving a million views and almost 15,000 likes within a day. <div type="twitter" handle="vijayshekhar" handlename="Vijay Shekhar Sharma" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1567558193429217281/e6JbIoQ3_normal.jpg" favoritecount="695" retweetcount="49" status="Absolutely Sir !💯 Pride of our India is acceptance and embracing technology by every citizen in country. Thank yo… https://t.co/ttnGDRDeDo" createdat="1674306941000" id="1616786613979459585"></div>Fintech giant Paytm’s Founder and CEO Vijay Shekhar Sharma also responded to PM Modi’s tweet, saying, “Absolutely Sir! Pride of our India is acceptance and embracing technology by every citizen in country. Thank you for championing and guiding the change.” Paytm has played a significant role in increasing the popularity and accessibility of digital payments in the country. The company's efforts to expand its reach by partnering with small businesses and vendors, such as the roadside tailor in the image shared by PM Modi, have further contributed to the increased adoption of digital payments in India. The user who posted the picture revealed that it was taken in Uttar Pradesh’s Ghaziabad. “You have to be in Bharat to understand the scale of this transformation brought about by the policies of PM <keyword id="6354477" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="narendra-modi" source="Orion">Narendra Modi</keyword> government", the user captioned the image. One of the key initiatives of the Modi government has been the promotion of <keyword id="1399736" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="digital-payment" source="Orion">digital payment</keyword>s through the Digital India programme. The Centre has placed a high priority on extending digital payment services to every segment of the population. In line with this objective, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Modi, recently announced an increase in the allocation for the promotion of RuPay debit cards and low-value UPI payments to ₹2,600 crore for FY23. This is a significant increase from the initial allocation of ₹1,300 crore, which was announced in the Budget for FY22. The move is part of the government's ongoing efforts to promote digital payments across the country and bring about a digital transformation in India. “Under the said scheme, acquiring banks will be provided financial incentive for promoting point-of-sale (PoS) and e-commerce transactions using RuPay debit cards and low-value BHIM-UPI transactions (person-to-merchant) for the current financial year,” the Ministry of Electronics &amp; IT said. Brokerage firms Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs have said that Paytm will be a key beneficiary of this incentive scheme. India's leading digital payments and financial services company, Paytm, has played a crucial role in the advancement of the Indian government's vision of a cashless economy. The company has pioneered the use of QR codes for mobile payments and has made digital transactions accessible to all. Digital payments have played a crucial role in maintaining business continuity during the pandemic, particularly for small merchants, and promoting social distancing. In December 2022, UPI achieved a record of 7.82 billion digital payment transactions with a value of ₹12.82 lakh crore. Last week, PM Modi also initiated the transfer of approved loans of over one lakh beneficiaries under PM SVAnidhi Yojana, a special micro-credit facility for street vendors. He lauded the fact that the scheme’s beneficiaries have done digital transactions with ₹50,000 crore in a short span of time. “This feat and change is a big answer to the pessimists, who used to question the success of digital payments by street vendors,” PM Modi said. Paytm has been helping in deepening financial inclusion by onboarding street vendors under the PM SVANidhi scheme and helping them to accept digital payments. In 2021- 22, the company onboarded more than 35,000 Street vendors under PM SVANidhi scheme. The PM added that the SVANidhi Yojana is not just a scheme to give loans, but it is a campaign to boost the economic power of our fellow street vendors by empowering them to accept digital payments. Paytm’s work in supporting the government's efforts aligns with its mission to bring half a billion Indians into the mainstream economy through the use of digital payments and financial services. By pioneering the use of QR codes for mobile payments, Paytm has helped to remove barriers for individuals and small businesses, particularly street vendors, to access financial services and conduct digital transactions. Additionally, Paytm's active participation in the PM SVANidhi Yojana by onboarding street vendors and helping them accept digital payments has enabled them to participate fully in the digital economy. Disclaimer: This article is generated and published by the Insider Studios team. You can get in touch with them on <a href="mailto:insiderstudios@businessinsider.in" target="_blank">insiderstudios@businessinsider.in</a>

PM Modi shares image of tailor on the street using Paytm, calls it a common sight across India

Prime Minister <keyword id="6354477" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Narendra-Modi">Narendra Modi</keyword> on Friday raised the issue of deadly <keyword id="9415025" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Galwan-Valley-clash">Galwan Valley clash</keyword> between India and China troops, scrapping of Jammu and Kashmir state's special status, and even the <keyword id="4650805" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="pulwama-Attack">Pulwama attack</keyword> in order to woo Bihar voters ahead of the Assembly elections. Addressing his first-ever rally in Sasaram's Biada Maidan ahead of the elections, Modi said: "The sons of Bihar lost their lives in the Galwan Valley for the sake of the Tricolour and ensured that Mother India's head is held high. Bihar's jawans were also martyred in the Pulwama attack (in February 2019). I bow my head at their feet and pay my respects." Many Bihar Regiment jawans had bravely fought and laid down their lives in Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh on June 15. He then referred to Congress leaders' recent statement that it will bring back <keyword id="405091" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Article-370">Article 370</keyword> in erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, which his government had scrapped on August 5 last year. "After saying this, they dare to seek votes from Bihar. Is it not an insult of Bihar? The state that sends its sons and daughters to the borders in order to protect the country." Earlier, Modi began his speech by paying respects to two Bihar leaders who recently passed away -- Ram Vilas Paswan and RJD's Raghuvansh Prasad Singh. The latter had resigned from the party before his death. Taking a potshot at the Rashtriya Janata Dal without naming them, he said that those who once ruled Bihar are now again looking at the "developing state with their greedy eyes". But Bihar, he added, would not forget who pushed them back. He brought up the issue of Bihar's worsening law and order and corruption in the past, in a seeming reference to Lalu Prasad's rule and the fodder scam. Asserting that Bihar was well on its way to development, he said that the era of 'lantern', the electoral symbol of the RJD, was over. He also pointed to the opposition to the three central agricultural laws and alleged that the same stemmed from efforts to "protect the middlemen" just like the opposition "was speaking their language" during the Rafale controversy. Attacking the RJD and the Congress, he said that as the Gujarat Chief Minister, he witnessed how the Centre then "wasted" 10 years of Bihar after their defeat. He added that to make India self-reliant, Bihar needs to vote for the National Democratic Alliance. Modi praised the steps taken by the Bihar government to contain the spread of the coronavirus pandemic in the state. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, also present on the occasion, was full of praise for Modi's "leadership". Kumar said that if his government returned to power in Bihar, it would focus on the availability of irrigation facilities and benefits of latest technology in every village. Multiple stages are set up during Bihar's electoral rallies by the NDA to ensure physical distancing, with efforts to arrange chairs on the podiums at a distance for the crowd. Those who thronged the rally maintained social distance norms and wore masks. The Prime Minister's first rally in this Bihar poll season witnessed an enthusiastic crowd that cheered continuously. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/space/news/isro-finds-that-mars-is-losing-its-atmosphere-faster-than-earth-and-planet-encircling-dust-storms-are-speeding-up-the-process/articleshow/78824049.cms">ISRO finds that Mars is losing its atmosphere faster than Earth, and planet-encircling dust storms are speeding up the process</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/trump-calls-india-china-and-russia-filthy-while-justifying-exit-from-paris-agreement/articleshow/78821267.cms">Trump calls India, China and Russia ‘filthy’ while justifying exit from Paris Agreement</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/paytm-uses-jeff-bezos-secret-for-success-building-two-pizza-teams/articleshow/78810520.cms">EXCLUSIVE: Paytm uses Jeff Bezos' secret for success — building 'two pizza' teams</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/corporates/news/tech-mahindra-may-show-signs-of-recovery-in-the-second-quarter-much-depends-on-5g-and-bpo-business-outlook/articleshow/78807765.cms">Tech Mahindra may show signs of recovery in the second quarter — much depends on 5G and BPO business outlook</a>

Modi raises Galwan Valley clash, Article 370 and Pulwama attack in first Bihar rally

New Delhi, People have reposed their faith in "<keyword id="19699064" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="modis-guarantees" source="Orion">Modi's guarantees</keyword>," BJP leaders chimed together on Sunday as the party appeared set on the path of victory in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh assembly elections. "The election results show people accept Prime Minister Narendra Modi's guarantee of delivering on guarantees," BJP leader and Union Minister Pralhad Joshi said here. Joshi, who was BJP's election-in-charge for Rajasthan, took a dig at the Congress and promises it made in the run up to the elections. "People have blessed BJP in three states, endorsed Prime Minister Modi's leadership and rejected Congress' false promises," Joshi said. Former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister and BJP leader Raman Singh said in Raipur,"People have reposed their trust in Modi's guarantees." Singh said the people have voted in the name of Modi and for his work over the past nine-and-half years. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan -- who is looking at his fifth term -- gave Modi's aggressive campaign ahead of the assembly election the credit for the party's performance. "Our Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji is in the hearts of the people of Madhya Pradesh. The state is also in the heart of Modi ji. There is immense faith towards him. He held public meetings here and appealed to the people which has touched the people's hearts," Chouhan said in Bhopal. Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje said it was Modi's belief in taking everyone together that worked for the party. "This victory is of the mantra of 'Sabka saath, sabka vishwas and sabka prayaas' given by Prime Minister Modi. It is the victory of the guarantee given by the Prime Minister. It is also the victory of the strategy given by Amit Shah and the able leadership provided by Nadda ji," she said. "Most importantly, it is a victory for our party workers," Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath hailed the party's victory as a result of guidance of PM Modi. "Under the leadership and guidance of respected Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji, BJP's hattrick of huge majority in terms election results in three of the four states, is a 'guarantee of people's trust' on the 'guarantee of Modi,'" he wrote on X. Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur said the victory was an indicator of what is to come in 2024. "The Ghamandiya alliance's arrogance has been shattered. The INDI alliance has neither leaders, nor policy... For 2024, the indication is clear, the world has faith in India and India's leadership. If India progresses, the world will progress," Thakur said. In Chhattisgarh, the BJP manifesto -- 'Modi ki Guarantee 2023' -- promised cooking gas cylinders at Rs 500 to poor families, one lakh government jobs, and a Rs 12,000 annual financial assistance to married women. The BJP had also promised to procure paddy at Rs 3,100 per quintal and an annual assistance of Rs 10,000 to land less farm labourers. Free food grain, income assistance for farmers, housing for all, 100 per cent electrification of villages, and tap water to every home, were listed by the party as some of Modi's guarantees. "All promises made to you will be fulfilled. This is my guarantee," Modi had said addressing a rally in MP last month. During several of rallies he took a dig at the Congress for its set of promises. "Those who do not have any guarantee about themselves are offering guarantees to the people," Modi had said at a rally in MP. "Modi's guarantees begin from where hope from others ends. That is why Modi's guarantees are popular," the prime minister had said on the campaign trail. In Jaipur, Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat took a jibe at Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, saying people have come out of the spell of the "magician." "The 'magic' has ended and Rajasthan has come out of the spell of the magician. People have voted for the honour of women and for the welfare of the poor," he said. Gehlot was born into a family of magicians and assisted his father during his tours. Congress had unleashed the politics of guarantee during Karnataka assembly elections in May, making five distinct promises to the electorate - monthly cash assistance to women head of families, 200 units of free electricity, unemployment allowance to youth, free food grains, and free travel for women on state transport buses. The party tried to replicate the template in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Telangana and Rajasthan. Modi turned on the heat on the Congress by projecting himself as a leader who has delivered on the promises made by him to help the common man meet his aspirations. "Modi Yaani Har Guarantee Poori Hone Ki Guarantee (Modi means the guarantee to fulfill every guarantee)," the prime minister had said in an article last week. "'Modi Ki Guarantee' denotes Prime Minister Narendra Modi's commitment to the aspirations of the common man. It echoes the resolution of his government to serve the last man standing. It allows us to witness a political phenomenon, hitherto missing, where promises carry meaning and are executed meaningfully," he had said. Jammu and Kashmir BJP chief Ravinder Raina said, "Today, the Congress headquarters in MP, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh are wearing a deserted look. The Congress and National Conference will face the same fate during assembly polls in J-K." The race amongst political parties to offer freebies to the voters triggered a debate on burden on the state exchequer.

Victory of Modi's guarantees, say BJP leaders as party sweeps states states

<ul><li>Amid prevailing tensions over the Kashmir issue, US President Donald Trump spoke to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistan's Imran Khan. </li><li>Trump called them both individually to speak about the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan over the Kashmir issue. </li><li>“A tough situation, but good conversations!” Trump tweeted on Monday.</li><li>Pakistan had earlier said that it will ‘exercise all options’ to counter Indian government’s decision, calling it ‘illegal.’</li></ul>Amid prevailing tensions over the Kashmir issue, US President Donald Trump spoke to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistan's Imran Khan to work on establishing peace in Kashmir. He also advised Pakistan to "moderate rhetoric with India" over Kashmir. “A tough situation, but good conversations!” Trump tweeted on Monday after a 30-minute long chat with Modi on Kashmir. 
	<div type="twitter" handle="realDonaldTrump" handlename="Donald J. Trump" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/874276197357596672/kUuht00m_normal.jpg" favoritecount="71188" retweetcount="15842" status="Spoke to my two good friends, Prime Minister Modi of India, and Prime Minister Khan of Pakistan, regarding Trade, S… https://t.co/HzfrcnuHNG" createdat="1566258234000" id="1163597488173060102"></div>



 The conversation happened in response to the Indian government’s decision to revoke the special status of Kashmir — bifurcating it into two union territories of Ladakh, and Jammu and Kashmir. Trump also spoke with Modi to discuss US-India strategic partnership, the White House said. According to IANS, Modi countered the anti-Indian venom coming from Pakistani leaders, saying that, "extreme rhetoric and incitement to anti-India violence by certain leaders in the region was not conducive to peace." Hindu supremacy Khan had earlier alleged that Modi was turning India into a Hindu supremacist country. “Pakistan strongly condemns and rejects the announcements made today by the Indian Government regarding the Indian Occupied Jammu &amp; Kashmir. The Indian Occupied Jammu &amp; Kashmir is an internationally recognized disputed territory,” HuffPost <a href="https://www.huffingtonpost.in/entry/live-updates-jammu-and-kashmir-srinagar_in_5d478342e4b0acb57fce7c2e?ncid=tweetlnkinhpmg00000001">reported </a>citing Pakistan Foreign Ministry’s statement. Pakistan had also said that it will ‘exercise all options’ to counter Indian government’s decision to scrap <keyword id="405091" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Article-370">Article 370</keyword> and Article 35A of the constitution. It called the move an ‘illegal’ attempt to bring Kashmir under the Delhi’s governance. Khan told Trump that it posed a threat to regional peace. However, the US assured that there was no change in its Kashmir policy and it is a bilateral issue between India and Pakistan. With inputs from IANS See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/a-spine-chilling-account-of-the-situation-in-kashmir-has-gone-viral-and-heres-how-it-stacks-up-against-the-government-narrative/articleshow/70672475.cms">A spine-chilling account of the situation in Kashmir has gone viral-- and here's how it stacks up against the government narrative</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/post-unsc-meet-china-asks-india-pak-to-settle-disputes-peacefully/articleshow/70706907.cms">Post-UNSC meet, China asks India, Pak to settle disputes peacefully</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india-sees-dramatic-rise-in-cyber-attacks-post-kashmir-decision/articleshow/70748037.cms">India sees dramatic rise in cyber attacks post-Kashmir decision</a>

Donald Trump spoke to Narendra Modi and Imran Khan on the phone

<ul><li>India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation to speak out for the first time since <keyword id="405091" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Article-370">Article 370</keyword> was scrapped. </li><li>Modi in his speech invited several industries to set up businesses in <keyword id="23412" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Jammu-Kashmir">Jammu &amp; Kashmir</keyword> and Ladakh. </li><li>Bollywood too found a mention in Modi’s speech, as he invited film industries to shoot movies in Kashmir.</li></ul>Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation on Thursday evening to speak about the government’s decision to scrap Article 370, separating Jammu &amp; Kashmir and Ladakh and turning them into union territories. Modi said that the decision would bring a lot of benefits to the people of Jammu &amp; Kashmir and will also invite industries to set up shop in the union territories. The Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) is also organising an investment summit in Jammu &amp; Kashmir in October. Here are all the industries that he invited to set shop: Tourism Jammu &amp; Kashmir, which is referred to as the crown of India, has long been referred to as “Heaven on earth” for its picturesque beauty. With Article 370 gone, Modi said that focus will be on making it centre of tourism globally. “Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh can become the biggest tourist destination in the world. Ladakh has the potential to become the biggest center of spiritual tourism, adventure tourism and ecotourism,” he said. Solar Power The Modi government has long been promoting solar power in India. With Ladakh as a separate union territory, Modi said focus would also be on making it a major centre for solar power generation. “Now there will be proper use of its potential and new opportunities will be created for development without discrimination,” said Modi. Technology Given the technology boost in the country, and the Modi government’s digital boost, there were no surprises that PM Modi spoke about enhancing digital communication in the area and called out to the tech industries to set up businesses. “Public sector undertakings and large private companies will also be encouraged to provide jobs,” said Modi. Organic Products Modi also spoke about organic farming in Jammu &amp; Kashmir and Ladakh. He said, “Several herbal and organic products are scattered across J&amp;K and Ladakh. If they are identified and marketed in the global market, then it will greatly benefit the people and farmers of these regions. I urge the enterprises from all over India to come forward for this.” Bollywood And of course, Bollywood has found a mention in almost every other big speech under the BJP regime. Modi too spoke about Bollywood’s contribution in Kashmir’s growth. He said that earlier a lot of films used to be shot in Kashmir, however it went down as the political situation changed. Now, he urged not just the Hindi, Telugu and Tamil film industries to shoot movies in Kashmir, and provide local people with job opportunities.

Here are all the industries that Narendra Modi invited to set up shop in J&K

<ul><li>Addressing the unemployment crisis in the valley, PM Modi said that the residents in <keyword id="17605" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Jammu-and-kashmir">Jammu and Kashmir</keyword> will now be benefited from the <keyword id="1876501" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="PM-scholarship-scheme">PM Scholarship Scheme</keyword>. </li><li>The government is planning to establish colleges including Indian Institute of Technology (IITs), Indian Institute of Management (IIMs), All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMs). </li><li>It has recently revised the scholarship amount for girls from ₹2,250 to ₹3,000 per month and ₹2,000 to ₹2,500 for boys. </li><li>In 2016, the government launched the IIM Jammu campus. </li></ul>India’s Prime Minister <keyword id="6354477" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Narendra-Modi">Narendra Modi</keyword> doled out benefits to Kashmiri youth in his first speech after bifurcating Jammu and Kashmir. He said that the youth will be able to now benefit from the <a href="https://www.dqindia.com/pm-narendra-modi-promises-scholarships-jobs-benefits-youth-jammu-kashmir/">PM Scholarship Scheme</a>, which provides house rent allowance and other aid to students affected by war and other activities. The Prime Minister Scholarship Scheme (PMSS) was introduced by the Ministry of Home Affairs in 2006. It is dedicated to provide benefits of higher professional and technical education to the children of widows of <keyword id="974486" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Central-Armed-Police-Forces">Central Armed Police Forces</keyword> &amp; Assam Rifles (CAPFs &amp; AR) and state police personnel. <div type="twitter" handle="narendramodi" handlename="Narendra Modi" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1134082549041393672/QbihPzrL_normal.png" favoritecount="113058" retweetcount="18981" status="Our Government’s first decision dedicated to those who protect India! Major changes approved in PM’s Scholarship… https://t.co/ugAcGWqS03" createdat="1559304746000" id="1134432445141381120"></div>

 The scheme will provide 500 more scholarships to the wards of those martyred in naxal or terror attacks. In its latest push to create education and employment in the naxal affected areas, the Modi government expanded the scholarship programme. The scholarship amount was revised by from ₹2,250 to ₹3,000 per month for girls; and ₹2,000 to ₹2,500 for boys. The government is also planning to set up elite institutes including Indian Institute of Technology (IITs), Indian Institute of Management (IIMs), All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMs) in the newly formed union territory. The government had already launched IIM Jammu campus in 2016. The institute is also expected to have an off-campus centre in Srinagar, India Today <a href="https://www.indiatoday.in/education-today/news/story/hrd-minister-ramesh-pokhriyal-to-unveil-iim-jammu-s-new-website-and-logo-1575601-2019-07-31">reported</a> citing the officials of Human Resource and Development Ministry(MHRD). “Now my youth of J&amp;K will lead the development work and take the region to new heights,” Modi said. He also said that the employees in J&amp;K can enjoy equal pay and perks along with provisions of government jobs in the area. See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/now-anyone-can-purchase-land-in-jammu-kashmir-after-scraps-article-370-and-35a/articleshow/70547371.cms">Now anyone can purchase land in Jammu Kashmir after scraps article 370 and 35A</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/situation-in-kashmir-after-revoking-article-370-and-article-35a-of-constitution-/articleshow/70550710.cms">The situation in Kashmir is more tense after India scrapped 'special' status — forces are on high alert fearing violence</a>

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

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India wants to fly its own astronauts to the moon, after becoming the first nation to land near the lunar south pole

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PM Modi shares image of tailor on the street using Paytm, calls it a common sight across India

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Modi raises Galwan Valley clash, Article 370 and Pulwama attack in first Bihar rally

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Victory of Modi's guarantees, say BJP leaders as party sweeps states states

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Donald Trump spoke to Narendra Modi and Imran Khan on the phone

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Here are all the industries that Narendra Modi invited to set up shop in J&K

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Indian government will aid J&K’s children who lost a parent to naxal or terror attacks

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