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<ul><li>India's Silicon Valley is headed to the polls today and unemployment is one of their main concerns. </li><li>It's not only the IT industry but also the small enterprises that have been hit by demonetisation and India's revamp of its tax system. </li><li>Bengaluru's transformation to an industrial hub hasn't been without its cost with the city's burgeoning environment pollution problem.</li></ul>Bengaluru, known as India’s Silicon Valley and home to two of the biggest IT companies in India — Infosys and <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/wipro-phishing-attack-computer-system-hacked/articleshow/68918449.cms">Wipro</a> — goes to the polls today representing 17% of Karnataka’s population. Amid the rapid changes in technology and the United States <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/us-immigration-denial-of-h1-b-visas-raises-legal-questions/articleshow/68844794.cms">tightening</a> immigration laws, the sheen from India’s IT hub has dulled. Between 2016 and 2018, at least five million people lost their jobs in India according to a <a href="https://in.reuters.com/article/india-election-jobs/five-million-lost-jobs-in-india-between-2016-and-2018-report-idINKCN1RT1I3">report</a> by the Azim Premji University reporting unemployment increase in the formal and informal sectors of the economy. India is already looking at the highest unemployment rate in 45 years according to <a href="http://v">reports</a> and its effect is not lost on Bengaluru even with the <a href="https://www.financialexpress.com/industry/here-are-jobs-hiring-rises-by-15-bangalore-tops-check-where-delhi-mumbai-stand/1487202/">highest</a> hiring rate in the country. <a href="https://www.teamleasegroup.com/resources/reports/19">According</a> to TeamLease’s Employment Outlook, Bengaluru has been categorised as an employment ‘laggard’ with its employment outlook falling two percentage points in 2018. Waning job growth after demonetisation and the implementation of the General Goods and Services Tax (GST), Bengaluru is far from the day when it saw job spurts across the board for technical and blue-collar positions — starting from state run companies like India Telephone Industries Limited (ITI), Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bharat Electronic Limited (BHEL), and Bhart Earth Movers Limited (BEML). 
 <div type="ExtQuote" text="One must remember that a significant number of voters come from outside Karnataka. In the IT sector, at best 65% of the people are locals and 35% are from outside. So it is quite possible that they cannot go back to their places to vote, while some may have gone back to vote. So I would not worry too much about voter turnout being only 55%." auname="Indian IT industrialist and co-founder of Infosys, NR Narayana Murthy"></div>

 Changes in technology As technology gets more complex with the rapid implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), so does the <a href="https://www.nasscom.in/system/files/secure-pdf/the-future-of-me_0.PDF">gap</a> of technical and non-technical skill requirements required for the sector. So, it's not that the jobs don’t exist in Bengaluru — there’s actually an increasing demand for highly skilled technical management jobs that offer <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/bengaluru-pays-the-highest-salaries-in-india-study/articleshow/66743965.cms">high</a> salaries — but more, that people aren’t equipped with the correct skill sets for employment. The bigger issue boils down to the quality and content of educational institutions where the <a href="https://www.facilities.aicte-india.org/dashboard/pages/dashboardaicte.php">placement rate</a> of engineering and management schools was its highest at 30% between 2012 to 2018, according to AICTE’s online data dashboard. It’s not just Bengaluru that has jobs on its mind. It’s the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/lok-sabha-elections-2019-pew-research-report-on-key-election-issues/articleshow/68572903.cms">number one</a> issue for Indian voters as they participate in the world’s largest democratic exercise according to a report by the Pew Research Center (PRC). Lingering effects of demonetisation Demonetisation has been particularly hard for the citizens in Peenya, one of the biggest industrial areas in Asia located in northwest Bengaluru — and primary depends on cash for its transactions. It’s home to more than 6,000 small businesses, employing over 800,000 people and generation ₹120 billion ($1.72 billion) in revenue, according to Peenya Industries Association. Even Bengaluru’s realty market is only just <a href="https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/bangalore/others/realty-market-rises-from-demonetisations-ashes/articleshow/63523111.cms">starting</a> to recover from the effects of demonetisation where property <a href="https://news.housebolo.com/demonetisation-impact-bangalores-property-markets-takes-a-hit/">registrations</a> dipped from 1,800 per day to 200 per day. Startups <a href="https://inc42.com/features/indian-startup-shutdowns-2017/">came</a> under the gun as well, especially the e-commerce segment. Bigger startups like Flipkart and Zomato, both based out of Bengaluru, had to <a href="http://v">figure out</a> how to make up for the fact that 60 to 70% of their orders were cash-on-delivery transactions. Choking on industrial waste While industries in Bengaluru have thrived over the past couple of years, it has not been without its cost. The city’s Bellandur Lake and Vrishabhavathi River have been in the news for all the wrong reasons. The Bellandur Lake was seen spewing a 10-feet high wall of toxic foam that seeped on to the roads and bridges. 
	
 
 
 <div type="image" title="d7bc57be0e0a6a0fb56b45acb0836c51" msid="68930987" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;The 10 feet of foam on Bellandur Lake in Bengaluru in 2016&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>









 Rashmi Mandanna, a south Indian actor, even did an underwater photoshoot at the lake to draw awareness the increasing problem of water pollution. 
	
	
	
	<div type="twitter" handle="iamRashmika" handlename="Rashmika Mandanna" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1048058166737608704/hcxNROBl_normal.jpg" favoritecount="12895" retweetcount="2839" status="This was a photoshoot regarding awareness for the water pollution by this wonderful team Creative Director :… https://t.co/CiRvenS0Ua" createdat="1544704656000" id="1073195228603928577"></div>









 The Peenya Industrial Belt, with more than 7,500 industries — including the Peenya, Yeshwanthpura, Rajajinagar, Jalahalli, Goraguntepalya and Dasarahalli industrial areas — has also been called into question for polluting the Vrishabhavathi River and the lakes within its catchment area. One of lakes, Nelagadaranahalli Lake, is even <a href="https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/how-bengaluru-s-peenya-industrial-area-has-choked-and-killed-its-surrounding-lakes-90116">speculated</a> to be more toxic than Bellandur Lake. The problem seems to be on the rise despite corporates facing penalties <a href="https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/pollution/ngt-makes-polluters-pay-nearly-double-so-far-this-year-than-whole-of-2018-63927">amounting</a> to ₹750 million ($10.8 million) within the first quarter of 2019 for water pollution in Karnataka from National Green Tribunal (NGT). The issue of the city’s lakes being polluted also fuels the resultant water crisis in the city. Citizens <a href="http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/bengaluru/2019/mar/26/water-and-traffic-issues-bog-down-it-showcase-of-bengaluru-1955879.html">claim</a> that the water was crystal clear and used for drinking and agricultural activities. But despite these issues, the biggest <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/elections/lok-sabha/india/decoded-the-concerns-and-aspirations-of-the-urban-electorate-in-seven-indian-cities/articleshow/68868018.cms">challenge</a> is going to be getting voters to come out and participate in a city that has consistently recorded a low voter turnout. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP already paid the price for some of these issues by losing its opportunity to win during the Karnataka’s State Assembly Elections in 2018. But, the Janata Dal (Secular) and Congress alliance that replaced the government has been <a href="https://www.news18.com/news/politics/dissidence-in-some-lok-sabha-seats-over-jds-alliance-says-congress-2078551.html">facing dissidence</a> in certain constituencies, hampering their prospects. See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/lok-sabha-elections-2019-pew-research-report-on-key-election-issues/articleshow/68572903.cms">5 charts that tell you what India cares about ahead of 2019 elections</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/lok-sabha-election-2019-second-phase-political-strategy-for-reserved-seats/articleshow/68925204.cms">Nearly a quarter of the seats in the Lok Sabha are “reserved” and they matter a lot in this election</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/politics/elections/lok-sabha-elections-2019-second-phase-of-polling-in-tamil-nadu-voters-issues/articleshow/68930595.cms">Tamil Nadu’s angry voters have a small oil field, a big highway, a medical entrance test, and a police shootout in mind</a>

Job losses will haunt Bengaluru, India’s Silicon Valley, as it goes to polls today

<ul><li>In <keyword id="6354321" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Bengaluru">Bengaluru</keyword>, long queues were seen at various polling stations. </li><li>Ola has partnered with the Election Commission to provide free cabs for Persons with Disabilities. </li><li>Startups in Bengaluru hope for better policies and access to capital from the government as they head out to vote.</li></ul>After a night of heavy rains, the city of startups – Bengaluru – has been voting today as India conducts phase 2 of polling for its general elections. And the startups are doing their part to stay involved in the process. Indian ride-hailing unicorn Ola Cabs, for whom Bengaluru is home base, has allotted 270 cabs to the Election Commission. These cabs will help Persons with Disabilities commute to the polling booths in Bengaluru, Mysuru and Mangaluru. Ola has also made it possible for Nodal Officers to check on the status of the scheduled pick-ups of PwD voters through calls to the driver partners. “In the recent past, we have seen that availability of convenient transport options has resulted in positive voter turnout and we will continue to back initiatives that support the constitutional machinery of the country. We are glad to partner with the local authorities and facilitate hassle-free mobility for every voter in Bengaluru,” said Vishnu Bommareddy, Regional Head – South at Ola. Meanwhile, Bengaluru-based Sharechat has weeded out 487,000 posts on its platform which violated community guidelines because of abusive content. Sharechat, which is India's own social media platform had earlier signed the 'Voluntary Code of Ethics’ to make way for fair elections. But as they go out to vote, entrepreneurs have a lot to ask from the government. From access to funding to angel tax issues and better policies, <keyword id="138263" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="startup">startup</keyword> founders had a list of reasons as they set out to vote. “Startups expect support from an extended eco-system, which includes the government. The biggest hurdle to bring such ideas to the fore is access to capital. In this light, the angel tax should be abandoned with immediate effect. It goes against the ethos of supporting innovation,” said Mayank Bidawatka, co-founder of Vokal, which is an information and knowledge sharing app to bridge the digital knowledge gap among non-English internet users by enabling peer-to-peer knowledge sharing using voice. Another point raised by startups is the possibility of internet monopolies in India and the required action that the government has to take to stop it from happening. “Our government should also have policies around creating a fair playing ground for home grown companies to take on global competitors that have a capital advantage because of existing international operations,” said Bidawatka. When it comes to policies, it's not just about the introduction of new ones but also more work on the current ones. “The most important problem to solve is that startups need a lot more clarity on what are the regulations and compliances in black &amp; white. The ambiguity slows down the innovation more than anything,” said Rajan Bajaj, founder and CEO, Slicepay. With the Twitter hashtag #VoteMaadi, Bengalureans persuaded each other to go out and vote. Harish Bijoor, a brand consultant, voted at the polling booth at the Seventh Day Adventist High School on Old Airport Road, Bengaluru. “The opening crowds in the queues were robust, I only hope we beat our voting turnout number of last elections,” Bijoor told Business Insider, right after he cast his vote. See Also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/job-losses-will-haunt-bengaluru-indias-silicon-valley-as-it-goes-to-polls-today/articleshow/68930893.cms">Job losses will haunt Bengaluru, India’s Silicon Valley, as it goes to polls today</a>

Elections 2019: From Angel Tax to better policies, here’s why the city of startups headed out to vote

Trends show that MP PC Mohan is set for a comeback as he is leading in <keyword id="6355033" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="bangalore">Bangalore</keyword> central, D.V. Sadananda Gowda from <keyword id="14666" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="BJP">BJP</keyword> is leading in Bangalore North while <keyword id="3947389" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="tejaswi-surya">Tejaswi Surya</keyword> is leading in Bangalore South. Meanwhile, independent candidate from Bangalore Central actor Prakash Raj saw his votes trailing way behind incumbent MP PC Mohan. Prakash Raj tweeted about the failure saying "a SOLID SLAP on my face ..as More ABUSE..TROLL..and HUMILIATION come my way..I WILL STAND MY GROUND ..My RESOLVE to FIGHT for SECULAR INDIA will continue..A TOUGH JOURNEY AHEAD HAS JUST BEGUN ..THANK YOU EVERYONE WHO WERE WITH ME IN THIS JOURNEY. .... JAI HIND" <keyword id="6354321" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Bengaluru">Bengaluru</keyword> which voted on phase 2 of the Indian general elections is home to three seats out of the total 28 Lok Sabha seats – Bangalore North, Bangalore Central and Bangalore South. In the exit polls, BJP candidate PC Mohan was predicted to win so as to hold on to his Bangalore Central seat while young leader Tejaswi Surya was predicted to win the Bangalore South seat. In the state of Karnataka, the alliance of Congress and JDS which made big news during the assembly elections, was predicted to find it difficult to win big this time. According to News18-IPSOS exit polls, the BJP was headed to win 20-23 seats out of the 28 seats in Karnataka. The city of startups saw active participation from entrepreneurs during the elections. Indian ride-hailing unicorn Ola Cabs, for whom Bengaluru is home base, had allotted 270 cabs to the Election Commission during voting. Among entrepreneurs the key issues they wanted the political party in power to address were access to funding, angel tax issues and better policies for easier startup development.

Bengaluru lok sabha election result: BJP leading in all 3 seats, Prakash Raj calls defeat a "slap on my face"

As the second phase of the <keyword id="43573" type="EVENT" weightage="20" keywordseo="General-Election">general election</keyword> takes off in India, voters in 11 states and 1 union territory— West Bengal, Odisha, <keyword id="20154" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="tamil-nadu">Tamil Nadu</keyword>, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Assam, Manipur and Puducherry — were up early queuing up at the election booths. Nearly 5 million people are eligible to vote in the state of West Bengal with a nearly equal distribution between men and women, albeit there are only 87 registered third-gender voters in the three constituencies going to vote in the state today today. And Puducherry, while being a union territory, is home to nearly one million voters who have been facing <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/elections/lok-sabha/india/puducherry-congress-tries-to-win-back-sole-mp-seat/articleshow/68899027.cms">increasing</a> debt and a fall in social initiatives due to lower devolution of taxes from the central government. A lot of voters and politicians are wondering if the second phase of polling will be marred with problems of EVM malfunctions and poll booth violence like evidenced during the first phase of the general election in India. Two incidents of poll booth violence have already been reported in West Bengal. In Uttar Pradesh, four of the contesting politicians — Samajwadi Party’s Azam Khan, Union Minister Maneka Gandhi, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Bahujan Samaj Party’s Mayawati — have been <a href="https://www.businesstoday.in/top-story/up-election-2019-after-yogi-mayawati-ec-bans-azam-maneka-from-campaigning/story/337566.html">banned</a> from campaigning by the Election Commission of India (ECI) for issuing controversial comments. For Tamil Nadu, the days leading up to the election were a little chaotic after the Income Tax (IT) department seized over 1,350 kilograms of gold and nearly ₹14.8 million which was allegedly stashed to bribe voters. Elections in Vellore, one of Tamil Nadu’s most-watched constituencies, were cancelled altogether after ₹1.05 million was found at Durai Murugan’s house, the father of Kathir Anand — a DMK candidate in the district. Another ₹115.3 was also found at Poonjolai Srinivasan’s cement godown, a known associate of Murugan. Even Maharashtra hasn’t had an easy go of it with over 15,000 cases of alleged Model Code of Conduct violations <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/lok-sabha-elections/lok-sabha-elections-2019-over-15-000-code-of-conduct-cases-filed-in-maharashtra/story-luAZtetS7fq6EUDRsYztmI.html">registered</a> since March 10.The Additional Chief Electoral Officer, Dilip Shinde, has stated that over 700,000 officers and employees of the states are involved in keeping elections in Maharashtra peaceful and efficient for the 10 seats of the state going to the polls today. <div type="ExtQuote" text="The enforcing departments (Income Tax and Police) also lodged total 15,095 FIRs against the offenders for violating the model code of conduct, with most of the cases pertaining to storage and distribution of illicit liquor, followed by possession of firearms." auname="Additional Chief Electoral Officer Dilip Shinde"></div>

 If voters aren’t being bribed, then they’re being threatened. Kawasi Lakhma, a Congress minister from Chhattisgarh, has been <a href="https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/general-elections-2019-chhattisgarh-congress-mla-kawasi-lakhma-threatens-voters-with-electric-shocks-2024279">telling</a> voters that they vote against his party, the EVM machine will deliver an electric shock. While Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu struggle with voter bribery issues, Bihar and Karnataka are more concerned with voter turnout. The city of Bengaluru — the Silicon Valley of India — in particular, has issues of <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/election-2019-gold-confiscated-in-tamil-nadu-ahead-of-second-phase/articleshow/68933494.cms">voter turnout</a> while Bihar’s <a href="https://www.livemint.com/elections/lok-sabha-elections/bihar-elections-2019-patna-is-missing-a-whole-generation-of-millennials-1555350536677.html">brain drain</a> means that a lot of its eligible millennial voters don’t actually live in the state anymore. As Manipur goes to polls again, the Returning Officer (RO)The Returning Officer (RO) of the Outer Manipur Parliamentary Constituency, Haobam Rosita, has <a href="https://www.newsclick.in/returning-officer-recommends-re-poll-19-polling-stations-manipur">recommended</a> that re-polling needs to take place at 19 of the polling stations from the first phase of the general elections in the state. Among the many reasons that Rosita cites for repolling, the most disturbing is probably one of the constituencies showed that voter turnout in excess of 100% and that the polling booth for the Najang Village was put up at a non-designated location. In order to keep disruptive elements from affecting the polls similarly, the west Indian states of West Bengal and Assam are <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/2nd-phase-tight-security-in-five-election-bound-districts/articleshow/68868180.cms">increasing</a> security in constituencies along the border — especially in districts classified as ‘vulnerable’ and ‘critical’. And unfortunately, for Jammu and Kashmir, none of the contesting political parties are talking about the environmental issues which have a heavy bearing on the state’s water supply as well as its tourism industry, which has been suffering as more and more of the state’s green capital is being destroyed. The third phase of the general election will kick off on April 23 covering 14 states — Assam, Goa, Karnataka, Odisha, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Bihar, Gujarat, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, Daman and Diu, Chhattisgarh, Jammu and Kashmir, Maharashtra and West Bengal. See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/election-2019-gold-confiscated-in-tamil-nadu-ahead-of-second-phase/articleshow/68933494.cms">Over a ton of gold seized a day ahead of polls shows the depth of the rot in Tamil Nadu</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/job-losses-will-haunt-bengaluru-indias-silicon-valley-as-it-goes-to-polls-today/articleshow/68930893.cms">Job losses will haunt Bengaluru, India’s Silicon Valley, as it goes to polls today</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/lok-sabha-elections-2019-second-phase-of-polling-in-tamil-nadu-voters-issues/articleshow/68930595.cms">Tamil Nadu’s angry voters have a small oil field, a big highway, a medical entrance test, and a police shootout in mind</a>

Here’s what the second phase of the Indian general election has in store for the 11 states polling today

Sultanpur (Uttar Pradesh) [India], February 20 (ANI): <keyword id="19895371" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="congress" source="keywords">Congress</keyword> leader <keyword id="19895780" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="rahul-gandhi" source="keywords">Rahul Gandhi</keyword> was granted bail on Tuesday in a defamation case dating back to August 2018. The District Civil Court in Sultanpur had issued a summons to him 36 hours earlier to appear before it on a defamation case filed by a BJP leader in August 2018. "This morning Rahul Gandhi will be at the District Civil Court in Sultanpur that had issued a summons to him 36 hours earlier to appear before it on a defamation case filed by a BJP leader in August 2018. Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra will not be derailed. Rahul Gandhi will not be silenced. The Indian National Congress will not be intimidated," he said in a post on 'X'. The Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra entered its 38th day on Tuesday. The yatra will start from Fursantganj in Amethi district and will move towards Raebareli and Lucknow today. "Today is the 38th day. We have paused the yatra this morning. At 2 pm, we will start again from Fursatganj. There will be a public rally in Raebareli. After that, we will move towards Lucknow," he told ANI. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has been summoned by the District Civil Court in Sultanpur on February 20 in connection with a 2018 case over using derogatory remarks against Union Home Minister Amit Shah in a Bengaluru conference. The complaint was filed by the then BJP District Vice President, <keyword id="20655492" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="vijay-mishra" source="keywords">Vijay Mishra</keyword>. "I was the vice president of BJP when this incident happened. Rahul Gandhi had accused Amit Shah in Bengaluru that he is a murderer. When I heard these allegations, I felt very pained because I am a 33-year-old worker of the party. I filed a complaint regarding this through my lawyer and this continued for almost 5 years. Today the decision came in this," Vijay Mishra told ANI. Santosh Kumar Pandey, lawyer appeared for Vijay Mishra said that Congress MP Rahul Gandhi can be given a maximum punishment of 2 years if sufficient evidence found against him. "Congress leader Rahul Gandhi held a press conference in Bengaluru. About 5 years ago Amit Shah who is currently the Home Minister, objectionable remarks were made against him. On August 4, 2018, this case was filed in the District and Sessions Court of MP-MLA Court Sultanpur. On which on Monday, Judge <keyword id="20655491" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="yogesh-kumar-yadav" source="keywords">Yogesh Kumar Yadav</keyword> of MP MLA Court Sultanpur has summoned Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on December 16. This statement came from Rahul Gandhi during the Karnataka elections in Bengaluru in 2018," Santosh Kumar Pandey told ANI. The Congress's 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra', succeeded by the party's 'Bharat Jodo Yatra', aims to cover 6,700 km through 15 states, with <keyword id="19895394" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="lok-sabha" source="keywords">Lok Sabha</keyword> polls around the corner. (ANI)

Rahul Gandhi gets bail in 2018 defamation case

The ruling <keyword id="58687" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Bharatiya-Janata-Party">Bharatiya Janata Party</keyword> (BJP) won 3 of the 4 seats in the October 28 biennial elections to the <keyword id="74394" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Karnataka-legislative-council">Karnataka Legislative Council</keyword>, including 2 from Teachers and 1 from Graduates constituency, an official said on Tuesday. "BJP's Puttanna won the <keyword id="6355033" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="bangalore">Bangalore</keyword> Teachers seat with 7,335 votes, defeating A.P. Ranganatha of the Janata Dal-Secular (JD-S) with 5,107 votes and R. <keyword id="6366707" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="praveen-kumar">Praveen Kumar</keyword> of Congress with 782 votes," an Election Commission official told IANS here. Puttanna, who defected from the JD-S, has retained the seat. In Karnataka North-East Teachers constituency, BJP's Shashil Namoshi won with 9,418 votes, wresting the seat from Sharanappa Mattur of Congress who polled 6,213 votes, while Timmayya Purle of JD-S secured 3,812 votes. Namoshi had won from the seat twice earlier, while Mattur re-contested after his term ended in June but lost. In Karnataka West Graduates segment, BJP's S.V. Sankur won with 13,293 votes, defeating <keyword id="10255012" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="r-m-kuberappa">R.M. Kuberappa</keyword> of Congress with 6,111 votes and Basavaraj Terdal, an Independent, with 3,540 votes. Sankur re-contested to retain the seat after his term ended in June. Vote count is still underway in the Karnataka South-East Graduates seat, in which Chidanand Gowda of the BJP, <keyword id="207378" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Ramesh-Babu">Ramesh Babu</keyword> of the Congress and R. Chowda Reddy of the JD-S are in the fray. Reddy has re-contested after his term ended in June. Votes of Bangalore Teachers and North East Teachers seats were counted in Bengaluru, while that of West Graduates at Dharwad in the state's northwest region and South-East Graduates at Gulbarga in the state's northern region. Voting in the biennial elections to the four seats was held to fill vacancies caused after the term of the incumbent lawmaker ended in June. The by-elections, however, could not be held in July due to the Covid-19 pandemic gripping the state since mid-March. In West Graduates, 70.11 per cent voting was recorded, followed by 75 per cent in South-East Graduates, 73.32 per cent in North-East Teachers and 66 per cent in Bangalore Teachers constituency. In all, 40 candidates from BJP, Congress, Janata Dal-Secular (JD-S) and Independents were in the fray in all the four seats. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/politics/india/news/checkout-here-bihar-assembly-election-2020-results-and-updates-online/articleshow/79142084.cms">Bihar Election Results 2020: Outcome of 28 constituencies announced, NDA leads with five more seats than the Grand Alliance</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/defense/news/prime-minister-modi-hits-out-pakistan-and-china-during-sco-summit-attempts-are-being-made-to-rake-bilateral-issues/articleshow/79148767.cms">Prime Minister Modi takes a dig at Pakistan and China during SCO summit — ‘attempts are being made to rake up bilateral issues’</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/apps/news/instagram-down-users-complain-of-frozen-timelines-and-likes/articleshow/79146012.cms">Instagram down for over four hours— users complain of frozen timelines and likes</a>

BJP wins three out of four Karnataka Council seats in biennial polls

<ul><li>As 14 constituencies in <keyword id="6354780" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Karnataka">Karnataka</keyword> head to the polls today, 24.3 million voters will choose between the Congress-Janata Dal coalition currently ruling in the state and the party in power at the centre, the <keyword id="14666" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="BJP">BJP</keyword>. </li><li>After consistently voting for the <keyword id="1575" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Congress">Congress</keyword> till 1991, the state has swung between electing a majority of BJP candidates vs Congress candidates since 1996. </li><li>A key issue on voters minds will be the slow implementation of the Congress-JDS government’s state <keyword id="56684" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="loan-waiver">loan waiver</keyword> scheme, which has also been stalled by the Election Commission until polling is over. </li></ul> As 14 constituencies in Karnataka head to the polls today, <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/elections/lok-sabha/india/modis-popularity-on-test-as-karnataka-goes-to-polls/articleshow/68920931.cms">24.3 million </a>voters will choose between the Congress-Janata Dal coalition currently ruling in the state and the party in power at the centre, the BJP. After consistently voting for the Congress till 1991, the state has swung between electing a majority of BJP candidates vs Congress candidates <a href="http://www.elections.in/karnataka/parliamentary-constituencies/">since 1996</a>. The state, which is also home to the country’s startup capital, Bengaluru, will be a crucial one in this election too since no party or alliance exerts an unassailable influence so far. As voters assess the 241 candidates, which include 133 Independents, in the following constituencies - Udupi-Chikmagalur, Hassan, Dakshina Kannada, Chitradurga, Tumkur, Mandya, Mysore, Chamarajnagar, Bangalore Rural, Bangalore North, Bangalore Central, Bangalore South, Chikkaballapur and Kolar - a big question will be on the minds of the state’s farmers: which party’s handouts will be more generous? The situation for farmers has been bleak for a while. Following months of damage to farmland due to floods and landslides, by the end of 2018, <a href="https://www.livemint.com/Politics/we4v5MvF7mj6ZWG0kiC8gJ/Farm-crisis-deepens-in-Karnataka-156-talukas-declared-droug.html">156 out of 176 administrative divisions</a> on the state were declared drought-hit, amplifying farmer distress. As campaigning for state elections in May 2018 reached fever pitch, both the BJP and Congress pledged loan waivers and income support. Both their manifestos promised <a href="https://www.indiatoday.in/elections/karnataka-election-2018/story/how-both-bjp-and-congress-aggressively-woo-farmers-in-karnataka-1226789-2018-05-04">thousands of crores of loan waivers </a>as well as funding for agriculture projects. State elections in May last year ultimately resulted in a hung Assembly, with the Congress and <keyword id="123462" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Janata-Dal">Janata Dal</keyword> joining forces to form a coalition government. One of the coalition’s first orders of business was to waive farmer loans to the <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/rs-44000-crore-loan-waiver-has-helped-only-800-farmers-so-far-karnataka/articleshow/67069947.cms">tune of ₹440 billion</a>. The initial goodwill around the scheme likely powered an important victory for the Congress <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/karnataka-bypoll-results-congress-jds-coalition-leads-in-two-ls-seats-bjp-in-one/articleshow/66521102.cms?from=mdr">in five bypolls</a> in November 2018. However, the scheme was slower to implement than expected. As of mid-December 2018, <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/rs-44000-crore-loan-waiver-has-helped-only-800-farmers-so-far-karnataka/articleshow/67069947.cms">only 800 farmers </a>had benefited from the scheme, a far cry from the millions of farmers that were expected to avail of it. The problem? The state’s banks had trouble reconciling the final list of eligible beneficiaries. The state government was quick to do damage control amid growing discord with farmers. In February 2019, it announced that around <a href="https://www.ndtv.com/karnataka-news/karnataka-released-rs-5-450-crore-for-farm-loan-waiver-chief-minister-kumaraswamy-1990568">₹54.5 billion of funds</a> for the scheme had been released, and that the number of eligible beneficiaries had nearly doubled to 11 million. A strong election campaign for the Lok Sabha was assured. Until the <keyword id="65281" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Election-Commission-of-India">Election Commission of India</keyword> (ECI) stepped in. In March 2019, the ECI ordered <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/loan-waiver-scheme-hits-poll-code-roadblock/article26594392.ece">the temporary suspension of the loan waiver scheme</a> until general elections were over, saying that payments under the scheme could be used to influence voters. The move stalled ₹1.5 billion of loan repayments. While the suspension further slows down the scheme and will delay <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/loan-waiver-scheme-hits-poll-code-roadblock/article26594392.ece">its final implementation well past July 2019</a>, the state’s farmers are looking to the <keyword id="6354642" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Modi">Modi</keyword> administration for a lifeline. The cash transfer scheme for announced in the government’s interim budget is expected to benefit eight million smallholding and marginal farmers in the state, with <a href="https://www.businesstoday.in/current/economy-politics/pm-kisan-scheme-about-5-cr-farmers-to-get-2nd-installment-from-next-month/story/330337.html">two of three installments </a>coming right before polling started. Apparently, the ECI didn’t feel that would exert undue influence on voters. As things stand, the state’s farmers are caught between two competing governments and two competing schemes. A vote will likely mean a vote for a scheme that has helped them to a greater extent. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/uttar-pradesh-lok-sabha-elections-2019-first-phase-polling-will-see-farmers-anger/articleshow/68820034.cms">Uttar Pradesh’s unpaid farmers who are owed ₹128 billion will express their anger with ballot ink</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/lok-sabha-elections-2019-first-phase-of-polling-key-issues-in-all-states/articleshow/68824300.cms">142 million voters go to polls today in 20 states— here’s a look at the key issues in every state</a>

A crucial swing state in India is upset over a patchy loan waiver and that may be an advantage for Narendra Modi

New Delhi, Jan 24 () The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has issued fresh summons to senior executives of Air Asia airlines, including CEO Tony Fernandes, for questioning next month in connection with a money laundering case, officials said on Friday.
 As per sources, the central agency has asked Fernandes to appear before the investigating officer of the case here on February 5, his deputy and former Deputy Group CEO of Malaysia-based Air Asia Berhad Bo Lingam on February 3 and R Venkataramanan, Director Air Asia India Ltd, Bengaluru, on February 10.
 Few others linked to the present and past management of the airline have also been asked to depose.
 The ED had earlier asked some of these executives to appear this month but after some failed to appear or sought additional time, new dates have been given, they said. 
The summons have been issued under the PMLA and as per sources the executives will be questioned and their statement recorded in connection with the investigation.
The agency had registered a case under the PMLA against the airline and its officials in May, 2018. 
 This criminal case was filed two days after CBI filed a criminal complaint to probe these allegations.
Probe in the case is related to allegations that the airline tried to manipulate government policies through corrupt means to get international licence for its Indian venture Air Asia India Limited.
The ED is also probing this case under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA).
 Air Asia India at present has flights connecting 21 domestic destinations and as per a aircraft fleet tracking website, it has 29 Airbus A320 planes.
Investigation in the case was initiated on the basis of allegations of ousted Tata Group chairman Cyrus Mistry that fraudulent transactions of Rs 22 crore, involving non-existent entities in India and Singapore, were carried out in an instance involving the airline.
The CBI and ED, in their criminal FIRs, had booked Group CEO of Air Asia Fernandes, Tharumalingam Kanagalingam also known as Bo Lingam, former Deputy Group CEO of Malaysia-based Air Asia Berhad, and Venkataramanan, Director Air Asia India Ltd, Bengaluru, besides companies Air Asia India Pvt Ltd and Air Asia Berhad.
The allegation pertains to Air Asia officials and others allegedly trying to manipulate government policies through corrupt means to get international licence for its Indian venture Air Asia India Limited.
The CBI had alleged that Venkataramanan was lobbying in the government to secure mandatory approvals, some of them through "non-transparent means", including the then Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance, No Objection Certificate and the attempt for removal or modification of 5/20 rule.
It is alleged that to be eligible for international operations, the company was required to have five years of experience and fleet of 20 aircraft as per 5/20 rule.
The company is yet to get international flying permit.
Fernandes wanted it to fly internationally from the day of getting the flying permit in May, 2014, the CBI complaint had alleged.
He and his local Indian partner Tata Sons through their nominee Venkatramanan would lobby in government to get all approvals including FIPB clearance and amend or removal of existing 5/20 rule for international operations, the CBI alleged.
The CBI had also named Rajender Dubey, Director of Singapore-based HNR Trading pvt Ltd, Sunil Kapur, Chairman Total Food Services, Mumbai and Deepak Talwar, Principal and Founder DTA consulting (deported to India last year from Dubai), New Delhi and the company HNR Trading as alleged lobbyists who used their influence to get 5/20 rule relaxed "before General Elections of 2014".
 Air Asia had denied any wrongdoing after the CBI filed the case and carried out raids at multiple premises.
 It is alleged that Air Asia India Ltd -- a joint venture between Tata sons and Malaysian company Air Asia Berhad -- was indirectly controlled and operated by the Malaysia group, and particularly Air Asia Berhad violating various existing norms of erstwhile FIPB, now defunct, under the Union finance ministry. NES NES DV
DV

ED issues fresh summons in Air Asia PMLA case

Karnataka government has submitted to the High Court that it has issued order to attach the movable and immovable assets of former state minister, R. Roshan Baig, who is an accused in the multi-crore <keyword id="667927" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Ponzi-scam">Ponzi scam</keyword> of I-Monetary Advisory (IMA) group of companies. The state government submitted its report on Wednesday. On June 12, the High Court had slammed the state government over the delay in taking a decision on attaching the properties of eight-time <keyword id="381991" type="POSITION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Congress-legislator">Congress legislator</keyword>, Baig, under the provisions of the Karnataka Protection of Interest of Depositors in Financial Establishments (KPIDE) Act, even two months after the court passed the order to do so. A division bench of <keyword id="42759" type="POSITION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Chief-Justice">Chief Justice</keyword> Abhay Shreeniwas Oka and Justice Suraj Govindaraj on June 12 had granted the government two weeks' time. After this rap, the state government submitted to the High Court that it has issued a notification on July 6 attaching around 20 immovable and movable assets of the former Minister located in various parts of the city. The state government also submitted another notification under the Karnataka Protection of Interest of Depositors in Financial Establishment Act, 2004, attaching a sum of Rs 62.26 crore paid in excess to the 100 top depositors of the IMA group who had received the amount in excess of their principal deposit amounts from out of the deposits of the IMA group. The copies of the notifications were submitted before a Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Abhay Shreeniwas Oka and Justice Suraj Govindaraj during the hearing of a batch of <keyword id="6355791" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="PIL">PIL</keyword> petitions related to the scam. The attached assets were those declared by Baig in his nomination papers when contesting elections to the <keyword id="144407" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="state-Assembly">state Assembly</keyword> in 2018 and the present market value of these properties are yet to be declared after being assessed by the jurisdictional sub-registrars, it was stated in the notification. The notification has also indicated the values of these properties, around Rs 15-Rs 16 crore, as declared by Baig in his affidavit filed before the Election Commission of India. The notification issued by the government also lists properties including a commercial building developed in joint development (<keyword id="48584" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="JDA">JDA</keyword>) on the Hosur Road (with 33 per cent share), a commercial building on the Residency Road, houses on Sanders Road, Cleveland Road and sites each in HBR Layout, Fraser Town and Cleaveland Road. The notification submitted to the court also stated that the government had found that Baig had played a key role in the promotion of the IMA Group obtaining financial gains. Baig, an eight-time legislator, was minister in the Congress-led governments in the state from 1985 onwards. He emerged as one of the influential leaders in the Congress till 2019 when his name cropped in this ponzi scam. He chose to cross over to the BJP along with 17 rebel MLAs from the Congress and JD(S). In November 2020, the CBI had arrested Baig from his residence in Bengaluru as part of the investigation. He was then sent to judicial custody for 14 days. To date, the CBI has registered four cases, and filed three charge sheets and three supplementary charge sheets against 33 people in the case. IMA group of companies were founded in 2013 onwards and I-Monetary Advisory Private Limited was presented as an Islamic banking company to investors. It is alleged that the company defrauded more than a lakh investors to the tune of Rs 4,000 crore over a period of time. This is not the first time that Baig family's name has cropped up in such multi-crore scam, his younger brother Rehan Baig was one of the accused in the infamous multi-crore fake stamp paper scam which is also known as Telagi scam in the state. Rehan was arrested when Baig was serving as minister in then Chief Minister, S.M. Krishna's cabinet. Then too accusations flew thick that Baig was involved in the scam as a result of which he was forced to quit Krishna's cabinet in 2000 SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/cryptocurrency/news/cryptocurrencies-exchanges-can-run-into-trouble-with-investors/articleshow/84205889.cms">Cryptocurrencies aren't all diamonds and roses — lawsuits from people who lost big are piling up with exchanges</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/simple-energy-new-electric-scooter-promises-240km-range-on-a-70-minute-charge/articleshow/84164967.cms">This new electric scooter promises 240KM range on a 70-minute charge, could be priced under ₹1,20,000</a>

A former Karnataka minister accused of a Ponzi scam may see his assets frozen soon

<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right click-to-enlarge"><div><div class="image on-image"><a title_source="Markets Insider" title_caption="" class="zoomin" href="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/58b6ddab54905720098b7356-960/screen shot 2017-03-01 at 94116 am.png"></a><a href="http://markets.businessinsider.com/index/dow_jones">Markets Insider</a></div></div></div>The <a href="http://markets.businessinsider.com/index/dow_jones">Dow Jones industrial average </a>zoomed past the 21,000 mark at the market open on Wednesday as stocks resumed their record-setting rally. Stocks gained as a more measured tone in President Donald Trump's speech reassured investors, while bank stocks gained on higher chances of an interest rate hike this month.In his first address to a joint session of Congress late Tuesday, Trump said he wanted to boost the U.S. economy with a "massive" tax relief, make a $1 trillion effort on infrastructure and overhaul Obamacare.His comments, though lacking in detail, helped underscore his pro-growth stance that has pushed Wall Street to record highs in a post-election rally.However, the markets were more focused on comments on Tuesday from a handful of Federal Reserve officials, including the influential New York Fed President William Dudley, who said the case for tightening monetary policy had become "a lot more compelling"."The markets are trading higher on the softer approach by the President," Peter Cardillo, chief market economist at First Standard Financial wrote in a note."The dollar and yields are moving higher as next theme of the market, the 'Fed' overrides the Trump effect."The probability of a March rate hike jumped to 67.5 percent from roughly 30 percent, according to Thomson Reuters data, following the comments from Fed officials. The central bank's policy-setting body meets on March 14-15.The dollar jumped 0.79 percent to mark its biggest one-day gain since Dec. 15, while shares of Bank of America, Goldman Sachs and Citigroup rose about 2 percent in premarket trading.Yellen, who has said a rate increase could happen in an upcoming meeting, is scheduled to speak on Friday. Meanwhile, investors will closely watch Fed Board Governor Lael Brainard's comments on Wednesday for her take on rates.A report from the Commerce Department showed <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/personal-income-and-spending-pce-january-2017-2017-3">U.S. consumer spending</a> rose less than expected in January, while inflation pushed higher. The Dow was up 195 points, or 0.94% to 21,007.96 at 9:39 a.m. ET. The S&amp;P 500 was up 19 points (0.85%) and the Nasdaq was up 47 points (0.83%.)The Dow broke its <a href="http://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/closing-bell-february-28-2017-2017-2-1001792046">12-day record streak</a> on Tuesday as retail stocks declined and investors remained cautious ahead of Trump's late evening speech.Among stocks, Lowe's jumped 5.7 percent to $78.58 after the home improvement chain issued an upbeat sales forecast for the year.Mylan rose 7.4 percent as the generic drugmaker reported a 31 percent jump in quarterly revenue.Cybersecurity firm Palo Alto tumbled 21 percent to $120 as its current-quarter revenue and profit forecasts missed analysts' estimates.(Reuters reporting by Yashaswini Swamynathan in Bengaluru; Editing by Sriraj Kalluvila) <div class="margin-top"> <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/outdoor-running-vs-treadmill-running-2017-2">Which is better for running - treadmill or outdoors?</a></h3> <div> <div> <div class="ooyala-video-player" data-video-autoplay="false" data-video-id="ZqZ3VvOTE6-4GnEQtstrNE-WwrS_8sIK" data-player-variable="ooyalapopvideo" id="ooyalaplayer_popvideo" style="width:1280px;height:720px"></div> </div> </div> </div>

Dow hits 21,000

New Delhi [India], May 16 (ANI): <keyword id="9766785" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Lok-Sabha-elections-2024" source="Orion">Lok Sabha elections 2024</keyword> have seen a <keyword id="20108198" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="voter-turnout" source="keywords">voter turnout</keyword> at polling stations of about 66.95 per cent so far, as approximately 451 million people have voted during the first four phases of ongoing general elections. In a bid to encourage voters to exercise their franchise in large numbers, ECI has enhanced its targeted interventions to reach out to every eligible voter. The Commission led by CEC Rajiv Kumar along with ECs Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, further directed CEOs of the states going to poll in the fifth, sixth and seventh phases to timely distribute voter information slips to all electors and enhance outreach activities. "Commission strongly believes that partnership and collaboration are essential pillars of the voter awareness programme. It's heartening to see that, at the Commission's request, different institutions, influencers and celebrities with significant reach are working enthusiastically on a pro-bono basis," Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar said. Further, he added that a higher voter turnout would be a message from Indian voters to the world, about the strength of Indian Democracy. He urges all the voters to cast their vote in huge numbers, as voting day is not a holiday but a day of pride, by participating in the festival of democracy. According to an official release, various <keyword id="21686177" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="voter-awareness-drives" source="keywords">voter awareness drives</keyword> and campaigns have been carried out by stakeholders in collaboration with ECI. Telecom Service Providers such as Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited, Bharti Airtel Limited, Jio Telecommunication, and Vodafone-Idea Limited are reaching out to every mobile user in the respective parliamentary constituency through push SMS/Flash SMSs, outbound dialling calls to mobile users, RCS (Rich Communication Services) messaging and WhatsApp messages/alerts. These activities are carried out two/three days before the poll and even on the poll day, in regional languages, with an appeal to vote. ECI has collaborated with BCCI for voter awareness activities during the ongoing IPL season. The voter awareness messages and songs are being played at different stadiums during the cricket matches. The most innovative aspect of this campaign is the administration of voter's pledges by cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar in a pre-recorded video message, at various IPL venues. Further, voter awareness messages are integrated into cricket commentary. Cricketers from 10 IPL teams have encouraged voters to participate in the <keyword id="19895394" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="lok-sabha" source="keywords">Lok Sabha</keyword> elections in 2024 with their recorded voter awareness messages. A voting day alert was sent to all Facebook users pan India to inform and inform the voters about the general elections and to nudge them to participate in the festival of democracy, the release mentioned. The release further stated that WhatsApp personalised messages have begun on polling day. Google India is contributing through its iconic feature of Google Doodle on poll days and banners appearing on YouTube, Google Pat and other Google platforms. The Retail Association of India has been actively engaging with voter awareness activities, through their retail network, whereby retail chains are encouraged to celebrate the election as a festival. The vast network of post offices and banking institutions was utilised by ECI to reach out to a wide and diverse audience across the length and breadth of the country. In collaboration with the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, the parliamentary elections campaign logo "Chunav ka Parv, Desh ka Garv" has been integrated with the IRCTC portal and tickets. Voter awareness announcements have been integrated with the public address system at all railway stations. The logo stickers are used on coaches of the superfast trains. In collaboration with the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, hoardings on voter awareness have been installed in about 16,000 retail outlets. In collaboration with the Ministry of Civil Aviation, airlines are making an inflight announcement with an appeal message to participate in the ensuing elections. Voter guides are being kept in aircraft seat pockets. Apart from this, many airports are providing space for the display of voter awareness messages. Selfie points have been installed at airports in 10 major cities viz. Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Patna, Chandigarh, and Pune. Cinema theatres across the country are playing ECI voter awareness films and ECI Song Main Bharat Hoon, Hum Bharat Ke Matdata Hai, at regular intervals, as a part of the Public Service Awareness (PSA) film. Sansad TV is creating short films on Unique Polling Stations set up in remote corners of the country by the election machinery after navigating difficult terrains to demonstrate the challenges in ensuring voting at the last mile. AMUL, Mother Dairy and other milk co-operatives have started branding their milk pouches with the message 'Chunav Ka Parv, Desh ka Garv' and encouraging voters through social media platforms. AMUL is also encouraging voters with its unique messaging through AMUL Girl Topical advertisements in newspapers. Prasar Bharati: Doordarshan has produced, various short films, including appeals from constitutional functionaries like President of India, Vice President of India, and Chief Justice of India, among others. Further, unique polling stations are being covered by the regional Kendra's audio-visual documentation. Music App Spotify is running a campaign called 'Play Your Part', and they have issued print advertisements, and curated the playlists for the elections, on their app. Payments app PhonePe has integrated voter awareness message into their app and is actively encouraging voters. BookMyShow has launched an integrated campaign, titled "Aaj Picture Nahi, Bigger Picture Dekho," to raise awareness among voters. MakeMyTrip is running a campaign titled 'MyVoteWalaTrip', whereby discounts are offered to citizens going to vote. Food delivery platforms such as Zomato and Swiggy are disseminating voter awareness messages through their platforms and social media activities. Grocery App Blinkit changed its logo to "Inkit" for the elections, incorporating a message encouraging people to "Go out and Vote" as a tagline. Uber India is reaching out to voters through multi-channel messaging (in-app, emails, push notifications), offering discounts for rides to polling stations, and amplifying voter awareness messages on social media platforms. Bike app Rapido has been encouraging voters with a free ride to vote. Urban Company has launched 'I Have Voted Campaign' to encourage voters. Tata Neu app, serving as the Tata Group's group-wide consumer-facing mobile app, prominently features the "Cast Your Vote" animated banner on its homepage, with additional initiatives currently underway. Truecaller is enhancing its layout by displaying voter awareness message during outbound calls Some other independent initiatives are Mankind Pharma #VotingVirgin campaign, clothing brand Neeru's "Vote ki Taiyaari" TVC, Tinder's "Every Single Vote Counts" campaign, creatively curated social media post by Matrimonial sites like Jeevansathi.com, etc and discounts for voting by popular brands such as Shoppers' Stop, MakeMyTrip, Chroma and many more. Four phases of Lok Sabha polls have been held and the voting will conclude on June 1 with results on June 4. The remaining phases will be held on May 20, May 25, and June 1.

You Searched For "election issues in bengaluru" and got 11 results

Job losses will haunt Bengaluru, India’s Silicon Valley, as it goes to polls today

Prabhjote Gill

Elections 2019: From Angel Tax to better policies, here’s why the city of startups headed out to vote

Sanchita Dash

Bengaluru lok sabha election result: BJP leading in all 3 seats, Prakash Raj calls defeat a "slap on my face"

BI India Bureau

Here’s what the second phase of the Indian general election has in store for the 11 states polling today

Prabhjote Gill

Rahul Gandhi gets bail in 2018 defamation case

ANI

BJP wins three out of four Karnataka Council seats in biennial polls

IANS

A crucial swing state in India is upset over a patchy loan waiver and that may be an advantage for Narendra Modi

Dilsher Dhillon

ED issues fresh summons in Air Asia PMLA case

PTI

A former Karnataka minister accused of a Ponzi scam may see his assets frozen soon

IANS

Dow hits 21,000

Reuters,Akin Oyedele

451 million voters! First four phases of Lok Sabha elections witness 66.95% voter turnout so far

ANI

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