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The second flight carrying 235 Indian nationals from Israel under Operation Ajay landed in New Delhi early on Saturday. The 235 Indian passengers, including two infants, were safely evacuated from the war-struck country on Friday. The Indian passengers were received by MoS MEA Rajkumar Ranjan Singh at the New Delhi airport. #WATCH | MoS MEA Rajkumar Ranjan Singh receives the Indian nationals evacuated from Israel. Second flight carrying 235 Indian nationals from Israel, arrived in Delhi today. pic.twitter.com/u1ort7HwCf — ANI (@ANI) October 14, 2023 India launched ‘Operation Ajay’ on Thursday to facilitate the return of those who wish to return home following the brazen attacks on Israeli towns by Hamas militants from Gaza on October 7, triggering fresh tension in the volatile region. The second flight took off from Israel at 11:02 pm local time. #OperationAjay Flight #2 carrying 235 Indian nationals takes off from Tel Aviv. pic.twitter.com/avrMHAJrT4 — Dr. S. Jaishanka

Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court on Friday sent AAP leader Sanjay Singh to judicial custody till 27 October in connection with Delhi excise policy case. The anti-money laundering agency had arrested Singh, a Rajya Sabha MP, on 4 October. #UPDATE | Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court sends AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh to judicial custody till October 27. https://t.co/JjcVmx5hHw — ANI (@ANI) October 13, 2023 Special Judge MK Nagpal sent Singh to jail after the probe agency produced him before the court on expiry of his custodial custody granted earlier. The ED has alleged that Singh played a key role in the formulation and implementation of the now scrapped policy, which benefited certain liquor manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers, for monetary considerations. With inputs from agencies from Firstpost India Latest News https://ift.tt/2zdehUt FP Staff

Israel and Hamas are fighting an intense war. It has global repercussions and India has a lot to worry about. New Delhi is walking a diplomatic tightrope as it has a traditional relationship with Palestine and a growing friendship with Israel. That’s not all. Among its first concerns are Indians stranded in Israel – there are 18,000 – and their safety matters. At the centre of this volatile situation is India’s ambassador to Israel, Sanjeev Kumar Singla. In times of conflict in a foreign land, every nation’s big priority is securing the safety of its people. Embassies have a big role to play and they are led by the ambassador, who is their country’s official representative in the host nation. Don’t miss: Our special coverage from Tel Aviv on the Israel-Hamas war In Tel Aviv, Singla has a task at hand. He has to manage 18,000 Indians and 85,000 Jews of Indian origin as the conflict with Hamas intensifies. We take a look at how Singla is standing in for New Delhi in this testing ti

The first charter flight carrying 212 Indians evacuated from Israel under Operation Ajay arrived in New Delhi in the early hours of Friday. Speaking about the mission, Union Minister Anurag Thakur said today India does not ask for help, but it offers help. Speaking to reporters, Thakur said: “Whether it is the COVID era or the time of the Ukraine-Russia war or during the Arab Spring, India has done one operation after another and rescued Indians. This has been happening for the last nine-and-a-half years.” “Not just our citizens, we have rescued the nationals of other countries also… Today, India does not ask for help, it offers help,” Thakur said. #WATCH | Mumbai: On Operation Ajay, Union Minister Anurag Thakur says, “Whether it is the COVID era or the time of the Ukraine-Russia war or during the Arab Spring, India has done one operation after another and rescued Indians… This has been happening for the last 9 and a half… pic.twitter.com/wwJOIrfS8E — ANI (@ANI) October 13, 2023

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that 9th G20 Parliamentary Speakers’ Summit, also referred to as P20, is the ‘mahakumbh’ of parliamentary practices of the world. VIDEO | “I welcome you at the 9th G20 Parliamentary Speakers’ Summit (P20) on behalf of 140 crore Indians. This Summit is like a ‘Mahakumbh’ of parliamentary practices from across the world,” says PM Modi at 9th G20 Parliamentary Speakers’ Summit (P20) in Delhi. pic.twitter.com/G9TIlD7tql — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) October 13, 2023 Addressing the two-day summit in New Delhi, PM Modi said, “I welcome you at the 9th G20 Parliamentary Speakers’ Summit (P20) on behalf of 140 crore Indians. This Summit is like a ‘mahakumbh’ of parliamentary practices from across the world.” He said this is a festive season in India, but this time, G20 maintained the excitement of festive season throughout the year. “Across the year, we hosted G20 delegates in different cities of India. Because of this, there was an envi

After arriving in New Delhi in the special chartered flight that carried 212 Indians from the war-struck country of Israel under ‘Operation Ajay’, the repatriated Indian nationals thanked the Indian government for bringing them back safely. The chartered flight repatriated 212 Indians from Israel and landed in the national capital on Friday morning. “This is the first time that we are facing this situation over there. We are very thankful to the Indian government, especially Prime Minister Narendra Modi for bringing us back. We are hoping for peace as soon as possible so that we can go back to work as earliest as possible…” an Indian national told  ANI . #WATCH | Delhi: An Indian national who returned from Israel says, “This is the first time that we are facing this situation over there. We are very thankful to the Indian government, especially Prime Minister Narendra Modi for bringing us back. We are hoping for peace as soon as… https://t.co/XPUDlnv3Lf pic.twitter.com/Fu10lZ7DHc

As the Israel-Hamas war escalates, a nationwide security alert has been sounded by India to secure Israeli nationals in the country. The alert was shared with all concerned security establishments and police earlier on Friday asking to strengthen the security of a few listed places. The alert has been announced to secure Israeli nationals, including diplomats, staff, and tourists. Heavy deployments have been made at places with a high footfall of Israeli nationals, delegates, Kosher restaurants, museums, schools, resorts, and tourist spots, a top government official told News18 . As per sources, cops, including local police, have been asked to deploy patrolling staff for round-the-clock monitoring. Also, additional forces will be given to local police if required to make sure Israeli nationals in India are safe. “In view of the latest development, it is requested to strengthen the security arrangement for Israeli missions, diplomats, officials, staff, business establishments, Chab

The first charter flight carrying 212 Indian nationals from war-battered Israel landed at Delhi airport on Friday under government’s ‘Operation Ajay’ initiative. #WATCH | First flight carrying 212 Indian nationals from Israel, lands at Delhi airport; received by Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar pic.twitter.com/uB71qIBmJy — ANI (@ANI) October 13, 2023 Union Minister Rajiv Chandrashekhar welcomed the Indian nationals evacuated from the war-battered region and was seen interacting with them. #WATCH | Delhi: Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar interacts with the Indian nationals evacuated from Israel pic.twitter.com/itSzrwY4OD — ANI (@ANI) October 13, 2023 Speaking to ANI news agency at the airport, Chandrashekhar said, “…Our government will never leave any Indian behind. Our government, our Prime Minister is determined to protect them, bring them back home safely. We are grateful to EAM Dr S Jaishankar, the team at the External Affairs Ministry, the flight crew of this

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday chaired a meeting to review the preparations of Operation Ajay. India launched Operation Ajay yesterday to bring back citizens from the war-torn country of Israel. At least 18,000 Indians currently live in Israel. EAM @DrSJaishankar chaired a meeting today to review preparations for #OperationAjay . #TeamMEA stands ready to assist our citizens to return home. pic.twitter.com/zK0iTKFjob — Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) October 12, 2023 The first batch of Indians who had registered to return has been notified and they will be brought back on a first special flight today to India. Meanwhile, the MEA also set up a 24-hour Control Room yesterday to monitor the situation & provide information & assistance. The contact details of the control room are: 1800118797 (Toll-free) +91-11 23012113 +91-11-23014104 +91-11-23017905 +919968291988 Apart from this, people can send a mail to situationroom@mea.gov.in. Special chartered

The principles espoused by Mahatma Gandhi, particularly his unwavering dedication to truth, emerged as a decisive factor in the investigation of a heinous case involving the sexual abuse of a three-and-a-half-year-old girl. The culmination of this investigation resulted in a 100-year prison sentence for the accused individual. In a legal proceeding spanning two years, the Adoor Fast Track and Special Court, situated in the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala, issued a verdict on October 11, imposing a 100-year rigorous imprisonment sentence and a fine of Rs 4 lakh on the defendant, Vinod, hailing from Punnala near Pathanapuram in the Kollam district. Reportedly, the incident came to light through the elder sister of the victim (8). Despite being the eye-witness of the horrific incident, the girl could not tell anyone what she and her sister went through. Until she encountered a lesson in her second-grade textbook, which emphasized Gandhiji’s teaching of “never lying to anyone.” After r

Israel’s Consulate General to Midwest India, Kobbi Shoshon Thursday congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi for launching ‘Operation Ajay’, under which India is planning to bring back around 18,000 Indian in Israel. “Wishing all the Indians settled in Israel to reach their homes safely, we promise that after ending the terror of Hamas-Isis, we will welcome all the Indians again. Jai Hind Jai Israel! #OperationAjay,” Shoshon wrote on ‘X’. इजराइलमें बसे सभी भारतीय, अपने घर सुरक्षित पहुचे ऐसी कामना करते हुए हम यह वादा करते है की, हमास-आयसिस का आतंक खत्म करने के बाद हम सभी भारतीयोंका फिरसे स्वागत करेंगे. जय हिंद जय इजराइल! #OperationAjay pic.twitter.com/r5xeiQeJjJ — Kobbi Shoshani 🇮🇱 (@KobbiShoshani) October 12, 2023 “I congratulate Prime Minister Narendra Modi for launching Operation Ajay to bring Indian citizens back from Israel. There are around 18 thousand Indian citizens in Israel, including 1 thousand Indian students whom we love very much,” he said. Shoshani further e

Canada’s allegations of the involvement of India’s role in the killing of a Sikh separatist leader have barely affected the South Asian nation’s diplomacy in the Indo-Pacific, according to High Commissioner to Australia Manpreet Vohra. Speaking on the sidelines of an Asia Society event in Sydney on Thursday, Vohra said that although Australia initially called for an investigation after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made the accusations, there had been no significant reaction from Southeast Asia and beyond, Bloomberg reported. In an interview with Bloomberg, he said “I don’t think it’ll impact any other relationship. It was up to Canada to lay out evidence to back its allegations. The killing of Khalistan leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada in June led to a diplomatic crisis between New Delhi and Ottawa in September after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged India’s involvement in his murder. Nijjar was gunned down by two individuals wearing masks outside a gur

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Uttarakhand’s Pithoragarh on Thursday on a day-long visit during which he will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of multiple development projects worth about Rs 4,200 crore and address a public meeting, PMO said in a statement. As soon as he landed in Uttarakhand, PM Modi visited Adi Kailash peak at Jolingkong and also offered prayers at Parvati Kund in Pithoragarh. #WATCH | Uttarakhand: Prime Minister Narendra Modi offers prayers at Parvati Kund in Pithoragarh. pic.twitter.com/HRIZmblZ92 — ANI (@ANI) October 12, 2023 He is later expected to visit the border village of Gunji where he will interact with local people, along with the Army, ITBP and BRO. In a post on X, Modi had said, “Our government is committed to the welfare of each and every individual of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand and the state’s rapid development. To impart more speed to it, I will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of several projects in Pithoragarh.” “I will

India has launched Operation Ajay to facilitate the return of citizens from Israel amid a full-blown war with the Hamas group in Gaza. There are at least 18,000 Indians in Israel. “Special charter flights and other arrangements are being put in place. Fully committed to the safety and well-being of our nationals abroad,” Foreign Minister S Jaishankar said in a post on X, formerly Twitter. The first batch of Indians who had registered to return has been notified and they will be put on the first special flight tomorrow to India, the country’s embassy in Israel said in another post. Launching #OperationAjay to facilitate the return from Israel of our citizens who wish to return. Special charter flights and other arrangements being put in place. Fully committed to the safety and well-being of our nationals abroad. — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) October 11, 2023 “The Embassy has emailed the first lot of registered Indian citizens for the special flight tomorrow. Messages

India on Wednesday asked the countries in the Indian Ocean region to effectively address the development challenges as it warned them to be clear of the dangers of “hidden agendas” in unviable projects or unsustainable debt, in an apparent reference to China which is accused by the West of “debt trap” diplomacy. Speaking at the 23rd Council of Ministers Meeting of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) here, external affairs minister S Jaishankar said that it is important to maintain the Indian Ocean as a free, open and inclusive space based on the UN Convention on the Law of the Seas (UNCLOS), as the Constitution of the Seas. Later in his remarks to the press, Jaishankar said India’s commitment to the IORA is deeply rooted in the principles of peaceful coexistence, shared prosperity, and regional collaboration. “For Member States to grow and prosper, development challenges must be continuously and effectively addressed. In particular, we should cooperate on various aspects of the

The Supreme Court has fixed 31 October to hear a bunch of petitions challenging the Centre’s electoral bonds scheme. These pleas question the validity of the electoral bonds scheme as a source of funding for political parties. What are electoral bonds? What are the concerns about the scheme? Let’s understand better. What are electoral bonds? An electoral bond is a bearer instrument like a promissory note that can be purchased by citizens or entities to donate funds to political parties. Such bonds are issued in multiples of Rs 1,000, Rs 10,000, Rs 1 lakh, Rs 10 lakh, and Rs 1 crore at select branches of the State Bank of India (SBI). Similar to bank notes, these bonds are payable to the bearer on demand and are interest-free, noted Business Standard. Individuals, groups of individuals, corporations, NGOs, religious and other trusts can buy electoral bonds and donate money anonymously. These bonds are available for purchase for 10-day periods each in the months of January, April,

The Ministry of External Affairs has set up a 24-hour Control Room to monitor the situation & provide information & assistance. The contact details of the control room are: 1800118797 (Toll-free) +91-11 23012113 +91-11-23014104 +91-11-23017905 +919968291988 Apart from this, people can send a mail to situationroom@mea.gov.in. In view of the ongoing developments in Israel and Palestine, a 24-hour Control Room set up in the Ministry of External Affairs to monitor the situation & provide information & assistance. The contact details of the control room are 1800118797 (Toll free) +91-11 23012113 ;… pic.twitter.com/OCYQ1Cm721 — ANI (@ANI) October 11, 2023 Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy in Palestine has issued emergency helpline numbers for its nationals in view of the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas terrorists. “In light of the prevailing security situation, Indian nationals in Palestine can directly contact the Representative Office of India to address an

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is gearing up for a series of preliminary test flights to prepare for the Gaganyaan mission, set to begin on October 21. Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh made this announcement, underlining the significance of this venture. The initial test, labelled the Test Vehicle Development Flight (TV-D1), will unfold at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. This crucial phase’s primary objective is to evaluate the crew module intended for the forthcoming Indian astronaut mission, slated for late next year. The assessment will encompass launching the module into outer space, ensuring its safe return to Earth, and executing a successful recovery in the Bay of Bengal. Minister Singh emphasized that the Navy has already commenced practice operations for the module’s recovery during an event honouring ISRO engineers who contributed to the Chandrayaan-3 and Aditya L-1 missions. In addition to the crew module, TV-D1

Canada and India are reportedly engaged in ongoing discussions concerning the fate of several Canadian diplomats in New Delhi, even as the Indian government’s deadline for Ottawa to reduce its diplomatic representation lapsed on Tuesday. Ottawa was trying to resolve the situation with India, which had warned that diplomats who stayed beyond the deadline would lose diplomatic immunity, FT has quoted several people familiar with the situation as saying. One Canadian official told the Financial Times that Ottawa had not withdrawn any diplomats ahead of the deadline. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Canada’s Foreign Minister, Mélanie Joly, announced last week that Ottawa was making efforts to address the standoff through private channels. Joly emphasized that the tensions between the two countries underscored the significance of maintaining a robust diplomatic presence in India. India had reportedly asked Canada to withdraw 41 of its diplomats from the country by October 10 a

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will carry out the first of several test flights ahead of the Gaganyaan mission on October 21, Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh said on Tuesday. The test vehicle development flight (TV-D1) will be conducted at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh to test the crew module that is scheduled to house Indian astronauts during the human spaceflight late next year. The test involves launching the module to outer space, bringing it back to earth and recovering it after touchdown in the Bay of Bengal. The Navy has already started mock operations to recover the module, Singh said at a felicitation programme of the ISRO engineers involved in the Chandrayaan-3 and Aditya L-1 missions. Along with the crew module, the TV-D1 will also test the “crew escape” system that is expected to bring back the crew to earth if the spacecraft faces a problem while ascending into space. The success of the test will set the s

Aam Aadmi Party MP Raghav Chadha on Tuesday moved the Supreme Court challenging his suspension from Rajya Sabha. Aam Aadmi Party MP Raghav Chadha moves Supreme Court challenging his suspension from Rajya Sabha. Chadha was suspended from the Rajya Sabha on August 11 for “breach of privilege” after complaints from four MPs. pic.twitter.com/qWrciKjMbw — ANI (@ANI) October 10, 2023 The 34-year-old lawmaker was suspended from the Rajya Sabha on 11 August  for “breach of privilege” after complaints from four MPs. Chadha was accused of not taking the consent of five Rajya Sabha MPs before including their name to a Select Committee. The MP has been suspended from the Rajya Sabha until the committee of privileges probing the case against him submits its report. Five Rajya Sabha MPs – S Phangnon Konyak, Narhari Amin and Sudhanshu Trivedi of the BJP, M Thambidurai of AIADMK and Sasmit Patra of BJD — alleged that their name was included without their consent in a Select Committee moved

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who is on a four-day visit to India, was conferred an honorary doctorate by Jawaharlal Nehru University on Tuesday. #WATCH | Delhi: Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan gets conferred with an Honorary Doctorate (Honoris Causa) degree at Jawaharlal Nehru University. pic.twitter.com/9UUj0BVHE6 — ANI (@ANI) October 10, 2023 Addressing an event to honour the Tanzanian President at Jawaharlal Nehru University, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said, “It is a matter of great pride for us to confer the honorary doctorate on Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan from JNU. I take particular satisfaction in this as an alumnus of this university. By honouring her with an educational conferment, we not only recognise a long association with India but highlight this particular aspect of our relationship.” #WATCH | Delhi: At Jawaharlal Nehru University, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar says “It is a matter of great pride for us t

Security around the Israeli embassy in New Delhi and Chabad House has been beefed up by the Delhi Police in the wake of the Israel-Hamas conflict. A report by PTI quoted an official saying that the local police stationed around the embassy in New Delhi and Chabad House, located in Chandni Chowk in central Delhi, has been directed to maintain a tight vigil. Authorities have been directed to increase the vigil around both the installations, the officer added. The move to amp up security comes at a time when about 900 Israelis have been killed and over 2,600 injured in the surprise and unprecedented attack by Hamas, which rules the Gaza Strip on Saturday morning. Subsequently, Israel battered Palestinians with air strikes in Gaza. Gaza’s Health Ministry said at least 687 Palestinians have been killed and 3,726 wounded in Israeli air strikes on the blockaded enclave since Saturday. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Monday declared that Israel’s fierce offensive against Hamas

An agreement of Defence cooperation has been signed between India and Italy during visit of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in Rome. Rajnath Singh met the Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto in Rome, and both the leaders discussed a host of issues pertaining to defence cooperation including training, information sharing and maritime security. Had a warm and productive meeting with the Italian Defence Minister Mr Guido Crosetto in Rome. We discussed a host of issues pertaining to defence cooperation which included training, information sharing and maritime security. An Agreement on Defence cooperation was also signed… pic.twitter.com/TyybqSplp9 — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) October 10, 2023 He further said both the nations look forward to further consolidating the defence partnership. Rajnath is on a two-nation visit to Italy and France. The relationship between India and Italy was elevated to a Strategic Partnership in March 2023 during the visit of the Italian Prime Mi

The Enforcement Directorate on Tuesday conducted raids at the residence of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Amanatullah Khan in Delhi in connection to a money laundering case. The 49-year-old legislator represents the Okhla constituency in the Delhi Assembly. #WATCH | Delhi: ED raids underway at the premises of AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan in connection with a money laundering case. pic.twitter.com/KD0EaQOdjn — ANI (@ANI) October 10, 2023 #WATCH | Delhi: ED raids underway at the premises of AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan in connection with a money laundering case. pic.twitter.com/KD0EaQOdjn — ANI (@ANI) October 10, 2023 The raids are being conducted on the basis of two FIRs filed by the Delhi Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Khan has been accused of corruption linked to illegal appointments in the Delhi Waqf Board. The AAP MLA is the chairman of the Delhi Waqf Board. Khan was arrested last year by the Delhi Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) over t

Two Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists were killed in an encounter that broke out between militants and security forces in Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday, police said, adding, the search operations are on. #WATCH | Shopian Encounter Update: Two terrorists killed. Search going on. Further details shall follow: Kashmir Zone Police (Visuals deferred by unspecified time) https://t.co/ULxqMsR7ba pic.twitter.com/zhzmGsSJ7l — ANI (@ANI) October 10, 2023 The killed terrorists have been identified as Morifat Maqbool and Jazim Farooq alias Abrar. “Abrar was involved in the killing of Kashmiri Pandit late Sanjay Sharma,” said ADGP Kashmir. Taking to X earlier, Kashmir Zone Police said, “Encounter has started at Alshipora area of Shopian. Police and security forces are on the job. Further details shall follow.” The encounter began after security forces launched an anti-militancy operation in the Alshipora area after receiving information about the presence of militants

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday said he has urged the State Commission for Backward Classes chairperson K Jayaprakash to submit the caste census report and asserted that once that is done, his government will definitely publish the data. Asked about the matter at a press conference at the All India Congress Committee (AICC) headquarters, party leader Rahul Gandhi said, “We are in discussion. We are very clear what our direction is, those actions will be taken.” Sitting next to Gandhi, Siddaramaiah said under the previous government of the party in the southern state in 2014-15, the Karnataka State Permanent Backward Classes Commission was entrusted with conducting the caste census. “By the time our term was over, the report was not ready. Then, a coalition government was there in Karnataka after 2018. The caste census report was ready, but the coalition government’s chief minister, H D Kumaraswamy, did not receive it. Now, the report is lying with the permanent backw

The Israel-Palestine conflict has sparked a political debate in India, with the BJP emphasising the safety of the country under the leadership of Narendra Modi, comparing it with the days of the UPA government when terrorism and bombings were frequent. In response, the Congress has compiled a list of over 30 “terror attacks” since 2014. The West Asia conflict and the stands taken by political parties and leaders have shed light on the challenges related to political ideologies within the INDIA Bloc. Shortly after the Modi government extended its support and solidarity for Israel following the attack and incursion by Hamas ‘terrorist’ groups from the Gaza Strip, Sitaram Yechury, the general secretary of CPM, criticized the ‘Israeli aggression’ of the ‘most Right-wing government.’ The Congress, on the other hand, issued a balanced statement condemning violence against Israel while expressing support for the Palestinian cause. The BJP has suggested that the INDIA alliance should learn

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Monday said nearly 16 crore voters are eligible to exercise their franchise in the Assembly elections in five states – Mizoram, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Telangana that will be held between November 7 and 30. Polls in the five states will have 8.2 crore male and 7.8 crore female voters, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar said while addressing a press conference to announce the schedule for the last set of Assembly elections ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. There are 60.2 lakh first-time voters, CEC Kumar said. “These five states will have 1.77 lakh polling stations. Of these, 1.01 lakh stations will have webcasting facilities,” the CEC added. More than 8,000 polling stations will be managed by women, he said. “We have gathered here after a gap of six months. These elections are significant for the country and after this we will meet for the announcement of the Lok Sabha elections,” Kumar said. “We have met a

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Monday announced the dates of polling in five states – Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, Mizoram. The Assembly elections hold a special significance as it comes months ahead of the keenly watched 2024 Lok Sabha polls. Polling in Chhattisgarh will be held in two phases, while voting in other poll-bound states will be conducted in a single phase. Counting of votes for all the five states will take place on December 3, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar said at a press conference. Following are the list of important dates of the 2023 Assembly elections. Chhattisgarh: Phase 1: The first phase of polling in Chhattisgarh will be held on November 7, 2023, across 20 Assembly constituencies. Date of poll                                                  : November 07, 2023 (Tuesday) Date of counting                                          : December 03, 2023 (Sunday) Date of issue of Gazette of Notification       : Octobe