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INDIA 2024 India News Politics

Rahul dares Modi to remove 50% quota limit

Addressing an election rally at Nirmal in Adilabad Lok Sabha constituency, he alleged that PM Modi is against reservation and wants to snatch the same…reports Asian Lite News

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to remove the 50 per cent limit on the reservation and promised that the Congress, if elected to power, will enhance the overall quota beyond 50 per cent.

Addressing an election rally at Nirmal in Adilabad Lok Sabha constituency, he alleged that PM Modi is against reservation and wants to snatch the same.

“Narendra Modiji should tell the country that he will remove the 50 per cent barrier because this is what Congress is going to do. Narendra Modi, in none of his speeches so far, said that he will remove the 50 per cent barrier on the reservation,” he said.

Stating that the biggest issue before the nation is increasing reservation beyond 50 per cent, he said the Congress party in its manifesto has promised to remove the same to do justice to OBCs, Dalits and tribals.

The Congress leader reiterated his allegation that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) want to finish off the Constitution and take away the reservation.

“This election is between two ideologies. On one hand, Congress is trying to protect the Constitution while on the other BJP and RSS want to finish off the Constitution and take away the rights of the poor given by the Constitution,” he said displaying the pocket-size copy of the Constitution of India.

“The BJP leaders have said that if they win, they will change the Constitution. If the Constitution is changed, the reservation will also come to an end,” he said, alleging that the BJP does not want the upliftment of backwards, Dalits and tribals.

Stating that Congress implemented its guarantees in Telangana, he promised that similar guarantees would be implemented across India.

Rahul Gandhi said a woman from every poor family will get Rs 8,500 every month. This would be in addition to the Rs 2,500 per month women in Telangana are receiving.

Alleging that PM Modi made youth unemployed, he said Congress has promised ‘Pehli Naukri pakki’ to youth. He said like MNREGA right, graduates will get the job right.

Asserting that there are 30 lakh vacancies in government across the country, he said college and university degree and diploma holders will be provided jobs for a year with a stipend of Rs 1 lakh per year. If the youth perform well in a year, they will be absorbed in their respective departments.

Terming it as the world’s first scheme of its kind, he said India will give the best-trained workforce to the world.

He alleged that privatisation of the public sector, the Agniveer scheme, and contract employment all were aimed at taking away the reservation. He said Congress will do away with the contract system and provide permanent jobs.

He reiterated that if voted to power, the Congress would undertake the caste census, which would redefine the country’s politics.

He mentioned that backward classes constitute 50 per cent of the country’s population. There are 15 per cent Dalits, 8 per cent tribals, 15 per cent minorities and 5-6 per cent poor from the general category. “They are over 90 per cent of the population but they have no place in any institution,” he said.

He said with the caste census, 90 per cent of people will know what their share is.

“We will find out what is the wealth of backwards, Dalits, tribals and the poor. This will be the beginning of new politics in the country,” he said.

Stating that adivasis have first right over land, he said the Congress government in Telangana will resolve their land issue. He promised that their rights would be protected.

Rahul Gandhi said the Congress wants to form the government of the poor, farmers, backwards, Dalits and tribals.

Alleging that BJP is spreading hatred, he said the Congress defeated them in Telangana.

“They make brothers fight with each other. They spread hatred wherever they go. We share love and we give dignity,” he said

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy said for the first time Congress fielded a woman as its candidate from Adilabad. He appealed to people to elect Athram Suguna with a majority of over one lakh votes.

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INDIA 2024 India News

‘Trying to amplify voices of Revanna’s victims’

All I can say is that the BJP leaders have mastered the art of misinformation…says Siddaramaiah

Denying charges that Congress is politicising the alleged obscene video scandal involving Prajwal Revanna, the grandson of former Prime Minister H. D. Deve Gowda, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has said that his government is simply “amplifying the voices of victims.”

Accused by BJP of pursuing “appeasement politics” through Muslim reservation, Siddaramaiah spoke ahead of phase three of the Lok Sabha elections that will see voting taking place in 14 constituencies in the state on May 7.

Is Congress politicising the Prajwal Revanna case ahead of the third phase of polls?

Our commitment to justice for the victims should not be misconstrued as politicising the issue. We are not levying baseless or false allegations, we are simply amplifying the voices of the women who suffered at the hands of Prajwal Revanna. It is BJP that endorsed his candidature and facilitated his evasion of accountability. How can our efforts to expose their complicity be considered politicising the matter?

BJP has slammed Congress for indulging in appeasement politics. Your take on this?

We do not engage in appeasement politics. Our approach is centred around inclusive development and equitable distribution of resources. Every community in our country should benefit from our nation’s progress. Our schemes are designed for everyone, not just one or two specific communities. Regrettably, BJP consistently resorts to this narrative during elections. They aim to divide people along caste and religious lines to garner votes by fostering fear. If they were to focus solely on development issues, they would not secure a single vote.

Questions have been raised over the way the Neha Hiremath murder case has been handled, and the state government being accused of hushing up matters.

We have not compromised in our handling of the Neha Hiremath murder case. We are closely monitoring the situation, and justice will be served. This was a tragic incident, and understandably, it is profoundly challenging for her parents to come to terms with their loss. The entire state shares their sorrow. Rest assured, the perpetrator will receive no immunity.

BJP has been asking for the reason for not projecting Rahul Gandhi as the PM candidate.

The Congress party is committed to a model of collective leadership, focusing on decisions that prioritise the nation’s best interests. Our leadership, alongside Members of Parliament and leaders from the INDIA bloc, will collaboratively determine our Prime Ministerial candidate at the appropriate time — when we are in the position to form a government.

Congress is in the line of fire for issues like inheritance tax, Muslim reservation, and redistribution of wealth. BJP has said that the party’s intentions are very dangerous.

All I can say is that the BJP leaders have mastered the art of misinformation. Our policies are designed with a focus on inclusivity and fairness, aiming to benefit every citizen irrespective of their religious or social background.

These allegations of favouritism are not only baseless but also a deliberate attempt to mislead the public. I urge the media to rigorously fact-check the BJP’s claims and present the truth to people. It’s essential for the electorate to be informed accurately so they can make decisions based on facts rather than manipulated narratives.

Home Minister Amit Shah has alleged that there is an internal fight taking place between you and Deputy CM Shivakumar. Is it true?

It is quite amusing to hear such claims from BJP leaders. We are united in our efforts, as demonstrated by our efficient governance and the effectiveness of our campaign, which clearly reflect our unity. Dy CM Shivakumar and I frequently collaborate on various issues, developing numerous policies together. We stand united in addressing the concerns of Kannadigas.

Do you think the Mahalaxmi Scheme will work in favour of the Congress party in Karnataka?

Absolutely, the Mahalakshmi Scheme will significantly impact the electorate. People are currently struggling with joblessness and rising prices, and the Mahalakshmi Scheme will provide the much-needed relief. Our Gruha Lakshmi scheme has already proven beneficial in mitigating the adverse effects of the BJP’s failures. Observing the benefits enjoyed by the people of Karnataka under the Gruha Lakshmi scheme, there is now a nationwide demand for the implementation of the Mahalakshmi Scheme.

You have claimed that the Congress will win 20 seats in Karnataka this time.

I am extremely confident that Congress will secure a minimum of 20 seats in Karnataka. This expectation is not a mere rhetoric, it is grounded in extensive surveys and reflects the prevailing mood of the populace. Nearly every family in Karnataka has benefitted from our guarantee schemes and there is considerable anticipation for our NYAY schemes as well. We have provided honest and efficient governance, which the people clearly appreciate and wish to see replicated at the national level.

Why should people vote for the Congress party?

People should vote for the Congress party because we are committed to inclusive and sustainable development that benefits all sections of society. Our focus is on providing transparent governance, implementing progressive policies that ensure economic growth, and safeguarding social justice. We have demonstrated a strong track record of delivering on our promises, such as improving healthcare, education, and infrastructure, while also introducing welfare schemes that directly support the needs of the underprivileged and marginalised communities. By voting for Congress, citizens are choosing a future that prioritises equality, opportunity, and integrity in leadership.

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INDIA 2024 India News Politics

258 candidates in fray for 11 Maha seats going to polls

Maharashtra Chief Electoral Officer, S. Chockalingam, said that all arrangements have been made for ensuring free and fair polling in these Lok Sabha seats….reports Asian Lite News

As many as 258 candidates are in the fray for the third phase of Lok Sabha elections at 11 constituencies in Maharashtra scheduled for May 7.

The voting will take place in 23,036 polling centres as 2,09,92,616 people will exercise their voting rights. The polling will take place in Raigad, Baramati, Dharashiv, Latur, Solapur, Madha, Sangli, Satara, Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg, Kolhapur and Hatkanangale.

Maharashtra Chief Electoral Officer, S. Chockalingam, said that all arrangements have been made for ensuring free and fair polling in these Lok Sabha seats.

He added that special booth-wise teams have been established to spread awareness among the people so that there will be a higher voting percentage.

Amid the controversy over the delay in the release of final voter turnout data by the Election Commission of India (EC) for the first two phases of the Lok Sabha polls, Chockalingam defended the poll panel’s move, saying that there has been a difference between the assessment and the final data.

He further said that whatever the EC has done it has been as per the prescribed norms.

In Maharashtra, 62.71 per cent of voting was reported in the second phase of elections that took place on April 26 in Buldhana, Akola, Amaravati, Wardha, Yavatmal-Washim, Hingoli, Nanded, and Parbhani.

Chockalingam added that there are a total of 298 candidates who are in the fray during the fourth phase of elections that will be held in 11 constituencies comprising Nandurbar, Jalgaon, Raver, Jalna, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maval, Pune, Shirur, Ahmednagar, Shirdi and Beed. The polling will take place on May 13.

As many as 2,28,01,151 people from these constituencies will exercise their voting rights. As far as the fifth phase of elections in 13 constituencies, 173 candidates are in the fray.

The polling will take place on May 20 in these 13 seats comprising Dhule, Dindoshi, Nashik, Palghar, Bhiwandi, Kalyan, Thane, Mumbai North, Mumbai North West, Mumbai North East, Mumbai North Central, Mumbai South Central and Mumbai South.

Campaigning ends

Campaigning ended on Sunday for the third phase of Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra, covering 11 constituencies, where the ruling MahaYuti comprising the BJP, the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP, and the Maha Vikas Aghadi comprising the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena, the Sharad Pawar-led NCP and Congress, are locked in a high-stakes political battle.

Voting in this phase will be held on May 7 in Raigad, Baramati, Dharashiv, Latur, Solapur, Madha, Sangli, Satara, Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg, Kolhapur, and Hatkanangle. A total of 258 candidates are in the fray.

Both the competing alliances face the huge challenge of bringing out the maximum number of voters to the polling stations amid ongoing heat waves so that these constituencies report 75 per cent polling on May 7. Both these alliances have stepped up efforts in this regard in the wake of the lower turnout of about 60 to 62.71 per cent in the first and second phases of polling that took place in 13 seats.

Of the 11 constituencies, the BJP is locked in a direct contest against the Congress in Latur and Solapur, against the NCP-SP in Madha and Satara, and against the Shiv Sena-UBT in Sangli and Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg.

The Ajit Pawar-led NCP is contesting the Raigad and Dharashiv seats against the Shiv Sena-UBT, and Baramati against the NCP of Sharad Pawar while the Shiv Sena faces the Congress in Kolhapur and the Shiv Sena-UBT in Hatkanangle.

The BJP roped in Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and UP Chief Minister Yogi Adiyanath while for the MVA, NCP-SP chief Sharad Pawar, Shiv Sena-UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and party General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi addressed poll rallies to charge up the cadres.

Of these 11 constituencies, it is Sharad Pawar vs Ajit Pawar in Baramati as both held hectic campaigning for supremacy and consolidation of their respective positions in their traditional home turf in the first elections after the NCP split in June 2023.

The NCP, led by Sharad Pawar, has fielded sitting MP and his daughter Supriya Sule, who is resolved to score a hat trick, against her sister-in-law (Ajit Pawar’s wife) Sunetra Pawar.

Sharad Pawar and Supriya ran their campaign flagging off Baramati’s development and its future plan while reiterating their strong opposition to BJP’s divisive politics. On his part, Ajit Pawar, carried out his campaign, projecting its contest between Narendra Modi vs Rahul Gandhi and seeking votes for Modi to become PM for this third time.

In Solapur, Madha, Satara, and Sangli from the cooperative-rich and politically vibrant constituencies, the BJP has devoted all resources to spread its wings.

In Solapur, it dropped the sitting MP and nominated its legislator Ram Satpute against Congress nominee and legislator Praniti Shinde. The BJP hopes to score a hat trick while Shinde, daughter of former Union Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde has worked hard to regain Congress’ lost glory.

In Madha, BJP nominee Ranjit Singh Naik Nimbalkar faces a tough challenge from NCP-SP nominee Dhairyasheel Mohite-Patil while in Satara, BJP nominee and Chhatrapati Shivaji’s descendant Udayanraje Bhosle is locked in a direct fight against NCP-SP candidate and Mathadi workers’ representative Shashikant Shinde.

In Sangli, BJP nominee Sanjay Patil hopes to win for the third term in a triangular contest against Shiv Sena-UBT nominee Chandrahar Patil and Congress rebel and former Chief Minister Vasantdada Patil’s grandson Vishal Patil.

In Kolhapur, Congress nominee Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj is taking on the Shiv Sena nominee and sitting MP Sanjay Mandlik. In the neighbouring Hatkanangle, Shiv Sena candidate and sitting MP Dhairyasheel Mane is pitted against Shiv Sena-UBT nominee Satyajit Patil and Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana founder Raju Shetti.

Of the two seats from the Konkan region, in Raigad, state NCP chief Sunil Tatkare is pitted against Shiv Sena-UBT nominee and former Union Minister Anant Geete while Union Minister Narayan Rane is fighting his maiden Lok Sabha elections from Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg seat against Shiv Sena-UBT’s Vinayak Raut who has won in 2014 and 2019 elections.

Of the two seats from the water scarcity-hit Marathwada region, Shiv Sena-UBT candidate and sitting MP Omraje Nimbalkar is locked in a direct contest against NCP candidate Archana Patil who is the wife of his cousin and BJP legislator Rana Jagjit Singh Patil. In Latur, BJP nominee and sitting MP Sudhakar Shrangare is fighting against Congress candidate Shivaji Kalge.

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INDIA 2024 India News Politics

Congress poses 10 questions to Modi, Shah

NDA candidate and Hassan MP Prajwal Revanna was booked in the case on April 28 based on a complaint lodged at Holenarasipura Town police…reports Asian Lite News

Amid the row over the alleged obscene video case involving NDA candidate and Hassan MP Prajwal Revanna in Karnataka, the Congress party launched a fresh attack, demanding answers to “10 questions” from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

During a joint press conference along with Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar in Belagavi, Congress general secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala alleged that Prime Minister Modi and leaders of Janata Dal (Secular) were “protecting a mass rapist”.

Surjewala also claimed that Prime Minister Modi was “aware of the matter” but still allied with the JD(S).

“Our message in this case is clear and simple. Narendra Modi-ji and JD(S) leaders are protecting a mass rapist when the Prime Minister was aware that the candidate of his party and an ally is a serial abuser of thousands of women. A BJP leader in December 2023 approached PM Modi and Amit Shah with all the evidence,” Surjewala told reporters in Belagavi on Sunday.

Raising 10 questions of Prime Minister Modi and Union Home Minister Shah, the Congress leader said, “Firstly, why did they join hands with the Janata Dal (Secular)? Secondly, why did they make him a candidate of the BJP and Janata Dal? Thirdly, why did PM Modi visit Hassan and raise his hands saying Prajwal Revanna’s win will give him more strength? The fourth question is why did Modi-ji, Amit Shah-ji, the BJP and JD(S) hide this truth about Prajwal Revanna even after knowing everything?

“Fifth, when Prajwal Revanna was trying to fly out of India, didn’t Modiji’s external affairs ministry or the passport control board know that a mass rapist is fleeing the country? Why did Modi-ji and Amit Shah-ji allow him to flee?”

“Sixth, the SIT wrote to the CBI and the Modi government on bringing him back wherever he is, why hasn’t Modi-ji or Amit Shah-ji responded to it? Seventh, the chief minister wrote to Modi-ji to cancel Prajwal Revanna’s diplomatic passport, why hasn’t it been done yet? Eighth, our SIT wrote to the CBI, requesting it to ask Interpol to issue a blue-corner notice so that we know where he is. Why did Modiji not do this?”

“Ninth, if a mass rapist flees the country, who should take the onus of bringing him back? Is the state or the central government? If its the central government, then what has Modi-ji and Amit Shah-ji been doing other than accusing Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar? Why are they not telling the truth? Lastly why is Prime Minister Modi so afraid to question Prajwal Revanna? Answer these 10 questions,” Surjewala added.

Surjewala added that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has sought justice for the victims and has written to the CM to ensure the same, while urging Prime Minister Modi and Union Home Minister Shah to answer his “10 questions.”

Earlier, on Saturday evening, Janata Dal (Secular) party leader and Prajwal Revanna’s father, HD Revanna was taken into custody by Special Investigation Team (SIT) officials in Karnataka. The arrest is related to a kidnapping case filed against him at the KR Nagar police station in Bengaluru in connection with the alleged obscene video case.

Revanna was booked in the case on April 28 based on a complaint lodged at Holenarasipura Town police.

The case was registered under sections 354A, 354D, 506, and 509 of the IPC on charges of sexual harassment, intimidation, and outraging the dignity of a woman. As per the complaint, the victim claimed that Prajwal Revanna and his father HD Revanna had sexually assaulted her. A look out notice has been issued against Prajwal Revanna who is currently claimed to be in Germany.

Prajwal Revanna is the grandson of party supremo and former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda.

Speaking to ANI on Sunday about the arrest, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara said, “The SIT have been doing things as per the procedure. I can’t disclose more than that as even I don’t have information regarding everything. Due to the seriousness of the case, we have constituted an SIT and have given full freedom to them to deliver justice.”

“A blue-corner notice has already been issued (to Prajwal Revanna). They’ll locate him wherever he is and after that, procedurally whatever is required, SIT will do that to bring him here” he added.

Dy CM DK Shivakumar declined to comment on the matter saying that the law will take its course.

“The law will take its course. We are in an election campaign and I don’t know what he said. I have not read about it. I have only looked at the newspaper and apart from that I don’t know,” Shivakumar said.

Speaking on the alleged obscene video case earlier this month, Amit Shah said that BJP stands with the ‘Matr Shakti’ while criticising the ruling Congress government in Karnataka for allegedly delaying action.

“BJP’s stand is clear that we stand with the ‘Matr Shakti’ of the country. I want to ask Congress and Priyanka ji who is demanding action, whose government is there? The government is of Congress Party. Why they have not taken any action till now? We do not have to take action on this as this is a law and order issue of the state, state government has to take action on it,” he said. (ANI)

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India News Sport Sports

Siraj’s Swing Magic Earns RCB Victory in IPL 2024 Match

Siraj got the ball to move both ways in his Power-play and that helped him in dismissing Wriddhiman Saha for the fourth time in seven innings…reports Asian Lite News

Friday’s rain ahead of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru-Gujarat Titans clash meant that fast-bowlers could get some help in Saturday’s clash at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium here. It happened exactly like that as Mohammed Siraj, Vysakh Vijaykumar and Yash Dayal were spot-on with their lengths and found movement to bowl out Gujarat Titans for just 147 in Match 52 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024.

Siraj got the ball to move both ways in his Power-play and that helped him in dismissing Wriddhiman Saha for the fourth time in seven innings. He then forced Shubman Gill to whip and ended up being caught at deep point off a leading edge. He eventually finished with figures of 2-29, earning him Player of the Match award after RCB’s four-wicket win.

“I was actually sick since last night and wasn’t going to play at all today, so this is great. When I got up this morning I thought it was better to rest but the almighty made me play. I kind of manifested it this morning because I envisioned it in a way that I would get Saha out like that, caught behind.”

“I had been playing red-ball cricket for long and hadn’t played with the white ball since the ODI World Cup. So my rhythm was missing a little bit when I came here. But it came back gradually as I worked and practised more and more,” said Siraj after the match ended, where it seemed he was getting his white-ball mojo back, especially with the T20 World Cup starting immediately after IPL 2024.

With the bat, Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli gave RCB a blazing start with a 92-run opening stand off just 35 balls. Du Plessis, the RCB captain, was the more aggressive of the two, hitting 10 fours and three sixes in his 23-ball 64.

Du Plessis felt the phase where RCB lost six wickets in quick succession is something to be taken note of while appreciating his bowling group for being consistent. “There was more bounce in the wicket, we got that information and the bowlers were consistently really good. We dropped a catch but have been really consistent.”

“Something around 180-90 would have been a good score, but we’ve seen the way the game has changed. Don’t look at the scoreboard and play the way that we want to play. It was a bit nerve-racking, another wicket, another wicket.”

“Probably not the best (way to complete a chase) but you’re trying to be positive, get your NRR up. It makes sense from that point of view but it gets to the point when you need to show a bit of calmness and composure – probably around four down, so some lessons to be learned from that.”

It took Dinesh Karthik’s 21 not out and Swapnil Singh’s unbeaten 15 to get RCB over the line in 13.4 overs and help them jump to seventh place in the points table. Karthik was having tea and drank cappuccino after four overs, with the thought being his batting chance wouldn’t come, but he had to come in to save the day.

“But things happened and then I had to have a bat. How to hit boundaries, basic cricketing skills come through. I backed myself to get the job done. The pitch was good to bowl on, having been under the covers there was a bit of moisture,” said Karthik.

“Good toss to win but the bowlers did the job beautifully. The way Faf and Virat batted, I don’t think they would have played the same shots batting first! Play for the one that comes in (on advice to Swapnil). Said the sweep is a good option, but commit to it,” he added.

RCB’s win also meant GT slid to ninth place, while Mumbai Indians became the new occupants of tenth position in the points table.

GT captain Shubman Gill admitted his batters should have posted 170-180 on board, with their playoff hopes now hanging by a slim thread.

“It depends on the wicket. First couple of overs you get a good idea and play according to that. I think 170-80 on this wicket would have been a good total. How we batted in the Power-play, and how they bowled, decided the game.”

“We would have had one extra bowler but losing three wickets in the powerplay (changed planning). Very important to start from zero in our next match and move on from this game. Learn from mistakes and not repeat them. All about winning from here on,” said Gill.

RCB will now travel to Dharamsala, where they will take on Punjab Kings on May 9 at the HPCA Stadium while GT will return home to Ahmedabad and rest before preparing to host defending champions Chennai Super Kings on May 10 at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

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Business India News

Narrow USD/INR Band Predicted by CARE Economist

Rupee ends 13 paise down against US dollar at 80.99

The inflation in the US has surpassed the market expectations for four consecutive months, aggravating the inflationary concerns….reports Asian Lite News

The Indian rupee will trade in the narrow band of Rs 83.25– 83.75 against the US dollar in the remaining period of Q1FY25, a top economist at the credit rating agency CARE Ratings said on Friday.

“We expect the USD/INR to trade in the narrow band of 83.25–83.75 in the remainder of Q1FY25. RBI interventions are expected to limit any volatility,” Chief Economist Rajani Sinha said.

According to her, the inflation in the US has surpassed the market expectations for four consecutive months, aggravating the inflationary concerns.

In its May policy, the US Federal Reserve acknowledged limited further progress towards its inflation goal and highlighted that the inflation path remains uncertain. Markets expect US interest rates to stay higher for longer and are pricing in just one rate cut in 2024, Sinha said.

While FPIs have pulled out of Indian markets in April, FPI inflows are expected to rebound following India’s inclusion in the JP Morgan bond index in June, she said.

Meanwhile, experts are waiting for the US job market report which would likely to show that the labour market there remains strong.

“While US non-farm pay-roll additions are expected to slow in April, they are expected to remain well above pre-Covid levels. The US unemployment rate is expected to remain unchanged,” Sinha said.

According to Jateen Trivedi, Vice President Research Analyst, Commodity and Currency, LKP Securities, the market participants are eagerly awaiting the US nonfarm payroll data along with the unemployment data.

“These releases are key indicators that will likely keep market participants active as they provide insights for the Fed’s monetary policy decisions,” he said.

On Friday, the rupee traded within a range of 83.33-83.45, exhibiting minor strength after a positive gap at opening. However, prices drifted lower from 83.33 to 83.45 before closing around 83.42, Trivedi said.

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Business Economy India News

Ola Krutrim Opens Cloud Platform for Developers and Enterprises

Homegrown artificial intelligence (AI) company Ola Krutrim on Saturday announced to open up its cloud platform to enterprises, researchers and developers to build their own products, along with launching a mobile app.

The cloud platform will provide access to AI computing infrastructure, Krutrim’s foundational Models and open-source models to developers.

The Krutrim AI assistant app, built on the company’s own large-language model (LLM), will simplify leveraging the power of AI for everyone, the company said in a statement.

“In line with our Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’, we are committed to developing full-stack AI capabilities in India, for the world,” said Bhavish Aggarwal, Founder, Ola Krutrim.

The AI company in January this year became India’s fastest unicorn, and also the first AI unicorn in the country.

“Our Krutrim assistant app will revolutionise the adoption of GenAI with its ability for a seamless integration into everyone’s life,” Aggarwal said at an event here.

Krutrim has announced Model-as-a-Service (MaaS), offering developers access to its LLMs as well as open-source models being hosted on its cloud at cheaper costs.

The company said it is also planning to release models for voice, image understanding and generation, and pre-tuned LLM agents.

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IIT Delhi and ITU Partner for UN Robotics Championship in India

The Robotics for Good Youth Challenge 2024-2025 is a global initiative of the ITU, as part of AI for Good, the UN platform on artificial intelligence …reports Asian Lite News

The Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) on Saturday joined hands to organise the first ever UN-based educational robotics championship in India in October this year.

The Robotics for Good Youth Challenge 2024-2025 is a global initiative of the ITU, as part of AI for Good, the UN platform on artificial intelligence (AI).

The event, to be organised by IIT Delhi’s technology innovation hub IHFC, will put Indian students and their robotics expertise on the global map. It also looks at targeting students to offer robotic solutions for disaster management, which is a critical focus area across the world.

The challenge is designed for two age groups — Junior (Class 6-8) and Senior (Class 9-12) — where the participants will get to design, build, and programme a robot that completes a mission based on promoting the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The focus is on Robotics for Good, emphasising addressing natural disasters like earthquakes, seismic risk prediction, and soil and subsurface studies. The primary objective is to enable swift intervention during disasters to effectively minimise their impact.

An India qualifying tournament will be held on October 17 at the International Exhibition Convention Centre in Delhi, before a qualifying tournament leading to the grand finale in Geneva during the AI for Good Global Summit 2025.

IHFC aims to handhold the participants, foster innovation in their robotics for good creation, and train them to create something sustainable for managing disasters.

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Business Economy India News

AI Impact on Tablet Market Amid PC, Smartphone Competition

Tech giant Apple saw a lull last year due to “poor economy and the absence of new models” and declined 8.5 per cent (YoY)….reports Asian Lite News

As artificial intelligence (AI) begins to transform personal computing and mobile experience for millions of users globally, can the new technology also drive the slow pace of growth for tablets?

Although the global tablet market began to show some signs of recovery in the January-March quarter this year, as per the IDC, the real gains are yet to come after more than two years of decline.

Anuroopa Nataraj, senior research analyst with IDC, says that the real gains will come from the next refresh cycle, “followed by growth within commercial segments as more tablets are used in the education sector and the gig economy”.

However, these factors will not help as competition from PCs and smartphones will “contribute to a lacklustre outlook for the tablet market”.

Meanwhile, global tablet shipments registered a modest growth of 0.5 per cent (year-on-year) in the first quarter this year, reaching 30.8 million units.

Tech giant Apple saw a lull last year due to “poor economy and the absence of new models” and declined 8.5 per cent (YoY).

The company is set to launch new iPads next week. South Korean company Samsung was second with 6.7 million units in the first quarter, a decline of 5.8 per cent, according to the report.

ALSO READ: Delegates from 23 countries arrive to watch polls in India

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Yadav stronghold Madhepura set for interesting battle

The seat has been dominated by the Yadav community, whose candidates have consistently won Lok Sabha elections from Madhepura since 1967…reports Asian Lite News

Bihar’s Madhepura Lok Sabha seat is set to see an interesting contest between incumbent JD-U MP Dinesh Chandra Yadav and RJD’s Kumar Chandradeep Yadav as both belong to the community that has a stronghold in the constituency.

Madhepura has sent prominent leaders such as former Union Minister Sharad Yadav, ex-Bihar Chief Minister Lalu Prasad and Pappu Yadav to the Lok Sabha. From this seat, Sharad Yadav had won four Lok Sabha elections while RJD supremo Lalu Prasad and Pappu Yadav won two elections each.

The seat has been dominated by the Yadav community, whose candidates have consistently won Lok Sabha elections from Madhepura since 1967, and there is a popular local adage, “Rome Pope ka, Madhepura Gope (Yadavs) ka”.

Madhepura was carved out of the Bhagalpur Lok Sabha constituency in 1967and B.P. Mandal of the Samyukta Socialist Party became the first MP to represent this seat. Mandal in 1968 (by-poll) contested as an Independent candidate from Madhepura and again emerged victorious. He also won the Madhepura seat on Janata Party ticket in 1977. Mandal, who also chaired the Second Backward Class Commission — popularly known as the Mandal Commission, belonged to a rich Yadav family.

Sharad Yadav represented the seat four times in 1991, 1996, 1999 and 2009. However, he lost twice to Lalu Prasad in 1998 and 2004.

As Lalu Prasad also won the election from the Saran Lok Sabha seat in 2004, he gave up Madhepura. Subsequently, Pappu Yadav, who contested on the RJD ticket, won the by-poll in 2004.

In 2014, Pappu Yadav, who was acquitted in the Ajit Sarkar murder case, contested the Lok Sabha election and won from Madhepura on the ticket of RJD. In 2019, JD-U’s Dinesh Chandra Yadav won from the seat, defeating Sharad Yadav.

Madhepura Lok Sabha constituency comprises six Assembly segments — Madhepura, Alamnagar and Bihariganj of Madhepura district and Saharsa, Sonversa and Mahishi of Saharsa district. As per estimates, Madhepura has 6 lakh Yadav voters, followed by 3.5 lakh Muslim, 3 lakh Upper caste, 1.5 lakh Nishad, and 7 lakh Economically Backward Classes (EBC) voters. The voting in Madhepura is scheduled in the third phase on May 7.

Akhilesh confident of win

Meanwhile, Akhilesh said their agitation against Electronic Voting Machines (EVM) would continue. He called resistance against EVMs “a long fight”.

“Germany is an example of an economically and socially stronger country than India, where the use of EVMs is considered unconstitutional… We have decided that we will defeat them using EVMs and then we’ll remove EVMs,” added the SP Chief.

He highlighted that America, Japan, and many European countries don’t consider EVM but consider only ballots.

Yadav stated, “The people of Manipuri have made up their minds to make us win with the great majority…None of their policies have reached the people. The people are ready to give them a response…”

Meanwhile, praising the nomination of his ally partner in the INDIA bloc, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi from Raebareli, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav said on Friday that it is not about family this time, the whole family is on the field to protect the Constitution.

After days of speculation, Rahul Gandhi filed his nomination from Raebareli, a stronghold of the Gandhi family, which was represented by his mother Sonia Gandhi in the outgoing Lok Sabha. There was anticipation earlier that Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will contest from either Amethi or Raebareli, two seats in Uttar Pradesh which are prestige battles for the party.

Speaking on PM Modi’s statement on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s candidature from Raebareli, Yadav stated, “There are many examples of leaders contesting from two Lok Sabha constituencies. We have also contested from two Lok Sabha constituencies, Netaji has also contested from two Lok Sabha constituencies, Prime Minister has also contested from two Lok Sabha constituencies. Rahul Gandhi will win in Wayanad and Raebareli with record votes.” (ANI)

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