The NPS, a voluntary market-linked pension system, is open to all Indian citizens aged 18 to 70, including NRIs. It provides a structured platform for retirement savings, offering tax benefits to contributors. Under current regulations, self-contributing employees can claim tax deductions of up to 10% of their salary (Basic + DA) under Section 80 CCD(1), within an overall limit of Rs. 1.50 lakh under Section 80 CCE.

Moreover, the budget proposed an increase in employer contributions to NPS from 10% to 14%, reinforcing the role of employers in securing long-term financial stability and social security for their employees.

NPS Vatsalya thus stands as a pivotal step towards ensuring financial security from an early age, aligning with broader efforts to enhance retirement planning and social security measures in India.

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PM Modi’s agenda includes substantive discussions with President Vladimir Putin aimed at advancing various aspects of bilateral cooperation. This meeting is crucial given India’s historical reliance on Russian arms and energy supplies. However, recent geopolitical developments have prompted India to diversify its defense procurement and energy sources, reducing its dependence on Russia.

India’s evolving relationships reflect its strategic autonomy, navigating between traditional ties with Moscow and enhanced engagements with Western nations as a counterbalance to regional dynamics, particularly China’s influence in Asia-Pacific. Despite Russia’s reduced share in India’s arms imports, its role as a major supplier of oil remains significant, benefiting both countries economically.

The visit not only underscores India’s strategic pragmatism but also highlights its diplomatic agility in managing complex global relationships while pursuing its national interests. As PM Modi engages in discussions with President Putin and interacts with the Indian community in Russia, the outcomes will likely shape India’s future foreign policy directions amidst evolving global challenges and opportunities.

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How accurate is the Exit Poll?

The exit polls are surveys created by asking who they vote for, So how accurate can they be? Considering 2019 elections averaging various exit poll results predicted 306 seats for NDA and UPA at 120, underestimating their score. In fact, the NDA won 353 seats. According to this year’s Exit Poll results NDA is expected to have 360 to 400 seats out of the 543 parliament seats.

Results in various States-

The exit poll results have predicted NDA’s victory in Karnataka and Maharashtra. Kerala is also predicted to have a Left Led Alliance In West Bengal, the exit polls seem to predict better results for the BJP than they did the last time with 22 seats where they bagged 18 of the 42 seats in 2019. Most exit polls have said that the BJP will now be the single-largest party in Bengal in terms of Lok Sabha seats.

Here are the projections from the top channels:

Republic TV Matrix:
NDA: 353-368
India: 118-133
Others: 43-48

India News D Dynamics:
NDA: 371
India: 125
Others: 47

NDTV India – Jan Ki Baat:
NDA: 365
India: 142
Others:

News Nation:
NDA: 342-378
India: 153-169
Others: 21-23

ABP News:
NDA: 353-383
India: 152-182
Others: 4-12

Times Now:
NDA: 358
India: 152
Others: 33

NDTV:
NDA: 366
India: 144
Others: 33

Exit polls are not always accurate-

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his party, BJP, are expected to return to power for a third term. The Congress party is weakened by-election losses and defeats and is part of the Opposition fighting the BJP. In the 2019 polls, the BJP had 303 seats and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) added 352 seats. The Congress bagged 52 seats and the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) totalled 91 seats in Lok Sabha. The BJP has set a target of 370 seats and with help from the alliance hopes to get it over the 400 mark. There are a total of 543 seats in the Lower House of Parliament and the majority mark is 272 seats.
The Election Results are set to be announced on Tuesday.

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Pre-Poll Restrictions and Preparations

In anticipation of the elections, restrictions on the sale of liquor have been implemented in Delhi 48 hours before polling day. From 6 PM on May 23 to 6 PM on May 25, all liquor stores and licensed premises in Delhi will be closed. This restriction extends to the neighboring cities of Faridabad and Gurugram. Additionally, no liquor sales will be allowed in the national capital on June 4.

To facilitate voter turnout, Delhi Metro and Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) bus services will start earlier than usual on Saturday. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation announced that metro services on all routes will begin at 4 AM. Similarly, DTC will operate additional bus services on 35 routes starting at 4 AM.

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Closures and Services on Polling Day

Schools and educational institutions in Delhi will remain closed on polling day due to the ongoing heatwave conditions. Banks will also be shut on May 25, as it is the fourth Saturday of the month.

Despite these closures, essential services such as hospitals, pharmacies, and public transportation will continue to operate normally on May 25. Commercial establishments, including shops, restaurants, and malls, will remain open.

Upcoming Election Phases

Following this sixth phase, the seventh and final phase of the Lok Sabha elections is scheduled for June 1, with results to be announced on June 4.

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Modi’s Congratulatory Message

In his congratulatory message, PM Modi highlighted the significance of Kapadia’s win. He wrote, “India is proud of Payal Kapadia for her historic feat of winning the Grand Prix at the 77th Cannes Film Festival for her work ‘All We Imagine As Light’.” He noted that as an alumnus of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Kapadia’s exceptional talent showcases the rich creativity of India. Modi added, “This prestigious accolade not only honours her exceptional skills but also inspires a new generation of Indian filmmakers.”

A Historic Achievement

Kapadia’s “All We Imagine As Light” has won the Grand Prix at the 77th Cannes Film Festival, making her the first Indian filmmaker to receive this award. The Grand Prix is the festival’s second-most prestigious prize after the Palme d’Or. Her film is also notable for being the first Indian film in 30 years and the first ever by an Indian female director to be showcased in the main competition. Kapadia received the award from American actor Viola Davis, accompanied by the film’s cast members Kani Kusruti, Divya Prabha, and Chhaya Kadam.

The Film’s Journey and Reception

“All We Imagine As Light” is an Indo-French production that follows the life of Prabha, a nurse played by Kani Kusruti, who receives an unexpected gift from her estranged husband. The story also focuses on Prabha’s younger friend and roommate, Anu (played by Divya Prabha), who seeks a quiet place with her lover. The two women embark on a road trip to a beach town, where they explore their dreams and desires. The film premiered on May 23 and received an eight-minute standing ovation, one of the longest ovations at this year’s festival.

Competing with the Best

Kapadia’s film competed with works from renowned directors like Francis Ford Coppola, Paolo Sorrentino, Paul Schrader, and Yorgos Lanthimos. Despite the stiff competition, “All We Imagine As Light” stood out and earned its place in the spotlight, cementing Kapadia’s status as a trailblazing filmmaker.

With her groundbreaking win, Payal Kapadia has not only achieved a personal milestone but has also paved the way for future Indian filmmakers to gain recognition on the global stage.

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Rajkot Police Commissioner Raju Bhargava stated, “Prima facie, the investigation conducted by the FSL officials and the information given to us by the fire officer after inspecting the site, it seems that some fabrication work was going on there and in that fabrication work, the fire might have started due to welding work.”

While 27 bodies have been recovered, some remains were also found, leading officials to believe the death toll could reach 28. Bhargava noted that TRP Game Zone had submitted proof of fire safety equipment to obtain a fire NOC, but the process was still incomplete.

“The game zone had received permissions from the roads and buildings department. It had also submitted proof of fire safety equipment to obtain the fire NOC, which was under process and not yet completed,” Bhargava told PTI.

The incident has brought to light the issue of gaming zones and recreational facilities operating without necessary approvals from competent authorities. The court will hear the case tomorrow.

FIR Against Six Partners, Two Arrested

In response to the tragedy, the Rajkot Police have registered a first information report (FIR) against six partners of the game zone on charges of culpable homicide not amounting to murder. Two of the accused have been arrested, while the others remain at large.

The individuals named in the FIR include Dhaval Corporation proprietor Dhaval Thakkar, Raceway Enterprise partners Ashoksinh Jadeja, Kiritsinh Jadeja, Prakashchand Hiran, Yuvrajsinh Solanki, and Rahul Rathod. Solanki and the entertainment facility’s manager, Nitin Jain, have been taken into custody.

The accused have been booked under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including:

• Section 304: Culpable homicide not amounting to murder
• Section 308: Attempt to commit culpable homicide
• Section 337: Causing hurt by an act that endangers life or personal safety of others
• Section 338: Causing grievous hurt by an act that endangers life or personal safety of others
• Section 114: Abetment

This tragic incident underscores the importance of stringent safety measures and proper regulatory approvals for public facilities to prevent such devastating accidents in the future.

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According to Hindustan, Sandeep Kumar Singh, the public relations officer of AIIMS Rishikesh, stated that he was unaware of how the police vehicle entered and exited the AIIMS premises and mentioned that further details would be provided after an investigation.

Vinesh Kumar, the AIIMS outpost in charge, explained that they followed the route indicated by AIIMS security. He questioned the issue of exiting through the emergency ward.

The nursing officer, Satish Kumar, was detained by the police after a junior resident doctor accused him of molesting her while on duty in the trauma surgery unit and sending her an obscene SMS, according to Rishikesh Kotwali SHO Shankar Singh Bisht, as reported by Times Now.

The incident sparked outrage among resident doctors at AIIMS Rishikesh, who demanded the immediate termination of the nursing officer instead of just a suspension. They protested outside the Dean of Academics’ office on Monday, raising slogans. Following their protest, a case was registered against the accused at Rishikesh Kotwali.

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Assam witnessed the highest voter turnout at 81.61 percent, with four constituencies participating in this phase. Conversely, Uttar Pradesh recorded the lowest turnout at 57.34 percent across 10 constituencies. Despite a slight dip of 2.9 percent in voter turnout compared to the 2019 general elections, the overall participation remained significant.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah set the tone for the day as they exercised their franchise in Ahmedabad. Following his vote, PM Modi urged voters to actively participate in the electoral process, emphasizing the importance of making these polls vibrant.

With the conclusion of Phase 3, the fate of 283 out of the total 543 seats in the lower house of Parliament has been decided. As the country progresses towards the next phase, scheduled for May 13, anticipation builds for the results that will shape the nation’s political landscape.

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As the world’s largest democracy, India’s electoral process garners attention both domestically and internationally. Each phase of the Lok Sabha elections brings forth new insights and developments, reflecting the diverse voices and aspirations of the Indian populace.

The significance of voter turnout cannot be overstated, as it is a cornerstone of democracy. High participation rates demonstrate the electorate’s engagement with the democratic process and their determination to have their voices heard.

While Phase 3 may have concluded, the journey towards the formation of the next government continues. Political parties intensify their campaigns, reaching out to voters with promises and agendas aimed at addressing the nation’s pressing issues.

As the country eagerly awaits the results of Phase 3, the stage is set for further electoral dynamics to unfold in the subsequent phases. With each voter casting their ballot, they play a pivotal role in shaping the future of India and determining the course of governance for years to come.

In the coming days, all eyes will remain on the electoral process as the nation moves closer to electing its representatives and charting its path forward. The Lok Sabha elections of 2024 stand as a testament to the enduring spirit of democracy and the collective will of the Indian people to shape their destiny through the ballot box.

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Parbhani leads the turnout at 33.88%, despite earlier boycotts in protest against encroachments. Nanded follows at 32.93%, Wardha at 32.32%, Akola at 32.25%, Yavatmal Washim at 31.47%, Amravati at 31.40%, Hingoli at 30.46%, and Buldhana at 29.07%. Notably, Buldhana, Yavatmal-Washim, and Hingoli witness a direct Shiv Sena vs. Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT) contest. Mahadev Jankar of Rashtriya Samaj Paksha contests against MP Sanjay Jadhav in Parbhani. Akola sees BJP’s Anup Dhotre vs. Congress’ Abhay Patil. Amravati witnesses a battle between MP Navneet Rana (now BJP nominee) and Congress’ Balwant Wankhede.

In the first phase on April 19, Nagpur, Ramtek, Chandrapur, Bhandara-Gondia, and Gadchiroli-Chimur recorded a 63.70% voter turnout.

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The press conference, chaired by Sandeep Pathak, the Organizational General Secretary of AAP, brought together party leaders, MLAs, councillors, and office bearers to deliberate on the future strategy of the party in light of Kejriwal’s detention. The meeting, scheduled at 11:30 am, marks the first major gathering of AAP following the arrest of their leader.

Despite being in custody, Kejriwal issued directives concerning the administration of Delhi. One such directive was directed towards Water Minister Atishi, tasking her with addressing water and sewer-related issues in specific areas of the city. Atishi, visibly moved by Kejriwal’s instructions, expressed her emotions during a press briefing. She highlighted Kejriwal’s empathy for the residents of Delhi, despite facing his own challenges.

Atishi recounted receiving the instructions from Kejriwal on Saturday evening and described being moved to tears by his concern for the people of Delhi. She emphasized Kejriwal’s dedication to the welfare of Delhiites, even from his confinement. In a social media post, Atishi lauded Kejriwal’s commitment, stating that he prioritizes the well-being of the people over his personal predicament. She highlighted Kejriwal’s familial approach to governance, likening him to a father, son, and brother to the people of Delhi.

Kejriwal’s arrest stems from his alleged involvement in a money laundering case related to an excise policy. The ED arrested him at his official residence on Thursday, following which a court granted custody to the central agency until March 28th.

Despite his detention, Kejriwal remains actively engaged in the governance of Delhi. He directed the deployment of water tankers in areas facing scarcity to bolster the water supply ahead of the approaching summer months. Atishi revealed that Kejriwal instructed the issuance of directives to the chief secretary and other officials, while also suggesting seeking assistance from Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena if necessary.

The episode underscores Kejriwal’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of Delhi residents, even amid legal challenges. His directive from custody and the subsequent actions taken by his administration reflect his determination to address pressing issues facing the city.

The press conference held by the AAP alliance signifies a united front in the face of adversity, as party leaders come together to chart a path forward in Kejriwal’s absence. The discussions held during the meeting are expected to shape the party’s strategy and agenda in the coming days.

As Delhi braces for the unfolding developments surrounding Kejriwal’s arrest, the AAP alliance remains steadfast in its resolve to uphold the principles of transparency, accountability, and service to the people. Kejriwal’s detention may have temporarily disrupted the political landscape, but his vision and dedication continue to resonate with the citizens of Delhi.

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