Secret Dossier Reveals Queen Elizabeth I's Network Of Spies: Report

A document titled "The Names of the Intelligencers" has now disclosed the hidden network of spies of England and Ireland's former Queen Elizabeth I.

The single sheet of paper has been lying undisturbed in the National Archives for over a century, as per a Guardian report.

The report also mentioned that this paper is part of a 428-year-old secret dossier that once belonged to Robert Cecil, the spymaster for Queen Elizabeth. Cecil is also the man who discovered the Gunpowder Plot in 1605. Putting this document together with the dossier shows how Cecil used a secret spy network to watch European kings and queens for England.

Historian Stephen Alford, who is also a professor of early modern British history at the University of Leeds, found the list nearly 15 years ago. He believes it was England's “first properly organised secret service”. Alford has been working to reconstruct Cecil's files on each spy ever since he found the document.

“There were lots of names listed – some I recognised, people in or close to the privy council of Elizabeth I, and lots I didn't know. Eventually, I realised that the numbers next to their names were folio numbers and that this was really a contents page. That was a lightbulb moment,” said Mr Alford as per the report.

The list of spies had been placed in a “miscellaneous” folder by Victorian archivists. As per Mr Alford's beliefs, Cecil began to write the document in 1596. 

Mr Alford thinks that he is “probably the first scholar” to take an interest in this document. He also said, “The Victorians had a habit, where if they came across papers that didn't make sense to them, that were a little mysterious and couldn't be filed away in a neat and tidy way, they would scratch their heads and then stick them in a miscellaneous folder and ignore them. And that's where historians now find really interesting stuff.” 

Mr Alford searched through old archives for relevant papers marked with small numbers matching the index. Many papers were damaged from poor storage in the Tower of London, often by rats and mice leaving stains and even bite marks. Despite these challenges, the documents survived.

Before Mr Alford's research, scholars believed Cecil had only a few scattered spies. However, he discovered Cecil had a well-organised network of over 20 spies in cities like Lisbon, Calais, Brussels, Seville, Rome, Amsterdam, Scotland, Sweden, and other places. Mr Alford said, “He (Cecil) chose merchants because they travel, can read and write, speak European languages and have networks of their own.”

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In Mann Ki Baat, PM Modi Talks Of New Campaign To Honour Mothers

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today resumed his monthly radio programme, 'Mann ki Baat', days after taking charge as the Prime Minister for a third consecutive term

PM Modi's last 'Mann Ki Baat' was aired on February 25, before the poll schedule was announced. The BJP-led NDA won 292 seats and prevailed over the Opposition alliance, INDIA, which bagged 232 seats.

In today's 'Mann ki Baat', PM Modi said the 2024 general election was the biggest election in the world. "Such a big election has never taken place in any country in the world. More than 65 crore people voted in the election," he said.

He also thanked voters for re-electing the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the elections. "People reposed their unbreakable trust in the Constitution and democratic process in the Lok Sabha elections," he said.

The Lok Sabha elections were held from April 19 to June 1 in seven phases. The counting took place on June 4.

PM Modi talked about the Centre's new campaign - 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' - to honour mothers by planting a tree. "I have also planted a tree in the name of my mother and I have appealed to all the countrymen to plant a tree to honour their mothers," he said.

The Prime Minister also spoke about Indian athletes who will be competing in the Paris Olympics next month. He noted that Indian athletes have participated in more than 900 international competitions.

The country expects its players to put up an excellent performance in the Paris Olympics, he said while urging the people to use 'cheer4Bharat' hashtag to motivate them.

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Can Biden Be Replaced As Democratic Presidential Nominee? Best Way Is...

Within minutes of the conclusion of this week's presidential debate between Joe Biden and Donald Trump, it became clear to many that the 81-year-old Biden may not be capable of winning the general election in November.

His inability to clearly communicate during the 90-minute debate earned harsh criticism from across the US political spectrum, most notably among Democrats.

Van Jones, a former official in the Obama administration and CNN analyst, said about Biden:

He had a test to meet tonight to restore confidence in the country and of the base, and he failed to do that.

We're still far from our convention. And there is time for this party to figure out a different way forward.

Biden did land a few blows on his predecessor over Trump's various personal indiscretions and the January 6 2021 insurrection on the US Capitol, saying at one point, “you've got the morals of an alley cat”.

But it was not enough to persuade many sceptics that Biden is capable of fighting off the Trump campaign, not to mention performing the duties of US commander-in-chief and the hardest job in the world for another four years.

If polls over the weekend show Biden is losing support after his dreadful debate performance, which seems highly likely, the move to replace him as the Democrats' candidate will become even more intense and, ultimately, irresistible.

How would this play out in the next few weeks?

Persuading Biden to step aside

Even with the withering criticism from his party, Biden remains in control of his fate. He won 99% of the pledged delegates in the Democratic primary process earlier this year, meaning he is entitled to the nomination. As a result, any decision to move to a different candidate starts with Biden himself.

Absent dramatic health news or his removal under the 25th amendment to the Constitution, which allows for such action by the vice president and a majority of his cabinet if the president is “unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office”, Biden would have to agree to step down as the party's nominee.

We should be realistic here: Biden is a very stubborn man. You don't get to be the president of the United States without being enormously self-confident. Biden may not be the smartest or most talented politician, but he is dogged and relentless in his ambitions.

He ran for president twice before his success in 2020. He didn't let a brain aneurysm, plagiarism charges, familial dramas or personal tragedy stop him seeking the highest office in the land. The day after the debate with Trump, he shook his fist at a campaign event in North Carolina and asserted, “When you get knocked down, you get back up”.

Persuading Biden to step down would require collaboration with his wife, First Lady Jill Biden. “Dr Jill”, as she is known, has taken a hands-on role in managing the president's daily life and public appearances.

There are very few Democratic Party elders who can be influential with the Bidens. The list probably starts and stops with former President Barack Obama and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. If those two go to the first lady and forcefully urge Biden's withdrawal, it could be very difficult to resist.

How could Biden save face?

If Biden withdraws from the race before the Democratic convention in mid-August, his delegates could then vote for a new nominee at the event. Potential nominees include Vice President Kamala Harris, California Governor Gavin Newsom, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro.

Notably, except for Harris, none of these candidates has been vetted publicly during the Democratic primary process for the world's most scrutinised job.

If Biden were to withdraw from the race after the convention, a special meeting of the members of the Democratic National Committee would decide on the new nominee. This committee includes around 500 leading party members from all US states and territories. (Whitmer is one of three vice chairs.)

A question senior Biden confidants might be asking themselves is, which scenario offers Biden a more graceful and successful exit?

He may want to anoint a successor and he would want to choose the method that offers him the most control. That may be the convention route, where he at least can claim the allegiance of his primary delegates.

This would require an announcement in the next few weeks. The sooner the better, so as to build as much public support as possible for a new nominee. Biden could salvage a significant amount of his reputation if his handpicked successor then defeated Trump in November.

Things look grim for Democrats right now, but in the long run, they may be in a strong position. Trump is very unpopular with most Americans. The 2021 insurrection remains a massive stain on his legacy. His vote ceiling among probable voters in November is still likely below 50%.

Veteran Obama strategist David Axelrod warned Republicans after the debate:

If, for whatever reason, there's a change at the top of the ticket, you guys are in trouble with Donald Trump. Because the guy who was up there tonight is not a guy who's going to inspire people.

A tough and nimble Democratic candidate who can communicate clearly could be very successful in November.

(Author: Lester Munson, Non-Resident Fellow, United States Studies Centre, University of Sydney)

(Disclosure Statement: Lester Munson receives funding from the U.S. Studies Centre at the University of Sydney. He is affiliated with BGR Group, a Washington, D.C., consulting firm and is a former Republican official in the George W. Bush administration and on Capitol Hill)

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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Video: Delhi BJP Councillor "Rows Boat" On Road Amid Severe Waterlogging

As heavy rain through the night submerged large parts of Delhi this morning, a politician was seen rowing an inflatable boat on a flooded street. It was a show of protest against the "collapsing" infrastructure, Delhi BJP councillor Ravinder Singh Negi said.

Mr Negi, a resident of Vinod Nagar in east Delhi, demonstrated how bad the flooding was in the locality, and blamed the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Delhi.

"...All PWD drains are overflowing. They didn't get it cleaned ahead of Monsoon. This has led to waterlogging...Vinod Nagar is submerged," said the BJP leader, pausing his frantic "rowing" to speak to news agency ANI.

#WATCH | Delhi: BJP Councillor Ravinder Singh Negi rows an inflatable boat amid severe waterlogging as a symbolic protest against Delhi Government. Visuals from NH9 area.

He says, "...All PWD drains are overflowing. They didn't get it cleaned ahead of Monsoon. This has led to... pic.twitter.com/eUMivjGYsR

— ANI (@ANI) June 28, 2024

Parts of Delhi-NCR received heavy rain this morning which caused waterlogging roads across the national capital and causing a portion of the roof of the Delhi airport's Terminal-1 to collapse.

The Safdarjung weather station recorded 153.7 mm of rainfall, which began around 3 am.

Delhi Traffic Police has put out an update stating that traffic has been affected on Ring Road in both the carriageways from Naraina towards Moti Bagh and vice-versa due to waterlogging under Dhaula Kuan Flyover. It urged commuters to plan their journey accordingly.

Delhi Metro Rail Corporation said that due to heavy rains, entry/exit has been closed at Yashobhoomi Dwarka Sector - 25 Metro station. "Shuttle service from Delhi Aerocity Metro station to Terminal 1-IGI Airport has been suspended. Normal service on all other lines," DMRC said.

Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party leader Ram Gopal Yadav was lifted up by his staff members to his car as the area outside his house was flooded with water as he left for the ongoing Parliament session.

In the video, Mr Yadav can be seen being helped by members of his staff and others to his car in the Lodi Estate Area as the area around his residence was completely submerged.

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OnePlus Ace 3 Pro With Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC, 6,100mAh Battery Launched: Price, Specifications

OnePlus Ace 3 Pro was launched in China on Thursday. The handset is equipped with a 50-megapixel triple rear camera system and is powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC. It also packs a 6,100mAh Glacier battery with support for 100W wired fast charging. The phone also comes with support for up to 24GB RAM.

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iQoo Neo 9s Pro+ Confirmed to Launch in July; Tipped to Get Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC, 5,500mAh Battery

iQoo confirmed the arrival of a new Neo series phone — iQoo Neo 9s Pro+ —in its home country. The forthcoming handset is teased to come in a dual-tone finish. Additionally, a Chinese tipster has shared insights about the specifications of iQoo Neo 9s Pro+. It is expected to run on Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 SoC.

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WhatsApp Reportedly Testing New Shortcut Button for Quick Replies to Video Notes

WhatsApp introduced Instant Video Notes in 2023, enabling users to record and send 60-second video messages to others directly in chat. The instant messaging platform is now enhancing that feature by enabling quick replies for it, according to a feature tracker. The new option is said to be spotted in a beta version of WhatsApp for Android.

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Opinion: The Great Asian Reconciliation: Can India-China Find Common Ground?

London is known for its open intellectual climate, where no idea is off-limits. But even in this dynamic city - and indeed in Washington too - it's almost blasphemous to suggest that Russia and the West can be partners, or that the US and China can coexist as global powers. Recently, Nigel Farage, the Reform Party leader in the UK, faced a storm for urging the West to negotiate sensibly with Russia over Ukraine, calling the war a 'complete stalemate'. People accused him of "echoing Russian propaganda".

In India, we often hear that we don't cultivate a society where all ideas are welcome. But let's hope that suggesting a new chapter of "Hindi-Cheeni bhai-bhai" (India-China brotherhood) isn't seen as blasphemy. The strong anti-China sentiment after the Galwan Valley clash in 2020 seems to have subsided. We're buying more Chinese goods now than ever. In 2023, our bilateral trade hit over $136 billion. Hopefully, even those who burnt Chinese products in Gujarat and Delhi following the border skirmishes are more open to the idea now.

Sure, it might sound crazy to suggest that India and China should become trusted partners like the US and India, or Russia and China. But, it's not entirely out of the question.

Sure, it might sound crazy to suggest that India and China should become trusted partners like the US and India, or Russia and China. But, it's not entirely out of the question.

Major Geopolitical Shifts

India's rise to become a global power is unstoppable; even China knows that. Talking to Chinese academics and journalists, you get the sense that they're open to establishing long-term ties based on mutual respect. They like India, they want more people-to-people interactions, and one of them even wondered recently why India does not try to cast its spell over the dragon through its soft power of Bollywood  

Both countries have the responsibility to lift millions of their combined 2.8 billion people out of poverty. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has pledged to make India a developed country by 2047, which is a huge task. There are challenges, but if India and China team up and leverage each other's strengths, it could be a major geopolitical shift, with far-reaching implications for global politics. 

Read | Modi-Hasina Should Worry About China, But Not Too Much

The US and its allies might be shocked and deeply concerned by a close India-China partnership. The West has benefited from the rivalry between the two countries as it aligns with their strategy of counterbalancing China's rise. A partnership between these two Asian giants could undermine the West's strategic interests in the region. Kishore Mahbubani, former Singaporean ambassador to the UN, has often said that most of Asia would cheer if this were to happen.

So, can India and China find common ground despite tensions over their disputed border? Prof. Mahbubani believes that while the two may never be best friends, they can have a good working relationship. He even says the 21st century belongs to the CIA (China, India, and ASEAN) countries. With US power on the decline, these countries will drive the world's economic growth.

A Rollercoaster Ride

The idea of India and China being close friends isn't new. Historically, they've acted like quarrelsome neighbours who fight and make up repeatedly. They share a long history of cultural and economic exchange dating back over two millennia. The Silk Road facilitated trade, and Buddhism, which started in India, found a significant following in China. These ancient ties laid a foundation of mutual respect and cultural affinity. During the colonial era, both countries faced subjugation by Western powers, fostering a sense of shared struggle. 

After gaining independence from the British, India faced border issues with China, and they continue to strain their relationship. In the early 1950s, the relationship was marked by camaraderie, epitomised by the slogan "Hindi-Chini Bhai-Bhai". However, this period of cooperation was short-lived. The border dispute escalated into a full-scale war in 1962, leaving a lasting scar on bilateral relations. The disputed borders, particularly in the Aksai Chin and Arunachal Pradesh regions, remain contentious issues.

The rivalry between the US and China will continue, and India will remain under US pressure in its effort to manage China. However, India's strategic positioning between the US and China can work to its advantage.

Before the Galwan incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi naturally leaned towards engaging with China. As Gujarat's Chief Minister, he made four trips to the country to attract investment. As Prime Minister, he has visited China twice, and President Xi Jinping reciprocated with two visits to India. Both countries have emerged as major global economic powers, engaging in significant economic competition and areas of cooperation within multilateral frameworks like BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).

Strategic Rivalry

Strategically, India and China view each other with suspicion. The latter's close ties with Pakistan, its infrastructure projects in South Asia under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), and its military presence in the Indian Ocean have heightened India's security concerns.

Conversely, India's growing partnership with the US and its participation in the Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) is viewed warily by China. The 2020 Galwan Valley clash exacerbated tensions and highlighted the fragility of the relationship. Despite several rounds of military and diplomatic talks, a comprehensive resolution to the border disputes remains elusive.

Mumbai's Shanghai Dreams

Many youth in India might not know that not too long ago, India used to compare itself with Pakistan in all spheres. This attitude changed around the turn of the millennium, when the Maharashtra government launched a mega project to revamp Mumbai in 2004, based on the "Vision Mumbai" report by Bombay First, an organisation comprising some of Mumbai's super-rich stakeholders. The report outlined strategies for transforming Mumbai into "another Shanghai". While the project to transform Mumbai is still a "work in progress", it marked the beginning of India's comparisons with China. Today, China sees India as its great rival, at least in Asia.

Read | China Is Revamping Its Military, And India Must Not Take It Lightly

Projections show that the Indian economy will surpass Germany and Japan's to become the world's third-largest one by 2027. Currently, however, India's economy is only 19% the size of China's, even though it feeds nearly the same number of people. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), India's nominal GDP in 2023 stood at $3.5 trillion, compared to China's $18.2 trillion. India's per capita income was $2,411, while China's was $12,720. China's exports last year exceeded $3.38 trillion, while India's exports were $778 billion.

Collaboration Possibilities

Since China opened its economy in 1978, it has lifted 800 million people out of poverty - a feat that hasn't been matched by any regime in history. India has also succeeded in reducing poverty significantly. Both nations have many more millions to help. Collaborating in economic development, technology, infrastructure, environmental initiatives, healthcare, cultural exchange, and geopolitical stability can benefit both countries and the world. Overcoming historical tensions and building trust through consistent dialogue will be crucial.

The intense rivalry between the US and China will continue, and India will remain under pressure from the US to stay a reliable partner in its effort to manage China. However, India's strategic positioning between the US and China can work to its advantage. Ultimately, New Delhi's strategic interests are best served by a balanced approach that navigates the complex dynamics of US-China relations while advancing its own national objectives. 

India knows that neighbours with shared borders may fight at times, but they can still continue to believe in the 'love thy neighbour' dictum.

(Syed Zubair Ahmed is a London-based senior Indian journalist with three decades of experience with the Western media)

Disclaimer: These are the personal opinions of the author

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CMF Phone 1 Teased to Feature Removable Back Plate, Enhancing Customisation Options

CMF Phone 1’s latest teaser suggests it could feature a removable back plate. Courtesy of cryptic social media posts by the company, it was already confirmed that the handset would have a screw-like design element at the back, but its purpose was undefined. However, CMF’s new teaser of the Phone 1 hints at a removable back plate with the screw, increasing the cust...

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Moto Razr 50 Ultra India Launch Date Set for July 4; Amazon Availability Confirmed

Motorola announced it will launch the Moto Razr 50 Ultra on July 4 in India. Motorola is dropping multiple teasers through its official X handle about the launch. Additionally, Amazon has published a dedicated webpage revealing the launch date and specifications.

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iQoo Z9 Lite Launch Timeline, Colour Options Tipped; Could be Rebranded Vivo T3 Lite 5G

iQoo Z9 Lite, a budget variant said to be part of the iQoo Z9 lineup, could launch soon. The company has not yet confirmed the handset but leaks suggest that it will likely be a 5G offering. The rumoured smartphone is expected to join the iQoo Z9 5G and the iQoo Z9x 5G, which were unveiled in India in March and May this year, respectively. A tipster has now suggested ...

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US Woman Vanishes In Bahamas While Attending Yoga Retreat

A 41-year-old US woman has been missing since last week after she travelled to the Bahamas to attend a yoga retreat. According to NBC News, Taylor Casey was last seen on Wednesday around Paradise Island. She travelled to the Caribbean country for the Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat before she "mysteriously vanished". In a statement, her family members said that they are "deeply concerned" for Ms Casey's safety and well-being. They believe that the 41-year-old is in "danger" as she "would never disappear like this". 

"We are deeply concerned for Taylor's safety and well-being. I believe Taylor is in danger because she was eager to share her yoga retreat experience with others upon her return," the worried mother said as the family urged anyone with information to come forward, as per the outlet. "Taylor would never disappear like this," she added.

On Tuesday, the Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat Bahamas also confirmed Ms Casey's disappearance and said that it had asked police to investigate. According to the retreat, the 41-year-old didn't attend morning classes on Thursday after she was last seen the evening before. "The Ashram is asking anyone with information on Ms. Casey to contact the local police. In the interim it is collaborating with the authorities on their investigation," the retreat centre said, per CBS News. 

Also Read | "Not Many Know The Struggles": Entrepreneur On How He Got US Green Card After 15 Years

Ms Casey's family is now expected to travel to the Caribbean country this week to assist in the search. Her loved ones have described her as a Black American with light skin and a thin appearance, standing 5 feet, 10 inches, with natural, often-covered hair. She is an "intelligent, deeply caring, thoughtful and joyful person," who has been practising yoga for 15 years, the family members said. 

Notably, Ms Casey's disappearance comes as the US State Department warned travellers earlier this year to exercise increased caution in the Bahamas, including in Nassau, because of crime. "Violent crime, such as burglaries, armed robberies, and sexual assaults, occur in both tourist and non-tourist areas," officials warned. 

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Lenovo Legion Tablet India Launch Confirmed; Design, Key Features Revealed

Lenovo Legion Tablet will soon be available for purchase in India. It was first unveiled in March this year. Promotional banners for the India launch of the tablet have surfaced on an e-commerce site. These have confirmed the design and key features of the Indian version of the tablet as well as its pre-order details.

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Realme C61 4G Specifications, Price and Other Details Reportedly Leaked Ahead of Launch

Realme C61 4G is expected to launch in India and in global markets soon. Ahead of its launch, the smartphone’s specifications may have been leaked. It is expected to be a budget offering from the company. As per a report, it may be powered by a Unisoc chipset with up to 6GB RAM and come in multiple storage options.

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"Hindus Don't Indulge In Communalism, Only One Religion...": Himanta Sarma

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday claimed that members of the Bangladesh-origin minority community overwhelmingly voted for the Congress in this Lok Sabha election, without considering the development work done for them by the BJP-led governments at the Centre and in the state. He also alleged that it is the only community in Assam which indulges in communalism.

Speaking at a felicitation programme of winning candidates of the BJP and its allies at the party's state headquarters here, he said the ruling alliance garnered nearly 47 per cent of the votes polled, while Congress and its allies bagged 39 per cent of the votes.

The BJP-AGP-UPPL coalition won 11 out of the 14 Lok Sabha seats in the state, with Congress bagging the remaining three.

"If we analyse the 39 per cent votes of the Congress, it is not spread across the state. Fifty per cent of it is concentrated in 21 assembly segments which are minority dominated. In these minority-dominated segments, BJP got 3 per cent votes," he claimed.

"This proves that Hindus do not indulge in communalism. If anyone indulges in communalism in Assam, it is only one community, one religion. No other religion does it," the Chief Minister asserted, without naming any sect.

He said that the minority-dominated areas may have no roads, no electricity, but they have been voting overwhelmingly for Congress and did so again.

In contrast, though BJP has been working for the Assamese people and tribals, these communities have not voted 100 per cent for the saffron party, he added.

"Except in Karimganj, if we consider the centres with majority Bangladesh-origin people, 99 per cent of votes have gone to Congress," he said.

"They (minority people) may be residing in houses given by (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi, availing electricity and sanitation facilities provided by Modi, but when they go to vote, they vote for Congress," Mr Sarma claimed.

He maintained that the Bangladesh-origin community will vote for Congress because they want to "control the state in the next 10 years".

Mr Sarma alleged that the members of the community attacked a police station in Lakhimpur, a village in Barpeta and tried to encroach land in Kokrajhar when the BJP government was "inactive" since the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) was in place..

"When BJP government will not be there, one can only imagine how many such attacks will happen," he added.

The Chief Minister said the BJP and its allies had won 92 out of 126 assembly segments in this Lok Sabha election, which was the highest ever for any ruling alliance in the state.

"This time, we got 47 per cent votes. Our target will be to get 50 per cent of the votes in 2026 state polls," the BJP leader added.

Mr Sarma asserted that BJP is into politics for nation building and will continue to work for development of all parts, irrespective of whether its candidate had won or not from those areas.

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

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Big Find In Chhattisgarh Op: Maoists Printing Fake Notes, Using In Markets

An anti-Maoist operation in Chhattisgarh's Sukma district has led to a striking discovery that may have severe implications for the local economy. For the first time, security forces have found in Maoist camps equipment used to print fake currency.

While this indicates that extensive security operations in the region have crippled the rebels' cash flow, use and circulation of such fake currency in local markets may create a massive problem.

The startling find was made during a joint search operation by Sukma Police, District Reserve Guard and the CRPF in the forests of Korajguda yesterday.

District police chief Kiran Chavan told NDTV that they launched the search based on intelligence inputs about Maoists printing counterfeit currency in the forest. While the rebels managed to flee, the forces found currency printing machines, ink, templates and fake notes of several denominations -- Rs 50, Rs 100, Rs 200 and Rs 500 at their hideout. Several other items, including a gun, a wireless set and a large quantity of explosives, were also seized.

"The way they are printing notes, it is understood that the Naxalite organization is facing a shortage of money. The ongoing operations in the interior areas have significantly reduced their funding, prompting them to resort to printing counterfeit currency," the senior officer said.

Maoists are known to buy supplies from weekly village markets. Their use of fake currency in these transactions can potentially destabilise the local economy. To counter this, local authorities and security forces are launching awareness campaigns in villages and asking residents to be vigilant and reject any suspicious currency.

Traders and hawkers, especially those in remote areas, are being advised to thoroughly check notes before accepting them.

According to sources, Maoists adopted a new tactic since 2022 to print fake currency and address the organisation's cash crunch. At least one member from each area committee was trained to fake notes. This currency was then used in local markets and entered the cash system.

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"Lady Don" Who Honey-Trapped Burger King Victim Spotted At Rail Station

The woman, who had allegedly honey-trapped the 26-year-old man killed in a shooting spree at a Delhi's Burger King outlet, was spotted at the Katra Railway Station on Thursday.

Anu, also known as "Lady Don" among her gang members, was seen carrying her luggage at the Katra railway station on Thursday in a security camera footage. She had covered her face with a scarf.

Sources say she boarded a train bound for Mumbai at around 10 am on Thursday.

Police sources say the woman - a close aide of fugitive gangster Himanshu Bhau - was part of the trap set up to lure Aman Joon to the Burger King outlet in Rajouri Garden where he was murdered.

Anu belongs to Haryana's Rohtak and has a criminal record. "Attempts are being made to track her down," police said.

As many as 38 bullets of three different makes were fired at Aman Joon inside the fast food outlet, the FIR says. The different bullets suggest that more than two weapons were used by the two shooters.

In another security camera footage, which was released earlier, Anu was seen sitting with Aman when the gunmen opened fire.

CCTV footage has shown that Anu took a train from GTB Nagar Metro Station to reach Rajouri Garden and after the murder, she took the metro from Rajouri Garden to Shakurpur Metro Station

Aman's body was found behind the billing counter, indicating that he tried to flee when the killers opened fire.

Himanshu Bhau, suspected to be in Portugal now, has claimed responsibility for the murder in a social media post, calling it a "revenge killing".

Himanshu Bhau, whose gang operates across Delhi and Haryana, is notorious for extortion, the police officer said. Bhau, an associate of jailed gangster Neeraj Bawana, fled the country in 2022.

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Video: Residents, Guards Clash At Posh Gurugram Apartment Over Liquor

A clash broke out between residents and security guards at a posh housing society in Gurugram on Thursday after an argument over liquor consumption, the police said.

The incident was reported on Thursday after a security guard objected to a group of residents having liquor at the complex area of ROF Ananda Society in Gurugram's Sector 95.

The conversation soon led to a heated argument and the residents started thrashing the security guard. He then alerted the Quick Response Team (QRT) team.

The video of the incident shows, residents hitting a QRT personnel as the team arrives. Another security personnel tries to rescue his colleague and hits a resident with a stick. But the group snatches the stick from him and thrashes him instead.

As the clash intensified, one QRT personnel ran away to escape the chaotic scene, while the other one got out of the apartment in his vehicle. A biker was hit as the security personnel reversed his vehicle, the video shows.

Police said they are examining the security camera footage and investigation is on.

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Blog: Mardini Sisters And Eriksen: Two Stories That Prove Miracles Happen, All The Time

Exactly three years ago, The Guardian published a story with this headline: "The day Denmark stood still: Christian Eriksen's collapse and the heroes who saved him." 

On June 12, 2021, Denmark faced Finland in a match in the 2020 Euro tournament. In the 43rd minute, the world witnessed a shock as Denmark's midfielder collapsed on the pitch for reasons then unknown. Realising something was terribly wrong, fellow players rushed to ensure that his airway remained open. The team doctor feared the worst - Eriksen had suffered a heart attack on the pitch.
He lay on the pitch for a tense 13 minutes before somehow regaining consciousness on the way to the nearby hospital. Reportedly, one of his first requests after regaining consciousness was to have his boots removed, as he believed he might never need them again.

Exactly three years later, on June 16, Christian Eriksen returned to play in the ongoing edition of the Euro Football tournament, donning the national jersey once more. In the 17th minute, a miracle happened as Eriksen scored the first goal for his team, reportedly wearing the same boots from that fateful day. It was like a fairytale we expect to happen all the time.

If this isn't a miracle, what is? These are the moments that give us hope, showing that bouncing back from the brink is always possible.

Hoping Through Dark Times

I felt the same sense of awe while watching the Netflix movie The Swimmers, based on the true story of two Syrian girls, Yusra Mardini and her elder sister, Sara Mardini. Residents of Damascus, the sisters dreamt of representing their country in the Olympics. But Syria's civil war made it nearly impossible. Their push came when a bomb hit a venue where they were competing in a swimming competition. With no choice but to seek asylum as refugees in Germany, they embarked on a daunting journey without knowing how to reach their destination.

Undeterred by the challenges ahead, the sisters, along with a relative, embarked on a journey as nerve-wracking as it could be. While their flight to Turkey was smooth, what followed tested even the toughest nerves. Local guides facilitating illegal migration suggested they take a boat to Greece, the shortest route to mainland Europe. During the perilous sea crossing from Turkey, their dinghy's engine failed. The sisters were among those who jumped into the water, guiding the overcrowded boat to safety and saving all on board, as documented in a Time article.   

Just imagine: two little girls in an overcrowded dinghy on the verge of sinking in the middle of the sea. Darkness surrounded them, with no clue how far the shore lay. Who could muster the courage to jump into the sea, swim for three and a half hours, and guide the boat to safety? Most would have fainted. But not the Mardini sisters. They were fully aware that reaching shore didn't guarantee safety; as illegal refugees, they risked detention at any moment. Yet, driven by their Olympic dreams, they endured all and were prepared to face more.

Their long and arduous journey eventually led them to Germany. As they say, the rest is history. Within a year of arriving in Germany, Yusra, the younger and the more passionate one about swimming, qualified for the Rio Olympics as part of the refugee team. Now retired, she serves as a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador and will be in Paris, cheering on refugees from around the world when the city hosts the Summer Olympics.

What do the stories of Eriksen and Yusra have in common? Perhaps it's the determination to succeed against all odds. They possessed strength of character and found their way through the most challenging circumstances.

In my own experience, when faced with adversity, saviours often emerge from unexpected places. For Yusra, it was a German swimming coach who helped her realise her Olympic dream. For Eriksen, it was the immediate support from his teammates.

Throughout my life, I've had many saviours who helped me navigate difficult times. My humble advice to all of you is to never give up. Keep moving forward. Miracles do happen - and they happen all the time.

(Mayank Mishra is Consulting Editor at NDTV)

Disclaimer: These are the personal opinions of the author

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Samsung Launches Over 50 Special Accessories for Galaxy Smartphones, Commemorating Summer Olympics 2024

Samsung launched over 50 special accessories for Galaxy smartphones to commemorate the Summer Olympics 2024, the company announced on Wednesday. In anticipation, the South Korean smartphone maker has announced special Paris Olympics-themed accessories including cases, power banks, pouches and more donning the event’s logo and colours, across a range of Galaxy smartp...

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Class 10 Student Kills Aunt, 37, For Declining His Sexual Advances: Police

 A minor boy, student of Class 10, has been detained in Karnataka for allegedly killing his aunt after she declined his sexual advances, the police said on Wednesday.

The incident took place at a village near Uppinangady town in Dakshina Kannada district.

According to police, a 37-year-old woman was found dead on Sunday night at her residence under suspicious circumstances.

The accused minor boy who was at her home on Sunday, allegedly made sexual advances when the woman was sleeping. However, the woman -- his maternal aunt -- resisted and scolded him, and also asked him to behave properly.

Confessing his crime, the accused told the police that, fearing that she would tell others about his act, the Class 10 student smothered her to death using a pillow after sometime when she went back to sleep.

After killing her, he informed his father that the woman had suffered a heart attack and died.

The police, however, had suspicions about the boy since the woman's body was spotted.

His father also informed the police about scratches on the accused's back.

When the police questioned him, he confessed to having used a pillow to smother his aunt to death, saying he must have received the scratches while the woman was trying to push him away to escape.
 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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Samsung Galaxy Smartphones Tipped to Gain AI-Powered Painting Feature With One UI 6.1.1 Update

Samsung is expected to release the One UI 6.1.1 update for Galaxy smartphones and it may pack several artificial intelligence (AI) features, according to claims on social media by a tipster. As part of the AI innovations, a new AI-powered feature is said to be included in the update that will turn captured portrait photos into different styles.

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World's 3 Richest, Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Bernard Arnault, Race For #1

The world's three richest billionaires are in a fierce race for first place.

Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos and Bernard Arnault have occupied the top three spots on the Bloomberg Billionaires Index for 94% of the year. But fluctuations in their wealth have led the trio to swap places six times since May 29 - a frenetic pace for a hierarchy that had largely held steady since Musk lost his top ranking in early March. 

The game of musical chairs has been influenced by a fight over Musk's pay package, a snap election call in France and a tech-stock rally that shows no signs of letting up. 

Musk, 52, with a net worth of $210.1 billion, moved back into first place Monday for only the second time since early March, replacing Bezos. Tesla Inc. shares rallied last week after shareholders voted to re-approve his 2018 compensation package, which was voided by a Delaware judge, and move the company's state of incorporation to Texas. That lifted an overhang on the stock, as investors feared Musk might leave the company if the award was rejected.

Musk and Tesla's board spent the last two months rallying support for the measures, putting particular emphasis on the pay deal that made Musk eligible for as much as $55.8 billion in stock options based on the company hitting certain milestones. Those options now account for almost a quarter of his net worth.

His fortune was also buoyed by a new funding round that's set to value his artificial-intelligence venture xAI at more than $24 billion. Bloomberg's wealth index estimates that Musk owns 65% of the company, which is using data from social-media posts on X to train its chatbot, Grok. 

Arnault, meanwhile, recently fell to third place with a fortune of $200.4 billion after spending most of the past three months in first. The 75-year-old's net worth has slumped by nearly $13 billion since French President Emmanuel Macron's surprise election call sent that country's markets to their worst week in years. He derives most of his wealth from LVMH, the world's largest maker of luxury goods. 

Amazon.com Inc. founder Bezos, 60, is currently second on Bloomberg's wealth index with a net worth of $206.6 billion. Since May 29, he's retaken the top spot three times as Amazon shares trade near record highs. The stock has been the beneficiary of a broader rally in big tech that's responsible for nearly three quarters of the S&P 500 Index's gain this year. 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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Sidhartha Mallya To Get Married This Week: Who Is His Fiancee Jasmine?

Sidhartha Mallya, the son of Businessman Vijay Mallya, will marry his girlfriend Jasmine this week. The 37-year-old posted a picture with his fiancée Jasmine and wrote, “Wedding week has commenced.” The announcement was met with wishes and congratulations from friends and followers.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sid (@sidmallya)

Who is Sidhartha Mallya's fiancée, Jasmine?

1. Jasmine, who has been living in the United States, frequently shares her travel adventures and love for nature on her Instagram feed, showing beautiful destinations and outdoor activities. 

2. She has two dogs -- a husky and a golden retriever -- who often featured in her posts.

3. Jasmine and Sidhartha got engaged in October 2023. The couple has been dating for over a year. Their wedding celebrations kicked off this week.

4. A dedicated fan of the Harry Potter series, Jasmine and her fiancé have matching Harry Potter-themed tattoos.

5. Jasmine supports the Ceasefire Centre for Civilian Rights, an initiative focused on civilian rights and humanitarian law. She also donates to abortion funds, supporting access to services in US states where it is banned.

Mr Mallya was born in Los Angeles, California, and spent his childhood in England and the UAE. His father, Vijay Mallya, was the chairman of the UB Group and the owner of the now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines. Mr Mallya studied at Wellington College and Queen Mary University of London. Later, he attended the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, launching his career in modelling and acting.

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Oppo Reno 12F 5G Price, Design Renders, Key Specifications Leaked; Said to Get AI Features

Oppo Reno 12F 5G is expected to launch globally alongside the Oppo Reno 12 5G series on June 18. The design renders of this rumoured smartphone have now been shared in a report, which has also suggested its price and important specifications. Leaked design renders shared in the report showed the purported Oppo Reno 12F 5G in two colour options - green and orange.

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"Babar Should've Supported Shaheen": Afridi On Captaincy Saga After WC Exit

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has lashed out at Babar Azam for accepting the captaincy role after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) sacked Shaheen Afridi after just one series. Babar, who had stepped down as captain after the ODI World Cup last year, was re-appointed as the skipper for the T20 World Cup. This came after Shaheen lost his captaincy after a 4-1 series loss away at New Zealand. It proved to be Shaheen's first and last series as captain. Babar led the team during the home series against New Zealand and the away series against England ahead of the T20 World Cup.

With Pakistan failing to get out of the T20 World Cup stage, Babar has come under fire for his leadership. Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi re-ignited the Babar-Shaheen captaincy debate.

Afridi said that Babar should've supported Shaheen and declined PCB's offer to captain the team at the World Cup, saying that the star batter could've earned respect had he done so.

"If the decision on Shaheen's captaincy had been made and you [PCB] had stated that he will remain the captain till the [T20] World Cup, then I think Babar [Azam] should have supported Shaheen there and should have said that 'no, if you have made him [Shaheen] the captain, then we are ready to play under his captaincy because Shaheen has been playing with me for a long time. If he is made captain and the selection committee has made him the captain, then yes I will support him and play under his captaincy'. This is the stance Babar should've taken. Babar's respect would've increased greatly that he has set an example with a remarkable decision," Afridi said on his YouTube channel.

Afridi also recalled how some of the selectors themselves had questioned his captaincy abilities after the 2023 ODI World Cup, labelling Babar as a "pathetic" skipper.

"But this was not entirely the fault of Babar because some of the blame lies with the selection committee too since some of the selectors on record said that Babar is a pathetic captain and he doesn't know how to do captaincy," he added.

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What Makes Task Of Secutity Forces Difficult In Latest J&K Terror Attacks

A sense of unease hangs in the air of Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch, even at a bustling marketplace. The mountains overlooking the border town are hiding a troubling reality of Pir Panjal region -- highly trained Pakistani terrorists holed up in the green forest cover.

Though the army has intensified patrolling after the recent spike in terrorist attacks, searching these dense forests is a challenging task.

After a gap of 18 years, terrorism has resurfaced in Poonch and Rajouri. The first major attack on the army was carried out in the forests of Surankote in October 2021.

Since then, the troubling reality of Pir Panjal mountains has upset all security calculations about Jammu and Kashmir. The situation has worsened after the scrapping of Article 370, which granted it special status under the Constitution.

The recent attacks, including the targeting of pilgrims in Reasi, have evoked a strong response from the Central government.

After Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked security forces to deploy their full spectrum of anti-terror capabilities, Union Home Minister Amit Shah called a high-level security review meeting to deal with the challenge.

On Ground Zero, the priority is securing the Hindu community in Pir Panjal and Chenab Valley regions. It is these areas that terrorists targeted and massacred many Hindus before terrorism was eliminated from the  region two decades ago. The police say terrorists are trying to create a situation similar to the 1990s.

"For 10 years, between 1995 and 2005, when terrorists tried to destabilize Jammu, Rajouri, Rajouri, Doda and Kishtwar, security forces with the help people completely destroyed them," said RR Swain, the  police chief of Jammu and Kashmir.

"The enemy is again trying to pose a similar challenge. We are determined to give them a fitting reply. We will kill them one by one," he added.

The police have revamped the village Defence Guards – village residents trained and armed by the government -- sensitising them about the current situation.. Most of 28,000 Village Defence Guards in Doda, Poonch and Rajouri regions are drawn from the Hindu community.

"The police are telling the VDGs to remain alert and inform them whenever they notice any suspicious moment," a police officer said.

In 2003, a successful joint operation by the army and police, with the unwavering support of locals, eliminated militancy. But since 2021, there has been a disturbing resurgence. The deadly attacks that started in Poonch and Rajouri, have now spread to the Doda region.

Sayed Ahfadul Mujtaba, a former police officer who led the operation to eliminate terrorism from Rajouri in 2003, said resurgence of terror in the region can be defeated only if the local population is on the side of government.

"As police officers, we are not dealing with territory. We are dealing with the population. And if more people are on your side, the task becomes easier. There was a need and there is a need to do comprehensive policing to carry all the people along so the flow of information comes to you," he said.

The Shadow of Terror

Since October 2021, 39 soldiers and 20 civilians have been killed in the region.

Sources say at least three to four terrorist groups are operating in the Pooch and Rajouri region and almost an equal number in and around Doda.

In November, the army said 25-30 Pakistani terrorists are operating in Poonch and Rajouri. None was killed so far in the region.

The terrorists in the area appear to be well trained in jungle warfare and are using state-of-the-art weapons including US-made M4 carbine and armour piercing bullets.  The micro- satellite communication system which is hard to intercept has also made it to their arsenal.

After a major attack on Special Forces in November, the army said the terrorists have been trained in several countries, including Afghanistan and Pakistan. They managed to get away after every attack except on November 5, when the army killed the two terrorists involved in the attack that cost the lives of five Special Forces personnel.

"It took us time to eliminate them but our brave soldiers killed these terrorists," said Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi, a senior army officer.

Among the fallen commandos of Special Forces was Hawaldar Abdul Majid. His family – residents of Ajot village on the Line of Control in Poonch – said they are proud of his sacrifice and worry about the repeated infiltration.

"How come these terrorists infiltrate so easily? Despite fencing of border and large troops deployed, how can they infiltrate from Pakistan frequently and carry out attacks here," said Fazal Choudhary, a relative of fallen commando.

Officials say the series of attacks on the armed forces and innocent civilians in Jammu region indicate a clear intent to escalate the situation and create communal strife.

The cross-border drug trafficking, which has become a serious challenge over the last four years, is also seen as a key reason of the resurgence of terrorism. Dealing with this challenge could prove more complex than it appears.

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Caught On CCTV: Kolhapur Crash Sets Off 'Ghost Auto' Run, Five Injured

Five people suffered minor injuries after a bike crashed into an auto-rickshaw in Kolhapur. The auto-rickshaw driver was thrown off, but the driverless three-wheeler remained on the move, sending pedestrians running around before it came to a stop.

Dramatic visuals captured by a CCTV camera show the area near Patki Hospital in Shahupuri. An auto-rickshaw is seen taking a U-turn when a bike crashes into it. The auto-rickshaw driver is thrown out due to the impact, but the three-wheeler continues to move in a circle. A man and a woman are seen trying to move out of the way, but the auto-rickshaw hits them before others bring it to a halt.

This comes weeks after a chilling accident in Kolhapur that left three people dead. A car driven by a 72-year-old man hit two two-wheelers at a busy intersection in the city on June 3.

Vasant Chavan, who was behind the will, died after the crash, reportedly due to a heart attack. Two others, who were on bikes, were killed in the accident. Three others were injured.

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Opinion: How Prime Ministers Have Fared in Their Home Constituencies In Past

The seats from which Prime Ministers and Prime Ministerial candidates have contested have attracted significant attention. The margin of their victories has been a topic of debate. Given the sharp rise in the number of voters per constituency over the last seven decades, it may be useful to look at the percentage of votes that Prime Ministerial candidates secured in the seats they contested.

A review from 1952 to 2024 reveals there are 21 relevant contests. These include elections where sitting Prime Ministers contested or individuals became Prime Ministers soon after the elections. There are 15 instances of sitting Prime Ministers contesting elections: they won on 14 occasions and only one sitting Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi, lost her seat, Raebareli, in 1977. In six other instances, we examine the Lok Sabha seat won by a candidate who went on to become the Prime Minister immediately after the elections.

Two caveats are necessary.

• First, two individuals who became Prime Minister after the elections contested from two seats. They won both seats and the seat they retained is considered. Indira Gandhi won from Raebareli and Medak in 1980 and retained the latter. Narendra Modi won from Vadodara and Varanasi in 2014 and retained Varanasi. One sitting Prime Minister, Narasimha Rao, contested from two seats in 1996, Nandyal and Berhampur. He won both and retained Berhampur, so that seat is considered.
• Second, in the elections of 1952 and 1957, Jawaharlal Nehru won from a double-member constituency, where voters had two votes. This factor is considered while calculating the percentage of votes he secured.

There are 15 instances of sitting Prime Ministers contesting Lok Sabha elections. In 11 cases, sitting Prime Ministers returned to the position after the election. In six cases, sitting Prime Ministers left office as their party/alliance was unable to secure a majority. Notably, in three of the 21 examples where the candidates secured less than 50% of the votes, they were sitting Prime Ministers. One returned to power, while two had to relinquish office as their party/alliance lost a majority.

When PMs Won Majority Of Votes

There are 18 cases where the sitting Prime Minister or prospective Prime Minister won by a majority of votes in their constituency. Twelve of them were sitting Prime Ministers: eight returned to power after the election, while four resigned as Prime Minister as their party/alliance lost. In the remaining six cases, they became Prime Ministers immediately after the elections as their party/alliance secured a majority and they were elected its leader.

On all three occasions when Jawaharlal Nehru won as a sitting Prime Minister, he secured a majority of votes in his constituency. Narendra Modi, who won two elections as a sitting Prime Minister and one as his party's Prime Ministerial candidate, also secured a majority of the votes on each occasion. Indira Gandhi appears in the list four times. She contested three times as a sitting Prime Minister, returning to power twice and being defeated once in her own seat, coinciding with her party's loss in the 1977 election. On another occasion, she won the election and helped the Congress return to power after three years in the opposition.

Atal Bihari Vajpayee also appears four times. Twice he was a sitting Prime Minister. On one of these occasions, he returned to power (1999), and on the other, his party was voted out (2004). Twice he became Prime Minister after winning Lok Sabha elections from his constituency (1996, 1998). Notably, most Prime Ministers listed below did not change their constituencies, except Indira Gandhi, who retained Medak and relinquished Raebareli in 1980.

It is also relevant to note that except in three cases (Narasimha Rao from Berhampur, Indira Gandhi from Medak, and Morarji Desai from Surat), all sitting Prime Ministers and prospective Prime Ministers in the table won from Uttar Pradesh. In his third victory, Narendra Modi saw a nine-percentage-point decline in his vote share in Varanasi. Jawaharlal Nehru experienced an eleven-percentage-point decline in vote share in his third election from Phulpur. The Lok Sabha constituencies of sitting and prospective Prime Ministers have always been prestige battles. There has been only one defeat, and in more than three-fourths of the cases, they have polled more than 50% of the vote.

Prime Ministers and Lok Sabha Elections

Sitting Prime Ministers contesting Lok Sabha polls and individuals who contested Lok Sabha Polls and became Prime Minister (in decreasing order of percentage of votes polled by candidate)

Year	Individual	Constituency	Sitting PM/ Post Election PM	Votes Polled (Percentage)
1984	Rajiv Gandhi	Amethi	Sitting PM	83.67
1952	Jawaharlal Nehru	Phulpur	Sitting PM	77.56
1957	Jawaharlal Nehru	Phulpur	Sitting PM	73.74
1980	Indira Gandhi	Medak	Post Election PM	67.90
1989	Rajiv Gandhi	Amethi	Sitting PM	67.43
1971	Indira Gandhi	Raebareli	Sitting PM	66.35
1980	Charan Singh	Baghpat	Sitting PM	65.2
2019	Narendra Modi	Varanasi	Sitting PM	63.62
1996	P.V. N. Rao	Berhampur	Sitting PM	62.60
1962	Jawaharlal Nehru	Phulpur	Sitting PM	62.00
1998	A.B. Vajpayee	Lucknow	Post Election PM	57.82
2014	Narendra Modi	Varanasi	Post Election PM	56.37
1989	V.P. Singh	Fatehpur	Post Election PM	56.18
2004	A.B. Vajpayee	Lucknow	Sitting PM	56.12
1967	Indira Gandhi	Raebareli	Sitting PM	55.20
2024	Narendra Modi	Varanasi	Sitting PM	54.24
1977	Morarji Desai	Surat	Post Election PM	52.46
1996	A.B. Vajpayee	Lucknow	Post Election PM	52.25
1999	A.B. Vajpayee	Lucknow	Sitting PM	48.11
1991	Chandra Shekhar	Ballia	Sitting PM	46.52
1977	Indira Gandhi	Raebareli	Sitting PM	36.89 (Defeated)

(Dr. Sandeep Shastri is the National Coordinator of the Lokniti Network)

Disclaimer: These are the personal opinions of the author

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