Daily wrap: Encounter in J&K; Modi, Rahul to address rallies in Telangana
Encounter breaks out between militants, security forces in J-K’s Pulwama
An encounter broke out between militants and security forces in the Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir on April 1, police said. Security forces launched a cordon and search operation following specific information about the presence of militants there, a police official said. Further details are awaited.
Congress president Rahul Gandhi announced on March 31 that he will contest from Wayanad in Kerala. “Rahul ji has given his consent to contest from two seats, very happy to inform you that he will also contest from Wayanad in Kerala,” Congress leader AK Antony said. The going has not been smooth for Rahul in Amethi. Even as the rising popularity of BJP contestant Smriti Irani is a niggling worry for the party, the recent defection of party loyalist Haji Haroon Rasheed who has decided to fight as an independent candidate against Gandhi, has threatened the Congress’ future in the constituency.
Modi, Rahul to address public meetings in Telangana on April 1
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress president Rahul Gandhi will address poll rallies in Telangana on April 1 as the campaigning for the April 11 Lok Sabha elections in the state enters a feverish pitch. Modi, who launched his campaign in the state on March 29, would address a public meeting in the evening at the LB Stadium on April 1. BJP is contesting all the 17 seats on its own in the state. Gandhi will be on a whirlwind visit to the state on April 1, addressing three election rallies at Zaheerabad, Wanaparthi and Huzurnagar.
Human trafficking finds place in DMK manifesto
The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) manifesto for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections has included a comprehensive legislation to curb human trafficking. The 41st point in the manifesto mentions the party’s commitment to bring a law to curb trafficking, including sex trafficking, bonded labour and trafficking of humans for smuggling organs.
Govt extends deadline for linking PAN with Aadhaar till September 30
The government on March 31 extended the deadline for linking PAN with biometric ID Aadhaar by 6 months till September 30, as per an official statement. However, quoting of Aadhaar will remain mandatory for filing income tax returns (ITR), following the Supreme Court order. This is the sixth time the government has extended the deadline for individuals to link their Permanent Account Number (PAN) with Aadhaar.
IAF’s MiG-27 aircraft crashes near Jodhpur
An MiG-27 aircraft of the Indian Air Force crashed on March 31 near Jodhpur in Rajasthan but the pilot ejected safely, official sources said. The MiG-27, which took off from Utarlai airforce base developed engine problems leading to the crash around 11:45 am in Sirohi district. Sources added that a Court of Inquiry (CoI) has been ordered to investigate the cause of the accident.