Video Editor : Sandeep Suman
1. SC to Consider New Documents to Decide Rafale Review Petitions
The Supreme Court has decided that it would consider new documents to decide review petitions in the Rafale case.
The government did not want the court to consider these documents, first published by The Hindu, and at one point even said they were stolen!
The court also highlighted the importance of free press in India and how it has greatly contributed to the strengthening of democracy in the country.
Read more here.
2. EC Bans Modi Biopic Release
The Election Commission has banned the release of the Vivek Oberoi-starrer biopic on Prime Minister Narendra Modi during poll season.
In its order, the Commission said that “any such film that subserves purpose of any political entity or individual should not be displayed in the electronic media.”
The movie was supposed to release tomorrow, on the same day as the first phase of polling for the Lok Sabha elections.
EC sources say that the same order also applies to NaMo TV.
Catch the full report here.
3. Imran Khan Bats for Modi Winning 2019 Elections
Pakistan PM Imran Khan decided to chip in on the Indian elections today when he, in an interview, said that there may be a better chance of peace talks with India and settling the Kashmir issue if Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) wins the general elections.
The comment didn't augur well for the BJP as Khan's sudden support for the prime minister got the Opposition and the junta asking: "Who's Tukde Tukde now?"
4. Rahul Gandhi Files Nomination From Amethi
Rahul Gandhi filed his nomination from the Congress' bastion Amethi today in the presence of Sonia Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi and Robert Vadra.
Representing the constituency for 15 years, the Congress president is pitted against BJP's Smriti Irani this time around as well.
Amethi goes to polls in the 5th phase of the Lok Sabha elections.
More updates here.
5. In AP’s Future Capital Amaravati, Land Row at Election Centre Stage
For Andhra Pradesh’s future capital of Amaravati, the election tomorrow will be significant in more ways than one.
The state which is seeing simultaneous Assembly and Lok Sabha polls will witness a battle between YSR Congress chief Jagan Mohan Reddy and current CM Chandrababu Naidu.
While Jagan has suggested that if elected to power, he could order a probe into the allegations of corruption in Amaravati, for current CM Chandrababu Naidu, re-election would mean another five years to develop his dream capital.
Watch The Quint's special report from Amaravati to know more.
6. Centre to File Affidavit Over Hidden Number on Electoral Bonds
The Centre today said it will file a separate affidavit in the Supreme Court, over the hidden unique alphanumeric number on electoral bonds. This was after The Quint’s expose was cited by Prashant Bhushan, who was appearing for the petitioners, during the hearing on constitutionality of electoral bonds.
Earlier, the EC submitted before the apex court that it was not against the issuance of electoral bonds for funding to political parties but it was against the anonymity of donors. The agency also pushed for transparency in the scheme.
Read more here.
7. First Phase of Lok Sabha Elections Tomorrow
D-Day is almost here.
The first phase of the Lok Sabha elections will begin tomorrow with more than 20 states and union territories looking to vote in this phase.
Want to brush up your election knowledge before the madness begins? Well, we have you covered with the key election statistics that will keep you abreast of all things elections this season.
Find out more here.
8. SC Rejects Lalu Bail
The SC today also refused bail to RJD Chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, a day after the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) strongly opposed his plea, saying he was likely to indulge in political activities ahead of the Lok Sabha polls.
Lalu is currently serving jail term in connection with fodder scam cases.
Read more here.
9. Israeli PM Netanyahu Looking at 5th Term
It looks like it will be another term for incumbent Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu as exit polls and partial results showed him edging ahead of his main competitor in a tight race that was seen as a referendum on the long-serving leader.
This will be Netanyahu's fourth consecutive term and fifth over all.
Read the full story here.
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