2024 Lok Sabha Polls: 96 Crore Citizens, Including 47 Crore Women, Eligible To Cast Vote

Over 96 crore people, including 47 crore women, are eligible to cast votes in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, for which more than 12 lakh polling booths will be set up across India.

Over 1.73 crore of those eligible to vote are in the age group of 18 to 19 years, according to Election Commission data.

As many as 1.5 crore polling personnel will be deployed to ensure smooth conduct of the parliamentary elections to elect members of the 18th Lok Sabha.

According to a 2023 letter sent by the EC to political parties, India had 17.32 crore registered voters in 1951, which rose to 19.37 crore in 1957.

There were 91.20 crore voters in the 2019 polls.

Out of the total voters registered in the electoral rolls, nearly 18 lakh are persons with disabilities.

In the first Lok Sabha elections, the voter turnout was recorded at 45 per cent. It was 67 per cent in the last parliamentary polls.

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Viral Video Shows 3,000 Engineers Queuing Up For Job Interview In Pune

In a viral video, over 3,000 engineers were seen queuing outside a Pune-based company for a recent walk-in drive targeting junior developer positions, typically sought by freshers. 

The event garnered immense interest, with more than 2,900 resumes submitted. Hinjawadi, known for attracting IT talent, witnessed long queues, each hopeful engineer holding their resume. 

The video, widely shared on social media, has sparked discussions about the evolving IT job market and challenges faced by young professionals.

Despite Pune's vibrant IT sector, the overwhelming response for around 100 positions raises concerns about skills training, automation impact, and the need for job market diversification in India. 

The incident highlights the intense competition affecting both recent graduates and experienced professionals.

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Following the viral spread of the video across various platforms, a lively discussion erupted in the comment section, attracting numerous social media users eager to share their perspectives.

"An IT company collecting CVs in an analog manner is the height of irony," commented a user.

A user pointed out, "If you think this queue is bad, try applying for a job at a Canadian grocery store; their lines are longer than this."

Adding a touch of humor to the conversation, a third user quipped, "Where's that uncle who said to complete your engineering, and after that, everything will be fine?"

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3 'Hybrid' Terrorists Arrested In Jammu And Kashmir's Baramulla

Three 'hybrid' terrorists were arrested in Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla district on the eve of Republic Day while conducting an arms consignment exchange, officials said on Thursday.

Infiltration into social media groups and precise tracking led to the arrest of the terrorists from the Boniyar area of the Uri sector in north Kashmir averting a major incident ahead of Republic Day, they said.

Officials said swift action underscores Indian Army's and Jammu and Kashmir Police's dedication to national security.

The individuals are in custody and further investigation is underway, they added.

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Republic Day 2024: Difference Between Unfurling And Hoisting National Flag

As India prepares to celebrate Republic Day, this year holds special significance, marking 75 years since the adoption of the Constitution. Republic Day in India is celebrated with grand parades, colourful state tableaus, and diverse cultural displays. But did you know that on this day, the Indian flag is unfurled, not hoisted? While the terms 'flag hoisting' and 'flag unfurling' are commonly interchanged, they represent different techniques in presenting the national flag.

Let's look at the subtle yet significant differences in how the flag is presented on Republic Day and Independence Day in India.

What is the difference between unfurling and hoisting the flag?

The crucial distinction lies in the placement of the flag during these ceremonies. The process of unfurling involves unveiling a folded or rolled-up flag attached to a rope while hoisting is the act of raising a flag up a pole using a halyard.

Why is the Indian flag unfurled on Republic Day but hoisted on Independence Day?

On Republic Day, the flag is unfurled by the President of India, and it remains closed and tied at the top of the flagpole. The flag is unfolded by the President without pulling it up. Republic Day marks the adoption of the Indian Constitution in 1950. The flag is unfurled as a symbolic gesture to renew the commitment to the principles laid down in the Constitution, highlighting the shift from colonial rule to a sovereign, democratic republic.

This is different from Independence Day, where the Prime Minister hoists the flag from the bottom of the pole. Flag hoisting during Independence Day often includes a ceremonial event with a military or civilian honour guard raising the flag while the national anthem is played. The hoisting on Independence Day symbolises the rise of a new nation, patriotism, and freedom from colonial rule.

Both ceremonies, although differing in execution, hold immense significance in commemorating India's journey toward freedom and its evolution as a sovereign nation.

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California Homeless People Found Living In Deep Caves Stocked With Drugs

In a clear example of California's homelessness crisis, authorities found caves along the Tuolumne River where people had been living. These 20-foot-deep underground dwellings, reached by makeshift stairs, were filled with makeshift furniture and personal belongings, revealing the desperate measures some take for shelter. Located near Modesto, the caves were cleared over the weekend by police and volunteers from local homeless outreach organizations. Authorities expressed concern about safety risks from unstable structures and potential flooding from the nearby river.

"This particular area has been plagued by vagrancy and illegal camps, which have raised concerns due to the fact that these camps were actually caves dug into the riverbanks," the Modesto Police Department said in a statement.

"During the operation on Saturday, a total of 7,600 lbs of trash, as well as two truckloads and a trailer of garbage, were successfully removed from the area," the police department said.

While details about the number of people and the length of their stay are still emerging, the discovery highlights the dire need for affordable housing and support services for the state's growing homeless population.

The Modesto Police Department confirmed they are working with Pathways to Hope and other agencies to connect the former cave dwellers with resources and find them safer accommodations. However, officials acknowledge this is just one instance of a widespread problem.

California currently faces a severe housing shortage, with skyrocketing rental costs pushing more people onto the streets.

According to CNN, California has spent a stunning $17.5 billion trying to combat homelessness over just four years. But, in the same time frame, from 2018 to 2022, the state's homeless population actually grew. Half of all Americans living outside on the streets, federal data shows, live in California.

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Padma Vibhushan For Venkaiah Naidu, Actor Chiranjeevi. See Full List

The government today announced the prestigious Padma Awards on the eve of the 75th Republic Day celebrations.

The Padma Vibhushan has been awarded to Vyjayantimala Bali, Konidela Chiranjeevi, M Venkaiah Naidu, Bindeshwar Pathak (posthumous), and Padma Subrahmanyam.

BJP leader Ram Naik, singer Usha Uthup and actor Vijaykanth (posthumous) are among the 17 who have been awarded the Padma Bhushan.

The first woman judge of the Supreme Court Chief Justice M Fathima Beevi (posthumous), actor Mithun Chakraborty, and Bombay Samachar owner Hormusji N Cama are also among the Padma Bhushan awardees.

Young Liu, the CEO of Taiwan's Foxconn, has also been honoured with Padma Bhushan.

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Karpoori Thakur's Village In Bihar Celebrates As Centre Awards Bharat Ratna

A day after the Centre decided to confer Bharat Ratna on former Bihar chief minister Karpoori Thakur, the native village of the socialist icon erupted in joy on Wednesday with a large number of people gathering outside his ancestral house and celebrating his 100th birth anniversary.

Villagers of the 'Karpoori gram' in Samastipur district met family members of Thakur and his elder son and JD(U) Rajya Sabha MP Ramnath Thakur.

On the occasion of the 100th birth anniversary of Thakur, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar garlanded a statue of the socialist icon on the Bihar Assembly premises on Wednesday. Several other leaders also paid tributes to him. Thakur was chosen for the country's highest civilian award Bharat Ratna on Tuesday. Talking to PTI on Wednesday, the JD(U) Rajya Sabha MP said, "After 36 years of the death of my father, the central government has decided to award him Bharat Ratna. I want to thank the Centre on behalf of my party, myself and the people in Bihar." Family members of the former Bihar chief minister termed the Centre's decision to award him Bharat Ratna posthumously as a "proud moment".

While talking to reporters on the sidelines of a function organised by the state government on the occasion of the centenary birth anniversary of Karpoori Thakur, Jagriti, granddaughter of the socialist icon, said, "It is a proud moment for all of us. It just cannot be expressed in words." "The respect and honour granted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to my late grandfather have not been given before. We are overwhelmed," she said.

Abhinav Vikas, grandson of Thakur, told reporters, "It is a matter of pride for everyone, especially those who come from the lower strata of the society. It was great news for all of us when we came to know about it on Tuesday".

He also said it is "an honour for all the poor and deprived and all those for whom my grandfather worked all his life". The state government has organised several events during the day to celebrate Thakur's legacy.

Commenting on the Centre's decision to confer Bharat Ratna on Thakur, senior JD (U) leader Neeraj Kumar said, "After repeated requests by Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, Bharat Ratna has been finally conferred on Jannayak Karpoori Thakur. Although it came late, it is a welcome decision and will inspire the youth to take up his ideals." 

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