Yesterday, the Election Commission announced the dates for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.  The voting will take place in seven phases between April 11, 2019 to May 19, 2019.  With this announcement, the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) has comes into force.  In this blog, we outline the key features of the MCC. 

What is the Model Code of Conduct and who does it apply to?

The MCC is a set of guidelines issued by the Election Commission to regulate political parties and candidates prior to elections, to ensure free and fair elections. This is in keeping with Article 324 of the Constitution, which gives the Election Commission the power to supervise elections to the Parliament and state legislatures. The MCC is operational from the date that the election schedule is announced till the date that results are announced.  Thus, for the general elections this year, the MCC came into force on March 10, 2019, when the election schedule was announced, and will operate till May 23, 2019, when the final results will be announced. 

How has the Model Code of Conduct evolved over time? 

According to a Press Information Bureau release, a form of the MCC was first introduced in the state assembly elections in Kerala in 1960.  It was a set of instructions to political parties regarding election meetings, speeches, slogans, etc. In the 1962 general elections to the Lok Sabha, the MCC was circulated to recognised parties, and state governments sought feedback from the parties. The MCC was largely followed by all parties in the 1962 elections and continued to be followed in subsequent general elections.  In 1979, the Election Commission added a section to regulate the ‘party in power’ and prevent it from gaining an unfair advantage at the time of elections.  In 2013, the Supreme Court directed the Election Commission to include guidelines regarding election manifestos, which it had included in the MCC for the 2014 general elections. 

What are the key provisions of the Model Code of Conduct?

The MCC contains eight provisions dealing with general conduct, meetings, processions, polling day, polling booths, observers, party in power, and election manifestos.  Major provisions of the MCC are outlined below.

• General Conduct:  Criticism of political parties must be limited to their policies and programmes, past record and work.  Activities such as: (a) using caste and communal feelings to secure votes, (b) criticising candidates on the basis of unverified reports, (c) bribing or intimidation of voters, and (d) organising demonstrations or picketing outside houses of persons to protest against their opinions, are prohibited.
• Meetings:  Parties must inform the local police authorities of the venue and time of any meeting in time to enable the police to make adequate security arrangements.
• Processions:  If two or more candidates plan processions along the same route, organisers must establish contact in advance to ensure that the processions do not clash.  Carrying and burning effigies representing members of other political parties is not allowed.
• Polling day:  All authorised party workers at polling booths should be given identity badges.  These should not contain the party name, symbol or name of the candidate.
• Polling booths:  Only voters, and those with a valid pass from the Election Commission, will be allowed to enter polling booths.
• Observers:  The Election Commission will appoint observers to whom any candidates may report problems regarding the conduct of the election.
• Party in power:  The MCC incorporated certain restrictions in 1979, regulating the conduct of the party in power.  Ministers must not combine official visits with election work or use official machinery for the same.  The party must avoid advertising at the cost of the public exchequer or using official mass media for publicity on achievements to improve chances of victory in the elections.  Ministers and other authorities must not announce any financial grants, or promise any construction of roads, provision of drinking water, etc.   Other parties must be allowed to use public spaces and rest houses and these must not be monopolised by the party in power.
• Election manifestos:  Added in 2013, these guidelines prohibit parties from making promises that exert an undue influence on voters, and suggest that manifestos also indicate the means to achieve promises.

What changes have been recommended in relation to the MCC since the last general elections?

In 2015, the Law Commission in its report on Electoral Reforms, noted that the MCC prohibits the issue of advertisement at the cost of public exchequer in newspapers/media during the election period.  However, it observed that since the MCC comes into operation only from the date on which the Commission announces elections, the government can release advertisements prior to the announcement of elections.  It noted that this gives an advantage to the ruling party to issue government sponsored advertisements that highlights its achievements, which gives it an undue advantage over other parties and candidates.  Therefore, the Commission recommended that a restriction should be imposed on government-sponsored advertisements for up to six months prior to the date of expiry of the House/Assembly.  However, it stated that an exception may be carved out for advertisements highlighting the government’s poverty alleviation programmes or any health related schemes.

Is the Model Code of Conduct legally binding? 

The MCC is not enforceable by law.  However, certain provisions of the MCC may be enforced through invoking corresponding provisions in other statutes such as the Indian Penal Code, 1860, Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, and Representation of the People Act, 1951. The Election Commission has argued against making the MCC legally binding; stating that elections must be completed within a relatively short time (close to 45 days),  and judicial proceedings typically take longer, therefore it is not feasible to make it enforceable by law. On the other hand, in 2013, the Standing Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, Law and Justice, recommended making the MCC legally binding.  In a report on electoral reforms, the Standing Committee observed that most provisions of the MCC are already enforceable through corresponding provisions in other statutes, mentioned above.  It recommended that the MCC be made a part of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.

Source – PRS India

Young musician and singer, Leonar Mardirosian has marked a new milestone in the music industry and aims to scale further on the horizon. With amazing hits on his scoreboard such as ‘Death List’ and ‘Sadeh’, the singer is an epitome of Persian culture served on a platter at international platforms.

Being a stern believer of hard work, patience and daily practice, he moves like a magnet to the music industry. Born in Tehran-Iran, this talent had developed a knack for learning instruments and singing rhythmic tunes at the young age of 10. A local concert was a turning point in his life and he never looked back.

Talking about his journey, Leonar, said, “I always pursued my passion and a similar suit should be followed by all passionate art lovers”.

“A good singer needs to be the best showman to impress his audience and with added creativity and a hint of fun & frolic music we can drive a passionate follower to place”, he added.

The musician currently holds fluency in playing instruments such as Drums/Percussion, Piano, and Guitar while humming some of his favourite tunes both originals and covers. He plays for concerts and in a show called ‘Thursday night fever’.

Mentioning his relationship with various instruments, Leonar says, “Percussion is basically a harmony between the melody and the rhythm, in my opinion, it’s the seasoning of the music. A piano is the most beautiful and complete instrument especially for someone who wants to sing. And the guitar is just a friend who is always with you”.

With time, Leonar has brought together a team of capable achievers that hold fluency in various art forms that include singing, directing, as well as song production. With state-of-the-art equipment’s at their disposal, the team is now looking forward to future projects that would be dedicated to the millennial generation and desi music with modern tadka.

B&G Corporation, an oil and gas construction and financial service company plans to build one of the most luxurious projects located in Erbil Kurdistan region under the name of Rolsen Mall. The project will come into service from 2021. The man behind the company is a well acknowledged international trader and entrepreneur, Mr. Jivan Mizuri.

Born in Erbil, capital of Kurdistan region of Iraq, Jivan Mizuri or Jivan Qasim Saleem Mizuri completed his education from the University of Cihan in Erbil, he set out to carve a path of his own. At a very young age of 18, Jivan had the necessary business acumen which enabled him to start his first entrepreneurial venture in China. After the initial struggles in the business, he moved to Ankara and currently shifts between Istanbul, Dubai, and Erbil, depending on his business commitments.

Mentioning the uniqueness of the work that company provides, Mr. Mizuri, said, “Specialities that we think may differ us from others in this field is this all of this came from a young boy at the age of 17 started at the very young age who already could speak four languages well-versed in both Bible and Quran Karim holy books from the religion of Islam and Christianity”.

“On the span of 10 years, we have a net profit of $120 million, and it’s nothing but a starting point for us especially at the age of 27 years old only. With the support of our clients, we aim to hit and provide more services”, he added.

Redefining overseas trading, B&G corporation was founded in February 2015. The company actively engages in currency and oil trading and plans to expand further and beyond its present boundaries. Currently the company is operating with a team of 40 well-trained professionals. Rolsen Group, Erbil is one of the key clients and investor partner of the company.

Navjyot Gurudatta, an MTV roadie fame turned Entrepreneur, aims to take celebrity management to another level through his start-up widely acknowledged as Fame Managers. Currently, the company is providing a platform to more than 137 celebrity and brand clients, worldwide.

With apprehension in online marketing, Navjyot strives to carefully use the unlimited power and looks forward to the tremendous growth and opportunity online marketing provides to the youngsters of India.

The 23-year-old young entrepreneur achieved recognition from a famous reality show MTV Roadies. His successful participation in ‘save the girl child’ task created a movement and awareness about the same agenda.

Talking about his experience in the show, Navjyot, said, “it’s a survival show, it brings the worst out of you. That’s the whole point. You can watch it for the entertainment value or you can watch it for the admirability of the perseverance shown by the contestants”.

By successfully utilizing his knowledge and experience in digital marketing, Navjot Gurudatta is also successfully running his family rice industry business. He says, “The most important part about the online business is being able to target the right audience. Once you know your target audience you can then leverage your influence to become an authority figure”.

Talking about his interests and passion, Navjyot told, that, at his early age he was so much inspired from Cristiano Ronaldo that it turned into his obsession with the player and football and as a result, he started playing football and played really hard to achieve something in sport. Later Navjyot was selected in the state team and he started playing for his state, he played a lot of tournaments and won a lot of trophies for his state. Which indeed gave a proud moment to his whole family.

New Delhi : Researchers at Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi have developed a Braille laptop called DotBook, which can be useful for the visually impaired. 

The laptop has got important conventional applications such as email, calculator, and web browser. Third party apps can also be added in case needed. 

It has been launched in two variants called 40Q and 20P. The 40Q variant can have 40 characters per line and features a conventional QWERTY keyboard and a Braille keyboard, while 20P can have 20 characters in a line and has only a Braille keyboard. The laptops are equipped with refreshable Braille display. 

The laptop was developed on the basis of multiple user trials to take care of preferences and needs of the user community. Among other things, it has a specially designed hand-rest to help the users to work for long hours without any drop in efficiency. The equipment can be connected through wifi, Bluetooth and USB.  

The project leader, Prof M. Balakrishnan, said, “DotBook represents an excellent example of user oriented applied research. it is inter-disciplinary in nature which brings advanced techniques, low power electronics, software and User interface design together. It is a result of sustained efforts over four years of a multi-organizational team comprising academics, two industry partners and a user organization.”

IIT-Delhi researchers have developed the laptop in collaboration with KritiKal Solutions Pvt Ltd., Noida, Pheonix Medical Systems Pvt. Ltd., Chennai, Saksham Trust, New Delhi and Wellcome Trust of UK. KritiKal Solutions will manufacture, maintain and market them. Phoenix Medical Systems will provide the modules for refreshable Braille display. 

Currently, comparable 40 cell Refreshable Braille Devices cost on an average Rs. 1.78 lakh making them expensive for users even in high-income countries while being completely unaffordable for those in countries like India. 

“The DotBook built on IIT Delhi’s patented Shape Memory Alloy Technology will bring this cost down to Rs. 60,000 for 40Q and Rs. 40,000 for 20P variant. This will help make Braille laptop accessible to the millions who were previously un-catered-to”, said Pulkit Sapra, IIT researcher.

Dipendra Manocha, Managing Director, Saksham Trust, said, ” DotBook opens up digital life to Braille users. It creates an eco-system that allows people who read and write in Braille, to communicate seamlessly with the rest of the world.”

The DotBook is slated to be opened for bookings starting March, 2019. Product deliveries would start later this year. (India Science Wire)

Parleen Gill is a Bollywood Singer who hails from Punjab ( Chandigarh ). He comes from Army background a disciplined guy who started his career at a very early age of 4. He was one of the Top 8 finalist of Indian Idol-3.

He had made his ways Bollywood Music Industry by singing 3 songs in the year 2018, and 5 more is going to add in his portfolio this year. From 2007 to 2009 he was part of SONY BMG which released a successful album with four Indian Idol contestant Parleen was one of those four singers. 

His “lai vi na gai” song is so famous on youtube that it has crossed viewers list of 30 million compared to the original song.

A quick Interview with Parleen Gill…

What’s your opinion about the modern musical age? 

A.  It is evolving for good . More sounds are being discovered and listeners are growing as we speak. 

What preparations do you make before your concerts? 

A. Nothing , i just sleep and do my riyaaz  once I wake up.  As i have been doing shows since 12 years now. 

Who is your inspiration and role model?

A. Inspiration is Enrique  Iglesias and Role Model is no one 

What qualities should a good singer posses?

A. He should be able to sing in all languages and genres. 

Since from how many years are you practicing singing?

A. Since the age of 4. 

Who is your ‘ideal’? 

No one. I take small things from all singers like : Sonu Nigam , Mika , Palash Sen and Kailash kher. 

What hardships do you face in this field? 

A. There are no hardships if you see them as a challenge and love them. 

Have you had any memorable experience that you would like to share with us?

A. My first ever professional gig post Indian Idol 3 was on my birthday ie. 15th sep in 2007.  

What’s your success mantra?

A.  Stay positive and get out of your house daily no matter what.  

Would you like to give any message to your fans and upcoming artists?

A. Stay focussed , practice daily and never give up. 

Which music do u like? 

A. All genres. Depends on my mood. 

Which songs do u like? 

A.  Happy now by kygo. 

What are the problem u faced while working as singer? 

A. None , as i was confident that i was worth. 

Which is ur first song?

A.  On youtube : Maeri 

On Tv : teri deewan by kailash kher 

Did Indian idol changed your life?

A. Idols made it a dream life.  

Nowadays RAP is the new kind that people like in music, so r u planning to make a rap song

A. Yes my next punjabi song which i will shoot in Dubai has a bit of rap by me  

What do you think about rapping?

A. Few words describing  the exact emotion. 

If someone would make your biopic who do you think is best suitable for working in it?

A.  Ranveer Singh anytime as he is my doppelganger 

Punjabi music industry and Singers are giving more hits than Bollywood

Your thoughts on this?

A. They are making history and i am loving it. 

Modern music is extinct now.. People are just making remakes.

Your thoughts on this.

A. As a musician i feel bad that business is taking over creativity. 

Your future plans?

A. No plans. Just loving and living my life. 

Do you want to collaborate with any singer who is he/she?

A. Yes Enrique and Pitbull.

As we know the wedding is an event that is a celebration of a formal bond (marriage) between the couple in love. The bride wants to look stunning and her best once the best day of her life comes and that is the marriage day.

Leena Bhushan founder of Face Stories based out in Noida and is one of the finest freelancer makeup artist. She is a dynamic lady, and a wife, mommy based in Delhi. She customises party makeup, bridal makeup, pre-wedding makeups, and makeup for special occasions and makes you stand out on your best day.

She is one of the most famous makeup artists in Delhi. Her experience and expertise bring the best look on the big day of any Bride. They use good quality products from the finest international cosmetic brands and all the services are safe and hygienic.

Leena Bhushan said “Every girl wants to look her best on during her Marriage. I provide personalised makeovers for every occasion. From Mehndi to Sangeet, Shaadi to Reception, pre-wedding or cocktail, a good makeup artist is needed to give dream-like makeover.”

According to one of her client Ishita, “Leena Bhushan is one whom I always wanted for my most precious day of my life. She brought out the best in me and created different looks as per occasion. The best thing is that she traveled to Shimla on my big day.”

Whether your wedding is in Delhi or you have planned a destination wedding, I also travels outstations and gives a hassle-free make up experience. Leena added.

To book for Leena Bhushan https://instagram.com/facestoriesbyleenabhushan

The Election Commission of India has directed that all electors in all constituencies who have been issued Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC) have to produce the Electors Photo Identity Card for their identification at the polling station before casting their votes. Those electors who are not able to produce the EPIC shall produce one of the following alternative photo identity documents for establishing their identity. The list of eleven documents is: 

• Passport,
• Driving License,
• Service Identity Cards with photograph issued to employees by Central/State Govt./PSUs/Public Limited Companies,
• Passbooks with photograph issued by Bank/Post Office,
• PAN Card,
• Smart Card issued by RGI under NPR,
• MNREGA Job Card,
• Health Insurance Smart Card issued under the scheme of Ministry of Labour,
• Pension document with photograph,
• Official identity cards issued to MPs/MLAs/MLCs, and
• Aadhaar Card.

Overseas electors shall have to produce their original passport only for identification.

To assist the Voters, the Commission has further directed it’s officers that in the case of EPIC, minor discrepancies in the entries therein should be ignored provided the identity of the elector can be established by the EPIC. If an elector produces an EPIC which has been issued by the Electoral Registration Officer of another Assembly Constituency, such card shall also be accepted for identification, provided the name of that elector finds place in the electoral roll pertaining to the polling station where the elector has turned up for voting.  If it is not possible to establish the identity of the elector on account of mismatch of photograph, etc. the elector shall have to produce one of the above mentioned alternative photo documents.

On earlier occasions, the Commission had allowed Photo Voter Slip as a document for identification. However, there have been representations against its use as a stand-alone identification document on the grounds of misuse as these are printed after the finalisation of the roll and distributed just close to the poll through Booth Level Officers. The design of Photo Voter Slip does not incorporate any security feature. In fact, Photo Voter Slip was started as an alternative document as the coverage of EPIC was not complete in earlier years. Currently more than 99 per cent electors possess EPIC, and more than 99 per cent adults have been issued Aadhar Cards.

Taking all these facts in view, Commission has now decided that Photo Voter Slip shall henceforth not be accepted as a stand-alone identification document for voting.  However, Photo Voter Slip will continue to be prepared and issued to electors as part of the awareness building exercise.  In order to make it clear to the electors that Photo Voter Slips shall not be accepted as a stand-alone identification document for voting, the words `THIS SLIP WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED FOR THE PURPOSE OF IDENTIFICATION IN POLLING STATION. YOU ARE REQUIRED TO CARRY EPIC OR ONE OF THE 11 ALTERNATIVE DOCUMENTS SPECIFIED BY THE COMMISSION FOR VOTING” shall be printed on the Photo Voter Slip in bold letters.

All Returning Officers and all Presiding Officers are being informed of these instructions. A copy of the instructions translated in the vernacular language will be supplied to each of the Presiding Officers. The Order shall be got published in the State, Gazette, immediately and publicised through print/electronic media for information of the general public and electors immediately and at very regular intervals till the date of polling.

India has many faces right from the starting in film and fashion industry. Some make their mark some not. Today we are going to talk about new fashion ICON and new defined handsome man of India Amit Sobti winner of world best model 2018.

Amit Sobti recently won the best model of the world 2018 award in Istanbul- Turkey and became the new face of India around the world. 

Amit Sobti was always interested in modelling right from an early age. Amit Sobti was brilliant in studies he was determined from his childhood whatever he does he does with a full effort which shows in his every result whether its modelling or studies. He is born and brought Chandigarh guy and has the flavour of Chandigarh in his charm. Her mother was his support to choose this modelling field.

He got many jobs offers being a good student but he chooses to model and started Ramping from an early age on many functions, fashion shows, international events. Which Include VOGUE, LUCKNOW FASHION WEEK & International fashion shows around the globe.

Being a model is not an easy job you need to be fit and Amit Sobti is the best example how to look fit and perfect with the best diet which can help you glow day by day and he also makes sure that he is not over muscled or under. This Constant effort, gym and proper diet have helped him to achieve big in his life with lots of hard work.

Amit Sobti met accident right before 2 month of the show where he represented India. His proper diet, running, dancing and constant gym helped him to remain in shape for competition and his hard work and dedication helped him to win the best Male model of world award in turkey.

He has constantly active in his work and participating continuously in main events to remain in limelight. He knows his strength and weakness which is surely an example for every newcomer in this fashion world. Always remain positive even after facing failures because failures make man perfect and best for upcoming. 

He is currently the best Male model that the world can have which is a proud thing for India. Surely a bright future waits for him as we might see him in films in a short time for sure and why not when you have a face like Amit Sobti he will be the surly best pick in short time.

Statement by Foreign Secretary on 26 February 2019 on the Strike on JeM training camp at BalakotOn 14 February 2019, a suicide terror attack was conducted by a Pak based terrorist organization Jaish-e-Mohammad, leading to the martyrdom of 40 brave jawans of the CRPF. JeM has been active in Pakistan for the last two decades, and is led by MASOOD AZHAR with its headquarters in Bahawalpur.
This organization, which is proscribed by the UN, has been responsible of a series of terrorist attacks including on the Indian Parliament in December 2001 and the Pathankot airbase in January 2016.
Information regarding the location of training camps in Pakistan and PoK has been provided to Pakistan from time to time. Pakistan, however, denies their existence. The existence of such massive training facilities capable of training hundreds of jihadis could not have functioned without the knowledge of Pakistan authorities.
India has been repeatedly urging Pakistan to take action against the JeM to prevent jihadis from being trained and armed inside Pakistan. Pakistan has taken no concrete actions to dismantle the infrastructure of terrorism on its soil.
Credible intelligence was received that JeM was attempting another suicide terror attack in various parts of the country, and the fidayeen jihadis were being trained for this purpose. In the face of imminent danger, a preemptive strike became absolutely necessary.
In an intelligence led operation in the early hours of today, India struck the biggest training camp of JeM in Balakot. In this operation, a very large number of JeM terrorists, trainers, senior commanders and groups of jihadis who were being trained for fidayeen action were eliminated. This facility at Balakot was headed by MAULANA YOUSUF AZHAR (alias USTAD GHOURI), the brother-in-law of MASOOD AZHAR, Chief of JeM.
The Government of India is firmly and resolutely committed to taking all necessary measures to fight the menace of terrorism. Hence this non-military preemptive action was specifically targeted at the JeM camp. The selection of the target was also conditioned by our desire to avoid civilian casualties. The facility is located in thick forest on a hilltop far away from any civilian presence. As the strike has taken place only a short while ago, we are awaiting further details.
The Government of Pakistan had made a solemn commitment in January 2004 not to allow its soil or territory under its control to be used for terrorism against India. We expect that Pakistan lives up to its public commitment and takes follow up actions to dismantle all JeM and other camps and hold the terrorists accountable for the actions.