Iran launches
Israel reported that the attack consisted of 170 drones, over 30 cruise missiles, and more than 120 ballistic missiles.
Following the end of the attack, Israel resumed normal airspace operations.
Israeli officials, including War Cabinet member Benny Gantz, indicated plans to form a coalition to address the situation with Iran.
Israel’s advanced air-defence network, developed with US assistance, played a crucial role in mitigating the impact of the attack.
This defence capability is particularly noteworthy given Israel’s ongoing conflicts with Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, both of which receive support from Iran.
Israeli and US officials commended the effectiveness of the air defence response.
Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, an Israeli military spokesperson, confirmed the high interception rate and minimal damage to an Israeli air base. A 7-yearold girl sustained serious injuries in southern Israel, with investigations into the incident ongoing.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant expressed gratitude for international support, particularly from the US.
Despite the attack, daily life in Israel was disrupted, with school closures and reduced traffic as many chose to stay home.
Iranian military officials declared the operation concluded, with no further intentions to continue hostilities. However, Iran’s president, Ebrahim Raisi, issued a warning against any future actions that might threaten Iranian interests.
The Iranian Revolutionary Guard also issued a warning to the US, emphasising the consequences of any involvement in actions detrimental to Iran.
The successful defence against the Iranian attack stands in contrast to previous challenges faced by Israel, such as the October 7 attack by Hamas.
The response to the Iranian threat is expected to influence Israel’s regional and international standing.
In response to the situation, President Biden and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak acknowledged their respective nations’ support in countering the aerial threats.
Biden reassured Netanyahu of Israel’s defensive capabilities, while Blinken indicated upcoming discussions with allies.
The ongoing war between Israel and Hamas has seen significant casualties and devastation, with failed ceasefire negotiations further complicating the situation. Hamas has welcomed Iran’s attack, viewing it as a justified response, and has called for continued support from Iran-backed groups in the region.
Hezbollah’s involvement in attacks on Israel’s northern border and actions by Iranian-backed groups in Iraq, Syria, and Yemen highlights the broader regional implications of the conflict.
According to a Turkish diplomatic source, Iran had preemptively informed Turkey about the impending actions.
Iran has expressed that the purpose of their attack was to reprimand Israel for its transgressions, but has since considered the issue resolved. Meanwhile, Turkey has cautioned Iran against escalating tensions further.
Key global powers including Russia, China, France, and Germany, along with Arab nations such as Egypt, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, have all advocated for restraint.
The UN Security Council is scheduled
to convene at 2000 GMT on Sunday to discuss the matter.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, during a visit to China, emphasised the importance of preventing any further escalation, stating, “We will do everything to stop a further escalation. We can only warn everyone, especially Iran, against continuing this way.”
World cannot
The Permanent Mission of Iran to the UN informed the UN Security Council in a letter that Iran carried out a series of military strikes on Israeli military objectives in the late hours of April 13.
The UN Security Council will meet on Sunday evening to discuss the situation.
President of the UN General Assembly Dennis Francis also expressed deep concern about the unfolding situation in the Middle East, involving the launch by Iran of drones and missiles against Israel.
He said that the Iranians have explained their action in the context of Article 51 of the UN Charter, following the recent Israeli attack on the Iranian Embassy in Damascus.
“The Iranian response compounds the already tense and delicate peace and security situation in the Middle East,” he said.
Francis strongly called upon all parties to exercise the utmost restraint to avoid further escalation of tension in the region.
Article 51 of the UN Charter states that “Nothing in the present Charter shall impair the inherent right of individual or collective self-defence if an armed attack occurs against a Member of the United Nations until the Security Council has taken measures necessary to maintain international peace and security.”
India expresses
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated: “We are seriously concerned at the escalation of hostilities between Israel and Iran which threatens the peace and security in the region. We call for immediate de-escalation, exercise of restraint, stepping back from violence and return to the path of diplomacy.”
India is keeping a vigilant eye on the unfolding events in West Asia, stressing the importance of preserving regional security and stability.
In a telephonic exchange with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein AmirAbdollahian, Jaishankar also called for the release of 17 Indians onboard a Portuguese-flagged cargo vessel MSC Aries, seized by the Iranian military near the Strait of Hormuz.
Jaishankar tweeted about his conversation, stating: “Discussed the current situation in the region. Stressed the importance of avoiding escalation, exercising restraint and returning to diplomacy. Agreed to remain in touch.”
During discussions with Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz, Jaishankar conveyed India’s apprehensions about the Iran-Israel conflict and agreed to maintain communication.
Amid rising tensions, India has advised its citizens against travelling to Iran and Israel and is considering contingency plans, including potential evacuations, should conditions worsen.
Currently, approximately 4,000 Indians reside in Iran, and nearly 18,500 in Israel.
... impoverished families, will now extend its reach to cover senior citizens and transgender individuals. By prioritising holistic healthcare solutions rooted in traditional practices like
Ayurveda and Yoga, the BJP aims to promote active living and vitality among elders.
Furthermore, the manifesto pledges to bolster support for transgender individuals by expanding the network of Garima Grah and ensuring their inclusion under the Ayushman Bharat
Yojana.
This move not only recognizes the unique healthcare needs of this marginalised community but also reaffirms the party’s commitment to social inclusivity and equity.
Prime Minister Modi, in his address, articulated the manifesto’s core principles, emphasising the four pillars of development: women’s empowerment, youth empowerment, support for farmers, and welfare for the underprivileged. Central to this vision is the concept of enhancing both the dignity and quality of life for all citizens, irrespective of their socio-economic background.
By extending the free ration scheme for an additional five years and promoting self-reliance in essential food production, the BJP aims to ensure food security and stability for the most vulnerable sections of society.
The Sankalp Patra also mentioned, “...dedicated to uplifting every underprivileged family from poverty and ensuring they lead dignified lives. Over the past decade, numerous measures have been implemented for the welfare of the poor, yielding positive results. The focus remains on empowering them to enhance their quality of life, boost income, and maintain dignity.”
Focusing on the basic needs of society and expanding housing opportunities, the manifesto emphasised that the PM Awas Yojana has already enhanced living conditions for over 4 crore impoverished families.
Recognizing its significant impact, we aim to extend this program further, ensuring every needy family has access to quality housing.
India, with its diverse population and complex socio-economic challenges, is pursuing a multifaceted approach to address various societal needs while fostering inclusive growth and development.
The party manifesto also mentioned that the PM Modi-led government at the centre put effort into bringing initiatives that span across different sectors, ranging from access to clean water to empowering women, supporting the middle class, and enhancing the livelihoods of farmers and fishermen.
Access to clean water is fundamental to public health and well-being. Through efforts such as slum redevelopment and initiatives like the PM Ujjwala Yojana and PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, the government is working to provide housing, clean cooking fuel, and free electricity to impoverished households, ensuring basic necessities are met for all citizens.
Recognizing the vital role of the middle class in driving the economy, the government is dedicated to supporting their aspirations by providing affordable housing, quality healthcare, education, and ample employment opportunities. This commitment to the neo-middle class reflects a holistic approach to inclusive growth and development.
Women’s empowerment is a cornerstone of India’s vision for societal progress. Specialised programs and facilities in sports, healthcare, entrepreneurship, and governance aim to foster greater participation and representation of women in various spheres of life. Initiatives such as Shakti Desks in police stations and the implementation of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam demonstrate a commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment.
Moreover, the government’s focus on youth engagement, fostering entrepreneurship, boosting manufacturing, and investing in infrastructure creates a conducive environment for economic growth and job creation.
Initiatives like the ‘Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat)’ initiative and support for startups and small businesses contribute to building a vibrant and
dynamic economy.
In addition to social welfare and economic development, the government is committed to preserving cultural heritage and traditions, as well as enhancing eldercare and senior citizen services.
By expanding initiatives such as Ayush camps, senior-friendly infrastructure, and digital empowerment for the elderly, the government aims to ensure dignified living for seniors while honouring their wisdom and experience.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) further outlined a visionary roadmap for agriculture in India.
At the forefront of their agenda is the commitment to double farmers’ income through a multifaceted approach encompassing increased productivity, enhanced market access, and value addition.
Providing annual assistance of Rs 6,000 to farmers and strengthening crop insurance schemes through technological innovation.
Additionally, the BJP pledges to increase Minimum Support Prices for crops, establish new production clusters, and invest in robust storage facilities, thus empowering farmers and bolstering rural economies.
The party reaffirms its dedication to continuing flagship schemes like the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana and strengthening initiatives such as the PM Fasal Bima Yojana to safeguard farmers against crop losses.
Emphasising sustainability, the BJP advocates for the adoption of organic farming, conservation agriculture, and agroforestry to mitigate climate change impacts and preserve soil health. Investment in modern agricultural infrastructure, promotion of digital technologies, and facilitation of credit and financial services underscore the BJP’s commitment to bolstering the agricultural sector.
Furthermore, the party aims to foster agro-processing industries, improve water management and irrigation, and prioritise skill development and agrientrepreneurship to ensure the prosperity and well-being of farmers across the nation.
Through this holistic approach, the BJP’s agricultural manifesto lays the groundwork for empowering farmers and steering India towards a prosperous agricultural future.
An important comprehensive manifesto outlining its vision for India’s foreign policy emphasises global engagement, diplomacy, and strategic partnerships to secure India’s interests and promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the international arena. First, it pledges to strengthen strategic partnerships with key countries and international organisations to safeguard India’s security and interests.
This includes deepening ties with traditional allies such as the United States, Russia, and Israel, as well as enhancing engagement with emerging powers in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
Recognizing the importance of India’s immediate neighbourhood, the BJP commits to prioritising relations with neighbouring countries through the Neighborhood First Policy. This entails fostering closer economic cooperation, resolving bilateral disputes through dialogue and diplomacy, and promoting regional connectivity and integration.
The BJP manifesto further aims to leverage India’s economic prowess to advance its foreign policy objectives.
This involves promoting trade, investment, and economic partnerships with countries around the world, facilitating ease of doing business for Indian companies abroad, and positioning India as a preferred investment destination.
The BJP reaffirms its commitment to combating terrorism and extremism at the global level.
This includes strengthening cooperation with international partners to disrupt terrorist networks, sharing intelligence and best practices in counterterrorism efforts, and advocating for
comprehensive strategies to address the root causes of terrorism.
In line with India’s commitment to environmental sustainability, the BJP pledges to engage constructively in global efforts to address climate change and environmental challenges. This involves participating in international forums, promoting renewable energy and sustainable development initiatives, and advocating for equitable and inclusive climate policies.
The BJP recognizes the importance of multilateralism and active engagement in international organisations to advance India’s interests on the global stage. This includes strengthening
India’s role in forums such as the United Nations, G20, BRICS, and WTO, advocating for reforms to make these institutions more representative and effective.
Also, the BJP emphasises the importance of cultural and soft power diplomacy in promoting India’s rich cultural heritage, values, and traditions abroad. This involves expanding cultural exchanges, promoting Indian languages, arts, and cuisine globally, and enhancing people-to-people ties through educational and cultural initiatives.
Recognizing the transformative power of technology in international relations, the BJP commits to leveraging digital diplomacy to enhance India’s global influence and reach. This includes harnessing digital platforms for public diplomacy, cybersecurity cooperation, and promoting digital literacy and innovation internationally.
The BJP stands committed to providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to countries in need, demonstrating India’s solidarity and compassion towards the global community. This involves deploying resources, expertise, and assistance in times of natural disasters, humanitarian crises, and public health emergencies.
Further, the BJP reiterates its commitment to promoting peace, stability, and conflict resolution in regions affected by conflict and instability. This includes supporting diplomatic efforts, mediation initiatives, and peacebuilding processes aimed at fostering dialogue, reconciliation, and sustainable peace outcomes.
The BJP further presents a robust defence manifesto outlining its vision to bolster national security and modernise India’s armed forces. Here are the key highlights of the BJP’s defence agenda. First, it pledges to strengthen strategic defence partnerships with key allies to enhance India’s defence capabilities and ensure regional stability.
Modernising the armed forces by equipping them with state-of-the-art weapons, technology, and equipment to effectively counter emerging security threats.
The manifesto aims to streamline defence procurement processes, promote indigenous defence manufacturing, and reduce dependency on foreign imports through initiatives like Make in India in Defense.
Recognizing the evolving nature of threats, the BJP prioritises cyber defence and space security, investing in technologies and capabilities to safeguard India’s digital and outer space domains.
The party emphasises strengthening border security and infrastructure along India’s borders to effectively deter external threats and safeguard territorial integrity.
The BJP reaffirms its commitment to combating terrorism and extremism through robust counterterrorism measures, intelligence sharing, and international cooperation.
The manifesto further acknowledges the contributions of defence veterans and pledges to enhance their welfare by providing better healthcare, housing, and pension benefits.
It aims to leverage defence diplomacy to strengthen bilateral and multilateral defence cooperation, foster military-to-military ties, and promote regional security and stability.
It underscores the importance of maintaining a credible nuclear deterrence posture to safeguard India’s
national security interests and deter potential adversaries.
The BJP-led government, if it retains power, stands committed to providing swift and effective disaster relief and humanitarian assistance during natural calamities and crises, showcasing India’s solidarity and compassion.
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, who chaired the committee responsible for drafting the manifesto, highlighted the exhaustive consultation process that informed its contents. Drawing from over 15 lakh suggestions from across the country, the manifesto represents a comprehensive roadmap for Viksit Bharat (developed India) while prioritising social justice and inclusivity.
Singh described the BJP’s manifesto as the “gold standard” for political parties globally, emphasising Prime Minister Modi’s unparalleled guarantee of fulfilling all commitments. He lauded the manifesto’s meticulous planning and execution, positioning it as a testament to the party’s vision for a prosperous and equitable India.
Addressing the media, BJP president JP Nadda underscored the party’s track record of delivering on its promises, citing key achievements such as the abrogation of Article 370, the passage of the Women Reservation Bill, and the construction of the Ayodhya Ram Temple. He reiterated the party’s slogan, ‘Modi ki guarantee,’ as a testament to its commitment to fulfilling all assurances made to the electorate.
Lok Sabha polls
...compared to the usual Rs 1.5 to
1.7 lakh.
A single-engine helicopter can seat up to 7 individuals, including the pilot, whereas a twin-engine helicopter can accommodate up to 12 passengers.
For chartered aircraft, the hourly rates range from Rs 4.5 lakh to Rs 5.25 lakh.
According to Bali, chartered plane operators can expect their earnings to be 15-20 per cent higher during election periods than in non-election times.
Official records indicate that there were 112 Non-Scheduled Operators (NSOPs) by the end of December 2023. NSOPs operate on an as-needed basis without a fixed schedule and possess a diverse fleet ranging from 3 to 37 seats. The fleet includes various models such as the Falcon 2000, Bombardier Global 5000, Twin Otter DHC-6-300, Hawker Beechcraft, Gulfstream G-200, and Cessna Citation 560XL, as per the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
The BJP’s audited accounts for 201920, submitted to the Election Commission of India (ECI), reveal that the party incurred over Rs 250 crore on aircraft/ helicopter expenses. The Congress party’s election travel expenses for the same period amounted to over Rs 126 crore, although the accounts did not specify aircraft/helicopter costs separately.
The upcoming seven-phase Lok Sabha elections are scheduled to commence on April 19 and will span 44 days, covering 10.5 lakh polling booths. The election dates are set for April 19, April 26, May 7, May 13, May 20, May 25, and June 1, following the pattern of the 2019 elections held in April and May.
BJP unveils