General election India -2019,

The general elections in India, held from April 11 to May 19, 2019, were a significant event in the country's political landscape. As the world's largest democratic exercise, these elections saw millions of eligible voters exercise their right to choose their representatives at various levels of government.

The 2019 Indian general elections were especially significant as they determined the composition of the 17th Lok Sabha, the lower house of India's parliament. The Lok Sabha consists of 543 seats, with members elected through a first-past-the-post system. The elections also indirectly impacted the formation of the government at the federal level, as the party or coalition with a majority in the Lok Sabha forms the government and appoints the Prime Minister.

The main contenders in the 2019 elections were the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the Indian National Congress (INC), led by Rahul Gandhi. The campaign period witnessed intense political debates, extensive campaigning, and rallies held across the country. Several other regional parties and independent candidates also contested in various constituencies.

The elections saw a massive turnout, with over 900 million eligible voters exercising their franchise. Voting took place in multiple phases across different states and union territories, ensuring a smooth and organized process. Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) were used to conduct the elections, ensuring accuracy and transparency in the voting process.

The key issues discussed during the election campaign included economic development, unemployment, national security, social welfare, and governance. Political parties and candidates campaigned on their respective platforms, promising to address these concerns and work towards the betterment of the country.

The results of the elections were announced on May 23, 2019. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emerged as the single largest party, securing a majority on its own and surpassing its previous performance. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA), a coalition led by the BJP, secured a comfortable majority in the Lok Sabha, winning 353 seats out of 543. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was reelected for a second term and subsequently formed the government.

The 2019 Indian general elections showcased the vibrancy of Indian democracy and the active participation of its citizens. The elections reflected the aspirations, hopes, and concerns of the Indian electorate, shaping the country's political landscape for the next five years.

Witnessed - 2019 Mirage 2000 fighter aircraft crash in HAL Bangalore

 On the morning of February 1, 2019, I had a firsthand experience of a tragic incident. It began as a routine Friday morning when I decided to grab a cup of tea, accompanied by my colleague Harini Shivakumar, who had missed her breakfast. We headed to a nearby shop next to our office, where Harini ordered a dosa while I got tea for myself.

While standing there, my attention was abruptly diverted by the presence of my friend Raghu from Aditya Brilla. However, my gaze shifted beyond him to a scene that caught me off guard. A sudden and jarring noise echoed through the air, followed by a billowing cloud of black smoke and rapidly growing fire, reminiscent of a mushroom, with a large fabric-like object amidst the chaos.

Without wasting a moment, I instinctively rushed towards the source of the commotion, realizing that a plane crash had taken place. As I reached the area, which was engulfed in flames, another young and active resident named Manunath from Yemlur village joined me in the search for survivors. With caution, we maneuvered through the blaze, mindful of the burning aviation fuel and the potential hazards that could trigger further explosions. Soon, more people joined our efforts to locate any possible survivors.

In the midst of the chaos, I managed to contact my colleague Arjun, sharing the unfolding situation with him. He warned me about the potential presence of explosives and the importance of national security. Despite the inherent risks, we persisted in our search, hoping against hope to find any survivors. Eventually, we discovered a motionless figure lying on the ground, indicating the tragic loss of life. Simultaneously, another group of individuals found the lifeless body of the second pilot. It was a heartbreaking sight, as both pilots had succumbed to their injuries.

As the news spread, a considerable number of personnel from the Air Force arrived to assist with the situation. Together, we coordinated efforts to ensure the safety and transport of the fallen pilots. This involved breaking down a nearby wall and carefully transferring them to the awaiting ambulance on the road. It was a somber and poignant moment, witnessing the devastating consequences of the accident.

Subsequent news reports revealed that the crash involved a Mirage 2000 fighter aircraft that was on a test sortie at HAL Airport. Tragically, both pilots, Squadron Leaders Sameer Abrol and Siddhartha Negi from the Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE) of the Indian Air Force (IAF), lost their lives. The pilots had ejected from the aircraft, but unfortunately, their parachutes caught fire, leading to fatal burns. The Mirage 2000, upgraded by the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), was on an acceptance sortie when the accident occurred.