Former Finance Minister late Arun Jaitley and former External Affairs Minister late Sushma Swaraj have been conferred India's second-highest civilian honour, Padma Vibhushan.&nbsp;

Former Minister of Defence George Fernandes was also conferred the Padma Vibhushan.

Former Goa Chief Minister and Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar has been awarded Padma Bhushan, posthumously.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/president-kovind-confers-padma-awards-hs-phoolka-cricketer-gautam-gambhir-bollywood-actor-manoj-bajpayee-receive-padma-shri-203672">Padma Bhushan</a> is the third-highest civilian honour in India.&nbsp;

Industrialist Anand Mahindra and ace Indian shuttler PV Sindhu also received Padma Bhushan award. Indian boxing champion MC Mary Kom was honoured with Padma Vibhushan.

Former Mauritius prime minister Anerood Jugnauth also has been honoured with the Padma Vibhushan.

Padma Bhushan was also conferred on eminent personalities industrialist Venu Shrinivasan, former Nagaland chief minister SC Jamir and Jammu and Kashmir politician Muzaffar Hussain Baig.

The Padma Vibhushan for this year has been awarded to a total of seven prominent personalities, while 16 have been given the Padma Bhushan, 118 have been given the Padma Shri this year.

Last year, President Ram Nath Kovind had conferred Padma awards. Eminent personalities including senior advocate and former leader of opposition HS Phoolka, ISRO scientist Nambi Narayanan, former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir and Bollywood actor Manoj Bajpayee, among others, were honoured.&nbsp;

While advocate HS Phoolka, cricketer Gautam Gambhir, Bollywood actor Manoj Bajpayee were conferred Padma Shri, Narayanan was honoured with Padma Bhushan.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Former Finance Minister late Arun Jaitley and former External Affairs Minister late Sushma Swaraj have been conferred India's second-highest civilian honour, Padma Vibhushan.

Former Finance Minister late Arun Jaitley and former External Affairs Minister late Sushma Swaraj have been conferred India's second-highest civilian honour, Padma Vibhushan. Former Minister of Defence George Fernandes was also conferred the Padma Vibhushan. Former Goa Chief Minister and Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar has been awarded Padma Bhushan, posthumously. Padma Bhushan is the third-highest civilian honour in India. Industrialist Anand Mahindra and ace Indian shuttler PV Sindhu also received Padma Bhushan award. Indian boxing champion MC Mary Kom was honoured with Padma Vibhushan. Former Mauritius prime minister Anerood Jugnauth also has been honoured with the Padma Vibhushan. Padma Bhushan was also conferred on eminent personalities industrialist Venu Shrinivasan, former Nagaland chief minister SC Jamir and Jammu and Kashmir politician Muzaffar Hussain Baig. The Padma Vibhushan for this year has been awarded to a total of seven prominent personalities, while 16 have been given the Padma Bhushan, 118 have been given the Padma Shri this year. Last year, President Ram Nath Kovind had conferred Padma awards. Eminent personalities including senior advocate and former leader of opposition HS Phoolka, ISRO scientist Nambi Narayanan, former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir and Bollywood actor Manoj Bajpayee, among others, were honoured. While advocate HS Phoolka, cricketer Gautam Gambhir, Bollywood actor Manoj Bajpayee were conferred Padma Shri, Narayanan was honoured with Padma Bhushan. (With inputs from agencies)

Arun Jaitley, Sushma Swaraj conferred Padma Vibhushan posthumously

From Sushma Swaraj to Arun Jaitley- A year of irreparable loss for Indian politics

The Rajya Sabha on Monday paid rich tributes to Jagannath Mishra, Arun Jaitley, Sukhdev Singh Libra, Ram&nbsp;Jethmalani and Gurudas Dasgupta, who served as lawmakers in the Upper House of the Parliament.

After Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu gave obituary references to its sitting and former members, MPs present in the House paid homage to the distinguished parliamentarians.

On August 19, Mishra, a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/former-bihar-chief-minister-jagannath-mishra-passes-away-at-82-244003">former Bihar chief minister </a>had passed away in New Delhi after a prolonged illness. The 82-year-old started his career as a professor and went on to become chief minister of Bihar thrice from the Congress. Mishra also served as a union minister.

He served as a Rajya Sabha MP between 1988 to 1990 and from 1994 to 2000.

Jaitley, who served as finance minister in the first tenure of the Narendra Modi-led government, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/former-finance-minister-arun-jaitleys-mortal-remains-moved-to-bjp-headquarters-several-leaders-arrive-to-pay-respects-245427">breathed his last on August 24 </a>at AIIMS in the national capital after suffering from health issues. He was 66 and served as the Leader of the House in Rajya Sabha from 2014 to 2019.

On September 6, Congress leader Libra passed away due to health issues. He was 86 and served in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. Libra served as a parliamentarian at the Upper House between 1998 to 2004.

On September 8, noted lawyer Jethmalani had passed away at the age of 95. He served as the law minister and the urban development minister in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee cabinet. He had also served as the Chairman of the Bar Council of India.

Jethmalani, who was known for taking up high-profile cases, was a Rajya Sabha MP from 2016 to 2019.

Dasgupta, a CPI leader, breathed his last in Kolkata on October 31. He was aged 83 and was suffering from heart and kidney-related ailments.

Dasgupta was the CPI's former deputy general secretary and a well-known trade unionist. He was elected as a member of the Rajya Sabha in 1985, 1988 and 1994.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/winter-session-of-parliament-speaker-calls-all-party-meeting-on-saturday-262452">winter session of Parliament</a> commenced from today and will go on till December 13. The session will provide a total of 20 sittings spread over a period of 26 days, including four Private Members' days.

Many key bills, including the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2019, are scheduled to be tabled in this session of the Parliament. Other important bills that are expected to be taken up during the course of the Houses include the Personal Data Protection Bill, 2019, Anti Maritime Piracy Bill 2019 and Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill, 2019.

The Rajya Sabha on Monday paid rich tributes to Jagannath Mishra, Arun Jaitley, Sukhdev Singh Libra, Ram Jethmalani and Gurudas Dasgupta, who served as lawmakers in the Upper House of the Parliament.

The Rajya Sabha on Monday paid rich tributes to Jagannath Mishra, Arun Jaitley, Sukhdev Singh Libra, Ram Jethmalani and Gurudas Dasgupta, who served as lawmakers in the Upper House of the Parliament. After Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu gave obituary references to its sitting and former members, MPs present in the House paid homage to the distinguished parliamentarians. On August 19, Mishra, a former Bihar chief minister had passed away in New Delhi after a prolonged illness. The 82-year-old started his career as a professor and went on to become chief minister of Bihar thrice from the Congress. Mishra also served as a union minister. He served as a Rajya Sabha MP between 1988 to 1990 and from 1994 to 2000. Jaitley, who served as finance minister in the first tenure of the Narendra Modi-led government, breathed his last on August 24 at AIIMS in the national capital after suffering from health issues. He was 66 and served as the Leader of the House in Rajya Sabha from 2014 to 2019. On September 6, Congress leader Libra passed away due to health issues. He was 86 and served in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. Libra served as a parliamentarian at the Upper House between 1998 to 2004. On September 8, noted lawyer Jethmalani had passed away at the age of 95. He served as the law minister and the urban development minister in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee cabinet. He had also served as the Chairman of the Bar Council of India. Jethmalani, who was known for taking up high-profile cases, was a Rajya Sabha MP from 2016 to 2019. Dasgupta, a CPI leader, breathed his last in Kolkata on October 31. He was aged 83 and was suffering from heart and kidney-related ailments. Dasgupta was the CPI's former deputy general secretary and a well-known trade unionist. He was elected as a member of the Rajya Sabha in 1985, 1988 and 1994. The winter session of Parliament commenced from today and will go on till December 13. The session will provide a total of 20 sittings spread over a period of 26 days, including four Private Members' days. Many key bills, including the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2019, are scheduled to be tabled in this session of the Parliament. Other important bills that are expected to be taken up during the course of the Houses include the Personal Data Protection Bill, 2019, Anti Maritime Piracy Bill 2019 and Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill, 2019.

Rajya Sabha remembers MPs including Arun Jaitley, Ram Jethmalani

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PM Modi conferred with King Hamad Order of the Renaissance. PM Modi accepts the honour on behalf of 1.3 billion Indians.

PM Modi first Indian PM to visit Bahrain, honoured by the King of Bahrain

PM Modi greeted thousands of Indians in Bahrain, Modi chants ring out in Bahrain.

PM Modi in Bahrain; addresses Indian Community

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday described Arun Jaitley, who<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/former-finance-minister-arun-jaitley-passes-away-at-66-245276"> passed away</a> on Saturday after a prolonged illness, as a political giant, towering intellectual and legal luminary.

''Arun Jaitley Ji was a political giant, towering intellectual and legal luminary. He was an articulate leader who made a lasting contribution to India. His passing away is very saddening. Spoke to his wife Sangeeta Ji as well as son Rohan, and expressed condolences. Om Shanti,'' tweeted Modi minutes after Jaitley breathed his last.

Modi, who is on a three-nation tour of France, UAE and Bahrain, was full of praise for Jaitley who, he said,&nbsp;was full of life blessed with wit, a great sense of humour and charisma.&nbsp;

''Full of life, blessed with wit, a great sense of humour and charisma, Arun Jaitley Ji was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/arun-jaitley-bjps-original-chanakya-245280">admired by people</a> across all sections of society. He was multi-faceted, having impeccable knowledge about India’s Constitution, history, public policy, governance and administration,'' he said in another tweet.

During his long political career, Arun Jaitley Ji held multiple ministerial responsibilities, which enabled him to contribute towards India’s economic growth, strengthening our defence capabilities, creating people-friendly laws and enhancing trade with other nations, Modi added.

BJP and Arun Jaitley Ji had an unbreakable bond, Modi said.

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Arun Jaitley Ji was a political giant, towering intellectual and legal luminary. He was an articulate leader who made a lasting contribution to India. His passing away is very saddening. Spoke to his wife Sangeeta Ji as well as son Rohan, and expressed condolences. Om Shanti.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1165168030801940480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
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''As a fiery student leader, he was at forefront of protecting our democracy during the Emergency. He became a much-liked face of our Party, who could articulate the Party programmes and ideology to a wide spectrum of society,'' Modi added.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday described Arun Jaitley, who passed away on Saturday after a prolonged illness, as a political giant, towering intellectual and legal luminary.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday described Arun Jaitley, who passed away on Saturday after a prolonged illness, as a political giant, towering intellectual and legal luminary. ''Arun Jaitley Ji was a political giant, towering intellectual and legal luminary. He was an articulate leader who made a lasting contribution to India. His passing away is very saddening. Spoke to his wife Sangeeta Ji as well as son Rohan, and expressed condolences. Om Shanti,'' tweeted Modi minutes after Jaitley breathed his last. Modi, who is on a three-nation tour of France, UAE and Bahrain, was full of praise for Jaitley who, he said, was full of life blessed with wit, a great sense of humour and charisma. ''Full of life, blessed with wit, a great sense of humour and charisma, Arun Jaitley Ji was admired by people across all sections of society. He was multi-faceted, having impeccable knowledge about India’s Constitution, history, public policy, governance and administration,'' he said in another tweet. During his long political career, Arun Jaitley Ji held multiple ministerial responsibilities, which enabled him to contribute towards India’s economic growth, strengthening our defence capabilities, creating people-friendly laws and enhancing trade with other nations, Modi added. BJP and Arun Jaitley Ji had an unbreakable bond, Modi said. Arun Jaitley Ji was a political giant, towering intellectual and legal luminary. He was an articulate leader who made a lasting contribution to India. His passing away is very saddening. Spoke to his wife Sangeeta Ji as well as son Rohan, and expressed condolences. Om Shanti. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 24, 2019 × ''As a fiery student leader, he was at forefront of protecting our democracy during the Emergency. He became a much-liked face of our Party, who could articulate the Party programmes and ideology to a wide spectrum of society,'' Modi added.

'Arun Jaitley was a political giant, towering intellectual and legal luminary': Modi pays rich tribute to 'Emergency hero'  

A major fire which broke out in the PC Block of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-massive-fire-breaks-out-at-aiims-over-30-fire-tenders-at-spot-243657">All India Institute of Medical Science</a> (AIIMS) in Delhi on Saturday was brought under control, according to hospital sources. However, efforts to the douse the fire are still on.&nbsp;

A total of 34 fire tenders were pressed into service and firefighters were able to contain the fire from spreading to nearby blocks. No casualty has been reported.

The fire, which broke out late afternoon in the hospital caused extensive damages to the first, second and third floor of the PC Block.

As a precautionary measure, patients and other occupants from the AB 1 to AB 7 wards were evacuated to Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences and other safe areas.

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Delhi: Latest visuals from All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) where a fire broke out earlier today. Fire-fighting operations continue <a href="https://t.co/DtaXWC0kV7">pic.twitter.com/DtaXWC0kV7</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1162776719989886976?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The PC Block is a non-patient block comprising of research labs, doctors rooms etc, however, it is interconnected to the Emergency Wing of the hospital.

A short circuit is suspected to have caused the blaze.

A little earlier, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal expressed the hope that the fire would quickly be brought under control and urged the people to remain calm.

"The fire in AIIMS building will be brought under control at the earliest. Fire service trying its best to extinguish the fire. I appeal to everyone to maintain calm and allow the Fire Services personnel to do their work," Kejriwal's posted on his twitter handle.

According to an AIIMS official, a total of 15,000 new patients visit the hospital, out of which almost one-third visit the Emergency wing.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

A major fire which broke out in the PC Block of the All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS) in Delhi on Saturday was brought under control, according to hospital sources.

A major fire which broke out in the PC Block of the All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS) in Delhi on Saturday was brought under control, according to hospital sources. However, efforts to the douse the fire are still on. A total of 34 fire tenders were pressed into service and firefighters were able to contain the fire from spreading to nearby blocks. No casualty has been reported. The fire, which broke out late afternoon in the hospital caused extensive damages to the first, second and third floor of the PC Block. As a precautionary measure, patients and other occupants from the AB 1 to AB 7 wards were evacuated to Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences and other safe areas. Delhi: Latest visuals from All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) where a fire broke out earlier today. Fire-fighting operations continue pic.twitter.com/DtaXWC0kV7 — ANI (@ANI) August 17, 2019 × The PC Block is a non-patient block comprising of research labs, doctors rooms etc, however, it is interconnected to the Emergency Wing of the hospital. A short circuit is suspected to have caused the blaze. A little earlier, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal expressed the hope that the fire would quickly be brought under control and urged the people to remain calm. "The fire in AIIMS building will be brought under control at the earliest. Fire service trying its best to extinguish the fire. I appeal to everyone to maintain calm and allow the Fire Services personnel to do their work," Kejriwal's posted on his twitter handle. According to an AIIMS official, a total of 15,000 new patients visit the hospital, out of which almost one-third visit the Emergency wing.

Effort to douse fire at AIIMS continue, no casualty reported

Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is going to be the game changer in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

"I don't think any other issue or scheme is going to do anything. Only PM Narendra Modi is going to be the game changer in this election," Jaitley told Zee News Editor-in-Chief Sudhir Chaudhary.

He also said that Modi gave India a strong leadership.

"The people of the country know that we can take tough decisions, provide leadership and that the country is safe under PM Modi's leadership. Any other PM would have thought 'whether I should give the permission or not for the airstrikes in Balakot'. He decided to strike the terrorists at their point of origin - both surgical strikes and IAF strikes prove it," Jaitley said.

The ability to take such decisions has given an assurance to the people of this nation that Modi will give the country a strong leadership.

"They violate the sanctity of Line of Control nearly every day. The changed defence doctrine that we have adopted will give a new sense of safety to the countrymen," he said.

Jaitley also slammed Congress's direct benefit transfer scheme announced by its president Rahul Gandhi on Monday.

Calling Rahul Gandhi's minimum income promise a bluff he said: "Congress has only given slogans to the poor, we gave them means. We got 91% of villages connected to roads. We have promised that all the BPL families will have a house by 2022. We waived off the hospital expense for 50 crore people of this country. We did not increase income tax by a single rupee, in fact, we reduced it.we also increased the tax base. 10,000km national highways were constructed every year during our tenure. We already have 55 scheme for our poor."

"Jitna ye vada kar rahe hain, usse 1.5 guna zyada hum already kar rahe hain&nbsp;(what they (Congress) is promising, we are already giving 1.5 times of that)," he added. 
 
Earlier on Monday, Congress President Rahul Gandhi announced that his party, if voted to power, would give a minimum income guarantee of Rs 6,000 per month to 20 crore household. He said that the move would bring the people out of poverty.

Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is going to be the game changer in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. "I don't think any other issue or scheme is going to do anything.

Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is going to be the game changer in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. "I don't think any other issue or scheme is going to do anything. Only PM Narendra Modi is going to be the game changer in this election," Jaitley told Zee News Editor-in-Chief Sudhir Chaudhary. He also said that Modi gave India a strong leadership. "The people of the country know that we can take tough decisions, provide leadership and that the country is safe under PM Modi's leadership. Any other PM would have thought 'whether I should give the permission or not for the airstrikes in Balakot'. He decided to strike the terrorists at their point of origin - both surgical strikes and IAF strikes prove it," Jaitley said. The ability to take such decisions has given an assurance to the people of this nation that Modi will give the country a strong leadership. "They violate the sanctity of Line of Control nearly every day. The changed defence doctrine that we have adopted will give a new sense of safety to the countrymen," he said. Jaitley also slammed Congress's direct benefit transfer scheme announced by its president Rahul Gandhi on Monday. Calling Rahul Gandhi's minimum income promise a bluff he said: "Congress has only given slogans to the poor, we gave them means. We got 91% of villages connected to roads. We have promised that all the BPL families will have a house by 2022. We waived off the hospital expense for 50 crore people of this country. We did not increase income tax by a single rupee, in fact, we reduced it.we also increased the tax base. 10,000km national highways were constructed every year during our tenure. We already have 55 scheme for our poor." "Jitna ye vada kar rahe hain, usse 1.5 guna zyada hum already kar rahe hain (what they (Congress) is promising, we are already giving 1.5 times of that)," he added. Earlier on Monday, Congress President Rahul Gandhi announced that his party, if voted to power, would give a minimum income guarantee of Rs 6,000 per month to 20 crore household. He said that the move would bring the people out of poverty.

Narendra Modi will be the game changer in Lok Sabha Elections 2019: Arun Jaitley

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley Sunday exuded confidence that people will make the right choice in the forthcoming general elections by electing a stable government rather than 'mahamilawat gathbandhan', which is being envisaged as a road to disaster.

The mahamilawat gathbandhan, which has leaders and political parties of different ideologies, can only promise political instability, said Jaitley in his seventh blog on 'Agenda 2019'.

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Agenda 2019 – Part – 7 : Mahamilawat or Gathbandhan – A Race to the Bottom <a href="https://t.co/w9L9LCIp0w">https://t.co/w9L9LCIp0w</a>
— Chowkidar Arun Jaitley (@arunjaitley) <a href="https://twitter.com/arunjaitley/status/1107211543018651649?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"At the cusp of history, India and Indians have a choice to make. Are they electing a six month Government or a five year Government? Are they choosing between a tried, tested and a performing leader or a chaotic crowd of non-leaders?

"Is India looking at a Government which accelerates growth, development and poverty alleviation or is it looking for a Government made by persons who excel only at self-enrichment? I am confident that aspirational people of an evolving society will make the right choice," said Jaitley who is also the head of the publicity wing of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Mahamilawat gathbandhan, being formed with the objective of ousting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, "is a road to disaster. It is a race to the bottom," said the minister.

Jaitley said while in the NDA government, the last word belonged to the Prime Minister, there is a "tug of war" on the issue of leader in the coalition proposed by the opposition parties, including Congress, BSP, SP, TMC, and TDP.

"Four people have clearly indicated their desire to be Prime Ministers - Shri Rahul Gandhi, Behan Mayawati, Mamata Didi and Shri Sharad Pawar. Each desires to expand his or her own base and reduce that of the competitor," the minister said in the blog.

He further said that the gathbandhan unquestionably promises only political instability.

Such non-ideological alliances have only lasted for a few months, he said while citing examples of governments headed by Chaudhary Charan Singh, V P Singh, Chandrasekhar, H D Deve Gowda and I K Gujral, which did not last full term.

"Who would want to invest in India in an environment of political instability? Would even Indian investors prefer to go outside and look for more stable countries for investment? Where there is instability, there is corruption.

"People with brief political opportunities make the best of them. This is the experience of the past," said the senior BJP leader.

Jaitley further said federalism in India is inherent both geographically and constitutionally.

The Constitution defines 'India' i.E. 'Bharat ? a Union of States'. 
The states must be fiscally strong. This is the essence of Indian federalism.

Equally, if not more important, is the fact that for India to be a Union of States, there must be a strong Union, he said, adding if there is no strong Union, both India and India's federalism will stand to suffer.

"Let there be absolute clarity. India is a Union of States. It is not a Confederation of States. That is the fundamental difference between NDA and the UPA. This is also the fundamental flaw in this idea of the federal front," he said.

He said the framers of the Constitution had a vision and they were men of wisdom.

When prominent areas like defence, sovereignty, security of India, foreign policy and eventually the war against terror were maintained as primary responsibility of the Union Government, can India be ever defended without a strong Union? he wondered.

"There can be no 'federal front' without a strong Central party," Jaitley said, adding that in the both the NDA governments the nucleus of the coalition was a large party.

"There was no completion for leadership. The last word belonged to the Prime Minister. That is how the two Governments functioned. There was clarity in terms of policy and the Government had the capacity to take difficult decisions and deliver," he said.

The minister further said that today we have reached a situation where India grows faster than others in the world.

"The essential pre-requisite for accelerating our movement in this direction is that India must have political stability, a clear policy direction, a strong and decisive leadership. If we falter on any one of these, we will be letting down our own people and future generations. India cannot afford lost opportunities at this stage," he said.

About 900 million Indians would start voting from April 11 to elect the next government in a seven-phased election. The votes are scheduled to be counted on May 23.&nbsp;

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley Sunday exuded confidence that people will make the right choice in the forthcoming general elections by electing a stable government rather than 'mahamilawat gathbandhan', which is being envisaged as a road to disaster.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley Sunday exuded confidence that people will make the right choice in the forthcoming general elections by electing a stable government rather than 'mahamilawat gathbandhan', which is being envisaged as a road to disaster. The mahamilawat gathbandhan, which has leaders and political parties of different ideologies, can only promise political instability, said Jaitley in his seventh blog on 'Agenda 2019'. Agenda 2019 – Part – 7 : Mahamilawat or Gathbandhan – A Race to the Bottom https://t.co/w9L9LCIp0w — Chowkidar Arun Jaitley (@arunjaitley) March 17, 2019 × "At the cusp of history, India and Indians have a choice to make. Are they electing a six month Government or a five year Government? Are they choosing between a tried, tested and a performing leader or a chaotic crowd of non-leaders? "Is India looking at a Government which accelerates growth, development and poverty alleviation or is it looking for a Government made by persons who excel only at self-enrichment? I am confident that aspirational people of an evolving society will make the right choice," said Jaitley who is also the head of the publicity wing of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Mahamilawat gathbandhan, being formed with the objective of ousting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, "is a road to disaster. It is a race to the bottom," said the minister. Jaitley said while in the NDA government, the last word belonged to the Prime Minister, there is a "tug of war" on the issue of leader in the coalition proposed by the opposition parties, including Congress, BSP, SP, TMC, and TDP. "Four people have clearly indicated their desire to be Prime Ministers - Shri Rahul Gandhi, Behan Mayawati, Mamata Didi and Shri Sharad Pawar. Each desires to expand his or her own base and reduce that of the competitor," the minister said in the blog. He further said that the gathbandhan unquestionably promises only political instability. Such non-ideological alliances have only lasted for a few months, he said while citing examples of governments headed by Chaudhary Charan Singh, V P Singh, Chandrasekhar, H D Deve Gowda and I K Gujral, which did not last full term. "Who would want to invest in India in an environment of political instability? Would even Indian investors prefer to go outside and look for more stable countries for investment? Where there is instability, there is corruption. "People with brief political opportunities make the best of them. This is the experience of the past," said the senior BJP leader. Jaitley further said federalism in India is inherent both geographically and constitutionally. The Constitution defines 'India' i.E. 'Bharat ? a Union of States'. The states must be fiscally strong. This is the essence of Indian federalism. Equally, if not more important, is the fact that for India to be a Union of States, there must be a strong Union, he said, adding if there is no strong Union, both India and India's federalism will stand to suffer. "Let there be absolute clarity. India is a Union of States. It is not a Confederation of States. That is the fundamental difference between NDA and the UPA. This is also the fundamental flaw in this idea of the federal front," he said. He said the framers of the Constitution had a vision and they were men of wisdom. When prominent areas like defence, sovereignty, security of India, foreign policy and eventually the war against terror were maintained as primary responsibility of the Union Government, can India be ever defended without a strong Union? he wondered. "There can be no 'federal front' without a strong Central party," Jaitley said, adding that in the both the NDA governments the nucleus of the coalition was a large party. "There was no completion for leadership. The last word belonged to the Prime Minister. That is how the two Governments functioned. There was clarity in terms of policy and the Government had the capacity to take difficult decisions and deliver," he said. The minister further said that today we have reached a situation where India grows faster than others in the world. "The essential pre-requisite for accelerating our movement in this direction is that India must have political stability, a clear policy direction, a strong and decisive leadership. If we falter on any one of these, we will be letting down our own people and future generations. India cannot afford lost opportunities at this stage," he said. About 900 million Indians would start voting from April 11 to elect the next government in a seven-phased election. The votes are scheduled to be counted on May 23.

People will make the right choice in upcoming elections: Arun Jaitley

The government has detected Rs 20,000 crore worth GST evasion so far this fiscal and will take more steps to check frauds and increase compliance, a senior tax official said Wednesday.

Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs Member (Investigation) John Joseph further said the department would soon call a meeting of the representatives of the real estate sector to understand transition issues faced by the sector post reduction in GST rates.

The GST Council, chaired by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and comprising state counterparts, earlier this week decided to cut tax rates on under-construction apartments and affordable housing to five per cent and one per cent, respectively.&nbsp;

However, builders will not be able to claim credit for the taxes paid on inputs, like steel, cement.

The earlier GST rate on under-construction apartments and affordable housing was 12 per cent and eight per cent with input tax credit (ITC), respectively.

On demand for giving ITC relief to the builders of the under-construction flats which are already built but not yet sold to buyers, Joseph said the real estate sector will have to raise the issue with the urban development ministry.

"You need to talk to them (urban development ministry). As revenue department we cannot give you any benefit of subsidy to that extent," he said at an Assocham event here.

Joseph said between April-February 2018-19, GST evasion worth Rs 20,000 crore has been detected of which Rs 10,000 crore was recovered.

He said the tax officers on Tuesday detected fake invoice worth Rs 1,500 crore which was used to claim illegal GST credit of Rs 75 crore.&nbsp;

"We have already recovered Rs 25 crore and the rest is on the way," Joseph said.&nbsp;

Stating that only 5-10 per cent of the businesses are "black sheep" and bring bad name to the industry, he said the government will take more measures to increase compliance, and act against evaders in a way such that genuine businesses do not suffer.

Joseph said the government has been dynamic in rationalising tax rates since GST rollout on July 1, 2017, while increasing compliance for 1.2 crore registered businesses.

The government has detected Rs 20,000 crore worth GST evasion so far this fiscal and will take more steps to check frauds and increase compliance, a senior tax official said Wednesday.

The government has detected Rs 20,000 crore worth GST evasion so far this fiscal and will take more steps to check frauds and increase compliance, a senior tax official said Wednesday. Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs Member (Investigation) John Joseph further said the department would soon call a meeting of the representatives of the real estate sector to understand transition issues faced by the sector post reduction in GST rates. The GST Council, chaired by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and comprising state counterparts, earlier this week decided to cut tax rates on under-construction apartments and affordable housing to five per cent and one per cent, respectively. However, builders will not be able to claim credit for the taxes paid on inputs, like steel, cement. The earlier GST rate on under-construction apartments and affordable housing was 12 per cent and eight per cent with input tax credit (ITC), respectively. On demand for giving ITC relief to the builders of the under-construction flats which are already built but not yet sold to buyers, Joseph said the real estate sector will have to raise the issue with the urban development ministry. "You need to talk to them (urban development ministry). As revenue department we cannot give you any benefit of subsidy to that extent," he said at an Assocham event here. Joseph said between April-February 2018-19, GST evasion worth Rs 20,000 crore has been detected of which Rs 10,000 crore was recovered. He said the tax officers on Tuesday detected fake invoice worth Rs 1,500 crore which was used to claim illegal GST credit of Rs 75 crore. "We have already recovered Rs 25 crore and the rest is on the way," Joseph said. Stating that only 5-10 per cent of the businesses are "black sheep" and bring bad name to the industry, he said the government will take more measures to increase compliance, and act against evaders in a way such that genuine businesses do not suffer. Joseph said the government has been dynamic in rationalising tax rates since GST rollout on July 1, 2017, while increasing compliance for 1.2 crore registered businesses.

Govt detects Rs 20,000 crore GST evasion, Rs 10,000 crore recovered

Union Minister Arun Jaitley Wednesday said the lies of the Congress and opposition parties stand exposed by the CAG report on Rafale.

The report on Rafale, tabled in the Rajya Sabha, said that the deal negotiated by the NDA in 2016 was 2.86 per cent cheaper than what was negotiated by the UPA in 2007.

"It cannot be that the Supreme Court is wrong, the CAG is wrong and only the dynasty is right. Satyameva Jayate? the truth shall prevail. The CAG Report on Rafale reaffirms the dictum," Jaitley said in a series of tweets.

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The lies of ‘Mahajhootbandhan’ stand exposed by the CAG Report.
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He said the CAG report outlines that 2016 deal terms were lower in terms of price, faster in terms of delivery, while ensuring better maintenance and lower escalation.

"The lies of 'Mahajhootbandhan' stand exposed by the CAG Report. How does democracy punish those who consistently lied to the nation?" he questioned in the tweet.&nbsp;

Union Minister Arun Jaitley Wednesday said the lies of the Congress and opposition parties stand exposed by the CAG report on Rafale. The report on Rafale, tabled in the Rajya Sabha, said that the deal negotiated by the NDA in 2016 was 2.

Union Minister Arun Jaitley Wednesday said the lies of the Congress and opposition parties stand exposed by the CAG report on Rafale. The report on Rafale, tabled in the Rajya Sabha, said that the deal negotiated by the NDA in 2016 was 2.86 per cent cheaper than what was negotiated by the UPA in 2007. "It cannot be that the Supreme Court is wrong, the CAG is wrong and only the dynasty is right. Satyameva Jayate? the truth shall prevail. The CAG Report on Rafale reaffirms the dictum," Jaitley said in a series of tweets. The lies of ‘Mahajhootbandhan’ stand exposed by the CAG Report. — Arun Jaitley (@arunjaitley) February 13, 2019 × He said the CAG report outlines that 2016 deal terms were lower in terms of price, faster in terms of delivery, while ensuring better maintenance and lower escalation. "The lies of 'Mahajhootbandhan' stand exposed by the CAG Report. How does democracy punish those who consistently lied to the nation?" he questioned in the tweet.

Lies of 'Mahajhootbandhan' stand exposed by CAG report, says Jaitley

There is a difference between a chartered accountant and a lawyer. One reads the fine print to help you. The other introduces it to fox you. Such thoughts come to mind after an interim budget presented by an interim finance minister who happens to be standing in for a lawyer who is recuperating in the US.

It must be said that Piyush Goyal has successfully packaged a slew of populist measures without losing the math enough to invite criticism from the fiscal conservatives. And the manner he has done this is to introduce catchy situations where the beneficiaries of the budget for 2019-20, be it the farmer, the unorganised urban worker or the middle class taxpayer, has to either feel satisfied with a token handout or pay up or save up in order to eat the carrots being dangled in front.

You could argue that Arun Jaitley, the Finance Minister for whom Goyal has come in like a nightwatchman in a cricket game, could have a lawyer's brief to build an argument, but it takes a smart accountant to make a small thing look big in the money game.

Let us take the farmer. The small farmer who has two hectares of land or less is getting roughly Rs 500 per month - but in an economy where a daily wage of Rs 400 for landless farm workers has become quite common. So, the income support scheme, which was widely anticipated after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's BJP suffered defeats in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan Assembly elections, is a hesitant first step. But it is enough to tell as many as 120 million farmers (which could potentially translate as thrice as many votes): "It is not as if we do not care for you." Will the farmers bite this, or say this is too little and too late for a nation in which food prices are not attractive enough for its producers? We will have to wait and see.

The urban middle class gets a big benefit from an income tax rebate, but all indications are that this requires some extra saving to be invested properly in tax-friendly schemes in order to get a parallel benefit in tax avoided. Rs 12,500 per year is the benefit one will get at most. The standard deduction increase to Rs. 50,000 from Rs 40,000 can be added to this as a small frill.

The unorganised urban worker - let us say a taxi driver, a housemaid or a rickshaw puller -- has been promised a monthly pension of Rs 3,000 a month, but only on a contribution of Rs 100 a month. The trick is that on a 15% return in a decent pension fund, the compounded amount from contribution will be healthy enough to generate a corpus for Rs 3,000 a month annuity when a 20-something worker reaches the pensionable age of 60. So the government is not dipping into its own pocket to pay Rs 3,000 a month right away for the better part of an increasingly young population.

Now, add some other pro-poor schemes such as the Ayushman Bharat scheme for health insurance that has already covered 100 million people with a not-so-big outlay needed to make people safer, and you have populism without the fiscal pinch. It takes a smart CA.

(This article was originally published on The Zee News. Read the <a href="https://zeenews.india.com/blogs/piyush-goyal-delivers-budget-2019-with-the-art-of-a-chartered-accountant-2176402.html">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

There is a difference between a chartered accountant and a lawyer. One reads the fine print to help you. The other introduces it to fox you. Such thoughts come to mind after an interim budget presented by an interim finance minister who happens to be standing in for a lawyer who is recuperating in the US.

There is a difference between a chartered accountant and a lawyer. One reads the fine print to help you. The other introduces it to fox you. Such thoughts come to mind after an interim budget presented by an interim finance minister who happens to be standing in for a lawyer who is recuperating in the US. It must be said that Piyush Goyal has successfully packaged a slew of populist measures without losing the math enough to invite criticism from the fiscal conservatives. And the manner he has done this is to introduce catchy situations where the beneficiaries of the budget for 2019-20, be it the farmer, the unorganised urban worker or the middle class taxpayer, has to either feel satisfied with a token handout or pay up or save up in order to eat the carrots being dangled in front. You could argue that Arun Jaitley, the Finance Minister for whom Goyal has come in like a nightwatchman in a cricket game, could have a lawyer's brief to build an argument, but it takes a smart accountant to make a small thing look big in the money game. Let us take the farmer. The small farmer who has two hectares of land or less is getting roughly Rs 500 per month - but in an economy where a daily wage of Rs 400 for landless farm workers has become quite common. So, the income support scheme, which was widely anticipated after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's BJP suffered defeats in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan Assembly elections, is a hesitant first step. But it is enough to tell as many as 120 million farmers (which could potentially translate as thrice as many votes): "It is not as if we do not care for you." Will the farmers bite this, or say this is too little and too late for a nation in which food prices are not attractive enough for its producers? We will have to wait and see. The urban middle class gets a big benefit from an income tax rebate, but all indications are that this requires some extra saving to be invested properly in tax-friendly schemes in order to get a parallel benefit in tax avoided. Rs 12,500 per year is the benefit one will get at most. The standard deduction increase to Rs. 50,000 from Rs 40,000 can be added to this as a small frill. The unorganised urban worker - let us say a taxi driver, a housemaid or a rickshaw puller -- has been promised a monthly pension of Rs 3,000 a month, but only on a contribution of Rs 100 a month. The trick is that on a 15% return in a decent pension fund, the compounded amount from contribution will be healthy enough to generate a corpus for Rs 3,000 a month annuity when a 20-something worker reaches the pensionable age of 60. So the government is not dipping into its own pocket to pay Rs 3,000 a month right away for the better part of an increasingly young population. Now, add some other pro-poor schemes such as the Ayushman Bharat scheme for health insurance that has already covered 100 million people with a not-so-big outlay needed to make people safer, and you have populism without the fiscal pinch. It takes a smart CA. (This article was originally published on The Zee News. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Piyush Goyal delivers Budget 2019 with the art of a Chartered Accountant

Finance Minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jaitley-hints-interim-budget-could-be-bigger-than-vote-on-account-191153">Arun Jaitley on Friday</a> dismissed a news report of price escalation in the Rafale deal by Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government and said it was based on "fudged arithmetic".

Taking to micro-blogging site Twitter, Jaitley asserted that the Supreme Court has examined the prices of the fighter aircraft and that the CAG too is examining the same.

"The new article on Rafale is based on fudged arithmetic - ignore the escalation of the 2007 non-deal offer and compare it with the 2016 price and invent a scam," he tweeted.

"The Supreme Court has examined the prices. The CAG is examining the same. The fudged arithmetic of a compulsive contrarian can hardly be objective. Fudged arithmetics does not add to the credibility of its creator, " he added.

The Defence Ministry also dismissed media reports suggesting that advancements sought by the union government shot the price of a Rafale planes by 41 per cent as "factually inaccurate".

"The article is factually inaccurate. It does not adduce any new arguments. All the issues have been answered in detail by the Government at various fora and most recently by the Raksha Mantri in an open debate in the Parliament," a Defence Ministry spokesperson said.

The spokesperson said the India Specific Enhancements (ISE) were part of the requirements of the Indian Air Force to achieve tactical superiority over our adversaries.

The Central government signed a deal for 36 Rafale combat aircraft in September 2016 for over Rs 60,000 crore.

The government has stated in Parliament that the procurement was done to meet the emergency requirement of the Indian Air Force as the number of combat aircraft squadrons is dwindling.&nbsp;

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Friday dismissed a news report of price escalation in the Rafale deal by Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government and said it was based on "fudged arithmetic".

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Friday dismissed a news report of price escalation in the Rafale deal by Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government and said it was based on "fudged arithmetic". Taking to micro-blogging site Twitter, Jaitley asserted that the Supreme Court has examined the prices of the fighter aircraft and that the CAG too is examining the same. "The new article on Rafale is based on fudged arithmetic - ignore the escalation of the 2007 non-deal offer and compare it with the 2016 price and invent a scam," he tweeted. "The Supreme Court has examined the prices. The CAG is examining the same. The fudged arithmetic of a compulsive contrarian can hardly be objective. Fudged arithmetics does not add to the credibility of its creator, " he added. The Defence Ministry also dismissed media reports suggesting that advancements sought by the union government shot the price of a Rafale planes by 41 per cent as "factually inaccurate". "The article is factually inaccurate. It does not adduce any new arguments. All the issues have been answered in detail by the Government at various fora and most recently by the Raksha Mantri in an open debate in the Parliament," a Defence Ministry spokesperson said. The spokesperson said the India Specific Enhancements (ISE) were part of the requirements of the Indian Air Force to achieve tactical superiority over our adversaries. The Central government signed a deal for 36 Rafale combat aircraft in September 2016 for over Rs 60,000 crore. The government has stated in Parliament that the procurement was done to meet the emergency requirement of the Indian Air Force as the number of combat aircraft squadrons is dwindling.

It is based on fudged arithmetic: Jaitley dismisses report of Rafale price escalation

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday sent his and his party's best wishes to Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley who has left for the US for a medical check-up following a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/finance-minister-arun-jaitley-goes-for-medical-check-up-in-us-sources-190421">kidney transplant </a>last year, and wished him a speedy recovery.

"I'm upset to hear Arun Jaitley Ji is not well. We fight him on a daily basis for his ideas. However, I and the Congress party send him our love and best wishes for a speedy recovery. We are with you and your family 100% during this difficult period Mr Jaitley (sic)," Gandhi wrote on Twitter.

Jaitley, 66, who had a kidney transplant operation and follow-up check-ups at AIIMS last year, left for the US on Sunday night for a "regular medical check-up", sources said, adding that he would be back by this weekend.

This is Jaitley's first overseas visit since his kidney ailment was confirmed in April last year.&nbsp;

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday sent his and his party's best wishes to Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley who has left for the US for a medical check-up following a kidney transplant last year, and wished him a speedy recovery.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday sent his and his party's best wishes to Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley who has left for the US for a medical check-up following a kidney transplant last year, and wished him a speedy recovery. "I'm upset to hear Arun Jaitley Ji is not well. We fight him on a daily basis for his ideas. However, I and the Congress party send him our love and best wishes for a speedy recovery. We are with you and your family 100% during this difficult period Mr Jaitley (sic)," Gandhi wrote on Twitter. Jaitley, 66, who had a kidney transplant operation and follow-up check-ups at AIIMS last year, left for the US on Sunday night for a "regular medical check-up", sources said, adding that he would be back by this weekend. This is Jaitley's first overseas visit since his kidney ailment was confirmed in April last year.

Rahul Gandhi wishes Jaitley 'speedy recovery'

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