China welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi&#39;s<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-world-economic-forum-pm-modi-arrives-in-zurich-set-to-land-in-davos-shortly-30369"> Davos speech</a> against protectionism as being &ldquo;as dangerous as terrorism,&rdquo; saying that the two countries can fight this practice together.

Modi, while addressing the annual summit of the World Economic Forum in Davos on Tuesday, compared protectionism to terrorism and talked about the sever concerns facing the world, including terrorism and climate change.

&ldquo;Many countries are becoming inward focused and globalisation is shrinking and such tendencies can&rsquo;t be considered lesser risk than terrorism or climate change,&rdquo; he had said.

&ldquo;I noticed that Prime Minister Modi made some remarks on protectionism and his remarks showed that globalisation is the trend of the times and serves the interests of all the countries including developing countries and the fight against protectionism and promoting globalisation,&rdquo; Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/at-davos-chinas-xi-jinping-says-no-point-blaming-economic-globalisation-for-the-worlds-problems-11392">At Davos, China&#39;s Xi Jinping says &#39;no point blaming economic globalisation for the world&#39;s problems&#39; </a>

She further mentioned that China looks forward to working with India and other countries to strengthen globalisation process for the benefit of all countries.&nbsp;

&ldquo;China and India share a lot of common interests. China would like to enhance coordination and cooperation with all countries including India to steer the economic globalisation towards benefiting world economic growth and well-being of all countries,&rdquo; Hua said.

Asked whether the common position of India and China in opposing protectionism could help improve strained bilateral ties, Hua said &ldquo;Our position is clear. India is a big neighbour of China. As the two largest developing countries and as two close neighbours, of course we hope that we can maintain steady development of bilateral relations. It serves the interests of our two sides&rdquo;.

&ldquo;We look forward to working with India to enhance our communication and our mutual trust, properly handle our differences and ensure sound and steady development of our bilateral ties. I believe this is the aspiration of the people of our countries,&rdquo; she said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-to-become-5-trillion-economy-by-2025-pm-modi-30550">India to become $5 trillion </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-to-become-5-trillion-economy-by-2025-pm-modi-30550">economy</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-to-become-5-trillion-economy-by-2025-pm-modi-30550">&nbsp;by 2025: PM Modi</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-in-davos-highlights-of-his-speech-at-wef-30514"> addressed the plenary session</a> of the 48th edition of the World Economic Forum at Davos in Switzerland.

Modi is the first Indian prime minister to attend Davos summit in 20 years.

&nbsp;

(With PTI inputs)

Modi, while addressing the annual summit of the World Economic Forum in Davos on Tuesday, compared protectionism to terrorism and talked about the sever concerns facing the world, including terrorism and climate change

China welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Davos speech against protectionism as being “as dangerous as terrorism,” saying that the two countries can fight this practice together. Modi, while addressing the annual summit of the World Economic Forum in Davos on Tuesday, compared protectionism to terrorism and talked about the sever concerns facing the world, including terrorism and climate change. “Many countries are becoming inward focused and globalisation is shrinking and such tendencies can’t be considered lesser risk than terrorism or climate change,” he had said. “I noticed that Prime Minister Modi made some remarks on protectionism and his remarks showed that globalisation is the trend of the times and serves the interests of all the countries including developing countries and the fight against protectionism and promoting globalisation,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said. Also read: At Davos, China's Xi Jinping says 'no point blaming economic globalisation for the world's problems' She further mentioned that China looks forward to working with India and other countries to strengthen globalisation process for the benefit of all countries. “China and India share a lot of common interests. China would like to enhance coordination and cooperation with all countries including India to steer the economic globalisation towards benefiting world economic growth and well-being of all countries,” Hua said. Asked whether the common position of India and China in opposing protectionism could help improve strained bilateral ties, Hua said “Our position is clear. India is a big neighbour of China. As the two largest developing countries and as two close neighbours, of course we hope that we can maintain steady development of bilateral relations. It serves the interests of our two sides”. “We look forward to working with India to enhance our communication and our mutual trust, properly handle our differences and ensure sound and steady development of our bilateral ties. I believe this is the aspiration of the people of our countries,” she said. Also read: India to become $5 trillion economy by 2025: PM Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday addressed the plenary session of the 48th edition of the World Economic Forum at Davos in Switzerland. Modi is the first Indian prime minister to attend Davos summit in 20 years. (With PTI inputs)

China welcomes PM Modi's speech at Davos, looks forward to working with India

Every day, tens of millions of people and trillions of dollars of goods and services flow across routes known as global commons &mdash; aboard ships, underwater, by air and in space.

No country exercises sovereignty over most of these global commons routes, and yet everyone abides by the rules.

That means there&rsquo;s little need for self-protection or armed escorts against pirates or privateers and no one has to pay protection money to warlords en route.

It was not always this way. As recently as the mid-19th century, high-value cargo on the High Seas was transported by heavily armed merchant ships like East Indiaman. On land, many routes required travellers to be armed and protected from bandits or highwaymen. Taxes were routinely paid to warlords or local chiefs for safe passage.

The communist regime of China, however, has staked a sovereign claim to most of the South China Sea, where there was $3.4 trillion in trade transit in 2016. If allowed to stand, this will enable China to ban or embargo shipping, or to levy fees for passage like 19th-century potentates.

Yet power brokers meeting in Davos this week are barely acknowledging this grave threat to free trade.

Ottoman Empire amassed wealth

Prior to Pax Britannica, a period of relative peace in Europe from 1815 to 1914, the cost of tariffs and other protectionist measures paled in comparison to the cost of privately protecting and insuring commerce or paying tariffs levied by kingdoms en route.

For example, the Ottoman Empire became wealthy by monopolizing and controlling the overland trade route between Europe and India and levying taxes on the spice trade.

The Portuguese monopolized the sea route to Cathay before their hold was broken by the Dutch and English.

Indeed, centuries of European innovation centred around either gaining control of, or bypassing, existing trade routes to avoid these levies.

Those acting on behalf of potentates routinely preyed upon insufficiently-armed merchants and seized their cargo and crew for ransom unless they were under the protection of another empire.

Piracy eventually curbed

The U.S. Navy, in fact, was expressly created in 1794 because North African Barbary pirates seized and ransomed American ships and crews after the British Royal Navy stopped protecting the U.S. following the War of Independence.

<figure class="align-center "><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/203075/original/file-20180123-182959-1ivjuuu.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" />
<figcaption>
In this oil painting from the 1600s by Dutch marine painter Aert Anthoniszoon, a French ship is seen being bombarded by Barbary Pirates. (Creative Commons)

Aggressive enforcement of &ldquo;freedom of navigation&rdquo; eventually curbed piracy, first on British routes and then on all western shipping routes via reciprocal agreements with other imperial powers.

After Lord Nelson&rsquo;s victory at Trafalgar and during the Napoleonic Wars, the Royal Navy provided protection of commerce and merchant shipping, making free trade possible with security provided as a public good.

As transportation costs fell, trade, especially within the British Empire, flourished.

By the 20th century, a global system emerged where imperial powers guarded trade routes and offered assistance to each other on a reciprocal basis. Tariffs, or &ldquo;protection fees&rdquo; levied en route by potentates, were largely abolished &mdash; by force when necessary &mdash; except for the use of purpose-built infrastructure like the Suez and Panama canals.
</figcaption>
</figure>

Freedom of navigation expands

The golden age of free trade ushered in after the First World War owes its success to Pax Americana, a period of relative peace in the Western Hemisphere around the middle of the 20th century. It took over from the British model and expanded freedom of navigation worldwide. Allied naval power underwrote free trade by providing protection.

Freedom of navigation is about limiting and regulating states&rsquo; ability to assert sovereignty at sea and use it to tax, regulate, embargo or blockade commerce in peacetime. In exchange for ceding those rights, states gained access to global commons from other states on a reciprocal basis.

States also assumed the responsibility to protect and respect shipping and provide security for trade routes without charge, though this remained, to this day, the responsibility of wealthier and more capable states.

These rules and practices were modernized and codified in the United Nations Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) convention in 1982 that defined rules on what are territorial waters, exclusive economic zones and rights of vessels in peacetime for innocent passage and transit.

States that signed and ratified UNCLOS agreed to a set of rules that facilitated navigation and trade. Historical or prior claims that states may have had to territorial waters beyond UNCLOS were extinguished after it came into force in 1994.

Most countries, including China, signed and ratified UNCLOS. The United States signed but did not ratify, though it voluntarily abides by most of its provisions.

Free trade thrives

More than anything else, freedom of navigation has allowed globalization and free trade to flourish.

And yet it&rsquo;s now being threatened by China which, in violation of UNCLOS treaty obligations, has staked claims to an area of the South China Sea (the so-called nine-dash line) that&rsquo;s larger than Western Europe from Poland&rsquo;s eastern border to the English Channel.

What are the implications?

Potentially, Chinese claims on the South China Sea can expand to the East China Sea and the Yellow Sea. A modest fee or tax on trade that is currently free could yield a fortune in revenues for China.

Ships from countries that include the U.S., Canada, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan could be forced to pay up or reroute around Chinese claims.

If the precedent set by China spreads, it could lead to other regimes seeking control of choke points like the Persian Gulf&rsquo;s Strait of Hormuz, the Bab al-Mandab Strait between Yemen and the Horn of Africa, and other waterways through which the vast majority of global commerce flows.

Globalization and free trade, in effect, will revert back to the pre-19th century, when pirates and shakedown artists ruled the High Seas.

Davos focused on wrong issues

This year&rsquo;s theme at the World Economic Forum gathering in Davos, Switzerland is &ldquo;Creating a Shared Future in a Fractured World.&rdquo;

Yet scant attention is being paid to the importance and value of freedom of navigation to free trade and global commerce. Little concern has been shown by global elites about the erosion of the UNCLOS regime caused by China&rsquo;s sea grab.

<figure class="align-center "><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/203074/original/file-20180123-182973-82xcyy.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" />
<figcaption>
Armed Swiss police officers stand guard on the roof of a hotel near the congress center where the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum takes place in Davos, Switzerland on Jan. 23, 2018. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

Instead, rising U.S. protectionism under President Donald Trump, and China&rsquo;s mercantilism, are in the spotlight for now, even as core institutions for free trade &mdash;like freedom of navigation and security in the global commons &mdash; are in serious peril.

If the world returns to a pre-19th century system of enforced territorial claims on global commons routes, then tariffs and subsidies will be nothing compared to these profound hindrances to trade.

Imagine a world in which commerce is heavily taxed by authorities en route, or in which shippers must directly bear the cost of protecting their cargo. That&rsquo;s the world China is leading us to.

Davos participants have yet to demonstrate the courage to defend core free-trade institutions.

Next year, perhaps?
</figcaption>
</figure>

This article was originally published on <a href="http://theconversation.com" rel="nofollow" target="blank">The Conversation</a>. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/davos-oblivious-to-one-of-free-trades-gravest-threats-90506" rel="nofollow" target="blank">original article</a>.

China has staked a sovereign claim to most of the South China Sea. If allowed to stand, this will enable China to ban or embargo shipping, or to levy fees for passage like 19th-century potentates.

Every day, tens of millions of people and trillions of dollars of goods and services flow across routes known as global commons — aboard ships, underwater, by air and in space. No country exercises sovereignty over most of these global commons routes, and yet everyone abides by the rules. That means there’s little need for self-protection or armed escorts against pirates or privateers and no one has to pay protection money to warlords en route. It was not always this way. As recently as the mid-19th century, high-value cargo on the High Seas was transported by heavily armed merchant ships like East Indiaman. On land, many routes required travellers to be armed and protected from bandits or highwaymen. Taxes were routinely paid to warlords or local chiefs for safe passage. The communist regime of China, however, has staked a sovereign claim to most of the South China Sea, where there was $3.4 trillion in trade transit in 2016. If allowed to stand, this will enable China to ban or embargo shipping, or to levy fees for passage like 19th-century potentates. Yet power brokers meeting in Davos this week are barely acknowledging this grave threat to free trade. Ottoman Empire amassed wealth Prior to Pax Britannica, a period of relative peace in Europe from 1815 to 1914, the cost of tariffs and other protectionist measures paled in comparison to the cost of privately protecting and insuring commerce or paying tariffs levied by kingdoms en route. For example, the Ottoman Empire became wealthy by monopolizing and controlling the overland trade route between Europe and India and levying taxes on the spice trade. The Portuguese monopolized the sea route to Cathay before their hold was broken by the Dutch and English. Indeed, centuries of European innovation centred around either gaining control of, or bypassing, existing trade routes to avoid these levies. Those acting on behalf of potentates routinely preyed upon insufficiently-armed merchants and seized their cargo and crew for ransom unless they were under the protection of another empire. Piracy eventually curbed The U.S. Navy, in fact, was expressly created in 1794 because North African Barbary pirates seized and ransomed American ships and crews after the British Royal Navy stopped protecting the U.S. following the War of Independence. In this oil painting from the 1600s by Dutch marine painter Aert Anthoniszoon, a French ship is seen being bombarded by Barbary Pirates. (Creative Commons) Aggressive enforcement of “freedom of navigation” eventually curbed piracy, first on British routes and then on all western shipping routes via reciprocal agreements with other imperial powers. After Lord Nelson’s victory at Trafalgar and during the Napoleonic Wars, the Royal Navy provided protection of commerce and merchant shipping, making free trade possible with security provided as a public good. As transportation costs fell, trade, especially within the British Empire, flourished. By the 20th century, a global system emerged where imperial powers guarded trade routes and offered assistance to each other on a reciprocal basis. Tariffs, or “protection fees” levied en route by potentates, were largely abolished — by force when necessary — except for the use of purpose-built infrastructure like the Suez and Panama canals. Freedom of navigation expands The golden age of free trade ushered in after the First World War owes its success to Pax Americana, a period of relative peace in the Western Hemisphere around the middle of the 20th century. It took over from the British model and expanded freedom of navigation worldwide. Allied naval power underwrote free trade by providing protection. Freedom of navigation is about limiting and regulating states’ ability to assert sovereignty at sea and use it to tax, regulate, embargo or blockade commerce in peacetime. In exchange for ceding those rights, states gained access to global commons from other states on a reciprocal basis. States also assumed the responsibility to protect and respect shipping and provide security for trade routes without charge, though this remained, to this day, the responsibility of wealthier and more capable states. These rules and practices were modernized and codified in the United Nations Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) convention in 1982 that defined rules on what are territorial waters, exclusive economic zones and rights of vessels in peacetime for innocent passage and transit. States that signed and ratified UNCLOS agreed to a set of rules that facilitated navigation and trade. Historical or prior claims that states may have had to territorial waters beyond UNCLOS were extinguished after it came into force in 1994. Most countries, including China, signed and ratified UNCLOS. The United States signed but did not ratify, though it voluntarily abides by most of its provisions. Free trade thrives More than anything else, freedom of navigation has allowed globalization and free trade to flourish. And yet it’s now being threatened by China which, in violation of UNCLOS treaty obligations, has staked claims to an area of the South China Sea (the so-called nine-dash line) that’s larger than Western Europe from Poland’s eastern border to the English Channel. What are the implications? Potentially, Chinese claims on the South China Sea can expand to the East China Sea and the Yellow Sea. A modest fee or tax on trade that is currently free could yield a fortune in revenues for China. Ships from countries that include the U.S., Canada, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan could be forced to pay up or reroute around Chinese claims. If the precedent set by China spreads, it could lead to other regimes seeking control of choke points like the Persian Gulf’s Strait of Hormuz, the Bab al-Mandab Strait between Yemen and the Horn of Africa, and other waterways through which the vast majority of global commerce flows. Globalization and free trade, in effect, will revert back to the pre-19th century, when pirates and shakedown artists ruled the High Seas. Davos focused on wrong issues This year’s theme at the World Economic Forum gathering in Davos, Switzerland is “Creating a Shared Future in a Fractured World.” Yet scant attention is being paid to the importance and value of freedom of navigation to free trade and global commerce. Little concern has been shown by global elites about the erosion of the UNCLOS regime caused by China’s sea grab. Armed Swiss police officers stand guard on the roof of a hotel near the congress center where the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum takes place in Davos, Switzerland on Jan. 23, 2018. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber) Instead, rising U.S. protectionism under President Donald Trump, and China’s mercantilism, are in the spotlight for now, even as core institutions for free trade —like freedom of navigation and security in the global commons — are in serious peril. If the world returns to a pre-19th century system of enforced territorial claims on global commons routes, then tariffs and subsidies will be nothing compared to these profound hindrances to trade. Imagine a world in which commerce is heavily taxed by authorities en route, or in which shippers must directly bear the cost of protecting their cargo. That’s the world China is leading us to. Davos participants have yet to demonstrate the courage to defend core free-trade institutions. Next year, perhaps? This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.

Opinion: At Davos, China's effort to grab sea routes was ignored by world leaders

US President Donald Trump is aiming to be the &quot;best salesperson&quot; for American economic interests when he goes to Davos later this week, the White House said Tuesday.

Trump is set to speak Friday at the World Economic Forum, an annual gathering of the global pro-trade elite at the Swiss ski resort, in a move that has raised eyebrows because of his protectionist &quot;America First&quot; policies.

&quot;We&#39;re going to the World Economic Forum to share President Trump&#39;s economic story and to tell the world that America is open for business,&quot; said Trump&#39;s chief economic adviser Gary Cohn.

&quot;We want the world to invest in America and to create jobs for hardworking Americans,&quot; he continued, adding that Trump&#39;s economic agenda -- focused on aggressive deregulation and corporate tax cuts -- had &quot;unleashed the US economy.&quot;

The former real estate tycoon is &quot;firmly committed to being the best salesperson the US has to drive economic growth and drive prosperity and drive a better quality of life for American citizens,&quot; Cohn said.

He continued: &quot;America First is not America alone. I said in my remarks when we grow, the world grows. When the world grows, we grow.&quot;

The Trump administration has repeatedly lashed out at allegedly unfair trade agreements and practices, slapping additional import duties on products from across the world, claiming they benefited from unfair state subsidies.

Soon after he took office, Trump announced the US was pulling out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) signed in 2015 by a dozen nations that accounted for 40 percent of the global economy.

The remaining 11 countries announced Tuesday they would move forward with the deal without Washington.

He has also repeatedly threatened to pull out of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which is currently being renegotiated between its three participants -- Canada, Mexico and the US.

Cohn suggested, however, that the US was working on new bilateral agreements, without providing further details.

&quot;The US is pulling back from nothing,&quot; he said.&nbsp;

&quot;When the president was in Asia he talked about trade agreements and his willingness to have bilateral trade agreements with many of the countries he visited in Asia. We are more than willing to have bilateral trade agreements.&quot;

Trump is set to speak Friday at the World Economic Forum

US President Donald Trump is aiming to be the "best salesperson" for American economic interests when he goes to Davos later this week, the White House said Tuesday. Trump is set to speak Friday at the World Economic Forum, an annual gathering of the global pro-trade elite at the Swiss ski resort, in a move that has raised eyebrows because of his protectionist "America First" policies. "We're going to the World Economic Forum to share President Trump's economic story and to tell the world that America is open for business," said Trump's chief economic adviser Gary Cohn. "We want the world to invest in America and to create jobs for hardworking Americans," he continued, adding that Trump's economic agenda -- focused on aggressive deregulation and corporate tax cuts -- had "unleashed the US economy." The former real estate tycoon is "firmly committed to being the best salesperson the US has to drive economic growth and drive prosperity and drive a better quality of life for American citizens," Cohn said. He continued: "America First is not America alone. I said in my remarks when we grow, the world grows. When the world grows, we grow." The Trump administration has repeatedly lashed out at allegedly unfair trade agreements and practices, slapping additional import duties on products from across the world, claiming they benefited from unfair state subsidies. Soon after he took office, Trump announced the US was pulling out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) signed in 2015 by a dozen nations that accounted for 40 percent of the global economy. The remaining 11 countries announced Tuesday they would move forward with the deal without Washington. He has also repeatedly threatened to pull out of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which is currently being renegotiated between its three participants -- Canada, Mexico and the US. Cohn suggested, however, that the US was working on new bilateral agreements, without providing further details. "The US is pulling back from nothing," he said. "When the president was in Asia he talked about trade agreements and his willingness to have bilateral trade agreements with many of the countries he visited in Asia. We are more than willing to have bilateral trade agreements."

Trump will be 'best salesperson' for US economy at Davos: White House

Harry Potter was an unheard name, tweeting was done only by birds and Amazon referred to dense forests in 1997, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said today to stress upon the changes the world has seen in the past 20 years.

Addressing the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting, Modi said he is the first Indian Prime Minister to come here since H D Deve Gowda in 1997. The Indian economy has changed significantly since then and so has the rest of the world, he noted.

Speaking mostly in Hindi, Modi thanked WEF and the Swiss government for the reception accorded to him.

He also recalled that when Deve Gowda came here in 1997, the theme of the WEF summit was building a networked society. That theme now looks centuries-old as the world today is about big data and so many other new developments, the prime minister said.

Modi said very few people in 1997 had heard of Osama bin Laden and even Harry Potter was an unheard name.

&quot;Also, chess players did not have any big fear of the computer while Google was not there in cyberspace and Amazon of that time was about dense forests. Tweeting was done by birds at that time and not by humans,&quot; he said.

Modi, however, said at that time also, Davos was ahead of its time and was known for WEF. It is ahead of the times today as well with the theme of &#39;Creating a shared future in a fractured world&#39;.

&quot;The world is changing fast today and there are new and serious challenges related to peace and security and various other matters.

&quot;We believe in linking people, not bending them or breaking them. But the challenges the world faces are as numerous as they are daunting.

&quot;Mountains of data are getting created and there is a race to control those as the feeling is that the one who gets control of this data would rule the world,&quot; he said.

Addressing the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting, Modi said he is the first Indian Prime Minister to come here since H D Deve Gowda in 1997. The Indian economy has changed significantly since then and so has the rest of the world, he noted

Harry Potter was an unheard name, tweeting was done only by birds and Amazon referred to dense forests in 1997, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said today to stress upon the changes the world has seen in the past 20 years. Addressing the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting, Modi said he is the first Indian Prime Minister to come here since H D Deve Gowda in 1997. The Indian economy has changed significantly since then and so has the rest of the world, he noted. Speaking mostly in Hindi, Modi thanked WEF and the Swiss government for the reception accorded to him. He also recalled that when Deve Gowda came here in 1997, the theme of the WEF summit was building a networked society. That theme now looks centuries-old as the world today is about big data and so many other new developments, the prime minister said. Modi said very few people in 1997 had heard of Osama bin Laden and even Harry Potter was an unheard name. "Also, chess players did not have any big fear of the computer while Google was not there in cyberspace and Amazon of that time was about dense forests. Tweeting was done by birds at that time and not by humans," he said. Modi, however, said at that time also, Davos was ahead of its time and was known for WEF. It is ahead of the times today as well with the theme of 'Creating a shared future in a fractured world'. "The world is changing fast today and there are new and serious challenges related to peace and security and various other matters. "We believe in linking people, not bending them or breaking them. But the challenges the world faces are as numerous as they are daunting. "Mountains of data are getting created and there is a race to control those as the feeling is that the one who gets control of this data would rule the world," he said.

When tweeting was done by birds and Amazon was a jungle: Modi recalls 1997

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday talked about the menace of terrorism spreading in the world, during the plenary session of the World Economic Forum.&nbsp;

While addressing the world leaders, the prime minister said that terrorism is a grave concern and what is more dangerous is the artificial distinction made between &#39;good terrorist&#39; and &#39;bad terrorist&#39;.

He also said India&#39;s position on the terrorism is well known and he would not like to elaborate on that.

&ldquo;Terrorism is dangerous. Worse is when people say there is a difference between &#39;good&#39; and &#39;bad&#39; terror. It is painful to see some youngsters getting radicalised,&rdquo; the Prime Minister said before global business and political leaders.

Last year, PM Modi had called on nations to take responsibility to ensure that the digital space does not become a playground for the dark forces of terrorism.&nbsp;

PM Modi had stated that for over four decades, India had been raising the issue of terrorism.&nbsp;

&ldquo;Initially the world did not take us seriously, but now the world is realising the destructive aspects of terrorism. The world will have to join hands to eliminate terrorism.&quot;

Narendra Modi became the first Indian prime minister in two decades to address the World Economic Forum (WEF) here today during which he talked about serious challenges and grave concerns facing the world.&nbsp;

The prime minister said that India's position on the menace of terrorism is well known

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday talked about the menace of terrorism spreading in the world, during the plenary session of the World Economic Forum. While addressing the world leaders, the prime minister said that terrorism is a grave concern and what is more dangerous is the artificial distinction made between 'good terrorist' and 'bad terrorist'. He also said India's position on the terrorism is well known and he would not like to elaborate on that. “Terrorism is dangerous. Worse is when people say there is a difference between 'good' and 'bad' terror. It is painful to see some youngsters getting radicalised,” the Prime Minister said before global business and political leaders. Last year, PM Modi had called on nations to take responsibility to ensure that the digital space does not become a playground for the dark forces of terrorism. PM Modi had stated that for over four decades, India had been raising the issue of terrorism. “Initially the world did not take us seriously, but now the world is realising the destructive aspects of terrorism. The world will have to join hands to eliminate terrorism." Narendra Modi became the first Indian prime minister in two decades to address the World Economic Forum (WEF) here today during which he talked about serious challenges and grave concerns facing the world.

Nothing more dangerous than differentiating between terrorism as 'good' and 'bad': PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday addressed the plenary session of the 48th edition of the World Economic Forum at Davos in Switzerland. PM Narendra Modi is the first Indian prime minister to attend Davos summit in 20 years.

Here are the highlights from his speech:

&#39;Climate change is huge threat to our civilization&#39;

Climate change is the first major threat to human civilization right now, Snow in the Arctic is melting, many islands are sinking or are about to sink.

Glaciers are receding, the Arctic ice is melting, islands are going underwater or are about to. Heat and cold, excessive rain and drought - effects of extreme weather are seen everywhere. Even here, we are seeing the highest snowfall in 20 years.

We should have shed our divisions and united to tackle the challenge, but we must ask honestly if we have done so. Everyone says climate emissions must be reduced, But how many developed countries reach out to developing nations with the technology required to do so?&nbsp;

Terrorism second major challenge

Continuing his speech at the World Economic Forum, PM Modi listed terrorism and protectionism as the other two major challenges to human civilization. &ldquo;Terrorism is a big threat but an even bigger threat is when you give definitions like good terrorism and bad terrorism,&rdquo; said the PM.

Protectionism

The recent wave of trade protectionism, in which governments raise barriers to free trade between nations, is &quot;worrisome,&quot;.

Data is real wealth

&quot;Today, data is a real wealth and it is being said that whoever acquires and controls the data will have hegemony in the future. The global flow of data is creating big opportunities as well as challenges,&quot; Prime Minister Modi said.

He added that technology-driven transformation has been deeply affecting people&#39;s way of thinking, working, international groups, politics, and economy.He made this remark while underlining the importance of technology in today&#39;s era.

Talking about social media, Prime Minister Modi said, &quot;The example of breaking, addition, and twisting of technology is being seen in the form of social media.&quot;

Appeal of globalisation fading

Many societies &amp; countries are becoming self-centred. It seems that globalisation, as opposed to its definition, is shrinking. Such misplaced preferences can&#39;t be considered any lesser threat than terrorism or climate change. We must admit shine of globalisation is fading.

India proud of its democracy, diversity

PM Modi in his keynote speech at the World Economic Forum summit in Davos said that the country takes pride in its democracy and diversity. &ldquo;We in India are proud of our democracy and diversity. For a society with diverse religions, cultures, languages, attires and cuisines, democracy is not just a political system but a way of living,&rdquo; the PM said.

Modi also said that his government&rsquo;s motto is &lsquo;development for all&rsquo;.

&ldquo;In 2014 after 30 years, the 600 crore Indians provided the complete majority to any political party to form govt at the centre. We took the resolution for the development of everyone and not just a specific group. Our motto is &lsquo;Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas&rsquo;,&rdquo; the PM said.

People in India have welcomed the change

Change in India&#39;s ranking is an indicator that the people in India have warmly welcomed the change in policies as the road to a better future for them.

 
Come to India for wealth, wellness and peace

&quot;If you want wellness with wealth, come to India... If you want health and wholeness of life, come to India... If you want prosperity and peace, come to India... You are always welcome, said PM Modi as he summmed up his address at the plenary session of World Economic Forum in Davos.

PM Modi's was the opening speech of this year's World Economic Forum

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday addressed the plenary session of the 48th edition of the World Economic Forum at Davos in Switzerland. PM Narendra Modi is the first Indian prime minister to attend Davos summit in 20 years. Here are the highlights from his speech: 'Climate change is huge threat to our civilization' Climate change is the first major threat to human civilization right now, Snow in the Arctic is melting, many islands are sinking or are about to sink. Glaciers are receding, the Arctic ice is melting, islands are going underwater or are about to. Heat and cold, excessive rain and drought - effects of extreme weather are seen everywhere. Even here, we are seeing the highest snowfall in 20 years. We should have shed our divisions and united to tackle the challenge, but we must ask honestly if we have done so. Everyone says climate emissions must be reduced, But how many developed countries reach out to developing nations with the technology required to do so? Terrorism second major challenge Continuing his speech at the World Economic Forum, PM Modi listed terrorism and protectionism as the other two major challenges to human civilization. “Terrorism is a big threat but an even bigger threat is when you give definitions like good terrorism and bad terrorism,” said the PM. Protectionism The recent wave of trade protectionism, in which governments raise barriers to free trade between nations, is "worrisome,". Data is real wealth "Today, data is a real wealth and it is being said that whoever acquires and controls the data will have hegemony in the future. The global flow of data is creating big opportunities as well as challenges," Prime Minister Modi said. He added that technology-driven transformation has been deeply affecting people's way of thinking, working, international groups, politics, and economy.He made this remark while underlining the importance of technology in today's era. Talking about social media, Prime Minister Modi said, "The example of breaking, addition, and twisting of technology is being seen in the form of social media." Appeal of globalisation fading Many societies & countries are becoming self-centred. It seems that globalisation, as opposed to its definition, is shrinking. Such misplaced preferences can't be considered any lesser threat than terrorism or climate change. We must admit shine of globalisation is fading. India proud of its democracy, diversity PM Modi in his keynote speech at the World Economic Forum summit in Davos said that the country takes pride in its democracy and diversity. “We in India are proud of our democracy and diversity. For a society with diverse religions, cultures, languages, attires and cuisines, democracy is not just a political system but a way of living,” the PM said. Modi also said that his government’s motto is ‘development for all’. “In 2014 after 30 years, the 600 crore Indians provided the complete majority to any political party to form govt at the centre. We took the resolution for the development of everyone and not just a specific group. Our motto is ‘Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas’,” the PM said. People in India have welcomed the change Change in India's ranking is an indicator that the people in India have warmly welcomed the change in policies as the road to a better future for them. Come to India for wealth, wellness and peace "If you want wellness with wealth, come to India... If you want health and wholeness of life, come to India... If you want prosperity and peace, come to India... You are always welcome, said PM Modi as he summmed up his address at the plenary session of World Economic Forum in Davos.

Highlights: PM Narendra Modi's big India pitch at Davos

While addressing the World Economic&nbsp;Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Prime minister Narendra Modi delivered the Indian ideology of &quot;Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam&quot; meaning World is One.&nbsp;

He asked the countries to bridge distances between them.&nbsp;

PM Modi said, &quot; India has always believed in values of integration and unity, &quot; Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam&quot; which means the entire world is one family. It is relevant to bridge distances&quot;.&nbsp;

Referring to the topic of the WEF,&quot; Creating a shared future in fractured world&quot;&nbsp;he said the world is facing challenges in maintaining peace, stability and security. &quot;&nbsp;

He said the topic here is &quot; Creating a shared future in a fractured world&quot;. New powers are changing the balance between&nbsp;Economic and Political Strength. This is indicating a change in future of the world. World is facing challenges in maintaining&nbsp;peace, stability and security.&nbsp;

He further highlighted the threat of shrinking globalisation and called it a greater threat than terrorism or climatic change.&nbsp;

He said &quot; Many societies and countries are becoming self-centred. It seems that globalisation, as opposed to its definition, is shrinking. Such misplaced preferences can&#39;t be considered any lesser threat than terrorism or climate change. We must admit shine of globalisation&nbsp;is fading.&quot;

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India has always believed in values of integration and unity, &#39;Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam&#39; which means the entire world is one family. It is relevant to bridge distances: PM Narendra Modi at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldEconomicForum?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WorldEconomicForum</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Davos?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Davos</a> <a href="https://t.co/Agf28sd6w2">pic.twitter.com/Agf28sd6w2</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/955753148148211712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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This year the topic here is &#39;Creating a shared future in a fractured world&#39;. New powers are changing the balance between Economic &amp; Political strength. This is indicating a change in future of the world. World is facing challenges in maintaining peace, stability &amp; security: PM <a href="https://t.co/ZghYmYXK55">pic.twitter.com/ZghYmYXK55</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/955752265486286848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Many societies &amp; countries are becoming self-centred. It seems that gloabalisation, as opposed to its definition, is shrinking. Such misplaced preferences can&#39;t be considered any lesser threat than terrorism or climate change. We must admit shine of globalisation is fading: PM <a href="https://t.co/lWtH97NU6A">pic.twitter.com/lWtH97NU6A</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/955757018425380864?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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While addressing the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Prime minister Narendra Modi delivered the Indian ideology of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' meaning World is One

While addressing the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Prime minister Narendra Modi delivered the Indian ideology of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" meaning World is One. He asked the countries to bridge distances between them. PM Modi said, " India has always believed in values of integration and unity, " Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" which means the entire world is one family. It is relevant to bridge distances". Referring to the topic of the WEF," Creating a shared future in fractured world" he said the world is facing challenges in maintaining peace, stability and security. " He said the topic here is " Creating a shared future in a fractured world". New powers are changing the balance between Economic and Political Strength. This is indicating a change in future of the world. World is facing challenges in maintaining peace, stability and security. He further highlighted the threat of shrinking globalisation and called it a greater threat than terrorism or climatic change. He said " Many societies and countries are becoming self-centred. It seems that globalisation, as opposed to its definition, is shrinking. Such misplaced preferences can't be considered any lesser threat than terrorism or climate change. We must admit shine of globalisation is fading." India has always believed in values of integration and unity, 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' which means the entire world is one family. It is relevant to bridge distances: PM Narendra Modi at #WorldEconomicForum #Davos pic.twitter.com/Agf28sd6w2 — ANI (@ANI) January 23, 2018 × This year the topic here is 'Creating a shared future in a fractured world'. New powers are changing the balance between Economic & Political strength. This is indicating a change in future of the world. World is facing challenges in maintaining peace, stability & security: PM pic.twitter.com/ZghYmYXK55 — ANI (@ANI) January 23, 2018 × Many societies & countries are becoming self-centred. It seems that gloabalisation, as opposed to its definition, is shrinking. Such misplaced preferences can't be considered any lesser threat than terrorism or climate change. We must admit shine of globalisation is fading: PM pic.twitter.com/lWtH97NU6A — ANI (@ANI) January 23, 2018 ×

Countries to bridge distances between them: PM Modi at Davos

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today left for Davos, Switzerland for the 48th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a>: PM Narendra Modi leaves for Davos, Switzerland to take part in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldEconomicForum?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WorldEconomicForum</a> <a href="https://t.co/IkBPy92WhH">pic.twitter.com/IkBPy92WhH</a>
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&nbsp;

PM Modi is scheduled to deliver a keynote address on the opening day of the meeting on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Among those who will accompany PM Modi are Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Commerce and Industry Minister Suresh Prabhu,&nbsp;Railway Minister Piyush Goyal and Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.&nbsp;Industrialist Mukesh Ambani, Tata Group chairman N Chandrasekharan, industrialists Anand Mahindra, Gautam Adani, Azim Premji and Rahul Bajaj are also expected to be in attendance. As are UK-based industrialists&nbsp;Lakshmi Mittal, Anil Aggarwal and the Hindujas.

The meeting, which has the theme, &quot;Creating a shared future in a Fractured World&quot;, aims to set an agenda to address political, economic and Social challenges of recent times.

PM Modi will also hold bilateral talks with the President of Swiss Confederation, Alain Berset, besides holding a series of meetings with business leaders and addressing the international business council.

The prime minister<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/wef-2018-modi-to-focus-on-indias-future-engagement-with-the-international-community-30264"> wrote on Twitter yesterday </a>that he looked forward &quot;to sharing my vision for India&rsquo;s future engagement with the international community.&quot; He also wrote that he was confident that the bilateral meetings would be &quot;fruitful&quot;.&nbsp;

Also Read - <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/proud-to-present-indias-success-story-at-davos-pm-modi-to-zee-news-30100">Proud to present India&#39;s success story at Davos: PM Modi to Zee News</a>

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I look forward to my first visit to the World Economic Forum at Davos, at the invitation of India&rsquo;s good friend and Founder of the WEF, Prof Klaus Schwab. The theme of the Forum, &ldquo;Creating a Shared Future in a Fractured World&rdquo; is both thoughtful and apt. <a href="https://twitter.com/wef?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wef</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaMeansBusiness?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaMeansBusiness</a>
&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/955061630294925312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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At Davos, I look forward to sharing my vision for India&rsquo;s future engagement with the international community. <a href="https://twitter.com/wef?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wef</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaMeansBusiness?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaMeansBusiness</a>
&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/955062486939549698?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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I am confident that these bilateral meetings would be fruitful and give a boost to our relations with these countries and further strengthen economic engagement. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaMeansBusiness?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaMeansBusiness</a>
&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/955063072288157696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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PM Modi will be the first Indian Prime Minister to participate in the World Economic Forum in two decades after HD Deve Gowda who visited Davos in 1997.

Over 3,000 global leaders from business, government, politics, academia and social sectors are participating at the Summit this year. The World Economic Forum begins on January 22 concludes on January 26.

&nbsp;

PM Modi is scheduled to deliver a keynote address on the opening day of the meeting on Tuesday

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today left for Davos, Switzerland for the 48th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum. #Delhi: PM Narendra Modi leaves for Davos, Switzerland to take part in #WorldEconomicForum pic.twitter.com/IkBPy92WhH — ANI (@ANI) January 22, 2018 × PM Modi is scheduled to deliver a keynote address on the opening day of the meeting on Tuesday. Among those who will accompany PM Modi are Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Commerce and Industry Minister Suresh Prabhu, Railway Minister Piyush Goyal and Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Industrialist Mukesh Ambani, Tata Group chairman N Chandrasekharan, industrialists Anand Mahindra, Gautam Adani, Azim Premji and Rahul Bajaj are also expected to be in attendance. As are UK-based industrialists Lakshmi Mittal, Anil Aggarwal and the Hindujas. The meeting, which has the theme, "Creating a shared future in a Fractured World", aims to set an agenda to address political, economic and Social challenges of recent times. PM Modi will also hold bilateral talks with the President of Swiss Confederation, Alain Berset, besides holding a series of meetings with business leaders and addressing the international business council. The prime minister wrote on Twitter yesterday that he looked forward "to sharing my vision for India’s future engagement with the international community." He also wrote that he was confident that the bilateral meetings would be "fruitful". Also Read - Proud to present India's success story at Davos: PM Modi to Zee News I look forward to my first visit to the World Economic Forum at Davos, at the invitation of India’s good friend and Founder of the WEF, Prof Klaus Schwab. The theme of the Forum, “Creating a Shared Future in a Fractured World” is both thoughtful and apt. @wef #IndiaMeansBusiness — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 21, 2018 × At Davos, I look forward to sharing my vision for India’s future engagement with the international community. @wef #IndiaMeansBusiness — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 21, 2018 × I am confident that these bilateral meetings would be fruitful and give a boost to our relations with these countries and further strengthen economic engagement. #IndiaMeansBusiness — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 21, 2018 × PM Modi will be the first Indian Prime Minister to participate in the World Economic Forum in two decades after HD Deve Gowda who visited Davos in 1997. Over 3,000 global leaders from business, government, politics, academia and social sectors are participating at the Summit this year. The World Economic Forum begins on January 22 concludes on January 26.

PM Modi leaves for Davos for World Economic Forum

Taking a jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi&#39;s address at the World Economic Forum (WEF) at Davos, Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday asked him to inform the global forum that why one per cent of India`s population gets 73 per cent of its wealth.

Rahul took to his Twitter handle to attack the prime minister.&nbsp;

&quot;Dear PM, welcome to Switzerland! Please tell DAVOS why 1% of India`s population gets 73% of its wealth? I`m attaching a report for your ready reference,&quot; Rahul tweeted.&nbsp;

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Dear PM, 
Welcome to Switzerland! Please tell DAVOS why 1% of India&rsquo;s population gets 73% of its wealth? I&rsquo;m attaching a report for your ready reference. <a href="https://t.co/lLSNOig5pE">https://t.co/lLSNOig5pE</a>
&mdash; Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficeOfRG/status/955764855289536512?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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With his tweet, Rahul also attached a new survey by international rights group Oxfam, which mentioned that India&#39;s richest one per cent garnered as much as 73 per cent of the total wealth generated in the country in 2017.&nbsp;

The report&#39;s findings are in line with those of similar studies including the one published by renowned economists Lucas Chancel and Thomas Piketty last July.&nbsp;

Both the reports finding said the rich have disproportionately benefited from liberalisation while others have been left struggling.

PM Modi attended the WEF in Davos and gave the opening plenary speech.&nbsp;

He is the first Prime Minister to participate in a forum meeting in two decades after the then Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda in 1997.

Rahul took to his Twitter handle to attack the prime minister.

Taking a jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address at the World Economic Forum (WEF) at Davos, Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday asked him to inform the global forum that why one per cent of India`s population gets 73 per cent of its wealth. Rahul took to his Twitter handle to attack the prime minister. "Dear PM, welcome to Switzerland! Please tell DAVOS why 1% of India`s population gets 73% of its wealth? I`m attaching a report for your ready reference," Rahul tweeted. Dear PM, Welcome to Switzerland! Please tell DAVOS why 1% of India’s population gets 73% of its wealth? I’m attaching a report for your ready reference. https://t.co/lLSNOig5pE — Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) January 23, 2018 × With his tweet, Rahul also attached a new survey by international rights group Oxfam, which mentioned that India's richest one per cent garnered as much as 73 per cent of the total wealth generated in the country in 2017. The report's findings are in line with those of similar studies including the one published by renowned economists Lucas Chancel and Thomas Piketty last July. Both the reports finding said the rich have disproportionately benefited from liberalisation while others have been left struggling. PM Modi attended the WEF in Davos and gave the opening plenary speech. He is the first Prime Minister to participate in a forum meeting in two decades after the then Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda in 1997.

Tell Davos why 1% Indians corner 73% wealth: Rahul

It was, as he said, his &quot;fan moment&quot;. Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, who was honoured with a Crystal Award at the World Economic Forum summit along with Hollywood celebrities Cate Blanchett and Elton John, requested a selfie. 
 
Shah Rukh received the award on Monday for his &quot;leadership in championing children`s and women`s rights in India&quot; with the help of Meer Foundation. 
 
After receiving the award, SRK lauded Blanchett and John for winning a billion hearts.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;I am genuinely and deeply grateful for this honour and it is indeed a privilege to be in the company of two phenomenal and extraordinary human beings and talent -- Cate Blanchette and Sir Elton John.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;She is, of course, the lady who commands the wind and you sir command the song of a billion hearts, including mine,&quot; Shah Rukh said in his speech.&nbsp;

The 52-year-old requested Blanchett and John for a selfie.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;So, I am really really touched that I have been chosen between these two. Just a special request before you go... Can I do a selfie,&quot; he said. 
 
Shah Rukh added that the request might leave his children embarrassed.

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Cate Blanchett and actor Shah Rukh Khan pose for the media after receiving the Crystal Awards, with Hilde Schwab and Klaus Schwab, at the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos (Reuters)
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Shah Rukh also spoke about his social initiative via Meer Foundation, an organisation that works extensively towards empowering women subjected to acid attack.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;To disfigure a woman by throwing acid on her face is to me one of the crudest acts of subjugation imaginable. At the source of it lies the view that a woman does not have any right to assert her choice or say `no` to advances by a man or a group of men.&quot; 
 
Shah Rukh also thanked his sister Shehnaz Lalarukh Khan, wife Gauri and daughter Suhana. 
 
&quot;I want to thank my sister, wife and my little daughter for bringing me up well and teaching me the value of requesting, sometimes imploring and sometimes even begging a yes from a women instead of forcing on her,&quot; he said before wrapping up his speech with a &quot;Namaskar&quot; and &quot;Jai Hind&quot;.&nbsp;

SRK, Cate Blanchett and Elton John were honoured at Davos on Monday.

It was, as he said, his "fan moment". Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, who was honoured with a Crystal Award at the World Economic Forum summit along with Hollywood celebrities Cate Blanchett and Elton John, requested a selfie. Shah Rukh received the award on Monday for his "leadership in championing children`s and women`s rights in India" with the help of Meer Foundation. After receiving the award, SRK lauded Blanchett and John for winning a billion hearts. "I am genuinely and deeply grateful for this honour and it is indeed a privilege to be in the company of two phenomenal and extraordinary human beings and talent -- Cate Blanchette and Sir Elton John. "She is, of course, the lady who commands the wind and you sir command the song of a billion hearts, including mine," Shah Rukh said in his speech. The 52-year-old requested Blanchett and John for a selfie. "So, I am really really touched that I have been chosen between these two. Just a special request before you go... Can I do a selfie," he said. Shah Rukh added that the request might leave his children embarrassed. Cate Blanchett and actor Shah Rukh Khan pose for the media after receiving the Crystal Awards, with Hilde Schwab and Klaus Schwab, at the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos (Reuters) × Shah Rukh also spoke about his social initiative via Meer Foundation, an organisation that works extensively towards empowering women subjected to acid attack. "To disfigure a woman by throwing acid on her face is to me one of the crudest acts of subjugation imaginable. At the source of it lies the view that a woman does not have any right to assert her choice or say `no` to advances by a man or a group of men." Shah Rukh also thanked his sister Shehnaz Lalarukh Khan, wife Gauri and daughter Suhana. "I want to thank my sister, wife and my little daughter for bringing me up well and teaching me the value of requesting, sometimes imploring and sometimes even begging a yes from a women instead of forcing on her," he said before wrapping up his speech with a "Namaskar" and "Jai Hind".

When Shah Rukh Khan requested Elton John and Cate Blanchett for a selfie

The Swiss ski resort town of Davos was hit by heavy snow on Sunday (January 21) two days before the start of an annual forum that will see U.S. President Donald Trump rubbing shoulders with the same &quot;globalists&quot; that he campaigned against in winning the 2016 election.

The January 23-26 forum brings together political leaders -- including Indian&#39;s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Britain&#39;s Prime Minister Theresa May -- CEOs and top bankers.

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Davos, a town nestled in the Swiss Alps, covered in a blanket of snow. (WION)
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Trump, who is scheduled to address the forum on the last day on Friday (January 26), is the first sitting US&nbsp;president to attend the forum since Bill Clinton in 2000.

His presence in the forum, aides say, is to call attention to growth in the US&nbsp;economy and the soaring stock market.

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Davos is also a popular ski attraction (WION)
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During his 2016 election campaign, Trump blamed globalization for ravaging American manufacturing jobs as companies sought to reduce labour costs by relocating to Mexico and elsewhere.

World Economic Forum founder Klaus Schwab told Reuters Trump&#39;s presence this year was a &quot;positive surprise&quot; and his voice, along with other world leaders would provide a balanced global outlook for the year.

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Davos is host to the World Economic Forum (WEF), an annual meeting of global political and business elites (WION)
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Workers were out on in force clearing the streets of snow. More snow is forecast until Monday (January 22) but Schwab says he is not worried about the weather affecting or delaying the forum.

The Swiss ski resort town of Davos was hit by heavy snow on Sunday

The Swiss ski resort town of Davos was hit by heavy snow on Sunday (January 21) two days before the start of an annual forum that will see U.S. President Donald Trump rubbing shoulders with the same "globalists" that he campaigned against in winning the 2016 election. The January 23-26 forum brings together political leaders -- including Indian's Prime Minister Narendra Modi, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May -- CEOs and top bankers. Davos, a town nestled in the Swiss Alps, covered in a blanket of snow. (WION) × Trump, who is scheduled to address the forum on the last day on Friday (January 26), is the first sitting US president to attend the forum since Bill Clinton in 2000. His presence in the forum, aides say, is to call attention to growth in the US economy and the soaring stock market. Davos is also a popular ski attraction (WION) × During his 2016 election campaign, Trump blamed globalization for ravaging American manufacturing jobs as companies sought to reduce labour costs by relocating to Mexico and elsewhere. World Economic Forum founder Klaus Schwab told Reuters Trump's presence this year was a "positive surprise" and his voice, along with other world leaders would provide a balanced global outlook for the year. Davos is host to the World Economic Forum (WEF), an annual meeting of global political and business elites (WION) × Workers were out on in force clearing the streets of snow. More snow is forecast until Monday (January 22) but Schwab says he is not worried about the weather affecting or delaying the forum.

Heavy snow hits Davos as forum prepares to welcome Trump, world leaders

European leaders will be out in force at the World Economic Forum in Davos this week to defend multilateralism before US President Donald Trump arrives to deliver his &quot;America First&quot; message.

Politicians, business chiefs, bankers and celebrities will meet in the Swiss Alps under the banner &quot;Creating a Shared Future in a Fractured World&quot; for the four-day gathering against an unsettling global backdrop.

A decade after the bankruptcy of US investment bank Lehman Brothers helped trigger a global financial crisis, economic growth has returned and stock markets are hitting record highs.

Yet there is a nagging fear among many in Davos that the brighter economic outlook could turn out to be little more than a mirage if the daunting array of geopolitical threats - from protectionism and climate change to cyber attacks and outright war - gather pace in 2018.

&quot;Not all geopolitical threats are threats to financial markets,&quot; Axel Weber, the chairman of Swiss bank UBS and former president of the German Bundesbank told Reuters. &quot;But I agree that there may be a disconnect, which has been going on for some time already and may well continue for some time.&quot;

The Global Risks Report published by the WEF last week showed that many see a heightened risk of political and economic confrontations between major powers this year.

Trump, the first sitting US president to attend the forum since Bill Clinton in 2000, is a source of much of this anxiety after a volatile first year in office in which he has turned American foreign policy on its head.

The forum will open on Tuesday with a speech by India&#39;s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and end on Friday, when Trump is due to address the massive auditorium where Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke last year, offering to fill the global leadership void created by an inward-looking Washington.

White House officials said over the weekend that a government shutdown in the United States was unlikely to prevent Trump from making the trip, although the budget director Mick Mulvaney said it was now &quot;in flux&quot;.

In the days between Modi and Trump, the leaders of Europe&#39;s biggest countries, absent from Davos last year and emboldened by their own economic recovery, will offer an alternative vision to Trump and Xi, who the Europeans say has failed to deliver on his promise of a year ago to open China up to foreign investment.

Europe&#39;s New Star

The charge will be led by French President Emmanuel Macron, the new star of European politics, who in an audacious move, has invited many of the business leaders who will be in Davos to the Palace of Versailles on Monday to press them to invest in France.

When he speaks in Davos on Wednesday, the former investment banker will offer his own &quot;diagnosis&quot; of globalisation and set out a vision for addressing widening inequalities, global warming and the rise of nationalism, his advisers say.

&quot;I don&#39;t think Macron will be able to resist being the counter-Trump,&quot; said Robin Niblett, director of the Chatham House think tank in London.

Macron will be joined by German Chancellor Angela Merkel, returning to the world stage after months of political limbo at home, and Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni.

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, back in Davos after a 20-year absence, is also due to speak.

The WEF is a marathon of panel discussions, lunches and cocktail parties that delve into subjects as diverse as terrorism, artificial intelligence and wellness.

This year&#39;s conference will include several sessions on sexual harassment, a nod to the #MeToo movement that erupted after allegations of sexual misconduct by Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein.

Criticised in past years for not representing women, the WEF appointed seven female co-chairs this year, including Christine Lagarde, the head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Ginni Rometty, the CEO of IBM.

Among the other leaders attending are British Prime Minister Theresa May, Israel&#39;s Benjamin Netanyahu and several African leaders, including Zimbabwe&#39;s new president Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Last year, the sole envoy from the Trump camp in the week leading up to his inauguration was Anthony Scaramucci, the New York financier who was sacked after just 10 days as White House communications director.

This year, Trump will be joined by a large US delegation including Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and his son-in-law Jared Kushner.

For the first time in years, Iran will not be represented. WEF officials could not say whether the late cancellation by Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif had anything to do with Trump&#39;s decision to speak.

European leaders will be out in force at the World Economic Forum in Davos this week to defend multilateralism before US President Donald Trump arrives to deliver his "America First" message.

European leaders will be out in force at the World Economic Forum in Davos this week to defend multilateralism before US President Donald Trump arrives to deliver his "America First" message. Politicians, business chiefs, bankers and celebrities will meet in the Swiss Alps under the banner "Creating a Shared Future in a Fractured World" for the four-day gathering against an unsettling global backdrop. A decade after the bankruptcy of US investment bank Lehman Brothers helped trigger a global financial crisis, economic growth has returned and stock markets are hitting record highs. Yet there is a nagging fear among many in Davos that the brighter economic outlook could turn out to be little more than a mirage if the daunting array of geopolitical threats - from protectionism and climate change to cyber attacks and outright war - gather pace in 2018. "Not all geopolitical threats are threats to financial markets," Axel Weber, the chairman of Swiss bank UBS and former president of the German Bundesbank told Reuters. "But I agree that there may be a disconnect, which has been going on for some time already and may well continue for some time." The Global Risks Report published by the WEF last week showed that many see a heightened risk of political and economic confrontations between major powers this year. Trump, the first sitting US president to attend the forum since Bill Clinton in 2000, is a source of much of this anxiety after a volatile first year in office in which he has turned American foreign policy on its head. The forum will open on Tuesday with a speech by India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi and end on Friday, when Trump is due to address the massive auditorium where Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke last year, offering to fill the global leadership void created by an inward-looking Washington. White House officials said over the weekend that a government shutdown in the United States was unlikely to prevent Trump from making the trip, although the budget director Mick Mulvaney said it was now "in flux". In the days between Modi and Trump, the leaders of Europe's biggest countries, absent from Davos last year and emboldened by their own economic recovery, will offer an alternative vision to Trump and Xi, who the Europeans say has failed to deliver on his promise of a year ago to open China up to foreign investment. Europe's New Star The charge will be led by French President Emmanuel Macron, the new star of European politics, who in an audacious move, has invited many of the business leaders who will be in Davos to the Palace of Versailles on Monday to press them to invest in France. When he speaks in Davos on Wednesday, the former investment banker will offer his own "diagnosis" of globalisation and set out a vision for addressing widening inequalities, global warming and the rise of nationalism, his advisers say. "I don't think Macron will be able to resist being the counter-Trump," said Robin Niblett, director of the Chatham House think tank in London. Macron will be joined by German Chancellor Angela Merkel, returning to the world stage after months of political limbo at home, and Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni. European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, back in Davos after a 20-year absence, is also due to speak. The WEF is a marathon of panel discussions, lunches and cocktail parties that delve into subjects as diverse as terrorism, artificial intelligence and wellness. This year's conference will include several sessions on sexual harassment, a nod to the #MeToo movement that erupted after allegations of sexual misconduct by Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein. Criticised in past years for not representing women, the WEF appointed seven female co-chairs this year, including Christine Lagarde, the head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Ginni Rometty, the CEO of IBM. Among the other leaders attending are British Prime Minister Theresa May, Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu and several African leaders, including Zimbabwe's new president Emmerson Mnangagwa. Last year, the sole envoy from the Trump camp in the week leading up to his inauguration was Anthony Scaramucci, the New York financier who was sacked after just 10 days as White House communications director. This year, Trump will be joined by a large US delegation including Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and his son-in-law Jared Kushner. For the first time in years, Iran will not be represented. WEF officials could not say whether the late cancellation by Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif had anything to do with Trump's decision to speak.

Europe readies riposte to Trump's 'America First' push in Davos

The annual congregation of world leaders in this snow-laden Swiss town concluded on Friday where Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the charge against protectionism and was joined by the likes of Angela Merkel and Emmanuel Macron while US President Donald Trump wrapped it up by asserting &#39;America First&#39; does not mean &#39;America alone&#39;.

Over five days, the rich and powerful of the &#39;fractured&#39; world as well as those from academia, art, culture and civil society, also flagged growing levels of gender and income inequality, as well as the financial and environmental risks.

Davos regular and IMF chief Christine Lagarde said the world should celebrate economic recovery but also repair the leaking roofs while the sun shines.

As this ski resort town saw unprecedented levels of snowfall this year, there were unusual delays in start of some programmes on the first two days besides ever increasing serpentine queues of vehicles on roads and of people outside the session halls.

Against that backdrop, French President Emmanuel Macron remarked this much snow would raise doubts among sceptics of global warming and it was good that they were not here as yet -- an apparent quip at his US counterpart who has announced that America would be leaving the Paris climate pact.

Macron&#39;s remarks came on Wednesday before Trump arrived at Davos.

And today, Trump was welcomed on stage with a traditional Swiss brass band performance, another unusual event.

In his typical style, Trump said the press always loved him as a businessman but turned &quot;nasty&quot; and &quot;fake&quot; when he joined politics and became president, eliciting quite audible hisses and boos from some people in the audience that included a large number of media persons.

Replying to the growing demand for action against what is being considered as protectionist policies in the US, Trump declared he supports free trade but it must be fair and reciprocal. He also asserted that free trade would not be possible if some countries resort to abuse of systems, taking an indirect jibe at China.

Modi -- the first Indian prime minister to come here in over two decades -- led the charge against protectionism and declared that India was an open economy and ready to host businesses from across the world and share the benefits for all with its age-old concept of &#39;Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam&#39; -- the world is one family.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and German Chancellor Angela Merkel also spoke out against protectionist tendencies at the summit.

As the world leaders continued to voice their concerns over various ills facing the world, British Prime Minister Theresa May was somehow cynical that the big words spoken in Davos were often not matched with actions outside.

Her comments led many here to quip that Davos was like Las Vegas of the economic world -- whatever happens in Davos, remains in Davos.

The official programme began on Monday with Crystal Awards for cine star Shahrukh Khan, actor Cate Blanchett and music icon Elton John.

At the ceremony, the Bollywood star had his own &#39;fan moment&#39; when he asked Blanchett for a selfie.

A concert by the Davos Festival Chamber Coir marked the end of the five-day summit.

International Trade Union Confederation&#39;s Sharon Burrow, part of the all women co-chairs, in her closing remarks made sure to thank drivers and all the support staff for running the show successfully. She also said the theme of creating a shared future in a fractured world would not be achieved without inclusion at all levels.

Chetna Sinha from India was also a co-chair for this year&#39;s summit.

A large Indian delegation, including union ministers, attended the 48th annual meeting of the WEF.

Davos regular and IMF chief Christine Lagarde said the world should celebrate economic recovery but also repair the leaking roofs while the sun shines

The annual congregation of world leaders in this snow-laden Swiss town concluded on Friday where Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the charge against protectionism and was joined by the likes of Angela Merkel and Emmanuel Macron while US President Donald Trump wrapped it up by asserting 'America First' does not mean 'America alone'. Over five days, the rich and powerful of the 'fractured' world as well as those from academia, art, culture and civil society, also flagged growing levels of gender and income inequality, as well as the financial and environmental risks. Davos regular and IMF chief Christine Lagarde said the world should celebrate economic recovery but also repair the leaking roofs while the sun shines. As this ski resort town saw unprecedented levels of snowfall this year, there were unusual delays in start of some programmes on the first two days besides ever increasing serpentine queues of vehicles on roads and of people outside the session halls. Against that backdrop, French President Emmanuel Macron remarked this much snow would raise doubts among sceptics of global warming and it was good that they were not here as yet -- an apparent quip at his US counterpart who has announced that America would be leaving the Paris climate pact. Macron's remarks came on Wednesday before Trump arrived at Davos. And today, Trump was welcomed on stage with a traditional Swiss brass band performance, another unusual event. In his typical style, Trump said the press always loved him as a businessman but turned "nasty" and "fake" when he joined politics and became president, eliciting quite audible hisses and boos from some people in the audience that included a large number of media persons. Replying to the growing demand for action against what is being considered as protectionist policies in the US, Trump declared he supports free trade but it must be fair and reciprocal. He also asserted that free trade would not be possible if some countries resort to abuse of systems, taking an indirect jibe at China. Modi -- the first Indian prime minister to come here in over two decades -- led the charge against protectionism and declared that India was an open economy and ready to host businesses from across the world and share the benefits for all with its age-old concept of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' -- the world is one family. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and German Chancellor Angela Merkel also spoke out against protectionist tendencies at the summit. As the world leaders continued to voice their concerns over various ills facing the world, British Prime Minister Theresa May was somehow cynical that the big words spoken in Davos were often not matched with actions outside. Her comments led many here to quip that Davos was like Las Vegas of the economic world -- whatever happens in Davos, remains in Davos. The official programme began on Monday with Crystal Awards for cine star Shahrukh Khan, actor Cate Blanchett and music icon Elton John. At the ceremony, the Bollywood star had his own 'fan moment' when he asked Blanchett for a selfie. A concert by the Davos Festival Chamber Coir marked the end of the five-day summit. International Trade Union Confederation's Sharon Burrow, part of the all women co-chairs, in her closing remarks made sure to thank drivers and all the support staff for running the show successfully. She also said the theme of creating a shared future in a fractured world would not be achieved without inclusion at all levels. Chetna Sinha from India was also a co-chair for this year's summit. A large Indian delegation, including union ministers, attended the 48th annual meeting of the WEF.

World Economic Forum ends in Davos with 'repair your leaking roof, don't be selfish' message from world leader

World leaders, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Canada&rsquo;s Justin Trudeau and Brazilian President Michel Temer, raised concerns this week at the gathering in the Swiss ski resort of Davos about growing protectionism, in remarks that delegates said seemed aimed at Trump&rsquo;s policies.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron are also expected to speak later on Wednesday.

Under his America First agenda, Trump has threatened to withdraw from the North American free-trade agreement (NAFTA), disavowed the global climate change accord and criticized global institutions including the United Nations and NATO.

Trump is expected to arrive by Thursday and deliver a keynote address to the forum on Friday, mingling with the same elite &ldquo;globalists&rdquo; that he bashed during his 2016 presidential run.

In a press briefing in Davos ahead of his visit, US&nbsp;Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross defended aggressive trade actions taken by the United States and said more were to come.

&ldquo;This is about an America First agenda. But America First does mean working with the rest of the world,&rdquo; Mnuchin said. &ldquo;It just means that President Trump is looking out for American workers and American interests no different than he expects other leaders would look out for their own.&rdquo;

Ross said US&nbsp;trade actions were provoked by &ldquo;inappropriate behaviour on the part of our trading counterparties.&rdquo;

On Tuesday, for example, the United States slapped steep import tariffs on washing machines and solar panels, in moves billed as a way to protect American jobs. China and South Korea condemned the tariffs, with Seoul set to complain to the World Trade Organization over the &ldquo;excessive&rdquo; move.

&ldquo;Many countries are very good at the rhetoric of free trade but in fact actually practice extreme protectionism,&rdquo; Ross said.

Many in Davos worry that a brighter world economic outlook could darken if geopolitical threats - from protectionism and climate change to cyber attacks and war - gather pace in 2018.

Trump, the first sitting US president to attend the forum since Bill Clinton in 2000, is a source of much of this anxiety after a volatile first year in office in which he has turned American foreign policy on its head.

The U.S. delegation is the largest ever to come to Davos, with 10 members of the Trump&rsquo;s cabinet and senior White House staff, Mnuchin said. That includes Jared Kushner, Trump&rsquo;s son-in-law and adviser.

When asked about a new agreement that is expected among 11 countries to forge an Asia-Pacific trade pact after the United States pulled out of an earlier version, Mnuchin said the Americans involvement was &ldquo;not off the table&rdquo;.

But he added, &ldquo;We are fans of bilateral trading agreements.&rdquo;

Earlier on Tuesday, Canada&rsquo;s Trudeau called the new trade agreement, expected to be signed in Chile in March, the &ldquo;right deal&rdquo;.

Ross said Trudeau&rsquo;s comments needed to be taken in the context of the latest round of talks on NAFTA. Perhaps there was some inclination to use that to &ldquo;put pressure on the U.S. in the NAFTA talks,&rdquo; Ross said.

Mnuchin also said that he was not concerned in the short term about a weak dollar, saying it is one of the most liquid markets.

&ldquo;Obviously a weaker dollar is good for us as it relates to trade and opportunities,&rdquo; Mnuchin said.

Senior US officials hit back on Wednesday against suggestions that Donald Trump’s 'America First' agenda was hurting globalization and trade, setting an aggressive tone ahead of the US president’s visit to the World Economic Forum

World leaders, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Canada’s Justin Trudeau and Brazilian President Michel Temer, raised concerns this week at the gathering in the Swiss ski resort of Davos about growing protectionism, in remarks that delegates said seemed aimed at Trump’s policies. German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron are also expected to speak later on Wednesday. Under his America First agenda, Trump has threatened to withdraw from the North American free-trade agreement (NAFTA), disavowed the global climate change accord and criticized global institutions including the United Nations and NATO. Trump is expected to arrive by Thursday and deliver a keynote address to the forum on Friday, mingling with the same elite “globalists” that he bashed during his 2016 presidential run. In a press briefing in Davos ahead of his visit, US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross defended aggressive trade actions taken by the United States and said more were to come. “This is about an America First agenda. But America First does mean working with the rest of the world,” Mnuchin said. “It just means that President Trump is looking out for American workers and American interests no different than he expects other leaders would look out for their own.” Ross said US trade actions were provoked by “inappropriate behaviour on the part of our trading counterparties.” On Tuesday, for example, the United States slapped steep import tariffs on washing machines and solar panels, in moves billed as a way to protect American jobs. China and South Korea condemned the tariffs, with Seoul set to complain to the World Trade Organization over the “excessive” move. “Many countries are very good at the rhetoric of free trade but in fact actually practice extreme protectionism,” Ross said. Many in Davos worry that a brighter world economic outlook could darken if geopolitical threats - from protectionism and climate change to cyber attacks and war - gather pace in 2018. Trump, the first sitting US president to attend the forum since Bill Clinton in 2000, is a source of much of this anxiety after a volatile first year in office in which he has turned American foreign policy on its head. The U.S. delegation is the largest ever to come to Davos, with 10 members of the Trump’s cabinet and senior White House staff, Mnuchin said. That includes Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law and adviser. When asked about a new agreement that is expected among 11 countries to forge an Asia-Pacific trade pact after the United States pulled out of an earlier version, Mnuchin said the Americans involvement was “not off the table”. But he added, “We are fans of bilateral trading agreements.” Earlier on Tuesday, Canada’s Trudeau called the new trade agreement, expected to be signed in Chile in March, the “right deal”. Ross said Trudeau’s comments needed to be taken in the context of the latest round of talks on NAFTA. Perhaps there was some inclination to use that to “put pressure on the U.S. in the NAFTA talks,” Ross said. Mnuchin also said that he was not concerned in the short term about a weak dollar, saying it is one of the most liquid markets. “Obviously a weaker dollar is good for us as it relates to trade and opportunities,” Mnuchin said.

US defends America First agenda ahead of Trump visit to Davos

PM Modi slipped into a short session with the CEOs and business leaders ahead of his keynote address at the World Economic Forum event at Davos yesterday.&nbsp;

The Prime Minister was supposed to begin his address at 11.15 am (around 3.30 pm IST) at Davos. He got in for a quick chat with business leaders slightly ahead of his opening plenary session.&nbsp;

During his meeting, PM Modi hinted at the possibility of a tougher budget this time saying that, &quot;Why are all of you not smiling? You seem to be pleased with me now but just wait for the budget.&quot;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also held a roundtable meet with CEOs on Monday evening mentioning that &#39;India means business&#39;.

PM Modi then rushed for his keynote address at the Davos event which lasted for almost an hour where he highlighted the key achievements of his administration.&nbsp;

&quot;India is removing the red tape and laying out the red carpet,&quot; said Mr Modi.

&quot;Almost all areas of our economy have been opened to foreign direct investment,&quot; he added.&nbsp;

He later met with his Canadian counterpart to address bilateral ties.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached India early morning today after a &quot;historic and successful participation&quot; at the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual summit.

PM Modi became the first Indian prime minister to attend the summit in two decades.

The prime minister is expected to meet his cabinet today.

He will also interact with the Vietnamese Prime Minister, the President of Philippines and State Counsellor of Myanmar Daw, Aung San Suu Kyi later in the day.&nbsp;

PM Modi slipped into a short session with the CEOs and business leaders ahead of his keynote address at Davos.

PM Modi slipped into a short session with the CEOs and business leaders ahead of his keynote address at the World Economic Forum event at Davos yesterday. The Prime Minister was supposed to begin his address at 11.15 am (around 3.30 pm IST) at Davos. He got in for a quick chat with business leaders slightly ahead of his opening plenary session. During his meeting, PM Modi hinted at the possibility of a tougher budget this time saying that, "Why are all of you not smiling? You seem to be pleased with me now but just wait for the budget." Prime Minister Narendra Modi also held a roundtable meet with CEOs on Monday evening mentioning that 'India means business'. PM Modi then rushed for his keynote address at the Davos event which lasted for almost an hour where he highlighted the key achievements of his administration. "India is removing the red tape and laying out the red carpet," said Mr Modi. "Almost all areas of our economy have been opened to foreign direct investment," he added. He later met with his Canadian counterpart to address bilateral ties. Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached India early morning today after a "historic and successful participation" at the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual summit. PM Modi became the first Indian prime minister to attend the summit in two decades. The prime minister is expected to meet his cabinet today. He will also interact with the Vietnamese Prime Minister, the President of Philippines and State Counsellor of Myanmar Daw, Aung San Suu Kyi later in the day.

You seem pleased with me now but just wait for the Budget: PM Modi to CEOs

Indian Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan was&nbsp;seen today alongside Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis during a media interaction at Davos 2018 in Switzerland.&nbsp;

Present at the&nbsp;World Economic Forum summit to receive his Crystal Award for his&nbsp;&quot;leadership in championing children&#39;s and women&#39;s rights in India&quot; with the help of Meer Foundation -- Shah Rukh today was quoted praising PM Modi and Maharashtra&nbsp;CM for their work towards development.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/when-shah-rukh-khan-requested-elton-john-and-cate-blanchett-for-a-selfie-30475" target="_blank">Also Read:&nbsp;When Shah Rukh Khan requested Elton John and Cate Blanchett for a selfie</a>

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/shah-rukh-khan-at-davos-receives-an-award-spoke-against-sexism-30406" target="_blank">Also Watch:&nbsp;We the powerful need to get out of the way to pick barriers apart: Shah Rukh Khan at Davos</a>

Attending the Mumbai and Maharashtra session at World Economic Forum, Khan said that he is whatever he is today because of &quot;Mumbai&quot;. He said, &quot;I am a living example of how someone can come to Mumbai and fulfil his or her dreams and desires.&nbsp;I came here in this city 30 years back.&nbsp;Today, I am here in Davos because I have worked in Mumbai and this is my right to join this session.&quot;

He added, &quot;I always say I have two mothers -- Delhi which gave me birth and Maharashtra which helped me grow and achieving my dreams in life.&quot;

When asked to comment on Indian Prime Minister Modi&#39;s speech, Khan affirmed that the &quot;next future is digital in our country. We will have to create a positive atmosphere and environment for the youth of our nation. Politics should also be digital in India because when we talk about &lsquo;Digital India&rsquo; everything should come under digital.&quot;

Watch&nbsp;WION in Davos, actor Shah Rukh Khan speaks about PM Modi&#39;s speech:&nbsp;

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&#39;PM Modi visiting Davos is a matter of great pride and I hope that whole world will listen and come to India,&#39; Shah Rukh Khan. (WION)
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Appreciating his relationship with Fadnavis, Khan said, &quot;I can always approach Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis sahib anytime for such things.&nbsp;He is the new age CM of India&quot; before adding &quot;Now, I am like a senior citizen of Maharashtra finally, the time has come when I should contribute to this city.&nbsp;Now, I don&rsquo;t demand anything and whenever I meet CM sahib I always ask him that how can I contribute to Mumbai city.&nbsp;We both are on the same plane because we want to do something for this city and state.&quot;

He also said, &quot;After taking a lot from Maharashtra I am not greedy now.&nbsp;I would like to participate in whatever Maharashtra wants through CM sahib.&quot;

Khan then went on to speak about PM Modi and said: &quot;It is for the first time that in 20 years we have a PM coming here in Davos. He has&nbsp;already mentioned that he is here to rejoice 128 crores Indians.&nbsp;Even after lot of radical changes we are sustaining.&quot;

He continued: &quot;PM Narendra Modi pointed out globalisation is losing sheen.&nbsp;India can perhaps become a hub of bringing it back and a lot of good points.&quot;

Lastly, he mentioned his pride at representing India at Davos and said, &quot;All of us are here so it seems that we have taken over Davos.&quot;

&nbsp;

He also praised PM Modi and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, both of whom were also at Davos

Indian Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan was seen today alongside Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis during a media interaction at Davos 2018 in Switzerland. Present at the World Economic Forum summit to receive his Crystal Award for his "leadership in championing children's and women's rights in India" with the help of Meer Foundation -- Shah Rukh today was quoted praising PM Modi and Maharashtra CM for their work towards development. Also Read: When Shah Rukh Khan requested Elton John and Cate Blanchett for a selfie Also Watch: We the powerful need to get out of the way to pick barriers apart: Shah Rukh Khan at Davos Attending the Mumbai and Maharashtra session at World Economic Forum, Khan said that he is whatever he is today because of "Mumbai". He said, "I am a living example of how someone can come to Mumbai and fulfil his or her dreams and desires. I came here in this city 30 years back. Today, I am here in Davos because I have worked in Mumbai and this is my right to join this session." He added, "I always say I have two mothers -- Delhi which gave me birth and Maharashtra which helped me grow and achieving my dreams in life." When asked to comment on Indian Prime Minister Modi's speech, Khan affirmed that the "next future is digital in our country. We will have to create a positive atmosphere and environment for the youth of our nation. Politics should also be digital in India because when we talk about ‘Digital India’ everything should come under digital." Watch WION in Davos, actor Shah Rukh Khan speaks about PM Modi's speech: 'PM Modi visiting Davos is a matter of great pride and I hope that whole world will listen and come to India,' Shah Rukh Khan. (WION) × Appreciating his relationship with Fadnavis, Khan said, "I can always approach Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis sahib anytime for such things. He is the new age CM of India" before adding "Now, I am like a senior citizen of Maharashtra finally, the time has come when I should contribute to this city. Now, I don’t demand anything and whenever I meet CM sahib I always ask him that how can I contribute to Mumbai city. We both are on the same plane because we want to do something for this city and state." He also said, "After taking a lot from Maharashtra I am not greedy now. I would like to participate in whatever Maharashtra wants through CM sahib." Khan then went on to speak about PM Modi and said: "It is for the first time that in 20 years we have a PM coming here in Davos. He has already mentioned that he is here to rejoice 128 crores Indians. Even after lot of radical changes we are sustaining." He continued: "PM Narendra Modi pointed out globalisation is losing sheen. India can perhaps become a hub of bringing it back and a lot of good points." Lastly, he mentioned his pride at representing India at Davos and said, "All of us are here so it seems that we have taken over Davos."

SRK at Davos: 'Always say I have two mothers, Delhi and Maharashtra'

Pitching India as an investment destination at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday told world leaders and global CEOs that the country has replaced the infamous bureaucratic red tape with a red carpet for businesses.

Hard selling India as an investment destination at the WEF, Modi said the government is following the principle of reform, perform and transform.

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The world applauds 1.3 bn people of India at the <a href="https://twitter.com/wef?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wef</a> in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Davos?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Davos</a> appreciating the remarkable transformation in improving the business climate. PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> interacting with the top global CEOs at the International Business Council event. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaMeansBusiness?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaMeansBusiness</a> <a href="https://t.co/AfvfarnKGS">pic.twitter.com/AfvfarnKGS</a>
&mdash; Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/955795946369179648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&quot;We have made it easier to invest in India, manufacture in India and work in India. We have decided to uproot licence and permit Raj. We are replacing red tape with red carpet,&quot; he added.

Stating that hundreds of reforms have been carried out by the central and state governments, the prime minister said 1,400 archaic laws that were becoming roadblocks in India&#39;s growth have been removed and the Goods and Services Tax (GST) has been implemented, among others.

Inclusive development is key to all government programmes, whether it is Jan Dhan Yojana, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao or Direct Benefit Transfer through digital infrastructure, he said.

Speaking in Hindi, PM Modi showcased the ease of doing business in India to world leaders and global CEOs, also calling for countries to unite to tackle what he called the three big challenges that the world faces - &quot;climate change, terrorism and a threat to globalisation with powers of protectionism rising.&quot;

PM Modi said the government is following the principle of reform, perform and transform

Pitching India as an investment destination at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday told world leaders and global CEOs that the country has replaced the infamous bureaucratic red tape with a red carpet for businesses. Hard selling India as an investment destination at the WEF, Modi said the government is following the principle of reform, perform and transform. The world applauds 1.3 bn people of India at the @wef in #Davos appreciating the remarkable transformation in improving the business climate. PM @narendramodi interacting with the top global CEOs at the International Business Council event. #IndiaMeansBusiness pic.twitter.com/AfvfarnKGS — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) January 23, 2018 × "We have made it easier to invest in India, manufacture in India and work in India. We have decided to uproot licence and permit Raj. We are replacing red tape with red carpet," he added. Stating that hundreds of reforms have been carried out by the central and state governments, the prime minister said 1,400 archaic laws that were becoming roadblocks in India's growth have been removed and the Goods and Services Tax (GST) has been implemented, among others. Inclusive development is key to all government programmes, whether it is Jan Dhan Yojana, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao or Direct Benefit Transfer through digital infrastructure, he said. Speaking in Hindi, PM Modi showcased the ease of doing business in India to world leaders and global CEOs, also calling for countries to unite to tackle what he called the three big challenges that the world faces - "climate change, terrorism and a threat to globalisation with powers of protectionism rising."

India replacing 'red tape' with 'red carpet': PM Modi at Davos

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-in-davos-highlights-of-his-speech-at-wef-30514" target="_blank">Highlights: PM Narendra Modi&#39;s big India pitch at Davos</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday addressed the plenary session of the 48th edition of the World Economic Forum at Davos in Switzerland. PM Narendra Modi is the first Indian prime minister to attend Davos summit in 20 years.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bsf-launches-operation-bhima-against-pak-rangers-along-loc-30509" target="_blank">BSF launches &#39;Operation Bhima&#39; against Pak Rangers along LoC</a>

BSF launched &quot;Operation Bhima&quot; against<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistani-pm-says-committed-to-seizing-charities-run-by-hafiz-saeed-30454">&nbsp;Pakistan Rangers even as firing&nbsp;</a>stopped along the Line of Control(LoC) today. Reports said&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-firing-positions-fuel-dump-destroyed-in-retaliation-bsf-30385">Pakistan Army chief met Pakistani&nbsp;</a>Rangers as India&#39;s border security force(BSF) released a video on Monday and informed about the planned firing on Pakistan&#39;s post.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sensex-closes-at-36140-nifty-ends-above-11000-mark-30507" target="_blank">Sensex closes above 36,000 </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sensex-closes-at-36140-nifty-ends-above-11000-mark-30507" target="_blank">mark</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sensex-closes-at-36140-nifty-ends-above-11000-mark-30507" target="_blank"> at all-time high</a>

The BSE Sensex on Tuesday BSE Sensex breached the 36,000 level mark to end at an all-time high at 36, 140 after the International Monetary Fund said India would regain the title as the world&#39;s fastest growing major economy in 2018-19.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-should-focus-on-womens-inclusion-in-economy-imf-chief-lagarde-30519" target="_blank">India should focus on women&#39;s inclusion in economy: IMF Chief Lagarde</a>

IMF chief Christine Lagarde today said India must continue with reforms especially in the financial services sector and should urgently focus on broad- based and the true inclusion of women in its economy.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/uddhav-thackeray-lok-sabha-maharashtra-elections-could-be-held-in-2018-30484" target="_blank">Uddhav Thackeray: Lok Sabha, Maharashtra elections could be held in 2018</a>

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray said Tuesday that the next general elections and the elections to the Maharashtra state assembly could be held in December 2018.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Highlights: PM Narendra Modi's big India pitch at Davos Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday addressed the plenary session of the 48th edition of the World Economic Forum at Davos in Switzerland. PM Narendra Modi is the first Indian prime minister to attend Davos summit in 20 years. BSF launches 'Operation Bhima' against Pak Rangers along LoC BSF launched "Operation Bhima" against Pakistan Rangers even as firing stopped along the Line of Control(LoC) today. Reports said Pakistan Army chief met Pakistani Rangers as India's border security force(BSF) released a video on Monday and informed about the planned firing on Pakistan's post. Sensex closes above 36,000 mark at all-time high The BSE Sensex on Tuesday BSE Sensex breached the 36,000 level mark to end at an all-time high at 36, 140 after the International Monetary Fund said India would regain the title as the world's fastest growing major economy in 2018-19. India should focus on women's inclusion in economy: IMF Chief Lagarde IMF chief Christine Lagarde today said India must continue with reforms especially in the financial services sector and should urgently focus on broad- based and the true inclusion of women in its economy. Uddhav Thackeray: Lok Sabha, Maharashtra elections could be held in 2018 Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray said Tuesday that the next general elections and the elections to the Maharashtra state assembly could be held in December 2018.

WION Evening News brief, January 23, 2018

According to an international study published by the Oxfam group, close to 73% of India&#39;s wealth was cornered by India&#39;s richest 1%.

Previously, the survey had revealed that India&#39;s richest 1% held 58% of the country&#39;s total wealth.

The survey also revealed that around 67 crore Indians made up for the poorest half of the country; the section&#39;s wealth rose by just 1% the previous year.&nbsp;

At the global level, the survey noted 82% of the wealth generated last year worldwide to rest with 1% of the global population.&nbsp;

The ever-increasing incidence of wealth concentration is becoming a cause for concern.

Nearly 3.7 billion people account for the poorest half of population with no increase in their wealth.

The annual Oxfam survey was revealed hours before the start of the annual World Economic Forum Annual Meeting where rising income and gender inequality is among the key talking points.

India&#39;s richest witnessed a growth of over Rs 20.9 lakh crore in their wealth during 2017 -- an amount that equals the cumulative budget of the central government in 2017-18.

The Oxfam report titled &#39;Reward Work, Not Wealth&#39;, reveals how the global economy enables the wealthy elite to accumulate huge wealth while hundreds of millions of people struggle to survive on poverty pay.

&quot;2017 saw an unprecedented increase in the number of billionaires, at a rate of one every two days. Billionaire wealth has risen by an average of 13% a year since 2010 -- six times faster than the wages of ordinary workers, which have risen by a yearly average of just 2%,&quot; noted the report.

India added 17 new billionaires last year, taking the total number to a whopping101.

The Indian billionaires&#39; wealth increased to over Rs 20.7 lakh crore -- escalating by Rs 4.89 lakh crore last year --&nbsp;an amount sufficient to finance 85% of the all states&#39; budget on health and education, Oxfam noted.&nbsp;

It also noted that India&#39;s top 10% of the population holds 73% of the wealth.

The report noted 37% of India&#39;s billionaires to have inherited family wealth; the section is also reported to control over half of the total wealth of billionaires in the country.

It was noted that an average wage worker in rural India will take close to 941 years to match up to the amount of wealth earned by top-paid executives at a leading Indian garment firm in a year.

The survey also showed that women workers often find themselves at the bottom of the heap. Nine out of 10 billionaires are men with only four women billionaires; three of them inherited family wealth.

The report also added that an American CEO can earn the same amount of money in about more than a day which an ordinary worker manages to accumulate in 365 days.

Oxfam alluded to a global survey of 120,000 from 10 countries. The survey respondents in countries like the US, UK and India favoured 60% pay cut for CEOs.

&quot;The billionaire boom is not a sign of a thriving economy but a symptom of a failing economic system. Those working hard, growing food for the country, building infrastructure, working in factories are struggling to fund their child&#39;s education, buy medicines for family members and manage two meals a day. The growing divide undermines democracy and promotes corruption and cronyism,&quot; Oxfam India CEO Nisha Agrawal noted adding that the concentration of economic growth in the country is alarming.

&quot;It would take around 17.5 days for the best-paid executive at a top Indian garment company to earn what a minimum wage worker in rural India will earn in their lifetime (presuming 50 years at work),&quot; Oxfam said.

(With inputs from PTI)&nbsp;

The Oxfam report titled 'Reward Work, Not Wealth' reveals how the global economy enables the wealthy elite to accumulate huge wealth

According to an international study published by the Oxfam group, close to 73% of India's wealth was cornered by India's richest 1%. Previously, the survey had revealed that India's richest 1% held 58% of the country's total wealth. The survey also revealed that around 67 crore Indians made up for the poorest half of the country; the section's wealth rose by just 1% the previous year. At the global level, the survey noted 82% of the wealth generated last year worldwide to rest with 1% of the global population. The ever-increasing incidence of wealth concentration is becoming a cause for concern. Nearly 3.7 billion people account for the poorest half of population with no increase in their wealth. The annual Oxfam survey was revealed hours before the start of the annual World Economic Forum Annual Meeting where rising income and gender inequality is among the key talking points. India's richest witnessed a growth of over Rs 20.9 lakh crore in their wealth during 2017 -- an amount that equals the cumulative budget of the central government in 2017-18. The Oxfam report titled 'Reward Work, Not Wealth', reveals how the global economy enables the wealthy elite to accumulate huge wealth while hundreds of millions of people struggle to survive on poverty pay. "2017 saw an unprecedented increase in the number of billionaires, at a rate of one every two days. Billionaire wealth has risen by an average of 13% a year since 2010 -- six times faster than the wages of ordinary workers, which have risen by a yearly average of just 2%," noted the report. India added 17 new billionaires last year, taking the total number to a whopping101. The Indian billionaires' wealth increased to over Rs 20.7 lakh crore -- escalating by Rs 4.89 lakh crore last year -- an amount sufficient to finance 85% of the all states' budget on health and education, Oxfam noted. It also noted that India's top 10% of the population holds 73% of the wealth. The report noted 37% of India's billionaires to have inherited family wealth; the section is also reported to control over half of the total wealth of billionaires in the country. It was noted that an average wage worker in rural India will take close to 941 years to match up to the amount of wealth earned by top-paid executives at a leading Indian garment firm in a year. The survey also showed that women workers often find themselves at the bottom of the heap. Nine out of 10 billionaires are men with only four women billionaires; three of them inherited family wealth. The report also added that an American CEO can earn the same amount of money in about more than a day which an ordinary worker manages to accumulate in 365 days. Oxfam alluded to a global survey of 120,000 from 10 countries. The survey respondents in countries like the US, UK and India favoured 60% pay cut for CEOs. "The billionaire boom is not a sign of a thriving economy but a symptom of a failing economic system. Those working hard, growing food for the country, building infrastructure, working in factories are struggling to fund their child's education, buy medicines for family members and manage two meals a day. The growing divide undermines democracy and promotes corruption and cronyism," Oxfam India CEO Nisha Agrawal noted adding that the concentration of economic growth in the country is alarming. "It would take around 17.5 days for the best-paid executive at a top Indian garment company to earn what a minimum wage worker in rural India will earn in their lifetime (presuming 50 years at work)," Oxfam said. (With inputs from PTI)

Richest 1% own 73% of India's wealth: Report

A day before his departure for the World Economic Forum in Davos, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday stated that he was looking forward to sharing the vision for India&#39;s future engagement with the international community at Davos.

Modi took to Twitter to drive home the point that India&#39;s engagement with the outside world has become truly and effectively multi-dimensional.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/world-economic-forum-preps-for-modi-mantra-with-tastes-of-india-twists-of-yoga-30218">World Economic Forum: With desi food, yoga India gears up for Modi Mantra at Davos</a>

&#39;&#39;In recent years, India&rsquo;s engagement with the outside world has become truly and effectively multi-dimensional covering the political, economic, people to people, security and other spheres, Modi tweeted.&nbsp;

&#39;&#39;The existing and emerging challenges to the contemporary international system and global governance architecture deserve serious attention of leaders, governments, policy makers, corporates and civil societies around the world. @wef #IndiaMeansBusiness,&#39;&#39; the Prime Minister said in another tweet.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/wefdavos-modi-to-address-opening-plenary-trump-on-final-day-29950">WEF@Davos: Modi to address opening plenary; Trump on final day</a>

stating that the theme of the forum, &ldquo;Creating a Shared Future in a Fractured World&rdquo; is both thoughtful and apt, Modi tweeted that he was looking forward to his first visit to the World Economic Forum at Davos, at the invitation of &#39;&#39;India&rsquo;s good friend and Founder of the WEF, Prof Klaus Schwab&#39;&#39;.&nbsp;

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At Davos, I look forward to sharing my vision for India&rsquo;s future engagement with the international community. <a href="https://twitter.com/wef?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wef</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaMeansBusiness?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaMeansBusiness</a>
&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/955062486939549698?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Modi also expressed confidence that his bilateral meeting with other world leaders will be fruitful and help boost relationships.&nbsp;

&#39;&#39;I am confident that these bilateral meetings would be fruitful and give a boost to our relations with these countries and further strengthen economic engagement. #IndiaMeansBusiness,&#39;&#39; he said in another tweet.

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In recent years, India&rsquo;s engagement with the outside world has become truly and effectively multi-dimensional covering the political, economic, people to people, security and other spheres. <a href="https://twitter.com/wef?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wef</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaMeansBusiness?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaMeansBusiness</a>
&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/955062305678491648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The PM stated that he was looking forward to his separate bilateral meetings with the President of the Swiss Confederation Alain Berset and Prime Minister of Sweden Stefan Lofven.&nbsp;

Modi took to Twitter to drive home the point that India's engagement with the outside world has become truly and effectively multi-dimensional.

A day before his departure for the World Economic Forum in Davos, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday stated that he was looking forward to sharing the vision for India's future engagement with the international community at Davos. Modi took to Twitter to drive home the point that India's engagement with the outside world has become truly and effectively multi-dimensional. Also read: World Economic Forum: With desi food, yoga India gears up for Modi Mantra at Davos ''In recent years, India’s engagement with the outside world has become truly and effectively multi-dimensional covering the political, economic, people to people, security and other spheres, Modi tweeted. ''The existing and emerging challenges to the contemporary international system and global governance architecture deserve serious attention of leaders, governments, policy makers, corporates and civil societies around the world. @wef #IndiaMeansBusiness,'' the Prime Minister said in another tweet. Also read: WEF@Davos: Modi to address opening plenary; Trump on final day stating that the theme of the forum, “Creating a Shared Future in a Fractured World” is both thoughtful and apt, Modi tweeted that he was looking forward to his first visit to the World Economic Forum at Davos, at the invitation of ''India’s good friend and Founder of the WEF, Prof Klaus Schwab''. At Davos, I look forward to sharing my vision for India’s future engagement with the international community. @wef #IndiaMeansBusiness — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 21, 2018 × Modi also expressed confidence that his bilateral meeting with other world leaders will be fruitful and help boost relationships. ''I am confident that these bilateral meetings would be fruitful and give a boost to our relations with these countries and further strengthen economic engagement. #IndiaMeansBusiness,'' he said in another tweet. In recent years, India’s engagement with the outside world has become truly and effectively multi-dimensional covering the political, economic, people to people, security and other spheres. @wef #IndiaMeansBusiness — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 21, 2018 × The PM stated that he was looking forward to his separate bilateral meetings with the President of the Swiss Confederation Alain Berset and Prime Minister of Sweden Stefan Lofven.

WEF 2018: Modi to focus on India's future engagement with international community

Thanks to medical innovations, people will live till the age of 140 and hospitals will get transformed into mere casualty rooms, according to experts at the World Economic Forum (WEF) summit.

Participating in a session on fourth industrial revolution technologies that are transforming healthcare, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said the artificial intelligence techniques working with data enable medical scientists to stand on the shoulders of giants as they can instantly access best-case history.

&quot;Even the mundane -but vital -&nbsp;area of hospital administration is being transformed, with real-time interactive recording of patient outcomes dramatically reducing bureaucracy and costs,&quot; he said.

According to the experts, the world is getting healthier as technology and medicine are colliding, as per a release issued by the WEF.

&quot;People will live to the age of 140 within a few decades, hospitals will be transformed into mere casualty rooms as patient self-management of health becomes the norm, 5G- connected ambulances will save millions of lives by accessing digitised trauma data and performing procedures in transit,&quot; the release said, quoting the experts.

Noting that these exciting developments are coming soon, the experts said that cancers are already being detected months earlier than before with the help of small, wearable health-monitoring devices.

Nokia Corporation&#39;s President and CEO Rajeev Suri said chronic diseases are the leading cause of morbidity in the world, accounting for more than 60 per cent of all deaths. Yet most of these diseases are preventable and many are reversible with accurate and early diagnosis, he added.

He also said that Nokia is working on non-invasive, wearable devices that would continuously monitor vital signs ?- such as cortisol and glucose levels -- and immediately pick up irregularities.

Collection of this personal data is filling the void between medical consultations, eliminating the need for repeated blood testing, for example, he observed.

Pfizer&#39;s Chief Operating Officer Albert Bourla said technology and healthcare have long existed in their own metaphorical silos but now these two worlds are colliding.

This collision means more and better medicines are being delivered faster to sick people, while biological sensors have dramatically improved diagnosis, he noted.

According to the experts, the world is getting healthier as technology and medicine are colliding, as per a release issued by the WEF

Thanks to medical innovations, people will live till the age of 140 and hospitals will get transformed into mere casualty rooms, according to experts at the World Economic Forum (WEF) summit. Participating in a session on fourth industrial revolution technologies that are transforming healthcare, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said the artificial intelligence techniques working with data enable medical scientists to stand on the shoulders of giants as they can instantly access best-case history. "Even the mundane -but vital - area of hospital administration is being transformed, with real-time interactive recording of patient outcomes dramatically reducing bureaucracy and costs," he said. According to the experts, the world is getting healthier as technology and medicine are colliding, as per a release issued by the WEF. "People will live to the age of 140 within a few decades, hospitals will be transformed into mere casualty rooms as patient self-management of health becomes the norm, 5G- connected ambulances will save millions of lives by accessing digitised trauma data and performing procedures in transit," the release said, quoting the experts. Noting that these exciting developments are coming soon, the experts said that cancers are already being detected months earlier than before with the help of small, wearable health-monitoring devices. Nokia Corporation's President and CEO Rajeev Suri said chronic diseases are the leading cause of morbidity in the world, accounting for more than 60 per cent of all deaths. Yet most of these diseases are preventable and many are reversible with accurate and early diagnosis, he added. He also said that Nokia is working on non-invasive, wearable devices that would continuously monitor vital signs ?- such as cortisol and glucose levels -- and immediately pick up irregularities. Collection of this personal data is filling the void between medical consultations, eliminating the need for repeated blood testing, for example, he observed. Pfizer's Chief Operating Officer Albert Bourla said technology and healthcare have long existed in their own metaphorical silos but now these two worlds are colliding. This collision means more and better medicines are being delivered faster to sick people, while biological sensors have dramatically improved diagnosis, he noted.

People will live to the age of 140 within a few decades : Experts at WEF

The latest Global Trust Index values have&nbsp;revealed that the people of the country hold a great trust in the Modi government despite the much-debated demonetisation and Goods and Services Tax introduced by the government.&nbsp;

Though India continues to be among the top three nations where trust in government remains high, the figures have dropped a little since last year.&nbsp;

In 2017, India ranked first in the list with Indonesia, and China behind it. The new data reveals China to be at the top with Indonesia and India behind it.&nbsp;

The Index is released by communications marketing firm Edelman in Davos last week.&nbsp;

The Global Trust Index is released annually in Davos.&nbsp;

The figures released showed the strong growth of trust by the people of China and a steep downfall in the public trust in the US.

The report revealed that the US had suffered the major setback in the Trust Index.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

In 2017, India ranked first in the list with Indonesia, and China behind it. The new data reveals China to be at the top with Indonesia and India behind it

The latest Global Trust Index values have revealed that the people of the country hold a great trust in the Modi government despite the much-debated demonetisation and Goods and Services Tax introduced by the government. Though India continues to be among the top three nations where trust in government remains high, the figures have dropped a little since last year. In 2017, India ranked first in the list with Indonesia, and China behind it. The new data reveals China to be at the top with Indonesia and India behind it. The Index is released by communications marketing firm Edelman in Davos last week. The Global Trust Index is released annually in Davos. The figures released showed the strong growth of trust by the people of China and a steep downfall in the public trust in the US. The report revealed that the US had suffered the major setback in the Trust Index.

Global Trust Index ranks India third, reveals nation's trust in Modi government

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the opening plenary at the WEF&#39;s Davos summit next week, while the keynote address will be given by US President Donald Trump at the annual jamboree of the global elite to be attended by 70 state heads.

Besides, 38 heads of major international organisations such as the WTO, the IMF and the World Bank, as also nearly 2,000 CEOs including over 100 from India will be present at the five-day World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2018, beginning on January 22 with a welcome reception to be hosted by India.

Announcing the official programme in Geneva today, the WEF said the summit will see the largest ever engagement of global leaders this year where the key talking points would include international security, environment and the global economy.

The theme of the meeting, spread over 400 sessions, would be &#39;Creating a Shared Future in a Fractured World&#39;, while the meeting would also see the largest ever proportion of women leaders (21 per cent) including all co-chairs being women this time including social entrepreneur Chetna Sinha from India and IMF&#39;s Christine Lagarde, the WEF said.

Modi will be accompanied by six union ministers, including Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Piyush Goyal, Suresh Prabhu, Dharmendra Pradhan, M J Akbar and Jitendra Singh.

Besides, two chief ministers (Devendra Fadnavis and Chandrababu Naidu) and over 100 CEOs would take India&#39;s total presence to 129 -- the fourth highest after the US (780), the UK (266) and Switzerland (233 people). China will have 118 participants.

Women participants would account for 12 per cent of total Indian presence, compared to 27 per cent from the US, 24 per cent from the UK, 22 per cent from Germany, 20 per cent from Switzerland, 19 per cent for China and 18 per cent for France.

The WEF said its 48th Annual Meeting will focus on finding ways to reaffirm international cooperation on crucial shared interests, such as international security, the environment and the global economy.

The meeting comes at a time when geostrategic competition among states is generally seen to be on the rise.

Alongside international cooperation, an additional priority of the meeting will be to overcome divisions within countries, said the WEF which describes itself as an international public-private organisation focussed on improving the state of the world.

The WEF said divisions have often been caused by breakdowns in the social contract as a result of failure to protect societies from the transformational impacts of a succession of shocks, from globalisation to the proliferation of social media and the birth of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

&quot;Collectively, these shocks have caused a loss of trust in institutions and damaged the relationship between business and society,&quot; it added.

&quot;Our world has become fractured by increasing competition between nations and deep divides within societies. Yet the sheer scale of the challenges our world faces makes concerted, collaborative and integrated action more essential than ever,&quot; WEF&#39;s Founder and Executive Chairman Klaus Schwab said.

He further said the summit aims to overcome these fault lines by reasserting shared interests among nations and securing multistakeholder commitment to renewing social contracts through inclusive growth.

This year&#39;s opening plenary will be delivered by Modi on January 23, Prime Minister of India, while Trump will deliver a keynote address before the close of the meeting on January 26, the WEF said.

This year a record number of leaders from G7 economies will participate, including Paolo Gentiloni, Prime Minister of Italy; Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the European Commission; Emmanuel

Macron, President of France; Theresa May, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom; and Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, in addition to President Trump.

Other leaders from the G20 countries would include Liu He, Member of Political Bureau and General Director of CPC Central Committee of the People&#39;s Republic of China; Argentina President Mauricio Macri, South Africa Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa and Brazil President Michel Temer.

From the host country, Alain Berset, President of the Swiss Confederation, will also participate.

Overall, the summit will have over 340 top political leaders with 10 heads of state/government from Africa, nine from Middle East and North Africa and six from Latin America.

These include Ethiopia Prime Minister Hailemariam Dessalegn, Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa, Nigeria Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Lebanon President Saad Al Hariri, Jordan King

Abdullah II Bin Al Hussein, Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Columbia President Juan Manuel Santos.

The summit will also be attended by 40 arts and culture leaders, including Bollywood star Shahrukh Khan, Cate Blanchett and Elton John.

One of the key issues to be discussed would be navigating a multipolar and multiconceptual world and the balance between global cooperation and local autonomy to prevent the disintegration of the world order.

Besides, the leaders will also discuss how to overcome divisions in society and if outrage cycles in media and political rhetoric are widening societal fault lines and undermining tolerance, then what solutions can be jointly developed to restore the social compact, the WEF said.

Besides, 38 heads of major international organisations such as the WTO, the IMF and the World Bank, as also nearly 2,000 CEOs including over 100 from India will be present at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2018

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the opening plenary at the WEF's Davos summit next week, while the keynote address will be given by US President Donald Trump at the annual jamboree of the global elite to be attended by 70 state heads. Besides, 38 heads of major international organisations such as the WTO, the IMF and the World Bank, as also nearly 2,000 CEOs including over 100 from India will be present at the five-day World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2018, beginning on January 22 with a welcome reception to be hosted by India. Announcing the official programme in Geneva today, the WEF said the summit will see the largest ever engagement of global leaders this year where the key talking points would include international security, environment and the global economy. The theme of the meeting, spread over 400 sessions, would be 'Creating a Shared Future in a Fractured World', while the meeting would also see the largest ever proportion of women leaders (21 per cent) including all co-chairs being women this time including social entrepreneur Chetna Sinha from India and IMF's Christine Lagarde, the WEF said. Modi will be accompanied by six union ministers, including Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Piyush Goyal, Suresh Prabhu, Dharmendra Pradhan, M J Akbar and Jitendra Singh. Besides, two chief ministers (Devendra Fadnavis and Chandrababu Naidu) and over 100 CEOs would take India's total presence to 129 -- the fourth highest after the US (780), the UK (266) and Switzerland (233 people). China will have 118 participants. Women participants would account for 12 per cent of total Indian presence, compared to 27 per cent from the US, 24 per cent from the UK, 22 per cent from Germany, 20 per cent from Switzerland, 19 per cent for China and 18 per cent for France. The WEF said its 48th Annual Meeting will focus on finding ways to reaffirm international cooperation on crucial shared interests, such as international security, the environment and the global economy. The meeting comes at a time when geostrategic competition among states is generally seen to be on the rise. Alongside international cooperation, an additional priority of the meeting will be to overcome divisions within countries, said the WEF which describes itself as an international public-private organisation focussed on improving the state of the world. The WEF said divisions have often been caused by breakdowns in the social contract as a result of failure to protect societies from the transformational impacts of a succession of shocks, from globalisation to the proliferation of social media and the birth of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. "Collectively, these shocks have caused a loss of trust in institutions and damaged the relationship between business and society," it added. "Our world has become fractured by increasing competition between nations and deep divides within societies. Yet the sheer scale of the challenges our world faces makes concerted, collaborative and integrated action more essential than ever," WEF's Founder and Executive Chairman Klaus Schwab said. He further said the summit aims to overcome these fault lines by reasserting shared interests among nations and securing multistakeholder commitment to renewing social contracts through inclusive growth. This year's opening plenary will be delivered by Modi on January 23, Prime Minister of India, while Trump will deliver a keynote address before the close of the meeting on January 26, the WEF said. This year a record number of leaders from G7 economies will participate, including Paolo Gentiloni, Prime Minister of Italy; Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the European Commission; Emmanuel Macron, President of France; Theresa May, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom; and Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, in addition to President Trump. Other leaders from the G20 countries would include Liu He, Member of Political Bureau and General Director of CPC Central Committee of the People's Republic of China; Argentina President Mauricio Macri, South Africa Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa and Brazil President Michel Temer. From the host country, Alain Berset, President of the Swiss Confederation, will also participate. Overall, the summit will have over 340 top political leaders with 10 heads of state/government from Africa, nine from Middle East and North Africa and six from Latin America. These include Ethiopia Prime Minister Hailemariam Dessalegn, Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa, Nigeria Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Lebanon President Saad Al Hariri, Jordan King Abdullah II Bin Al Hussein, Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Columbia President Juan Manuel Santos. The summit will also be attended by 40 arts and culture leaders, including Bollywood star Shahrukh Khan, Cate Blanchett and Elton John. One of the key issues to be discussed would be navigating a multipolar and multiconceptual world and the balance between global cooperation and local autonomy to prevent the disintegration of the world order. Besides, the leaders will also discuss how to overcome divisions in society and if outrage cycles in media and political rhetoric are widening societal fault lines and undermining tolerance, then what solutions can be jointly developed to restore the social compact, the WEF said.

WEF@Davos: Modi to address opening plenary; Trump on final day

German Chancellor Angela Merkel is considering joining French President Emmanuel Macron at the World Economic Forum in Davos next week in what could turn into an epic clash of competing world views with U.S. President Donald Trump.

Merkel, who has been struggling to put together a government since a German election in September, had been expected to skip the annual gathering of leaders, CEOs, bankers and celebrities in the Swiss Alps for a third straight year.

But after clinching a preliminary coalition agreement with the centre-left Social Democrats (SPD) on Friday, German officials said Merkel could travel to Davos after all, possibly setting up a major confrontation with Trump, who is expected to speak on the final day of the forum.

An appearance would signal Merkel&#39;s return to the world stage after months of political limbo in which she has avoided the limelight and been dismissed by some in the German and international media as a spent force.

It would also allow her and Macron, who is scheduled to speak at the forum on Jan. 24, two days before Trump, to reaffirm their commitment to reforming the European Union after Britain&#39;s decision to leave, and to defend liberal democratic values in the face of Trump&#39;s &quot;America First&quot; policies.

Merkel&#39;s spokesman Steffen Seibert was coy last week when asked whether she might attend the WEF, which will run from Jan. 23-26 under the banner &quot;Creating a Shared Future in a Fractured World&quot; and will attract some 60 heads of state and government.

But after clinching a preliminary deal with the SPD, the chances that she could attend appear to have risen. German officials said no final decision had been taken and that Merkel may wait for the outcome of an SPD congress in Bonn next Sunday - where the party will formally decide whether to enter coalition talks with her conservatives - before committing.

Officials at the WEF said they believed Merkel was still considering whether to attend. If she does, it is unlikely that she or Macron would overlap with Trump, who is expected to arrive on the afternoon of Jan. 25.

This year&#39;s forum will be opened by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Jan. 23. Britain&#39;s Theresa May, Canada&#39;s Justin Trudeau and Israel&#39;s Benjamin Netanyahu are also expected, as well as celebrities such as actress Cate Blanchett and musician Elton John.

Last year&#39;s gathering took place in the week leading up to Trump&#39;s inauguration and was headlined by Chinese President Xi Jinping, who signalled his readiness to fill the vacuum in global leadership created by America&#39;s shift inward.

United in antipathy

Since then, Trump has pulled the United States out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a free trade deal with Asian countries, announced a withdrawal from the Paris climate accord and threatened to torpedo an agreement between Western powers and Iran aimed at curbing its nuclear programme.

He has stirred fears of conflict with North Korea by engaging in an escalating war of words with its leader Kim Jong Un. Last week, he stirred international outrage by referring to Haiti and African nations as &quot;shithole countries&quot;, according to members of Congress who attended a meeting in the White House.

On Saturday, some 500 demonstrators marched in the Swiss capital Bern to protest against Trump&#39;s plans to attend the WEF.

&quot;There are very few things in the world that unite countries as much as their antipathy towards Trump and what he is doing,&quot; said Ian Bremmer, president of political risk consultancy Eurasia Group, and a regular at Davos.

&quot;In the United States he may have 40 percent who approve of what he&#39;s doing. In the Davos crowd it is closer to 5 percent.&quot;

The visit by Trump will be the first by a U.S. president since Bill Clinton in 2000. He will be accompanied by a large delegation that is expected to include his son-in-law Jared Kushner, Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.

Merkel has had a frosty relationship with Trump, who accused her during his campaign for the presidency of &quot;ruining Germany&quot; by allowing hundreds of thousands of refugees, many fleeing war in the Middle East, into the country in 2015.

She was hailed in some Western media as the last defender of liberal democratic values after Trump&#39;s victory. Since then, the election of Macron, a pro-European centrist who, like Merkel, supports free trade and the global rules-based order, has given her a powerful ally in the confrontation with Trump.

Macron is slated to speak for 45 minutes in the evening of Jan. 24 in Davos, a ski resort in eastern Switzerland.

&quot;My instinct tells me that Macron will go big,&quot; said Robin Niblett, director of the Chatham House think tank in London. &quot;He won&#39;t just talk about Europe. He will try to take up the mantle of the free world under Europe&#39;s wing.&quot;

If he is joined by Merkel, who has made seven appearances at the WEF since becoming chancellor in 2005, that message may resonate even louder.

Merkel had been expected to skip the annual gathering of leaders, CEOs, bankers and celebrities in the Swiss Alps for a third straight year.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel is considering joining French President Emmanuel Macron at the World Economic Forum in Davos next week in what could turn into an epic clash of competing world views with U.S. President Donald Trump. Merkel, who has been struggling to put together a government since a German election in September, had been expected to skip the annual gathering of leaders, CEOs, bankers and celebrities in the Swiss Alps for a third straight year. But after clinching a preliminary coalition agreement with the centre-left Social Democrats (SPD) on Friday, German officials said Merkel could travel to Davos after all, possibly setting up a major confrontation with Trump, who is expected to speak on the final day of the forum. An appearance would signal Merkel's return to the world stage after months of political limbo in which she has avoided the limelight and been dismissed by some in the German and international media as a spent force. It would also allow her and Macron, who is scheduled to speak at the forum on Jan. 24, two days before Trump, to reaffirm their commitment to reforming the European Union after Britain's decision to leave, and to defend liberal democratic values in the face of Trump's "America First" policies. Merkel's spokesman Steffen Seibert was coy last week when asked whether she might attend the WEF, which will run from Jan. 23-26 under the banner "Creating a Shared Future in a Fractured World" and will attract some 60 heads of state and government. But after clinching a preliminary deal with the SPD, the chances that she could attend appear to have risen. German officials said no final decision had been taken and that Merkel may wait for the outcome of an SPD congress in Bonn next Sunday - where the party will formally decide whether to enter coalition talks with her conservatives - before committing. Officials at the WEF said they believed Merkel was still considering whether to attend. If she does, it is unlikely that she or Macron would overlap with Trump, who is expected to arrive on the afternoon of Jan. 25. This year's forum will be opened by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Jan. 23. Britain's Theresa May, Canada's Justin Trudeau and Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu are also expected, as well as celebrities such as actress Cate Blanchett and musician Elton John. Last year's gathering took place in the week leading up to Trump's inauguration and was headlined by Chinese President Xi Jinping, who signalled his readiness to fill the vacuum in global leadership created by America's shift inward. United in antipathy Since then, Trump has pulled the United States out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a free trade deal with Asian countries, announced a withdrawal from the Paris climate accord and threatened to torpedo an agreement between Western powers and Iran aimed at curbing its nuclear programme. He has stirred fears of conflict with North Korea by engaging in an escalating war of words with its leader Kim Jong Un. Last week, he stirred international outrage by referring to Haiti and African nations as "shithole countries", according to members of Congress who attended a meeting in the White House. On Saturday, some 500 demonstrators marched in the Swiss capital Bern to protest against Trump's plans to attend the WEF. "There are very few things in the world that unite countries as much as their antipathy towards Trump and what he is doing," said Ian Bremmer, president of political risk consultancy Eurasia Group, and a regular at Davos. "In the United States he may have 40 percent who approve of what he's doing. In the Davos crowd it is closer to 5 percent." The visit by Trump will be the first by a U.S. president since Bill Clinton in 2000. He will be accompanied by a large delegation that is expected to include his son-in-law Jared Kushner, Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson. Merkel has had a frosty relationship with Trump, who accused her during his campaign for the presidency of "ruining Germany" by allowing hundreds of thousands of refugees, many fleeing war in the Middle East, into the country in 2015. She was hailed in some Western media as the last defender of liberal democratic values after Trump's victory. Since then, the election of Macron, a pro-European centrist who, like Merkel, supports free trade and the global rules-based order, has given her a powerful ally in the confrontation with Trump. Macron is slated to speak for 45 minutes in the evening of Jan. 24 in Davos, a ski resort in eastern Switzerland. "My instinct tells me that Macron will go big," said Robin Niblett, director of the Chatham House think tank in London. "He won't just talk about Europe. He will try to take up the mantle of the free world under Europe's wing." If he is joined by Merkel, who has made seven appearances at the WEF since becoming chancellor in 2005, that message may resonate even louder.

Merkel could join Macron in Davos for epic clash with Trump

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