Take a lead in ensuring peace, unity and harmony, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday told BJP Parliamentarians and asserted 'development is our mantra'.

The Prime Minister told party MPs that we are here for the national interest. He said the country is supreme and national interest is above all. He said development is our mantra. Prime Minister Modi said that peace, unity, and harmony are prerequisites of development.

He urged MPs that they should take lead in ensuring peace, unity, and harmony," Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Pralhad Joshi told reporters quoting Modi who had spoken at the BJP`s Parliamentary party meet on Tuesday.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-news-its-a-chance-for-women-to-take-over-pm-narendra-modis-social-media-accounts-283916">&nbsp;It's a chance for women to take over PM Narendra Modi's social media accounts</a>

The comments of the Prime Minister assume significance as they came days after the violence in North-East Delhi which has claimed 47 lives.

The Prime Minister also attacked the opposition stating that "even today some parties are putting their interest above the national interest".

The Prime Minister said that "the national interest and party interest also came in the freedom struggle. Even today some parties are putting their party interest above the national interest. But BJP people should consider national interest at the top," Joshi said quoting Modi.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/thinking-of-giving-up-my-social-media-accounts-tweets-pm-modi-nosir-says-twitter-283824">Thinking of giving up my social media accounts, tweets PM Modi; #NoSir says Twitter</a>

Joshi quoted the Prime Minister as saying that "while during the independence struggle an issue was created over Vande Mataram, similar attempts are being made against Bharat Mata ki Jai".

"The Prime Minister said that the national interest is supreme and `Bharati Mata ki Jai` should be our slogan," Joshi said. Asked about notices given to Congress MPs, Joshi said: "Our MPs have written to the Speaker about their (Congress) MPs behaviour. No decision has been taken regarding this."Congress MP Ramya Haridas had lodged a complaint with the Lok Sabha Speaker alleging physical assault on her by BJP member Jaskaur Meena.

The Minister also stated that there was no discussion on Prime Minister`s tweet through which the PM said that he may be giving up his social media accounts on coming Sunday. The Prime Minister is also scheduled to hold an interaction, via video conferencing, with beneficiaries of Jana Aushadi centres on March 7.

Take a lead in ensuring peace, unity and harmony, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday told BJP Parliamentarians and asserted 'development is our mantra'. The Prime Minister told party MPs that we are here for the national interest.

Take a lead in ensuring peace, unity and harmony, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday told BJP Parliamentarians and asserted 'development is our mantra'. The Prime Minister told party MPs that we are here for the national interest. He said the country is supreme and national interest is above all. He said development is our mantra. Prime Minister Modi said that peace, unity, and harmony are prerequisites of development. He urged MPs that they should take lead in ensuring peace, unity, and harmony," Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Pralhad Joshi told reporters quoting Modi who had spoken at the BJP`s Parliamentary party meet on Tuesday. Also read: It's a chance for women to take over PM Narendra Modi's social media accounts The comments of the Prime Minister assume significance as they came days after the violence in North-East Delhi which has claimed 47 lives. The Prime Minister also attacked the opposition stating that "even today some parties are putting their interest above the national interest". The Prime Minister said that "the national interest and party interest also came in the freedom struggle. Even today some parties are putting their party interest above the national interest. But BJP people should consider national interest at the top," Joshi said quoting Modi. Also see: Thinking of giving up my social media accounts, tweets PM Modi; #NoSir says Twitter Joshi quoted the Prime Minister as saying that "while during the independence struggle an issue was created over Vande Mataram, similar attempts are being made against Bharat Mata ki Jai". "The Prime Minister said that the national interest is supreme and `Bharati Mata ki Jai` should be our slogan," Joshi said. Asked about notices given to Congress MPs, Joshi said: "Our MPs have written to the Speaker about their (Congress) MPs behaviour. No decision has been taken regarding this."Congress MP Ramya Haridas had lodged a complaint with the Lok Sabha Speaker alleging physical assault on her by BJP member Jaskaur Meena. The Minister also stated that there was no discussion on Prime Minister`s tweet through which the PM said that he may be giving up his social media accounts on coming Sunday. The Prime Minister is also scheduled to hold an interaction, via video conferencing, with beneficiaries of Jana Aushadi centres on March 7.

Development is our mantra, take lead in ensuring peace, unity and harmony: PM Modi tells BJP MPs

As per a report published by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), India has climbed up a spot - from 130 - on the 2019 human development global index.&nbsp;

At 129, India follows countries like Iraq (120), Indonesia (111), Libya (110), Maldives (104) among other countries.

The index includes a total of 189 nations and is topped by Norway followed by Switzerland, Ireland, Germany, Hong Kong and &nbsp;Australia in the top slots.&nbsp;

Sudan, Haiti and Afghanistan were placed at the last three spots of the index respectively.&nbsp;

With respect global powers, Canada secured the 13th spot while the UK and the US stood at number 15 and 16 respectively.&nbsp;

China came 85th, Russia at the 49th spot.

In South Asia, Pakistan stood at 152, Nepal came 147th and Myanmar secured the 145th spot.&nbsp;

At number 71, Sri Lanka was ahead of most South Asian countries like Bangladesh (135) and Bhutan (134).

"The demonstrations sweeping across the world today signal that, despite unprecedented progress against poverty, hunger and disease, many societies are not working as they should, The connecting thread, is inequality." said the UNDP in its report.

The report analyses human development and inequality in three steps: "beyond income, beyond averages, and beyond today and proposes a battery of policy options to tackle it".

As per a report published by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), India has climbed up a spot - from 130 - on the 2019 human development global index. At 129, India follows countries like Iraq (120), Indonesia (111), Libya (110), Maldives (104) among other countries.

As per a report published by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), India has climbed up a spot - from 130 - on the 2019 human development global index. At 129, India follows countries like Iraq (120), Indonesia (111), Libya (110), Maldives (104) among other countries. The index includes a total of 189 nations and is topped by Norway followed by Switzerland, Ireland, Germany, Hong Kong and Australia in the top slots. Sudan, Haiti and Afghanistan were placed at the last three spots of the index respectively. With respect global powers, Canada secured the 13th spot while the UK and the US stood at number 15 and 16 respectively. China came 85th, Russia at the 49th spot. In South Asia, Pakistan stood at 152, Nepal came 147th and Myanmar secured the 145th spot. At number 71, Sri Lanka was ahead of most South Asian countries like Bangladesh (135) and Bhutan (134). "The demonstrations sweeping across the world today signal that, despite unprecedented progress against poverty, hunger and disease, many societies are not working as they should, The connecting thread, is inequality." said the UNDP in its report. The report analyses human development and inequality in three steps: "beyond income, beyond averages, and beyond today and proposes a battery of policy options to tackle it".

India climbs up a spot, moves to 129 in human development index: UNDP report 

Sri Lanka's Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa on Saturday affirmed that their government would support and accelerate the development of the Colombo Port City project which was constructed by China.

The PM made these remarks at the opening ceremony of the project for the investors.

The port city spans 269 hectares of reclaimed land from the sea and was officially declared part of the Colombo District yesterday, under the patronage of Rajapaksa.

Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Cheng Xueyuan and officials of the Chinese Embassy were also present at the ceremony. 
 
The project is expected to spur 80,000 jobs and transform Sri Lanka into a regional business hub.

Port City is Sri Lanka's largest Foreign Direct Investment project and is expected to attract billions of dollars of investment in the coming years.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)

Sri Lanka's Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa on Saturday affirmed that their government would support and accelerate the development of the Colombo Port City project which was constructed by China.

Sri Lanka's Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa on Saturday affirmed that their government would support and accelerate the development of the Colombo Port City project which was constructed by China. The PM made these remarks at the opening ceremony of the project for the investors. The port city spans 269 hectares of reclaimed land from the sea and was officially declared part of the Colombo District yesterday, under the patronage of Rajapaksa. Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Cheng Xueyuan and officials of the Chinese Embassy were also present at the ceremony. The project is expected to spur 80,000 jobs and transform Sri Lanka into a regional business hub. Port City is Sri Lanka's largest Foreign Direct Investment project and is expected to attract billions of dollars of investment in the coming years. (With inputs from ANI)

Sri Lanka promises to accelerate Colombo Port city development

As the first of the five-phase polling began in 13 assembly constituencies in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jharkhand-assembly-elections-first-phase-of-polling-13-seats-begins-265332">Jharkhand</a> on Saturday, voters in Lohargada and Daltonganj are concerned on the issues of development and unemployment. 
 
Speaking to ANI in Lohargada, a voter Vikas Verma said, "I voted for the party that called for development in the state. I hope that the party will work on the issue of development." 
 
In Daltonganj, Ram Tiwari said, "Development ha not taken place here. There is poverty and unemployment. I voted on these issues. This time I feel a lot of people will come to vote. There is no fear among the voters here." 
 
Shravan Kumar Tiwari said, "I voted on the issue of unemployment. Many youths are losing their jobs so I voted for the party that brings employment." 
 
While Arvind Tiwari was highly critical of the governments in past saying, "There are problems of lack of electricity and water in the region. In the past 30 years, no government did the task of providing fulltime electricity and water. There is unemployment as well so I voted on these issues." 
 
The first phase of polling in 13 constituencies spread across six districts of Jharkhand commenced on Saturday morning. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-janshakti-party-releases-third-list-of-24-candidates-for-jharkhand-assembly-polls-264865">The constituencies where polling is taking place</a> are -&nbsp;Chatra, Gumla, Bishunpur, Lohardaga, Manika, Latehar, Panki, Daltonganj, Bishrampur, Chhatarpur, Hussainabad, Garhwa and Bhawanathpur.

As the first of the five-phase polling began in 13 assembly constituencies in Jharkhand on Saturday, voters in Lohargada and Daltonganj are concerned on the issues of development and unemployment.

As the first of the five-phase polling began in 13 assembly constituencies in Jharkhand on Saturday, voters in Lohargada and Daltonganj are concerned on the issues of development and unemployment. Speaking to ANI in Lohargada, a voter Vikas Verma said, "I voted for the party that called for development in the state. I hope that the party will work on the issue of development." In Daltonganj, Ram Tiwari said, "Development ha not taken place here. There is poverty and unemployment. I voted on these issues. This time I feel a lot of people will come to vote. There is no fear among the voters here." Shravan Kumar Tiwari said, "I voted on the issue of unemployment. Many youths are losing their jobs so I voted for the party that brings employment." While Arvind Tiwari was highly critical of the governments in past saying, "There are problems of lack of electricity and water in the region. In the past 30 years, no government did the task of providing fulltime electricity and water. There is unemployment as well so I voted on these issues." The first phase of polling in 13 constituencies spread across six districts of Jharkhand commenced on Saturday morning. The constituencies where polling is taking place are - Chatra, Gumla, Bishunpur, Lohardaga, Manika, Latehar, Panki, Daltonganj, Bishrampur, Chhatarpur, Hussainabad, Garhwa and Bhawanathpur.

Jharkhand: Voters stress on the issue of development in assembly polls in Lohardaga, Daltonganj

The fruitful informal meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi paves the way for mutually beneficial development, and the rejuvenation of the two civilizations, according to a China Media Group (CMG) commentary published on Sunday.

China, India plan development and rejuvenation with strategic thinking: commentary

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-china-ink-18-agreements-two-letters-of-understanding-255661">China and Nepal hailed the "beginning of a new era" in relations</a> Sunday as President Xi Jinping ended his visit with promises of a railway and tunnel connecting the two countries.

Xi, in the first state visit by a Chinese leader in 23 years -&nbsp;announced $493 million&nbsp;of aid between 2020-2022 "to uplift the living standard of Nepali people" during talks with President Bidhya Devi Bhandari, an official said.

Kathmandu has also sought closer ties and much-needed energy and infrastructure investments from Beijing.

In a joint statement, the two countries said Xi's visit "marked the beginning of a new era in Nepal-China relations and served as an important milestone in the history of friendly cooperation".

During the visit, Nepali and Chinese officials signed&nbsp;at least 15 agreements, including a feasibility study for a cross-border railway project that would give Beijing access to the south through Nepal's open border with India.

"We will develop a multi-dimensional trans-Himalayan connectivity network and help Nepal to realise its dream to transform itself from a landlocked country to land-linked country," Xi said in his address during a banquet on Saturday evening.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/china-to-carry-out-feasibility-study-on-trans-border-railways-linking-nepal-xi-255565">They also undertook to carry out another feasibility study to construct a tunnel from China's Kerung to Kathmandu</a> and to repair existing highways, as well as to strengthen hydropower, security, trade and education links.

Prime Minister KP&nbsp;Sharma Oli's foreign affairs adviser Rajan Bhattarai said Xi showed "China is ready to help Nepal with [an]&nbsp;open heart on its goal of development and prosperity, [helping with]&nbsp;infrastructure development and enhancing connectivity".

Nepali Times editor Kunda Dixit said the key test would be if China's deals help boost the impoverished nation's economy.

"The big test of whether or not Xi's visit will benefit Nepal is if these infrastructure projects will help Nepal become more self-reliant and use access to China to sell our goods, not increase our dependence," he told AFP.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nepal-eyes-railway-deal-with-china-during-xi-visit-255507">China has intensified its presence in Nepal in recent years</a>, pumping millions of dollars into projects ranging from roads to hydropower plants.

In 2017, Nepal signed up to China's Belt and Road initiative, a vast global infrastructure programme, which includes the building or upgrading of highways and airports in the country.

China and Nepal hailed the "beginning of a new era" in relations Sunday as President Xi Jinping ended his visit with promises of a railway and tunnel connecting the two countries.

China and Nepal hailed the "beginning of a new era" in relations Sunday as President Xi Jinping ended his visit with promises of a railway and tunnel connecting the two countries. Xi, in the first state visit by a Chinese leader in 23 years - announced $493 million of aid between 2020-2022 "to uplift the living standard of Nepali people" during talks with President Bidhya Devi Bhandari, an official said. Kathmandu has also sought closer ties and much-needed energy and infrastructure investments from Beijing. In a joint statement, the two countries said Xi's visit "marked the beginning of a new era in Nepal-China relations and served as an important milestone in the history of friendly cooperation". During the visit, Nepali and Chinese officials signed at least 15 agreements, including a feasibility study for a cross-border railway project that would give Beijing access to the south through Nepal's open border with India. "We will develop a multi-dimensional trans-Himalayan connectivity network and help Nepal to realise its dream to transform itself from a landlocked country to land-linked country," Xi said in his address during a banquet on Saturday evening. They also undertook to carry out another feasibility study to construct a tunnel from China's Kerung to Kathmandu and to repair existing highways, as well as to strengthen hydropower, security, trade and education links. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli's foreign affairs adviser Rajan Bhattarai said Xi showed "China is ready to help Nepal with [an] open heart on its goal of development and prosperity, [helping with] infrastructure development and enhancing connectivity". Nepali Times editor Kunda Dixit said the key test would be if China's deals help boost the impoverished nation's economy. "The big test of whether or not Xi's visit will benefit Nepal is if these infrastructure projects will help Nepal become more self-reliant and use access to China to sell our goods, not increase our dependence," he told AFP. China has intensified its presence in Nepal in recent years, pumping millions of dollars into projects ranging from roads to hydropower plants. In 2017, Nepal signed up to China's Belt and Road initiative, a vast global infrastructure programme, which includes the building or upgrading of highways and airports in the country.

China's Xi promises aid, development in Nepal visit

In a big boost to strengthen rural infrastructure, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/valmiki-community-in-jk-was-deprived-of-basic-rights-until-abrogation-of-article-370-pm-modi-255632">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> on Sunday said that Rs 25 lakh crore will be spent on infrastructural development in the villages across the country. 
 
"The rural economy of the country is now being given as much attention as never before. Already the work is going on on the roads of the village. Now in the coming years, Rs 25 lakh crore will be spent to develop infrastructure in the villages. The money will also be used to construct modern storage centres for crops," he said. 
 
Addressing an election rally at Sakoli, the Prime Minister said the work is being done with a larger vision for farmers. 
 
"We have tried to change the situation and have taken steps to solve the problems of farmers permanently," he said. 
 
Modi also highlighted that Rs 3.5 lakh crore will be used for water conservation and building facilities for water conservation. 
 
"We started the Jal Jeevan Mission as soon as we formed the government for the second time. In the coming years, Rs 3.5 lakh crore will be used for water conservation and building facilities for water conservation," he said. 
 
"When pure water is made available to everyone, you and your cattle will be healthier. The industry will develop swiftly in drought-hit regions with the proper supply of water. This will provide new sources of employment," he added. 
 
The Prime Minister called upon the people to develop hotels and other infrastructure facilities in Bhandara to attract tourists in the region. 
 
"This entire area is full of forests ... There is a lot of potential for tourism here. The area also has plenty of products produced by tribal society. It is important to make Chulband river and Nagzhira National Park more attractive to tourists. It will pave the way for self-employment of local people," he said. 
 
PM Modi said the projects related to the development of tribal areas and their self-employment is in full swing. 
 
"A comprehensive network of Eklavya Model School is being prepared by the government to enhance the education and skills of tribal children," added Modi. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-rahul-gandhi-to-rally-for-maharashtra-assembly-polls-on-sunday-255572">The Assembly polls in Maharashtra are scheduled for October 21 along with Haryana</a>. The counting of votes will take place on October 24.

In a big boost to strengthen rural infrastructure, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that Rs 25 lakh crore will be spent on infrastructural development in the villages across the country.

In a big boost to strengthen rural infrastructure, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that Rs 25 lakh crore will be spent on infrastructural development in the villages across the country. "The rural economy of the country is now being given as much attention as never before. Already the work is going on on the roads of the village. Now in the coming years, Rs 25 lakh crore will be spent to develop infrastructure in the villages. The money will also be used to construct modern storage centres for crops," he said. Addressing an election rally at Sakoli, the Prime Minister said the work is being done with a larger vision for farmers. "We have tried to change the situation and have taken steps to solve the problems of farmers permanently," he said. Modi also highlighted that Rs 3.5 lakh crore will be used for water conservation and building facilities for water conservation. "We started the Jal Jeevan Mission as soon as we formed the government for the second time. In the coming years, Rs 3.5 lakh crore will be used for water conservation and building facilities for water conservation," he said. "When pure water is made available to everyone, you and your cattle will be healthier. The industry will develop swiftly in drought-hit regions with the proper supply of water. This will provide new sources of employment," he added. The Prime Minister called upon the people to develop hotels and other infrastructure facilities in Bhandara to attract tourists in the region. "This entire area is full of forests ... There is a lot of potential for tourism here. The area also has plenty of products produced by tribal society. It is important to make Chulband river and Nagzhira National Park more attractive to tourists. It will pave the way for self-employment of local people," he said. PM Modi said the projects related to the development of tribal areas and their self-employment is in full swing. "A comprehensive network of Eklavya Model School is being prepared by the government to enhance the education and skills of tribal children," added Modi. The Assembly polls in Maharashtra are scheduled for October 21 along with Haryana. The counting of votes will take place on October 24.

PM Modi says Rs 25 lakh crore will be spent on infrastructure development in rural areas

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-marks-70-years-of-communism-with-massive-show-of-force-252955">China</a> celebrated its growing power and confidence with a massive display of military hardware and goose-stepping troops in Beijing on Tuesday, overseen by President&nbsp;Xi&nbsp;Jinping who pledged&nbsp;peaceful&nbsp;development&nbsp;on the 70th birthday of Communist China.

The event is the&nbsp;country's most important of the year as China looks to project its assurance in the face of mounting challenges, including nearly four months of anti-government protests in Hong Kong and an economy-sapping trade war with the United States.

Xi, dressed in a slate grey "Mao" suit and accompanied by his predecessors Hu Jintao and Jiang Zemin, said China will pursue a mutually beneficial strategy of opening up.

The&nbsp;country's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-70th-anniversary-national-day-parade-china-unveils-dongfeng-41-nuke-missile-that-can-strike-us-in-30-minutes-252957">military</a> should resolutely safeguard&nbsp;China's&nbsp;sovereignty, security, and&nbsp;development&nbsp;interests, and firmly uphold world peace,&nbsp;Xi&nbsp;told a handpicked crowd at Tiananmen Square, in comments carried live on state television.

"We must adhere to the&nbsp;path&nbsp;of&nbsp;peaceful&nbsp;development, pursue a mutually beneficial strategy of opening up, and continue to push forward to create a community of shared future for mankind together with people of all the other countries,"&nbsp;Xi&nbsp;said from the Gate of Heavenly Peace, where Mao Zedong proclaimed the founding of the People's Republic of China on this day in 1949.

China must maintain lasting prosperity and stability in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/street-fires-burn-in-hong-kong-amid-running-battles-between-protesters-and-police-252690">Hong Kong</a> and Macao, promote the&nbsp;peaceful&nbsp;development&nbsp;of relations with self-ruled Taiwan and "continue to strive for the motherland's complete reunification", he added.

Xi, whose military modernisation programme has rattled nerves around the region, then descended to the street and inspected row upon row of military hardware and immaculately presented troops.

Riding past in a black limousine,&nbsp;Xi&nbsp;bellowed; "Hello comrades, hard-working comrades!"

The massed ranks of soldiers shouted back: "Follow the Party! Fight to win! Forge exemplary conduct!"

Xi&nbsp;remains broadly popular in China for his aggressive campaign against corruption and for propelling what is now the world's second-biggest economy to the forefront of global politics.

But the Communist Party remains nervous about its grip on power and international standing.

The capital has been locked down for the parade.

China celebrated its growing power and confidence with a massive display of military hardware and goose-stepping troops in Beijing on Tuesday, overseen by President Xi Jinping who pledged peaceful development on the 70th birthday of Communist China.

China celebrated its growing power and confidence with a massive display of military hardware and goose-stepping troops in Beijing on Tuesday, overseen by President Xi Jinping who pledged peaceful development on the 70th birthday of Communist China. The event is the country's most important of the year as China looks to project its assurance in the face of mounting challenges, including nearly four months of anti-government protests in Hong Kong and an economy-sapping trade war with the United States. Xi, dressed in a slate grey "Mao" suit and accompanied by his predecessors Hu Jintao and Jiang Zemin, said China will pursue a mutually beneficial strategy of opening up. The country's military should resolutely safeguard China's sovereignty, security, and development interests, and firmly uphold world peace, Xi told a handpicked crowd at Tiananmen Square, in comments carried live on state television. "We must adhere to the path of peaceful development, pursue a mutually beneficial strategy of opening up, and continue to push forward to create a community of shared future for mankind together with people of all the other countries," Xi said from the Gate of Heavenly Peace, where Mao Zedong proclaimed the founding of the People's Republic of China on this day in 1949. China must maintain lasting prosperity and stability in Hong Kong and Macao, promote the peaceful development of relations with self-ruled Taiwan and "continue to strive for the motherland's complete reunification", he added. Xi, whose military modernisation programme has rattled nerves around the region, then descended to the street and inspected row upon row of military hardware and immaculately presented troops. Riding past in a black limousine, Xi bellowed; "Hello comrades, hard-working comrades!" The massed ranks of soldiers shouted back: "Follow the Party! Fight to win! Forge exemplary conduct!" Xi remains broadly popular in China for his aggressive campaign against corruption and for propelling what is now the world's second-biggest economy to the forefront of global politics. But the Communist Party remains nervous about its grip on power and international standing. The capital has been locked down for the parade.

Chinese President Xi Jinping says country will stay on path of peaceful development

Delegation of Swadeshi Jagran Manch (SJM) on their tour to the USA engaged with Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs) and explored the possibility of their contribution to the development and building of new India.

SJM delegation concluded one week tour of USA in Washington DC and New York n last week of September.

"Delegation of Swadeshi Jagran Manch engaged with Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs) and explored the possibility of their contribution to the development and building of new India. The delegation received overwhelming response and reception from the Indian Diaspora, which is waiting to wholeheartedly work towards the development of India, aspiring to be a global economic powerhouse," said the release.

The delegation also had a series of meetings with American think-tanks, corporations, funds along with senior officials of World Bank.

The delegation was led by SJM's National co-Convener, Dr Ashwani Mahajan and other official members.

Dr Mahajan further emphasised that such corporations are required to change their business model to maintain their presence in India's market place.

He assured this is first such tour and SJM leaders will travel across the globe to express, present and familiarise the stakeholders with SJM's worldview and will continue doing so in near future too.

The delegation met with corporations at special sessions organised by Business Council for International Understanding (BICU) and US India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF).

The corporations with interests in data, banking, defence production, e-commerce, technology, HR and labour and agriculture participated in these freewheeling conversations.

This was for the first time that SJM engaged foreign corporations in conversations.

The idea behind this is to let the corporations, lawmakers, think tanks know of SJM's world view.

It was made clear to these corporations that SJM firmly believes in the concept of 'Vasudhev Kutumbakam' or 'world as one family'.

Delegation of Swadeshi Jagran Manch (SJM) on their tour to the USA engaged with Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs) and explored the possibility of their contribution to the development and building of new India.

Delegation of Swadeshi Jagran Manch (SJM) on their tour to the USA engaged with Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs) and explored the possibility of their contribution to the development and building of new India. SJM delegation concluded one week tour of USA in Washington DC and New York n last week of September. "Delegation of Swadeshi Jagran Manch engaged with Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs) and explored the possibility of their contribution to the development and building of new India. The delegation received overwhelming response and reception from the Indian Diaspora, which is waiting to wholeheartedly work towards the development of India, aspiring to be a global economic powerhouse," said the release. The delegation also had a series of meetings with American think-tanks, corporations, funds along with senior officials of World Bank. The delegation was led by SJM's National co-Convener, Dr Ashwani Mahajan and other official members. Dr Mahajan further emphasised that such corporations are required to change their business model to maintain their presence in India's market place. He assured this is first such tour and SJM leaders will travel across the globe to express, present and familiarise the stakeholders with SJM's worldview and will continue doing so in near future too. The delegation met with corporations at special sessions organised by Business Council for International Understanding (BICU) and US India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF). The corporations with interests in data, banking, defence production, e-commerce, technology, HR and labour and agriculture participated in these freewheeling conversations. This was for the first time that SJM engaged foreign corporations in conversations. The idea behind this is to let the corporations, lawmakers, think tanks know of SJM's world view. It was made clear to these corporations that SJM firmly believes in the concept of 'Vasudhev Kutumbakam' or 'world as one family'.

Swadeshi Jagran Manch delegation concludes US tour, holds meetings with overseas citizens, corporations

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Thursday said that people have to be made equal partners in the development process for any democracy to be successful.

Interacting with the officers of 2017 batch of Indian Administrative Services (IAS), he called for streamlining service delivery by providing people-centric, transparent and effective governance at all levels and stressed upon the need to eliminate unnecessary rules and regulations and to simplify processes.

He asked the officers to interact with people on a regular basis and to be receptive to their problems. Naidu also urged them to spend a lion's share of their time in the field as real education comes from there.

He asked the officers to take the lead in translating "Swarajya" to "Surajya" by providing corruption-free, citizen-centric and business-friendly governance and to ensure that fruits of development reach all citizens to cause a perceptible improvement in their quality of life.

The Vice President also advised bureaucrats to ensure that legislative intent was translated into effective implementation and also to make full use of information technology to reach out to the intended beneficiaries.

He asked the officers to adopt a more empathetic, responsive and inclusive approach and urged them to take the effort to understand the problems faced by the common man and also to make transparency and accountability their guiding principles

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Thursday said that people have to be made equal partners in the development process for any democracy to be successful. Interacting with the officers of 2017 batch of Indian Administrative Services (IAS), he called for streamlining service delivery by providing people-centric, transparent and effective governance at all levels and stressed upon the need to eliminate unnecessary rules and regulations and to simplify processes.

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Thursday said that people have to be made equal partners in the development process for any democracy to be successful. Interacting with the officers of 2017 batch of Indian Administrative Services (IAS), he called for streamlining service delivery by providing people-centric, transparent and effective governance at all levels and stressed upon the need to eliminate unnecessary rules and regulations and to simplify processes. He asked the officers to interact with people on a regular basis and to be receptive to their problems. Naidu also urged them to spend a lion's share of their time in the field as real education comes from there. He asked the officers to take the lead in translating "Swarajya" to "Surajya" by providing corruption-free, citizen-centric and business-friendly governance and to ensure that fruits of development reach all citizens to cause a perceptible improvement in their quality of life. The Vice President also advised bureaucrats to ensure that legislative intent was translated into effective implementation and also to make full use of information technology to reach out to the intended beneficiaries. He asked the officers to adopt a more empathetic, responsive and inclusive approach and urged them to take the effort to understand the problems faced by the common man and also to make transparency and accountability their guiding principles

Make people equal partners in development process: Vice President Venkaiah Naidu to IAS officers

Flagging off development schemes worth over Rs 290 crore, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/home-minister-amit-shah-slams-rahul-gandhi-for-objecting-to-article-370-abrogation-246996">Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday</a> said that Silvassa has been neglected long enough and the people were awaiting development in the region.

"Today I have received the honour of flagging off development schemes worth over Rs 290 crore. The people of Silvassa have been neglected long enough and they were awaiting development in the region," Shah said.

The Home Minister was here to inaugurate a health and wellness centre.

He said that development started in the region after Prime Minister Narendra Modi came to power in the year 2014.

"The pace of the development further increased after Praful Patel became the administrator of the union territory. I can say with confidence that in terms of development, the region will soon become one of the best in the country," Shah said.

"Silvassa is amid a beautiful landscape with rivers and mountains all around it," he added.

He said that the health and wellness centre inaugurated here will come as a blessing for the people and will improve the quality of healthcare.

Flagging off development schemes worth over Rs 290 crore, Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday said that Silvassa has been neglected long enough and the people were awaiting development in the region.

Flagging off development schemes worth over Rs 290 crore, Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday said that Silvassa has been neglected long enough and the people were awaiting development in the region. "Today I have received the honour of flagging off development schemes worth over Rs 290 crore. The people of Silvassa have been neglected long enough and they were awaiting development in the region," Shah said. The Home Minister was here to inaugurate a health and wellness centre. He said that development started in the region after Prime Minister Narendra Modi came to power in the year 2014. "The pace of the development further increased after Praful Patel became the administrator of the union territory. I can say with confidence that in terms of development, the region will soon become one of the best in the country," Shah said. "Silvassa is amid a beautiful landscape with rivers and mountains all around it," he added. He said that the health and wellness centre inaugurated here will come as a blessing for the people and will improve the quality of healthcare.

Amit Shah flags off development schemes worth Rs 290 crore in Silvassa

Saudi&nbsp;energy&nbsp;minister&nbsp;Khalid Al-Falih&nbsp;discussed<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-saudi-says-ready-to-pump-more-oil-to-balance-market-148765/amp">&nbsp;oil&nbsp;markets</a>&nbsp;with his&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;counterpart&nbsp;and stressed that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-to-allow-women-to-travel-abroad-without-male-guardian-approval-240033">Saudi&nbsp;Arabia</a> would continue to comply with production cuts until the&nbsp;end of Q1 2020,&nbsp;he&nbsp;said in a tweet on Saturday.

"We confirm that we will continue to hold such meetings and talks between our two countries to ensure further progress, partnership, investment development, and mutual trade," Al-Falih added during the&nbsp;meeting.

Saudi energy minister Khalid Al-Falih discussed oil markets with his Russian counterpart and stressed that Saudi Arabia would continue to comply with production cuts until the end of Q1 2020, he said in a tweet on Saturday.

Saudi energy minister Khalid Al-Falih discussed oil markets with his Russian counterpart and stressed that Saudi Arabia would continue to comply with production cuts until the end of Q1 2020, he said in a tweet on Saturday. "We confirm that we will continue to hold such meetings and talks between our two countries to ensure further progress, partnership, investment development, and mutual trade," Al-Falih added during the meeting.

Saudi energy minister says he discussed oil markets with Russian counterpart

The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) inaugurated Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC), a centre dedicated to human spaceflight.

While other countries are already running programs for crewed spaceflights, is the first facility in India to be devoted to human spaceflight.

The HSFC is situated at the ISRO Headquarter campus in Bengaluru.

During the inauguration on January 30, 2019, a full-scale crew model of Gaganyaan, crewed orbital vehicle, was also unveiled.

As ISRO notes on its website, the HSFC shall be responsible for implementation of Gaganyaan project which involves end-to-end mission planning, development of engineering systems for crew survival in space, crew selection and training.&nbsp;

The centre will also pursue activities for sustained human space flight missions.

Gaganyaan is being designed to carry three people into the orbit.&nbsp;

It is scheduled to fly in December 2020 in unpiloted form.

&nbsp;A crewed mission is likely to be scheduled a year later.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) inaugurated Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC), a centre dedicated to human spaceflight. While other countries are already running programs for crewed spaceflights, is the first facility in India to be devoted to human spaceflight.

The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) inaugurated Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC), a centre dedicated to human spaceflight. While other countries are already running programs for crewed spaceflights, is the first facility in India to be devoted to human spaceflight. The HSFC is situated at the ISRO Headquarter campus in Bengaluru. During the inauguration on January 30, 2019, a full-scale crew model of Gaganyaan, crewed orbital vehicle, was also unveiled. As ISRO notes on its website, the HSFC shall be responsible for implementation of Gaganyaan project which involves end-to-end mission planning, development of engineering systems for crew survival in space, crew selection and training. The centre will also pursue activities for sustained human space flight missions. Gaganyaan is being designed to carry three people into the orbit. It is scheduled to fly in December 2020 in unpiloted form. A crewed mission is likely to be scheduled a year later.

In Bengaluru, ISRO opens its first Human Space Flight Centre

BJP President Amit Shah on Saturday said that the party would fight the coming general election on the issues like development, defence and self-respect of the country.

He expressed confidence that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would come back to power with the BJP winning more than 300 seats.

The saffron party had won 282 seats in the 2014 poll, more than the magic number required for forming a government.

"Development, defence and self-respect of the country are the main issues in the next general elections with which the BJP will go into the poll. Prime Minister Narendra Modi would come back to power by winning more than 300 seats", Shah told a press conference.

When asked about building of Ram temple at Ayodhya, he said, So far the issue of Ram Mandir is concerned, Congress does not want the case is settled fast. According to the announcement of the BJP, we want Ram Mandir is built, but remaining within the structure of law.

He said, there would be drastic changes in the poll scenario in the West Bengal where BJP would win more than 23 
seats out of a total of 42 seats.

He also claimed that his party would also win 21 seats out of 25 in the northeastern region of the country.

Coming down heavily on efforts of the anti-BJP parties to come together, Shah said, the Mahagatbandhan of Congress can give a helpless (Majbur) government and BJP can give a strong (Majbut) government under the leadership of Modiji.

The Modi government has conducted huge developmental works throughout the country, but what is remarkable is strengthening the security and defence of the country, he said.

Shah said, when enemies attack soldiers of America or Israel, they immediately retaliate. After the two countries, India is now the third country in the world which also retaliates after formation of the BJP government in 2014.

The BJP Chief also claimed that Prime Minister Modi has set a precedent of a strong India by holding surgical strike inside Pakistan after terrorist attacks on Indian Army base at Uri in Jammu and Kashmir in 2016.

Earlier, Shaha kicked off election campaign at the Swami Vivekananda Maidan here by addressing 50,000 Panna Promukhs and other party workers.

During his address, Amit Shah Saturday appealed people of Tripura to ensure victory with huge margin in two Lok Sabha seats from the state.

Prime Minister Modi works 18 hours a day. He comes from a poor family and works tirelessly for the country. After five years in the office of PM, nobody can raise a single allegation against him. Only he can lead a majboot sarkar (strong government), Shah said.

He launched a scathing attack against the Congress-led alliance saying they have neither policy, nor leader or any sort of promise.

What is the neeti (policy) of this alliance? Who is its 'neta (leader)? Who will run their government? So, build close coordination with every single person in the state and make sure that both Lok Sabha seats from Tripura are gifted to Narendra Modiji in 2019, he said.

Among others, BJP General Secretary, Ram Madhab, and state In-charge Sunil Deodhar and Chief Minister Biplab Kumar also spoke in the meeting.&nbsp;

BJP President Amit Shah on Saturday said that the party would fight the coming general election on the issues like development, defence and self-respect of the country.

BJP President Amit Shah on Saturday said that the party would fight the coming general election on the issues like development, defence and self-respect of the country. He expressed confidence that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would come back to power with the BJP winning more than 300 seats. The saffron party had won 282 seats in the 2014 poll, more than the magic number required for forming a government. "Development, defence and self-respect of the country are the main issues in the next general elections with which the BJP will go into the poll. Prime Minister Narendra Modi would come back to power by winning more than 300 seats", Shah told a press conference. When asked about building of Ram temple at Ayodhya, he said, So far the issue of Ram Mandir is concerned, Congress does not want the case is settled fast. According to the announcement of the BJP, we want Ram Mandir is built, but remaining within the structure of law. He said, there would be drastic changes in the poll scenario in the West Bengal where BJP would win more than 23 seats out of a total of 42 seats. He also claimed that his party would also win 21 seats out of 25 in the northeastern region of the country. Coming down heavily on efforts of the anti-BJP parties to come together, Shah said, the Mahagatbandhan of Congress can give a helpless (Majbur) government and BJP can give a strong (Majbut) government under the leadership of Modiji. The Modi government has conducted huge developmental works throughout the country, but what is remarkable is strengthening the security and defence of the country, he said. Shah said, when enemies attack soldiers of America or Israel, they immediately retaliate. After the two countries, India is now the third country in the world which also retaliates after formation of the BJP government in 2014. The BJP Chief also claimed that Prime Minister Modi has set a precedent of a strong India by holding surgical strike inside Pakistan after terrorist attacks on Indian Army base at Uri in Jammu and Kashmir in 2016. Earlier, Shaha kicked off election campaign at the Swami Vivekananda Maidan here by addressing 50,000 Panna Promukhs and other party workers. During his address, Amit Shah Saturday appealed people of Tripura to ensure victory with huge margin in two Lok Sabha seats from the state. Prime Minister Modi works 18 hours a day. He comes from a poor family and works tirelessly for the country. After five years in the office of PM, nobody can raise a single allegation against him. Only he can lead a majboot sarkar (strong government), Shah said. He launched a scathing attack against the Congress-led alliance saying they have neither policy, nor leader or any sort of promise. What is the neeti (policy) of this alliance? Who is its 'neta (leader)? Who will run their government? So, build close coordination with every single person in the state and make sure that both Lok Sabha seats from Tripura are gifted to Narendra Modiji in 2019, he said. Among others, BJP General Secretary, Ram Madhab, and state In-charge Sunil Deodhar and Chief Minister Biplab Kumar also spoke in the meeting.

BJP to fight 2019 poll on issues of development, defence and self respect of the country: Amit Shah

Virtually setting the tone of poll campaign for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, Uttar Pradesh <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/whenever-ram-temple-is-built-in-ayodhya-it-will-be-by-us-yogi-adityanath-186043">Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath</a> Tuesday said there is no substitute to development, an issue that the ruling BJP has adopted as its "battle cry".

"There is no substitute to development as people of every caste, community, region and religion need development to raise their living standards. Those who do negative politics and try to divide the country on the lines of caste, religion and geographical boundaries actually deceive the democracy," he said.

The chief minister made these remarks while addressing a gathering in adjoining Siddharth Nagar district after laying the foundation stone of a medical college.

Stating that Siddharthnagar seat is very important for the BJP, Adityanath named the medical college after late BJP leader Madhav Prasad Tripathi.

"We never said that patients will be discriminated in the medical college on the lines of caste and religion. The people of Siddharthnagar district, as also those of neighbouring districts and Nepal will be benefited by it. I have seen children dying of encephalitis and various water-borne diseases as they were poor and it was difficult for them to reach BRD medical college in Gorakhpur.

"The people will now get treatment near their home and young students of poor families who dream of becoming a doctor could make their dreams come true," he said.

The chief minister said, "We are trying to live up to the concept of Ramrajya by making the benefits of welfare scheme reach the deprived sections. The poor are getting houses, LPG connections, electricity connections, benefits of Ayushman Bharat scheme and toilets."

"The previous governments never took concrete steps to combat encephalitis. Since the disease is mostly water borne, a toilet in the house will be very helpful to contain it," the chief minister added.

Taking a dig at opposition parties, he said, "People raised a lot of slogans and made announcements but if the development could have taken place only by raising slogans, India might have gone very far."

"People were deprived of houses, electricity, LPG connections, toilets and various schemes. For the first time in 70 years after Independence, PM Narendra Modi thought and worked for it," he added.

On strengthening the ties with neighbouring Nepal, he said, "Nepal is our friendly nation and I have directed PWD to repair and beautify all the roads to Nepal."

Adityanath said Siddharthnagar was associated with Gautam Buddha and it carries a lot of historical significance.&nbsp;

Virtually setting the tone of poll campaign for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath Tuesday said there is no substitute to development, an issue that the ruling BJP has adopted as its "battle cry".

Virtually setting the tone of poll campaign for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath Tuesday said there is no substitute to development, an issue that the ruling BJP has adopted as its "battle cry". "There is no substitute to development as people of every caste, community, region and religion need development to raise their living standards. Those who do negative politics and try to divide the country on the lines of caste, religion and geographical boundaries actually deceive the democracy," he said. The chief minister made these remarks while addressing a gathering in adjoining Siddharth Nagar district after laying the foundation stone of a medical college. Stating that Siddharthnagar seat is very important for the BJP, Adityanath named the medical college after late BJP leader Madhav Prasad Tripathi. "We never said that patients will be discriminated in the medical college on the lines of caste and religion. The people of Siddharthnagar district, as also those of neighbouring districts and Nepal will be benefited by it. I have seen children dying of encephalitis and various water-borne diseases as they were poor and it was difficult for them to reach BRD medical college in Gorakhpur. "The people will now get treatment near their home and young students of poor families who dream of becoming a doctor could make their dreams come true," he said. The chief minister said, "We are trying to live up to the concept of Ramrajya by making the benefits of welfare scheme reach the deprived sections. The poor are getting houses, LPG connections, electricity connections, benefits of Ayushman Bharat scheme and toilets." "The previous governments never took concrete steps to combat encephalitis. Since the disease is mostly water borne, a toilet in the house will be very helpful to contain it," the chief minister added. Taking a dig at opposition parties, he said, "People raised a lot of slogans and made announcements but if the development could have taken place only by raising slogans, India might have gone very far." "People were deprived of houses, electricity, LPG connections, toilets and various schemes. For the first time in 70 years after Independence, PM Narendra Modi thought and worked for it," he added. On strengthening the ties with neighbouring Nepal, he said, "Nepal is our friendly nation and I have directed PWD to repair and beautify all the roads to Nepal." Adityanath said Siddharthnagar was associated with Gautam Buddha and it carries a lot of historical significance.

There is no substitute to development: Yogi Adityanath

India pledged contributions of US $13.36 million for the various UN agencies and development activities, emphasising that the world organisation should have the necessary resources to finance its activities in a balanced manner.

During the 2018 United Nations Pledging Conference for Development Activities here Monday, First Secretary in India's Permanent Mission to the UN Mahesh Kumar said India has been a regular contributor to the UN since its founding and believes that the UN should have the necessary resources to finance its activities, in an appropriate and balanced manner.

India's pledged contributions include US $4.5 million to the UN Development Programme, five million dollars to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Near East, US $1.92 million to the World Food Programme.

US $790,000 to United Nations Children's Fund, US $500,000 to UN Population Fund, US $150,000 to UN Commission on Human Settlements Programme and US $100,000 each to UN Voluntary contribution for Financial and Technical Assistance for the implementation of Universal Periodic Review, UN Environment Programme and UN Office on Drugs and Crime.

Kumar said the list is not exhaustive and India is separately processing contribution for Voluntary Trust Fund on Contemporary Forms of Slavery, Voluntary Trust Fund for Victims of Torture and UN Volunteers.

About 19 countries pledged a total of US $425.69 million at the Pledging Conference, reflecting an increase from the 2017 amount of US $398.98 million.&nbsp; 
Chief of the Operational Activities Policy Branch in the Department of Economic and Social Affairs Zina Mounla said funding for humanitarian assistance has been increasing faster than funding for development-related activities.

In the past five years, funding for humanitarian activities has increased by 65 per cent compared to a 10 per cent rise in funding for development. 
Last year, India in association with the UN Office for South South Cooperation, established the India-UN Development Partnership Fund, a US $100 million development finance facility.&nbsp;

Earlier this year an additional Commonwealth Window of US $50 million was added to the Fund, to forge development partnership with developing countries members of the Commonwealth.&nbsp;

Together the Fund and the Commonwealth Window will provide US $150 million for development partnerships and this year, US $16 million were contributed in the Fund and the Window.

"These resources are non-earmarked in the spirit of sustained predictable funding for the SDGs and South South Cooperation," Kumar said. 
Since its establishment, 25 member states have partnered with the India Fund from Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean and, Asia and the Pacific regions.

In addition, India along with Brazil and South Africa have an active partnership with the United Nations Development Programme for fruitful South-South Cooperation to assist developing countries, mainly Least Developed Countries (LDCs), through the IBSA Trust Fund.

Kumar said sustainable funding remains the key in achieving the 17 goals of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).&nbsp;

"The ODA (Official Development Assistance) as a percentage of GNI (Gross national income) remains low; the commitment to the LDCs is far from being met by most DAC (Development Assistance Committee) members; and financing for small island developing states, and country programmable aid continues to decline. This is clearly in contrast to commitments made at various fora on issues of development financing."

He said around US $50 billion are channelised every year through the UN system, but around 65 per cent of these resources are earmarked. As a result, less than 25 per cent of the resources are utilized for development and technical cooperation.

India looks forward to the dialogue proposed with member states under the UN Development System reforms on funding compact which should improve funding practices to make voluntary funding more predictable, flexible, effective and efficient, and less earmarked.

India pledged contributions of US $13.36 million for the various UN agencies and development activities, emphasising that the world organisation should have the necessary resources to finance its activities in a balanced manner.

India pledged contributions of US $13.36 million for the various UN agencies and development activities, emphasising that the world organisation should have the necessary resources to finance its activities in a balanced manner. During the 2018 United Nations Pledging Conference for Development Activities here Monday, First Secretary in India's Permanent Mission to the UN Mahesh Kumar said India has been a regular contributor to the UN since its founding and believes that the UN should have the necessary resources to finance its activities, in an appropriate and balanced manner. India's pledged contributions include US $4.5 million to the UN Development Programme, five million dollars to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Near East, US $1.92 million to the World Food Programme. US $790,000 to United Nations Children's Fund, US $500,000 to UN Population Fund, US $150,000 to UN Commission on Human Settlements Programme and US $100,000 each to UN Voluntary contribution for Financial and Technical Assistance for the implementation of Universal Periodic Review, UN Environment Programme and UN Office on Drugs and Crime. Kumar said the list is not exhaustive and India is separately processing contribution for Voluntary Trust Fund on Contemporary Forms of Slavery, Voluntary Trust Fund for Victims of Torture and UN Volunteers. About 19 countries pledged a total of US $425.69 million at the Pledging Conference, reflecting an increase from the 2017 amount of US $398.98 million. Chief of the Operational Activities Policy Branch in the Department of Economic and Social Affairs Zina Mounla said funding for humanitarian assistance has been increasing faster than funding for development-related activities. In the past five years, funding for humanitarian activities has increased by 65 per cent compared to a 10 per cent rise in funding for development. Last year, India in association with the UN Office for South South Cooperation, established the India-UN Development Partnership Fund, a US $100 million development finance facility. Earlier this year an additional Commonwealth Window of US $50 million was added to the Fund, to forge development partnership with developing countries members of the Commonwealth. Together the Fund and the Commonwealth Window will provide US $150 million for development partnerships and this year, US $16 million were contributed in the Fund and the Window. "These resources are non-earmarked in the spirit of sustained predictable funding for the SDGs and South South Cooperation," Kumar said. Since its establishment, 25 member states have partnered with the India Fund from Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean and, Asia and the Pacific regions. In addition, India along with Brazil and South Africa have an active partnership with the United Nations Development Programme for fruitful South-South Cooperation to assist developing countries, mainly Least Developed Countries (LDCs), through the IBSA Trust Fund. Kumar said sustainable funding remains the key in achieving the 17 goals of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). "The ODA (Official Development Assistance) as a percentage of GNI (Gross national income) remains low; the commitment to the LDCs is far from being met by most DAC (Development Assistance Committee) members; and financing for small island developing states, and country programmable aid continues to decline. This is clearly in contrast to commitments made at various fora on issues of development financing." He said around US $50 billion are channelised every year through the UN system, but around 65 per cent of these resources are earmarked. As a result, less than 25 per cent of the resources are utilized for development and technical cooperation. India looks forward to the dialogue proposed with member states under the UN Development System reforms on funding compact which should improve funding practices to make voluntary funding more predictable, flexible, effective and efficient, and less earmarked.

India pledges contributions of $13.36 million for UN agencies, development activities

India will need around $ 4.5 trillion till 2040 for development of infrastructure sector in the country, Niti Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant said Wednesday.

Kant further said that there is an urgent need to restructure entire existing public-private partnership (PPP) framework as there are delays in the completion of infrastructure projects due to disputes.

“India needs to spend close to around $ 4.5 trillion till 2040 to develop infrastructure in order to really improve overall economic growth and community well being,” he said at an event organised by Dun &amp; Bradstreet (D&amp;B).

Kant pointed out that the government has been focussing on the infrastructure sector.

“Track record of the last four years has shown that all spending in the infrastructure sector across railways, airports and road came from the government,” he said.

Noting that it is better to create infrastructure initially through the government spending, Kant said, “but then as soon as it completes projects, the government must get out of the infrastructure projects because it is extremely poor at operation and maintaining infrastructure projects”.

Kant said India is growing at the rate of 7.5 per cent per annum and the challenge is to grow at higher rates.

“Therefore, the country needs to focus on building quality infrastructure,” he stressed.

Kant also pointed out that the cost of transportation in India is very high.

The Niti Aayog CEO also noted that there is a pressing need of leveraging alternate and newer source of financing of infrastructure projects.

India will need around $ 4.5 trillion till 2040 for development of infrastructure sector in the country, Niti Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant said Wednesday. Kant further said that there is an urgent need to restructure entire existing public-private partnership (PPP) framework as there are delays in the completion of infrastructure projects due to disputes.

India will need around $ 4.5 trillion till 2040 for development of infrastructure sector in the country, Niti Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant said Wednesday. Kant further said that there is an urgent need to restructure entire existing public-private partnership (PPP) framework as there are delays in the completion of infrastructure projects due to disputes. “India needs to spend close to around $ 4.5 trillion till 2040 to develop infrastructure in order to really improve overall economic growth and community well being,” he said at an event organised by Dun & Bradstreet (D&B). Kant pointed out that the government has been focussing on the infrastructure sector. “Track record of the last four years has shown that all spending in the infrastructure sector across railways, airports and road came from the government,” he said. Noting that it is better to create infrastructure initially through the government spending, Kant said, “but then as soon as it completes projects, the government must get out of the infrastructure projects because it is extremely poor at operation and maintaining infrastructure projects”. Kant said India is growing at the rate of 7.5 per cent per annum and the challenge is to grow at higher rates. “Therefore, the country needs to focus on building quality infrastructure,” he stressed. Kant also pointed out that the cost of transportation in India is very high. The Niti Aayog CEO also noted that there is a pressing need of leveraging alternate and newer source of financing of infrastructure projects.

India will need $ 4.5 trillion till 2040 for infrastructure development: Amitabh Kant

US Vice President Mike Pence told Central American countries on Thursday the United States was willing to help with economic development and investment if they did more to tackle mass migration, corruption and gang violence.

Speaking at a meeting with Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez, Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales and El Salvador Vice President Oscar Ortiz, Pence also warned them about increasing regional investment from China.

The meeting, hosted by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, was part of Washington's efforts to curb migration, boost economic growth and fund security programs.

"We stand ready to help you unleash your energy resources, to create more business development in your countries, to increase collaboration between our universities and cultural exchanges, and more," Pence told the meeting.

He added: "As you build commercial partnerships with other countries, including China, we urge you to focus on, and demand, transparency and look after your, and our, long-term interests."

Pence called on Morales to increase resources for border security and urged Hernandez to redouble efforts to combat human trafficking. He pressed Ortiz to ensure that El Salvador strengthened law enforcement units to tackle gang violence.

"If you do more, I'm here to say on behalf of the president of the United States and the American people, we'll do more," said Pence.

Hernandez said US funding was declining at a time when Washington wanted more done on border security. He also called on the United States to reunite migrant children with their parents.

"We see every year that there is a reduction in the resources that are budgeted by the United States. This should not take us to the conclusion that you have lost interest in your relationship with me, but it does concern us," Hernandez said through an interpreter.

US and Central American officials have clashed in recent months over Washington's policy earlier this year of separating migrant children and parents trying to cross the US-Mexican border. Governments in the region have demanded information from the United States as they seek to reunite families.

"If you look at your conscience, if we all put ourselves in the shoes of these parents, imagine if a child from your country found himself or herself in that situation, you could understand the rejection this has caused in my country, the huge pressure we face," Hernandez said.

US Vice President Mike Pence told Central American countries on Thursday the United States was willing to help with economic development and investment if they did more to tackle mass migration, corruption and gang violence.

US Vice President Mike Pence told Central American countries on Thursday the United States was willing to help with economic development and investment if they did more to tackle mass migration, corruption and gang violence. Speaking at a meeting with Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez, Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales and El Salvador Vice President Oscar Ortiz, Pence also warned them about increasing regional investment from China. The meeting, hosted by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, was part of Washington's efforts to curb migration, boost economic growth and fund security programs. "We stand ready to help you unleash your energy resources, to create more business development in your countries, to increase collaboration between our universities and cultural exchanges, and more," Pence told the meeting. He added: "As you build commercial partnerships with other countries, including China, we urge you to focus on, and demand, transparency and look after your, and our, long-term interests." Pence called on Morales to increase resources for border security and urged Hernandez to redouble efforts to combat human trafficking. He pressed Ortiz to ensure that El Salvador strengthened law enforcement units to tackle gang violence. "If you do more, I'm here to say on behalf of the president of the United States and the American people, we'll do more," said Pence. Hernandez said US funding was declining at a time when Washington wanted more done on border security. He also called on the United States to reunite migrant children with their parents. "We see every year that there is a reduction in the resources that are budgeted by the United States. This should not take us to the conclusion that you have lost interest in your relationship with me, but it does concern us," Hernandez said through an interpreter. US and Central American officials have clashed in recent months over Washington's policy earlier this year of separating migrant children and parents trying to cross the US-Mexican border. Governments in the region have demanded information from the United States as they seek to reunite families. "If you look at your conscience, if we all put ourselves in the shoes of these parents, imagine if a child from your country found himself or herself in that situation, you could understand the rejection this has caused in my country, the huge pressure we face," Hernandez said.

US to Central America: Will help with your development if you cut down migration

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah challenged Prime Minister Narendra Modi Wednesday to speak for 15 minutes — with the aid of notes.&nbsp

Siddaramaiah dared the prime minister to speak about the "achievements of BS Yeddyurappa’s government in Karnataka".&nbsp

"I challenge you to speak about the achievements of BS Yeddyurappa’s Govt in Karnataka for 15 minutes by looking at a paper," Siddaramaiah tweeted on Wednesday.&nbsp

Yeddyurappa, who Modi said on Tuesday would be the BJP's chief ministerial candidate for the May 12 elections, has been a former chief minister of Karnataka.&nbsp

Siddaramaiah's challenge came in response to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/can-rahul-gandhi-speak-for-15-minutes-pm-modi-at-karnataka-rally-133953">Modi daring Congress President Rahul Gandhi</a> on Tuesday to speak for 15 minutes — without the aid of notes — on development carried out by the Congress in Karnataka.&nbsp

The prime minister dared Rahul to speak in any language — including his mother's. The reference was to Rahul's mother Sonia, who was born an Italian citizen.&nbsp

Which is what brought about the riposte from Siddaramaiah, with the aid-of-notes punchline thrown in.&nbsp

Modi's own dare to Rahul had come from an earlier challenge to Modi by the Congress President.&nbsp

Rahul had recently said that if he spoke in Parliament for 15 minutes, on a range of issues including corruption under the Modi regime, the prime minister would <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-slams-prime-minister-narendra-modi-at-jan-aakrosh-rally-in-delhi-133556">not be able to sit through it</a>.&nbsp

"The Congress President challenged me saying that if he speaks for 15 minutes in Parliament, I will not be able to sit through it. Him talking for 15 minutes is a big thing and I wonder what a sight it would be," news reports quoted Modi as saying Tuesday at an election rally in Karnataka.&nbsp

"It is true we will not be able to sit when he talks. That is because he is naamdaar (dynast) and we are kaamdaar (worker). What right do we workers have to sit in front of you? We cannot ever wear good clothes. These things do not hurt us because we have been subjugated for years," Modi added.&nbsp

Siddaramaiah's challenge came in response to Modi daring Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday to speak for 15 minutes — without the aid of notes — on development carried out by the Congress in Karnataka

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah challenged Prime Minister Narendra Modi Wednesday to speak for 15 minutes — with the aid of notes. Siddaramaiah dared the prime minister to speak about the "achievements of BS Yeddyurappa’s government in Karnataka". "I challenge you to speak about the achievements of BS Yeddyurappa’s Govt in Karnataka for 15 minutes by looking at a paper," Siddaramaiah tweeted on Wednesday. Yeddyurappa, who Modi said on Tuesday would be the BJP's chief ministerial candidate for the May 12 elections, has been a former chief minister of Karnataka. Siddaramaiah's challenge came in response to Modi daring Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday to speak for 15 minutes — without the aid of notes — on development carried out by the Congress in Karnataka. The prime minister dared Rahul to speak in any language — including his mother's. The reference was to Rahul's mother Sonia, who was born an Italian citizen. Which is what brought about the riposte from Siddaramaiah, with the aid-of-notes punchline thrown in. Modi's own dare to Rahul had come from an earlier challenge to Modi by the Congress President. Rahul had recently said that if he spoke in Parliament for 15 minutes, on a range of issues including corruption under the Modi regime, the prime minister would not be able to sit through it. "The Congress President challenged me saying that if he speaks for 15 minutes in Parliament, I will not be able to sit through it. Him talking for 15 minutes is a big thing and I wonder what a sight it would be," news reports quoted Modi as saying Tuesday at an election rally in Karnataka. "It is true we will not be able to sit when he talks. That is because he is naamdaar (dynast) and we are kaamdaar (worker). What right do we workers have to sit in front of you? We cannot ever wear good clothes. These things do not hurt us because we have been subjugated for years," Modi added.

Now, Siddaramaiah challenges Modi to speak for 15 minutes on BSY's 'achievements' — with the aid of notes

*By:&nbsp;Olivier Telle

Human societies have seen a significant decrease in mortality from infectious diseases over the past century.

However, we must still struggle with ongoing pathologies we once thought were under control (cholera, tuberculosis, plague, etc.) as well as the new ones that have emerged over the last 30 years (HIV/AIDS, Ebola, dengue, West Nile virus, H1N1, etc.).

The vast scale of the global epidemics provoked by these viruses forces us to look more closely at the territories where they emerge.

In India, there has been an accelerated spread of dengue and chikungunya, both transmitted by the Aedes mosquito, which is particularly well adapted to urbanised areas.

For example, the annual number of new dengue cases is estimated at more than 30 million, while the number of chikungunya cases is believed to have increased by 390 per cent over the last three years.

Recent estimates indicate that India is the country with the highest prevalence of these two diseases.

Cities, and disease, on the rise

The rise of these infectious diseases is often described in terms of biological processes, but they cannot be reduced to just this dimension.

A range of factors plays a role, in particular, increasing urbanisation and human mobility. The trains connecting Mumbai to its periphery move more than 7 million travellers a day, and New Delhi’s metro system caters to 2.5 million daily commuters.

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<h6>Daily life for millions of Mumbai’s inhabitants.</h6>

The growing attention paid to the epidemiology of these viruses can hence be clearly seen as a direct result of the urban transition taking place in India over the last 30 years.

Collaborative studies conducted by the CNRS, the Institute Pasteur and the National Institute of Malaria Research show that nearly 40 per cent of the population of New Delhi have been infected by the dengue virus at least once in their lifetime.

In addition, we were able to highlight an epidemiology of the virus. Because all parts of the city are now hyper-connected, emerging diseases such as dengue affect both privileged and more deprived areas, be they in the centre or peripheral or rural zones.

The social and spatial ubiquity of the disease demands a reevaluation of the geographical models that we use to understand public health problems, as no one knows how, or even where, to counter these diseases that affect not just countries such as India, but the entire planet.

<img alt="file-20180312-30969-1v7gdg5_0.png" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="257" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/sports/file-20180312-30969-1v7gdg5_0.png" width="754" />

<h6>Density of dengue cases recorded in New Delhi in 2008, 2009 and 2010 (Telle et al., 2016). Olivier Telle, Author provided.</h6>

While urban development is the matrix for emerging infectious diseases, one also expects these territories to be resilient to these new viruses, with better communication, sanitation and healthcare, among other attributes. But they do not seem to have been able to adapt: not only do the pathogens continue to spread, but they also emerge and spread more quickly.

How to tackle an invisible disease

The problem of managing these diseases arises along with the practices that have led to this lack of resilience. What we mainly find is an inequality in disease management, particularly in large cities and the zones between them.

In New Delhi, more than 35 hospitals record the number of patients suffering from dengue or chikungunya. Based on the data compiled, New Delhi is officially the most affected city in India due to higher numbers of hospitals that register the diseases. Because of the careful record-keeping, the numbers are seven times higher than in Mumbai or Chennai, which – officially at least – are little affected.

New Delhi’s monitoring network functions most efficiently at the city’s core, and thus infectious diseases are far better managed there than in peripheral municipalities, which are nonetheless an integral part of the metropolitan fabric. Despite the fact that 40 per cent of the urban population lives in towns with fewer than 100,000 inhabitants, small- and medium-size towns are excluded from this monitoring system.

Territories and infectious diseases are thus caught in a sort of “local globalisation” that requires us to question the concepts of borders, mobility and a spread of the specific urban model.

This process works against an effective management of epidemics: the more widespread diseases become, the more fragmented their management, and the greater their dependence on national, regional and urban health policies.

Adaptability and a reduction of inequalities

At present, the question of the management of infectious diseases is relatively absent in health/urban studies, all the more so when they are approached from a municipal perspective.

While local municipalities are at the forefront of efforts to contain the spread of infectious diseases, they are largely ignored by scientists and international organisations when it comes to adopting effective solutions.

While the emergence of these new diseases is the result of complex phenomena – including the rise in local and international mobility, accelerating climate change and the emergence of new viruses – the resilience of the territories lies precisely in their ability to maintain a measure of spatial and social equity.

Indeed, dispersed management efforts inexorably lead to these viruses spreading locally, regionally and internationally, even in what should be less-vulnerable spaces. The main challenge for India, and all the countries that face these risks, is thus to make the diseases that are currently invisible more visible where they exist. At the international level, the only way to do this is through sustainable cooperation.

Innovating with the cities

The other challenge is scientific. After having studied all the factors that affect the disease – from a pluridisciplinary perspective, necessarily – methods to contain them need to be developed that take into account the complexity of the cities. In particular, it is impossible to act everywhere in megalopolises.

<ul>
	<li>In India, an emerging project associating virologists, entomologists, geographers and political scientists, supported by the CNRS, the Centre for Policy Research and NIMR proposes a twofold action plan.</li>
	<li>First, suggest and develop innovative methods to control mosquitoes that can be implemented by municipalities.</li>
</ul>

Second, using big data, analyse the mobility patterns of millions of citizens and comparing them with the spread of viruses, and thus identify the spaces that need to be monitored. By closely targeting such systems, they may well have an impact beyond the local level. Nonetheless, containment only seems viable in the short term.

To control these diseases in a more sustainable manner, the health of the inhabitants has to become a key factor in urban development. This involves reforming the management of diseases, and hence of urban centres, developing more equitable urban infrastructures, and most of all, developing inclusive cities. In short, investments are required.

However, if the task is important, new approaches and new programmes – for example, smart cities or sustainable towns – may be a means of better containing these epidemics.

It is essential to ensure that these programmes do not remain concentrated in the most privileged areas, as they will have only a limited impact. These epidemics are a scourge, but also an opportunity: in a context where these infectious diseases do not recognise administrative frontiers, much less social ones, they may finally have a positive impact on urban development and encourage the development of more inclusive cities

*Olivier Telle is a Research scientist at CSH, Centre national de la recherche scientifique (CNRS)

(This article was originally published on <a href="http://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a>. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/emerging-infectious-diseases-in-india-the-scourge-that-could-boost-urban-development-95076">original article</a>.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Nearly 40 per cent of the population of New Delhi have been infected by the dengue virus at least once in their lifetime

*By: Olivier Telle Human societies have seen a significant decrease in mortality from infectious diseases over the past century. However, we must still struggle with ongoing pathologies we once thought were under control (cholera, tuberculosis, plague, etc.) as well as the new ones that have emerged over the last 30 years (HIV/AIDS, Ebola, dengue, West Nile virus, H1N1, etc.). The vast scale of the global epidemics provoked by these viruses forces us to look more closely at the territories where they emerge. In India, there has been an accelerated spread of dengue and chikungunya, both transmitted by the Aedes mosquito, which is particularly well adapted to urbanised areas. For example, the annual number of new dengue cases is estimated at more than 30 million, while the number of chikungunya cases is believed to have increased by 390 per cent over the last three years. Recent estimates indicate that India is the country with the highest prevalence of these two diseases. Cities, and disease, on the rise The rise of these infectious diseases is often described in terms of biological processes, but they cannot be reduced to just this dimension. A range of factors plays a role, in particular, increasing urbanisation and human mobility. The trains connecting Mumbai to its periphery move more than 7 million travellers a day, and New Delhi’s metro system caters to 2.5 million daily commuters. × Daily life for millions of Mumbai’s inhabitants. The growing attention paid to the epidemiology of these viruses can hence be clearly seen as a direct result of the urban transition taking place in India over the last 30 years. Collaborative studies conducted by the CNRS, the Institute Pasteur and the National Institute of Malaria Research show that nearly 40 per cent of the population of New Delhi have been infected by the dengue virus at least once in their lifetime. In addition, we were able to highlight an epidemiology of the virus. Because all parts of the city are now hyper-connected, emerging diseases such as dengue affect both privileged and more deprived areas, be they in the centre or peripheral or rural zones. The social and spatial ubiquity of the disease demands a reevaluation of the geographical models that we use to understand public health problems, as no one knows how, or even where, to counter these diseases that affect not just countries such as India, but the entire planet. Density of dengue cases recorded in New Delhi in 2008, 2009 and 2010 (Telle et al., 2016). Olivier Telle, Author provided. While urban development is the matrix for emerging infectious diseases, one also expects these territories to be resilient to these new viruses, with better communication, sanitation and healthcare, among other attributes. But they do not seem to have been able to adapt: not only do the pathogens continue to spread, but they also emerge and spread more quickly. How to tackle an invisible disease The problem of managing these diseases arises along with the practices that have led to this lack of resilience. What we mainly find is an inequality in disease management, particularly in large cities and the zones between them. In New Delhi, more than 35 hospitals record the number of patients suffering from dengue or chikungunya. Based on the data compiled, New Delhi is officially the most affected city in India due to higher numbers of hospitals that register the diseases. Because of the careful record-keeping, the numbers are seven times higher than in Mumbai or Chennai, which – officially at least – are little affected. New Delhi’s monitoring network functions most efficiently at the city’s core, and thus infectious diseases are far better managed there than in peripheral municipalities, which are nonetheless an integral part of the metropolitan fabric. Despite the fact that 40 per cent of the urban population lives in towns with fewer than 100,000 inhabitants, small- and medium-size towns are excluded from this monitoring system. Territories and infectious diseases are thus caught in a sort of “local globalisation” that requires us to question the concepts of borders, mobility and a spread of the specific urban model. This process works against an effective management of epidemics: the more widespread diseases become, the more fragmented their management, and the greater their dependence on national, regional and urban health policies. Adaptability and a reduction of inequalities At present, the question of the management of infectious diseases is relatively absent in health/urban studies, all the more so when they are approached from a municipal perspective. While local municipalities are at the forefront of efforts to contain the spread of infectious diseases, they are largely ignored by scientists and international organisations when it comes to adopting effective solutions. While the emergence of these new diseases is the result of complex phenomena – including the rise in local and international mobility, accelerating climate change and the emergence of new viruses – the resilience of the territories lies precisely in their ability to maintain a measure of spatial and social equity. Indeed, dispersed management efforts inexorably lead to these viruses spreading locally, regionally and internationally, even in what should be less-vulnerable spaces. The main challenge for India, and all the countries that face these risks, is thus to make the diseases that are currently invisible more visible where they exist. At the international level, the only way to do this is through sustainable cooperation. Innovating with the cities The other challenge is scientific. After having studied all the factors that affect the disease – from a pluridisciplinary perspective, necessarily – methods to contain them need to be developed that take into account the complexity of the cities. In particular, it is impossible to act everywhere in megalopolises. In India, an emerging project associating virologists, entomologists, geographers and political scientists, supported by the CNRS, the Centre for Policy Research and NIMR proposes a twofold action plan. First, suggest and develop innovative methods to control mosquitoes that can be implemented by municipalities. Second, using big data, analyse the mobility patterns of millions of citizens and comparing them with the spread of viruses, and thus identify the spaces that need to be monitored. By closely targeting such systems, they may well have an impact beyond the local level. Nonetheless, containment only seems viable in the short term. To control these diseases in a more sustainable manner, the health of the inhabitants has to become a key factor in urban development. This involves reforming the management of diseases, and hence of urban centres, developing more equitable urban infrastructures, and most of all, developing inclusive cities. In short, investments are required. However, if the task is important, new approaches and new programmes – for example, smart cities or sustainable towns – may be a means of better containing these epidemics. It is essential to ensure that these programmes do not remain concentrated in the most privileged areas, as they will have only a limited impact. These epidemics are a scourge, but also an opportunity: in a context where these infectious diseases do not recognise administrative frontiers, much less social ones, they may finally have a positive impact on urban development and encourage the development of more inclusive cities *Olivier Telle is a Research scientist at CSH, Centre national de la recherche scientifique (CNRS) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Emerging infectious diseases in India — the scourge that could boost urban development

By Siddhant Sibbal

Indian foreign policy is not known for thinking out of the box. But in an increasingly changing world, New Delhi is looking for new partners and it has got not one but five.

On Tuesday, India will take part in the first-ever India-Nordic countries summit.&nbsp;

This is the second time ever such a summit is taking place. The last time such a summit took place was during the tenure of US president Barack Obama. And India aims to get a lot from it.&nbsp;

Nordic countries have globally-recognised strengths in clean technologies, environmental solutions, port modernisation, food processing, health, agriculture infrastructure, skill development and innovation. These are focus areas of India’s development. India’s flagship programmes like Clean Ganga, Swachh Bharat, and Smart Cities could get boosts from them.&nbsp;

India’s trade with the Nordic countries totalled around US $5.3 billion in 2016-17. The cumulative Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) from the Nordic countries to India stands at US $2.5 billion.

Part of the reason for the summit is India’s growing ties with Stockholm. This will be after three decades that an Indian PM is visiting the country. The last time an Indian PM visited Sweden was in 1988. High-level political engagements have only grown. &nbsp;

Sweden is a valued Indian partner in trade, technology and investment. Over 170 Swedish companies have invested US $1.4 billion in India since 2000. Some 70 Indian companies have invested in Sweden. The India-Sweden annual bilateral trade stands at around US $1.8 billion.&nbsp;

The Indian PM met Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Löfven in New York on September 25, 2015. During the course of 2017, the two spoke over the telephone 4 times.&nbsp;

When the Indian PM arrives in Stockhlm, the focus will be on sectors such as business, science and technology, energy and smart cities.

India-Sweden trade ties have been good and are gaining momentum. Over 170 Swedish companies are at present in India.

Sweden has things that world can learn for it.&nbsp;

It has a feminist foreign policy and feminism forms a major pillar of its foreign policy. It has come up with its own terminology: “hen” instead of hon (her) or han (he). Uppsala in Sweden got a female archbishop in 2014. It is also the world’s first cashless society.&nbsp;

Only one per cent of transaction are done in cash, all the others use digital modes of payments.&nbsp;

The Nordic countries have been an influential voice in the world and at the UN. The first and second secretary generals of the UN were from Nordic countries. The first was Norway's Trygve Lie and the second was Sweden's Dah Hammarskjold.&nbsp;

Nor can the security angle be ignored. The Pakistani diaspora has been an important factor in the Nordic countries. They form the third-largest immigrant group in Sweden and Denmark, a group that has been an influential factor in Nordic’s politics.. Norway has the largest diaspora of Pakistanis in Scandinavia.&nbsp;

But all in all, Modi's visit is about opening a new chapter in India-Nordic ties. A chapter that looks at engaging with the Nordic countries as a single entity instead of separate units. A pan-Nordic idea, a pan-Nordic engagement.

Nordic countries have globally-recognised strengths in environmental solutions, port modernisation, food processing, health, agriculture infrastructure, and innovation. These are focus areas of India’s development. India’s flagship programmes like Clean Ganga, Swachh Bharat, and Smart Cities could get boosts from them

By Siddhant Sibbal Indian foreign policy is not known for thinking out of the box. But in an increasingly changing world, New Delhi is looking for new partners and it has got not one but five. On Tuesday, India will take part in the first-ever India-Nordic countries summit. This is the second time ever such a summit is taking place. The last time such a summit took place was during the tenure of US president Barack Obama. And India aims to get a lot from it. Nordic countries have globally-recognised strengths in clean technologies, environmental solutions, port modernisation, food processing, health, agriculture infrastructure, skill development and innovation. These are focus areas of India’s development. India’s flagship programmes like Clean Ganga, Swachh Bharat, and Smart Cities could get boosts from them. India’s trade with the Nordic countries totalled around US $5.3 billion in 2016-17. The cumulative Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) from the Nordic countries to India stands at US $2.5 billion. Part of the reason for the summit is India’s growing ties with Stockholm. This will be after three decades that an Indian PM is visiting the country. The last time an Indian PM visited Sweden was in 1988. High-level political engagements have only grown. Sweden is a valued Indian partner in trade, technology and investment. Over 170 Swedish companies have invested US $1.4 billion in India since 2000. Some 70 Indian companies have invested in Sweden. The India-Sweden annual bilateral trade stands at around US $1.8 billion. The Indian PM met Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Löfven in New York on September 25, 2015. During the course of 2017, the two spoke over the telephone 4 times. When the Indian PM arrives in Stockhlm, the focus will be on sectors such as business, science and technology, energy and smart cities. India-Sweden trade ties have been good and are gaining momentum. Over 170 Swedish companies are at present in India. Sweden has things that world can learn for it. It has a feminist foreign policy and feminism forms a major pillar of its foreign policy. It has come up with its own terminology: “hen” instead of hon (her) or han (he). Uppsala in Sweden got a female archbishop in 2014. It is also the world’s first cashless society. Only one per cent of transaction are done in cash, all the others use digital modes of payments. The Nordic countries have been an influential voice in the world and at the UN. The first and second secretary generals of the UN were from Nordic countries. The first was Norway's Trygve Lie and the second was Sweden's Dah Hammarskjold. Nor can the security angle be ignored. The Pakistani diaspora has been an important factor in the Nordic countries. They form the third-largest immigrant group in Sweden and Denmark, a group that has been an influential factor in Nordic’s politics.. Norway has the largest diaspora of Pakistanis in Scandinavia. But all in all, Modi's visit is about opening a new chapter in India-Nordic ties. A chapter that looks at engaging with the Nordic countries as a single entity instead of separate units. A pan-Nordic idea, a pan-Nordic engagement.

Modi heads to Sweden: Clean tech, skill development — Nordic countries have what India needs

Nepal has stepped into a new era of political stability and economic development following the successful holding of the local, provincial and federal elections, President Bidya Devi Bhandari said today.

Nepal concluded the three phase of provincial, local and parliamentary elections as part of its efforts to implement the new Constitution that was promulgated in September 2015.

The new government led by Left parties under Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli convened its first Parliament session on March 5 after the Himalayan nation successfully held landmark provincial and federal elections.

While making her first address to a joint meeting of Parliament -- House of Representatives and National Assembly -- Bhandari said the significant phase of the Constitution implementation has been over following the successful holding of parliamentary and provincial elections.

This was Bhandari's first address in the Parliament after being re-elected as the head of state for the second time on March 14. 
The CPN-UML has 121 members, the NC has 63, and the CPN-MC has 53 while the Federal Socialist Forum Nepal has 17 and the Rashtriya Janata Party Nepal has 16 members.

The successful conclusion of elections has brought an end to the protracted political transition and uncertainty and induced rays of hope for prosperity, she said.

Bhandari underlined the need for cooperation with the neighbouring countries for the prosperity and development of the country.

She expressed hope that Nepal will be free from corruption and called on all to join hands to put an end to corruption prevalent in the country. She also called for a violence-free society, stating that the country should not involve in any kind of violence under any pretext.

Stating that Nepal was listed in the least-developed countries due to the weak governance and administrations, she said that from now onwards, the country should head towards the path of economic development at a faster pace.

As a large number of youths are going abroad in search of employment, it is high time for the government to address their expectations for the development of the country, the president added.

This was Bhandari's first address in the Parliament after being re-elected as the head of state for the second time on March 14.

Nepal has stepped into a new era of political stability and economic development following the successful holding of the local, provincial and federal elections, President Bidya Devi Bhandari said today. Nepal concluded the three phase of provincial, local and parliamentary elections as part of its efforts to implement the new Constitution that was promulgated in September 2015. The new government led by Left parties under Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli convened its first Parliament session on March 5 after the Himalayan nation successfully held landmark provincial and federal elections. While making her first address to a joint meeting of Parliament -- House of Representatives and National Assembly -- Bhandari said the significant phase of the Constitution implementation has been over following the successful holding of parliamentary and provincial elections. This was Bhandari's first address in the Parliament after being re-elected as the head of state for the second time on March 14. The CPN-UML has 121 members, the NC has 63, and the CPN-MC has 53 while the Federal Socialist Forum Nepal has 17 and the Rashtriya Janata Party Nepal has 16 members. The successful conclusion of elections has brought an end to the protracted political transition and uncertainty and induced rays of hope for prosperity, she said. Bhandari underlined the need for cooperation with the neighbouring countries for the prosperity and development of the country. She expressed hope that Nepal will be free from corruption and called on all to join hands to put an end to corruption prevalent in the country. She also called for a violence-free society, stating that the country should not involve in any kind of violence under any pretext. Stating that Nepal was listed in the least-developed countries due to the weak governance and administrations, she said that from now onwards, the country should head towards the path of economic development at a faster pace. As a large number of youths are going abroad in search of employment, it is high time for the government to address their expectations for the development of the country, the president added.

Nepal govt needs to focus on development, says President Bidya Devi Bhandari

China&#39;s economy grew a forecast-beating 6.9 percent in 2017, picking up steam for the first time since 2010 despite its battles against a massive debt and polluting factories, official data showed Thursday.

The world&#39;s number two economy eclipsed the official target of about 6.5 percent and picked up pace from the 6.7 percent growth seen in 2016, which was the slowest for more than a quarter of a century.

The robust economic expansion indicated stability after slowing down since China last posted double-digit growth in 2010.

&quot;The national economy has maintained the momentum of stable and sound development and exceeded the expectation with the economic vitality, impetus and potential released,&quot; National Statistics Bureau head Ning Jizhe said in a report.

&quot;We should also be aware that there are still difficulties and challenges confronting the economy and the improvement of quality and efficiency remains a daunting task,&quot; Ning said.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-gets-richer-but-inequality-grows-29036" target="_blank">China gets richer, but inequality grows</a>

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/will-chinas-economic-might-take-nepal-away-from-india-19041" target="_blank">Will China&#39;s economic might take Nepal away from India?</a>

The reading -- which beat the 6.8 percent predicted by analysts surveyed by AFP -- comes as China kicks its war on pollution into gear, halving industrial production for some steel smelters and mills this winter.&nbsp;

The battle has brought unusual blue skies to Beijing, with the density of dangerous pollution -- particulate PM2.5 -- dropping by more than 50 percent in the final quarter of 2017.

But the latest data showed the economy expanding 6.8 percent in the last quarter of 2017, matching the third quarter figure though it was below the 6.9 percent from the first half of the year.

Ning dismissed questions on the reliability of China&#39;s statistics raised after the coastal city of Tianjin and the autonomous region of Inner Mongolia admitted to inflating certain 2016 data.

&quot;The system for calculating China&#39;s statistics data is not affected by a small number of places, or some places, or some companies&quot; having accuracy issues with their data, he said.

The GDP reading follows strong trade data last week, which showed the humming global economy had propelled China&#39;s export machine.&nbsp;

&quot;This momentum, especially the part fuelled by external demand, may carry on well into 2018,&quot; said Wei Yao, chief China economist at Societe Generale.

Debt fears 
The country is also facing pressure to prevent a credit crisis, with local government debt growing 7.5 percent last year to $2.56 trillion, according to figures released Wednesday.

China has largely relied on debt-fuelled investment and exports to drive its tremendous economic growth of the past four decades but it is now seeking to move its economy to more sustainable consumption-based growth.&nbsp;

The latest figures show the services industry grew eight percent for the year with retail sales spiking 10.2 percent, good news for the transition.&nbsp;

The International Monetary Fund has repeatedly warned of risks stemming from China&#39;s ballooning debt, saying last year that each extra dollar of debt is producing diminishing returns for China&#39;s economy.

China&#39;s leaders appeared to wipe away some of those concerns at a critical planning meeting in December.&nbsp;

While vowing a crackdown on financial risk and local government debt, leaders called for a reasonable credit expansion this year.

That flew in the face of IMF and other economists warnings that China must deleverage.

Last year China brought down the pace of debt accumulation but allowed overall credit growth, analysts say.&nbsp;

Potential headwinds 
&quot;The bulls and the bears have never been so much in agreement since the financial crisis,&quot; said Larry Hu, head of China economics at Macquarie Group.

&quot;Most economists expect around 6.5 percent GDP growth in 2018,&quot; Hu said, though one of China&#39;s top state-affiliated think tanks last month forecast growth ticking slightly downwards to 6.7 this year.

But potential headwinds and risks for China&#39;s economy are brewing.

US President Donald Trump is determined to change the balance of trade between the two large trading partners. &nbsp;

China&#39;s trade surplus with the US swelled 10 percent to $275.8 billion last year, a record high.

In a telephone call with President Xi Jinping this week, Trump &quot;expressed disappointment that the United States&#39; trade deficit with China has continued to grow&quot;, the White House said.

&quot;President Trump made clear that the situation is not sustainable.&quot;

Trump has repeatedly insisted he will fight for more equitable trade with China.

The US is expected to release the results of a major investigation into China&#39;s intellectual property practices this year.

The world's number two economy eclipsed the official target of about 6.5 per cent

China's economy grew a forecast-beating 6.9 percent in 2017, picking up steam for the first time since 2010 despite its battles against a massive debt and polluting factories, official data showed Thursday. The world's number two economy eclipsed the official target of about 6.5 percent and picked up pace from the 6.7 percent growth seen in 2016, which was the slowest for more than a quarter of a century. The robust economic expansion indicated stability after slowing down since China last posted double-digit growth in 2010. "The national economy has maintained the momentum of stable and sound development and exceeded the expectation with the economic vitality, impetus and potential released," National Statistics Bureau head Ning Jizhe said in a report. "We should also be aware that there are still difficulties and challenges confronting the economy and the improvement of quality and efficiency remains a daunting task," Ning said. Also read: China gets richer, but inequality grows Also read: Will China's economic might take Nepal away from India? The reading -- which beat the 6.8 percent predicted by analysts surveyed by AFP -- comes as China kicks its war on pollution into gear, halving industrial production for some steel smelters and mills this winter. The battle has brought unusual blue skies to Beijing, with the density of dangerous pollution -- particulate PM2.5 -- dropping by more than 50 percent in the final quarter of 2017. But the latest data showed the economy expanding 6.8 percent in the last quarter of 2017, matching the third quarter figure though it was below the 6.9 percent from the first half of the year. Ning dismissed questions on the reliability of China's statistics raised after the coastal city of Tianjin and the autonomous region of Inner Mongolia admitted to inflating certain 2016 data. "The system for calculating China's statistics data is not affected by a small number of places, or some places, or some companies" having accuracy issues with their data, he said. The GDP reading follows strong trade data last week, which showed the humming global economy had propelled China's export machine. "This momentum, especially the part fuelled by external demand, may carry on well into 2018," said Wei Yao, chief China economist at Societe Generale. Debt fears The country is also facing pressure to prevent a credit crisis, with local government debt growing 7.5 percent last year to $2.56 trillion, according to figures released Wednesday. China has largely relied on debt-fuelled investment and exports to drive its tremendous economic growth of the past four decades but it is now seeking to move its economy to more sustainable consumption-based growth. The latest figures show the services industry grew eight percent for the year with retail sales spiking 10.2 percent, good news for the transition. The International Monetary Fund has repeatedly warned of risks stemming from China's ballooning debt, saying last year that each extra dollar of debt is producing diminishing returns for China's economy. China's leaders appeared to wipe away some of those concerns at a critical planning meeting in December. While vowing a crackdown on financial risk and local government debt, leaders called for a reasonable credit expansion this year. That flew in the face of IMF and other economists warnings that China must deleverage. Last year China brought down the pace of debt accumulation but allowed overall credit growth, analysts say. Potential headwinds "The bulls and the bears have never been so much in agreement since the financial crisis," said Larry Hu, head of China economics at Macquarie Group. "Most economists expect around 6.5 percent GDP growth in 2018," Hu said, though one of China's top state-affiliated think tanks last month forecast growth ticking slightly downwards to 6.7 this year. But potential headwinds and risks for China's economy are brewing. US President Donald Trump is determined to change the balance of trade between the two large trading partners. China's trade surplus with the US swelled 10 percent to $275.8 billion last year, a record high. In a telephone call with President Xi Jinping this week, Trump "expressed disappointment that the United States' trade deficit with China has continued to grow", the White House said. "President Trump made clear that the situation is not sustainable." Trump has repeatedly insisted he will fight for more equitable trade with China. The US is expected to release the results of a major investigation into China's intellectual property practices this year.

China grew at 6.9% in 2017

India&rsquo;s developmental goals and the trajectory of expanding economy largely depend on our ability to source energy. Shifting the focus of our economy towards manufacturing sector with &lsquo;Make in India&rsquo; campaign, coupled with the developmental goal of &lsquo;Power for All&rsquo; will be the key drivers of energy demand.

For the nation, which imports around 70 per cent of its primary energy demand, ensuring the security of supply always takes the precedence for policymakers; and the reason why energy policy discourse in India often revolves around &lsquo;Energy Security&rsquo;. In November 2015 Prime Minister Modi announced an idea establishing the &lsquo;International Solar Alliance&rsquo; (ISA), during his speech at 21st Conference of Parties in Paris, a part of the larger narrative, convincing the world of India&rsquo;s commitment towards combating climate change.

The idea was floated earlier during Third India Africa Forum Summit in October to &ldquo;provide a dedicated platform for cooperation among solar rich countries...&rdquo;; and has received encouraging response from across the world &ndash; from tiny African developing nations to developed economies including France and Australia. New Delhi&rsquo;s initiative proved successful in bringing international community closer, but the challenge remains in meeting the stated objective of harnessing solar energy for sustainable development &ndash; and not becoming just another multilateral forum that is high on rhetoric and low on action.

Amidst the price and supply uncertainties for conventional forms of energy coupled with associated geopolitical risks, renewable energy remains the key hope for our future supply of energy. India pledged 175 GW of power from renewable sources by 2022 including 100 GW of solar power, achieving this target largely depends on the availability of funding and ease of technology transfer; with ISA, India has launched a platform where &lsquo;solar rich&rsquo; countries can share their experiences, learn from global best practices, secure funding and access technology.

ISA is an impressive concept theoretically but its success depends on global cooperation and thus diplomacy is essential for development. As of December 2017, ISA framework has 45 signatories, and 15 nations ratifying the framework; a recent public announcement from Beijing, describing its plan to join the solar alliance is a positive development&nbsp;since China is one of the largest manufacturers of renewable energy devices and equipment including photo-voltaic cells.

While ISA aims to achieve 1000 GW power from solar by 2030, the key challenge is about securing finance. ISA is primarily an organisation with the majority of members from developing world, and thus its ability to deal with global north will determine the success of the alliance. It is worth noting that while the US has pulled out of Paris Climate accord, President Trump accused India and China of getting &lsquo;undue advantage&rsquo;; the narrative of this &lsquo;undue advantage&rsquo; could prove to be a challenge for ISA in securing &lsquo;clean energy finance&rsquo; from advanced economies; we know that the US is currently the first and alone in building up such a narrative, it is difficult to predict that nobody else would join this bandwagon in future.

India has its fair share of achievements in harnessing solar energy &ndash; be it one of the largest single location solar power plants (648 MW) in Tamilnadu&rsquo;s Kamuthi or the first airport to run completely on solar power in Kerala&rsquo;s Cochin; these achievements have boosted the credibility of New Delhi&rsquo;s leadership for the alliance. However, the primary challenge for the newly formed alliance will be to prioritise small-scale but inclusive and accessible renewable projects over large-scale &lsquo;demonstrative&rsquo; and &lsquo;headline-making&rsquo; projects, given the global obsession with adjectives such as &lsquo;first&rsquo;, &lsquo;biggest&rsquo; or &lsquo;largest&rsquo;.

New Delhi has been a voice of the global south for long &ndash; from its prominent role in Non-Aligned Movement to representing and empowering voices of developing nations in international organisations and multilateral forums; and thus stakes are high, as India begins to lead the global discourse on renewables through ISA. The success of alliance in promoting and enhancing &lsquo;clean energy&rsquo; supply will also drive India&rsquo;s ambitions to be recognised as an &lsquo;exemplary&rsquo; power.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

Shifting the focus of our economy towards manufacturing sector with ?Make in India? campaign, coupled with the developmental goal of ?Power for All? will be the key drivers of energy demand.

India’s developmental goals and the trajectory of expanding economy largely depend on our ability to source energy. Shifting the focus of our economy towards manufacturing sector with ‘Make in India’ campaign, coupled with the developmental goal of ‘Power for All’ will be the key drivers of energy demand. For the nation, which imports around 70 per cent of its primary energy demand, ensuring the security of supply always takes the precedence for policymakers; and the reason why energy policy discourse in India often revolves around ‘Energy Security’. In November 2015 Prime Minister Modi announced an idea establishing the ‘International Solar Alliance’ (ISA), during his speech at 21st Conference of Parties in Paris, a part of the larger narrative, convincing the world of India’s commitment towards combating climate change. The idea was floated earlier during Third India Africa Forum Summit in October to “provide a dedicated platform for cooperation among solar rich countries...”; and has received encouraging response from across the world – from tiny African developing nations to developed economies including France and Australia. New Delhi’s initiative proved successful in bringing international community closer, but the challenge remains in meeting the stated objective of harnessing solar energy for sustainable development – and not becoming just another multilateral forum that is high on rhetoric and low on action. Amidst the price and supply uncertainties for conventional forms of energy coupled with associated geopolitical risks, renewable energy remains the key hope for our future supply of energy. India pledged 175 GW of power from renewable sources by 2022 including 100 GW of solar power, achieving this target largely depends on the availability of funding and ease of technology transfer; with ISA, India has launched a platform where ‘solar rich’ countries can share their experiences, learn from global best practices, secure funding and access technology. ISA is an impressive concept theoretically but its success depends on global cooperation and thus diplomacy is essential for development. As of December 2017, ISA framework has 45 signatories, and 15 nations ratifying the framework; a recent public announcement from Beijing, describing its plan to join the solar alliance is a positive development since China is one of the largest manufacturers of renewable energy devices and equipment including photo-voltaic cells. While ISA aims to achieve 1000 GW power from solar by 2030, the key challenge is about securing finance. ISA is primarily an organisation with the majority of members from developing world, and thus its ability to deal with global north will determine the success of the alliance. It is worth noting that while the US has pulled out of Paris Climate accord, President Trump accused India and China of getting ‘undue advantage’; the narrative of this ‘undue advantage’ could prove to be a challenge for ISA in securing ‘clean energy finance’ from advanced economies; we know that the US is currently the first and alone in building up such a narrative, it is difficult to predict that nobody else would join this bandwagon in future. India has its fair share of achievements in harnessing solar energy – be it one of the largest single location solar power plants (648 MW) in Tamilnadu’s Kamuthi or the first airport to run completely on solar power in Kerala’s Cochin; these achievements have boosted the credibility of New Delhi’s leadership for the alliance. However, the primary challenge for the newly formed alliance will be to prioritise small-scale but inclusive and accessible renewable projects over large-scale ‘demonstrative’ and ‘headline-making’ projects, given the global obsession with adjectives such as ‘first’, ‘biggest’ or ‘largest’. New Delhi has been a voice of the global south for long – from its prominent role in Non-Aligned Movement to representing and empowering voices of developing nations in international organisations and multilateral forums; and thus stakes are high, as India begins to lead the global discourse on renewables through ISA. The success of alliance in promoting and enhancing ‘clean energy’ supply will also drive India’s ambitions to be recognised as an ‘exemplary’ power. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

Opinion: 'Development' and 'diplomacy' are driving India's energy discourse

&quot;I bow to the people of Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh for their affection and trust in BJP,&quot; Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted Monday.&nbsp;

The BJP is on course <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/assembly-poll-results-bjp-on-victory-march-in-gujarat-himachal-pradesh-27047">to win in both Gujarat and Himachal</a>.&nbsp;

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I bow to the people of Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh for their affection and trust in BJP. I assure them that we will leave no stone unturned in furthering the development journey of these states and serve the people tirelessly.
&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/942696436323434496?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Election results in Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh indicate a strong support for politics of good governance and development. I salute the hardworking BJP Karyakartas in these states for their hardwork which has led to these impressive victories.
&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/942696348419108864?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2017</a></blockquote>
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&quot;I assure them that we will leave no stone unturned in furthering the development journey of these states and serve the people tirelessly,&quot; Modi added.&nbsp;

Modi said the election results indicate &quot;strong support&quot; for the &quot;politics of good governance and development&quot;.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/amit-shah-hails-gujarat-himachal-results-has-eyes-set-on-2019-27079">Amit Shah hails Gujarat, Himachal results; has eyes set on 2019</a>

And he added that he saluted the &quot;hard-working BJP karyakartas (party workers) in these two states for their hard work which has led to these impressive victories&quot;.&nbsp;

It has been a long and bitter campaign in Gujarat, with Modi towards the fag end of his campaign even claiming that Pakistan was <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-claims-pakistan-trying-to-influence-gujarat-elections-26391" target="_blank">meddling</a> in the Gujarat elections.&nbsp;

He also told the electorate that Pakistan was trying to hoist a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/why-military-intelligence-from-pakistan-suggesting-ahmed-patel-for-gujarat-cm-pm-modi-26364" target="_blank">Muslim chief minister</a> on them.&nbsp;

And despite what Modi might now say about the election results indicating support for &quot;good governance and development&quot;, the earlier allegations were meant not to draw attention to them but to other fears in the Gujarat electorate.&nbsp;

Commentators have said Modi&#39;s last-minute intervention might have swung the election the BJP&#39;s way -- the party has been in power in Gujarat&nbsp;for 22 years, this will be its seventh stint in power -- but he has done so at a cost to his image.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The BJP is on course to win in both Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh

"I bow to the people of Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh for their affection and trust in BJP," Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted Monday. The BJP is on course to win in both Gujarat and Himachal. I bow to the people of Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh for their affection and trust in BJP. I assure them that we will leave no stone unturned in furthering the development journey of these states and serve the people tirelessly. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 18, 2017 × Election results in Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh indicate a strong support for politics of good governance and development. I salute the hardworking BJP Karyakartas in these states for their hardwork which has led to these impressive victories. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 18, 2017 × "I assure them that we will leave no stone unturned in furthering the development journey of these states and serve the people tirelessly," Modi added. Modi said the election results indicate "strong support" for the "politics of good governance and development". Also Read: Amit Shah hails Gujarat, Himachal results; has eyes set on 2019 And he added that he saluted the "hard-working BJP karyakartas (party workers) in these two states for their hard work which has led to these impressive victories". It has been a long and bitter campaign in Gujarat, with Modi towards the fag end of his campaign even claiming that Pakistan was meddling in the Gujarat elections. He also told the electorate that Pakistan was trying to hoist a Muslim chief minister on them. And despite what Modi might now say about the election results indicating support for "good governance and development", the earlier allegations were meant not to draw attention to them but to other fears in the Gujarat electorate. Commentators have said Modi's last-minute intervention might have swung the election the BJP's way -- the party has been in power in Gujarat for 22 years, this will be its seventh stint in power -- but he has done so at a cost to his image.

I bow to people of Gujarat and Himachal: Modi

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi soared into the clear Ahmedabad sky on a seaplane from the Sabarmati river marking a dramatic end to a gruelling election campaign, the flight created huge waves in Gujarat&#39;s politically turbulent waters.

The BJP was quick to hail it as a reflection of &quot;vikas&quot; ushered in by the party&#39;s governments in the state, while the Congress debunked its development claim.

&quot;This is a demonstration of &#39;vikas&#39;. The whole world is watching how development has taken a leap from the Sabarmati river,&quot; BJP spokesman Sambit Patra said.

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<h5>If he wants to fly on a seaplane, there is nothing wrong about it. But the issue is not the seaplane...It is the distraction (from the real issues). The question is what has been done for Gujarat in the last 22 years?&#39; said Rahul Gandhi</h5>
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Congress&#39;s president designate Rahul Gandhi was, however, not impressed.

&quot;If he wants to fly on a seaplane, there is nothing wrong about it. But the issue is not the seaplane...It is the distraction (from the real issues). The question is what has been done for Gujarat in the last 22 years,&quot; he told a press conference in Ahmedabad.

Modi ended the campaign for the second phase of Gujarat Assembly polls in style as he took a seaplane ride from the Sabarmati river in Ahmedabad to Dharoi Dam in north Gujarat, and returned after offering prayers at the famous Ambaji Temple and holding a road show.

He boarded the single-engine seaplane from near the Sardar Bridge connecting the old city with Ahmedabad west and flew to Dharoi Dam in Mehsana district.

Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani claimed it was the first time a seaplane landed on a water body in the country.

Congress spokesman Randeep Surjewala mocked Modi&#39;s ride and the BJP&#39;s claim of it being a reflection of development.

&quot;Vikas ki baatein unko na bhai, kehte hain unko hawa hawai. (They don&#39;t like the talk of development. These are people who engage in empty talk),&quot; he tweeted in Hindi, in a parody of the &#39;Hawa Hawai&#39; song from hit Bollywood flick &#39;Mr India&#39;.

Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad slammed the Congress for criticising Modi&#39;s seaplane ride, and said the previous Congress rule was marked by &quot;choppers scam&quot;.

BJP leader Syed Shahnawaz Hussain said,&quot;The very talk of development hassles them. The people of Gujarat are happy about the bullet train project, but they (the Congress) are &#39;pareshan&#39; about it.&quot;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-claims-pakistan-trying-to-influence-gujarat-elections-26391" target="_blank">Also read: Modi claims Pakistan trying to influence Gujarat elections</a>

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-one-can-lamely-question-my-public-service-manmohan-to-modi-on-pak-meddling-allegations-26463" target="_blank">No one can lamely question my public service: Manmohan to Modi on Pak meddling allegations</a>

The ride, however, was a hit among the locals who chanted &quot;Modi! Modi!&quot; as the craft took off from the Sardar Bridge-end on the Sabarmati riverfront, which the BJP dispensation has been flaunting as a manifestation of development under Modi when he was the state&#39;s chief minister.

From Dharoi dam site, the prime minister reached the temple by road after covering a distance of around 50 km. He was greeted by the people of Ambaji town during a roadshow that stretched from the outskirts of the temple town to near the shrine.

The prime minister apparently chose to fly by the seaplane to end his campaign in style after the Ahmedabad district administration yesterday cancelled the roadshows by both Modi and Rahul Gandhi for logistical reasons.

Modi told an election rally yesterday that for the first time in the history of the country a seaplane would land on the Sabarmati river.

Rupani had said it was for the first time in the country&#39;s history that a seaplane would land on a water body and that would be the Sabarmati river.

However, Priyanka Chaturvedi, another Congress spokesperson, claimed seaplanes had been flown in the country in the past too. &quot;2010 in Andaman 2015 in Kerala. However let facts never come in the way of BJP and Modi&#39;s narrative,&quot; she tweeted.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi soared, in a seaplane, into a clear Ahmedabad sky from the Sabarmati river marking a dramatic end to a gruelling (and bitter) election campaign

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi soared into the clear Ahmedabad sky on a seaplane from the Sabarmati river marking a dramatic end to a gruelling election campaign, the flight created huge waves in Gujarat's politically turbulent waters. The BJP was quick to hail it as a reflection of "vikas" ushered in by the party's governments in the state, while the Congress debunked its development claim. "This is a demonstration of 'vikas'. The whole world is watching how development has taken a leap from the Sabarmati river," BJP spokesman Sambit Patra said. If he wants to fly on a seaplane, there is nothing wrong about it. But the issue is not the seaplane...It is the distraction (from the real issues). The question is what has been done for Gujarat in the last 22 years?' said Rahul Gandhi × Congress's president designate Rahul Gandhi was, however, not impressed. "If he wants to fly on a seaplane, there is nothing wrong about it. But the issue is not the seaplane...It is the distraction (from the real issues). The question is what has been done for Gujarat in the last 22 years," he told a press conference in Ahmedabad. Modi ended the campaign for the second phase of Gujarat Assembly polls in style as he took a seaplane ride from the Sabarmati river in Ahmedabad to Dharoi Dam in north Gujarat, and returned after offering prayers at the famous Ambaji Temple and holding a road show. He boarded the single-engine seaplane from near the Sardar Bridge connecting the old city with Ahmedabad west and flew to Dharoi Dam in Mehsana district. Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani claimed it was the first time a seaplane landed on a water body in the country. Congress spokesman Randeep Surjewala mocked Modi's ride and the BJP's claim of it being a reflection of development. "Vikas ki baatein unko na bhai, kehte hain unko hawa hawai. (They don't like the talk of development. These are people who engage in empty talk)," he tweeted in Hindi, in a parody of the 'Hawa Hawai' song from hit Bollywood flick 'Mr India'. Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad slammed the Congress for criticising Modi's seaplane ride, and said the previous Congress rule was marked by "choppers scam". BJP leader Syed Shahnawaz Hussain said,"The very talk of development hassles them. The people of Gujarat are happy about the bullet train project, but they (the Congress) are 'pareshan' about it." Also read: Modi claims Pakistan trying to influence Gujarat elections No one can lamely question my public service: Manmohan to Modi on Pak meddling allegations The ride, however, was a hit among the locals who chanted "Modi! Modi!" as the craft took off from the Sardar Bridge-end on the Sabarmati riverfront, which the BJP dispensation has been flaunting as a manifestation of development under Modi when he was the state's chief minister. From Dharoi dam site, the prime minister reached the temple by road after covering a distance of around 50 km. He was greeted by the people of Ambaji town during a roadshow that stretched from the outskirts of the temple town to near the shrine. The prime minister apparently chose to fly by the seaplane to end his campaign in style after the Ahmedabad district administration yesterday cancelled the roadshows by both Modi and Rahul Gandhi for logistical reasons. Modi told an election rally yesterday that for the first time in the history of the country a seaplane would land on the Sabarmati river. Rupani had said it was for the first time in the country's history that a seaplane would land on a water body and that would be the Sabarmati river. However, Priyanka Chaturvedi, another Congress spokesperson, claimed seaplanes had been flown in the country in the past too. "2010 in Andaman 2015 in Kerala. However let facts never come in the way of BJP and Modi's narrative," she tweeted.

Gujarat elections: PM makes splash with seaplane ride to mark end of campaign

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said that he is ready to pay the political price for the steps taken by him for a better India and asserted he would not be deterred.

Addressing a gathering here, he said his government is committed to developing a development-centric ecosystem which is free of corruption and is citizen-centric.

He also said that post demonetisation, the black money, which was part of a parallel economy, has now become part of the formal system.

Inaugurating the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit here, Modi said data mining after the note ban is also helping government track down those involved in corruption.

Appreciating the role of Aadhaar in delivering services to the people and also checking pilferages, he said the system would also work as a tool to track down benami properties.

Modi said his government is committed to developing a development-centric ecosystem which is free of corruption and is citizen-centric

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said that he is ready to pay the political price for the steps taken by him for a better India and asserted he would not be deterred. Addressing a gathering here, he said his government is committed to developing a development-centric ecosystem which is free of corruption and is citizen-centric. He also said that post demonetisation, the black money, which was part of a parallel economy, has now become part of the formal system. Inaugurating the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit here, Modi said data mining after the note ban is also helping government track down those involved in corruption. Appreciating the role of Aadhaar in delivering services to the people and also checking pilferages, he said the system would also work as a tool to track down benami properties.

Ready to pay political price for steps taken for better India: PM Modi

Gujarat&rsquo;s development model rests primarily on its industrial performance. Industrial output accounts for nearly 40 per cent of state domestic product as compared to an all-India average of around 30 per cent. Correspondingly 16 per cent of the Gujarat workforce is in manufacturing (which is the largest subset of the industrial sector) as compared to an all-India average of 10.5 per cent. This much of the story is well-known.

But can Gujarat&rsquo;s industrial performance be a desirable model for the rest of the country? One way to address this question is to take a closer look at the way this sector has performed in Gujarat compared to the national average over the last few years.

The most commonly used nationally comparable dataset on the organised manufacturing is the Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) conducted by the Central Statistics Office, which provides data on employment, value added, and other key variables for the &ldquo;factory sector.&rdquo; Note that, this does not include the vast number of micro and small enterprises that are not required to register under the Factories Act.

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<h5>Indian manufacturing has become more and more capital intensive over the years.</h5>
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Here, I take a brief look at what these data reveal for Gujarat. I am looking at the period from 1983 to 2013, but I also examine if the trends in the past fifteen years are any different from the preceding fifteen. At the national level, ASI data show that Indian manufacturing has become more and more capital intensive over the years.

That is, the number of people employed per rupee of fixed capital used has been falling steadily. This trend has been commented on widely in the economics literature as well as the popular press, in the context of &ldquo;jobless growth&quot;. Together with this rise in capital intensity, and partly as a consequence of it, has come increasing labour productivity and a falling share of value-added going to labour in the form of wages and salaries.

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<h5>Gujarat does not stand out as far as employment generation is concerned and if anything does a bit worse than the national average.</h5>
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The trends for Gujarat are similar to the rest of India. However, some interesting and instructive differences also emerge. First, the general trend towards increasing capital intensity is much sharper for Gujarat compared to the all India average or comparable states like Karnataka. So, while in 1983, 63 jobs were created per rupee of fixed capital, by 2014 this was down to less than 5 jobs.

The comparable numbers for India are 59 and 8, and for Karnataka are 70 and 8. Most of the increase in capital intensity has happened in the 1980s and 1990s, with the trend being relatively flat in the 2000s. This has happened nationally. So, Gujarat does not stand out as far as employment generation is concerned and if anything does a bit worse than the national average.

Second, likely as a result of the increasing capital intensity there has been an increasing divergence of labour productivity on the one hand, and wages and salaries on the other hand. Labour productivity refers to value added per employee. The relationship between productivity and employee wages and salaries tells us how much ordinary people have benefited from increases in productivity.

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In the case of Gujarat, adjusting for inflation, annual emoluments (wages and salaries) per person went from ~ INR 47,000 in 1983 to ~ INR 96,000 in 2014 while productivity went from ~ INR 91,000 to ~ INR 750,000 in the same thirty-year period (amounts are in 2004-05 rupee values). That is productivity increased eight-fold while earnings of labour only doubled. This divergence has accelerated over time, particularly during the BJP&rsquo;s tenure.

This divergence between productivity and earnings is observed all over India but is much higher for Gujarat than the national average. Another measure of how much industrial growth and development have benefited ordinary people is the labour share of value-added, i.e. the proportion of value-added accruing to workers in the form of wages and salaries. The nature of changes occurring in the manufacturing sector in India, particularly the increasing capital intensity of production, has meant a steadily falling labour share.

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In Gujarat, the labour share has fallen from 36 per cent in 1982-83 to 18 per cent in 2015. The national average trend is from 40 per cent to 25&nbsp;per cent. For Karnataka, the numbers are 38&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;to 30&nbsp;per cent. This again shows that Gujarat&rsquo;s industrial development has been much more anti-labour than the all-India average.

One possible counter-point is to say that even if the labour share is lower in Gujarat, the level of wages may be higher due to higher productivity. But here too the story is not as clean. In 2014- 2015, the latest year for which data are available, annual emoluments per person employed in Gujarat were INR 229,868 per year (in current rupees) while the national average was INR 221,000 and the Karnataka figure is INR 246,222. So while Gujarat does a little better than the national average, it is by no means a star performer.

Thus, both in terms of job creation, as well as earnings of industrial workers and employees Gujarat, performs either worse than or only slightly better than the national average. At least as far the organised manufacturing sector is concerned, development in Gujarat has benefited capitalists far more than ordinary people.

(Disclaimer: The author writes here in a personal capacity).

Development in Gujarat has benefited capitalists more than common people.

Gujarat’s development model rests primarily on its industrial performance. Industrial output accounts for nearly 40 per cent of state domestic product as compared to an all-India average of around 30 per cent. Correspondingly 16 per cent of the Gujarat workforce is in manufacturing (which is the largest subset of the industrial sector) as compared to an all-India average of 10.5 per cent. This much of the story is well-known. But can Gujarat’s industrial performance be a desirable model for the rest of the country? One way to address this question is to take a closer look at the way this sector has performed in Gujarat compared to the national average over the last few years. The most commonly used nationally comparable dataset on the organised manufacturing is the Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) conducted by the Central Statistics Office, which provides data on employment, value added, and other key variables for the “factory sector.” Note that, this does not include the vast number of micro and small enterprises that are not required to register under the Factories Act. Indian manufacturing has become more and more capital intensive over the years. × Here, I take a brief look at what these data reveal for Gujarat. I am looking at the period from 1983 to 2013, but I also examine if the trends in the past fifteen years are any different from the preceding fifteen. At the national level, ASI data show that Indian manufacturing has become more and more capital intensive over the years. That is, the number of people employed per rupee of fixed capital used has been falling steadily. This trend has been commented on widely in the economics literature as well as the popular press, in the context of “jobless growth". Together with this rise in capital intensity, and partly as a consequence of it, has come increasing labour productivity and a falling share of value-added going to labour in the form of wages and salaries. Gujarat does not stand out as far as employment generation is concerned and if anything does a bit worse than the national average. × The trends for Gujarat are similar to the rest of India. However, some interesting and instructive differences also emerge. First, the general trend towards increasing capital intensity is much sharper for Gujarat compared to the all India average or comparable states like Karnataka. So, while in 1983, 63 jobs were created per rupee of fixed capital, by 2014 this was down to less than 5 jobs. The comparable numbers for India are 59 and 8, and for Karnataka are 70 and 8. Most of the increase in capital intensity has happened in the 1980s and 1990s, with the trend being relatively flat in the 2000s. This has happened nationally. So, Gujarat does not stand out as far as employment generation is concerned and if anything does a bit worse than the national average. Second, likely as a result of the increasing capital intensity there has been an increasing divergence of labour productivity on the one hand, and wages and salaries on the other hand. Labour productivity refers to value added per employee. The relationship between productivity and employee wages and salaries tells us how much ordinary people have benefited from increases in productivity. While in 1983, 63 jobs were created per rupee of fixed capital, by 2014 this was down to less than 5 jobs. × In the case of Gujarat, adjusting for inflation, annual emoluments (wages and salaries) per person went from ~ INR 47,000 in 1983 to ~ INR 96,000 in 2014 while productivity went from ~ INR 91,000 to ~ INR 750,000 in the same thirty-year period (amounts are in 2004-05 rupee values). That is productivity increased eight-fold while earnings of labour only doubled. This divergence has accelerated over time, particularly during the BJP’s tenure. This divergence between productivity and earnings is observed all over India but is much higher for Gujarat than the national average. Another measure of how much industrial growth and development have benefited ordinary people is the labour share of value-added, i.e. the proportion of value-added accruing to workers in the form of wages and salaries. The nature of changes occurring in the manufacturing sector in India, particularly the increasing capital intensity of production, has meant a steadily falling labour share. In Gujarat while productivity increased eight-fold, earnings of labour only doubled. × In Gujarat, the labour share has fallen from 36 per cent in 1982-83 to 18 per cent in 2015. The national average trend is from 40 per cent to 25 per cent. For Karnataka, the numbers are 38 per cent to 30 per cent. This again shows that Gujarat’s industrial development has been much more anti-labour than the all-India average. One possible counter-point is to say that even if the labour share is lower in Gujarat, the level of wages may be higher due to higher productivity. But here too the story is not as clean. In 2014- 2015, the latest year for which data are available, annual emoluments per person employed in Gujarat were INR 229,868 per year (in current rupees) while the national average was INR 221,000 and the Karnataka figure is INR 246,222. So while Gujarat does a little better than the national average, it is by no means a star performer. Thus, both in terms of job creation, as well as earnings of industrial workers and employees Gujarat, performs either worse than or only slightly better than the national average. At least as far the organised manufacturing sector is concerned, development in Gujarat has benefited capitalists far more than ordinary people. (Disclaimer: The author writes here in a personal capacity).

Opinion: Is Gujarat's industrial performance spectacular?

Last week, a coworker and I spent several days in Digoli, a remote village in Uttarakhand that is home to the Bora community, a small caste native to the Kumaon region. Nestled deep in the foothills of the Himalayas and accessible only via a two-hour trek, Digoli seems to have sprouted organically from the steep mountainside, with narrow, winding stone paths connecting each house and terraced rice fields stretching into the distance.

Renowned for their skills as spinners and weavers, the Bora people have long been known in the area for their prodigious skills in the cultivation and weaving of hemp.

I had travelled to this remote corner of the world to conduct interviews for an exhibit my organisation, Avani, is preparing for the Google Arts and Culture Institute. The exhibit was intended to be centred on traditional hemp weaving, with a focus on the ways in which the legal boundaries around the crop&rsquo;s cultivation have hampered local traditions.

Going in, I thought I knew what the story would be: A small, marginalised community had taken pride in their traditional craft, and felt angry and disempowered when the government robbed them of their ability to practice it. I imagined impassioned interviews with villagers, in which they would describe the deep emotional and cultural value of hemp cultivation and mourn the loss of their traditional heritage and skills. The exhibit, as I envisioned it, would be a fiery polemic against blanket policy prescriptions, and a celebration of the beauty of traditional crafts.

Of course, India always seems to have a way of upending my expectations. For the most part, the community members I met in Digoli weren&rsquo;t mourning the loss of their craft or yearning for a return to their traditional roots. True, some of the village elders expressed anger towards the government for its restrictive hemp laws, telling me that the ban on hemp cultivation in the mid-1980s was misguided. But most, particularly in the younger generations, met the entire subject with a shrug.

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Digoli, a remote village in Uttarakhand that is home to the Bora community (Others)
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&ldquo;Hemp is old&rdquo;, Govinda, one Bora community member, told me matter-of-factly, &ldquo;People don&rsquo;t want to do it anymore. It takes too much time.&rdquo; Indeed, cultivating and weaving hemp is an extremely labour-intensive process. Many elderly women in the village who had woven hemp as young girls were missing their front teeth, as they spent so many hours pulling the fibres with their teeth to prepare them for weaving. Most of the pride village elders derived from their hemp cultivation seemed to centre less on its cultural value, and more on the sheer difficulty of producing it.

Given this, it seems entirely understandable that members of the younger generation would be reluctant to revive the craft. Even though hemp cultivation was legalised by the Uttarakhand government in 2015, few in the community believed that the traditions would be revived. Yet as I continued to hear the stories of the Bora community, I began wondering, &ldquo;Is that such a bad thing?&rdquo; Yes, hemp cultivation had largely disappeared in Digoli. But elders also told me that the girls today were getting married at 22 or 23, rather than at 14 or 15.

Women who had previously been unable to leave home without being accompanied by a male relative were now working independently and attending school. What I imagined seeing in Digoli was a community mourning the loss of its heritage and traditions. What I got instead was a community that was rapidly changing, modernising, and altogether disinclined to look back.

In the West, we have a tendency to fetishise and romanticise the &ldquo;traditional&rdquo; crafts of developing communities. As I continue to work with Avani, this feels increasingly problematic. After all, I don&rsquo;t particularly mourn the loss of traditional handicrafts in the U.S., and I would never wish to take up handicrafts as a profession (although to be fair, I am hopeless with crafts). So why should we impose these values upon developing communities, at the expense of encouraging them to pursue careers in other, less labour-intensive fields?

This is not to say that traditional cultures aren&rsquo;t valuable. Working with Avani&rsquo;s weavers, I am awestruck by the beauty and skill of this traditional craft. Yet after my time in Digoli, I am convinced that we must strike a careful balance between celebrating traditional cultures, while also respecting the desires of some community members to move on. There is beauty in preservation, to be sure. But there is equal beauty, sometimes, in letting go.

This <a href="http://aif.org/holding-on-letting-go-notes-from-the-field/" rel="nofollow">article</a> was originally published on 20/11/2017 on <a href="http://aif.org/" rel="nofollow">American India Foundation</a>

(Disclaimer: The author writes here in a personal capacity).

The spinners and weavers of Bora community from a village Digoli, Uttarakhand are experiencing rapid change, modernisation and are altogether reluctant to look back.

Last week, a coworker and I spent several days in Digoli, a remote village in Uttarakhand that is home to the Bora community, a small caste native to the Kumaon region. Nestled deep in the foothills of the Himalayas and accessible only via a two-hour trek, Digoli seems to have sprouted organically from the steep mountainside, with narrow, winding stone paths connecting each house and terraced rice fields stretching into the distance. Renowned for their skills as spinners and weavers, the Bora people have long been known in the area for their prodigious skills in the cultivation and weaving of hemp. I had travelled to this remote corner of the world to conduct interviews for an exhibit my organisation, Avani, is preparing for the Google Arts and Culture Institute. The exhibit was intended to be centred on traditional hemp weaving, with a focus on the ways in which the legal boundaries around the crop’s cultivation have hampered local traditions. Going in, I thought I knew what the story would be: A small, marginalised community had taken pride in their traditional craft, and felt angry and disempowered when the government robbed them of their ability to practice it. I imagined impassioned interviews with villagers, in which they would describe the deep emotional and cultural value of hemp cultivation and mourn the loss of their traditional heritage and skills. The exhibit, as I envisioned it, would be a fiery polemic against blanket policy prescriptions, and a celebration of the beauty of traditional crafts. Of course, India always seems to have a way of upending my expectations. For the most part, the community members I met in Digoli weren’t mourning the loss of their craft or yearning for a return to their traditional roots. True, some of the village elders expressed anger towards the government for its restrictive hemp laws, telling me that the ban on hemp cultivation in the mid-1980s was misguided. But most, particularly in the younger generations, met the entire subject with a shrug. Digoli, a remote village in Uttarakhand that is home to the Bora community (Others) × “Hemp is old”, Govinda, one Bora community member, told me matter-of-factly, “People don’t want to do it anymore. It takes too much time.” Indeed, cultivating and weaving hemp is an extremely labour-intensive process. Many elderly women in the village who had woven hemp as young girls were missing their front teeth, as they spent so many hours pulling the fibres with their teeth to prepare them for weaving. Most of the pride village elders derived from their hemp cultivation seemed to centre less on its cultural value, and more on the sheer difficulty of producing it. Given this, it seems entirely understandable that members of the younger generation would be reluctant to revive the craft. Even though hemp cultivation was legalised by the Uttarakhand government in 2015, few in the community believed that the traditions would be revived. Yet as I continued to hear the stories of the Bora community, I began wondering, “Is that such a bad thing?” Yes, hemp cultivation had largely disappeared in Digoli. But elders also told me that the girls today were getting married at 22 or 23, rather than at 14 or 15. Women who had previously been unable to leave home without being accompanied by a male relative were now working independently and attending school. What I imagined seeing in Digoli was a community mourning the loss of its heritage and traditions. What I got instead was a community that was rapidly changing, modernising, and altogether disinclined to look back. In the West, we have a tendency to fetishise and romanticise the “traditional” crafts of developing communities. As I continue to work with Avani, this feels increasingly problematic. After all, I don’t particularly mourn the loss of traditional handicrafts in the U.S., and I would never wish to take up handicrafts as a profession (although to be fair, I am hopeless with crafts). So why should we impose these values upon developing communities, at the expense of encouraging them to pursue careers in other, less labour-intensive fields? This is not to say that traditional cultures aren’t valuable. Working with Avani’s weavers, I am awestruck by the beauty and skill of this traditional craft. Yet after my time in Digoli, I am convinced that we must strike a careful balance between celebrating traditional cultures, while also respecting the desires of some community members to move on. There is beauty in preservation, to be sure. But there is equal beauty, sometimes, in letting go. This article was originally published on 20/11/2017 on American India Foundation (Disclaimer: The author writes here in a personal capacity).

Opinion: Is celebrating traditional culture always good?

We tend to think that nature and cities are polar opposites. Yet this is not true. As my research on Bangalore or Bengaluru &ndash; India&rsquo;s IT hub &ndash; shows, for centuries, the population of this region grew because of nature, not despite it.

In my book Nature in the City: Bengaluru in the Past, Present and Future, I take a deep dive into the ecological history of an Indian city, going way back in the past to the 6th century CE.

Inscriptions on stone and copper plates show that the starting point for a new village was often the creation of a tank, or lake, to collect rainwater &ndash; essential and life-giving in this unfavourable low-rainfall environment. These inscriptions provide fascinating insights into the close relationship that these early residents had with nature. They describe the landscape as consisting of the lakes, the surrounding irrigated and dry land, the &ldquo;wells above&rdquo;, and the &ldquo;trees below&rdquo;. This three-dimensional view of the landscape, consisting of two major resources, water (lake) and food (agriculture), nourished by nature below (in the form of wells) and above (in the form of trees) is a remarkably holistic conception of nature.

Unfortunately, in today&rsquo;s urbanised India, we have lost all trace of this three-dimensional vision.

Declining sources of water

The&nbsp;central areas of Bangalore had 1960 open wells in 1885; today, there are fewer than 50. Bangalore also lost many of its lakes, which were considered to be filthy breeding grounds for malaria, and converted to bus stands, malls, housing, and other built spaces.

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Sree Kanteerava stadium was built in 1997, where Sampangi lake used to be located before. (Others)
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The city&rsquo;s central Sampangi lake, which supplied water to many parts of Bangalore in the 19th century, was transformed into a sports stadium by the 20th century, leaving behind only a tiny pond for ceremonial religious purposes. As long as lakes and wells supplied water, essential for the activities of daily life, they were worshipped as sacred and protected as life-giving.

Rituals celebrating the overflowing of lakes during the monsoon by paying homage to the lake goddess kept the importance of lakes in the forefront of people&rsquo;s imaginations. But once the piped water began to be provided in the 1890s, these water bodies began to decay. By the end of the 19th century, wells and lakes began to be polluted with garbage, sewage, and even corpses during times of epidemics and disease.

Citizens nurturing nature

What transformed this centuries-long, strong relationship between people and nature? When Bangalore shattered its local loop of dependence by importing water from outside, people forgot the importance of their local sources of water.

Yet, as our research has shown, Bangalore still needs water just as badly for its resilience. The city has grown so large that piped water from distant rivers can no longer supply all its needs.

Thus resurgent citizen movements across Bangalore have begun to focus on protecting and restoring lakes in their neighbourhoods, which will also recharge the water below ground. In some low-income settlements, where adequate water supply is a constant challenge, community wells, once ignored, are now being assiduously protected and maintained as well.

The same pattern &ndash; of an early, close relationship with nature, followed by a break, and later a resurgent interest in the connection &ndash; is also playing out when it comes to trees. Early residents did not only focus on water but also &ldquo;greened&rdquo; this dusty, hot landscape of the dry Deccan plateau. Successive rulers from the 16th century onwards and common citizens planted millions of trees over centuries.

Each settlement was greened with a gundathope&nbsp;&ndash; a woodlot commonly planted with fruiting trees, jackfruit, mango and tamarind &ndash; which provided shade, fruits, firewood for cooking, grazing material for cattle, and occasionally timber as well.

When one tree was chopped down, another was planted to ensure continuity. New areas of the city were assiduously greened by administrators, who planted trees, and residents, who watered and cared for them, benefiting from the services they provided. This practice of greening continued during the British colonial period of governance, and later into the 20th century, after Indian independence. Because of the cool climate of Bangalore &ndash; in part due to its location on a plateau, but also because of its lakes and trees, created, planted and nurtured by local residents and rulers over centuries &ndash; the city became a chosen location for the British army, and later as a science and industrial hub in south India.

It is no accident that Bangalore, once called India&rsquo;s lake city and garden city, became the country&rsquo;s IT capital.

Soaring temperatures and rising air pollution

By the late 20th century, this relationship had begun to fray. With rapid growth, roads and other built infrastructure gained importance in the minds of planners. As a consequence, trees were disregarded and felled in their thousands for development projects in Bangalore.

Inevitably, with more private vehicles on the road, and fewer trees, the city became hotter, and the air severely polluted. Citizens soon realised this connection. So did academics. Our research, for instance, demonstrated that trees cool the air by 3 to 5&ordm;C, and reduce the temperature of the road surface by as much as 23&ordm;C, as well as significantly reducing air pollution.

Social media to the rescue

Yet citizen movements did not fade. In the early 21st century, the nonagerian Honnamma Govindayya has become an epitome of struggles to protect Bangalore&rsquo;s environment.

She fought against real estate developers who wanted to convert a local park that her children played in, taking a case all the way to the Supreme Court of India. She won and saved a tiny but very important patch of green from destruction.

Mass citizen protests in recent years have continued and gained significant victories for the city&rsquo;s green cover, including the reversal of a controversial decision to build a steel flyover, which would have destroyed thousands of trees.

Today these movements are strongly supported by social media. In the flyover case, the twitter tag #steelflyoverbeda (&ldquo;beda&rdquo; meaning &ldquo;no&rdquo; in the local language, Kannada) went viral, attracting hundreds of followers.

Social media has provided an easier way for once-isolated groups of people to connect and coordinate, and often to ratchet up public pressure on nature-blind administrators. Who knows how many would have supported Honamma Govindayya if she had a Twitter account then?

Understanding the history of nature reveals a very different picture from the preconceived idea that, at least in countries like India, where the pressures of development and growth are so large, nature and cities cannot coexist.

Today, this perspective on the ecological history of Bangalore can help city-dwellers worldwide understand why nature in the city is not just important for the metropolis&rsquo;s past, but also essential for its resilient future.

<figure>
This article was originally published on <a href="http://theconversation.com" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" target="blank">The Conversation</a>. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/when-cities-were-natures-haven-a-tale-from-bangalore-85411" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" target="blank">original article</a>.

Photo Credit: Wikimedia
</figure>

With the pressures of rapid growth and development cities in India are losing its ecological balance

We tend to think that nature and cities are polar opposites. Yet this is not true. As my research on Bangalore or Bengaluru – India’s IT hub – shows, for centuries, the population of this region grew because of nature, not despite it. In my book Nature in the City: Bengaluru in the Past, Present and Future, I take a deep dive into the ecological history of an Indian city, going way back in the past to the 6th century CE. Inscriptions on stone and copper plates show that the starting point for a new village was often the creation of a tank, or lake, to collect rainwater – essential and life-giving in this unfavourable low-rainfall environment. These inscriptions provide fascinating insights into the close relationship that these early residents had with nature. They describe the landscape as consisting of the lakes, the surrounding irrigated and dry land, the “wells above”, and the “trees below”. This three-dimensional view of the landscape, consisting of two major resources, water (lake) and food (agriculture), nourished by nature below (in the form of wells) and above (in the form of trees) is a remarkably holistic conception of nature. Unfortunately, in today’s urbanised India, we have lost all trace of this three-dimensional vision. Declining sources of water The central areas of Bangalore had 1960 open wells in 1885; today, there are fewer than 50. Bangalore also lost many of its lakes, which were considered to be filthy breeding grounds for malaria, and converted to bus stands, malls, housing, and other built spaces. Sree Kanteerava stadium was built in 1997, where Sampangi lake used to be located before. (Others) × The city’s central Sampangi lake, which supplied water to many parts of Bangalore in the 19th century, was transformed into a sports stadium by the 20th century, leaving behind only a tiny pond for ceremonial religious purposes. As long as lakes and wells supplied water, essential for the activities of daily life, they were worshipped as sacred and protected as life-giving. Rituals celebrating the overflowing of lakes during the monsoon by paying homage to the lake goddess kept the importance of lakes in the forefront of people’s imaginations. But once the piped water began to be provided in the 1890s, these water bodies began to decay. By the end of the 19th century, wells and lakes began to be polluted with garbage, sewage, and even corpses during times of epidemics and disease. Citizens nurturing nature What transformed this centuries-long, strong relationship between people and nature? When Bangalore shattered its local loop of dependence by importing water from outside, people forgot the importance of their local sources of water. Yet, as our research has shown, Bangalore still needs water just as badly for its resilience. The city has grown so large that piped water from distant rivers can no longer supply all its needs. Thus resurgent citizen movements across Bangalore have begun to focus on protecting and restoring lakes in their neighbourhoods, which will also recharge the water below ground. In some low-income settlements, where adequate water supply is a constant challenge, community wells, once ignored, are now being assiduously protected and maintained as well. The same pattern – of an early, close relationship with nature, followed by a break, and later a resurgent interest in the connection – is also playing out when it comes to trees. Early residents did not only focus on water but also “greened” this dusty, hot landscape of the dry Deccan plateau. Successive rulers from the 16th century onwards and common citizens planted millions of trees over centuries. Each settlement was greened with a gundathope – a woodlot commonly planted with fruiting trees, jackfruit, mango and tamarind – which provided shade, fruits, firewood for cooking, grazing material for cattle, and occasionally timber as well. When one tree was chopped down, another was planted to ensure continuity. New areas of the city were assiduously greened by administrators, who planted trees, and residents, who watered and cared for them, benefiting from the services they provided. This practice of greening continued during the British colonial period of governance, and later into the 20th century, after Indian independence. Because of the cool climate of Bangalore – in part due to its location on a plateau, but also because of its lakes and trees, created, planted and nurtured by local residents and rulers over centuries – the city became a chosen location for the British army, and later as a science and industrial hub in south India. It is no accident that Bangalore, once called India’s lake city and garden city, became the country’s IT capital. Soaring temperatures and rising air pollution By the late 20th century, this relationship had begun to fray. With rapid growth, roads and other built infrastructure gained importance in the minds of planners. As a consequence, trees were disregarded and felled in their thousands for development projects in Bangalore. Inevitably, with more private vehicles on the road, and fewer trees, the city became hotter, and the air severely polluted. Citizens soon realised this connection. So did academics. Our research, for instance, demonstrated that trees cool the air by 3 to 5ºC, and reduce the temperature of the road surface by as much as 23ºC, as well as significantly reducing air pollution. Social media to the rescue Yet citizen movements did not fade. In the early 21st century, the nonagerian Honnamma Govindayya has become an epitome of struggles to protect Bangalore’s environment. She fought against real estate developers who wanted to convert a local park that her children played in, taking a case all the way to the Supreme Court of India. She won and saved a tiny but very important patch of green from destruction. Mass citizen protests in recent years have continued and gained significant victories for the city’s green cover, including the reversal of a controversial decision to build a steel flyover, which would have destroyed thousands of trees. Today these movements are strongly supported by social media. In the flyover case, the twitter tag #steelflyoverbeda (“beda” meaning “no” in the local language, Kannada) went viral, attracting hundreds of followers. Social media has provided an easier way for once-isolated groups of people to connect and coordinate, and often to ratchet up public pressure on nature-blind administrators. Who knows how many would have supported Honamma Govindayya if she had a Twitter account then? Understanding the history of nature reveals a very different picture from the preconceived idea that, at least in countries like India, where the pressures of development and growth are so large, nature and cities cannot coexist. Today, this perspective on the ecological history of Bangalore can help city-dwellers worldwide understand why nature in the city is not just important for the metropolis’s past, but also essential for its resilient future. This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article. Photo Credit: Wikimedia

When cities were nature's haven: A tale from Bangalore

First, consider the numbers. Between 2003 and 2009, the high growth years of the economy, when GDP grew by 8 per cent per year on average, the number of good jobs, that is, jobs in the formal sector of the economy, grew at not even one-tenth that number. Look at it another way. Every year millions of new aspirants enter the job market to compete for a few hundred thousand new jobs.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Now let us descend to the ground. We witness enormous agitations for reservations in government jobs rising from traditionally dominant castes, such as Jats, Patels, and Marathas. Even the lowest paid government jobs regularly attract such large numbers of extremely over-qualified applicants that violence ensues in the wake of examinations. Around two weeks ago, in West Bengal, 2.5 million young men and women appeared for an exam for 6000 Group-D positions in the state government. Graduates and post-graduates had applied for these positions which require an elementary school certificate and pay Rs. 16,200 per month.&nbsp;

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<h5>What is the economy for, anyway? It is always a good question to ask whenever we risk getting lost in GDP numbers, policy reforms, and stock market movements</h5>
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One increasingly popular term captures all this: &ldquo;jobless growth.&rdquo; While this phenomenon has been known at least since the mid-1990s, and is observed across the world, it is becoming a hot political issue. And not a day too soon.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

What is the economy for, anyway? It is always a good question to ask whenever we risk getting lost in GDP numbers, policy reforms, and stock market movements. These are all means to an end, viz. enabling all of us to enjoy fulfilling, creative, happy lives. In a market economy, adequate regular money income is a precondition for such a life. Yet our economy continues to deny this precondition to the vast majority of its workers. So, while GDP grows at some of the fastest rates seen across the world, the number of people who are able to enjoy a good life increase at a much much slower rate. And even this increase is very uneven across regions, occupations, castes, genders, and religions with some, like displaced farmers and artisans seeing declines in their living standards.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Riding a wave of resentment against the previous regime, the Prime Minister himself made jobs a central issue during his campaign. But three years later, not much has changed and the BJP government is being seen as a failure on the job creation front. After several weeks of bad press on this issue, a few days ago, BJP President Amit Shah issued a statement that it was not possible to provide formal sector jobs to everyone in a country of 125&nbsp; crore people. This is a telling as well as an astonishing statement. Telling because it admits to a truth that few would admit to. That under the present set of policies (whether BJP or UPA) universal employment is impossible. Astonishing because for decades the transition to a completely formal economy has been the very definition of development. That we, and many other countries, have failed at acheiving this is surely an indictment of our policies. But are we then giving up on development? Or are we redefining it? And if so how? There is no answer.

&nbsp;

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<h5>Regular salaried workers account for only 20 per cent of all workers in India</h5>
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The intense hunger for even the lowest paid government jobs comes as no surprise once we take a look at the Ministry of Labour numbers on earnings in the Indian labour market. According to the most recent Employment-Unemployment Survey of the Labour Bureau (2014-2015), regular salaried workers account for only 20 per cent of all workers in India. Earnings from either self-employment or casual wage work (both of which together account for the remaining 80 per cent of the workforce) fall far short of a secure, decent, livelihood.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Nationally, 67 per cent of households reports monthly earnings of Rs. 10,000 or less. 98 per cent are under Rs. 50,000 per month. Earning over Rs 1 lakh per month puts a household in the top 0.2 per cent of income earners in the country.&nbsp; More than half of the regular wage/salaried workers i.e. 57 per cent have monthly average earnings of up to Rs 10,000, well under the government minimum salary under the 7th pay commission. 59 per cent of the casual workers has monthly earnings of up to Rs 5000.

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<h5>Successive governments at the Centre and in the states have embraced liberalisation and privatisation policies that have failed to generate jobs</h5>
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&nbsp;

Of course, the current government in Delhi must take its share of the blame for the jobs crisis. But there is plenty of blame to go around. Successive governments at the Centre and in the states have embraced liberalisation and privatisation policies that have failed to generate jobs.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

But the problem goes beyond India too. In the 1950s-80s, in Japan, Korea and the other &ldquo;East Asian Miracle countries&rdquo;, rapid GDP growth generated a vast number of jobs. This shifted a predominantly agricultural workforce to manufacturing and services. Not only that, jobs were created in the formal sector.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

In contrast, in India and China, particularly since the 1990s, despite high levels of growth, formal employment generation has been slow. This is a general phenomenon across Asia. Manufacturing, in particular, is a big concern. In the 2005-2011 period, according to National Sample Survey data, manufacturing employment in India increased by 6 million while that in construction increased by 25 million. Construction accounted for half of all new non-agricultural jobs added in this period. The &ldquo;Make in India&rdquo; campaign aims to generate 100 million jobs by 2022 in the manufacturing sector. While the goal is laudable, given trends reported above, this seems unlikely to materialise. And Amit Shah&rsquo;s statement, referred to earlier, seems to indicate that backpedaling on this issue has started already.

&nbsp;

While GDP grows at some of the fastest rates seen across the world, the number of people who are able to enjoy a good life increase at a much much slower rate.

First, consider the numbers. Between 2003 and 2009, the high growth years of the economy, when GDP grew by 8 per cent per year on average, the number of good jobs, that is, jobs in the formal sector of the economy, grew at not even one-tenth that number. Look at it another way. Every year millions of new aspirants enter the job market to compete for a few hundred thousand new jobs. Now let us descend to the ground. We witness enormous agitations for reservations in government jobs rising from traditionally dominant castes, such as Jats, Patels, and Marathas. Even the lowest paid government jobs regularly attract such large numbers of extremely over-qualified applicants that violence ensues in the wake of examinations. Around two weeks ago, in West Bengal, 2.5 million young men and women appeared for an exam for 6000 Group-D positions in the state government. Graduates and post-graduates had applied for these positions which require an elementary school certificate and pay Rs. 16,200 per month. What is the economy for, anyway? It is always a good question to ask whenever we risk getting lost in GDP numbers, policy reforms, and stock market movements × One increasingly popular term captures all this: “jobless growth.” While this phenomenon has been known at least since the mid-1990s, and is observed across the world, it is becoming a hot political issue. And not a day too soon. What is the economy for, anyway? It is always a good question to ask whenever we risk getting lost in GDP numbers, policy reforms, and stock market movements. These are all means to an end, viz. enabling all of us to enjoy fulfilling, creative, happy lives. In a market economy, adequate regular money income is a precondition for such a life. Yet our economy continues to deny this precondition to the vast majority of its workers. So, while GDP grows at some of the fastest rates seen across the world, the number of people who are able to enjoy a good life increase at a much much slower rate. And even this increase is very uneven across regions, occupations, castes, genders, and religions with some, like displaced farmers and artisans seeing declines in their living standards. Riding a wave of resentment against the previous regime, the Prime Minister himself made jobs a central issue during his campaign. But three years later, not much has changed and the BJP government is being seen as a failure on the job creation front. After several weeks of bad press on this issue, a few days ago, BJP President Amit Shah issued a statement that it was not possible to provide formal sector jobs to everyone in a country of 125 crore people. This is a telling as well as an astonishing statement. Telling because it admits to a truth that few would admit to. That under the present set of policies (whether BJP or UPA) universal employment is impossible. Astonishing because for decades the transition to a completely formal economy has been the very definition of development. That we, and many other countries, have failed at acheiving this is surely an indictment of our policies. But are we then giving up on development? Or are we redefining it? And if so how? There is no answer. Regular salaried workers account for only 20 per cent of all workers in India × The intense hunger for even the lowest paid government jobs comes as no surprise once we take a look at the Ministry of Labour numbers on earnings in the Indian labour market. According to the most recent Employment-Unemployment Survey of the Labour Bureau (2014-2015), regular salaried workers account for only 20 per cent of all workers in India. Earnings from either self-employment or casual wage work (both of which together account for the remaining 80 per cent of the workforce) fall far short of a secure, decent, livelihood. Nationally, 67 per cent of households reports monthly earnings of Rs. 10,000 or less. 98 per cent are under Rs. 50,000 per month. Earning over Rs 1 lakh per month puts a household in the top 0.2 per cent of income earners in the country. More than half of the regular wage/salaried workers i.e. 57 per cent have monthly average earnings of up to Rs 10,000, well under the government minimum salary under the 7th pay commission. 59 per cent of the casual workers has monthly earnings of up to Rs 5000. Successive governments at the Centre and in the states have embraced liberalisation and privatisation policies that have failed to generate jobs × Of course, the current government in Delhi must take its share of the blame for the jobs crisis. But there is plenty of blame to go around. Successive governments at the Centre and in the states have embraced liberalisation and privatisation policies that have failed to generate jobs. But the problem goes beyond India too. In the 1950s-80s, in Japan, Korea and the other “East Asian Miracle countries”, rapid GDP growth generated a vast number of jobs. This shifted a predominantly agricultural workforce to manufacturing and services. Not only that, jobs were created in the formal sector. In contrast, in India and China, particularly since the 1990s, despite high levels of growth, formal employment generation has been slow. This is a general phenomenon across Asia. Manufacturing, in particular, is a big concern. In the 2005-2011 period, according to National Sample Survey data, manufacturing employment in India increased by 6 million while that in construction increased by 25 million. Construction accounted for half of all new non-agricultural jobs added in this period. The “Make in India” campaign aims to generate 100 million jobs by 2022 in the manufacturing sector. While the goal is laudable, given trends reported above, this seems unlikely to materialise. And Amit Shah’s statement, referred to earlier, seems to indicate that backpedaling on this issue has started already.

Jobless growth plagues India

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