On WION World Pulse, India’s Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat shares his perspective on global leadership, sustainability, and the shifting balance of power in today’s world. Emphasising that the future will not be shaped by power alone, he highlights the role of cooperation, innovation, and responsible governance in addressing global challenges. Watch the full conversation for key insights into geopolitics, development, and India’s vision on the world stage

WION World Pulse | Shekhawat: Future Won't Be Shaped by Power Alone

At WION World Pulse, Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said India, as the world’s largest democracy, represents a remarkable experience of scale, diversity and continuity. He highlighted India’s unique civilisational and democratic depth in the global context.

WION World Pulse: India’s Culture Minister on scale, diversity & continuity of India

WION World Pulse: Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat speaks on scale, diversity & continuity of India

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<p>On the occasion of World Skydiving Day on Saturday (July 13), Indian Tourism Minister Gajendra Shekhawat skydived from an aircraft. According to media reports, the dive took place at Skyhigh,&nbsp;India's only civilian skydiving drop zone at Narnaul airstrip, Haryana.</p>

<p>Tourism Minister Shekhawat was getting lessons in skydiving before he took off and jumped from an aircraft. The video of the jump, which has gone viral on social media, showed the instructor adjusting Shekhawat's neck as the two were about to jump.</p>

<p><strong>Here's a look at the video:</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Narnaul, Haryana: Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat does skydiving on World Skydiving Day.<br />
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<h2><strong>'Super excited'</strong></h2>

<p>Following the thrilling experience, Shekhawat told reporters that he was super excited and enjoyed it.&nbsp;"Today is a thrilling day for me but, more importantly, it is an important day for the world and the world of aerosports, because World Skydiving Day is being celebrated for the first time," Shekhawat said.</p>

<p>"Thousands of Indians used to enjoy these sports in Dubai, Singapore, Thailand, New Zealand and other places and they will now get to experience it here. This will also boost tourism. I have flagged off India's first skydiving aircraft and I wish great success to the team," the tourism minister added.</p>

<p>He also pointed out that the government would like to encourage skydiving in more places in India, including the states of Madhya Pradesh and Goa.</p>

<h2><strong>About World Skydiving Day</strong></h2>

<p>The World Skydiving Day on July 13 began this year and the annual celebration would repeat&nbsp;each year on the second Saturday in July.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According <strong><a href="https://www.worldskydivingday.com/">to the initiative's website</a></strong>, World Skydiving Day involves the participation of six skydiving associations, including the United States Parachute Association, the Australian Parachute Federation, and British Skydiving.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


On the occasion of World Skydiving Day on Saturday (July 13), Indian Tourism Minister Gajendra Shekhawat skydived from an aircraft. According to media reports, the dive took place at Skyhigh, India's only civilian skydiving drop zone at Narnaul airstrip, Haryana.

On the occasion of World Skydiving Day on Saturday (July 13), Indian Tourism Minister Gajendra Shekhawat skydived from an aircraft. According to media reports, the dive took place at Skyhigh, India's only civilian skydiving drop zone at Narnaul airstrip, Haryana. Tourism Minister Shekhawat was getting lessons in skydiving before he took off and jumped from an aircraft. The video of the jump, which has gone viral on social media, showed the instructor adjusting Shekhawat's neck as the two were about to jump. Here's a look at the video: #WATCH | Narnaul, Haryana: Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat does skydiving on World Skydiving Day. (Source: Sky High India) pic.twitter.com/KrLGeE5UdY — ANI (@ANI) July 13, 2024 × 'Super excited' Following the thrilling experience, Shekhawat told reporters that he was super excited and enjoyed it. "Today is a thrilling day for me but, more importantly, it is an important day for the world and the world of aerosports, because World Skydiving Day is being celebrated for the first time," Shekhawat said. "Thousands of Indians used to enjoy these sports in Dubai, Singapore, Thailand, New Zealand and other places and they will now get to experience it here. This will also boost tourism. I have flagged off India's first skydiving aircraft and I wish great success to the team," the tourism minister added. He also pointed out that the government would like to encourage skydiving in more places in India, including the states of Madhya Pradesh and Goa. About World Skydiving Day The World Skydiving Day on July 13 began this year and the annual celebration would repeat each year on the second Saturday in July. According to the initiative's website, World Skydiving Day involves the participation of six skydiving associations, including the United States Parachute Association, the Australian Parachute Federation, and British Skydiving. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian minister skydives from plane to mark World Skydiving Day. Watch

<p>With a number of events lined up across the nation, India will be celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi today.</p>

<p>The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has extended its Gandhi Sankalp Yatra by a period of three months, according to a circular issued to the party leaders. As per the circular sent to the leaders, the Yatra will now be a 120-day exercise and will end on January 31, 2020, instead of October. Earlier, it was scheduled to be held between October 2 and 31.</p>

<p>Under this, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/article-370-was-temporary-from-the-beginning-says-bjp-working-president-jp-nadda-252950">BJP </a>is planning to propagate Gandhi's ideals and principles of non-violence, Swaraj and simplicity to mark his 150th birth anniversary. Posters, banners, and kits for the programs to be held during the yatra will be directly sent to the state units from the party headquarters.</p>

<p>According to the circular, Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/modi-true-global-gatekeeper-253059">Narendra Modi</a> will kick-off this programme from Gujarat, simultaneously, with the other top leaders from the party who will start it from the BJP headquarters in New Delhi. All the party's Lok Sabha MPs have been instructed to be in their respective constituencies on October 2 for the start of the program.</p>

<p>Prime Minister Modi will pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat. Later in the day, he will also visit Sabarmati Ashram and participate in Swachh Bharat Diwas 2019 program, according to a post on the official Twitter handle of BJP.</p>

<p>Earlier, while talking to ANI, Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said that India has almost achieved the open defecation free (ODF) target and hoped that Prime Minister will declare India open defecation free today.</p>

<p>On Tuesday, President Ram Nath Kovind said that the people of India have paid homage to the father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi, by taking up the Swachh Bharat Mission as a movement.</p>

<p>"By taking up the 'Swachh Bharat Mission' as a movement, the people of India have paid homage to the father of the nation. Our nation's emphasis on inclusive growth, transparency, and honesty in public life, health-care support to the poor and farmers and effective utilization of water resources is in keeping with his thoughts," Kovind said.</p>

<p>BJP president Amit Shah will launch the ruling party's 'Gandhi Sankalp Yatra' in New Delhi.</p>

<p>On the other hand, Congress will mark the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi today by taking out "padayatra" across the country with senior leaders including Rahul Gandhi taking part in the march in New Delhi.</p>

<p>The march in the national capital will start from Delhi Pradesh Congress office and culminate at Rajghat, the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi. Later, Congress President Sonia Gandhi will administer an oath to leaders and workers "to redeem Gandhi, Gandhism and Gandhi's India".</p>

<p>Besides this, there are several events lined up to take place across the country.</p>

<p>To mark the special occasion, AIM, NITI Aayog's Atal Tinkering Labs (ATL) and UNICEF India, including Generation Unlimited, have launched 'The Gandhian Challenge'. This innovation challenge provides a platform for every child across India to ideate innovative solutions for a sustainable India of their dreams, using Gandhi's principles.</p>

<p>The winners of 'The Gandhian Challenge' will be awarded in New Delhi by NITI Aayog's Atal Innovation Mission and UNICEF on the occasion of Children's Day in November.</p>

<p>Several photo exhibitions have been organized in different cities to mark Mahatma Gandhi's 150th birth anniversary.</p>

<p>Vistara is celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi in a unique way with customers aboard select flights on October 2.</p>

<p>They will be invited to be part of the airline's initiative 'BE THE CHANGE @ 30,000 FEET' and write about a social change that they feel passionately about on a simple postcard, as per a company release.</p>


With a number of events lined up across the nation, India will be celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi today. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has extended its Gandhi Sankalp Yatra by a period of three months, according to a circular issued to the party leaders.

With a number of events lined up across the nation, India will be celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi today. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has extended its Gandhi Sankalp Yatra by a period of three months, according to a circular issued to the party leaders. As per the circular sent to the leaders, the Yatra will now be a 120-day exercise and will end on January 31, 2020, instead of October. Earlier, it was scheduled to be held between October 2 and 31. Under this, the BJP is planning to propagate Gandhi's ideals and principles of non-violence, Swaraj and simplicity to mark his 150th birth anniversary. Posters, banners, and kits for the programs to be held during the yatra will be directly sent to the state units from the party headquarters. According to the circular, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will kick-off this programme from Gujarat, simultaneously, with the other top leaders from the party who will start it from the BJP headquarters in New Delhi. All the party's Lok Sabha MPs have been instructed to be in their respective constituencies on October 2 for the start of the program. Prime Minister Modi will pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat. Later in the day, he will also visit Sabarmati Ashram and participate in Swachh Bharat Diwas 2019 program, according to a post on the official Twitter handle of BJP. Earlier, while talking to ANI, Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said that India has almost achieved the open defecation free (ODF) target and hoped that Prime Minister will declare India open defecation free today. On Tuesday, President Ram Nath Kovind said that the people of India have paid homage to the father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi, by taking up the Swachh Bharat Mission as a movement. "By taking up the 'Swachh Bharat Mission' as a movement, the people of India have paid homage to the father of the nation. Our nation's emphasis on inclusive growth, transparency, and honesty in public life, health-care support to the poor and farmers and effective utilization of water resources is in keeping with his thoughts," Kovind said. BJP president Amit Shah will launch the ruling party's 'Gandhi Sankalp Yatra' in New Delhi. On the other hand, Congress will mark the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi today by taking out "padayatra" across the country with senior leaders including Rahul Gandhi taking part in the march in New Delhi. The march in the national capital will start from Delhi Pradesh Congress office and culminate at Rajghat, the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi. Later, Congress President Sonia Gandhi will administer an oath to leaders and workers "to redeem Gandhi, Gandhism and Gandhi's India". Besides this, there are several events lined up to take place across the country. To mark the special occasion, AIM, NITI Aayog's Atal Tinkering Labs (ATL) and UNICEF India, including Generation Unlimited, have launched 'The Gandhian Challenge'. This innovation challenge provides a platform for every child across India to ideate innovative solutions for a sustainable India of their dreams, using Gandhi's principles. The winners of 'The Gandhian Challenge' will be awarded in New Delhi by NITI Aayog's Atal Innovation Mission and UNICEF on the occasion of Children's Day in November. Several photo exhibitions have been organized in different cities to mark Mahatma Gandhi's 150th birth anniversary. Vistara is celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi in a unique way with customers aboard select flights on October 2. They will be invited to be part of the airline's initiative 'BE THE CHANGE @ 30,000 FEET' and write about a social change that they feel passionately about on a simple postcard, as per a company release.

India celebrates 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi today

<p>Gujarat ranks as top state in 2017-18 in the Composite Water Management Index (CWMI 2.0) report released on Friday with 80 per cent of states assessed on the Index over the last three years showing improved water management scores, an official release said.</p>

<p>The report was released on Friday by Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Niti Aayog Vice Chairman Rajiv Kumar.</p>

<p>CWMI 2.0 ranks various states for the reference year 2017-18 as against the base year 2016-17.</p>

<p>"Gujarat (continues) to hold on to its rank one in the reference year (2017-18), followed by Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Goa, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu," the release said.</p>

<p>It said that among northeastern and Himalayan states, Himachal Pradesh has been adjudged first in 2017-18 followed by Uttarakhand, Tripura and Assam.</p>

<p>The release said that Union Territories have first time submitted their data and Puducherry has been declared as the top ranker.</p>

<p>"In terms of incremental change in index (over 2016-17 level), Haryana holds number one position among general states and Uttarakhand amongst northeastern and Himalayan states," it said.</p>

<p>"On an average, 80 per cent of the states assessed on the Index over the last three years have improved their water management scores, with an average improvement of +5.2 points," the release said.</p>

<p>It said that scientific management of water is increasingly recognised as being vital to India's growth and ecosystem sustainability.</p>

<p>Niti Aayog first launched and conceptualised the Composite Water Management Index in 2018 as a tool to instil a sense of cooperative and competitive federalism among the states. It was a first-ever attempt at creating a pan-India set of metrics that measured different dimensions of water management and use across the lifecycle of water.</p>

<p>"The report was widely acknowledged and provided actionable guidance to states on where they were doing well absolutely and relatively and what they needed to focus on to secure their water future," the release said.</p>

<p>The CWMI, it said, was an important tool to assess and improve the performance of states and Union Territories in the efficient management of water resources.</p>


Gujarat ranks as top state in 2017-18 in the Composite Water Management Index (CWMI 2.0) report released on Friday with 80 per cent of states assessed on the Index over the last three years showing improved water management scores, an official release said.

Gujarat ranks as top state in 2017-18 in the Composite Water Management Index (CWMI 2.0) report released on Friday with 80 per cent of states assessed on the Index over the last three years showing improved water management scores, an official release said. The report was released on Friday by Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Niti Aayog Vice Chairman Rajiv Kumar. CWMI 2.0 ranks various states for the reference year 2017-18 as against the base year 2016-17. "Gujarat (continues) to hold on to its rank one in the reference year (2017-18), followed by Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Goa, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu," the release said. It said that among northeastern and Himalayan states, Himachal Pradesh has been adjudged first in 2017-18 followed by Uttarakhand, Tripura and Assam. The release said that Union Territories have first time submitted their data and Puducherry has been declared as the top ranker. "In terms of incremental change in index (over 2016-17 level), Haryana holds number one position among general states and Uttarakhand amongst northeastern and Himalayan states," it said. "On an average, 80 per cent of the states assessed on the Index over the last three years have improved their water management scores, with an average improvement of +5.2 points," the release said. It said that scientific management of water is increasingly recognised as being vital to India's growth and ecosystem sustainability. Niti Aayog first launched and conceptualised the Composite Water Management Index in 2018 as a tool to instil a sense of cooperative and competitive federalism among the states. It was a first-ever attempt at creating a pan-India set of metrics that measured different dimensions of water management and use across the lifecycle of water. "The report was widely acknowledged and provided actionable guidance to states on where they were doing well absolutely and relatively and what they needed to focus on to secure their water future," the release said. The CWMI, it said, was an important tool to assess and improve the performance of states and Union Territories in the efficient management of water resources.

Gujarat ranked first in composite water management index

<p>A bill which seeks to provide uniform safety procedures for specified dams in the country was introduced in the Lok Sabha on Monday.</p>

<p>The Dam Safety Bill, 2019 was introduced by Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat who said that 92 per cent of the dams in the country were inter-state and there was need for such a legislation.</p>

<p>The introduction of the bill was opposed by several opposition members who said that water and land are state subjects and the bill had been brought without proper consultation with states.</p>

<p>The bill entails the creation of the National Dam Safety Authority as a regulatory body, which will implement the policy, guidelines, and standards on dam safety in the country.</p>

<p>State committee on dam safety will be set up by the state governments. Every state will also set up a State Dam Safety Organisation.</p>

<p>A national committee on dam safety will be set up to evolve safety policies and recommend necessary regulations.</p>

<p>The bill seeks to address all issues concerning dam safety including regular inspection of dams, emergency action plan, adequate repair and maintenance funds, and instrumentation and the safety manuals.</p>

<p>The bill lays onus of dam safety on the dam owner and provides for penal provisions for commission and omission of certain acts.</p>

<p>Leader of the Congress party in Lok Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said that the bill focuses on structural and not on operational safety.</p>


A bill which seeks to provide uniform safety procedures for specified dams in the country was introduced in the Lok Sabha on Monday. The Dam Safety Bill, 2019 was introduced by Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat who said that 92 per cent of the dams in the country were inter-state and there was need for such a legislation.

A bill which seeks to provide uniform safety procedures for specified dams in the country was introduced in the Lok Sabha on Monday. The Dam Safety Bill, 2019 was introduced by Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat who said that 92 per cent of the dams in the country were inter-state and there was need for such a legislation. The introduction of the bill was opposed by several opposition members who said that water and land are state subjects and the bill had been brought without proper consultation with states. The bill entails the creation of the National Dam Safety Authority as a regulatory body, which will implement the policy, guidelines, and standards on dam safety in the country. State committee on dam safety will be set up by the state governments. Every state will also set up a State Dam Safety Organisation. A national committee on dam safety will be set up to evolve safety policies and recommend necessary regulations. The bill seeks to address all issues concerning dam safety including regular inspection of dams, emergency action plan, adequate repair and maintenance funds, and instrumentation and the safety manuals. The bill lays onus of dam safety on the dam owner and provides for penal provisions for commission and omission of certain acts. Leader of the Congress party in Lok Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said that the bill focuses on structural and not on operational safety.

Bill on dam safety introduced in Lok Sabha

<p>The government is planning to conduct a competition among states to encourage water conservation, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said on Tuesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The states that will perform better will get more funds from the Centre, he said. The plan was discussed at BJP`s parliamentary party meeting held at the Parliament on Tuesday morning.</p>

<p>Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Joshi said: "There will be a healthy competition among the states. The states that will perform well in terms of water conservation will get more funds."Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat gave a presentation to the BJP MPs on how they can contribute towards water conservation in their respective constituencies.</p>

<p>Joshi also said that the government will promote the competition at block-level to ensure that "every drop of water is utilised".</p>

<p>The government`s plan to ensure drinking water to every household was also discussed at the meeting.</p>

<p>Joshi said that Home Minister Amit Shah briefed MPs about the celebration of 150 years of Mahatma Gandhi`s birth anniversary and on tree plantation at booth level.</p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not speak at the meeting, he said.</p>


The government is planning to conduct a competition among states to encourage water conservation, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said on Tuesday. The states that will perform better will get more funds from the Centre, he said.

The government is planning to conduct a competition among states to encourage water conservation, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said on Tuesday. The states that will perform better will get more funds from the Centre, he said. The plan was discussed at BJP`s parliamentary party meeting held at the Parliament on Tuesday morning. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Joshi said: "There will be a healthy competition among the states. The states that will perform well in terms of water conservation will get more funds."Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat gave a presentation to the BJP MPs on how they can contribute towards water conservation in their respective constituencies. Joshi also said that the government will promote the competition at block-level to ensure that "every drop of water is utilised". The government`s plan to ensure drinking water to every household was also discussed at the meeting. Joshi said that Home Minister Amit Shah briefed MPs about the celebration of 150 years of Mahatma Gandhi`s birth anniversary and on tree plantation at booth level. Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not speak at the meeting, he said.

Government planning competition among states to encourage water conservation

<p>In the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-20-rajnath-singh-is-defence-minister-amit-shah-home-nirmala-sitharaman-gets-finace-223084">portfolio allocation</a>, which was announced on Friday, a new ministry, Jal Shakti, has been introduced, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s poll promise of providing safe drinking water to people.</p>

<p>Member of Parliament from Jodhpur, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/gajendra-singh-shekhawat-jodhpur-mp-who-gave-gehlot-the-blues-222945">Gajendra Singh Shekhawat</a>, who defeated the son of Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot, will head the Jal Shakti Ministry. It has been created by reorganising the earlier Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, which was held by Nitin Gadkari in the previous government.</p>

<p>Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation has also been added to it. During an election rally in Tamil Nadu, Modi last month had assured that if voted back to power, his government would ensure the establishment of a separate Jal Shakti Ministry.</p>

<p>"After May 23, when the Modi Government will once again assume office, there will be a separate Ministry for Jal Shakti. This Ministry will cater to many aspects relating to water," Prime Minister Modi had said.</p>

<p>"The NDA govt had devoted a lot of attention to Water resources. There will be a separate ministry for Jal Shakti to ensure clean water and top class irrigation water facilities for the farmers," he added.BJP's manifesto had also promised to set up a unified Ministry of Water to end the water woes in the country.</p>

<p>From April to July every year, the water situation in at least eight states in the country is grim. The Centre recently issued a drought advisory to Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu, asking them to use water judiciously in the coming weeks as water storage in dams dropped to a critical level.</p>

<p>With almost all of rural India depending on monsoon rain for agriculture and domestic purpose, there is a desperate need for water management on a war footing.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch: Modi 2.0 cabinet portfolios announced: Nirmala gets Finance, Amit Shah takes Home</strong></p>

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In the portfolio allocation, which was announced on Friday, a new ministry, Jal Shakti, has been introduced, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s poll promise of providing safe drinking water to people.

In the portfolio allocation, which was announced on Friday, a new ministry, Jal Shakti, has been introduced, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s poll promise of providing safe drinking water to people. Member of Parliament from Jodhpur, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, who defeated the son of Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot, will head the Jal Shakti Ministry. It has been created by reorganising the earlier Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, which was held by Nitin Gadkari in the previous government. Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation has also been added to it. During an election rally in Tamil Nadu, Modi last month had assured that if voted back to power, his government would ensure the establishment of a separate Jal Shakti Ministry. "After May 23, when the Modi Government will once again assume office, there will be a separate Ministry for Jal Shakti. This Ministry will cater to many aspects relating to water," Prime Minister Modi had said. "The NDA govt had devoted a lot of attention to Water resources. There will be a separate ministry for Jal Shakti to ensure clean water and top class irrigation water facilities for the farmers," he added.BJP's manifesto had also promised to set up a unified Ministry of Water to end the water woes in the country. From April to July every year, the water situation in at least eight states in the country is grim. The Centre recently issued a drought advisory to Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu, asking them to use water judiciously in the coming weeks as water storage in dams dropped to a critical level. With almost all of rural India depending on monsoon rain for agriculture and domestic purpose, there is a desperate need for water management on a war footing. Watch: Modi 2.0 cabinet portfolios announced: Nirmala gets Finance, Amit Shah takes Home ×

As promised, PM Narendra Modi forms Jal Shakti ministry

<p>After defeating Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot's son from the high-stakes Jodhpur seat, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat appeared set to get his second stint in the Union ministry.</p>

<p>Shekhawat was first elected to the Lok Sabha from Jodhpur in 2014 and was made the minister of state for agriculture and farmers' welfare in September 2017. On Thursday, he was sworn-in as a cabinet minister.</p>

<p>As an MP, Shekhawat contributed to the development of the civil airport of Jodhpur city, which is also known as the 'blue city', and expansion of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences.</p>

<p>The 51-year-old had defeated Ashok Gehlot's son Vaibhav Gehlot in Jodhpur by over 2.7 lakh votes. The chief minister had represented the&nbsp;<br />
constituency five times since 1980.</p>

<p>"This election is about government versus workers and common people. It is an election between the CM's son and a common man's son," Shekhawat had told PTI during the election campaign.</p>

<p>Known for his oratory skills and popular in his constituency, Shekhawat is often fondly referred to as "Gajju banna".</p>

<p>The two-time MP had strained relations with former chief minister Vasundhara Raje. Shekhawat was once in the running for the post of the BJP's state president. But, amid strong opposition from Raje, he lost out to Madan Lal Saini.</p>

<p>The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, however, was appointed as the convener of the election committee for the assembly election.</p>

<p>Shekhawat made his debut in politics as the president of the Jai Narain Vyas University student union in 1992. He remained closely associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh in the region, especially in the border areas of Barmer and Jaisalmer.&nbsp;</p>


After defeating Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot's son from the high-stakes Jodhpur seat, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat appeared set to get his second stint in the Union ministry.

After defeating Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot's son from the high-stakes Jodhpur seat, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat appeared set to get his second stint in the Union ministry. Shekhawat was first elected to the Lok Sabha from Jodhpur in 2014 and was made the minister of state for agriculture and farmers' welfare in September 2017. On Thursday, he was sworn-in as a cabinet minister. As an MP, Shekhawat contributed to the development of the civil airport of Jodhpur city, which is also known as the 'blue city', and expansion of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences. The 51-year-old had defeated Ashok Gehlot's son Vaibhav Gehlot in Jodhpur by over 2.7 lakh votes. The chief minister had represented the constituency five times since 1980. "This election is about government versus workers and common people. It is an election between the CM's son and a common man's son," Shekhawat had told PTI during the election campaign. Known for his oratory skills and popular in his constituency, Shekhawat is often fondly referred to as "Gajju banna". The two-time MP had strained relations with former chief minister Vasundhara Raje. Shekhawat was once in the running for the post of the BJP's state president. But, amid strong opposition from Raje, he lost out to Madan Lal Saini. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, however, was appointed as the convener of the election committee for the assembly election. Shekhawat made his debut in politics as the president of the Jai Narain Vyas University student union in 1992. He remained closely associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh in the region, especially in the border areas of Barmer and Jaisalmer.

Gajendra Singh Shekhawat: Jodhpur MP who gave Gehlot the 'blues'

<p>Ahead of ticket distribution in poll-bound Rajasthan, Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Tuesday accused the Congress of selling election tickets for money.</p>

<p>"<em>Naam bade kaam khote, ticket ke liye lete hai daam mote</em> (Big names involved in lowly deeds. They charge hefty sums for election tickets)," Shekhawat said at a press conference in Jaipur.</p>

<p>The Congress, however, rubbished the allegations, with its state unit in-charge Sachin Pilot blaming opponents for conspiring against the party.</p>

<p>"The allegations of discrimination in adding the names of candidates are baseless. All office bearers are working actively and doing hard work. The allegations related to ticket distribution in the media are baseless," he told reporters.</p>

<p>Briefing about the BJP's door-to-door campaign, Union Minister of State for Agriculture Shekhawat said party workers had communicated the BJP's views at 42,688 out of the total 51,844 booths during its "Booth Mahasampark Abhiyan" and reached out to nearly 70 lakh families.</p>

<p>He said that the party would hold direct talks with the people across the state from November 8 to 11.</p>


Ahead of ticket distribution in poll-bound Rajasthan, Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Tuesday accused the Congress of selling election tickets for money.

Ahead of ticket distribution in poll-bound Rajasthan, Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Tuesday accused the Congress of selling election tickets for money. "Naam bade kaam khote, ticket ke liye lete hai daam mote (Big names involved in lowly deeds. They charge hefty sums for election tickets)," Shekhawat said at a press conference in Jaipur. The Congress, however, rubbished the allegations, with its state unit in-charge Sachin Pilot blaming opponents for conspiring against the party. "The allegations of discrimination in adding the names of candidates are baseless. All office bearers are working actively and doing hard work. The allegations related to ticket distribution in the media are baseless," he told reporters. Briefing about the BJP's door-to-door campaign, Union Minister of State for Agriculture Shekhawat said party workers had communicated the BJP's views at 42,688 out of the total 51,844 booths during its "Booth Mahasampark Abhiyan" and reached out to nearly 70 lakh families. He said that the party would hold direct talks with the people across the state from November 8 to 11.

Rajasthan elections: Union minister Shekhawat accuses Congress of selling election tickets

<p>Senior BJP leader Gajendra Singh Shekhawat Saturday said the feedback of party workers would play a crucial role in selection of candidates for the assembly elections in Rajasthan.</p>

<p>Shekhawat, who is heading the party's election management committee in the state, said the party's parliamentary committee will decide the final candidates. He said his committee was tasked to prepare a feedback report on winnable candidates.</p>

<p>"The party workers' opinion and feedback will be considered before finalising the tickets," the union minister of state for agriculture told reporters here.</p>

<p>He said the party has stated that the elections will be fought under the leadership of Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje.</p>

<p>When asked whether sitting MPs would contest the elections, Shekhawat said if the party directed so he or any other MP would contest the polls.</p>

<p>Speaking on the Ram temple issue, Shekhawat said the issue was related to public sentiment and that the party was committed to construct the temple but the Supreme Court's decision would be most important.</p>


Senior BJP leader Gajendra Singh Shekhawat Saturday said the feedback of party workers would play a crucial role in selection of candidates for the assembly elections in Rajasthan.

Senior BJP leader Gajendra Singh Shekhawat Saturday said the feedback of party workers would play a crucial role in selection of candidates for the assembly elections in Rajasthan. Shekhawat, who is heading the party's election management committee in the state, said the party's parliamentary committee will decide the final candidates. He said his committee was tasked to prepare a feedback report on winnable candidates. "The party workers' opinion and feedback will be considered before finalising the tickets," the union minister of state for agriculture told reporters here. He said the party has stated that the elections will be fought under the leadership of Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje. When asked whether sitting MPs would contest the elections, Shekhawat said if the party directed so he or any other MP would contest the polls. Speaking on the Ram temple issue, Shekhawat said the issue was related to public sentiment and that the party was committed to construct the temple but the Supreme Court's decision would be most important.

Party workers' feedback crucial in selection of candidates for Rajasthan polls: Senior BJP leader

<p>Nine new ministers will be inducted into the Cabinet today, reports ANI.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FLASH?src=hash">#FLASH</a>: Nine new ministers will be inducted into cabinet tomorrow</p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/904006339189284866">September 2, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>The nine new ministers are Shiv Pratap Shukla from UP, Ashwini Kumar Choubey and RK Singh from Bihar, Virendra Kumar from Madhya Pradesh, Anantkumar Hedge from Karnataka, the former IFS officer Hardeep Singh Puri, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat from Rajasthan, and Satya Pal Singh and Alphons Kannanthaman from Kerala.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Have always fulfilled responsibilities the party leadership gave me. Thank PM, Amit Shah&amp;senior leaders:Virendra Kumar, BJP <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CabinetResuffle?src=hash">#CabinetResuffle</a> <a href="https://t.co/zsHjp8irBN">pic.twitter.com/zsHjp8irBN</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/904019149977935874">September 2, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">Agar shaamil hote toh zyaada achha hota, Bihar ke liye achha hota: Kaushalendra Kumar,JDU MP on JDU leaders <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CabinetResuffle?src=hash">#CabinetResuffle</a> <a href="https://t.co/P3FZkZKVZS">pic.twitter.com/P3FZkZKVZS</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/904017198510817280">September 2, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-talk-of-jdu-joining-union-cabinet-nitish-kumar-19798" target="_blank">Also read:&nbsp;No talks of JD(U) joining Union Cabinet: Nitish Kumar</a></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modis-new-team-has-been-rated-on-a-performance-excel-sheet-report-19781" target="_blank">Also read: How will PM Modi choose </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modis-new-team-has-been-rated-on-a-performance-excel-sheet-report-19781" target="_blank">new</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modis-new-team-has-been-rated-on-a-performance-excel-sheet-report-19781" target="_blank"> council of ministers? An excel sheet</a></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I have not been officially informed, but whatever is party and PM&#39;s decision I am ready for it:Satyapal Singh.BJP on being inducted tomorrow <a href="https://t.co/j9IcnVW8b9">pic.twitter.com/j9IcnVW8b9</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/904012242546331651">September 2, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CabinetReshuffle?src=hash">#CabinetReshuffle</a> BJP MP Satyapal Singh to take oath tomorrow; Visuals of celebration at his house in Delhi. <a href="https://t.co/32pFDYOuoo">pic.twitter.com/32pFDYOuoo</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/904013432898195456">September 2, 2017</a></blockquote>
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The Cabinet reshuffle is expected to take place on Sunday at 10 am

Nine new ministers will be inducted into the Cabinet today, reports ANI. #FLASH: Nine new ministers will be inducted into cabinet tomorrow — ANI (@ANI) September 2, 2017 × The nine new ministers are Shiv Pratap Shukla from UP, Ashwini Kumar Choubey and RK Singh from Bihar, Virendra Kumar from Madhya Pradesh, Anantkumar Hedge from Karnataka, the former IFS officer Hardeep Singh Puri, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat from Rajasthan, and Satya Pal Singh and Alphons Kannanthaman from Kerala. Have always fulfilled responsibilities the party leadership gave me. Thank PM, Amit Shah&senior leaders:Virendra Kumar, BJP #CabinetResuffle pic.twitter.com/zsHjp8irBN — ANI (@ANI) September 2, 2017 × Agar shaamil hote toh zyaada achha hota, Bihar ke liye achha hota: Kaushalendra Kumar,JDU MP on JDU leaders #CabinetResuffle pic.twitter.com/P3FZkZKVZS — ANI (@ANI) September 2, 2017 × Also read: No talks of JD(U) joining Union Cabinet: Nitish Kumar Also read: How will PM Modi choose new council of ministers? An excel sheet I have not been officially informed, but whatever is party and PM's decision I am ready for it:Satyapal Singh.BJP on being inducted tomorrow pic.twitter.com/j9IcnVW8b9 — ANI (@ANI) September 2, 2017 × #CabinetReshuffle BJP MP Satyapal Singh to take oath tomorrow; Visuals of celebration at his house in Delhi. pic.twitter.com/32pFDYOuoo — ANI (@ANI) September 2, 2017 ×

Cabinet reshuffle: 9 new ministers to be inducted today, say sources

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