#Gravitas | Multiple universities across India have announced menstrual leave for students. Will workplaces also follow suit?

Gravitas: Period leave: Why it is necessary?

With 48 seats, the Indian state of Maharashtra sends the second-most number of lawmakers to the lower house of parliament. But the western Indian state is also a powerhouse, driving India's global ambitions. On Pollnomics today, we look at the state of Maharashtra's economy and why it matters to India's political economy.

Maharashtra has the largest state GDP in India at $435 BN

In an apparent attempt to entice Indian tourists back to the Maldives, a prominent tourism organization has announced that it will organize road shows in important Indian towns. Watch to know more.

Maldives to hold road shows in India to woo tourists back

India's electric vehicle ambitions are all set to get a tesla-level boost. Elon Musk has confirmed that he will soon visit India and meet PM Narendra Modi. Reports suggest he is expected to make an announcement on investment and a factory in the country.

Elon Musk takes to 'X' to confirm his meeting with Indian PM Narendra Modi

The Indian pet care industry has entered a period of rapid growth driven by several converging trends. With pet ownership rising, especially among urban millennials and double-income households, the market for pet food, veterinary services and pet care products in India reached an estimated Rs. 4,000 crore in 2022. What are the factors which is helping shape this new booming industry? Take a look at this report for more!

India's pet industry unleash billion dollar market

Indian pet care market to reach $2.5 billion by 2025

Thirty years of the Rwanda genocide were marked in Delhi through a ceremony. The ceremony was led by Rwanda's High Commissioner, Jacqueline Mukangira.

30 years of Rwanda Genocide ceremony takes place in Delhi

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday extended his greetings to Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, the government and the people of the archipelago nation on the occasion of the Muslim festival of Eid-al-Fitr.

Indian PM Modi extends wishes to Maldives President Muizzu on Eid

Alarm is growing over Chinese belligerence in the Indo-Pacific and India is playing a key role in helping uphold the international rules-based order amid rising geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific. Several Nations have assessed that the risk of conflict is indeed increasing defence budgets have surged.

Breaking News | US lauds India's role in the Indo-Pacific

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the stable relation between India and China is important not just for the two nations, but for the entire region and world. He urges urgent resolution to border dispute.

PM Modi: Urgent need to address prolonged India-China border dispute

Indian PM Modi says ties with China 'important', urgent need to address border tensions

India is sending military representatives, known as defence attachés, to several new countries, including some in Africa, Poland, Armenia, and the Philippines. This comes amid the dynamic situation faced by India in the Indo-Pacific, Red Sea-Indian Ocean and Eurasia.

India is increasing its military involvement in the African nation and wants to build stronger strategic relationship&nbsp;as China is becoming more active in the region.

<h2>What’s a defence attaché?</h2>

A defence attaché is a member of the armed forces serving at an embassy as a “representative of his/her country’s defence establishment abroad and in this capacity enjoys diplomatic status and immunity,” according to the Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces (DCAF) piece.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/elon-musk-takes-to-x-to-confirm-his-meeting-with-indian-pm-narendra-modi-710019">Also read |&nbsp;Encounter underway in Kashmir's Pulwama district, police say one terrorist killed</a>

Typically, defense attachés focus on bilateral military and defense relations. According to an article by DCAF, some countries also appoint attachés to handle security issues like migration or matters concerning police and justice.

Additionally, Livemint reported that defence attachés play a role in fostering communication and collaboration between their home country's armed forces and the military of the host nation.

India has begun sending defence attachés to several new countries while reportedly reducing military personnel at its missions in other nations.

According to government sources cited by the Times of India (TOI), around 15-16 new attaches from the Indian Navy, the Indian Air Force (IAF), and the Indian Army are being assigned to Poland, the Philippines, Armenia, as well as African countries like Tanzania, Mozambique, Djibouti, Ethiopia, and Ivory Coast.

This shift follows a streamlining effort that involved reducing the number of military officials at other major missions in Russia, the United Kingdom, and France, as per the newspaper report.

Also watch |&nbsp;India to send defence attaché to African states, Armenia &amp; Philippines

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“Some of them have already joined their new posts. In the next phase, 10 entirely new defence wings will be created in different countries, with a particular focus on nations to which arms can be exported,” a source told&nbsp;TOI.

New Delhi plans to strengthen its strategic relation&nbsp;with these countries and boost arms exports. The military officers freed up from the streamlining process will be reassigned to countries with increased importance in defence and security cooperation.

(With inputs from agencies)

India is sending military representatives, known as defence attachés, to several new countries, including some in Africa, Poland, Armenia, and the Philippines. This comes amid the dynamic situation faced by India in the Indo-Pacific, Red Sea-Indian Ocean and Eurasia.

India is sending military representatives, known as defence attachés, to several new countries, including some in Africa, Poland, Armenia, and the Philippines. This comes amid the dynamic situation faced by India in the Indo-Pacific, Red Sea-Indian Ocean and Eurasia. India is increasing its military involvement in the African nation and wants to build stronger strategic relationship as China is becoming more active in the region. What’s a defence attaché? A defence attaché is a member of the armed forces serving at an embassy as a “representative of his/her country’s defence establishment abroad and in this capacity enjoys diplomatic status and immunity,” according to the Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces (DCAF) piece. Also read | Encounter underway in Kashmir's Pulwama district, police say one terrorist killed Typically, defense attachés focus on bilateral military and defense relations. According to an article by DCAF, some countries also appoint attachés to handle security issues like migration or matters concerning police and justice. Additionally, Livemint reported that defence attachés play a role in fostering communication and collaboration between their home country's armed forces and the military of the host nation. India has begun sending defence attachés to several new countries while reportedly reducing military personnel at its missions in other nations. According to government sources cited by the Times of India (TOI), around 15-16 new attaches from the Indian Navy, the Indian Air Force (IAF), and the Indian Army are being assigned to Poland, the Philippines, Armenia, as well as African countries like Tanzania, Mozambique, Djibouti, Ethiopia, and Ivory Coast. This shift follows a streamlining effort that involved reducing the number of military officials at other major missions in Russia, the United Kingdom, and France, as per the newspaper report. Also watch | India to send defence attaché to African states, Armenia & Philippines “Some of them have already joined their new posts. In the next phase, 10 entirely new defence wings will be created in different countries, with a particular focus on nations to which arms can be exported,” a source told TOI. New Delhi plans to strengthen its strategic relation with these countries and boost arms exports. The military officers freed up from the streamlining process will be reassigned to countries with increased importance in defence and security cooperation. (With inputs from agencies)

In a first, India sends defence attachés to African nations, Armenia, Philippines. What's behind the move?

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday extended his greetings to Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, the government and the people of the archipelago nation on the occasion of the Muslim festival of Eid-al-Fitr. Watch in for more details!

Indian PM Modi wishes Maldives President Muizzu on Eid Al-Fitr

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke at two public gatherings in preparation for the Lok Sabha elections: one in Karauli-Dholpur, Rajasthan, and another at an election rally in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand.

Lok Sabha Election 2024: PM Modi campaigns in Uttarakhand, Rajasthan

In the IPL, a lot comes down to how a team handles the pressure situations in the end overs as many games are decided on the last ball, or in the final over. Here is a list of teams with most IPL wins under their belt by 1 or 2 runs...Watch in for more details

IPL 2024: Teams with most IPL matches won by 1 or 2 runs

India is broadening its military footprint. India will soon deploy defence attaché in some African states & other nations. This marks a significant shift in India's strategic approach to bolstering ties with key regions.

India to send defence attaché to African states, Armenia & Philippines

In India the Karnataka high court has squashed a notification by Center which effectively bans 23 dog breeds. The order bans the import breeding and selling of breeds that are deemed 'ferocious.' Watch in for more details!

India: Karnataka High Court quashes centre's circular on banning of dog breeds

China’s assertive posture in the Indo-Pacific region has raised global security concerns. Beijing is resorting to assertive use of its economic might and military coercion by advancing unlawful maritime claims and threatening maritime shipping lanes. China seeks to undermine the rules-based order; and now, US has lauded India's key role in preventing a revisionist challenge of the status quo.

US lauds India's role in Indo-Pacific and Indian Ocean

India-China need to urgently address border issues, says PM Modi

Despite Regional tensions India and the United Arab Emirates are moving ahead with the India Middle East Europe Economic Corridor initiative. A senior official meeting is scheduled for the 15th of May to establish protocols for the first stage of the project.

India-UAE lead trade corridor discussions

Two youngsters, each aged 18, a businessman, a senior citizen and a fisherman led by acclaimed scuba diving instructor SB Aravind Tharunsri&nbsp;submerged themselves into the depths of the sea off the coast of Chennai. Why? The world's biggest democracy is in the middle of a heated election summer with about 97 million eligible voters set to seal their electoral verdict inside Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) starting April 19.&nbsp;

The six divers went nearly sixty feet underwater in Neelankarai in Chennai to promote voter awareness ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

The divers took with them a mock Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) and placards showing messages related to the importance of casting their vote

Speaking to WION,&nbsp;SB Aravind Tharunsri&nbsp;director of Puducherry-based Temple Adventure, said, "The idea behind doing all this 60 feet deep into the sea was to put out that even if you want to cast your vote on the NOTA, come to the polling booth and do that. But you have to come to the polling booth."

Indian voters cast their vote through Electronic Voting Machines. The voters press the key in front of their chosen candidate, and the one with the most number of votes is declared the winner. None of the Above, abbreviated as NOTA, has been provided as an option to the voters in elections since 2013. The voters have the option to press NOTA in case they do not wish to vote for any of the candidates.

A video capturing the campaign shows one of the divers talking about the importance of voting. "We organised a voter awareness programme to show that casting a vote is our duty and right."&nbsp;

Also watch |&nbsp;India elections: Meet the richest candidates

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Tharunsri's innovative approach aimed to engage citizens in an impactful manner, and netizens have showered praise on the initiative on social media.

The Lok Sabha elections, scheduled to be held in seven phases from April 19 to June 1, will see voters across the country exercise their democratic rights. With nearly 970 million eligible voters, this will be the world's largest election exercise.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/india-news/business-economy/6-side-effects-of-ginger-that-are-dangerous-1708942941735">Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Seating Pretty With Opposition?</a>

With initiatives like the underwater voter awareness campaign, individuals and organisations are striving to ensure maximum participation in the electoral process.

Two youngsters, each aged 18, a businessman, a senior citizen and a fisherman led by acclaimed scuba diving instructor SB Aravind Tharunsri submerged themselves into the depths of the sea off the coast of Chennai.

Two youngsters, each aged 18, a businessman, a senior citizen and a fisherman led by acclaimed scuba diving instructor SB Aravind Tharunsri submerged themselves into the depths of the sea off the coast of Chennai. Why? The world's biggest democracy is in the middle of a heated election summer with about 97 million eligible voters set to seal their electoral verdict inside Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) starting April 19. The six divers went nearly sixty feet underwater in Neelankarai in Chennai to promote voter awareness ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The divers took with them a mock Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) and placards showing messages related to the importance of casting their vote Speaking to WION, SB Aravind Tharunsri director of Puducherry-based Temple Adventure, said, "The idea behind doing all this 60 feet deep into the sea was to put out that even if you want to cast your vote on the NOTA, come to the polling booth and do that. But you have to come to the polling booth." Indian voters cast their vote through Electronic Voting Machines. The voters press the key in front of their chosen candidate, and the one with the most number of votes is declared the winner. None of the Above, abbreviated as NOTA, has been provided as an option to the voters in elections since 2013. The voters have the option to press NOTA in case they do not wish to vote for any of the candidates. A video capturing the campaign shows one of the divers talking about the importance of voting. "We organised a voter awareness programme to show that casting a vote is our duty and right." Also watch | India elections: Meet the richest candidates × Tharunsri's innovative approach aimed to engage citizens in an impactful manner, and netizens have showered praise on the initiative on social media. The Lok Sabha elections, scheduled to be held in seven phases from April 19 to June 1, will see voters across the country exercise their democratic rights. With nearly 970 million eligible voters, this will be the world's largest election exercise. Also read | Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Seating Pretty With Opposition? With initiatives like the underwater voter awareness campaign, individuals and organisations are striving to ensure maximum participation in the electoral process.

Indian divers take voting awareness campaign to the depths of sea

#Gravitas | India's engagement with the Taliban regime in Afghanistan is starting to bear fruit. In a further effort to engage with India, the Taliban regime is undertaking policy efforts to return private land to displaced Hindu and Sikh minorities in the country.

Gravitas: Taliban Restores Land Illegally Taken by Warlords to Displaced Afghan Hindus and Sikhs

Eid-ul-Fitr 2024: The moon sighting ritual holds deep significance in Islamic tradition, marking the conclusion of the holy month of Ramadan. Families and communities come together to break their fast, offer prayers, and partake in joyous festivities that symbolise unity and gratitude.

The timing of Eid celebrations hinges on sighting the Shawwal crescent moon. Saudi Arabia, UAE and Qatar have announced that Eid will be on April 10. However, the crescent moon wasn't seen in Delhi, Hyderabad, and Lucknow so Eid festivities are expected to be set for April 11 in these cities.

Also read|

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eclipse-flight-turns-into-a-flop-show-passengers-pay-1000-for-no-sight-of-cosmic-event-709640">'Eclipse flight' turns into a flop show! Passengers paid over $1,000 for no sight of cosmic event</a>

Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations are set to commence in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh on Wednesday as the crescent moon has been sighted, as announced by the Grand Mufti of Jammu and Kashmir. Similarly, in Ladakh, the Jammiat-ul-Ulama Isna Ashria in Kargil has confirmed the sighting of the crescent, proclaiming the Eid-ul-Fitr celebration for April 10, 2024. Meanwhile, in Kerala, clerics including Sayyid Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal, Jifri Muthukkoya Thangal, and Kanthapuram A P Aboobacker Musliyar confirmed the moon sighting on Tuesday, establishing the Eid celebration date for the state.

This reaffirms the global practice of Eid-ul-Fitr being celebrated on different days based on the sighting of the crescent moon.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/eid-al-fitr-2024-moon-sighted-in-kashmir-kerala-but-most-indian-muslims-to-celebrate-festival-on-april-11-709553">Eid al-Fitr&nbsp;2024: Moon sighted in Kashmir and Kerala but most Indian Muslims to celebrate festival on April 11</a>

&nbsp; As Muslims eagerly await Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations, they rely on spotting the crescent moon to set the date. Even with a delay in some places, their strong sense of togetherness and hope for a day of blessings, togetherness, and spiritual growth remains unwavering.

<h2>Eid-ul-Fitr 2024: Quotes&nbsp;</h2>

1. It's time to celebrate the triumphs of faith, the joy of family, and the blessings of community."

2. "As the crescent moon graces the sky, let us rejoice in the spirit of Eid-ul-Fitr and cherish the moments of togetherness with loved ones."

3. "Eid-ul-Fitr reminds us of the importance of gratitude, compassion, and generosity as we mark the end of Ramadan's spiritual journey."

4. "May the blessings of Eid-ul-Fitr illuminate your path, fill your life with happiness, and bring peace to your heart."

5. "On this special day of Eid-ul-Fitr, let us embrace the diversity of humanity, spread love, and foster unity in our communities." 
&nbsp;

Eid-ul-Fitr 2024: The moon sighting ritual holds deep significance in Islamic tradition, marking the conclusion of the holy month of Ramadan. Families and communities come together to break their fast, offer prayers, and partake in joyous festivities that symbolise unity and gratitude.

Eid-ul-Fitr 2024: The moon sighting ritual holds deep significance in Islamic tradition, marking the conclusion of the holy month of Ramadan. Families and communities come together to break their fast, offer prayers, and partake in joyous festivities that symbolise unity and gratitude. The timing of Eid celebrations hinges on sighting the Shawwal crescent moon. Saudi Arabia, UAE and Qatar have announced that Eid will be on April 10. However, the crescent moon wasn't seen in Delhi, Hyderabad, and Lucknow so Eid festivities are expected to be set for April 11 in these cities. Also read| 'Eclipse flight' turns into a flop show! Passengers paid over $1,000 for no sight of cosmic event Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations are set to commence in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh on Wednesday as the crescent moon has been sighted, as announced by the Grand Mufti of Jammu and Kashmir. Similarly, in Ladakh, the Jammiat-ul-Ulama Isna Ashria in Kargil has confirmed the sighting of the crescent, proclaiming the Eid-ul-Fitr celebration for April 10, 2024. Meanwhile, in Kerala, clerics including Sayyid Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal, Jifri Muthukkoya Thangal, and Kanthapuram A P Aboobacker Musliyar confirmed the moon sighting on Tuesday, establishing the Eid celebration date for the state. This reaffirms the global practice of Eid-ul-Fitr being celebrated on different days based on the sighting of the crescent moon. Also read| Eid al-Fitr 2024: Moon sighted in Kashmir and Kerala but most Indian Muslims to celebrate festival on April 11 As Muslims eagerly await Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations, they rely on spotting the crescent moon to set the date. Even with a delay in some places, their strong sense of togetherness and hope for a day of blessings, togetherness, and spiritual growth remains unwavering. Eid-ul-Fitr 2024: Quotes 1. It's time to celebrate the triumphs of faith, the joy of family, and the blessings of community." 2. "As the crescent moon graces the sky, let us rejoice in the spirit of Eid-ul-Fitr and cherish the moments of togetherness with loved ones." 3. "Eid-ul-Fitr reminds us of the importance of gratitude, compassion, and generosity as we mark the end of Ramadan's spiritual journey." 4. "May the blessings of Eid-ul-Fitr illuminate your path, fill your life with happiness, and bring peace to your heart." 5. "On this special day of Eid-ul-Fitr, let us embrace the diversity of humanity, spread love, and foster unity in our communities."

Eid-ul-Fitr 2024 moon sighting time in India

Indian CEOs are earning 40% more than pre-pandemic levels. This is happening as tech companies go on a lay-off spree. Is automation to blame?

Gravitas: How much do you think an average Indian CEO earns?

The President of a Gurudwara has been shot dead in Canada. The incident has sent shockwaves through the community. Molly Gambhir tells you more!

Gravitas: President of a Gurudwara shot dead in Canada

#Gravitas | A famous museum in London, The Wallace Collection, has unveiled its highly anticipated exhibition. It features the Lion of Punjab - Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Watch in for more details!

Gravitas: The lion of Punjab: Maharaja Ranjit Singh exhibition unveiled in UK

#Gravitas | An official Canadian investigation into allegations of foreign interference in Canadian elections has found zero evidence of India's involvement in Canadian politics. The probe panel tasked with monitoring the 2021 elections in the country said they found no attempt by India to influence national polls. However, the Canadian intelligence agency found that China did interfere in Canada's last two elections. Watch in for more details!

Gravitas: Canadian Investigation Finds No India Interference in 2021 Polls Won by Trudeau

India's startup ecosystem is experiencing a slowdown. For the first time in four years, the country minted fewer unicorns in 2023 compared to the previous year, bringing the total to 67. This comes despite maintaining its position as the world's third-largest hub for unicorns.

Byju's reports biggest decline globally after $22 bn valuation drop

In an exclusive interview with Newsweek, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a range of topics including the upcoming elections, democracy, freedom of the press, and relations with China and Pakistan, among other issues.

While addressing the India-China border dispute, Modi labelled the relations with China as "important and significant" and also highlighted the significance of stable ties.&nbsp;

"It is my belief that we need to urgently address the prolonged situation on our borders so that the abnormality in our bilateral interactions can be put behind us. Stable and peaceful relations between India and China are important for not just our two countries but the entire region and world."

"I hope and believe that through positive and constructive bilateral engagement at the diplomatic and military levels, we will be able to restore and sustain peace and tranquility in our borders," PM Modi added.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-court-dismisses-kejriwals-plea-for-more-time-with-lawyers-says-rules-apply-equally-to-all-709885">Delhi Court rejects Kejriwal's request for additional time with lawyers</a>

During the interview, PM Modi also rejected the claims of discrimination against religious minorities in India. He underscored his government's commitment to equitable development and also pointed out extending welfare schemes to all citizens.

"These are usual tropes of some people who don't bother to meet people outside their bubbles. Even India's minorities don't buy this narrative anymore. Minorities from all religions, be it Muslims, Christians, Buddhists, Sikhs, Jains&nbsp;or even a micro-minority like Parsis are living happily and thriving in India," PM Modi said.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/teslas-elon-musk-to-meet-pm-modi-in-india-may-announce-investment-plans-report-709862">Tesla's Elon Musk to meet PM Modi in India, may announce investment plans: Report</a>

"For the first time in our country, our government has come up with a unique saturation coverage approach when it comes to schemes and initiatives. They are not restricted for a group of people belonging to a particular community or a geography."

PM Modi, while commenting on the upcoming elections, said that the current government has a track record of fulfilling the promises it made to the people of the country.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indias-top-court-slams-patanjali-over-misleading-advertisements-rejects-ramdevs-apology-709883">India's top court slams Patanjali over misleading advertisements, rejects Ramdev's apology</a>

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"It was a big thing for the people, as they were used to promises never being fulfilled." Modi during the interview also hailed India's democratic ethos and the vital role of media in fostering public discourse.&nbsp;

"There are a few people in India and in the West who have lost [connection with] the people of India—their thought processes, feelings and aspirations. These people also tend to live in their own echo chamber of alternate realities. They conflate their own dissonance with the people with dubious claims of diminishing media freedom," he said.&nbsp;

Apart from this, Modi also touched upon issues such as climate action, India's renewable energy initiatives, commitment to sustainability, India's attractiveness for global investments, the nation as a manufacturing hub, UPI, Quad, and on relations with Pakistan.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

 
&nbsp;

In an exclusive interview with Newsweek, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a range of topics including the upcoming elections, democracy, freedom of the press, and relations with China and Pakistan, among other issues.

In an exclusive interview with Newsweek, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a range of topics including the upcoming elections, democracy, freedom of the press, and relations with China and Pakistan, among other issues. While addressing the India-China border dispute, Modi labelled the relations with China as "important and significant" and also highlighted the significance of stable ties. "It is my belief that we need to urgently address the prolonged situation on our borders so that the abnormality in our bilateral interactions can be put behind us. Stable and peaceful relations between India and China are important for not just our two countries but the entire region and world." "I hope and believe that through positive and constructive bilateral engagement at the diplomatic and military levels, we will be able to restore and sustain peace and tranquility in our borders," PM Modi added. Also Read | Delhi Court rejects Kejriwal's request for additional time with lawyers During the interview, PM Modi also rejected the claims of discrimination against religious minorities in India. He underscored his government's commitment to equitable development and also pointed out extending welfare schemes to all citizens. "These are usual tropes of some people who don't bother to meet people outside their bubbles. Even India's minorities don't buy this narrative anymore. Minorities from all religions, be it Muslims, Christians, Buddhists, Sikhs, Jains or even a micro-minority like Parsis are living happily and thriving in India," PM Modi said. Also Read | Tesla's Elon Musk to meet PM Modi in India, may announce investment plans: Report "For the first time in our country, our government has come up with a unique saturation coverage approach when it comes to schemes and initiatives. They are not restricted for a group of people belonging to a particular community or a geography." PM Modi, while commenting on the upcoming elections, said that the current government has a track record of fulfilling the promises it made to the people of the country. Watch | India's top court slams Patanjali over misleading advertisements, rejects Ramdev's apology × "It was a big thing for the people, as they were used to promises never being fulfilled." Modi during the interview also hailed India's democratic ethos and the vital role of media in fostering public discourse. "There are a few people in India and in the West who have lost [connection with] the people of India—their thought processes, feelings and aspirations. These people also tend to live in their own echo chamber of alternate realities. They conflate their own dissonance with the people with dubious claims of diminishing media freedom," he said. Apart from this, Modi also touched upon issues such as climate action, India's renewable energy initiatives, commitment to sustainability, India's attractiveness for global investments, the nation as a manufacturing hub, UPI, Quad, and on relations with Pakistan. (With inputs from agencies)

Stable, peaceful ties between India and China are important: PM Modi

Ayodhya's Ram Mandir is all set to celebrate Ram Navmi on April 17. From this year, Ram Navami celebration will witness the deployment of an intricate network of lenses & mirrors.

Surya Tilak to ‘light up’ Ram Lalla idol's forehead every Ram Navami

India is assisting neighbouring nations in establishing an early warning system. The early warning system will help in mitigating the impact of extreme weather events.

India helping five nations to build early warning system for extreme weather

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