Congress president Rahul Gandhi described Prime Minister Narendra Modi's fitness video put out this morning as "bizarre" and "ridiculous".

Hosting an Iftar party at a luxury hotel here today, Gandhi said this amounted to bankruptcy and asked CPI-M general secretary Sitaram Yechury to put out his fitness video to match the prime minister.

"Did you see the PM's fitness video? It is ridiculous... I mean... It is bizarre... This is bankruptcy," he said as he poked fun at the video put out by the prime minister.

Sharing a table with former presidents Pranab Mukherjee and Pratibha Patil, Gandhi then turned to Yechury asking him to put out his fitness video as a challenge to Modi's.

TMC leader Dinesh Trivedi, BSP leader Satish Chandra Misra and DMK's Kanimozhi were among those who had a hearty laugh over the prime minister's video.

Mukherjee, Patil and former vice president Hamid Ansari, who were sharing the table, were silently hearing the conversation.

Among others who also attended the Congress chief's Iftar included former prime minister Manmohan Singh. 
 
UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi was not present as she is currently abroad.

Earlier, Congress leader Pramod Tewari termed the fitness video as an insult to the supreme sacrifice of the four BSF personnel who died in cross-border firing from Pakistan in Kashmir.&nbsp;

The Congress President made his comments at the iftar party hosted by him Wednesday night. He also asked CPI-M General Secretary Sitaram Yechury to put out a fitness video to match that of the prime minister's

Congress president Rahul Gandhi described Prime Minister Narendra Modi's fitness video put out this morning as "bizarre" and "ridiculous". Hosting an Iftar party at a luxury hotel here today, Gandhi said this amounted to bankruptcy and asked CPI-M general secretary Sitaram Yechury to put out his fitness video to match the prime minister. "Did you see the PM's fitness video? It is ridiculous... I mean... It is bizarre... This is bankruptcy," he said as he poked fun at the video put out by the prime minister. Sharing a table with former presidents Pranab Mukherjee and Pratibha Patil, Gandhi then turned to Yechury asking him to put out his fitness video as a challenge to Modi's. TMC leader Dinesh Trivedi, BSP leader Satish Chandra Misra and DMK's Kanimozhi were among those who had a hearty laugh over the prime minister's video. Mukherjee, Patil and former vice president Hamid Ansari, who were sharing the table, were silently hearing the conversation. Among others who also attended the Congress chief's Iftar included former prime minister Manmohan Singh. UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi was not present as she is currently abroad. Earlier, Congress leader Pramod Tewari termed the fitness video as an insult to the supreme sacrifice of the four BSF personnel who died in cross-border firing from Pakistan in Kashmir.

Modi fitness video 'bizarre, ridiculous', says Rahul Gandhi

A "mahagathbandhan" (grand alliance) of the opposition to take on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the BJP and the RSS is the sentiment of the people and not just political parties, Congress President Rahul Gandhi said today.

Lashing out at Modi and the ruling party, Gandhi alleged that the prime minister and the BJP were attacking the Constitution and other institutions of the nation.

"It is the sentiment of the people and not just political parties which are opposed to the BJP, to have a 'mahagathbandhan' that can take on the BJP, the RSS and Prime Minister Narendra Modi," Gandhi told reporters here.

However, he remained silent when asked who would lead the grand alliance of the opposition parties.

"Prime Minister Modi and the BJP are attacking the Constitution and institutions of the nation," he alleged, saying the question faced by the people was how to stop this.

The Congress is trying to join together these voices and the work is going on, Gandhi said.

The 47-year-old Congress leader is on a two-day visit to Maharashtra since yesterday.

He said the opposition has been asking Modi to bring prices of petrol and diesel under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) to provide relief to the common man, but "he is not interested."

"There was an attack on Mumbai (through demonetisation). There are small industries, traders here... the leather industry and the cloth industry are all here. They were attacked by the 'Gabbar Singh Tax' (implying the GST by drawing a reference to the celluloid bandit Gabbar Singh)," Gandhi said.

"The whole country is sad, small businessmen are sad because of demonetisation and we are fighting for them," he said. 
Gandhi said during the UPA government's rule, the crude price was USD 130 a barrel that has now come down to USD 70 a barrel.

"However, the benefit has not been passed on to the common man. Where does this money go? In the pockets of a handful of 15 to 20 rich people," he alleged.

Gandhi had yesterday accused the Modi government of creating hatred and division in the society and betraying farmers as well as youth in the country.

Addressing a convention of Mumbai booth-level Congress workers here last evening, he alleged that Modi was a "chowkidar" only for a handful of industrialists and not the common man.

He had also accused Modi of "humiliating" BJP veterans Atal Bihari Vajpayee, L K Advani and Jaswant Singh and their families, and alleged that it was his "way of protecting Indian culture".&nbsp

'It is the sentiment of the people and not just political parties which are opposed to the BJP, to have a 'mahagathbandhan' that can take on the BJP, the RSS and Prime Minister Narendra Modi,' Gandhi told reporters in Mumbai

A "mahagathbandhan" (grand alliance) of the opposition to take on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the BJP and the RSS is the sentiment of the people and not just political parties, Congress President Rahul Gandhi said today. Lashing out at Modi and the ruling party, Gandhi alleged that the prime minister and the BJP were attacking the Constitution and other institutions of the nation. "It is the sentiment of the people and not just political parties which are opposed to the BJP, to have a 'mahagathbandhan' that can take on the BJP, the RSS and Prime Minister Narendra Modi," Gandhi told reporters here. However, he remained silent when asked who would lead the grand alliance of the opposition parties. "Prime Minister Modi and the BJP are attacking the Constitution and institutions of the nation," he alleged, saying the question faced by the people was how to stop this. The Congress is trying to join together these voices and the work is going on, Gandhi said. The 47-year-old Congress leader is on a two-day visit to Maharashtra since yesterday. He said the opposition has been asking Modi to bring prices of petrol and diesel under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) to provide relief to the common man, but "he is not interested." "There was an attack on Mumbai (through demonetisation). There are small industries, traders here... the leather industry and the cloth industry are all here. They were attacked by the 'Gabbar Singh Tax' (implying the GST by drawing a reference to the celluloid bandit Gabbar Singh)," Gandhi said. "The whole country is sad, small businessmen are sad because of demonetisation and we are fighting for them," he said. Gandhi said during the UPA government's rule, the crude price was USD 130 a barrel that has now come down to USD 70 a barrel. "However, the benefit has not been passed on to the common man. Where does this money go? In the pockets of a handful of 15 to 20 rich people," he alleged. Gandhi had yesterday accused the Modi government of creating hatred and division in the society and betraying farmers as well as youth in the country. Addressing a convention of Mumbai booth-level Congress workers here last evening, he alleged that Modi was a "chowkidar" only for a handful of industrialists and not the common man. He had also accused Modi of "humiliating" BJP veterans Atal Bihari Vajpayee, L K Advani and Jaswant Singh and their families, and alleged that it was his "way of protecting Indian culture".

Grand alliance against Modi 'is sentiment of people, not just political parties': Rahul Gandhi

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/whatever-i-have-to-say-i-will-say-in-nagpur-pranab-mukherjee-on-accepting-rss-invite-141926">Whatever I have to say, I will say in Nagpur: Pranab Mukherjee on accepting RSS invite</a>

Former President Pranab Mukherjee has responded to the criticism (and the many suggestions) he has got after accepting an invite to an RSS event.&nbsp;

Mukherjee has been invited to speak to swayamsevaks in Nagpur on June 7 at the concluding function of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh's Tritiya Varsha Varg or third-year course.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sushma-swarajs-aircraft-goes-incommunicado-for-14-mins-en-route-to-mauritius--141934">En route to Mauritius, Sushma Swaraj's plane went incommunicado for 14 minutes</a>

Mauritius air traffic control was given a serious scare Saturday when External Affaris Minister Sushma Swaraj's aircraft, flying in from Trivandrum, went incommunicado for about 14 minutes.&nbsp;

Swaraj's Embraer ERJ135 jet took from Trivandrum at 4 pm and lost contact at around 4.44 pm.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/autopsy-of-bjp-worker-found-hanging-in-bengal-says-suicide-141953">Autopsy</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/autopsy-of-bjp-worker-found-hanging-in-bengal-says-suicide-141953"> of BJP worker found hanging in Bengal says suicide</a>

The autopsy conducted on the body of the BJP worker found hanging yesterday in West Bengal's Purulia district has indicated he committed suicide.&nbsp;

Dulal Kumar was found hanging from an electricity tower on Saturday.&nbsp;

His was the second body to be found hanging in quick succession.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-a-year-of-keeping-quiet-kejriwal-renews-attacks-on-modi-141947">After a year of keeping quiet, Kejriwal renews attacks on Modi</a>&nbsp;

In 2017, following AAP's poor performance in Punjab and the BJP's sweep in Uttar Pradesh, Kejriwal consciously decided to minimise his attacks on his bete-noire, Prime Minister Narendra Modi.&nbsp;

He continued with the strategy for a little more than a year. But with the BJP suffering a string of electoral defeats and anti-incumbency sentiment slowly setting in against the BJP government at the Centre, Kejriwal has renewed his attacks on Modi with the same level of acerbity as before.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/features/swara-bhasker-told-off-by-pakistan-actress-for-calling-the-country-a-failing-state--141923">Swara </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/features/swara-bhasker-told-off-by-pakistan-actress-for-calling-the-country-a-failing-state--141923">Bhasker</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/features/swara-bhasker-told-off-by-pakistan-actress-for-calling-the-country-a-failing-state--141923"> calls Pakistan 'failing state'. Pak actress calls her 'failing human being'</a>

Pakistani actress Urwa Hocane has responded to Bollywood actress Swara Bhasker calling Pakistan a 'failing state'.&nbsp;

Hocane, in her response, called Bhasker a 'failing human being'.&nbsp;

Bhasker made her comment after her most recent film Veere Di Wedding was banned in Pakistan because of its "vulgar content".&nbsp;

Whatever I have to say, I will say in Nagpur: Pranab Mukherjee on accepting RSS invite Former President Pranab Mukherjee has responded to the criticism (and the many suggestions) he has got after accepting an invite to an RSS event. Mukherjee has been invited to speak to swayamsevaks in Nagpur on June 7 at the concluding function of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh's Tritiya Varsha Varg or third-year course. En route to Mauritius, Sushma Swaraj's plane went incommunicado for 14 minutes Mauritius air traffic control was given a serious scare Saturday when External Affaris Minister Sushma Swaraj's aircraft, flying in from Trivandrum, went incommunicado for about 14 minutes. Swaraj's Embraer ERJ135 jet took from Trivandrum at 4 pm and lost contact at around 4.44 pm. Autopsy of BJP worker found hanging in Bengal says suicide The autopsy conducted on the body of the BJP worker found hanging yesterday in West Bengal's Purulia district has indicated he committed suicide. Dulal Kumar was found hanging from an electricity tower on Saturday. His was the second body to be found hanging in quick succession. After a year of keeping quiet, Kejriwal renews attacks on Modi In 2017, following AAP's poor performance in Punjab and the BJP's sweep in Uttar Pradesh, Kejriwal consciously decided to minimise his attacks on his bete-noire, Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He continued with the strategy for a little more than a year. But with the BJP suffering a string of electoral defeats and anti-incumbency sentiment slowly setting in against the BJP government at the Centre, Kejriwal has renewed his attacks on Modi with the same level of acerbity as before. Swara Bhasker calls Pakistan 'failing state'. Pak actress calls her 'failing human being' Pakistani actress Urwa Hocane has responded to Bollywood actress Swara Bhasker calling Pakistan a 'failing state'. Hocane, in her response, called Bhasker a 'failing human being'. Bhasker made her comment after her most recent film Veere Di Wedding was banned in Pakistan because of its "vulgar content".

News brief: Big stories of the day

Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered the keynote address at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on Friday, where he said "solutions cannot be found behind walls of protection, but in embracing change".&nbsp;

Modi added that India stands for an open and stable international trade regime. "What we seek is a level playing field for all," he said. &nbsp;

Modi said that "this is a world of inter-dependent fortunes and failures. No nation can shape and secure it on its own. It is a world that summons us to rise above divisions and competition to work together."&nbsp;

He then asked if that was possible, replying in the affirmative. "Yes it is possible. I see ASEAN as an example and inspiration."&nbsp;

"India stands for a free, open, inclusive Indo-Pacific region, which embraces us all in a common pursuit of progress and prosperity. It includes all nations in this geography as also others beyond who have a stake in it," said Modi.&nbsp;

"India-China cooperation is expanding. Trade is growing. And, we have displayed maturity and wisdom in managing issues and ensuring a peaceful border. There is growing intersection in our international presence," Modi added.&nbsp;

"The Indian Ocean has shaped much of India's history. It now holds the key to our future. The ocean carries 90% of India's trade and our energy sources. It is also the lifeline of global commerce," said Modi.&nbsp;

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With each Southeast Asian country, we have growing political, economic and defence ties: PM Narendra Modi at Shangri-La Dialogue in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Singapore?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Singapore</a> <a href="https://t.co/K88vElpoOo">pic.twitter.com/K88vElpoOo</a>
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The Shangri-La Dialogue is a "Track One" inter-governmental security forum held annually by an independent think tank, the International Institute for Strategic Studies. The forum is attended by defence ministers, ministry heads, and military chiefs of 28 Asia-Pacific states. The dialogue gets its name from the Shangri-La Hotel in Singapore where it has been held since 2002.

Modi was delivering the dialogue's keynote address in Singapore. 'This is a world of inter-dependent fortunes and failures. No nation can shape and secure it on its own,' he said

Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered the keynote address at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on Friday, where he said "solutions cannot be found behind walls of protection, but in embracing change". Modi added that India stands for an open and stable international trade regime. "What we seek is a level playing field for all," he said. Modi said that "this is a world of inter-dependent fortunes and failures. No nation can shape and secure it on its own. It is a world that summons us to rise above divisions and competition to work together." He then asked if that was possible, replying in the affirmative. "Yes it is possible. I see ASEAN as an example and inspiration." "India stands for a free, open, inclusive Indo-Pacific region, which embraces us all in a common pursuit of progress and prosperity. It includes all nations in this geography as also others beyond who have a stake in it," said Modi. "India-China cooperation is expanding. Trade is growing. And, we have displayed maturity and wisdom in managing issues and ensuring a peaceful border. There is growing intersection in our international presence," Modi added. "The Indian Ocean has shaped much of India's history. It now holds the key to our future. The ocean carries 90% of India's trade and our energy sources. It is also the lifeline of global commerce," said Modi. With each Southeast Asian country, we have growing political, economic and defence ties: PM Narendra Modi at Shangri-La Dialogue in #Singapore pic.twitter.com/K88vElpoOo — ANI (@ANI) June 1, 2018 × For thousands of years Indians have turned to the east not just to see the sun rise but also to pray for its light to spread over the world: PM Modi at Shangri-La Dialogue in #Singapore pic.twitter.com/itR1VvtHEV — ANI (@ANI) June 1, 2018 × The Shangri-La Dialogue is a "Track One" inter-governmental security forum held annually by an independent think tank, the International Institute for Strategic Studies. The forum is attended by defence ministers, ministry heads, and military chiefs of 28 Asia-Pacific states. The dialogue gets its name from the Shangri-La Hotel in Singapore where it has been held since 2002.

This is a world that 'summons us to rise above divisions,' says Modi at Shangri-La Dialogue

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/my-mother-more-indian-than-many-rahul-gandhi-135937">vitriol-filled campaign</a> for the Karnataka Assembly elections ended today with top leaders of the BJP and Congress, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress president Rahul Gandhi, making a last-gasp effort to sway the voters in a likely cliffhanger.

From corruption to communalism, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's Rs 70 lakh Hublot watch, to UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi's foreign origin, the electoral potboiler had it all.

Like all state polls since he assumed the reins of power in New Delhi, Modi helmed the BJP's adrenaline-charged campaign despite the party having declared B S Yeddyurappa its chief ministerial candidate, while Rahul Gandhi helmed that of the Congress.

Though Modi remained out of the electoral scene for a long time after addressing a public meeting in February, he launched a blitzkrieg on May 1, addressing over a score of rallies in his bid to wrest the key southern state, which BJP chief Amit Shah dubbed as the party's "gateway to south", from the Congress.

Always high on energy during elections, he adddressed at least three rallies every day when he was in Karnataka, or else interacted with workers of the BJP's different frontal organisations through the 'Namo App'.

Though development remained part of the political discourse, it was overtaken by a slanging match between the two parties over corruption.

The prime minister and Amit Shah raised the issue of the killing of RSS and BJP workers by SDPI, a radical Islamist political party floated by the Popular Front of India, which Modi said was the "abc of communalism".

Shah claimed two of the candidates fielded by the Congress were, in fact, members of the SDPI.

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On day one of his campaign, Modi raked up the issue of Sonia's foreign origin at an election rally where he dared the Congress chief to speak for 15 minutes about the achievements of the Karnataka government in any language, including his "mother's mother tongue".

An emotional Rahul Gandhi hit back today at a press conference where he said,"My mother is an Italian. She has lived the larger part of her life in India. She is more Indian than many, many Indians I have seen."

Modi repeatedly addressed the Siddaramaiah ministry as "seedha rupaiah government (a government that takes bribes for work) and "10 per cent commission government".

Provoked, Siddaramaiah first called the Modi dispensation a "90 per cent commission government" and then served legal notices to Modi and Shah, demanding an apology and threatening to file Rs 100 crore civil and criminal defamation suit if they did not tender it.

Rally after election rally, Rahul Gandhi targeted BJP's chief ministerial candidate Yeddyurappa over corruption when he helmed the state while BJP was in power between 2008 and 2013.

"Will Modi ji tell the people of Karnataka why a man who spent time in jail for corruption is the BJP's CM candidate? Why the BJP has given 8 tickets to Reddy brothers and their associates who looted Rs 35,000 crore from the people of Karnataka?" he asked, as he sought to paint the saffron party into a corner.

The Congress president frequently referred to fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi in his speeches, alleging the government allowed him to flee the country after defrauding the Punjab National Bank fraud.

Modi, who has powered the BJP to victory after victory in Assembly polls in states in the last four years, also invoked nationalism and B R Ambedkar, after he was in the Congress president's firing line over a string of attacks on Dalits. He slammed the Congress for raising questions about the Army's surgical strikes in PoK.

Though Modi did not campaign in Karnataka today, he addressed BJP's SC/ST/OBC and Slum Morcha workers through his Namo App and said, "There is no place for dalits and backward classes in the heart of the Congress." He accused the Congress of "insulting" Ambedkar, a Dalit icon.

Sonia Gandhi, who avoided the rough and tumble of elections for two years after she was taken ill during a roadshow in Varanasi ahead of the Uttar Pradesh polls, also addressed a rally in the Lingayat stronghold of

Vijayapura where she said "Modi is possessed by the devil of 'Congress mukt Bharat' (bhoot lag gaya hai)".

Apart from Shah, who vigourously campaigned across the state over the last two months, the BJP fielded its Hindutva mascot Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who toured the communally sensitive coastal belt of Dakshina Kannada and Uttara Kannada district.

Adityanath exhorted electors to elect a government that can protect people from "jihadi" forces.

After Rahul Gandhi publicly declared he was ready to become the prime minister if Congress emerged as the single largest party, Modi mocked him, calling him a "dynast" and wondering whether the nation will accept him as its leader.

The campaign was hit by a "fake" voter ID card scandal in it dying moments, but election officials said those appeared to be genuine.

Nearly 10,000 cards were recovered from a flat in Rajarajeshwari Nagar constituency on Tuesday, setting off a war of words between the Congress and BJP, with each alleging the owner of the apartment owed allegiance to the rival party.

The contentious issue of the Siddaramaiah government recommending religious minority status for the numerically strong Lingayat community took a back seat as the two parties appeared unsure about its electoral fallout.

Opinion polls and surveys have projected a thriller of a contest, with neither BJP nor the Congress getting a majority on its own and the JD(S) of former prime minister H D Deve Gowda playing the kingmaker.

Polling for 223 seats of the 224-member Assembly will be held on May 12. Election for the Jayanagar seat was countermanded after the death of the sitting BJP MLA and its candidate B N Jayakumar. Results will be declared on May 15.&nbsp;

Like Gujarat before it, the campaign for Karnataka has been rough and ugly with a number of personal attacks from either side. The results will be out on May 15

The vitriol-filled campaign for the Karnataka Assembly elections ended today with top leaders of the BJP and Congress, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress president Rahul Gandhi, making a last-gasp effort to sway the voters in a likely cliffhanger. From corruption to communalism, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's Rs 70 lakh Hublot watch, to UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi's foreign origin, the electoral potboiler had it all. Like all state polls since he assumed the reins of power in New Delhi, Modi helmed the BJP's adrenaline-charged campaign despite the party having declared B S Yeddyurappa its chief ministerial candidate, while Rahul Gandhi helmed that of the Congress. Though Modi remained out of the electoral scene for a long time after addressing a public meeting in February, he launched a blitzkrieg on May 1, addressing over a score of rallies in his bid to wrest the key southern state, which BJP chief Amit Shah dubbed as the party's "gateway to south", from the Congress. Always high on energy during elections, he adddressed at least three rallies every day when he was in Karnataka, or else interacted with workers of the BJP's different frontal organisations through the 'Namo App'. Though development remained part of the political discourse, it was overtaken by a slanging match between the two parties over corruption. The prime minister and Amit Shah raised the issue of the killing of RSS and BJP workers by SDPI, a radical Islamist political party floated by the Popular Front of India, which Modi said was the "abc of communalism". Shah claimed two of the candidates fielded by the Congress were, in fact, members of the SDPI. Opinion polls and surveys have projected a thriller of a contest, with neither BJP nor the Congress getting a majority on its own and the JD(S) of former prime minister H D Deve Gowda playing the kingmaker × On day one of his campaign, Modi raked up the issue of Sonia's foreign origin at an election rally where he dared the Congress chief to speak for 15 minutes about the achievements of the Karnataka government in any language, including his "mother's mother tongue". An emotional Rahul Gandhi hit back today at a press conference where he said,"My mother is an Italian. She has lived the larger part of her life in India. She is more Indian than many, many Indians I have seen." Modi repeatedly addressed the Siddaramaiah ministry as "seedha rupaiah government (a government that takes bribes for work) and "10 per cent commission government". Provoked, Siddaramaiah first called the Modi dispensation a "90 per cent commission government" and then served legal notices to Modi and Shah, demanding an apology and threatening to file Rs 100 crore civil and criminal defamation suit if they did not tender it. Rally after election rally, Rahul Gandhi targeted BJP's chief ministerial candidate Yeddyurappa over corruption when he helmed the state while BJP was in power between 2008 and 2013. "Will Modi ji tell the people of Karnataka why a man who spent time in jail for corruption is the BJP's CM candidate? Why the BJP has given 8 tickets to Reddy brothers and their associates who looted Rs 35,000 crore from the people of Karnataka?" he asked, as he sought to paint the saffron party into a corner. The Congress president frequently referred to fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi in his speeches, alleging the government allowed him to flee the country after defrauding the Punjab National Bank fraud. Modi, who has powered the BJP to victory after victory in Assembly polls in states in the last four years, also invoked nationalism and B R Ambedkar, after he was in the Congress president's firing line over a string of attacks on Dalits. He slammed the Congress for raising questions about the Army's surgical strikes in PoK. Though Modi did not campaign in Karnataka today, he addressed BJP's SC/ST/OBC and Slum Morcha workers through his Namo App and said, "There is no place for dalits and backward classes in the heart of the Congress." He accused the Congress of "insulting" Ambedkar, a Dalit icon. Sonia Gandhi, who avoided the rough and tumble of elections for two years after she was taken ill during a roadshow in Varanasi ahead of the Uttar Pradesh polls, also addressed a rally in the Lingayat stronghold of Vijayapura where she said "Modi is possessed by the devil of 'Congress mukt Bharat' (bhoot lag gaya hai)". Apart from Shah, who vigourously campaigned across the state over the last two months, the BJP fielded its Hindutva mascot Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who toured the communally sensitive coastal belt of Dakshina Kannada and Uttara Kannada district. Adityanath exhorted electors to elect a government that can protect people from "jihadi" forces. After Rahul Gandhi publicly declared he was ready to become the prime minister if Congress emerged as the single largest party, Modi mocked him, calling him a "dynast" and wondering whether the nation will accept him as its leader. The campaign was hit by a "fake" voter ID card scandal in it dying moments, but election officials said those appeared to be genuine. Nearly 10,000 cards were recovered from a flat in Rajarajeshwari Nagar constituency on Tuesday, setting off a war of words between the Congress and BJP, with each alleging the owner of the apartment owed allegiance to the rival party. The contentious issue of the Siddaramaiah government recommending religious minority status for the numerically strong Lingayat community took a back seat as the two parties appeared unsure about its electoral fallout. Opinion polls and surveys have projected a thriller of a contest, with neither BJP nor the Congress getting a majority on its own and the JD(S) of former prime minister H D Deve Gowda playing the kingmaker. Polling for 223 seats of the 224-member Assembly will be held on May 12. Election for the Jayanagar seat was countermanded after the death of the sitting BJP MLA and its candidate B N Jayakumar. Results will be declared on May 15.

Vitriol-filled campaign for Karnataka ends, elections on May 12

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said India made no distinction between religions and had no history of attacking other countries or schools of thought.

Speaking at an event in New Delhi on the occasion of Buddha Purnima, PM Modi said the teachings of the Buddha were based on humanity and the country was proud that the philosophy had originated here.

"India has never had a history or tradition of attacking others' ideology or country. We have also never tried to create a distinction between religions," PM Modi said while speaking at an event organized by the Ministry of Culture.

"In today's world, humanity and compassion had become even more relevant," PM Modi added.

The Prime Minister offered "Sangh Dana" (donation) to Buddhist monks from countries such as Japan, Sri Lanka and Vietnam who were present at the event.

He also presented the "Vaishakh Sammaan Prashasti Patra" to the Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies, Sarnath, and the All India Bhikshu Sangha, Bodh Gaya.

'India has never had a history or tradition of attacking others' ideology or country. We have also never tried to create a distinction between religions,' Modi added

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said India made no distinction between religions and had no history of attacking other countries or schools of thought. Speaking at an event in New Delhi on the occasion of Buddha Purnima, PM Modi said the teachings of the Buddha were based on humanity and the country was proud that the philosophy had originated here. "India has never had a history or tradition of attacking others' ideology or country. We have also never tried to create a distinction between religions," PM Modi said while speaking at an event organized by the Ministry of Culture. "In today's world, humanity and compassion had become even more relevant," PM Modi added. The Prime Minister offered "Sangh Dana" (donation) to Buddhist monks from countries such as Japan, Sri Lanka and Vietnam who were present at the event. He also presented the "Vaishakh Sammaan Prashasti Patra" to the Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies, Sarnath, and the All India Bhikshu Sangha, Bodh Gaya.

'India makes no distinctions between religions,' says PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the UK today for a four-day visit of bilateral engagements as well as multilateral discussions as part of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).

UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson received Modi at the Heathrow airport here.

Johnson said he was "excited" about the growing India-UK bilateral trade and that the visit will help build on "huge economic advantages".

"..Thanks to our shared history, we have a living bridge between us? and now we want to build on the incredible tech sector where both India and the UK are making giant strides together," Johnson said in a statement.

Modi is set for a packed day of official engagements today, starting with his bilateral meeting with British Prime Minister Theresa May at 10 Downing Street.

The two leaders are expected to discuss a wide range of issues of mutual interest, including separatism, cross-border terrorism, visas and immigration.

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the return of illegal immigrants, which had expired in 2014, will be officially renewed to take into account biometric and other developments in the field, along with a range of nearly a dozen MoUs across different sectors.

Modi will then head to the Science Museum in London to visit the '5000 Years of Science and Innovation' exhibition where he will interact with Indian-origin and other scientists and innovators based in the UK.

The event, hosted by Prince Charles, will include the launch of a new Ayurvedic Centre of Excellence, aimed at creating a first-of-its-kind global network for evidence-based research on yoga and Ayurveda.

A brief stop to garland the Basaveshwara statue -- which Modi had inaugurated during his last visit to the UK in 2015 -- on the banks of the river Thames will then be followed by his second meeting with May at an event hosted by the British prime minister at the Francis Crick Institute.&nbsp;

After an interaction with Indian-origin scientists working on cancer research, malaria and other tropical diseases, both leaders will initiate the India-UK CEOs Forum.

Modi is then scheduled for a private audience with Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace before the 'Bharat Ki Baat, Sabke Saath' diaspora event, to be telecast live from the iconic Central Hall Westminster in London today.

The event, billed as the centrepiece of the 'Living Bridge' theme of the India-UK bilateral visit, will involve Modi addressing questions from across the world which have already been received via social media.

At the end of the live telecast, he will join Heads of Government from 52 other Commonwealth countries at a dinner hosted by the British prime minister as a formal welcome to CHOGM.

This will be followed by the executive session of the heads in London tomorrow before they head to Windsor for the CHOGM retreat, where the world leaders will interact on an informal basis.&nbsp;

This will conclude Modi's UK visit after which he will leave for India.&nbsp;

According to official estimates, the India-UK bilateral trade stands at USD 13 billion, with the UK among the largest G20 investors into India.&nbsp;

Modi's visit will have a particular focus on the India-UK technological partnership as well as an enhanced role in the Commonwealth.

"India's engagement is absolutely brilliant? there is a recognition that the Commonwealth offers a great opportunity for India and within that opportunity lies an opportunity for the rest of the Commonwealth," says Lord Marland, chairman of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC).

An Indian prime minister will attend the Commonwealth summit, which is held every two years, after a hiatus of nearly a decade, having last attended the 2009 CHOGM in Trinidad and Tobago.

The Indian government has said that Modi's attendance at the summit this year symbolises the country's wider efforts to step up its role across global forums. This stepped-up engagement is likely to take the form of increased activity within the Commonwealth, including greater resources and manpower as well as financial contributions.&nbsp;

Modi was received at Heathrow by British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson. He will be in the UK on a four-day visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the UK today for a four-day visit of bilateral engagements as well as multilateral discussions as part of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson received Modi at the Heathrow airport here. Johnson said he was "excited" about the growing India-UK bilateral trade and that the visit will help build on "huge economic advantages". "..Thanks to our shared history, we have a living bridge between us? and now we want to build on the incredible tech sector where both India and the UK are making giant strides together," Johnson said in a statement. Modi is set for a packed day of official engagements today, starting with his bilateral meeting with British Prime Minister Theresa May at 10 Downing Street. The two leaders are expected to discuss a wide range of issues of mutual interest, including separatism, cross-border terrorism, visas and immigration. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the return of illegal immigrants, which had expired in 2014, will be officially renewed to take into account biometric and other developments in the field, along with a range of nearly a dozen MoUs across different sectors. Modi will then head to the Science Museum in London to visit the '5000 Years of Science and Innovation' exhibition where he will interact with Indian-origin and other scientists and innovators based in the UK. The event, hosted by Prince Charles, will include the launch of a new Ayurvedic Centre of Excellence, aimed at creating a first-of-its-kind global network for evidence-based research on yoga and Ayurveda. A brief stop to garland the Basaveshwara statue -- which Modi had inaugurated during his last visit to the UK in 2015 -- on the banks of the river Thames will then be followed by his second meeting with May at an event hosted by the British prime minister at the Francis Crick Institute. After an interaction with Indian-origin scientists working on cancer research, malaria and other tropical diseases, both leaders will initiate the India-UK CEOs Forum. Modi is then scheduled for a private audience with Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace before the 'Bharat Ki Baat, Sabke Saath' diaspora event, to be telecast live from the iconic Central Hall Westminster in London today. The event, billed as the centrepiece of the 'Living Bridge' theme of the India-UK bilateral visit, will involve Modi addressing questions from across the world which have already been received via social media. At the end of the live telecast, he will join Heads of Government from 52 other Commonwealth countries at a dinner hosted by the British prime minister as a formal welcome to CHOGM. This will be followed by the executive session of the heads in London tomorrow before they head to Windsor for the CHOGM retreat, where the world leaders will interact on an informal basis. This will conclude Modi's UK visit after which he will leave for India. According to official estimates, the India-UK bilateral trade stands at USD 13 billion, with the UK among the largest G20 investors into India. Modi's visit will have a particular focus on the India-UK technological partnership as well as an enhanced role in the Commonwealth. "India's engagement is absolutely brilliant? there is a recognition that the Commonwealth offers a great opportunity for India and within that opportunity lies an opportunity for the rest of the Commonwealth," says Lord Marland, chairman of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC). An Indian prime minister will attend the Commonwealth summit, which is held every two years, after a hiatus of nearly a decade, having last attended the 2009 CHOGM in Trinidad and Tobago. The Indian government has said that Modi's attendance at the summit this year symbolises the country's wider efforts to step up its role across global forums. This stepped-up engagement is likely to take the form of increased activity within the Commonwealth, including greater resources and manpower as well as financial contributions.

Modi lands in London for Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting

Nepali Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli will press India to exchange millions of dollars held in Nepal in banned high-value Indian bank notes during a visit this week to improve ties with its large southern neighbour.

Nepal and India have yet to agree on how to exchange old Indian bank notes estimated to be worth $146 million held by individuals and informal sectors after India’s shock announcement in 2016 to ban 500 and 1,000 rupee bills.

India said the move was aimed at flushing out unaccounted wealth and hit the finances of militants suspected of using fake currency to fund operations. But it also caught countries such as Nepal and Bhutan, where the Indian currency is widely used, off-guard.

“The Indian demonetisation has hurt Nepali nationals. I will raise this in my meetings with Indian leaders and request them to resolve the issue,” Oli told Nepali parliament late on Tuesday.

India is Nepal's largest trade partner and the supplier of the bulk of consumer goods. Indian currency is widely used by businesses and individuals who keep their savings at homes in Indian bank notes.

Oli will meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Ram Nath Kovind and other officials during the visit starting on Friday.

Central Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) officials say the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) verbally agreed to allow every Nepali national to exchange up to 4,500 rupees worth of scrapped Indian bank notes in a meeting in March last year.

"But nothing has been communicated to us formally so far," NRB Deputy Governor Chinta Mani Shivakoti told Reuters.

A senior Indian government official, with direct knowledge of the RBI's views, said the central bank was unable to exchange the old currency notes in Nepal or any other country because there was no such provision made in the rules that the government issued at the time of demonetisation.

"Only the federal government can take a decision in this regard now," the official said.

Indian citizens were given nearly two months to exchange their old notes for new ones.

Nepali Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli will be visiting India this week

Nepali Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli will press India to exchange millions of dollars held in Nepal in banned high-value Indian bank notes during a visit this week to improve ties with its large southern neighbour. Nepal and India have yet to agree on how to exchange old Indian bank notes estimated to be worth $146 million held by individuals and informal sectors after India’s shock announcement in 2016 to ban 500 and 1,000 rupee bills. India said the move was aimed at flushing out unaccounted wealth and hit the finances of militants suspected of using fake currency to fund operations. But it also caught countries such as Nepal and Bhutan, where the Indian currency is widely used, off-guard. “The Indian demonetisation has hurt Nepali nationals. I will raise this in my meetings with Indian leaders and request them to resolve the issue,” Oli told Nepali parliament late on Tuesday. India is Nepal's largest trade partner and the supplier of the bulk of consumer goods. Indian currency is widely used by businesses and individuals who keep their savings at homes in Indian bank notes. Oli will meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Ram Nath Kovind and other officials during the visit starting on Friday. Central Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) officials say the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) verbally agreed to allow every Nepali national to exchange up to 4,500 rupees worth of scrapped Indian bank notes in a meeting in March last year. "But nothing has been communicated to us formally so far," NRB Deputy Governor Chinta Mani Shivakoti told Reuters. A senior Indian government official, with direct knowledge of the RBI's views, said the central bank was unable to exchange the old currency notes in Nepal or any other country because there was no such provision made in the rules that the government issued at the time of demonetisation. "Only the federal government can take a decision in this regard now," the official said. Indian citizens were given nearly two months to exchange their old notes for new ones.

Nepal has $146 million in demonetised notes, wants India to change them

&quot;I am grateful for all the &#39;kichad&#39; being thrown at me,&quot; Prime Minister Narendra Modi said while launching his campaign for&nbsp;Gujarat assembly elections on&nbsp;Monday.&nbsp;

&quot;After all, a lotus blooms only in &#39;kichad&#39;, so I don&#39;t mind if more is thrown at me,&quot; Modi added.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Prime Minister Narendra Modi address a public meeting in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gujarat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gujarat</a>&#39;s Bhuj <a href="https://t.co/Et530PU8mv">https://t.co/Et530PU8mv</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/935024863596519424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Modi was addressing a public gathering in Bhuj - the start of his campaigning in the state for the upcoming Gujarat polls.

Modi added that &quot;Gujarat is my soul and mother&quot; and that my relationship with you is that of equality since you call me brother.&nbsp;

Modi also said that the Congress had insulted Sardar Patel but the people of Gujarat still forgave them.&nbsp;

But he added that they (the people of Gujarat) would no longer tolerate any attack on their prestige.&nbsp;

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Officers did not want to get posted to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kutch?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kutch</a> region as the water here was black in colour. Congress did not allow Narmada water to come to Kutch region. What if the Narmada waters had come to Kutch 30 years earlier? It would have made such a big different: PM Modi in Kutch <a href="https://t.co/FFdzeys1wF">pic.twitter.com/FFdzeys1wF</a>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kutch?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kutch</a> ek aisi jagah hai jahan ek taraf registaan hai aur doosri taraf Pakistan hai. Kisi ne socha nahi tha ki yahan kheti bhi ho sakti hai par yahan dariya tak le aaye: PM Modi in Gujarat <a href="https://t.co/GAKpXBswwn">pic.twitter.com/GAKpXBswwn</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/935031262867218432?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2017</a></blockquote>
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When big earthquakes take place ppl say see this building has fell but in Kutch ppl say this school, this hospital, these buildings were made after the earthquake. All this was done on war footing by the army of Kutch which consists of its ppl: PM in Bhuj <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GujaratElection2017?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GujaratElection2017</a> <a href="https://t.co/oOPhNKY01J">pic.twitter.com/oOPhNKY01J</a>
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&nbsp;

'After all, a lotus blooms only in 'kichad', so I don't mind if more is thrown at me,' Modi added.?

"I am grateful for all the 'kichad' being thrown at me," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said while launching his campaign for Gujarat assembly elections on Monday. "After all, a lotus blooms only in 'kichad', so I don't mind if more is thrown at me," Modi added. #WATCH Prime Minister Narendra Modi address a public meeting in #Gujarat's Bhuj https://t.co/Et530PU8mv — ANI (@ANI) November 27, 2017 × Modi was addressing a public gathering in Bhuj - the start of his campaigning in the state for the upcoming Gujarat polls. Modi added that "Gujarat is my soul and mother" and that my relationship with you is that of equality since you call me brother. Modi also said that the Congress had insulted Sardar Patel but the people of Gujarat still forgave them. But he added that they (the people of Gujarat) would no longer tolerate any attack on their prestige. Officers did not want to get posted to #Kutch region as the water here was black in colour. Congress did not allow Narmada water to come to Kutch region. What if the Narmada waters had come to Kutch 30 years earlier? It would have made such a big different: PM Modi in Kutch pic.twitter.com/FFdzeys1wF — ANI (@ANI) November 27, 2017 × #Kutch ek aisi jagah hai jahan ek taraf registaan hai aur doosri taraf Pakistan hai. Kisi ne socha nahi tha ki yahan kheti bhi ho sakti hai par yahan dariya tak le aaye: PM Modi in Gujarat pic.twitter.com/GAKpXBswwn — ANI (@ANI) November 27, 2017 × When big earthquakes take place ppl say see this building has fell but in Kutch ppl say this school, this hospital, these buildings were made after the earthquake. All this was done on war footing by the army of Kutch which consists of its ppl: PM in Bhuj #GujaratElection2017 pic.twitter.com/oOPhNKY01J — ANI (@ANI) November 27, 2017 ×

Watch: I am grateful for all the 'kichad' being thrown at me, says PM Modi

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Assam today&nbsp;to review the flood situation in the state.&nbsp;

After reviewing the situation, an assistance of Rs 2,000 crore was announced for flood-hit Northeastern states. Assam will get an additional Rs 250 crore for flood relief.

Another Rs 100 crore was announced for high power study on the Brahmaputra as a permanent solution to the flooding.

An ex-gratia assistance of Rs&nbsp;2 lakh to the next of kin of the deceased, and Rs&nbsp;50,000 to each of those seriously injured due to the floods, has been sanctioned under the Prime Minister&#39;s National Relief Fund (PMNRF).

Seventy-nine people have died in the floods in Assam so far.&nbsp;

Modi&#39;s visit comes in the midst of criticism by opposition parties and organisations in the northeastern state that despite the severe floods, he was yet to visit the state. The floods have affected more than 25 lakh people across 29 districts.&nbsp;

Modi&nbsp;conducted two meetings at the administrative staff college in Guwahati.

The first meeting was between him and Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal and other senior&nbsp;officials of the state.

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Guwahati: PM Modi at Assam administrative staff college,flood review meeting with officials and ministers underway <a href="https://t.co/uoudM8iPhv">pic.twitter.com/uoudM8iPhv</a>
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&nbsp;

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Guwahati: PM Modi held meeting with Manipur CM N Biren Singh over flood situation in the state <a href="https://t.co/0jDBssXGWV">pic.twitter.com/0jDBssXGWV</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/892297488807280640">August 1, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Guwahati: PM Modi held flood review meeting with Nagaland CM TR Zeliang &amp; other officials; MoS PMO Jitendra Singh also present <a href="https://t.co/lEv2qggwQH">pic.twitter.com/lEv2qggwQH</a>
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Guwahati: PM Narendra Modi holds flood review meeting with officials of Arunachal Pradesh <a href="https://t.co/4gTmtNnJQj">pic.twitter.com/4gTmtNnJQj</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/892280104650285057">August 1, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Narendra Modi arrived in Assam today?to review the flood situation in Assam

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Assam today to review the flood situation in the state. After reviewing the situation, an assistance of Rs 2,000 crore was announced for flood-hit Northeastern states. Assam will get an additional Rs 250 crore for flood relief. Another Rs 100 crore was announced for high power study on the Brahmaputra as a permanent solution to the flooding. An ex-gratia assistance of Rs 2 lakh to the next of kin of the deceased, and Rs 50,000 to each of those seriously injured due to the floods, has been sanctioned under the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF). Seventy-nine people have died in the floods in Assam so far. Modi's visit comes in the midst of criticism by opposition parties and organisations in the northeastern state that despite the severe floods, he was yet to visit the state. The floods have affected more than 25 lakh people across 29 districts. Modi conducted two meetings at the administrative staff college in Guwahati. The first meeting was between him and Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal and other senior officials of the state. Guwahati: PM Modi at Assam administrative staff college,flood review meeting with officials and ministers underway pic.twitter.com/uoudM8iPhv — ANI (@ANI_news) August 1, 2017 × Guwahati: PM Modi held meeting with Manipur CM N Biren Singh over flood situation in the state pic.twitter.com/0jDBssXGWV — ANI (@ANI_news) August 1, 2017 × Guwahati: PM Modi held flood review meeting with Nagaland CM TR Zeliang & other officials; MoS PMO Jitendra Singh also present pic.twitter.com/lEv2qggwQH — ANI (@ANI_news) August 1, 2017 × Guwahati: PM Narendra Modi holds flood review meeting with officials of Arunachal Pradesh pic.twitter.com/4gTmtNnJQj — ANI (@ANI_news) August 1, 2017 ×

Northeast floods: PM Modi announces assistance of Rs 2,000 crore

Indian&nbsp;Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Washington&nbsp;earlier today on the second leg of his three-nation tour for his first bilateral meeting with US President Donald Trump.

Soon after his arrival, he met people from the Indian community at the Joint Base Andrews in Washington&nbsp;DC.

Earlier, Modi met his Portuguese&nbsp;counterpart&nbsp;Antonio Costa and&nbsp;signed new agreements in taxation, science, youth affairs and sport.

The Portuguese Prime Minister deviated from protocol and went to the airport to see the Indian Prime Minister off.

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Concluding a historic visit to Portugal. Deviating from Protocol, PM <a href="https://twitter.com/antoniocostapm">@antoniocostapm</a> see off PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi">@narendramodi</a> , a warm goodbye <a href="https://t.co/BwH9vTp2H5">pic.twitter.com/BwH9vTp2H5</a>
&mdash; Gopal Baglay (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/878670763246538752">June 24, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Modi is scheduled to meet&nbsp;Trump on Monday at the White House.&nbsp;

The US President, Donald Trump, in a tweet, said that he is looking forward to welcoming&nbsp;the Indian Prime Minister to White House and there are important strategic issues that have to be discussed with Modi whom he called a &quot;true friend&quot;.

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Look forward to welcoming India&#39;s PM Modi to <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse">@WhiteHouse</a> on Monday. Important strategic issues to discuss with a true friend!
&mdash; President Trump (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/878695978601254913">June 24, 2017</a></blockquote>
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The visit has already gained strategic depth with the US approving the sale of 22 Predator Guardian drones to India, a deal worth close to $2 billion.

The two leaders are expected to strengthen the partnership between the two countries further.

Prime Minister Modi had said that the visit was aimed at building a forward-looking vision for the Indo-US bilateral partnership.

&quot;My USA visit is aimed at deepening ties between our nations. Strong India-USA ties benefit our nations &amp; the world,&quot; he tweeted.

Trump and Modi have spoken twice over the phone after the former assumed office in January 2017. This will be their first personal meeting.

The Indian Prime Minister will also meet prominent American CEOs and interact with the Indian diaspora in US.

US President Donald Trump would host him for a dinner at the White House on Monday.&nbsp;

About his US visit, Prime Minister Modi had said that the visit was aimed at building a forward looking vision for the Indo-US bilateral partnership

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Washington earlier today on the second leg of his three-nation tour for his first bilateral meeting with US President Donald Trump. Soon after his arrival, he met people from the Indian community at the Joint Base Andrews in Washington DC. Earlier, Modi met his Portuguese counterpart Antonio Costa and signed new agreements in taxation, science, youth affairs and sport. The Portuguese Prime Minister deviated from protocol and went to the airport to see the Indian Prime Minister off. Concluding a historic visit to Portugal. Deviating from Protocol, PM @antoniocostapm see off PM @narendramodi , a warm goodbye pic.twitter.com/BwH9vTp2H5 — Gopal Baglay (@MEAIndia) June 24, 2017 × Modi is scheduled to meet Trump on Monday at the White House. The US President, Donald Trump, in a tweet, said that he is looking forward to welcoming the Indian Prime Minister to White House and there are important strategic issues that have to be discussed with Modi whom he called a "true friend". Look forward to welcoming India's PM Modi to @WhiteHouse on Monday. Important strategic issues to discuss with a true friend! — President Trump (@POTUS) June 24, 2017 × The visit has already gained strategic depth with the US approving the sale of 22 Predator Guardian drones to India, a deal worth close to $2 billion. The two leaders are expected to strengthen the partnership between the two countries further. Prime Minister Modi had said that the visit was aimed at building a forward-looking vision for the Indo-US bilateral partnership. "My USA visit is aimed at deepening ties between our nations. Strong India-USA ties benefit our nations & the world," he tweeted. Trump and Modi have spoken twice over the phone after the former assumed office in January 2017. This will be their first personal meeting. The Indian Prime Minister will also meet prominent American CEOs and interact with the Indian diaspora in US. US President Donald Trump would host him for a dinner at the White House on Monday.

PM Narendra Modi arrives in Washington ahead of meeting with Trump

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi left for Portugal on Saturday morning and will reach the United States the next day (June25).

He will meet US President Donald Trump on June 26.&nbsp;

The two leaders will meet on Monday at around 3:30 pm EST (1 am IST) for the first time. The meeting will last for about 5 hours. The two leaders will end their meeting with a White House dinner, the first by the Trump administration for a visiting foreign leader.

Modi will then visit the Netherlands on June 27.

Speaking before his departure, Modi said that the aim of the US visit is to &quot;build a forward looking vision&quot; for the Indo-US bilateral partnership and consolidate the strong relationship between the two countries.

&quot;My USA visit is aimed at deepening ties between our nations. Strong India-USA ties benefit our nations &amp; the world,&quot; he tweeted.

India and the United States came closer during the regime of President Barack Obama owing to a warm relationship shared between the two leaders.

The visit will aim to capitalise on that relationship to further strengthen the ties.

Already on the agenda is the big-ticket defence deal which will see US supplying 22 Predator drones to India. Sources close to the deal have signalled that the entire US administration is positive about the deal.

India is one of United States&#39; biggest defence markets.

On the issue of H-1B visas, the White House said there were no specific plans to raise the issue during Modi&rsquo;s visit as it was under review. 
&nbsp; 
&quot;On the (H-1B) visas issue, there&#39;s no plans for that to come up specifically,&quot; a senior administration official told reporters ahead of Modi-Trump meeting at the White House on Monday.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
&quot;But if it&#39;s raised, I would just note that the administration has signed some executive orders related to work and immigration, and President Trump&#39;s executive order on H1-B visas, of course, directs the Secretary of State, the Attorney General, the Secretary of Labor and the Secretary of Homeland Security to propose potential reforms to the H1B visa program,&quot; the official said. 
&nbsp; 
The official added that there have been no immediate changes in the existing visa policy. 
&nbsp; 
&quot;However there have been no immediate changes to visa application or issuance procedures, so we&#39;re not in a position to kind of prejudge what the outcome of the review might be. 
So there&#39;s really been no changes as such at this point, and no specific changes that target any specific country or sector as of yet.&rdquo;

Trump and Modi have spoken twice over the phone after the former assumed office in January 2017. This will be their first personal meeting.

The Indian Prime Minister will also meet prominent American CEOs and interact with the Indian diaspora in US.

White House dinner

US President Donald Trump would host him for a dinner at the White House on Monday.

&quot;The White House is very interested in making this a special visit. We&#39;re really seeking to roll out the red carpet. In fact, the two (leaders) will have dinner, a working dinner at the White House. This will be the first dinner for a foreign dignitary at the White House under this administration. So, we think that&#39;s very significant,&quot; a senior administration official told reporters.

Modi will travel to Portugal on Saturday where he will meet the Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa.

&quot;Building on our recent discussions, we will review the progress of various joint initiatives and decisions,&quot; Prime Minister Modi said about his upcoming meeting with Costa.

&quot;We will also discuss ways to further enhance the bilateral engagement, especially in the areas of economic cooperation, science &amp; technology, space collaboration and people to people ties,&quot; the Prime Minister added.

In the last leg of his visit, Modi will visit the Netherlands on June 27 where he will meet the Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte and call on King Willem- Alexander and meet Queen Maxima.

India and the Netherlands share a strong economic partnership. The Netherlands is India&#39;s 6th largest trading partner in the EU and 5th largest investment partner globally

&quot;The Dutch expertise in areas such as water and waste management, agriculture and food processing, renewable energy and ports and shipping, matches with our development needs,&quot; the prime minister said.

&nbsp;

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will reach the US on June 25 and will meet President Donald Trump the next day for five hours

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi left for Portugal on Saturday morning and will reach the United States the next day (June25). He will meet US President Donald Trump on June 26. The two leaders will meet on Monday at around 3:30 pm EST (1 am IST) for the first time. The meeting will last for about 5 hours. The two leaders will end their meeting with a White House dinner, the first by the Trump administration for a visiting foreign leader. Modi will then visit the Netherlands on June 27. Speaking before his departure, Modi said that the aim of the US visit is to "build a forward looking vision" for the Indo-US bilateral partnership and consolidate the strong relationship between the two countries. "My USA visit is aimed at deepening ties between our nations. Strong India-USA ties benefit our nations & the world," he tweeted. India and the United States came closer during the regime of President Barack Obama owing to a warm relationship shared between the two leaders. The visit will aim to capitalise on that relationship to further strengthen the ties. Already on the agenda is the big-ticket defence deal which will see US supplying 22 Predator drones to India. Sources close to the deal have signalled that the entire US administration is positive about the deal. India is one of United States' biggest defence markets. On the issue of H-1B visas, the White House said there were no specific plans to raise the issue during Modi’s visit as it was under review. "On the (H-1B) visas issue, there's no plans for that to come up specifically," a senior administration official told reporters ahead of Modi-Trump meeting at the White House on Monday. "But if it's raised, I would just note that the administration has signed some executive orders related to work and immigration, and President Trump's executive order on H1-B visas, of course, directs the Secretary of State, the Attorney General, the Secretary of Labor and the Secretary of Homeland Security to propose potential reforms to the H1B visa program," the official said. The official added that there have been no immediate changes in the existing visa policy. "However there have been no immediate changes to visa application or issuance procedures, so we're not in a position to kind of prejudge what the outcome of the review might be. So there's really been no changes as such at this point, and no specific changes that target any specific country or sector as of yet.” Trump and Modi have spoken twice over the phone after the former assumed office in January 2017. This will be their first personal meeting. The Indian Prime Minister will also meet prominent American CEOs and interact with the Indian diaspora in US. White House dinner US President Donald Trump would host him for a dinner at the White House on Monday. "The White House is very interested in making this a special visit. We're really seeking to roll out the red carpet. In fact, the two (leaders) will have dinner, a working dinner at the White House. This will be the first dinner for a foreign dignitary at the White House under this administration. So, we think that's very significant," a senior administration official told reporters. Modi will travel to Portugal on Saturday where he will meet the Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa. "Building on our recent discussions, we will review the progress of various joint initiatives and decisions," Prime Minister Modi said about his upcoming meeting with Costa. "We will also discuss ways to further enhance the bilateral engagement, especially in the areas of economic cooperation, science & technology, space collaboration and people to people ties," the Prime Minister added. In the last leg of his visit, Modi will visit the Netherlands on June 27 where he will meet the Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte and call on King Willem- Alexander and meet Queen Maxima. India and the Netherlands share a strong economic partnership. The Netherlands is India's 6th largest trading partner in the EU and 5th largest investment partner globally "The Dutch expertise in areas such as water and waste management, agriculture and food processing, renewable energy and ports and shipping, matches with our development needs," the prime minister said.

Indian PM Modi leaves for three-nation tour to 'deepen bilateral ties'

On the third anniversary of his government, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said these years have seen concrete steps that have &quot;transformed&quot; the lives of the people.

He put out the statistics related to various sectors to show comparisons between 2014 and now.

He also invited the public to participate in a survey on his NarendraModi App about the performance of his government.

&quot;Sath hai, vishwas hai, ho raha vikas hai&quot; (There is cooperation, there is confidence and progress is being made),&nbsp;the prime minister tweeted.

&quot;Last 3 years have seen concrete steps that have transformed people&#39;s lives,&quot;&nbsp;said in another tweet.

Along with the tweets, he posted graphics related to various sectors like agriculture, mobile banking, tele- density, women empowerment, &quot;Make-in-India&quot;, tourism, electrification, solar energy and distribution of LED bulbs.

Referring to &quot;Make-in-India&quot;, the graphic said that there has been a &quot;giant boost&quot;&nbsp;to investments in electronic manufacturing.

According to the graphic, the investments in this sector have jumped to Rs 1,43,000 crore from Rs 11,198 crore in 2013 -14.

Under the title &quot;Digital India for Developed India&quot;, the graphic says that optical fibre broadband network has increased to 2,05,404 kilometres&nbsp;from 358 kilometres&nbsp;in 2013-14.

In the tourism sector, the graphic says India has seen &quot;rapid strides&quot;. According to the graphic, the WEF&#39;s travel and tourism ranking of India has moved from 65th position in 2014 to 40.

In the field of solar power, it said India has taken a giant leap in generation. The solar power installed capacity now stands at 12277 mw against 2621 mw in March 2014.

Inviting the public to participate in a survey, Modi put two questions -- &quot;What do you feel about the Govt? Where have we done well &amp; where can we do even better?&quot;&nbsp;

(PTI)&nbsp;

On the third anniversary of his government, Indian PM Modi takes stock of the country

On the third anniversary of his government, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said these years have seen concrete steps that have "transformed" the lives of the people. He put out the statistics related to various sectors to show comparisons between 2014 and now. He also invited the public to participate in a survey on his NarendraModi App about the performance of his government. "Sath hai, vishwas hai, ho raha vikas hai" (There is cooperation, there is confidence and progress is being made), the prime minister tweeted. "Last 3 years have seen concrete steps that have transformed people's lives," said in another tweet. Along with the tweets, he posted graphics related to various sectors like agriculture, mobile banking, tele- density, women empowerment, "Make-in-India", tourism, electrification, solar energy and distribution of LED bulbs. Referring to "Make-in-India", the graphic said that there has been a "giant boost" to investments in electronic manufacturing. According to the graphic, the investments in this sector have jumped to Rs 1,43,000 crore from Rs 11,198 crore in 2013 -14. Under the title "Digital India for Developed India", the graphic says that optical fibre broadband network has increased to 2,05,404 kilometres from 358 kilometres in 2013-14. In the tourism sector, the graphic says India has seen "rapid strides". According to the graphic, the WEF's travel and tourism ranking of India has moved from 65th position in 2014 to 40. In the field of solar power, it said India has taken a giant leap in generation. The solar power installed capacity now stands at 12277 mw against 2621 mw in March 2014. Inviting the public to participate in a survey, Modi put two questions -- "What do you feel about the Govt? Where have we done well & where can we do even better?" (PTI)

Narendra Modi: Concrete steps have transformed lives of people

India Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday paid tribute&nbsp;to the Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi on his 69th death anniversary.

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????? ???? ?? ????????? ?? ???? ??-?? ???...Tributes to beloved Bapu on his Punya Tithi.
&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/825876496522698752">January 30, 2017</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

President Pranab Mukherjee, Vice-President Hamid Ansari and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will pay tributes to Bapu (father) at Rajghat in Delhi. An inter-religious prayer will also be organised to mark the day.

Later in the day, urban development minister Venkaiah Naidu will inaugurate improvement works at Gandhiji Samadhi.

On this day in 1948, Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated at a prayer meeting.&nbsp;

(ANI)

President Pranab Mukherjee and Vice-President Hamid Ansari will also pay their tributes to Bapu at Rajghat in Delhi today

India Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday paid tribute to the Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi on his 69th death anniversary. ????? ???? ?? ????????? ?? ???? ??-?? ???...Tributes to beloved Bapu on his Punya Tithi. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 30, 2017 × President Pranab Mukherjee, Vice-President Hamid Ansari and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will pay tributes to Bapu (father) at Rajghat in Delhi. An inter-religious prayer will also be organised to mark the day. Later in the day, urban development minister Venkaiah Naidu will inaugurate improvement works at Gandhiji Samadhi. On this day in 1948, Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated at a prayer meeting. (ANI)

Mahatma Gandhi's 69th death anniversary: Indian PM Modi pays tribute

By Kritika Sharma

In his first &lsquo;Mann Ki Baat&rsquo; for 2017, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will on Sunday address parents, teachers, and students, who will be appearing for board exams this March, on issues related to exams and stress management.

After announcing the details of his address, the Prime Minister invited the public, particularly students, parents and teachers to &ldquo;share their experiences about examinations&rdquo; through <a href="https://www.mygov.in/" target="_blank">www.mygov.in</a>. Mann Ki Baat is radio programme hosted by&nbsp;<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narendra_Modi" title="Narendra Modi">Narendra Modi</a>&nbsp;in which he addresses the people of the&nbsp;<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/India" title="India">nation</a>.

Over 2,700 suggestions were received on the website till Saturday evening on various issues related to exams and studies, which will be discussed on the show. While most of the messages were related to the board exams and the education system in India, some suggestions also included the need to inculcate &ldquo;bharatiya sanskar&rdquo; (Indian values and culture) in students by teaching them moral and spiritual virtues. Some even suggested banning adult sites in the country, to ensure students are not &ldquo;distracted&rdquo; from studies.

&ldquo;Respected PM, I have already complained about &ldquo;Ban on adult sites&rdquo;, is it not possible? Teenagers are addicted to it,&rdquo; said Akshay Khedkar on the portal.

Some discussions were also based on harassment faced by students in private institutions. Others took the opportunity to discuss issues such as corruption, unemployment, demonetisation, reservation, and scholarships. One visitor to the website wanted a bit more time to be given to him to submit three, old currency notes of ?500&nbsp;so that he could exchange in a bank or a post office.

Some of the more serious suggestions were addressed to students, asking them to eat well and not stress much.

&ldquo;These are only exams, give it the seriousness that it requires and nothing more. There is a lot more in life than just a couple of exams,&rdquo; said Vidya Surendran. She added, &ldquo;Their (students) food intake should be healthy. They should not eat anything that may increase the risk of an upset tummy. Also, never skip a meal.&rdquo;

A statement from the website said, &ldquo;What is written here will inspire so many students, parents and teachers who are involved with the upcoming exams. The Prime Minister will also share some of your experiences during &lsquo;Mann Ki Baat&rsquo; on January 29, 2017.&rdquo;

Prime Minister Modi has been addressing the young students during the exam season for the past two years as well, through two dedicated episodes of &lsquo;Mann Ki Baat&rsquo;, on exams.

Suggestions received on the portal

&ldquo;I can suggest some important tips like first, know the syllabus clearly. Second, solve questions, third, prepare note for each subject, fourth, plan your timetable and study; fifth, know your strengths and weakness; sixth, revise well. Seventh, last but not the least, keep yourself fit. Take ample rest and do not panic&rdquo;. -Madhusmita Moharana

&ldquo;Meditation should be promoted for concentration, mental peace, mental stability and conceptual clarity&rdquo;. -Vishnu Singh Bareth

&ldquo;i) Daily one hour of yoga. ii) Daily play outdoor games. iii) Teachers / parents need to understand to not pressurise and say 10th and 12th will decide your college / career not to scare them iv) Not to mug up any subject, understand meaning in mother tongue.&rdquo; -Ankur Parikh

&ldquo;You must suggest students that they should not use Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and other social networking sites during exam time as they distract the focus of students.&rdquo; -Ajit Kumar

(This article first appeared in DNA)

Prime Minister invited the public, particularly students, parents and teachers to 'share their experiences about examinations'

By Kritika Sharma In his first ‘Mann Ki Baat’ for 2017, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will on Sunday address parents, teachers, and students, who will be appearing for board exams this March, on issues related to exams and stress management. After announcing the details of his address, the Prime Minister invited the public, particularly students, parents and teachers to “share their experiences about examinations” through www.mygov.in. Mann Ki Baat is radio programme hosted by Narendra Modi in which he addresses the people of the nation. Over 2,700 suggestions were received on the website till Saturday evening on various issues related to exams and studies, which will be discussed on the show. While most of the messages were related to the board exams and the education system in India, some suggestions also included the need to inculcate “bharatiya sanskar” (Indian values and culture) in students by teaching them moral and spiritual virtues. Some even suggested banning adult sites in the country, to ensure students are not “distracted” from studies. “Respected PM, I have already complained about “Ban on adult sites”, is it not possible? Teenagers are addicted to it,” said Akshay Khedkar on the portal. Some discussions were also based on harassment faced by students in private institutions. Others took the opportunity to discuss issues such as corruption, unemployment, demonetisation, reservation, and scholarships. One visitor to the website wanted a bit more time to be given to him to submit three, old currency notes of ?500 so that he could exchange in a bank or a post office. Some of the more serious suggestions were addressed to students, asking them to eat well and not stress much. “These are only exams, give it the seriousness that it requires and nothing more. There is a lot more in life than just a couple of exams,” said Vidya Surendran. She added, “Their (students) food intake should be healthy. They should not eat anything that may increase the risk of an upset tummy. Also, never skip a meal.” A statement from the website said, “What is written here will inspire so many students, parents and teachers who are involved with the upcoming exams. The Prime Minister will also share some of your experiences during ‘Mann Ki Baat’ on January 29, 2017.” Prime Minister Modi has been addressing the young students during the exam season for the past two years as well, through two dedicated episodes of ‘Mann Ki Baat’, on exams. Suggestions received on the portal “I can suggest some important tips like first, know the syllabus clearly. Second, solve questions, third, prepare note for each subject, fourth, plan your timetable and study; fifth, know your strengths and weakness; sixth, revise well. Seventh, last but not the least, keep yourself fit. Take ample rest and do not panic”. -Madhusmita Moharana “Meditation should be promoted for concentration, mental peace, mental stability and conceptual clarity”. -Vishnu Singh Bareth “i) Daily one hour of yoga. ii) Daily play outdoor games. iii) Teachers / parents need to understand to not pressurise and say 10th and 12th will decide your college / career not to scare them iv) Not to mug up any subject, understand meaning in mother tongue.” -Ankur Parikh “You must suggest students that they should not use Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and other social networking sites during exam time as they distract the focus of students.” -Ajit Kumar (This article first appeared in DNA)

Indian PM Modi to encourage students writing board exams in first ?Mann Ki Baat? of 2017

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi&#39;s 97-year-old mother Hiraba today visited a bank at her village in Gandhinagar, just like other citizens, and exchanged her old notes in view of the demonetisation of the high-value currency notes.

Accompanied by relatives, Hiraba, who was in a wheelchair, came to a branch of Oriental Bank of Commerce at Raisan village this morning and got notes worth Rs 4,500 exchanged.

She came to the bank with Rs 500 notes, got the mandatory form filled, put her thumb impression on the form and exchanged her money.

After receiving a new note of Rs 2,000, she also displayed it in front of the mediapersons, who virtually mobbed her as they sought her reaction.

Hiraba lives with Prime Minister Modi&#39;s younger brother Pankaj Modi in Raisan on the outskirts of Gandhinagar. 
The prime minister had visited his mother on September 17 this year to take her blessings on his 66th birthday.

Hiraba is known to lead a very simple life and travels in public transport. Last time when she visited Gandhinagar civil hospital for a regular check-up, she was seen going in an autorickshaw.

Modi had on November 8 announced scrapping of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes to curb black money menace.

After the announcement, people have been queueing up at banks across the country to get their old high denomination notes exchanged for the new notes.

(PTI)

His nonagenarian mother is known to lead a very simple life and is even seen travelling in public transport often

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 97-year-old mother Hiraba today visited a bank at her village in Gandhinagar, just like other citizens, and exchanged her old notes in view of the demonetisation of the high-value currency notes. Accompanied by relatives, Hiraba, who was in a wheelchair, came to a branch of Oriental Bank of Commerce at Raisan village this morning and got notes worth Rs 4,500 exchanged. She came to the bank with Rs 500 notes, got the mandatory form filled, put her thumb impression on the form and exchanged her money. After receiving a new note of Rs 2,000, she also displayed it in front of the mediapersons, who virtually mobbed her as they sought her reaction. Hiraba lives with Prime Minister Modi's younger brother Pankaj Modi in Raisan on the outskirts of Gandhinagar. The prime minister had visited his mother on September 17 this year to take her blessings on his 66th birthday. Hiraba is known to lead a very simple life and travels in public transport. Last time when she visited Gandhinagar civil hospital for a regular check-up, she was seen going in an autorickshaw. Modi had on November 8 announced scrapping of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes to curb black money menace. After the announcement, people have been queueing up at banks across the country to get their old high denomination notes exchanged for the new notes. (PTI)

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's mother goes to bank to exchange notes

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi today vowed to implement Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction in Asian region, news agency Reuters reported.

&quot;We have to wholeheartedly embrace the spirit of Sendai, which calls for an all-of-society approach to disaster risk management. In India, we are committed to walk the talk on the implementation of Sendai Framework,&quot; Modi said in his inaugural address at the Asian Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in New Delhi.

The Sendai Framework is a 15-year global plan to combat disasters. It was adopted at the Third UN World Conference in Sendai, Japan, on March 18, 2015.

The Asian Ministerial Conference will work on formulating a plan to put the Sendai framework into motion.

&quot;The expected outcomes of the conference are an Asian regional plan for implementation of the Sendai framework. Second, a political declaration that reiterates the commitments of the governments to disaster risk reduction and also fundamentally important- stakeholder actions, statements containing various initiatives to reduce disaster risk,&quot; said United Nations secretary general&#39;s special representative for Disaster Risk Reduction, Robert Glasser, Reuters reported.

According to the United Nations, Asia-Pacific is the world&#39;s most disaster-prone region. It accounted for over half of the world&#39;s 344 disasters last year, with more than 16,000 deaths and 59 million people affected in the region alone, according to the UN.

Prime Minister Modi warned of daunting challenges due to the rapid rise of urbanisation in the region.

&quot;Urbanisation will pose greater challenges for disaster risk management, by concentrating people, property and economic activity in smaller areas, many of them in disaster-prone locations. If we do not manage this growth, in terms of both planning and execution, the risk of economic and human losses from disasters will be higher than ever before,&quot; said Modi.

(WION with inputs from Reuters)

Sendai framework is a 15-year global plan to combat disasters which was finalised in Japan last year

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi today vowed to implement Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction in Asian region, news agency Reuters reported. "We have to wholeheartedly embrace the spirit of Sendai, which calls for an all-of-society approach to disaster risk management. In India, we are committed to walk the talk on the implementation of Sendai Framework," Modi said in his inaugural address at the Asian Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in New Delhi. The Sendai Framework is a 15-year global plan to combat disasters. It was adopted at the Third UN World Conference in Sendai, Japan, on March 18, 2015. The Asian Ministerial Conference will work on formulating a plan to put the Sendai framework into motion. "The expected outcomes of the conference are an Asian regional plan for implementation of the Sendai framework. Second, a political declaration that reiterates the commitments of the governments to disaster risk reduction and also fundamentally important- stakeholder actions, statements containing various initiatives to reduce disaster risk," said United Nations secretary general's special representative for Disaster Risk Reduction, Robert Glasser, Reuters reported. According to the United Nations, Asia-Pacific is the world's most disaster-prone region. It accounted for over half of the world's 344 disasters last year, with more than 16,000 deaths and 59 million people affected in the region alone, according to the UN. Prime Minister Modi warned of daunting challenges due to the rapid rise of urbanisation in the region. "Urbanisation will pose greater challenges for disaster risk management, by concentrating people, property and economic activity in smaller areas, many of them in disaster-prone locations. If we do not manage this growth, in terms of both planning and execution, the risk of economic and human losses from disasters will be higher than ever before," said Modi. (WION with inputs from Reuters)

India: Modi vows to implement global disaster plan

Addressing the nation on the occasion of the Hindu festival of Diwali in his monthly programme &quot;Mann ki Baat&quot; on All India Radio on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated the festival to the Indian Army, praising them for their tireless committment and sacrifice for the nation.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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From last few months our jawans are sacrificing their lives, we should celebrate this Diwali in their name: PM Narendra Modi <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MannKiBaat?src=hash">#MannKiBaat</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/792602418382983172">30 October 2016</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

He recognised the works of all the Armed Forces, and thanked the nation for sending them Diwali messages.&nbsp;

The Prime Minister said the #Sandesh2Soldiers hashtag was flooded with well wishes &amp; love for the soldiers.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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Be it BSF, CRPF etc, our jawans are on duty and guarding us; that is why we are celebrating Diwali joyfully: PM Modi
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/792603108811509760">30 October 2016</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

This is the 25th edition of the programme. Prime Minister Modi had requested people to share their thoughts and inputs for the forthcoming programme on the Narendra Modi App and MyGov Open Forum.

During the last edition of the programme, the Prime Minister had said that the nation&#39;s armed forces were fully equipped to foil any nefarious designs. He also spoke about how the Army does not talk, but speak through their valour.

(WION) 
&nbsp;

In his monthly address 'Mann ki Baat', PM Modi praised the Indian Army for safeguarding the borders

Addressing the nation on the occasion of the Hindu festival of Diwali in his monthly programme "Mann ki Baat" on All India Radio on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated the festival to the Indian Army, praising them for their tireless committment and sacrifice for the nation. From last few months our jawans are sacrificing their lives, we should celebrate this Diwali in their name: PM Narendra Modi #MannKiBaat — ANI (@ANI_news) 30 October 2016 × He recognised the works of all the Armed Forces, and thanked the nation for sending them Diwali messages. The Prime Minister said the #Sandesh2Soldiers hashtag was flooded with well wishes & love for the soldiers. Be it BSF, CRPF etc, our jawans are on duty and guarding us; that is why we are celebrating Diwali joyfully: PM Modi — ANI (@ANI_news) 30 October 2016 × This is the 25th edition of the programme. Prime Minister Modi had requested people to share their thoughts and inputs for the forthcoming programme on the Narendra Modi App and MyGov Open Forum. During the last edition of the programme, the Prime Minister had said that the nation's armed forces were fully equipped to foil any nefarious designs. He also spoke about how the Army does not talk, but speak through their valour. (WION)

Indian PM dedicates Diwali to soldiers, lauds their sacrifices in monthly radio address

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said that ASEAN is central to India&#39;s &#39;Act East&#39; policy. 
 
While addressing the 14th ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations)-India summit in &nbsp;Laos, Vientiane, Modi said: &quot;Our engagement driven by common priorities bringing peace, stability and prosperity to the region.&quot;&nbsp; 
 
Enhancing connectivity was central to India&#39;s partnership with ASEAN, he told the 10-member grouping attended by heads of the states. 
 
&quot;Seamless digital connectivity between India and Southeast Asia is a shared objective. India committed to Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity,&quot; Modi said. 
 
Securing seas was a shared responsibility, he said, adding that sea lanes are &quot;life lines of global trade&quot;. 
 
Laotian premier Thongloun Sisoulith complimented India&#39;s Act East policy and its contribution to ASEAN and hoped the summit will provide future direction.&nbsp; 
 
It&#39;s pertinent to mention that the National Democratic Alliance-led Indian government has made&nbsp;its relations with East Asian neighbours a foreign policy a priority under the &#39;Act East&#39; policy.&nbsp; 
 
Indian ambassador to ASEAN, Suresh Kumar Reddy had earlier said India-ASEAN summit will set the agenda for further strengthening of ties which will help India achieve its objectives for socio-economic growth.&nbsp; 
 
The summit will also provide valuable partners who can bring technology, resources and who can support Indian industries, he had told the Indian news agency ANI.&nbsp;Areas in which further cooperation is required includes agriculture, climate change, security and strengthening connectivity between the ASEAN countries, he said.&nbsp; 
 
Modi refers to Pakistan again while talking about terror&nbsp; 
 
Days after telling the G20 nations that &#39;one nation in South Asia is spreading terror&#39; as he made a veiled attack at Pakistan, Modi today sought the cooperation of ASEAN members at the ongoing summit in Laos, Vientiane to combat the &#39;menace of terror&#39; while making a reference to the neighbouring country again.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;The threat is local, regional, and transitional at the same time. Our partnership with ASEAN seeks to craft a response through coordination, cooperation at multiple levels,&quot; Modi said as he expressed concern about the rising &#39;export of terror&#39;.&nbsp; 
 
While addressing the 14th ASEAN-India summit here, the Prime Minister also noted that growing radicalism through the ideology of hatred and spread of extreme violence are the other security threats, the Indian news agency PTI reported.&nbsp; 
 
He said that in the face of growing traditional and non-traditional challenges, political cooperation has emerged as key in relations. 
 
&quot;We are willing to take concrete steps to enhance cooperation in cyber security, de-radicalisation and counterterrorism,&quot; Modi asserted.&nbsp; 
 
Day-2 ASEAN summit highlights&nbsp; 
 
The second day of the ASEAN summit was focused on the issue of South China Sea.&nbsp; 
 
On Wednesday, China came under fire over &#39;&#39;illegal&#39;&#39; island-building in the disputed South China Sea.&nbsp; 
 
China refuted the claims saying it had not started building at the shoal. Philippines on Wednesday released photos which showed Chinese ships in the area, AFP reported. 
 
Just hours after the pictures were released, Thailand which has remained neutral regarding this issue, said it &quot;supports China&#39;s efforts&quot; to maintain maritime peace in South China Sea. 
 
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe also expressed concern over Beijing&#39;s dominating claims in the South China Sea, which is also claimed by philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan and Brunei. 
 
Tokyo is also in loggerheads with Beijing over disputed islands in East China Sea. 
 
&quot;I am seriously concerned with the continuing attempts to change unilaterally the status quo in the East and South China Sea and I hope that both parties to the dispute in the South China Sea will abide by the ruling by the China-Philippines tribunal court, which legally binds the parties to the dispute, and it will lead to a peaceful settlement of the dispute,&quot; Abe said, according to a briefing by foreign press secretary Yasuhisa Kawamura. 
 
Abe pledged $440 million to aid Asian countries to combat terrorism.&nbsp; 
 
US President Barack Obama yet again warned today that the international tribunal&#39;s ruling was &quot;binding&quot;. &nbsp;&quot;The landmark arbitration ruling in July, which is binding, helped clarify maritime rights in the region,&quot; Obama told a summit of Asian leaders in Laos. 
 
 
(WION with inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

'Seamless digital connectivity between India and Southeast Asia is a shared objective,' Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said today

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said that ASEAN is central to India's 'Act East' policy. While addressing the 14th ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations)-India summit in Laos, Vientiane, Modi said: "Our engagement driven by common priorities bringing peace, stability and prosperity to the region." Enhancing connectivity was central to India's partnership with ASEAN, he told the 10-member grouping attended by heads of the states. "Seamless digital connectivity between India and Southeast Asia is a shared objective. India committed to Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity," Modi said. Securing seas was a shared responsibility, he said, adding that sea lanes are "life lines of global trade". Laotian premier Thongloun Sisoulith complimented India's Act East policy and its contribution to ASEAN and hoped the summit will provide future direction. It's pertinent to mention that the National Democratic Alliance-led Indian government has made its relations with East Asian neighbours a foreign policy a priority under the 'Act East' policy. Indian ambassador to ASEAN, Suresh Kumar Reddy had earlier said India-ASEAN summit will set the agenda for further strengthening of ties which will help India achieve its objectives for socio-economic growth. The summit will also provide valuable partners who can bring technology, resources and who can support Indian industries, he had told the Indian news agency ANI. Areas in which further cooperation is required includes agriculture, climate change, security and strengthening connectivity between the ASEAN countries, he said. Modi refers to Pakistan again while talking about terror Days after telling the G20 nations that 'one nation in South Asia is spreading terror' as he made a veiled attack at Pakistan, Modi today sought the cooperation of ASEAN members at the ongoing summit in Laos, Vientiane to combat the 'menace of terror' while making a reference to the neighbouring country again. "The threat is local, regional, and transitional at the same time. Our partnership with ASEAN seeks to craft a response through coordination, cooperation at multiple levels," Modi said as he expressed concern about the rising 'export of terror'. While addressing the 14th ASEAN-India summit here, the Prime Minister also noted that growing radicalism through the ideology of hatred and spread of extreme violence are the other security threats, the Indian news agency PTI reported. He said that in the face of growing traditional and non-traditional challenges, political cooperation has emerged as key in relations. "We are willing to take concrete steps to enhance cooperation in cyber security, de-radicalisation and counterterrorism," Modi asserted. Day-2 ASEAN summit highlights The second day of the ASEAN summit was focused on the issue of South China Sea. On Wednesday, China came under fire over ''illegal'' island-building in the disputed South China Sea. China refuted the claims saying it had not started building at the shoal. Philippines on Wednesday released photos which showed Chinese ships in the area, AFP reported. Just hours after the pictures were released, Thailand which has remained neutral regarding this issue, said it "supports China's efforts" to maintain maritime peace in South China Sea. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe also expressed concern over Beijing's dominating claims in the South China Sea, which is also claimed by philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan and Brunei. Tokyo is also in loggerheads with Beijing over disputed islands in East China Sea. "I am seriously concerned with the continuing attempts to change unilaterally the status quo in the East and South China Sea and I hope that both parties to the dispute in the South China Sea will abide by the ruling by the China-Philippines tribunal court, which legally binds the parties to the dispute, and it will lead to a peaceful settlement of the dispute," Abe said, according to a briefing by foreign press secretary Yasuhisa Kawamura. Abe pledged $440 million to aid Asian countries to combat terrorism. US President Barack Obama yet again warned today that the international tribunal's ruling was "binding". "The landmark arbitration ruling in July, which is binding, helped clarify maritime rights in the region," Obama told a summit of Asian leaders in Laos. (WION with inputs from agencies)

ASEAN central to India's 'Act East' policy: PM Modi

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi today discussed India&#39;s NSG membership with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and also raised the issue of the confidential data leak of the Indian Scorpene Class submarines with French President Francois Hollande on the sidelines of the G20 Summit. 
 
On the second and final day of the summit in this east Chinese city, Modi met Erdogan and Hollande in separate &quot;pull-aside&quot; meetings. 
 
Prior to that, he met Britain&#39;s new Prime Minister Theresa May and held discussions on &quot;building opportunities&quot; in the aftermath of UK&#39;s decision to exit the European Union. 
 
In his meeting with Erdogan, the prime minister discussed the issue of India&#39;s membership of the 48-member Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), foreign affairs spokesperson Vikas Swarup told reporters.&nbsp;The discussion with Erdogan on NSG was significant as Turkey was among the few countries - along with China - which had stalled India&#39;s bid to join the elite grouping at its plenary meeting in June in Seoul. 
 
China had then raised objection saying India was not a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).&nbsp;Turkey too raised its concern over the presence of supporters of dissident Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen, who it accuses of masterminding the failed July coup attempt, in India. 
 
Swarup said enhancing civil aviation with Turkey also figured during the discussions. 
 
In his bilateral meeting with Hollande, Modi raised the leak of sensitive data related to Scorpene Class submarines. &quot;This issue&nbsp;has also figured,&quot; Swarup said. 
 
Over 22,000 pages of secret data on the capabilities of six highly advanced submarines being built for the Indian Navy in Mumbai in collaboration with French defence company DCNS were leaked. The data leak reportedly happened overseas. 
 
With May, the prime minister underlined that even after UK&#39;s exit from the EU, &quot;Britain remains an important partner&quot; for India. 
&quot;May also referred to the recent passage of GST (bill) which would further boost trade and investment ties with the UK. She supported PM&#39;s reform agenda and the UK is keen to participate in Make in India, Smartcity and Skill India initiatives,&quot; he said. 
 
The two leaders discussed further enhancing of the defence partnership and Modi invited UK firms to India.&nbsp;They also talked about the challenges of terrorism, calling it &quot;the biggest threat and danger to the world with no boundaries,&quot; Swarup said. 
 
Modi and May also discussed enhancing counter-terrorism&nbsp;cooperation between India and the UK, the spokesperson said. 
 
May, UK&#39;s second woman prime minister after Margaret Thatcher, also underlined the importance Britain attaches to the Indian diaspora in the UK. 
 
Modi had congratulated May, who succeeded David Cameron after he quit following UK&#39;s decision to exit the 28-member world&#39;s largest single market EU, on her assumption of the new responsibility on July 27 and had affirmed India&#39;s commitment to further strengthen the strategic bilateral partnership.&nbsp;In his final bilateral meeting, Modi held talks with Argentine President Mauricio Macri. 
 
Modi was accompanied by India&#39;s national security advisor Ajit Doval and foreign secretary S Jaishankar during the brief meeting with the French president. 
 
Modi yesterday briefly interacted with US President Barack Obama and had a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. 
He also had separate meetings with Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Saudi deputy crown prince Mohammad bin Salman yesterday. 
 
(PTI)

Modi also met Britain's PM May during the G20 summit and underlined that 'Britain remains an important partner' for India even after Brexit

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi today discussed India's NSG membership with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and also raised the issue of the confidential data leak of the Indian Scorpene Class submarines with French President Francois Hollande on the sidelines of the G20 Summit. On the second and final day of the summit in this east Chinese city, Modi met Erdogan and Hollande in separate "pull-aside" meetings. Prior to that, he met Britain's new Prime Minister Theresa May and held discussions on "building opportunities" in the aftermath of UK's decision to exit the European Union. In his meeting with Erdogan, the prime minister discussed the issue of India's membership of the 48-member Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), foreign affairs spokesperson Vikas Swarup told reporters. The discussion with Erdogan on NSG was significant as Turkey was among the few countries - along with China - which had stalled India's bid to join the elite grouping at its plenary meeting in June in Seoul. China had then raised objection saying India was not a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Turkey too raised its concern over the presence of supporters of dissident Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen, who it accuses of masterminding the failed July coup attempt, in India. Swarup said enhancing civil aviation with Turkey also figured during the discussions. In his bilateral meeting with Hollande, Modi raised the leak of sensitive data related to Scorpene Class submarines. "This issue has also figured," Swarup said. Over 22,000 pages of secret data on the capabilities of six highly advanced submarines being built for the Indian Navy in Mumbai in collaboration with French defence company DCNS were leaked. The data leak reportedly happened overseas. With May, the prime minister underlined that even after UK's exit from the EU, "Britain remains an important partner" for India. "May also referred to the recent passage of GST (bill) which would further boost trade and investment ties with the UK. She supported PM's reform agenda and the UK is keen to participate in Make in India, Smartcity and Skill India initiatives," he said. The two leaders discussed further enhancing of the defence partnership and Modi invited UK firms to India. They also talked about the challenges of terrorism, calling it "the biggest threat and danger to the world with no boundaries," Swarup said. Modi and May also discussed enhancing counter-terrorism cooperation between India and the UK, the spokesperson said. May, UK's second woman prime minister after Margaret Thatcher, also underlined the importance Britain attaches to the Indian diaspora in the UK. Modi had congratulated May, who succeeded David Cameron after he quit following UK's decision to exit the 28-member world's largest single market EU, on her assumption of the new responsibility on July 27 and had affirmed India's commitment to further strengthen the strategic bilateral partnership. In his final bilateral meeting, Modi held talks with Argentine President Mauricio Macri. Modi was accompanied by India's national security advisor Ajit Doval and foreign secretary S Jaishankar during the brief meeting with the French president. Modi yesterday briefly interacted with US President Barack Obama and had a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. He also had separate meetings with Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Saudi deputy crown prince Mohammad bin Salman yesterday. (PTI)

Indian PM Modi raises submarine leak with Hollande, NSG bid with Erdogan

China will &quot;have to get involved if any Indian plot disrupts the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in Pakistan&#39;s Balochistan&quot;, a Chinese Think Tank was reported saying. 
 
The statement came following Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressing concern &nbsp;over the restive Balochistan. 
 
Hu Shisheng, Director of the Institute of South and Southeast Asian and Oceanian Studies at the China Institute of Contemporary International Relations (CICIR), affiliated with the country&#39;s Ministry of State Security, said that India&#39;s growing military ties with the US and its changed attitude on the disputed South China Sea were not welcomed by China. 
 
&quot;It could be regarded as a watershed moment in India&#39;s policy towards Pakistan. Why Chinese scholars are concerned is because this is for the first time India has mentioned it,&quot; Hu said. 
 
He said that China was concerned about India using &quot;anti-government&quot; elements in Balochistan where Beijing is building the $46 billion CPEC -- crucial to the success of its One Road One Belt project. 
 
&quot;India may take the same approach that it believes Pakistan is taking, asymmetrically using anti-government factors in Pakistan,&quot; Hu said. 
 
&quot;If this kind of plot causes damage to the CPEC, China will have to get involved,&quot; he said. 
 
The CPEC will connect China&#39;s largest province, Xinjiang, with Pakistan&#39;s Gwadar port in Balochistan, marked by rebels and separatists. India has opposed the corridor as it will pass through Gilgit-Baltistan and Pakistan-controlled Kashmir which India calls its own. 
 
Hu pointed that the defence cooperation between New Delhi and Washington had increased significantly after Modi took over as Prime Minster, also referring to US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter&#39;s visit to India in April. 
 
&quot;There is renewal of defence and technological cooperation (between India and the US) for another 10 years, enhancing the cooperation under the framework of DTTI (Defence Technology and Trade Initiative),&quot; Hu added. 
 
India must resist pressure from the US and Japan in countering China, he said. 
 
A UN court had in July rejected China&#39;s claims over the the Nine-Dash line -- which covers almost 90 per cent of the contested South China Sea -- and backed the Philippines which has overlapping claims in the waters, also partly claimed by Vietnam, Brunei, Taiwan and Malaysia. 
 
(WION with inputs from agencies)

China is concerned about the Indian Prime Minister's comments hampering the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor project work in Balochistan

China will "have to get involved if any Indian plot disrupts the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in Pakistan's Balochistan", a Chinese Think Tank was reported saying. The statement came following Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressing concern over the restive Balochistan. Hu Shisheng, Director of the Institute of South and Southeast Asian and Oceanian Studies at the China Institute of Contemporary International Relations (CICIR), affiliated with the country's Ministry of State Security, said that India's growing military ties with the US and its changed attitude on the disputed South China Sea were not welcomed by China. "It could be regarded as a watershed moment in India's policy towards Pakistan. Why Chinese scholars are concerned is because this is for the first time India has mentioned it," Hu said. He said that China was concerned about India using "anti-government" elements in Balochistan where Beijing is building the $46 billion CPEC -- crucial to the success of its One Road One Belt project. "India may take the same approach that it believes Pakistan is taking, asymmetrically using anti-government factors in Pakistan," Hu said. "If this kind of plot causes damage to the CPEC, China will have to get involved," he said. The CPEC will connect China's largest province, Xinjiang, with Pakistan's Gwadar port in Balochistan, marked by rebels and separatists. India has opposed the corridor as it will pass through Gilgit-Baltistan and Pakistan-controlled Kashmir which India calls its own. Hu pointed that the defence cooperation between New Delhi and Washington had increased significantly after Modi took over as Prime Minster, also referring to US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter's visit to India in April. "There is renewal of defence and technological cooperation (between India and the US) for another 10 years, enhancing the cooperation under the framework of DTTI (Defence Technology and Trade Initiative)," Hu added. India must resist pressure from the US and Japan in countering China, he said. A UN court had in July rejected China's claims over the the Nine-Dash line -- which covers almost 90 per cent of the contested South China Sea -- and backed the Philippines which has overlapping claims in the waters, also partly claimed by Vietnam, Brunei, Taiwan and Malaysia. (WION with inputs from agencies)

'Will get involved if India stirs up trouble in Balochistan', Chinese think tank warns

After much chest thumping over India&#39;s two medal victory at Rio Olympics 2016, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced today a task force will be set up to prepare athletes for effective participation in the next three Olympic Games in 2020, 2024 and 2028. 
 
The task force will be set up in a few days, the Prime Minister said. It will focus on providing better infrastructure for training, improved facilities, selection procedure and will comprise of experts from India and abroad.&nbsp; 
 
In India, education has always been given importance over sports. Prime Minister Modi has repeatedly stressed on the need to link sports with the education system. 
 
In 2013, during a speech in Ferguson College in western Maharashtra state&#39;s Pune city, Modi had said, &ldquo;During Olympics, people often say despite its huge size, we don&#39;t get medals. Have we linked sports with our education system? Did we give enough opportunity to our youth? Believe me if you give our defence forces this responsibility and match the potential of the new recruits in the interested sports and then train them properly, we will earn 5-7 medals even without much efforts. It requires vision!&rdquo; 
 
A contingent of 118 athletes were sent to Rio, but only two medals were achieved by wrestler Sakshi Malik and badminton player P V Sandhu. The abysmal performance highlighted poor training and lack of facilities given to most Indian athletes.&nbsp; 
 
Indian track and field athlete, O P Jaisha collapsed at the finish line at the end of the women&#39;s marathon. She said she was not provided any water nor energy drinks by officials despite designated stations being provided for India. 
 
(WION) 
 
 
&nbsp;

It will focus on providing better infrastructure for training, improved facilities and selection procedure

After much chest thumping over India's two medal victory at Rio Olympics 2016, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced today a task force will be set up to prepare athletes for effective participation in the next three Olympic Games in 2020, 2024 and 2028. The task force will be set up in a few days, the Prime Minister said. It will focus on providing better infrastructure for training, improved facilities, selection procedure and will comprise of experts from India and abroad. In India, education has always been given importance over sports. Prime Minister Modi has repeatedly stressed on the need to link sports with the education system. In 2013, during a speech in Ferguson College in western Maharashtra state's Pune city, Modi had said, “During Olympics, people often say despite its huge size, we don't get medals. Have we linked sports with our education system? Did we give enough opportunity to our youth? Believe me if you give our defence forces this responsibility and match the potential of the new recruits in the interested sports and then train them properly, we will earn 5-7 medals even without much efforts. It requires vision!” A contingent of 118 athletes were sent to Rio, but only two medals were achieved by wrestler Sakshi Malik and badminton player P V Sandhu. The abysmal performance highlighted poor training and lack of facilities given to most Indian athletes. Indian track and field athlete, O P Jaisha collapsed at the finish line at the end of the women's marathon. She said she was not provided any water nor energy drinks by officials despite designated stations being provided for India. (WION)

Indian PM Modi announces 'task force' to prepare athletes for next three Olympics

When Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met top aides to prepare last week&#39;s annual Independence Day address, some senior bureaucrats warned him against mentioning Balochistan, arch-rival Pakistan&#39;s restive southwestern province. 
 
Referring to Balochistan in such a prominent speech would be a highly unusual move bound to ratchet up tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbours more used to trading barbs over northern Kashmir state, the cause of two of their three wars. 
 
According to a senior official at the meeting in early August, the more hawkish politicians in the room, angered by what they saw as Pakistan&#39;s recent trouble-making in Kashmir, thought differently, and so did Modi. 
 
By siding with the hawks, and including Balochistan in his address, Modi signalled a more muscular approach towards Pakistan. 
 
That dims prospects of bringing the bitter rivals closer together to reduce economic pain and the risk of more violence, an issue that will be high on US secretary of state John Kerry&#39;s agenda when he lands in New Delhi on Monday for a three-day visit. 
 
&quot;The bureaucrats suggested that talking about Balochistan is a good idea but may be the Independence Day speech was not a good platform for it,&quot; said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the meeting&#39;s sensitivity. 
 
Defence minister Manohar Parrikar &quot;rejected these ideas&quot;, while home minister Rajnath Singh &quot;supported him (Parrikar) by saying we should do everything to silence Pakistan&quot;, this official said. 
 
India&#39;s ministry for external affairs declined to comment on the debate about Modi&#39;s speech. His office, and the defence and home ministries, did not respond to requests for comment. 
 
Speaking from the ramparts of the 17th-century Red Fort in Old Delhi on August 15, Modi thanked the Baloch people for their support after a number of separatist leaders published videos praising him for acknowledging their cause previously. 
 
He also lashed out at supporters of &quot;terrorism&quot;, in a more familiar broadside against India&#39;s old foe. 
 
Crossing the red line 
 
Pakistan has seized on Modi&#39;s speech as evidence that India has a hand in a decades-long Baloch separatist campaign, in which insurgents in the resource-rich yet impoverished region have launched sporadic attacks and demanded independence. India denies the charge. 
 
A senior foreign ministry official in Islamabad said Modi had &quot;crossed the red line&quot;. 
 
Indian officials said Modi&#39;s speech was designed to remind the world about alleged human rights abuses by Pakistani forces in Balochistan, just as Pakistan accuses India of abusing civilians in the disputed region of Kashmir during recent unrest. 
 
But outside Modi&#39;s entourage, questions are being asked about what strategic reward, if any, India can hope to gain by raising the geopolitical stakes. 
 
&quot;Politically, it&#39;s much less useful in terms of Pakistan using this as evidence of Indian meddling. It gives them ammunition,&quot; said Daniel Markey, a South Asia expert at Johns Hopkins University in Washington, referring to Modi&#39;s mention of Balochistan. 
 
But he added: &quot;There is a strategic utility in looking a little unhinged, in sending that message.&quot; 
 
A New Delhi-based diplomat from a major power with traditionally close ties to India said it will only escalate tension. 
 
Deteriorating relations 
 
Relations between India and Pakistan have deteriorated since the killing of a separatist leader in Indian-ruled Kashmir on July 8 sparked the worst violence in the disputed territory in six years. 
 
At least 66 protesters and two security personnel have been killed and thousands wounded on both sides, according to official state figures. 
 
India blames Pakistan for failing to stop militants crossing the heavily-militarised de facto border between them and attacking Indian security forces. Pakistan denies this. 
 
Two senior Indian officials said Modi had become frustrated with Pakistan&#39;s latest attempt to draw wide international attention to the Kashmir question and the current clampdown, and to take the matter to the United Nations. 
 
&quot;Dealing with militancy is our internal issue and we will not tolerate any other country&#39;s interference,&quot; said one of the officials, from Modi&#39;s nationalist ruling party, who is closely involved in regional policy. 
 
At the August meeting, Parrikar, the defence minister, also said that by raising Balochistan, Modi would be highlighting China&#39;s role in unrest in the region, said the official present. 
 
The reference to China reflects Indian unease at Beijing&#39;s backing of a $46 billion trade corridor running through land in northeast Pakistan that New Delhi claims, onward through Balochistan to the port of Gwadar on the Arabian Sea coast. 
 
Some of the Baloch separatist leaders who praised Modi before his address worry that their battle for a homeland will become a political football between the South Asian neighbours. 
 
&quot;If India&#39;s support is just a reaction to the politics and to Kashmir, then it could damage the political struggle,&quot; said Geneva-based Baloch Republican Party leader Brahamdagh Bugti. 
 
He said New Delhi had rejected his application for Indian asylum in 2007. 
 
(Reuters) 
&nbsp;

By including Balochistan in his address, Modi signalled a more muscular approach towards Pakistan.

When Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met top aides to prepare last week's annual Independence Day address, some senior bureaucrats warned him against mentioning Balochistan, arch-rival Pakistan's restive southwestern province. Referring to Balochistan in such a prominent speech would be a highly unusual move bound to ratchet up tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbours more used to trading barbs over northern Kashmir state, the cause of two of their three wars. According to a senior official at the meeting in early August, the more hawkish politicians in the room, angered by what they saw as Pakistan's recent trouble-making in Kashmir, thought differently, and so did Modi. By siding with the hawks, and including Balochistan in his address, Modi signalled a more muscular approach towards Pakistan. That dims prospects of bringing the bitter rivals closer together to reduce economic pain and the risk of more violence, an issue that will be high on US secretary of state John Kerry's agenda when he lands in New Delhi on Monday for a three-day visit. "The bureaucrats suggested that talking about Balochistan is a good idea but may be the Independence Day speech was not a good platform for it," said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the meeting's sensitivity. Defence minister Manohar Parrikar "rejected these ideas", while home minister Rajnath Singh "supported him (Parrikar) by saying we should do everything to silence Pakistan", this official said. India's ministry for external affairs declined to comment on the debate about Modi's speech. His office, and the defence and home ministries, did not respond to requests for comment. Speaking from the ramparts of the 17th-century Red Fort in Old Delhi on August 15, Modi thanked the Baloch people for their support after a number of separatist leaders published videos praising him for acknowledging their cause previously. He also lashed out at supporters of "terrorism", in a more familiar broadside against India's old foe. Crossing the red line Pakistan has seized on Modi's speech as evidence that India has a hand in a decades-long Baloch separatist campaign, in which insurgents in the resource-rich yet impoverished region have launched sporadic attacks and demanded independence. India denies the charge. A senior foreign ministry official in Islamabad said Modi had "crossed the red line". Indian officials said Modi's speech was designed to remind the world about alleged human rights abuses by Pakistani forces in Balochistan, just as Pakistan accuses India of abusing civilians in the disputed region of Kashmir during recent unrest. But outside Modi's entourage, questions are being asked about what strategic reward, if any, India can hope to gain by raising the geopolitical stakes. "Politically, it's much less useful in terms of Pakistan using this as evidence of Indian meddling. It gives them ammunition," said Daniel Markey, a South Asia expert at Johns Hopkins University in Washington, referring to Modi's mention of Balochistan. But he added: "There is a strategic utility in looking a little unhinged, in sending that message." A New Delhi-based diplomat from a major power with traditionally close ties to India said it will only escalate tension. Deteriorating relations Relations between India and Pakistan have deteriorated since the killing of a separatist leader in Indian-ruled Kashmir on July 8 sparked the worst violence in the disputed territory in six years. At least 66 protesters and two security personnel have been killed and thousands wounded on both sides, according to official state figures. India blames Pakistan for failing to stop militants crossing the heavily-militarised de facto border between them and attacking Indian security forces. Pakistan denies this. Two senior Indian officials said Modi had become frustrated with Pakistan's latest attempt to draw wide international attention to the Kashmir question and the current clampdown, and to take the matter to the United Nations. "Dealing with militancy is our internal issue and we will not tolerate any other country's interference," said one of the officials, from Modi's nationalist ruling party, who is closely involved in regional policy. At the August meeting, Parrikar, the defence minister, also said that by raising Balochistan, Modi would be highlighting China's role in unrest in the region, said the official present. The reference to China reflects Indian unease at Beijing's backing of a $46 billion trade corridor running through land in northeast Pakistan that New Delhi claims, onward through Balochistan to the port of Gwadar on the Arabian Sea coast. Some of the Baloch separatist leaders who praised Modi before his address worry that their battle for a homeland will become a political football between the South Asian neighbours. "If India's support is just a reaction to the politics and to Kashmir, then it could damage the political struggle," said Geneva-based Baloch Republican Party leader Brahamdagh Bugti. He said New Delhi had rejected his application for Indian asylum in 2007. (Reuters)

Indian PM Modi goaded Pakistan on Balochistan in deliberate but risky move

No decision has yet been reached to appoint India&#39;s next central bank governor, finance minister Arun Jaitley said today, 18 days before the incumbent is due to stand down. 
 
A senior aide to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was &quot;expected to make up his mind very soon&quot; on replacing Raghuram Rajan, the former International Monetary Fund chief economist who dropped a bombshell in June by announcing he would not seek a second term. 
 
&quot;We will let you know when we decide,&quot; Jaitley told reporters as he returned to the finance ministry from a meeting with Modi. &quot;You will come to know the conclusion, not the process.&quot; 
 
Rajan ends his three-year term as governor of the Reserve Bank of India on September 4. 
 
In that short time, he transformed the RBI into an inflation-targeting central bank, with a central goal for consumer price growth of four per cent. The government is also in the process of selecting a new, six-member Monetary Policy Committee that will decide on interest rates. 
 
Officials have suggested that Rajan&#39;s replacement would be named soon to give enough time for an orderly leadership handover at the Mumbai-based central bank. 
 
A shortlist of possible successors was floated in the immediate aftermath of Rajan&#39;s June 18 announcement that, in the ensuing weeks, has seen hopefuls drift in and out of contention. 
 
Former RBI deputy governor Subir Gokarn, now India&#39;s executive director at the IMF, has featured throughout. Also in consideration is current deputy governor Urjit Patel, according to officials with direct knowledge of the matter. 
 
World Bank Chief Economist Kaushik Basu, who is soon to retire, has edged into contention. Other names also mentioned have been State Bank of India chair-managing director Arundhati Bhattacharya; the government&#39;s chief economic adviser Arvind Subramanian; and Ashok Lahiri, who held the same role under an earlier government. 
 
One finance ministry official said a decision was likely to be announced by the Prime Minister&#39;s Office, adding it was difficult to say at this stage whether Modi would accept Jaitley&#39;s recommendation at all. He declined to comment on what was discussed at the meeting between Modi and Jaitley. 
 
(Reuters)

Officials have suggested that Rajan's replacement would be named in time enough for an orderly leadership handover

No decision has yet been reached to appoint India's next central bank governor, finance minister Arun Jaitley said today, 18 days before the incumbent is due to stand down. A senior aide to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was "expected to make up his mind very soon" on replacing Raghuram Rajan, the former International Monetary Fund chief economist who dropped a bombshell in June by announcing he would not seek a second term. "We will let you know when we decide," Jaitley told reporters as he returned to the finance ministry from a meeting with Modi. "You will come to know the conclusion, not the process." Rajan ends his three-year term as governor of the Reserve Bank of India on September 4. In that short time, he transformed the RBI into an inflation-targeting central bank, with a central goal for consumer price growth of four per cent. The government is also in the process of selecting a new, six-member Monetary Policy Committee that will decide on interest rates. Officials have suggested that Rajan's replacement would be named soon to give enough time for an orderly leadership handover at the Mumbai-based central bank. A shortlist of possible successors was floated in the immediate aftermath of Rajan's June 18 announcement that, in the ensuing weeks, has seen hopefuls drift in and out of contention. Former RBI deputy governor Subir Gokarn, now India's executive director at the IMF, has featured throughout. Also in consideration is current deputy governor Urjit Patel, according to officials with direct knowledge of the matter. World Bank Chief Economist Kaushik Basu, who is soon to retire, has edged into contention. Other names also mentioned have been State Bank of India chair-managing director Arundhati Bhattacharya; the government's chief economic adviser Arvind Subramanian; and Ashok Lahiri, who held the same role under an earlier government. One finance ministry official said a decision was likely to be announced by the Prime Minister's Office, adding it was difficult to say at this stage whether Modi would accept Jaitley's recommendation at all. He declined to comment on what was discussed at the meeting between Modi and Jaitley. (Reuters)

India finance minister: We'll let you know on RBI governor

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi today reached out to the people of Kashmir and indicated a willingness to hold dialogue under the framework of &#39;insaniyat (humanity), jamhuriyat (democracy) and Kashmiriyat&#39;. 
 
Breaking his silence on the more than month-long unrest which has claimed more than 55 lives, Modi appealed to the people that they maintain peace and harmony in &quot;heaven&quot; on earth. 
 
Modi reassured the people of Kashmir that they have the same freedom as the rest of India. He asserted that the government is working to solve the state&#39;s difficulties but some people are causuing harm to the plan of development. 
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Whether it is the J&amp;K Govt under Mehbooba ji or the Central Govt, we are finding a solution to all problems through development: PM
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/762944657525538816">August 9, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="~/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8" type="text/javascript"></script> 
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Kashmir, which we give so much love to, some people there are causing it a lot of harm: PM Modi <a href="https://t.co/SyGKjMYIwp">pic.twitter.com/SyGKjMYIwp</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/762942779613929472">August 9, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="~/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8" type="text/javascript"></script> 
 
&quot;When Atal Bihari Vajpayee was the prime minister he had adopted the path of insaniyat, jamhuriyat and Kashmiriyat and we walk the same road. I want to tell the brothers and sisters of Kashmir from this great birthplace of Chandra Shekhar Azad that Kashmir has the same strength that has been given to (other parts of) India by our freedom fighters. 
 
&quot;Today, one feels pained to see that innocent youths have been handed stones. Politics of some people is clicking but what will happen to these gullible and simple youths. Humanity and Kashmiriyat will not be allowed to be hit,&quot; Modi said.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Boys who should be holding laptops, bats, balls in their hands &amp; dreams in their hearts are ones carrying stones: PM Modi on Kashmir
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/762943913854439424">August 9, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="~/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8" type="text/javascript"></script> 
 
Modi said it was his good fortune to bow his head in the birthplace of Chandra Shekhar Azad and in his speech remembered all the freedom fighters who made it possible to breathe in a free India 
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Many of us were born in a free India. But the freedom fighters got the honour to sacrifice their lives for the nation: PM
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/762940832114675712">August 9, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="~/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8" type="text/javascript"></script> 
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" data-lang="en">
Therefore today is a fitting moment to remember all those who made it possible for us to breathe in freedom: PM Modi
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/762939781101842432">August 9, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="~/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8" type="text/javascript"></script> 
 
Making an impassioned appeal to the youth of Kashmir,&nbsp;Modi said Kashmir should remain a heaven on earth. 
 
He hailed other political parties, especially Congress, for speaking in one voice on the Kashmir issue, calling it the strength of India. &quot;We would like to move forward with this strength,&quot; he said. 
 
Asserting that the state government, in which BJP is a partner, along with the central dispensation, is working towards the state&#39;s development, he said his government would do everything in this regard and will help lawyers, doctors, those depending on tourism and apple growers in their endeavours. 
 
&quot;Our Kashmir is heaven for the countrymen. Every India has a dream to travel to Kashmir sometime. But we can see that a handful of people in Kashmir, which is loved by India so much, a few misled people are harming this great tradition,&quot; he said before invoking Vajpayee&#39;s mantra. 
 
&quot;The common man in Kashmir wants peace,&quot; he said. 
 
His government wants to take Kashmir to new heights of development, empower its panchayats and give job opportunities to its youths, he said. 
 
The Prime Minister congratulated Mehbooba Mufti for ensuring that the Amarnath yatra continue despite the &quot;malicious intentions&quot; of a few people. 
 
&quot;Peace, unity and harmony in Kashmir... And I will especially call upon the youngsters of Kashmir that my friends we should together keep Kashmir as the heaven in the world. We should keep this dream,&quot; he said. 
 
He also used the occasion to make an appeal to Maoists and militants to lay down their arms, asking them to reflect if violence has given them anything even though they lost so much. 
 
Addressing the people of conflict-hit Kashmir, he said, &quot;Governments of India and Jammu &amp; Kashmir, besides 125 crore Indians, wish you well. They want your development. Whatever India has to give for your development, we are ready to give.&quot; 
 
In Kashmir, there has been no dearth of people willing to die for the country, he said, asking the people to join hands in nation-building. 
 
The valley has been hit by violence following the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani on July 8. Over 55 people, including two policemen, have been killed during clashes between protesters and security forces. Large parts of Kashmir have been under intermittent curfew during the period. 
 
Modi was here to kick off a 15-day exercise, &#39;70 Saal Azadi-Zara Yaad Karo Kurbani&#39;, a BJP move to commemorate the Independence Day. 
 
Speaking on the day Mahatma Gandhi had given Quit India call to the British in 1942, the Prime Minister asked the countrymen to take up a cause and develop the country to the ideals of freedom fighters.&nbsp; 
 
(PTI)

Modi reassured the Kashmiris they have the same freedoms as the rest of India and that development will solve their problems

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi today reached out to the people of Kashmir and indicated a willingness to hold dialogue under the framework of 'insaniyat (humanity), jamhuriyat (democracy) and Kashmiriyat'. Breaking his silence on the more than month-long unrest which has claimed more than 55 lives, Modi appealed to the people that they maintain peace and harmony in "heaven" on earth. Modi reassured the people of Kashmir that they have the same freedom as the rest of India. He asserted that the government is working to solve the state's difficulties but some people are causuing harm to the plan of development. Whether it is the J&K Govt under Mehbooba ji or the Central Govt, we are finding a solution to all problems through development: PM — ANI (@ANI_news) August 9, 2016 Kashmir, which we give so much love to, some people there are causing it a lot of harm: PM Modi pic.twitter.com/SyGKjMYIwp — ANI (@ANI_news) August 9, 2016 "When Atal Bihari Vajpayee was the prime minister he had adopted the path of insaniyat, jamhuriyat and Kashmiriyat and we walk the same road. I want to tell the brothers and sisters of Kashmir from this great birthplace of Chandra Shekhar Azad that Kashmir has the same strength that has been given to (other parts of) India by our freedom fighters. "Today, one feels pained to see that innocent youths have been handed stones. Politics of some people is clicking but what will happen to these gullible and simple youths. Humanity and Kashmiriyat will not be allowed to be hit," Modi said. Boys who should be holding laptops, bats, balls in their hands & dreams in their hearts are ones carrying stones: PM Modi on Kashmir — ANI (@ANI_news) August 9, 2016 Modi said it was his good fortune to bow his head in the birthplace of Chandra Shekhar Azad and in his speech remembered all the freedom fighters who made it possible to breathe in a free India Many of us were born in a free India. But the freedom fighters got the honour to sacrifice their lives for the nation: PM — ANI (@ANI_news) August 9, 2016 Therefore today is a fitting moment to remember all those who made it possible for us to breathe in freedom: PM Modi — ANI (@ANI_news) August 9, 2016 Making an impassioned appeal to the youth of Kashmir, Modi said Kashmir should remain a heaven on earth. He hailed other political parties, especially Congress, for speaking in one voice on the Kashmir issue, calling it the strength of India. "We would like to move forward with this strength," he said. Asserting that the state government, in which BJP is a partner, along with the central dispensation, is working towards the state's development, he said his government would do everything in this regard and will help lawyers, doctors, those depending on tourism and apple growers in their endeavours. "Our Kashmir is heaven for the countrymen. Every India has a dream to travel to Kashmir sometime. But we can see that a handful of people in Kashmir, which is loved by India so much, a few misled people are harming this great tradition," he said before invoking Vajpayee's mantra. "The common man in Kashmir wants peace," he said. His government wants to take Kashmir to new heights of development, empower its panchayats and give job opportunities to its youths, he said. The Prime Minister congratulated Mehbooba Mufti for ensuring that the Amarnath yatra continue despite the "malicious intentions" of a few people. "Peace, unity and harmony in Kashmir... And I will especially call upon the youngsters of Kashmir that my friends we should together keep Kashmir as the heaven in the world. We should keep this dream," he said. He also used the occasion to make an appeal to Maoists and militants to lay down their arms, asking them to reflect if violence has given them anything even though they lost so much. Addressing the people of conflict-hit Kashmir, he said, "Governments of India and Jammu & Kashmir, besides 125 crore Indians, wish you well. They want your development. Whatever India has to give for your development, we are ready to give." In Kashmir, there has been no dearth of people willing to die for the country, he said, asking the people to join hands in nation-building. The valley has been hit by violence following the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani on July 8. Over 55 people, including two policemen, have been killed during clashes between protesters and security forces. Large parts of Kashmir have been under intermittent curfew during the period. Modi was here to kick off a 15-day exercise, '70 Saal Azadi-Zara Yaad Karo Kurbani', a BJP move to commemorate the Independence Day. Speaking on the day Mahatma Gandhi had given Quit India call to the British in 1942, the Prime Minister asked the countrymen to take up a cause and develop the country to the ideals of freedom fighters. (PTI)

Indian PM Modi reaches out to people of Kashmir, indicates willingness to hold dialogue

Keeping up his attack on cow vigilantes, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi today asked people to beware of &quot;fake cow protectors&quot; as they were trying to create tension in the society. 
 
He also asked the state governments to take stringent action against them. 
 
PM Modi, while addressing a public meeting after inaugurating a host of development projects here, accused the cow vigilantes of trying to create tension in the society, and said they should be &#39;exposed&#39; and punished. 
 
&quot;I want to tell everybody beware of these fake cow protectors. These handful of vigilantes have nothing to do with cow protection, but want to create &#39;tanaav&#39; (tension) in the society,&quot; Modi said. 
 
&quot;In the name of cow protection, these fake cow protectors are trying to disturb the peace and harmony of the nation. I want the real cow protectors to expose them (fake ones) and the state governments should take stringent action against them,&quot; he added. 
 
&#39;Cow should be linked to country&#39;s development&#39;&nbsp; 
 
Describing cattle as India&#39;s wealth and not burden, the Prime Minister made a mention of a campaign run by governor of northern Himachal Pradesh of protecting abandoned cows and handing them over to farmers to use them for agricultural activity. 
 
&quot;Cow will never become a burden. Cow urine and dung are used in agriculture,&quot; he said, adding that cow should be linked to the country&#39;s economic development. 
 
India is a land of diversity, he said, adding &quot;protecting our country&#39;s unity and integrity is our primary responsibility. To fulfil it all countrymen should protect and serve cows (gau raksha and gau seva karein). Such service enhances national wealth.... It does not create problem for the nation&quot;. 
 
&quot;But fake (cow protectors) destroy society and country. We need to beware of these people. There is a need to punish these people. Then alone can we take the nation to great heights,&quot; the Prime Minister said after inaugurating a host of development projects. 
 
Modi&#39;s comments come at a time when his government and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are facing criticism over incidents of violence against Dalits, considered the lowest caste in India, and Muslims by cow vigilantes in various states including Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. 
 
Earlier, Modi launched Phase-1 of Mission Bhagiratha, a flagship project of Telangana government aimed at providing piped drinking water to every household in the state. 
 
Modi unveiled a plaque in Medak district&#39;s Komatibanda village in Gajwel constituency, represented in the Assembly by Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, and formally turned on a water tap on the premises to mark the occasion. 
 
This is Prime Minister&#39;s maiden visit to Telangana after formation of the state in June 2014. 
 
(PTI)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused 'fake' cow vigilantes of trying to divide the nation

Keeping up his attack on cow vigilantes, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi today asked people to beware of "fake cow protectors" as they were trying to create tension in the society. He also asked the state governments to take stringent action against them. PM Modi, while addressing a public meeting after inaugurating a host of development projects here, accused the cow vigilantes of trying to create tension in the society, and said they should be 'exposed' and punished. "I want to tell everybody beware of these fake cow protectors. These handful of vigilantes have nothing to do with cow protection, but want to create 'tanaav' (tension) in the society," Modi said. "In the name of cow protection, these fake cow protectors are trying to disturb the peace and harmony of the nation. I want the real cow protectors to expose them (fake ones) and the state governments should take stringent action against them," he added. 'Cow should be linked to country's development' Describing cattle as India's wealth and not burden, the Prime Minister made a mention of a campaign run by governor of northern Himachal Pradesh of protecting abandoned cows and handing them over to farmers to use them for agricultural activity. "Cow will never become a burden. Cow urine and dung are used in agriculture," he said, adding that cow should be linked to the country's economic development. India is a land of diversity, he said, adding "protecting our country's unity and integrity is our primary responsibility. To fulfil it all countrymen should protect and serve cows (gau raksha and gau seva karein). Such service enhances national wealth.... It does not create problem for the nation". "But fake (cow protectors) destroy society and country. We need to beware of these people. There is a need to punish these people. Then alone can we take the nation to great heights," the Prime Minister said after inaugurating a host of development projects. Modi's comments come at a time when his government and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are facing criticism over incidents of violence against Dalits, considered the lowest caste in India, and Muslims by cow vigilantes in various states including Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. Earlier, Modi launched Phase-1 of Mission Bhagiratha, a flagship project of Telangana government aimed at providing piped drinking water to every household in the state. Modi unveiled a plaque in Medak district's Komatibanda village in Gajwel constituency, represented in the Assembly by Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, and formally turned on a water tap on the premises to mark the occasion. This is Prime Minister's maiden visit to Telangana after formation of the state in June 2014. (PTI)

Indian PM Narendra Modi wants 'fake cow protectors' exposed

Expressing gratitude to all parties for support, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi today described goods and services tax (GST) as a &quot;crucial step&quot; towards ending tax terrorism besides reducing corruption and black money and said the new regime of indirect taxation will make the consumer&nbsp;&quot;king&quot;. 
 
He emphasised in India&#39;s lower house Lok Sabha that the passage of the GST constitution amendment bill by parliament was not a victory of any party or government but was everybody&#39;s victory as it highlighted the success of the democratic ethos of the country. 
 
Intervening in a debate on Constitution (122nd Amendment) Bill, Modi asserted that the GST will benefit mainly those states which are considered backward and address the problem of imbalanced development. He acknowledged that manufacturing states will suffer losses but said they will be compensated. 
 
&quot;August 8th marks a crucial step towards freedom from tax terrorism,&quot; the Prime Minister said, while recalling that this was the day in 1942 when Mahatma Gandhi had sounded the bugle of &#39;Quit India&#39; which marked a major step towards the country&#39;s independence. 
 
&quot;GST can&#39;t be seen as a victory of a party or government. It is the victory for democratic ethos of India and a victory for everyone,&quot; he said, while noting that the measure was being supported by all parties, irrespective of different ideologies. 
 
(PTI)

Modi asserted that the bill will benefit mainly those states which are considered backward and address the problem of imbalanced development

Expressing gratitude to all parties for support, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi today described goods and services tax (GST) as a "crucial step" towards ending tax terrorism besides reducing corruption and black money and said the new regime of indirect taxation will make the consumer "king". He emphasised in India's lower house Lok Sabha that the passage of the GST constitution amendment bill by parliament was not a victory of any party or government but was everybody's victory as it highlighted the success of the democratic ethos of the country. Intervening in a debate on Constitution (122nd Amendment) Bill, Modi asserted that the GST will benefit mainly those states which are considered backward and address the problem of imbalanced development. He acknowledged that manufacturing states will suffer losses but said they will be compensated. "August 8th marks a crucial step towards freedom from tax terrorism," the Prime Minister said, while recalling that this was the day in 1942 when Mahatma Gandhi had sounded the bugle of 'Quit India' which marked a major step towards the country's independence. "GST can't be seen as a victory of a party or government. It is the victory for democratic ethos of India and a victory for everyone," he said, while noting that the measure was being supported by all parties, irrespective of different ideologies. (PTI)

Goods and services tax will end tax terrorism, says Indian PM Modi

The lower house of Indian Parliament on Wednesday cleared amendments to the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, pertaining to dilution of Section 44 of the Act dealing with disclosure of assets of spouses of public servants and those holding positions on the boards of non-governmental organisations (NGOs). 
 
In an unprecedented step, neither the copies of the amendments were circulated to the MPs, nor the Union cabinet had approved them ahead of introduction. 
 
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi invoked special powers, vested to him to approve the bill without the Cabinet clearance. 
 
The amendments will restrict the declaration of the assets and liabilities of the public servants only, sparing their spouse and dependent children. The amendments will also seek to do away with this proactive disclosure requirement. 
 
The public servants includes the government officials, political functionaries that is the Prime Minister, ministers and also the members of Parliament. 
 
Minister of state in the Prime Minister&rsquo;s Office Jitendra Singh moved the amendments, which was not listed in the business list, assuring the members that a Standing Committee of Parliament will be looking into the amendments in any case. 
 
The amendment were cleared without discussion amidst protests from the Opposition benches. On the urgency, the minister said since the date of filing such returns was July 30, it has become necessary to address the impasse. 
 
The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), and several members of Parliament, including nominated member Anu Agha and independent MP in the Rajya Sabha Rajeev Chandrashekhar had raised concerns over the income disclosure clause for trustees and board members of NGOs. 
 
According to the minister civil servants, mostly lady officers had also raised the issue that the spouses were working elsewhere and they were not very clear whether they should be asked to make it public and declare the assets. 
 
While the Congress and the Left parties agreed that there was an &#39;urgency&#39; to pass the bill, they urged that the government should be stringent in imposing the provisions of the bill. 
 
As per the rules notified under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act 2013, every public servant shall file declaration, information and annual returns pertaining to his assets and liabilities as well as for his spouse and dependent children on March 31 every year or on or before July 31 of that year. 
 
Iftikhar Gilani/ DNA 
 
 
&nbsp;

Lokpal act will warrant declaration of assets and liabilities of public servants only, sparing their spouse and dependent children

The lower house of Indian Parliament on Wednesday cleared amendments to the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, pertaining to dilution of Section 44 of the Act dealing with disclosure of assets of spouses of public servants and those holding positions on the boards of non-governmental organisations (NGOs). In an unprecedented step, neither the copies of the amendments were circulated to the MPs, nor the Union cabinet had approved them ahead of introduction. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi invoked special powers, vested to him to approve the bill without the Cabinet clearance. The amendments will restrict the declaration of the assets and liabilities of the public servants only, sparing their spouse and dependent children. The amendments will also seek to do away with this proactive disclosure requirement. The public servants includes the government officials, political functionaries that is the Prime Minister, ministers and also the members of Parliament. Minister of state in the Prime Minister’s Office Jitendra Singh moved the amendments, which was not listed in the business list, assuring the members that a Standing Committee of Parliament will be looking into the amendments in any case. The amendment were cleared without discussion amidst protests from the Opposition benches. On the urgency, the minister said since the date of filing such returns was July 30, it has become necessary to address the impasse. The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), and several members of Parliament, including nominated member Anu Agha and independent MP in the Rajya Sabha Rajeev Chandrashekhar had raised concerns over the income disclosure clause for trustees and board members of NGOs. According to the minister civil servants, mostly lady officers had also raised the issue that the spouses were working elsewhere and they were not very clear whether they should be asked to make it public and declare the assets. While the Congress and the Left parties agreed that there was an 'urgency' to pass the bill, they urged that the government should be stringent in imposing the provisions of the bill. As per the rules notified under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act 2013, every public servant shall file declaration, information and annual returns pertaining to his assets and liabilities as well as for his spouse and dependent children on March 31 every year or on or before July 31 of that year. Iftikhar Gilani/ DNA

Indian PM Modi clears bill which restricts asset declaration by public servants

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi left on a four-nation visit to Africa today. 
 
Modi&#39;s first stop-over will be Mozambique where he will have talks with President Filipe Nyusi to increase cooperation.&nbsp;He will also interact with students and members of Indian community. 
 
Modi will leave for South Africa the same day where he will have a series of events in Pretoria, Johannesburg, Durban and Pietermaritzburg, places associated with stay of Mahatma Gandhi in South Africa. 
 
Modi described &quot;South Africa as an important strategic partner, with whom our ties are historical and deep-rooted&quot; before his departure. 
 
He will have separate meetings with President Zuma and deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa aimed at boosting bilateral economic ties. 
 
On Sunday, Modi will be in Tanzania for a brief visit to give an impetus to ties with Tanzania. He will have extensive talks with President John Magufuli.&nbsp;The same evening he will fly to Kenya. 
 
His engagements in Kenya will include meeting with President Uhuru Kenyatta to increase bilateral cooperation in trade and commerce.&nbsp;Modi returns home on July 11. 
 
Last year, India hosted its biggest-ever Africa summit in a bid to challenge China&#39;s dominance on a continent that is blessed with vast natural resources and has the world&#39;s fastest-growing population. 
 
New Delhi wants to project its soft power and historical ties to Africa, in contrast to China&#39;s focus on resource extraction and capital investment that has sparked a backlash in some countries against Beijing&#39;s mercantilist expansion. 
 
India&#39;s trading ties with Africa date back to antiquity and both found common cause in the struggle against colonial rule. Yet India&#39;s influence faded over the course of the Cold War as it withdrew into non-aligned isolation. 
 
Now Modi, self-styled chief salesman of a &quot;Make in India&quot; export drive, wants to capitalise on an economic slowdown in China to highlight India as an alternative partner for trade and investment. 
 
Although India&#39;s headline economic growth has overtaken China&#39;s, its economy is one-fifth the size and it lacks the financial heft to challenge Beijing in a head-to-head contest for the African market. 
 
The two-way annual trade has more than doubled to $72 billion.&nbsp;That lags trade between China and Africa, which has exploded to $200 billion as the world&#39;s number two economy sucks in oil, coal and metals to feed its industrial machine. 
 
(Reuters)

Modi described 'South Africa as an important strategic partner, with whom our ties are historical and deep-rooted' before his departure

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi left on a four-nation visit to Africa today. Modi's first stop-over will be Mozambique where he will have talks with President Filipe Nyusi to increase cooperation. He will also interact with students and members of Indian community. Modi will leave for South Africa the same day where he will have a series of events in Pretoria, Johannesburg, Durban and Pietermaritzburg, places associated with stay of Mahatma Gandhi in South Africa. Modi described "South Africa as an important strategic partner, with whom our ties are historical and deep-rooted" before his departure. He will have separate meetings with President Zuma and deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa aimed at boosting bilateral economic ties. On Sunday, Modi will be in Tanzania for a brief visit to give an impetus to ties with Tanzania. He will have extensive talks with President John Magufuli. The same evening he will fly to Kenya. His engagements in Kenya will include meeting with President Uhuru Kenyatta to increase bilateral cooperation in trade and commerce. Modi returns home on July 11. Last year, India hosted its biggest-ever Africa summit in a bid to challenge China's dominance on a continent that is blessed with vast natural resources and has the world's fastest-growing population. New Delhi wants to project its soft power and historical ties to Africa, in contrast to China's focus on resource extraction and capital investment that has sparked a backlash in some countries against Beijing's mercantilist expansion. India's trading ties with Africa date back to antiquity and both found common cause in the struggle against colonial rule. Yet India's influence faded over the course of the Cold War as it withdrew into non-aligned isolation. Now Modi, self-styled chief salesman of a "Make in India" export drive, wants to capitalise on an economic slowdown in China to highlight India as an alternative partner for trade and investment. Although India's headline economic growth has overtaken China's, its economy is one-fifth the size and it lacks the financial heft to challenge Beijing in a head-to-head contest for the African market. The two-way annual trade has more than doubled to $72 billion. That lags trade between China and Africa, which has exploded to $200 billion as the world's number two economy sucks in oil, coal and metals to feed its industrial machine. (Reuters)

Indian Prime Minister begins four-nation Africa tour

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi today carried out a major expansion of his Council of Ministers, inducting 19 new faces, including several from the disadvantaged sections of India&#39;s caste riddled society as well as from poll-bound states like the Northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. 
 
Prakash Javadekar, who held the independent charge of environment, was promoted to the cabinet rank while all new inductees took oath as ministers of state. 
 
Today&#39;s exercise underlines the ruling- Party&#39;s attempt at wooing the disadvantaged sections, whose votes will be crucial to its fortunes in key northwestern states like Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat. 
 
All barring Vijay Goel and Faggan Kulaste are new faces while a few have been ministers in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-ruled state governments. 
 
Ajay Tamta, Arjun Ram Meghwal, Krishna Raj, Ramdas Athawale, Ramesh C were MPs sworn in as ministers by Indian President Pranab Mukherjee at a ceremony in Rashtrapati Bhawan. 
 
Others who were inducted in the Modi government included Anupriya Patel, S S Ahluwalia, P P Chadudhary, C R Chaudhary, M J Akbar, J Bhabhor, Purshotam Rupala Mansukhbhai Mandaviya, S R Bhamre, Mahendra Nath Padey, A M Dave, Rajen Gohain. 
 
While Patel and Athawale are BJP allies, all others are from BJP. 
 
Among the 19 inductees, three MPs from Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh took oath while four from Rajasthan were also sworn in. 
 
Five ministers of state were dropped: Nihalchand, Ram Shankar Katheria, Sanwar Lal Jat, Manuskhbhai D Vasva and M K Kundariya. 
 
Today&#39;s expansion took the total strength of the Council of Ministers to 78, four below the Constitutional bar of 82. The Council of Ministers can have a maximum of 15 per cent of the total strength of the Lok Sabha, which has 542 members. 
 
Official sources said the exercise was aimed at infusing more &quot;experience, expertise and energy&quot; into the government. 
 
The choices also underscore BJP&#39;s attempts to strengthen its vote base among the disadvantaged sections, party sources said, adding that states, where it has done well in the Lok Sabha polls and also where it faces state polls, have also now got ample representation. 
 
The &nbsp;party has been trying to woo the weaker sections ahead of the crucial Uttar Pradesh polls. 
 
(PTI) 
&nbsp;

The exercise underlines the ruling- Party's attempt at wooing the disadvantaged sections, whose votes will be crucial ahead of state polls

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi today carried out a major expansion of his Council of Ministers, inducting 19 new faces, including several from the disadvantaged sections of India's caste riddled society as well as from poll-bound states like the Northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Prakash Javadekar, who held the independent charge of environment, was promoted to the cabinet rank while all new inductees took oath as ministers of state. Today's exercise underlines the ruling- Party's attempt at wooing the disadvantaged sections, whose votes will be crucial to its fortunes in key northwestern states like Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat. All barring Vijay Goel and Faggan Kulaste are new faces while a few have been ministers in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-ruled state governments. Ajay Tamta, Arjun Ram Meghwal, Krishna Raj, Ramdas Athawale, Ramesh C were MPs sworn in as ministers by Indian President Pranab Mukherjee at a ceremony in Rashtrapati Bhawan. Others who were inducted in the Modi government included Anupriya Patel, S S Ahluwalia, P P Chadudhary, C R Chaudhary, M J Akbar, J Bhabhor, Purshotam Rupala Mansukhbhai Mandaviya, S R Bhamre, Mahendra Nath Padey, A M Dave, Rajen Gohain. While Patel and Athawale are BJP allies, all others are from BJP. Among the 19 inductees, three MPs from Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh took oath while four from Rajasthan were also sworn in. Five ministers of state were dropped: Nihalchand, Ram Shankar Katheria, Sanwar Lal Jat, Manuskhbhai D Vasva and M K Kundariya. Today's expansion took the total strength of the Council of Ministers to 78, four below the Constitutional bar of 82. The Council of Ministers can have a maximum of 15 per cent of the total strength of the Lok Sabha, which has 542 members. Official sources said the exercise was aimed at infusing more "experience, expertise and energy" into the government. The choices also underscore BJP's attempts to strengthen its vote base among the disadvantaged sections, party sources said, adding that states, where it has done well in the Lok Sabha polls and also where it faces state polls, have also now got ample representation. The party has been trying to woo the weaker sections ahead of the crucial Uttar Pradesh polls. (PTI)

Indian Prime Minister expands central ministerial panel, inducts 19 new faces

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi today condemned the terror attack in Istanbul, terming it as inhuman and horrific. 
 
&quot;Attack in Istanbul is inhuman &amp; horrific. I condemn it strongly. My thoughts are with bereaved families. May the injured recover quickly,&quot; he said in a tweet. 
 
Suspected Islamic State group suicide bombers targeted the international terminal of Istanbul&#39;s Ataturk airport, killing 36 and wounding many others. 
 
There has been no report so far of any Indian casualty in the terror attack at the international terminal of Turkey&#39;s Ataturk airport where three suspected Islamic State suicide bombers killed 36. 
 
External affairs ministry also said that the Indian Consulate has been in touch been touch with Istanbul governorate and has given emergency contact numbers for Indians requiring assistance. 
 
No reports so far of any Indian among the casualties, the ministry said. 
 
(PTI)

Indian officials said there were no reports of its citizens being among the casualty in the suicide attack which killed 36 and wounded 150

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi today condemned the terror attack in Istanbul, terming it as inhuman and horrific. "Attack in Istanbul is inhuman & horrific. I condemn it strongly. My thoughts are with bereaved families. May the injured recover quickly," he said in a tweet. Suspected Islamic State group suicide bombers targeted the international terminal of Istanbul's Ataturk airport, killing 36 and wounding many others. There has been no report so far of any Indian casualty in the terror attack at the international terminal of Turkey's Ataturk airport where three suspected Islamic State suicide bombers killed 36. External affairs ministry also said that the Indian Consulate has been in touch been touch with Istanbul governorate and has given emergency contact numbers for Indians requiring assistance. No reports so far of any Indian among the casualties, the ministry said. (PTI)

Indian Prime Minister condemns attack on Istanbul airport calls it 'inhuman'

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