Former Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh passed away at the age of 92, in the national capital on Thursday (Dec 26), Delhi's All India Medical Institute (AIIMS) confirmed in a press release. Watch in for more details!

Manmohan Singh Passes Away; PM Modi Says, 'India Mourns The Loss Of One Of Its Distinguished Leaders

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Passes Away At AIIMS, Delh

Former Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh passed away at the age of 92, in the national capital on Thursday (Dec 26), Delhi's All India Medical Institute (AIIMS) confirmed in a press release.

Former Indian PM Manmohan Singh Dies At 92

Former Indian prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh died on Thursday (Dec 26) at the age of 92.
Just a few hours back, Dr Singh was hospitalised in the emergency department of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in the national capital.
In a statement, AIIMS announced that Singh died. "He was being treated for age-related medical conditions and had a sudden loss of consciousness at home on December 26. Resuscitative measures were started immediately at home."
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/former-indian-prime-minister-manmohan-singh-dies-at-92-8568617" rel="dofollow">Former Indian prime minister Manmohan Singh dies at 92</a>
AIIMS said that Singh was brought to AIIMS at 8.06 pm IST. The hospital said that despite all efforts, he could not be revived and was declared dead at 9.51 pm IST.&nbsp;
Leaders from across the political spectrum paid tributes to the stalwart leader.
<h2>Who was Manmohan Singh?</h2>
Manmohan Singh was the 14th prime minister of India. He served in the top post for 10 years, from 2004 to 2014.
Singh was born on September 26, 1932 in Punjab. He received his Bachelor&rsquo;s and Master&rsquo;s in Economics from Punjab University in 1952 and 1954 respectively. He completed his Economic Tripos from Cambridge University in 1957. He followed this with a D.Phil. in Economics from Oxford University in 1962.
<h2>A look at Singh's career</h2>
Dr Singh went on to teach at Punjab University and the Delhi School of Economics. He joined the Indian government as an economic adviser in the commerce ministry in 1971.&nbsp;
A year later, he was promoted to the chief economic adviser.
Following a short stint at UNCTAD, he was appointed the secretary-general of the South Commission in Geneva from 1987 to 1990.&nbsp;
Singh also held the positions of Secretary in the Finance Ministry, Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission, Governor of the Reserve Bank of India, Advisor to the Prime Minister and Chairman of the University Grants Commission.
<h2>His rise to prime minister's post</h2>
Following the Congress party's victories in the Lok Sabha elections of 2004 and 2009, Manmohan Singh took the office of prime minister in these two terms.
Singh became a Member of the Rajya Sabha in 1991, where he was&nbsp;Leader of the Opposition from 1998-2004.
He quit the Rajya Sabha earlier this year.&nbsp;
<h2 class="MsoNormal">Architect of economic reforms, liberalisation</h2>
Manmohan Singh is regarded as the architect of economic revival and liberalisation. As Finance Minister in 1991 during the prime ministership of PV Narasimha Rao, Singh led India&rsquo;s historic economic liberalisation, opening up the country to global markets and driving rapid growth.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p>
Then PM Rao inducted Singh into his cabinet as finance minister, and they steered the economy out of the balance of payments crisis and dwindling foreign reserves in 1991 by devaluing the currency and opening the country to global markets.&nbsp;
His tenure also witnessed the launch of landmark social reforms like MGNREGA and the Right to Information Act. However, the latter part of his term was marred by corruption scandals like the 2G spectrum case and the coal block allocation controversy. 
<h2>Ensured landmark Indo-US civil nuclear deal&nbsp;</h2>
One of the key moments of Manmohan Singh's prime ministership is the Indo-US nuclear deal of 2008. Singh showed a strong commitment to the deal despite opposition from parties within the UPA coalition.&nbsp; The nuclear agreement opened up civilian nuclear cooperation and was seen as a landmark moment in India&rsquo;s foreign relations. 
Singh stayed committed to the deal, even at the risk of his government collapsing. He secured a historic agreement that ended India's nuclear isolation.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

Manmohan Singh: Former Indian prime minister had been hospitalised for age-related medical conditions at AIIMS, New Delhi. He was declared dead on 9.51 pm IST

Former Indian prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh died on Thursday (Dec 26) at the age of 92. Just a few hours back, Dr Singh was hospitalised in the emergency department of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in the national capital. In a statement, AIIMS announced that Singh died. "He was being treated for age-related medical conditions and had a sudden loss of consciousness at home on December 26. Resuscitative measures were started immediately at home." Also read | Former Indian prime minister Manmohan Singh dies at 92 AIIMS said that Singh was brought to AIIMS at 8.06 pm IST. The hospital said that despite all efforts, he could not be revived and was declared dead at 9.51 pm IST. Leaders from across the political spectrum paid tributes to the stalwart leader. Who was Manmohan Singh? Manmohan Singh was the 14th prime minister of India. He served in the top post for 10 years, from 2004 to 2014. Singh was born on September 26, 1932 in Punjab. He received his Bachelor’s and Master’s in Economics from Punjab University in 1952 and 1954 respectively. He completed his Economic Tripos from Cambridge University in 1957. He followed this with a D.Phil. in Economics from Oxford University in 1962. A look at Singh's career Dr Singh went on to teach at Punjab University and the Delhi School of Economics. He joined the Indian government as an economic adviser in the commerce ministry in 1971. A year later, he was promoted to the chief economic adviser. Following a short stint at UNCTAD, he was appointed the secretary-general of the South Commission in Geneva from 1987 to 1990. Singh also held the positions of Secretary in the Finance Ministry, Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission, Governor of the Reserve Bank of India, Advisor to the Prime Minister and Chairman of the University Grants Commission. His rise to prime minister's post Following the Congress party's victories in the Lok Sabha elections of 2004 and 2009, Manmohan Singh took the office of prime minister in these two terms. Singh became a Member of the Rajya Sabha in 1991, where he was Leader of the Opposition from 1998-2004. He quit the Rajya Sabha earlier this year. Architect of economic reforms, liberalisation Manmohan Singh is regarded as the architect of economic revival and liberalisation. As Finance Minister in 1991 during the prime ministership of PV Narasimha Rao, Singh led India’s historic economic liberalisation, opening up the country to global markets and driving rapid growth. Then PM Rao inducted Singh into his cabinet as finance minister, and they steered the economy out of the balance of payments crisis and dwindling foreign reserves in 1991 by devaluing the currency and opening the country to global markets. His tenure also witnessed the launch of landmark social reforms like MGNREGA and the Right to Information Act. However, the latter part of his term was marred by corruption scandals like the 2G spectrum case and the coal block allocation controversy. Ensured landmark Indo-US civil nuclear deal One of the key moments of Manmohan Singh's prime ministership is the Indo-US nuclear deal of 2008. Singh showed a strong commitment to the deal despite opposition from parties within the UPA coalition. The nuclear agreement opened up civilian nuclear cooperation and was seen as a landmark moment in India’s foreign relations. Singh stayed committed to the deal, even at the risk of his government collapsing. He secured a historic agreement that ended India's nuclear isolation. (With inputs from agencies)

Manmohan Singh, India's former prime minister, dies at 92. Who was he?

The Delhi High Court (HC) on Friday (Sept 27) expressed its displeasure over the failure of authorities to produce before it a file containing the decision of then Indian prime minister Manmohan Singh that the Jama Masjid in the national capital should not be declared a protected monument.

The Delhi High Court (HC) on Friday (Sept 27) expressed its displeasure over the failure of authorities to produce before it a file containing the decision of then Indian prime minister Manmohan Singh that the Jama Masjid in the national capital should not be declared a protected monument. A bench of the high court headed by Justices Prathiba M Singh and Amit Sharma observed that despite an earlier order, “loose sheets” and other documents were tendered to it instead of the record about the mosque’s status as a monument, its current occupants etc. A final opportunity granted to ASI Granting a final opportunity, the bench sought an affidavit in the matter from a competent officer of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) as well as the original file on the next date of hearing in October. The bench also asked the director-general of the ASI to directly supervise the matter and hold a meeting with the central government’s counsel to ensure that a comprehensive affidavit was filed. The Delhi HC was hearing PILs (Public Interest Litigations) that sought directions to authorities to declare the Jama Masjid a protected monument and remove all encroachments in and around it. The ASI's failure to produce the file On August 28, the high court directed the Indian culture ministry and the ASI to positively produce before it a file containing Manmohan Singh's decision that the Jama Masjid should not be declared a protected monument. During the hearing on Friday, the bench questioned the ASI official present in the court over his failure to comply with the order. “Who is not giving the file? We will call the secretary. There are clear instructions,” the bench said. “A perusal of the note sheets will show that they (the documents produced) mostly relate to the writ petition and follow-up action in relation to the writ petition. Information relating to the Jamia Masjid’s status as a monument, maintenance being undertaken by the ASI, the current occupants of the Jamia Masjid and the manner in which the revenue generated is utilised is not contained in the file,” it added. “Let a short affidavit be filed by a competent officer of the ASI with respect to all aspects and the original file be produced on the next date of hearing. This will be undertaken directly in the supervision of the director general of the ASI,” the bench further said. A look at the PILs The PILs were filed by Suhail Ahmed Khan and Ajay Gautam in 2014. The pleas objected to the use of the title “Shahi Imam” by the Jama Masjid’s imam, Maulana Syed Ahmed Bukhari, and the appointment of his son as the naib (deputy) imam. The pleas also questioned why the mosque was not under the ASI’s management. The central government's counsel had earlier submitted that the Jama Masjid was a live monument where people offer prayers and there are a lot of restrictions. The ASI told the high court that Manmohan Singh in August 2015 had assured the Shahi Imam that the masjid would not be declared a protected monument. (With inputs from agencies)

Delhi HC seeks file signed by ex-Indian PM Manmohan Singh that declared Jama Masjid not a protected monument

Former Indian prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh accused current PM Narendra Modi of indulging in the most vicious form of hate speeches, which are purely divisive in nature.

Former Indian prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh accused current PM Narendra Modi of indulging in the most vicious form of hate speeches, which are purely divisive in nature. With just one phase of voting left for the Lok Sabha elections, Dr Singh addressed a letter to the voters in the Indian state of Punjab. In the letter, which was shared by the Congress on X on Thursday (May 30), Singh said, "Modi is the first prime minister to lower the dignity of public discourse, and thereby the gravity of the office of the PM. "No prime minister in the past has uttered such hateful, unparliamentary and coarse terms, meant to target either a specific section of the society or the opposition," Singh said, adding, that Modi attributed false statements to him. Modi had accused Singh of saying that Muslims have the first right to the country’s resources. Also read | Mamata Banerjee gives witty twist to PM Modi’s ‘God’ remark, says will ‘build you a temple, offer dhokla’ "I have never in my life singled out one community from the other. That is the sole copyright of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)," Singh said. 'BJP left no stone unturned in castigating Punjab' Singh further said in his letter that in the last 10 years, the BJP left no stone unturned in "castigating Punjab, Punjabis and Punjabiyat." Talking about the 2020-2021 farmers' protest against the Centre's farm laws which have now been scrapped, Singh said that most of the farmers who died belonged to Punjab. "As if the lathis and the rubber bullets were not enough, none less than the Prime Minister verbally assaulted our farmers by calling them "Andolanjeevis" and "Parjeevi" (Parasites) on the floor of the Parliament," the former prime minister added. “In the past ten years, the BJP government has left no stone unturned in castigating Punjab, Punjabis and Punjabiyat. 750 farmers, mostly belonging to Punjab, were martyred while incessantly waiting at Delhi borders, for months together. As if the lathis and the rubber bullets… pic.twitter.com/xJZQrsT3f8 — Congress (@INCIndia) May 30, 2024 × "Their only demand was the withdrawal of the three farm laws imposed on them without consulting them,” he further said and pointed out that Modi's policies in the last 10 years eroded the earnings of farmers. The former PM further appealed to Punjab's voters to vote for the Congress. "Only the Congress can ensure a growth-oriented progressive future, where democracy and the Constitution shall be safeguarded.' (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha polls: Modi indulged in most vicious form of hate speeches, says ex-Indian PM Manmohan Singh

Johnson earned over £1mn giving speeches. Take a look at famous leaders, and their earnings in office, after

India’s Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is all set to table the country’s budget at Parliament’s lower house, Lok Sabha, on February 1 at 11 am.

The budget session of Parliament will be held in two parts.

The first part will be held from January 31 till February 11 and the second part will be held from March 14 to April 8.

Before 2016, the budget was presented on the last working day of February, which was changed by former finance minister Arun Jaitley.

The budget session of the Parliament is considered to be the most important event in India. It is not only watched by policy experts and businessmen, but the general people also view it with much curiosity as they get to know which products are going to get cheaper or costlier.

For experts, the budget’s numbers are important to gauge which sectors have gained the government’s priority, but for the people, it is the speech given by the finance minister that matters.

Hence, it becomes all the more important for the government to make the speeches clear and concise in order to convey their message to the voters.

But giving a speech during the session can become an exhaustive event not only for the finance minister but also for the public listening to them.

As surprising as it may sound, India’s budget presentation is notorious for being too long. On an average it takes anywhere between 90 and 120 minutes.

<img alt="India's current finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="cd50989d-1b38-478d-beb0-a848827e7780" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/nirmala.jpeg" />

Nirmala Sitharaman holds the record for longest speech: The present finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman currently holds the record of giving the longest budget speech in the history of independent India.

At 2 hours and 42 minutes, Sitharaman delivered the longest speech while presenting the Union Budget 2020-21 on February 1, 2020.

With two pages still remaining, she had to cut short her speech as she felt unwell. She asked the Speaker to consider the remaining part of the speech as read.

During the course of this speech, she broke her own record — in July 2019, during her maiden speech, Sitharaman spoke for 2 hours and 17 minutes.

<img alt="Jaswant Singh" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3dd534b8-1669-4bbd-aaa9-86c97a599eed" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/jas.jpg" />

Jaswant Singh spoke for over 2 hours: Before Sitharaman, it was former finance minister Jaswant Singh who held the record for the longest speech in terms of time consumed. His 2003 speech lasted 2 hours and 13 minutes.

The shortest speech consisted of just 800 words: Former finance minister Hirubhai Mulljibhai Patel delivered the shortest budget speech in 1977. It consisted of only 800 words.

<img alt="Manmohan Singh" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d44d9ecf-cb7e-418b-a55b-8ecd72bc7180" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/manmohan.jpg" />

Manmohan Singh's budget consisted of 18,650 words: In terms of the number of words, former prime minister Manmohan Singh and also the then finance minister in the Narasimha Rao government, delivered the longest budget speech in 1991, which included 18,650 words.

<img alt="R K Shanmukham Chetty " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2c13a0b5-8950-4020-9b9c-bcfa3f55f5c7" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/fkfkf.jpg" />

The first Union Budget speech by late R K Shanmukham Chetty was the shortest: It had just 39 paragraphs.

(With inputs from agencies)

India’s Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is all set to table the country’s budget at Parliament’s lower house, Lok Sabha, on February 1 at 11 am. The budget session of Parliament will be held in two parts.

India’s Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is all set to table the country’s budget at Parliament’s lower house, Lok Sabha, on February 1 at 11 am. The budget session of Parliament will be held in two parts. The first part will be held from January 31 till February 11 and the second part will be held from March 14 to April 8. Before 2016, the budget was presented on the last working day of February, which was changed by former finance minister Arun Jaitley. The budget session of the Parliament is considered to be the most important event in India. It is not only watched by policy experts and businessmen, but the general people also view it with much curiosity as they get to know which products are going to get cheaper or costlier. For experts, the budget’s numbers are important to gauge which sectors have gained the government’s priority, but for the people, it is the speech given by the finance minister that matters. Hence, it becomes all the more important for the government to make the speeches clear and concise in order to convey their message to the voters. But giving a speech during the session can become an exhaustive event not only for the finance minister but also for the public listening to them. As surprising as it may sound, India’s budget presentation is notorious for being too long. On an average it takes anywhere between 90 and 120 minutes. Nirmala Sitharaman holds the record for longest speech: The present finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman currently holds the record of giving the longest budget speech in the history of independent India. At 2 hours and 42 minutes, Sitharaman delivered the longest speech while presenting the Union Budget 2020-21 on February 1, 2020. With two pages still remaining, she had to cut short her speech as she felt unwell. She asked the Speaker to consider the remaining part of the speech as read. During the course of this speech, she broke her own record — in July 2019, during her maiden speech, Sitharaman spoke for 2 hours and 17 minutes. Jaswant Singh spoke for over 2 hours: Before Sitharaman, it was former finance minister Jaswant Singh who held the record for the longest speech in terms of time consumed. His 2003 speech lasted 2 hours and 13 minutes. The shortest speech consisted of just 800 words: Former finance minister Hirubhai Mulljibhai Patel delivered the shortest budget speech in 1977. It consisted of only 800 words. Manmohan Singh's budget consisted of 18,650 words: In terms of the number of words, former prime minister Manmohan Singh and also the then finance minister in the Narasimha Rao government, delivered the longest budget speech in 1991, which included 18,650 words. The first Union Budget speech by late R K Shanmukham Chetty was the shortest: It had just 39 paragraphs. (With inputs from agencies)

How long is the average Indian budget presentation speech?

India's former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh was diagnosed with dengue at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), in New Delhi. The hospital said that his condition was improving.

"He has been diagnosed with dengue but his platelet count is now increasing and his condition is improving," an AIIMS official said Saturday.

Manmohan Singh (89) was admitted to AIIMS hospital on Wednesday (October 13) after he complained of weakness following a fever

Singh has been admitted to a private ward in the cardio-neuro centre of the hospital and is under the care of a team of cardiologists led by Dr Nitish Naik.

Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya met Singh on Thursday and enquired about his health.

A row erupted after Mandaviya's visit as he allegedly took a photographer with him while visiting the former prime minister.

Manmohan Singh's daughter, Daman Singh, had hit out at Mandaviya for getting a photographer against the wishes of the family.

(With inputs from agencies)

India's former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh was diagnosed with dengue at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), in New Delhi. The hospital said that his condition was improving.

India's former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh was diagnosed with dengue at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), in New Delhi. The hospital said that his condition was improving. "He has been diagnosed with dengue but his platelet count is now increasing and his condition is improving," an AIIMS official said Saturday. Manmohan Singh (89) was admitted to AIIMS hospital on Wednesday (October 13) after he complained of weakness following a fever Singh has been admitted to a private ward in the cardio-neuro centre of the hospital and is under the care of a team of cardiologists led by Dr Nitish Naik. Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya met Singh on Thursday and enquired about his health. A row erupted after Mandaviya's visit as he allegedly took a photographer with him while visiting the former prime minister. Manmohan Singh's daughter, Daman Singh, had hit out at Mandaviya for getting a photographer against the wishes of the family. (With inputs from agencies)

Former Indian PM Manmohan Singh diagnosed with dengue, health improving

India's former PM&nbsp;Manmohan Singh was admitted in Delhi's AIIMS hospital on Wednesday evening after reportedly complaining&nbsp;of weakness following a fever.

Manmohan Singh, 89, was India's prime minister from 2004 to 2014.&nbsp;

Singh has reportedly been admitted in the cardiology department at&nbsp;AIIMS hospital.&nbsp;

Reports said the Congress leader had a fever on Monday although he had recovered but he turned weak and was on fluids.

The former prime minister is reportedly stable.

India's former prime minister was detected with the virus in April and had recovered.

(With inputs from Agencies)

&nbsp;

India's former PM Manmohan Singh was admitted in Delhi's AIIMS hospital on Wednesday evening after reportedly complaining of weakness following a fever. Manmohan Singh, 89, was India's prime minister from 2004 to 2014.

India's former PM Manmohan Singh was admitted in Delhi's AIIMS hospital on Wednesday evening after reportedly complaining of weakness following a fever. Manmohan Singh, 89, was India's prime minister from 2004 to 2014. Singh has reportedly been admitted in the cardiology department at AIIMS hospital. Reports said the Congress leader had a fever on Monday although he had recovered but he turned weak and was on fluids. The former prime minister is reportedly stable. India's former prime minister was detected with the virus in April and had recovered. (With inputs from Agencies)

Former PM Manmohan Singh admitted in Delhi's AIIMS hospital

Dr Manmohan Singh was Wednesday admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi owing to weakness and exhaustion.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh a fast recovery on Thursday, a day after he was taken to hospital.

"I pray for the good health and speedy recovery of Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji," PM Modi said on Twitter.

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I pray for the good health and speedy recovery of Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji.
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Singh was taken to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi on Wednesday due to fatigue and weakness.

The senior Congress politician, who turned 89 this month, had been receiving fever medication at home for the last several days.

He was taken to the All India Institute Of Medical Sciences last year after experiencing chest congestion.

He had bypass surgery in 2009, which he had successfully completed.

Dr Manmohan Singh, the Reserve Bank of India's Governor from 1982 to 1985, was India's 13th Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014.

He is widely recognised as the architect of India's economic reforms programme, which liberalised the country's economy in 1991.&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Dr Manmohan Singh was Wednesday admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi owing to weakness and exhaustion. Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh a fast recovery on Thursday, a day after he was taken to hospital.

Dr Manmohan Singh was Wednesday admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi owing to weakness and exhaustion. Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh a fast recovery on Thursday, a day after he was taken to hospital. "I pray for the good health and speedy recovery of Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji," PM Modi said on Twitter. I pray for the good health and speedy recovery of Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 14, 2021 × Singh was taken to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi on Wednesday due to fatigue and weakness. The senior Congress politician, who turned 89 this month, had been receiving fever medication at home for the last several days. He was taken to the All India Institute Of Medical Sciences last year after experiencing chest congestion. He had bypass surgery in 2009, which he had successfully completed. Dr Manmohan Singh, the Reserve Bank of India's Governor from 1982 to 1985, was India's 13th Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014. He is widely recognised as the architect of India's economic reforms programme, which liberalised the country's economy in 1991. (With inputs from agencies)

Dr Manmohan Singh in hospital, PM Modi prays for his ‘good health, speedy recovery’

Former prime minister Manmohan Singh was on Thursday discharged from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences here, where he was admitted after testing positive for COVID-19.

Sources close to the Congress leader said he was doing fine and returned home on Thursday afternoon.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/former-indian-pm-manmohan-singh-tests-positive-for-covid-19-378650">Former Indian PM Manmohan Singh tests positive for COVID-19</a>

Singh, 88, was admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) trauma centre, a dedicated COVID-19 facility, on April 19 after he had mild fever and tested positive for the novel coronavirus infection.

He received the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine on March 4 and the second dose on April 3.

None of the other members of Singh's family have tested positive for the infection, the sources said.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said, "Good to know former PM Dr Manmohan Singh ji has been discharged from hospital and has recovered from COVID-19. My best wishes for his good health and well being."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-tests-positive-for-covid-19-says-has-mild-symptoms-378798">Rahul Gandhi tests positive for Covid-19, says has 'mild symptoms'</a>

Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram said that the nation is happy and relieved that Dr Manmohan Singh has recovered and has been discharged from hospital. "Nation wishes him a healthy and long life."&nbsp;

"Concerned that CM, Rajasthan Ashok Gehlot has tested positive. Wish him a full and speedy recovery," Chidambaram said.

Former prime minister Manmohan Singh was on Thursday discharged from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences here, where he was admitted after testing positive for COVID-19.

Former prime minister Manmohan Singh was on Thursday discharged from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences here, where he was admitted after testing positive for COVID-19. Sources close to the Congress leader said he was doing fine and returned home on Thursday afternoon. Also read | Former Indian PM Manmohan Singh tests positive for COVID-19 Singh, 88, was admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) trauma centre, a dedicated COVID-19 facility, on April 19 after he had mild fever and tested positive for the novel coronavirus infection. He received the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine on March 4 and the second dose on April 3. None of the other members of Singh's family have tested positive for the infection, the sources said. Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said, "Good to know former PM Dr Manmohan Singh ji has been discharged from hospital and has recovered from COVID-19. My best wishes for his good health and well being." Also read | Rahul Gandhi tests positive for Covid-19, says has 'mild symptoms' Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram said that the nation is happy and relieved that Dr Manmohan Singh has recovered and has been discharged from hospital. "Nation wishes him a healthy and long life." "Concerned that CM, Rajasthan Ashok Gehlot has tested positive. Wish him a full and speedy recovery," Chidambaram said.

Ex-PM Manmohan Singh discharged from AIIMS

Former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was admitted to All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi on Monday after he tested positive for COVID-19.

"Former PM Manmohan Singh tests positive for COVID19, admitted to AIIMS Trauma Centre in Delhi," said an AIIMS official.

The news of Manmohan Singh's illness came just a day after he wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the pandemic situation in the country.

He had urged Prime Minister Modi to "resist the temptation to look at the absolute number of vaccinations and focus on the percentage of the population vaccinated."

In the letter, Manmohan Singh had also listed out suggestions for consideration "in a spirit of constructive cooperation", that included publicising firm orders for doses placed on different vaccine producers and allowing states more flexibility to plan vaccination rollouts.

Coronavirus situation in India continues to deteriorate. The country has again reported highest single-day spike of coronavirus cases since the start of the pandemic. In last 24 hours, over 273,000 fresh infections and 1619 death have been recorded.

(With inputs from agencies)

Former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was admitted to All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi on Monday after he tested positive for COVID-19.

Former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was admitted to All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi on Monday after he tested positive for COVID-19. "Former PM Manmohan Singh tests positive for COVID19, admitted to AIIMS Trauma Centre in Delhi," said an AIIMS official. The news of Manmohan Singh's illness came just a day after he wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the pandemic situation in the country. He had urged Prime Minister Modi to "resist the temptation to look at the absolute number of vaccinations and focus on the percentage of the population vaccinated." In the letter, Manmohan Singh had also listed out suggestions for consideration "in a spirit of constructive cooperation", that included publicising firm orders for doses placed on different vaccine producers and allowing states more flexibility to plan vaccination rollouts. Coronavirus situation in India continues to deteriorate. The country has again reported highest single-day spike of coronavirus cases since the start of the pandemic. In last 24 hours, over 273,000 fresh infections and 1619 death have been recorded. (With inputs from agencies)

Former Indian PM Manmohan Singh tests positive for COVID-19

Former US President Barack Obama's memoir 'A Promised Land', which will go on sale on Tuesday, interestingly, mentions&nbsp;several senior Indian leaders from Congress.

Former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Congress President Sonia Gandhi and senior leader Rahul Gandhi find mention in the book.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-like-a-child-trying-to-impress-teacher-barack-obama-says-in-his-new-memoir-a-promised-land-342781">Rahul Gandhi like a child trying to impress teacher: Barack Obama says in his new memoir 'A Promised Land'</a>

Obama compared Singh with former US Secretary of Defence Bob Gates, saying both coming across as "having a kind of impassive integrity".&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/remake-the-world-barack-obama-urges-youngsters-in-his-new-memoir-a-promised-land-342779">'Remake the world': Barack Obama urges youngsters in his new memoir 'A Promised Land'</a>

The former president also wrote about Sonia's beauty, saying "we are told of the handsomeness of men like Charlie Crist and Rahm Emanuel, but not the beauty of women, except for one or two instances, as in the case of Sonia Gandhi."

While describing Rahul Gandhi, Obama called him a "student" who "was eager to impress the teacher" but lacked "either the aptitude or the aptitude to master the subject".&nbsp;

Rahul has "a nervous, unformed quality about him, as if he were a student who’d done the coursework and was eager to impress the teacher but deep down lacked either the aptitude or the passion to master the subject," writes Obama.&nbsp;

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Obama also wrote on the recent US President-elect Joe Biden, who was also the vice president during his tenure, saying: "He is a decent man who might get prickly if he thought he wasn’t given his due –– a quality that might flare up when dealing with a much younger boss".&nbsp;

Former US President Barack Obama's memoir 'A Promised Land', which will go on sale on Tuesday, interestingly, mentions several senior Indian leaders from Congress.

Former US President Barack Obama's memoir 'A Promised Land', which will go on sale on Tuesday, interestingly, mentions several senior Indian leaders from Congress. Former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Congress President Sonia Gandhi and senior leader Rahul Gandhi find mention in the book. Also read | Rahul Gandhi like a child trying to impress teacher: Barack Obama says in his new memoir 'A Promised Land' Obama compared Singh with former US Secretary of Defence Bob Gates, saying both coming across as "having a kind of impassive integrity". Also read | 'Remake the world': Barack Obama urges youngsters in his new memoir 'A Promised Land' The former president also wrote about Sonia's beauty, saying "we are told of the handsomeness of men like Charlie Crist and Rahm Emanuel, but not the beauty of women, except for one or two instances, as in the case of Sonia Gandhi." While describing Rahul Gandhi, Obama called him a "student" who "was eager to impress the teacher" but lacked "either the aptitude or the aptitude to master the subject". Rahul has "a nervous, unformed quality about him, as if he were a student who’d done the coursework and was eager to impress the teacher but deep down lacked either the aptitude or the passion to master the subject," writes Obama. × Obama also wrote on the recent US President-elect Joe Biden, who was also the vice president during his tenure, saying: "He is a decent man who might get prickly if he thought he wasn’t given his due –– a quality that might flare up when dealing with a much younger boss".

From Sonia's beauty to Manmohan's 'integrity': Here's what Barack Obama wrote on Congress leaders

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Friday condoled the death of Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan, stating that he was an efficient administrator who worked closely with him and was an important Dalit leader face in the Central government of many parties.

In his condolence letter to Ram Vilas Paswan`s son, Chirag Paswan, who is an MP from Jamui in Bihar and is the chief of the Lok Janshakti Party (LJP), the former Prime Minister said,&nbsp;

"I have learnt with profound sorrow about the passing away of your beloved father. He was an important Dalit leader face in the Central government of many parties.

"Recalling his stint with Ram Vilas Paswan from 2004 to 2014 during the United Progressive Alliance 1 and 2 governments at the Centre, Singh said, "I have very warm recollections of my association with him as a member of the UPA government which I led in 2004. The veteran socialist leader was also a very efficient administrator who worked very closely with me as a Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers, and also served as Minister in various ministries."

The veteran Congress leader said Ram Vilas Paswan was a mass leader with a wide popularity, which was evident from the fact that he won Parliament elections with a record majority from his constituency.

"He was also a leader who was loved and respected by all irrespective of their political leniency. In his death, the country has lost one of its greatest Dalit and socialist leaders, who always stood for the cause of poor and downtrodden of the scoiety," he said.Earlier today, the mortal remains of Paswan were taken to his residence in New Delhi from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), where he breathed his last on Thursday.

The Union Minister, who hailed from Bihar, passed away at the age of 74. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP President JP Nadda, and several senior leaders paid tribute to the late leader at his residence in the national capital.&nbsp;

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Friday condoled the death of Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan, stating that he was an efficient administrator who worked closely with him and was an important Dalit leader face in the Central government of many parties.

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Friday condoled the death of Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan, stating that he was an efficient administrator who worked closely with him and was an important Dalit leader face in the Central government of many parties. In his condolence letter to Ram Vilas Paswan`s son, Chirag Paswan, who is an MP from Jamui in Bihar and is the chief of the Lok Janshakti Party (LJP), the former Prime Minister said, "I have learnt with profound sorrow about the passing away of your beloved father. He was an important Dalit leader face in the Central government of many parties. "Recalling his stint with Ram Vilas Paswan from 2004 to 2014 during the United Progressive Alliance 1 and 2 governments at the Centre, Singh said, "I have very warm recollections of my association with him as a member of the UPA government which I led in 2004. The veteran socialist leader was also a very efficient administrator who worked very closely with me as a Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers, and also served as Minister in various ministries." The veteran Congress leader said Ram Vilas Paswan was a mass leader with a wide popularity, which was evident from the fact that he won Parliament elections with a record majority from his constituency. "He was also a leader who was loved and respected by all irrespective of their political leniency. In his death, the country has lost one of its greatest Dalit and socialist leaders, who always stood for the cause of poor and downtrodden of the scoiety," he said.Earlier today, the mortal remains of Paswan were taken to his residence in New Delhi from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), where he breathed his last on Thursday. The Union Minister, who hailed from Bihar, passed away at the age of 74. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP President JP Nadda, and several senior leaders paid tribute to the late leader at his residence in the national capital.

Ram Vilas Paswan was efficient administrator, stood for cause of poor, downtrodden: Manmohan Singh

India's two major political parties, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Congress exchanged a heated war of words following comments made by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on the India-China border crisis in Ladakh.

Singh asked Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ensure justice for Indian soldiers who lost their lives following a violent face-off with Chinese security personnel at Galwan Valley in Ladakh last week.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/turning-50-rahul-gandhi-down-but-not-out-307119">Turning 50: Rahul Gandhi, down but not out</a>

He said that disinformation cannot replace diplomacy or decisive leadership.&nbsp;

"The prime minister must always be mindful of the implications of his words and declarations on our nation's security as also strategic and territorial interests," the former PM said in a statement.

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पूर्व प्रधानमंत्री डॉ. मनमोहन सिंह जी की महत्वपूर्ण सलाह। भारत की भलाई के लिए, मैं आशा करता हूँ कि PM उनकी बात को विनम्रता से मानेंगे। <a href="https://t.co/0QTewzmcyD">pic.twitter.com/0QTewzmcyD</a>
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1274922923413762048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Singh's comments were endorsed by his senior party member Rahul Gandhi, who in a tweet called the former PM's advice "important", adding "for the betterment of India, I hope the Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) will accept it politely."

The comments were not taken down well by the BJP and its chief JP Nadda asked Congress to stop insulting the armed forces and questioning their bravery.&nbsp;

"You did this post the air strikes and surgical strikes. Please understand the true meaning of national unity, especially in such times. It`s never too late to improve," Nadda said in a tweet.&nbsp;

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Dear Dr. Singh and Congress Party, 
 
Please stop insulting our forces repeatedly, questioning their valour. You did this post the air strikes and surgical strikes. 
 
Please understand the true meaning of national unity, especially in such times. 
 
It’s never too late to improve.
— Jagat Prakash Nadda (@JPNadda) <a href="https://twitter.com/JPNadda/status/1274963217425588226?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2020</a></blockquote>
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In other tweets, he also accused Congress of surrendering 43,000 kms of Indian territory to the Chinese without offering a fight and said Singh "presided over 600 incursions made by China between 2010 to 2013".

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One only wishes that Dr. Singh was as worried about Chinese designs when, as PM, he abjectly surrendered hundreds of square kilometres of India’s land to China. He presided over 600 incursions made by China between 2010 to 2013!
— Jagat Prakash Nadda (@JPNadda) <a href="https://twitter.com/JPNadda/status/1274963017751560192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Dr. Manmohan Singh belongs to the same party which: 
 
Helplessly surrendered over 43,000 KM of Indian territory to the Chinese! 
 
During the UPA years saw abject strategic and territorial surrender without a fight. 
 
Time and again belittles our forces.
— Jagat Prakash Nadda (@JPNadda) <a href="https://twitter.com/JPNadda/status/1274962925262966786?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Congress national spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala slammed Nadda for his remarks and asked him to "stop compromising on national security and India's territorial integrity".

"This would be the biggest disservice to our armed forces and our 20 martyrs. Don't buckle down, have the strength to rise to the occasion. We`ll give the government every support," Surjewala, in a tweet, said.

India's two major political parties, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Congress exchanged a heated war of words following comments made by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on the India-China border crisis in Ladakh.

India's two major political parties, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Congress exchanged a heated war of words following comments made by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on the India-China border crisis in Ladakh. Singh asked Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ensure justice for Indian soldiers who lost their lives following a violent face-off with Chinese security personnel at Galwan Valley in Ladakh last week. Also read | Turning 50: Rahul Gandhi, down but not out He said that disinformation cannot replace diplomacy or decisive leadership. "The prime minister must always be mindful of the implications of his words and declarations on our nation's security as also strategic and territorial interests," the former PM said in a statement. पूर्व प्रधानमंत्री डॉ. मनमोहन सिंह जी की महत्वपूर्ण सलाह। भारत की भलाई के लिए, मैं आशा करता हूँ कि PM उनकी बात को विनम्रता से मानेंगे। pic.twitter.com/0QTewzmcyD — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) June 22, 2020 × Singh's comments were endorsed by his senior party member Rahul Gandhi, who in a tweet called the former PM's advice "important", adding "for the betterment of India, I hope the Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) will accept it politely." The comments were not taken down well by the BJP and its chief JP Nadda asked Congress to stop insulting the armed forces and questioning their bravery. "You did this post the air strikes and surgical strikes. Please understand the true meaning of national unity, especially in such times. It`s never too late to improve," Nadda said in a tweet. Dear Dr. Singh and Congress Party, Please stop insulting our forces repeatedly, questioning their valour. You did this post the air strikes and surgical strikes. Please understand the true meaning of national unity, especially in such times. It’s never too late to improve. — Jagat Prakash Nadda (@JPNadda) June 22, 2020 × In other tweets, he also accused Congress of surrendering 43,000 kms of Indian territory to the Chinese without offering a fight and said Singh "presided over 600 incursions made by China between 2010 to 2013". One only wishes that Dr. Singh was as worried about Chinese designs when, as PM, he abjectly surrendered hundreds of square kilometres of India’s land to China. He presided over 600 incursions made by China between 2010 to 2013! — Jagat Prakash Nadda (@JPNadda) June 22, 2020 × Dr. Manmohan Singh belongs to the same party which: Helplessly surrendered over 43,000 KM of Indian territory to the Chinese! During the UPA years saw abject strategic and territorial surrender without a fight. Time and again belittles our forces. — Jagat Prakash Nadda (@JPNadda) June 22, 2020 × Congress national spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala slammed Nadda for his remarks and asked him to "stop compromising on national security and India's territorial integrity". "This would be the biggest disservice to our armed forces and our 20 martyrs. Don't buckle down, have the strength to rise to the occasion. We`ll give the government every support," Surjewala, in a tweet, said.

BJP, Congress exchange war of words on former PM Manmohan Singh's remarks

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has been discharged from Delhi's All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) on Tuesday, a source said.&nbsp;

According to the AIIMS sources, Singh was admitted for observation, investigation after he developed a febrile reaction to the new medication and complained of chest pain and breathlessness, sources said.

Yesterday, the hospital issued a statement saying that Dr Manmohan Singh is stable and under observation at the AIIMS here after suffering a reaction to a new medication and developing fever.

The 87-year-old Congress leader was admitted to the hospital on Sunday evening after he complained of uneasiness.

The sources said that Singh had developed a reaction to a new medication and further investigation is being carried on him to rule out other causes of fever.

(With inputs from agencies)

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has been discharged from Delhi's All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) on Tuesday, a source said. According to the AIIMS sources, Singh was admitted for observation, investigation after he developed a febrile reaction to the new medication and complained of chest pain and breathlessness, sources said.

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has been discharged from Delhi's All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) on Tuesday, a source said. According to the AIIMS sources, Singh was admitted for observation, investigation after he developed a febrile reaction to the new medication and complained of chest pain and breathlessness, sources said. Yesterday, the hospital issued a statement saying that Dr Manmohan Singh is stable and under observation at the AIIMS here after suffering a reaction to a new medication and developing fever. The 87-year-old Congress leader was admitted to the hospital on Sunday evening after he complained of uneasiness. The sources said that Singh had developed a reaction to a new medication and further investigation is being carried on him to rule out other causes of fever. (With inputs from agencies)

Former PM Dr Manmohan Singh discharged from AIIMS on medical advice

Former prime minister Manmohan Singh is stable and under observation at the AIIMS here after suffering reaction to a new medication and developing fever, hospital sources said on Monday.

The 87-year-old Congress leader was admitted to the hospital on Sunday evening after he complained of uneasiness.

The sources said that Singh had developed a reaction to a new medication and further investigation is being carried on him to rule out other causes of fever.

"Dr Manmohan Singh was admitted for observation and investigation after he developed a febrile reaction to a new medication," the sources said.

"He is being investigated to rule out other causes of fever and is being provided with care as needed.

He is stable and under the care of a team of doctors at the Cardiothoracic Centre of AIIMS," they said.

"All his parameters are fine. He is under observation at the AIIMS," a source close to him has said.

Singh, a senior leader of the opposition Congress, is currently a Member of Rajya Sabha from Rajasthan.

He was the prime minister between 2004 and 2014.

In 2009, Singh underwent successful coronary bypass surgery at the AIIMS.

Several leaders expressed have expressed concern over his health and wished him a speedy recovery.

Former prime minister Manmohan Singh is stable and under observation at the AIIMS here after suffering reaction to a new medication and developing fever, hospital sources said on Monday.

Former prime minister Manmohan Singh is stable and under observation at the AIIMS here after suffering reaction to a new medication and developing fever, hospital sources said on Monday. The 87-year-old Congress leader was admitted to the hospital on Sunday evening after he complained of uneasiness. The sources said that Singh had developed a reaction to a new medication and further investigation is being carried on him to rule out other causes of fever. "Dr Manmohan Singh was admitted for observation and investigation after he developed a febrile reaction to a new medication," the sources said. "He is being investigated to rule out other causes of fever and is being provided with care as needed. He is stable and under the care of a team of doctors at the Cardiothoracic Centre of AIIMS," they said. "All his parameters are fine. He is under observation at the AIIMS," a source close to him has said. Singh, a senior leader of the opposition Congress, is currently a Member of Rajya Sabha from Rajasthan. He was the prime minister between 2004 and 2014. In 2009, Singh underwent successful coronary bypass surgery at the AIIMS. Several leaders expressed have expressed concern over his health and wished him a speedy recovery.

Manmohan Singh stable, developed reaction to medication: Hospital sources

Former prime minister Manmohan Singh was admitted to the AIIMS here on Sunday evening after he complained of uneasiness, sources said.

Singh, 87, is under observation at the cardio-thoracic ward of the premier hospital, they said.

"All his parameters are fine. He is under observation at the AIIMS," a source close to him said, adding that he was taken to the hospital after he felt "uneasiness".

He was admitted under Dr Nitish Naik, a professor of cardiology at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), around 8.45 pm.

Singh is a senior leader of the opposition Congress and is currently a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha from Rajasthan. He was the prime minister between 2004 and 2014.

In 2009, Singh underwent a successful coronary bypass surgery at AIIMS.

Former prime minister Manmohan Singh was admitted to the AIIMS here on Sunday evening after he complained of uneasiness, sources said. Singh, 87, is under observation at the cardio-thoracic ward of the premier hospital, they said.

Former prime minister Manmohan Singh was admitted to the AIIMS here on Sunday evening after he complained of uneasiness, sources said. Singh, 87, is under observation at the cardio-thoracic ward of the premier hospital, they said. "All his parameters are fine. He is under observation at the AIIMS," a source close to him said, adding that he was taken to the hospital after he felt "uneasiness". He was admitted under Dr Nitish Naik, a professor of cardiology at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), around 8.45 pm. Singh is a senior leader of the opposition Congress and is currently a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha from Rajasthan. He was the prime minister between 2004 and 2014. In 2009, Singh underwent a successful coronary bypass surgery at AIIMS.

Former prime minister Manmohan Singh admitted to AIIMS

Expressing concerns over the Centre's decision to stop the hike in Dearness Allowance and Dearness Relief to all government employees and pensioners, Congress leader and former PM Manmohan Singh on Saturday said that it is not necessary to impose hardships on government servants.

"I sincerely believe it is not necessary at this stage to impose hardships on government servants and also on the armed forces people," said the former Prime Minister in a video message put out on Congress' Twitter handle.

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As <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID</a> spreads, Modi Govt hurts 1.1cr Central Govt employees instead of providing relief. Withdrawing DA instead of cutting wasteful expenditure like Central Vista project is insensitive &amp; inhumane. Former PM Dr. Manmohan Singh, Shri <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RahulGandhi</a> &amp; others express deep concern. <a href="https://t.co/M6WQ0tojxG">pic.twitter.com/M6WQ0tojxG</a>
— Congress (@INCIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia/status/1253877689926193153?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 25, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The Ministry of Finance on Thursday stopped a hike in dearness allowance (DA) for the central government employees and dearness relief (DR) for the central government pensioners till July next year.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-sonia-gandhi-urges-government-to-provide-relief-package-for-msme-sector-294217">Also read:&nbsp;Coronavirus: Sonia Gandhi urges government to provide relief package for MSME sector</a>

According to the order issued, no arrears will be paid for the period from January 1, 2020, to June 30, 2021.

"In view of the crisis arising out of COVID-19, it has been decided that the additional instalment of dearness allowance payable to Central Government employees and dearness relief to Central Government pensioners, due from January 1, 2020, shall not be paid," the order said.

Expressing concerns over the Centre's decision to stop the hike in Dearness Allowance and Dearness Relief to all government employees and pensioners, Congress leader and former PM Manmohan Singh on Saturday said that it is not necessary to impose hardships on government servants.

Expressing concerns over the Centre's decision to stop the hike in Dearness Allowance and Dearness Relief to all government employees and pensioners, Congress leader and former PM Manmohan Singh on Saturday said that it is not necessary to impose hardships on government servants. "I sincerely believe it is not necessary at this stage to impose hardships on government servants and also on the armed forces people," said the former Prime Minister in a video message put out on Congress' Twitter handle. As #COVID spreads, Modi Govt hurts 1.1cr Central Govt employees instead of providing relief. Withdrawing DA instead of cutting wasteful expenditure like Central Vista project is insensitive & inhumane. Former PM Dr. Manmohan Singh, Shri @RahulGandhi & others express deep concern. pic.twitter.com/M6WQ0tojxG — Congress (@INCIndia) April 25, 2020 × The Ministry of Finance on Thursday stopped a hike in dearness allowance (DA) for the central government employees and dearness relief (DR) for the central government pensioners till July next year. Also read: Coronavirus: Sonia Gandhi urges government to provide relief package for MSME sector According to the order issued, no arrears will be paid for the period from January 1, 2020, to June 30, 2021. "In view of the crisis arising out of COVID-19, it has been decided that the additional instalment of dearness allowance payable to Central Government employees and dearness relief to Central Government pensioners, due from January 1, 2020, shall not be paid," the order said.

No need to halt DA/DR hikes at this stage, says Manmohan Singh in a video message

In the wake of coronavirus spread, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached out to opposition leaders including former President Pranab Mukherjee and former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Sunday. The PM called the opposition leaders and held a discussion on coronavirus which is spreading rapidly in the country.

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He also called up leaders of various political parties like Sonia Gandhi, Mulayam Singh Yadav, Akhilesh Yadav, Mamata Banerjee, Naveen Patnaik, K Chandrashekar Rao, MK Stalin and Parkash Singh Badal. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Coronavirus?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Coronavirus</a> <a href="https://t.co/V7hL8FIh5F">https://t.co/V7hL8FIh5F</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1246720648560414721?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 5, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Among others, PM Modi also spoke to leaders of various political parties, including, Congress chief Sonia Gandhi, Samajwadi Party's Mulayam Singh Yadav and Akhilesh Yadav; West Bengal chief minister and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee; Odisha Chief Minister and Biju Janata Dal president Naveen Patnaik. &nbsp;The chief minister of Telangana Chandrashekar Rao (Telangana Rashtra Samithi), President of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam's MK Stalin and Shiromani Akali Dal's Parkash Singh Badal were also among the list.

The total number of confirmed coronavirus case in India rose to 3,374 on Sunday, according to the data provided by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Out of these cases, 3030 are active cases, 267 have been cured or discharged while 77 others have succumbed to the deadly virus.

Meanwhile, in a bid to see whether the coronavirus is getting transmitted in the hotspot areas, ICMR has set a fresh protocol for healthcare workers to start with a rapid antibody-based blood test for COVID-19.

The top medical research body has framed a newer strategy for areas reporting in clusters (containment zone), in large migration gatherings and evacuee's centres, where a large number of COVID-19 cases are arising. ICMR stated that cases of Influenza-like Illness (ILI) are to be monitored in health facilities.&nbsp;

Any surge in cases are to be monitored and brought to the notice of surveillance officer or chief medical officer for additional investigation.

In the wake of coronavirus spread, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached out to opposition leaders including former President Pranab Mukherjee and former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Sunday.

In the wake of coronavirus spread, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached out to opposition leaders including former President Pranab Mukherjee and former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Sunday. The PM called the opposition leaders and held a discussion on coronavirus which is spreading rapidly in the country. He also called up leaders of various political parties like Sonia Gandhi, Mulayam Singh Yadav, Akhilesh Yadav, Mamata Banerjee, Naveen Patnaik, K Chandrashekar Rao, MK Stalin and Parkash Singh Badal. #Coronavirus https://t.co/V7hL8FIh5F — ANI (@ANI) April 5, 2020 × Among others, PM Modi also spoke to leaders of various political parties, including, Congress chief Sonia Gandhi, Samajwadi Party's Mulayam Singh Yadav and Akhilesh Yadav; West Bengal chief minister and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee; Odisha Chief Minister and Biju Janata Dal president Naveen Patnaik. The chief minister of Telangana Chandrashekar Rao (Telangana Rashtra Samithi), President of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam's MK Stalin and Shiromani Akali Dal's Parkash Singh Badal were also among the list. The total number of confirmed coronavirus case in India rose to 3,374 on Sunday, according to the data provided by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Out of these cases, 3030 are active cases, 267 have been cured or discharged while 77 others have succumbed to the deadly virus. Meanwhile, in a bid to see whether the coronavirus is getting transmitted in the hotspot areas, ICMR has set a fresh protocol for healthcare workers to start with a rapid antibody-based blood test for COVID-19. The top medical research body has framed a newer strategy for areas reporting in clusters (containment zone), in large migration gatherings and evacuee's centres, where a large number of COVID-19 cases are arising. ICMR stated that cases of Influenza-like Illness (ILI) are to be monitored in health facilities. Any surge in cases are to be monitored and brought to the notice of surveillance officer or chief medical officer for additional investigation.

Prime Minister Modi dials Sonia Gandhi, former presidents and PM amid COVID-19 spread

In a veiled attack on former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for his comments that ''Bharat Mata ki Jai''&nbsp;and nationalism are being misused to construct a militant and emotional idea of India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that few political parties are putting their interest above the country. 
 
Prime Minister made this remark during the Parliamentary party meeting on Tuesday, which was attended by all the ministers and parliamentarians of the BJP.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-news-its-a-chance-for-women-to-take-over-pm-narendra-modis-social-media-accounts-283916">It's a chance for women to take over PM Narendra Modi's social media accounts</a> 
 
The meeting lasted for about 45 minutes and the Prime Minister spoke for 15 minutes. 
 
Speaking to the media after the meeting, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said, "A meeting was held under the leadership of Modiji. The Prime Minister said that we are here for the benefit of the country. Modiji said that country`s interest is supreme and development is our mantra," adding that for development there should be "peace, unity and goodwill".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/thinking-of-giving-up-my-social-media-accounts-tweets-pm-modi-nosir-says-twitter-283824">Thinking of giving up my social media accounts, tweets PM Modi; #NoSir says Twitter</a> 
 
"The Prime Minister also said that the matter of the country's interest and party's interest also came in during freedom struggle but the country`s interest was on priority at that time. But some parties are now putting the party's interest above country`s interest," Joshi said. 
 
According to Joshi, Modi said in the meeting that even during the freedom struggle some people desisted from raising slogans like `Vande Mataram`. 
 
Joshi also said that some elements which are opposed to the growing stature of India have become stronger recently. 
 
The remarks of the Prime Minister came almost 10 days after Manmohan Singh during a book release function in the national capital hailed the role of first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in shaping India as a modern nation-state and said that "nationalism" and the slogan of `Bharat Mata Ki Jai` are being misused to construct a militant and purely emotional idea of India.

In a veiled attack on former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for his comments that ''Bharat Mata ki Jai'' and nationalism are being misused to construct a militant and emotional idea of India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that few political parties are putting their interest above the country.

In a veiled attack on former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for his comments that ''Bharat Mata ki Jai'' and nationalism are being misused to construct a militant and emotional idea of India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that few political parties are putting their interest above the country. Prime Minister made this remark during the Parliamentary party meeting on Tuesday, which was attended by all the ministers and parliamentarians of the BJP. Also read: It's a chance for women to take over PM Narendra Modi's social media accounts The meeting lasted for about 45 minutes and the Prime Minister spoke for 15 minutes. Speaking to the media after the meeting, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said, "A meeting was held under the leadership of Modiji. The Prime Minister said that we are here for the benefit of the country. Modiji said that country`s interest is supreme and development is our mantra," adding that for development there should be "peace, unity and goodwill". Also read: Thinking of giving up my social media accounts, tweets PM Modi; #NoSir says Twitter "The Prime Minister also said that the matter of the country's interest and party's interest also came in during freedom struggle but the country`s interest was on priority at that time. But some parties are now putting the party's interest above country`s interest," Joshi said. According to Joshi, Modi said in the meeting that even during the freedom struggle some people desisted from raising slogans like `Vande Mataram`. Joshi also said that some elements which are opposed to the growing stature of India have become stronger recently. The remarks of the Prime Minister came almost 10 days after Manmohan Singh during a book release function in the national capital hailed the role of first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in shaping India as a modern nation-state and said that "nationalism" and the slogan of `Bharat Mata Ki Jai` are being misused to construct a militant and purely emotional idea of India.

Nation's interest is supreme, development our mantra: PM Modi

Parle Biscuits, part of the Parle Products group, reported 15.2 per cent year-on-year (YoY) growth in net profit for the financial year 2018-19, with company’s FY19 net profit at Rs 410 crore against Rs 355 crore reported in the previous year. Total revenue too grew by a healthy 6.4 per cent YoY to Rs 9,030 crore.&nbsp;

Parle's good results would have ideally not caught much attention, had it not been for the raging controversy in August 2019 when the leftist eco-system indulged in viciously slanderous lies about how Parle Biscuits was on the verge of bankruptcy and was laying off staff as people in India could no longer afford to buy a packet of biscuits worth Rs 5.&nbsp;

Of course, it later came to light that vested interests that wanted a cut in the prevalent 18 per cent GST rate on biscuits were a part of the rumour mongering exercise to discredit the BJP-led NDA government. The Parle example is a befitting case of how prophets of gloom and doom have been working overtime to create a narrative that the Indian economy is falling off the cliff.

True, the economy is facing cyclical headwinds, after five excellent years of superior growth, witnessed during Narendra Modi's first term as Prime Minister. For the economy to reach the ambitious $5 trillion-mark by 2024-25, it will take the types of reform that were long-promised but never delivered by successive Congress-led UPA regimes. However, if there is any leader today who has both the vision and the will to execute that vision to put India into the global super league of nations, it is Modi whose first six months in office in his second term have shown that he means business.

Massive reductions in unwanted regulations, streamlining of labour laws, privatisation of state entities, removing swathes of bureaucracy, investments in infrastructure and of course, the courage to say no to a lop-sided trade deal like the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) are key highlights of Modi's economic agenda.

Under the inept UPA establishment, Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) that compromised India's economic interests had been the order of the day.

Between 2009-10 and 2013-14, the period during which Manmohan Singh was India's Prime Minister the Indian economy grew at 6.7 per cent and emerging market economies by 6.43 per cent. Between 2014-15 and 2018-19, the Indian economy under Prime Minister Modi grew at a superior yearly run rate of 7.4 per cent despite the emerging market space growing by 4.52 per cent. The recent 4.5 per cent GDP print for September 2019 quarter for India has, however, reignited the Modinomics versus Manmohanomics debate.

Where the Modi government has done significantly better than the Manmohan Singh regime is infrastructure. In March 2014, length of national highways stood at 91,287 kms and it had increased by March 2019 to a solid 135,676 kms, growing at &nbsp;8.25 per cent per year in Modi's first term versus a modest run rate of 5.29 per cent under his predecessor. Also, while the number of airline passengers grew by 9.2 per cent in the Manmohan years, the growth under Modi's first term was a record-breaking 15.28 per cent.

More importantly, Modinomics has managed the growth-inflation conundrum very effectively. In April 2014, retail inflation, defined by the consumer price index (CPI), stood at 7.72 per cent with food inflation at 9.21 per cent. CPI, however, averaged at just 4.3 per cent in Modi's first term, with food inflation at barely 1.59 per cent between October 2016 and October 2019. Importantly, food inflation was reined in, despite an average 24 per cent hike in MSP for Kharif crops in 2018. True, in October 2019, CPI touched 4.62 per cent, but the cumulative retail inflation in the April-October 2019 period is still benign, at just 3.47 per cent.

Coming back to the recent 'slowdown' in India, it is cyclical and not structural in nature, because the fundamentals of the economy are in fine fettle and long term growth is intact despite some short term concerns, as recently summed up by international rating giant S&amp;P while maintaining BBB minus with a stable outlook, for India. Out on bail and an accused in the INX media scam, former Finance Minister &nbsp;Chidambaram was recently heard giving bytes to the press that the current decline is structural in an obvious attempt to discredit hard facts. Mr Chidambaram is the last person, if any, who should be lecturing on the economy, given his abysmally poor track record in the past, in 2012, when S&amp;P had downgraded India's rating to BBB minus with a negative outlook, just a notch above junk status.

While one is not denying that there are short term challenges, prophets of gloom and doom are working overtime to undermine India's policymaking and policymakers. For instance, the IHS Markit India Manufacturing PMI, rose to 51.2 in November 2019, from 50.6 in October 2019, but this positive news failed to grab headlines in the 'pink' dailies.

While comparisons are often odious, India continues to decisively outperform peers. The recent sluggish pace comes against the global backdrop of 17 months of protracted US-China trade war, 6 months of massive protests in Hong Kong, leading to a 24.3 per cent decline in retail sales in October 2019, a technical recession in Singapore with GDP growth rate of barely 0.1 per cent in the September 2019 quarter, Venezuelan bankruptcy, double-dip recession in the world's 8th largest economy, Brazil, in May 2019, continued turbulence in the UK around Brexit, recession in Italy, steep slowdown in Japan amidst a trade war with South Korea and of course more importantly, industrial recession in Germany that is battling negative bond yields and its slowest growth rate since the 2011 Euro crisis. The September 2019 PMI number for Germany, the 4th largest economy globally, accounting for 28 per cent of Euro area's GDP, dropped to 49, the first time since April 2013 that Germany's PMI fell below 50.&nbsp;

Speaking of India, reduction in corporate tax from 30% to 22% and for new companies to merely 15%, hike in dearness allowance to 17% from 12%, hike in export credit limit under priority sector lending norms for small exporters, from Rs 25 crore per borrower to Rs 40 crore, corpus of Rs 25,000 crore for stalled housing projects, yearly payout of Rs 6000 to 14.5 crore farmers irrespective of landholding size,100% FDI in coal mining,sale of coal and contract manufacturing, 26% FDI in digital news media, Rs 70,000 crore recapitalisation package for public sector banks and allowing additional 15% depreciation for vehicles bought till 31st March 2020, are measures that will address the demand side of the economy, which has been tepid.

It needs to be mentioned here that passenger vehicle sales in India crossed the three-million milestone for the first time in 2016-17. Maruti Suzuki took 37 years to sell 20 million vehicles in India, with the first 10 million vehicles taking 29 long years to sell. Interestingly, the last 5 million units were sold in barely three years, between 2016-17 and 2019 and it is certainly no coincidence that this happened, with Narendra Modi at the helm! The recent sluggish pace in the auto sector this year which affected UK, Germany, China and Japan in equal measure, has been primarily been on account of stringent BS-VI emission norms. India, relatively speaking, fared much better, despite the disadvantage of a high base effect, thanks to the scorching pace of growth in the previous 5 years under Modi.

Repeated chatter that the current decline in GDP is the result of demonetisation is a myth. The number of income taxpayers jumped in 2018-19 to 8.45 crore from just 3.68 crore in 2013-14. Thanks to demonetisation, the total number of unified payment interface (UPI) transactions in October 2019 hit a record 1.15 billion. Under Manmohan Singh's tenure, the total number of digital transactions stood at a measly 93.2 crore in 2012-13; under Narendra Modi's leadership, digital transactions were a whopping 921.7 crore in volume terms in 2017-18.

Fear-mongering about the efficacy of goods and services tax (GST) is also incorrect as GST has strengthened tax compliance with the indirect tax to gross domestic product (GDP) ratio going up to 5.4 per cent post-GST, from 4.4 per cent in 2014-15.

Externally too, things under Narendra Modi look far healthier than they ever were under Manmohan Singh, with the share of short-term debt in total debt, at only 20 per cent in March 2019 versus a figure of 24.8 per cent in March 2013. Also, the ratio of short-term debt (original maturity) to foreign exchange reserves rose stood at a disturbing 33.1 per cent in March 2013, compared to 26.3 per cent in March 2019.

That the Modi government which successfully completed its first term and 6 months of the second term, with no BoP crisis till date, speaks volumes about the external debt management of the economy, despite challenging global geopolitics.

Foreign exchange reserves were, at a record $448.60 billion as on November 22nd 2019. Under Manmohan Singh's tenure, current account deficit (CAD), was consistently above 3.5 per cent, reaching a dangerous level of 6.7% in the December 2013 quarter, whereas the average CAD figure in Modi's first term, was well below 2%. Talking of foreign direct investment, while India averaged $18.2 billion in FDI annually under UPA I and, $38.4 billion under UPA II, in the Modi government's 5.5 years of tenure till date, the annual FDI figure averaged handsomely at almost $60 billion.

In terms of fiscal prudence too, the Narendra Modi regime wins hands down, with an average fiscal deficit figure of only 3.7% for the 2014-15 to 2018-19 period which is much better than the unreasonably high 5.4%, during the preceding five years, led by Manmohan Singh. That Modinomics has delivered high growth, without compromising macroeconomic stability, amidst the most globally volatile conditions, is therefore well established.

It would be apt to sum up India's future growth trajectory in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's own words from one of his recent public speeches where he so rightfully said--"Good governance with good intentions is the hallmark of our government. Implementation with integrity is our core passion".

Foreign exchange reserves were, at a record $448.60 billion as on November 22nd 2019. Under Manmohan Singh's tenure, current account deficit (CAD), was consistently above 3.5%, reaching a dangerous level of 6.7% in the December 2013 quarter, whereas the average CAD figure in Modi's first term, was well below 2%. Talking of foreign direct investment, while India averaged $18.2 billion in FDI annually under UPA I and, $38.4 billion under UPA II, in the Modi government's 5.5 years of tenure till date, the annual FDI figure averaged handsomely at almost $60 billion.

In terms of fiscal prudence too, the Narendra Modi regime wins hands down, with an average fiscal deficit figure of only 3.7% for the 2014-15 to 2018-19 period which is much better than the unreasonably high 5.4%, during the preceding five years, led by Manmohan Singh. That Modinomics has delivered high growth, without compromising macroeconomic stability, amidst the most globally volatile conditions, is therefore well established.

It would be apt to sum up India's future growth trajectory in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's own words from one of his recent public speeches where he so rightfully said--"Good governance with good intentions is the hallmark of our government. Implementation with integrity is our core passion".

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/business/column-economy-debate-modi-s-nda-versus-manmohan-s-upa-2804970">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Parle Biscuits, part of the Parle Products group, reported 15.2 per cent year-on-year (YoY) growth in net profit for the financial year 2018-19, with company’s FY19 net profit at Rs 410 crore against Rs 355 crore reported in the previous year.

Parle Biscuits, part of the Parle Products group, reported 15.2 per cent year-on-year (YoY) growth in net profit for the financial year 2018-19, with company’s FY19 net profit at Rs 410 crore against Rs 355 crore reported in the previous year. Total revenue too grew by a healthy 6.4 per cent YoY to Rs 9,030 crore. Parle's good results would have ideally not caught much attention, had it not been for the raging controversy in August 2019 when the leftist eco-system indulged in viciously slanderous lies about how Parle Biscuits was on the verge of bankruptcy and was laying off staff as people in India could no longer afford to buy a packet of biscuits worth Rs 5. Of course, it later came to light that vested interests that wanted a cut in the prevalent 18 per cent GST rate on biscuits were a part of the rumour mongering exercise to discredit the BJP-led NDA government. The Parle example is a befitting case of how prophets of gloom and doom have been working overtime to create a narrative that the Indian economy is falling off the cliff. True, the economy is facing cyclical headwinds, after five excellent years of superior growth, witnessed during Narendra Modi's first term as Prime Minister. For the economy to reach the ambitious $5 trillion-mark by 2024-25, it will take the types of reform that were long-promised but never delivered by successive Congress-led UPA regimes. However, if there is any leader today who has both the vision and the will to execute that vision to put India into the global super league of nations, it is Modi whose first six months in office in his second term have shown that he means business. Massive reductions in unwanted regulations, streamlining of labour laws, privatisation of state entities, removing swathes of bureaucracy, investments in infrastructure and of course, the courage to say no to a lop-sided trade deal like the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) are key highlights of Modi's economic agenda. Under the inept UPA establishment, Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) that compromised India's economic interests had been the order of the day. Between 2009-10 and 2013-14, the period during which Manmohan Singh was India's Prime Minister the Indian economy grew at 6.7 per cent and emerging market economies by 6.43 per cent. Between 2014-15 and 2018-19, the Indian economy under Prime Minister Modi grew at a superior yearly run rate of 7.4 per cent despite the emerging market space growing by 4.52 per cent. The recent 4.5 per cent GDP print for September 2019 quarter for India has, however, reignited the Modinomics versus Manmohanomics debate. Where the Modi government has done significantly better than the Manmohan Singh regime is infrastructure. In March 2014, length of national highways stood at 91,287 kms and it had increased by March 2019 to a solid 135,676 kms, growing at 8.25 per cent per year in Modi's first term versus a modest run rate of 5.29 per cent under his predecessor. Also, while the number of airline passengers grew by 9.2 per cent in the Manmohan years, the growth under Modi's first term was a record-breaking 15.28 per cent. More importantly, Modinomics has managed the growth-inflation conundrum very effectively. In April 2014, retail inflation, defined by the consumer price index (CPI), stood at 7.72 per cent with food inflation at 9.21 per cent. CPI, however, averaged at just 4.3 per cent in Modi's first term, with food inflation at barely 1.59 per cent between October 2016 and October 2019. Importantly, food inflation was reined in, despite an average 24 per cent hike in MSP for Kharif crops in 2018. True, in October 2019, CPI touched 4.62 per cent, but the cumulative retail inflation in the April-October 2019 period is still benign, at just 3.47 per cent. Coming back to the recent 'slowdown' in India, it is cyclical and not structural in nature, because the fundamentals of the economy are in fine fettle and long term growth is intact despite some short term concerns, as recently summed up by international rating giant S&P while maintaining BBB minus with a stable outlook, for India. Out on bail and an accused in the INX media scam, former Finance Minister Chidambaram was recently heard giving bytes to the press that the current decline is structural in an obvious attempt to discredit hard facts. Mr Chidambaram is the last person, if any, who should be lecturing on the economy, given his abysmally poor track record in the past, in 2012, when S&P had downgraded India's rating to BBB minus with a negative outlook, just a notch above junk status. While one is not denying that there are short term challenges, prophets of gloom and doom are working overtime to undermine India's policymaking and policymakers. For instance, the IHS Markit India Manufacturing PMI, rose to 51.2 in November 2019, from 50.6 in October 2019, but this positive news failed to grab headlines in the 'pink' dailies. While comparisons are often odious, India continues to decisively outperform peers. The recent sluggish pace comes against the global backdrop of 17 months of protracted US-China trade war, 6 months of massive protests in Hong Kong, leading to a 24.3 per cent decline in retail sales in October 2019, a technical recession in Singapore with GDP growth rate of barely 0.1 per cent in the September 2019 quarter, Venezuelan bankruptcy, double-dip recession in the world's 8th largest economy, Brazil, in May 2019, continued turbulence in the UK around Brexit, recession in Italy, steep slowdown in Japan amidst a trade war with South Korea and of course more importantly, industrial recession in Germany that is battling negative bond yields and its slowest growth rate since the 2011 Euro crisis. The September 2019 PMI number for Germany, the 4th largest economy globally, accounting for 28 per cent of Euro area's GDP, dropped to 49, the first time since April 2013 that Germany's PMI fell below 50. Speaking of India, reduction in corporate tax from 30% to 22% and for new companies to merely 15%, hike in dearness allowance to 17% from 12%, hike in export credit limit under priority sector lending norms for small exporters, from Rs 25 crore per borrower to Rs 40 crore, corpus of Rs 25,000 crore for stalled housing projects, yearly payout of Rs 6000 to 14.5 crore farmers irrespective of landholding size,100% FDI in coal mining,sale of coal and contract manufacturing, 26% FDI in digital news media, Rs 70,000 crore recapitalisation package for public sector banks and allowing additional 15% depreciation for vehicles bought till 31st March 2020, are measures that will address the demand side of the economy, which has been tepid. It needs to be mentioned here that passenger vehicle sales in India crossed the three-million milestone for the first time in 2016-17. Maruti Suzuki took 37 years to sell 20 million vehicles in India, with the first 10 million vehicles taking 29 long years to sell. Interestingly, the last 5 million units were sold in barely three years, between 2016-17 and 2019 and it is certainly no coincidence that this happened, with Narendra Modi at the helm! The recent sluggish pace in the auto sector this year which affected UK, Germany, China and Japan in equal measure, has been primarily been on account of stringent BS-VI emission norms. India, relatively speaking, fared much better, despite the disadvantage of a high base effect, thanks to the scorching pace of growth in the previous 5 years under Modi. Repeated chatter that the current decline in GDP is the result of demonetisation is a myth. The number of income taxpayers jumped in 2018-19 to 8.45 crore from just 3.68 crore in 2013-14. Thanks to demonetisation, the total number of unified payment interface (UPI) transactions in October 2019 hit a record 1.15 billion. Under Manmohan Singh's tenure, the total number of digital transactions stood at a measly 93.2 crore in 2012-13; under Narendra Modi's leadership, digital transactions were a whopping 921.7 crore in volume terms in 2017-18. Fear-mongering about the efficacy of goods and services tax (GST) is also incorrect as GST has strengthened tax compliance with the indirect tax to gross domestic product (GDP) ratio going up to 5.4 per cent post-GST, from 4.4 per cent in 2014-15. Externally too, things under Narendra Modi look far healthier than they ever were under Manmohan Singh, with the share of short-term debt in total debt, at only 20 per cent in March 2019 versus a figure of 24.8 per cent in March 2013. Also, the ratio of short-term debt (original maturity) to foreign exchange reserves rose stood at a disturbing 33.1 per cent in March 2013, compared to 26.3 per cent in March 2019. That the Modi government which successfully completed its first term and 6 months of the second term, with no BoP crisis till date, speaks volumes about the external debt management of the economy, despite challenging global geopolitics. Foreign exchange reserves were, at a record $448.60 billion as on November 22nd 2019. Under Manmohan Singh's tenure, current account deficit (CAD), was consistently above 3.5 per cent, reaching a dangerous level of 6.7% in the December 2013 quarter, whereas the average CAD figure in Modi's first term, was well below 2%. Talking of foreign direct investment, while India averaged $18.2 billion in FDI annually under UPA I and, $38.4 billion under UPA II, in the Modi government's 5.5 years of tenure till date, the annual FDI figure averaged handsomely at almost $60 billion. In terms of fiscal prudence too, the Narendra Modi regime wins hands down, with an average fiscal deficit figure of only 3.7% for the 2014-15 to 2018-19 period which is much better than the unreasonably high 5.4%, during the preceding five years, led by Manmohan Singh. That Modinomics has delivered high growth, without compromising macroeconomic stability, amidst the most globally volatile conditions, is therefore well established. It would be apt to sum up India's future growth trajectory in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's own words from one of his recent public speeches where he so rightfully said--"Good governance with good intentions is the hallmark of our government. Implementation with integrity is our core passion". Foreign exchange reserves were, at a record $448.60 billion as on November 22nd 2019. Under Manmohan Singh's tenure, current account deficit (CAD), was consistently above 3.5%, reaching a dangerous level of 6.7% in the December 2013 quarter, whereas the average CAD figure in Modi's first term, was well below 2%. Talking of foreign direct investment, while India averaged $18.2 billion in FDI annually under UPA I and, $38.4 billion under UPA II, in the Modi government's 5.5 years of tenure till date, the annual FDI figure averaged handsomely at almost $60 billion. In terms of fiscal prudence too, the Narendra Modi regime wins hands down, with an average fiscal deficit figure of only 3.7% for the 2014-15 to 2018-19 period which is much better than the unreasonably high 5.4%, during the preceding five years, led by Manmohan Singh. That Modinomics has delivered high growth, without compromising macroeconomic stability, amidst the most globally volatile conditions, is therefore well established. It would be apt to sum up India's future growth trajectory in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's own words from one of his recent public speeches where he so rightfully said--"Good governance with good intentions is the hallmark of our government. Implementation with integrity is our core passion". (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Economy Debate: Narendra Modi's NDA versus Manmohan Singh's UPA

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the integrated check post (ICP) of the Kartarpur Corridor on Saturday, thereby facilitating smooth, visa-free movement of Indian pilgrims to Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib in Pakistan.

Kartarpur Corridor: Indian PM Modi to flag off 1st batch of pilgrims

Former prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh on Saturday said although there are many "buts and ifs" in the relationship between India and Pakistan but Kartarpur corridor is a good beginning to normalise the relation.

Singh, who came back to India from Pakistan after attending the inauguration ceremony of Kartarpur Corridor told ANI, "It was a good beginning, India-Pakistan relations are subject to many buts and ifs, I hope this is a good beginning to normalise our relation."

Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had inaugurated the Integrated Check Post (ICP) of the corridor at Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur district of Punjab and flagged off the first 'jatha'&nbsp;of devotees travelling to Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib in Narowal district of Punjab province in Pakistan.

India and Pakistan had on October 24 signed an agreement on the modalities for operationalising Kartarpur Sahib corridor, paving the way for its inauguration ahead of 550th birth anniversary of Sikh faith founder Guru Nanak Dev.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Former prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh on Saturday said although there are many "buts and ifs" in the relationship between India and Pakistan but Kartarpur corridor is a good beginning to normalise the relation.

Former prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh on Saturday said although there are many "buts and ifs" in the relationship between India and Pakistan but Kartarpur corridor is a good beginning to normalise the relation. Singh, who came back to India from Pakistan after attending the inauguration ceremony of Kartarpur Corridor told ANI, "It was a good beginning, India-Pakistan relations are subject to many buts and ifs, I hope this is a good beginning to normalise our relation." Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had inaugurated the Integrated Check Post (ICP) of the corridor at Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur district of Punjab and flagged off the first 'jatha' of devotees travelling to Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib in Narowal district of Punjab province in Pakistan. India and Pakistan had on October 24 signed an agreement on the modalities for operationalising Kartarpur Sahib corridor, paving the way for its inauguration ahead of 550th birth anniversary of Sikh faith founder Guru Nanak Dev.

Hope Kartarpur corridor is good beginning to normalise India-Pak relations: Manmohan Singh

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid obeisance at Ber Sahib Gurudwara, Prime Minister will inaugurate the integrated check post (ICP) of the Kartarpur Corridor today, thereby facilitating smooth, visa-free movement of Indian pilgrims to Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib in Pakistan.

PM Modi pays obeisance at Ber Sahib Gurudwara

Kartarpur Corridor to open today: Indian PM Modi to inaugurate Corridor

The first 'jatha'&nbsp;of Sikh pilgrims from India arrived in Pakistan through the Kartarpur Corridor on Saturday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is slated to inaugurate the Integrated Check Post of the Kartarpur Corridor at Dera Baba Nanak in Punjab's Gurdaspur district today.

Among the first group of 550 pilgrims are former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, actor-politician Sunny Deol, and Union Ministers Hardeep Puri and Harsimrat Kaur Badal and SAD chief Sukhbir Badal and several ministers, MPs and MLAs from Punjab who will travel to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib through the Kartarpur Corridor.

As a part of the 550th birth anniversary celebrations of Sikh faith founder Guru Nanak Dev, the Prime Minister paid his obeisance at Ber Sahib Gurdwara in Sultanpur Lodhi on Saturday.

Wearing an orange headcover, Modi offered his prayers at the gurdwara.

After paying his obeisance, he was garlanded with a sacred 'chadar'.

Union Minister Harsimrat Badal and Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh were also present with Modi at the gurdwara.

Later in the day, Modi is slated to inaugurate the Kartarpur Corridor in Gurdaspur district. The 4.7-kilometre-long route will connect Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Gurdaspur and Gurdwara Kartarpur Darbar Sahib in Pakistan.

Giani Harpreet Singh, the Jathedar of Akal Takht, will lead the Indian delegation as the religious leader.

On the other hand, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan will also inaugurate the other side of the route on the same day, apart from other events that will be hosted to mark Guru Nanak Dev's birth anniversary.

The first 'jatha' of Sikh pilgrims from India arrived in Pakistan through the Kartarpur Corridor on Saturday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is slated to inaugurate the Integrated Check Post of the Kartarpur Corridor at Dera Baba Nanak in Punjab's Gurdaspur district today.

The first 'jatha' of Sikh pilgrims from India arrived in Pakistan through the Kartarpur Corridor on Saturday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is slated to inaugurate the Integrated Check Post of the Kartarpur Corridor at Dera Baba Nanak in Punjab's Gurdaspur district today. Among the first group of 550 pilgrims are former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, actor-politician Sunny Deol, and Union Ministers Hardeep Puri and Harsimrat Kaur Badal and SAD chief Sukhbir Badal and several ministers, MPs and MLAs from Punjab who will travel to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib through the Kartarpur Corridor. As a part of the 550th birth anniversary celebrations of Sikh faith founder Guru Nanak Dev, the Prime Minister paid his obeisance at Ber Sahib Gurdwara in Sultanpur Lodhi on Saturday. Wearing an orange headcover, Modi offered his prayers at the gurdwara. After paying his obeisance, he was garlanded with a sacred 'chadar'. Union Minister Harsimrat Badal and Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh were also present with Modi at the gurdwara. Later in the day, Modi is slated to inaugurate the Kartarpur Corridor in Gurdaspur district. The 4.7-kilometre-long route will connect Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Gurdaspur and Gurdwara Kartarpur Darbar Sahib in Pakistan. Giani Harpreet Singh, the Jathedar of Akal Takht, will lead the Indian delegation as the religious leader. On the other hand, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan will also inaugurate the other side of the route on the same day, apart from other events that will be hosted to mark Guru Nanak Dev's birth anniversary.

First 'jatha' of Sikh pilgrims from India arrive in Pakistan through Kartapur Corridor

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