Russian President Vladimir Putin will arrive in India Thursday evening.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and he will hold the 19th India-Russia annual bilateral summit on Friday, but all eyes will be on the S-400 Triumf defence system deal the two countries are expected to sign during Putin's visit.&nbsp;

The S-400 is a missile defence system, the most advanced in Russia's armoury.&nbsp;

India would like to include it in its own arsenal, especially to help tighten its defences along its 4,000 km long Sino-Indian border.&nbsp;

The US however has said buying the S-400 could invoke sanctions under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) which says any country buying a majority of its military equipment from Russia could be sanctioned. The US is keen India buy the American made Thaad defence system. &nbsp;

The US however has also hinted that President Donald Trump may waive the sanctions against India.&nbsp;

China already has the S-400.&nbsp;

New Delhi in turn has so far indicated that it will go ahead with the deal notwithstanding the US sanctions.

"India has maintained its sovereignty as regards to its relationship with countries. We shall maintain it in all earnestness," Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman told PTI recently when asked whether the US sanctions will hit India's defence ties with Russia.&nbsp;

The S-400 is expected to cost India over $5 billion.&nbsp;

Apart from the S-400, Moscow and New Delhi are also likely to sign a $2.5 billion deal for four more Krivak/Talwar-class stealth frigates for the Indian Navy. Under the agreement, two of the warships will be constructed at the Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad and two at Goa Shipyard Limited.

Finally, Russia has reportedly also expressed an interest in helping India with its manned space mission. There have been reports that Moscow has offered to train Indian astronauts for its 2022 moon mission.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

Russian President Vladimir Putin will arrive in India Thursday evening. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and he will hold the 19th India-Russia annual bilateral summit on Friday, but all eyes will be on the S-400 Triumf defence system deal the two countries are expected to sign during Putin's visit.

Russian President Vladimir Putin will arrive in India Thursday evening. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and he will hold the 19th India-Russia annual bilateral summit on Friday, but all eyes will be on the S-400 Triumf defence system deal the two countries are expected to sign during Putin's visit. The S-400 is a missile defence system, the most advanced in Russia's armoury. India would like to include it in its own arsenal, especially to help tighten its defences along its 4,000 km long Sino-Indian border. The US however has said buying the S-400 could invoke sanctions under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) which says any country buying a majority of its military equipment from Russia could be sanctioned. The US is keen India buy the American made Thaad defence system. The US however has also hinted that President Donald Trump may waive the sanctions against India. China already has the S-400. New Delhi in turn has so far indicated that it will go ahead with the deal notwithstanding the US sanctions. "India has maintained its sovereignty as regards to its relationship with countries. We shall maintain it in all earnestness," Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman told PTI recently when asked whether the US sanctions will hit India's defence ties with Russia. The S-400 is expected to cost India over $5 billion. Apart from the S-400, Moscow and New Delhi are also likely to sign a $2.5 billion deal for four more Krivak/Talwar-class stealth frigates for the Indian Navy. Under the agreement, two of the warships will be constructed at the Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad and two at Goa Shipyard Limited. Finally, Russia has reportedly also expressed an interest in helping India with its manned space mission. There have been reports that Moscow has offered to train Indian astronauts for its 2022 moon mission. (With inputs from PTI)

Putin to arrive in India today, all eyes on S-400 missile defence system deal

Champions of Earth award for Narendra Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tributes to former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri at Vijay Ghat on his 114th birth anniversary today.

In a tweet, Prime Minister Modi said, Lal Bahadur Shastri was the symbol of gentle personality, skillful leadership and courage.

Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi on his 149th birth anniversary. Paying homage to the Father of the Nation, he tweeted, "From today, we are entering Pujya Bapu's 150th anniversary year. It is a great opportunity for all of us to fulfill his dreams."

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi pays tribute to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LalBahadurShastri?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LalBahadurShastri</a> at Vijayghat on his birth anniversary <a href="https://t.co/Fi6pCYI7YW">pic.twitter.com/Fi6pCYI7YW</a>
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The day also marks the launch of 150th-anniversary celebrations of Mahatma Gandhi.

Later in the day, Prime Minister Modi will attend the closing session of the Mahatma Gandhi International Sanitation Convention (MGISC) at Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre. MGISC has been a 4-day international conference that has brought together Sanitation Ministers and other leaders in WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) from around the world.

At this event, the Prime Minister will visit a mini Digital Exhibition. He will be accompanied by the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres. From the dais, the dignitaries will launch commemorative postage stamps on Mahatma Gandhi, and a medley CD based on Mahatma Gandhi's favourite hymn - "Vaishnav Jan."

The Swachh Bharat Awards will also be distributed on this occasion.

The Prime Minister will also inaugurate the first Assembly of the International Solar Alliance at Vigyan Bhawan. The same event will also mark the inauguration of the second IORA Renewable Energy Ministerial Meeting, and the 2nd Global RE-Invest (Renewable Energy Investors' Meet and Expo). Guterres will also be present on the occasion.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tributes to former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri at Vijay Ghat on his 114th birth anniversary today. In a tweet, Prime Minister Modi said, Lal Bahadur Shastri was the symbol of gentle personality, skillful leadership and courage.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tributes to former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri at Vijay Ghat on his 114th birth anniversary today. In a tweet, Prime Minister Modi said, Lal Bahadur Shastri was the symbol of gentle personality, skillful leadership and courage. Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi on his 149th birth anniversary. Paying homage to the Father of the Nation, he tweeted, "From today, we are entering Pujya Bapu's 150th anniversary year. It is a great opportunity for all of us to fulfill his dreams." Prime Minister Narendra Modi pays tribute to #LalBahadurShastri at Vijayghat on his birth anniversary pic.twitter.com/Fi6pCYI7YW — ANI (@ANI) October 2, 2018 × The day also marks the launch of 150th-anniversary celebrations of Mahatma Gandhi. Later in the day, Prime Minister Modi will attend the closing session of the Mahatma Gandhi International Sanitation Convention (MGISC) at Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre. MGISC has been a 4-day international conference that has brought together Sanitation Ministers and other leaders in WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) from around the world. At this event, the Prime Minister will visit a mini Digital Exhibition. He will be accompanied by the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres. From the dais, the dignitaries will launch commemorative postage stamps on Mahatma Gandhi, and a medley CD based on Mahatma Gandhi's favourite hymn - "Vaishnav Jan." The Swachh Bharat Awards will also be distributed on this occasion. The Prime Minister will also inaugurate the first Assembly of the International Solar Alliance at Vigyan Bhawan. The same event will also mark the inauguration of the second IORA Renewable Energy Ministerial Meeting, and the 2nd Global RE-Invest (Renewable Energy Investors' Meet and Expo). Guterres will also be present on the occasion.

PM Modi pays tribute to Lal Bahadur Shastri on his 114th birth anniversary

Stressing that India would generate 40 per cent of power from non-fossil fuels by 2030, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday called for connecting solar energy supply across borders giving the mantra of 'One World One Sun One Grid'.

"We have a dream One World, One Sun One Grid. We generate round the clock electricity from Sun as it sets in one part of the world but rises in another part. Sun never sets for entire earth," PM Modi said addressing inaugural function of 2nd Global RE-Invest meeting of Indian Ocean Rim Association and the first assembly of International Solar Alliance here in the capital.

The same event also marked the inauguration of the second IORA Renewable Energy Ministerial Meeting, and the 2nd Global RE-Invest (Renewable Energy Investors' Meet and Expo). United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was also present on the occasion.

PM Modi said he saw the 121-country International Solar Alliance as the future OPEC for meeting energy needs of the world.

Oil cartel OPEC led by Saudi Arabia currently meets close to half of the world's oil needs.

He said solar power will play the same role that oil wells have played over the past few decades in meeting global energy needs.

Humans have in the last 150-200 years relied on resources trapped below the earth's surface for meeting energy needs. But for a secure future, resources available above the ground like solar and wind energy need to be harnessed, he said.

Talking about India's plans for the renewable energy he said that India would add as much as 50 GW of non-hydro renewable energy to existing 72 GW and is successfully marching on the way to achieve the target of having 175 GW of clean energy by 2022.

The prime minister was of the view that this was the right time to invest in renewable energy because there is a possibility of USD 70-80 billion business in the next four years in India.

The Prime Minister said in the last four years USD 42 billion has been invested in clean energy in India.&nbsp;

He also said that India's solar energy increased by nine times in the last four years after his government took over in May 2014.

Elaborating about India's plans in renewables, he said that in the next four years as many as 28 lakh solar pumps would be installed which would help avoid 10 GW generation capacity.

He also told that under UJALA scheme, 31 crore LED bulbs were distributed which save 40000 Million Units per year and have saved Rs 16,000 crore besides reducing CO2 emissions.

He also informed that India has decided 40 per cent of electricity capacity would be non-fossil fuel based by 2030.

He said, "Today ISA has become big hope for people. In three years, it has become an inter-governmental organisation. 125 crore Indians feel pride that ISA is headquartered in India.

"I think whenever people would discuss a big organisation for human development then ISA would to on the top of the list. Whatever role OPEC is playing today to meet the energy requirement of the world, that would be played by ISA in coming days. Whatever role is played by oil wells today, would be played by sunlight."

He also said, "We need to expand the scope of ISA beyond 125 tropical countries which fall between tropic of cancer and Capricorn. India in the first assembly of ISA will propose to send all United National member nations the proposal to become a member of the body."

On this occasion, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said, "It is India where we are going to see global renewable energy revolution. Solar energy is at the centre of this revolution."

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a person who has single-handedly put India in the renewable map of the world. The ISA is an action-oriented organisation."

Stressing that India would generate 40 per cent of power from non-fossil fuels by 2030, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday called for connecting solar energy supply across borders giving the mantra of 'One World One Sun One Grid'.

Stressing that India would generate 40 per cent of power from non-fossil fuels by 2030, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday called for connecting solar energy supply across borders giving the mantra of 'One World One Sun One Grid'. "We have a dream One World, One Sun One Grid. We generate round the clock electricity from Sun as it sets in one part of the world but rises in another part. Sun never sets for entire earth," PM Modi said addressing inaugural function of 2nd Global RE-Invest meeting of Indian Ocean Rim Association and the first assembly of International Solar Alliance here in the capital. The same event also marked the inauguration of the second IORA Renewable Energy Ministerial Meeting, and the 2nd Global RE-Invest (Renewable Energy Investors' Meet and Expo). United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was also present on the occasion. PM Modi said he saw the 121-country International Solar Alliance as the future OPEC for meeting energy needs of the world. Oil cartel OPEC led by Saudi Arabia currently meets close to half of the world's oil needs. He said solar power will play the same role that oil wells have played over the past few decades in meeting global energy needs. Humans have in the last 150-200 years relied on resources trapped below the earth's surface for meeting energy needs. But for a secure future, resources available above the ground like solar and wind energy need to be harnessed, he said. Talking about India's plans for the renewable energy he said that India would add as much as 50 GW of non-hydro renewable energy to existing 72 GW and is successfully marching on the way to achieve the target of having 175 GW of clean energy by 2022. The prime minister was of the view that this was the right time to invest in renewable energy because there is a possibility of USD 70-80 billion business in the next four years in India. The Prime Minister said in the last four years USD 42 billion has been invested in clean energy in India. He also said that India's solar energy increased by nine times in the last four years after his government took over in May 2014. Elaborating about India's plans in renewables, he said that in the next four years as many as 28 lakh solar pumps would be installed which would help avoid 10 GW generation capacity. He also told that under UJALA scheme, 31 crore LED bulbs were distributed which save 40000 Million Units per year and have saved Rs 16,000 crore besides reducing CO2 emissions. He also informed that India has decided 40 per cent of electricity capacity would be non-fossil fuel based by 2030. He said, "Today ISA has become big hope for people. In three years, it has become an inter-governmental organisation. 125 crore Indians feel pride that ISA is headquartered in India. "I think whenever people would discuss a big organisation for human development then ISA would to on the top of the list. Whatever role OPEC is playing today to meet the energy requirement of the world, that would be played by ISA in coming days. Whatever role is played by oil wells today, would be played by sunlight." He also said, "We need to expand the scope of ISA beyond 125 tropical countries which fall between tropic of cancer and Capricorn. India in the first assembly of ISA will propose to send all United National member nations the proposal to become a member of the body." On this occasion, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said, "It is India where we are going to see global renewable energy revolution. Solar energy is at the centre of this revolution." External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a person who has single-handedly put India in the renewable map of the world. The ISA is an action-oriented organisation."

India targeting 40% of power generation from non-fossil fuel by 2030: PM Modi

Launching a scathing attack on the BJP and the RSS, the Congress on Tuesday called for a "new freedom struggle" against what it called the Modi government's politics of "polarisation and intimidation", as it held a meeting of its apex decision-making body CWC at a venue where 'Quit India' resolution was adopted in 1942 under Mahatma Gandhi's leadership.

Holding its meeting at Sewagram Ashram's Mahadev Bhavan in Wardha district of Maharashtra on Mahatma Gandhi's 149th birth anniversary, the Congress Working Committee, headed by the party chief Rahul Gandhi, also condemned the use of force against protesting farmers on their way to the national capital.

The CWC had last met in Sevagram in March 1948 and before that under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi in 1942 to adopt the 'Quit India' resolution.

In a resolution adopted at the meeting, the Congress alleged the RSS had a "blatant hypocrisy" that vilified and rejected Mahatma Gandhi during his lifetime and it was now brazenly proclaiming itself to be his champion.

"It is its (RSS's) ideology that was responsible for spreading the atmosphere of hate that led to the Mahatma's tragic assassination," Congress chief spokesman Randeep Singh Surjewala said quoting the resolution.

Another resolution adopted at the meeting condemned the use of force on farmers on their protest march towards the national capital from all parts of the country on Tuesday.

The CWS meeting was presided over by Congress president Rahul Gandhi and was attended by UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and former prime minister Manmohan Singh among other leaders.

The CWC resolution accused Modi government of "crushing debate and dissent" and "imposing artificial uniformity in a nation of extraordinary diversity".

Stating that a new freedom struggle is the urgent need of the hour, the resolution called for a massive movement to combat "the forces of divisiveness and prejudice, (and) to confront the Modi government whose politics is the politics of threat and intimidation, the politics of polarisation and divisiveness, the politics of crushing debate and dissent."&nbsp;

The Congress accused the Modi government of pursuing the politics of "hatred, vendetta, deceit, fraud and subterfuge" and subverting all constitutional values.

In a veiled reference to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government, the resolution said that "appropriating" Mahatma's legacy may be politically expedient for some, "but imbibing his principles and values in thought, word and deed is impossible for those who see in the Mahatma only electoral opportunities".

"One may borrow the Mahatma's spectacles for publicity campaigns, but implementing his vision will remain unfulfilled unless his principles are followed," the resolution said in an apparent reference to the logo for the government's 'Swachh Bharat' campaign.

The CWC resolved to expose "the hollowness and doublespeak of the ideologies and organisations who have never believed in, let alone followed the Gandhian path of truth, tolerance, harmony and non-violence".

The CWC also paid tribute to former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri on his birth anniversary.

"'Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan' is not a slogan but a cardinal principle of faith for the Congress party," it stated.

The Congress, which has been trying to project itself as the pivot to head a united front against the BJP in future polls, said it embodies the true ethos of inclusive and secular "Bharat".

"It is only the Congress that is deeply committed to the principles of justice, liberty, equality and fraternity. The CWC resolves that this fundamental message must be renewed and propagated to all corners of India, especially to the younger generation, by every member of the Congress party," the resolution stated.

The Congress further said the "ideological battle" has to be unswerving, irrespective of elections.

It called upon the people to fight the politics of "fear, intimidation, lies and deception without "bending".

It also recalled Sevagram having served as the "karmbhoomi" of Mahatma Gandhi for over a decade from the time he set up his ashram there in April 1936 and also holsted the CWC meeting which had adopted the "Quit India" resolution on July 14, 1942.

The quit India movement was launched a month later under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi.

Referring to the use of force on farmers on their way to Delhi, Surjewala said they were seeking loan waiver, doubling of their income and a fair price for their produce.

"Five to 18 per cent GST is levied on fertilisers and farmers want it should be waived," he said.

Surjewala said the Congress would never accept "such atrocities".

"Farmers who had come to seek grievance redressal were beaten up and lathi-charged. Water canons and tear gas were also used. We condemn the autocratic Modi government and the prime minister who is drunk with power. We express solidarity with the farmers and resolve to redress their grievances if voted to power," he said.

The CWC also passed a resolution condoling the recent demise of party leaders R K Dhawan and Gurudas Kamat.

Launching a scathing attack on the BJP and the RSS, the Congress on Tuesday called for a "new freedom struggle" against what it called the Modi government's politics of "polarisation and intimidation", as it held a meeting of its apex decision-making body CWC at a venue where 'Quit India' resolution was adopted in 1942 under Mahatma Gandhi's leadership.

Launching a scathing attack on the BJP and the RSS, the Congress on Tuesday called for a "new freedom struggle" against what it called the Modi government's politics of "polarisation and intimidation", as it held a meeting of its apex decision-making body CWC at a venue where 'Quit India' resolution was adopted in 1942 under Mahatma Gandhi's leadership. Holding its meeting at Sewagram Ashram's Mahadev Bhavan in Wardha district of Maharashtra on Mahatma Gandhi's 149th birth anniversary, the Congress Working Committee, headed by the party chief Rahul Gandhi, also condemned the use of force against protesting farmers on their way to the national capital. The CWC had last met in Sevagram in March 1948 and before that under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi in 1942 to adopt the 'Quit India' resolution. In a resolution adopted at the meeting, the Congress alleged the RSS had a "blatant hypocrisy" that vilified and rejected Mahatma Gandhi during his lifetime and it was now brazenly proclaiming itself to be his champion. "It is its (RSS's) ideology that was responsible for spreading the atmosphere of hate that led to the Mahatma's tragic assassination," Congress chief spokesman Randeep Singh Surjewala said quoting the resolution. Another resolution adopted at the meeting condemned the use of force on farmers on their protest march towards the national capital from all parts of the country on Tuesday. The CWS meeting was presided over by Congress president Rahul Gandhi and was attended by UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and former prime minister Manmohan Singh among other leaders. The CWC resolution accused Modi government of "crushing debate and dissent" and "imposing artificial uniformity in a nation of extraordinary diversity". Stating that a new freedom struggle is the urgent need of the hour, the resolution called for a massive movement to combat "the forces of divisiveness and prejudice, (and) to confront the Modi government whose politics is the politics of threat and intimidation, the politics of polarisation and divisiveness, the politics of crushing debate and dissent." The Congress accused the Modi government of pursuing the politics of "hatred, vendetta, deceit, fraud and subterfuge" and subverting all constitutional values. In a veiled reference to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government, the resolution said that "appropriating" Mahatma's legacy may be politically expedient for some, "but imbibing his principles and values in thought, word and deed is impossible for those who see in the Mahatma only electoral opportunities". "One may borrow the Mahatma's spectacles for publicity campaigns, but implementing his vision will remain unfulfilled unless his principles are followed," the resolution said in an apparent reference to the logo for the government's 'Swachh Bharat' campaign. The CWC resolved to expose "the hollowness and doublespeak of the ideologies and organisations who have never believed in, let alone followed the Gandhian path of truth, tolerance, harmony and non-violence". The CWC also paid tribute to former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri on his birth anniversary. "'Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan' is not a slogan but a cardinal principle of faith for the Congress party," it stated. The Congress, which has been trying to project itself as the pivot to head a united front against the BJP in future polls, said it embodies the true ethos of inclusive and secular "Bharat". "It is only the Congress that is deeply committed to the principles of justice, liberty, equality and fraternity. The CWC resolves that this fundamental message must be renewed and propagated to all corners of India, especially to the younger generation, by every member of the Congress party," the resolution stated. The Congress further said the "ideological battle" has to be unswerving, irrespective of elections. It called upon the people to fight the politics of "fear, intimidation, lies and deception without "bending". It also recalled Sevagram having served as the "karmbhoomi" of Mahatma Gandhi for over a decade from the time he set up his ashram there in April 1936 and also holsted the CWC meeting which had adopted the "Quit India" resolution on July 14, 1942. The quit India movement was launched a month later under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi. Referring to the use of force on farmers on their way to Delhi, Surjewala said they were seeking loan waiver, doubling of their income and a fair price for their produce. "Five to 18 per cent GST is levied on fertilisers and farmers want it should be waived," he said. Surjewala said the Congress would never accept "such atrocities". "Farmers who had come to seek grievance redressal were beaten up and lathi-charged. Water canons and tear gas were also used. We condemn the autocratic Modi government and the prime minister who is drunk with power. We express solidarity with the farmers and resolve to redress their grievances if voted to power," he said. The CWC also passed a resolution condoling the recent demise of party leaders R K Dhawan and Gurudas Kamat.

Congress vows 'new freedom struggle' against Modi govt, attacks RSS

Former Maldives President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom on Tuesday thanked prime minister Narendra Modi for his "strong support" and his telephone call.&nbsp;

PM Modi phoned the former president days after his release from jail on bail.&nbsp;

Gayoom took to Twitter and said: "Thank you Excellency PM @narendramodi for your telephone call today and for your strong support for our democratic process. I am particularly grateful for the kind sentiments you have expressed about me personally."

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Thank you Excellency PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> for your telephone call today and for your strong support for our democratic process. I am particularly grateful for the kind sentiments you have expressed about me personally.
— Maumoon Abdul Gayoom (@maumoonagayoom) <a href="https://twitter.com/maumoonagayoom/status/1047102107994619904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 2, 2018</a></blockquote>
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He was released from jail on Sunday, a week after his estranged half-brother suffered a shock electoral defeat, raising hopes that other high profile political prisoners could soon have their convictions overturned.

Gayoom, 80, and his legislator son Faris Maumoon, were released on bail by the High Court in Male, a week after strongman Abdulla Yameen's spectacular loss at the polls in the Indian Ocean archipelago nation.

He was arrested in February along with the country's Chief Justice and another Supreme Court judge on a charge of attempting to topple Yameen. He declared a 45-day state of emergency to block impeachment.

Gayoom was serving a 19-month jail term for obstruction of justice and was also under trial on a "terrorism" charge when the High Court ordered his release. The ex-leader had bail set at 60,000 rufiyaa (US $3,900) and his son Faris at 40,000 rufiyaa, and they were ordered not to travel abroad without the court's permission.

Former Maldives President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom on Tuesday thanked prime minister Narendra Modi for his "strong support" and his telephone call. PM Modi phoned the former president days after his release from jail on bail.

Former Maldives President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom on Tuesday thanked prime minister Narendra Modi for his "strong support" and his telephone call. PM Modi phoned the former president days after his release from jail on bail. Gayoom took to Twitter and said: "Thank you Excellency PM @narendramodi for your telephone call today and for your strong support for our democratic process. I am particularly grateful for the kind sentiments you have expressed about me personally." Thank you Excellency PM @narendramodi for your telephone call today and for your strong support for our democratic process. I am particularly grateful for the kind sentiments you have expressed about me personally. — Maumoon Abdul Gayoom (@maumoonagayoom) October 2, 2018 × He was released from jail on Sunday, a week after his estranged half-brother suffered a shock electoral defeat, raising hopes that other high profile political prisoners could soon have their convictions overturned. Gayoom, 80, and his legislator son Faris Maumoon, were released on bail by the High Court in Male, a week after strongman Abdulla Yameen's spectacular loss at the polls in the Indian Ocean archipelago nation. He was arrested in February along with the country's Chief Justice and another Supreme Court judge on a charge of attempting to topple Yameen. He declared a 45-day state of emergency to block impeachment. Gayoom was serving a 19-month jail term for obstruction of justice and was also under trial on a "terrorism" charge when the High Court ordered his release. The ex-leader had bail set at 60,000 rufiyaa (US $3,900) and his son Faris at 40,000 rufiyaa, and they were ordered not to travel abroad without the court's permission.

PM Modi calls former Maldives president Gayoom days after his release on bail 

With the Congress looking to corner the Modi government over the Rafale issue, the ruling BJP believes it can turn the heat on the opposition party by building up a campaign around nationalism on the twin planks of illegal infiltration and the Centre's "tough policy" on security matters.

Sources in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) said the decision to hold nationwide events on September 28-29 to mark the second anniversary of the surgical strikes, following a relatively quiet first anniversary of the Army operation in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK), was taken to highlight the government's tough policy on security matters.

Though it has been accused of politicising the Army action and its critics have also referred to the growing violence in Kashmir under its tenure to question the effectiveness of its policies, the saffron party believes that the surgical strikes continue to have resonance on the ground and can help it build a positive narrative in the run-up to the 2019 Lok Sabha election.

BJP president Amit Shah has also been constantly harping on the issue of illegal infiltration and has gone on to assert that the government will identify such infiltrators across the country if the saffron party retains power after the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

A senior BJP functionary said the top leaders of the party believe that the contentious issue of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam can help them, especially in states where infiltrators are said to be living in large numbers.

He added that it can be a vote-grabber for the BJP in a state like West Bengal as its Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has come out strongly against the saffron party on the issue, apparently to assuage the concerns of the state's over-28-per cent Muslim population, many of whom allege a communal design behind the campaign against infiltrators.

BJP leaders have claimed that West Bengal is home to millions of infiltrators. Many party leaders have demanded an NRC-like exercise in the state.

The recent arrests of five activists by the Maharashtra police for their alleged links to Maoists have also become a handy issue for the BJP after the Supreme Court refused to interfere with the police action.

Shah has targeted the Congress and its president Rahul Gandhi over the issue, accusing the latter of standing with those who are a "threat" to national security.

Facing flak from the Congress-led opposition over alleged corruption in the Rafale fighter jet deal, the BJP has sought to blunt the campaign against it by describing it as politically motivated and targeting Gandhi's brother-in-law, Robert Vadra.&nbsp;

With the Congress looking to corner the Modi government over the Rafale issue, the ruling BJP believes it can turn the heat on the opposition party by building up a campaign around nationalism on the twin planks of illegal infiltration and the Centre's "tough policy" on security matters.

With the Congress looking to corner the Modi government over the Rafale issue, the ruling BJP believes it can turn the heat on the opposition party by building up a campaign around nationalism on the twin planks of illegal infiltration and the Centre's "tough policy" on security matters. Sources in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) said the decision to hold nationwide events on September 28-29 to mark the second anniversary of the surgical strikes, following a relatively quiet first anniversary of the Army operation in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK), was taken to highlight the government's tough policy on security matters. Though it has been accused of politicising the Army action and its critics have also referred to the growing violence in Kashmir under its tenure to question the effectiveness of its policies, the saffron party believes that the surgical strikes continue to have resonance on the ground and can help it build a positive narrative in the run-up to the 2019 Lok Sabha election. BJP president Amit Shah has also been constantly harping on the issue of illegal infiltration and has gone on to assert that the government will identify such infiltrators across the country if the saffron party retains power after the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. A senior BJP functionary said the top leaders of the party believe that the contentious issue of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam can help them, especially in states where infiltrators are said to be living in large numbers. He added that it can be a vote-grabber for the BJP in a state like West Bengal as its Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has come out strongly against the saffron party on the issue, apparently to assuage the concerns of the state's over-28-per cent Muslim population, many of whom allege a communal design behind the campaign against infiltrators. BJP leaders have claimed that West Bengal is home to millions of infiltrators. Many party leaders have demanded an NRC-like exercise in the state. The recent arrests of five activists by the Maharashtra police for their alleged links to Maoists have also become a handy issue for the BJP after the Supreme Court refused to interfere with the police action. Shah has targeted the Congress and its president Rahul Gandhi over the issue, accusing the latter of standing with those who are a "threat" to national security. Facing flak from the Congress-led opposition over alleged corruption in the Rafale fighter jet deal, the BJP has sought to blunt the campaign against it by describing it as politically motivated and targeting Gandhi's brother-in-law, Robert Vadra.

BJP plans campaign around 'nationalism' on twin planks of infiltration, security

Every purchase people make should benefit those who have made efforts and skills to produce it, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Sunday, noting that inclusive growth would be a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his 150th birth anniversary.

He also thanked people from all walks of life for participating in 'Swachhta hi Sewa' campaign which began on September 15 to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

He said Swachh Bharat Mission or Clean India Mission has become a success story not only in India but in the entire world.

"This time India is hosting the biggest sanitation convention of the world so far, the Mahatma Gandhi International Sanitation Convention. Sanitation ministers from countries across the world and experts on the subject of sanitation will converge and share their experiments and experiences," he said in his monthly 'Mann ki Baat' radio address.

The convention will conclude on October 2.

Referring to Mahatma Gandhi's mantra, he said, "Can we remember Bapu for a moment while going out for shopping? ... Can we spare a thought while purchasing anything as to who in my country will benefit by this purchase! Whose face will sport a smile! Who will be the fortunate one to get a direct or indirect benefit from your purchase! I will feel much happier if my purchase will benefit the poorest of the poor," he said.

The PM said if money spent by people on buying goods helps those who have made it and put in their skill and money, it would be a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi.

He also recalled the contribution of then prime minister Lal Bahadur Shastri who shares his birthday with Mahatma Gandhi.

"Shastriji had a unique quality ... he was very humble outwardly but he was rock solid from inside. His slogan "Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan" is the hallmark of his grand personality. It was the result of his selfless service to the nation that in a brief tenure of about one and a half years he gave to our jawans and farmers the mantra to reach the pinnacle of success," PM Modi said.

Every purchase people make should benefit those who have made efforts and skills to produce it, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Sunday, noting that inclusive growth would be a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his 150th birth anniversary.

Every purchase people make should benefit those who have made efforts and skills to produce it, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Sunday, noting that inclusive growth would be a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his 150th birth anniversary. He also thanked people from all walks of life for participating in 'Swachhta hi Sewa' campaign which began on September 15 to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. He said Swachh Bharat Mission or Clean India Mission has become a success story not only in India but in the entire world. "This time India is hosting the biggest sanitation convention of the world so far, the Mahatma Gandhi International Sanitation Convention. Sanitation ministers from countries across the world and experts on the subject of sanitation will converge and share their experiments and experiences," he said in his monthly 'Mann ki Baat' radio address. The convention will conclude on October 2. Referring to Mahatma Gandhi's mantra, he said, "Can we remember Bapu for a moment while going out for shopping? ... Can we spare a thought while purchasing anything as to who in my country will benefit by this purchase! Whose face will sport a smile! Who will be the fortunate one to get a direct or indirect benefit from your purchase! I will feel much happier if my purchase will benefit the poorest of the poor," he said. The PM said if money spent by people on buying goods helps those who have made it and put in their skill and money, it would be a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi. He also recalled the contribution of then prime minister Lal Bahadur Shastri who shares his birthday with Mahatma Gandhi. "Shastriji had a unique quality ... he was very humble outwardly but he was rock solid from inside. His slogan "Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan" is the hallmark of his grand personality. It was the result of his selfless service to the nation that in a brief tenure of about one and a half years he gave to our jawans and farmers the mantra to reach the pinnacle of success," PM Modi said.

Every rupee spent should benefit the needy: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday stressed upon the significance of innovation and value addition while addressing a public gathering here on Sunday.

"There was a time when there would be scarcity. We had to import food grains. Now, things have changed. Today, the time has come to give importance to innovation and value addition", he said.

Prime Minister Modi was in Anand to inaugurate a number of modern food processing facilities worth Rs 1100 crore, including Amul`s ultra-modern chocolate plant and Anand Agricultural Univesity`s incubation center-cum-center of excellence in food processing.

He also inaugurated a solar cooperative society at Mujhkuva village and laid the foundation stone for the expansion of Amul manufacturing facilities at Anand and Khatraj.

Talking further about the importance of the cooperative sector in helping the farmers of Gujarat, Prime Minister Modi said, "Not only Amul, people in North Gujarat also worked in the cooperative sector. We have the Banas Dairy, the Dudhsagar Dairy. All these endeavours helped the people of Gujarat, particularly the farmers. For a long time, we had people sitting in Gandhinagar who disliked the cooperatives. They prevented the sector from acquiring a foothold in Saurashtra. Things changed after the late 1990s and today almost all districts in Gujarat are doing well in the sector."

Emphasizing on the global brand value of Amul, Prime Minister Modi also termed it as an outstanding model of empowerment.

He said, "The brand of Amul is known worldwide. Today, Amul has become an inspiration across the globe. People from overseas also ask me about Amul. Amul is not only about milk processing. This is an excellent model of empowerment."

He also underscored the need of exploring possibilities with the camel milk."A long time back, I had gone to Kutch and spoken about the need to popularise camel milk. That time a group of people mocked me. But, today the camel milk chocolate of Amul is doing well. We are doing well in milk processing but we can do even better. And, I am sure if Amul thinks in this direction, it will surely happen even faster", he said.

Talking about Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel`s most important contribution in the field of cooperative development, Prime Minister Modi said, "In various parts of the world, at various times we saw what socialism is, we also saw capitalism. But, through Amul, Sardar Patel showed another way. Here is a way where neither Government nor industrialists call the shots. It is the people who matter. This is a unique model."

"A century ago, Sardar Patel entered civic politics of Ahmedabad. He won from Dariapur. His margin of victory then was 1 vote. When he assumed office as the head of the municipality, he laid emphasis on urban development, planning and in that he worked on cooperative housing. Guided by Sardar Patel, Pritamrai Desai Ji worked on cooperative housing in a big way in Ahmedabad. These efforts gave wings to the aspirations of several people," he added.

Prime Minister Modi also hailed the spirit of team Amul."We are focusing on Jan Dhan, Van Dhan and Gobar Dhan. This will help our farmers. In a few years, Amul will complete 75 years. This is a team that is unstoppable. I admire their spirit. Let us think about what targets Amul can set for their own 75th anniversary and for 2022 when India marks 75 years of freedom."

He also requested more dairies to work towards `sweet revolution` and said, "I told several dairies in Gujarat to also work on the sweet revolution, which is related to honeybees. I am aware that Banas Dairy and the dairy in Amreli have done commendable work in this direction. I urge more dairies to also devote attention to this."

In his one day visit to the state, the Prime Minister will also travel to Anjar where he will inaugurate the Mundra LNG terminal, the Anjar-Mundra pipeline project and the Palanpur-Pali-Barmer pipeline project.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday stressed upon the significance of innovation and value addition while addressing a public gathering here on Sunday. "There was a time when there would be scarcity.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday stressed upon the significance of innovation and value addition while addressing a public gathering here on Sunday. "There was a time when there would be scarcity. We had to import food grains. Now, things have changed. Today, the time has come to give importance to innovation and value addition", he said. Prime Minister Modi was in Anand to inaugurate a number of modern food processing facilities worth Rs 1100 crore, including Amul`s ultra-modern chocolate plant and Anand Agricultural Univesity`s incubation center-cum-center of excellence in food processing. He also inaugurated a solar cooperative society at Mujhkuva village and laid the foundation stone for the expansion of Amul manufacturing facilities at Anand and Khatraj. Talking further about the importance of the cooperative sector in helping the farmers of Gujarat, Prime Minister Modi said, "Not only Amul, people in North Gujarat also worked in the cooperative sector. We have the Banas Dairy, the Dudhsagar Dairy. All these endeavours helped the people of Gujarat, particularly the farmers. For a long time, we had people sitting in Gandhinagar who disliked the cooperatives. They prevented the sector from acquiring a foothold in Saurashtra. Things changed after the late 1990s and today almost all districts in Gujarat are doing well in the sector." Emphasizing on the global brand value of Amul, Prime Minister Modi also termed it as an outstanding model of empowerment. He said, "The brand of Amul is known worldwide. Today, Amul has become an inspiration across the globe. People from overseas also ask me about Amul. Amul is not only about milk processing. This is an excellent model of empowerment." He also underscored the need of exploring possibilities with the camel milk."A long time back, I had gone to Kutch and spoken about the need to popularise camel milk. That time a group of people mocked me. But, today the camel milk chocolate of Amul is doing well. We are doing well in milk processing but we can do even better. And, I am sure if Amul thinks in this direction, it will surely happen even faster", he said. Talking about Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel`s most important contribution in the field of cooperative development, Prime Minister Modi said, "In various parts of the world, at various times we saw what socialism is, we also saw capitalism. But, through Amul, Sardar Patel showed another way. Here is a way where neither Government nor industrialists call the shots. It is the people who matter. This is a unique model." "A century ago, Sardar Patel entered civic politics of Ahmedabad. He won from Dariapur. His margin of victory then was 1 vote. When he assumed office as the head of the municipality, he laid emphasis on urban development, planning and in that he worked on cooperative housing. Guided by Sardar Patel, Pritamrai Desai Ji worked on cooperative housing in a big way in Ahmedabad. These efforts gave wings to the aspirations of several people," he added. Prime Minister Modi also hailed the spirit of team Amul."We are focusing on Jan Dhan, Van Dhan and Gobar Dhan. This will help our farmers. In a few years, Amul will complete 75 years. This is a team that is unstoppable. I admire their spirit. Let us think about what targets Amul can set for their own 75th anniversary and for 2022 when India marks 75 years of freedom." He also requested more dairies to work towards `sweet revolution` and said, "I told several dairies in Gujarat to also work on the sweet revolution, which is related to honeybees. I am aware that Banas Dairy and the dairy in Amreli have done commendable work in this direction. I urge more dairies to also devote attention to this." In his one day visit to the state, the Prime Minister will also travel to Anjar where he will inaugurate the Mundra LNG terminal, the Anjar-Mundra pipeline project and the Palanpur-Pali-Barmer pipeline project.

Innovation and value addition need of time: PM Modi in Anand

US President Donald Trump looks forward to visiting India to reflect on the "amazingly positive" trajectory in India-US relationship, a top Trump Administration official said Friday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invited Trump to be the chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations next year.

"President Trump does look forward to visiting India, again to reflect on what has been an amazingly positive trajectory in our relationship," Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of South and Central Asia Region Alice Wells told PTI in New York&nbsp;in response to a question on when would the US president be able to make a visit to India.&nbsp;

Wells added that she does not have further details as to when the president's trip to India will take place.&nbsp;

President Trump had visited India in 2014 as a businessman. &nbsp;

"I love India, give my regards to my friend PM (Narendra) Modi," Trump had told External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Monday as they exchanged pleasantries during a high-level event on counter-narcotics in New York.

India and the US held their first 2+2 Dialogue in Delhi early this month during which External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman held talks with Defence Secretary James Mattis and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

Modi has met Trump at least twice in the past year&nbsp;the first during a bilateral visit to Washington and then once on the margins of a summit in Manila.&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump looks forward to visiting India to reflect on the "amazingly positive" trajectory in India-US relationship, a top Trump Administration official said Friday.

US President Donald Trump looks forward to visiting India to reflect on the "amazingly positive" trajectory in India-US relationship, a top Trump Administration official said Friday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invited Trump to be the chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations next year. "President Trump does look forward to visiting India, again to reflect on what has been an amazingly positive trajectory in our relationship," Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of South and Central Asia Region Alice Wells told PTI in New York in response to a question on when would the US president be able to make a visit to India. Wells added that she does not have further details as to when the president's trip to India will take place. President Trump had visited India in 2014 as a businessman. "I love India, give my regards to my friend PM (Narendra) Modi," Trump had told External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Monday as they exchanged pleasantries during a high-level event on counter-narcotics in New York. India and the US held their first 2+2 Dialogue in Delhi early this month during which External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman held talks with Defence Secretary James Mattis and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Modi has met Trump at least twice in the past year the first during a bilateral visit to Washington and then once on the margins of a summit in Manila.

Trump looks forward to visit India: US official

President Ram Nath Kovind Saturday said the Swachh Bharat Mission is not just about physical cleaning, it is about spiritual, social cleansing and reawakening which represent the spirit of our independence movement.

Inaugurating a three-day Mahatma Gandhi International Sanitation Convention, President Kovind said Swachh Bharat has become a mass movement and a revolution playing out in real time.

"Swachh Bharat is a revolution playing out in real time. As an instrument of mass mobilisation, as a people's movement, and as a national goal towards which there is near total commitment, it represents the spirit of our independence movement," he said.

The president quoted the father of the nation in his speech several times and said in the past four years, in keeping with the traditions and teachings of Gandhiji, "I am happy to note that Swachh Bharat has become a mass movement with domestic and international participation."

Talking about the progress of the mission, President Kovind said the relentless and strenuous labours of the past four years have led India to significant milestones.

He further said sanitation coverage was at 39 per cent at the start of the mission in 2014, which has touched almost 95 per cent.

"India is striving to eliminate open defecation in its entirety by October 2, 2019. This is the best 150th birthday gift we can give to Gandhiji," he said.

He, however, feels achieving universal access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene by 2030 is a major challenge in many parts of the world. Drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene are central to sustainable development goal, he said.

Emphasising on the importance of the Swachh Bharat Mission, the president said it sought to create a cleaner India with more efficient waste management, cleaner public and private places, improved sanitation and universal use of toilets.

When the mission will be completed, it will provide every Indian - one sixth of humanity - an opportunity for a dramatic leap, he said, adding the focused sanitation effort and the broader sustainable development goals represent a once-in-many-generations moment. "We are the chosen generation," he said.

The Sanitation Convention is being organised by the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation to mark the beginning of the 150th birth anniversary celebrations of Mahatma Gandhi, also coinciding with the fourth anniversary of the launch of Swachh Bharat Mission.

Ministers and delegates from 68 countries are participating in the event.

President Ram Nath Kovind Saturday said the Swachh Bharat Mission is not just about physical cleaning, it is about spiritual, social cleansing and reawakening which represent the spirit of our independence movement.

President Ram Nath Kovind Saturday said the Swachh Bharat Mission is not just about physical cleaning, it is about spiritual, social cleansing and reawakening which represent the spirit of our independence movement. Inaugurating a three-day Mahatma Gandhi International Sanitation Convention, President Kovind said Swachh Bharat has become a mass movement and a revolution playing out in real time. "Swachh Bharat is a revolution playing out in real time. As an instrument of mass mobilisation, as a people's movement, and as a national goal towards which there is near total commitment, it represents the spirit of our independence movement," he said. The president quoted the father of the nation in his speech several times and said in the past four years, in keeping with the traditions and teachings of Gandhiji, "I am happy to note that Swachh Bharat has become a mass movement with domestic and international participation." Talking about the progress of the mission, President Kovind said the relentless and strenuous labours of the past four years have led India to significant milestones. He further said sanitation coverage was at 39 per cent at the start of the mission in 2014, which has touched almost 95 per cent. "India is striving to eliminate open defecation in its entirety by October 2, 2019. This is the best 150th birthday gift we can give to Gandhiji," he said. He, however, feels achieving universal access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene by 2030 is a major challenge in many parts of the world. Drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene are central to sustainable development goal, he said. Emphasising on the importance of the Swachh Bharat Mission, the president said it sought to create a cleaner India with more efficient waste management, cleaner public and private places, improved sanitation and universal use of toilets. When the mission will be completed, it will provide every Indian - one sixth of humanity - an opportunity for a dramatic leap, he said, adding the focused sanitation effort and the broader sustainable development goals represent a once-in-many-generations moment. "We are the chosen generation," he said. The Sanitation Convention is being organised by the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation to mark the beginning of the 150th birth anniversary celebrations of Mahatma Gandhi, also coinciding with the fourth anniversary of the launch of Swachh Bharat Mission. Ministers and delegates from 68 countries are participating in the event.

Swachh Bharat represents spirit of independence movement: President Kovind

Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Friday dared Prime Minister Narendra Modi to break his silence on the controversy pertaining to the Rafale jets deal and come clean on the deal between French aircraft manufacturer Dassault and Anil Ambani-led Reliance Defence Industries.

Intensifying his attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Congress president said, "I throw a fresh challenge to Prime Minister Modi. Answer this to the youths of this state, on why did the former French president said that it was you, Prime Minister who handed over the contract to Anil Ambani. Why did you facilitate the deal for a company indebted with Rs 45,000 crore? Why did you buy a fighter aircraft for Rs 1,600 crore which cost Rs 526 crore?"

He went on to add, "You won`t answer these questions as you helped your friend Anil Ambani bag a Rs 30,000 crore deal and the country knows that you speak lies one after another on the stage and your intentions are not clear."

Urging the Prime Minister to break his silence on the matter, Rahul said, "The former French president himself came out and said that neither his government nor Dassault chose Reliance as the offset partner for the Rafale jets. He said it was Prime Minister Narendra Modi who preferred Reliance over HAL. So, it was PM Modi who helped Anil Ambani making money out of the deal, which means, the Chowkidar (watchman) of this country is nothing but a thief."

Even during the Parliamentary debate, I threw the same questions to the Prime Minister on why he chose Anil Ambani over HAL when his company has a debt of over 45,000 crore Rupees. But, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was caught grasping at straws because the Chowkidar (watchman) has robbed the nation. People who are corrupt and loot a nation, cannot look into eyes and say the truth," Rahul added.

Rahul also attacked Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan and said that Congress will be a pro-farmer government in the state, unlike the ruling BJP government, so that the farmers can say that, "this government works for them."

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He also promised that if voted to power in Madhya Pradesh, Congress will open banks for all small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Elections to the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly will be held in 2018 to elect members of the 230 constituencies in the state.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Friday dared Prime Minister Narendra Modi to break his silence on the controversy pertaining to the Rafale jets deal and come clean on the deal between French aircraft manufacturer Dassault and Anil Ambani-led Reliance Defence Industries.

Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Friday dared Prime Minister Narendra Modi to break his silence on the controversy pertaining to the Rafale jets deal and come clean on the deal between French aircraft manufacturer Dassault and Anil Ambani-led Reliance Defence Industries. Intensifying his attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Congress president said, "I throw a fresh challenge to Prime Minister Modi. Answer this to the youths of this state, on why did the former French president said that it was you, Prime Minister who handed over the contract to Anil Ambani. Why did you facilitate the deal for a company indebted with Rs 45,000 crore? Why did you buy a fighter aircraft for Rs 1,600 crore which cost Rs 526 crore?" He went on to add, "You won`t answer these questions as you helped your friend Anil Ambani bag a Rs 30,000 crore deal and the country knows that you speak lies one after another on the stage and your intentions are not clear." Urging the Prime Minister to break his silence on the matter, Rahul said, "The former French president himself came out and said that neither his government nor Dassault chose Reliance as the offset partner for the Rafale jets. He said it was Prime Minister Narendra Modi who preferred Reliance over HAL. So, it was PM Modi who helped Anil Ambani making money out of the deal, which means, the Chowkidar (watchman) of this country is nothing but a thief." Even during the Parliamentary debate, I threw the same questions to the Prime Minister on why he chose Anil Ambani over HAL when his company has a debt of over 45,000 crore Rupees. But, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was caught grasping at straws because the Chowkidar (watchman) has robbed the nation. People who are corrupt and loot a nation, cannot look into eyes and say the truth," Rahul added. Rahul also attacked Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan and said that Congress will be a pro-farmer government in the state, unlike the ruling BJP government, so that the farmers can say that, "this government works for them." × He also promised that if voted to power in Madhya Pradesh, Congress will open banks for all small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Elections to the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly will be held in 2018 to elect members of the 230 constituencies in the state.

In Madhya Pradesh, Rahul accuses 'chowkidaar' PM Modi of robbing country

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday emphasised the importance of character building over literacy and called for 'wholesome' education in the country.

He was addressing the inaugural ceremony of "Conference on Academic Leadership on Education for Resurgence" organised by the HRD Ministry.

"Knowledge and education are not restricted to books. The purpose of education is to enable balanced growth of every dimension of a human being, which is not possible without innovation," Modi said.

"Ambedkar, Deen Dayal Upadhya and Ram Manohar Lohiya always emphasized on character-building over literacy. Swami Vivekananda stressed on wholesome education that makes us a human," he added.

The prime minister asserted that without innovation life would become a burden.

"Innovation is very important because without it, life seems like a burden. In our ancient universities like Takshshila, Nalanda and Vikramashila, innovation was given emphasis along with knowledge.

"I insist that students should give knowledge in classrooms of college, university but they also add them to the aspirations of the country," he said.

The conference is being attended by vice chancellors and directors of over 350 higher education institutions.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday emphasised the importance of character building over literacy and called for 'wholesome' education in the country. He was addressing the inaugural ceremony of "Conference on Academic Leadership on Education for Resurgence" organised by the HRD Ministry.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday emphasised the importance of character building over literacy and called for 'wholesome' education in the country. He was addressing the inaugural ceremony of "Conference on Academic Leadership on Education for Resurgence" organised by the HRD Ministry. "Knowledge and education are not restricted to books. The purpose of education is to enable balanced growth of every dimension of a human being, which is not possible without innovation," Modi said. "Ambedkar, Deen Dayal Upadhya and Ram Manohar Lohiya always emphasized on character-building over literacy. Swami Vivekananda stressed on wholesome education that makes us a human," he added. The prime minister asserted that without innovation life would become a burden. "Innovation is very important because without it, life seems like a burden. In our ancient universities like Takshshila, Nalanda and Vikramashila, innovation was given emphasis along with knowledge. "I insist that students should give knowledge in classrooms of college, university but they also add them to the aspirations of the country," he said. The conference is being attended by vice chancellors and directors of over 350 higher education institutions.

PM Modi stresses on importance of character building over literacy 

The Congress Friday alleged a "mahagathbandhan" between Pakistan's ISI and Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah, accusing the prime minister of betraying the country's national interests and its security.

Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala demanded that both the prime minister and the BJP president apologise to the nation for "inviting" the ISI to Pathankot air base and for reposing faith in it.

The Congress leader also said Modi and his party should not draw political gains out of the valour and courage of armed forces who carried out surgical strikes on terror camps in Pakistan.

"Modi-Shah duo have a 'mahagathbandhan' (grand alliance) with Pakistan's ISI," he told reporters, claiming the biggest proof of their links with the ISI was the statement by its former chief Assad Durrani that 'Modi is ISI's favourite choice as the prime minister of India'.

He said it was due to this "grand alliance" that the Modi government invited the ISI to probe Pathankot terror attack even though it was the Pakistani intelligence agency was responsible for it.

Surjewala alleged the Pakistani delegation invited to probe the Pathankot terrorist attack, included members of the ISI.

"The prime minister should tell the nation on what basis was the ISI, responsible for Pathankot terror attack, was allowed to carry out a probe," he said.

The Congress leader asked why "Shah gave character certificates of appreciation" to ISI on March 30, 2016 in Kolkata by publicly claiming that "Pakistan has made serious efforts in the Pathankot terror probe".&nbsp;

"Shah should tell the nation why he praised Pakistan's ISI if he did not have links with it," he asked.

Surjewala was joined by a host of ex-servicemen, including Indian Ex Servicemen Movement (IESM) chairman Maj Gen Satbir Singh, in saying the valour of soldiers should not be used for political gains and vote garnering.&nbsp;

They were objecting to the alleged release of a video by the government of surgical strikes carried out by Indian Army on terror camps in Pakistan.

Surjewala said his party saluted the indomitable courage and bravery of the Armed forces and the nation had always celebrated the valour, fortitude and the spirit of sacrifice of jawans.&nbsp;

He said the wars of 1947, 1962, 1965, 1971 and 1999 were a testimony of the heroism of the Armed forces.&nbsp;

"Conducting strategic surgical strikes with utmost precision and effective penetration at different times in last two decades has been characteristic of the grit and determination of our forces," he said, providing a list of such strikes since 2000.

"The prime minister and the BJP have always used the blood and sacrifice of our jawans as a tool to garner votes. In fact, the BJP chief dishonoured the valour of our armed forces on October 7, 2016 by disregarding the supreme sacrifices made in the five wars and numerous surgical strikes," he claimed.

He alleged the Modi government had compromised the national security and betrayed the national interests in four and a half years.

"The lack of political action and policy has led to a disquiet border and an alarming internal security situation," he claimed.

The Congress leader also asked a set of 10 questions to the prime minister and alleged he had played failed to defend India's borders and had imperiled its safety and security which was apparent in the 500 per cent increase in ceasefire violations by Pakistan since May 2014.

"Where was the '56-inches chest' missing when Pakistan committed more than 3,000 ceasefire violations at the LoC and international border," Surejwala asked.

"Hasn't Modi failed to consolidate the valiant surgical strikes of our Army on September 28, 2016, as Pakistan dared to commit 1,604 ceasefire violations thereafter in which 29 jawans have been martyred," he asked.

He asked why Modi "bent over backwards before China" by shelving the raising of a special regiment called 'Mountain Strike Corps' along the China border, approved by the Congress-UPA government.

"Has it not imperiled the security of our eastern border," he asked.

Surjewala also asked why the prime minister played havoc with India's internal security by "permitting the ugly menace of Naxalism to raise its head, kill our soldiers and civilians and creates internal disturbances".

"Is it not true that since the year 2015, 237 jawans and 380 civilians have been killed in over 3,200 Naxal attacks under the Modi government's watch," he asked.

He asked if it was a fact that Modi has completely failed to draft a policy to tackle Naxalism and why he had "betrayed" the soldiers by denying them 'One Rank, One Pension'.

"Why has Modi disregarded the honour of our soldiers, veterans and ex-servicemen by making 'One Rank, One Pension' as 'One Rank Five Pensions'," he asked.

The Congress leader asked if it was true that in the 52 months of the Modi government in Jammu and Kashmir alone, 414 jawans were martyred and 259 civilians killed in Pakistan- sponsored terrorism.

Surjewala alleged that soldiers like Mandeep and Narender Singh were beheaded and their bodies mutilated by Pakistan even as the Modi government remained a "mute spectator".

The Congress Friday alleged a "mahagathbandhan" between Pakistan's ISI and Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah, accusing the prime minister of betraying the country's national interests and its security.

The Congress Friday alleged a "mahagathbandhan" between Pakistan's ISI and Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah, accusing the prime minister of betraying the country's national interests and its security. Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala demanded that both the prime minister and the BJP president apologise to the nation for "inviting" the ISI to Pathankot air base and for reposing faith in it. The Congress leader also said Modi and his party should not draw political gains out of the valour and courage of armed forces who carried out surgical strikes on terror camps in Pakistan. "Modi-Shah duo have a 'mahagathbandhan' (grand alliance) with Pakistan's ISI," he told reporters, claiming the biggest proof of their links with the ISI was the statement by its former chief Assad Durrani that 'Modi is ISI's favourite choice as the prime minister of India'. He said it was due to this "grand alliance" that the Modi government invited the ISI to probe Pathankot terror attack even though it was the Pakistani intelligence agency was responsible for it. Surjewala alleged the Pakistani delegation invited to probe the Pathankot terrorist attack, included members of the ISI. "The prime minister should tell the nation on what basis was the ISI, responsible for Pathankot terror attack, was allowed to carry out a probe," he said. The Congress leader asked why "Shah gave character certificates of appreciation" to ISI on March 30, 2016 in Kolkata by publicly claiming that "Pakistan has made serious efforts in the Pathankot terror probe". "Shah should tell the nation why he praised Pakistan's ISI if he did not have links with it," he asked. Surjewala was joined by a host of ex-servicemen, including Indian Ex Servicemen Movement (IESM) chairman Maj Gen Satbir Singh, in saying the valour of soldiers should not be used for political gains and vote garnering. They were objecting to the alleged release of a video by the government of surgical strikes carried out by Indian Army on terror camps in Pakistan. Surjewala said his party saluted the indomitable courage and bravery of the Armed forces and the nation had always celebrated the valour, fortitude and the spirit of sacrifice of jawans. He said the wars of 1947, 1962, 1965, 1971 and 1999 were a testimony of the heroism of the Armed forces. "Conducting strategic surgical strikes with utmost precision and effective penetration at different times in last two decades has been characteristic of the grit and determination of our forces," he said, providing a list of such strikes since 2000. "The prime minister and the BJP have always used the blood and sacrifice of our jawans as a tool to garner votes. In fact, the BJP chief dishonoured the valour of our armed forces on October 7, 2016 by disregarding the supreme sacrifices made in the five wars and numerous surgical strikes," he claimed. He alleged the Modi government had compromised the national security and betrayed the national interests in four and a half years. "The lack of political action and policy has led to a disquiet border and an alarming internal security situation," he claimed. The Congress leader also asked a set of 10 questions to the prime minister and alleged he had played failed to defend India's borders and had imperiled its safety and security which was apparent in the 500 per cent increase in ceasefire violations by Pakistan since May 2014. "Where was the '56-inches chest' missing when Pakistan committed more than 3,000 ceasefire violations at the LoC and international border," Surejwala asked. "Hasn't Modi failed to consolidate the valiant surgical strikes of our Army on September 28, 2016, as Pakistan dared to commit 1,604 ceasefire violations thereafter in which 29 jawans have been martyred," he asked. He asked why Modi "bent over backwards before China" by shelving the raising of a special regiment called 'Mountain Strike Corps' along the China border, approved by the Congress-UPA government. "Has it not imperiled the security of our eastern border," he asked. Surjewala also asked why the prime minister played havoc with India's internal security by "permitting the ugly menace of Naxalism to raise its head, kill our soldiers and civilians and creates internal disturbances". "Is it not true that since the year 2015, 237 jawans and 380 civilians have been killed in over 3,200 Naxal attacks under the Modi government's watch," he asked. He asked if it was a fact that Modi has completely failed to draft a policy to tackle Naxalism and why he had "betrayed" the soldiers by denying them 'One Rank, One Pension'. "Why has Modi disregarded the honour of our soldiers, veterans and ex-servicemen by making 'One Rank, One Pension' as 'One Rank Five Pensions'," he asked. The Congress leader asked if it was true that in the 52 months of the Modi government in Jammu and Kashmir alone, 414 jawans were martyred and 259 civilians killed in Pakistan- sponsored terrorism. Surjewala alleged that soldiers like Mandeep and Narender Singh were beheaded and their bodies mutilated by Pakistan even as the Modi government remained a "mute spectator".

Grand alliance between ISI and Modi-Shah, Congress alleges

Prime Minister&nbsp;Narendra&nbsp;Modi&nbsp;on Thursday spoke with Naval office&nbsp;Abhilash Tomy&nbsp;who was rescued from high seas following a mishap during a solo circumnavigation sailing tour.

The 39-year-old&nbsp;naval officer&nbsp;was left adrift 3,500 kilometres from&nbsp;western Australia&nbsp;with a serious back injury when he was rescued through an internationally coordinated effort on Monday.

A solo competitor in&nbsp;the Golden Globe&nbsp;round-the-world race, he was badly injured during a storm that damaged his vessel in the&nbsp;Indian Ocean&nbsp;on Friday.

"Spoke to @abhilashtomy and enquired about his wellbeing. Every Indian is praying for his quick recovery. I also compliment the teams that were involved in his rescue,"Modi&nbsp;tweeted.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Spoke to <a href="https://twitter.com/abhilashtomy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@abhilashtomy</a> and enquired about his wellbeing. Every Indian is praying for his quick recovery. I also compliment the teams that were involved in his rescue. 
 
I have fond memories of my meeting with Abhilash, when he came with the team of INSV Tarini. <a href="https://t.co/Yefo9l4Ksu">pic.twitter.com/Yefo9l4Ksu</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1045322091745202176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The&nbsp;prime minister&nbsp;said he has fond memories of his meeting with Tomy when he came with the team of INSV Tarini.

Modi&nbsp;also posted a couple of photographs with the&nbsp;naval officer.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday spoke with Naval office Abhilash Tomy who was rescued from high seas following a mishap during a solo circumnavigation sailing tour.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday spoke with Naval office Abhilash Tomy who was rescued from high seas following a mishap during a solo circumnavigation sailing tour. The 39-year-old naval officer was left adrift 3,500 kilometres from western Australia with a serious back injury when he was rescued through an internationally coordinated effort on Monday. A solo competitor in the Golden Globe round-the-world race, he was badly injured during a storm that damaged his vessel in the Indian Ocean on Friday. "Spoke to @abhilashtomy and enquired about his wellbeing. Every Indian is praying for his quick recovery. I also compliment the teams that were involved in his rescue,"Modi tweeted. Spoke to @abhilashtomy and enquired about his wellbeing. Every Indian is praying for his quick recovery. I also compliment the teams that were involved in his rescue. I have fond memories of my meeting with Abhilash, when he came with the team of INSV Tarini. pic.twitter.com/Yefo9l4Ksu — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 27, 2018 × The prime minister said he has fond memories of his meeting with Tomy when he came with the team of INSV Tarini. Modi also posted a couple of photographs with the naval officer.

PM enquires about well being of naval officer Abhilash Tomy

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been invited to the swearing-in ceremony of the Maldives' President-elect Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in November, according to a Maldives media report Thursday.

Solih, 56, the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party's candidate, emerged victorious over incumbent President Abdulla Yameen in the election held in September 23. The formal results will be announced by the election commission on Sunday.

He will be sworn in on November 17.&nbsp;

The President-elect had extended the invitation during a phone call by Modi, after Solih's victory in the September 23 presidential elections, spokesperson for Solih, Mariya Ahmed Didi was quoted as saying in 'The Edition'.

Modi had also invited Solih to visit India, Mariya said, adding that the president-elect had accepted the invitation.

The two leaders agreed to work closely together to further strengthen the close, friendly and good neighbourly relations between the two countries.

Maldives is the only SAARC country that Modi has not visited. His visit to the archipelago was cancelled in March 2015 due to the volatile political situation.

India's ties with the Maldives came under strain after President Yameen declared Emergency in the country on February 5, following an order by the country's Supreme Court to release a group of Opposition leaders, including his estranged half brother and former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, who had been convicted in widely criticised trials.&nbsp;

India had criticised the Yameen government for the imposition of the Emergency and urged it to restore the credibility of the electoral and political process by releasing political prisoners.&nbsp;

The Emergency was lifted 45 days later.

In July, India expressed concern over announcement of the presidential election without allowing democratic institutions, including Parliament and the judiciary, to work in a free and transparent manner.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been invited to the swearing-in ceremony of the Maldives' President-elect Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in November, according to a Maldives media report Thursday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been invited to the swearing-in ceremony of the Maldives' President-elect Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in November, according to a Maldives media report Thursday. Solih, 56, the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party's candidate, emerged victorious over incumbent President Abdulla Yameen in the election held in September 23. The formal results will be announced by the election commission on Sunday. He will be sworn in on November 17. The President-elect had extended the invitation during a phone call by Modi, after Solih's victory in the September 23 presidential elections, spokesperson for Solih, Mariya Ahmed Didi was quoted as saying in 'The Edition'. Modi had also invited Solih to visit India, Mariya said, adding that the president-elect had accepted the invitation. The two leaders agreed to work closely together to further strengthen the close, friendly and good neighbourly relations between the two countries. Maldives is the only SAARC country that Modi has not visited. His visit to the archipelago was cancelled in March 2015 due to the volatile political situation. India's ties with the Maldives came under strain after President Yameen declared Emergency in the country on February 5, following an order by the country's Supreme Court to release a group of Opposition leaders, including his estranged half brother and former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, who had been convicted in widely criticised trials. India had criticised the Yameen government for the imposition of the Emergency and urged it to restore the credibility of the electoral and political process by releasing political prisoners. The Emergency was lifted 45 days later. In July, India expressed concern over announcement of the presidential election without allowing democratic institutions, including Parliament and the judiciary, to work in a free and transparent manner.

Maldives' president-elect Solih invites Modi in swearing-in ceremony

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday dedicated the United Nations' (UN) Champions of the Earth award to all Indians and the country's tradition of coexisting with nature.&nbsp;

"I would like to express my gratitude to the global community for conferring this honour upon me. This honour is not meant for any individual, but rather for the great Indian tradition through which, for centuries, we have been taught values like coexistence with nature," the Prime Minister said as a part of his acceptance speech.&nbsp;

He further expressed delight to see that the world has finally started accepting the importance of nature. "The struggle with nature has brought destruction, both on mankind as well as on nature. In this changing situation, all of us are putting emphasis on protecting nature. Whether you call it global warming, carbon emission, whether you are referring to 'developed countries' or 'developing countries', no matter what phrase you use, ultimately, we must all focus on climate justice," Prime Minier Modi added.

He also noted that the marginalised, poor and deprived people are "ultimate victims of climate injustice," adding that, "If we think of the welfare of the marginalised, we need to put the same emphasis on protecting nature as we do on other issues."&nbsp;

"In the pursuit of climate justice, India stands with the world, and is ready to march with you, shoulder to shoulder, in order to achieve this goal," the Prime Minister said.&nbsp;

French President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Modi were on Wednesday recognised in the Policy Leadership category of the United Nation's highest environmental honour - Champions of the Earth.&nbsp;

They were recognised for their work in championing the International Solar Alliance and promoting cooperation on environmental action. Macron's work on the Global Pact for the Environment and Prime Minister Modi's pledge to eliminate all single-use plastic in India by 2022 also contributed towards them being conferred with the award.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday dedicated the United Nations' (UN) Champions of the Earth award to all Indians and the country's tradition of coexisting with nature.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday dedicated the United Nations' (UN) Champions of the Earth award to all Indians and the country's tradition of coexisting with nature. "I would like to express my gratitude to the global community for conferring this honour upon me. This honour is not meant for any individual, but rather for the great Indian tradition through which, for centuries, we have been taught values like coexistence with nature," the Prime Minister said as a part of his acceptance speech. He further expressed delight to see that the world has finally started accepting the importance of nature. "The struggle with nature has brought destruction, both on mankind as well as on nature. In this changing situation, all of us are putting emphasis on protecting nature. Whether you call it global warming, carbon emission, whether you are referring to 'developed countries' or 'developing countries', no matter what phrase you use, ultimately, we must all focus on climate justice," Prime Minier Modi added. He also noted that the marginalised, poor and deprived people are "ultimate victims of climate injustice," adding that, "If we think of the welfare of the marginalised, we need to put the same emphasis on protecting nature as we do on other issues." "In the pursuit of climate justice, India stands with the world, and is ready to march with you, shoulder to shoulder, in order to achieve this goal," the Prime Minister said. French President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Modi were on Wednesday recognised in the Policy Leadership category of the United Nation's highest environmental honour - Champions of the Earth. They were recognised for their work in championing the International Solar Alliance and promoting cooperation on environmental action. Macron's work on the Global Pact for the Environment and Prime Minister Modi's pledge to eliminate all single-use plastic in India by 2022 also contributed towards them being conferred with the award.

PM Modi dedicates 'Champions of the Earth' award to Indian tradition

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the modernised extension of the Bhilai Steel plant in Chhattisgarh on Thursday.

The Prime Minister held a roadshow in Bhilai prior to his visit to the Steel Plant, while he also inaugurated the Integrated Command and Control Centre in Naya Raipur.

According to an official release, "The modernisation includes installation of cutting-edge technologies for improvement in productivity, yield, quality, cost competitiveness, energy efficiency and environmental protection.

"He is also slated to lay the foundation stone for the permanent campus of Indian Institue of Technology (IIT) Bhilai.

Additionally, he will unveil the commencement of phase-2 of BharatNet (Bharat Broadband Network Limited).

"The BharatNet project envisages connecting Gram Panchayats with an underground optical fibre network," the official release read.

The Prime Minister will inaugurate air services between Jagdalpur and Raipur and will also distribute laptops, certificates, and cheques etc. to beneficiaries under various schemes.

This is Prime Minister Modi`s second visit to Chhattisgarh in the last two months.The visit comes ahead of the assembly elections scheduled to be held in the state later this year.

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According to an official release, 'The modernisation includes installation of cutting-edge technologies for improvement in productivity, yield, quality, cost competitiveness, energy efficiency and environmental protection

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the modernised extension of the Bhilai Steel plant in Chhattisgarh on Thursday. The Prime Minister held a roadshow in Bhilai prior to his visit to the Steel Plant, while he also inaugurated the Integrated Command and Control Centre in Naya Raipur. According to an official release, "The modernisation includes installation of cutting-edge technologies for improvement in productivity, yield, quality, cost competitiveness, energy efficiency and environmental protection. "He is also slated to lay the foundation stone for the permanent campus of Indian Institue of Technology (IIT) Bhilai. Additionally, he will unveil the commencement of phase-2 of BharatNet (Bharat Broadband Network Limited). "The BharatNet project envisages connecting Gram Panchayats with an underground optical fibre network," the official release read. The Prime Minister will inaugurate air services between Jagdalpur and Raipur and will also distribute laptops, certificates, and cheques etc. to beneficiaries under various schemes. This is Prime Minister Modi`s second visit to Chhattisgarh in the last two months.The visit comes ahead of the assembly elections scheduled to be held in the state later this year.

PM Modi inaugurates Bhilai Steel Plant's extension in Chhattisgarh

The government today gave approval to HDFC Bank to raise Rs 24,000 crore in foreign direct investment (FDI) to fund its business growth.

With the raising of this capital, FDI in the bank would hit the regulatory ceiling of 74 per cent, Finance Minister Piyush Goyal said after the Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi here.

Currently, the FDI in the banks stands at 72.62 per cent.

Of the additional Rs 24,000 crore, Rs 8,500 crore is proposed to be allotted to HDFC Ltd, the promoter, on a preferential basis.&nbsp

Of the additional Rs 24,000 crore, Rs 8,500 crore is proposed to be allotted to HDFC Ltd, the promoter, on a preferential basis.

The government today gave approval to HDFC Bank to raise Rs 24,000 crore in foreign direct investment (FDI) to fund its business growth. With the raising of this capital, FDI in the bank would hit the regulatory ceiling of 74 per cent, Finance Minister Piyush Goyal said after the Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi here. Currently, the FDI in the banks stands at 72.62 per cent. Of the additional Rs 24,000 crore, Rs 8,500 crore is proposed to be allotted to HDFC Ltd, the promoter, on a preferential basis.

HDFC gets Cabinet nod to raise Rs 24,000 crore through FDI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday praised Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani's bold initiatives towards peace and expressed hope that it will be respected by all parties, referring to a ceasefire announced by the Afghan leader for Eid.

Speaking at the restricted session of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Qingdao, Prime Minister Modi also promised that India will play an active role in the contact group for Afghanistan under the SCO banner.

"Afghanistan is an unfortunate example of the effect of extremism and terrorism. I hope the bold initiatives towards peace taken by President Ghani will be respected by all parties," Modi said at the summit, also attended by Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain.

Modi was referring to the Afghan government's surprise announcement of the week-long ceasefire with the Taliban for Eid.

The ceasefire will last from the 27th of Ramadan until the fifth day of Eid-al-Fitr, President Ghani had tweeted last week, indicating it could run from June 12-19.&nbsp

Responding to Ghani's announcement, the Taliban on Saturday announced the suspension of fighting for the first three days of Eid - the first ceasefire by the militant group in Afghanistan since the 2001 US invasion.

India and China have agreed to undertake a joint economic project in Afghanistan. They have agreed to move forward in identifying a specific project initially in the area of capacity building in Afghanistan.

This will be a first such project in the war-torn country where China while trying to expand its influence, has tacitly backed Pakistan, which has been accused by Afghanistan and the US of backing the Taliban and its most violent attacks in the country destabilising any attempts to restore peace.

Since 2002, India has committed $ 2 billion to the socio-economic rebuilding of war-torn Afghanistan.

Speaking at the restricted session of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Qingdao, Prime Minister Modi also promised that India will play an active role in the contact group for Afghanistan under the SCO banner

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday praised Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani's bold initiatives towards peace and expressed hope that it will be respected by all parties, referring to a ceasefire announced by the Afghan leader for Eid. Speaking at the restricted session of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Qingdao, Prime Minister Modi also promised that India will play an active role in the contact group for Afghanistan under the SCO banner. "Afghanistan is an unfortunate example of the effect of extremism and terrorism. I hope the bold initiatives towards peace taken by President Ghani will be respected by all parties," Modi said at the summit, also attended by Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain. Modi was referring to the Afghan government's surprise announcement of the week-long ceasefire with the Taliban for Eid. The ceasefire will last from the 27th of Ramadan until the fifth day of Eid-al-Fitr, President Ghani had tweeted last week, indicating it could run from June 12-19. Responding to Ghani's announcement, the Taliban on Saturday announced the suspension of fighting for the first three days of Eid - the first ceasefire by the militant group in Afghanistan since the 2001 US invasion. India and China have agreed to undertake a joint economic project in Afghanistan. They have agreed to move forward in identifying a specific project initially in the area of capacity building in Afghanistan. This will be a first such project in the war-torn country where China while trying to expand its influence, has tacitly backed Pakistan, which has been accused by Afghanistan and the US of backing the Taliban and its most violent attacks in the country destabilising any attempts to restore peace. Since 2002, India has committed $ 2 billion to the socio-economic rebuilding of war-torn Afghanistan.

PM Modi praises Afghan President's bold initiatives towards peace

Mocking Rahul Gandhi as a "babua" (child), BJP president Amit Shah on Friday said the Congress chief keeps attacking the government for not doing one thing or another but should instead give an account of the works of his three generations who ruled India for decades.

Addressing workers of Jaipur Rural Lok Sabha constituency represented by Union minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, Shah also took a jibe at the rival party over its "happiness" on the BJP's defeat in bypolls and said he considered himself lucky that he has got such an opposition which was satisfied with victory in a few by-elections even though it was losing power in many states.

"We lost eight bypolls, but snatched power from them (opposition) in 14 states," he said in New Delhi.

Giving an account of the Modi government's works, including building of toilets, distribution of LPG cyllinders and other welfare measures, he said, "Rahul Gandhi (says) this has not happened, that has not happened."

"'Arre babua', tell me brother what you have done in 70 years? Your three generations were in power for 70 years and if they had done all these works then it would not be our luck to provide people toilets and poor mothers gas cylinders," he said.

The opposition is disconnected from the ground, Shah said and, in an apparent attack on Gandhi, added that nobody knows when he goes on a vacation and comes back.

The temperature in Gujarat and Rajasthan soars to 50 degrees Celsius and it is difficult to tolerate it, he said wryly.

Shah asked BJP workers to work overtime to ensure the party's win in the Rajasthan assembly poll, which is due later this year along with elections in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh so that its winning streak after emerging as the single largest party in Karnataka continues.

Shah said the difference between other parties and the BJP was that their soul was their leader while workers were its soul.&nbsp;

The BJP has also worked to propagate its ideology and enhance the country's prestige, and not merely to get power, he said.

"We are lucky that the world's most popular leader in Narendra Modi is leading the country and under him it is marching to become 'vishwa guru'," he said.

The Modi government has done a lot of work to bring about a fundamental change in the lives of the people and positively impacted over 50 crore citizens, he said.

It was due to its works that the BJP won elections in so many states and is now ruling 20 of them.

The central government had built 7.5 crore toilets, distributed 4 crore gas cylinders, taken electricity to one crore homes after electrifying all villages, provided one crore houses and opened bank accounts of more than 30 crore people, the BJP president added.&nbsp;

Mocking Rahul Gandhi as a "babua" (child), BJP president Amit Shah on Friday said the Congress chief keeps attacking the government for not doing one thing or another but should instead give an account of the works of his three generations who ruled India for decades

Mocking Rahul Gandhi as a "babua" (child), BJP president Amit Shah on Friday said the Congress chief keeps attacking the government for not doing one thing or another but should instead give an account of the works of his three generations who ruled India for decades. Addressing workers of Jaipur Rural Lok Sabha constituency represented by Union minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, Shah also took a jibe at the rival party over its "happiness" on the BJP's defeat in bypolls and said he considered himself lucky that he has got such an opposition which was satisfied with victory in a few by-elections even though it was losing power in many states. "We lost eight bypolls, but snatched power from them (opposition) in 14 states," he said in New Delhi. Giving an account of the Modi government's works, including building of toilets, distribution of LPG cyllinders and other welfare measures, he said, "Rahul Gandhi (says) this has not happened, that has not happened." "'Arre babua', tell me brother what you have done in 70 years? Your three generations were in power for 70 years and if they had done all these works then it would not be our luck to provide people toilets and poor mothers gas cylinders," he said. The opposition is disconnected from the ground, Shah said and, in an apparent attack on Gandhi, added that nobody knows when he goes on a vacation and comes back. The temperature in Gujarat and Rajasthan soars to 50 degrees Celsius and it is difficult to tolerate it, he said wryly. Shah asked BJP workers to work overtime to ensure the party's win in the Rajasthan assembly poll, which is due later this year along with elections in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh so that its winning streak after emerging as the single largest party in Karnataka continues. Shah said the difference between other parties and the BJP was that their soul was their leader while workers were its soul. The BJP has also worked to propagate its ideology and enhance the country's prestige, and not merely to get power, he said. "We are lucky that the world's most popular leader in Narendra Modi is leading the country and under him it is marching to become 'vishwa guru'," he said. The Modi government has done a lot of work to bring about a fundamental change in the lives of the people and positively impacted over 50 crore citizens, he said. It was due to its works that the BJP won elections in so many states and is now ruling 20 of them. The central government had built 7.5 crore toilets, distributed 4 crore gas cylinders, taken electricity to one crore homes after electrifying all villages, provided one crore houses and opened bank accounts of more than 30 crore people, the BJP president added.

Amit Shah mocks Rahul, says lucky that he got such opposition

India and Pakistan will <a href="http://wionews.com/south-asia/uninterrupted-dialogue-with-india-only-way-to-resolve-all-disputes-pakistan-143008">not hold any formal meeting</a> on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation(SCO) summit scheduled to begin tomorrow in China, India's ambassador to China&nbsp;Gautam Bambawale said.&nbsp;

Bambawale&nbsp;confirmed that the leaders of the two countries may talk during the summit but there will be "no formal meeting"&nbsp;with Pakistan.

"Neither have we nor has Pakistan asked for a formal meeting but during such summits leaders may talk on the sidelines but there will be no formal meeting (with Pakistan)", Indian Ambassador to China, Gautam Bambawale said.

He further said, "This is the first summit wherein India is participating with complete membership & so will Pakistan, terror will certainly be a substantial part of the&nbsp;discussion".

The SCO was founded at a summit in Shanghai in 2001 by the presidents of Russia, China, Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Modi is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping during the summit, where the two leaders are expected to take stock of the implementations of ideas that they had decided during their informal summit in Wuhan last month.

Indian ambassador to China has confirmed that the leaders of the two countries may talk during the summit but there will be no formal meeting with Pakistan

India and Pakistan will not hold any formal meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation(SCO) summit scheduled to begin tomorrow in China, India's ambassador to China Gautam Bambawale said. Bambawale confirmed that the leaders of the two countries may talk during the summit but there will be "no formal meeting" with Pakistan. "Neither have we nor has Pakistan asked for a formal meeting but during such summits leaders may talk on the sidelines but there will be no formal meeting (with Pakistan)", Indian Ambassador to China, Gautam Bambawale said. He further said, "This is the first summit wherein India is participating with complete membership & so will Pakistan, terror will certainly be a substantial part of the discussion". The SCO was founded at a summit in Shanghai in 2001 by the presidents of Russia, China, Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Prime Minister Modi is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping during the summit, where the two leaders are expected to take stock of the implementations of ideas that they had decided during their informal summit in Wuhan last month.

'India, Pak leaders may talk but no formal meeting during SCO summit,' says Indian Ambassador to China

BJP president Amit Shah will today meet industrialist Ratan Tata, singer Lata Mangeshkar and actor Madhuri Dixit and share the Modi government's achievements with them as part of his party's "contact for support" campaign, sources in the party said. 
 
Mr Shah, who will be in Mumbai today, is also scheduled to meet sporting legend Milkha Singh on&nbsp;June 7&nbsp;in Chandigarh, they said. 
 
The BJP launched a mega public drive, sampark for samarthan, following the Modi government's fourth anniversary on May 26. It announced that 4,000 functionaries of the party will contact one lakh people, who are well-known names in their fields, to spread the word about the government's works during its four-year tenure. 
 
Mr Shah will himself contact 50 people, the party had said. 
 
Launching the exercise, he met former Army chief Dalbir Singh Suhag and former Lok Sabha secretary general Subhash Kashyap on May 29. 
 
He has also met cricket legend Kapil Dev, former chief justice of India RC Lahoti and yoga guru Ramdev, who is associated with the Patanjali group of companies. 
 
Mr Shah had earlier said that the campaign was aimed at informing people about various government initiatives, which have resulted in raising the living standards of people. A lot of work had been done to remove the problems people faced in villages and to help the poor live a better life, he had said.

&nbsp;

Mr Shah, who will be in Mumbai today, is also scheduled to meet sporting legend Milkha Singh on June 7 in Chandigarh

BJP president Amit Shah will today meet industrialist Ratan Tata, singer Lata Mangeshkar and actor Madhuri Dixit and share the Modi government's achievements with them as part of his party's "contact for support" campaign, sources in the party said. Mr Shah, who will be in Mumbai today, is also scheduled to meet sporting legend Milkha Singh on June 7 in Chandigarh, they said. The BJP launched a mega public drive, sampark for samarthan, following the Modi government's fourth anniversary on May 26. It announced that 4,000 functionaries of the party will contact one lakh people, who are well-known names in their fields, to spread the word about the government's works during its four-year tenure. Mr Shah will himself contact 50 people, the party had said. Launching the exercise, he met former Army chief Dalbir Singh Suhag and former Lok Sabha secretary general Subhash Kashyap on May 29. He has also met cricket legend Kapil Dev, former chief justice of India RC Lahoti and yoga guru Ramdev, who is associated with the Patanjali group of companies. Mr Shah had earlier said that the campaign was aimed at informing people about various government initiatives, which have resulted in raising the living standards of people. A lot of work had been done to remove the problems people faced in villages and to help the poor live a better life, he had said.

Amit Shah to meet Ratan Tata, Lata Mangeshkar, Madhuri Dixit today

The then US President Barack Obama used his African-American card to win over Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the last phase of negotiations at the Paris summit in late 2015, where India was the last holdout as its officials were the toughest negotiators, says a book on his presidency.

"When we got to Paris, the main holdout was India," Obama's then top foreign policy and national security aide for eight years Ben Rhodes writes in his book 'The World at It Is: A Memoir of the Obama White House'.&nbsp 
The book will hit stands today.

Rhodes was Obama's Deputy National Security Advisor for Strategic Communications.&nbsp

Giving a blow-by-blow account of the last phase of US-India talks on climate change, Rhodes writes that at one point of time in Paris Obama himself entered into a personal conversation with two Indian officials to convince them of the need for India to be part of the deal. But he failed to cut ice with the two Indian negotiators, says the book.&nbsp

Then he spends nearly an hour with Modi in Paris. Nothing appeared to work till the time Obama played the African-American card, according to the book.

"For nearly an hour, Modi kept underscoring the fact that he had three hundred million people with no electricity, and coal was the cheapest way to grow the Indian economy he cared about the environment, but he had to worry about a lot of people mired in poverty. Obama went through arguments about a solar initiative we were building, the market shifts that would lower the price of clean energy," writes Rhodes in his book.

"But he still hadn't addressed a lingering sense of unfairness, the fact that nations like the United States had developed with coal, and were now demanding that India avoid doing the same thing. 'Look', Obama finally said, 'I get that it's unfair. I'm African-American'.&nbsp

"Modi smiled knowingly and looked down at his hands. He looked genuinely pained," he writes.

"I know what it's like to be in a system that's unfair," he went on.&nbsp

"I know what it's like to start behind and to be asked to do more, to act like the injustice didn't happen. But I can't let that shape my choices, and neither should you. I'd never heard him talk to another leader in quite that way. Modi seemed to appreciate it. He looked up and nodded," writes the former top White House official, while describing how Obama used his African-American card to convince Modi.

But before it, Rhodes writes, Obama tried and could not succeed in convincing the Indian negotiators.&nbsp

"We were scheduled to meet with India's prime minister, Narendra Modi. Obama and a group of us waited outside the meeting room, when the Indian delegation showed up in advance of Modi. By all accounts, the Indian negotiators had been the most difficult," he writes.

"Obama asked to talk to them, and for the next twenty minutes, he stood in a hallway having an animated argument with two Indian men. I stood off to the side, glancing at my BlackBerry, while he went on about solar power," says Rhodes. This was something unprecedented and not part of the protocol. He adds.&nbsp

"One guy from our climate team came over to me. 'I can't believe he's doing this,' he whispered. 'These guys are impossible'. 'Are you kidding?' I said.&nbsp

'It's an argument about science. He loves this'. Modi came around the corner with a look of concern on his face, wondering what his negotiators were arguing with Obama about," writes Rhodes.

"We moved into the meeting room, and a dynamic became clear. Modi's team, which represented the institutional perspective of the Indian government, did not want to do what is necessary to reach an agreement," he says.&nbsp

"Modi, who had ambitions to be a transformative leader of India, and a person of global stature, was torn. This is one reason why we had done the deal with China if India was alone, it was going to be hard for Modi to stay out," Rhodes writes in the book. &nbsp

Rhodes was Obama's Deputy National Security Advisor for Strategic Communications.

The then US President Barack Obama used his African-American card to win over Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the last phase of negotiations at the Paris summit in late 2015, where India was the last holdout as its officials were the toughest negotiators, says a book on his presidency. "When we got to Paris, the main holdout was India," Obama's then top foreign policy and national security aide for eight years Ben Rhodes writes in his book 'The World at It Is: A Memoir of the Obama White House'. The book will hit stands today. Rhodes was Obama's Deputy National Security Advisor for Strategic Communications. Giving a blow-by-blow account of the last phase of US-India talks on climate change, Rhodes writes that at one point of time in Paris Obama himself entered into a personal conversation with two Indian officials to convince them of the need for India to be part of the deal. But he failed to cut ice with the two Indian negotiators, says the book. Then he spends nearly an hour with Modi in Paris. Nothing appeared to work till the time Obama played the African-American card, according to the book. "For nearly an hour, Modi kept underscoring the fact that he had three hundred million people with no electricity, and coal was the cheapest way to grow the Indian economy he cared about the environment, but he had to worry about a lot of people mired in poverty. Obama went through arguments about a solar initiative we were building, the market shifts that would lower the price of clean energy," writes Rhodes in his book. "But he still hadn't addressed a lingering sense of unfairness, the fact that nations like the United States had developed with coal, and were now demanding that India avoid doing the same thing. 'Look', Obama finally said, 'I get that it's unfair. I'm African-American'. "Modi smiled knowingly and looked down at his hands. He looked genuinely pained," he writes. "I know what it's like to be in a system that's unfair," he went on. "I know what it's like to start behind and to be asked to do more, to act like the injustice didn't happen. But I can't let that shape my choices, and neither should you. I'd never heard him talk to another leader in quite that way. Modi seemed to appreciate it. He looked up and nodded," writes the former top White House official, while describing how Obama used his African-American card to convince Modi. But before it, Rhodes writes, Obama tried and could not succeed in convincing the Indian negotiators. "We were scheduled to meet with India's prime minister, Narendra Modi. Obama and a group of us waited outside the meeting room, when the Indian delegation showed up in advance of Modi. By all accounts, the Indian negotiators had been the most difficult," he writes. "Obama asked to talk to them, and for the next twenty minutes, he stood in a hallway having an animated argument with two Indian men. I stood off to the side, glancing at my BlackBerry, while he went on about solar power," says Rhodes. This was something unprecedented and not part of the protocol. He adds. "One guy from our climate team came over to me. 'I can't believe he's doing this,' he whispered. 'These guys are impossible'. 'Are you kidding?' I said. 'It's an argument about science. He loves this'. Modi came around the corner with a look of concern on his face, wondering what his negotiators were arguing with Obama about," writes Rhodes. "We moved into the meeting room, and a dynamic became clear. Modi's team, which represented the institutional perspective of the Indian government, did not want to do what is necessary to reach an agreement," he says. "Modi, who had ambitions to be a transformative leader of India, and a person of global stature, was torn. This is one reason why we had done the deal with China if India was alone, it was going to be hard for Modi to stay out," Rhodes writes in the book.

How Obama used 'African-American card' to win over Modi on Paris climate accord

When US&nbsp;President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un meet for their historic summit in Singapore later this month, they will be protected by men from one of the fiercest warrior tribes in the world — the Gurkhas of Nepal.

While both leaders will bring their own personal security teams, elite Singaporean police, including its Gurkha Contingent, will be securing the summit venue, roads and hotels, according to diplomats familiar with VIP security in the island state.

The Gurkhas, who have a low-profile presence in Singapore, were more visible than usual at the weekend as they secured the Shangri-La Hotel for a security conference that included Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US&nbsp;Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and other regional ministers.

The Gurkhas, recruited by the Singapore police from the hills of faraway Nepal, were kitted out in body armour, Belgian-made FN SCAR combat assault rifles and pistols in leg holsters at the conference, in what some security experts believed was a dry run for the US-North Korea summit.

Despite all the advanced weaponry, the Gurkhas do not prepare for battle without the khukri&nbsp;— the heavy curved knife that is their traditional weapon of choice. According to custom, the khukri must draw blood every time it is unsheathed.

"They are among the best Singapore can offer, and I am sure they will be involved (in the summit)," said Tim Huxley, an expert on Singapore's armed forces at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS).

"They remain very much a substantial and frontline force, and the demands of this kind of event are precisely the sort of special operation that the Gurkhas are trained to handle," he said.

A spokesman for the Singapore police declined to comment on the deployment of the Gurkhas or their numbers.

The IISS Military Balance says 1,800 Gurkhas serve in the Singapore police, across six paramilitary companies.

A legacy in part of the British colonial era and more recent pragmatic Singaporean leadership, Singapore's Gurkhas are linked to a British tradition that has recruited and paid for elite regiments of soldiers from Nepal for more than 200 years.

Beaten back by the Gurkhas in the 19th-century Anglo-Nepalese War and admired for their valour and fighting skills, the colonial British then began to recruit them. Now Gurkhas serve in the British, Indian and Nepalese armies, as well as in Brunei and Singapore.

They have fought in both world wars as well as the Falklands conflict and, more recently, in Afghanistan.

<img alt="gurkhas2_0.JPG" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/gurkhas2_0.JPG" width="770" />

(Gurkhas guard the recent Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. Image source: Reuters)

'TOUGH, VIGILANT AND STEADFAST'

Huxley said the Gurkhas had long proven to be an asset to Singapore's leadership, providing a neutral force within an ethnically diverse city-state, including VIP and anti-riot protection.

At times of regional tension, they have protected international schools, and are often seen at the Malaysia-Singapore border crossings.

The Singapore Police website describes the group as "tough, vigilant and steadfast" that operates "across the spectrum of paramilitary operations to help safeguard Singapore".

They live with their families in the secure Mount Vernon Camp outside the city, an enclave that ordinary Singaporeans are not allowed to enter.

A woman married to a Gurkha who lived in the camp said life there was restricted.

"We have a curfew of 12 midnight," she said. "For women, we can let them know if we have a genuine reason to stay out, for men, there is no excuse.

"One of the rules we have is that we have to be in bed by 10.30 pm&nbsp;every night. This means no music, no nothing. Even if we have a party, we need to stop. If not, there will be some form of enforcement by the people patrolling."

Typically recruited at 18 or 19 before being trained in Singapore, the Gurkha soldiers retire at 45 when they are repatriated. While their children attend local schools, Gurkhas are not allowed to marry local women.

A handful of ex-British Army officers serve as sworn-in Singapore police in senior leadership, training and organisational roles.

"Although they are police, the links between the contingent and the British Army remain deep and strong," one British Army officer said. "They are part of a fine tradition."

While both leaders will bring their own personal security teams, elite Singaporean police, including its Gurkha Contingent, will be securing the summit venue, roads and hotels, according to diplomats familiar with VIP security in the island state

When US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un meet for their historic summit in Singapore later this month, they will be protected by men from one of the fiercest warrior tribes in the world — the Gurkhas of Nepal. While both leaders will bring their own personal security teams, elite Singaporean police, including its Gurkha Contingent, will be securing the summit venue, roads and hotels, according to diplomats familiar with VIP security in the island state. The Gurkhas, who have a low-profile presence in Singapore, were more visible than usual at the weekend as they secured the Shangri-La Hotel for a security conference that included Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and other regional ministers. The Gurkhas, recruited by the Singapore police from the hills of faraway Nepal, were kitted out in body armour, Belgian-made FN SCAR combat assault rifles and pistols in leg holsters at the conference, in what some security experts believed was a dry run for the US-North Korea summit. Despite all the advanced weaponry, the Gurkhas do not prepare for battle without the khukri — the heavy curved knife that is their traditional weapon of choice. According to custom, the khukri must draw blood every time it is unsheathed. "They are among the best Singapore can offer, and I am sure they will be involved (in the summit)," said Tim Huxley, an expert on Singapore's armed forces at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS). "They remain very much a substantial and frontline force, and the demands of this kind of event are precisely the sort of special operation that the Gurkhas are trained to handle," he said. A spokesman for the Singapore police declined to comment on the deployment of the Gurkhas or their numbers. The IISS Military Balance says 1,800 Gurkhas serve in the Singapore police, across six paramilitary companies. A legacy in part of the British colonial era and more recent pragmatic Singaporean leadership, Singapore's Gurkhas are linked to a British tradition that has recruited and paid for elite regiments of soldiers from Nepal for more than 200 years. Beaten back by the Gurkhas in the 19th-century Anglo-Nepalese War and admired for their valour and fighting skills, the colonial British then began to recruit them. Now Gurkhas serve in the British, Indian and Nepalese armies, as well as in Brunei and Singapore. They have fought in both world wars as well as the Falklands conflict and, more recently, in Afghanistan. (Gurkhas guard the recent Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. Image source: Reuters) 'TOUGH, VIGILANT AND STEADFAST' Huxley said the Gurkhas had long proven to be an asset to Singapore's leadership, providing a neutral force within an ethnically diverse city-state, including VIP and anti-riot protection. At times of regional tension, they have protected international schools, and are often seen at the Malaysia-Singapore border crossings. The Singapore Police website describes the group as "tough, vigilant and steadfast" that operates "across the spectrum of paramilitary operations to help safeguard Singapore". They live with their families in the secure Mount Vernon Camp outside the city, an enclave that ordinary Singaporeans are not allowed to enter. A woman married to a Gurkha who lived in the camp said life there was restricted. "We have a curfew of 12 midnight," she said. "For women, we can let them know if we have a genuine reason to stay out, for men, there is no excuse. "One of the rules we have is that we have to be in bed by 10.30 pm every night. This means no music, no nothing. Even if we have a party, we need to stop. If not, there will be some form of enforcement by the people patrolling." Typically recruited at 18 or 19 before being trained in Singapore, the Gurkha soldiers retire at 45 when they are repatriated. While their children attend local schools, Gurkhas are not allowed to marry local women. A handful of ex-British Army officers serve as sworn-in Singapore police in senior leadership, training and organisational roles. "Although they are police, the links between the contingent and the British Army remain deep and strong," one British Army officer said. "They are part of a fine tradition."

Trump-Kim Singapore summit to be guarded by Gurkhas

Only way to sum up Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Southeast Asia is that he showcased his commitment to this region as India's and Asia's joint future. Though he met US Defence Secretary James Mattis, he never let the focus waver from ASEAN. Such was his commitment to ASEAN that it remained central even to his keynote address at the Shangri-La Dialogue.

He even used his RuPay contactless card to pay for a souvenir to buy a $26&nbsp;Madhubani-Mithila style of painting in Singapore.&nbsp;

He also met Defence Secretary James Mattis&nbsp;at Fullerton Hotel on Saturday and discussed India's role in helping to bring about a peaceful, prosperous and open Asia. It was no pull-aside. Mattis called on him.&nbsp;

Former Singapore prime minister Goh Chok Tong said that Modi's personal initiative will create trust among leaders and will play an important role in fostering bilateral and regional goodwill among nations

Both leaders also unveiled a plaque at Clifford Pier where the ashes of India's founding father Mahatma Gandhi were immersed in 1948.

Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated on January 30th by a Hindu fanatic Nathuram Godse and his ashes were placed in several urns and sent across the world and within India.

An urn was also sent to Singapore. Indian Government representative John Thivytook scattered the contents of the urn into the sea from Clifford Pier.

But what made the most emotional moment of the day was rendition of Bapu's favourite song Raghupathi Raghava Raja Ram by 5 Indian origin girls before Narendra Modi and Goh.

Prime Minister Modi also visited Singapore's Botanic Garden where an orchid - the Dendrobium Narendra Modi - was named after him.

Modi also took a tour of Little India. He walked through Jamae Chulia Mosque, the Sri Mariamman Temple and the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple.&nbsp;

He also visited the Indian Heritage Centre, where he launched a cultural platform, Kala Sangam. The platform will invite 12 traditional craftsmen from India annually from 2018. Modi also visited Singapore's frigate and India's INS Satpura stealth frigate at the Changi Naval Base.

A day earlier, the Ministry of Trade had announced that Singapore and India will reduce remove tariffs on 30 products and improve rules of origin and facilitate mutual recognition of nursing standards of CECA between the two countries.

Tariffs on 30 products are expected to be reduced to the level under the free trade agreement between India and ASEAN.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Modi may have met US Defence Secretary James Mattis over his Singapore trip but he never let the focus waver from ASEAN. Such was his commitment to ASEAN that it remained central even to his keynote address at the Shangri-La Dialogue

Only way to sum up Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Southeast Asia is that he showcased his commitment to this region as India's and Asia's joint future. Though he met US Defence Secretary James Mattis, he never let the focus waver from ASEAN. Such was his commitment to ASEAN that it remained central even to his keynote address at the Shangri-La Dialogue. He even used his RuPay contactless card to pay for a souvenir to buy a $26 Madhubani-Mithila style of painting in Singapore. He also met Defence Secretary James Mattis at Fullerton Hotel on Saturday and discussed India's role in helping to bring about a peaceful, prosperous and open Asia. It was no pull-aside. Mattis called on him. Former Singapore prime minister Goh Chok Tong said that Modi's personal initiative will create trust among leaders and will play an important role in fostering bilateral and regional goodwill among nations Both leaders also unveiled a plaque at Clifford Pier where the ashes of India's founding father Mahatma Gandhi were immersed in 1948. Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated on January 30th by a Hindu fanatic Nathuram Godse and his ashes were placed in several urns and sent across the world and within India. An urn was also sent to Singapore. Indian Government representative John Thivytook scattered the contents of the urn into the sea from Clifford Pier. But what made the most emotional moment of the day was rendition of Bapu's favourite song Raghupathi Raghava Raja Ram by 5 Indian origin girls before Narendra Modi and Goh. Prime Minister Modi also visited Singapore's Botanic Garden where an orchid - the Dendrobium Narendra Modi - was named after him. Modi also took a tour of Little India. He walked through Jamae Chulia Mosque, the Sri Mariamman Temple and the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. He also visited the Indian Heritage Centre, where he launched a cultural platform, Kala Sangam. The platform will invite 12 traditional craftsmen from India annually from 2018. Modi also visited Singapore's frigate and India's INS Satpura stealth frigate at the Changi Naval Base. A day earlier, the Ministry of Trade had announced that Singapore and India will reduce remove tariffs on 30 products and improve rules of origin and facilitate mutual recognition of nursing standards of CECA between the two countries. Tariffs on 30 products are expected to be reduced to the level under the free trade agreement between India and ASEAN.

In Singapore, Modi committed himself to Southeast Asia

PM Modi may meet <a href="http://wionews.com/world/india-should-be-careful-while-acquiring-russias-s-400-triumf-air-defence-missile-cautions-us-congressman--140572">US defence secretary Jim Mattis during</a> the Shangri-La Dialogue, reports said.

On Thursday, Mattis had <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/modis-whirlwind-diplomacy-after-malaysia-wooing-investors-in-singapore-141381">announced that the Pacific Command</a> would now be renamed United States Indo-Pacific Command, boosting ties with the Modi government.

The meeting with Modi if it transpires would be crucial with developments taking place in the region with China's territorial claim in the South China Sea and the impending talks between Trump and North Korea leader Kim Jong-un.

Mattis had recently spoken in favour of US waiver for India with regard to its procurement of Russian S-400 Triumf air defence system. Under the latest US act passed by the Trump administration, countries which trade with Russia on arms and ammunition would be barred from business with the United States.

Meanwhile, in Singapore PM Modi received the ceremonial welcome at the Istana, the office of the president of the Republic of Singapore with the PM of Singapore Lee Hsien Loong also present during the ceremony.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> PM Narendra Modi receives a ceremonial welcome at the Istana, the office of the President of the Republic of Singapore. Prime Minister of Singapore Lee Hsien Loong also present. <a href="https://t.co/BS8hurWlTx">pic.twitter.com/BS8hurWlTx</a>
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The Indian prime minister also met &nbspSingapore president Halimah Yacob at the Istana as he prepares to deliver his keynote address at the Shangri-La Dialogue.

<iframe allow="autoplay encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2Ghqna2pmaw" width="560"></iframe>

PM Modi received the ceremonial welcome at the Istana, the office of the president of the Republic of Singapore

PM Modi may meet US defence secretary Jim Mattis during the Shangri-La Dialogue, reports said. On Thursday, Mattis had announced that the Pacific Command would now be renamed United States Indo-Pacific Command, boosting ties with the Modi government. The meeting with Modi if it transpires would be crucial with developments taking place in the region with China's territorial claim in the South China Sea and the impending talks between Trump and North Korea leader Kim Jong-un. Mattis had recently spoken in favour of US waiver for India with regard to its procurement of Russian S-400 Triumf air defence system. Under the latest US act passed by the Trump administration, countries which trade with Russia on arms and ammunition would be barred from business with the United States. Meanwhile, in Singapore PM Modi received the ceremonial welcome at the Istana, the office of the president of the Republic of Singapore with the PM of Singapore Lee Hsien Loong also present during the ceremony. #WATCH PM Narendra Modi receives a ceremonial welcome at the Istana, the office of the President of the Republic of Singapore. Prime Minister of Singapore Lee Hsien Loong also present. pic.twitter.com/BS8hurWlTx — ANI (@ANI) June 1, 2018 × The Indian prime minister also met &nbspSingapore president Halimah Yacob at the Istana as he prepares to deliver his keynote address at the Shangri-La Dialogue.

PM Modi may meet US defence secretary Mattis at Shangri-La Dialogue

The much-awaited Shangri-La Dialogue started with renewed emphasis on the Indian and South East Asian connection. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the future resides in the East and the region can be shaped with collective hope. He said Singapore is an example of great excellence. “When rule prevails and oceans are open, nations prosper and Singapore is an example of it,” he said.

“Lion nation and Lion city is united by common values and Singapore is a gateway to East for us,” said Modi. He emphasised that in the past three decades, the lost connection with the East has been reclaimed. Modi said that oceans played an important part in our thinking even in pre-Vedic times. “Even in Puranas the geographical context of the country is in reference to the sea,” he said. He said that oceans carry 90 per cent of Indian trade and oceans have always played an important role in our region.

He acknowledged that trade in the region is growing significantly. He said that our relationship with other states is expanding with exceeding pace. “Global transit routes should remain peaceful and free for all,” he said. South East Asia is our neighbour by land and sea. Modi asserted that India’s role has increased in the ASEAN region. Modi emphasised that in all major grouping of nations of South East Asia, India is present. He described projects in which India is deeply involved in detail and country by country, ranging from Korea to Cambodia.

Modi also spoke about his bilateral meetings in Wuhan and Sochi.

He said that both he and Putin felt the need for a strong multipolar world. Through his speech, Modi continued to emphasise the need for a stable Indo-Pacific region.

He said that India’s cooperation with China is expanding. “Two-day meeting in Wuhan helped cement an understanding,” Modi said. “World will have a better future if India and China can work together,” Modi added.

Modi,&nbsp;after mentioning China and Russia, continued to emphasise India’s strong cultural relationship with South East Asia.

He spoke about India’s deepening defence ties with South East Asian economies. “With Singapore, we have the longest and uninterrupted naval exercise which has lasted for 25 years,” Modi said. He gave similar examples of close regional cooperation between India and other countries when it came to naval affairs and patrolling of the sea. He said that our presence will grow in the region and will grow on the bed rock of peace.

He admitted that there has been a disruption in the global order. “Despite progress, we live in the age of uncertainty, clashing vision and competing models,” he said. He also said that internal disturbances are acquiring ethnic fault lines. “It is an interdependent world and nations need to rise above the divisions and work together,” he said.

“I see ASEAN as an inspiration,” he said. He said that ASEAN’s unity is essential for this region to prosper. He said that ASEAN unity must be supported. “ASEAN lies at the heart of the new Indo Pacific,” Modi said. He said that ASEAN is required for a stable world and this entity is not against anyone.

Modi also renewed his faith in multilateral order and safe oceans for everyone. He also rued growing protectionism in goods and services. He continued to focus on rule based systems to ensure international stability in trade and commerce. Modi said that India is prepared to work with anyone to promote peace and trade.

He added that the great power rivalry must be avoided. He said that Asian cooperation will define the new century. “Differences should not be allowed to turn into disputes,” said Modi.

“Our roles will be inclusive. We are inheritors of Vedanta philosophy. The truth is one and learned speak in many ways. This is the way we engage the world. It is not dependent on the size of a country,” he said. He ended his speech on the note that by only working together, stability to the world order can be brought about.

Modi delivered the dialogue's keynote address Friday in Singapore. In his speech, Modi pushed for ASEAN unity and a new, rule-based multipolar world order

The much-awaited Shangri-La Dialogue started with renewed emphasis on the Indian and South East Asian connection. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the future resides in the East and the region can be shaped with collective hope. He said Singapore is an example of great excellence. “When rule prevails and oceans are open, nations prosper and Singapore is an example of it,” he said. “Lion nation and Lion city is united by common values and Singapore is a gateway to East for us,” said Modi. He emphasised that in the past three decades, the lost connection with the East has been reclaimed. Modi said that oceans played an important part in our thinking even in pre-Vedic times. “Even in Puranas the geographical context of the country is in reference to the sea,” he said. He said that oceans carry 90 per cent of Indian trade and oceans have always played an important role in our region. He acknowledged that trade in the region is growing significantly. He said that our relationship with other states is expanding with exceeding pace. “Global transit routes should remain peaceful and free for all,” he said. South East Asia is our neighbour by land and sea. Modi asserted that India’s role has increased in the ASEAN region. Modi emphasised that in all major grouping of nations of South East Asia, India is present. He described projects in which India is deeply involved in detail and country by country, ranging from Korea to Cambodia. Modi also spoke about his bilateral meetings in Wuhan and Sochi. He said that both he and Putin felt the need for a strong multipolar world. Through his speech, Modi continued to emphasise the need for a stable Indo-Pacific region. He said that India’s cooperation with China is expanding. “Two-day meeting in Wuhan helped cement an understanding,” Modi said. “World will have a better future if India and China can work together,” Modi added. Modi, after mentioning China and Russia, continued to emphasise India’s strong cultural relationship with South East Asia. He spoke about India’s deepening defence ties with South East Asian economies. “With Singapore, we have the longest and uninterrupted naval exercise which has lasted for 25 years,” Modi said. He gave similar examples of close regional cooperation between India and other countries when it came to naval affairs and patrolling of the sea. He said that our presence will grow in the region and will grow on the bed rock of peace. He admitted that there has been a disruption in the global order. “Despite progress, we live in the age of uncertainty, clashing vision and competing models,” he said. He also said that internal disturbances are acquiring ethnic fault lines. “It is an interdependent world and nations need to rise above the divisions and work together,” he said. “I see ASEAN as an inspiration,” he said. He said that ASEAN’s unity is essential for this region to prosper. He said that ASEAN unity must be supported. “ASEAN lies at the heart of the new Indo Pacific,” Modi said. He said that ASEAN is required for a stable world and this entity is not against anyone. Modi also renewed his faith in multilateral order and safe oceans for everyone. He also rued growing protectionism in goods and services. He continued to focus on rule based systems to ensure international stability in trade and commerce. Modi said that India is prepared to work with anyone to promote peace and trade. He added that the great power rivalry must be avoided. He said that Asian cooperation will define the new century. “Differences should not be allowed to turn into disputes,” said Modi. “Our roles will be inclusive. We are inheritors of Vedanta philosophy. The truth is one and learned speak in many ways. This is the way we engage the world. It is not dependent on the size of a country,” he said. He ended his speech on the note that by only working together, stability to the world order can be brought about.

'Nations need to rise above divisions and work together,' says Modi at Shangri-La Dialogue

PM Modi met Malaysia's newly-elected prime minister Mahathir Mohamad on Thursday morning.

The two leaders discussed matters of mutual interest. The Indian prime minister arrived in Malaysia today as part of the second-leg of his three-nation tour.

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Malaysia: Prime Minister Modi meets Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Bin Mohamad in Kuala Lumpur. <a href="https://t.co/2ZL9bEnhdO">pic.twitter.com/2ZL9bEnhdO</a>
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The Indian prime minister will be travelling to Singapore next.

Ahead of the visit, Jawed Ashraf, India's High Commissioner to Singapore said India has been intensely engaged as a part of PM's Act East policy in the region.&nbsp

PM Modi will be delivering a keynote address at the Shangri-La Dialogue. 
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The Indian prime minister arrived in Malaysia today as part of the second-leg of his three-nation tour.

PM Modi met Malaysia's newly-elected prime minister Mahathir Mohamad on Thursday morning. The two leaders discussed matters of mutual interest. The Indian prime minister arrived in Malaysia today as part of the second-leg of his three-nation tour. Malaysia: Prime Minister Modi meets Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Bin Mohamad in Kuala Lumpur. pic.twitter.com/2ZL9bEnhdO — ANI (@ANI) May 31, 2018 × The Indian prime minister will be travelling to Singapore next. Ahead of the visit, Jawed Ashraf, India's High Commissioner to Singapore said India has been intensely engaged as a part of PM's Act East policy in the region. PM Modi will be delivering a keynote address at the Shangri-La Dialogue.

PM Modi meets Malaysian PM Mahathir Mohamad

PM Modi reached Malaysia on Thursday morning on the second leg of his three-nation tour.

The Indian prime minister landed in Kuala Lumpur after visiting Jakarta.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in Malaysia's Kuala Lumpur. He will meet Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad today. <a href="https://t.co/zsvds1Z6Wc">pic.twitter.com/zsvds1Z6Wc</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1002024602590068737?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 31, 2018</a></blockquote>
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PM Modi will be meeting newly-elected Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad later in the day.

The Indian prime minister landed in was in Kuala Lumpur after visiting Jakarta.

PM Modi reached Malaysia on Thursday morning on the second leg of his three-nation tour. The Indian prime minister landed in Kuala Lumpur after visiting Jakarta. Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in Malaysia's Kuala Lumpur. He will meet Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad today. pic.twitter.com/zsvds1Z6Wc — ANI (@ANI) May 31, 2018 × PM Modi will be meeting newly-elected Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad later in the day.

PM Modi lands in Malaysia, set to meet PM Mahathir Mohamad today

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/terrorism-emerges-key-challenge-in-india-indonesia-strategic-partnership-pakistan-sidelined-140969">Terrorism emerges key challenge in India, Indonesia strategic partnership Pakistan sidelined</a>

Countering terrorism has emerged as a key common challenge in the comprehensive strategic partnership (CSP) between India and Indonesia during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s bilateral visit to Indonesia. &nbsp

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-&-economy/icici-bank-to-probe-allegations-against-ceo-chanda-kochhar-141004">ICICI Bank to probe allegations against CEO Chanda Kochhar</a>

ICICI Bank Ltd said on Wednesday it will institute an inquiry into the allegations raised by an anonymous whistleblower against Chief Executive Chanda Kochhar.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/if-you-resort-to-protest-for-each-and-everything-tamil-nadu-will-turn-into-cemetery-rajinikanth--141032">If you resort to protest for each and everything Tamil Nadu will turn into 'cemetery': Rajinikanth</a>

Actor-turned-politician Rajinikanth on Wednesday hit out at the anti-social elements in the recent anti-Sterlite protest and said that if you resort to protest for each and everything, Tamil Nadu will be turned into 'cemetery'.&nbsp

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/islamic-state-claims-assault-on-afghan-interior-ministry-1-policeman-killed--141034">Islamic State claims assault on Afghan interior ministry, 1 policeman killed</a>

The Islamic State on Wednesday claimed responsibility for the attack on Afghanistan's Interior Ministry in Kabul, which killed one police officer and wounded five people.&nbsp

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/belgium-shooting-gunman-suspected-of-killing-another-person-on-eve-of-rampage-140968">Belgium shooting: 'Terrorist' attacker killed fourth person day before </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/belgium-shooting-gunman-suspected-of-killing-another-person-on-eve-of-rampage-140968">Liege</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/belgium-shooting-gunman-suspected-of-killing-another-person-on-eve-of-rampage-140968"> attack</a>

The man who killed two police officers and a civilian in Belgian city of Liege on Tuesday has been suspected of killing one other person on the eve of his rampage, prosecutors said Wednesday.

Terrorism emerges key challenge in India, Indonesia strategic partnership Pakistan sidelined Countering terrorism has emerged as a key common challenge in the comprehensive strategic partnership (CSP) between India and Indonesia during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s bilateral visit to Indonesia. ICICI Bank to probe allegations against CEO Chanda Kochhar ICICI Bank Ltd said on Wednesday it will institute an inquiry into the allegations raised by an anonymous whistleblower against Chief Executive Chanda Kochhar. If you resort to protest for each and everything Tamil Nadu will turn into 'cemetery': Rajinikanth Actor-turned-politician Rajinikanth on Wednesday hit out at the anti-social elements in the recent anti-Sterlite protest and said that if you resort to protest for each and everything, Tamil Nadu will be turned into 'cemetery'. Islamic State claims assault on Afghan interior ministry, 1 policeman killed The Islamic State on Wednesday claimed responsibility for the attack on Afghanistan's Interior Ministry in Kabul, which killed one police officer and wounded five people. Belgium shooting: 'Terrorist' attacker killed fourth person day before Liege attack The man who killed two police officers and a civilian in Belgian city of Liege on Tuesday has been suspected of killing one other person on the eve of his rampage, prosecutors said Wednesday.

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