Sri Lankan Tourism Minister John Amaratunga has said that post-Easter bombings, the tourism industry in his country have suffered a huge loss.

"Post-bomb attack of April 21st on Easter, Sri Lankan tourism faced a very bad phase. We had a huge loss in the tourism industry and we were handicapped. Now our intelligence and police department have guaranteed safe tourism in Sri Lanka," he said while speaking at a program here on Wednesday.

"All those indulged in the attack are now in custody and facing charges. Many countries which passed travel advisories to their citizens have withdrawn it. Now Sri Lanka is safe to travel," he added.

The Minister said that the relationship <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/ladakh-first-indian-buddhist-majority-state-sri-lanka-pm-hails-indian-governments-decision-to-bifurcate-jk-241069">between India and Sri Lanka </a>is on a high note.

"Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has visited Sri Lanka during his second term as PM," he said.

Sri Lankan Tourism Minister John Amaratunga has said that post-Easter bombings, the tourism industry in his country have suffered a huge loss. "Post-bomb attack of April 21st on Easter, Sri Lankan tourism faced a very bad phase.

Sri Lankan Tourism Minister John Amaratunga has said that post-Easter bombings, the tourism industry in his country have suffered a huge loss. "Post-bomb attack of April 21st on Easter, Sri Lankan tourism faced a very bad phase. We had a huge loss in the tourism industry and we were handicapped. Now our intelligence and police department have guaranteed safe tourism in Sri Lanka," he said while speaking at a program here on Wednesday. "All those indulged in the attack are now in custody and facing charges. Many countries which passed travel advisories to their citizens have withdrawn it. Now Sri Lanka is safe to travel," he added. The Minister said that the relationship between India and Sri Lanka is on a high note. "Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has visited Sri Lanka during his second term as PM," he said.

Easter-bombing caused a huge loss to the tourism industry: Sri Lankan minister

PM Modi reflected on his landmark decision and touched upon his achievements after returning to power.

PM Modi targets J&K's political dynasts

Glimpses of PM Narendra Modi's from previous Independence Day speeches. Watch this video to know more.

WION Dispatch: Glimpses of PM Narendra Modi's from previous Independence Day speeches

Jammu and Kashmir is now preparing for the Independence day. Security has been tightened in Srinagar to avert any attack. I n this video watch WION's ground report from Srinagar.

Kashmir gears up for Independence day 2019

J&K: Security tightened on the eve of Independence Day

While everyone has been talking of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address to the nation on August 8, it would be quite remiss if we did not pay tribute to his trusted deputy, India’s second most powerful man, Amit Anilchandra Shah.&nbsp;

A decisive, competent, and some would say, ruthless leader, Shah has come a long way from being forcibly evicted and exiled from his native Gujarat on October 30, 2010. Justice Aftab Alam had admitted a weekend petition at his official residence on a Saturday to kick out Shah. This even after the Gujarat High Court had granted Shah bail the previous day in the Sohrabuddin Sheikh murder case. Resigning as Gujarat’s Home Minister, it must have been terribly humiliating for Shah and his wife to shift to one room in Gujarat Bhavan, New Delhi.&nbsp;

In 2002, after winning from Sarkhej in the Gujarat Assembly elections, Shah had not only become one of the youngest ministers in the then Gujarat Chief Minister Modi’s Cabinet, but held several portfolios, in addition to Home. His meteoric rise in national politics, winning election after election for Modi and the BJP, was perhaps the unexpected fallout of this unsavoury and forced ejection from Gujarat. Needless to say, Shah has never looked back. Is it poetic justice or sweet revenge that today he commands India’s Home Ministry after once being evicted from the same ministry in his native state?

Just over two months into his tenure, Shah has dealt one of the greatest and boldest political blows to separatism and turmoil in Jammu and Kashmir. Of course, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Home Minister Amit Shah are working in tandem with perfect coordination and understanding. However, while we have seen Narendra Modi’s leadership and genius at work on numerous occasions, Shah has operated mostly behind the scenes as an organization builder, leader of the party rank and file, master strategist, and election-winning machine.&nbsp;

Now, Shah has proved that he can excel in his new role as Member of Parliament and Home Minister too. From being &nbsp;BJP party president and Modi’s right-hand man, Shah has now emerged as a leader in his own right. The manner in which he introduced and ensured the passage of the amendment to Article 370 in the Parliament through a presidential ordinance was extraordinary. This was a no less than a constitutional and legislative than a political coup, the credit for which should go in large measure to Shah.

Both before and after the abrogation of the special provisions given to Jammu and Kashmir in Article 370, there has been a tremendous build-up of negative propaganda in India and abroad. It almost seemed that a coordinated effort by the Valley politicians was supported by lobbies of journalists, intellectuals and government critics. Yet hardly any of those following the developments would have had a clue of the swift, sudden, and definitive manner with which history was going to be rewritten in India, the shape of Jammu &amp; Kashmir altered, the state bifurcated into two Union Territories.

Shah pulled this off practically overnight in a manner so deft and legally astute that it took even the government’s severest opponents by surprise. First, Amit Shah displayed his political acumen and resolve in Parliament, then followed this with an unprecedented alteration in both the history and geography of India through a Presidential order. The troops build-up, preventive detentions, cancellation of Amarnath yatra, elimination of intruders on the border, and several similar measures, not only took the enemies of India by surprise but also local naysayers and teeth-gnashers.&nbsp;

Making Jammu &amp; Kashmir a Union Territory rather than a state is Amit Shah’s masterstroke. Now it comes directly in the orbit of the central government i.e. his own Home Ministry rather than the widely regarded as corruptible J&amp;K police and already corrupted local political leadership. At long last, with Amit Shah as our Home Minister, we can expect radical changes on the ground, not just pious talk.

Of course, this is only the beginning. The success of the move must be ensured by careful monitoring of the border as well as measures taken in the two new Union Territories to prevent a recurrence of separatism and violence in the state. This is no doubt a great challenge but not one that is not impossible to overcome for the determined, in addition to resourceful, leadership of Modi and Shah.

After his remarkable intervention in Jammu and Kashmir, the next challenge for Shah is the Ram Janmabhumi-Babri Masjid imbroglio. But, by now there should be no doubt in anybody’s mind that the only Loh Purush (iron man) that India has produced after Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel is Amitbhai Anilchandra Shah.

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-the-rise-of-amit-shah-as-india-s-new-loh-purush-2780451">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;

While everyone has been talking of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address to the nation on August 8, it would be quite remiss if we did not pay tribute to his trusted deputy, India’s second most powerful man, Amit Anilchandra Shah.

While everyone has been talking of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address to the nation on August 8, it would be quite remiss if we did not pay tribute to his trusted deputy, India’s second most powerful man, Amit Anilchandra Shah. A decisive, competent, and some would say, ruthless leader, Shah has come a long way from being forcibly evicted and exiled from his native Gujarat on October 30, 2010. Justice Aftab Alam had admitted a weekend petition at his official residence on a Saturday to kick out Shah. This even after the Gujarat High Court had granted Shah bail the previous day in the Sohrabuddin Sheikh murder case. Resigning as Gujarat’s Home Minister, it must have been terribly humiliating for Shah and his wife to shift to one room in Gujarat Bhavan, New Delhi. In 2002, after winning from Sarkhej in the Gujarat Assembly elections, Shah had not only become one of the youngest ministers in the then Gujarat Chief Minister Modi’s Cabinet, but held several portfolios, in addition to Home. His meteoric rise in national politics, winning election after election for Modi and the BJP, was perhaps the unexpected fallout of this unsavoury and forced ejection from Gujarat. Needless to say, Shah has never looked back. Is it poetic justice or sweet revenge that today he commands India’s Home Ministry after once being evicted from the same ministry in his native state? Just over two months into his tenure, Shah has dealt one of the greatest and boldest political blows to separatism and turmoil in Jammu and Kashmir. Of course, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Home Minister Amit Shah are working in tandem with perfect coordination and understanding. However, while we have seen Narendra Modi’s leadership and genius at work on numerous occasions, Shah has operated mostly behind the scenes as an organization builder, leader of the party rank and file, master strategist, and election-winning machine. Now, Shah has proved that he can excel in his new role as Member of Parliament and Home Minister too. From being BJP party president and Modi’s right-hand man, Shah has now emerged as a leader in his own right. The manner in which he introduced and ensured the passage of the amendment to Article 370 in the Parliament through a presidential ordinance was extraordinary. This was a no less than a constitutional and legislative than a political coup, the credit for which should go in large measure to Shah. Both before and after the abrogation of the special provisions given to Jammu and Kashmir in Article 370, there has been a tremendous build-up of negative propaganda in India and abroad. It almost seemed that a coordinated effort by the Valley politicians was supported by lobbies of journalists, intellectuals and government critics. Yet hardly any of those following the developments would have had a clue of the swift, sudden, and definitive manner with which history was going to be rewritten in India, the shape of Jammu & Kashmir altered, the state bifurcated into two Union Territories. Shah pulled this off practically overnight in a manner so deft and legally astute that it took even the government’s severest opponents by surprise. First, Amit Shah displayed his political acumen and resolve in Parliament, then followed this with an unprecedented alteration in both the history and geography of India through a Presidential order. The troops build-up, preventive detentions, cancellation of Amarnath yatra, elimination of intruders on the border, and several similar measures, not only took the enemies of India by surprise but also local naysayers and teeth-gnashers. Making Jammu & Kashmir a Union Territory rather than a state is Amit Shah’s masterstroke. Now it comes directly in the orbit of the central government i.e. his own Home Ministry rather than the widely regarded as corruptible J&K police and already corrupted local political leadership. At long last, with Amit Shah as our Home Minister, we can expect radical changes on the ground, not just pious talk. Of course, this is only the beginning. The success of the move must be ensured by careful monitoring of the border as well as measures taken in the two new Union Territories to prevent a recurrence of separatism and violence in the state. This is no doubt a great challenge but not one that is not impossible to overcome for the determined, in addition to resourceful, leadership of Modi and Shah. After his remarkable intervention in Jammu and Kashmir, the next challenge for Shah is the Ram Janmabhumi-Babri Masjid imbroglio. But, by now there should be no doubt in anybody’s mind that the only Loh Purush (iron man) that India has produced after Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel is Amitbhai Anilchandra Shah. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

The rise of Amit Shah as India's new 'Loh Purush'

Dutch politician Geert Wilders on Monday took to Twitter and hailed India's decision of scrapping Article 370 and 35A. He labelled Pakistan as a hundred per cent terror state and welcomed Kashmir back home. "India is a full democracy. Pakistan is a 100% terror state. So the choice is easy. Welcome home #Kashmir. #IndiaForKashmir," Wilder tweeted.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Geert Wilders is a Member of Parliament and the leader/Chairman of the Party for Freedom in the Netherlands. In an exclusive conversation with WION, the Dutch Parliamentarian openly welcomed the decision of by the Indian government and also mentioned that it is time for the western world to come out in support of democratic and sovereign nation India and forget all the rhetoric coming from terror state Pakistan.

WION: How do you see India's move to scrap Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir?

Geert Wilders: The decision to revoke Article 370 and 35 by the Indian government is the country's matter. I believe that the western world should support India because its Home Minister Amit Shah told Parliament earlier this week that democracy was never fully implemented in Jammu and Kashmir under the Article. Also, corruption was on the rise in the region. We all know that Article 370 was believed to be only a temporary measure, not a structural one. One cannot have a state within a state and Indian government, therefore, decided to completely include Jammu and Kashmir on the Indian law.&nbsp; 
Every country in the west, every democracy would not accept a state within a state. This is why I strongly support the decision of the Indian government.&nbsp; 
Pakistan government has been supporting terrorism since the last decade. It is more of state terrorism than anything else, from Pakistani-Taliban to Al-Qaeda to forces in Kashmir. They have been meddling in all the issues. Pakistan is not a democracy, if we in the west should choose we have to choose to support and I hope that my colleagues and other Parliaments in Europe will join me to support in the fight to end the state within a state. That is why I say welcome home Kashmir. Those regions and people will develop more under Indian control rather than under the influence of the terror regime in Islamabad. India is our friend and we should support our friend.

WION: You say the world must choose, and the west led by the US seems to have chosen to count on Pakistan to bring peace in the region and talk to the Taliban. Do you agree with the choice?

Geert Wilders:&nbsp;I do not think that you can talk to terrorists. The Taliban is like Al-Qaeda or the Islamic State or any terrorist group. One should not talk to terrorists. It will be the beginning of the end, we should fight for democratic institutions, Parliaments, counties, and elections, not corruption or terrorism. Unfortunately, Pakistan has supported terrorism all over the region not only in Kashmir but also in India. We all remember what happened in Mumbai all those terrible deeds either came from Pakistan or were supported by the Pakistani authorities. I know people are talking to Pakistan, but the west has a choice now between a democratic country called India and its PM Modi and its coalition who made a sovereign decision that Article 370 and 35A should be revoked and we do not allow a state or an autonomous region in our country. That is the right of any country to do so. There was pressure from Pakistan that supported terrorism in the past. The west should now stand up and say that we are on the side of India and we choose democracy, the sovereignty of India and Kashmir as Indian and not to be influenced by Pakistani pressure.

WION: Pak PM Imran Khan spoke about Kashmir in Parliament yesterday and spun it as a Hindu-Muslim issue. He portrayed it an act of injustice against Kashmir's Muslims. It is a convenient ploy to brand suck moves as anti-Muslim and Islamophobic. Is it how you see it?

Geert Wilders:&nbsp;I do not think it is Islamophobia. Once again India is a democratic state, unlike Pakistan. There is a coalition and they made a decision. Indeed everybody knows that in Kashmir the majority is Islamic but after revoking of Article 35A other people in India would be able to buy land and live there. At the end of the day, everybody Muslim or non-Muslim will benefit from less corruption and more economic prosperity. That is why Pakistan is spinning it. Once again it is a choice between prosperity and democratic state that made a sovereign decision or the rhetoric and the support of terrorism of the Pakistan government.

We should stand up and support India and forget all the rhetoric that is coming from Pakistan. I hope more politicians and countries in the western world would support India.

Dutch politician Geert Wilders on Monday took to Twitter and hailed India's decision of scrapping Article 370 and 35A. He labelled Pakistan as a hundred per cent terror state and welcomed Kashmir back home.

Dutch politician Geert Wilders on Monday took to Twitter and hailed India's decision of scrapping Article 370 and 35A. He labelled Pakistan as a hundred per cent terror state and welcomed Kashmir back home. "India is a full democracy. Pakistan is a 100% terror state. So the choice is easy. Welcome home #Kashmir. #IndiaForKashmir," Wilder tweeted. Geert Wilders is a Member of Parliament and the leader/Chairman of the Party for Freedom in the Netherlands. In an exclusive conversation with WION, the Dutch Parliamentarian openly welcomed the decision of by the Indian government and also mentioned that it is time for the western world to come out in support of democratic and sovereign nation India and forget all the rhetoric coming from terror state Pakistan. WION: How do you see India's move to scrap Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir? Geert Wilders: The decision to revoke Article 370 and 35 by the Indian government is the country's matter. I believe that the western world should support India because its Home Minister Amit Shah told Parliament earlier this week that democracy was never fully implemented in Jammu and Kashmir under the Article. Also, corruption was on the rise in the region. We all know that Article 370 was believed to be only a temporary measure, not a structural one. One cannot have a state within a state and Indian government, therefore, decided to completely include Jammu and Kashmir on the Indian law. Every country in the west, every democracy would not accept a state within a state. This is why I strongly support the decision of the Indian government. Pakistan government has been supporting terrorism since the last decade. It is more of state terrorism than anything else, from Pakistani-Taliban to Al-Qaeda to forces in Kashmir. They have been meddling in all the issues. Pakistan is not a democracy, if we in the west should choose we have to choose to support and I hope that my colleagues and other Parliaments in Europe will join me to support in the fight to end the state within a state. That is why I say welcome home Kashmir. Those regions and people will develop more under Indian control rather than under the influence of the terror regime in Islamabad. India is our friend and we should support our friend. WION: You say the world must choose, and the west led by the US seems to have chosen to count on Pakistan to bring peace in the region and talk to the Taliban. Do you agree with the choice? Geert Wilders: I do not think that you can talk to terrorists. The Taliban is like Al-Qaeda or the Islamic State or any terrorist group. One should not talk to terrorists. It will be the beginning of the end, we should fight for democratic institutions, Parliaments, counties, and elections, not corruption or terrorism. Unfortunately, Pakistan has supported terrorism all over the region not only in Kashmir but also in India. We all remember what happened in Mumbai all those terrible deeds either came from Pakistan or were supported by the Pakistani authorities. I know people are talking to Pakistan, but the west has a choice now between a democratic country called India and its PM Modi and its coalition who made a sovereign decision that Article 370 and 35A should be revoked and we do not allow a state or an autonomous region in our country. That is the right of any country to do so. There was pressure from Pakistan that supported terrorism in the past. The west should now stand up and say that we are on the side of India and we choose democracy, the sovereignty of India and Kashmir as Indian and not to be influenced by Pakistani pressure. WION: Pak PM Imran Khan spoke about Kashmir in Parliament yesterday and spun it as a Hindu-Muslim issue. He portrayed it an act of injustice against Kashmir's Muslims. It is a convenient ploy to brand suck moves as anti-Muslim and Islamophobic. Is it how you see it? Geert Wilders: I do not think it is Islamophobia. Once again India is a democratic state, unlike Pakistan. There is a coalition and they made a decision. Indeed everybody knows that in Kashmir the majority is Islamic but after revoking of Article 35A other people in India would be able to buy land and live there. At the end of the day, everybody Muslim or non-Muslim will benefit from less corruption and more economic prosperity. That is why Pakistan is spinning it. Once again it is a choice between prosperity and democratic state that made a sovereign decision or the rhetoric and the support of terrorism of the Pakistan government. We should stand up and support India and forget all the rhetoric that is coming from Pakistan. I hope more politicians and countries in the western world would support India.

West should stand up and say that we are on Indian side: Dutch politician Geert Wilders on revocation of Article 370

Trump Provokes India Again As He Reiterates Offer To Mediate In Kashmir

Gravitas: Trump again offers to mediate in Kashmir

BJP working president Jagat Prakash Nadda is scheduled to meet the party's general secretaries here on Sunday.

The meeting will be held at 7 pm at the party's headquarters here.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah is also likely to attend the meeting.

Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other BJP leaders attended the second day of 'Abhyas Varga' training programme being organised by the party for all its parliamentarians in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.

PM Modi was accompanied by Nadda, among other leaders.

&nbsp;

BJP working president Jagat Prakash Nadda is scheduled to meet the party's general secretaries here on Sunday. The meeting will be held at 7 pm at the party's headquarters here.

BJP working president Jagat Prakash Nadda is scheduled to meet the party's general secretaries here on Sunday. The meeting will be held at 7 pm at the party's headquarters here. Union Home Minister Amit Shah is also likely to attend the meeting. Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other BJP leaders attended the second day of 'Abhyas Varga' training programme being organised by the party for all its parliamentarians in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. PM Modi was accompanied by Nadda, among other leaders.

BJP working president JP Nadda to meet general secretaries today

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/iran-releases-12-indians-on-board-mt-riah-that-was-detained-in-july-238522">Iran releases 12 Indians on board MT Riah that was detained in July&nbsp;</a>

Iran has released nine out of 12 Indians who were on board the ship MT Riah that was detained in early July.&nbsp;

However, 21 Indians are still in detention in Iran -- three from MT Riah and 18 from British oil tanker Stena Impero.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-says-new-missile-a-solemn-warning-to-south-korean-warmongers-238512">North Korea says new missile a solemn warning to South Korean 'warmongers'</a>

North Korea said Friday that two missiles fired under the supervision of leader Kim Jong-un were newly designed tactical weapons that sent a "solemn warning" to the South over plans to hold military drills with the United States.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/arsenal-stars-ozil-kolasinac-escape-unhurt-attempted-carjacking-by-knife-wielding-attackers-238508">Arsenal stars Ozil, Kolasinac escape unhurt attempted carjacking by knife-wielding attackers</a>

Mesut Ozil and Arsenal team mate Sead Kolasinac escaped unhurt after an attempted carjacking by knife-wielding attackers in North London on Thursday, British media reported.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-happily-go-to-iran-to-address-tensions-with-us-over-sanctions-pompeo-238507">Will happily go to Iran to address tensions with US over sanctions: Pompeo</a>

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Thursday he would "happily" go to Tehran to address tensions between the two countries over US sanctions on the &nbsp;Gulf nation.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/president-ram-nath-kovind-hails-soldiers-on-20th-anniversary-of-indias-victory-in-kargil-war-238526">President Ram Nath Kovind hails soldiers on 20th anniversary of India's victory in Kargil War</a>

President Ram Nath Kovind on Friday saluted the ''grit and valour of those who defended India on 20th anniversary of India's victory in the Kargil War.

Iran releases 12 Indians on board MT Riah that was detained in July Iran has released nine out of 12 Indians who were on board the ship MT Riah that was detained in early July.

Iran releases 12 Indians on board MT Riah that was detained in July Iran has released nine out of 12 Indians who were on board the ship MT Riah that was detained in early July. However, 21 Indians are still in detention in Iran -- three from MT Riah and 18 from British oil tanker Stena Impero. North Korea says new missile a solemn warning to South Korean 'warmongers' North Korea said Friday that two missiles fired under the supervision of leader Kim Jong-un were newly designed tactical weapons that sent a "solemn warning" to the South over plans to hold military drills with the United States. Arsenal stars Ozil, Kolasinac escape unhurt attempted carjacking by knife-wielding attackers Mesut Ozil and Arsenal team mate Sead Kolasinac escaped unhurt after an attempted carjacking by knife-wielding attackers in North London on Thursday, British media reported. Will happily go to Iran to address tensions with US over sanctions: Pompeo US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Thursday he would "happily" go to Tehran to address tensions between the two countries over US sanctions on the Gulf nation. President Ram Nath Kovind hails soldiers on 20th anniversary of India's victory in Kargil War President Ram Nath Kovind on Friday saluted the ''grit and valour of those who defended India on 20th anniversary of India's victory in the Kargil War.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Hailing Modi government`s performance in the last 50 days, BJP working president J P Nadda on Friday said the Centre is committed to bettering the lives of people with schemes including construction of 1.95 crore houses with toilet, provide piped drinking water and gas connections by 2022.

"The government has decided to construct 1.95 crore houses with pure drinking water, toilet facility and gas connection by 2022 when India completes 75 years of Independence. This a very significant and revolutionary step to enhance ease of living," he said at a press conference here flanked by ministers Prakash Javadekar and Piyush Goyal.

Calling the Modi government as a "government of motion, action and momentum", Nadda presented a report card of Modi rule 2.0 and listed a number of decisions it took to improve ease of living of the citizens.

"The decisions taken in the last 50 days are in the welfare of farmers, poor, labourer and other sections of the society that have traditionally been ignored," he said.

Asserting that the Centre is committed to improving connectivity to the rural areas and the north-east, he said that the government has decided to build 1.25 lakh kilometre road on a cost of Rs 80,000 crore under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojna (PMGSY).

Nadda said the government`s decision to compulsorily retire 27 Indian Revenue Service officer shows its commitment to uproot corruption.

He said, "Modi government has compulsorily retired 27 senior IRS officers. This shows our commitment to zero tolerance of corruption. This government is a government of action and it acts accordingly."

Listing the government`s achievements, he said that the Centre is introducing or amending laws to combat national threats, financial fraud and corruption.

"The government has amended the NIA Bill to give it more teeth. We have also amended the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act to designate persons as a terrorist who directly or indirectly is linked to terrorism. They will come in the net even as if they create an environment which promotes terrorism."

The government has reduced 44 labour laws to just four codes which will benefit 50 crore labourers," he said.

He said the government is committed to improve the lives of women and empower them.&nbsp;

"Every member associated with any Self Help Group (SHG) will get an overdraft of Rs 5 thousand and one of a member of SHG will get a loan of Rs 1 lakh," he stated.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government returned to power with a massive mandate on May 23 in the general elections. It was sworn-in on May 30.&nbsp;

Hailing Modi government`s performance in the last 50 days, BJP working president J P Nadda on Friday said the Centre is committed to bettering the lives of people with schemes including construction of 1.

Hailing Modi government`s performance in the last 50 days, BJP working president J P Nadda on Friday said the Centre is committed to bettering the lives of people with schemes including construction of 1.95 crore houses with toilet, provide piped drinking water and gas connections by 2022. "The government has decided to construct 1.95 crore houses with pure drinking water, toilet facility and gas connection by 2022 when India completes 75 years of Independence. This a very significant and revolutionary step to enhance ease of living," he said at a press conference here flanked by ministers Prakash Javadekar and Piyush Goyal. Calling the Modi government as a "government of motion, action and momentum", Nadda presented a report card of Modi rule 2.0 and listed a number of decisions it took to improve ease of living of the citizens. "The decisions taken in the last 50 days are in the welfare of farmers, poor, labourer and other sections of the society that have traditionally been ignored," he said. Asserting that the Centre is committed to improving connectivity to the rural areas and the north-east, he said that the government has decided to build 1.25 lakh kilometre road on a cost of Rs 80,000 crore under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojna (PMGSY). Nadda said the government`s decision to compulsorily retire 27 Indian Revenue Service officer shows its commitment to uproot corruption. He said, "Modi government has compulsorily retired 27 senior IRS officers. This shows our commitment to zero tolerance of corruption. This government is a government of action and it acts accordingly." Listing the government`s achievements, he said that the Centre is introducing or amending laws to combat national threats, financial fraud and corruption. "The government has amended the NIA Bill to give it more teeth. We have also amended the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act to designate persons as a terrorist who directly or indirectly is linked to terrorism. They will come in the net even as if they create an environment which promotes terrorism." The government has reduced 44 labour laws to just four codes which will benefit 50 crore labourers," he said. He said the government is committed to improve the lives of women and empower them. "Every member associated with any Self Help Group (SHG) will get an overdraft of Rs 5 thousand and one of a member of SHG will get a loan of Rs 1 lakh," he stated. Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government returned to power with a massive mandate on May 23 in the general elections. It was sworn-in on May 30.

BJP presents 50 days report card of Modi government 2.0

The Narendra <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/government-puts-312-officials-on-compulsory-retirement-over-negligence-lack-of-integrity-234561">Modi government</a> has completed 50 days in its second stint. And this period has been hectic as well as transformative for the country.

Developments on the domestic front, the introduction of<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/budget-2019-government-rewards-middle-class-233299"> welfare schemes</a> for farmers and a healthy environment for start-ups, traders and industry - every aspect of India's national life has seen developments happen.

From surgical strike against corruption in the form of removal of tainted bureaucrats to clean-up of Jammu and Kashmir Bank, the Modi government has again shown its commitment and resolve to work tirelessly for the welfare of the country.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/budget-2019-nirmala-sitharaman-to-launch-study-in-india-initiative-to-encourage-foreign-students-233240">Budget presented by Nirmala Sitharaman</a> earlier this month laid a roadmap for a US $5 trillion economy as well as for doubling farmer income. During 2019-20 to 2021-22, 1.95 crore houses are proposed to be provided to eligible beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana - Gramin (PMAY-Rural). By 2022, the 75th year of India's Independence, the government will look to ensure that every single rural family has electricity and a clean cooking gas connection.

Watch: Budget 2019 reflects Modi's vision

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/budget-2019-budget-reflects-modis-vision-233385/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The Budget also gave provisions for electric vehicles and of the mission of taking electricity and cooking gas to every home.

When it comes to creating a business-friendly climate, the government has made corporate tax rate 25 per cent for companies with an annual turnover up to Rs 400 crore. This threshold used to be Rs 250 crore earlier. This will cover 99.3% of all companies. The government is also to expedite streamlining multiple labour laws into a set of four labour codes.

Zero Budget Farming will be promoted, and 10,000 new Farmer Producer Organisations (FPO) will be formed. These FPOs will help small and marginal farmers team up to get lower rates for inputs and sell produce at higher rates.

When it comes to the pro-people decisions taken by the government in the first 50 days of its second stint, the Centre has introduced labour reforms, enacted strong laws against frauds who dupe the poor, introduced death penalty for child sexual assault, and offered higher MSP for Kharif crops among other measures.

PM Modi has already made waves on the international arena as well. BIMSTEC leaders arrived to witness his swearing-in. PM Modi was one of the most sought-after leaders for pull-aside meetings in the recent G-20 Summit. He visited Sri Lanka and Maldives and showed his strong belief in 'Neighbourhood First' policy.

He strongly articulated India's position against terror at the SCO Summit and also led the world in celebrating International Yoga Day.

The Narendra Modi government has completed 50 days in its second stint. And this period has been hectic as well as transformative for the country. Developments on the domestic front, the introduction of welfare schemes for farmers and a healthy environment for start-ups, traders and industry - every aspect of India's national life has seen developments happen.

The Narendra Modi government has completed 50 days in its second stint. And this period has been hectic as well as transformative for the country. Developments on the domestic front, the introduction of welfare schemes for farmers and a healthy environment for start-ups, traders and industry - every aspect of India's national life has seen developments happen. From surgical strike against corruption in the form of removal of tainted bureaucrats to clean-up of Jammu and Kashmir Bank, the Modi government has again shown its commitment and resolve to work tirelessly for the welfare of the country. The Budget presented by Nirmala Sitharaman earlier this month laid a roadmap for a US $5 trillion economy as well as for doubling farmer income. During 2019-20 to 2021-22, 1.95 crore houses are proposed to be provided to eligible beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana - Gramin (PMAY-Rural). By 2022, the 75th year of India's Independence, the government will look to ensure that every single rural family has electricity and a clean cooking gas connection. Watch: Budget 2019 reflects Modi's vision The Budget also gave provisions for electric vehicles and of the mission of taking electricity and cooking gas to every home. When it comes to creating a business-friendly climate, the government has made corporate tax rate 25 per cent for companies with an annual turnover up to Rs 400 crore. This threshold used to be Rs 250 crore earlier. This will cover 99.3% of all companies. The government is also to expedite streamlining multiple labour laws into a set of four labour codes. Zero Budget Farming will be promoted, and 10,000 new Farmer Producer Organisations (FPO) will be formed. These FPOs will help small and marginal farmers team up to get lower rates for inputs and sell produce at higher rates. When it comes to the pro-people decisions taken by the government in the first 50 days of its second stint, the Centre has introduced labour reforms, enacted strong laws against frauds who dupe the poor, introduced death penalty for child sexual assault, and offered higher MSP for Kharif crops among other measures. PM Modi has already made waves on the international arena as well. BIMSTEC leaders arrived to witness his swearing-in. PM Modi was one of the most sought-after leaders for pull-aside meetings in the recent G-20 Summit. He visited Sri Lanka and Maldives and showed his strong belief in 'Neighbourhood First' policy. He strongly articulated India's position against terror at the SCO Summit and also led the world in celebrating International Yoga Day.

In 50 days, Modi 2.0 laid foundation for US $5 trillion economy

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-of-representatives-speaker-nancy-pelosi-praises-pm-modis-oratory-skills-says-he-had-audience-in-the-palm-of-his-hands-235157&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiR1q3o2LHjAhVK7HMBHcYNBcYQFjAEegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1Egex9ZQkItgFyQWa6wNVu">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> is likely to attend the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) meeting in September this year, news agency ANI reported quoting government sources.

The <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-lifted-271-million-people-out-of-poverty-between-2006-and-2016-says-united-nations-report-235245&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjGt-mY2bHjAhVk6nMBHUYhBMsQFjAIegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2QZ7OdLViZM0y2l7AQqYfG">United Nations</a>, in a statement issued on Friday said that the 74th session of the UNGA will commence on September 17, 2019, the report added.

However, there is no official announcement or confirmation from the government regarding the PM's trip yet.&nbsp;

Modi is likely to hold bilateral meetings with world leaders on the sidelines of the special meeting, sources said.

This is prime minister's second&nbsp;address at the UNGA. He first addressed the UNGA in September 2014 after he came to power for the first time.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to attend the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) meeting in September this year, news agency ANI reported quoting government sources.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to attend the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) meeting in September this year, news agency ANI reported quoting government sources. The United Nations, in a statement issued on Friday said that the 74th session of the UNGA will commence on September 17, 2019, the report added. However, there is no official announcement or confirmation from the government regarding the PM's trip yet. Modi is likely to hold bilateral meetings with world leaders on the sidelines of the special meeting, sources said. This is prime minister's second address at the UNGA. He first addressed the UNGA in September 2014 after he came to power for the first time.

PM Modi to attend United Nation General Assembly meet in September

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday asked the Congress to “not miss” another opportunity to empower Muslim women and sought the opposition party’s support for the bill on triple talaq. Replying to the Motion of Thanks to the President’s address, Modi quoted a former minister in the Rajiv Gandhi-led Congress government as saying in an interview that its leaders claimed that it was not the duty of their party to uplift Muslims and “if they want to lie in gutter let them be”.&nbsp;

He made these remarks while referring to a law brought by the then Congress government to overrule the Supreme Court judgement on the Shah Bano case to placate Muslims.

When his remarks drew a sharp reaction from the Congress, the Prime Minister said he could share the YouTube link of the interview. He said the Congress has missed many chances to empower Muslim women and has got one more opportunity. Modi said this in reference to the triple talaq bill introduced in the Lok Sabha by the government.

The bill had lapsed as it could not be passed by Parliament during the tenure of the 16th Lok Sabha. It had faced stiff resistance from the opposition including the Congress for allegedly being against fundamental rights.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday asked the Congress to “not miss” another opportunity to empower Muslim women and sought the opposition party’s support for the bill on triple talaq.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday asked the Congress to “not miss” another opportunity to empower Muslim women and sought the opposition party’s support for the bill on triple talaq. Replying to the Motion of Thanks to the President’s address, Modi quoted a former minister in the Rajiv Gandhi-led Congress government as saying in an interview that its leaders claimed that it was not the duty of their party to uplift Muslims and “if they want to lie in gutter let them be”. He made these remarks while referring to a law brought by the then Congress government to overrule the Supreme Court judgement on the Shah Bano case to placate Muslims. When his remarks drew a sharp reaction from the Congress, the Prime Minister said he could share the YouTube link of the interview. He said the Congress has missed many chances to empower Muslim women and has got one more opportunity. Modi said this in reference to the triple talaq bill introduced in the Lok Sabha by the government. The bill had lapsed as it could not be passed by Parliament during the tenure of the 16th Lok Sabha. It had faced stiff resistance from the opposition including the Congress for allegedly being against fundamental rights.

Congress missed many opportunities to empower Muslim women: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Thursday hosted a dinner for all members of parliament, which did not see the presence of prominent leaders like Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav.

MPs from the Trinamool Congress, left parties like the CPI(M) and CPI, the Bahujan Samaj Party and the RJD abstained from the dinner.

The Parliamentary Affairs Ministry had earlier sent out invites to all members of both the Houses -- over 750 MPs. Only vegetarian dishes were served at the official dinner held at a state-run five-star hotel.

Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha and Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad, various leaders of the ruling NDA, DMK's Kanimozhi, AAP Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Singh and three of four TDP Rajya Sabha members who joined the BJP -- Y S Chowdary, C M Ramesh and T G Venkatesh -- among others attended the dinner at Hotel Ashok.

Sources said the dinner was hosted so that the prime minister and other members of the Union council of ministers could meet all MPs from both the Houses in an informal atmosphere.

"The MPs interacted with the prime minister in a very informal manner and they were seen clicking selfies with him," BJP leader Rajiv Pratap Rudy said, adding that the atmosphere was very congenial.

The prime minister reportedly lauded the role played by previous Speaker Sumitra Mahajan at the gathering, the source said.

During the all-party meet on Sunday, ahead of the start of the Parliament session, Modi had told leaders that political differences can be kept aside to discuss issues related to public interest.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Thursday hosted a dinner for all members of parliament, which did not see the presence of prominent leaders like Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Thursday hosted a dinner for all members of parliament, which did not see the presence of prominent leaders like Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav. MPs from the Trinamool Congress, left parties like the CPI(M) and CPI, the Bahujan Samaj Party and the RJD abstained from the dinner. The Parliamentary Affairs Ministry had earlier sent out invites to all members of both the Houses -- over 750 MPs. Only vegetarian dishes were served at the official dinner held at a state-run five-star hotel. Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha and Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad, various leaders of the ruling NDA, DMK's Kanimozhi, AAP Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Singh and three of four TDP Rajya Sabha members who joined the BJP -- Y S Chowdary, C M Ramesh and T G Venkatesh -- among others attended the dinner at Hotel Ashok. Sources said the dinner was hosted so that the prime minister and other members of the Union council of ministers could meet all MPs from both the Houses in an informal atmosphere. "The MPs interacted with the prime minister in a very informal manner and they were seen clicking selfies with him," BJP leader Rajiv Pratap Rudy said, adding that the atmosphere was very congenial. The prime minister reportedly lauded the role played by previous Speaker Sumitra Mahajan at the gathering, the source said. During the all-party meet on Sunday, ahead of the start of the Parliament session, Modi had told leaders that political differences can be kept aside to discuss issues related to public interest.

PM Modi hosts dinner for MPs

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/strike-a-pose-international-yoga-day-stretches-around-world-146050">International Day of Yoga</a> from Ranchi on Friday with all arrangements being in place at the Prabhat Tara ground.

Since 2015, the International Day of Yoga is celebrated annually on June 21.

Yoga connects people and with the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi world has adopted yoga, an official release quoting Chief Minister Raghubar Das said in Ranchi on&nbsp;Thursday.

It is a matter of great pride that the Prime Minister will participate in the main programme of International Yoga Day in Ranchi. The state government is putting all efforts to make the programme success. Good arrangements have been made for the participants, Das said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/can-you-guess-who-took-yoga-to-the-west-294#the-yoga-travels-from-east-to-west-50266">Indian masters who got West hooked on Yoga</a>

During one of his previous yoga day speeches, the Prime Minister had said yoga has become one of the most powerful unifying forces in the world. 
The Prime Minister will reach Ranchi Thursday night, stay at the Raj Bhavan and participate in the fifth International Yoga day programme at 6am Friday, according to an official communique.

Adequate security arrangements have been made as over 40,000 yoga enthusiasts are expected to take part, an official release said.

Gates will be opened at 3am With free bus service, which will start Thursday night, it said.

A total 400 make-shift toilets, over 200 drinking water kiosks, eight medical teams, 21 ambulances, jawans of NDRF and more than 100 CCTV cameras are in place at the venue adjacent to the Prabhat Tara school.

A total of 28 display screens have been installed at the venue for live telecast of the event.

This year's slogan is --- Yoga for Heart-.

Besides the chief minister, Governor Droupadi Murmu, Union Minister of state (Independent) for AYUSH Shripad Yesso Naik and Jharkhand Health Minister Ramchandra Chandravanshi will share the stage with the Prime Minister, the communique said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the International Day of Yoga from Ranchi on Friday with all arrangements being in place at the Prabhat Tara ground. Since 2015, the International Day of Yoga is celebrated annually on June 21.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the International Day of Yoga from Ranchi on Friday with all arrangements being in place at the Prabhat Tara ground. Since 2015, the International Day of Yoga is celebrated annually on June 21. Yoga connects people and with the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi world has adopted yoga, an official release quoting Chief Minister Raghubar Das said in Ranchi on Thursday. It is a matter of great pride that the Prime Minister will participate in the main programme of International Yoga Day in Ranchi. The state government is putting all efforts to make the programme success. Good arrangements have been made for the participants, Das said. Also read: Indian masters who got West hooked on Yoga During one of his previous yoga day speeches, the Prime Minister had said yoga has become one of the most powerful unifying forces in the world. The Prime Minister will reach Ranchi Thursday night, stay at the Raj Bhavan and participate in the fifth International Yoga day programme at 6am Friday, according to an official communique. Adequate security arrangements have been made as over 40,000 yoga enthusiasts are expected to take part, an official release said. Gates will be opened at 3am With free bus service, which will start Thursday night, it said. A total 400 make-shift toilets, over 200 drinking water kiosks, eight medical teams, 21 ambulances, jawans of NDRF and more than 100 CCTV cameras are in place at the venue adjacent to the Prabhat Tara school. A total of 28 display screens have been installed at the venue for live telecast of the event. This year's slogan is --- Yoga for Heart-. Besides the chief minister, Governor Droupadi Murmu, Union Minister of state (Independent) for AYUSH Shripad Yesso Naik and Jharkhand Health Minister Ramchandra Chandravanshi will share the stage with the Prime Minister, the communique said.

PM Modi to lead International Yoga day celebration at Ranchi

India Sides With Israel & Votes Against Palestinian NGO In UN's ECOSOC. After Decades Of Endorsing The Two-nation Theory In Israel-Palestine Conflict, India Favours Israel Over Palestine At The United Nation's ECOSOC. Is There Merit In India's Decision? What Does This Mean For India? How Has The Indo-Israel Relationship Evolved Under Modi? Is Hugplomacy Working?

Gravitas: India Favours Israel Over Palestine

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eye-on-china-us-government-seeks-more-funding-from-congress-to-bolster-bay-of-bengal-military-security-226703">Eye on China: US government seeks more funding from Congress to bolster Bay of Bengal military security</a>

With an eye on countering increasing Chinese influence in key&nbsp;South Asian countries, the Trump administration has sought $30 million for what it has described as "Bay of Bengal" security initiative to provide foreign military financing to Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and the Maldives.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-defence-budget-unchanged-says-minister-documents-show-45-increase-226697">Pakistan's defence budget 'unchanged', says minister; documents show 4.5% increase</a>

The Pakistan government claimed that its defence budget was kept unchanged at Rs 1,152,535 million&nbsp;for next fiscal (2019-20), but the official documents showed that there was nominal increase of 4.5 per cent in the defence expenditure as compared to the last year.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/we-need-to-overcome-mistakes-to-beat-india-says-sarfaraz-after-australia-defeat-226683">We need to overcome mistakes to beat India, says Sarfaraz after Australia defeat</a>

Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed said his side's needs to raise their fielding standards ahead of a crucial World Cup match against arch-rivals India at Old Trafford on Sunday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-state-media-blames-hong-kong-protests-on-lawlessness-226680">China state media blames Hong Kong protests on 'lawlessness'</a>

Protests in Hong Kong&nbsp;over planned new extradition laws with China are "hammering" the city`s reputation, with outbreaks of "lawlessness" undermining rule of law, Chinese state media said in editorials published on Thursday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/modi-hai-to-mumkin-hai-says-pompeo-ahead-of-india-visit-226682">Modi 'hai to mumkin hai', says Pompeo ahead of India visit</a>

Citing the popular election slogan "Modi hai to mumkin hai", US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has sought to take the bilateral relationship with India to the next level and said the Trump and Modi administrations have a "unique opportunity" to make it happen.

Eye on China: US government seeks more funding from Congress to bolster Bay of Bengal military security With an eye on countering increasing Chinese influence in key South Asian countries, the Trump administration has sought $30 million for what it has described as "Bay of Bengal" security initiative to provide foreign military financing to Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and the Maldives.

Eye on China: US government seeks more funding from Congress to bolster Bay of Bengal military security With an eye on countering increasing Chinese influence in key South Asian countries, the Trump administration has sought $30 million for what it has described as "Bay of Bengal" security initiative to provide foreign military financing to Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and the Maldives. Pakistan's defence budget 'unchanged', says minister; documents show 4.5% increase The Pakistan government claimed that its defence budget was kept unchanged at Rs 1,152,535 million for next fiscal (2019-20), but the official documents showed that there was nominal increase of 4.5 per cent in the defence expenditure as compared to the last year. We need to overcome mistakes to beat India, says Sarfaraz after Australia defeat Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed said his side's needs to raise their fielding standards ahead of a crucial World Cup match against arch-rivals India at Old Trafford on Sunday. China state media blames Hong Kong protests on 'lawlessness' Protests in Hong Kong over planned new extradition laws with China are "hammering" the city`s reputation, with outbreaks of "lawlessness" undermining rule of law, Chinese state media said in editorials published on Thursday. Modi 'hai to mumkin hai', says Pompeo ahead of India visit Citing the popular election slogan "Modi hai to mumkin hai", US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has sought to take the bilateral relationship with India to the next level and said the Trump and Modi administrations have a "unique opportunity" to make it happen.

PM Modi arrived in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan on Thursday afternoon to attend the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sco-summit-pm-modi-set-to-meet-president-xi-putin-today-226707">Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)</a> summit to be held here on June 13 and 14.

The prime minister&nbsp;had left for Bishkek in the morning at around 7:30 am.

His aircraft reached Kyrgyzstan by flying over Oman, Iran and several central Asian countries avoiding Pakistan's airspace.

If PM Modi had flown over Pakistan it would have taken three-and-a-half hours to reach Bishkek. His flight now took six hours to reach the destination.

The decision to avoid Pak's airspace was made on Wednesday even as Pakistan said it will "specially" open its airspace for the flight of Prime Minister Modi to Bishkek to attend the SCO summit.

The decision also came over a week after Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi wrote separate letters to their Indian counterparts, pushing for restarting bilateral talks.

During his visit to the country, PM Modi will hold meeting&nbsp;with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Afghanistan's President Ashraf Ghani, Iran's President Hassan Rouhani and Kyrgyzstan's President Sooronbay Jeenbekov.

This is the first multilateral summit PM Modi will be attending after the elections.

The SCO represents 42 per cent of the world’s population, 22 per cent of its land area and 20 per cent of its GDP and New Delhi sees it as a platform to engage with central Asian countries.

&nbsp;

PM Modi arrived in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan on Thursday afternoon to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit to be held here on June 13 and 14. The prime minister had left for Bishkek in the morning at around 7:30 am.

PM Modi arrived in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan on Thursday afternoon to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit to be held here on June 13 and 14. The prime minister had left for Bishkek in the morning at around 7:30 am. His aircraft reached Kyrgyzstan by flying over Oman, Iran and several central Asian countries avoiding Pakistan's airspace. If PM Modi had flown over Pakistan it would have taken three-and-a-half hours to reach Bishkek. His flight now took six hours to reach the destination. The decision to avoid Pak's airspace was made on Wednesday even as Pakistan said it will "specially" open its airspace for the flight of Prime Minister Modi to Bishkek to attend the SCO summit. The decision also came over a week after Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi wrote separate letters to their Indian counterparts, pushing for restarting bilateral talks. During his visit to the country, PM Modi will hold meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Afghanistan's President Ashraf Ghani, Iran's President Hassan Rouhani and Kyrgyzstan's President Sooronbay Jeenbekov. This is the first multilateral summit PM Modi will be attending after the elections. The SCO represents 42 per cent of the world’s population, 22 per cent of its land area and 20 per cent of its GDP and New Delhi sees it as a platform to engage with central Asian countries.

PM Modi reaches Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan for 2-day SCO summit

Despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s zero tolerance towards corruption, India’s record in checking graft at various levels leaves much scope for concerted action.

He could begin by abolishing the MP Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS), which has tarnished the reputation of MPs of all political parties.

According to the annual index released by a global anti-graft watchdog, the Transparency International in January this year, India improved its ranking in Corruption Perceptions Index for 2018 by just three points to 78 in the list of 180 countries in the world.

The watchdog noted: “Despite spectacular public mobilisation in 2011, where citizens demanded that the government take action against corruption and advocated for the passage of the comprehensive Jan Lokpal Act, these efforts ultimately fizzled and fell flat, with little to no movement on the ground to build the specialist anti-corruption infrastructure required.”

Though retired Supreme Court judge, Pinaki Chandra Ghose, was appointed the first Lokpal of India in March this year, the need for a relentless war against graft from top to bottom cannot be overemphasised.

With the new NDA government enjoying a more-than-comfortable majority and Narendra Modi at the pinnacle of his glory, he can probably afford to fix ethical deficits of yesterday, to leave behind a rich legacy.

Under MPLADS, a sum of Rs five crore per year is granted to every MP for undertaking development works of his/her choice, but the scheme has degenerated into being a byword for corruption.

It is an open secret in Bihar that a majority of MPs extract a cut of up to 40 per cent in the execution of works from their fund. This loot by the lawmaker-officer-contractor nexus is now prevalent across the country, with difference of degree only. Exceptions are very few. In states, the story of fund for legislators is no different.

A ‘surgical strike’ on this Gangotri of graft by scrapping the MP Local Area Development Scheme, or MP fund in common parlance, lock, stock and barrel is needed.

Having compromised themselves by claiming their pound of flesh, most MPs lack the moral authority to take officials to task for loot in implementation of dozens, or hundreds, of other welfare and development schemes of the Union and state governments.

The scheme was started way back in 1993 under dubious circumstances. A Joint Parliamentary Committee’s interim report in this regard was tabled in the Parliament on December 23, 1993, and accepted in apparent haste the same day, at a time when the then Union finance minister, Manmohan Singh, was abroad. The then Narasimha Rao government lacked a clear majority in Parliament!

The initial allocation of Rs 1 crore per year for every MP was increased to Rs 2 crore in 2003 by the Vajpayee government and to Rs 5 crore in 2011 by the Manmohan government.

It is perhaps not a coincidence that both were alliance governments. Incidentally, Manmohan Singh, the then leader of Congress parliamentary party in Rajya Sabha, had stoutly opposed the move to hike the amount to Rs 2 crore in 2003. But he, later, himself succumbed to pressure, to raise the amount.

In fact, a number of MPs had met Vajpayee during his prime ministership, urging him to scrap the fund. Getting wind of the move, a larger number of MPs met him, seeking not only continuation of the scheme, but also a hike in allocation. Vajpayee developed cold feet on the abolition move and ended up raising the allocation!

In sharp contrast to high percentage of expenditure under MPLADS, PM Modi’s Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana has not quite taken off, because there is no separate allocation under the latter, and MPs are expected to make model villages by monitoring effective and proper utilisation of funds allotted under various other schemes of the Centre. 
 
The Administrative Reforms Commission, helmed by Veerappa Moily, had in 2011 recommended scrapping of MP fund. But the recommendation has been gathering dust.

The scheme has sullied the image of MPs and also corrupted the country’s ‘steel frame’ — the bureaucracy. With rampant cuts, poor quality of the physical assets built under the scheme is no surprise.

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-for-probity-in-public-life-mplads-needs-to-go-2757968">original article)</a>

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s zero tolerance towards corruption, India’s record in checking graft at various levels leaves much scope for concerted action.

Despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s zero tolerance towards corruption, India’s record in checking graft at various levels leaves much scope for concerted action. He could begin by abolishing the MP Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS), which has tarnished the reputation of MPs of all political parties. According to the annual index released by a global anti-graft watchdog, the Transparency International in January this year, India improved its ranking in Corruption Perceptions Index for 2018 by just three points to 78 in the list of 180 countries in the world. The watchdog noted: “Despite spectacular public mobilisation in 2011, where citizens demanded that the government take action against corruption and advocated for the passage of the comprehensive Jan Lokpal Act, these efforts ultimately fizzled and fell flat, with little to no movement on the ground to build the specialist anti-corruption infrastructure required.” Though retired Supreme Court judge, Pinaki Chandra Ghose, was appointed the first Lokpal of India in March this year, the need for a relentless war against graft from top to bottom cannot be overemphasised. With the new NDA government enjoying a more-than-comfortable majority and Narendra Modi at the pinnacle of his glory, he can probably afford to fix ethical deficits of yesterday, to leave behind a rich legacy. Under MPLADS, a sum of Rs five crore per year is granted to every MP for undertaking development works of his/her choice, but the scheme has degenerated into being a byword for corruption. It is an open secret in Bihar that a majority of MPs extract a cut of up to 40 per cent in the execution of works from their fund. This loot by the lawmaker-officer-contractor nexus is now prevalent across the country, with difference of degree only. Exceptions are very few. In states, the story of fund for legislators is no different. A ‘surgical strike’ on this Gangotri of graft by scrapping the MP Local Area Development Scheme, or MP fund in common parlance, lock, stock and barrel is needed. Having compromised themselves by claiming their pound of flesh, most MPs lack the moral authority to take officials to task for loot in implementation of dozens, or hundreds, of other welfare and development schemes of the Union and state governments. The scheme was started way back in 1993 under dubious circumstances. A Joint Parliamentary Committee’s interim report in this regard was tabled in the Parliament on December 23, 1993, and accepted in apparent haste the same day, at a time when the then Union finance minister, Manmohan Singh, was abroad. The then Narasimha Rao government lacked a clear majority in Parliament! The initial allocation of Rs 1 crore per year for every MP was increased to Rs 2 crore in 2003 by the Vajpayee government and to Rs 5 crore in 2011 by the Manmohan government. It is perhaps not a coincidence that both were alliance governments. Incidentally, Manmohan Singh, the then leader of Congress parliamentary party in Rajya Sabha, had stoutly opposed the move to hike the amount to Rs 2 crore in 2003. But he, later, himself succumbed to pressure, to raise the amount. In fact, a number of MPs had met Vajpayee during his prime ministership, urging him to scrap the fund. Getting wind of the move, a larger number of MPs met him, seeking not only continuation of the scheme, but also a hike in allocation. Vajpayee developed cold feet on the abolition move and ended up raising the allocation! In sharp contrast to high percentage of expenditure under MPLADS, PM Modi’s Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana has not quite taken off, because there is no separate allocation under the latter, and MPs are expected to make model villages by monitoring effective and proper utilisation of funds allotted under various other schemes of the Centre. The Administrative Reforms Commission, helmed by Veerappa Moily, had in 2011 recommended scrapping of MP fund. But the recommendation has been gathering dust. The scheme has sullied the image of MPs and also corrupted the country’s ‘steel frame’ — the bureaucracy. With rampant cuts, poor quality of the physical assets built under the scheme is no surprise. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

There's a need for a relentless war against corruption from top to bottom

Prime Minister Modi reiterated the importance of nature on the occasion of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/world-environment-day-indian-missions-create-awareness-across-the-world-223976">World Environment Day</a>.

In a tweet on Wednesday PM Modi said, "Our planet and environment is something we all cherish greatly. Today on #WorldEnvironmentDay, we reiterate our commitment to ensure a cleaner planet."

"Living in harmony with nature will lead to better future".

The prime minister also posted a video where he emphasised on the importance of planting saplings.

In the video, he said planting saplings is not enough and people have to take care of it till it becomes a tree.

President Ram Nath Kovind also reaffirmed the commitment to a cleaner and sustainable planet, adding that living in harmony with nature is a part of the Indian ethos.

"On World Environment Day, we reaffirm our commitment to a cleaner and sustainable planet. Living in harmony with nature is a part of the Indian ethos. India is committed to addressing climate change and bequeathing a greener, eco-friendly habitat to our children," President Kovind wrote on his Twitter handle.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, BJP leader and former finance minister Arun Jaitley appealed people to plant trees."Plant trees on this World," he tweeted along with an image saying everyone must act as an agent of change and save the Earth and environment for future generations.

World Environment Day is celebrated every year on June 5.&nbsp;It is the United Nation's principal vehicle for encouraging awareness and action for the protection of our environment. It is organised around a theme in order to draw attention towards pressing environmental issues.

The theme for this year is "Beat Air Pollution" and the host nation is China.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Prime Minister Modi reiterated the importance of nature on the occasion of World Environment Day. In a tweet on Wednesday PM Modi said, "Our planet and environment is something we all cherish greatly.

Prime Minister Modi reiterated the importance of nature on the occasion of World Environment Day. In a tweet on Wednesday PM Modi said, "Our planet and environment is something we all cherish greatly. Today on #WorldEnvironmentDay, we reiterate our commitment to ensure a cleaner planet." "Living in harmony with nature will lead to better future". The prime minister also posted a video where he emphasised on the importance of planting saplings. In the video, he said planting saplings is not enough and people have to take care of it till it becomes a tree. President Ram Nath Kovind also reaffirmed the commitment to a cleaner and sustainable planet, adding that living in harmony with nature is a part of the Indian ethos. "On World Environment Day, we reaffirm our commitment to a cleaner and sustainable planet. Living in harmony with nature is a part of the Indian ethos. India is committed to addressing climate change and bequeathing a greener, eco-friendly habitat to our children," President Kovind wrote on his Twitter handle. Meanwhile, BJP leader and former finance minister Arun Jaitley appealed people to plant trees."Plant trees on this World," he tweeted along with an image saying everyone must act as an agent of change and save the Earth and environment for future generations. World Environment Day is celebrated every year on June 5. It is the United Nation's principal vehicle for encouraging awareness and action for the protection of our environment. It is organised around a theme in order to draw attention towards pressing environmental issues. The theme for this year is "Beat Air Pollution" and the host nation is China. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Modi, President Kovind commit for cleaner and sustainable planet on World Environment Day

President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday extended their greetings and best wishes to Indian citizens and the Muslim community around the world on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr.

Eid-ul-Fitr is celebrated by Muslims around the globe to mark the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramzan.

President Kovind said that the festival of Idu`l Fitr strengthens people`s belief in charity, fraternity and compassion.

"Eid Mubarak to all fellow citizens, especially to our Muslim brothers and sisters in India and abroad. The festival of Idu`l Fitr strengthens our belief in charity, fraternity and compassion. May this happy occasion bring joy and prosperity to everyone`s lives," he wrote on his Twitter handle.

On the other hand, Prime Minister Modi wished happiness for everyone, saying this special day may ignite the spirit of harmony, compassion and peace in our society.

Union Minister of Textiles and Women and Child Development Smriti Irani also extended wishes to the Muslim community.

"May the festival of Eid-ul-Fitr deepen the spirit of brotherhood and bring happiness and peace to all. #EidMubarak," she tweeted.

Meanwhile, BJP leader and former finance minister Arun Jaitley too took to Twitter and sent heartfelt greetings to all. "Eid greetings. EidMubarak," he wrote.

The festival is celebrated by sharing a delightful dish Seviyan (Vermicelli) that comes under different varieties like Hath Ka Seviyan, Nammak Ka Seviyan, Chakle Ka Seviyan and Laddu Seviyan. All these variants can be used in the dish called Sheerkurma, which is also made on Eid and distributed among friends and relatives.

President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday extended their greetings and best wishes to Indian citizens and the Muslim community around the world on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr.

President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday extended their greetings and best wishes to Indian citizens and the Muslim community around the world on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr. Eid-ul-Fitr is celebrated by Muslims around the globe to mark the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramzan. President Kovind said that the festival of Idu`l Fitr strengthens people`s belief in charity, fraternity and compassion. "Eid Mubarak to all fellow citizens, especially to our Muslim brothers and sisters in India and abroad. The festival of Idu`l Fitr strengthens our belief in charity, fraternity and compassion. May this happy occasion bring joy and prosperity to everyone`s lives," he wrote on his Twitter handle. On the other hand, Prime Minister Modi wished happiness for everyone, saying this special day may ignite the spirit of harmony, compassion and peace in our society. Union Minister of Textiles and Women and Child Development Smriti Irani also extended wishes to the Muslim community. "May the festival of Eid-ul-Fitr deepen the spirit of brotherhood and bring happiness and peace to all. #EidMubarak," she tweeted. Meanwhile, BJP leader and former finance minister Arun Jaitley too took to Twitter and sent heartfelt greetings to all. "Eid greetings. EidMubarak," he wrote. The festival is celebrated by sharing a delightful dish Seviyan (Vermicelli) that comes under different varieties like Hath Ka Seviyan, Nammak Ka Seviyan, Chakle Ka Seviyan and Laddu Seviyan. All these variants can be used in the dish called Sheerkurma, which is also made on Eid and distributed among friends and relatives.

Eid-ul-Fitr 2019: President Kovind, PM Modi extend greetings to nation

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