<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday accused the opposition of spreading lies against his government due to its increasing &quot;frustration&quot; over electoral losses, and asked BJP MPs to use technology effectively to take the truth to the masses.</p>

<p>At the BJP Parliamentary Party meet, Modi and party chief Amit Shah asked their MPs to observe Social Justice Day on Dalit icon Bhim Rao Ambedkar&#39;s birth anniversary, Swachh Bharat Divas and other events between April 14 and May 5, party leaders Prakash Javadekar and Anil Baluni told reporters in Delhi.</p>

<p>&quot;Modi told the MPs that the party is in power so that we can take the country to new heights, and asked them to work on the ground,&quot; Javadekar said.</p>

<p>The prime minister told the MPs to use technology to present facts and reach out to people as the opposition was spreading lies against the government out of frustration.</p>

<p>Shah in his speech blamed the opposition for the impasse in Parliament and asked the MPs to hold pressers in the next three days in their parliamentary constituencies to highlight the matter, Baluni said.</p>

<p>With the party gearing up for Lok Sabha polls next year, Shah asked MPs to work to strengthen booth-level organisation in their constituencies, asserting that the organisation&#39;s work at the booth level, along with BJP&#39;s ideology and Modi&#39;s leadership, has been a key reason for its success.</p>

<p>Baluni said that the party will celebrate the period between April 14 and May 5 as &quot;Gram Swaraj Abhiyaan&quot;, and Rural Development Minister Narendra Singh Tomar gave a presentation on it.</p>

<p>April 14, the birth anniversary of Dalit icon Bhim Rao Ambedkar, will be celebrated as Social Justice Day.</p>

<p>It will be followed by Swachh Bharat Diwas on April 18, Ujjawala Diwas on April 20, Panchayati Raj Diwas on April 24 and Swasth Bharat Diwas on April 30.</p>

<p>Kisan Kalyan Diwas will be observed on May 2 and Aajevika Kuashal Diwas on May 5.</p>

<p>Baluni said that Jitendra Singh gave a presentation to the MPs on developing the 115 most backward districts in the country.</p>

<p>Singh said that the prime minister will visit the best performing district.</p>

<p>This was the first BJP Parliamentary Party meeting at its new headquarters at the Deendayal Upadhyay Marg here.</p>


The prime minister told the MPs to use technology to present facts and reach out to people as the opposition was spreading lies against the government out of frustration

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday accused the opposition of spreading lies against his government due to its increasing "frustration" over electoral losses, and asked BJP MPs to use technology effectively to take the truth to the masses. At the BJP Parliamentary Party meet, Modi and party chief Amit Shah asked their MPs to observe Social Justice Day on Dalit icon Bhim Rao Ambedkar's birth anniversary, Swachh Bharat Divas and other events between April 14 and May 5, party leaders Prakash Javadekar and Anil Baluni told reporters in Delhi. "Modi told the MPs that the party is in power so that we can take the country to new heights, and asked them to work on the ground," Javadekar said. The prime minister told the MPs to use technology to present facts and reach out to people as the opposition was spreading lies against the government out of frustration. Shah in his speech blamed the opposition for the impasse in Parliament and asked the MPs to hold pressers in the next three days in their parliamentary constituencies to highlight the matter, Baluni said. With the party gearing up for Lok Sabha polls next year, Shah asked MPs to work to strengthen booth-level organisation in their constituencies, asserting that the organisation's work at the booth level, along with BJP's ideology and Modi's leadership, has been a key reason for its success. Baluni said that the party will celebrate the period between April 14 and May 5 as "Gram Swaraj Abhiyaan", and Rural Development Minister Narendra Singh Tomar gave a presentation on it. April 14, the birth anniversary of Dalit icon Bhim Rao Ambedkar, will be celebrated as Social Justice Day. It will be followed by Swachh Bharat Diwas on April 18, Ujjawala Diwas on April 20, Panchayati Raj Diwas on April 24 and Swasth Bharat Diwas on April 30. Kisan Kalyan Diwas will be observed on May 2 and Aajevika Kuashal Diwas on May 5. Baluni said that Jitendra Singh gave a presentation to the MPs on developing the 115 most backward districts in the country. Singh said that the prime minister will visit the best performing district. This was the first BJP Parliamentary Party meeting at its new headquarters at the Deendayal Upadhyay Marg here.

Frustrated Opposition spreading lies against government: Modi

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/government-did-not-keep-anyone-in-the-dark-over-the-deaths-of-39-indians-in-mosul-sushma-swaraj-36505">Government</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/government-did-not-keep-anyone-in-the-dark-over-the-deaths-of-39-indians-in-mosul-sushma-swaraj-36505"> did not keep anyone in the dark over the death of 39 Indians in Mosul: Sushma Swaraj</a></p>

<p>After informing&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-information-was-given-to-us-sister-of-indian-killed-in-iraq-36478">Parliament</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/politics-over-deaths-shameful-sushma-swaraj-on-indians-killed-in-mosul-36498">&nbsp;on the deaths of 39 Indians in Mosu</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-information-was-given-to-us-sister-of-indian-killed-in-iraq-36478">l, Iraq</a>, external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj told reporters that the bodies of Indians weren&#39;t found in mass graves but in a mound in Badush. &quot;The bodies were buried<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-information-was-given-to-us-sister-of-indian-killed-in-iraq-36478">&nbsp;in a mound</a>&nbsp;in Badush,&quot; Sushma Swaraj said at a press conference.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sexual-harassment-case-jnu-professor-arrested-36512">Sexual harassment case: JNU professor arrested</a></p>

<p>Delhi Police has arrested Professor Atul Johri of JNU on Tuesday after allegations of sexual harassment were leveled against him by students.&nbsp;Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) students, had been protesting outside the Vasant Kunj police station, demanding JNU professor&#39;s arrest in an alleged sexual harassment case, accused the police of &quot;inaction&quot; in the matter.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/government-spent-36-million-rupees-to-install-air-purifiers-in-pm-offices-36516">Modi government spent over Rs 35 lakh on installing air purifiers in offices: Report</a></p>

<p>According to unpublished government data, the Modi government spent as much as rupees 35 lakh to buy and install air purifiers for Prime Minister&#39;s offices and other federal departments and government agencies like NITI Aayog between the year 2014 and 2017.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/building-us-mexico-border-to-keep-the-damn-drugs-out-trump-36495">Building US-Mexico border to &#39;keep the damn drugs out&#39;: Trump</a></p>

<p>United States President Donald Trump on Monday reiterated that the building of US-Mexico border would help to stem the flow of illegal drugs, such as heroin and narcotics into the country. While speaking in Manchester, New Hampshire, which has been the primary city exposed to opioid deaths Trump came up with the decision to build the wall to &quot;keep the damn drugs out&quot; and has come up with numerous ways to fight the epidemic.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/beginning-of-gloom-why-facebook-is-in-huge-mess-36501">Beginning of gloom? Why Facebook is in </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/beginning-of-gloom-why-facebook-is-in-huge-mess-36501">huge mess</a></p>

<p>Mark Zuckerberg- led Facebook has been slammed on various occasions in the past for failing to maintain user privacy, but this time social media giant finds itself amid a scandal of much bigger proportion.</p>


Government did not keep anyone in the dark over the death of 39 Indians in Mosul: Sushma Swaraj After informing Parliament on the deaths of 39 Indians in Mosul, Iraq, external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj told reporters that the bodies of Indians weren't found in mass graves but in a mound in Badush. "The bodies were buried in a mound in Badush," Sushma Swaraj said at a press conference. Sexual harassment case: JNU professor arrested Delhi Police has arrested Professor Atul Johri of JNU on Tuesday after allegations of sexual harassment were leveled against him by students. Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) students, had been protesting outside the Vasant Kunj police station, demanding JNU professor's arrest in an alleged sexual harassment case, accused the police of "inaction" in the matter. Modi government spent over Rs 35 lakh on installing air purifiers in offices: Report According to unpublished government data, the Modi government spent as much as rupees 35 lakh to buy and install air purifiers for Prime Minister's offices and other federal departments and government agencies like NITI Aayog between the year 2014 and 2017. Building US-Mexico border to 'keep the damn drugs out': Trump United States President Donald Trump on Monday reiterated that the building of US-Mexico border would help to stem the flow of illegal drugs, such as heroin and narcotics into the country. While speaking in Manchester, New Hampshire, which has been the primary city exposed to opioid deaths Trump came up with the decision to build the wall to "keep the damn drugs out" and has come up with numerous ways to fight the epidemic. Beginning of gloom? Why Facebook is in huge mess Mark Zuckerberg- led Facebook has been slammed on various occasions in the past for failing to maintain user privacy, but this time social media giant finds itself amid a scandal of much bigger proportion.

WION Evening News Brief, March 20, 2018

<p>Activists of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) have pulled down Gujarati signboards at some commercial establishments in the district.</p>

<p>The cadres of the Raj Thackeray-led party smashed and pulled down over 20 signboards on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad highway in the district&#39;s Vasai area late last night, MNS Thane region president Avinash Jadhav said today.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> MNS workers vandalised Gujarati signboards at shops in Vasai yesterday after Raj Thackeray in his speech last night said &#39;Vasai feels like Gujarat these days.&#39; <a href="https://t.co/XiUGiWV2DT">pic.twitter.com/XiUGiWV2DT</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/975612491706363904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&quot;Vasai and Thane district are in Maharashtra and not Gujarat, and we will not tolerate name boards in Gujarati anymore,&quot; Jadhav told PTI on the phone.</p>

<p>He asserted that their agitation against such signboards would continue.</p>

<p>The Vasai police control room confirmed the incident but said no offence had been registered so far.</p>

<p>The incident came two days after Raj Thackeray called for opposition unity and a &quot;Modi-mukt Bharat&quot; by 2019.</p>

<p>Addressing party workers at a rally at Shivaji Park in central Mumbai on Saturday, Thackeray said, &quot;The country is fed up with the false promises made by (Prime Minister) Narendra Modi and his government.&quot;</p>

<p>&quot;All opposition parties should come together to get rid of the BJP-led NDA government to ensure a &quot;Modi-mukt Bharat,&quot; he said, while reminding the audience of the BJP&#39;s &quot;Congress-mukt Bharat&quot; slogan.<br />
In July last year, some workers of the MNS had protested against a jewellery shop in Dadar and a hotel in the Mahim area of Mumbai, asking them to remove the signboards in Gujarati, the police had then said.</p>

<p>Following the protests, the two establishments removed the Gujarati signboards, they said.</p>

<p>While the owners of the establishment did not lodge any complaint against the MNS cadres, seven of them were then arrested for &quot;illegal gathering&quot; in Mahim, the police had said.&nbsp;</p>


Activists of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) have pulled down Gujarati signboards at some commercial establishments in the district

Activists of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) have pulled down Gujarati signboards at some commercial establishments in the district. The cadres of the Raj Thackeray-led party smashed and pulled down over 20 signboards on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad highway in the district's Vasai area late last night, MNS Thane region president Avinash Jadhav said today. #WATCH MNS workers vandalised Gujarati signboards at shops in Vasai yesterday after Raj Thackeray in his speech last night said 'Vasai feels like Gujarat these days.' pic.twitter.com/XiUGiWV2DT — ANI (@ANI) March 19, 2018 × "Vasai and Thane district are in Maharashtra and not Gujarat, and we will not tolerate name boards in Gujarati anymore," Jadhav told PTI on the phone. He asserted that their agitation against such signboards would continue. The Vasai police control room confirmed the incident but said no offence had been registered so far. The incident came two days after Raj Thackeray called for opposition unity and a "Modi-mukt Bharat" by 2019. Addressing party workers at a rally at Shivaji Park in central Mumbai on Saturday, Thackeray said, "The country is fed up with the false promises made by (Prime Minister) Narendra Modi and his government." "All opposition parties should come together to get rid of the BJP-led NDA government to ensure a "Modi-mukt Bharat," he said, while reminding the audience of the BJP's "Congress-mukt Bharat" slogan. In July last year, some workers of the MNS had protested against a jewellery shop in Dadar and a hotel in the Mahim area of Mumbai, asking them to remove the signboards in Gujarati, the police had then said. Following the protests, the two establishments removed the Gujarati signboards, they said. While the owners of the establishment did not lodge any complaint against the MNS cadres, seven of them were then arrested for "illegal gathering" in Mahim, the police had said.

Raj Thackeray says 'Vasai feels like Gujarat', his workers vandalise Gujarati signboards

<p>Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief&nbsp;Raj Thackeray has asked all the opposition parties to unite against the centre to achieve &quot;Modi-free&quot;&nbsp;India.</p>

<p>He said, &quot;All the opposition parties should come together if you want a Modi-free India&quot;.</p>

<p>He said the country was fed up with false promises made by Narendra Modi and his government.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Calling for a third Independence of the country he said, &quot;India got its first Independence in 1947, second in 1977 (after the post-Emergency elections), and 2019 can bring a third Independence if India becomes &#39;Modi-mukt&#39;&quot;.</p>

<p>He said on investigating Modi&#39;s government&#39;s scam may turn out to be the biggest scam ever since 1947.</p>

<p>He said PM Modi&#39;s foreign tours was apparently to get &quot;flour for Pakoda&quot;.</p>

<p>Speaking on the Ayodhya-Babri dispute, he said, &quot;he was in favour of building a Ram temple in Ayodhya, but it should not be used as an election issue&quot;.</p>

<p>Thackeray alleged that the media is under immense pressure from the government adding that the government was trying to control, media, judiciary&nbsp;and institutions like CBI.</p>

<p>He also said the media covered the death&nbsp;of Sridevi at the behest of the government to suppress&nbsp;the ongoing Nirav Modi-PNB Scam.</p>

<p>Thackeray was addressing a rally on the occasion of Gudi Padwa in Mumbai&#39;s Shivaji Park.</p>

<p><em>(With input&nbsp;from agencies)</em></p>


Calling for a third Independence of the country Raj Thackeray said, 'India got its first Independence in 1947, second in 1977 (after the post-Emergency elections), and 2019 can bring a third Independence if India becomes 'Modi-mukt''

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray has asked all the opposition parties to unite against the centre to achieve "Modi-free" India. He said, "All the opposition parties should come together if you want a Modi-free India". He said the country was fed up with false promises made by Narendra Modi and his government. Calling for a third Independence of the country he said, "India got its first Independence in 1947, second in 1977 (after the post-Emergency elections), and 2019 can bring a third Independence if India becomes 'Modi-mukt'". He said on investigating Modi's government's scam may turn out to be the biggest scam ever since 1947. He said PM Modi's foreign tours was apparently to get "flour for Pakoda". Speaking on the Ayodhya-Babri dispute, he said, "he was in favour of building a Ram temple in Ayodhya, but it should not be used as an election issue". Thackeray alleged that the media is under immense pressure from the government adding that the government was trying to control, media, judiciary and institutions like CBI. He also said the media covered the death of Sridevi at the behest of the government to suppress the ongoing Nirav Modi-PNB Scam. Thackeray was addressing a rally on the occasion of Gudi Padwa in Mumbai's Shivaji Park. (With input from agencies)

Opposition should unite to achieve 'Modi-mukt' India: Raj Thackeray

<p>Union Minister of Textiles and Information and Broadcasting Smriti Irani on Sunday lashed out at Congress president Rahul Gandhi for terming Goods and Services Tax (GST) the second highest in the world and one of the most complex taxes.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/name-modi-means-collusion-between-indias-biggest-crony-capitalists-and-prime-minister-of-india-rahul-gandhi-36245">Congress</a> is holding a three-day plenary session in New Delhi, wherein All India Congress Committee members and workers have gathered to ratify Gandhi&#39;s appointment as their chief and select members for party&#39;s working committee.</p>

<p>Irani took to Twitter saying: &quot;Aadarniya @RahulGandhi ji, if you are free from the world&rsquo;s longest coronation exercise, I request you to read this article and enlighten yourself,&quot; while also attaching a link to an article by World Bank.&quot;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Aadarniya <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RahulGandhi</a> ji, if you are free from the world&rsquo;s longest coronation exercise, I request you to read this article and enlighten yourself. <a href="https://t.co/amMxPIDSV9">https://t.co/amMxPIDSV9</a></p>
&mdash; Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) <a href="https://twitter.com/smritiirani/status/975301127104319488?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Gandhi had previously posted a tweet criticising Modi and also attached a Mint article, saying: &quot;Modi ji, the terror of Gabbar Singh Tax is now globally acclaimed. The World Bank says it&rsquo;s the 2nd HIGHEST in the WORLD and one of the MOST complex.&quot;&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Modi ji, the terror of Gabbar Singh Tax is now globally acclaimed.<br />
<br />
The World Bank says it&rsquo;s the 2nd HIGHEST in the WORLD and one of the MOST complex. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ModiTalksNoCanDo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ModiTalksNoCanDo</a><a href="https://t.co/mUBv3EdEBK">https://t.co/mUBv3EdEBK</a></p>
&mdash; Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/975287342306119680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the article citing a World Bank report, the GST implemented from July 1 last year is one of the most complex with the second highest tax rate in the world among a sample of 115 countries which have a similar indirect tax system.</p>

<p>Rubbishing the reports Irani said Gandhi&#39;s hatred for India was astonishing as he rubbished the World Bank report that hailed India&#39;s rise in Ease of Doing Business ranking. &quot;Now selectively quotes WB report to berate India&#39;s progress,&quot; she said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Rahul Gandhi&rsquo;s hatred for India is astonishing. When World Bank hailed India&rsquo;s rise in Ease of Doing Business rankings, he rubbished the report. Now selectively quotes WB report to berate India&rsquo;s progress! <a href="https://t.co/cU7wzaoiTC">https://t.co/cU7wzaoiTC</a></p>
&mdash; Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) <a href="https://twitter.com/smritiirani/status/975300922338349056?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Congress is holding a three-day plenary session in New Delhi, wherein All India Congress Committee members and workers have gathered to ratify Gandhi's appointment as their chief and select members for party's working committee

Union Minister of Textiles and Information and Broadcasting Smriti Irani on Sunday lashed out at Congress president Rahul Gandhi for terming Goods and Services Tax (GST) the second highest in the world and one of the most complex taxes. Congress is holding a three-day plenary session in New Delhi, wherein All India Congress Committee members and workers have gathered to ratify Gandhi's appointment as their chief and select members for party's working committee. Irani took to Twitter saying: "Aadarniya @RahulGandhi ji, if you are free from the world’s longest coronation exercise, I request you to read this article and enlighten yourself," while also attaching a link to an article by World Bank." Aadarniya @RahulGandhi ji, if you are free from the world’s longest coronation exercise, I request you to read this article and enlighten yourself. https://t.co/amMxPIDSV9 — Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) March 18, 2018 × Gandhi had previously posted a tweet criticising Modi and also attached a Mint article, saying: "Modi ji, the terror of Gabbar Singh Tax is now globally acclaimed. The World Bank says it’s the 2nd HIGHEST in the WORLD and one of the MOST complex." Modi ji, the terror of Gabbar Singh Tax is now globally acclaimed. The World Bank says it’s the 2nd HIGHEST in the WORLD and one of the MOST complex. #ModiTalksNoCanDohttps://t.co/mUBv3EdEBK — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) March 18, 2018 × According to the article citing a World Bank report, the GST implemented from July 1 last year is one of the most complex with the second highest tax rate in the world among a sample of 115 countries which have a similar indirect tax system. Rubbishing the reports Irani said Gandhi's hatred for India was astonishing as he rubbished the World Bank report that hailed India's rise in Ease of Doing Business ranking. "Now selectively quotes WB report to berate India's progress," she said. Rahul Gandhi’s hatred for India is astonishing. When World Bank hailed India’s rise in Ease of Doing Business rankings, he rubbished the report. Now selectively quotes WB report to berate India’s progress! https://t.co/cU7wzaoiTC — Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) March 18, 2018 ×

Smriti Irani slams Rahul Gandhi over remarks on GST

<p>Addressing&nbsp;the Holi Milan Samaroh in Lucknow on Saturday&nbsp;Home Minister Rajnath Singh asked the opposition about who sanctioned loans to fugitives Vijay Mallya, Nirav Modi and others.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said, &quot;the Modi government was blamed for the recent revelations of bank fraud that unearthed Nirav Modi, Vijay Mallya and others. However, I would want to ask that who had sanctioned them loans in the first place&quot;.</p>

<p>He also highlighted at the Fugitive Economic Offenders Bill that was recently introduced&nbsp;in the Parliament earlier this month.</p>

<p>He said,&quot;&nbsp;Our government prepared the Fugitive Economic Offenders Bill for this and it has already been introduced in the parliament&quot;</p>

<p>He added that through the bill the government will seize the property of economic offenders who flee abroad.</p>

<p>Fugitive Economic Offenders Bill 2018 was proposed to confiscate the assets of a fugitive, including Benami assets.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">Bank fraud ke kuch maamle aa rahe hain. To kehna shuru kiya ki saab ye 2-3 log jo bahar chale gaye hain- Mallya, Nirav Modi aur kaun-kaun, BJP ki sarkaar ne inko bhagwa diya hai. Main puchna chahta hoon, inko jo paisa mila wo kahan se mila? Kisne dilwaya?: Rajnath Singh <a href="https://t.co/BmzcwuO1yW">pic.twitter.com/BmzcwuO1yW</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/975195597253828609?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Our Govt prepared the Fugitive Economic Offenders Bill for this and it has already been introduced in the parliament, this bill means economic offenders who flee abroad, their property can be seized by the Govt: Rajnath Singh <a href="https://t.co/sWw193Ohn4">pic.twitter.com/sWw193Ohn4</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/975195600290533376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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Rajnath Singh said, 'the Modi government was blamed for the recent revelations of bank fraud that unearthed Nirav Modi, Vijay Mallya and others. However, I would want to ask that who had sanctioned them loans in the first place'

Addressing the Holi Milan Samaroh in Lucknow on Saturday Home Minister Rajnath Singh asked the opposition about who sanctioned loans to fugitives Vijay Mallya, Nirav Modi and others. He said, "the Modi government was blamed for the recent revelations of bank fraud that unearthed Nirav Modi, Vijay Mallya and others. However, I would want to ask that who had sanctioned them loans in the first place". He also highlighted at the Fugitive Economic Offenders Bill that was recently introduced in the Parliament earlier this month. He said," Our government prepared the Fugitive Economic Offenders Bill for this and it has already been introduced in the parliament" He added that through the bill the government will seize the property of economic offenders who flee abroad. Fugitive Economic Offenders Bill 2018 was proposed to confiscate the assets of a fugitive, including Benami assets. Bank fraud ke kuch maamle aa rahe hain. To kehna shuru kiya ki saab ye 2-3 log jo bahar chale gaye hain- Mallya, Nirav Modi aur kaun-kaun, BJP ki sarkaar ne inko bhagwa diya hai. Main puchna chahta hoon, inko jo paisa mila wo kahan se mila? Kisne dilwaya?: Rajnath Singh pic.twitter.com/BmzcwuO1yW — ANI (@ANI) March 18, 2018 × Our Govt prepared the Fugitive Economic Offenders Bill for this and it has already been introduced in the parliament, this bill means economic offenders who flee abroad, their property can be seized by the Govt: Rajnath Singh pic.twitter.com/sWw193Ohn4 — ANI (@ANI) March 18, 2018 ×

Who sanctioned loans to Nirav Modi, Vijay Mallya in first place: Rajnath Singh

<p>Speaking at the second day of the Congress Plenary session, former Union minister Anand Sharma has accused the centre of disrupting the foreign policy of India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He also said that the country has mismanaged its relations with immediate partners and major capitals of the world.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/nobody-can-stop-rahul-gandhi-to-become-pm-in-2019-says-siddaramaiah-congress-hints-at-possible-alliance-for-2019-36144" target="_blank">Congress hints at possible alliance for 2019 polls</a></p>

<p>He said, &quot;Modi govt has disrupted India&#39;s foreign policy. In the last four years, they have made this a divisive policy. They have pursued this in a cavalier manner, non-serious manner&quot;.</p>

<p>&quot;The PM is carried away by his own propaganda. Today it is a matter of concern that we have mismanaged our relations with major capitals of the world, with major strategic partners and our immediate neighbourhood&quot; Anand Sharma said.</p>

<p>Former prime minister Manmohan Singh has blamed the Modi led government of mismanaging the Jammu and Kashmir issue.</p>

<p>He said, &quot;Modi Govt has mismanaged Jammu and Kashmir like never before, the atmosphere is deteriorating day in and day out, its obvious from the fact that our borders are insecure, be it cross-border terror or internal&quot;&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added,&nbsp;&quot;When Modi Ji was campaigning he made lots of tall promises, those promises have not been fulfilled. He said we will provide 2 crore jobs, we have not seen even 2 lakh jobs&quot;.</p>

<p>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/son-mom-moment-captured-at-congress-plenary-session-36175" target="_blank">&#39;Son-mom&#39; moment captured at Congress plenary session</a></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">When Modi ji was campaigning he made lots of tall promises, those promises have not been fulfilled. He said we will provide 2 crore jobs, we have not seen even 2 lakh jobs: Dr.Manmohan Singh at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CongressPlenary?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CongressPlenary</a> <a href="https://t.co/3robxOvYTi">pic.twitter.com/3robxOvYTi</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/975256950156988416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>P Chidambaram, former Finance Minister has said that number of people below the poverty line went up under the BJP government.</p>

<p>He said, &quot;It&#39;s the biggest achievement of Dr Manmohan Singh that 14 crore people were listed out of poverty. BJP government&nbsp;pushed people into poverty. Number of people below poverty line went up. It&#39;s the greatest disservice BJP govt did to people of India&quot;.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The current phase of economic growth started in 1990s when Rajiv Gandhi sowed seeds of liberalisation. This gained momentum under Dr Manmohan Singh. Whatever the BJP, the NDA may say, records speak for itself: P Chidambaram at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CongressPlenarySession?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CongressPlenarySession</a> <a href="https://t.co/sVuenLSCDE">pic.twitter.com/sVuenLSCDE</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/975264084781338624?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I would like to tell the RBI officials why don&#39;t you go to Hundi collectors in Tirupati? They count money faster than you - P Chidambaram on demonetisation at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CongressPlenarySession?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CongressPlenarySession</a> <a href="https://t.co/oA5e58GMvv">pic.twitter.com/oA5e58GMvv</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/975265140550627328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Congress party organised the plenary session on Saturday to unveil its political roadmap and vision for the next five years.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Former union minister Anand Sharma said that the country has mismanaged its relations with immediate partners and major capitals of the world

Speaking at the second day of the Congress Plenary session, former Union minister Anand Sharma has accused the centre of disrupting the foreign policy of India. He also said that the country has mismanaged its relations with immediate partners and major capitals of the world. Also read: Congress hints at possible alliance for 2019 polls He said, "Modi govt has disrupted India's foreign policy. In the last four years, they have made this a divisive policy. They have pursued this in a cavalier manner, non-serious manner". "The PM is carried away by his own propaganda. Today it is a matter of concern that we have mismanaged our relations with major capitals of the world, with major strategic partners and our immediate neighbourhood" Anand Sharma said. Former prime minister Manmohan Singh has blamed the Modi led government of mismanaging the Jammu and Kashmir issue. He said, "Modi Govt has mismanaged Jammu and Kashmir like never before, the atmosphere is deteriorating day in and day out, its obvious from the fact that our borders are insecure, be it cross-border terror or internal" He added, "When Modi Ji was campaigning he made lots of tall promises, those promises have not been fulfilled. He said we will provide 2 crore jobs, we have not seen even 2 lakh jobs". Also read: 'Son-mom' moment captured at Congress plenary session When Modi ji was campaigning he made lots of tall promises, those promises have not been fulfilled. He said we will provide 2 crore jobs, we have not seen even 2 lakh jobs: Dr.Manmohan Singh at #CongressPlenary pic.twitter.com/3robxOvYTi — ANI (@ANI) March 18, 2018 × P Chidambaram, former Finance Minister has said that number of people below the poverty line went up under the BJP government. He said, "It's the biggest achievement of Dr Manmohan Singh that 14 crore people were listed out of poverty. BJP government pushed people into poverty. Number of people below poverty line went up. It's the greatest disservice BJP govt did to people of India". The current phase of economic growth started in 1990s when Rajiv Gandhi sowed seeds of liberalisation. This gained momentum under Dr Manmohan Singh. Whatever the BJP, the NDA may say, records speak for itself: P Chidambaram at #CongressPlenarySession pic.twitter.com/sVuenLSCDE — ANI (@ANI) March 18, 2018 × I would like to tell the RBI officials why don't you go to Hundi collectors in Tirupati? They count money faster than you - P Chidambaram on demonetisation at #CongressPlenarySession pic.twitter.com/oA5e58GMvv — ANI (@ANI) March 18, 2018 × The Congress party organised the plenary session on Saturday to unveil its political roadmap and vision for the next five years.

Modi govt has disrupted India's foreign policy: Anand Sharma at Congress plenary session

<p>Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah has said that &quot;nobody can stop Rahul Gandhi from becoming the Prime Minister of the country in 2019&quot;.</p>

<p>Siddaramaiah&#39;s remarks came during the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/youth-does-not-see-future-with-pm-modi-rahul-gandhi-at-plenary-session-36125" target="_blank">84th Plenary Session of Congress</a>.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Nobody can stop Rahul Gandhi from becoming the Prime Minister of the country in 2019: Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CongressPlenarySession?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CongressPlenarySession</a> in Delhi <a href="https://t.co/rykklq0xmz">pic.twitter.com/rykklq0xmz</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/974920661897445376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Congress party also hinted at&nbsp;forming an alliance to defeat the&nbsp;BJP-RSS in the&nbsp;2019 elections.</p>

<p>The party resolved to adopt a &quot;pragmatic approach&quot; for cooperation with all like-minded parties and evolve a common workable programme.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Backing the functioning of Congress under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi, Congress leader Sachin Pilot has assured that the party will see big victories under his&nbsp;leadership.</p>

<p>He said, &quot;&nbsp;To those who challenge us, I would say... as of now we have won by-polls under leadership of Rahul Gandhi, soon you&#39;ll see us winning states and in 2019 Congress will win the elections&quot;.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">To those who challenge us, I would say... as of now we have won by-polls under leadership of Rahul Gandhi, soon you&#39;ll see us winning states and in 2019 Congress will win the elections: Sachin Pilot at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CongressPlenarySession?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CongressPlenarySession</a> <a href="https://t.co/Mlya50e4ZN">pic.twitter.com/Mlya50e4ZN</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/974903114368241666?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge urged his party members and workers to collectively work for winning Karnataka polls.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">With your (party members &amp; workers) blessings &amp; cooperation we will once again win <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Karnataka?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Karnataka</a>, your help is needed, the way BJP &amp; RSS workers go door-to-door, the same way you also help us in Karnataka: Mallikarjun Kharge at Congress Plenary Session <a href="https://t.co/MupGjZy5Ow">pic.twitter.com/MupGjZy5Ow</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/974896251362795520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">Teemir (darkness) ko roshni kehte huye acha nahi lagta, mujhe gham ko khushi kehte huye acha nahi lagta... lahu (blood) insaniyat ko jo din-raat peete hain RSS-BJP ke log unko insaan kehte huye mujhe acha nahi lagta: Mallikarjun Kharge at Congress Plenary Session in Delhi <a href="https://t.co/ZsYQ7EBaGS">pic.twitter.com/ZsYQ7EBaGS</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/974892710430760960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


The party resolved to adopt a 'pragmatic approach' for cooperation with all like-minded parties and evolve a common workable programme

Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah has said that "nobody can stop Rahul Gandhi from becoming the Prime Minister of the country in 2019". Siddaramaiah's remarks came during the 84th Plenary Session of Congress. Nobody can stop Rahul Gandhi from becoming the Prime Minister of the country in 2019: Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah at #CongressPlenarySession in Delhi pic.twitter.com/rykklq0xmz — ANI (@ANI) March 17, 2018 × The Congress party also hinted at forming an alliance to defeat the BJP-RSS in the 2019 elections. The party resolved to adopt a "pragmatic approach" for cooperation with all like-minded parties and evolve a common workable programme. Backing the functioning of Congress under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi, Congress leader Sachin Pilot has assured that the party will see big victories under his leadership. He said, " To those who challenge us, I would say... as of now we have won by-polls under leadership of Rahul Gandhi, soon you'll see us winning states and in 2019 Congress will win the elections". To those who challenge us, I would say... as of now we have won by-polls under leadership of Rahul Gandhi, soon you'll see us winning states and in 2019 Congress will win the elections: Sachin Pilot at #CongressPlenarySession pic.twitter.com/Mlya50e4ZN — ANI (@ANI) March 17, 2018 × Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge urged his party members and workers to collectively work for winning Karnataka polls. With your (party members & workers) blessings & cooperation we will once again win #Karnataka, your help is needed, the way BJP & RSS workers go door-to-door, the same way you also help us in Karnataka: Mallikarjun Kharge at Congress Plenary Session pic.twitter.com/MupGjZy5Ow — ANI (@ANI) March 17, 2018 × Teemir (darkness) ko roshni kehte huye acha nahi lagta, mujhe gham ko khushi kehte huye acha nahi lagta... lahu (blood) insaniyat ko jo din-raat peete hain RSS-BJP ke log unko insaan kehte huye mujhe acha nahi lagta: Mallikarjun Kharge at Congress Plenary Session in Delhi pic.twitter.com/ZsYQ7EBaGS — ANI (@ANI) March 17, 2018 ×

Congress hints at possible alliance for 2019 polls

<p>Responding to the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/chandrababu-naidu-led-tdp-pulls-out-of-nda-35990" target="_blank">exit of Telugu Desam Party (TDP) from NDA coalition</a>, BJP leader Narasimha Rao has said that the Chandrababu Naidu led TDP was seeing a defeat for themselves in 2019 and they were using this as an excuse to&nbsp;retrieve lost political ground.</p>

<p>He further asked why CM Naidu took four years to realise that the coalition with NDA was not working.</p>

<p>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-lok-sabha-no-confidence-motion-against-nda-congress-to-support-ysr-tdp-35999" target="_blank">Live Lok Sabha &#39;no-confidence&#39; motion against NDA: Congress to support YSR, TDP</a></p>

<p>He said &quot;We believe TDP is finding the going tough in Andhra Pradesh, they are seeing a defeat for themselves in 2019 and they want to use this as an alibi to really retrieve lost political ground.Questions being asked in Andhra Pradesh as to why AP CM took 4 yrs to realise that this is not working&quot;.</p>

<p>He further said &quot;The state govt and TDP are feeling the pinch of the public opinion going against them and BJP will use this as an opportunity to grow as a political party and emerge as a dominant political force in Andhra Pradesh. For us, it will prove to be the next Tripura&quot;.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We believe TDP is finding the going tough in AP, they are seeing a defeat for themselves in 2019&amp;they want to use this as an alibi to really retrieve lost political ground.Ques being asked in AP as to why AP CM took 4 yrs to realise that this is not working: GVL Narasimha Rao,BJP <a href="https://t.co/KijVUvxPpV">pic.twitter.com/KijVUvxPpV</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/974526562652467200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>While KC Tyagi from BJP&#39;s another coalition partner JDU has said that there was no danger to the NDA government from the break up of TDP alliance.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">In a big alliance, small difference of opinions happen. There is no danger to NDA government. But, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TDP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TDP</a> withdrawing from NDA is unfortunate: KC Tyagi, JDU <a href="https://t.co/83C8XDRS5I">pic.twitter.com/83C8XDRS5I</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/974535275937349632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Andhra Pradesh chief minister&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/chandrababu-naidu-led-tdp-pulls-out-of-nda-35990">Chandrababu Naidu-led TDP exited</a>&nbsp;the NDA coalition government at the Centre over its refusal to grant &quot;special status&quot;&nbsp;to Andhra Pradesh on Friday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


The Chandrababu Naidu led TDP was seeing a defeat for themselves in 2019 and they were using this as an excuse to retrieve lost political ground

Responding to the exit of Telugu Desam Party (TDP) from NDA coalition, BJP leader Narasimha Rao has said that the Chandrababu Naidu led TDP was seeing a defeat for themselves in 2019 and they were using this as an excuse to retrieve lost political ground. He further asked why CM Naidu took four years to realise that the coalition with NDA was not working. Also read: Live Lok Sabha 'no-confidence' motion against NDA: Congress to support YSR, TDP He said "We believe TDP is finding the going tough in Andhra Pradesh, they are seeing a defeat for themselves in 2019 and they want to use this as an alibi to really retrieve lost political ground.Questions being asked in Andhra Pradesh as to why AP CM took 4 yrs to realise that this is not working". He further said "The state govt and TDP are feeling the pinch of the public opinion going against them and BJP will use this as an opportunity to grow as a political party and emerge as a dominant political force in Andhra Pradesh. For us, it will prove to be the next Tripura". We believe TDP is finding the going tough in AP, they are seeing a defeat for themselves in 2019&they want to use this as an alibi to really retrieve lost political ground.Ques being asked in AP as to why AP CM took 4 yrs to realise that this is not working: GVL Narasimha Rao,BJP pic.twitter.com/KijVUvxPpV — ANI (@ANI) March 16, 2018 × While KC Tyagi from BJP's another coalition partner JDU has said that there was no danger to the NDA government from the break up of TDP alliance. In a big alliance, small difference of opinions happen. There is no danger to NDA government. But, #TDP withdrawing from NDA is unfortunate: KC Tyagi, JDU pic.twitter.com/83C8XDRS5I — ANI (@ANI) March 16, 2018 × Andhra Pradesh chief minister Chandrababu Naidu-led TDP exited the NDA coalition government at the Centre over its refusal to grant "special status" to Andhra Pradesh on Friday.

TDP's excuse to retrieve lost political ground in Andhra Pradesh: BJP leader Narasimha Rao on breakup from NDA

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday greeted the nation on the occasion of World Consumer Rights Day and said that consumer plays an important role in the economy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prime Minister took to Twitter and wrote, &quot;Greetings on World Consumer Rights Day. The consumer plays an important role in the economy. The government of India is not only focussing on consumer protection but also consumer prosperity.&quot;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Greetings on World Consumer Rights Day. The consumer plays an important role in the economy.<br />
<br />
Government of India is not only focussing on consumer protection but also consumer prosperity. <a href="https://t.co/avsAEhtowZ">pic.twitter.com/avsAEhtowZ</a></p>
&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/974112267292655616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<div class="share-blockquote"><a class="twitter popup" href="http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=&lt;blockquote class=twitter-tweet data-lang=en&gt;&lt;p lang=en dir=ltr&gt;Greetings on World Consumer Rights Day. The consumer plays an important role in the economy. &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Government of India is not only focussing on consumer protection but also consumer prosperity. &lt;a  data-cke-saved-href=https://t.co/avsAEhtowZ href=https://t.co/avsAEhtowZ&gt;pic.twitter.com/avsAEhtowZ&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) &lt;a  data-cke-saved-href=https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/974112267292655616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw href=https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/974112267292655616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&gt;March 15, 2018&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt;
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>World Consumer Rights Day is celebrated on March 15 every year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The consumer movement marks March 15 with World Consumer Rights Day every year, as a means of raising global awareness about consumer rights.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The day is an opportunity to promote basic rights of all consumers, demanding that those rights are respected and protected and gives consumers a chance to protest against the market abuses and social injustices.</p>

<p>The theme for this year is `Making Digital Marketplaces Fairer`. Several functions are being organised across the country to mark the occasion and Consumer Affairs Minister Ram Vilas Paswan will also preside over a function in New Delhi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On March 15, 1962, President John F Kennedy was the first world leader, who formally addressed the issue of consumer rights in US Congress.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The first World Consumer Rights Day was observed in 1983 and has since become an important occasion for mobilising citizen action.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In India, besides the World Consumer Rights Day, we observe the National Consumer Day on December 24 every year.&nbsp;</p>


PM Narendra Modi on Thursday greeted the nation on the occasion of World Consumer Rights Day and said that consumer plays an important role in the economy

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday greeted the nation on the occasion of World Consumer Rights Day and said that consumer plays an important role in the economy. Prime Minister took to Twitter and wrote, "Greetings on World Consumer Rights Day. The consumer plays an important role in the economy. The government of India is not only focussing on consumer protection but also consumer prosperity." Greetings on World Consumer Rights Day. The consumer plays an important role in the economy. Government of India is not only focussing on consumer protection but also consumer prosperity. pic.twitter.com/avsAEhtowZ — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 15, 2018 × World Consumer Rights Day is celebrated on March 15 every year. The consumer movement marks March 15 with World Consumer Rights Day every year, as a means of raising global awareness about consumer rights. The day is an opportunity to promote basic rights of all consumers, demanding that those rights are respected and protected and gives consumers a chance to protest against the market abuses and social injustices. The theme for this year is `Making Digital Marketplaces Fairer`. Several functions are being organised across the country to mark the occasion and Consumer Affairs Minister Ram Vilas Paswan will also preside over a function in New Delhi. On March 15, 1962, President John F Kennedy was the first world leader, who formally addressed the issue of consumer rights in US Congress. The first World Consumer Rights Day was observed in 1983 and has since become an important occasion for mobilising citizen action. In India, besides the World Consumer Rights Day, we observe the National Consumer Day on December 24 every year.

Consumer plays an important role in economy, says PM Modi

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Delhi End TB Summit at Vigyan Bhawan today. Leaders from across the globe will be present to review ongoing efforts and accelerate action to reach the 2030 End TB goal, the WHO has said.</p>

<p>The summit will be hosted by Union Ministry of health and WHO and the Stop TB Partnership.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The summit will be inaugurated on March 13 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and addressed by WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Union Health Minister J P Nadda and Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, Chair of the Stop TB Partnership. WHO Regional Director for South-East Asia Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh, Stop TB Partnership Executive Director Dr Lucica Ditiu and Global Fund Executive Director Peter Sands would be present at the meeting.</p>

<p>Health ministers of a number of countries, including Indonesia, Bangladesh, South Africa, Nigeria, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Kazakhstan, Peru and Brazil, were also expected to participate, the WHO said.</p>

<p>With the funding of over 12,000 crore rupees over the next three years, the motto of the NSP is to ensure every TB patient has access to quality diagnosis, treatment, and support.</p>

<p>The Prime Minister&#39;s vision to end TB by 2025, five years ahead of the Sustainable Development Goals has galvanized the efforts of the Revised National Tuberculosis Program, which has treated over two crore patients since its inception in 1997.</p>

<p>&quot;The Delhi End TB Summit builds on the Delhi Call to Action adopted by member countries of the WHO South-East Asia Region in March 2017, and the WHO Global Ministerial Conference Ending TB in the Sustainable Development Era: A Multisectoral Response held in Moscow in November last year,&quot; the WHO said in a statement.</p>

<p>&quot;As part of next weeks summit, health ministers and programme heads from WHO South-East Asia Region will review accelerated efforts being made by countries since the adoption of Delhi Call to Action,&quot; the statement said.</p>


The summit will be hosted by Union Ministry of health and WHO and the Stop TB Partnership

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Delhi End TB Summit at Vigyan Bhawan today. Leaders from across the globe will be present to review ongoing efforts and accelerate action to reach the 2030 End TB goal, the WHO has said. The summit will be hosted by Union Ministry of health and WHO and the Stop TB Partnership. The summit will be inaugurated on March 13 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and addressed by WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Union Health Minister J P Nadda and Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, Chair of the Stop TB Partnership. WHO Regional Director for South-East Asia Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh, Stop TB Partnership Executive Director Dr Lucica Ditiu and Global Fund Executive Director Peter Sands would be present at the meeting. Health ministers of a number of countries, including Indonesia, Bangladesh, South Africa, Nigeria, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Kazakhstan, Peru and Brazil, were also expected to participate, the WHO said. With the funding of over 12,000 crore rupees over the next three years, the motto of the NSP is to ensure every TB patient has access to quality diagnosis, treatment, and support. The Prime Minister's vision to end TB by 2025, five years ahead of the Sustainable Development Goals has galvanized the efforts of the Revised National Tuberculosis Program, which has treated over two crore patients since its inception in 1997. "The Delhi End TB Summit builds on the Delhi Call to Action adopted by member countries of the WHO South-East Asia Region in March 2017, and the WHO Global Ministerial Conference Ending TB in the Sustainable Development Era: A Multisectoral Response held in Moscow in November last year," the WHO said in a statement. "As part of next weeks summit, health ministers and programme heads from WHO South-East Asia Region will review accelerated efforts being made by countries since the adoption of Delhi Call to Action," the statement said.

PM Modi to inaugurate Delhi End TB Summit today

<p>Taking a swipe at US President Donald Trump for backing out of Paris climate agreement, French President Emmanuel Macron lauded the efforts of India, along with other nations, for making International Solar Alliance (ISA) a reality.</p>

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<p>However, Macron did not name Trump at the founding conference of ISA in the capital today. While hailing the &#39;Solar Mamas&#39;, a group of women solar engineers, he also referred to the countries which decided to leave the climate agreement.</p>

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<p>Addressing the summit in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Macron said, &quot;Mr Prime Minister, You made a dream and we did it. It was about this International Solar Alliance. It was two years ago, it was just an idea at that time and we decided all together to act very quickly and today a big change&quot;.</p>

<p>Expressing his immense happiness and lauding the efforts of Solar Mamas, he said, &quot;Our solar mamas did not wait for us. They started to act and to deliver complete results. They did not wait and stop because some countries (US and others) just decided to leave the floor and leave the Paris agreement. Because they (ISA nations) decided it is good for them their children and grand children. They decided to act and keep acting&quot;.</p>

<p>The oblique reference was towards US President Trump&#39;s decision to pull out of the Paris climate agreement, which was signed by nearly 200 countries in December 2015 in an effort to curb global greenhouse gas emission and limit global warming to within 2 degrees Celsius.</p>

<p>In November last year, Syria signed the deal, leaving the US as the only country in the world not to support the framework deal to combat greenhouse gas emissions.</p>

<p>Interestingly, France is the co-host for the founding conference of the the ISA which is a treaty based international body with 121 prospective member countries.</p>

<p>As many as 60 nations have signed the agreement to join ISA, while 30 have already ratified the agreement and made it possible to make it a legal entity in December last year.</p>

<p>Macron said the countries at the ISA represent three-fourths of the world population. As much as 20-50 per cent of the population do not have access to power.</p>

<p>The joint goal is to have 1 TW of solar energy by 2020 for which &quot;we need USD 1,000 billion,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>Today, heads of 23 nations and 10 ministerial representatives gathered here for alliance&#39;s first summit.&nbsp;</p>


'Mr Prime Minister (Modi), You made a dream and we did it. It was about this International Solar Alliance. It was two years ago, it was just an idea at that time and we decided all together to act very quickly and today a big change,' said Macron

Taking a swipe at US President Donald Trump for backing out of Paris climate agreement, French President Emmanuel Macron lauded the efforts of India, along with other nations, for making International Solar Alliance (ISA) a reality. × However, Macron did not name Trump at the founding conference of ISA in the capital today. While hailing the 'Solar Mamas', a group of women solar engineers, he also referred to the countries which decided to leave the climate agreement. × Addressing the summit in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Macron said, "Mr Prime Minister, You made a dream and we did it. It was about this International Solar Alliance. It was two years ago, it was just an idea at that time and we decided all together to act very quickly and today a big change". Expressing his immense happiness and lauding the efforts of Solar Mamas, he said, "Our solar mamas did not wait for us. They started to act and to deliver complete results. They did not wait and stop because some countries (US and others) just decided to leave the floor and leave the Paris agreement. Because they (ISA nations) decided it is good for them their children and grand children. They decided to act and keep acting". The oblique reference was towards US President Trump's decision to pull out of the Paris climate agreement, which was signed by nearly 200 countries in December 2015 in an effort to curb global greenhouse gas emission and limit global warming to within 2 degrees Celsius. In November last year, Syria signed the deal, leaving the US as the only country in the world not to support the framework deal to combat greenhouse gas emissions. Interestingly, France is the co-host for the founding conference of the the ISA which is a treaty based international body with 121 prospective member countries. As many as 60 nations have signed the agreement to join ISA, while 30 have already ratified the agreement and made it possible to make it a legal entity in December last year. Macron said the countries at the ISA represent three-fourths of the world population. As much as 20-50 per cent of the population do not have access to power. The joint goal is to have 1 TW of solar energy by 2020 for which "we need USD 1,000 billion," he said. Today, heads of 23 nations and 10 ministerial representatives gathered here for alliance's first summit.

French President Macron takes dig at Trump, hails India's efforts at making International Solar Alliance a reality

<p>France and Indian companies signed contracts worth 13 billion euros ($16 billion) on the first day of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/french-president-meets-pm-modi-at-hyderabad-house-35298">President Emmanuel Macron&#39;s visit </a>to India on Saturday, the French president said in a statement.</p>

<p>After a 90-minute long meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron followed by delegation-level talks between the two sides, 14 agreements have been signed between India and France. This is followed by the joint press statement by the two leaders, reports said.</p>

<p>The deals include a contract for France&#39;s Safran to supply SpiceJet with engines, water system modernisation by Suez in the southern city of Davangere and a contract between industrial gas company Air Liquide and Sterlite.</p>

<p>Macron&#39;s office did not provide a breakdown of the contracts&#39; values or details about the deals. It said some 200 million euros of investments will be made in India.</p>

<p>A so-called &quot;Industrial Way Forward Agreement&quot; was signed between French utility EDF and India&#39;s NPCIL for the construction of six nuclear reactors at Jaitapur. Negotiations over the construction of next-generation nuclear reactors in India have been dragging on for years.</p>

<p>It was not immediately clear whether these were firm contracts or letters of intent.</p>

<p>Macron, who is currently on four-day India tour from March 9 to 12, was given a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhawan on Saturday morning as he met president Ram Nath Kovind.</p>

<p>Accompanied by his wife Brigitte Macron and M.J. Akbar, the Minister of State for External Affairs, Macron visited Rajghat and paid his tribute at the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi on Saturday.</p>

<p>President Macron also met Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj this morning. &quot;They exchanged views on enhancing strategic partnership in trade and investment, defence and security, culture, education and people-to-people ties,&quot; tweeted Foreign Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


The deals include a contract for France's Safran to supply SpiceJet with engines, water system modernisation by Suez in the southern city of Davangere and a contract between industrial gas company Air Liquide and Sterlite

France and Indian companies signed contracts worth 13 billion euros ($16 billion) on the first day of President Emmanuel Macron's visit to India on Saturday, the French president said in a statement. After a 90-minute long meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron followed by delegation-level talks between the two sides, 14 agreements have been signed between India and France. This is followed by the joint press statement by the two leaders, reports said. The deals include a contract for France's Safran to supply SpiceJet with engines, water system modernisation by Suez in the southern city of Davangere and a contract between industrial gas company Air Liquide and Sterlite. Macron's office did not provide a breakdown of the contracts' values or details about the deals. It said some 200 million euros of investments will be made in India. A so-called "Industrial Way Forward Agreement" was signed between French utility EDF and India's NPCIL for the construction of six nuclear reactors at Jaitapur. Negotiations over the construction of next-generation nuclear reactors in India have been dragging on for years. It was not immediately clear whether these were firm contracts or letters of intent. Macron, who is currently on four-day India tour from March 9 to 12, was given a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhawan on Saturday morning as he met president Ram Nath Kovind. Accompanied by his wife Brigitte Macron and M.J. Akbar, the Minister of State for External Affairs, Macron visited Rajghat and paid his tribute at the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi on Saturday. President Macron also met Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj this morning. "They exchanged views on enhancing strategic partnership in trade and investment, defence and security, culture, education and people-to-people ties," tweeted Foreign Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar.

France signs deals worth 13 billion euros with India

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-seeks-concrete-actions-from-north-korea-before-planned-talks-35266">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-seeks-concrete-actions-from-north-korea-before-planned-talks-35266"> seeks &#39;concrete actions&#39; from North Korea before planned talks</a></p>

<p>US President Donald Trump will not meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un unless Pyongyang takes &quot;concrete actions,&quot; the White House said on Friday as it faced criticism for agreeing to talks that would give North Korea international legitimacy.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/french-president-macron-arrives-in-india-on-4-day-visit-35256">French president Macron arrives in India on </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/french-president-macron-arrives-in-india-on-4-day-visit-35256">4-day</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/french-president-macron-arrives-in-india-on-4-day-visit-35256"> visit</a></p>

<p>French President France Emmanuel Macron arrived in New Delhi on Friday on a four-day state visit. He was received by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as soon as he touched down at the Delhi airport. The two had a brief interaction before the French president was whisked away in a waiting car.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/deal-with-north-korea-in-the-making-and-will-be-a-good-one-for-the-world-trump-35275">Deal with North Korea in the making and will be a good one for the world: Trump</a></p>

<p>US President Donald Trump on Saturday a deal with North Korea is very much in the making and will be, if completed, a very good one for the world. Trump took to Twitter and said, &quot;a deal with North Korea is very much in the making and will be, if completed, a very good one for the world.&quot;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/loya-may-have-died-due-to-poisoning-ngo-to-supreme-court-35276">Justice Loya may have died due to poisoning: NGO to Supreme court</a></p>

<p>An NGO, which had sought an independent probe into the alleged mysterious death of special CBI judge B H Loya Saturday claimed in the Supreme Court that he might have died due to poisoning as he had complained of chest congestion.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/gunman-holed-up-at-california-veterans-home-with-3-hostages-35269">Gunman</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/gunman-holed-up-at-california-veterans-home-with-3-hostages-35269"> holed up at California veterans home with 3 hostages&nbsp;</a></p>

<p>A gunman who once served in the US military opened fire on Friday inside a California home for disabled and aging war veterans, where he took three hostages and was holding police at bay as negotiators sought to make contact with him for several hours, authorities said.</p>


US seeks 'concrete actions' from North Korea before planned talks US President Donald Trump will not meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un unless Pyongyang takes "concrete actions," the White House said on Friday as it faced criticism for agreeing to talks that would give North Korea international legitimacy. French president Macron arrives in India on 4-day visit French President France Emmanuel Macron arrived in New Delhi on Friday on a four-day state visit. He was received by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as soon as he touched down at the Delhi airport. The two had a brief interaction before the French president was whisked away in a waiting car. Deal with North Korea in the making and will be a good one for the world: Trump US President Donald Trump on Saturday a deal with North Korea is very much in the making and will be, if completed, a very good one for the world. Trump took to Twitter and said, "a deal with North Korea is very much in the making and will be, if completed, a very good one for the world." Justice Loya may have died due to poisoning: NGO to Supreme court An NGO, which had sought an independent probe into the alleged mysterious death of special CBI judge B H Loya Saturday claimed in the Supreme Court that he might have died due to poisoning as he had complained of chest congestion. Gunman holed up at California veterans home with 3 hostages A gunman who once served in the US military opened fire on Friday inside a California home for disabled and aging war veterans, where he took three hostages and was holding police at bay as negotiators sought to make contact with him for several hours, authorities said.

WION Morning News Brief, March 10, 2018

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-speaks-to-andhra-cm-chandrababu-naidu-after-he-orders-two-tdp-ministers-to-quit-modis-cabinet-35109" target="_blank">Modi speaks to Andhra Pradesh CM Naidu, 2 TDP ministers quit Union Cabinet</a></p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu Thursday evening.&nbsp;The two TDP ministers in Modi&#39;s cabinet &mdash; Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju and Minister of State for Science and Technology YS Chowdary &mdash; later met with the prime minister and tendered their resignations to him.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-government-approves-state-flag-to-seek-approval-from-centre-35106" target="_blank">Karnataka unveils state flag, to seek approval from Centre</a></p>

<p>The Karnataka&#39;s Siddaramaiah government unveiled an official state flag on Thursday.&nbsp;The flag or Naada Dwaja with red, white and yellow colours have state emblem &ldquo;Ganda Bherunda&rdquo;, a two-headed mythical bird in the middle.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-love-jihad-case-supreme-court-restores-hadiyas-marriage-strikes-down-high-court-order-35101" target="_blank">Kerala &#39;love jihad&#39; case: Supreme Court restores Hadiya&#39;s marriage, strikes down </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-love-jihad-case-supreme-court-restores-hadiyas-marriage-strikes-down-high-court-order-35101" target="_blank">high</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-love-jihad-case-supreme-court-restores-hadiyas-marriage-strikes-down-high-court-order-35101" target="_blank"> court order</a></p>

<p>In a relief to Kerala-based Hadiya, an alleged victim of love jihad, the Supreme Court today set aside the high court order annulling her marriage to a Muslim man. A bench comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra and justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud, however, said that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) may continue its investigation in the matter.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mehul-choksi-refuses-to-appear-in-front-of-cbi-on-health-grounds-35086" target="_blank">Mehul Choksi refuses to appear in front of CBI on health grounds, asks how he is </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mehul-choksi-refuses-to-appear-in-front-of-cbi-on-health-grounds-35086" target="_blank">security</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mehul-choksi-refuses-to-appear-in-front-of-cbi-on-health-grounds-35086" target="_blank"> threat to India</a></p>

<p>Fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi refused to appear in front of investigating agency Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on health grounds. In a letter to CBI, he stated that he could not travel due to the health problem.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/curfew-in-sri-lankan-tourist-town-of-kandy-to-be-temporarily-lifted-35060" target="_blank">Curfew in Sri Lankan tourist town of Kandy to be temporarily lifted</a></p>

<p>A curfew in the Sri Lankan town of Kandy will be temporarily lifted on Thursday, authorities said, following days of violence against members of the minority Muslim community by Buddhists.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Modi speaks to Andhra Pradesh CM Naidu, 2 TDP ministers quit Union Cabinet Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu Thursday evening. The two TDP ministers in Modi's cabinet — Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju and Minister of State for Science and Technology YS Chowdary — later met with the prime minister and tendered their resignations to him. Karnataka unveils state flag, to seek approval from Centre The Karnataka's Siddaramaiah government unveiled an official state flag on Thursday. The flag or Naada Dwaja with red, white and yellow colours have state emblem “Ganda Bherunda”, a two-headed mythical bird in the middle. Kerala 'love jihad' case: Supreme Court restores Hadiya's marriage, strikes down high court order In a relief to Kerala-based Hadiya, an alleged victim of love jihad, the Supreme Court today set aside the high court order annulling her marriage to a Muslim man. A bench comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra and justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud, however, said that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) may continue its investigation in the matter. Mehul Choksi refuses to appear in front of CBI on health grounds, asks how he is security threat to India Fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi refused to appear in front of investigating agency Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on health grounds. In a letter to CBI, he stated that he could not travel due to the health problem. Curfew in Sri Lankan tourist town of Kandy to be temporarily lifted A curfew in the Sri Lankan town of Kandy will be temporarily lifted on Thursday, authorities said, following days of violence against members of the minority Muslim community by Buddhists.

WION Evening News Brief, March 8, 2018

<p>BJP president Amit Shah has become the second most followed leader in India on social media portals with a total of over 2 crore followers on Twitter and Facebook.</p>

<p>Shah has now got around 10.1 million followers on Twitter and around 11 million on Facebook.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Shah, who joined Twitter in May 2013, hit the 10 million mark on Tuesday. The BJP president has so far tweeted more than 5,700 times on issues such as the BJP victories in the northeast and Congress&#39;s alleged acts of corruption.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A BJP insider said Shah uses these platforms &quot;to stay in direct touch with party workers and to deal with problems faced by the people&quot;.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He often meets BJP volunteers working on social media sites and encourages other party workers to use these platforms to stay in touch with the public.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Although, PM Modi still maintains his position as the number one leader with the most number of followers on Twitter with over 40 million followers.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Shah has now got around 10.1 million followers on Twitter and around 11 million on Facebook

BJP president Amit Shah has become the second most followed leader in India on social media portals with a total of over 2 crore followers on Twitter and Facebook. Shah has now got around 10.1 million followers on Twitter and around 11 million on Facebook. Shah, who joined Twitter in May 2013, hit the 10 million mark on Tuesday. The BJP president has so far tweeted more than 5,700 times on issues such as the BJP victories in the northeast and Congress's alleged acts of corruption. A BJP insider said Shah uses these platforms "to stay in direct touch with party workers and to deal with problems faced by the people". He often meets BJP volunteers working on social media sites and encourages other party workers to use these platforms to stay in touch with the public. Although, PM Modi still maintains his position as the number one leader with the most number of followers on Twitter with over 40 million followers.

BJP President Amit Shah becomes second most followed Indian leader on social media after Modi

<p>In a jaw-drawing incident, a tea seller in Maharashtra&#39;s Pune city has set the bar high for his competitors by earning Rs 12 lakh per month.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Yewle Tea house has become one of the famous stalls in the city.</p>

<p>Navnath Yewle, co-founder of Yewle Tea house, says he is going to make it an international brand very soon.</p>

<p>&quot;Unlike &#39;pakora&#39; business. This tea selling business is also creating employment for Indians. This business is growing fast and I&#39;m happy,&quot; Navnath said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Currently, Yewle Tea House has got three centers in the city and every center has about 12 employees working in it.</p>

<p>The &#39;pakora&#39; remark is often associated as Congress&#39; taunt to PM Modi, saying that he is running a &#39;pakora&#39; government.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Moreover, the opposition party has continuously made comments about PM Modi&#39;s previous job as a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-sold-tea-not-the-nation-prime-minister-modi-attacks-congress-25269">tea seller </a>and had also announced a reward of Rs 15 lakh to the person who gave proof about the stall where Prime Minister Narendra Modi was selling tea.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In an interview with Zee, Modi had said: &quot; If someone opened a small shop outside Zee studios, and they earn Rs 200 at the end of the day, isn&#39;t that part of employment generation? These small businesses are not part of the data, but there is growth in the number of such businesses,&quot; upon a question over employment.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Yewle Tea house has become one of the famous stalls in the city

In a jaw-drawing incident, a tea seller in Maharashtra's Pune city has set the bar high for his competitors by earning Rs 12 lakh per month. Yewle Tea house has become one of the famous stalls in the city. Navnath Yewle, co-founder of Yewle Tea house, says he is going to make it an international brand very soon. "Unlike 'pakora' business. This tea selling business is also creating employment for Indians. This business is growing fast and I'm happy," Navnath said. Currently, Yewle Tea House has got three centers in the city and every center has about 12 employees working in it. The 'pakora' remark is often associated as Congress' taunt to PM Modi, saying that he is running a 'pakora' government. Moreover, the opposition party has continuously made comments about PM Modi's previous job as a tea seller and had also announced a reward of Rs 15 lakh to the person who gave proof about the stall where Prime Minister Narendra Modi was selling tea. In an interview with Zee, Modi had said: " If someone opened a small shop outside Zee studios, and they earn Rs 200 at the end of the day, isn't that part of employment generation? These small businesses are not part of the data, but there is growth in the number of such businesses," upon a question over employment.

Pune: This tea seller makes Rs 12 lakh per month, sets benchmark

<p>As part of his three-day visit from March 2 to 4, Vietnam President Tran Dai Quang, who aims to strengthen their partnership to ward off China&#39;s growing influence, will hold talks with his Indian counterpart Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Vietnam President Tran Dai Quang also paid tribute at Raj Ghat in New Delhi on Saturday morning.</p>

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&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/969824529731158017?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The visiting dignitary will also attend a Vietnam-India Business Forum and the opening ceremony of the Vietnam Days in India 2018.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Vietnamese President is leading an 18-member delegation, including ministers, party leaders, and businessmen.</p>

<p>President Quang is also expected to interact with prominent Indian businessmen.</p>

<p>External Affairs Minister called on visiting Vietnam President Tran Dai Quang and discussed ways to further deepen the bilateral relationship.</p>

<p>&quot;Discussion focused on steps to further strengthen our comprehensive strategic partnership by expanding cooperation across all sectors,&quot; External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During Prime Minister Narendra Modi&#39;s visit to Vietnam in 2017 the bilateral relationship was elevated from Strategic Partnership to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Modi and Quang will hold a bilateral meeting later in the day following which a number of agreements are expected to be signed.</p>

<p>Quang arrived in Delhi on Friday night and was received by President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi upon his arrival. He also received a ceremonial reception at the Rashtrapati Bhawan.</p>

<p>Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar took to Twitter and said, &quot;And this is how we welcome our esteemed guest! Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang was accorded a ceremonial welcome @RashtrapatiBhvn in the presence of President Shri Ram Nath Kovind and PM @narendramodi.&quot;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">And this is how we welcome our esteemed guest! Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang was accorded a ceremonial welcome <a href="https://twitter.com/rashtrapatibhvn?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RashtrapatiBhvn</a> in the presence of President Shri Ram Nath Kovind and PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> <a href="https://t.co/QKpc9pHELd">pic.twitter.com/QKpc9pHELd</a></p>
&mdash; Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/969788731195523073?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Quang also received a ceremonial reception at the Rashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi

As part of his three-day visit from March 2 to 4, Vietnam President Tran Dai Quang, who aims to strengthen their partnership to ward off China's growing influence, will hold talks with his Indian counterpart Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Vietnam President Tran Dai Quang also paid tribute at Raj Ghat in New Delhi on Saturday morning. Delhi: President of Vietnam Tran Dai Quang pays tribute at Raj Ghat. pic.twitter.com/uQ9uzqeq4S — ANI (@ANI) March 3, 2018 × The visiting dignitary will also attend a Vietnam-India Business Forum and the opening ceremony of the Vietnam Days in India 2018. The Vietnamese President is leading an 18-member delegation, including ministers, party leaders, and businessmen. President Quang is also expected to interact with prominent Indian businessmen. External Affairs Minister called on visiting Vietnam President Tran Dai Quang and discussed ways to further deepen the bilateral relationship. "Discussion focused on steps to further strengthen our comprehensive strategic partnership by expanding cooperation across all sectors," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted. During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Vietnam in 2017 the bilateral relationship was elevated from Strategic Partnership to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Modi and Quang will hold a bilateral meeting later in the day following which a number of agreements are expected to be signed. Quang arrived in Delhi on Friday night and was received by President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi upon his arrival. He also received a ceremonial reception at the Rashtrapati Bhawan. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar took to Twitter and said, "And this is how we welcome our esteemed guest! Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang was accorded a ceremonial welcome @RashtrapatiBhvn in the presence of President Shri Ram Nath Kovind and PM @narendramodi." And this is how we welcome our esteemed guest! Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang was accorded a ceremonial welcome @RashtrapatiBhvn in the presence of President Shri Ram Nath Kovind and PM @narendramodi pic.twitter.com/QKpc9pHELd — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) March 3, 2018 ×

Vietnam President to hold bilateral talks, aims to strengthen partnership

<p>Amid the multi-agency probe into the PNB scam, the state-run bank on Monday said the amount of fraudulent transactions could be Rs 1,300 crore more than the current estimate of about Rs 11,400 crore.</p>

<p>The latest announcement from the public sector lender assumes significance against the backdrop of the probe going on into the Rs 11,400 crore scam, which is already one of the biggest in the Indian banking sector.</p>

<p>On February 14, the bank had detected the fraud wherein billionaire jeweller Nirav Modi and associates had allegedly acquired fraudulent letters of undertaking (LoUs) from one of the branches of the PNB for overseas credit from other Indian lenders.</p>

<p>In a filing to the BSE late tonight, the bank said the amount of unauthorised transactions could go up by more than Rs 1,300 crore.</p>

<p>&quot;...We have to inform that quantum of reported unauthorised transactions can increase by $ 204.25 million (approximately),&quot; the filing said.</p>

<p>At the current exchange rate, the amount comes to around Rs 1,323 crore.</p>

<p>The bank also referred to its filing made on February 14 when it first disclosed the fraud and at that time, the &quot;fraudulent and unauthorised transactions&quot; was estimated at $ 1.77 billion (about Rs 11,400 crore).</p>

<p>The scam was perpetrated by way of fraudulent Letters of Undertaking (LoUs) generated in the name of Punjab National Bank.&nbsp;</p>


The Rs 11,400 crore scam is already one of the biggest in the Indian banking sector

Amid the multi-agency probe into the PNB scam, the state-run bank on Monday said the amount of fraudulent transactions could be Rs 1,300 crore more than the current estimate of about Rs 11,400 crore. The latest announcement from the public sector lender assumes significance against the backdrop of the probe going on into the Rs 11,400 crore scam, which is already one of the biggest in the Indian banking sector. On February 14, the bank had detected the fraud wherein billionaire jeweller Nirav Modi and associates had allegedly acquired fraudulent letters of undertaking (LoUs) from one of the branches of the PNB for overseas credit from other Indian lenders. In a filing to the BSE late tonight, the bank said the amount of unauthorised transactions could go up by more than Rs 1,300 crore. "...We have to inform that quantum of reported unauthorised transactions can increase by $ 204.25 million (approximately)," the filing said. At the current exchange rate, the amount comes to around Rs 1,323 crore. The bank also referred to its filing made on February 14 when it first disclosed the fraud and at that time, the "fraudulent and unauthorised transactions" was estimated at $ 1.77 billion (about Rs 11,400 crore). The scam was perpetrated by way of fraudulent Letters of Undertaking (LoUs) generated in the name of Punjab National Bank.

PNB fraud: Bank says scam amount could be Rs 1,300 crore higher

<p>Swachh Bharat Abhiyan Mascot Kunwar Bai died at the age of 106 on Friday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 106-year-old died at the Raipur&#39;s Ambedkar Hospital at 10:40 am.</p>

<p>She was suffering from a prolonged illness and was admitted to the hospital after Chief Minister Raman Singh&#39;s direction.</p>

<p>While inaugurating Shyama Prasad Mukherji Rurban Mission in 2016 in Chhattisgarh, Prime Minister Modi honored her for her efforts in free open defecation mission.</p>

<p>Kunwar Bai had sold her goats for about 22,000 and utilised the money to construct a toilet at her home for her daughter-in-law and granddaughter as she did not want them to face difficulties.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She also spread awareness about the importance of using toilets in other villages.</p>

<p>Kunwar Bai was also appointed as the Swachhta Doot by the state government.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the hospital, she expressed her desire to meet chief minister Raman Sigh after which he called&nbsp;her over a video call.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Dhamtari: Kunwar Bai passes away at the age of 106, she was chosen as the mascot for Swachh Bharat Abhiyan by PM Narendra Modi for building toilets by selling off her goats. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chhattisgarh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chhattisgarh</a> <a href="https://t.co/roVNmFSOST">pic.twitter.com/roVNmFSOST</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/966999795649916928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Kunwar Bai had sold her goats for about 22,000 and utilised the money to construct a toilet at her home for her daughter in law and granddaughter as she did not want them to face difficulties

Swachh Bharat Abhiyan Mascot Kunwar Bai died at the age of 106 on Friday. The 106-year-old died at the Raipur's Ambedkar Hospital at 10:40 am. She was suffering from a prolonged illness and was admitted to the hospital after Chief Minister Raman Singh's direction. While inaugurating Shyama Prasad Mukherji Rurban Mission in 2016 in Chhattisgarh, Prime Minister Modi honored her for her efforts in free open defecation mission. Kunwar Bai had sold her goats for about 22,000 and utilised the money to construct a toilet at her home for her daughter-in-law and granddaughter as she did not want them to face difficulties. She also spread awareness about the importance of using toilets in other villages. Kunwar Bai was also appointed as the Swachhta Doot by the state government. In the hospital, she expressed her desire to meet chief minister Raman Sigh after which he called her over a video call. Dhamtari: Kunwar Bai passes away at the age of 106, she was chosen as the mascot for Swachh Bharat Abhiyan by PM Narendra Modi for building toilets by selling off her goats. #Chhattisgarh pic.twitter.com/roVNmFSOST — ANI (@ANI) February 23, 2018 ×

Mascot for Swachh Bharat Abhiyan Kunwar Bai passes away at 106

<p>PM Narendra Modi<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-space-for-those-who-misuse-religion-for-political-motives-separatism-pm-modi-33799"> discussed the situation in the</a> Maldives with Canadian PM Justin Trudeau today at meeting&nbsp;in Hyderabad&nbsp;House in Delhi.</p>

<p>The two leaders also discussed ways to bring peace in Afghanistan. PM Modi and Trudeau spoke to each other on the need to restore freedom of democratic institutions in the Maldives.</p>

<p>&#39;We discussed regional and global issues. The situation in Afghanistan was discussed,&quot; PM Modi said, adding that our views are similar on the need to ensure freedom of democratic institutions in the Maldives.</p>

<p>Modi and Trudeau also discussed freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific and the North Korean proliferation issue.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, India&#39;s National Security Advisor(NSA) Ajit Doval met his Canadian counterpart Daniel Jean and discussed terrorism.</p>

<p>Doval and Daniel also discussed threats from Jaish and Lashkar as well as Babbar Khalsa.</p>


The two leaders also discussed ways to bring peace in Afghanistan.

PM Narendra Modi discussed the situation in the Maldives with Canadian PM Justin Trudeau today at meeting in Hyderabad House in Delhi. The two leaders also discussed ways to bring peace in Afghanistan. PM Modi and Trudeau spoke to each other on the need to restore freedom of democratic institutions in the Maldives. 'We discussed regional and global issues. The situation in Afghanistan was discussed," PM Modi said, adding that our views are similar on the need to ensure freedom of democratic institutions in the Maldives. Modi and Trudeau also discussed freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific and the North Korean proliferation issue. Meanwhile, India's National Security Advisor(NSA) Ajit Doval met his Canadian counterpart Daniel Jean and discussed terrorism. Doval and Daniel also discussed threats from Jaish and Lashkar as well as Babbar Khalsa.

Canada's view on Maldives is the same as India, says PM Modi after meeting Trudeau

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-successfully-launches-nuclear-capable-dhanush-missile-from-naval-ship-33812" target="_blank">India successfully test-fires nuclear-capable Dhanush missile from naval ship</a></p>

<p>India today successfully&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/agni-v-test-fired-successfully-10-things-about-the-nuclear-capable-missile-29955">test-fired&nbsp;the nuclear-capable</a>&nbsp;ballistic missile &#39;Dhanush&#39; from a naval ship off Odisha coast. An anti-ship missile, Dhanush is a variant of &nbsp;Prithvi III developed by the Indian Navy.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-equipping-soliders-with-us-style-digital-combat-gear-along-india-border-report-33829" target="_blank">China equipping </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-equipping-soliders-with-us-style-digital-combat-gear-along-india-border-report-33829" target="_blank">soliders</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-equipping-soliders-with-us-style-digital-combat-gear-along-india-border-report-33829" target="_blank"> with </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-equipping-soliders-with-us-style-digital-combat-gear-along-india-border-report-33829" target="_blank">US style</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-equipping-soliders-with-us-style-digital-combat-gear-along-india-border-report-33829" target="_blank"> digital combat gear along India border: Report</a></p>

<p>After reports of China upgrading its&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-upgrading-air-defence-in-tibet-to-counter-india-threat-says-state-media-33664">air defence along the Line of Actual&nbsp;</a>Control (LAC), a report said it has equipped one its Army branch stationed at the border with US-style integrated individual soldier combat system to prepare for &quot;informatised warfare&quot;.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/now-india-pak-afghan-officials-bond-over-tapi-gas-pipeline-33808" target="_blank">Now, India, Pak, Afghan officials bond over TAPI gas pipeline</a></p>

<p>India&#39;s minister of state for external affairs M J Akbar today joined Afghan President Ashraf Ghani to open Tapi gas pipeline section in Afganistan.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-space-for-those-who-misuse-religion-for-political-motives-separatism-pm-modi-33799" target="_blank">No space for those who misuse religion for political motives &amp; separatism: PM Modi</a></p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with his Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau on Friday.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-bulldozed-scores-of-rohingya-villages-since-november-human-rights-watch-33823" target="_blank">Myanmar bulldozed scores of Rohingya villages since November: Human Rights Watch</a></p>

<p>Satellite imagery shows Myanmar authorities have bulldozed at least 55 Rohingya villages in northern Rakhine in recent months, Human Rights Watch said Friday, condemning the government for erasing evidence at sites where troops are accused of atrocities.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


India successfully test-fires nuclear-capable Dhanush missile from naval ship India today successfully test-fired the nuclear-capable ballistic missile 'Dhanush' from a naval ship off Odisha coast. An anti-ship missile, Dhanush is a variant of Prithvi III developed by the Indian Navy. China equipping soliders with US style digital combat gear along India border: Report After reports of China upgrading its air defence along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), a report said it has equipped one its Army branch stationed at the border with US-style integrated individual soldier combat system to prepare for "informatised warfare". Now, India, Pak, Afghan officials bond over TAPI gas pipeline India's minister of state for external affairs M J Akbar today joined Afghan President Ashraf Ghani to open Tapi gas pipeline section in Afganistan. No space for those who misuse religion for political motives & separatism: PM Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with his Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau on Friday. Myanmar bulldozed scores of Rohingya villages since November: Human Rights Watch Satellite imagery shows Myanmar authorities have bulldozed at least 55 Rohingya villages in northern Rakhine in recent months, Human Rights Watch said Friday, condemning the government for erasing evidence at sites where troops are accused of atrocities.

WION Evening News brief, February 23, 2018

<p>Addressing an election rally in Meghalaya, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told the people&nbsp;that the state needs a double engine, one from Meghalaya and other from Delhi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said, &quot;if both the engines come together, all the work which had been halted for 50 years will begin at once&quot;.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Meghalaya: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses a public rally in West Garo Hills district&#39;s Phulbari <a href="https://t.co/pIEuy1tJHf">pic.twitter.com/pIEuy1tJHf</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/966614698182565888?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Taking a shot at the Congress government in the state he said &quot;the current government has wasted your 50 years. I urge you to provide us with one opportunity for five years&quot;.</p>

<p>He added that no roads were to be seen in the state even after crore of rupees was released by the Central government.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">What is the reason that even if Crores of rupees are released by Delhi for roads, there are no roads to be seen in Meghalaya?: PM Modi in Phulbari, Meghalaya <a href="https://t.co/CwZPOY938H">pic.twitter.com/CwZPOY938H</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/966640560860573696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>PM Modi said, &quot;Today the world is appreciating India, the reason behind this is not Modi but you, the people&quot;.</p>

<p>The tenure of the current 60-member assembly in the state will end&nbsp;on March 6, while the polls are scheduled for February 27.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


PM Modi said, 'if both the engines come together, all the work which had been halted for 50 years will begin at once'

Addressing an election rally in Meghalaya, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told the people that the state needs a double engine, one from Meghalaya and other from Delhi. He said, "if both the engines come together, all the work which had been halted for 50 years will begin at once". Meghalaya: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses a public rally in West Garo Hills district's Phulbari pic.twitter.com/pIEuy1tJHf — ANI (@ANI) February 22, 2018 × Taking a shot at the Congress government in the state he said "the current government has wasted your 50 years. I urge you to provide us with one opportunity for five years". He added that no roads were to be seen in the state even after crore of rupees was released by the Central government. What is the reason that even if Crores of rupees are released by Delhi for roads, there are no roads to be seen in Meghalaya?: PM Modi in Phulbari, Meghalaya pic.twitter.com/CwZPOY938H — ANI (@ANI) February 22, 2018 × PM Modi said, "Today the world is appreciating India, the reason behind this is not Modi but you, the people". The tenure of the current 60-member assembly in the state will end on March 6, while the polls are scheduled for February 27.

Meghalaya govt has wasted 50 years, says PM Modi

<p>A few days back, there was a very interesting news piece. In the town Shamli of western UP,&nbsp; two dreaded criminals walked into the office of Police Superintendent and handed over an affidavit stating that they were leaving the crime world once and for all and going forward they would earn their bread with honesty and hard work.</p>

<p>This very clip manifest the changes which are ushering in the largest state of the country ever since Yogi Adityanath took over the reign around 11 months back. For someone like me who was born and brought up in UP, this is news of huge significance.</p>

<p>In 2005, when Nitish Kumar became Chief Minister of Bihar for the&nbsp;first time, my friend from college, who is from Bihar called me and said: &ldquo; we finally have our man, when will you have?&rdquo;.</p>

<p>There is a background to the question asked by my friend. UP and Bihar&nbsp;are two of the largest states in India. Combined together, these two states are 1/4th&nbsp;of India. Regretfully, these are the two states, who paid the hefty price for the political turmoil over the past three decades. Both states were left lurching and in the abysmal state on all indexes of development and human life.</p>

<p>For UP, it was a sorry figure for a state which has spearheaded the political, social and even&nbsp;economic&nbsp;activities of the country since the colonial times.</p>

<p>The process of decline started in 1985 when a few months after Indira Gandhi&rsquo;s assassination, Congress swept the assembly polls in Bihar and UP (with other states as well) with Rajiv Gandhi as the Congress supremo and Prime Minister. Rajiv Gandhi subverted constitutional values in a very big way and state governments were only interested in keeping their master happy. In UP and Bihar, Congress governments were jaded and with pathetic or say nil governance. The game of musical chair for chief ministership was on as Rajiv Gandhi was sacking and appointing them&nbsp;on&nbsp;his whims. The result, Congress lost base rapidly and voters alienated with Congress.</p>

<p>1990 was one plummeted steeply in the five years during 1985-90, lost its total voter base in UP and Bihar. In UP, Mulayam Singh Yadav and Kanshiram made most of this situation and UP just got entrapped in caste-based politics with clear compartments of votes.</p>

<p>In UP, the deterioration was thick and fast in the new millennium. Mayawati had some hold on the governance during 2007-2012 but transparency was completely missing, financial irregularities were pervasive, and BSP cadre was busy in the organised loot from top to bottom.</p>

<p>But it was the rule of Samajwadi Party during 2003-07 and 2012-17, which hit UP the most. Corruption was rife and so was nepotism. Criminals got brazen political protection. As the epitome of worst of cast appeasement, each and every institution like Police, Public Service Commission, Public Works Department, etc, were disrupted and were flooded with people of just one caste. Once a transporter told his plight to me that how goons backed by political dispensation were robbing their fleets and drivers with sheer impunity. The corruption was at an unthinkable peak. A few years back, during the discussion with one supplier who used to supply consumables to UP&rsquo;s health department, it came out that he had to dole out Rs. 55,000 to babus and brokers for a billing of Rs. 1 Lakh. You can imagine what stuff a supplier would deliver after paying a 55% commission. This will also throw some light that how so many kids died in Gorakhpur Medical College a few months back.</p>

<p>The sign of revival was palpable, soon after Yogi took the reign in March 2017. He first attacked the UP&rsquo;s road, which was full of potholes. Then he came hard on illegal butcheries, which were an absolute menace and polluting environment in a big way (liberals ranted though on this and tried to give this a communal twist).</p>

<p>But Yogi&rsquo;s crackdown on criminals is his biggest achievement. Liberals are again ranting on possible human right&rsquo;s violation by Police but these liberals have little idea that how deep-rooted the problem of crimes is in UP. It warrants radical steps and Yogi is just doing that. It needs the shock therapy, which Yogi is providing.</p>

<p>Yogi is the man of action and his actions are decisive and bold. He recently cracked down on blatant cheating in UP Board examinations. To my surprise, I read a piece by a famous liberal, wherein Yogi was criticised that how Yogi is ruthless on cheaters and playing with the future of youth.</p>

<p>His investor summit in Lucknow has been encouraging on the first day itself on 21st&nbsp;Feb 2018. Narendra Modi who is the originator of this very Idea with his &ldquo;Vibrant Gujarat&rdquo; initiatives when he was Chief Minister of Gujarat himself was present and presided over.</p>

<p>So, finally, UP has its man, bit late albeit. Yogi has shown the glimpse that he can reinstate the lost glory of the largest state of the country.</p>

<p>Last but not the least, as UP send almost 15% of representative in the Lok Sabha, he is all important man for Modi and BJP as well in its run up to 2019. For the second term of Modi, UP would again play a decisive role and Yogi has the onus to deliver it, which he will.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)</p>


Since Yogi Adityanath took the reign in March 2017, he has shown that he can reinstate the lost glory of the largest state of the country.

A few days back, there was a very interesting news piece. In the town Shamli of western UP, two dreaded criminals walked into the office of Police Superintendent and handed over an affidavit stating that they were leaving the crime world once and for all and going forward they would earn their bread with honesty and hard work. This very clip manifest the changes which are ushering in the largest state of the country ever since Yogi Adityanath took over the reign around 11 months back. For someone like me who was born and brought up in UP, this is news of huge significance. In 2005, when Nitish Kumar became Chief Minister of Bihar for the first time, my friend from college, who is from Bihar called me and said: “ we finally have our man, when will you have?”. There is a background to the question asked by my friend. UP and Bihar are two of the largest states in India. Combined together, these two states are 1/4th of India. Regretfully, these are the two states, who paid the hefty price for the political turmoil over the past three decades. Both states were left lurching and in the abysmal state on all indexes of development and human life. For UP, it was a sorry figure for a state which has spearheaded the political, social and even economic activities of the country since the colonial times. The process of decline started in 1985 when a few months after Indira Gandhi’s assassination, Congress swept the assembly polls in Bihar and UP (with other states as well) with Rajiv Gandhi as the Congress supremo and Prime Minister. Rajiv Gandhi subverted constitutional values in a very big way and state governments were only interested in keeping their master happy. In UP and Bihar, Congress governments were jaded and with pathetic or say nil governance. The game of musical chair for chief ministership was on as Rajiv Gandhi was sacking and appointing them on his whims. The result, Congress lost base rapidly and voters alienated with Congress. 1990 was one plummeted steeply in the five years during 1985-90, lost its total voter base in UP and Bihar. In UP, Mulayam Singh Yadav and Kanshiram made most of this situation and UP just got entrapped in caste-based politics with clear compartments of votes. In UP, the deterioration was thick and fast in the new millennium. Mayawati had some hold on the governance during 2007-2012 but transparency was completely missing, financial irregularities were pervasive, and BSP cadre was busy in the organised loot from top to bottom. But it was the rule of Samajwadi Party during 2003-07 and 2012-17, which hit UP the most. Corruption was rife and so was nepotism. Criminals got brazen political protection. As the epitome of worst of cast appeasement, each and every institution like Police, Public Service Commission, Public Works Department, etc, were disrupted and were flooded with people of just one caste. Once a transporter told his plight to me that how goons backed by political dispensation were robbing their fleets and drivers with sheer impunity. The corruption was at an unthinkable peak. A few years back, during the discussion with one supplier who used to supply consumables to UP’s health department, it came out that he had to dole out Rs. 55,000 to babus and brokers for a billing of Rs. 1 Lakh. You can imagine what stuff a supplier would deliver after paying a 55% commission. This will also throw some light that how so many kids died in Gorakhpur Medical College a few months back. The sign of revival was palpable, soon after Yogi took the reign in March 2017. He first attacked the UP’s road, which was full of potholes. Then he came hard on illegal butcheries, which were an absolute menace and polluting environment in a big way (liberals ranted though on this and tried to give this a communal twist). But Yogi’s crackdown on criminals is his biggest achievement. Liberals are again ranting on possible human right’s violation by Police but these liberals have little idea that how deep-rooted the problem of crimes is in UP. It warrants radical steps and Yogi is just doing that. It needs the shock therapy, which Yogi is providing. Yogi is the man of action and his actions are decisive and bold. He recently cracked down on blatant cheating in UP Board examinations. To my surprise, I read a piece by a famous liberal, wherein Yogi was criticised that how Yogi is ruthless on cheaters and playing with the future of youth. His investor summit in Lucknow has been encouraging on the first day itself on 21st Feb 2018. Narendra Modi who is the originator of this very Idea with his “Vibrant Gujarat” initiatives when he was Chief Minister of Gujarat himself was present and presided over. So, finally, UP has its man, bit late albeit. Yogi has shown the glimpse that he can reinstate the lost glory of the largest state of the country. Last but not the least, as UP send almost 15% of representative in the Lok Sabha, he is all important man for Modi and BJP as well in its run up to 2019. For the second term of Modi, UP would again play a decisive role and Yogi has the onus to deliver it, which he will. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Yogi Adityanath is the man to root out crime in UP

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