<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="3">On the occasion of celebrating India’s independence on August 15, Arunachal Pradesh launched its first drone service, ‘Medicine from the sky', from Seppa to Chayang Tajo. The project was in collaboration with the World Economic Forum (WEF).</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="5">Pema Khandu, the chief minister of the state, taking&nbsp;to Twitter, said that the project is inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of making India the world’s drone hub.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Drone Services Launched: Guided by vision of Hon PM Shri <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> ji to make India world's drone hub, Govt of Arunachal Pradesh has decided to conduct a pilot project of using drones in healthcare, agriculture &amp; disaster management in collaboration with <a href="https://twitter.com/wef?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wef</a>.<a href="https://twitter.com/ArunachalCMO?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ArunachalCMO</a> <a href="https://t.co/AaK37EW1uq">pic.twitter.com/AaK37EW1uq</a></p>
— Pema Khandu པདྨ་མཁའ་འགྲོ་། (@PemaKhanduBJP) <a href="https://twitter.com/PemaKhanduBJP/status/1559124704782602241?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-indian-national-flag-unfurled-30-kilometres-above-the-planet-507111">Watch: Indian national flag unfurled 30 kilometres above the planet</a></strong></p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="6">The minister further stated that "based on the field assessment report, a pilot project 'Medicine from the Sky’ is being rolled out on the occasion of Independence Day from Seppa, East Kameng district. As part of ongoing Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations, happy to have virtually launched the pilot project," ANI reported.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="7">The chief minister added that the USAID-funded and Redwings Labs-executed pilot project would clearly illustrate technical challenges, financial viability, and regulatory problems so that the government can develop a policy and take action steps towards accepting this new form of technology. He also shared a video of the drone’s first flight on Twitter.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Successful launch of the first flight of drone service - ‘medicine from the sky’ from Seppa to Chayang Tajo in East Kameng district. <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PMOIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MoHFW_INDIA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MoHFW_INDIA</a> <a href="https://t.co/hIK1XpIIAf">pic.twitter.com/hIK1XpIIAf</a></p>
— Pema Khandu པདྨ་མཁའ་འགྲོ་། (@PemaKhanduBJP) <a href="https://twitter.com/PemaKhanduBJP/status/1559127188158709760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Also read </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/india-hands-over-dornier-aircraft-to-sri-lanka-on-its-76th-independence-day-507146"><strong>|&nbsp;India hands over Dornier aircraft to Sri Lanka on its 76th Independence Day</strong></a></p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="8">Similarly, the minister of civil aviation, Jyotiraditya Scindia, in May predicted that with the PM’s vision, India would soon witness new businesses adopting drone services, making the country the&nbsp;world’s drone hub. The aviation minister, in his speech at the inaugural ceremony, said, "It is the resolve of PM Modi to make India the International Drone Hub leader by 2030. We have to lead the world in this field. Our Ministry is working along with NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant," ANI reported.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="9">With the help of the government of India and efforts from drone stakeholders, the drone industry is expected to grow exponentially.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="9"><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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On the occasion of celebrating India’s independence on August 15, Arunachal Pradesh launched its first drone service, ‘Medicine from the sky', from Seppa to Chayang Tajo.

On the occasion of celebrating India’s independence on August 15, Arunachal Pradesh launched its first drone service, ‘Medicine from the sky', from Seppa to Chayang Tajo. The project was in collaboration with the World Economic Forum (WEF). Pema Khandu, the chief minister of the state, taking to Twitter, said that the project is inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of making India the world’s drone hub. Drone Services Launched: Guided by vision of Hon PM Shri @narendramodi ji to make India world's drone hub, Govt of Arunachal Pradesh has decided to conduct a pilot project of using drones in healthcare, agriculture & disaster management in collaboration with @wef.@ArunachalCMO pic.twitter.com/AaK37EW1uq — Pema Khandu པདྨ་མཁའ་འགྲོ་། (@PemaKhanduBJP) August 15, 2022 × Also read | Watch: Indian national flag unfurled 30 kilometres above the planet The minister further stated that "based on the field assessment report, a pilot project 'Medicine from the Sky’ is being rolled out on the occasion of Independence Day from Seppa, East Kameng district. As part of ongoing Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations, happy to have virtually launched the pilot project," ANI reported. The chief minister added that the USAID-funded and Redwings Labs-executed pilot project would clearly illustrate technical challenges, financial viability, and regulatory problems so that the government can develop a policy and take action steps towards accepting this new form of technology. He also shared a video of the drone’s first flight on Twitter. Successful launch of the first flight of drone service - ‘medicine from the sky’ from Seppa to Chayang Tajo in East Kameng district. @PMOIndia @MoHFW_INDIA pic.twitter.com/hIK1XpIIAf — Pema Khandu པདྨ་མཁའ་འགྲོ་། (@PemaKhanduBJP) August 15, 2022 × Also read | India hands over Dornier aircraft to Sri Lanka on its 76th Independence Day Similarly, the minister of civil aviation, Jyotiraditya Scindia, in May predicted that with the PM’s vision, India would soon witness new businesses adopting drone services, making the country the world’s drone hub. The aviation minister, in his speech at the inaugural ceremony, said, "It is the resolve of PM Modi to make India the International Drone Hub leader by 2030. We have to lead the world in this field. Our Ministry is working along with NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant," ANI reported. With the help of the government of India and efforts from drone stakeholders, the drone industry is expected to grow exponentially. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'Medicine from the sky’: Arunachal Pradesh launches its first drone-based healthcare services, CM shares video

<p>India is celebrating its 75th Independence Day anniversary today.&nbsp;It is a national holiday and is celebrated across the country with pomp and joy by organising cultural events, singing the national anthem, and patriotic songs, unfurling the tricolour and flying kites.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, the most prominent highlight of the day is the Prime Minister's speech from the ramparts of the historic Red Fort, situated in the capital city of New Delhi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The PM's address to the nation is a moment to reflect upon our achievements. It is a recollection of how far we have come over the years, despite facing tremendous hardships and having had our backs against the wall&nbsp;for the major part of it.</p>

<p>PM Narendra Modi has already addressed the nation eight times from the ramparts of Red Fort and he is all set to perform the duties for a ninth consecutive time.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>When to watch PM Modi live on Independence Day?</strong></p>

<p>According to PM Modi's schedule, he will first arrive at Raj Ghat around 7:06 AM IST to pay his tributes to Mahatma Gandhi, father of the nation. Afterwards, PM Modi will arrive at Red Fort's Lahori Gate around 7:18 AM.</p>

<p>At 7:30 AM, he will arrive at the ramparts of Red Fort and unfurl the tricolour, which will be followed by the national anthem, 21 gun salute and&nbsp;Indian Air Force helicopters showering flower petals over the ramparts.</p>

<p>Around 7:33 AM, PM Modi is expected to commence his speech. It will conclude with Jai Hind and the release of tricolour balloons.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Where to watch PM Modi's Independence Day speech and the build-up to it?</strong></p>

<p>India's state-owned public broadcaster Doordarshan will carry the live feed of the entire function, including PM Modi's speech.&nbsp;&nbsp;The YouTube channel of Doordarshan is also expected to carry the streaming.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Press Information Bureau (PIB) will stream the speech live on its&nbsp;YouTube channel as well as its Twitter handle.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The official YouTube channel of the Prime Minister’s Office will also air the address and the Twitter handle would provide live updates of the speech.</p>

<p>Most private news channels are also expected to carry DD's feed as well.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Moreover, you can follow WION's live blog to remain updated about PM Modi's movement and his speech&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>LIVE:</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-indias-75th-independence-day-anniversary-pm-modis-arrival-at-red-fort-his-address-to-nation-506889">India's 75th Independence Day anniversary: PM Modi's arrival at Red Fort, his address to nation</a></p>

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India is celebrating its 75th Independence Day anniversary today. It is a national holiday and is celebrated across the country with pomp and joy by organising cultural events, singing the national anthem, and patriotic songs, unfurling the tricolour and flying kites.

India is celebrating its 75th Independence Day anniversary today. It is a national holiday and is celebrated across the country with pomp and joy by organising cultural events, singing the national anthem, and patriotic songs, unfurling the tricolour and flying kites. However, the most prominent highlight of the day is the Prime Minister's speech from the ramparts of the historic Red Fort, situated in the capital city of New Delhi. The PM's address to the nation is a moment to reflect upon our achievements. It is a recollection of how far we have come over the years, despite facing tremendous hardships and having had our backs against the wall for the major part of it. PM Narendra Modi has already addressed the nation eight times from the ramparts of Red Fort and he is all set to perform the duties for a ninth consecutive time. When to watch PM Modi live on Independence Day? According to PM Modi's schedule, he will first arrive at Raj Ghat around 7:06 AM IST to pay his tributes to Mahatma Gandhi, father of the nation. Afterwards, PM Modi will arrive at Red Fort's Lahori Gate around 7:18 AM. At 7:30 AM, he will arrive at the ramparts of Red Fort and unfurl the tricolour, which will be followed by the national anthem, 21 gun salute and Indian Air Force helicopters showering flower petals over the ramparts. Around 7:33 AM, PM Modi is expected to commence his speech. It will conclude with Jai Hind and the release of tricolour balloons. Where to watch PM Modi's Independence Day speech and the build-up to it? India's state-owned public broadcaster Doordarshan will carry the live feed of the entire function, including PM Modi's speech. The YouTube channel of Doordarshan is also expected to carry the streaming. Press Information Bureau (PIB) will stream the speech live on its YouTube channel as well as its Twitter handle. The official YouTube channel of the Prime Minister’s Office will also air the address and the Twitter handle would provide live updates of the speech. Most private news channels are also expected to carry DD's feed as well. Moreover, you can follow WION's live blog to remain updated about PM Modi's movement and his speech LIVE: India's 75th Independence Day anniversary: PM Modi's arrival at Red Fort, his address to nation WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Independence Day 2022: When, where and how to watch PM Narendra Modi's Red Fort speech

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing the nation for the ninth time from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the occasion of 76th Independence Day, urged the people to support and promote sports and praised India`s `stellar` performance in the recently concluded Commonwealth Games 2022. "Our stellar performances at international sporting events are an example of India`s shining talent. We need to promote and support such talent," PM Modi said.</p>

<p>While addressing the nation, the Prime Minister said, "When dreams are big, the hard work is equally strenuous. We need to be inspired by the determination of our freedom fighters who dreamt of a free India. I urge the youth to dedicate the next 25 years of their lives for the development of the nation. We will work towards the development of the entire humanity. That is the strength of India."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/from-virat-kohli-to-mirabai-chanu-sporting-icons-wish-countrymen-on-indias-independence-day-506967"><strong>From Virat Kohli to Mirabai Chanu: Sporting icons wish countrymen on India's Independence Day</strong></a></p>

<p>Ahead of his speech at the Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisted the National Flag amid a 21-gun salute by the indigenously developed howitzer gun, ATAGS. This was followed by a shower of flower petals from helicopters. Earlier in the day, PM Modi visited Rajghat to pay his respects to Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation. Talking about the Indian contingent in the recently concluded Commonwealth Games 2022, India finished 4th in the medal tally winning a total of 61 medals at the CWG 2022, including 22 gold medals, 16 Silver and 23 Bronze medals. Achieving 61 medals this time around holds a lot of significance since the shooting, which is India`s most successful discipline historically with 135 medals, was not included in the games this time. The numbers could have been way higher had it been included.</p>

<p>The Indian contingent also saw some first-time medals like in lawn bowls and cricket. Notably, the women`s cricket team was sent as a part of the contingent. India lost to Australia by a narrow margin of nine runs in a thrilling final. India dominated contact and strength-based sports of weightlifting, wrestling and boxing. The country`s contingent won 12 medals in wrestling, its most successful sport in the 2022 edition of the multi-sport event. India captured medals in every category in which its stars wrestled. This includes six gold medals as well by Bajrang Punia, Ravi Dahiya, Deepak Punia, Sakshi Malik, Vinesh Phogat and Naveen.</p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing the nation for the ninth time from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the occasion of 76th Independence Day, urged the people to support and promote sports and praised India`s `stellar` performance in the recently concluded Commonwealth Games 2022.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing the nation for the ninth time from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the occasion of 76th Independence Day, urged the people to support and promote sports and praised India`s `stellar` performance in the recently concluded Commonwealth Games 2022. "Our stellar performances at international sporting events are an example of India`s shining talent. We need to promote and support such talent," PM Modi said. While addressing the nation, the Prime Minister said, "When dreams are big, the hard work is equally strenuous. We need to be inspired by the determination of our freedom fighters who dreamt of a free India. I urge the youth to dedicate the next 25 years of their lives for the development of the nation. We will work towards the development of the entire humanity. That is the strength of India." ALSO READ | From Virat Kohli to Mirabai Chanu: Sporting icons wish countrymen on India's Independence Day Ahead of his speech at the Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisted the National Flag amid a 21-gun salute by the indigenously developed howitzer gun, ATAGS. This was followed by a shower of flower petals from helicopters. Earlier in the day, PM Modi visited Rajghat to pay his respects to Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation. Talking about the Indian contingent in the recently concluded Commonwealth Games 2022, India finished 4th in the medal tally winning a total of 61 medals at the CWG 2022, including 22 gold medals, 16 Silver and 23 Bronze medals. Achieving 61 medals this time around holds a lot of significance since the shooting, which is India`s most successful discipline historically with 135 medals, was not included in the games this time. The numbers could have been way higher had it been included. The Indian contingent also saw some first-time medals like in lawn bowls and cricket. Notably, the women`s cricket team was sent as a part of the contingent. India lost to Australia by a narrow margin of nine runs in a thrilling final. India dominated contact and strength-based sports of weightlifting, wrestling and boxing. The country`s contingent won 12 medals in wrestling, its most successful sport in the 2022 edition of the multi-sport event. India captured medals in every category in which its stars wrestled. This includes six gold medals as well by Bajrang Punia, Ravi Dahiya, Deepak Punia, Sakshi Malik, Vinesh Phogat and Naveen.

76th Independence Day: PM Narendra Modi lauds India's 'stellar' performance in sports

<p>As India celebrates its 76th Independence Day on August 15, 2022, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign has generated an ''unprecedented'' demand for the tricolour.</p>

<p>Indians are proudly displaying the national flag on their windowsills and terrace to mark 75 years of independence from British rule.</p>

<p>Claiming it has "received a very good response", the Indian postal department is also selling the national flag online for easy procurement.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">If you ever were wondering why such a fuss over Independence Day, just ask these two people. They will explain it better than any lecture can. Jai Hind. 🇮🇳 <a href="https://t.co/t6Loy9vjkQ">pic.twitter.com/t6Loy9vjkQ</a></p>
— anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) <a href="https://twitter.com/anandmahindra/status/1558759155040657409?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 14, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">हमारी शान तिरंगा है<br />
हमारी जान तिरंगा है<br />
सारे जहां से अच्छा हिन्दुस्तान हमारा है <a href="https://t.co/tiRnjPgyOm">pic.twitter.com/tiRnjPgyOm</a></p>
— AMRANDRAM (@Amrandram) <a href="https://twitter.com/Amrandram/status/1558760725115707392?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 14, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="qme"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HarGharTiranga?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HarGharTiranga</a> <a href="https://t.co/JmdDmkV4b8">pic.twitter.com/JmdDmkV4b8</a></p>
— Kishore Gaikwad (@Kishoreg2017) <a href="https://twitter.com/Kishoreg2017/status/1558762676150566912?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 14, 2022</a></blockquote>
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— Vikas Kumar Pal (@Vikaskumarpal8) <a href="https://twitter.com/Vikaskumarpal8/status/1558768768091766786?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 14, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>Hailing the central government's decision to allow companies to spend their CSR (corporate social responsibility) funds for the campaign, flag manufacturers said PM Modi's 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign has helped boost demand for the tricolour.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SiachenWarriors?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SiachenWarriors</a> celebrate <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndependenceDay2022?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndependenceDay2022</a> at the highest battlefield of world.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaAt75?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaAt75</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndependenceDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndependenceDay</a><br />
<br />
(📽️: <a href="https://twitter.com/firefurycorps?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@firefurycorps</a>) <a href="https://t.co/kJex3522jE">pic.twitter.com/kJex3522jE</a></p>
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<p>Celebrating the campaign, the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) Limited said it encourages employees, associates and people living in the vicinity to bring the Tiranga home and hoist it.</p>

<p>The campaign, which comes under the aegis of 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav', is an initiative of the Government of India to celebrate and commemorate 75 years of independence and the glorious history of India's people, and culture and achievements.</p>

<p>Invoking the feeling of patriotism in the hearts of Indian citizens, the campaign makes them remember the contribution made by the country's freedom fighters for India's Independence and promotes awareness about the Indian National Flag.</p>

<p><strong>Watch WION's live TV here:</strong></p>

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As India celebrates its 76th Independence Day on August 15, 2022, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign has generated an ''unprecedented'' demand for the tricolour.

As India celebrates its 76th Independence Day on August 15, 2022, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign has generated an ''unprecedented'' demand for the tricolour. Indians are proudly displaying the national flag on their windowsills and terrace to mark 75 years of independence from British rule. Claiming it has "received a very good response", the Indian postal department is also selling the national flag online for easy procurement. If you ever were wondering why such a fuss over Independence Day, just ask these two people. They will explain it better than any lecture can. Jai Hind. 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/t6Loy9vjkQ — anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) August 14, 2022 × हमारी शान तिरंगा है हमारी जान तिरंगा है सारे जहां से अच्छा हिन्दुस्तान हमारा है pic.twitter.com/tiRnjPgyOm — AMRANDRAM (@Amrandram) August 14, 2022 × #HarGharTiranga pic.twitter.com/JmdDmkV4b8 — Kishore Gaikwad (@Kishoreg2017) August 14, 2022 × pic.twitter.com/rHwSQuS9JF — Vikas Kumar Pal (@Vikaskumarpal8) August 14, 2022 × Hailing the central government's decision to allow companies to spend their CSR (corporate social responsibility) funds for the campaign, flag manufacturers said PM Modi's 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign has helped boost demand for the tricolour. #SiachenWarriors celebrate #IndependenceDay2022 at the highest battlefield of world.#IndiaAt75#IndependenceDay (📽️: @firefurycorps) pic.twitter.com/kJex3522jE — WION (@WIONews) August 15, 2022 × Celebrating the campaign, the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) Limited said it encourages employees, associates and people living in the vicinity to bring the Tiranga home and hoist it. The campaign, which comes under the aegis of 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav', is an initiative of the Government of India to celebrate and commemorate 75 years of independence and the glorious history of India's people, and culture and achievements. Invoking the feeling of patriotism in the hearts of Indian citizens, the campaign makes them remember the contribution made by the country's freedom fighters for India's Independence and promotes awareness about the Indian National Flag. Watch WION's live TV here: ×

PM Modi's 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign gets rousing reception from public, videos flood Twitter

<p>Indian Commonwealth Games contingent expressed their delight at being honoured by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for their excellent performance at Birmingham 2022.PM Modi felicitated the Indian contingent for the Commonwealth Games (CWG) 2022 in New Delhi on Saturday.</p>

<p>The felicitation was attended by both athletes and their coaches. Union Minister for Youth Affairs &amp; Sports Anurag Singh Thakur and Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Nisith Pramanik were among those present.</p>

<p>Prime Minister congratulated the players and coaches for their stupendous performance at the Commonwealth Games 2022 held in Birmingham, where India bagged 22 Gold, 16 Silver and 23 Bronze medals in various disciplines.</p>

<p>During the event, sprinter Hima Das gave the traditional Assamese gamcha and Indian boxer Nikhat Zareen gifted PM Modi her boxing gloves."Honoured to gift the boxing gloves signed by all the pugilists to our honourable Prime Minister @narendramodi sir. Thank you for this amazing opportunity. A great day spent with my fellow athletes who have made the country proud," Nikhat tweeted.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Honoured to gift the boxing gloves signed by all the pugilists to our honorable Prime Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> sir. Thank you for this amazing opportunity.<br />
<br />
A great day spent with my fellow athletes who have made the country proud. <a href="https://t.co/A0YtlOujUA">pic.twitter.com/A0YtlOujUA</a></p>
— Nikhat Zareen (@nikhat_zareen) <a href="https://twitter.com/nikhat_zareen/status/1558622215012200448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 14, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pv-sindhu-pulls-out-of-bwf-world-championships-owing-to-stress-fracture-506667">PV Sindhu pulls out of BWF World Championships owing to stress fracture</a></p>

<p>Hima Das took to her Twitter handle and wrote, "Elated to receive blessings from our honourable Prime Minister - Shri @narendramodi Ji, by virtue of Commonwealth Games 2022. Fortunate to have presented him with our traditional gamcha, wrapped with immense gratitude from all of Assam."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Elated to receive blessings from our honourable Prime Minister - Shri <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> Ji, by virtue of Commonwealth Games 2022<br />
Fortunate to have presented him with our traditional gamcha, wrapped with immense gratitude from all of Assam <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> <a href="https://t.co/Q5tZvNd0M9">pic.twitter.com/Q5tZvNd0M9</a></p>
— Hima (mon jai) (@HimaDas8) <a href="https://twitter.com/HimaDas8/status/1558623315220041730?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 14, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>Commonwealth Games 2022 champion weightlifter Mirabai Chanu, who won the gold medal in the Women`s 49kg final, thanked the PM for his words of motivation."Honoured to meet &amp; interact with our Honourable Prime Minister @narendramodi Sir. Thank you so much sir for all your support &amp; encouragement. Jai Hind," Chanu said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Honoured to meet &amp; interact with our Honourable Prime Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> Sir. Thank you so much sir for all your support &amp; encouragement.<br />
<br />
Jai Hind <a href="https://t.co/2kvBAvPHlL">pic.twitter.com/2kvBAvPHlL</a></p>
— Saikhom Mirabai Chanu (@mirabai_chanu) <a href="https://twitter.com/mirabai_chanu/status/1558645700073639936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 14, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>"Thank You Sir for sparing your valuable time and inviting us over to your residence. It was like always a delight to speak with you," wrote shuttler Chirag Shetty.CWG 2022 gold medallist Lakshya Sen also expressed his appreciation for being honoured by the PM.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Incredible honor to interact with our honorable Prime Minister, Shri <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> at his official residence along with a bunch of absolute champions..We will push hard to win many more laurels to make India proud. <a href="https://t.co/fQ4YrQM0W1">pic.twitter.com/fQ4YrQM0W1</a></p>
— Chirag Shetty (@Shettychirag04) <a href="https://twitter.com/Shettychirag04/status/1558745757267939328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 14, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-pv-sindhu-to-lakshya-sen-how-indian-shuttlers-roared-and-inspired-at-cwg-2022-505288">From PV Sindhu, Lakshya Sen to mixed team's silver: How Indian shuttlers roared and inspired at CWG 2022</a></p>

<p>"What a great day for all the Athletes #gratitude. Thank you so much Sir for appreciating our hard work and for your words of encouragement. We are all very grateful for your support. Will continue to make our nation proud. Jai Hind!" Indian shuttler Sen tweeted.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Our Prime Minister made a promise yesterday to extend all possible help to support Indian Athletes and that itself is the biggest motivation<br />
Shall never forget this day which was full of love, respect and appreciation.<br />
Thank you Sir (PM Narendra Modiji) for motivating us <a href="https://t.co/Lf7nocl1JC">pic.twitter.com/Lf7nocl1JC</a></p>
— Lakshya Sen (@lakshya_sen) <a href="https://twitter.com/lakshya_sen/status/1558731221454114818?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 14, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>"Meeting Hon. PM @narendramodi ji once again, interacting with him and seeking blessing was motivating and inspiring as always. His keen interest in our performances and detailed conversations are very gratifying!" said Bhavina Patel, who won the gold medal in Para table tennis at the Birmingham 2022.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Meeting Hon. PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> ji once again, interacting with him and seeking blessing was motivating and inspiring as always. His keen interest in our performances and detailed conversations are very gratifying! <a href="https://t.co/Ka7n8AJaHK">pic.twitter.com/Ka7n8AJaHK</a></p>
— Bhavina Patel PLY (@BhavinaOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/BhavinaOfficial/status/1558667037785849857?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 14, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>Addressing the Indian Commonwealth Games contingent on Saturday, PM said that the golden period of Indian sports has just begun and hailed the fine show of the athletes. India finished 4th in the medal tally winning a total of 61 medals at the CWG 2022, including 22 gold medals, 16 Silver and 23 Bronze medals. (ANI)</p>


Indian Commonwealth Games contingent expressed their delight at being honoured by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for their excellent performance at Birmingham 2022.

Indian Commonwealth Games contingent expressed their delight at being honoured by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for their excellent performance at Birmingham 2022.PM Modi felicitated the Indian contingent for the Commonwealth Games (CWG) 2022 in New Delhi on Saturday. The felicitation was attended by both athletes and their coaches. Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports Anurag Singh Thakur and Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Nisith Pramanik were among those present. Prime Minister congratulated the players and coaches for their stupendous performance at the Commonwealth Games 2022 held in Birmingham, where India bagged 22 Gold, 16 Silver and 23 Bronze medals in various disciplines. During the event, sprinter Hima Das gave the traditional Assamese gamcha and Indian boxer Nikhat Zareen gifted PM Modi her boxing gloves."Honoured to gift the boxing gloves signed by all the pugilists to our honourable Prime Minister @narendramodi sir. Thank you for this amazing opportunity. A great day spent with my fellow athletes who have made the country proud," Nikhat tweeted. Honoured to gift the boxing gloves signed by all the pugilists to our honorable Prime Minister @narendramodi sir. Thank you for this amazing opportunity. A great day spent with my fellow athletes who have made the country proud. pic.twitter.com/A0YtlOujUA — Nikhat Zareen (@nikhat_zareen) August 14, 2022 × Also Read: PV Sindhu pulls out of BWF World Championships owing to stress fracture Hima Das took to her Twitter handle and wrote, "Elated to receive blessings from our honourable Prime Minister - Shri @narendramodi Ji, by virtue of Commonwealth Games 2022. Fortunate to have presented him with our traditional gamcha, wrapped with immense gratitude from all of Assam." Elated to receive blessings from our honourable Prime Minister - Shri @narendramodi Ji, by virtue of Commonwealth Games 2022 Fortunate to have presented him with our traditional gamcha, wrapped with immense gratitude from all of Assam @narendramodi pic.twitter.com/Q5tZvNd0M9 — Hima (mon jai) (@HimaDas8) August 14, 2022 × Commonwealth Games 2022 champion weightlifter Mirabai Chanu, who won the gold medal in the Women`s 49kg final, thanked the PM for his words of motivation."Honoured to meet & interact with our Honourable Prime Minister @narendramodi Sir. Thank you so much sir for all your support & encouragement. Jai Hind," Chanu said. Honoured to meet & interact with our Honourable Prime Minister @narendramodi Sir. Thank you so much sir for all your support & encouragement. Jai Hind pic.twitter.com/2kvBAvPHlL — Saikhom Mirabai Chanu (@mirabai_chanu) August 14, 2022 × "Thank You Sir for sparing your valuable time and inviting us over to your residence. It was like always a delight to speak with you," wrote shuttler Chirag Shetty.CWG 2022 gold medallist Lakshya Sen also expressed his appreciation for being honoured by the PM. Incredible honor to interact with our honorable Prime Minister, Shri @narendramodi at his official residence along with a bunch of absolute champions..We will push hard to win many more laurels to make India proud. pic.twitter.com/fQ4YrQM0W1 — Chirag Shetty (@Shettychirag04) August 14, 2022 × Also Read: From PV Sindhu, Lakshya Sen to mixed team's silver: How Indian shuttlers roared and inspired at CWG 2022 "What a great day for all the Athletes #gratitude. Thank you so much Sir for appreciating our hard work and for your words of encouragement. We are all very grateful for your support. Will continue to make our nation proud. Jai Hind!" Indian shuttler Sen tweeted. Our Prime Minister made a promise yesterday to extend all possible help to support Indian Athletes and that itself is the biggest motivation Shall never forget this day which was full of love, respect and appreciation. Thank you Sir (PM Narendra Modiji) for motivating us pic.twitter.com/Lf7nocl1JC — Lakshya Sen (@lakshya_sen) August 14, 2022 × "Meeting Hon. PM @narendramodi ji once again, interacting with him and seeking blessing was motivating and inspiring as always. His keen interest in our performances and detailed conversations are very gratifying!" said Bhavina Patel, who won the gold medal in Para table tennis at the Birmingham 2022. Meeting Hon. PM @narendramodi ji once again, interacting with him and seeking blessing was motivating and inspiring as always. His keen interest in our performances and detailed conversations are very gratifying! pic.twitter.com/Ka7n8AJaHK — Bhavina Patel PLY (@BhavinaOfficial) August 14, 2022 × Addressing the Indian Commonwealth Games contingent on Saturday, PM said that the golden period of Indian sports has just begun and hailed the fine show of the athletes. India finished 4th in the medal tally winning a total of 61 medals at the CWG 2022, including 22 gold medals, 16 Silver and 23 Bronze medals. (ANI)

Commonwealth Games 2022 gold medallist Nikhat Zareen gifts boxing gloves to PM Narendra Modi

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday hosted the Commonwealth Games 2022 Indian contingent at his residence and praised the contribution of the athletes in making the country proud. India finished 4th in the medal tally, winning a total of 61 medals at the CWG 2022, including 22 gold, 16 silver and 23 bronze medals.</p>

<p>"I am happy that all of you have taken time out of your schedule to come to meet me at my residence as members of the family. I, just like all other Indians, feel proud to be talking to you. I welcome you all," PM Modi said. "This is just the beginning for our Yuva Shakti...the Golden age of Indian sports has just begun! In the past few weeks, nation recorded two major achievements in field of sports. Besides historic performance in CWG, for the first time the country hosted Chess Olympiad," he added.</p>

<p>"The country not only successfully hosted (Chess Olympiad) but continuing its rich tradition in Chess, gave its best performance. I also congratulate all players who participated and those who won medals at the Chess Olympiad," PM said.</p>

<p>Winning 61 medals this time holds a lot of significance since shooting, which is India's most successful discipline historically with 135 medals, was not included in the Games this time. The numbers could have been way higher had it been included.</p>

<p>"Before commencement of #CommonwealthGames, I had told you &amp; promised you in a way that when you come back we'll celebrate 'Vijayotsav' together. I was confident that you'll come back victorious, I had also thought of meeting you even if I would be busy &amp; celebrate Vijayotsav," said PM Modi during the interaction with the CWG 2022 Indian contingent.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-commonwealth-games-2022-conclude-with-glittery-closing-ceremony-in-birmingham-505080">In pics - Commonwealth Games 2022 concludes with glittery closing ceremony in Birmingham</a></p>

<p>The Indian contingent also saw some first-time medals like in lawn bowls and cricket. Notably, the women's cricket team was sent as a part of the contingent. India lost to Australia by a narrow margin of nine runs in a thrilling final.</p>

<p>Also, the Indian Lawn Bowls team consisting of Rupa Rani Tirkey, Nayanmoni Saikia, Lovely Choubey and Pinki Singh created history by winning its first-ever medal in the sport, capturing the gold by defeating South Africa 17-10 in the final of the women's fours event. The men's fours team also clinched a silver later.</p>

<p>"Compared to last time, this time we paved our way to victory in 4 new sports. There was an unprecedented performance-from Lawn Balls to Athletics. With this, the interest of youth in new sports will increase. We have to further improve our performance in these new sports," he said.</p>

<p>India dominated contact and strength-based sports of weightlifting, wrestling and boxing. The country's contingent won 12 medals in wrestling, its most successful sport in the 2022 edition of the multi-sport event. India captured medals in every category in which its stars wrestled.</p>

<p>This includes six gold medals by Bajrang Punia, Ravi Dahiya, Deepak Punia, Sakshi Malik, Vinesh Phogat and Naveen. India won 10 medals in weightlifting, including three golds by Mirabai Chanu, Achinta Sheuli and Jeremy Lalrinnunga. Indian boxers won a total of seven medals in boxing.&nbsp;This includes gold by Amit Panghal, Nitu Ghangas and Nikhat Zareen.</p>

<p>In athletics, the nation's athletes won a total of eight medals, including gold by Eldhose Paul in the men's triple jump. Avinash Sable (silver in men`s 3000 m steeplechase), Annu Rani (bronze in women's javelin throw), Murali Sreeshankar (silver in men's long jump) were some other prominent medal winners. India won quite a few medals in racquet sports as well.</p>

<p>Seven medals came in table tennis, which includes four gold medals by Achanta Sharath Kamal in men's singles, men's team, para table tennis player Bhavina Patel and the mixed duo of Sharath Kamal and Sreeja Akula. Badminton stars of India clinched six medals in the sport.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/two-pakistani-boxers-mysteriously-disappear-in-birmingham-in-the-aftermath-of-the-commonwealth-games-505946">Two Pakistani boxers mysteriously disappear in Birmingham after Commonwealth Games 2022</a></p>

<p>Shuttlers PV Sindhu and Lakshya Sen won gold in the men's and women's singles category while the men's doubles team of Chirag Shetty and Satwik Sairaj Rankireddy also won gold. India's hockey teams also returned home with medals. The men's team won silver while the women's team won&nbsp;a bronze.</p>

<p>The country also won three medals in judo, with Shushila Devi and Tulika Mann capturing silver medals and Vijay Kumar Yadav winning a bronze medal. The Squash contingent also returned home with two bronze medals. Saurav Ghosal won one in men`s singles while the other in mixed doubles with Dipika Pallikal.</p>

<p>Also, para-powerlifter Sudhir captured India`s first gold in para-powerlifting.<br />
<br />
The Commonwealth Games 2022 came to an end with a stunning closing ceremony at the Alexander Stadium in Birmingham on Monday. The Commonwealth Games flag was presented to the Governor of Victoria. The state of Victoria, Australia will be the next host of the Commonwealth Games in 2026.</p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday hosted the Commonwealth Games 2022 Indian contingent at his residence and praised the contribution of the athletes in making the country proud.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday hosted the Commonwealth Games 2022 Indian contingent at his residence and praised the contribution of the athletes in making the country proud. India finished 4th in the medal tally, winning a total of 61 medals at the CWG 2022, including 22 gold, 16 silver and 23 bronze medals. "I am happy that all of you have taken time out of your schedule to come to meet me at my residence as members of the family. I, just like all other Indians, feel proud to be talking to you. I welcome you all," PM Modi said. "This is just the beginning for our Yuva Shakti...the Golden age of Indian sports has just begun! In the past few weeks, nation recorded two major achievements in field of sports. Besides historic performance in CWG, for the first time the country hosted Chess Olympiad," he added. "The country not only successfully hosted (Chess Olympiad) but continuing its rich tradition in Chess, gave its best performance. I also congratulate all players who participated and those who won medals at the Chess Olympiad," PM said. Winning 61 medals this time holds a lot of significance since shooting, which is India's most successful discipline historically with 135 medals, was not included in the Games this time. The numbers could have been way higher had it been included. "Before commencement of #CommonwealthGames, I had told you & promised you in a way that when you come back we'll celebrate 'Vijayotsav' together. I was confident that you'll come back victorious, I had also thought of meeting you even if I would be busy & celebrate Vijayotsav," said PM Modi during the interaction with the CWG 2022 Indian contingent. ALSO READ: In pics - Commonwealth Games 2022 concludes with glittery closing ceremony in Birmingham The Indian contingent also saw some first-time medals like in lawn bowls and cricket. Notably, the women's cricket team was sent as a part of the contingent. India lost to Australia by a narrow margin of nine runs in a thrilling final. Also, the Indian Lawn Bowls team consisting of Rupa Rani Tirkey, Nayanmoni Saikia, Lovely Choubey and Pinki Singh created history by winning its first-ever medal in the sport, capturing the gold by defeating South Africa 17-10 in the final of the women's fours event. The men's fours team also clinched a silver later. "Compared to last time, this time we paved our way to victory in 4 new sports. There was an unprecedented performance-from Lawn Balls to Athletics. With this, the interest of youth in new sports will increase. We have to further improve our performance in these new sports," he said. India dominated contact and strength-based sports of weightlifting, wrestling and boxing. The country's contingent won 12 medals in wrestling, its most successful sport in the 2022 edition of the multi-sport event. India captured medals in every category in which its stars wrestled. This includes six gold medals by Bajrang Punia, Ravi Dahiya, Deepak Punia, Sakshi Malik, Vinesh Phogat and Naveen. India won 10 medals in weightlifting, including three golds by Mirabai Chanu, Achinta Sheuli and Jeremy Lalrinnunga. Indian boxers won a total of seven medals in boxing. This includes gold by Amit Panghal, Nitu Ghangas and Nikhat Zareen. In athletics, the nation's athletes won a total of eight medals, including gold by Eldhose Paul in the men's triple jump. Avinash Sable (silver in men`s 3000 m steeplechase), Annu Rani (bronze in women's javelin throw), Murali Sreeshankar (silver in men's long jump) were some other prominent medal winners. India won quite a few medals in racquet sports as well. Seven medals came in table tennis, which includes four gold medals by Achanta Sharath Kamal in men's singles, men's team, para table tennis player Bhavina Patel and the mixed duo of Sharath Kamal and Sreeja Akula. Badminton stars of India clinched six medals in the sport. ALSO READ: Two Pakistani boxers mysteriously disappear in Birmingham after Commonwealth Games 2022 Shuttlers PV Sindhu and Lakshya Sen won gold in the men's and women's singles category while the men's doubles team of Chirag Shetty and Satwik Sairaj Rankireddy also won gold. India's hockey teams also returned home with medals. The men's team won silver while the women's team won a bronze. The country also won three medals in judo, with Shushila Devi and Tulika Mann capturing silver medals and Vijay Kumar Yadav winning a bronze medal. The Squash contingent also returned home with two bronze medals. Saurav Ghosal won one in men`s singles while the other in mixed doubles with Dipika Pallikal. Also, para-powerlifter Sudhir captured India`s first gold in para-powerlifting. The Commonwealth Games 2022 came to an end with a stunning closing ceremony at the Alexander Stadium in Birmingham on Monday. The Commonwealth Games flag was presented to the Governor of Victoria. The state of Victoria, Australia will be the next host of the Commonwealth Games in 2026.

'Golden age of Indian sports has just begun': PM Modi hails CWG 2022 Indian contingent's performance

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with all medal winners of the Commonwealth 2022 games at his official residence on Saturday. This is the first time the Prime Minister physically interacted with the winners of the Commonwealth Games after their spectacular performance in Birmingham. Earlier PM Modi had hosted the contingent of medal winners of Tokyo 2020 Olympic games. PM Modi had already wished every athlete who won a medal for the country.</p>

<p>The Prime Minister had turned to his official Twitter handle to congratulate Indian athletes after they bagged medals at the event. PM Modi also sent his wishes to those who failed to finish on the podium. From July 28 to August 8, nearly 200 Indian athletes competed for medals across 16 different sports at the Commonwealth Games 2022 in Birmingham. India wrapped up its Commonwealth Games 2022 campaign at fourth position with 61 medals (22 gold, 16 silver and 23 bronze).</p>

<p>"Vinesh put behind the disappointment, PV Sindhu forced opponents to leave the court and run. The way our cricketers played under Harmanpreet Kaur was commendable. Your achievements will inspire the generation of girls to come," the PM&nbsp;said during his interaction with the athletes.</p>

<p>"We had our most successful outing at World Athletics Championships, a good show at U-20 World Athletics. We also had wonderful performances in World Cadet Wrestling and international para-badminton tournaments. These are exciting times for Indian sports. All of you were competing there, but crores of Indians were performing here. Till late night, your every action, every move was in the eyes of the countrymen. Many people slept with alarms to update your performance," he&nbsp;added.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-pv-sindhu-to-lakshya-sen-how-indian-shuttlers-roared-and-inspired-at-cwg-2022-505288">From PV Sindhu, Lakshya Sen to mixed team's silver: How Indian shuttlers roared and inspired at CWG 2022</a></strong></p>

<p>Wrestling topped the medal chart with 12 medals including six gold while weightlifting accounted for 10 medals. India has delivered its fourth-best performance of all time in their Commonwealth Games history, with their best being a total of 101 medals when the games were held at home in 2010. The Indian women`s cricket team also created history as they won the silver medal in CWG`s first-ever T20 event. One of the major highlights of the mega event was the clinching of a gold medal by Nikhat Zareen.</p>

<p>After winning the medal in the final of the women`s 50kg Light Flyweight category, Zareen said she is excited to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and added that she will take his autograph on her boxing gloves. Indian star boxer and world champion Nikhat Zareen defeated Carly MC Naul of Northern Ireland in the final of women`s 50kg (Light Flyweight) on Sunday. Zareen lived up to her `world champion` status as she dominated Carly across all three rounds. She won by 5-0 on basis of points scored."I am very excited to meet Prime Minister Modi; I took a selfie with him last time and want a new one now. Last time, I took his autograph on my T-shirt, now I will take it on my boxing gloves," Nikhat Zareen had told ANI after winning the gold on August 07.</p>

<p>The Commonwealth Games 2022 came to an end with a stunning closing ceremony at the Alexander Stadium in Birmingham on Monday. The Commonwealth Games flag was presented to the Governor of Victoria. The state of Victoria, Australia will be the next host of the Commonwealth Games in 2026.</p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with all medal winners of the Commonwealth 2022 games at his official residence on Saturday. This is the first time the Prime Minister physically interacted with the winners of the Commonwealth Games after their spectacular performance in Birmingham.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with all medal winners of the Commonwealth 2022 games at his official residence on Saturday. This is the first time the Prime Minister physically interacted with the winners of the Commonwealth Games after their spectacular performance in Birmingham. Earlier PM Modi had hosted the contingent of medal winners of Tokyo 2020 Olympic games. PM Modi had already wished every athlete who won a medal for the country. The Prime Minister had turned to his official Twitter handle to congratulate Indian athletes after they bagged medals at the event. PM Modi also sent his wishes to those who failed to finish on the podium. From July 28 to August 8, nearly 200 Indian athletes competed for medals across 16 different sports at the Commonwealth Games 2022 in Birmingham. India wrapped up its Commonwealth Games 2022 campaign at fourth position with 61 medals (22 gold, 16 silver and 23 bronze). "Vinesh put behind the disappointment, PV Sindhu forced opponents to leave the court and run. The way our cricketers played under Harmanpreet Kaur was commendable. Your achievements will inspire the generation of girls to come," the PM said during his interaction with the athletes. "We had our most successful outing at World Athletics Championships, a good show at U-20 World Athletics. We also had wonderful performances in World Cadet Wrestling and international para-badminton tournaments. These are exciting times for Indian sports. All of you were competing there, but crores of Indians were performing here. Till late night, your every action, every move was in the eyes of the countrymen. Many people slept with alarms to update your performance," he added. ALSO READ | From PV Sindhu, Lakshya Sen to mixed team's silver: How Indian shuttlers roared and inspired at CWG 2022 Wrestling topped the medal chart with 12 medals including six gold while weightlifting accounted for 10 medals. India has delivered its fourth-best performance of all time in their Commonwealth Games history, with their best being a total of 101 medals when the games were held at home in 2010. The Indian women`s cricket team also created history as they won the silver medal in CWG`s first-ever T20 event. One of the major highlights of the mega event was the clinching of a gold medal by Nikhat Zareen. After winning the medal in the final of the women`s 50kg Light Flyweight category, Zareen said she is excited to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and added that she will take his autograph on her boxing gloves. Indian star boxer and world champion Nikhat Zareen defeated Carly MC Naul of Northern Ireland in the final of women`s 50kg (Light Flyweight) on Sunday. Zareen lived up to her `world champion` status as she dominated Carly across all three rounds. She won by 5-0 on basis of points scored."I am very excited to meet Prime Minister Modi; I took a selfie with him last time and want a new one now. Last time, I took his autograph on my T-shirt, now I will take it on my boxing gloves," Nikhat Zareen had told ANI after winning the gold on August 07. The Commonwealth Games 2022 came to an end with a stunning closing ceremony at the Alexander Stadium in Birmingham on Monday. The Commonwealth Games flag was presented to the Governor of Victoria. The state of Victoria, Australia will be the next host of the Commonwealth Games in 2026.

PM Narendra Modi interacts with Commonwealth Games' medal winners at his residence

PM Modi's major achievements as his government completes eight years at Centre

<p><span><span><span><span><span><span>Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s four-day visit to India has come at a time when India’s neighbourhood is in flux. The economic crisis in Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal is creating greater instability in a region that is already experiencing perpetual strategic hostilities by Pakistan and China against India. </span></span></span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span><span><span><span><span><span>Solih’s visit assumes importance since the Maldives is an important partner for India in the latter’s geopolitical competition against China in the Indian Ocean Region. India’s sustained diplomatic, economic and strategic engagements with Maldives and Solih’s favourable response to the same since his becoming president in 2018 have been crucial in India’s counterbalance strategy against China in South Asia. </span></span></span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span><span><span><span><span><span>Solih’s visit to India combines continuity along with a reset in the India-Maldives relations. </span></span></span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span><span><span><strong><span><span><span>Continued engagements</span></span></span></strong></span></span></span></p>

<p><span><span><span><span><span><span>Since Solih became the president in 2018, India has accelerated its engagements with Maldives. Solih’s predecessor Abdulla Yameen, during his tenure from 2013 to 2018, pushed Maldives closer to China and away from India. In 2015, the constitution of Maldives was amended which allowed foreigners to own properties in the Maldives. In 2017, a free trade agreement was finalized between Maldives and China. According to former President Mohamed Nasheed, Chinese debt was $3.1 billion which included government-to-government loans and money lent to state enterprises and private entities. Other experts differ on this and estimate the amount of debt owed by Maldives to China to be around $1.1 to 1.4 billion, still a substantial amount considering Maldives annual GDP to be about $4.9 billion. </span></span></span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span><span><span><span><span><span>Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s victory in the 2018 presidential elections turned Maldivian foreign policy orientation towards India. India proactively responded to this opportunity. Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the oath-taking ceremony of Solih in November 2018. For his part, Solih chose India as the country of his first foreign visit as president in December 2018. Under Solih’s presidency, Maldives also prioritized relations with India under the India First Policy. This policy has been complemented by India’s Neighbourhood First Policy. </span></span></span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span><span><span><span><span><span>Since 2018, India’s ties with Maldives have witnessed an upswing. &nbsp;Even as China vies to keep upper hand, India has been successful in making inroads in Maldives by way of economic assistance and infrastructure projects. </span></span></span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span><span><span><span><span><span>During his recent visit to India, Solih and Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Greater Male connectivity projects in Maldives. India has provided $100 million in grant and $400 million under line of credit. India has also provided $100 million line of credit for development projects in Maldives. Solih’s visit also saw the two countries entering into agreements in the areas of cyber security, disaster management and police infrastructure development. </span></span></span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span><span><span><span><span><span>India’s status as a favoured partner of Maldives stems from the fact that Indian economic assistance is not aimed at creating a debt trap, like China’s economic engagements. Further, Maldivian economy depends substantially on tourism. However, with the tourism suffering due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Maldives would need assistance for economic recovery on liberal terms which is available from India. </span></span></span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span><span><span><strong><span><span><span>Challenges to the bilateral relations </span></span></span></strong></span></span></span></p>

<p><span><span><span><span><span><span>While India has been consistent with its engagements with Maldives there are challenges to the bilateral relations. </span></span></span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span><span><span><span><span><span>While India has made significant inroads in Maldives, India Out campaign had been gaining ground in Maldives for about past year. Former President Abdulla Yameen led this campaign that was backed by China. Yameen, who was sentenced to five years of imprisonment and a $5 million fine for embezzling $1 million from state funds, was released from house arrest in 2021. The court also cleared him of the embezzlement charges citing insufficient evidence. These developments mark Yameen’s return to politics and the upcoming 2023 presidential elections could decide the fate of the India-Maldives relations should Yameen contest and win. In a bid to counter the anti-India sentiments, Solih signed a decree in April this year stating India Out campaign as a threat to national security and allowing security agencies to take action against opposition parties spearheading this campaign. </span></span></span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span><span><span><span><span><span>Another area of concern is the radicalization in Maldives. Maldives’ transition to democracy in 2008 also led to growing undercurrents of radicalization. Opposition parties blamed the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), which won the 2008 elections, of ruining the sacred Islamic values. Further the of terror organization ISIS in the Middle East has contributed to radicalization in Maldives. The attack on former President Mohamed Nasheed has been linked to growing radical tendencies in Maldives. Maldives is the country with highest per capita foreign fighters in the world joining the ISIS. In June this year, a violent mob attacked an event organized by the Indian High Commission in Maldives to celebrate International Day of Yoga. This attack is believed to have carried out by the members of Abdulla Yameen’s Progressive Party of the Maldives (PPM). Ilmuveringe Gulhun, an Islamic radical organization had called for stopping the celebrations of the International Day of Yoga as it goes against Islamic principles. </span></span></span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span><span><span>Maldives is an important country in the Indian Ocean Region for India. India’s deep diplomatic, economic and strategic engagements with Maldives seek to address traditional as well as non-traditional security threats. &nbsp;It is pertinent for India to keep up with the engagements and at the same time make an effort to connect with the Maldivian people for greater acceptability. Such measures could lead to India sustaining a geopolitical advantage in Maldives.</span></span></span></p>

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Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s four-day visit to India has come at a time when India’s neighbourhood is in flux. The economic crisis in Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal is creating greater instability in a region that is already experiencing perpetual strategic hostilities by Pakistan and China against India.

Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s four-day visit to India has come at a time when India’s neighbourhood is in flux. The economic crisis in Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal is creating greater instability in a region that is already experiencing perpetual strategic hostilities by Pakistan and China against India. Solih’s visit assumes importance since the Maldives is an important partner for India in the latter’s geopolitical competition against China in the Indian Ocean Region. India’s sustained diplomatic, economic and strategic engagements with Maldives and Solih’s favourable response to the same since his becoming president in 2018 have been crucial in India’s counterbalance strategy against China in South Asia. Solih’s visit to India combines continuity along with a reset in the India-Maldives relations. Continued engagements Since Solih became the president in 2018, India has accelerated its engagements with Maldives. Solih’s predecessor Abdulla Yameen, during his tenure from 2013 to 2018, pushed Maldives closer to China and away from India. In 2015, the constitution of Maldives was amended which allowed foreigners to own properties in the Maldives. In 2017, a free trade agreement was finalized between Maldives and China. According to former President Mohamed Nasheed, Chinese debt was $3.1 billion which included government-to-government loans and money lent to state enterprises and private entities. Other experts differ on this and estimate the amount of debt owed by Maldives to China to be around $1.1 to 1.4 billion, still a substantial amount considering Maldives annual GDP to be about $4.9 billion. Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s victory in the 2018 presidential elections turned Maldivian foreign policy orientation towards India. India proactively responded to this opportunity. Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the oath-taking ceremony of Solih in November 2018. For his part, Solih chose India as the country of his first foreign visit as president in December 2018. Under Solih’s presidency, Maldives also prioritized relations with India under the India First Policy. This policy has been complemented by India’s Neighbourhood First Policy. Since 2018, India’s ties with Maldives have witnessed an upswing. Even as China vies to keep upper hand, India has been successful in making inroads in Maldives by way of economic assistance and infrastructure projects. During his recent visit to India, Solih and Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Greater Male connectivity projects in Maldives. India has provided $100 million in grant and $400 million under line of credit. India has also provided $100 million line of credit for development projects in Maldives. Solih’s visit also saw the two countries entering into agreements in the areas of cyber security, disaster management and police infrastructure development. India’s status as a favoured partner of Maldives stems from the fact that Indian economic assistance is not aimed at creating a debt trap, like China’s economic engagements. Further, Maldivian economy depends substantially on tourism. However, with the tourism suffering due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Maldives would need assistance for economic recovery on liberal terms which is available from India. Challenges to the bilateral relations While India has been consistent with its engagements with Maldives there are challenges to the bilateral relations. While India has made significant inroads in Maldives, India Out campaign had been gaining ground in Maldives for about past year. Former President Abdulla Yameen led this campaign that was backed by China. Yameen, who was sentenced to five years of imprisonment and a $5 million fine for embezzling $1 million from state funds, was released from house arrest in 2021. The court also cleared him of the embezzlement charges citing insufficient evidence. These developments mark Yameen’s return to politics and the upcoming 2023 presidential elections could decide the fate of the India-Maldives relations should Yameen contest and win. In a bid to counter the anti-India sentiments, Solih signed a decree in April this year stating India Out campaign as a threat to national security and allowing security agencies to take action against opposition parties spearheading this campaign. Another area of concern is the radicalization in Maldives. Maldives’ transition to democracy in 2008 also led to growing undercurrents of radicalization. Opposition parties blamed the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), which won the 2008 elections, of ruining the sacred Islamic values. Further the of terror organization ISIS in the Middle East has contributed to radicalization in Maldives. The attack on former President Mohamed Nasheed has been linked to growing radical tendencies in Maldives. Maldives is the country with highest per capita foreign fighters in the world joining the ISIS. In June this year, a violent mob attacked an event organized by the Indian High Commission in Maldives to celebrate International Day of Yoga. This attack is believed to have carried out by the members of Abdulla Yameen’s Progressive Party of the Maldives (PPM). Ilmuveringe Gulhun, an Islamic radical organization had called for stopping the celebrations of the International Day of Yoga as it goes against Islamic principles. Maldives is an important country in the Indian Ocean Region for India. India’s deep diplomatic, economic and strategic engagements with Maldives seek to address traditional as well as non-traditional security threats. It is pertinent for India to keep up with the engagements and at the same time make an effort to connect with the Maldivian people for greater acceptability. Such measures could lead to India sustaining a geopolitical advantage in Maldives. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Continuity and challenges in the India-Maldives relations

<p>Indian wrestler Pooja Gehlot was in tears after settling for bronze in the women's 50kg category at the Commonwealth Games 2022 on Saturday (August 07). Gehlot extended India's dominance in wrestling at this year's Games but failed to clinch the elusive gold medal after losing against Canada's Madison Bianca Parks in the semi-final at the Birmingham Games.</p>

<p>Nonetheless, she won her bronze medal clash and managed to finish on the podium. However, she was in tears and inconsolable as she apologised to her compatriots and the rest of the country for failing to reach the final and battling it out for the elusive gold medal. She got emotional speaking at a press conference following her bronze medal win.</p>

<p>"I apologise to my compatriots. I wished that the National Anthem be played here... But I will learn from my mistakes, and work on them," an emotional Gehlot told ANI.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indias-schedule-at-cwg-2022-on-august-7-indian-womens-cricket-team-nikhat-zareen-eye-gold-504475">India's schedule at CWG 2022 on August 7: Indian women's cricket team, Nikhat Zareen eye gold</a></p>

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi consoled the 25-year-old wrestler after her bronze medal feat and said her medal calls for celebration and not an apology. The Prime Minister also had some more encouraging words for the young wrestler.</p>

<p>"Pooja, your medal calls for celebrations, not an apology. Your life journey motivates us, your success gladdens us. You are destined for great things ahead…keep shining!," PM Modi wrote in a tweet reacting to the video of Gehlot crying and apologising after winning bronze.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Pooja, your medal calls for celebrations, not an apology. Your life journey motivates us, your success gladdens us. You are destined for great things ahead…keep shining! <a href="https://t.co/qQ4pldn1Ff">https://t.co/qQ4pldn1Ff</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1556112442559971329?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>Gehlot kicked off her campaign at the Commonwealth Games 2022 with a win over Scotland's Christelle Lemofack Letchidjio before she was handed a walkover ahead of her match against Cameron's Rebecca Ndolo Muambo to reach the semi-final. She was up against Parks in the semi and ended up losing to miss out on a spot in the final.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cwg-2022-vinesh-phogat-clinches-gold-in-womens-53kg-completes-hat-trick-of-top-podium-finishes-504420">CWG 2022: Vinesh Phogat clinches gold in women's 53kg, completes hat-trick of top podium finishes</a></p>

<p>She won her bronze medal match 12-2 by technical superiority to secure a podium finish and extend India's medal tally at the Games. The bronze medal at CWG 2022 is the first major international medal of her career. India won three bronze and three gold medals in wrestling at CWG 2022 on Saturday.</p>


Indian wrestler Pooja Gehlot was in tears after settling for bronze in the women's 50kg category at the Commonwealth Games 2022 on Saturday (August 07). Gehlot extended India's dominance in wrestling at this year's Games but failed to clinch the elusive gold medal after losing against Canada's Madison Bianca Parks in the semi-final at the Birmingham Games.

Indian wrestler Pooja Gehlot was in tears after settling for bronze in the women's 50kg category at the Commonwealth Games 2022 on Saturday (August 07). Gehlot extended India's dominance in wrestling at this year's Games but failed to clinch the elusive gold medal after losing against Canada's Madison Bianca Parks in the semi-final at the Birmingham Games. Nonetheless, she won her bronze medal clash and managed to finish on the podium. However, she was in tears and inconsolable as she apologised to her compatriots and the rest of the country for failing to reach the final and battling it out for the elusive gold medal. She got emotional speaking at a press conference following her bronze medal win. "I apologise to my compatriots. I wished that the National Anthem be played here... But I will learn from my mistakes, and work on them," an emotional Gehlot told ANI. Also Read: India's schedule at CWG 2022 on August 7: Indian women's cricket team, Nikhat Zareen eye gold Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi consoled the 25-year-old wrestler after her bronze medal feat and said her medal calls for celebration and not an apology. The Prime Minister also had some more encouraging words for the young wrestler. "Pooja, your medal calls for celebrations, not an apology. Your life journey motivates us, your success gladdens us. You are destined for great things ahead…keep shining!," PM Modi wrote in a tweet reacting to the video of Gehlot crying and apologising after winning bronze. Pooja, your medal calls for celebrations, not an apology. Your life journey motivates us, your success gladdens us. You are destined for great things ahead…keep shining! https://t.co/qQ4pldn1Ff — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 7, 2022 × Gehlot kicked off her campaign at the Commonwealth Games 2022 with a win over Scotland's Christelle Lemofack Letchidjio before she was handed a walkover ahead of her match against Cameron's Rebecca Ndolo Muambo to reach the semi-final. She was up against Parks in the semi and ended up losing to miss out on a spot in the final. Also Read: CWG 2022: Vinesh Phogat clinches gold in women's 53kg, completes hat-trick of top podium finishes She won her bronze medal match 12-2 by technical superiority to secure a podium finish and extend India's medal tally at the Games. The bronze medal at CWG 2022 is the first major international medal of her career. India won three bronze and three gold medals in wrestling at CWG 2022 on Saturday.

Your medal calls for celebrations, not apology: PM Modi tells Pooja Gehlot after her bronze win at CWG 2022

<p>During Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's India visit, New Delhi rolled out the red carpet and during talks on Tuesday announced key deliverables on defence and infrastructure development. In a special gesture,&nbsp;despite Maldives President's visit being an official visit and not a state visit, an Indian minister received him, and he had a meeting with Indian President Droupadi Murmu.</p>

<p>On Monday, when he began his India visit, he was welcomed by the Minister of State for Animal Husbandry, Fisheries and Dairying Sanjeev Balyan, along with Indian envoy to Maldives Munu Mahawar and Maldives envoy to Delhi Hussain Niyaz. On Tuesday evening, he held talks with Indian President Murmu, becoming the first foreign head of state to do so in person since the latter took charge last month.</p>

<p>In terms of deliverables on defence, India announced the supply of the second Landing Assault Craft (LCA) and a replacement ship for the earlier provided CGS Huravee for the Maldives National Defence Force. Additionally, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the press statement also announced the gifting of 24 utility vehicles to the Maldives National Defence Force.</p>

<p>PM Modi, in the press statement alongside President Solih, said, "Close contact and coordination between India and Maldives in the field of defence and security is vital for the peace and stability of the entire region. We have increased our cooperation against all these common challenges. It also includes capacity building and training support for Maldivian security officials."</p>

<p>India will be designing and constructing 61 police infrastructures across the Maldives even as both leaders "expressed satisfaction on the speedy progress" made in the pre-construction phase of the Coast Guard Harbour at SIFAVARU. India has built the National College for Policing and Law Enforcement (NCPLE) in Addu City which was inaugurated by EAM Jaishankar earlier this year during his visit to the country.</p>

<p>But the showstopper of the day was the "concrete laying" ceremony for the Greater Male connectivity project which will enhance mobility between Male’, Villingili, Gulhifalhu and Thilafushi. It is the largest infrastructure project in the country and is supported by India with a support of $500 million or around Rs 3900 cr. The project dwarfs the previous China Maldives friendship bridge project, a 1 km long bridge that connects the airport to the national capital Male. The project was awarded to AFCONS in August 2021.</p>

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During Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's India visit, New Delhi rolled out the red carpet and during talks on Tuesday announced key deliverables on defence and infrastructure development.

During Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's India visit, New Delhi rolled out the red carpet and during talks on Tuesday announced key deliverables on defence and infrastructure development. In a special gesture, despite Maldives President's visit being an official visit and not a state visit, an Indian minister received him, and he had a meeting with Indian President Droupadi Murmu. On Monday, when he began his India visit, he was welcomed by the Minister of State for Animal Husbandry, Fisheries and Dairying Sanjeev Balyan, along with Indian envoy to Maldives Munu Mahawar and Maldives envoy to Delhi Hussain Niyaz. On Tuesday evening, he held talks with Indian President Murmu, becoming the first foreign head of state to do so in person since the latter took charge last month. In terms of deliverables on defence, India announced the supply of the second Landing Assault Craft (LCA) and a replacement ship for the earlier provided CGS Huravee for the Maldives National Defence Force. Additionally, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the press statement also announced the gifting of 24 utility vehicles to the Maldives National Defence Force. PM Modi, in the press statement alongside President Solih, said, "Close contact and coordination between India and Maldives in the field of defence and security is vital for the peace and stability of the entire region. We have increased our cooperation against all these common challenges. It also includes capacity building and training support for Maldivian security officials." India will be designing and constructing 61 police infrastructures across the Maldives even as both leaders "expressed satisfaction on the speedy progress" made in the pre-construction phase of the Coast Guard Harbour at SIFAVARU. India has built the National College for Policing and Law Enforcement (NCPLE) in Addu City which was inaugurated by EAM Jaishankar earlier this year during his visit to the country. But the showstopper of the day was the "concrete laying" ceremony for the Greater Male connectivity project which will enhance mobility between Male’, Villingili, Gulhifalhu and Thilafushi. It is the largest infrastructure project in the country and is supported by India with a support of $500 million or around Rs 3900 cr. The project dwarfs the previous China Maldives friendship bridge project, a 1 km long bridge that connects the airport to the national capital Male. The project was awarded to AFCONS in August 2021. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Maldives President Visit: India announces deliverables on defence, infra; extends special gesture

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="2">As per a recent press release, the Uttar Pradesh government is all set to drape the tricolour over 42.6 million homes and over 5 million government and non-government offices as a part of India’s 75th-anniversary&nbsp;celebration of its Independence. The government recently launched "Har Ghar Tiranga", which runs from August 13 to August 15, and includes using the Indian Flag as the profile picture on all social media sites. The Uttar Pradesh government, taking part in the initiative to mark the Amrit Mahotsav, has already created 38.6 million tricolours as opposed to the aim of 42.6 million homes, ANI reported.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="4">Over 9.6 million flags have been produced by women’s self-help groups. At the district level, at least 22.6 million flags must be produced.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="4"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/har-ghar-tiranga-indian-flag-on-your-social-media-profile-join-campaign-and-get-certificate-502896">Har Ghar Tiranga: Indian flag on your social media profile - join campaign and get certificate</a></strong></p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="5">According to the press release, "Of the total target, the MSME (micro, small and medium enterprises) department of the state government has procured 20 million flags through the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal while over 20,000 NGOs and private sewing units are working round the clock to produce around 11.5 million flags." The release further stated that NGOs, the UP Khadi and Village Industries Board, and private sewing units have so far produced nearly 3.64 million tricolours and stitched more than 3.53 million flags. Additionally, an order for 5 million flags for government and non-government organisations has already been fulfilled.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="5"><strong>Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/narendra-modi-changes-his-social-media-profile-picture-to-indian-flag-ahead-of-independence-day-502817">&nbsp;Narendra Modi changes his social media profile picture to Indian flag ahead of Independence Day</a></strong></p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="6">Speaking at the ‘Tiranga Festival' event in Delhi on Pingali Venkaiah’s birth anniversary, Union Minister Amit Shah said that the campaign sends a message to the world that all Indians are working together for India’s development, prosperity, security, and culture. He remarked that every citizen's heart holds the Tiranga as a symbol of the country.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="6"><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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As per a recent press release, the Uttar Pradesh government is all set to drape the tricolour over 42.6 million homes and over 5 million government and non-government offices as a part of India’s 75th-anniversary celebration of its Independence.

As per a recent press release, the Uttar Pradesh government is all set to drape the tricolour over 42.6 million homes and over 5 million government and non-government offices as a part of India’s 75th-anniversary celebration of its Independence. The government recently launched "Har Ghar Tiranga", which runs from August 13 to August 15, and includes using the Indian Flag as the profile picture on all social media sites. The Uttar Pradesh government, taking part in the initiative to mark the Amrit Mahotsav, has already created 38.6 million tricolours as opposed to the aim of 42.6 million homes, ANI reported. Over 9.6 million flags have been produced by women’s self-help groups. At the district level, at least 22.6 million flags must be produced. Also read | Har Ghar Tiranga: Indian flag on your social media profile - join campaign and get certificate According to the press release, "Of the total target, the MSME (micro, small and medium enterprises) department of the state government has procured 20 million flags through the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal while over 20,000 NGOs and private sewing units are working round the clock to produce around 11.5 million flags." The release further stated that NGOs, the UP Khadi and Village Industries Board, and private sewing units have so far produced nearly 3.64 million tricolours and stitched more than 3.53 million flags. Additionally, an order for 5 million flags for government and non-government organisations has already been fulfilled. Also read | Narendra Modi changes his social media profile picture to Indian flag ahead of Independence Day Speaking at the ‘Tiranga Festival' event in Delhi on Pingali Venkaiah’s birth anniversary, Union Minister Amit Shah said that the campaign sends a message to the world that all Indians are working together for India’s development, prosperity, security, and culture. He remarked that every citizen's heart holds the Tiranga as a symbol of the country. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Har Ghar Tiranga: Over 38 million national flags made in Uttar Pradesh, aims to drape 42.6 million homes

<p>This year, on August 15th, India will commemorate 75 years of independence. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has prompted all Indians to use the Indian flag, 'Tiranga', in their social media profile pictures from August 2nd to 15th to commemorate the 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.' Using the Indian flag as a profile image on all social media platforms similar to Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, among others, is an element of the "Har Ghar Tiranga" campaign, which runs from August 13th to August 15th. The Prime Minister desires individuals to hoist the Indian flag in their homes to commemorate India's 75th anniversary of independence. The Prime Minister intends to launch this social media profile picture campaign on August 2nd, the birth anniversary of Pingali Venkayya, the designer of the Indian flag.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>How to Participate in the Har Ghar Tiranga Campaign?</h2>

<p>People who wish to participate in the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign can get a temporary 'Tiranga' profile picture on Facebook until August 15. The feature, as the name implies, allows users to change their profile picture for a limited time only. When the time limit expires, the profile picture reverts to its original state.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>How to change the Indian flag Profile on Facebook?</h2>

<p>Follow the steps below to learn how to set a temporary 'Tiranga' profile picture:&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Step 1:</strong> Locate and save an image of the Indian flag to use as your Facebook profile picture.</p>

<p><strong>Step 2:</strong> Launch the Facebook app on your Android or iOS device.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Step 3:</strong> Go to your profile.</p>

<p><strong>Step 4:</strong> Select the "Select profile picture" option.</p>

<p><strong>Step 5:</strong> Choose the Indian flag image you want to use.</p>

<p><strong>Step 6:</strong> Tap the Make Temporary option under the image.</p>

<p><strong>Step 7:</strong> Select Custom from the menu.</p>

<p><strong>Step 8:</strong> Enter the date and time you want to return to your old display picture, then tap "Set."</p>

<p><strong>Step 9:</strong> Select "Save."&nbsp;</p>

<h2>How to download the Har Ghar Tiranga certificate?</h2>

<p>People can also receive the "Har Ghar Tiranaga" certificate. The certificate can be downloaded online from the harghartiranga.com website by the participants. As of August 1, 53 lakh flags had been pinned, and over 7 lakh selfies with the Tricolour had been uploaded to the portal. Schools and institutions are also organizing drawing, quizzes, and other competitions in various parts of the country to instill a sense of patriotism.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Har Ghar Trianga certificate is available for download online. The steps are listed below.</p>

<p><strong>Step1:</strong> Visit the official website- https://harghartiranga.com/</p>

<p><strong>Step 2:</strong> Set your Profile Photo.</p>

<p><strong>Step 3:</strong> Enter the name and mobile number. You may also continue with your Google account.</p>

<p><strong>Step 4:</strong> Allow your location access to harghartiranga.com.</p>

<p><strong>Step 5:</strong> Pin a Flag in your location.</p>

<p><strong>Step 6:</strong> After the successful pin, you will receive a certificate. Download the certificate.</p>

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This year, on August 15th, India will commemorate 75 years of independence. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has prompted all Indians to use the Indian flag, 'Tiranga', in their social media profile pictures from August 2nd to 15th to commemorate the 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.

This year, on August 15th, India will commemorate 75 years of independence. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has prompted all Indians to use the Indian flag, 'Tiranga', in their social media profile pictures from August 2nd to 15th to commemorate the 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.' Using the Indian flag as a profile image on all social media platforms similar to Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, among others, is an element of the "Har Ghar Tiranga" campaign, which runs from August 13th to August 15th. The Prime Minister desires individuals to hoist the Indian flag in their homes to commemorate India's 75th anniversary of independence. The Prime Minister intends to launch this social media profile picture campaign on August 2nd, the birth anniversary of Pingali Venkayya, the designer of the Indian flag. How to Participate in the Har Ghar Tiranga Campaign? People who wish to participate in the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign can get a temporary 'Tiranga' profile picture on Facebook until August 15. The feature, as the name implies, allows users to change their profile picture for a limited time only. When the time limit expires, the profile picture reverts to its original state. How to change the Indian flag Profile on Facebook? Follow the steps below to learn how to set a temporary 'Tiranga' profile picture: Step 1: Locate and save an image of the Indian flag to use as your Facebook profile picture. Step 2: Launch the Facebook app on your Android or iOS device. Step 3: Go to your profile. Step 4: Select the "Select profile picture" option. Step 5: Choose the Indian flag image you want to use. Step 6: Tap the Make Temporary option under the image. Step 7: Select Custom from the menu. Step 8: Enter the date and time you want to return to your old display picture, then tap "Set." Step 9: Select "Save." How to download the Har Ghar Tiranga certificate? People can also receive the "Har Ghar Tiranaga" certificate. The certificate can be downloaded online from the harghartiranga.com website by the participants. As of August 1, 53 lakh flags had been pinned, and over 7 lakh selfies with the Tricolour had been uploaded to the portal. Schools and institutions are also organizing drawing, quizzes, and other competitions in various parts of the country to instill a sense of patriotism. The Har Ghar Trianga certificate is available for download online. The steps are listed below. Step1: Visit the official website- https://harghartiranga.com/ Step 2: Set your Profile Photo. Step 3: Enter the name and mobile number. You may also continue with your Google account. Step 4: Allow your location access to harghartiranga.com. Step 5: Pin a Flag in your location. Step 6: After the successful pin, you will receive a certificate. Download the certificate. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Har Ghar Tiranga: Indian flag on your social media profile - join campaign and get certificate

<p>India is all set to celebrate its 75th Independence Day on August 15 and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already started the festivities. Modi changed the profile pictures of all his social media handles to the Indian national flag and urged the citizens of the country to sport the ‘tiranga’ (referring to the three colours in the national flag) as their profile picture this month.</p>

<p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/tattoo-as-health-monitoring-device-south-korean-scientists-develop-unique-technology-502791" hreflang="en">Tattoo as health monitoring device? South Korean scientists develop unique technology</a></p>

<p>“It is a special 2nd August today! At a time when we are marking Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, our nation is all set for #HarGharTiranga, a collective movement to celebrate our Tricolour. I have changed the DP on my social media pages and urge you all to do the same,” PM Modi tweeted.</p>

<p>During his monthly radio address known as ‘Mann ki baat’, Modi requested the citizens to take part in the campaign he called ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’. “Under the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, from the 13th to the 15th of August, a special movement – ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ is being organized. Let us further this movement by hoisting the National Flag at our homes,” he said according to PTI.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It is a special 2nd August today! At a time when we are marking Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, our nation is all set for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HarGharTiranga?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HarGharTiranga</a>, a collective movement to celebrate our Tricolour. I have changed the DP on my social media pages and urge you all to do the same. <a href="https://t.co/y9ljGmtZMk">pic.twitter.com/y9ljGmtZMk</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1554296310425358337?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 2, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Prime Minister also pointed out that the starting date of the campaign (August 2) holds a special significance as it is the birth anniversary of Pingali Venkhaiya – the designer of India’s national flag.</p>

<p>“August 2 is the birth anniversary of Pingali Venkhaiya who designed the National Flag. I urge all to use ‘tiranga’ as profile picture in social media accounts between August 2 and August 15,” he said.</p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)</p>


India is all set to celebrate its 75th Independence Day on August 15 and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already started the festivities. Modi changed the profile pictures of all his social media handles to the Indian national flag and urged the citizens of the country to sport the ‘tiranga’ (referring to the three colours in the national flag) as their profile picture this month.

India is all set to celebrate its 75th Independence Day on August 15 and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already started the festivities. Modi changed the profile pictures of all his social media handles to the Indian national flag and urged the citizens of the country to sport the ‘tiranga’ (referring to the three colours in the national flag) as their profile picture this month. Also read | Tattoo as health monitoring device? South Korean scientists develop unique technology “It is a special 2nd August today! At a time when we are marking Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, our nation is all set for #HarGharTiranga, a collective movement to celebrate our Tricolour. I have changed the DP on my social media pages and urge you all to do the same,” PM Modi tweeted. During his monthly radio address known as ‘Mann ki baat’, Modi requested the citizens to take part in the campaign he called ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’. “Under the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, from the 13th to the 15th of August, a special movement – ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ is being organized. Let us further this movement by hoisting the National Flag at our homes,” he said according to PTI. It is a special 2nd August today! At a time when we are marking Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, our nation is all set for #HarGharTiranga, a collective movement to celebrate our Tricolour. I have changed the DP on my social media pages and urge you all to do the same. pic.twitter.com/y9ljGmtZMk — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 2, 2022 × The Prime Minister also pointed out that the starting date of the campaign (August 2) holds a special significance as it is the birth anniversary of Pingali Venkhaiya – the designer of India’s national flag. “August 2 is the birth anniversary of Pingali Venkhaiya who designed the National Flag. I urge all to use ‘tiranga’ as profile picture in social media accounts between August 2 and August 15,” he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Narendra Modi changes his social media profile picture to Indian flag ahead of Independence Day

<p>India's Achinta Sheuli extended the country's dominance in weightlifting at the ongoing Commonwealth Games 2022 on Monday (August 01) as he won the elusive gold medal in the men's 73kg category. Sheuli secured India's third gold medal at the Games, all of which have come in weightlifting so far at the showpiece event.</p>

<p>The 20-year-old produced a resilient display in the final of the men's 73kg event and lifted 313 kg overall in snatch and the clean and jerk rounds combined to finish on top of the podium. He successfully lifted 143 kg in the snatch round before lifting 170 kg in the clean and jerk round to bag the elusive gold medal.</p>

<p>Sheuli earned praise from all corners for his golden triumph at the Commonwealth Games. The 20-year-old was also lauded by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who also shared a clip of their conversation during his meeting with the Indian contingent ahead of their departure for&nbsp;the Commonwealth Games 2022.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-secure-first-ever-medal-in-lawn-bowls-in-commonwealth-games-history-502545">India secure first-ever medal in lawn bowls in Commonwealth Games history</a></p>

<p>PM Modi revealed he had discussed the support Sheuli received from his mother and his brother to pursue his dream of weightlifting and revealed the weightlifter hasn't watched a film in a long time. On a light-hearted note, PM Modi suggested that Sheuli should watch a movie now that he has won a medal for the country.</p>

<p>"Before our contingent left for the Commonwealth Games, I had interacted with Achinta Sheuli. We had discussed the support he received from his mother and brother. I also hope he gets time to watch a film now that a medal has been won," PM Modi wrote in his tweet.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Before our contingent left for the Commonwealth Games, I had interacted with Achinta Sheuli. We had discussed the support he received from his mother and brother. I also hope he gets time to watch a film now that a medal has been won. <a href="https://t.co/4g6BPrSvON">pic.twitter.com/4g6BPrSvON</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1553932362123452416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 1, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indian-boxer-amit-panghal-makes-winning-start-cruises-to-quarters-at-commonwealth-games-2022-502585">Indian boxer Amit Panghal makes winning start, cruises to quarters at Commonwealth Games 2022</a></p>

<p>In the clip shared by PM Modi, the CWG 2022 gold medallist can be seen speaking to him about how his parents always backed him and extended their support towards him for his journey. Sheuli became the third Indian weightlifter to win a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games 2022.</p>

<p>Mirabai Chanu and&nbsp;Jeremy Lalrinnunga are the other two Indian weightlifters to have won a gold medal each in their respective categories at the Commonwealth Games so far this year.</p>


India's Achinta Sheuli extended the country's dominance in weightlifting at the ongoing Commonwealth Games 2022 on Monday (August 01) as he won the elusive gold medal in the men's 73kg category.

India's Achinta Sheuli extended the country's dominance in weightlifting at the ongoing Commonwealth Games 2022 on Monday (August 01) as he won the elusive gold medal in the men's 73kg category. Sheuli secured India's third gold medal at the Games, all of which have come in weightlifting so far at the showpiece event. The 20-year-old produced a resilient display in the final of the men's 73kg event and lifted 313 kg overall in snatch and the clean and jerk rounds combined to finish on top of the podium. He successfully lifted 143 kg in the snatch round before lifting 170 kg in the clean and jerk round to bag the elusive gold medal. Sheuli earned praise from all corners for his golden triumph at the Commonwealth Games. The 20-year-old was also lauded by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who also shared a clip of their conversation during his meeting with the Indian contingent ahead of their departure for the Commonwealth Games 2022. Also Read: India secure first-ever medal in lawn bowls in Commonwealth Games history PM Modi revealed he had discussed the support Sheuli received from his mother and his brother to pursue his dream of weightlifting and revealed the weightlifter hasn't watched a film in a long time. On a light-hearted note, PM Modi suggested that Sheuli should watch a movie now that he has won a medal for the country. "Before our contingent left for the Commonwealth Games, I had interacted with Achinta Sheuli. We had discussed the support he received from his mother and brother. I also hope he gets time to watch a film now that a medal has been won," PM Modi wrote in his tweet. Before our contingent left for the Commonwealth Games, I had interacted with Achinta Sheuli. We had discussed the support he received from his mother and brother. I also hope he gets time to watch a film now that a medal has been won. pic.twitter.com/4g6BPrSvON — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 1, 2022 × Also Read: Indian boxer Amit Panghal makes winning start, cruises to quarters at Commonwealth Games 2022 In the clip shared by PM Modi, the CWG 2022 gold medallist can be seen speaking to him about how his parents always backed him and extended their support towards him for his journey. Sheuli became the third Indian weightlifter to win a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games 2022. Mirabai Chanu and Jeremy Lalrinnunga are the other two Indian weightlifters to have won a gold medal each in their respective categories at the Commonwealth Games so far this year.

'Hope he gets time to watch a film now': PM Narendra Modi lauds Achinta Sheuli after gold at CWG 2022

<p>Today marked the conclusion of India's first-ever 5G spectrum auction, in which spectrum valued at $19 billion was sold. As the world's second-largest mobile market prepares for the high-speed wireless network, Reliance Industries' Jio emerged as the top spender, claiming $11 billion in airwaves.</p>

<p>By October of this year, the Indian government hopes to start rolling out 5G, which it claims can deliver internet rates that are around ten times faster than 4G. The next-generation network is regarded as essential for developing technologies like self-driving cars and artificial intelligence on a global scale.</p>

<p>The country's telecoms minister reported that businesses purchased 71% of the total 72 GHz spectrum that was made available in the auction, which ended on Monday and included Jio rivals Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea, as well as a division of Adani Enterprises Ltd.</p>

<p>Spectrum worth $5.4 billion and $2.4 billion, respectively, was awarded to Airtel and Vodafone.</p>

<p>Adani, the most recent bidder in the auction, bought airwaves for close to $27 million. The company wants to get into the private 5G network market rather than provide consumer services.</p>

<p>The government is allowing auction winners to pay the amounts owed in 20 equal annual instalments in order to help the cash-strapped telecom sector.</p>

<p>Since Jio started a price battle in 2016, Airtel and Vodafone have been under pressure, reporting losses in recent years and being constrained by spectrum obligations from prior auctions. However, recent increases in the cost of mobile data have allowed Airtel to slowly resume making a profit.</p>

<p>The 5G auction, according to prior comments from Telecom Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, highlighted the industry's desire to grow and its transition into a growth era.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>

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Today marked the conclusion of India's first-ever 5G spectrum auction, in which spectrum valued at $19 billion was sold. As the world's second-largest mobile market prepares for the high-speed wireless network, Reliance Industries' Jio emerged as the top spender, claiming $11 billion in airwaves.

Today marked the conclusion of India's first-ever 5G spectrum auction, in which spectrum valued at $19 billion was sold. As the world's second-largest mobile market prepares for the high-speed wireless network, Reliance Industries' Jio emerged as the top spender, claiming $11 billion in airwaves. By October of this year, the Indian government hopes to start rolling out 5G, which it claims can deliver internet rates that are around ten times faster than 4G. The next-generation network is regarded as essential for developing technologies like self-driving cars and artificial intelligence on a global scale. The country's telecoms minister reported that businesses purchased 71% of the total 72 GHz spectrum that was made available in the auction, which ended on Monday and included Jio rivals Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea, as well as a division of Adani Enterprises Ltd. Spectrum worth $5.4 billion and $2.4 billion, respectively, was awarded to Airtel and Vodafone. Adani, the most recent bidder in the auction, bought airwaves for close to $27 million. The company wants to get into the private 5G network market rather than provide consumer services. The government is allowing auction winners to pay the amounts owed in 20 equal annual instalments in order to help the cash-strapped telecom sector. Since Jio started a price battle in 2016, Airtel and Vodafone have been under pressure, reporting losses in recent years and being constrained by spectrum obligations from prior auctions. However, recent increases in the cost of mobile data have allowed Airtel to slowly resume making a profit. The 5G auction, according to prior comments from Telecom Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, highlighted the industry's desire to grow and its transition into a growth era. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India's first-ever auction for 5G spectrum concluded today

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="3">"Our fight against Covid is still on, and holistic healthcare has made an impact across the globe in this fight. AYUSH is now gaining prominence worldwide, leading to an increase in AYUSH exports," said the Indian Prime Minister today (July 31), addressing the country on the monthly radio show ‘Mann Ki Baat.’<br />
<br />
The Indian leader stated that the country’s war against COVID-19 is still ongoing and that holistic healthcare has made a global impact in this fight as India continues to record over 10,000 cases over the past few days. The Prime Minister emphasised that there has been an increase in the amount of ayurvedic research done, ANI reported.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="5">According to the data released by the Union Health Ministry, India registered 19,673 cases in the last 24 hours, bringing the total to 4,40,19811. In this instance, there are 1,43,676 active cases, accounting for 0.33 per cent of all the cases.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="5"><strong>Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/many-lessons-to-learn-from-india-in-diplomacy-inclusive-evolution-says-maldives-defence-forces-chief-502102">&nbsp;Many lessons to learn from India in diplomacy &amp; inclusive evolution, says Maldives Defence Forces Chief</a></strong></p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="6">As per the Prime Minister in his show, a rise in ayurvedic plant research has been observed during the Covid phase. The Indian Virtual Herbarium has been launched with information on more than one hundred thousand specimens.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="6"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Indian PM Narendra Modi addresses 91st edition of Mann Ki Baat</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-pm-narendra-modi-addresses-91st-edition-of-mann-ki-baat-502173/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p data-changed="true" data-paragraphid="7">Modi highlighted benefits of honey mentioning it as ‘Amrit’ in ayurveda due to its health benefits. The leader praised several entrepreneurs due to their increased sales in the honey business.</p>

<p data-changed="true" data-paragraphid="7"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-continues-its-nordic-outreach-as-mos-mea-meenakshi-lekhi-to-visit-iceland-norway-next-month-502001">India continues its Nordic outreach as MoS MEA Meenakshi Lekhi to visit Iceland, Norway next month</a></strong></p>

<p data-changed="true" data-paragraphid="8">The leader further in his show announced the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign from August 2 to 15 and urged the citizens to use ‘tiranga’ or the traditional Indian flag as their profile picture on social media. The initiative is organised as a part of the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav. Modi urged the citizens to take the initiative to hoist the national flag on&nbsp;their houses.</p>

<p data-changed="true" data-paragraphid="9">The Prime Minister wants the country to commemorate first the birth anniversary of Pingli Vekhaiya on August 2, who designed the national flag, and to celebrate India’s 75<sup>th</sup> Independence Day.</p>

<p data-changed="true" data-paragraphid="9"><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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"Our fight against Covid is still on, and holistic healthcare has made an impact across the globe in this fight. AYUSH is now gaining prominence worldwide, leading to an increase in AYUSH exports," said the Indian Prime Minister today (July 31), addressing the country on the monthly radio show ‘Mann Ki Baat.

"Our fight against Covid is still on, and holistic healthcare has made an impact across the globe in this fight. AYUSH is now gaining prominence worldwide, leading to an increase in AYUSH exports," said the Indian Prime Minister today (July 31), addressing the country on the monthly radio show ‘Mann Ki Baat.’ The Indian leader stated that the country’s war against COVID-19 is still ongoing and that holistic healthcare has made a global impact in this fight as India continues to record over 10,000 cases over the past few days. The Prime Minister emphasised that there has been an increase in the amount of ayurvedic research done, ANI reported. According to the data released by the Union Health Ministry, India registered 19,673 cases in the last 24 hours, bringing the total to 4,40,19811. In this instance, there are 1,43,676 active cases, accounting for 0.33 per cent of all the cases. Also read | Many lessons to learn from India in diplomacy & inclusive evolution, says Maldives Defence Forces Chief As per the Prime Minister in his show, a rise in ayurvedic plant research has been observed during the Covid phase. The Indian Virtual Herbarium has been launched with information on more than one hundred thousand specimens. Watch | Indian PM Narendra Modi addresses 91st edition of Mann Ki Baat Modi highlighted benefits of honey mentioning it as ‘Amrit’ in ayurveda due to its health benefits. The leader praised several entrepreneurs due to their increased sales in the honey business. Also read | India continues its Nordic outreach as MoS MEA Meenakshi Lekhi to visit Iceland, Norway next month The leader further in his show announced the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign from August 2 to 15 and urged the citizens to use ‘tiranga’ or the traditional Indian flag as their profile picture on social media. The initiative is organised as a part of the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav. Modi urged the citizens to take the initiative to hoist the national flag on their houses. The Prime Minister wants the country to commemorate first the birth anniversary of Pingli Vekhaiya on August 2, who designed the national flag, and to celebrate India’s 75th Independence Day. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

‘Our fight against Covid is still on’: Indian PM urges folks to follow guidelines in his show ‘Mann ki Baat’

<p>With a good mix of experienced elite players, debutants and promising prodigies, six Indian teams, comprising 30 players, are all set to begin their challenge at the 44th edition of the Chess Olympiad, which kick-started in Mamallapuram on Thursday.<br />
<br />
The event was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, Governor RN Ravi also attended the opening ceremony along with Union Sports minister Anurag Thakur.</p>

<p>PM Modi opened the Chess Olympiad in Chennai and said, ''Chess Olympiad is hosted by India at a special time in its history, which marks 75 years of freedom from colonial rule. In sports there are no losers, there are winners and there are future winners."</p>

<p>The star-studded US team-led by World Championship challenger Fabiano Caruana is numbers ahead in terms of average rating with Elo 2771 while India seeded second with Elo 2696.<br />
<br />
World Champion Magnus Carlsen`s Team Norway is third seeded at Elo 2692 followed by Spain (Elo 2687), Poland (Elo 2683) and Azerbaijan (Elo 2680).</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/did-viswanathan-anand-reconsider-decision-of-not-playing-chess-olympiad-legendary-player-reveals-501490">Did Viswanathan Anand reconsider decision of not playing Chess Olympiad? Legendary player reveals</a></strong></p>

<p>The Team India 2 boast of teenage prodigies Nihal Sarin, D Gukesh, R Praggnanandhaa, Raunak Sadhwani and also has 30-year-old B Adhiban as the oldest player. It has caught the imagination and fancy of most enthusiasts, not just in India but abroad too. The average Elo of this team is 2649 but their ability to score over fancied opponents in the past six months place them as strong contenders for the medal.<br />
<br />
The top Indian team, comprising Vidit Gujrathi, Pentala Harikrishna, Arjun Erigaisi, SL Narayanan and Krishnan Saiskiran, has experience and strength combined. Arjun and Narayanan are making their debut. Arjun has been hovering tantalisingly close to the Elo 2700 mark and Narayanan exhibits an enviable positional and solid style. Harikrishna and Sasikiran are old warhorses with proven credentials while Vidit, too, has made a mark amongst the elites.<br />
<br />
The women`s team with Koneru Humpy, D Harika, R Vaishali, Tania Sachdev and Bhakti Kulkarni are given top billing with an average Elo of 2487 and are firm favourites. Ukraine (2478) and Georgia (2475), on the other hand, are too close for comfort and India need good performances each day to gun for gold.<br />
<br />
The other Indian teams, too, have the potential to notch upsets and with no pressure, they have the ability to snatch a medal.</p>


With a good mix of experienced elite players, debutants and promising prodigies, six Indian teams, comprising 30 players, are all set to begin their challenge at the 44th edition of the Chess Olympiad, which kick-started in Mamallapuram on Thursday.

With a good mix of experienced elite players, debutants and promising prodigies, six Indian teams, comprising 30 players, are all set to begin their challenge at the 44th edition of the Chess Olympiad, which kick-started in Mamallapuram on Thursday. The event was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, Governor RN Ravi also attended the opening ceremony along with Union Sports minister Anurag Thakur. PM Modi opened the Chess Olympiad in Chennai and said, ''Chess Olympiad is hosted by India at a special time in its history, which marks 75 years of freedom from colonial rule. In sports there are no losers, there are winners and there are future winners." The star-studded US team-led by World Championship challenger Fabiano Caruana is numbers ahead in terms of average rating with Elo 2771 while India seeded second with Elo 2696. World Champion Magnus Carlsen`s Team Norway is third seeded at Elo 2692 followed by Spain (Elo 2687), Poland (Elo 2683) and Azerbaijan (Elo 2680). ALSO READ | Did Viswanathan Anand reconsider decision of not playing Chess Olympiad? Legendary player reveals The Team India 2 boast of teenage prodigies Nihal Sarin, D Gukesh, R Praggnanandhaa, Raunak Sadhwani and also has 30-year-old B Adhiban as the oldest player. It has caught the imagination and fancy of most enthusiasts, not just in India but abroad too. The average Elo of this team is 2649 but their ability to score over fancied opponents in the past six months place them as strong contenders for the medal. The top Indian team, comprising Vidit Gujrathi, Pentala Harikrishna, Arjun Erigaisi, SL Narayanan and Krishnan Saiskiran, has experience and strength combined. Arjun and Narayanan are making their debut. Arjun has been hovering tantalisingly close to the Elo 2700 mark and Narayanan exhibits an enviable positional and solid style. Harikrishna and Sasikiran are old warhorses with proven credentials while Vidit, too, has made a mark amongst the elites. The women`s team with Koneru Humpy, D Harika, R Vaishali, Tania Sachdev and Bhakti Kulkarni are given top billing with an average Elo of 2487 and are firm favourites. Ukraine (2478) and Georgia (2475), on the other hand, are too close for comfort and India need good performances each day to gun for gold. The other Indian teams, too, have the potential to notch upsets and with no pressure, they have the ability to snatch a medal.

PM Modi inaugurates 44th Chess Olympiad: Team US top seed, India second

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's conversation with a five-year-old girl is winning the internet. PM Modi recently met the daughter of Anil Firojiya, who is a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)&nbsp;MP.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During the second week of the ongoing Monsoon session in the Indian Parliament, a small kid grabbed attention for her interesting conversation with the Indian PM Modi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The cute moment&nbsp;happened on Wednesday (July 27) when Anil Firojiya brought his family to meet PM Modi in Parliament. Firojiya is a BJP MP from Ujjain district in Madhya Pradesh, a state in central India.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uproar-in-indian-parliament-as-opposition-leader-misgenders-the-presidents-post-501391">'Rashtrapatni' remark: BJP leader Smriti Irani demands apology from Congress</a></strong></p>

<p>During the meeting, PM Modi met Anil Firojiya's five-year-old daughter, Ahana Firojiya, who looked delighted in the pictures that went viral on social media.&nbsp;</p>

<p>PM Modi asked the child, “Do you know what I am?”&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ahana replied: “Yes, you are Modi ji. You come on TV everyday.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>She also said: “Lok Sabha TV mein naukri karte ho (And you work for Lok Sabha TV).”&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/who-is-arpita-mukherjee-ex-actress-from-whom-indian-sleuths-recovered-millions-in-cash-501349">Who is Arpita Mukherjee, ex-actress from whom Indian sleuths recovered millions in cash?</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Those who were present in the room reportedly burst into laughter. PM Modi gave chocolates to Ahana before she left.</p>

<p>Anil Firojiya later tweeted: “The most popular leader of the world, the most successful Prime Minister of the country, the most respected Narendra Modi. The family had the privilege of meeting him today.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sharing some pictures of Ahana with Modi, Anil further wrote, “Today both my daughters, younger girl Ahana and elder girl Priyanshi are very happy and overwhelmed to meet the respected Prime Minister and get his affection.”</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">मैं सौभाग्यशाली हूं कि ऐसे कर्मठ,ईमानदार,नि:स्वार्थ,त्यागी व देश के लिए अपना संपूर्ण जीवन समर्पित कर देने वाले प्रधानमंत्री आदरणीय श्रीं नरेंद्र मोदी जी के सानिध्य में मुझे भी जनता की सेवा का अवसर मिला है। <a href="https://t.co/K71WfAGgsm">pic.twitter.com/K71WfAGgsm</a></p>
— Anil Firojiya (@bjpanilfirojiya) <a href="https://twitter.com/bjpanilfirojiya/status/1552231469103579136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 27, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">आज मेरी दोनों बालिकाएं छोटी बालिका अहाना और बड़ी बालिका प्रियांशी आदरणीय प्रधानमंत्री जी से प्रत्यक्ष मिल कर और उनका स्नेह पाकर बहुत आनंदित और अभीभूत है।<a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PMOIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4India?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BJP4India</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4MP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BJP4MP</a> <a href="https://t.co/v5ULVP9KPU">pic.twitter.com/v5ULVP9KPU</a></p>
— Anil Firojiya (@bjpanilfirojiya) <a href="https://twitter.com/bjpanilfirojiya/status/1552231474417770496?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 27, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's conversation with a five-year-old girl is winning the internet. PM Modi recently met the daughter of Anil Firojiya, who is a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's conversation with a five-year-old girl is winning the internet. PM Modi recently met the daughter of Anil Firojiya, who is a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP. During the second week of the ongoing Monsoon session in the Indian Parliament, a small kid grabbed attention for her interesting conversation with the Indian PM Modi. The cute moment happened on Wednesday (July 27) when Anil Firojiya brought his family to meet PM Modi in Parliament. Firojiya is a BJP MP from Ujjain district in Madhya Pradesh, a state in central India. ALSO READ | 'Rashtrapatni' remark: BJP leader Smriti Irani demands apology from Congress During the meeting, PM Modi met Anil Firojiya's five-year-old daughter, Ahana Firojiya, who looked delighted in the pictures that went viral on social media. PM Modi asked the child, “Do you know what I am?” Ahana replied: “Yes, you are Modi ji. You come on TV everyday.” She also said: “Lok Sabha TV mein naukri karte ho (And you work for Lok Sabha TV).” ALSO READ | Who is Arpita Mukherjee, ex-actress from whom Indian sleuths recovered millions in cash? Those who were present in the room reportedly burst into laughter. PM Modi gave chocolates to Ahana before she left. Anil Firojiya later tweeted: “The most popular leader of the world, the most successful Prime Minister of the country, the most respected Narendra Modi. The family had the privilege of meeting him today.” Sharing some pictures of Ahana with Modi, Anil further wrote, “Today both my daughters, younger girl Ahana and elder girl Priyanshi are very happy and overwhelmed to meet the respected Prime Minister and get his affection.” मैं सौभाग्यशाली हूं कि ऐसे कर्मठ,ईमानदार,नि:स्वार्थ,त्यागी व देश के लिए अपना संपूर्ण जीवन समर्पित कर देने वाले प्रधानमंत्री आदरणीय श्रीं नरेंद्र मोदी जी के सानिध्य में मुझे भी जनता की सेवा का अवसर मिला है। pic.twitter.com/K71WfAGgsm — Anil Firojiya (@bjpanilfirojiya) July 27, 2022 × आज मेरी दोनों बालिकाएं छोटी बालिका अहाना और बड़ी बालिका प्रियांशी आदरणीय प्रधानमंत्री जी से प्रत्यक्ष मिल कर और उनका स्नेह पाकर बहुत आनंदित और अभीभूत है।@narendramodi @PMOIndia @BJP4India @BJP4MP pic.twitter.com/v5ULVP9KPU — Anil Firojiya (@bjpanilfirojiya) July 27, 2022 × WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

‘You work for Lok Sabha TV’: This girl’s conversation with PM Modi is winning hearts - see pics

<p>In the run-up to the grand opening ceremony of the 44th FIDE International Chess Olympiad on Thursday, a special passenger plane with a '44th Chess Olympiad' livery was unveiled. The aircraft with the special livery was unveiled at the airport of the host city in Southern India, Chennai, in the presence of Government officials, elected representatives, and school students who won chess competitions at the district level.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Indian city will be&nbsp;the third in Asia, after Dubai and Manila to host an International Chess Olympiad organized by Fédération Internationale des Échecs (French for International Chess Federation). The southern Indian city of Chennai, also the capital of Tamil Nadu, will witness Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the State's Chief Minister MK Stalin sharing stage, inaugurating the games on Thursday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>149 students from Government-run schools and three of their teachers also had the unique opportunity to fly on-board the special liveried aircraft. The group flew from Chennai-Bengaluru and returned on Wednesday afternoon and the young passengers, most of them first-time flyers had an opportunity to enjoy a game of chess mid-air. This initiative to fly the school students and also facilitate their interaction with International players, has been undertaken by the Tamil Nadu government, in order to further promote the sport.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">149 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/govt?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#govt</a> schools students (winners of chess matches) from across <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/tamilnadu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#tamilnadu</a> enjoy the experience of flying from <a href="https://twitter.com/aaichnairport?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@aaichnairport</a> to <a href="https://twitter.com/BLRAirport?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BLRAirport</a> &amp;back, as promo of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/chennaichessolympiad?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#chennaichessolympiad</a><br />
<br />
They flew on a special <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/chessolympiad?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#chessolympiad</a> liveried <a href="https://twitter.com/flyspicejet?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@flyspicejet</a> aircraft , thanks to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TNGovt?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TNGovt</a> <a href="https://t.co/qieb4hPcMV">pic.twitter.com/qieb4hPcMV</a></p>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1552281248759877633?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 27, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/mutual-of-omaha-ends-swedish-player-henrik-stenson-sponsorship-after-he-joins-liv-golf-501211"><strong>Mutual of Omaha ends Swedish player Henrik Stenson sponsorship after he joins LIV Golf</strong></a>&nbsp;</p>

<p>While the inaugural event is to take place in Chennai, the Olympiad will be held in Mamallapuram, a UNESCO World Heritage town almost 50kms away from the capital city. Taking place between&nbsp;29th August and 10th July, the Olympiad is expected to attract more than 2,000 visitors from 180 countries. However, teams from China and Russia will not be taking part in this edition of the event.&nbsp;Notably, Mamallapuram, the host town is also the one that witnessed a bilateral summit between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, in October 2019.</p>

<p>Originally planned to be hosted in Russia, the 44th FIDE Chess Olympiad was moved to India due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. As part of the initial promotional activities for the event in Chennai, veteran actor Rajinikanth had released a music video made by Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman.&nbsp;Launched by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a torch relay is underway since June 19th. This torch will travel across 75 iconic locations in India, before arriving in Mamallapuram, the event host town.&nbsp;</p>


In the run-up to the grand opening ceremony of the 44th FIDE International Chess Olympiad on Thursday, a special passenger plane with a '44th Chess Olympiad' livery was unveiled.

In the run-up to the grand opening ceremony of the 44th FIDE International Chess Olympiad on Thursday, a special passenger plane with a '44th Chess Olympiad' livery was unveiled. The aircraft with the special livery was unveiled at the airport of the host city in Southern India, Chennai, in the presence of Government officials, elected representatives, and school students who won chess competitions at the district level. The Indian city will be the third in Asia, after Dubai and Manila to host an International Chess Olympiad organized by Fédération Internationale des Échecs (French for International Chess Federation). The southern Indian city of Chennai, also the capital of Tamil Nadu, will witness Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the State's Chief Minister MK Stalin sharing stage, inaugurating the games on Thursday. 149 students from Government-run schools and three of their teachers also had the unique opportunity to fly on-board the special liveried aircraft. The group flew from Chennai-Bengaluru and returned on Wednesday afternoon and the young passengers, most of them first-time flyers had an opportunity to enjoy a game of chess mid-air. This initiative to fly the school students and also facilitate their interaction with International players, has been undertaken by the Tamil Nadu government, in order to further promote the sport. 149 #govt schools students (winners of chess matches) from across #tamilnadu enjoy the experience of flying from @aaichnairport to @BLRAirport &back, as promo of #chennaichessolympiad They flew on a special #chessolympiad liveried @flyspicejet aircraft , thanks to #TNGovt pic.twitter.com/qieb4hPcMV — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) July 27, 2022 × ALSO READ | Mutual of Omaha ends Swedish player Henrik Stenson sponsorship after he joins LIV Golf While the inaugural event is to take place in Chennai, the Olympiad will be held in Mamallapuram, a UNESCO World Heritage town almost 50kms away from the capital city. Taking place between 29th August and 10th July, the Olympiad is expected to attract more than 2,000 visitors from 180 countries. However, teams from China and Russia will not be taking part in this edition of the event. Notably, Mamallapuram, the host town is also the one that witnessed a bilateral summit between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, in October 2019. Originally planned to be hosted in Russia, the 44th FIDE Chess Olympiad was moved to India due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. As part of the initial promotional activities for the event in Chennai, veteran actor Rajinikanth had released a music video made by Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman. Launched by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a torch relay is underway since June 19th. This torch will travel across 75 iconic locations in India, before arriving in Mamallapuram, the event host town.

44th Int'l Chess Olympiad liveried aircraft unveiled; school students go on maiden flight

<p>Congratulations and wishes have been pouring in from across the world to the new Indian President Droupadi Murmu on taking charges. Murmu, former governor of Jharkhand and the second woman to become Indian president took the oath of office on Monday in the Indian Parliament. The ceremony was attended by Delhi's diplomatic community who were present in full force and later tweeted wishes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the neighbourhood, almost all countries were quick to extend their wishes. Bangladesh President Md. Abdul Hamid in his letter to the new Indian President said, "As the President of Bangladesh - one of the best-performing countries in women's empowerment in the region, it is heartening to see you taking up the responsibilities of this high office".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Recalling the "invaluable support by the Government and the people of India during our Liberation War in 1971" which he described as a "watershed moment in our relations", he pointed out that cooperation spans a range of areas, including trade, connectivity, water resources management, energy etc. He highlighted that "Bangladesh-India ties are anchored in shared history and culture, mutual trust and respect" and that he is "confident that the friendly bond and good cooperation".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/droupadi-not-my-original-name-says-new-indian-president-500516">New Indian President reveals, 'Droupadi not my original name'</a></strong></p>

<p>President Hamid also wrote a letter to ex-Indian President Ram Nath Kovind saying that "your wisdom and able leadership not only benefitted India but the entire South Asian region as well". Ram Nath Kovind had visited Bangladesh last year and was the chief guest during the Golden Jubilee Independence celebration of the country in Dhaka.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Nepal President Bidhya Devi Bhandari, Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, King of Bhutan and his father the Fourth King all sent felicitation messages to President Murmu.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe in his letter to President Murmu said her appointment is a "testimony to the trust and confidence the govt and people have placed in your caliber and political acumen". In the letter he talked about the "warm and long-standing relations" both India and Sri Lanka have enjoyed and how her "leadership offers fresh impetus to our joint endeavors to nurture and strengthen the cordial ties we enjoy".&nbsp;</p>

<p>So far, it's not known yet if Pakistan's Arif Alvi has sent a letter to the new Indian President but as part of the protocol, it can be expected. Remember earlier this year, when Pakistan saw a change in leadership after Imran Khan lost vote of confidence and Shahbaz Sharif took charge, Indian PM Narendra Modi sent a congratulation letter to him. In a letter congratulating Pakistan's New Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Indian PM Narendra Modi has asked him to build "normal neighbourly relations" between the two countries which will be for "the benefit of the region".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/my-election-proves-that-in-india-the-poor-can-dream-and-achieve-too-president-droupadi-murmu-500473">My election proves that in India, the poor can dream and achieve too: President Droupadi Murmu</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Beyond the region, Denmark PM Mette Frederiksen in her letter to the new Indian President pointed to the green strategic partnership between the two countries which she said: "is testament to this close relationship. It is a sign of common ambitions and a unique model towards a more sustainable future for India, Denmark and the rest of the world". Recalling her visit to India last year and PM Modi's visit to Denmark earlier this year she said that she "look forward to continuing the valuable and close cooperation between India and Denmark with you , building on our strong bond of friendship. An informal Hindi translation was also attached to the letter. She also wrote a letter to ex-Indian President Kovind mentioning her visit on 9th October 2021, saying, "allow me to thank you as well for the beautiful ceremony...you were a very welcoming host, for that I am truly grateful".</p>

<p>China's Xi Jinping and Russian President Putin also wrote letters to the new Indian President. The Chinese President's letter called for enhancing "political mutual trust, deepen practical cooperation, properly handle differences and push forward the development of China-India relations along the right track." The ties between the two Asian neighbours have gone into negative terrain after Chinese aggressive action in Galwan, Eastern Ladakh in 2020 that led to the death of 20 Indian soldiers. China also lost 4 of its soldiers, something it accepted after months of much scrutiny. Since then, friction points at the line of actual control in Ladakh remain even as China continues to violate 1990s pacts, a key element of which was not to amass troops at the border.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the letter, Jinping emphasised on "healthy &amp; stable China-India relationship" which is in "fundamental interests of the two countries and peoples, and conducive to peace, stability and development in the region". The contents of the letter were tweeted by Chinese envoy Sun Weidong in Delhi is the first such public acknowledgement of the letter being written by the Chinese President to India side in years. On national days, letters have been exchanged as part of the protocol but never public acknowledgement has been made by either side.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Russian President in his letter talked about the "special privileged strategic partnership" both countries have and hoped as "head of state will promote the further development of the Russian-Indian political dialogue and productive cooperation in different areas for the benefit of our friendly nations". More letters are expected from the world leaders. As part of the protocol, each letter gets a reply from the President's office, thanking the world leaders and talking about the ties and state of the relationship.&nbsp;</p>

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Congratulations and wishes have been pouring in from across the world to the new Indian President Droupadi Murmu on taking charges. Murmu, former governor of Jharkhand and the second woman to become Indian president took the oath of office on Monday in the Indian Parliament.

Congratulations and wishes have been pouring in from across the world to the new Indian President Droupadi Murmu on taking charges. Murmu, former governor of Jharkhand and the second woman to become Indian president took the oath of office on Monday in the Indian Parliament. The ceremony was attended by Delhi's diplomatic community who were present in full force and later tweeted wishes. In the neighbourhood, almost all countries were quick to extend their wishes. Bangladesh President Md. Abdul Hamid in his letter to the new Indian President said, "As the President of Bangladesh - one of the best-performing countries in women's empowerment in the region, it is heartening to see you taking up the responsibilities of this high office". Recalling the "invaluable support by the Government and the people of India during our Liberation War in 1971" which he described as a "watershed moment in our relations", he pointed out that cooperation spans a range of areas, including trade, connectivity, water resources management, energy etc. He highlighted that "Bangladesh-India ties are anchored in shared history and culture, mutual trust and respect" and that he is "confident that the friendly bond and good cooperation". ALSO READ | New Indian President reveals, 'Droupadi not my original name' President Hamid also wrote a letter to ex-Indian President Ram Nath Kovind saying that "your wisdom and able leadership not only benefitted India but the entire South Asian region as well". Ram Nath Kovind had visited Bangladesh last year and was the chief guest during the Golden Jubilee Independence celebration of the country in Dhaka. Nepal President Bidhya Devi Bhandari, Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, King of Bhutan and his father the Fourth King all sent felicitation messages to President Murmu. Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe in his letter to President Murmu said her appointment is a "testimony to the trust and confidence the govt and people have placed in your caliber and political acumen". In the letter he talked about the "warm and long-standing relations" both India and Sri Lanka have enjoyed and how her "leadership offers fresh impetus to our joint endeavors to nurture and strengthen the cordial ties we enjoy". So far, it's not known yet if Pakistan's Arif Alvi has sent a letter to the new Indian President but as part of the protocol, it can be expected. Remember earlier this year, when Pakistan saw a change in leadership after Imran Khan lost vote of confidence and Shahbaz Sharif took charge, Indian PM Narendra Modi sent a congratulation letter to him. In a letter congratulating Pakistan's New Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Indian PM Narendra Modi has asked him to build "normal neighbourly relations" between the two countries which will be for "the benefit of the region". ALSO READ | My election proves that in India, the poor can dream and achieve too: President Droupadi Murmu Beyond the region, Denmark PM Mette Frederiksen in her letter to the new Indian President pointed to the green strategic partnership between the two countries which she said: "is testament to this close relationship. It is a sign of common ambitions and a unique model towards a more sustainable future for India, Denmark and the rest of the world". Recalling her visit to India last year and PM Modi's visit to Denmark earlier this year she said that she "look forward to continuing the valuable and close cooperation between India and Denmark with you , building on our strong bond of friendship. An informal Hindi translation was also attached to the letter. She also wrote a letter to ex-Indian President Kovind mentioning her visit on 9th October 2021, saying, "allow me to thank you as well for the beautiful ceremony...you were a very welcoming host, for that I am truly grateful". China's Xi Jinping and Russian President Putin also wrote letters to the new Indian President. The Chinese President's letter called for enhancing "political mutual trust, deepen practical cooperation, properly handle differences and push forward the development of China-India relations along the right track." The ties between the two Asian neighbours have gone into negative terrain after Chinese aggressive action in Galwan, Eastern Ladakh in 2020 that led to the death of 20 Indian soldiers. China also lost 4 of its soldiers, something it accepted after months of much scrutiny. Since then, friction points at the line of actual control in Ladakh remain even as China continues to violate 1990s pacts, a key element of which was not to amass troops at the border. In the letter, Jinping emphasised on "healthy & stable China-India relationship" which is in "fundamental interests of the two countries and peoples, and conducive to peace, stability and development in the region". The contents of the letter were tweeted by Chinese envoy Sun Weidong in Delhi is the first such public acknowledgement of the letter being written by the Chinese President to India side in years. On national days, letters have been exchanged as part of the protocol but never public acknowledgement has been made by either side. Russian President in his letter talked about the "special privileged strategic partnership" both countries have and hoped as "head of state will promote the further development of the Russian-Indian political dialogue and productive cooperation in different areas for the benefit of our friendly nations". More letters are expected from the world leaders. As part of the protocol, each letter gets a reply from the President's office, thanking the world leaders and talking about the ties and state of the relationship. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

World Leaders congratulate new Indian President Droupadi Murmu

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated javelin star Neeraj Chopra on Sunday (July 24) after he won a historic silver medal at the World Athletics Championships 2022. Neeraj became only the second Indian after the great Anju Bobby George to win a medal at the World Athletics Championships, bringing an end to the country's 19-year-long wait.</p>

<p>George had become the first Indian to win a medal at the World Athletics Championships when she clinched bronze in long jump at the showpiece event in 2003. Tokyo Olympics champion Neeraj finished second behind reigning world champion&nbsp;Anderson Peters of Grenada, who won gold with a 90.54m throw.</p>

<p>Congratulating him on his historic feat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had called it a 'special moment' in Indian sports. “A great accomplishment by one of our most distinguished athletes! Congratulations to @Neeraj_chopra1 on winning a historic Silver medal at the #WorldChampionships. This is a special moment for Indian sports. Best wishes to Neeraj for his upcoming endeavours," PM Modi wrote in a tweet.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/we-are-proud-virat-kohli-reacts-as-neeraj-chopra-claims-historic-silver-at-world-athletics-championships-500428">&nbsp;'We are proud': Kohli reacts as Neeraj Chopra claims historic silver at World Athletics Championships</a></p>

<p>On Monday, Neeraj responded to the Prime Minister's message for him and said it was an honour for him to be representing the country at the highest level. Thanking PM Modi for his wishes, Neeraj said he is proud to have the opportunity to be playing for India.</p>

<p>"Thank you so much, sir! Representing India is a great honour and one I am proud to have the opportunity for," said Neeraj responding to PM Modi's tweet.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Thank you so much, sir! Representing India is a great honour and one I am proud to have the opportunity for.</p>
— Neeraj Chopra (@Neeraj_chopra1) <a href="https://twitter.com/Neeraj_chopra1/status/1551494132379488256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 25, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>Neeraj was one of the favourites heading into the final on Sunday but he didn't have an ideal start as his first attempt was less than 80m and was deemed a foul&nbsp;after he overstepped. He steadily increased the distance over the next couple of throws before scaling 88.13m in his 4th attempt to bag a silver medal in the final.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-neeraj-chopra-lauds-unbeatable-anderson-peters-for-his-gold-medal-triumph-at-world-championships-500295">Exclusive! Neeraj Chopra lauds 'unbeatable' Anderson Peters for his gold medal at World Championships</a></p>

<p>Neeraj, who is the first Asian athlete to have won an Olympic gold medal in javelin throw, has now become the first Indian to have won a medal each at the Olympics and the World Athletics Championships. The 24-year-old has completed an incredible set with medals at the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, Olympics and the World Championships.</p>

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated javelin star Neeraj Chopra on Sunday (July 24) after he won a historic silver medal at the World Athletics Championships 2022.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated javelin star Neeraj Chopra on Sunday (July 24) after he won a historic silver medal at the World Athletics Championships 2022. Neeraj became only the second Indian after the great Anju Bobby George to win a medal at the World Athletics Championships, bringing an end to the country's 19-year-long wait. George had become the first Indian to win a medal at the World Athletics Championships when she clinched bronze in long jump at the showpiece event in 2003. Tokyo Olympics champion Neeraj finished second behind reigning world champion Anderson Peters of Grenada, who won gold with a 90.54m throw. Congratulating him on his historic feat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had called it a 'special moment' in Indian sports. “A great accomplishment by one of our most distinguished athletes! Congratulations to @Neeraj_chopra1 on winning a historic Silver medal at the #WorldChampionships. This is a special moment for Indian sports. Best wishes to Neeraj for his upcoming endeavours," PM Modi wrote in a tweet. Also Read: 'We are proud': Kohli reacts as Neeraj Chopra claims historic silver at World Athletics Championships On Monday, Neeraj responded to the Prime Minister's message for him and said it was an honour for him to be representing the country at the highest level. Thanking PM Modi for his wishes, Neeraj said he is proud to have the opportunity to be playing for India. "Thank you so much, sir! Representing India is a great honour and one I am proud to have the opportunity for," said Neeraj responding to PM Modi's tweet. Thank you so much, sir! Representing India is a great honour and one I am proud to have the opportunity for. — Neeraj Chopra (@Neeraj_chopra1) July 25, 2022 × Neeraj was one of the favourites heading into the final on Sunday but he didn't have an ideal start as his first attempt was less than 80m and was deemed a foul after he overstepped. He steadily increased the distance over the next couple of throws before scaling 88.13m in his 4th attempt to bag a silver medal in the final. Also Read: Exclusive! Neeraj Chopra lauds 'unbeatable' Anderson Peters for his gold medal at World Championships Neeraj, who is the first Asian athlete to have won an Olympic gold medal in javelin throw, has now become the first Indian to have won a medal each at the Olympics and the World Athletics Championships. The 24-year-old has completed an incredible set with medals at the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, Olympics and the World Championships. ×

'Representing India is a great honour': Neeraj Chopra responds to PM Modi's wishes after his historic silver

<p>Indian javelin star Neeraj Chopra scripted history at the World Athletics Championships 2022 on Sunday (July 24) as he became the first Indian male athlete to win a medal at the showpiece event. After a wobbly start, Neeraj bounced back strongly as he produced a throw of 88.13m in his fourth attempt to finish second on the podium at the World Championships in Oregon, US.</p>

<p>Reigning world champion&nbsp;Anderson Peters of Grenada clinched the gold medal as he went on to successfully defend his title with a record-breaking throw of a staggering 90.54m. While the wind and the conditions were not favourable for the throwers in the final, Neeraj managed to ensure he ended India's 19-year-long wait for a medal at the World Athletics Championships.</p>

<p>Neeraj is the first Indian after the legendary Anju Bobby George to win a medal at the World Athletics Championships. While it is the first-ever silver medal for India at the Worlds, it is the second medal overall for the country at the showpiece event making it a historic achievement for the 24-year-old javelin star.</p>

<p>Soon after his historic triumph, Twitter was abuzz&nbsp;with wishes for Neeraj, who has been enjoying a stellar run so far this season. Several notable personalities, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and India's first-ever Olympic individual gold medallist Abhinav Bindra congratulated the javelin star.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/neeraj-chopra-scripts-history-bags-indias-first-ever-silver-medal-in-world-athletics-championships-500134">Neeraj Chopra scripts history, bags India's first-ever silver medal in World Athletics Championships</a></p>

<p><strong>Twitter lauds Neeraj Chopra for historic silver at World Athletics Championships:</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">भाई <a href="https://twitter.com/Neeraj_chopra1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Neeraj_chopra1</a> वर्ल्ड चैंपियनशिप में ऐतिहासिक सिल्वर मेडल जीतने पर आपको ढेर सारी शुभकामनाएँ। आप ऐसे ही देश के लिए मेडल जीतते रहे । भगवान से यहि प्रार्थना है ।<a href="https://t.co/032SmK10gv">pic.twitter.com/032SmK10gv</a></p>
— Bajrang Punia 🇮🇳 (@BajrangPunia) <a href="https://twitter.com/BajrangPunia/status/1551042279762268161?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 24, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congratulations <a href="https://twitter.com/Neeraj_chopra1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Neeraj_chopra1</a> for that magic moment..N welcome to the group..it was a long wait.Thanks to <a href="https://twitter.com/afiindia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@afiindia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Media_SAI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Media_SAI</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ianuragthakur?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ianuragthakur</a> for all the support . <a href="https://t.co/31tLKjdV3V">pic.twitter.com/31tLKjdV3V</a></p>
— Anju Bobby George (@anjubobbygeorg1) <a href="https://twitter.com/anjubobbygeorg1/status/1551059477419372544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 24, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">India is elated by the stupendous performance by Subedar <a href="https://twitter.com/Neeraj_chopra1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Neeraj_chopra1</a>.<br />
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Congratulations to him on winning the Silver Medal at the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldAthleticsChampionships?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WorldAthleticsChampionships</a> in Eugene, Oregon.<br />
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His hard work, grit and determination have yielded outstanding results. We are proud of him.</p>
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajnathsingh/status/1551039749351428099?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 24, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Many congratulations <a href="https://twitter.com/Neeraj_chopra1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Neeraj_chopra1</a> for your silver at the worlds ! You make us proud. Well done and the best for the rest of the season.</p>
— Abhinav A. Bindra OLY (@Abhinav_Bindra) <a href="https://twitter.com/Abhinav_Bindra/status/1551037678988464128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 24, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A great accomplishment by one of our most distinguished athletes!<br />
<br />
Congratulations to <a href="https://twitter.com/Neeraj_chopra1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Neeraj_chopra1</a> on winning a historic Silver medal at the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldChampionships?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WorldChampionships</a>. This is a special moment for Indian sports. Best wishes to Neeraj for his upcoming endeavours. <a href="https://t.co/odm49Nw6Bx">https://t.co/odm49Nw6Bx</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1551051269397446657?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 24, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congratulations to <a href="https://twitter.com/Neeraj_chopra1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Neeraj_chopra1</a> for winning the silver at 2022 World Athletics Championships for our country. Your best efforts have made our country proud in the world. Keep the flag flying high. Jai Hind</p>
— P.T. USHA (@PTUshaOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTUshaOfficial/status/1551049734294761473?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 24, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>Neeraj started the final with a foul throw in his first attempt after stepping out. He improved to 82.39m in his second attempt and went past the 86m-mark in his third attempt to edge closer to the&nbsp;bronze medal spot. In his fourth attempt, Neeraj produced his best throw of 88.13m to move to the second spot in what was a terrific comeback.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-neeraj-chopras-impressive-8839-m-throw-as-he-qualifies-for-maiden-world-championships-final-499786">WATCH - Neeraj Chopra's impressive 88.39 m throw as he qualifies for maiden World Championships final</a></p>

<p>The Tokyo Olympics champion was under significant pressure ahead of his fourth attempt but did enough to secure a silver medal at the World Championships. With his triumph, Neeraj became the first Indian to win a medal at the Olympics and the World Athletics Championships.</p>


Indian javelin star Neeraj Chopra scripted history at the World Athletics Championships 2022 on Sunday (July 24) as he became the first Indian male athlete to win a medal at the showpiece event.

Indian javelin star Neeraj Chopra scripted history at the World Athletics Championships 2022 on Sunday (July 24) as he became the first Indian male athlete to win a medal at the showpiece event. After a wobbly start, Neeraj bounced back strongly as he produced a throw of 88.13m in his fourth attempt to finish second on the podium at the World Championships in Oregon, US. Reigning world champion Anderson Peters of Grenada clinched the gold medal as he went on to successfully defend his title with a record-breaking throw of a staggering 90.54m. While the wind and the conditions were not favourable for the throwers in the final, Neeraj managed to ensure he ended India's 19-year-long wait for a medal at the World Athletics Championships. Neeraj is the first Indian after the legendary Anju Bobby George to win a medal at the World Athletics Championships. While it is the first-ever silver medal for India at the Worlds, it is the second medal overall for the country at the showpiece event making it a historic achievement for the 24-year-old javelin star. Soon after his historic triumph, Twitter was abuzz with wishes for Neeraj, who has been enjoying a stellar run so far this season. Several notable personalities, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and India's first-ever Olympic individual gold medallist Abhinav Bindra congratulated the javelin star. Also Read: Neeraj Chopra scripts history, bags India's first-ever silver medal in World Athletics Championships Twitter lauds Neeraj Chopra for historic silver at World Athletics Championships: भाई @Neeraj_chopra1 वर्ल्ड चैंपियनशिप में ऐतिहासिक सिल्वर मेडल जीतने पर आपको ढेर सारी शुभकामनाएँ। आप ऐसे ही देश के लिए मेडल जीतते रहे । भगवान से यहि प्रार्थना है ।pic.twitter.com/032SmK10gv — Bajrang Punia 🇮🇳 (@BajrangPunia) July 24, 2022 × Congratulations @Neeraj_chopra1 for that magic moment..N welcome to the group..it was a long wait.Thanks to @afiindia @Media_SAI @ianuragthakur for all the support . pic.twitter.com/31tLKjdV3V — Anju Bobby George (@anjubobbygeorg1) July 24, 2022 × India is elated by the stupendous performance by Subedar @Neeraj_chopra1. Congratulations to him on winning the Silver Medal at the #WorldAthleticsChampionships in Eugene, Oregon. His hard work, grit and determination have yielded outstanding results. We are proud of him. — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) July 24, 2022 × Many congratulations @Neeraj_chopra1 for your silver at the worlds ! You make us proud. Well done and the best for the rest of the season. — Abhinav A. Bindra OLY (@Abhinav_Bindra) July 24, 2022 × A great accomplishment by one of our most distinguished athletes! Congratulations to @Neeraj_chopra1 on winning a historic Silver medal at the #WorldChampionships. This is a special moment for Indian sports. Best wishes to Neeraj for his upcoming endeavours. https://t.co/odm49Nw6Bx — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 24, 2022 × Congratulations to @Neeraj_chopra1 for winning the silver at 2022 World Athletics Championships for our country. Your best efforts have made our country proud in the world. Keep the flag flying high. Jai Hind — P.T. USHA (@PTUshaOfficial) July 24, 2022 × Neeraj started the final with a foul throw in his first attempt after stepping out. He improved to 82.39m in his second attempt and went past the 86m-mark in his third attempt to edge closer to the bronze medal spot. In his fourth attempt, Neeraj produced his best throw of 88.13m to move to the second spot in what was a terrific comeback. Also Read: WATCH - Neeraj Chopra's impressive 88.39 m throw as he qualifies for maiden World Championships final The Tokyo Olympics champion was under significant pressure ahead of his fourth attempt but did enough to secure a silver medal at the World Championships. With his triumph, Neeraj became the first Indian to win a medal at the Olympics and the World Athletics Championships.

You make us proud: PM Modi, Abhinav Bindra & others laud Neeraj Chopra after he wins historic silver for India

<p>The visiting President of COP26 or Conference of Parties Alok Sharma has said that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has shown “real leadership” on climate change with initiatives like ISA or International Solar Alliance and the CDRI or Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking exclusively to our Diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Sharma, who was on a two-day India visit, said, "The PM made really great commitment at COP26 to have&nbsp;500GW of renewable&nbsp;energy by 2030. That is a big-big commitment, and it is a bold commitment PM Modi made.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>This is the third visit of Alok Sharma to India as COP26 chief. During the visit, he visited the International Solar Alliance (ISA) headquarters at the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) campus in Delhi. He also spoke about the prevailing heatwave in the UK, pointing out that it “was unbearable for a lot of people”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sharma, who is a Cabinet minister, also spoke on the ongoing leadership race for the next British PM. He said, “Both candidates Rishi Sunak as well as Liz Truss are really good people, they are really committed,” adding, in response to a question that “history will in time judge” outgoing British PM Boris Johnson well.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WION:</strong> What has been the key focus of your India visit?&nbsp;<br />
<strong>Alok Sharma:</strong>&nbsp;Great to be back in India. This is my third visit in a year and a half and shows the level of importance that I attach to India and India’s own commitment as well. I want to roll back to 8 months ago at COP26 in Glasgow last November and what we collectively managed to get was a historic agreement, the Glasgow climate pact and the last 200 countries agreed to it because they understood that it is in their self-interest to act on as you say climate change is the biggest challenge the world is facing right now. And what I am doing is I am travelling around to different countries, talking to different governments, speaking to them about the commitments they made and how we can work together to make sure that those commitments are achieved.</p>

<p><strong>WION:</strong> We have seen a deadly heatwave in the UK. How much is Climate Change responsible for it?&nbsp;<br />
<strong>Alok Sharma:</strong>&nbsp;You can’t say that is directly entirely to do with climate change. But we can see climate is changing, we know science is telling us we are already anywhere between 1.1 to 1.2 degrees above pre-industrial levels in terms of temperatures. And you see the impact of that, and it is not evenly spread. Absolutely, in UK, we have hit record levels of temperatures, over 40 degrees and I can tell you it was unbearable for a lot of people. We also had fires breaking out, wildfires in the UK and here in India in the last few weeks, you have gone through a terrible heat wave. I can’t start to imagine what it is like for the very many people across the world who are facing extreme heat for a large part of the time. I had an opportunity to meet some people in some of the communities who are working outside, working in these conditions, and it is exactly why we need to address this issue because it is impacting many millions of lives across the world.</p>

<p><strong>WION:</strong> We have seen heat waves in the UK and India. Is it the new normal and what can be done?<br />
<strong>Alok Sharma:</strong> What sadly we are seeing is that global warming is on the rise and in the past 18 months I had an opportunity, and it has been quite humbling, to meet communities up and down the world, the front line of the climate change. People who have been driven out of their homes because of flooding, because of drought, because of rising sea levels and I am afraid to say that science tells us that this is going to get worse unless we act now and that is why the commitments we got in Glasgow, it’s so important that every country implements the commitments that are made. One of the key issues we had at Glasgow was to be able to say as a global community that we have done enough in terms of our commitments to keep alive the prospect of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees. I think coming out of Glasgow, we were able to say that, but that is only on the basis that all commitments that are made by the countries are delivered. You asked me what I was doing in India, it is talking about those commitments and that is what I have been doing, going around the world since COP26, ensuring that countries understand that they made these commitments and at the end of the day world leaders made commitments at Glasgow. At Glasgow, we had 120 world leaders who came including PM Modi. All the world leaders made impassioned speeches, why it is so important to act on this issue. What we now need is the global community is to see same world leaders deliver on the commitments they made.</p>

<p><strong>WION:</strong> How do you see the Russian Invasion of Ukraine impacting the consensus on dealing with climate, given when it comes to energy option, the focus is now shifting? Countries are now looking for a new way of getting energy, especially coal.&nbsp;<br />
<strong>Alok Sharma: </strong>We have seen this terrible and illegal invasion of Ukraine by Russia and that of course has sparked lots of other issues as well in terms of energy security, in terms of inflation rising, debt levels rising across the world, food security issues. All of that is in play and of course, all world leaders need to deal with these immediate issues right now. As governments&nbsp;and world leaders, you need to be able to do one thing at a time. We know that the chronic threat of climate change is getting worse, we see that in science, we see this with our own eyes, we see that what has happened in the UK, you see what is happening here in India, across Europe, across Australia and Americas as well and therefore it is vital and important that we continue to act on this issue of climate change. You talked about the impact of invasion of Ukraine, what you are seeing is many countries looking to wean themselves off Russian hydrocarbons and I think what they understood is that if you rely on fossil fuels, particularly those owned by hostile actors, it makes you very vulnerable. So that the same time as countries are&nbsp;trying to meet the immediate energy needs, as they wean themselves off the Russian hydrocarbons, they are also making a very clear commitment to accelerate amount of clean energy, the home-grown clean energy. You are seeing those commitments across Europe, UK. UK has published our own Energy Security strategy. It is about doing long term&nbsp;in terms of solar, in terms of wind power, nuclear, hydrogen. Of course, here in India the PM made really great commitment at COP26 to have&nbsp;500GW of renewable energy by 2030. That is a big-big commitment, and it is a bold commitment PM Modi made and that has been part of my discussion over last 3 days as well, the progress India is making on the path to that target.</p>

<p><strong>WION:</strong> But how do you see Europe being okay with the use of coal given the fact that Russians have invaded Ukraine, because of the energy crisis?&nbsp;Last year, we saw coal being the biggest issue at the Glasgow climate change summit.&nbsp;<br />
<strong>Alok Sharma</strong>: Coal was one of the issue, but as I said what every country is looking to do is to ensure that they are able to keep the lights on, able to heat people’s home, keep the factories and offices running and that every country and every government needs to do that but what I am saying to governments across&nbsp;Europe and indeed across the world when I talk to them is what that should allow to do is to have the space to accelerate in terms of clean energy growth, in terms of renewables. In UK, as an example that by 2035, a 100% electricity will come from clean energy sources, and you are seeing this commitment made by other countries as well.</p>

<p><strong>WION:</strong> How India and UK can collaborate, one of the showstoppers at Glasgow was green grids initiative?&nbsp;<br />
<strong>Alok Sharma:</strong> We have an excellent cooperation between our 2 countries, and we have a 2030 roadmap, climate is a very big part of that and that has been part of my discussion here as well in terms of how we advance our cooperation on renewables, on financing. As you said we have got the green grids initiative, the one world one sun initiative as well and what I have been discussing is how do we further accelerate that cooperation between our 2 countries. I have to say, India has shown real leadership, PM Modi has shown real leadership with the work on international solar alliance, the work on the CDRI which I had the privilege of co-chairing the governing council for 2 years . So, there is a lot on which India is leading on and it's worth pointing out that what India does, because of its size, because of its size of its economy, what India does absolutely matter for the world and India taking this leadership position on the climate is so vitally important if we going to tackle climate change.</p>

<p><strong>WION:</strong> At the opening statement of COP26, you said lights are flashing red at the climate dashboard. You said that 8 months ago and we look to be moving towards worse?<br />
<strong>Alok Sharma:</strong> So what I said in the Glasgow was that because of the commitments that were made, we were able to say with credibility, we kept 1.5 degree alive, the prospect of limiting global warming to 1.5 degree but I also said that the pulse of 1.5 is weak and the only way we strengthen that is to ensure that countries deliver on the commitment they made. One of the big commitments we got out of Glasgow was for every country to look again at the 2030 emission reduction target and that has been major theme that I have been discussing with countries around the world. We had some big economy that have come forward that they will revise there 2030 emission reduction target, G20 countries particularly have been making those commitments but we need everyone to step up to the play and I think the other side of this is on finance. I think it's really important for develop countries to step up support to developing nations with finance. I don't think we can ever ask developing nations to curb the growth, we need to make sure we support them with clean growth, and this is one of things we are doing through energy transition partnership.</p>

<p><strong>WION:</strong> The UK is witnessing the weight of migrant origin leaders including you. From Rishi Sunak to Zahabi or Suella Braverman or Priti Patel, Sajid Javid. You see a churn in UK politics?<br />
<strong>Alok Sharma:</strong> I think it tells you a lot about the UK and what kind of country UK is, it is a multi-racial, multi-cultural country and at the end of the day it's great as people because of the talent to move on, of course we have a contest at the moment to be our next Prime minister, both candidates Rishi Sunak, as well as Liz Truss, are really good people, they are really committed but I think the fact that in this race we had so many people, we had women, we had people from ethnic minority community standing and putting themselves&nbsp;forward for leadership of our country, I think is a fantastic thing and it is really great advert for what kind of country UK is.</p>

<p><strong>WION: </strong>So, it's Rishi Sunak Vs Liz Truss finally. While Rishi has the MP majority backing him, but a survey shows Truss in a much more comfortable position. Where will you put your bets on?<br />
<strong>Alok Sharma:</strong> I am not a betting person; what I can tell you is both of them are incredibly talented colleagues and I think we will be in very good hands whoever wins. One of things I have been very keen to emphasize is that whoever leads our country, shows leadership on the issue of climate change as well. PM Johnson has been absolutely brilliant on this issue of climate change, on the issue of bio diversity laws, he has shown real leadership on this and what I want to make sure is whoever ends up being our next PM, shows that same commitment to the issue as a result of COP26 ,the UK has shown international leadership, we have shown domestic leadership and it's absolutely vitally important, whoever leads , whoever is the next PM continues with the commitment.</p>

<p><strong>WION:</strong> How will history judge Boris Johnson<br />
<strong>Alok Sharma:</strong> Well, I am very sorry that Boris Johnson is leaving. I think history will in time judge him well, he did many very good things for our economy, he got the big calls right and as I said I am sorry he is leaving as our PM, but we have 2 talented individuals who are in the race to take the role and I think we will do well with either of them.&nbsp;</p>

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The visiting President of COP26 or Conference of Parties Alok Sharma has said that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has shown “real leadership” on climate change with initiatives like ISA or International Solar Alliance and the CDRI or Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure.

The visiting President of COP26 or Conference of Parties Alok Sharma has said that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has shown “real leadership” on climate change with initiatives like ISA or International Solar Alliance and the CDRI or Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure. Speaking exclusively to our Diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Sharma, who was on a two-day India visit, said, "The PM made really great commitment at COP26 to have 500GW of renewable energy by 2030. That is a big-big commitment, and it is a bold commitment PM Modi made.” This is the third visit of Alok Sharma to India as COP26 chief. During the visit, he visited the International Solar Alliance (ISA) headquarters at the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) campus in Delhi. He also spoke about the prevailing heatwave in the UK, pointing out that it “was unbearable for a lot of people”. Sharma, who is a Cabinet minister, also spoke on the ongoing leadership race for the next British PM. He said, “Both candidates Rishi Sunak as well as Liz Truss are really good people, they are really committed,” adding, in response to a question that “history will in time judge” outgoing British PM Boris Johnson well. WION: What has been the key focus of your India visit? Alok Sharma: Great to be back in India. This is my third visit in a year and a half and shows the level of importance that I attach to India and India’s own commitment as well. I want to roll back to 8 months ago at COP26 in Glasgow last November and what we collectively managed to get was a historic agreement, the Glasgow climate pact and the last 200 countries agreed to it because they understood that it is in their self-interest to act on as you say climate change is the biggest challenge the world is facing right now. And what I am doing is I am travelling around to different countries, talking to different governments, speaking to them about the commitments they made and how we can work together to make sure that those commitments are achieved. WION: We have seen a deadly heatwave in the UK. How much is Climate Change responsible for it? Alok Sharma: You can’t say that is directly entirely to do with climate change. But we can see climate is changing, we know science is telling us we are already anywhere between 1.1 to 1.2 degrees above pre-industrial levels in terms of temperatures. And you see the impact of that, and it is not evenly spread. Absolutely, in UK, we have hit record levels of temperatures, over 40 degrees and I can tell you it was unbearable for a lot of people. We also had fires breaking out, wildfires in the UK and here in India in the last few weeks, you have gone through a terrible heat wave. I can’t start to imagine what it is like for the very many people across the world who are facing extreme heat for a large part of the time. I had an opportunity to meet some people in some of the communities who are working outside, working in these conditions, and it is exactly why we need to address this issue because it is impacting many millions of lives across the world. WION: We have seen heat waves in the UK and India. Is it the new normal and what can be done? Alok Sharma: What sadly we are seeing is that global warming is on the rise and in the past 18 months I had an opportunity, and it has been quite humbling, to meet communities up and down the world, the front line of the climate change. People who have been driven out of their homes because of flooding, because of drought, because of rising sea levels and I am afraid to say that science tells us that this is going to get worse unless we act now and that is why the commitments we got in Glasgow, it’s so important that every country implements the commitments that are made. One of the key issues we had at Glasgow was to be able to say as a global community that we have done enough in terms of our commitments to keep alive the prospect of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees. I think coming out of Glasgow, we were able to say that, but that is only on the basis that all commitments that are made by the countries are delivered. You asked me what I was doing in India, it is talking about those commitments and that is what I have been doing, going around the world since COP26, ensuring that countries understand that they made these commitments and at the end of the day world leaders made commitments at Glasgow. At Glasgow, we had 120 world leaders who came including PM Modi. All the world leaders made impassioned speeches, why it is so important to act on this issue. What we now need is the global community is to see same world leaders deliver on the commitments they made. WION: How do you see the Russian Invasion of Ukraine impacting the consensus on dealing with climate, given when it comes to energy option, the focus is now shifting? Countries are now looking for a new way of getting energy, especially coal. Alok Sharma: We have seen this terrible and illegal invasion of Ukraine by Russia and that of course has sparked lots of other issues as well in terms of energy security, in terms of inflation rising, debt levels rising across the world, food security issues. All of that is in play and of course, all world leaders need to deal with these immediate issues right now. As governments and world leaders, you need to be able to do one thing at a time. We know that the chronic threat of climate change is getting worse, we see that in science, we see this with our own eyes, we see that what has happened in the UK, you see what is happening here in India, across Europe, across Australia and Americas as well and therefore it is vital and important that we continue to act on this issue of climate change. You talked about the impact of invasion of Ukraine, what you are seeing is many countries looking to wean themselves off Russian hydrocarbons and I think what they understood is that if you rely on fossil fuels, particularly those owned by hostile actors, it makes you very vulnerable. So that the same time as countries are trying to meet the immediate energy needs, as they wean themselves off the Russian hydrocarbons, they are also making a very clear commitment to accelerate amount of clean energy, the home-grown clean energy. You are seeing those commitments across Europe, UK. UK has published our own Energy Security strategy. It is about doing long term in terms of solar, in terms of wind power, nuclear, hydrogen. Of course, here in India the PM made really great commitment at COP26 to have 500GW of renewable energy by 2030. That is a big-big commitment, and it is a bold commitment PM Modi made and that has been part of my discussion over last 3 days as well, the progress India is making on the path to that target. WION: But how do you see Europe being okay with the use of coal given the fact that Russians have invaded Ukraine, because of the energy crisis? Last year, we saw coal being the biggest issue at the Glasgow climate change summit. Alok Sharma: Coal was one of the issue, but as I said what every country is looking to do is to ensure that they are able to keep the lights on, able to heat people’s home, keep the factories and offices running and that every country and every government needs to do that but what I am saying to governments across Europe and indeed across the world when I talk to them is what that should allow to do is to have the space to accelerate in terms of clean energy growth, in terms of renewables. In UK, as an example that by 2035, a 100% electricity will come from clean energy sources, and you are seeing this commitment made by other countries as well. WION: How India and UK can collaborate, one of the showstoppers at Glasgow was green grids initiative? Alok Sharma: We have an excellent cooperation between our 2 countries, and we have a 2030 roadmap, climate is a very big part of that and that has been part of my discussion here as well in terms of how we advance our cooperation on renewables, on financing. As you said we have got the green grids initiative, the one world one sun initiative as well and what I have been discussing is how do we further accelerate that cooperation between our 2 countries. I have to say, India has shown real leadership, PM Modi has shown real leadership with the work on international solar alliance, the work on the CDRI which I had the privilege of co-chairing the governing council for 2 years . So, there is a lot on which India is leading on and it's worth pointing out that what India does, because of its size, because of its size of its economy, what India does absolutely matter for the world and India taking this leadership position on the climate is so vitally important if we going to tackle climate change. WION: At the opening statement of COP26, you said lights are flashing red at the climate dashboard. You said that 8 months ago and we look to be moving towards worse? Alok Sharma: So what I said in the Glasgow was that because of the commitments that were made, we were able to say with credibility, we kept 1.5 degree alive, the prospect of limiting global warming to 1.5 degree but I also said that the pulse of 1.5 is weak and the only way we strengthen that is to ensure that countries deliver on the commitment they made. One of the big commitments we got out of Glasgow was for every country to look again at the 2030 emission reduction target and that has been major theme that I have been discussing with countries around the world. We had some big economy that have come forward that they will revise there 2030 emission reduction target, G20 countries particularly have been making those commitments but we need everyone to step up to the play and I think the other side of this is on finance. I think it's really important for develop countries to step up support to developing nations with finance. I don't think we can ever ask developing nations to curb the growth, we need to make sure we support them with clean growth, and this is one of things we are doing through energy transition partnership. WION: The UK is witnessing the weight of migrant origin leaders including you. From Rishi Sunak to Zahabi or Suella Braverman or Priti Patel, Sajid Javid. You see a churn in UK politics? Alok Sharma: I think it tells you a lot about the UK and what kind of country UK is, it is a multi-racial, multi-cultural country and at the end of the day it's great as people because of the talent to move on, of course we have a contest at the moment to be our next Prime minister, both candidates Rishi Sunak, as well as Liz Truss, are really good people, they are really committed but I think the fact that in this race we had so many people, we had women, we had people from ethnic minority community standing and putting themselves forward for leadership of our country, I think is a fantastic thing and it is really great advert for what kind of country UK is. WION: So, it's Rishi Sunak Vs Liz Truss finally. While Rishi has the MP majority backing him, but a survey shows Truss in a much more comfortable position. Where will you put your bets on? Alok Sharma: I am not a betting person; what I can tell you is both of them are incredibly talented colleagues and I think we will be in very good hands whoever wins. One of things I have been very keen to emphasize is that whoever leads our country, shows leadership on the issue of climate change as well. PM Johnson has been absolutely brilliant on this issue of climate change, on the issue of bio diversity laws, he has shown real leadership on this and what I want to make sure is whoever ends up being our next PM, shows that same commitment to the issue as a result of COP26 ,the UK has shown international leadership, we have shown domestic leadership and it's absolutely vitally important, whoever leads , whoever is the next PM continues with the commitment. WION: How will history judge Boris Johnson Alok Sharma: Well, I am very sorry that Boris Johnson is leaving. I think history will in time judge him well, he did many very good things for our economy, he got the big calls right and as I said I am sorry he is leaving as our PM, but we have 2 talented individuals who are in the race to take the role and I think we will do well with either of them. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

PM Modi has shown real leadership on Climate Change: COP26 President Alok Sharma

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<p>From Indian Prime Narendra Modi to Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama, congratulations pour in for Droupadi Murmu who is set to become the next president of India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Murmu, a woman from India’s tribal minority was elected as the country’s president on Thursday (July 21) with the backing of the ruling party, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). She will be the first person from the tribal community to occupy the top executive post in the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hailing from the Santhal tribe, Murmu secured the position with the support of more than half the electorate of MPs and state legislators.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/droupadi-murmu-officially-declared-indias-15th-president-first-from-tribal-community-499425">Droupadi Murmu officially declared India's 15th President, first from tribal community</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>The partial results were out when she crossed the 50% threshold after the third round of counting, defeating the opposition’s candidate, Yashwant Sinha.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As of Thursday, she has already received 5,77,777 votes, which is more than halfway through the total number of legitimate votes.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Congratulations pour in for Droupadi Murmu</strong></p>

<p>The outgoing Indian President Ram Nath Kovind wrote: “Heartiest congratulations and best wishes to Smt. Droupadi Murmu on being elected as the 15th President of India.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>PM Modi congratulated Murmu with a series of tweets. He wrote: “India scripts history. At a time when 1.3 billion Indians are marking Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, a daughter of India hailing from a tribal community born in a remote part of eastern India has been elected our President! Congratulations to Smt. Droupadi Murmu Ji on this feat.”&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/who-is-draupadi-murmu-the-tribal-leader-who-is-going-to-become-indias-next-president-499431">Who is Droupadi Murmu, the tribal leader who is going to become India’s next president?</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Heartiest congratulations and best wishes to Smt. Droupadi Murmu on being elected as the 15th President of India.</p>
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) <a href="https://twitter.com/rashtrapatibhvn/status/1550130948032696327?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 21, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">India scripts history. At a time when 1.3 billion Indians are marking Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, a daughter of India hailing from a tribal community born in a remote part of eastern India has been elected our President!<br />
<br />
Congratulations to Smt. Droupadi Murmu Ji on this feat.</p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1550131416226476033?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 21, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Smt. Droupadi Murmu Ji's life, her early struggles, her rich service and her exemplary success motivates each and every Indian. She has emerged as a ray of hope for our citizens, especially the poor, marginalised and the downtrodden.</p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1550131499328229377?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 21, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Met Smt. Droupadi Murmu Ji and congratulated her. <a href="https://t.co/ALdJ3kWSLj">pic.twitter.com/ALdJ3kWSLj</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1550147926889902080?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 21, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>Dalai Lama congratulated the new President-elect Murmu with a lengthy letter. Parts of the letter read: “You are assuming this august position at a time when the international community is becoming ever more aware of the importance of India, which has much to contribute to the peace and development of the world.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I have a deep respect for India and, as the longest staying guest of the government of India. I have had the opportunity to travel the length and breadth of the country. For thousands of years, India has upheld the principles of ‘karuna’ and ‘ahimsa’ and Mahatma Gandhi made the principle of non-violence spread far and wide,” the letter added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Nepal Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba congratulated Murmu within hours of the formal announcement of the final results of the Presidential election.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Taking to Twitter, Deuba wrote, “On behalf of the government and people of Nepal, I would like to extend warmest congratulations to Smt Droupadi Murmu on being elected as the 15th President of India. I am confident that the excellent bilateral relations between Nepal and India will see newer heights in the days ahead.”&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">On behalf of the govt &amp; people of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Nepal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Nepal</a>, I would like to extend warmest congratulations to Smt Droupadi Murmu on being elected as the 15th President of India. I am confident that the excellent bilateral relations between <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Nepal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Nepal</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a> will see newer heights in the days ahead.</p>
— Sher Bahadur Deuba (@SherBDeuba) <a href="https://twitter.com/SherBDeuba/status/1550137455416061955?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 21, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>Opposition candidate Yashwant Sinha also congratulated Droupadi Murmu who is set to become the 15th President of India. In a statement, Sinha said, “I heartily congratulate Droupadi Murmu on her victory in the Presidential Election 2022. I hope — indeed, every Indian hopes — that as the 15th President of India, she functions as the Custodian of the Constitution without fear or favour. I join my fellow countrymen in extending best wishes to her.”&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Today is a remarkable day for Indian democracy.<br />
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Smt Droupadi Murmu’s election as the 15th President is a statement of an authentic and inclusive India.<br />
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It will serve as an inspiration to millions of our citizens. New India is not just an aspiration; it is becoming a reality.</p>
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1550140815640764416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 21, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Hearty congratulations to Hon'ble Droupadi Murmu avl on being elected to the highest constitutional position of India. Emerging from the oppressed sections of the society, we strongly believe that you will stand by silenced voices to ensure a thriving constitutional democracy. <a href="https://t.co/vbQnPReb19">pic.twitter.com/vbQnPReb19</a></p>
— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) <a href="https://twitter.com/mkstalin/status/1550134588323745802?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 21, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congratulations and best wishes to Smt. Droupadi Murmu ji on being elected as the 15th President of India.</p>
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1550131938102349824?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 21, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Smt Droupadi Murmu polled 104 votes compared to NDA’s original strength of 79 in the 126 member Assam Assembly. 2 absent .<br />
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My heartfelt gratitude to the people of Assam for reposing their faith in the NDA’s Presidential candidate &amp; wholeheartedly joining this historic moment.</p>
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) <a href="https://twitter.com/himantabiswa/status/1550128859613261829?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 21, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Extremely great news for our Nation🇮🇳!<br />
Heartiest congratulations from Maharashtra to Hon Droupadi Murmu ji on being elected as 15th President of India!<br />
India has chosen a tribal woman &amp; common citizen for topmost post.<br />
That’s the beauty of our democracy &amp; Indian constitution! <a href="https://t.co/zlsbYEValG">pic.twitter.com/zlsbYEValG</a></p>
— Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dev_Fadnavis/status/1550140355877621760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 21, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">ये भारत की जीत है I<br />
<br />
India gets its first tribal woman President.<br />
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Droupadi Murmu ji's historic win represents the vibrancy of our democracy. It is an unmatched tribute to grassroot service &amp; people's power. Antyodaya gets a pride of place at Rashtrapati Bhavan.</p>
— Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) <a href="https://twitter.com/PiyushGoyal/status/1550132913127116800?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 21, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congratulations &amp; best wishes to Smt Droupadi Murmu Ji on being elected 15th President of India.<br />
Coming from a modest background &amp; becoming President of our country, her story is an inspiration for millions.<br />
I am sure she will work hard for welfare of all sections of society.</p>
— Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) <a href="https://twitter.com/capt_amarinder/status/1550125957540749312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 21, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Warmest congratulations to President-elect Smt Droupadi Murmu ji for being voted the Head of State.<br />
Wishing her the very best for taking office and embarking on her journey as India’s 15th President.<br />
May she continue to serve the nation with utmost devotion and dedication.</p>
— YS Jagan Mohan Reddy (@ysjagan) <a href="https://twitter.com/ysjagan/status/1550150216635916288?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 21, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Celebrations in her hometown&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Tarinisen Tudu, brother of the newly elected President&nbsp;was overjoyed. As quoted by ANI, he said, “I am overjoyed that my sister, a tribal woman, has been elected as the President. She has struggled a lot since her childhood. This is an inspiration for everybody.”&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">⚡️Round 1 Vote: India's Presidential election still has one more round to go, here's how it reportedly stands:<br />
<br />
Valid Votes: 748<br />
Draupadi Murmu: 540<br />
Yashwant Sinha: 208<br />
<br />
The celebrations are already in full swing in Murmu's hometown.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/droupadimurmu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#droupadimurmu</a><br />
<a href="https://t.co/P5AQvh7WLM">https://t.co/P5AQvh7WLM</a> <a href="https://t.co/2477pyKoXk">pic.twitter.com/2477pyKoXk</a></p>
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From Indian Prime Narendra Modi to Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama, congratulations pour in for Droupadi Murmu who is set to become the next president of India.

From Indian Prime Narendra Modi to Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama, congratulations pour in for Droupadi Murmu who is set to become the next president of India. Murmu, a woman from India’s tribal minority was elected as the country’s president on Thursday (July 21) with the backing of the ruling party, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). She will be the first person from the tribal community to occupy the top executive post in the country. Hailing from the Santhal tribe, Murmu secured the position with the support of more than half the electorate of MPs and state legislators. ALSO READ | Droupadi Murmu officially declared India's 15th President, first from tribal community The partial results were out when she crossed the 50% threshold after the third round of counting, defeating the opposition’s candidate, Yashwant Sinha. As of Thursday, she has already received 5,77,777 votes, which is more than halfway through the total number of legitimate votes. Congratulations pour in for Droupadi Murmu The outgoing Indian President Ram Nath Kovind wrote: “Heartiest congratulations and best wishes to Smt. Droupadi Murmu on being elected as the 15th President of India.” PM Modi congratulated Murmu with a series of tweets. He wrote: “India scripts history. At a time when 1.3 billion Indians are marking Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, a daughter of India hailing from a tribal community born in a remote part of eastern India has been elected our President! Congratulations to Smt. Droupadi Murmu Ji on this feat.” ALSO READ | Who is Droupadi Murmu, the tribal leader who is going to become India’s next president? Heartiest congratulations and best wishes to Smt. Droupadi Murmu on being elected as the 15th President of India. — President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) July 21, 2022 × India scripts history. At a time when 1.3 billion Indians are marking Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, a daughter of India hailing from a tribal community born in a remote part of eastern India has been elected our President! Congratulations to Smt. Droupadi Murmu Ji on this feat. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 21, 2022 × Smt. Droupadi Murmu Ji's life, her early struggles, her rich service and her exemplary success motivates each and every Indian. She has emerged as a ray of hope for our citizens, especially the poor, marginalised and the downtrodden. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 21, 2022 × Met Smt. Droupadi Murmu Ji and congratulated her. pic.twitter.com/ALdJ3kWSLj — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 21, 2022 × Dalai Lama congratulated the new President-elect Murmu with a lengthy letter. Parts of the letter read: “You are assuming this august position at a time when the international community is becoming ever more aware of the importance of India, which has much to contribute to the peace and development of the world.” “I have a deep respect for India and, as the longest staying guest of the government of India. I have had the opportunity to travel the length and breadth of the country. For thousands of years, India has upheld the principles of ‘karuna’ and ‘ahimsa’ and Mahatma Gandhi made the principle of non-violence spread far and wide,” the letter added. Nepal Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba congratulated Murmu within hours of the formal announcement of the final results of the Presidential election. Taking to Twitter, Deuba wrote, “On behalf of the government and people of Nepal, I would like to extend warmest congratulations to Smt Droupadi Murmu on being elected as the 15th President of India. I am confident that the excellent bilateral relations between Nepal and India will see newer heights in the days ahead.” On behalf of the govt & people of #Nepal, I would like to extend warmest congratulations to Smt Droupadi Murmu on being elected as the 15th President of India. I am confident that the excellent bilateral relations between #Nepal & #India will see newer heights in the days ahead. — Sher Bahadur Deuba (@SherBDeuba) July 21, 2022 × Opposition candidate Yashwant Sinha also congratulated Droupadi Murmu who is set to become the 15th President of India. In a statement, Sinha said, “I heartily congratulate Droupadi Murmu on her victory in the Presidential Election 2022. I hope — indeed, every Indian hopes — that as the 15th President of India, she functions as the Custodian of the Constitution without fear or favour. I join my fellow countrymen in extending best wishes to her.” Today is a remarkable day for Indian democracy. Smt Droupadi Murmu’s election as the 15th President is a statement of an authentic and inclusive India. It will serve as an inspiration to millions of our citizens. New India is not just an aspiration; it is becoming a reality. — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) July 21, 2022 × Hearty congratulations to Hon'ble Droupadi Murmu avl on being elected to the highest constitutional position of India. Emerging from the oppressed sections of the society, we strongly believe that you will stand by silenced voices to ensure a thriving constitutional democracy. pic.twitter.com/vbQnPReb19 — M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) July 21, 2022 × Congratulations and best wishes to Smt. Droupadi Murmu ji on being elected as the 15th President of India. — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) July 21, 2022 × Smt Droupadi Murmu polled 104 votes compared to NDA’s original strength of 79 in the 126 member Assam Assembly. 2 absent . My heartfelt gratitude to the people of Assam for reposing their faith in the NDA’s Presidential candidate & wholeheartedly joining this historic moment. — Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) July 21, 2022 × Extremely great news for our Nation🇮🇳! Heartiest congratulations from Maharashtra to Hon Droupadi Murmu ji on being elected as 15th President of India! India has chosen a tribal woman & common citizen for topmost post. That’s the beauty of our democracy & Indian constitution! pic.twitter.com/zlsbYEValG — Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) July 21, 2022 × ये भारत की जीत है I India gets its first tribal woman President. Droupadi Murmu ji's historic win represents the vibrancy of our democracy. It is an unmatched tribute to grassroot service & people's power. Antyodaya gets a pride of place at Rashtrapati Bhavan. — Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) July 21, 2022 × Congratulations & best wishes to Smt Droupadi Murmu Ji on being elected 15th President of India. Coming from a modest background & becoming President of our country, her story is an inspiration for millions. I am sure she will work hard for welfare of all sections of society. — Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) July 21, 2022 × Warmest congratulations to President-elect Smt Droupadi Murmu ji for being voted the Head of State. Wishing her the very best for taking office and embarking on her journey as India’s 15th President. May she continue to serve the nation with utmost devotion and dedication. — YS Jagan Mohan Reddy (@ysjagan) July 21, 2022 × Celebrations in her hometown Tarinisen Tudu, brother of the newly elected President was overjoyed. As quoted by ANI, he said, “I am overjoyed that my sister, a tribal woman, has been elected as the President. She has struggled a lot since her childhood. This is an inspiration for everybody.” ⚡️Round 1 Vote: India's Presidential election still has one more round to go, here's how it reportedly stands: Valid Votes: 748 Draupadi Murmu: 540 Yashwant Sinha: 208 The celebrations are already in full swing in Murmu's hometown.#droupadimurmu https://t.co/P5AQvh7WLM pic.twitter.com/2477pyKoXk — @NabaKumarRay (@Naba_Kumar_Ray) July 21, 2022 × WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

From PM Modi to Dalai Lama, congratulations pour in for Droupadi Murmu; huge celebrations in her hometown

<p>An Indian city will be the third in Asia, after Dubai and Manila to host an International Chess Olympiad organized by Fédération Internationale des Échecs (French for International Chess Federation). The southern Indian city of Chennai, also the capital of Tamil Nadu, will be hosting the 44th FIDE Olympiad. While the event is expected to be inaugurated by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 28th in Chennai, the games will be held in the UNESCO Heritage town Mamallapuram, nearly 50kms away from Chennai.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The grand event that is to take place in Mamallapuram, between 29th August and 10th July is expected to attract more than 2,000 visitors from 180 countries. However, teams from China and Russia will not be taking part in this edition of the event.</p>

<p>Notably, Mamallapuram, the host town is also the one that witnessed a bilateral summit between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, in October 2019.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indias-star-teenager-gm-r-praggnanandhaa-wins-norway-chess-open-487284">India's star teenager GM R Praggnanandhaa wins Norway Chess Open</a></p>

<p>Originally planned to be hosted in Russia, the 44th FIDE Chess Olympiad was moved to India due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. As part of the promotional activities for the event in Chennai, veteran actor Rajinikanth had released a music video made by Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman.</p>

<p>Launched by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a torch relay is underway since June 19th. This torch will travel across 75 iconic locations in India, before arriving in Mamallapuram, the event host town.&nbsp;</p>


An Indian city will be the third in Asia, after Dubai and Manila to host an International Chess Olympiad organized by Fédération Internationale des Échecs (French for International Chess Federation).

An Indian city will be the third in Asia, after Dubai and Manila to host an International Chess Olympiad organized by Fédération Internationale des Échecs (French for International Chess Federation). The southern Indian city of Chennai, also the capital of Tamil Nadu, will be hosting the 44th FIDE Olympiad. While the event is expected to be inaugurated by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 28th in Chennai, the games will be held in the UNESCO Heritage town Mamallapuram, nearly 50kms away from Chennai. The grand event that is to take place in Mamallapuram, between 29th August and 10th July is expected to attract more than 2,000 visitors from 180 countries. However, teams from China and Russia will not be taking part in this edition of the event. Notably, Mamallapuram, the host town is also the one that witnessed a bilateral summit between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, in October 2019. Also Read: India's star teenager GM R Praggnanandhaa wins Norway Chess Open Originally planned to be hosted in Russia, the 44th FIDE Chess Olympiad was moved to India due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. As part of the promotional activities for the event in Chennai, veteran actor Rajinikanth had released a music video made by Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman. Launched by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a torch relay is underway since June 19th. This torch will travel across 75 iconic locations in India, before arriving in Mamallapuram, the event host town.

India third Asian country to host International Chess Olympiad; PM Narendra Modi likely to inaugurate

<p>BJP chief JP Nadda on July 16 declared that West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar will represent the ruling NDA’s candidacy for the position of Vice President of India. During a press conference, Nadda said, “After all considerations and consultations, we have decided to announce Kisan Putra (farmer's son) Jagdeep Dhankhar as the BJP and NDA's candidate for Vice President.” He further added that Dhankhar established himself as ‘people’s Governor.’ &nbsp;The West Bengal Governor has been associated with Bhartiya Janata Party for nearly two decades. As per sources, Mr. Dhankhar’s nomination will send a strong statement to the Jat community, to which he belongs, NDTV reported.</p>

<p>The choice was made during a meeting of the parliamentary board of the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) held at Delhi Headquarters. Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, and other prominent officials attended the meeting.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/parliament-members-advised-against-handing-out-pamphlets-in-monsoon-session-497966">Parliament members advised against handing out pamphlets in monsoon session</a></strong></p>

<p>The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a tweet expressed his support for Dhankhar and said that he has ‘excellent knowledge of the Constitution and legislative issues. &nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar Ji has excellent knowledge of our Constitution. He is also well-versed with legislative affairs. I am sure that he will be an outstanding Chair in the Rajya Sabha &amp; guide the proceedings of the House with the aim of furthering national progress. <a href="https://twitter.com/jdhankhar1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@jdhankhar1</a> <a href="https://t.co/Ibfsp1fgDt">pic.twitter.com/Ibfsp1fgDt</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1548319270668357635?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 16, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>After becoming Governor in 2019, Mr. Dhankhar has frequently made headlines for his tense relationship with Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The TMC leaders have remarked Dhankhar as ‘communal’ despite the fact that he accused the government of “extreme appeasement, communalised patronage, and mafia syndicate extortion,” as reported by NDTV.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjps-nupur-sharma-single-hiddenly-responsible-for-unfortunate-incidents-indian-sc-on-prophet-row-493486">BJP's Nupur Sharma ‘single-handedly’ responsible for unfortunate incidents: Indian SC on Prophet row</a></strong></p>

<p>The party chose former BJP president and experienced legislator M.Venkaiah Naidu, who served as the Vice President as a cabinet minister at the time, to be its vice presidential candidate in the year 2017.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The last date for submitting nominations is July 19 and the election is scheduled for August 6.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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BJP chief JP Nadda on July 16 declared that West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar will represent the ruling NDA’s candidacy for the position of Vice President of India.

BJP chief JP Nadda on July 16 declared that West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar will represent the ruling NDA’s candidacy for the position of Vice President of India. During a press conference, Nadda said, “After all considerations and consultations, we have decided to announce Kisan Putra (farmer's son) Jagdeep Dhankhar as the BJP and NDA's candidate for Vice President.” He further added that Dhankhar established himself as ‘people’s Governor.’ The West Bengal Governor has been associated with Bhartiya Janata Party for nearly two decades. As per sources, Mr. Dhankhar’s nomination will send a strong statement to the Jat community, to which he belongs, NDTV reported. The choice was made during a meeting of the parliamentary board of the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) held at Delhi Headquarters. Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, and other prominent officials attended the meeting. Also read | Parliament members advised against handing out pamphlets in monsoon session The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a tweet expressed his support for Dhankhar and said that he has ‘excellent knowledge of the Constitution and legislative issues. Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar Ji has excellent knowledge of our Constitution. He is also well-versed with legislative affairs. I am sure that he will be an outstanding Chair in the Rajya Sabha & guide the proceedings of the House with the aim of furthering national progress. @jdhankhar1 pic.twitter.com/Ibfsp1fgDt — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 16, 2022 × After becoming Governor in 2019, Mr. Dhankhar has frequently made headlines for his tense relationship with Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The TMC leaders have remarked Dhankhar as ‘communal’ despite the fact that he accused the government of “extreme appeasement, communalised patronage, and mafia syndicate extortion,” as reported by NDTV. Also read | BJP's Nupur Sharma ‘single-handedly’ responsible for unfortunate incidents: Indian SC on Prophet row The party chose former BJP president and experienced legislator M.Venkaiah Naidu, who served as the Vice President as a cabinet minister at the time, to be its vice presidential candidate in the year 2017. The last date for submitting nominations is July 19 and the election is scheduled for August 6. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Vice President election 2022: Ruling BJP, allies pick Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar 

<p>After a gap of 145 days, India recorded a spike in daily COVID-19 instances of over 20,000 and the number of active cases rose to 1,36,076, as per the data released by the Union Health Ministry. In the span of 24 hours, a total of 20,139 additional cases were recorded, bringing the overall number of cases to 4,36,89,989. The death toll reached 5,25,557 after 38 fatalities were reported. As per the ministry, the weekly positivity rate was 4.37 per cent and the daily positivity rate was 5.10 per cent. The number of people recovering from illness reached 4,30,28,356 and the case fatality rate has been reported at 1.20 per cent, reported by PTI.</p>

<p>The surge in cases comes after the government encourages people to get a third dose or booster shots with free doses starting this Friday (July 15).&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/worrying-trend-new-covid-variant-ba275-shows-exponential-increase-in-cases-globally-496623">Worrying trend: New Covid variant BA.2.75 shows ‘exponential’ increase in cases globally</a></strong></p>

<p>However, of the 38 fatalities reported, 16 were from Kerala, 10 were from Maharashtra, four were in West Bengal, three were in Delhi and one each from Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Goa, and Bihar.</p>

<p>As a part of the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav celebration, the government declared that vaccine booster shots would be provided free to all adults at government-run facilities beginning from July 15 for next the 75 days.</p>

<p><strong>&nbsp;Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-pandemic-still-not-over-who-warns-as-new-cases-emerge-496937">‘Covid pandemic still not over’, WHO warns as new cases emerge</a></strong></p>

<p>The Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Twitter appreciated the decision made by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the vaccination programme. Mandaviya on his Twitter tweeted for the same.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Narendra Modi on Twitter said that the virus can effectively be combated with vaccination and the cabinet’s motive of increasing vaccination coverage in the country.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Vaccination is an effective means to fight COVID-19. Today’s Cabinet decision will further India’s vaccination coverage and create a healthier nation. <a href="https://t.co/LolQyWjK90">https://t.co/LolQyWjK90</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1547208936230490112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 13, 2022</a></blockquote>
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After a gap of 145 days, India recorded a spike in daily COVID-19 instances of over 20,000 and the number of active cases rose to 1,36,076, as per the data released by the Union Health Ministry.

After a gap of 145 days, India recorded a spike in daily COVID-19 instances of over 20,000 and the number of active cases rose to 1,36,076, as per the data released by the Union Health Ministry. In the span of 24 hours, a total of 20,139 additional cases were recorded, bringing the overall number of cases to 4,36,89,989. The death toll reached 5,25,557 after 38 fatalities were reported. As per the ministry, the weekly positivity rate was 4.37 per cent and the daily positivity rate was 5.10 per cent. The number of people recovering from illness reached 4,30,28,356 and the case fatality rate has been reported at 1.20 per cent, reported by PTI. The surge in cases comes after the government encourages people to get a third dose or booster shots with free doses starting this Friday (July 15). Also read | Worrying trend: New Covid variant BA.2.75 shows ‘exponential’ increase in cases globally However, of the 38 fatalities reported, 16 were from Kerala, 10 were from Maharashtra, four were in West Bengal, three were in Delhi and one each from Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Goa, and Bihar. As a part of the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav celebration, the government declared that vaccine booster shots would be provided free to all adults at government-run facilities beginning from July 15 for next the 75 days. Also read | ‘Covid pandemic still not over’, WHO warns as new cases emerge The Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Twitter appreciated the decision made by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the vaccination programme. Mandaviya on his Twitter tweeted for the same. Narendra Modi on Twitter said that the virus can effectively be combated with vaccination and the cabinet’s motive of increasing vaccination coverage in the country. Vaccination is an effective means to fight COVID-19. Today’s Cabinet decision will further India’s vaccination coverage and create a healthier nation. https://t.co/LolQyWjK90 — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 13, 2022 × WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19: India reports over 20,000 cases for first time in 145 days, free booster shots on cards

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led&nbsp;government has blasted the opposition parties for criticism against the recently unveiled National Emblem—the four lions—who found it to be “bold” and “ferocious”.</p>

<p>In a series of tweets, housing and urban affairs minister Hardeep Singh Puri defended the depiction of the national emblem, asserting&nbsp;that there are no major differences between the original Sarnath emblem and the one installed atop the new Parliament building.</p>

<p>“Beauty is famously regarded as lying in the eyes of the beholder. So is the case with calm &amp; anger.”</p>

<p>Providing a “sense of proportion and perspective”, Puri said that the Sarnath emblem is 1.6m tall while the latest depiction is 6.5m.</p>

<p>He argued that an exact replica of the original, if placed on the new building, would be barely visible beyond the peripheral rail.</p>

<p>The minister said it is imperative to appreciate the impact of “angle, height &amp; scale when comparing the two structures.”</p>

<p>“The 'experts' should also know that the original placed in Sarnath is at ground level while the new emblem is at a height of 33 mtrs from ground,” he added.</p>

<p>“If one looks at the Sarnath emblem from below it would look as calm or angry as the one being discussed.”</p>

<p>The row over the looks of the national emblem erupted after the opposition parties said they were not invited to the ceremony when Prime Minister Modi unveiled the&nbsp;National Emblem on Monday.</p>

<p>Congress party said that the lions at the original site in Sarnath were “graceful and regally confident”, while the replica over the new Parliament was “menacing” and had an “aggressive posture”.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-opposition-parties-question-new-design-of-national-emblem-496761" hreflang="en">India's opposition parties question new design of national emblem</a></p>

<p>Rajya Sabha MP and Congress’ in-charge of communications Jairam Ramesh tweeted pictures of the original Lion Capital at Sarnath and the emblem unveiled on Monday to compare the two.</p>

<p>“To completely change the character and nature of the lions on the Ashoka Pillar at Sarnath is nothing but a brazen insult to India’s National Symbol,” he tweeted.</p>

<p>The opposition leaders’ main concern was on the expression and the visible fangs of the emblem on top of the new Parliament building.</p>

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government has blasted the opposition parties for criticism against the recently unveiled National Emblem—the four lions—who found it to be “bold” and “ferocious”.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government has blasted the opposition parties for criticism against the recently unveiled National Emblem—the four lions—who found it to be “bold” and “ferocious”. In a series of tweets, housing and urban affairs minister Hardeep Singh Puri defended the depiction of the national emblem, asserting that there are no major differences between the original Sarnath emblem and the one installed atop the new Parliament building. “Beauty is famously regarded as lying in the eyes of the beholder. So is the case with calm & anger.” Providing a “sense of proportion and perspective”, Puri said that the Sarnath emblem is 1.6m tall while the latest depiction is 6.5m. He argued that an exact replica of the original, if placed on the new building, would be barely visible beyond the peripheral rail. The minister said it is imperative to appreciate the impact of “angle, height & scale when comparing the two structures.” “The 'experts' should also know that the original placed in Sarnath is at ground level while the new emblem is at a height of 33 mtrs from ground,” he added. “If one looks at the Sarnath emblem from below it would look as calm or angry as the one being discussed.” The row over the looks of the national emblem erupted after the opposition parties said they were not invited to the ceremony when Prime Minister Modi unveiled the National Emblem on Monday. Congress party said that the lions at the original site in Sarnath were “graceful and regally confident”, while the replica over the new Parliament was “menacing” and had an “aggressive posture”. Also read | India's opposition parties question new design of national emblem Rajya Sabha MP and Congress’ in-charge of communications Jairam Ramesh tweeted pictures of the original Lion Capital at Sarnath and the emblem unveiled on Monday to compare the two. “To completely change the character and nature of the lions on the Ashoka Pillar at Sarnath is nothing but a brazen insult to India’s National Symbol,” he tweeted. The opposition leaders’ main concern was on the expression and the visible fangs of the emblem on top of the new Parliament building. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

National Emblem row: Modi govt hits back at opposition over ‘snarling’ lion statue

<p>India's opposition parties have questioned the new design of the national emblem unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi atop the new Parliament building.</p>

<p>Accusing the government of giving a ''ferocious'' look to the sculpture and insulting the symbol, the opposition slammed the makeover.</p>

<p>''To completely change the character and nature of the lions on Ashoka's pillar at Sarnath is nothing but a brazen insult to India's National Symbol,'' said AICC General Secretary Jairam Ramesh said.</p>

<p>Dating back to 250 BC, the new statue is an adaptation of an ancient sculpture 'Lion Capital of Ashoka' at Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This morning, I had the honour of unveiling the National Emblem cast on the roof of the new Parliament. <a href="https://t.co/T49dOLRRg1">pic.twitter.com/T49dOLRRg1</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1546410099144540160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 11, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>''Truth be told, the transition from Satyameva Jayate to Sanghimeva Jayate has long been completed in spirit,'' said Trinamool Congress leader Mahua Moitra said.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) asserted that nobody has permission to tamper with a constitutional heritage "in any manner".</p>

<p>It added that such kind of "tampering" should be avoided as it hurts the constitutional tradition of the country.</p>

<p>The real reason behind the opposition's allegation was its frustration over India creating its own Parliament building under the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, according to BJP chief spokesperson Anil Baluni.</p>

<p>''Opposition parties want to target Modi for one reason or another. It is just a conspiracy to vitiate the atmosphere by misleading people,'' he said.</p>

<p>While the emblem on the top of the New Parliament Building is huge at 6.5 metres in height, the original Sarnath Emblem is 1.6 metre high.<br />
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<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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India's opposition parties have questioned the new design of the national emblem unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi atop the new Parliament building. Accusing the government of giving a ''ferocious'' look to the sculpture and insulting the symbol, the opposition slammed the makeover.

India's opposition parties have questioned the new design of the national emblem unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi atop the new Parliament building. Accusing the government of giving a ''ferocious'' look to the sculpture and insulting the symbol, the opposition slammed the makeover. ''To completely change the character and nature of the lions on Ashoka's pillar at Sarnath is nothing but a brazen insult to India's National Symbol,'' said AICC General Secretary Jairam Ramesh said. Dating back to 250 BC, the new statue is an adaptation of an ancient sculpture 'Lion Capital of Ashoka' at Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh. This morning, I had the honour of unveiling the National Emblem cast on the roof of the new Parliament. pic.twitter.com/T49dOLRRg1 — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 11, 2022 × ''Truth be told, the transition from Satyameva Jayate to Sanghimeva Jayate has long been completed in spirit,'' said Trinamool Congress leader Mahua Moitra said. Meanwhile, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) asserted that nobody has permission to tamper with a constitutional heritage "in any manner". It added that such kind of "tampering" should be avoided as it hurts the constitutional tradition of the country. The real reason behind the opposition's allegation was its frustration over India creating its own Parliament building under the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, according to BJP chief spokesperson Anil Baluni. ''Opposition parties want to target Modi for one reason or another. It is just a conspiracy to vitiate the atmosphere by misleading people,'' he said. While the emblem on the top of the New Parliament Building is huge at 6.5 metres in height, the original Sarnath Emblem is 1.6 metre high. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here:

India's opposition parties question new design of national emblem

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said former Japanese premier Shinzo Abe was a trusted friend of India, and will be remembered by the people for years to come. Abe, one of Japan's most important and influential leaders, was shot and killed on Friday in western Japan while giving a campaign address.</p>

<p>Speaking at the first Arun Jaitley Memorial Lecture in this city, Modi paid tribute to Abe and said that the day is one of profound sorrow and unfathomable pain for him because he has lost a good friend.</p>

<p>"Shinzo Abe was not only my friend but a trusted friend of India," Modi said, adding that during Abe's regime, the India-Japan relationship reached new heights and carried forward a shared heritage.</p>

<p>The Prime Minister added that due to Abe's role in India's success story, he will endure in people's hearts for years. In a statement earlier in the day, Modi expressed his condolences for the death of the former Japanese prime minister and announced that India would observe a day of national mourning on July 9 to pay tribute to Abe.</p>

<p>According to Modi, Abe was a great leader, an amazing administrator, and a towering figure in world politics.</p>

<p>"My association with Mr. Abe goes back many years. I had got to know him during my tenure as Gujarat CM and our friendship continued after I became PM. His sharp insights on economy and global affairs always made a deep impression on me," the Prime Minister had said.</p>

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said former Japanese premier Shinzo Abe was a trusted friend of India, and will be remembered by the people for years to come.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said former Japanese premier Shinzo Abe was a trusted friend of India, and will be remembered by the people for years to come. Abe, one of Japan's most important and influential leaders, was shot and killed on Friday in western Japan while giving a campaign address. Speaking at the first Arun Jaitley Memorial Lecture in this city, Modi paid tribute to Abe and said that the day is one of profound sorrow and unfathomable pain for him because he has lost a good friend. "Shinzo Abe was not only my friend but a trusted friend of India," Modi said, adding that during Abe's regime, the India-Japan relationship reached new heights and carried forward a shared heritage. The Prime Minister added that due to Abe's role in India's success story, he will endure in people's hearts for years. In a statement earlier in the day, Modi expressed his condolences for the death of the former Japanese prime minister and announced that India would observe a day of national mourning on July 9 to pay tribute to Abe. According to Modi, Abe was a great leader, an amazing administrator, and a towering figure in world politics. "My association with Mr. Abe goes back many years. I had got to know him during my tenure as Gujarat CM and our friendship continued after I became PM. His sharp insights on economy and global affairs always made a deep impression on me," the Prime Minister had said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India will remember Abe as a trusted friend for years, says emotional PM Modi

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