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<p>A war of words has broken out between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in India and the opposition Congress party. The reason- a remark made by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Prime Minister Narendra Modi.</p>

<p>On Sunday, Kharge felt unwell while addressing a public meeting in Jammu and Kashmir's (J-K) Jasrota. The Union Territory (UT) is currently witnessing elections with the third and final phase of voting on Tuesday. The results of the elections will be declared on October 8.</p>

<h2><strong>What did Kharge say?</strong></h2>

<p>During the public meeting in Jasrota on Sunday, Kharge&nbsp;vowed to fight for the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, asserting he would remain active in politics until Prime Minister Modi was ousted from power.</p>

<p>Kharge’s remarks came amid criticism of the BJP-led government at the Centre for its handling of the Valley, particularly regarding the delay of elections.</p>

<p>“We will fight to restore statehood. We are not going to leave it. I am 83 years old, I am not going to die so early. I will stay alive until PM Modi is removed from power. I will listen to you. I will fight for you,” the Congress president said&nbsp;after he was provided medical assistance.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congress President Sri <a href="https://twitter.com/kharge?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@kharge</a> felt slightly unwell while addressing a public meeting in Jasrota, Jammu &amp; Kashmir.<br />
<br />
He has been checked upon by his medical team and apart from slightly low blood pressure, he is doing well.<br />
Extremely grateful for everyone's concern.<br />
<br />
His…</p>
— Priyank Kharge / ಪ್ರಿಯಾಂಕ್ ಖರ್ಗೆ (@PriyankKharge) <a href="https://twitter.com/PriyankKharge/status/1840329728219033669?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 29, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Kharge further alleged that the BJP was running J-K through a remote control.&nbsp;“These people never wanted to conduct elections. They only started preparing for elections after the Supreme Court’s order,”&nbsp; he said.</p>

<p>Condemning Modi's governance, Kharge said, "Modiji is shedding crocodile tears for the future of the youth in Jammu and Kashmir.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>He also accused the BJP&nbsp;of failing to restore statehood despite having the authority to do so and criticised the ruling party for allowing outsiders to dominate critical sectors such as mining and liquor contracts.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjps-amit-shah-slams-congress-for-pakistan-zindabad-slogans-at-rallies-vows-to-straighten-waqf-board-law-762972">BJP's Amit Shah slams Congress for 'Pakistan Zindabad' slogans at rallies; vows to ‘straighten’ Waqf Board law</a></p>

<h2><strong>Amit Shah reacts to Kharge's remark on Modi</strong></h2>

<p>In a post on X, Union Home Minister Amit Shah reacted to Kharge's remarks on Modi. "Yesterday, the Congress President Shri Mallikarjun Kharge Ji has outperformed himself, his leaders and his party in being absolutely distasteful and disgraceful in his speech," Union Home Minister Shah said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Yesterday, the Congress President Shri Mallikarjun Kharge Ji has outperformed himself, his leaders and his party in being absolutely distasteful and disgraceful in his speech.<br />
<br />
In a bitter display of spite, he unnecessarily dragged PM Modi into his personal health matters by…</p>
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah/status/1840605156255097124?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>"In a bitter display of spite, he unnecessarily dragged PM Modi into his personal health matters by saying that he would die only after removing PM Modi from power.&nbsp;It just shows how much hate and fear these Congress people have of PM Modi, that they are thinking of him constantly," Shah added.</p>

<p>He also pointed out that as for the health of Kharge, "Modi Ji prays, I pray and we all pray that he lives a long, healthy life. May he continue to live for many years and may he live to see the creation of a Viksit Bharat by 2047."</p>

<p>Echoing Shah's remarks, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said, "The leadership of Congress never loses any opportunity to display their hate towards PM Modi. This speech of Mallikarjun Kharge is one such instance. We join in praying for the long life of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge. We wish he lives to see Viksit Bharat 2047."</p>

<h2><strong>Congress hits back at Shah: Don't hate Modi but...</strong></h2>

<p>Senior Congress leader Pawan Khera reacted to Amit Shah's post on X. Speaking to the news agency ANI, Khera said, "When will BJP understand that Congress does not hate PM Modi but loves the country? That's why we want the nation to be free from PM Modi and his ideology. Around 67% of the country also wants the same who did not vote in favour of him..."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Delhi | Over party President Mallikarjun Kharge's remark on PM Modi in a rally and Union Home Miniter's reaction on it, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh says, "...Kharge ji will return to election campaigning after he fell slightly ill...The Home Minister should focus on… <a href="https://t.co/v8HW8j4Bp1">pic.twitter.com/v8HW8j4Bp1</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1840639296996618558?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Meanwhile, senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said that Shah should focus on his work and also on the state of Manipur.</p>

<p>"It is in Rahul Gandhi's blood to sacrifice his life for the country. Amit Shah should tell us why the farmers in India are in debt. Why is the Swaminathan Report not being implemented?...," Madhya Pradesh Congress President Jitu Patwari told the news agency.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A war of words has broken out between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in India and the opposition Congress party. The reason- a remark made by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

A war of words has broken out between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in India and the opposition Congress party. The reason- a remark made by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. On Sunday, Kharge felt unwell while addressing a public meeting in Jammu and Kashmir's (J-K) Jasrota. The Union Territory (UT) is currently witnessing elections with the third and final phase of voting on Tuesday. The results of the elections will be declared on October 8. What did Kharge say? During the public meeting in Jasrota on Sunday, Kharge vowed to fight for the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, asserting he would remain active in politics until Prime Minister Modi was ousted from power. Kharge’s remarks came amid criticism of the BJP-led government at the Centre for its handling of the Valley, particularly regarding the delay of elections. “We will fight to restore statehood. We are not going to leave it. I am 83 years old, I am not going to die so early. I will stay alive until PM Modi is removed from power. I will listen to you. I will fight for you,” the Congress president said after he was provided medical assistance. Congress President Sri @kharge felt slightly unwell while addressing a public meeting in Jasrota, Jammu & Kashmir. He has been checked upon by his medical team and apart from slightly low blood pressure, he is doing well. Extremely grateful for everyone's concern. His… — Priyank Kharge / ಪ್ರಿಯಾಂಕ್ ಖರ್ಗೆ (@PriyankKharge) September 29, 2024 × Kharge further alleged that the BJP was running J-K through a remote control. “These people never wanted to conduct elections. They only started preparing for elections after the Supreme Court’s order,” he said. Condemning Modi's governance, Kharge said, "Modiji is shedding crocodile tears for the future of the youth in Jammu and Kashmir.” He also accused the BJP of failing to restore statehood despite having the authority to do so and criticised the ruling party for allowing outsiders to dominate critical sectors such as mining and liquor contracts. Also read: BJP's Amit Shah slams Congress for 'Pakistan Zindabad' slogans at rallies; vows to ‘straighten’ Waqf Board law Amit Shah reacts to Kharge's remark on Modi In a post on X, Union Home Minister Amit Shah reacted to Kharge's remarks on Modi. "Yesterday, the Congress President Shri Mallikarjun Kharge Ji has outperformed himself, his leaders and his party in being absolutely distasteful and disgraceful in his speech," Union Home Minister Shah said. Yesterday, the Congress President Shri Mallikarjun Kharge Ji has outperformed himself, his leaders and his party in being absolutely distasteful and disgraceful in his speech. In a bitter display of spite, he unnecessarily dragged PM Modi into his personal health matters by… — Amit Shah (@AmitShah) September 30, 2024 × "In a bitter display of spite, he unnecessarily dragged PM Modi into his personal health matters by saying that he would die only after removing PM Modi from power. It just shows how much hate and fear these Congress people have of PM Modi, that they are thinking of him constantly," Shah added. He also pointed out that as for the health of Kharge, "Modi Ji prays, I pray and we all pray that he lives a long, healthy life. May he continue to live for many years and may he live to see the creation of a Viksit Bharat by 2047." Echoing Shah's remarks, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said, "The leadership of Congress never loses any opportunity to display their hate towards PM Modi. This speech of Mallikarjun Kharge is one such instance. We join in praying for the long life of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge. We wish he lives to see Viksit Bharat 2047." Congress hits back at Shah: Don't hate Modi but... Senior Congress leader Pawan Khera reacted to Amit Shah's post on X. Speaking to the news agency ANI, Khera said, "When will BJP understand that Congress does not hate PM Modi but loves the country? That's why we want the nation to be free from PM Modi and his ideology. Around 67% of the country also wants the same who did not vote in favour of him..." #WATCH | Delhi | Over party President Mallikarjun Kharge's remark on PM Modi in a rally and Union Home Miniter's reaction on it, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh says, "...Kharge ji will return to election campaigning after he fell slightly ill...The Home Minister should focus on… pic.twitter.com/v8HW8j4Bp1 — ANI (@ANI) September 30, 2024 × Meanwhile, senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said that Shah should focus on his work and also on the state of Manipur. "It is in Rahul Gandhi's blood to sacrifice his life for the country. Amit Shah should tell us why the farmers in India are in debt. Why is the Swaminathan Report not being implemented?...," Madhya Pradesh Congress President Jitu Patwari told the news agency. (With inputs from agencies)

War of words between BJP and Congress over Kharge's 'will stay alive until Indian PM Modi is ousted' remark

<p>Singapore's high commissioner to India Simon Wong has said that the recent visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to his country has given a "turbo boosting" of ties. The Indian PM was on a visit to Singapore earlier this month. The visit came after a gap of over five years.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking to WION's foreign affairs editor Sidhant Sibal, Singapore's high commissioner to India pointed to cooperation in semiconductor sectors.&nbsp;</p>

<p>High Commissioner Wong said, "We feel that even as a small country, we can work very, very closely with India on its semiconductor journey because this journey is not a one, two-year process. Is going to be a long drawn, 10-year process to grow". This comes as a pact was signed on semiconductors in developing capacity building during PM Modi’s visit.</p>

<p>He highlighted Singapore's investment plan of over $45 billion in the next few years in India. He also spoke on India-China ties, quad, RCEP, etc. Here’s the full interview:</p>

<p><strong>WION: How do you see the India-Singapore ties, especially in the backdrop of PM Modi's recent visit to your country?</strong><br />
Simon Wong: I want to thank WION, Because of your full coverage of Prime Minister Modi's visit to Singapore, many people across India and Singapore get to know the spur in that relationship between the two countries. In particular, I think the upgrading of relationship ahead of our 60th anniversary into a comprehensive strategic partnership and the visit by Prime Minister Modi ji has set the bar very high for our bilateral relationship, and we have looked into several new areas, in fact, six new areas of collaboration with India. And I feel very, very confident that this new turbo boosting of that relationship can continue.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WION: One of the key outcomes was the semiconductor pact. Much talked about the pact. How is this semiconductor pact going to help India with the Singaporean's know-how?</strong><br />
Simon Wong: We feel very, very strongly about India's push for a semiconductor supply chain, and we feel the willingness at all levels, at the Union level and also at the state level, to push through this ambition. Singapore represents 10 per cent of all chip-making exports approval. And we have 20 per cent of the market on chip-making equipment. We feel that even as a small country, we can work very, very closely with India on its semiconductor journey because this journey is not a one, two-year process. Is going to be a long-drawn, 10-year process to grow, and for India to grow with fewer impediments, we feel that Singapore can collaborate and partake.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WION: So what next for the relationship?&nbsp;</strong><br />
Simon Wong: I think what we want to do for next year, during the 60th anniversary, is to look beyond our concentration of investment in the southern states. The southern states are very, very welcoming of Singapore investment, and we are very familiar with them. I want to take the opportunity of the 60th anniversary to look at new areas of growth. I want to quote India's G20 sherpa, Amitabh Kant, who said that India needs 10 states as the engine of growth. In my view, 10 is a really critical mass, and we want to look at new areas. We want to look at UP, Odisha, and MP and I think increasingly we see the willingness of Rajasthan to engage us. So all these four states, we want to do some form of engagement and understanding next year. And also next year, I would like to see more green energy ports and facilities to be put online. Now we have one in Tuticorin, and we are looking at two, or three other ports. We hope that it can be lined up by next year.</p>

<p><strong>WION: India hasn't joined RCEP. What is your position? And we know during the prime minister's visit, many big-ticket investments were announced. So what kind of figures are you looking at?</strong><br />
Simon Wong: Of course, for Singapore, which is very, very trade-based, and we like FTAs, both sub-regional or bilateral, we always have high hopes for India to join RCEP, but we fully understand where India is coming from. We are most willing to wait for India to reconsider RCEP, but at the same time, India is looking at other FTAs, like GCC, which is really a good thing for India. Number two, I think, big-ticket investments coming up, Prime Minister Modi ji, in his roundtable with 18 of our key Singapore businesses, is kindly of pleasantly surprised when all of them basically told Prime Minister Modi ji that they will double or triple their investments in India in the next three to five years. So if I look at the figures, on the average, we do 15 billion US dollars a year of investment here. If I double or triple it, it will be very, very close to $45 billion to $50 billion. So I hope we are successful in pushing this investment.</p>

<p><strong>WION: So my last question to you is, international affairs, India-China relationship. What's your view? Because Singapore has good relationships with both India and China.</strong><br />
Simon Wong: My own view as a small country is that big countries should collaborate and have good relationships with each other. So as friends of both China and India, we want to see a better relationship between the two, between our two big neighbours of ours. And I feel that there are really some green shoots coming up in the discussion. There are high-level discussions between China and India. Hopefully, there is going to be a top level discussion coming up soon, and I hope some of these pain points can be resolved diplomatically.</p>

<p><strong>WION: Your sense on Quad?</strong><br />
Simon Wong: My sense of Quad is a work in progress, and I think many of the Quad countries are looking ahead at security collaboration, security views, and linking the Indo-Pacific area, we welcome that as a sub-regional kind of forum to talk about things. For me, for Singapore, my central point of gravity is always ASEAN, and we feel that ASEAN as the centrality is very big and important in this part of the world as an anchor point of solution.&nbsp;</p>


Singapore's high commissioner to India Simon Wong has said that the recent visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to his country has given a "turbo boosting" of ties.

Singapore's high commissioner to India Simon Wong has said that the recent visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to his country has given a "turbo boosting" of ties. The Indian PM was on a visit to Singapore earlier this month. The visit came after a gap of over five years. Speaking to WION's foreign affairs editor Sidhant Sibal, Singapore's high commissioner to India pointed to cooperation in semiconductor sectors. High Commissioner Wong said, "We feel that even as a small country, we can work very, very closely with India on its semiconductor journey because this journey is not a one, two-year process. Is going to be a long drawn, 10-year process to grow". This comes as a pact was signed on semiconductors in developing capacity building during PM Modi’s visit. He highlighted Singapore's investment plan of over $45 billion in the next few years in India. He also spoke on India-China ties, quad, RCEP, etc. Here’s the full interview: WION: How do you see the India-Singapore ties, especially in the backdrop of PM Modi's recent visit to your country? Simon Wong: I want to thank WION, Because of your full coverage of Prime Minister Modi's visit to Singapore, many people across India and Singapore get to know the spur in that relationship between the two countries. In particular, I think the upgrading of relationship ahead of our 60th anniversary into a comprehensive strategic partnership and the visit by Prime Minister Modi ji has set the bar very high for our bilateral relationship, and we have looked into several new areas, in fact, six new areas of collaboration with India. And I feel very, very confident that this new turbo boosting of that relationship can continue. WION: One of the key outcomes was the semiconductor pact. Much talked about the pact. How is this semiconductor pact going to help India with the Singaporean's know-how? Simon Wong: We feel very, very strongly about India's push for a semiconductor supply chain, and we feel the willingness at all levels, at the Union level and also at the state level, to push through this ambition. Singapore represents 10 per cent of all chip-making exports approval. And we have 20 per cent of the market on chip-making equipment. We feel that even as a small country, we can work very, very closely with India on its semiconductor journey because this journey is not a one, two-year process. Is going to be a long-drawn, 10-year process to grow, and for India to grow with fewer impediments, we feel that Singapore can collaborate and partake. WION: So what next for the relationship? Simon Wong: I think what we want to do for next year, during the 60th anniversary, is to look beyond our concentration of investment in the southern states. The southern states are very, very welcoming of Singapore investment, and we are very familiar with them. I want to take the opportunity of the 60th anniversary to look at new areas of growth. I want to quote India's G20 sherpa, Amitabh Kant, who said that India needs 10 states as the engine of growth. In my view, 10 is a really critical mass, and we want to look at new areas. We want to look at UP, Odisha, and MP and I think increasingly we see the willingness of Rajasthan to engage us. So all these four states, we want to do some form of engagement and understanding next year. And also next year, I would like to see more green energy ports and facilities to be put online. Now we have one in Tuticorin, and we are looking at two, or three other ports. We hope that it can be lined up by next year. WION: India hasn't joined RCEP. What is your position? And we know during the prime minister's visit, many big-ticket investments were announced. So what kind of figures are you looking at? Simon Wong: Of course, for Singapore, which is very, very trade-based, and we like FTAs, both sub-regional or bilateral, we always have high hopes for India to join RCEP, but we fully understand where India is coming from. We are most willing to wait for India to reconsider RCEP, but at the same time, India is looking at other FTAs, like GCC, which is really a good thing for India. Number two, I think, big-ticket investments coming up, Prime Minister Modi ji, in his roundtable with 18 of our key Singapore businesses, is kindly of pleasantly surprised when all of them basically told Prime Minister Modi ji that they will double or triple their investments in India in the next three to five years. So if I look at the figures, on the average, we do 15 billion US dollars a year of investment here. If I double or triple it, it will be very, very close to $45 billion to $50 billion. So I hope we are successful in pushing this investment. WION: So my last question to you is, international affairs, India-China relationship. What's your view? Because Singapore has good relationships with both India and China. Simon Wong: My own view as a small country is that big countries should collaborate and have good relationships with each other. So as friends of both China and India, we want to see a better relationship between the two, between our two big neighbours of ours. And I feel that there are really some green shoots coming up in the discussion. There are high-level discussions between China and India. Hopefully, there is going to be a top level discussion coming up soon, and I hope some of these pain points can be resolved diplomatically. WION: Your sense on Quad? Simon Wong: My sense of Quad is a work in progress, and I think many of the Quad countries are looking ahead at security collaboration, security views, and linking the Indo-Pacific area, we welcome that as a sub-regional kind of forum to talk about things. For me, for Singapore, my central point of gravity is always ASEAN, and we feel that ASEAN as the centrality is very big and important in this part of the world as an anchor point of solution.

PM Modi's Singapore visit has given turbo boosting to ties: HC Simon Wong

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<p>British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has backed India's bid for a permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Speaking at the UN General Assembly on Thursday (Sept 26), Prime Minister Starmer said, "...the Security Council has to change to become a more representative body, willing to act – not paralysed by politics."</p>

<p>"We want to see permanent African representation on the Council, Brazil, India, Japan and Germany as permanent members, and more seats for elected members as well,” Starmer added.</p>

<h2><strong>A look at the UNSC</strong></h2>

<p>The UNSC has a total of&nbsp;15 members. Five permanent members of the council are the United States (US), China, France, Russia, and the United Kingdom (UK).</p>

<p>The remaining ten members are non-permanent and are&nbsp;elected for two-year terms.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Watch: While addressing the general debate at the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer says, "We want to see permanent African representation on the council, Brazil, India, Japan, and Germany as permanent members, and more seats for elected… <a href="https://t.co/mOSdCsk8P4">pic.twitter.com/mOSdCsk8P4</a></p>
— IANS (@ians_india) <a href="https://twitter.com/ians_india/status/1839470932202819690?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 27, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>India has long sought a permanent seat in the Security Council to better represent the interests of the developing world. The nation's quest has gained momentum with support from the international community.</p>

<h2><strong>France, US back India's bid</strong></h2>

<p>Before British PM Starmer, France and the US supported&nbsp; India's bid for a permanent seat at the UNSC.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"So let's simply make the UN more effective, first and foremost by making it more representative. That's why France, and I will say it again here, supports the expansion of the Security Council. Germany, Japan, India, and Brazil should be permanent members, along with the two countries designated by Africa to represent it," French President Emmanuel Macron said&nbsp;during his address at the UNGA.</p>

<p>Last week, US President Joe Biden expressed support for India's bid for a permanent seat at the council.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has backed India's bid for a permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Speaking at the UN General Assembly on Thursday (Sept 26), Prime Minister Starmer said, ".

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has backed India's bid for a permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Speaking at the UN General Assembly on Thursday (Sept 26), Prime Minister Starmer said, "...the Security Council has to change to become a more representative body, willing to act – not paralysed by politics." "We want to see permanent African representation on the Council, Brazil, India, Japan and Germany as permanent members, and more seats for elected members as well,” Starmer added. A look at the UNSC The UNSC has a total of 15 members. Five permanent members of the council are the United States (US), China, France, Russia, and the United Kingdom (UK). The remaining ten members are non-permanent and are elected for two-year terms. Watch: While addressing the general debate at the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer says, "We want to see permanent African representation on the council, Brazil, India, Japan, and Germany as permanent members, and more seats for elected… pic.twitter.com/mOSdCsk8P4 — IANS (@ians_india) September 27, 2024 × India has long sought a permanent seat in the Security Council to better represent the interests of the developing world. The nation's quest has gained momentum with support from the international community. France, US back India's bid Before British PM Starmer, France and the US supported India's bid for a permanent seat at the UNSC. "So let's simply make the UN more effective, first and foremost by making it more representative. That's why France, and I will say it again here, supports the expansion of the Security Council. Germany, Japan, India, and Brazil should be permanent members, along with the two countries designated by Africa to represent it," French President Emmanuel Macron said during his address at the UNGA. Last week, US President Joe Biden expressed support for India's bid for a permanent seat at the council. (With inputs from agencies)

After France and US, UK backs India's bid for permanent seat on UNSC

<p>India on Friday (Sep 27) strongly deplored the vandalism of a Hindu temple of&nbsp;BAPS in the US state of California, where the graffiti 'Hindus go back' was painted earlier this week.</p>

<p>In a post on its X handle, the Consulate General of India, San Francisco, said it "strongly deplores the act of vandalism" which took place on the night of 24 September at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Sacramento, California. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch: Temple Vandalised In US With Anti-Hindu Messages, Water Supply Cut</strong></p>

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<p>The consulate has taken up the matter with local authorities "to take immediate action against those responsible", it added.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The Consulate General of India, San Francisco strongly deplores the act of vandalism which took place on September 24th night at <a href="https://twitter.com/BAPS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BAPS</a> Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Sacramento, California. &nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/CGISFO?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@cgisfo</a> has taken up the matter with local authorities to take immediate action against…</p>
— India in SF (@CGISFO) <a href="https://twitter.com/CGISFO/status/1839325037301841976?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 26, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>The temple of BAPS, or Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha, was vandalised after it criticised anti-Hindu sentiments.</p>

<p>Besides the 'Hindus go back' message, the vandals also wrote expletives addressed at Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.</p>

<p>In a post on X, the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office said the graffiti was spray-painted on the temple building by the vandals who also damanged some water pipes.</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/second-baps-temple-vandalised-in-us-in-less-than-10-days-with-anti-hindu-messages-762042">Also read: 'Hindumisia on rise in the US': Second BAPS temple vandalised in a month with anti-Hindu messages</a></strong></p>

<p>“Detectives from the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Gang Suppression Unit, which investigates hate crimes in Sacramento County, responded to the scene and began their investigation. Allied State and Federal law enforcement agencies were also notified of the incident and will assist with the investigation,” it said.</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hindu-temples-in-bangladesh-threatened-to-pay-half-a-million-for-celebrating-durga-puja-761700">Also Read: Hindu temples in Bangladesh threatened to pay $4200 for celebrating Durga Puja</a></strong></p>

<p>In the recent past, several BAPS temples in the US and Canada have been targeted in a similar manner.</p>

<p>Ahead of Modi's&nbsp;recent visit to the US, the BAPS temple in New York's Melville was painted with expletives on September 17.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Another BAPS temple in Edmonton, Canada was desecrated in July.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


India on Friday (Sep 27) strongly deplored the vandalism of a Hindu temple of BAPS in the US state of California, where the graffiti 'Hindus go back' was painted earlier this week.

India on Friday (Sep 27) strongly deplored the vandalism of a Hindu temple of BAPS in the US state of California, where the graffiti 'Hindus go back' was painted earlier this week. In a post on its X handle, the Consulate General of India, San Francisco, said it "strongly deplores the act of vandalism" which took place on the night of 24 September at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Sacramento, California. Watch: Temple Vandalised In US With Anti-Hindu Messages, Water Supply Cut × The consulate has taken up the matter with local authorities "to take immediate action against those responsible", it added. The Consulate General of India, San Francisco strongly deplores the act of vandalism which took place on September 24th night at @BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Sacramento, California. @cgisfo has taken up the matter with local authorities to take immediate action against… — India in SF (@CGISFO) September 26, 2024 × The temple of BAPS, or Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha, was vandalised after it criticised anti-Hindu sentiments. Besides the 'Hindus go back' message, the vandals also wrote expletives addressed at Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. In a post on X, the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office said the graffiti was spray-painted on the temple building by the vandals who also damanged some water pipes. Also read: 'Hindumisia on rise in the US': Second BAPS temple vandalised in a month with anti-Hindu messages “Detectives from the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Gang Suppression Unit, which investigates hate crimes in Sacramento County, responded to the scene and began their investigation. Allied State and Federal law enforcement agencies were also notified of the incident and will assist with the investigation,” it said. Also Read: Hindu temples in Bangladesh threatened to pay $4200 for celebrating Durga Puja In the recent past, several BAPS temples in the US and Canada have been targeted in a similar manner. Ahead of Modi's recent visit to the US, the BAPS temple in New York's Melville was painted with expletives on September 17. Another BAPS temple in Edmonton, Canada was desecrated in July. (With inputs from agencies)

BAPS temple in US vandalised: India deplores vandals who painted 'Hindus go back' graffiti

<p>On Wednesday (Sep 25), Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed India’s Chess Olympiad champions on their triumphant return at his residence in New Delhi. The gathering included&nbsp;players&nbsp;from both men's and women's teams, including Divya Deshmukh, Tania Sachdev, D Gukesh, Arjun Erigaisi, and R Praggnanandhaa. PM Modi met&nbsp;the chess stars and even enjoyed a special friendly match between Erigaisi and Praggnanandhaa.</p>

<p>The event came after&nbsp;India’s remarkable show&nbsp;at the 45th&nbsp;Chess Olympiad, held in&nbsp;Budapest, where both the men’s and women’s teams secured gold medals&nbsp;on Sep&nbsp;22. Thus, PM Modi interacted with all the players and showered them with words of praise and encouragement.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Here is the video:</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets the Chess Olympiad winning team at his residence, in Delhi <a href="https://t.co/7njupbpncK">pic.twitter.com/7njupbpncK</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1838925038960980293?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 25, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/best-performance-in-chess-olympiad-history-legendary-viswanathan-anand-on-indias-historic-double-gold-761029">Best performance in Chess Olympiad history: Legendary Viswanathan Anand on India's HISTORIC double gold</a></strong></p>

<p>Talking about India's run at the Chess Olympiad,&nbsp;D. Gukesh, Arjun Erigaisi, and R. Praggnanadhaa won their respective matches&nbsp;in the 11th and final round whereas more&nbsp;glory came India's way with the women's team --featuring Harika Dronavalli, Vaishali Rameshbabu, Divya Deshmukh, Vantika Agrawal, Tania Sachdev and Abhijit Kunte -- also secured&nbsp;gold (with Kazakhstan and USA ending second and third, respectively).&nbsp;In the men's category, Uzbekistan and USA returned with silver and bronze, respectively. The double victory marked India's significant rise in chess.</p>

<p>PM&nbsp;Modi closely followed India's proceedings at the Chess Olympiad.&nbsp;Soon after the historic result, he took to his official X handle, formerly Twitter, and wrote, "Historic win for India as our chess contingent wins the 45th #FIDE Chess Olympiad! India has won the Gold in both open and women’s category at Chess Olympiad! Congratulations to our incredible Men's and Women's Chess Teams. This remarkable achievement marks a new chapter in India's sports trajectory. May this success inspire generations of chess enthusiasts to excel in the game."</p>


On Wednesday (Sep 25), Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed India’s Chess Olympiad champions on their triumphant return at his residence in New Delhi. The gathering included players from both men's and women's teams, including Divya Deshmukh, Tania Sachdev, D Gukesh, Arjun Erigaisi, and R Praggnanandhaa.

On Wednesday (Sep 25), Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed India’s Chess Olympiad champions on their triumphant return at his residence in New Delhi. The gathering included players from both men's and women's teams, including Divya Deshmukh, Tania Sachdev, D Gukesh, Arjun Erigaisi, and R Praggnanandhaa. PM Modi met the chess stars and even enjoyed a special friendly match between Erigaisi and Praggnanandhaa. The event came after India’s remarkable show at the 45th Chess Olympiad, held in Budapest, where both the men’s and women’s teams secured gold medals on Sep 22. Thus, PM Modi interacted with all the players and showered them with words of praise and encouragement. Here is the video: #WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets the Chess Olympiad winning team at his residence, in Delhi pic.twitter.com/7njupbpncK — ANI (@ANI) September 25, 2024 × Also read: Best performance in Chess Olympiad history: Legendary Viswanathan Anand on India's HISTORIC double gold Talking about India's run at the Chess Olympiad, D. Gukesh, Arjun Erigaisi, and R. Praggnanadhaa won their respective matches in the 11th and final round whereas more glory came India's way with the women's team --featuring Harika Dronavalli, Vaishali Rameshbabu, Divya Deshmukh, Vantika Agrawal, Tania Sachdev and Abhijit Kunte -- also secured gold (with Kazakhstan and USA ending second and third, respectively). In the men's category, Uzbekistan and USA returned with silver and bronze, respectively. The double victory marked India's significant rise in chess. PM Modi closely followed India's proceedings at the Chess Olympiad. Soon after the historic result, he took to his official X handle, formerly Twitter, and wrote, "Historic win for India as our chess contingent wins the 45th #FIDE Chess Olympiad! India has won the Gold in both open and women’s category at Chess Olympiad! Congratulations to our incredible Men's and Women's Chess Teams. This remarkable achievement marks a new chapter in India's sports trajectory. May this success inspire generations of chess enthusiasts to excel in the game."

Watch: PM Modi hosts India's Chess Olympiad winners, enjoys Praggnanandhaa vs Arjun special match

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday dedicated three PARAM Rudra Supercomputers and High-Performance Computing systems to the nation. These systems have been installed in Delhi, Pune, and Kolkata&nbsp;respectively.</p>

<p>"These supercomputers will go a long way in ensuring that India's scientists have access to state-of-the-art facilities," the Prime Minister said. "The three supercomputers launched today will help in advanced research from physics, earth science, and cosmology."</p>

<p>"To instill scientific temperaments in young minds, 10,000 Atal Tinkering Labs have been set up in schools. Additionally, scholarships for STEM subjects have been increased," he added.</p>

<p>The National Supercomputing Mission (NSM) was established to provide the country with a robust supercomputing infrastructure to meet the growing computational needs of academia, researchers, MSMEs, and startups. It is the first initiative of its kind aimed at boosting the country's computing power.</p>

<p>The National Supercomputing Mission is jointly managed by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and is being implemented by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), Pune, and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-meets-tech-ceos-in-us-google-and-nvidia-to-boost-ai-engagement-in-india-761180"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Modi meets tech CEOs in US: Google and Nvidia to boost AI engagement in India</strong></a></p>

<p>These supercomputers are equipped with applications catering to domains such as Weather and Climate, Computational Fluid Dynamics, Bioinformatics, and Material Science. The systems offer Artificial Intelligence (AI) capabilities over Machine Learning and Deep Learning frameworks, along with Compute and Storage as a cloud service.</p>

<p>"In this year's budget, a research fund of Rs 1 lakh crore has been announced so that India empowers the 21st century world," PM Modi added.</p>

<p>Highlighting India's achievements in the space sector, the Prime Minister pointed to recent successes, saying, "India aims to establish the 'Bharatiya Antariksha Station' by 2035."</p>

<p>In 2023, India reached new heights with the successful soft landing of Chandrayaan-3 at the Moon's South Pole and the launch of Aditya-L1, India's first solar mission. These milestones not only strengthened India's position in the global space economy but also bolstered the growth of the private space sector in the country.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;PM Modi's US Visit: Indian PM Modi attends tech CEOs round table in US</strong></p>

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<p>India is now preparing for the ambitious Gaganyaan mission, which aims to demonstrate human spaceflight capabilities by launching a crew of astronauts into orbit and safely bringing them back to Earth, with a planned landing in India's sea waters.</p>

<p>The semiconductor sector has also become a crucial component of India's growth, PM Modi noted.</p>

<p>The government has so far approved five semiconductor units in India, with construction already underway at two sites. Work on the remaining three sites will commence soon. The companies have already made cumulative investments of nearly Rs 1.5 lakh crore.</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.</em></p>


Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday dedicated three PARAM Rudra Supercomputers and High-Performance Computing systems to the nation. These systems have been installed in Delhi, Pune, and Kolkata respectively.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday dedicated three PARAM Rudra Supercomputers and High-Performance Computing systems to the nation. These systems have been installed in Delhi, Pune, and Kolkata respectively. "These supercomputers will go a long way in ensuring that India's scientists have access to state-of-the-art facilities," the Prime Minister said. "The three supercomputers launched today will help in advanced research from physics, earth science, and cosmology." "To instill scientific temperaments in young minds, 10,000 Atal Tinkering Labs have been set up in schools. Additionally, scholarships for STEM subjects have been increased," he added. The National Supercomputing Mission (NSM) was established to provide the country with a robust supercomputing infrastructure to meet the growing computational needs of academia, researchers, MSMEs, and startups. It is the first initiative of its kind aimed at boosting the country's computing power. The National Supercomputing Mission is jointly managed by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and is being implemented by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), Pune, and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru. Also read: Modi meets tech CEOs in US: Google and Nvidia to boost AI engagement in India These supercomputers are equipped with applications catering to domains such as Weather and Climate, Computational Fluid Dynamics, Bioinformatics, and Material Science. The systems offer Artificial Intelligence (AI) capabilities over Machine Learning and Deep Learning frameworks, along with Compute and Storage as a cloud service. "In this year's budget, a research fund of Rs 1 lakh crore has been announced so that India empowers the 21st century world," PM Modi added. Highlighting India's achievements in the space sector, the Prime Minister pointed to recent successes, saying, "India aims to establish the 'Bharatiya Antariksha Station' by 2035." In 2023, India reached new heights with the successful soft landing of Chandrayaan-3 at the Moon's South Pole and the launch of Aditya-L1, India's first solar mission. These milestones not only strengthened India's position in the global space economy but also bolstered the growth of the private space sector in the country. Watch | PM Modi's US Visit: Indian PM Modi attends tech CEOs round table in US × India is now preparing for the ambitious Gaganyaan mission, which aims to demonstrate human spaceflight capabilities by launching a crew of astronauts into orbit and safely bringing them back to Earth, with a planned landing in India's sea waters. The semiconductor sector has also become a crucial component of India's growth, PM Modi noted. The government has so far approved five semiconductor units in India, with construction already underway at two sites. Work on the remaining three sites will commence soon. The companies have already made cumulative investments of nearly Rs 1.5 lakh crore. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

PM Modi launches three PARAM Rudra supercomputers developed indigenously

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (Sep&nbsp;22) met Palestinian President&nbsp;Mahmoud Abbas on the sidelines of the Summit of the Future in New York, United States (US).</p>

<p>According to the Indian foreign ministry, Prime Minister Modi expressed&nbsp;deep concern at the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza and the deteriorating security situation in the region.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-war-half-of-hostages-held-by-hamas-since-oct-7-have-died-pm-netanyahu-tells-mps-760976">Gaza war: Half of hostages held by Hamas since Oct 7 have died, PM Netanyahu tells MPs</a></strong></p>

<p>The ministry said that Modi&nbsp;reaffirmed India’s unwavering support to the people of Palestine, including continued humanitarian assistance.</p>

<h2><strong>Modi stresses two-state solution</strong></h2>

<p>"Prime Minister reiterated India's time-tested principled position on the Israel-Palestine issue, and called for ceasefire, release of hostages and return to the path of dialogue and diplomacy," the ministry said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Prime Minister Narendra Modi met the President of Palestine, Mahmoud Abbas on the sidelines of the Summit of the Future in New York.<br />
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Prime Minister expressed deep concern at the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza and the deteriorating security situation in the region and… <a href="https://t.co/1yag68juGe">pic.twitter.com/1yag68juGe</a></p>
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<p>"He stressed that only a two-state solution will deliver enduring peace and stability in the region. Recalling that India was one of the first countries to recognize Palestine, he conveyed India’s continued support to Palestine's membership of the UN," it added.</p>

<h2><strong>India's position on Gaza war</strong></h2>

<p>According to the Indian foreign ministry, New Delhi&nbsp;has strongly condemned the&nbsp;attacks on Israel on 7 October 2023 and also the loss of civilian lives in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.</p>

<p>In a <strong><a href="https://www.mea.gov.in/rajya-sabha.htm?dtl/38117/QUESTION_NO1994_INDIAS_POSITION_IN_THE_ONGOING_PALESTINEISRAEL_WAR#:~:text=India%20has%20called%20for%20ceasefire,for%20release%20of%20remaining%20hostages.">response to Parliament in August</a></strong>, Minister of State of Foreign Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh said that&nbsp;India has called for a ceasefire and sustained humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch | Israel-Hamas war:&nbsp;People are vulnerable to diseases in Gaza</strong></p>

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<p>"During the ongoing conflict, India has provided 70 tonnes of humanitarian aid including 16.5 tonnes of medicines and medical supplies. We have also called for the release of remaining hostages," Singh said.</p>

<p>"We remain concerned at the deteriorating security situation and have called for restraint and de-escalation and emphasized a peaceful resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (Sep 22) met Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on the sidelines of the Summit of the Future in New York, United States (US).

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (Sep 22) met Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on the sidelines of the Summit of the Future in New York, United States (US). According to the Indian foreign ministry, Prime Minister Modi expressed deep concern at the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza and the deteriorating security situation in the region. Also read | Gaza war: Half of hostages held by Hamas since Oct 7 have died, PM Netanyahu tells MPs The ministry said that Modi reaffirmed India’s unwavering support to the people of Palestine, including continued humanitarian assistance. Modi stresses two-state solution "Prime Minister reiterated India's time-tested principled position on the Israel-Palestine issue, and called for ceasefire, release of hostages and return to the path of dialogue and diplomacy," the ministry said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi met the President of Palestine, Mahmoud Abbas on the sidelines of the Summit of the Future in New York. Prime Minister expressed deep concern at the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza and the deteriorating security situation in the region and… pic.twitter.com/1yag68juGe — ANI (@ANI) September 23, 2024 × "He stressed that only a two-state solution will deliver enduring peace and stability in the region. Recalling that India was one of the first countries to recognize Palestine, he conveyed India’s continued support to Palestine's membership of the UN," it added. India's position on Gaza war According to the Indian foreign ministry, New Delhi has strongly condemned the attacks on Israel on 7 October 2023 and also the loss of civilian lives in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. In a response to Parliament in August, Minister of State of Foreign Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh said that India has called for a ceasefire and sustained humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza. Also watch | Israel-Hamas war: People are vulnerable to diseases in Gaza × "During the ongoing conflict, India has provided 70 tonnes of humanitarian aid including 16.5 tonnes of medicines and medical supplies. We have also called for the release of remaining hostages," Singh said. "We remain concerned at the deteriorating security situation and have called for restraint and de-escalation and emphasized a peaceful resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian PM Modi meets Palestinian president, expresses deep concern over Gaza humanitarian crisis

<p>The US&nbsp;Space Force will assist India in setting up its first-ever semiconductor fabrication plant aimed at enhancing national security. The key details on the Fab Plant came after a bilateral meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US&nbsp;President Joe Biden in Delaware this weekend.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Both leaders lauded the establishment of the semiconductor facility, calling it a "watershed moment" for India-US&nbsp;cooperation, according to a joint fact sheet released after the meeting. The plant will focus on advanced sensing, communication, and power electronics critical to national security.</p>

<p>The semiconductor fabrication plant will manufacture cutting-edge Infrared, Gallium Nitride, and Silicon Carbide semiconductors and is a technology partnership between Indian companies Bharat Semi, 3rdiTech, and the US&nbsp;Space Force, with support from the India Semiconductor Mission.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modis-us-visit-america-india-is-the-ai-power-of-the-new-world-pm-tells-indian-diaspora-760994">AI also means American-Indian spirit. It’s the new ‘AI’ power of the world: PM Modi in US</a></p>

<p>The US&nbsp;Space Force, established in 2019, plays an important role in space warfare, missile defence, satellite operations, and space launches.&nbsp;The initiative is seen as a landmark achievement, on par with the historic Indo-US&nbsp;civil nuclear deal of 2008.</p>

<p>Co-founder &amp; Managing Director of 3rdiTech Vinayak Dalmia told WION, "This is a glass ceiling broken in tech diplomacy and years down the road will go down in history books as a watershed moment in India-US relationships.&nbsp;After this technology partnership, India will join a handful of elite nations with the capability and knowhow to manufacture these types of semiconductors onshore"</p>

<p>The semiconductor fabrication plant, to be established in Jewar, will be the world’s first multi-chip military fab.&nbsp;Focus will not be just on India's national security needs, but also exports to Quad nations, Indo-Pacific countries, and African markets.</p>

<p>The collaboration between Indian companies and the US&nbsp;Space Force was initially announced during Prime Minister Modi's State Visit to the US&nbsp;in June 2023. More details emerged during the iCET review in Delhi in June 2024, with the formal announcement of plans to jointly build the fab made at the weekend bilateral meet in Delaware.</p>

<p>COO &amp; Co-Founder, of 3rdiTech, Vrinda Kapoor explained, "Bharat Semi and 3rdiTech will become India’s first homegrown integrated design manufacturer (IDM).&nbsp;The name Bharat brings with it the hope that this will grow into an institution, a deep technology behemoth at the global stage, a strategic asset that India can be proud of."</p>

<p>The semiconductor fabrication plant will focus on three critical pillars of modern warfare- advanced sensing, advanced communications, and high-voltage power electronics.&nbsp;In addition to defence and national security applications, the plant will serve commercial sectors such as railways, telecom infrastructure, data centres, and green energy.</p>

<p>This facility will be seen as a national asset, further advancing India’s ambitions to become a net security provider in the region.&nbsp;India currently imports semiconductors worth USD 1 billion annually for national security purposes alone.</p>

<p>In addition to this announcement, US&nbsp;semiconductor giant GlobalFoundries will play a key role in establishing the GF Kolkata Power Center, which will contribute to sustainable semiconductor supply chains.</p>


The US Space Force will assist India in setting up its first-ever semiconductor fabrication plant aimed at enhancing national security. The key details on the Fab Plant came after a bilateral meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden in Delaware this weekend.

The US Space Force will assist India in setting up its first-ever semiconductor fabrication plant aimed at enhancing national security. The key details on the Fab Plant came after a bilateral meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden in Delaware this weekend. Both leaders lauded the establishment of the semiconductor facility, calling it a "watershed moment" for India-US cooperation, according to a joint fact sheet released after the meeting. The plant will focus on advanced sensing, communication, and power electronics critical to national security. The semiconductor fabrication plant will manufacture cutting-edge Infrared, Gallium Nitride, and Silicon Carbide semiconductors and is a technology partnership between Indian companies Bharat Semi, 3rdiTech, and the US Space Force, with support from the India Semiconductor Mission. Also read: AI also means American-Indian spirit. It’s the new ‘AI’ power of the world: PM Modi in US The US Space Force, established in 2019, plays an important role in space warfare, missile defence, satellite operations, and space launches. The initiative is seen as a landmark achievement, on par with the historic Indo-US civil nuclear deal of 2008. Co-founder & Managing Director of 3rdiTech Vinayak Dalmia told WION, "This is a glass ceiling broken in tech diplomacy and years down the road will go down in history books as a watershed moment in India-US relationships. After this technology partnership, India will join a handful of elite nations with the capability and knowhow to manufacture these types of semiconductors onshore" The semiconductor fabrication plant, to be established in Jewar, will be the world’s first multi-chip military fab. Focus will not be just on India's national security needs, but also exports to Quad nations, Indo-Pacific countries, and African markets. The collaboration between Indian companies and the US Space Force was initially announced during Prime Minister Modi's State Visit to the US in June 2023. More details emerged during the iCET review in Delhi in June 2024, with the formal announcement of plans to jointly build the fab made at the weekend bilateral meet in Delaware. COO & Co-Founder, of 3rdiTech, Vrinda Kapoor explained, "Bharat Semi and 3rdiTech will become India’s first homegrown integrated design manufacturer (IDM). The name Bharat brings with it the hope that this will grow into an institution, a deep technology behemoth at the global stage, a strategic asset that India can be proud of." The semiconductor fabrication plant will focus on three critical pillars of modern warfare- advanced sensing, advanced communications, and high-voltage power electronics. In addition to defence and national security applications, the plant will serve commercial sectors such as railways, telecom infrastructure, data centres, and green energy. This facility will be seen as a national asset, further advancing India’s ambitions to become a net security provider in the region. India currently imports semiconductors worth USD 1 billion annually for national security purposes alone. In addition to this announcement, US semiconductor giant GlobalFoundries will play a key role in establishing the GF Kolkata Power Center, which will contribute to sustainable semiconductor supply chains.

US Space Force to help India build semiconductor plant

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:15,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1751}">Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while speaking at the United Nations Summit of the Future on Monday (Sep 23) said that cyber, maritime, and space are emerging as new areas of conflict and to tackle them "global action must match global ambition" and&nbsp;that the success of humanity lies in "collective strength and not in the battlefield".</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:82,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1818}">"While on one hand, terrorism continues to be a serious threat to global peace and security, on the other hand, cyber, maritime and space are emerging as new areas of conflict. On all these issues, I will stress that global action must match global ambition," PM Modi said at the UN headquarters.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:149,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1885}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:149,&quot;w&quot;:657,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1885}">Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:88,&quot;y&quot;:149,&quot;w&quot;:577,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:121,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1885}" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-meets-tech-ceos-in-us-google-and-nvidia-to-boost-ai-engagement-in-india-761180">Modi meets tech CEOs in US: Google and Nvidia to boost AI engagement in India</a></strong></p>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:185,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1921}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:185,&quot;w&quot;:250,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1921}">‘One earth, one family’</strong></h2>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:229,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1965}">PM Modi, in his remarks, stressed that for India, "one earth, one family and one future is a commitment."</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:262,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1998}">"We want such global digital governance in which sovereignty and integrity remain intact. Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) should be a bridge and not a barrier. For global good, India is ready to share its DPI. For India, One Earth, One Family, One Future is a commitment," said Modi.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:329,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2065}">He also stressed that the success of humanity lies in "collective strength and not in the battlefield".</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Speaking at Summit of the Future at the <a href="https://twitter.com/UN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UN</a>. <a href="https://t.co/lxhOQEWEC8">https://t.co/lxhOQEWEC8</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1838239720515526827?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 23, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>"When we discuss about the global future, we must accord the highest priority to a human centric approach. While prioritising sustainable development, we must also ensure human welfare, food, and health security. By lifting 250 million people out of poverty in India, we have demonstrated that sustainable development can be successful."</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:445,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2181}">"We are ready to share our experiences of our success with the Global South. Success of humanity lies in our collective strength, not in the battlefield," PM Modi said.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:445,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2181}"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-gifts-antique-silver-hand-engraved-delhi-delaware-train-model-to-bidens-760910">PM Modi gifts antique silver hand-engraved 'DELHI - DELAWARE' train model to Joe Biden</a></strong></p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:495,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2231}">Calling for reforms in global institutions for global peace, he said: "Reform is the key to relevance," hailing the African Union's inclusion as a permanent member in the G20 as an "important step" in this direction.</p>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:548,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2284}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:548,&quot;w&quot;:196,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2284}">Quad on terrorism</strong></h2>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:593,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2329}">A joint declaration by Quad leaders unequivocally condemned terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:643,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:69,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2379}">"We are committed to international cooperation and will work with our regional partners in a comprehensive and sustained manner to strengthen their capability to prevent, detect and respond to threats posed by terrorism and violent extremism, including threats posed by the use of new and emerging technologies for terrorist purposes, consistent with international law," read the joint statement.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:727,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2463}"><em bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:727,&quot;w&quot;:182,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2463}">(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while speaking at the United Nations Summit of the Future on Monday (Sep 23) said that cyber, maritime, and space are emerging as new areas of conflict and to tackle them "global action must match global ambition" and that the success of humanity lies in "collective strength and not in the battlefield".

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while speaking at the United Nations Summit of the Future on Monday (Sep 23) said that cyber, maritime, and space are emerging as new areas of conflict and to tackle them "global action must match global ambition" and that the success of humanity lies in "collective strength and not in the battlefield". "While on one hand, terrorism continues to be a serious threat to global peace and security, on the other hand, cyber, maritime and space are emerging as new areas of conflict. On all these issues, I will stress that global action must match global ambition," PM Modi said at the UN headquarters. Also read | Modi meets tech CEOs in US: Google and Nvidia to boost AI engagement in India ‘One earth, one family’ PM Modi, in his remarks, stressed that for India, "one earth, one family and one future is a commitment." "We want such global digital governance in which sovereignty and integrity remain intact. Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) should be a bridge and not a barrier. For global good, India is ready to share its DPI. For India, One Earth, One Family, One Future is a commitment," said Modi. He also stressed that the success of humanity lies in "collective strength and not in the battlefield". Speaking at Summit of the Future at the @UN. https://t.co/lxhOQEWEC8 — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 23, 2024 × "When we discuss about the global future, we must accord the highest priority to a human centric approach. While prioritising sustainable development, we must also ensure human welfare, food, and health security. By lifting 250 million people out of poverty in India, we have demonstrated that sustainable development can be successful." "We are ready to share our experiences of our success with the Global South. Success of humanity lies in our collective strength, not in the battlefield," PM Modi said. Also read | PM Modi gifts antique silver hand-engraved 'DELHI - DELAWARE' train model to Joe Biden Calling for reforms in global institutions for global peace, he said: "Reform is the key to relevance," hailing the African Union's inclusion as a permanent member in the G20 as an "important step" in this direction. Quad on terrorism A joint declaration by Quad leaders unequivocally condemned terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism. "We are committed to international cooperation and will work with our regional partners in a comprehensive and sustained manner to strengthen their capability to prevent, detect and respond to threats posed by terrorism and violent extremism, including threats posed by the use of new and emerging technologies for terrorist purposes, consistent with international law," read the joint statement. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Modi at UN: Humanity’s success lies in collective strength, not battlefields

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:15,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1702}">Technology giants Google and Nvidia will enhance their engagement in India with more focus on leveraging artificial intelligence technology in the country, top officials of the companies said on Monday after meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:82,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1769}">Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) major Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang said the Prime Minister has always been keen on learning about artificial intelligence, its potential, and opportunities for India.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:131,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1818}">"I have enjoyed so many meetings with the Prime Minister. He's such an incredible student, and every time I see him, he wants to learn about technology, artificial intelligence, the potential and opportunity for India, the impact on India, society, and industry," Huang said.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:198,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1885}">Huang's Nvidia is estimated to have an 88 per cent market share in the GPU segment, which is in huge demand for AI workloads across the world.</p>

<div bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:248,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:175,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1935}" class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:116,&quot;y&quot;:259,&quot;w&quot;:505,&quot;h&quot;:154,&quot;abs_x&quot;:149,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1946}" class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:121,&quot;y&quot;:259,&quot;w&quot;:495,&quot;h&quot;:154,&quot;abs_x&quot;:154,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1946}" class="twitter-tweet">
<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:182,&quot;y&quot;:297,&quot;w&quot;:409,&quot;h&quot;:61,&quot;abs_x&quot;:215,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1984}" dir="ltr" lang="en">Had a fruitful roundtable with tech CEOs in New York, discussing aspects relating to technology, innovation and more. Also highlighted the strides made by India in this field. I am glad to see immense optimism towards India. <a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:415,&quot;y&quot;:343,&quot;w&quot;:155,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:448,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2030}" href="https://t.co/qW3sZ4fv3t">pic.twitter.com/qW3sZ4fv3t</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:439,&quot;y&quot;:372,&quot;w&quot;:117,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:472,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2059}" href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1838011132126085280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 23, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:710,&quot;y&quot;:249,&quot;w&quot;:20,&quot;h&quot;:20,&quot;abs_x&quot;:743,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1936}" class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:438,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2125}">He said India is home to some of the world's greatest computer scientists, which is a great opportunity.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:471,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2158}">"Artificial intelligence is also a new industry, a new manufacturing industry. I'm looking forward to partnering with India in a very deep way to make that possible. We have many partnerships with India. For one, we're helping India gain access to our most advanced technologies," Huang said.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:538,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2225}">Nvidia has partnered with Yotta Data Services, which plans to scale up its GPU stable to 32,768 units by the end of 2025.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:587,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2274}">Huang said India is the home of the third-largest startup economy, and the work of all new generations of startups is based on AI.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:637,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:69,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2324}">"Every IIT has an Nvidia AI Center of Excellence. We're teaching professionals. We're teaching students how to upskill into this new world of AI. AI is a very complicated technology, but in the end it enables a country to take advantage of the technology in a way that has never been possible before. AI really democratised computing. This is India's moment, you have to seize," Huang said.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:721,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2408}">Google CEO Sundar Pichai said the Prime Minister has been focused on transforming India with his Digital India vision and pushed the company to make in India and design in India.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:771,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2458}">"He challenged us to think about applications in healthcare, education, agriculture, and he's also thinking about the infrastructure of India, be it data centres, power, energy, and investing to make sure India can transition. We are robustly investing in AI in India, and we look forward to doing more," Pichai said.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:838,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2525}">He said that the PM has asked Google to do more in the field of AI and wants to make sure AI is there to benefit the people of India.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:888,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2575}">"He has a clear vision, both in terms of the opportunity that AI will create, but he wants to make sure ultimately, AI is there to benefit the people of India, and he has a clear vision, that it should all be in the service of the people of India. He is challenging us to do more," Pichai said.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:955,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2642}">The meeting took place at the Lotte New York Palace Hotel on Sunday during the second leg of Modi's three-day US visit.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:1004,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2691}">The Prime Minister participated in the roundtable with CEOs of US-based firms working on cutting-edge technologies such as AI, quantum computing, and semiconductors.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:1054,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:69,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2741}"><em bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:1054,&quot;w&quot;:721,&quot;h&quot;:51,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2741}">Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.</em><br bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:195,&quot;y&quot;:1089,&quot;w&quot;:0,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:228,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2776}" />
&nbsp;</p>


Technology giants Google and Nvidia will enhance their engagement in India with more focus on leveraging artificial intelligence technology in the country, top officials of the companies said on Monday after meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Technology giants Google and Nvidia will enhance their engagement in India with more focus on leveraging artificial intelligence technology in the country, top officials of the companies said on Monday after meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) major Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang said the Prime Minister has always been keen on learning about artificial intelligence, its potential, and opportunities for India. "I have enjoyed so many meetings with the Prime Minister. He's such an incredible student, and every time I see him, he wants to learn about technology, artificial intelligence, the potential and opportunity for India, the impact on India, society, and industry," Huang said. Huang's Nvidia is estimated to have an 88 per cent market share in the GPU segment, which is in huge demand for AI workloads across the world. Had a fruitful roundtable with tech CEOs in New York, discussing aspects relating to technology, innovation and more. Also highlighted the strides made by India in this field. I am glad to see immense optimism towards India. pic.twitter.com/qW3sZ4fv3t — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 23, 2024 × He said India is home to some of the world's greatest computer scientists, which is a great opportunity. "Artificial intelligence is also a new industry, a new manufacturing industry. I'm looking forward to partnering with India in a very deep way to make that possible. We have many partnerships with India. For one, we're helping India gain access to our most advanced technologies," Huang said. Nvidia has partnered with Yotta Data Services, which plans to scale up its GPU stable to 32,768 units by the end of 2025. Huang said India is the home of the third-largest startup economy, and the work of all new generations of startups is based on AI. "Every IIT has an Nvidia AI Center of Excellence. We're teaching professionals. We're teaching students how to upskill into this new world of AI. AI is a very complicated technology, but in the end it enables a country to take advantage of the technology in a way that has never been possible before. AI really democratised computing. This is India's moment, you have to seize," Huang said. Google CEO Sundar Pichai said the Prime Minister has been focused on transforming India with his Digital India vision and pushed the company to make in India and design in India. "He challenged us to think about applications in healthcare, education, agriculture, and he's also thinking about the infrastructure of India, be it data centres, power, energy, and investing to make sure India can transition. We are robustly investing in AI in India, and we look forward to doing more," Pichai said. He said that the PM has asked Google to do more in the field of AI and wants to make sure AI is there to benefit the people of India. "He has a clear vision, both in terms of the opportunity that AI will create, but he wants to make sure ultimately, AI is there to benefit the people of India, and he has a clear vision, that it should all be in the service of the people of India. He is challenging us to do more," Pichai said. The meeting took place at the Lotte New York Palace Hotel on Sunday during the second leg of Modi's three-day US visit. The Prime Minister participated in the roundtable with CEOs of US-based firms working on cutting-edge technologies such as AI, quantum computing, and semiconductors. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Modi meets tech CEOs in US: Google and Nvidia to boost AI engagement in India

<p>Google CEO Sundar Pichai said that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke about the potential and opportunities in India and assured the government's commitment to provide protection of intellectual property.</p>

<p>After his meeting with PM Modi, Pichai said that the prime minister shared his “clear vision” regarding the expansion of AI in India&nbsp;and added that “he is challenging us to do more in terms of AI so that it benefits the people of India.”</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-space-force-to-help-india-build-semiconductor-plant-761033">US Space Force to help India build semiconductor plant</a></p>

<p>He said that PM Modi wants to ensure that ultimately AI benefits the people of the country.</p>

<h2><strong>Pichai shares PM Modi's vision of AI in India</strong></h2>

<p>“The PM has been focussed on transforming India. It is Digital India vision. He pushed us to continue making in India, designing in India. We are proud to now make our Pixel phones manufactured in India. He is really thinking about how AI can transform India in a way that benefits the people of India,"&nbsp;said Pichai, after the meeting.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | New York, USA: After the roundtable meeting of prominent CEOs of Tech Companies with PM Narendra Modi, Google CEO Sundar Pichai says, "The PM has been focussed on transforming India. It is Digital India vision. He pushed us to continue making in India, designing in… <a href="https://t.co/kF2XwV5X2F">pic.twitter.com/kF2XwV5X2F</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1838069016981889189?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 23, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>"He challenged us to think about applications in healthcare, education, agriculture and he is also thinking about the infrastructure of India - be it data centres, power, energy and investing to make sure that India can transition. And we are proud to be partnering with India,” he added.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;PM Modi's US Visit: Indian PM Modi Holds Bilateral Meeting With Nepalese Counterpart Oli</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pm-modis-us-visit-indian-pm-modi-holds-bilateral-meeting-with-nepalese-counterpart-oli-761055/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>“We are robustly investing in AI in India and we look forward to doing more. We have set several programs and partnerships...He has always challenged all of us to do more, more for India. Now, he is asking us to do the same with AI. He has a clear vision, both in terms of the opportunity that AI will create but he wants to make sure ultimately AI is there to benefit the people of India and he has a clear vision that it should all be in the service of the people of India. He is challenging us to do more,” said the Google CEO.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Google CEO Sundar Pichai said that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke about the potential and opportunities in India and assured the government's commitment to provide protection of intellectual property.

Google CEO Sundar Pichai said that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke about the potential and opportunities in India and assured the government's commitment to provide protection of intellectual property. After his meeting with PM Modi, Pichai said that the prime minister shared his “clear vision” regarding the expansion of AI in India and added that “he is challenging us to do more in terms of AI so that it benefits the people of India.” Also Read: US Space Force to help India build semiconductor plant He said that PM Modi wants to ensure that ultimately AI benefits the people of the country. Pichai shares PM Modi's vision of AI in India “The PM has been focussed on transforming India. It is Digital India vision. He pushed us to continue making in India, designing in India. We are proud to now make our Pixel phones manufactured in India. He is really thinking about how AI can transform India in a way that benefits the people of India," said Pichai, after the meeting. #WATCH | New York, USA: After the roundtable meeting of prominent CEOs of Tech Companies with PM Narendra Modi, Google CEO Sundar Pichai says, "The PM has been focussed on transforming India. It is Digital India vision. He pushed us to continue making in India, designing in… pic.twitter.com/kF2XwV5X2F — ANI (@ANI) September 23, 2024 × "He challenged us to think about applications in healthcare, education, agriculture and he is also thinking about the infrastructure of India - be it data centres, power, energy and investing to make sure that India can transition. And we are proud to be partnering with India,” he added. Watch: PM Modi's US Visit: Indian PM Modi Holds Bilateral Meeting With Nepalese Counterpart Oli “We are robustly investing in AI in India and we look forward to doing more. We have set several programs and partnerships...He has always challenged all of us to do more, more for India. Now, he is asking us to do the same with AI. He has a clear vision, both in terms of the opportunity that AI will create but he wants to make sure ultimately AI is there to benefit the people of India and he has a clear vision that it should all be in the service of the people of India. He is challenging us to do more,” said the Google CEO. (With inputs from agencies)

Google's Sundar Pichai shares PM Modi's AI vision for India, says he 'challenged us to...'

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<p>United States (US) President Joe Biden was on Saturday (Sep&nbsp;21) caught on a hot mic telling leaders of the Quad countries that China was testing them, thus reflecting upon the American seriousness of the emerging Chinese threat.</p>

<p>President Biden made this remark during the Quad Leaders' Summit which was attended by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.</p>

<h2><strong>How was Biden's remark caught on hot mic?</strong></h2>

<p>A report by the news agency PTI said that Biden's remark was caught on a hot mic as pool reporters were leaving the summit venue. The US president was heard saying that Chinese President Xi Jinping was looking to buy himself some diplomatic space to aggressively pursue Beijing's interests.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modi-assures-of-quads-future-as-india-prepares-to-host-summit-in-2025-760795">PM Modi assures of Quad's future as India prepares to host Summit in 2025</a></strong></p>

<p>He added that China continued to behave aggressively, "testing us all across the region on several fronts, including on economy and technology issues."</p>

<p>"At the same time, we believe intense competition requires intense diplomacy," Biden further said.</p>

<h2><strong>Biden admin official tries to downplay error</strong></h2>

<p>As per PTI reports,&nbsp;a senior Biden administration official tried to downplay the error.</p>

<p>"I don't think I have much to elaborate on that. It's consistent with what has been said before, and I don't think it'll be much of a surprise that our inside voice matches our outside voice," the official said.</p>

<p>"I think it's not surprising that China would have been on the agenda. It's an Indo-Pacific convening. This is an Indo-Pacific partnership. China is a major country in the Indo-Pacific. But I think it's also fair to say that there were a number of other topics on the agenda," the official added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


United States (US) President Joe Biden was on Saturday (Sep 21) caught on a hot mic telling leaders of the Quad countries that China was testing them, thus reflecting upon the American seriousness of the emerging Chinese threat.

United States (US) President Joe Biden was on Saturday (Sep 21) caught on a hot mic telling leaders of the Quad countries that China was testing them, thus reflecting upon the American seriousness of the emerging Chinese threat. President Biden made this remark during the Quad Leaders' Summit which was attended by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. How was Biden's remark caught on hot mic? A report by the news agency PTI said that Biden's remark was caught on a hot mic as pool reporters were leaving the summit venue. The US president was heard saying that Chinese President Xi Jinping was looking to buy himself some diplomatic space to aggressively pursue Beijing's interests. Also read | PM Modi assures of Quad's future as India prepares to host Summit in 2025 He added that China continued to behave aggressively, "testing us all across the region on several fronts, including on economy and technology issues." "At the same time, we believe intense competition requires intense diplomacy," Biden further said. Biden admin official tries to downplay error As per PTI reports, a senior Biden administration official tried to downplay the error. "I don't think I have much to elaborate on that. It's consistent with what has been said before, and I don't think it'll be much of a surprise that our inside voice matches our outside voice," the official said. "I think it's not surprising that China would have been on the agenda. It's an Indo-Pacific convening. This is an Indo-Pacific partnership. China is a major country in the Indo-Pacific. But I think it's also fair to say that there were a number of other topics on the agenda," the official added. (With inputs from agencies)

Quad Leaders' Summit: Biden caught on hot mic saying 'China testing us'

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (local time) highlighted the relationship between India and the US in terms of artificial intelligence and gave a new meaning to it, describing it as the America-India spirit.</p>

<p>Addressing the Indian diaspora at Nassau Coliseum in New York, Long Island, at Modi&amp;US Event, the PM said, "For the world, AI means artificial intelligence, but for me, AI also means American-Indian spirit. This is the new 'AI' power of the world....I salute the Indian diaspora here."</p>

<p>PM Modi said that Indian Diaspora has always been the country's strongest brand ambassadors.</p>

<p>"I have always understood your potential... the potential of the Indian diaspora. You have always been India's strongest band ambassador for me. That's why I call all of you 'Rashtradoot'."</p>

<p>"Now Apna Namaste has also become multinational. It has gone from local to global and you have done all this. Every Indian who keeps India in his heart has done this. You have connected India with America and America with India. Your skill, talent, and commitment are unmatched. Despite being overseas, no ocean can separate you from India," PM Modi added.</p>

<p>He also praised the Indian community for keeping up the tradition of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" that means "the world is one family."</p>

<p>"Wherever we go, we treat everyone as family and mingle with them. Understanding diversity, living it, implementing it in our lives... it is in our values. Someone speaks Tamil... someone Telugu, someone Malayalam, someone Kannada... someone Punjabi, someone Marathi, someone Gujarati... There are many languages, but the feeling is one... and that feeling is - Indianness," said PM Modi.</p>

<p>Speaking on the diversity of India, PM Modi said, "We are residents of a country where there are hundreds of languages and dialects, all the religions and sects of the world. Still, we are moving ahead united and noble. This is our biggest strength to connect with the world. These values naturally bind us to the world."</p>

<p>Praising the Indian diaspora for their talent and skill, he said that they connect India to America.</p>

<p>"You have connected India to America and America to India. Your skill, talent, and commitment have no competition. You might have come seven seas apart, but no sea has that much depth that it can distance you from India. What Ma Bharati has taught us, we can never forget that. Wherever we go, we accept all as family. To understand diversity, to live diversity is in our veins," said PM Modi.</p>

<p>America and India are poised to become AI powerhouses in the new world, and Prime Minister Modi's recent visit to the US has strengthened this partnership.</p>

<p>During his address at the Quad Leaders' Summit, PM Modi emphasized that the group is a "force of Global Good" that will contribute to the betterment of the world.</p>

<p>The US-India partnership has made significant strides in AI research and development. The Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) has facilitated cooperation in key areas like space, semiconductors, and advanced telecommunications.</p>

<p>The two nations are also collaborating on the development of small modular reactor technologies and exploring opportunities to expand cooperation in solar, wind, and nuclear energy.</p>

<p>The diaspora crowd gave a standing ovation to PM Modi, as he entered the event venue, and took the stage. Talented artists from the Indian community took the stage, setting the perfect tone for PM Modi's imminent address to the Indian diaspora in the US.</p>

<p>PM Modi's address at "Modi and US" program is a historic event which is unfolding at the Nassau Coliseum in Long Island, New York, as 15,000 members of the Indian diaspora gather from 42 different states to welcome the Prime Minister.</p>

<p>Later in the day, PM Modi will chair key bilateral meetings in New York and attend a CEO Roundtable in addition he will also address the Summit of the Future on September 23.</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (local time) highlighted the relationship between India and the US in terms of artificial intelligence and gave a new meaning to it, describing it as the America-India spirit.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (local time) highlighted the relationship between India and the US in terms of artificial intelligence and gave a new meaning to it, describing it as the America-India spirit. Addressing the Indian diaspora at Nassau Coliseum in New York, Long Island, at Modi&US Event, the PM said, "For the world, AI means artificial intelligence, but for me, AI also means American-Indian spirit. This is the new 'AI' power of the world....I salute the Indian diaspora here." PM Modi said that Indian Diaspora has always been the country's strongest brand ambassadors. "I have always understood your potential... the potential of the Indian diaspora. You have always been India's strongest band ambassador for me. That's why I call all of you 'Rashtradoot'." "Now Apna Namaste has also become multinational. It has gone from local to global and you have done all this. Every Indian who keeps India in his heart has done this. You have connected India with America and America with India. Your skill, talent, and commitment are unmatched. Despite being overseas, no ocean can separate you from India," PM Modi added. He also praised the Indian community for keeping up the tradition of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" that means "the world is one family." "Wherever we go, we treat everyone as family and mingle with them. Understanding diversity, living it, implementing it in our lives... it is in our values. Someone speaks Tamil... someone Telugu, someone Malayalam, someone Kannada... someone Punjabi, someone Marathi, someone Gujarati... There are many languages, but the feeling is one... and that feeling is - Indianness," said PM Modi. Speaking on the diversity of India, PM Modi said, "We are residents of a country where there are hundreds of languages and dialects, all the religions and sects of the world. Still, we are moving ahead united and noble. This is our biggest strength to connect with the world. These values naturally bind us to the world." Praising the Indian diaspora for their talent and skill, he said that they connect India to America. "You have connected India to America and America to India. Your skill, talent, and commitment have no competition. You might have come seven seas apart, but no sea has that much depth that it can distance you from India. What Ma Bharati has taught us, we can never forget that. Wherever we go, we accept all as family. To understand diversity, to live diversity is in our veins," said PM Modi. America and India are poised to become AI powerhouses in the new world, and Prime Minister Modi's recent visit to the US has strengthened this partnership. During his address at the Quad Leaders' Summit, PM Modi emphasized that the group is a "force of Global Good" that will contribute to the betterment of the world. The US-India partnership has made significant strides in AI research and development. The Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) has facilitated cooperation in key areas like space, semiconductors, and advanced telecommunications. The two nations are also collaborating on the development of small modular reactor technologies and exploring opportunities to expand cooperation in solar, wind, and nuclear energy. The diaspora crowd gave a standing ovation to PM Modi, as he entered the event venue, and took the stage. Talented artists from the Indian community took the stage, setting the perfect tone for PM Modi's imminent address to the Indian diaspora in the US. PM Modi's address at "Modi and US" program is a historic event which is unfolding at the Nassau Coliseum in Long Island, New York, as 15,000 members of the Indian diaspora gather from 42 different states to welcome the Prime Minister. Later in the day, PM Modi will chair key bilateral meetings in New York and attend a CEO Roundtable in addition he will also address the Summit of the Future on September 23. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

AI also means American-Indian spirit. It’s the new ‘AI’ power of the world: PM Modi in US

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a three-day trip to the United States, carried with him some exquisite gifts for United States President Joe Biden and his wife Jill Biden.</p>

<p>Ahead of the Quad Leaders' Summit, Modi met Joe Biden in his hometown Wilmington, Delaware.</p>

<p>PM Modi took an antique silver hand-engraved train model as a gift to US President Joe Biden.</p>

<p>The train model was customised with the inscription "DELHI - DELAWARE" on the sides of the main carriage and "INDIAN RAILWAYS" is on the sides of the engine in English and Hindi languages. The inscriptions were written in the standard format which is used on passenger trains in India.</p>

<p>The inscription is thoughtful since Wilmington, in&nbsp;Delaware, is Biden's hometown.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modi-meets-biden-from-setting-up-of-semiconductor-plant-to-shoring-up-drone-deal-heres-what-happened-760875">PM Modi meets Biden: From setting up of semiconductor plant to shoring up drone deal, here's what happened</a></p>

<p>The silver hand-engraved train model is made of 92.5 per cent silver and was crafted in Maharashtra, a state which is famous for its rich heritage in silver craftsmanship.</p>

<p>The prime minister gifted a Kashmiri pashmina shawl to First Lady Jill Biden.</p>

<h2><strong>PM Modi's meeting with Biden</strong></h2>

<p>Speaking about the meeting with Biden, PM Modi said he had an "extremely fruitful" meeting with him and the two leaders spoke about ways to enhance bilateral co-operation in various areas of mutual interest.</p>

<p>Biden earlier welcomed PM Modi&nbsp;at his residence in Greenville, Delaware, and the two leaders exchanged a warm hug.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I thank President Biden for hosting me at his residence in Greenville, Delaware. Our talks were extremely fruitful. We had the opportunity to discuss regional and global issues during the meeting," said PM Modi, while speaking after the meeting.</p>

<p>Biden also wrote on X that the partnership of the United States with India is "stronger, closer, and more dynamic than any time in history".</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;PM Modi's US visit: PM Modi arrives in US for 3-day visits</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pm-modis-us-visit-pm-modi-arrives-in-us-for-3-day-visits-760899/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>"Prime Minister Modi, each time we sit down, I'm struck by our ability to find new areas of cooperation. Today was no different," he said.</p>

<p>In a joint statement issued after holding the bilateral meeting, Biden said that the India-US partnership is "decisively delivering on an ambitious agenda that serves the global good", calling it the "defining partnership of the 21st century".</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a three-day trip to the United States, carried with him some exquisite gifts for United States President Joe Biden and his wife Jill Biden.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a three-day trip to the United States, carried with him some exquisite gifts for United States President Joe Biden and his wife Jill Biden. Ahead of the Quad Leaders' Summit, Modi met Joe Biden in his hometown Wilmington, Delaware. PM Modi took an antique silver hand-engraved train model as a gift to US President Joe Biden. The train model was customised with the inscription "DELHI - DELAWARE" on the sides of the main carriage and "INDIAN RAILWAYS" is on the sides of the engine in English and Hindi languages. The inscriptions were written in the standard format which is used on passenger trains in India. The inscription is thoughtful since Wilmington, in Delaware, is Biden's hometown. Also Read: PM Modi meets Biden: From setting up of semiconductor plant to shoring up drone deal, here's what happened The silver hand-engraved train model is made of 92.5 per cent silver and was crafted in Maharashtra, a state which is famous for its rich heritage in silver craftsmanship. The prime minister gifted a Kashmiri pashmina shawl to First Lady Jill Biden. PM Modi's meeting with Biden Speaking about the meeting with Biden, PM Modi said he had an "extremely fruitful" meeting with him and the two leaders spoke about ways to enhance bilateral co-operation in various areas of mutual interest. Biden earlier welcomed PM Modi at his residence in Greenville, Delaware, and the two leaders exchanged a warm hug. "I thank President Biden for hosting me at his residence in Greenville, Delaware. Our talks were extremely fruitful. We had the opportunity to discuss regional and global issues during the meeting," said PM Modi, while speaking after the meeting. Biden also wrote on X that the partnership of the United States with India is "stronger, closer, and more dynamic than any time in history". Watch: PM Modi's US visit: PM Modi arrives in US for 3-day visits "Prime Minister Modi, each time we sit down, I'm struck by our ability to find new areas of cooperation. Today was no different," he said. In a joint statement issued after holding the bilateral meeting, Biden said that the India-US partnership is "decisively delivering on an ambitious agenda that serves the global good", calling it the "defining partnership of the 21st century". (With inputs from agencies)

PM Modi gifts antique silver hand-engraved 'DELHI - DELAWARE' train model to Joe Biden

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<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (Sep&nbsp;19) addressed a public rally in Jammu and Kashmir's Srinagar, a day after the Union Territory (UT) voted in the first phase of the assembly elections.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Addressing the rally, Prime Minister Modi targeted the&nbsp;three political families- the Abdullahs (who lead the National Conference), the Muftis (who belong to People's Democratic Party), and the Gandhis - by saying they brought only fear and anarchy to the Valley. Modi said that Jammu and Kashmir would no longer remain under their control as the local youth were not challenging them.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-kashmir-assembly-polls-phase-1-voter-turnout-stands-at-59-no-violence-reported-759926">Jammu-Kashmir assembly polls phase 1: Voter turnout stands at 59%, no violence reported</a></strong></p>

<p>"The three families think that it is their birthright to capture power by any means and then loot you all. Their political agenda has been to deprive the people of Jammu and Kashmir of their legitimate rights," he said.</p>

<h2><strong>BJP bridging gap between ‘Dil’ and Delhi: Modi</strong></h2>

<p>Modi criticised the National Conference (NC), the People's Democratic Party (PDP), and the Congress&nbsp;for creating divisions and asserted that the BJP is uniting everyone and bridging the gap between 'Dil' (the heart) and Delhi.</p>

<p>"The three families here consider the politics of Jammu and Kashmir as their fiefdom. They do not want to let anyone else come forward except their own family. Otherwise, why did they stop the elections of the panchayat, BDC and DDC?" he added.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Srinagar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi says "In the last 35 years, Kashmir remained closed for almost 3000 days, which means 8 years out of 35 years were spent in shutdown. Whereas in the last 5 years, Kashmir did not remain closed for even 8 hours. They want schools… <a href="https://t.co/DJxMbFxIaW">pic.twitter.com/DJxMbFxIaW</a></p>
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<p>Modi also accused the Abdullahs, the Muftis, and the Gandhis of being partners&nbsp;in every oppression committed against the Kashmiri Hindus and Sikhs in the valley.</p>

<p>"If the BJP government is formed here, then instead of Rs 6,000, Rs 10,000 will be deposited in the bank accounts of everyone every year. Rs 18,000 will be deposited every year in the bank account of the oldest woman of every family," the prime minister further said.</p>

<h2><strong>Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir</strong></h2>

<p>Jammu and Kashmir is voting for its 90-member assembly in three phases.</p>

<p>The first phase of voting was held on Wednesday (Sep 18), and the other two rounds will be held on September 25 and October 1. The counting of votes and declaration of results&nbsp;will take place on October 8.&nbsp;</p>


Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (Sep 19) addressed a public rally in Jammu and Kashmir's Srinagar, a day after the Union Territory (UT) voted in the first phase of the assembly elections.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (Sep 19) addressed a public rally in Jammu and Kashmir's Srinagar, a day after the Union Territory (UT) voted in the first phase of the assembly elections. Addressing the rally, Prime Minister Modi targeted the three political families- the Abdullahs (who lead the National Conference), the Muftis (who belong to People's Democratic Party), and the Gandhis - by saying they brought only fear and anarchy to the Valley. Modi said that Jammu and Kashmir would no longer remain under their control as the local youth were not challenging them. Also read | Jammu-Kashmir assembly polls phase 1: Voter turnout stands at 59%, no violence reported "The three families think that it is their birthright to capture power by any means and then loot you all. Their political agenda has been to deprive the people of Jammu and Kashmir of their legitimate rights," he said. BJP bridging gap between ‘Dil’ and Delhi: Modi Modi criticised the National Conference (NC), the People's Democratic Party (PDP), and the Congress for creating divisions and asserted that the BJP is uniting everyone and bridging the gap between 'Dil' (the heart) and Delhi. "The three families here consider the politics of Jammu and Kashmir as their fiefdom. They do not want to let anyone else come forward except their own family. Otherwise, why did they stop the elections of the panchayat, BDC and DDC?" he added. #WATCH | Srinagar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi says "In the last 35 years, Kashmir remained closed for almost 3000 days, which means 8 years out of 35 years were spent in shutdown. Whereas in the last 5 years, Kashmir did not remain closed for even 8 hours. They want schools… pic.twitter.com/DJxMbFxIaW — ANI (@ANI) September 19, 2024 × Modi also accused the Abdullahs, the Muftis, and the Gandhis of being partners in every oppression committed against the Kashmiri Hindus and Sikhs in the valley. "If the BJP government is formed here, then instead of Rs 6,000, Rs 10,000 will be deposited in the bank accounts of everyone every year. Rs 18,000 will be deposited every year in the bank account of the oldest woman of every family," the prime minister further said. Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir Jammu and Kashmir is voting for its 90-member assembly in three phases. The first phase of voting was held on Wednesday (Sep 18), and the other two rounds will be held on September 25 and October 1. The counting of votes and declaration of results will take place on October 8.

Modi rally in J-K: Indian PM says ‘three families’ gave only fear, anarchy to Valley

<p>India’s major opposition political parties have opposed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s "One Nation One Election" (ONOE) proposal, calling it non-practical and non-pragmatic. The proposal was green-lighted by PM Modi-led Union Cabinet on Wednesday (Sep 18). The chief of Congress, India’s principal opposition party, termed the move "an attempt to divert the attention of the public".</p>

<p>"When elections come, they (the BJP) are not getting any issues to raise. So they divert attention from real issues," said party chief Mallikarjun Kharge.</p>

<p>Later in a post on X, Kharge said the proposal was against the Constitution. "This is against the Constitution, this is contrary to democracy, this is against federalism. The country will never accept this," he wrote.</p>

<p>It is to be noted that once implemented, the ONOE scheme would see simultaneous Lok Sabha (parliamentary) and Assembly elections. The plan is backed by the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the country’s top court, the Supreme Court of India (SC).</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjdk-r_wMyIAxVpUGwGHY24MLEQxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-pushes-for-revisions-to-indus-water-treaty-with-pakistan-759783" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-pushes-for-revisions-to-indus-water-treaty-with-pakistan-759783&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjdk-r_wMyIAxVpUGwGHY24MLEQxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE">India pushes for revisions to Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan</a></strong></p>

<p>All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief, headed by Asaduddin Owaisi, also opposed the idea, saying it would destroy federalism in the country.</p>

<p>“It destroys federalism and compromises democracy, which are part of the basic structure of the constitution,” Owaisi said.</p>

<p>He added that multiple elections caused problems for no one but PM Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.</p>

<p>“Just because they have a compulsive need to campaign in even municipal &amp; local body elections does not mean that we need simultaneous polls. Frequent &amp; periodic elections improve democratic accountability,” he added.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjdk-r_wMyIAxVpUGwGHY24MLEQxfQBKAB6BAgSEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-is-set-to-add-record-renewables-this-year-759724" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-is-set-to-add-record-renewables-this-year-759724&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjdk-r_wMyIAxVpUGwGHY24MLEQxfQBKAB6BAgSEAE">India is set to add record renewables this year</a></strong></p>

<p>The CPM party also alleged that the government is trying to replace parliamentary democracy by slipping in a presidential form of government "through the back-door".</p>

<h2><strong>Challenges ahead</strong></h2>

<p>Implementing the One Nation One Election model would require a two-thirds majority in parliament as it mandates amendment to the Constitution.</p>

<p>Now, the NDA alliance lacks a one-third majority in both houses of the Indian Parliament. It has 292 of 545 seats in the Lok Sabha, (the lower house)&nbsp;and 119 seats out of 234 in the Rajya Sabha&nbsp;(the upper house).</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


India’s major opposition political parties have opposed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s "One Nation One Election" (ONOE) proposal, calling it non-practical and non-pragmatic.

India’s major opposition political parties have opposed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s "One Nation One Election" (ONOE) proposal, calling it non-practical and non-pragmatic. The proposal was green-lighted by PM Modi-led Union Cabinet on Wednesday (Sep 18). The chief of Congress, India’s principal opposition party, termed the move "an attempt to divert the attention of the public". "When elections come, they (the BJP) are not getting any issues to raise. So they divert attention from real issues," said party chief Mallikarjun Kharge. Later in a post on X, Kharge said the proposal was against the Constitution. "This is against the Constitution, this is contrary to democracy, this is against federalism. The country will never accept this," he wrote. It is to be noted that once implemented, the ONOE scheme would see simultaneous Lok Sabha (parliamentary) and Assembly elections. The plan is backed by the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the country’s top court, the Supreme Court of India (SC). Also read: India pushes for revisions to Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief, headed by Asaduddin Owaisi, also opposed the idea, saying it would destroy federalism in the country. “It destroys federalism and compromises democracy, which are part of the basic structure of the constitution,” Owaisi said. He added that multiple elections caused problems for no one but PM Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. “Just because they have a compulsive need to campaign in even municipal & local body elections does not mean that we need simultaneous polls. Frequent & periodic elections improve democratic accountability,” he added. Also read: India is set to add record renewables this year The CPM party also alleged that the government is trying to replace parliamentary democracy by slipping in a presidential form of government "through the back-door". Challenges ahead Implementing the One Nation One Election model would require a two-thirds majority in parliament as it mandates amendment to the Constitution. Now, the NDA alliance lacks a one-third majority in both houses of the Indian Parliament. It has 292 of 545 seats in the Lok Sabha, (the lower house) and 119 seats out of 234 in the Rajya Sabha (the upper house). (With inputs from agencies)

‘Attempt to divert attention,’ India’s Opposition parties reject Modi’s One Nation One Election plan

<p>One of the biggest cliches in foreign policy, but a useful one offered in various forms, goes: "Nations have no permanent friends or enemies but only permanent interests." That comes to mind this week amid news that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is due to meet US Presidential candidate Donald Trump, whose political fortunes seem to be going on a roller coaster ride.</p>

<p>It is notable that it is Trump himself who has announced the forthcoming meeting coinciding with Modi's visit to the US linked to the annual session of the United Nations General Assembly. There is no word yet from the Indian side. The fact that Trump has broken the news himself, but with a forked tongue, is enough for Modi and India to look at the meeting with a sense of caution –&nbsp;and there are other reasons as well.</p>

<p>Trump, with his notorious reputation for crude vocabulary, described Modi as a "fantastic" man but also described India as a "very big abuser".&nbsp;</p>

<p>“These, a lot of these leaders are fantastic," the Republican nominee aiming for a return to the White House, told a town hall meeting in Michigan. "... You know the expression, they’re at the top of their game, and they use it against us. But India is very tough.”</p>

<p>Here's the thing: for all we know, Trump with his dealmaker reputation may be describing Modi as a tough negotiator in trade so that he could himself claim credit for acting tough in the American interest. At the same time, the presidential candidate who has been convicted of falsifying business records and accused of inappropriate sexual conduct by women is clearly eyeing Indian American votes. The forked tongue comes in handy when he is trying to impress middle America as an economic dealmaker while praising an Indian PM with an eye on ethnic Indian votes.</p>

<p>Earlier this week, Trump took to social media to post about support from a Hindu community in Georgia. From all indications, his meeting with Modi might be part of a plan to woo right-wing Hindu American votes in his neck-and-neck race against Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee who has emerged&nbsp;to become a formidable challenger to Trump.</p>

<p>In October 2016, three weeks before the presidential polls that took him to the White House in 2017, Trump had declared himself "a big fan of Hindu" at a Republican Hindu Coalition event in New Jersey. “I am a big fan of Hindu, and I am a big fan of India,” Mr Trump had said.</p>

<p>His attempts to meet Modi this month seem like a replay of that spirit.</p>

<p>Trump has never been famous for gentlemanly ways and has to be taken with a pinch of salt. But more than that, Modi has to keep in mind the fact that there is much more to America than Trump and much more to India than a Trump presidency. If the controversial real estate tycoon-turned-self-appointed-America saviour is himself a role model to emulate, the Indian PM should bear in mind his country's interests first&nbsp;–&nbsp;and in that, he should resist the temptation to be seen as a bum-chum pal of the Republicans.</p>

<p>While it is broadly believed that Democratic nominee Harris is not as friendly to the country of her maternal origin as her name would suggest, there is a lot at stake for India –&nbsp;and therefore Modi –&nbsp;to ensure that he is equidistant in domestic politics in the United States. There is no news yet on whether the BJP leader will meet Harris, but many Indians would hope he does. In the current atmosphere, a photo opportunity in which Trump hugs Modi without a balancing image of Modi with Harris may well send a wrong signal across the world.</p>

<p>First up for consideration, there is a see-saw battle for the White House.</p>

<p>Last week, Vice President Harris led Trump 47 per cent to 42 per cent in the race to win the November 5 election according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll. But this week, there is a poll of polls that shows Trump pushing ahead. Any which way, you cannot be sure.</p>

<p>With Pakistan and China making Asian geopolitics a tricky business for India, the US remains India's staunchest foreign policy ally, besides being a big power. The US is India's second-largest trading partner after China. Any balancing act that involves everything from border disputes to trade access to China must be what it is&nbsp;–&nbsp;a carefully calibrated move. For this, it is best for Modi not to fall for Trump's dubious charms and make sure that whoever wins in November is on India's side.</p>

<p>Kamala Harris is a clear pragmatist. Her recent remarks on fracking in fuels and Israel's right to defend itself against Hamas in Gaza show that she is not the hardline leftist she is often described as by her critics. There is no reason why India should be targeted on issues such as religious freedom or human rights by Democrats if Modi plays his cards well&nbsp;–&nbsp;and more importantly, with careful precision.</p>

<p>It is also pertinent to recall that prosperous technology-oriented Indians in Silicon Valley, for all practical purposes, are Democrat supporters.</p>

<p>In such a context, Modi must walk gingerly and show more of a firm handshake than a deceptive hug to the world at large when he meets Trump. It is best for India to wait for the outcome of the November elections and also make sure that it would be New Delhi doing business with Washington and not any old political party or individual leader from the US.</p>

<p><strong><em>Disclaimer: The writer's views do not represent those of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.</em></strong></p>


One of the biggest cliches in foreign policy, but a useful one offered in various forms, goes: "Nations have no permanent friends or enemies but only permanent interests.

One of the biggest cliches in foreign policy, but a useful one offered in various forms, goes: "Nations have no permanent friends or enemies but only permanent interests." That comes to mind this week amid news that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is due to meet US Presidential candidate Donald Trump, whose political fortunes seem to be going on a roller coaster ride. It is notable that it is Trump himself who has announced the forthcoming meeting coinciding with Modi's visit to the US linked to the annual session of the United Nations General Assembly. There is no word yet from the Indian side. The fact that Trump has broken the news himself, but with a forked tongue, is enough for Modi and India to look at the meeting with a sense of caution – and there are other reasons as well. Trump, with his notorious reputation for crude vocabulary, described Modi as a "fantastic" man but also described India as a "very big abuser". “These, a lot of these leaders are fantastic," the Republican nominee aiming for a return to the White House, told a town hall meeting in Michigan. "... You know the expression, they’re at the top of their game, and they use it against us. But India is very tough.” Here's the thing: for all we know, Trump with his dealmaker reputation may be describing Modi as a tough negotiator in trade so that he could himself claim credit for acting tough in the American interest. At the same time, the presidential candidate who has been convicted of falsifying business records and accused of inappropriate sexual conduct by women is clearly eyeing Indian American votes. The forked tongue comes in handy when he is trying to impress middle America as an economic dealmaker while praising an Indian PM with an eye on ethnic Indian votes. Earlier this week, Trump took to social media to post about support from a Hindu community in Georgia. From all indications, his meeting with Modi might be part of a plan to woo right-wing Hindu American votes in his neck-and-neck race against Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee who has emerged to become a formidable challenger to Trump. In October 2016, three weeks before the presidential polls that took him to the White House in 2017, Trump had declared himself "a big fan of Hindu" at a Republican Hindu Coalition event in New Jersey. “I am a big fan of Hindu, and I am a big fan of India,” Mr Trump had said. His attempts to meet Modi this month seem like a replay of that spirit. Trump has never been famous for gentlemanly ways and has to be taken with a pinch of salt. But more than that, Modi has to keep in mind the fact that there is much more to America than Trump and much more to India than a Trump presidency. If the controversial real estate tycoon-turned-self-appointed-America saviour is himself a role model to emulate, the Indian PM should bear in mind his country's interests first – and in that, he should resist the temptation to be seen as a bum-chum pal of the Republicans. While it is broadly believed that Democratic nominee Harris is not as friendly to the country of her maternal origin as her name would suggest, there is a lot at stake for India – and therefore Modi – to ensure that he is equidistant in domestic politics in the United States. There is no news yet on whether the BJP leader will meet Harris, but many Indians would hope he does. In the current atmosphere, a photo opportunity in which Trump hugs Modi without a balancing image of Modi with Harris may well send a wrong signal across the world. First up for consideration, there is a see-saw battle for the White House. Last week, Vice President Harris led Trump 47 per cent to 42 per cent in the race to win the November 5 election according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll. But this week, there is a poll of polls that shows Trump pushing ahead. Any which way, you cannot be sure. With Pakistan and China making Asian geopolitics a tricky business for India, the US remains India's staunchest foreign policy ally, besides being a big power. The US is India's second-largest trading partner after China. Any balancing act that involves everything from border disputes to trade access to China must be what it is – a carefully calibrated move. For this, it is best for Modi not to fall for Trump's dubious charms and make sure that whoever wins in November is on India's side. Kamala Harris is a clear pragmatist. Her recent remarks on fracking in fuels and Israel's right to defend itself against Hamas in Gaza show that she is not the hardline leftist she is often described as by her critics. There is no reason why India should be targeted on issues such as religious freedom or human rights by Democrats if Modi plays his cards well – and more importantly, with careful precision. It is also pertinent to recall that prosperous technology-oriented Indians in Silicon Valley, for all practical purposes, are Democrat supporters. In such a context, Modi must walk gingerly and show more of a firm handshake than a deceptive hug to the world at large when he meets Trump. It is best for India to wait for the outcome of the November elections and also make sure that it would be New Delhi doing business with Washington and not any old political party or individual leader from the US. Disclaimer: The writer's views do not represent those of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.

Modi must avoid Trump trap and walk a tightrope in US poll season

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:15,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1702}">Anil Bonde, a Rajya Sabha MP, of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday (Sep 18) called for the 'burning' of Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi's tongue. This comes as the Congress Party filed a police complaint against NDA leaders for threatening Gandhi with harm.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:15,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1702}">"What Rahul Gandhi spoke about quotas is shocking. If someone goes abroad and talks like a fool, then his tongue should be burned," said Bonde.</p>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:85,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1772}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:85,&quot;w&quot;:409,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1772}">BJP leaders threatening Rahul Gandhi</strong></h2>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:130,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1817}">The Congress party in its complaint alleged that the ruling NDA party was targeting Gandhi and that recent statements by the party leaders were aimed at jeopardising the Rae Bareilly MPs' security and disturbing the peace of polls in Jammu and Kashmir and Haryana.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:197,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1884}">In the complaint submitted to the SHO of the Tughlaq Road police station, New Delhi,&nbsp; All India Congress Committee (AICC) treasurer and general secretary Ajay Maken cited recent remarks by BJP leaders Tarvinder Singh Marwah, Ravneet Singh Bittu and Raghuraj Singh, as well as that of Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:264,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1951}">The congress leader in his complaint cited a statement made by Talwinder Singh Marwah on&nbsp;September 11 in which he said,&nbsp;"Rahul Gandhi baaz aaja, nahi toh aane wale time mein tera bhi wohi haal hoga jo teri dadi ka haal hua".</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:331,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2018}"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-kharge-writes-to-pm-modi-urges-him-to-discipline-bjp-allies-after-remarks-on-rahul-gandhi-759513">Kharge writes to PM Modi, urges him to ‘discipline’ NDA leaders over objectionable remarks on Rahul Gandhi</a></strong></p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:381,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2068}">This translates to 'you better behave, or you will meet the same fate as your grandmother,' a reference to Rahul Gandhi's grandmother, the former Prime Minister of India Indira Gandhi, who was assassinated in Oct 1984.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:448,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2135}">Marwah's statement was captured on video, which Maken has reportedly attached as evidence. He is seeking registration of FIRs against the NDA leaders.</p>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:501,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2188}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:501,&quot;w&quot;:606,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2188}">Rahul Gandhi faces threat to life: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader</strong></h2>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:546,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:69,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2233}">Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Sanjay Raut has alleged conspiracy against Gandhi and has cautioned that the leader faces a threat to his life. Condemning the remarks made by BJP-Shiv Sena lawmakers against the Congress leader, Raut questioned the "silence" of BJP-NDA government leaders and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:630,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:69,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2317}">"People from Delhi, Lucknow and Maharashtra are speaking the same language that he (Gandhi) will meet the same fate as that of his grandmother (Indira Gandhi) as well as his father (Rajiv Gandhi). The Home Minister and Prime Minister are not taking action, means they are with the people who make such remarks," he said.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:630,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:69,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2317}"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-cbi-has-revealed-is-disturbing-indian-sc-tears-into-west-bengal-government-on-rg-kar-probe-759643">'What CBI has revealed is disturbing...': Indian SC tears into West Bengal government on RG Kar probe</a></strong></p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:714,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2401}">"We condemn this (the remarks on Gandhi) and also the silence of these two leaders. He is a Leader of Opposition, and has a Cabinet rank. When your party people talk of assaulting him and you remain quiet. This cannot be tolerated,"&nbsp;the Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha member added.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:781,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2468}">"There is a conspiracy against Rahul Gandhi and there is threat to his life. Some people are thinking of attacking him," he alleged further.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:831,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2518}"><em bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:831,&quot;w&quot;:182,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2518}">(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Anil Bonde, a Rajya Sabha MP, of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday (Sep 18) called for the 'burning' of Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi's tongue. This comes as the Congress Party filed a police complaint against NDA leaders for threatening Gandhi with harm.

Anil Bonde, a Rajya Sabha MP, of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday (Sep 18) called for the 'burning' of Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi's tongue. This comes as the Congress Party filed a police complaint against NDA leaders for threatening Gandhi with harm. "What Rahul Gandhi spoke about quotas is shocking. If someone goes abroad and talks like a fool, then his tongue should be burned," said Bonde. BJP leaders threatening Rahul Gandhi The Congress party in its complaint alleged that the ruling NDA party was targeting Gandhi and that recent statements by the party leaders were aimed at jeopardising the Rae Bareilly MPs' security and disturbing the peace of polls in Jammu and Kashmir and Haryana. In the complaint submitted to the SHO of the Tughlaq Road police station, New Delhi, All India Congress Committee (AICC) treasurer and general secretary Ajay Maken cited recent remarks by BJP leaders Tarvinder Singh Marwah, Ravneet Singh Bittu and Raghuraj Singh, as well as that of Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad. The congress leader in his complaint cited a statement made by Talwinder Singh Marwah on September 11 in which he said, "Rahul Gandhi baaz aaja, nahi toh aane wale time mein tera bhi wohi haal hoga jo teri dadi ka haal hua". Also read | Kharge writes to PM Modi, urges him to ‘discipline’ NDA leaders over objectionable remarks on Rahul Gandhi This translates to 'you better behave, or you will meet the same fate as your grandmother,' a reference to Rahul Gandhi's grandmother, the former Prime Minister of India Indira Gandhi, who was assassinated in Oct 1984. Marwah's statement was captured on video, which Maken has reportedly attached as evidence. He is seeking registration of FIRs against the NDA leaders. Rahul Gandhi faces threat to life: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Sanjay Raut has alleged conspiracy against Gandhi and has cautioned that the leader faces a threat to his life. Condemning the remarks made by BJP-Shiv Sena lawmakers against the Congress leader, Raut questioned the "silence" of BJP-NDA government leaders and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "People from Delhi, Lucknow and Maharashtra are speaking the same language that he (Gandhi) will meet the same fate as that of his grandmother (Indira Gandhi) as well as his father (Rajiv Gandhi). The Home Minister and Prime Minister are not taking action, means they are with the people who make such remarks," he said. Also read | 'What CBI has revealed is disturbing...': Indian SC tears into West Bengal government on RG Kar probe "We condemn this (the remarks on Gandhi) and also the silence of these two leaders. He is a Leader of Opposition, and has a Cabinet rank. When your party people talk of assaulting him and you remain quiet. This cannot be tolerated," the Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha member added. "There is a conspiracy against Rahul Gandhi and there is threat to his life. Some people are thinking of attacking him," he alleged further. (With inputs from agencies)

Rahul Gandhi under threat from NDA? Cong files police complaint after BJP-NDA leaders statements on LoP

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:15,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:85,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1856}"><strong>Trump meeting Modi:</strong> Donald Trump at a campaign event on Tuesday (Sep 17) said that he will meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra next week. However, the former US President did not reveal details of where the two leaders would meet.<br bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:629,&quot;y&quot;:32,&quot;w&quot;:0,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:662,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1873}" />
&nbsp;<br bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:12,&quot;y&quot;:49,&quot;w&quot;:0,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:45,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1890}" />
While he referred to the Indian leader as "fantastic," the former US President said India was a "very big abuser" of the US-India trade relationship.</p>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:118,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1959}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:118,&quot;w&quot;:231,&quot;h&quot;:24,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1959}">Trump criticises India</strong></h2>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:162,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2003}">Speaking in Flint, Michigan, Trump criticised India and some other countries over trade.&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:194,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2035}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:194,&quot;w&quot;:748,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2035}">Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:88,&quot;y&quot;:194,&quot;w&quot;:667,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:121,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2035}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/only-consequential-presidents-get-shot-at-boasts-trump-after-second-assassination-attempt-759624">'Only consequential presidents get shot at,' boasts Trump after second assassination attempt</a></strong></p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:226,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2067}">Trump said,&nbsp;"So when India, which is a very big abuser- he happens to be coming to meet me next week, and Modi, he’s fantastic. I mean, fantastic, man".</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:275,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2116}">"A lot of these leaders are fantastic … They’re not a little bit backward. You know the expression, they’re at the top of their game and they use it against us. But India is very tough, Brazil is very tough. I can tell you, every one," he added.</p>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:328,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2169}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:328,&quot;w&quot;:272,&quot;h&quot;:24,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2169}">The Modi-Trump dynamic</strong></h2>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:372,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2213}">While he was president of the United States, Donald Trump and Narendra Modi shared warm relations.&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:404,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2245}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:404,&quot;w&quot;:702,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2245}">Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:88,&quot;y&quot;:404,&quot;w&quot;:621,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:121,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2245}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/republicans-in-us-senate-block-passage-of-bill-that-wouldve-guaranteed-access-to-ivf-759610">Republicans in US Senate block passage of bill that would've guaranteed access to IVF</a></strong></p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:436,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2277}">In 2020, during Modi's visit to the United States, at the massive "Howdy, Modi!" rally in Texas, which was attended by more than 50,000 people, the two leaders showered each other with praises.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:485,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2326}">Then, in 2020, when Trump visited India, the Indian PM organised a huge rally for him, an event which also marked the opening of the world's largest cricket stadium.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:534,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2375}"><em bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:534,&quot;w&quot;:182,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2375}">(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Trump meeting Modi: Donald Trump at a campaign event on Tuesday (Sep 17) said that he will meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra next week. However, the former US President did not reveal details of where the two leaders would meet.

Trump meeting Modi: Donald Trump at a campaign event on Tuesday (Sep 17) said that he will meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra next week. However, the former US President did not reveal details of where the two leaders would meet. While he referred to the Indian leader as "fantastic," the former US President said India was a "very big abuser" of the US-India trade relationship. Trump criticises India Speaking in Flint, Michigan, Trump criticised India and some other countries over trade. Also read | 'Only consequential presidents get shot at,' boasts Trump after second assassination attempt Trump said, "So when India, which is a very big abuser- he happens to be coming to meet me next week, and Modi, he’s fantastic. I mean, fantastic, man". "A lot of these leaders are fantastic … They’re not a little bit backward. You know the expression, they’re at the top of their game and they use it against us. But India is very tough, Brazil is very tough. I can tell you, every one," he added. The Modi-Trump dynamic While he was president of the United States, Donald Trump and Narendra Modi shared warm relations. Also read | Republicans in US Senate block passage of bill that would've guaranteed access to IVF In 2020, during Modi's visit to the United States, at the massive "Howdy, Modi!" rally in Texas, which was attended by more than 50,000 people, the two leaders showered each other with praises. Then, in 2020, when Trump visited India, the Indian PM organised a huge rally for him, an event which also marked the opening of the world's largest cricket stadium. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump meeting Modi: Donald Trump says will meet 'fantastic' Indian PM Narendra Modi next week

<p>Jashimuddin Rahmani, the chief of Islamist outfit Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT), who was released after the ouster of former&nbsp;Bangladesh Prime Minister&nbsp;Sheikh Hasina, by the current&nbsp;interim government, has asked the&nbsp;Chief Minister of the Indian state of&nbsp;West Bengal,&nbsp;Mamata Banerjee to "free Bengal from (Prime Minister)&nbsp;Narendra Modi's rule and declare its independence".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rahmani, the chief of an al-Qaeda-affiliated terrorist outfit, in a viral video, also warned about&nbsp;"breaking up" India and "hoisting Islamist flags in Delhi".&nbsp;</p>

<p>A Dhaka-based fact checker confirmed&nbsp;that the video of&nbsp;Rahmani which was probably shot in a hospital ward, was genuine, according to&nbsp;India Today Digital.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We will tell Mamata Banerjee of West Bengal to free Bengal from Modi's rule and declare independence,"&nbsp;Rahmani said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;India-Bangladesh: What's next for India-Bangladesh relations ?</strong></p>

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<p>The video is believed to have been&nbsp;shot in the first week of September as Rahmani referred to it as the "one month of the revolution" of Hasina's ouster in the video.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The "revolution" was a reference to the protests in Bangladesh that ended on August 5 after the ousted Bangladesh PM&nbsp;fled the country following her resignation.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladeshs-interim-govt-frees-chief-of-terror-group-linked-to-al-qaeda-753826"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Bangladesh’s interim government frees chief of terror group linked to al-Qaeda</strong></a></p>

<p>Chief of ABT, Rahmani, was jailed for five years for murdering a blogger in 2013. He was later released on parole in August, weeks after a military-backed interim government took charge under Muhammad Yunus.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rahmani, who has links to Pakistan-based terrorist groups, called for the secession of West Bengal while vowing support for separatist movements across India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He further warned India against any aggressive actions towards Bangladesh.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Bangladesh is not like Sikkim or Bhutan. It is a country of 18 crore Muslims," he said, adding that any provocation would result in strategic retaliation.</p>

<h2><strong>Will ask 'China to close chicken's neck': Rahmani warns</strong></h2>

<p>Chief of ABT warned that he would ask&nbsp;for China's help in cutting off India's northeastern states by cutting the Siliguri corridor, often referred to as the "chicken's neck", a 20-kilometre narrow stretch, connecting the northeastern region to the rest of India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"If you take a step towards Bangladesh, we will ask China to close the chicken's neck (Siliguri corridor). We will tell the Seven Sisters (Northeastern states) to join the freedom movement," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This comes at a time when West Bengal is facing major political turmoil following the rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Rahmani seeks Pakistan, and Afghanistan's assistance 'to liberate Kashmir'</strong></h2>

<p>The chief of ABT, who has openly supported al-Qaeda in the past, has sought assistance from Pakistan and Afghanistan to "liberate Kashmir" and further advocated for Khalistan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Tell Kashmir to get ready for freedom. Pakistan and Afghanistan together will help Kashmir gain independence. We will work for the freedom of Kashmir," he said.</p>

<p>He added, "Stay away from Hasina, she herself is rotten, and she will spoil you too. I will tell India not to dance around with Hasina"&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Jashimuddin Rahmani, the chief of Islamist outfit Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT), who was released after the ouster of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, by the current interim government, has asked the Chief Minister of the Indian state of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee to "free Bengal from (Prime Minister) Narendra Modi's rule and declare its independence".

Jashimuddin Rahmani, the chief of Islamist outfit Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT), who was released after the ouster of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, by the current interim government, has asked the Chief Minister of the Indian state of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee to "free Bengal from (Prime Minister) Narendra Modi's rule and declare its independence". Rahmani, the chief of an al-Qaeda-affiliated terrorist outfit, in a viral video, also warned about "breaking up" India and "hoisting Islamist flags in Delhi". A Dhaka-based fact checker confirmed that the video of Rahmani which was probably shot in a hospital ward, was genuine, according to India Today Digital. "We will tell Mamata Banerjee of West Bengal to free Bengal from Modi's rule and declare independence," Rahmani said. Watch | India-Bangladesh: What's next for India-Bangladesh relations ? × The video is believed to have been shot in the first week of September as Rahmani referred to it as the "one month of the revolution" of Hasina's ouster in the video. The "revolution" was a reference to the protests in Bangladesh that ended on August 5 after the ousted Bangladesh PM fled the country following her resignation. Also read: Bangladesh’s interim government frees chief of terror group linked to al-Qaeda Chief of ABT, Rahmani, was jailed for five years for murdering a blogger in 2013. He was later released on parole in August, weeks after a military-backed interim government took charge under Muhammad Yunus. Rahmani, who has links to Pakistan-based terrorist groups, called for the secession of West Bengal while vowing support for separatist movements across India. He further warned India against any aggressive actions towards Bangladesh. "Bangladesh is not like Sikkim or Bhutan. It is a country of 18 crore Muslims," he said, adding that any provocation would result in strategic retaliation. Will ask 'China to close chicken's neck': Rahmani warns Chief of ABT warned that he would ask for China's help in cutting off India's northeastern states by cutting the Siliguri corridor, often referred to as the "chicken's neck", a 20-kilometre narrow stretch, connecting the northeastern region to the rest of India. "If you take a step towards Bangladesh, we will ask China to close the chicken's neck (Siliguri corridor). We will tell the Seven Sisters (Northeastern states) to join the freedom movement," he added. This comes at a time when West Bengal is facing major political turmoil following the rape and murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. Rahmani seeks Pakistan, and Afghanistan's assistance 'to liberate Kashmir' The chief of ABT, who has openly supported al-Qaeda in the past, has sought assistance from Pakistan and Afghanistan to "liberate Kashmir" and further advocated for Khalistan. "Tell Kashmir to get ready for freedom. Pakistan and Afghanistan together will help Kashmir gain independence. We will work for the freedom of Kashmir," he said. He added, "Stay away from Hasina, she herself is rotten, and she will spoil you too. I will tell India not to dance around with Hasina" (With inputs from agencies)

Bangladesh terrorist linked to al-Qaeda asks CM Mamata to 'free Bengal from Modi's rule'

<p>The two Maldivian ministers, who were suspended for their alleged "derogatory remarks" against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, resigned on Tuesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu suspended three ministers in January for their remarks, with one minister reportedly calling PM Modi a "clown".&nbsp;</p>

<p>A Maldivian government official said that both ministers, Mariyam Shiuna and Malsha Shareef, had resigned citing "personal reasons".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;India-Maldives ties: India reaffirms support for projects in Maldives</strong></p>

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<p>According to the official sources, the resignations came ahead of a potential visit by Muizzu to India.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Maldivian President to visit India&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Amid the strained ties between the two countries, Maldivian President will be travelling to New Delhi on an official visit "very soon", his spokesperson confirmed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Heena Waleed, the chief spokesperson at the President's Office, announced his visit on the same day the two ministers resigned.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The President is scheduled to visit India very soon. As you are aware, such trips are scheduled for a time of maximum convenience to leaders of the two countries. Discussions regarding this are in progress," she said during a press conference.</p>

<p>After the ministers made those remarks, the country's foreign ministry distanced itself from their remarks, saying they did not represent the views of the Male government.</p>

<p>The ties between the two countries have been strained since Maldivian President Muizzu took charge as president.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Within a few hours of taking oath, he demanded the withdrawal of Indian military personnel manning three aviation platforms gifted by India to the Maldives.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/s-jaishankar-begins-3-day-maldives-visit-today-amid-tense-relations-748629"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Indian FM S. Jaishankar to begin 3-day Maldives visit amid tense relations</strong></a></p>

<p>After holding talks, the Indian military personnel were replaced by civilians.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Maldives is one of India's key maritime neighbours in the Indian Ocean region and the overall bilateral ties, including in the areas of defence and security.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The two Maldivian ministers, who were suspended for their alleged "derogatory remarks" against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, resigned on Tuesday. Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu suspended three ministers in January for their remarks, with one minister reportedly calling PM Modi a "clown".

The two Maldivian ministers, who were suspended for their alleged "derogatory remarks" against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, resigned on Tuesday. Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu suspended three ministers in January for their remarks, with one minister reportedly calling PM Modi a "clown". A Maldivian government official said that both ministers, Mariyam Shiuna and Malsha Shareef, had resigned citing "personal reasons". Watch | India-Maldives ties: India reaffirms support for projects in Maldives × According to the official sources, the resignations came ahead of a potential visit by Muizzu to India. Maldivian President to visit India Amid the strained ties between the two countries, Maldivian President will be travelling to New Delhi on an official visit "very soon", his spokesperson confirmed. Heena Waleed, the chief spokesperson at the President's Office, announced his visit on the same day the two ministers resigned. "The President is scheduled to visit India very soon. As you are aware, such trips are scheduled for a time of maximum convenience to leaders of the two countries. Discussions regarding this are in progress," she said during a press conference. After the ministers made those remarks, the country's foreign ministry distanced itself from their remarks, saying they did not represent the views of the Male government. The ties between the two countries have been strained since Maldivian President Muizzu took charge as president. Within a few hours of taking oath, he demanded the withdrawal of Indian military personnel manning three aviation platforms gifted by India to the Maldives. Also read: Indian FM S. Jaishankar to begin 3-day Maldives visit amid tense relations After holding talks, the Indian military personnel were replaced by civilians. The Maldives is one of India's key maritime neighbours in the Indian Ocean region and the overall bilateral ties, including in the areas of defence and security. (With inputs from agencies)

Maldivian ministers resign months after making derogatory remarks against PM Modi; Muizzu to visit India

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not address the annual debate at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session in United Nations later this month, according to a revised provisional list of speakers issued by the UN.</p>

<p>Modi is scheduled to travel to New York later this month and address a mega community event on September 22 at the 16,000-seater Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Long Island. He will also address the UN’s landmark 'Summit of the Future' that is being convened at the world body’s headquarters on September 22 and 23.</p>

<p>A provisional list of speakers for the General Debate of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) issued by the U.N. in July had said that Modi would address the high-level debate on September 26. However, according to a revised provisional list of speakers issued by the U.N. on Friday (September 6, 2024), External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is now expected to address the General Debate on September 28.</p>

<p>A note signed by Under Secretary General for General Assembly and Conference Management Movses Abelian accompanying the list said that the revised list of speakers "has been prepared by taking into account the changes in the level of representation (upgrades and downgrades) and reflects exchanges among Member States".</p>

<p>This year, the General Debate of the 79th UNGA session will take place from September 24 to 30.</p>

<p>Brazil, traditionally the first speaker at the debate, will open the high-level session on September 24, followed by the US, with President Joe Biden delivering his current term’s final address to global leaders from the iconic UN podium before his country heads to presidential elections in November.</p>

<p>Modi took the oath of office for a historic third term as India’s prime minister in June and had last addressed the annual UNGA session in September 2021. He had visited the UN headquarters on June 21 last year, leading the historic Yoga Day commemoration at the North Lawn at the world body’s headquarters before heading to Washington DC for a State Visit hosted by Biden.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/touchdown-boeing-starliner-calypso-lands-in-the-deserts-of-new-mexico-756601">Touchdown! Boeing Starliner 'Calypso' lands in the deserts of New Mexico</a></strong></p>

<p>U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres will present his report before the start of the General Debate, followed by an address by the president of the 79th session of the General Assembly.</p>

<p>Guterres is convening the ambitious Summit of the Future at the UN headquarters ahead of the high-level week, with action days slated for September 20 and 21 and the summit scheduled on September 22 and 23.</p>

<p>World leaders will convene at the United Nations to adopt the Pact for the Future, which will include a Global Digital Compact and a Declaration on Future Generations as annexes.</p>

<p>"The summit is a high-level event, bringing world leaders together to forge a new international consensus on how we deliver a better present and safeguard the future," the U.N. said.</p>

<p>Over 24,000 members of the Indian diaspora have signed up for the community event in Long Island to attend Modi's address.</p>

<p>The Indian-American Community of USA (IACU) said in a statement that registrations for the 'Modi&amp;US Progress Together’ event have come through 590 community organisations, all of whom have signed up as 'Welcome Partners', from across the United States.</p>

<p>While Indian-Americans from at least 42 states are expected to attend, the response has been particularly strong from the tri-state area, it said.</p>

<p>Sources had told PTI that preparations are in full swing for the community event, coming 10 years after&nbsp;Modi addressed a massive community gathering at the famed Madison Square Garden in New York in September 2014, months after being sworn in as the prime minister for the first time.</p>

<p>In 2019, Modi had addressed the mega community event, 'Howdy Modi', at the NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, where he was joined by former president Donald Trump.</p>

<p>This year,&nbsp;Modi’s visit to the US comes weeks before the country's presidential polls in November. The contest is between Republican candidate Trump and Democratic presidential nominee and Vice President Kamala Harris.</p>

<p>Harris is the first woman of Black and Indian heritage to become the US vice president and the presidential nominee of a major political party.</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.</em></p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not address the annual debate at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session in United Nations later this month, according to a revised provisional list of speakers issued by the UN.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not address the annual debate at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session in United Nations later this month, according to a revised provisional list of speakers issued by the UN. Modi is scheduled to travel to New York later this month and address a mega community event on September 22 at the 16,000-seater Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Long Island. He will also address the UN’s landmark 'Summit of the Future' that is being convened at the world body’s headquarters on September 22 and 23. A provisional list of speakers for the General Debate of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) issued by the U.N. in July had said that Modi would address the high-level debate on September 26. However, according to a revised provisional list of speakers issued by the U.N. on Friday (September 6, 2024), External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is now expected to address the General Debate on September 28. A note signed by Under Secretary General for General Assembly and Conference Management Movses Abelian accompanying the list said that the revised list of speakers "has been prepared by taking into account the changes in the level of representation (upgrades and downgrades) and reflects exchanges among Member States". This year, the General Debate of the 79th UNGA session will take place from September 24 to 30. Brazil, traditionally the first speaker at the debate, will open the high-level session on September 24, followed by the US, with President Joe Biden delivering his current term’s final address to global leaders from the iconic UN podium before his country heads to presidential elections in November. Modi took the oath of office for a historic third term as India’s prime minister in June and had last addressed the annual UNGA session in September 2021. He had visited the UN headquarters on June 21 last year, leading the historic Yoga Day commemoration at the North Lawn at the world body’s headquarters before heading to Washington DC for a State Visit hosted by Biden. Also read: Touchdown! Boeing Starliner 'Calypso' lands in the deserts of New Mexico U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres will present his report before the start of the General Debate, followed by an address by the president of the 79th session of the General Assembly. Guterres is convening the ambitious Summit of the Future at the UN headquarters ahead of the high-level week, with action days slated for September 20 and 21 and the summit scheduled on September 22 and 23. World leaders will convene at the United Nations to adopt the Pact for the Future, which will include a Global Digital Compact and a Declaration on Future Generations as annexes. "The summit is a high-level event, bringing world leaders together to forge a new international consensus on how we deliver a better present and safeguard the future," the U.N. said. Over 24,000 members of the Indian diaspora have signed up for the community event in Long Island to attend Modi's address. The Indian-American Community of USA (IACU) said in a statement that registrations for the 'Modi&US Progress Together’ event have come through 590 community organisations, all of whom have signed up as 'Welcome Partners', from across the United States. While Indian-Americans from at least 42 states are expected to attend, the response has been particularly strong from the tri-state area, it said. Sources had told PTI that preparations are in full swing for the community event, coming 10 years after Modi addressed a massive community gathering at the famed Madison Square Garden in New York in September 2014, months after being sworn in as the prime minister for the first time. In 2019, Modi had addressed the mega community event, 'Howdy Modi', at the NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, where he was joined by former president Donald Trump. This year, Modi’s visit to the US comes weeks before the country's presidential polls in November. The contest is between Republican candidate Trump and Democratic presidential nominee and Vice President Kamala Harris. Harris is the first woman of Black and Indian heritage to become the US vice president and the presidential nominee of a major political party. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Indian PM Narendra Modi won't address the UNGA session; EAM Jaishankar to speak instead

<p>A recent study by a US-based institute has determined that the Swachh Bharat Mission launched by the Narendra Modi government in India has helped in preventing around 60,000-70,000 infant deaths every year. The study, published in the journal Scientific Reports, aimed&nbsp;to establish a link between increased access to toilets and the number of infant deaths between 2000 and 2020.</p>

<p>The International Food Policy Research Institute concluded by analysing data from nationally representative surveys covering 35 states/Union territories and more than 600 districts over 20 years.</p>

<p>PM Modi was quick to hail the report, saying he was “happy” that India had taken a lead in this.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwja_NbxlayIAxXRxDgGHcViCpQQxfQBKAB6BAgOEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-lands-in-singapore-as-india-aims-to-up-its-chips-in-critical-technologies-755801" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-lands-in-singapore-as-india-aims-to-up-its-chips-in-critical-technologies-755801&amp;ved=2ahUKEwja_NbxlayIAxXRxDgGHcViCpQQxfQBKAB6BAgOEAE">PM Modi lands in Singapore as India aims to up its chips in critical technologies</a></strong></p>

<p>"Happy to see research highlighting the impact of efforts like the Swachh Bharat Mission. Access to proper toilets plays a crucial role in reducing infant and child mortality. Clean, safe sanitation has become a game-changer for public health. And, I am glad India has taken the lead in this," the Indian PM stated.</p>

<h2><strong>More about the study</strong></h2>

<p>The study revealed that a 10 per cent improvement in toilet access at a district level led to a 0.9 per cent reduction in infant deaths.</p>

<p>"In absolute numbers, this coefficient would scale to an estimated 60,000-70,000 infant lives annually," the authors noted.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwja_NbxlayIAxXRxDgGHcViCpQQxfQBKAB6BAgSEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-brunei-modi-declares-indias-stance-on-development-versus-expansionism-756007" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/in-brunei-modi-declares-indias-stance-on-development-versus-expansionism-756007&amp;ved=2ahUKEwja_NbxlayIAxXRxDgGHcViCpQQxfQBKAB6BAgSEAE">In Brunei, Modi declares India’s stance on development versus expansionism</a></strong></p>

<p>“The findings are in line with evidence from global and South Asian contexts, with multiple studies, that analysed population-level data collected via surveys, indicated that improved sanitation can potentially cut child mortality rates by 5-30 per cent,” the report added.</p>

<p>The report added that improved access to toilets also helped increase women’s safety, and financial savings as a result of reduced medical expenses and improved quality of life.</p>

<p>"Our findings add to the growing body of evidence linking national sanitation campaigns to improved child health outcomes and emphasises the need for similar interventions in other low- and middle-income countries," the authors noted.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A recent study by a US-based institute has determined that the Swachh Bharat Mission launched by the Narendra Modi government in India has helped in preventing around 60,000-70,000 infant deaths every year.

A recent study by a US-based institute has determined that the Swachh Bharat Mission launched by the Narendra Modi government in India has helped in preventing around 60,000-70,000 infant deaths every year. The study, published in the journal Scientific Reports, aimed to establish a link between increased access to toilets and the number of infant deaths between 2000 and 2020. The International Food Policy Research Institute concluded by analysing data from nationally representative surveys covering 35 states/Union territories and more than 600 districts over 20 years. PM Modi was quick to hail the report, saying he was “happy” that India had taken a lead in this. Also read: PM Modi lands in Singapore as India aims to up its chips in critical technologies "Happy to see research highlighting the impact of efforts like the Swachh Bharat Mission. Access to proper toilets plays a crucial role in reducing infant and child mortality. Clean, safe sanitation has become a game-changer for public health. And, I am glad India has taken the lead in this," the Indian PM stated. More about the study The study revealed that a 10 per cent improvement in toilet access at a district level led to a 0.9 per cent reduction in infant deaths. "In absolute numbers, this coefficient would scale to an estimated 60,000-70,000 infant lives annually," the authors noted. Also read: In Brunei, Modi declares India’s stance on development versus expansionism “The findings are in line with evidence from global and South Asian contexts, with multiple studies, that analysed population-level data collected via surveys, indicated that improved sanitation can potentially cut child mortality rates by 5-30 per cent,” the report added. The report added that improved access to toilets also helped increase women’s safety, and financial savings as a result of reduced medical expenses and improved quality of life. "Our findings add to the growing body of evidence linking national sanitation campaigns to improved child health outcomes and emphasises the need for similar interventions in other low- and middle-income countries," the authors noted. (With inputs from agencies)

Modi govt’s Swachh Bharat Mission saved 70,000 infant lives annually: Report

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Singapore on Wednesday (Sept 4) for a significant bilateral visit to up New Delhi's chips in the extended neighbourhood. PM Modi landed in Singapore after visiting Brunei, the maiden visit by an Indian prime minister in 40 years since the diplomatic ties between the two countries were established.</p>

<h2><strong>Modi's agenda in Singapore</strong></h2>

<p>PM Modi will participate in a round table with Singaporean business leaders. He will also interact with Singapore’s semiconductor ecosystem players during the trip.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier this week, the Singapore High Commission officials visited four locations in Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, where the Modi government has recently announced the setting up of new industrial parks.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-pm-modis-historic-brunei-visit-marks-40-years-of-bilateral-relations-between-two-nations-755691">Indian PM Modi's 'historic' Brunei visit marks 40 years of bilateral relations between two nations</a></strong></p>

<p>On Wednesday, Singapore’s Capital Land announced it will double its funds under management in India to more than ₹90,280 crore by 2028. The Singapore High Commission said it was "good to see companies doubling down on Investments in India".</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Landed in Singapore. Looking forward to the various meetings aimed at boosting the India-Singapore friendship. India’s reforms and the talent of our Yuva Shakti makes our nation an ideal investment destination. We also look forward to closer cultural ties. <a href="https://t.co/SG2IttCKEg">pic.twitter.com/SG2IttCKEg</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1831250071490355601?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 4, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>During Modi's years in power, the India-Singapore ties have been elevated to a Strategic Partnership.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The current visit elevates the bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, reports said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Simultaneously, India is also looking to build synergies in semiconductor sector and skilling with these ecosystems in Singapore.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Prime Minister Narendra Modi tries his hands on a 'dhol' as members of the Indian diaspora welcome him on his arrival in Singapore <a href="https://t.co/PMzJNlAtJK">pic.twitter.com/PMzJNlAtJK</a></p>
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<p>Both prime ministers will be briefed on the semiconductor ecosystem in Singapore and exchange views on the upcoming semiconductor ecosystem in India, sources said. MoUs will be signed, and cooperation will happen in manpower skilling in the semiconductor sector.</p>

<p>Singapore and India will also increase cooperation in skilling. From skilling centres to training and recruitment by Singapore firms, this will help India’s youth with better skills and opportunities.</p>

<p>Notably, the Indian PM will meet all three generations of leadership in Singapore. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong will host PM Modi for a meal. The prime minister will meet Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam. Former PM and Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong will also host PM Modi for a meal. Modi will also meet former PM and Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Singapore on Wednesday (Sept 4) for a significant bilateral visit to up New Delhi's chips in the extended neighbourhood. PM Modi landed in Singapore after visiting Brunei, the maiden visit by an Indian prime minister in 40 years since the diplomatic ties between the two countries were established.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Singapore on Wednesday (Sept 4) for a significant bilateral visit to up New Delhi's chips in the extended neighbourhood. PM Modi landed in Singapore after visiting Brunei, the maiden visit by an Indian prime minister in 40 years since the diplomatic ties between the two countries were established. Modi's agenda in Singapore PM Modi will participate in a round table with Singaporean business leaders. He will also interact with Singapore’s semiconductor ecosystem players during the trip. Earlier this week, the Singapore High Commission officials visited four locations in Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, where the Modi government has recently announced the setting up of new industrial parks. Also read | Indian PM Modi's 'historic' Brunei visit marks 40 years of bilateral relations between two nations On Wednesday, Singapore’s Capital Land announced it will double its funds under management in India to more than ₹90,280 crore by 2028. The Singapore High Commission said it was "good to see companies doubling down on Investments in India". Landed in Singapore. Looking forward to the various meetings aimed at boosting the India-Singapore friendship. India’s reforms and the talent of our Yuva Shakti makes our nation an ideal investment destination. We also look forward to closer cultural ties. pic.twitter.com/SG2IttCKEg — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 4, 2024 × During Modi's years in power, the India-Singapore ties have been elevated to a Strategic Partnership. The current visit elevates the bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, reports said. Simultaneously, India is also looking to build synergies in semiconductor sector and skilling with these ecosystems in Singapore. Prime Minister Narendra Modi tries his hands on a 'dhol' as members of the Indian diaspora welcome him on his arrival in Singapore pic.twitter.com/PMzJNlAtJK — WION (@WIONews) September 4, 2024 × Both prime ministers will be briefed on the semiconductor ecosystem in Singapore and exchange views on the upcoming semiconductor ecosystem in India, sources said. MoUs will be signed, and cooperation will happen in manpower skilling in the semiconductor sector. Singapore and India will also increase cooperation in skilling. From skilling centres to training and recruitment by Singapore firms, this will help India’s youth with better skills and opportunities. Notably, the Indian PM will meet all three generations of leadership in Singapore. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong will host PM Modi for a meal. The prime minister will meet Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam. Former PM and Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong will also host PM Modi for a meal. Modi will also meet former PM and Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Modi lands in Singapore as India aims to up its chips in critical technologies

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Brunei on Tuesday, following an invitation from Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, the world’s second-longest reigning monarch, after the late Queen Elizabeth II. The Crown Prince, Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, extended a warm reception to Modi in Brunei Darussalam.</p>

<p>Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal shared a post on X, highlighting the significance of this diplomatic milestone. He wrote, “PM Narendra Modi alights in Brunei to a ceremonial welcome. Warmly received by Crown Prince His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah. This visit is special as it is the first-ever bilateral visit by an Indian PM and is taking place as the two countries are celebrating 40 years of the establishment of diplomatic ties this year”.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> alights in Brunei to a ceremonial welcome. Warmly received by Crown Prince His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah.<br />
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This visit is special as it is the first ever bilateral visit by an Indian PM and is taking place as the two countries are celebrating… <a href="https://t.co/y5qk50qYW5">pic.twitter.com/y5qk50qYW5</a></p>
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1830906343584157849?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 3, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ombudsman-blames-netanyahus-office-for-hindering-october-7-probe-755519">Netanyahu's office hindering October 7 probe? Israeli ombudsman makes shocking claim</a></p>

<h2><strong>Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah: Glimpse into his opulent lifestyle</strong></h2>

<p>Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, renowned for his extensive and luxurious car collection, is reported to have a car collection worth $5 billion. His collection includes more than 7,000 vehicles, featuring 600 Rolls-Royces, 450 Ferraris, and 380 Bentleys. Among his prized possessions are a gold-coated Rolls-Royce and a rare Ferrari 456 GT Venice, of which only seven exist worldwide.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/a-man-was-found-mysteriously-frozen-in-cave-after-50-years-officials-say-this-pinnacle-man-was-755532">A man was found mysteriously frozen in cave. After 50 years, officials say this 'Pinnacle Man' was...</a></p>

<h2><br />
<strong>Grand residence and extravagant lifestyle</strong></h2>

<p>Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, who has a net worth of $30 billion, resides in the Istana Nurul Iman Palace, the largest residential palace globally, spread over two million square feet and embellished with 22-carat gold. The palace boasts five swimming pools, 1,700 bedrooms, 257 bathrooms, and 110 garages. His opulent lifestyle also includes a private zoo housing 30 Bengal tigers, various exotic birds, and a Boeing 747 aircraft.</p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Brunei on Tuesday, following an invitation from Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, the world’s second-longest reigning monarch, after the late Queen Elizabeth II.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Brunei on Tuesday, following an invitation from Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, the world’s second-longest reigning monarch, after the late Queen Elizabeth II. The Crown Prince, Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, extended a warm reception to Modi in Brunei Darussalam. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal shared a post on X, highlighting the significance of this diplomatic milestone. He wrote, “PM Narendra Modi alights in Brunei to a ceremonial welcome. Warmly received by Crown Prince His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah. This visit is special as it is the first-ever bilateral visit by an Indian PM and is taking place as the two countries are celebrating 40 years of the establishment of diplomatic ties this year”. PM @narendramodi alights in Brunei to a ceremonial welcome. Warmly received by Crown Prince His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah. This visit is special as it is the first ever bilateral visit by an Indian PM and is taking place as the two countries are celebrating… pic.twitter.com/y5qk50qYW5 — Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) September 3, 2024 × Also read | Netanyahu's office hindering October 7 probe? Israeli ombudsman makes shocking claim Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah: Glimpse into his opulent lifestyle Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, renowned for his extensive and luxurious car collection, is reported to have a car collection worth $5 billion. His collection includes more than 7,000 vehicles, featuring 600 Rolls-Royces, 450 Ferraris, and 380 Bentleys. Among his prized possessions are a gold-coated Rolls-Royce and a rare Ferrari 456 GT Venice, of which only seven exist worldwide. Also read | A man was found mysteriously frozen in cave. After 50 years, officials say this 'Pinnacle Man' was... Grand residence and extravagant lifestyle Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, who has a net worth of $30 billion, resides in the Istana Nurul Iman Palace, the largest residential palace globally, spread over two million square feet and embellished with 22-carat gold. The palace boasts five swimming pools, 1,700 bedrooms, 257 bathrooms, and 110 garages. His opulent lifestyle also includes a private zoo housing 30 Bengal tigers, various exotic birds, and a Boeing 747 aircraft.

Who is Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, monarch with $5 billion car collection, has invited PM Modi?

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:15,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1751}">India's largest opposition party, the Indian National Congress (INC), on Monday (Sep 2) levelled fresh allegations against SEBI chairperson Madhabi Buch and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:64,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1800}">The party called on PM Modi to clarify Buch's appointment as the head of the market regulator.&nbsp;</p>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:100,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1836}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:100,&quot;w&quot;:198,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1836}">Conflict of Interest</strong></h2>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:145,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1881}">At a press conference, Congress accused Buch of receiving income from ICICI Bank while serving as SEBI chairperson, which they argue constitutes a serious conflict of interest.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:195,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1931}">The party claimed that "Between 2017-2021, as a whole time member of SEBI, the current SEBI chairperson received a salary from ICICI Bank amounting to Rs 12.63 crore ($1.5 million)".&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:244,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1980}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:244,&quot;w&quot;:696,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1980}">Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:244,&quot;w&quot;:696,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1980}" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sebi-chief-madhabi-puri-buch-oversaw-adani-probe-despite-conflict-of-interest-claims-board-member-754803">SEBI chief Madhabi Puri Buch oversaw Adani probe despite conflict of interest, claims board member</a></strong></p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:294,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2030}">Congress general secretary in charge of communications, Jairam Ramesh, also alleged that in addition to this, she received income from ICICI Prudential amounting to Rs 22.41 lakh (around $27k), along with other incomes.&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:361,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2097}">Congress alleged that Buch received INR 16,80,22,143 (over 2 million dollars) in total from ICICI. This, the party said, is around 5.09 times the income Madhabi Buch received from SEBI during the same period — INR 3,30,28,246 (over 393,000 dollars).</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:428,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:86,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2164}">"The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) is entrusted with safeguarding the hard-earned money of the Indian middle class, which painstakingly saves every penny that it can, to invest in the hope of a secure future. Yet, while the people place their hopes in SEBI, whose chairperson is appointed directly by the Prime Minister of India, they appear to have been conning us all along," alleged Congress' media and publicity department head Pawan Khera.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:428,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:86,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2164}"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/why-is-sebis-credibility-at-all-time-low-after-hindenburg-report-751110">Madhuri Buch-Adani links: Why is SEBI’s credibility at an all-time low after latest Hindenburg report?</a></strong></p>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:533,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2269}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:533,&quot;w&quot;:172,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2269}">Did PM Modi know?</strong></h2>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:578,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2314}">Congress leader Ramesh also questioned whether PM Modi was aware of Buch's benefits from ICICI.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:610,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:69,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2346}">"Was the Prime Minister aware that the current SEBI Chairperson as a whole-time member of SEBI was adjudicating complaints against ICICI and its affiliates while also receiving income from ICICI? Why did the current SEBI Chairperson continue to receive ESOP benefits from ICICI even though they had lapsed long ago?," he asked.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:695,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2431}">He further questioned that who was protecting the SEBI chairperson and why, and commented: "The non-biological PM cannot continue this indefinite stonewalling. Capital markets, in which crores of Indians make their investment, demand full transparency and integrity on the part of their regulator".</p>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:695,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2431}"><strong>ICICI's statement</strong></h2>

<p>Later in the day, ICICI released a statement clarifying it had paid no salary to Buch after her retirement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"ICICI Bank or its group companies have not paid any salary or granted any ESOPs to Ms Madhabi Puri Buch after her retirement, other than her retiral benefits," said the bank.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"All the payments made to Ms Buch post her retirement had accrued to her during her employment phase with the ICICI Group. These payments comprise ESOPs and retiral benefits," the statement added.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:762,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2498}"><em bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:762,&quot;w&quot;:182,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2498}">(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


India's largest opposition party, the Indian National Congress (INC), on Monday (Sep 2) levelled fresh allegations against SEBI chairperson Madhabi Buch and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

India's largest opposition party, the Indian National Congress (INC), on Monday (Sep 2) levelled fresh allegations against SEBI chairperson Madhabi Buch and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The party called on PM Modi to clarify Buch's appointment as the head of the market regulator. Conflict of Interest At a press conference, Congress accused Buch of receiving income from ICICI Bank while serving as SEBI chairperson, which they argue constitutes a serious conflict of interest. The party claimed that "Between 2017-2021, as a whole time member of SEBI, the current SEBI chairperson received a salary from ICICI Bank amounting to Rs 12.63 crore ($1.5 million)". Also read | SEBI chief Madhabi Puri Buch oversaw Adani probe despite conflict of interest, claims board member Congress general secretary in charge of communications, Jairam Ramesh, also alleged that in addition to this, she received income from ICICI Prudential amounting to Rs 22.41 lakh (around $27k), along with other incomes. Congress alleged that Buch received INR 16,80,22,143 (over 2 million dollars) in total from ICICI. This, the party said, is around 5.09 times the income Madhabi Buch received from SEBI during the same period — INR 3,30,28,246 (over 393,000 dollars). "The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) is entrusted with safeguarding the hard-earned money of the Indian middle class, which painstakingly saves every penny that it can, to invest in the hope of a secure future. Yet, while the people place their hopes in SEBI, whose chairperson is appointed directly by the Prime Minister of India, they appear to have been conning us all along," alleged Congress' media and publicity department head Pawan Khera. Also read | Madhuri Buch-Adani links: Why is SEBI’s credibility at an all-time low after latest Hindenburg report? Did PM Modi know? Congress leader Ramesh also questioned whether PM Modi was aware of Buch's benefits from ICICI. "Was the Prime Minister aware that the current SEBI Chairperson as a whole-time member of SEBI was adjudicating complaints against ICICI and its affiliates while also receiving income from ICICI? Why did the current SEBI Chairperson continue to receive ESOP benefits from ICICI even though they had lapsed long ago?," he asked. He further questioned that who was protecting the SEBI chairperson and why, and commented: "The non-biological PM cannot continue this indefinite stonewalling. Capital markets, in which crores of Indians make their investment, demand full transparency and integrity on the part of their regulator". ICICI's statement Later in the day, ICICI released a statement clarifying it had paid no salary to Buch after her retirement. "ICICI Bank or its group companies have not paid any salary or granted any ESOPs to Ms Madhabi Puri Buch after her retirement, other than her retiral benefits," said the bank. "All the payments made to Ms Buch post her retirement had accrued to her during her employment phase with the ICICI Group. These payments comprise ESOPs and retiral benefits," the statement added. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Congress slams PM Modi, questions whether he was aware of SEBI chair Buch’s ‘conflict of interest’

<p>President Droupadi Murmu said on Sunday that the pendency and backlog of cases is a "big challenge" before the judiciary, further highlighting the need to bring a change to the&nbsp;serious cases remaining pending in the courts.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Highlighting the need to organize 'Lok Adalat' more frequently, President Murmu said that this will help in tackling the pendency of cases.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The President was addressing the valedictory session of the two-day National Conference of District Judiciary, organised by the Supreme Court of India, on Sunday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She further highlighted the need to bring justice to everyone's doorstep.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The President said that our Constitution provides for the power and responsibilities of the Legislative and Executive bodies at the local level through Panchayats and Municipalities. She asked if we could think of a justice system at the local level equivalent to these. She stated that making arrangements to provide justice in the local language and local conditions can help in achieving the ideal of taking justice to everyone's doorstep," the President's secretariat stated in a release, citing President Murmu.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-urges-faster-decisions-on-cases-related-to-atrocities-against-women-754849"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;PM Modi urges 'faster decisions' on cases related to atrocities against women</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>'Judiciary, police, and government should work together'</strong></h2>

<p>She said that the judiciary, government, and police administration should work together to find solutions to issues related to evidence and witnesses.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The President said that when court decisions in a heinous crime like rape come after a generation has passed, the common man feels that the judicial process lacks sensitivity. She stated that it is a sad aspect of our social life that, in some cases, people with resources continue to roam around fearlessly and freely even after committing crimes,"&nbsp;the statement added.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Kolkata rape-murder: Doctors' protest at Jantar Mantar today</strong></p>

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<p>President Murmu's comments come in the light of the recent horrific incident of rape and murder of a trainee female doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in West Bengal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Following the incident, protesters across the nation have been holding rallies and demanding justice for the victim.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


President Droupadi Murmu said on Sunday that the pendency and backlog of cases is a "big challenge" before the judiciary, further highlighting the need to bring a change to the serious cases remaining pending in the courts.

President Droupadi Murmu said on Sunday that the pendency and backlog of cases is a "big challenge" before the judiciary, further highlighting the need to bring a change to the serious cases remaining pending in the courts. Highlighting the need to organize 'Lok Adalat' more frequently, President Murmu said that this will help in tackling the pendency of cases. The President was addressing the valedictory session of the two-day National Conference of District Judiciary, organised by the Supreme Court of India, on Sunday. She further highlighted the need to bring justice to everyone's doorstep. "The President said that our Constitution provides for the power and responsibilities of the Legislative and Executive bodies at the local level through Panchayats and Municipalities. She asked if we could think of a justice system at the local level equivalent to these. She stated that making arrangements to provide justice in the local language and local conditions can help in achieving the ideal of taking justice to everyone's doorstep," the President's secretariat stated in a release, citing President Murmu. Also read: PM Modi urges 'faster decisions' on cases related to atrocities against women 'Judiciary, police, and government should work together' She said that the judiciary, government, and police administration should work together to find solutions to issues related to evidence and witnesses. "The President said that when court decisions in a heinous crime like rape come after a generation has passed, the common man feels that the judicial process lacks sensitivity. She stated that it is a sad aspect of our social life that, in some cases, people with resources continue to roam around fearlessly and freely even after committing crimes," the statement added. Watch | Kolkata rape-murder: Doctors' protest at Jantar Mantar today × President Murmu's comments come in the light of the recent horrific incident of rape and murder of a trainee female doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in West Bengal. Following the incident, protesters across the nation have been holding rallies and demanding justice for the victim. (With inputs from agencies)

'Pendency of cases a big challenge': President Murmu says people 'feel judiciary lacks sensitivity'

<p>India and Singapore are set to sign a significant agreement on semiconductors during Prime Minister Modi's upcoming visit to the country. The Indian Prime Minister will be travelling to Singapore on 4-5th September, during which he will be holding meetings with Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.</p>

<p>The pact on semiconductors comes even as India has been strengthening its collaboration in the semiconductor sector with global partners, including the US, Taiwan, the EU, and others.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With the US, initiatives have been seen, like a collaboration between Purdue University and the India Semiconductor Mission. With Taiwan, a partnership between Tata Electronics and Taiwan's Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation (PSMC) has led to the creation of India's first commercial semiconductor fab in Dholera, Gujarat.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India's cooperation with the EU includes an MOU on Working Arrangements for Semiconductor Ecosystems under the EU-India Trade and Technology Council framework. New Delhi is also exploring collaborations with Japan to advance technologies such as semiconductors, aiming to build resilient supply chains.</p>

<p>Other than semiconductors, MoUs that are expected to be signed include Skilling, Health/Medicine, and Digital Collaboration. Investment&nbsp;will be another key focus of the visit. Singapore&nbsp;has been&nbsp;invited by the Indian&nbsp;government to invest in&nbsp;12 industrial parks announced last week. The Lion City, known for being the financial centre of the world, could send a team to India to look at the projects and invest. Singapore is India’s top foreign investor and has accounted for about 23% of India’s FDI equity inflows since 2000.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The last visit of PM Modi to Singapore was in 2018. Ahead of the visit,&nbsp;four Indian ministers—Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar, Trade Minister Piyush Goyal, and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, were in Singapore on 26th August for the 2nd Indian Singapore ministerial roundtable.</p>

<p>The roundtable has several areas of conversation like Digitalisation, Skills Development, Sustainability, Healthcare &amp; Medicine, Advanced Manufacturing and Connectivity. The Indian ministers were joined by their counterparts from Singapore-Deputy PM and Trade and Industries Minister&nbsp;Gan Kim Yong, Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, and Home Minister&nbsp;K Shanmugam.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Other Singapore ministers present at the meeting were Josephine Teo, Minister for Digital Development and Information and Second Minister for Home Affairs, Dr. Tan See Leng, Minister for Manpower and Second Minister for Trade and Industry, and Chee Hong Tat, Minister for Transport and Second Minister for Finance.&nbsp;</p>


India and Singapore are set to sign a significant agreement on semiconductors during Prime Minister Modi's upcoming visit to the country. The Indian Prime Minister will be travelling to Singapore on 4-5th September, during which he will be holding meetings with Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.

India and Singapore are set to sign a significant agreement on semiconductors during Prime Minister Modi's upcoming visit to the country. The Indian Prime Minister will be travelling to Singapore on 4-5th September, during which he will be holding meetings with Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. The pact on semiconductors comes even as India has been strengthening its collaboration in the semiconductor sector with global partners, including the US, Taiwan, the EU, and others. With the US, initiatives have been seen, like a collaboration between Purdue University and the India Semiconductor Mission. With Taiwan, a partnership between Tata Electronics and Taiwan's Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation (PSMC) has led to the creation of India's first commercial semiconductor fab in Dholera, Gujarat. India's cooperation with the EU includes an MOU on Working Arrangements for Semiconductor Ecosystems under the EU-India Trade and Technology Council framework. New Delhi is also exploring collaborations with Japan to advance technologies such as semiconductors, aiming to build resilient supply chains. Other than semiconductors, MoUs that are expected to be signed include Skilling, Health/Medicine, and Digital Collaboration. Investment will be another key focus of the visit. Singapore has been invited by the Indian government to invest in 12 industrial parks announced last week. The Lion City, known for being the financial centre of the world, could send a team to India to look at the projects and invest. Singapore is India’s top foreign investor and has accounted for about 23% of India’s FDI equity inflows since 2000. The last visit of PM Modi to Singapore was in 2018. Ahead of the visit, four Indian ministers—Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar, Trade Minister Piyush Goyal, and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, were in Singapore on 26th August for the 2nd Indian Singapore ministerial roundtable. The roundtable has several areas of conversation like Digitalisation, Skills Development, Sustainability, Healthcare & Medicine, Advanced Manufacturing and Connectivity. The Indian ministers were joined by their counterparts from Singapore-Deputy PM and Trade and Industries Minister Gan Kim Yong, Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, and Home Minister K Shanmugam. Other Singapore ministers present at the meeting were Josephine Teo, Minister for Digital Development and Information and Second Minister for Home Affairs, Dr. Tan See Leng, Minister for Manpower and Second Minister for Trade and Industry, and Chee Hong Tat, Minister for Transport and Second Minister for Finance.

India, Singapore to sign pact on semiconductors during PM Modi's visit

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be on official visits to Brunei and Singapore from September 3 to 5, at the invitation of Brunei and Singapore leaders.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On his first leg visit, PM Modi will visit Brunei on September 3, marking the first-ever bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/not-against-pm-modi-zelensky-addresses-his-criticism-of-modi-putin-hug-while-speaking-to-wion-753015"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;‘Not against PM Modi,’ Zelensky addresses his criticism of Modi-Putin hug while speaking to WION</strong></a></p>

<p>The visit also coincides with the 40th anniversary of establishing diplomatic ties between India and Brunei.</p>

<p>Brunei is a key partner in India's 'Act East' Policy and its vision of Indo-Pacific.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Moreover, PM Modi's visit will further strengthen India's cooperation with Brunei in all existing sectors including defense cooperation, trade &amp; investment, energy, and space technology.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Visit to Singapore&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>After concluding his visit to Brunei, PM Modi will begin his second leg of&nbsp;visit to Singapore on September 4, at the invitation of PM Lawrence Wong.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The two leaders are expected to review the progress of the India-Singapore Strategic Partnership and exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Furthermore, during the visit, PM Modi will also call on the President of Singapore Tharman Shanmugaratnam, and interact with the leadership.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He is also scheduled to meet with business leaders from Singapore.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;India's UPI connected to Singapore's Pay Now, connectivity to allow instant money transfers</strong></p>

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<p>Earlier this month, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal, and Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw participated in the second India-Singapore Ministerial Dialogue (ISMR). The two nations discussed cooperation in digital, healthcare, connectivity, skill development, and advanced manufacturing.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be on official visits to Brunei and Singapore from September 3 to 5, at the invitation of Brunei and Singapore leaders. On his first leg visit, PM Modi will visit Brunei on September 3, marking the first-ever bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be on official visits to Brunei and Singapore from September 3 to 5, at the invitation of Brunei and Singapore leaders. On his first leg visit, PM Modi will visit Brunei on September 3, marking the first-ever bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister. Also read: ‘Not against PM Modi,’ Zelensky addresses his criticism of Modi-Putin hug while speaking to WION The visit also coincides with the 40th anniversary of establishing diplomatic ties between India and Brunei. Brunei is a key partner in India's 'Act East' Policy and its vision of Indo-Pacific. Moreover, PM Modi's visit will further strengthen India's cooperation with Brunei in all existing sectors including defense cooperation, trade & investment, energy, and space technology. Visit to Singapore After concluding his visit to Brunei, PM Modi will begin his second leg of visit to Singapore on September 4, at the invitation of PM Lawrence Wong. The two leaders are expected to review the progress of the India-Singapore Strategic Partnership and exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest. Furthermore, during the visit, PM Modi will also call on the President of Singapore Tharman Shanmugaratnam, and interact with the leadership. He is also scheduled to meet with business leaders from Singapore. Watch | India's UPI connected to Singapore's Pay Now, connectivity to allow instant money transfers × Earlier this month, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal, and Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw participated in the second India-Singapore Ministerial Dialogue (ISMR). The two nations discussed cooperation in digital, healthcare, connectivity, skill development, and advanced manufacturing. (With inputs from agencies)

Modi to visit Brunei on Sept 3; in a first ever visit by Indian Prime Minister

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<p>As heavy rains continued to pound&nbsp;India's western state Gujarat, 15 people lost their lives, while more than 23,000 were evacuated and over 300 rescued in several districts of Gujarat.</p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, called Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel to get details of the heavy rain situation and the rescue efforts.</p>

<p>Gujarat's Vadodara has been facing severe floods and waterlogging, as reported by news agency ANI. The District Emergency Operations Centre (DEOC) has advised the residents to call them up for assistance in evacuation.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/monsoon-update-imd-issues-red-alert-in-gujarat-heavy-rains-predicted-in-these-states-753585"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;IMD issues red alert for Gujarat; heavy rains predicted in these states</strong></a></p>

<p>The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a "red alert" for several districts in Gujarat and has predicted heavy rainfall over the next five days.</p>

<p>The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is further helping the residents to evacuate and has deployed additional teams from the Narmada District to enhance response capabilities.</p>

<h2><strong>PM Modi calls Gujarat CM</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier today, Gujarat CM shared on X, that he received a call from PM Modi, assuring the city of providing all necessary support and assistance from the central government.</p>

<p>"Hon'ble Prime Minister is constantly monitoring the situation by worrying about Gujarat. He has a deep affection in his heart for the people of Gujarat. During natural calamities and whenever needed, they always stand by Gujarat and the people of Gujarat, providing warmth and invaluable guidance," Bhupendra Patel said on X.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="gu">માનનીય પ્રધાનમંત્રી શ્રી <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> જી એ ગુજરાતમાં અતિભારે વરસાદની સ્થિતિને લઈને મારી સાથે ટેલીફોનિક વાતચીત કરીને રાહત-બચાવ કામગીરીની ઝીણવટભરી વિગતો મેળવી હતી.<br />
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તેમણે નાગરિકોના જાનમાલ તેમજ પશુધનના રક્ષણ અંગે માર્ગદર્શન પૂરું પાડ્યું હતું. તેમજ, ગુજરાતને કેન્દ્ર સરકાર તરફથી…</p>
— Bhupendra Patel (@Bhupendrapbjp) <a href="https://twitter.com/Bhupendrapbjp/status/1828645165495636458?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 28, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel holds meeting</strong></p>

<p>On Tuesday, the Gujarat CM convened a high-level meeting to review the relief and rescue operations. "The Chief Minister instructed the District Collectors to take full vigilance and caution by taking the help of the police so that no one goes into the overflowed rivers, drains and lakes as a result of heavy rains. Apart from this, the Meteorological Department has specially urged the District Collectors of the coastal areas to strictly follow the warning to the fishermen not to venture into the sea," the CM's office posted on X.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Gujarat Rains: Monsoon claims at least 99 lives in India’s western state</strong>&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Amid the worsening situation due to bad weather conditions electricity supply has been cut off in 419 villages of Saurashtra-Kutch region, including 196 villages in Jamnagar district, 51 in Surendranagar, 44 in Porbandar, 41 in Rajkot, 39 in Kutch, 32 in Rajkot, 9 in Amreli, 6 in Junagadh and 1 in Bhavnagar.</p>

<p>The local authorities have also announced the closure of schools and colleges on Tuesday as a precautionary measure as heavy rains continue.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


As heavy rains continued to pound India's western state Gujarat, 15 people lost their lives, while more than 23,000 were evacuated and over 300 rescued in several districts of Gujarat.

As heavy rains continued to pound India's western state Gujarat, 15 people lost their lives, while more than 23,000 were evacuated and over 300 rescued in several districts of Gujarat. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, called Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel to get details of the heavy rain situation and the rescue efforts. Gujarat's Vadodara has been facing severe floods and waterlogging, as reported by news agency ANI. The District Emergency Operations Centre (DEOC) has advised the residents to call them up for assistance in evacuation. Also read: IMD issues red alert for Gujarat; heavy rains predicted in these states The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a "red alert" for several districts in Gujarat and has predicted heavy rainfall over the next five days. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is further helping the residents to evacuate and has deployed additional teams from the Narmada District to enhance response capabilities. PM Modi calls Gujarat CM Earlier today, Gujarat CM shared on X, that he received a call from PM Modi, assuring the city of providing all necessary support and assistance from the central government. "Hon'ble Prime Minister is constantly monitoring the situation by worrying about Gujarat. He has a deep affection in his heart for the people of Gujarat. During natural calamities and whenever needed, they always stand by Gujarat and the people of Gujarat, providing warmth and invaluable guidance," Bhupendra Patel said on X. માનનીય પ્રધાનમંત્રી શ્રી @narendramodi જી એ ગુજરાતમાં અતિભારે વરસાદની સ્થિતિને લઈને મારી સાથે ટેલીફોનિક વાતચીત કરીને રાહત-બચાવ કામગીરીની ઝીણવટભરી વિગતો મેળવી હતી. તેમણે નાગરિકોના જાનમાલ તેમજ પશુધનના રક્ષણ અંગે માર્ગદર્શન પૂરું પાડ્યું હતું. તેમજ, ગુજરાતને કેન્દ્ર સરકાર તરફથી… — Bhupendra Patel (@Bhupendrapbjp) August 28, 2024 × Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel holds meeting On Tuesday, the Gujarat CM convened a high-level meeting to review the relief and rescue operations. "The Chief Minister instructed the District Collectors to take full vigilance and caution by taking the help of the police so that no one goes into the overflowed rivers, drains and lakes as a result of heavy rains. Apart from this, the Meteorological Department has specially urged the District Collectors of the coastal areas to strictly follow the warning to the fishermen not to venture into the sea," the CM's office posted on X. Watch | Gujarat Rains: Monsoon claims at least 99 lives in India’s western state × Amid the worsening situation due to bad weather conditions electricity supply has been cut off in 419 villages of Saurashtra-Kutch region, including 196 villages in Jamnagar district, 51 in Surendranagar, 44 in Porbandar, 41 in Rajkot, 39 in Kutch, 32 in Rajkot, 9 in Amreli, 6 in Junagadh and 1 in Bhavnagar. The local authorities have also announced the closure of schools and colleges on Tuesday as a precautionary measure as heavy rains continue. (With inputs from agencies)

Gujarat rains: 15 dead, over 23,000 evacuated amid floods in region

<p>The&nbsp;Union Cabinet, on Wednesday, approved a major project to build 12 new industrial smart cities across 10 states, with a budget of Rs 28,602 crore to boost domestic manufacturing in India&nbsp;to revolutionise the industrial landscape,&nbsp;Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said.&nbsp;<br />
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"The move is set to transform the industrial landscape of the country, creating a robust network of industrial nodes and cities that will significantly boost economic growth and global competitiveness," the Union minister said while briefing the media about the decisions taken at the&nbsp;Union cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The smart city project under the National Industrial Corridor Development Programme (NICDP), would provide employment opportunities to nearly 10 lakh people, creating a huge scope for boosting employment.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-greenlights-unified-pension-scheme-promising-50-per-cent-assured-pension-753110"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;India greenlights Unified Pension Scheme, promising 50 per cent assured pension</strong></a></p>

<p>Moreover, it would also indirectly create 30 lakh new jobs, the Union Minister stated.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"These projects aim to create robust and sustainable infrastructure, fostering investments and promoting balanced regional development," a press release by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) stated.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Location&nbsp;of industrial smart cities </strong></h2>

<p>The industrial areas will be located in Khurpia,&nbsp;Uttrakhand, Rajpura-Patiala in Punjab, Dighi in Maharashtra, Palakkad in Kerala, Agra and Prayagraj in UP, Gaya in Bihar, Zaheerabad in Telangana, Orvakal and Kopparthy in Andhra Pradesh and Jodhpur-Pali in Rajasthan.</p>

<p>These industrial smart cities will be aligned with the vision of 'Viksit Bharat', and built on PM Modi's Gati Shakti plan.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Investment potential in smart cities project</strong></h2>

<p>The investment potential of the project, which will be around Rs 1.52 lakh crore, is prepared to foster a vibrant industrial ecosystem by facilitating investments from large anchor industries and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Additionally, these industrial nodes will act as catalysts for exports worth USD 2 trillion by 2030.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Indian Minister for Electronics and IT Ashwini Vaishnaw in a conversation with WION</strong></p>

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<p>All these initiatives are set to help increase the share of manufacturing in India's GDP and boost jobs.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


The Union Cabinet, on Wednesday, approved a major project to build 12 new industrial smart cities across 10 states, with a budget of Rs 28,602 crore to boost domestic manufacturing in India to revolutionise the industrial landscape, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said.

The Union Cabinet, on Wednesday, approved a major project to build 12 new industrial smart cities across 10 states, with a budget of Rs 28,602 crore to boost domestic manufacturing in India to revolutionise the industrial landscape, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said. "The move is set to transform the industrial landscape of the country, creating a robust network of industrial nodes and cities that will significantly boost economic growth and global competitiveness," the Union minister said while briefing the media about the decisions taken at the Union cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The smart city project under the National Industrial Corridor Development Programme (NICDP), would provide employment opportunities to nearly 10 lakh people, creating a huge scope for boosting employment. Also read: India greenlights Unified Pension Scheme, promising 50 per cent assured pension Moreover, it would also indirectly create 30 lakh new jobs, the Union Minister stated. "These projects aim to create robust and sustainable infrastructure, fostering investments and promoting balanced regional development," a press release by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) stated. Location of industrial smart cities The industrial areas will be located in Khurpia, Uttrakhand, Rajpura-Patiala in Punjab, Dighi in Maharashtra, Palakkad in Kerala, Agra and Prayagraj in UP, Gaya in Bihar, Zaheerabad in Telangana, Orvakal and Kopparthy in Andhra Pradesh and Jodhpur-Pali in Rajasthan. These industrial smart cities will be aligned with the vision of 'Viksit Bharat', and built on PM Modi's Gati Shakti plan. Investment potential in smart cities project The investment potential of the project, which will be around Rs 1.52 lakh crore, is prepared to foster a vibrant industrial ecosystem by facilitating investments from large anchor industries and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Additionally, these industrial nodes will act as catalysts for exports worth USD 2 trillion by 2030. Watch | Indian Minister for Electronics and IT Ashwini Vaishnaw in a conversation with WION × All these initiatives are set to help increase the share of manufacturing in India's GDP and boost jobs. (With inputs from agencies)

12 new industrial smart cities to be built in India, will create a million jobs: Union minister

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