Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday addressed the nation during his monthly radio programme 'Mann ki Baat' and wished everyone on the occasion of the 71st Republic Day.&nbsp;

From describing Gaganyaan mission as the new milestone for India and hailing the newly signed Bru refugee agreement, the prime minister talked on a range of issues during his radio address today.&nbsp;

As the prime minister began his address, he said that this edition of 'Mann ki Baat' will be dedicated to "discuss newer subjects to celebrate the latest achievements of our countrymen and to celebrate India".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/prime-minister-modi-urges-people-to-take-up-task-to-uplift-poor-270835">Mann Ki Baat - Prime Minister Modi urges people to take up task to uplift poor</a>

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PM Modi in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MannKiBaat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MannKiBaat</a>: Next month, the first edition of 'Khelo India University Games' is being organized in Cuttack and Bhubaneswar, Odisha from 22nd February to 1st March. And more than 3000 players have qualified for participating in these games.
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1221416204457267201?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 26, 2020</a></blockquote>
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PM Modi set the agenda for citizens for 2020 and announced that the first edition of Khelo India University Games will be organised next month in Cuttack and Bhubaneswar, Odisha from February 22 to March 1.&nbsp;

"More than 3,000 players have qualified for participating in these games," the prime minister said.&nbsp;

"National games is an arena, where players get a chance to display their passion besides becoming acquainted with the culture of other states. Therefore, we've decided to organize 'Khelo India Games," PM Modi said.&nbsp;

He also said that the monthly radio programme has become a good and smooth platform of "sharing, learning and growing together".&nbsp;

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MannKiBaat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MannKiBaat</a>: Heartiest greetings to you all on the occasion of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RepublicDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RepublicDay</a>. Today, we are here on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MannKiBaat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MannKiBaat</a> to discuss newer subjects, to celebrate the latest achievements of our countrymen and to celebrate India. (File pic) <a href="https://t.co/J2Q23UVEh5">pic.twitter.com/J2Q23UVEh5</a>
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"Every month thousands of people share their suggestions, efforts, and experiences," the prime minister said.&nbsp;

PM Modi also talked about water conservation and said that the innovative idea of harnessing a borewell for rainwater harvesting sprung up from Tamil Nadu.&nbsp;

"The country is replete with innumerable such stories, of water conservation, lending more strength to the resolves of new India," he stated.&nbsp;

During his last 'Mann ki Baat' address last month, the prime minister urged the people to come together and take up the task of providing health services to the poor and make efforts to uplift them in the society.

"All of us study in myriad colleges, universities, and schools. But after completing studies, alumni meets are joyous occasions. If this union comprises a shared purpose, a resolve, an emotional connect, it lends additional hues to the event," said Prime Minister Modi in his monthly radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat'.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday addressed the nation during his monthly radio programme 'Mann ki Baat' and wished everyone on the occasion of the 71st Republic Day.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday addressed the nation during his monthly radio programme 'Mann ki Baat' and wished everyone on the occasion of the 71st Republic Day. From describing Gaganyaan mission as the new milestone for India and hailing the newly signed Bru refugee agreement, the prime minister talked on a range of issues during his radio address today. As the prime minister began his address, he said that this edition of 'Mann ki Baat' will be dedicated to "discuss newer subjects to celebrate the latest achievements of our countrymen and to celebrate India". Also read: Mann Ki Baat - Prime Minister Modi urges people to take up task to uplift poor PM Modi in #MannKiBaat: Next month, the first edition of 'Khelo India University Games' is being organized in Cuttack and Bhubaneswar, Odisha from 22nd February to 1st March. And more than 3000 players have qualified for participating in these games. — ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2020 × PM Modi set the agenda for citizens for 2020 and announced that the first edition of Khelo India University Games will be organised next month in Cuttack and Bhubaneswar, Odisha from February 22 to March 1. "More than 3,000 players have qualified for participating in these games," the prime minister said. "National games is an arena, where players get a chance to display their passion besides becoming acquainted with the culture of other states. Therefore, we've decided to organize 'Khelo India Games," PM Modi said. He also said that the monthly radio programme has become a good and smooth platform of "sharing, learning and growing together". Prime Minister Narendra Modi in #MannKiBaat: Heartiest greetings to you all on the occasion of #RepublicDay. Today, we are here on #MannKiBaat to discuss newer subjects, to celebrate the latest achievements of our countrymen and to celebrate India. (File pic) pic.twitter.com/J2Q23UVEh5 — ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2020 × "Every month thousands of people share their suggestions, efforts, and experiences," the prime minister said. PM Modi also talked about water conservation and said that the innovative idea of harnessing a borewell for rainwater harvesting sprung up from Tamil Nadu. "The country is replete with innumerable such stories, of water conservation, lending more strength to the resolves of new India," he stated. During his last 'Mann ki Baat' address last month, the prime minister urged the people to come together and take up the task of providing health services to the poor and make efforts to uplift them in the society. "All of us study in myriad colleges, universities, and schools. But after completing studies, alumni meets are joyous occasions. If this union comprises a shared purpose, a resolve, an emotional connect, it lends additional hues to the event," said Prime Minister Modi in his monthly radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat'.

This edition of Mann ki Baat is to celebrate latest achievements of countrymen, to celebrate India: PM Modi

Nepal has invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the first Sagarmatha Sambaad forum to be held here in April to deliberate on the most prominent issues of global, regional and national significance, Foreign Minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali said on Friday.

The first edition of the ‘Sagarmatha Sambaad’ is scheduled to be held from April 2 to 4 on the theme “Climate Change, Mountains and the Future of Humanity,” he told a group of visiting Indian reporters.

“We have invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi and are awaiting the confirmation,” Gyawali said.

He said leaders of all SAARC countries, including Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, have been invited and Nepal would be happy to host all the regional leaders so that they can have discussions amongst themselves on the challenges facing the region.

The Sambaad (dialogue) is named after the world’s tallest mountain Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) which is also a symbol of friendship, Gyawali said.

Nepal has invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the first Sagarmatha Sambaad forum to be held here in April to deliberate on the most prominent issues of global, regional and national significance, Foreign Minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali said on Friday.

Nepal has invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the first Sagarmatha Sambaad forum to be held here in April to deliberate on the most prominent issues of global, regional and national significance, Foreign Minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali said on Friday. The first edition of the ‘Sagarmatha Sambaad’ is scheduled to be held from April 2 to 4 on the theme “Climate Change, Mountains and the Future of Humanity,” he told a group of visiting Indian reporters. “We have invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi and are awaiting the confirmation,” Gyawali said. He said leaders of all SAARC countries, including Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, have been invited and Nepal would be happy to host all the regional leaders so that they can have discussions amongst themselves on the challenges facing the region. The Sambaad (dialogue) is named after the world’s tallest mountain Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) which is also a symbol of friendship, Gyawali said.

Nepal invites PM Narendra Modi for Sagarmatha dialogue

India plans to increase import duties on more than 50 items including electronics, electrical goods, chemicals and handicrafts, targeting about $56 billion worth of imports from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/is-china-myanmar-economic-corridor-turning-out-to-be-another-cpec-275688">China</a> and elsewhere, officials and industry sources said.

Finance Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-dispatch-nirmala-sitharaman-unveils-rs-102-lakh-crore-of-infra-projects-for-next-5-years-271287">Nirmala Sitharaman</a> could make the announcement when she presents her <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/all-you-need-to-know-about-halwa-ceremony-ahead-of-budget-275107">annual budget</a> for 2020-2021 on February&nbsp;1, along with other stimulus measures to revive sagging economic growth, one of the government officials said.

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Higher customs duties are likely to hit goods such as mobile phone chargers, industrial chemicals, lamps, wooden furniture, candles, jewellery and handicraft items, two government sources with direct knowledge of the matter said.

The move could hit smartphone manufacturers that still import chargers or other components such as vibrator motors and ringers, along with retailers such as giant <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ikea-opens-its-first-india-store-in-hyderabad-158016">IKEA</a> that is in the process of expanding its footprint in India.

IKEA had previously flagged higher Indian customs duties as a challenge.

The government had identified items and decided to increase import tariffs by 5 to 10 percent as recommended by a panel of trade and finance ministry officials, among others, the second government official said.

"Our aim is to curb imports of non-essential items," said the official, adding a hike in import duties would provide a level playing field for local manufacturers-hit by cheap imports from China, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-east-asia/southeast-asia-should-ban-foreign-trash-imports-environmentalists-228309">Association of Southeast Asian Nations</a> (ASEAN), and other countries that enjoy trade pacts with India.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rcep-was-unbalanced-trade-agreement-says-piyush-goyal-at-world-economic-forum-276198">Also read:&nbsp;RCEP was unbalanced&nbsp;trade agreement, says Piyush Goyal at World Economic Forum</a>

The sources asked not be identified as the discussions were private.

A spokesman for the finance ministry and a spokeswoman for the commerce ministry declined to comment.

Since taking charge in 2014, Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/nepal/nepal-invites-pm-narendra-modi-for-sagarmatha-dialogue-276287">Narendra Modi </a>has imposed several restrictions on imports while allowing more foreign investment in manufacturing, defence and other sectors.

Modi's ruling <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/delhi-assembly-elections-bjp-must-declare-chief-ministerial-candidate-275883">Bharatiya Janata Party</a> (BJP) has also asked the government to increase duties on non-essential items to boost local manufacturing.

"We expect the budget will address the issue of ... cheap imports under free trade pacts," Gopal Krishan Agarwal, the head of BJP's Economic Affairs Cell, told Reuters.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mexico-detains-800-central-american-migrants-headed-to-united-states-276281">United States </a>wants India to buy at least another $5-6 billion worth of American farm goods if New Delhi wants to win reinstatement of a key US. trade concession and seal a wider pact, four sources familiar with the talks told Reuters.

US&nbsp;President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-administration-rolls-back-law-preventing-pollution-in-drinking-water-sources-276317">Donald Trump </a>cited trade barriers last year when removing India from its Generalized System of Preferences programme that allowed zero tariffs on $5.6 billion of exports to the United States. In retaliation, India slapped higher tariffs on more than two dozens U.S. products.

India plans to increase import duties on more than 50 items including electronics, electrical goods, chemicals and handicrafts, targeting about $56 billion worth of imports from China and elsewhere, officials and industry sources said.

India plans to increase import duties on more than 50 items including electronics, electrical goods, chemicals and handicrafts, targeting about $56 billion worth of imports from China and elsewhere, officials and industry sources said. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman could make the announcement when she presents her annual budget for 2020-2021 on February 1, along with other stimulus measures to revive sagging economic growth, one of the government officials said. Higher customs duties are likely to hit goods such as mobile phone chargers, industrial chemicals, lamps, wooden furniture, candles, jewellery and handicraft items, two government sources with direct knowledge of the matter said. The move could hit smartphone manufacturers that still import chargers or other components such as vibrator motors and ringers, along with retailers such as giant IKEA that is in the process of expanding its footprint in India. IKEA had previously flagged higher Indian customs duties as a challenge. The government had identified items and decided to increase import tariffs by 5 to 10 percent as recommended by a panel of trade and finance ministry officials, among others, the second government official said. "Our aim is to curb imports of non-essential items," said the official, adding a hike in import duties would provide a level playing field for local manufacturers-hit by cheap imports from China, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and other countries that enjoy trade pacts with India. Also read: RCEP was unbalanced trade agreement, says Piyush Goyal at World Economic Forum The sources asked not be identified as the discussions were private. A spokesman for the finance ministry and a spokeswoman for the commerce ministry declined to comment. Since taking charge in 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has imposed several restrictions on imports while allowing more foreign investment in manufacturing, defence and other sectors. Modi's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has also asked the government to increase duties on non-essential items to boost local manufacturing. "We expect the budget will address the issue of ... cheap imports under free trade pacts," Gopal Krishan Agarwal, the head of BJP's Economic Affairs Cell, told Reuters. The United States wants India to buy at least another $5-6 billion worth of American farm goods if New Delhi wants to win reinstatement of a key US. trade concession and seal a wider pact, four sources familiar with the talks told Reuters. US President Donald Trump cited trade barriers last year when removing India from its Generalized System of Preferences programme that allowed zero tariffs on $5.6 billion of exports to the United States. In retaliation, India slapped higher tariffs on more than two dozens U.S. products.

India likely to raise import duties on more than 50 items

There are two things we all know about US President Donald Trump -&nbsp;first, he despises traditional media,&nbsp;and second, he absolutely loves social media.

The US President recently broke his own record of tweets by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/125-tweets-in-a-day-donald-trump-floods-twitter-with-impeachment-proceedings-276114">tweeting 125 times within 24 hours</a>.

Now, during an interview at the World Economic Forum, Trump claimed that he is number one on the social media site Facebook.&nbsp;

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During an interview at Davos, Trump said, ''Well, I met him (Mark Zuckerberg), and he told me that I am number one in the world on&nbsp;Facebook''.

"Zuckerberg told me I'm number one on Facebook", Trump said, adding, "it is always nice to be number one".

The US president claimed that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds the second position on Facebook. 
&nbsp; 
Trump has over 27 million followers (27, 266,004), the number which Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi easily surpasses.

PM Modi has over 44 million followers (44,259,851).

Interestingly, Portugal&nbsp;football star Cristiano Ronaldo has over 123 million followers, while Colombian singer Shakira follows him with close to&nbsp;a hundred million followers.

Actor Vin Diesel makes the top three with a little over 94 million followers.

There are two things we all know about US President Donald Trump - first, he despises traditional media, and second, he absolutely loves social media. The US President recently broke his own record of tweets by tweeting 125 times within 24 hours.

There are two things we all know about US President Donald Trump - first, he despises traditional media, and second, he absolutely loves social media. The US President recently broke his own record of tweets by tweeting 125 times within 24 hours. Now, during an interview at the World Economic Forum, Trump claimed that he is number one on the social media site Facebook. During an interview at Davos, Trump said, ''Well, I met him (Mark Zuckerberg), and he told me that I am number one in the world on Facebook''. "Zuckerberg told me I'm number one on Facebook", Trump said, adding, "it is always nice to be number one". The US president claimed that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds the second position on Facebook. Trump has over 27 million followers (27, 266,004), the number which Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi easily surpasses. PM Modi has over 44 million followers (44,259,851). Interestingly, Portugal football star Cristiano Ronaldo has over 123 million followers, while Colombian singer Shakira follows him with close to a hundred million followers. Actor Vin Diesel makes the top three with a little over 94 million followers.

Now, Trump brags about beating PM Modi on Facebook

Brazil's President to be the Guest of Honor on India's 71st Republic Day

Recently trailer of a movie based on Kashmiri Pandits exodus, 'Shikara', was released. The film depicts exodus of Kashmiri Pandits and highlights their plight. The movie has brought back painful memories of the&nbsp;forceful displacement and 'genocide' of Kashmiri Pandits.

30 years ago, over 3.5 lakh Kashmiri Pandits were forced out of the Valley following threats by militants, asking them to convert to Islam or die.

More than 350 pandits were killed and several women were raped. Their homes were destroyed or grabbed.

Kashmiri Pandits, who say they are refugees in their own country, have been demanding the successive governments that they are rehabilitated and their dignity is restored.

The plight of Kashmiri Pandits has often been overshadowed by the overall Kashmir conflict. The only help they got was from late Bala Saheb Thackeray who stood behind them when they were forced out of the valley.

Kashmiri Pandits have experienced unimaginable devastation and literally survived on their own for the 3 decades&nbsp;without much help from the successive governments.&nbsp;

After the abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35A, they are expressing hope for a dignified return to the valley.&nbsp;

Not just economic and safety measures, but the government must also introduce peacebuilding measures between all communities in the valley. After the abrogation of Article 370, the government now should look into creating jobs, reviving the tourism industry and the apple trade. Prosperity is important for not just to rehabilitate the Pandit community, but also for Kashmiri Muslims.

Political parties, public intellectuals, who are vocal about the minority rights in India, should also extend all the support to Pandits to facilitate their rehabilitation and make them feel acknowledged. It's time to break the silence and shed a tear for Pandits too.&nbsp;

They are often told to move on, however, what they need is safe and dignified resettlement in the valley and acknowledgement of their forced displacement. 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Recently trailer of a movie based on Kashmiri Pandits exodus, 'Shikara', was released. The film depicts exodus of Kashmiri Pandits and highlights their plight. The movie has brought back painful memories of the forceful displacement and 'genocide' of Kashmiri Pandits.

Recently trailer of a movie based on Kashmiri Pandits exodus, 'Shikara', was released. The film depicts exodus of Kashmiri Pandits and highlights their plight. The movie has brought back painful memories of the forceful displacement and 'genocide' of Kashmiri Pandits. 30 years ago, over 3.5 lakh Kashmiri Pandits were forced out of the Valley following threats by militants, asking them to convert to Islam or die. More than 350 pandits were killed and several women were raped. Their homes were destroyed or grabbed. Kashmiri Pandits, who say they are refugees in their own country, have been demanding the successive governments that they are rehabilitated and their dignity is restored. The plight of Kashmiri Pandits has often been overshadowed by the overall Kashmir conflict. The only help they got was from late Bala Saheb Thackeray who stood behind them when they were forced out of the valley. Kashmiri Pandits have experienced unimaginable devastation and literally survived on their own for the 3 decades without much help from the successive governments. After the abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35A, they are expressing hope for a dignified return to the valley. Not just economic and safety measures, but the government must also introduce peacebuilding measures between all communities in the valley. After the abrogation of Article 370, the government now should look into creating jobs, reviving the tourism industry and the apple trade. Prosperity is important for not just to rehabilitate the Pandit community, but also for Kashmiri Muslims. Political parties, public intellectuals, who are vocal about the minority rights in India, should also extend all the support to Pandits to facilitate their rehabilitation and make them feel acknowledged. It's time to break the silence and shed a tear for Pandits too. They are often told to move on, however, what they need is safe and dignified resettlement in the valley and acknowledgement of their forced displacement. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Kashmiri Pandits deserve acknowledgement and a dignified return

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday remembered Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on his birth anniversary and said that India will always remain grateful to him for his bravery and indelible contribution to resisting colonialism.

"On 23rd January 1897, Janakinath Bose wrote in his diary, 'A son was born at midday.' This son became a valorous freedom fighter and thinker who devoted his life towards one great cause - India's freedom. I refer to Netaji Bose, who we proudly remember on his Jayanti today," Prime Minister Modi tweeted.

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India will always remain grateful to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose for his bravery and indelible contribution to resisting colonialism. He stood up for the progress and well-being of his fellow Indians. <a href="https://t.co/otUlFanULs">pic.twitter.com/otUlFanULs</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1220177665203888128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"India will always remain grateful to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose for his bravery and indelible contribution to resisting colonialism. He stood up for the progress and well-being of his fellow Indians," he added.

Union Ministers Piyush Goyal and Kiren Rijiju also paid tribute to Netaji on his birth anniversary.

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Heartfelt tributes to the great patriot, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on his Jayanti. 
 
An exceptional freedom fighter &amp; leader, his patriotic zeal and valour continues to serve as a beacon of inspiration for all of us. <a href="https://t.co/hPes3sD3rh">pic.twitter.com/hPes3sD3rh</a>
— Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) <a href="https://twitter.com/PiyushGoyal/status/1220156191998906369?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"Heartfelt tributes to the great patriot, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on his Jayanti. An exceptional freedom fighter and leader, his patriotic zeal and valour continues to serve as a beacon of inspiration for all of us," Goyal tweeted.

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My deepest respect and salute to the great son of India, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose on his birth anniversary. A rich tribute to the hero of India's Independence movement🙏 <a href="https://t.co/BAvJW2ywhF">pic.twitter.com/BAvJW2ywhF</a>
— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) <a href="https://twitter.com/KirenRijiju/status/1220178287344771073?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Rijiju also took to the micro-blogging site and wrote, "My deepest respect and salute to the great son of India, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on his birth anniversary. A rich tribute to the hero of India's Independence movement."&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday remembered Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on his birth anniversary and said that India will always remain grateful to him for his bravery and indelible contribution to resisting colonialism.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday remembered Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on his birth anniversary and said that India will always remain grateful to him for his bravery and indelible contribution to resisting colonialism. "On 23rd January 1897, Janakinath Bose wrote in his diary, 'A son was born at midday.' This son became a valorous freedom fighter and thinker who devoted his life towards one great cause - India's freedom. I refer to Netaji Bose, who we proudly remember on his Jayanti today," Prime Minister Modi tweeted. India will always remain grateful to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose for his bravery and indelible contribution to resisting colonialism. He stood up for the progress and well-being of his fellow Indians. pic.twitter.com/otUlFanULs — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 23, 2020 × "India will always remain grateful to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose for his bravery and indelible contribution to resisting colonialism. He stood up for the progress and well-being of his fellow Indians," he added. Union Ministers Piyush Goyal and Kiren Rijiju also paid tribute to Netaji on his birth anniversary. Heartfelt tributes to the great patriot, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on his Jayanti. An exceptional freedom fighter & leader, his patriotic zeal and valour continues to serve as a beacon of inspiration for all of us. pic.twitter.com/hPes3sD3rh — Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) January 23, 2020 × "Heartfelt tributes to the great patriot, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on his Jayanti. An exceptional freedom fighter and leader, his patriotic zeal and valour continues to serve as a beacon of inspiration for all of us," Goyal tweeted. My deepest respect and salute to the great son of India, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose on his birth anniversary. A rich tribute to the hero of India's Independence movement🙏 pic.twitter.com/BAvJW2ywhF — Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) January 23, 2020 × Rijiju also took to the micro-blogging site and wrote, "My deepest respect and salute to the great son of India, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on his birth anniversary. A rich tribute to the hero of India's Independence movement."

'India will always remain grateful to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose': PM Narendra Modi

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/prime-minister-modi-to-inaugurate-kolkata-port-trusts-150th-anniversary-event-today-273682">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> will on Wednesday chair the 32nd interaction through PRAGATI - the ICT-based, multi-modal platform for pro-active governance and timely implementation.&nbsp;

According to a release issued by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/prime-minister-narendra-modi-speaking-at-inauguration-of-integrated-check-post-icp-at-jogbani-biratnagar-275661">Narendra Modi </a>website, in the previous 31 interactions of PRAGATI, projects worth over Rs 12 lakh crores have been reviewed by the Prime Minister.

In the last PRAGATI meeting of the year 2019, nine projects worth over Rs. 61,000 crores related to 16 states and the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir were taken up for discussion.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-narendra-modi-orders-distribution-of-equipment-to-farmers-on-priority-to-stop-stubble-burning-260465">PM Modi orders distribution of equipment to farmers on 'priority' to stop stubble burning</a>

<img alt="PM Narendra Modi" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="06f98e59-8ddb-41b2-8a36-cb42704ad675" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2845%29_3.jpg" /> 
[ Prime Minister Narendra Modi (Courtesy: ANI) ]

There were also discussions on various topics like grievances of Indian citizens working abroad, National Agriculture Market, Aspirational District Programme and infrastructure development programmes and initiatives.

The Prime Minister had launched the multi-purpose and multi-modal governance platform PRAGATI on March 25, 2015. PRAGATI - is an integrating and interactive platform, aimed at addressing the common man's grievances.&nbsp;

PRAGATI also helps in simultaneously monitoring and reviewing important programmes and projects of the Government of India, as well as projects flagged by various state governments.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will on Wednesday chair the 32nd interaction through PRAGATI - the ICT-based, multi-modal platform for pro-active governance and timely implementation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will on Wednesday chair the 32nd interaction through PRAGATI - the ICT-based, multi-modal platform for pro-active governance and timely implementation. According to a release issued by Narendra Modi website, in the previous 31 interactions of PRAGATI, projects worth over Rs 12 lakh crores have been reviewed by the Prime Minister. In the last PRAGATI meeting of the year 2019, nine projects worth over Rs. 61,000 crores related to 16 states and the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir were taken up for discussion. Also Read: PM Modi orders distribution of equipment to farmers on 'priority' to stop stubble burning [ Prime Minister Narendra Modi (Courtesy: ANI) ] There were also discussions on various topics like grievances of Indian citizens working abroad, National Agriculture Market, Aspirational District Programme and infrastructure development programmes and initiatives. The Prime Minister had launched the multi-purpose and multi-modal governance platform PRAGATI on March 25, 2015. PRAGATI - is an integrating and interactive platform, aimed at addressing the common man's grievances. PRAGATI also helps in simultaneously monitoring and reviewing important programmes and projects of the Government of India, as well as projects flagged by various state governments.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Chair 32nd PRAGATI meeting

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday reviewed the progress made in nine delayed projects spread across as many states at the first meeting of 'Pragati' this year.

These projects, worth over Rs 24,000 crore, are spread over Odisha, Telangana, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Bihar, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Uttar Pradesh.

These include three from Railways, five from the Road Transport and Highways and one from the Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry, the Prime Minister's Office said in a statement.

Modi also reviewed the performance related to insurance schemes, 'Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana' (PMJJBY) and 'Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana' (PMSBY).

The progress under the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS) project, which is a comprehensive and integrated system for effective policing through e-governance, also came up for review.

In the last 31 'Pragati' interactions, Modi has reviewed a total of 269 projects with a total investment of Rs 12.30 lakh crore.

He has also reviewed the resolution of grievance redressal related to 47 government programmes and schemes across 17 diverse sectors.

'Pragati' is an ICT-based multi-modal platform for 'Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation.'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday reviewed the progress made in nine delayed projects spread across as many states at the first meeting of 'Pragati' this year.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday reviewed the progress made in nine delayed projects spread across as many states at the first meeting of 'Pragati' this year. These projects, worth over Rs 24,000 crore, are spread over Odisha, Telangana, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Bihar, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Uttar Pradesh. These include three from Railways, five from the Road Transport and Highways and one from the Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry, the Prime Minister's Office said in a statement. Modi also reviewed the performance related to insurance schemes, 'Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana' (PMJJBY) and 'Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana' (PMSBY). The progress under the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS) project, which is a comprehensive and integrated system for effective policing through e-governance, also came up for review. In the last 31 'Pragati' interactions, Modi has reviewed a total of 269 projects with a total investment of Rs 12.30 lakh crore. He has also reviewed the resolution of grievance redressal related to 47 government programmes and schemes across 17 diverse sectors. 'Pragati' is an ICT-based multi-modal platform for 'Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation.'

PM Modi reviews nine delayed projects worth over Rs 24,000 crore of three Union ministries

In a major departure from the past, the Bharatiya Janata Party’s decision not to name its chief ministerial candidate ahead of Delhi elections betrays its nervousness. Since the BJP came to power in 2014 and bettered its performance in 2019 general elections, the party had always taunted its political rivals, particularly the Congress party, of going to the electoral battlefield without a commander. The BJP, which has always claimed to be a 'party with a difference' by naming its chief ministerial candidate known to the voters before the elections, has been forced to revisit its strategy this time.

Having lost five of the six states which went to the polls last year, not to speak of the near-about rout in Haryana where it somehow strolled to power by joining hands with its rival - the Jannayak Janata Party of Dushyant Chautala – the confidence level of the BJP has certainly taken a knock. With no credible face to take on the incumbent chief minister Arvind Kejriwal of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the BJP has once again decided to cash on the popularity of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. But, has it not been the strategy of the BJP since 2014 when it has repeatedly reaped political benefits in the states by piggy-backing on the aura of Modi?

But the last few state elections are proof that while Modi remains indispensable at the national level, his magic is weaning in states where people are more concerned about bread and butter. BJP’s opponents have triumphed by harping on the people-centric issues as opposed to the BJP’s nationalist agenda, be it the revocation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir which provided special status to the former princely state, or the Supreme Court verdict on the decades-old contentious Babri Masjid verdict in Ayodhya.&nbsp;

Unlike in the past, the BJP has been way behind in declaring its candidates for Delhi polls. In fact, it waited for the AAP and the Congress before declaring its candidates. The party also suffered a setback as one of its oldest allies, the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), chose to stay away from the polls reportedly on its reservations to the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act. Though SAD failed to make a cut in the last assembly elections in the Sikh-dominated constituencies, its decision not to field candidates is also being read as a warning signal to the BJP.

Other than the regularisation of 1,728 unauthorised colonies, on which both the AAP and the BJP claim ownership, the latter does not have much to flaunt about. All the three municipal corporations run by the BJP are in a shambles with repeatedly getting flak from the apex court for turning Delhi into a garbage city. The municipal corporations of the national capital have been disdainfully pathetic to Prime Minister Narendra Modi government’s ambitious Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. While smaller cities have taken a steady march on the cleanliness drive, Delhi is nowhere near the race. In a Swachh Survekshan League 2020 released by the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs for two-quarters April 1 to June 30, and July 2 to September 30 in January this year, the three municipal corporations ranked almost at the bottom of 49 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) across India.

Delhi Police, which comes under the Union home ministry, has been at the receiving end for its high-handedness as well as inept handling of the anti-CAA (Citizenship Amendment Act) protests on the campuses of the Jamia Millia Islamia and the Jawaharlal Nehru University respectively. Its seemingly preordained inquiry following the violence between two student groups in JNU is much left to be desired.

On the other hand, the AAP’s stocks are high as several of its welfare measures have added many newcomers, who have been largely benefited from the party’s largesse to its fold besides its committed cadre. Starting its inning as a rookie party, it has done well on its promises on education, healthcare, water, power etc, despite its failing on pollution and poor transport system.

Facing heat over CAA, price rise, job losses, rural distress and falling economy, the BJP has decided to convert the fight between two main political parties to a battle between Modi and Kejriwal. It remains to be seen who Delhi votes for on February 8 – a popular Modi or a charismatic Kejriwal.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

In a major departure from the past, the Bharatiya Janata Party’s decision not to name its chief ministerial candidate ahead of Delhi elections betrays its nervousness.

In a major departure from the past, the Bharatiya Janata Party’s decision not to name its chief ministerial candidate ahead of Delhi elections betrays its nervousness. Since the BJP came to power in 2014 and bettered its performance in 2019 general elections, the party had always taunted its political rivals, particularly the Congress party, of going to the electoral battlefield without a commander. The BJP, which has always claimed to be a 'party with a difference' by naming its chief ministerial candidate known to the voters before the elections, has been forced to revisit its strategy this time. Having lost five of the six states which went to the polls last year, not to speak of the near-about rout in Haryana where it somehow strolled to power by joining hands with its rival - the Jannayak Janata Party of Dushyant Chautala – the confidence level of the BJP has certainly taken a knock. With no credible face to take on the incumbent chief minister Arvind Kejriwal of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the BJP has once again decided to cash on the popularity of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. But, has it not been the strategy of the BJP since 2014 when it has repeatedly reaped political benefits in the states by piggy-backing on the aura of Modi? But the last few state elections are proof that while Modi remains indispensable at the national level, his magic is weaning in states where people are more concerned about bread and butter. BJP’s opponents have triumphed by harping on the people-centric issues as opposed to the BJP’s nationalist agenda, be it the revocation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir which provided special status to the former princely state, or the Supreme Court verdict on the decades-old contentious Babri Masjid verdict in Ayodhya. Unlike in the past, the BJP has been way behind in declaring its candidates for Delhi polls. In fact, it waited for the AAP and the Congress before declaring its candidates. The party also suffered a setback as one of its oldest allies, the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), chose to stay away from the polls reportedly on its reservations to the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act. Though SAD failed to make a cut in the last assembly elections in the Sikh-dominated constituencies, its decision not to field candidates is also being read as a warning signal to the BJP. Other than the regularisation of 1,728 unauthorised colonies, on which both the AAP and the BJP claim ownership, the latter does not have much to flaunt about. All the three municipal corporations run by the BJP are in a shambles with repeatedly getting flak from the apex court for turning Delhi into a garbage city. The municipal corporations of the national capital have been disdainfully pathetic to Prime Minister Narendra Modi government’s ambitious Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. While smaller cities have taken a steady march on the cleanliness drive, Delhi is nowhere near the race. In a Swachh Survekshan League 2020 released by the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs for two-quarters April 1 to June 30, and July 2 to September 30 in January this year, the three municipal corporations ranked almost at the bottom of 49 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) across India. Delhi Police, which comes under the Union home ministry, has been at the receiving end for its high-handedness as well as inept handling of the anti-CAA (Citizenship Amendment Act) protests on the campuses of the Jamia Millia Islamia and the Jawaharlal Nehru University respectively. Its seemingly preordained inquiry following the violence between two student groups in JNU is much left to be desired. On the other hand, the AAP’s stocks are high as several of its welfare measures have added many newcomers, who have been largely benefited from the party’s largesse to its fold besides its committed cadre. Starting its inning as a rookie party, it has done well on its promises on education, healthcare, water, power etc, despite its failing on pollution and poor transport system. Facing heat over CAA, price rise, job losses, rural distress and falling economy, the BJP has decided to convert the fight between two main political parties to a battle between Modi and Kejriwal. It remains to be seen who Delhi votes for on February 8 – a popular Modi or a charismatic Kejriwal. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Delhi Assembly elections: BJP must declare chief ministerial candidate

India has remained a credible partner in the all-round development of Nepal and the two countries are working on several <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-nepalese-counterpart-kp-oli-jointly-inaugurates-cross-border-pipeline-248759">cross-border connectivity projects</a> such as road, rail, and transmission lines, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday as he jointly inaugurated with his Nepalese counterpart KP Sharma Oli the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Jogbani-Biratnagar

<img alt="Prime Minister Narendra Modi" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0d2add81-c30d-4d18-acc9-c9062c13e82e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2814%29_10.jpg" /> 
[ Prime Minister Narendra Modi (Courtesy: ANI) ]

"India has always played the role of a credible partner in the all-round <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/motihari-amlekhganj-oil-pipeline-india-nepal-energy-diplomacy-underway-as-china-pushes-bri-248876">development of Nepal</a>. The Neighbourhood first has remained the priority of our government. Enhancing cross border connectivity is the primary component of this," PM Modi said.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nepal-seeks-indias-help-to-strengthen-its-hydropower-sector-250266">Nepal seeks India's help to strengthen its hydropower sector</a>

The Prime Minister said that India is committed to simplifying and easing traffic with all friendly countries in the neighborhood and to further facilitate contacts between us in areas such as business, culture, education, among other areas.

"Integrated check posts at major border points between our countries are greatly facilitating mutual trade and movement," Modi said.

The check post has been built with India's assistance in a bid to facilitate trade and people's movement between two countries, PMO India had said in a tweet. This is the second ICP on the Nepal border. The first was built at the Raxaul-Birgunj border in 2018.

India has remained a credible partner in the all-round development of Nepal and the two countries are working on several cross-border connectivity projects such as road, rail, and transmission lines, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday as he jointly inaugurated with his Nepalese counterpart KP Sharma Oli the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Jogbani-Biratnagar [ Prime Minister Narendra Modi (Courtesy: ANI) ] "India has always played the role of a credible partner in the all-round development of Nepal.

India has remained a credible partner in the all-round development of Nepal and the two countries are working on several cross-border connectivity projects such as road, rail, and transmission lines, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday as he jointly inaugurated with his Nepalese counterpart KP Sharma Oli the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Jogbani-Biratnagar [ Prime Minister Narendra Modi (Courtesy: ANI) ] "India has always played the role of a credible partner in the all-round development of Nepal. The Neighbourhood first has remained the priority of our government. Enhancing cross border connectivity is the primary component of this," PM Modi said. Also Read: Nepal seeks India's help to strengthen its hydropower sector The Prime Minister said that India is committed to simplifying and easing traffic with all friendly countries in the neighborhood and to further facilitate contacts between us in areas such as business, culture, education, among other areas. "Integrated check posts at major border points between our countries are greatly facilitating mutual trade and movement," Modi said. The check post has been built with India's assistance in a bid to facilitate trade and people's movement between two countries, PMO India had said in a tweet. This is the second ICP on the Nepal border. The first was built at the Raxaul-Birgunj border in 2018.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Jogbani-Biratnagar

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Nepali counterpart KP Sharma Oli will on Tuesday jointly inaugurate the second Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Jogbani-Biratnagar, built with Indian assistance to facilitate trade and people's movement.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Boosting friendship with Nepal. Watch. <a href="https://t.co/tVLuJcCMcO">https://t.co/tVLuJcCMcO</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1219496394068611072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The Prime Minister's Office here had on Monday said that the two Prime <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-nepalese-counterpart-kp-oli-jointly-inaugurates-cross-border-pipeline-248759">Ministers will jointly inaugurate</a> the Integrated Check-Post (ICP) at Jogbani-Biratnagar border <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/pm-modi%27s-nepal-visit-to-focus-on-faith-diplomacy--135958">between the two countries</a> on Tuesday.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pm-narendra-modi-to-visit-nepal-to-rebuild-india-nepal-ties--135918">PM Narendra Modi to visit Nepal to rebuild India-Nepal ties</a>

<img alt="Narendra Modi, KP Sharma Oli" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2f033d54-154a-44b7-941c-3da0f554958d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2813%29_8.jpg" /> 
[ Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Nepal PM KP Sharma Oli (Courtesy: ANI) ]

The check post has been built with India's assistance in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/pm-modi-has-changed-tack-cooperated-closely-with-nepal-178364">a bid to facilitate trade</a> and people's movement between two countries, PMO India had said in a tweet. 
This is the second ICP on the Nepal border. The first was built at the Raxaul-Birgunj border in 2018.

Both Prime Ministers will also witness the remarkable progress in Indian government-assisted post-earthquake housing reconstruction projects in Nepal. The Indian government had committed to building as many as 50,000 houses in Gorkha and Nuwakot districts, of which 45,000 have already been built.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Nepali counterpart KP Sharma Oli will on Tuesday jointly inaugurate the second Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Jogbani-Biratnagar, built with Indian assistance to facilitate trade and people's movement.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Nepali counterpart KP Sharma Oli will on Tuesday jointly inaugurate the second Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Jogbani-Biratnagar, built with Indian assistance to facilitate trade and people's movement. Boosting friendship with Nepal. Watch. https://t.co/tVLuJcCMcO — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 21, 2020 × The Prime Minister's Office here had on Monday said that the two Prime Ministers will jointly inaugurate the Integrated Check-Post (ICP) at Jogbani-Biratnagar border between the two countries on Tuesday. Also Read: PM Narendra Modi to visit Nepal to rebuild India-Nepal ties [ Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Nepal PM KP Sharma Oli (Courtesy: ANI) ] The check post has been built with India's assistance in a bid to facilitate trade and people's movement between two countries, PMO India had said in a tweet. This is the second ICP on the Nepal border. The first was built at the Raxaul-Birgunj border in 2018. Both Prime Ministers will also witness the remarkable progress in Indian government-assisted post-earthquake housing reconstruction projects in Nepal. The Indian government had committed to building as many as 50,000 houses in Gorkha and Nuwakot districts, of which 45,000 have already been built.

Modi, Oli to jointly inaugurate Jogbani-Biratnagar check post today

In a rare display of displeasure Prime Minister Narendra Modi hit out at the media without naming the word per se. He did not even mention the issues in detail but was quick to use the Hindi word ‘madhyam’. Prime Minister said that BJP workers should not expect the version of the government to be represented by the 'madhyam' and asked them to bypass the 'madhyam' and directly connect with its electoral base. Prime Minister also took a dig at the Opposition by saying that people without political capital are trying to malign the government. Though Prime Minister did not specify the issue, but government has been under exceeding attack on the issue of Citizenship Amendment Act and slowdown in the economy.

BJP has been the pioneer in using social media techniques for electoral and political purposes. Other Opposition parties continue to be way behind BJP when it comes to constant communication with its electoral constituency. Prime Minister’s direction to the workers to have a direct connection with the people on important issues is a strong message in this direction.

Media baiting is not new in the world of politics. Heavyweight global leaders like US President Donald Trump to Russia’s Vladimir Putin have taken a strong position against the mainstream media which is labelled as liberal, and hence, opposed to their political vision. In this case, the attack was not direct. In the past, even Rahul Gandhi and other leaders of regional parties have been taking jibe against the mainstream media, asking them to take a strong position against the ruling dispensation. Social media accounts supported by various parties have attacked mainstream media of either being lame or liberal.

Media bashing by every political party in both India and abroad, reflects a growing public trend of politics becoming illiberal in nature. BJP has a huge mandate in Lok Sabha and it came back with an increased number in 2019. Despite a huge mandate, there is a feeling within the govt that the Opposition has not reconciled to its defeat.

Same are the concerns reflected by Donald Trump who continues to face Opposition from various institutions of the US government. Despite getting CAA passed in Lok Sabha, BJP too faces street protests throughout India supported by civil society activists and Opposition leaders quietly. This issue has led to a lockdown in a conversation between the Opposition and the government which refuses to back down on the issue. Whatever may be the outcome, the ultimate loser is the mainstream media which is getting caught between political crossfire that gets personal and highly accentuated through social media. 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

In a rare display of displeasure Prime Minister Narendra Modi hit out at the media without naming the word per se. He did not even mention the issues in detail but was quick to use the Hindi word ‘madhyam’.

In a rare display of displeasure Prime Minister Narendra Modi hit out at the media without naming the word per se. He did not even mention the issues in detail but was quick to use the Hindi word ‘madhyam’. Prime Minister said that BJP workers should not expect the version of the government to be represented by the 'madhyam' and asked them to bypass the 'madhyam' and directly connect with its electoral base. Prime Minister also took a dig at the Opposition by saying that people without political capital are trying to malign the government. Though Prime Minister did not specify the issue, but government has been under exceeding attack on the issue of Citizenship Amendment Act and slowdown in the economy. BJP has been the pioneer in using social media techniques for electoral and political purposes. Other Opposition parties continue to be way behind BJP when it comes to constant communication with its electoral constituency. Prime Minister’s direction to the workers to have a direct connection with the people on important issues is a strong message in this direction. Media baiting is not new in the world of politics. Heavyweight global leaders like US President Donald Trump to Russia’s Vladimir Putin have taken a strong position against the mainstream media which is labelled as liberal, and hence, opposed to their political vision. In this case, the attack was not direct. In the past, even Rahul Gandhi and other leaders of regional parties have been taking jibe against the mainstream media, asking them to take a strong position against the ruling dispensation. Social media accounts supported by various parties have attacked mainstream media of either being lame or liberal. Media bashing by every political party in both India and abroad, reflects a growing public trend of politics becoming illiberal in nature. BJP has a huge mandate in Lok Sabha and it came back with an increased number in 2019. Despite a huge mandate, there is a feeling within the govt that the Opposition has not reconciled to its defeat. Same are the concerns reflected by Donald Trump who continues to face Opposition from various institutions of the US government. Despite getting CAA passed in Lok Sabha, BJP too faces street protests throughout India supported by civil society activists and Opposition leaders quietly. This issue has led to a lockdown in a conversation between the Opposition and the government which refuses to back down on the issue. Whatever may be the outcome, the ultimate loser is the mainstream media which is getting caught between political crossfire that gets personal and highly accentuated through social media. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

'Madhyam' becomes the victim: Media and strongmen of global politics

As part of his four-day visit, President Jair Bolsonaro will arrive in India on Friday.

According to reports, besides participating in the Republic Day celebrations as the chief guest, Bolsonaro's trip will also focus on boosting trade ties with India.

This will be his first visit to India since assuming power in 2018. He will&nbsp;be accompanied by seven ministers, top officials and a large business delegation.

"This visit is expected to further enhance and strengthen the multi-faceted ties between India-Brazil," the External Affairs Ministry said while announcing Bolsonaro's state visit to India.

A former army captain, Bolsonaro won a landslide victory in Brazil's presidential election in October 2018 and took the reins of the country in January last year.

The last presidential visit from Brazil was by President Michel Temer in October 2016 on the sidelines of the eighth BRICS summit in Goa. Modi visited Brazil in November to attend the XI BRICS Summit.

Brazilian presidents have graced the Republic Day Parade in 1996 and 2004.

India-Brazil ties have been on an upswing in the last few years.

The volume of bilateral trade was $8.2 billion in 2018-19. This included $3.8 billion worth of Indian exports to Brazil and $4.4 million as imports by India. Both the governments feel there is huge potential to enhance the bilateral trade further.

Indian investments in Brazil were around $6 billion and Brazilian investments in India are estimated at USD 1 billion in 2018.

Brazilian investments in India are mainly in automobiles, IT, mining, energy and biofuels sectors. India has invested in Brazil's IT, pharmaceutical, energy, agri-business, mining and engineering sectors.

Bilateral ties were elevated to a strategic partnership in 2006, heralding a new phase in India-Brazil relations.

"The relations are strong not only at the bilateral level, but also at plurilateral fora such as BRICS, IBSA, G-20 and in multilateral bodies particularly the UN," the MEA said.

Both the countries are also strong contenders for permanent membership of the UN Security Council.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

As part of his four-day visit, President Jair Bolsonaro will arrive in India on Friday. According to reports, besides participating in the Republic Day celebrations as the chief guest, Bolsonaro's trip will also focus on boosting trade ties with India.

As part of his four-day visit, President Jair Bolsonaro will arrive in India on Friday. According to reports, besides participating in the Republic Day celebrations as the chief guest, Bolsonaro's trip will also focus on boosting trade ties with India. This will be his first visit to India since assuming power in 2018. He will be accompanied by seven ministers, top officials and a large business delegation. "This visit is expected to further enhance and strengthen the multi-faceted ties between India-Brazil," the External Affairs Ministry said while announcing Bolsonaro's state visit to India. A former army captain, Bolsonaro won a landslide victory in Brazil's presidential election in October 2018 and took the reins of the country in January last year. The last presidential visit from Brazil was by President Michel Temer in October 2016 on the sidelines of the eighth BRICS summit in Goa. Modi visited Brazil in November to attend the XI BRICS Summit. Brazilian presidents have graced the Republic Day Parade in 1996 and 2004. India-Brazil ties have been on an upswing in the last few years. The volume of bilateral trade was $8.2 billion in 2018-19. This included $3.8 billion worth of Indian exports to Brazil and $4.4 million as imports by India. Both the governments feel there is huge potential to enhance the bilateral trade further. Indian investments in Brazil were around $6 billion and Brazilian investments in India are estimated at USD 1 billion in 2018. Brazilian investments in India are mainly in automobiles, IT, mining, energy and biofuels sectors. India has invested in Brazil's IT, pharmaceutical, energy, agri-business, mining and engineering sectors. Bilateral ties were elevated to a strategic partnership in 2006, heralding a new phase in India-Brazil relations. "The relations are strong not only at the bilateral level, but also at plurilateral fora such as BRICS, IBSA, G-20 and in multilateral bodies particularly the UN," the MEA said. Both the countries are also strong contenders for permanent membership of the UN Security Council. (With inputs from agencies)

With focus on trade, Brazillian President Jair Bolsonaro to arrive in India on Friday

Amid the countrywide protests against Citizenship Amendment Act, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday took a jibe at oppoisition as he said parties discarded by people in elections are left with one weapon and that is to "spead misinformation".

Amid the countrywide protests against Citizenship Amendment Act, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday took a jibe at oppoisition as he said parties discarded by people in elections are left with one weapon and that is to "spead misinformation". "There are people who dislike the principles which guide us. Our problems aren't because we're doing something wrong, it's because people of this country are blessing us. Those rejected by the public in elections are left with very few weapons, one of them is, spread misinformation," PM Modi said. PM Modi was speaking at the facilitation programme at the BJP office in Delhi after senior leader JP Nadda was elected as unopposed national president of the party, replacing Amit Shah. Protests broke out in different parts of the country against and in support of CAA which grants citizenship to Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Parsis, Buddhists and Christians fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh and who came to India on or before December 31, 2014. The Act came into effect on January 10 despite the protests which are still underway in many parts of the country. The Bill was passed by Lok Sabha on December 10, 2019. A day before, it was introduced in Lok Sabha, and a day later it was passed in Rajya Sabha. Earlier this month also, PM Modi had hit out at the Opposition, as he accued them of playing political games over the amended Citizenship law and asserted that the act is about giving citizenship rights, not taking them away. "I repeat again, Citizenship act is not to revoke anyone's citizenship, but it is to give citizenship. After independence, Mahatma Gandhi ji and other big leaders of the time all believed that India should give citizenship to persecuted religious minorities of Pakistan," he had said.

Parties 'rejected by people' are spreading 'misinformation': PM Modi amid Citizenship Act protests

Setting the example of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-expect-chandrayaan-3-to-be-a-success-isro-chief-k-sivan-to-wion-274078">Chandrayaan-2</a> launch, Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pariksha-pe-charcha-30-will-take-place-today-at-talkatora-stadium-new-delhi-275365">Narendra Modi </a>on Monday exhorted the students of the nation to never be disheartened by the setbacks in life as ''every failure is a step towards success.''

In his address at the third edition of '<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-interact-with-students-teachers-on-monday-275334">Pariksha Pe Charcha 2020</a>' programme, the Prime Minister revealed that he was advised to not go to the Chandrayaan 2 launch as it did not have an absolute guarantee of success, but he felt he needed to be there for motivation.

"Motivation and demotivation are very common in life. Everyone goes through these feelings. In this regard, I can never forget my visit to ISRO during Chandrayaan 2," PM Modi said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/new-lunar-mission-chandrayaan-3-to-launch-in-november-2020-isro-271367">India to launch Chandrayaan-3 in November 2020: ISRO&nbsp;chief K Sivan</a>

"Some people had told me not to attend the launch event saying 'there is no surety, what if it fails'. I told them that is the reason I must be there," he said.

"A temporary setback doesn't mean success is not waiting. In fact, a setback may mean the best is yet to come," Modi added.

The Prime Minister was responding to a question by a student on what to do if the board exams put the students' mood off.

Expanding on the same, PM Modi recalled an incident from the cricketing world, when a stunning partnership of 386 runs between former Indian cricketers <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/rahul-dravid-turns-47-lets-re-live-the-era-of-the-wall-273568">Rahul Dravid</a> and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/anil-kumble-perfect-candidate-to-become-national-selector-says-virender-sehwag-244626">Anil Kumble</a> against Australia saved the sinking Indian side in the second innings.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/rahul-dravid-turns-47-lets-re-live-the-era-of-the-wall-273568">Rahul Dravid turns 47: Let's re-live the era of 'The Wall</a>

The Prime Minister began his address by describing 'Pariksha Pe Charcha' as a programme which is much closer to his heart than any other.

"As Prime Minister, one gets to attend numerous types of programme. Each of them provides a new set of experiences. But, if someone asks me what is that one programme that touches your heart the most, I would say it is this one."

Modi displayed his grasp on social media and said he wants his 'Pariksha Pe Charcha' interaction with students to be without any filter, a terminology often used on platforms to denote unedited posts and candid conversations.

"We start our conversation. Today's trend is #withoutfilter. We will have talk like you (students) talk to your friends. We will talk in a light <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/tiger-shroff-rahul-bose-raise-environmental-societal-issues-in-mumbai-marathon-275225">environment</a>," Modi said, adding, "We may even make mistakes. And, in my case, if I make a mistake the friends in the media will love it too".

During his interaction, the Prime Minister pitched for the Central government's 'Make in India' initiative, asking students to do their bid in strengthening the country's economy by buying Indian-made products.

"Can we decide that by 2022 when the nation would mark 75 years of independence we will all buy everything that's India made? We will promote 'Make In India'. This will help our economy. This will strengthen our country," Modi said.

"There are a lot of things that we as citizens can do for the development of our country. We shouldn't let water flow needlessly. We mustn't use electricity more than we need," he added.

The Prime Minister said that he hopes that the young generation would take it upon themselves to act on some of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/citizenship-not-just-about-rights-but-duties-towards-society-too-cji-bobde-275191">Fundamental Duties</a> enshrined in the Constitution.

"Today, I am talking to students who would be playing a key role in India's development in 2047, when we mark a hundred years since independence. I hope this generation takes it upon themselves to act on some of the Fundamental Duties enshrined in our <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/hope-constitution-day-reinforces-obligation-towards-upholding-constitutional-ideas-values-pm-modi-264190">Constitution</a>," Modi said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/hope-constitution-day-reinforces-obligation-towards-upholding-constitutional-ideas-values-pm-modi-264190">Hope 'Constitution Day' reinforces obligation towards upholding constitutional ideas, values: PM Modi</a>

Modi further underscored the importance of extra-curricular activities for students, but at the same time cautioned the parents to not let the passion of students become a mere "fashion statement" for them, remarking "extra-curricular activities needn't be glamour-driven".

"Not pursuing co-curricular activities can make a person like a robot. Yes, this would require better time management. Today opportunities are many and I hope youngsters make use of them," Modi told students during 'Pariksha Pe Charcha 2020' event.

"What is not good is when the passion of the children becomes fashion statements for parents. Extra-curricular activities needn't be glamour driven. Let each child pursue what he or she likes,' he said.

The Prime Minister encouraged students to have a 'gadget-free' hour every day. "These days there is a common sight: Four members of a family are seated but each of them is on the phone. Can we think of a technology-free hour? Or, mark a space where no technology is permitted. This way, we won't get distracted by technology," he said.

Modi urged parents to not pressurise students over examinations as opportunities have now developed immensely. "Today, the world has changed a lot. The opportunities have developed immensely. The marks are not life anymore. Neither is any examination. These are just steps. First and foremost, we must accept this as a key step, but this isn't our life."

"There is an environment created that says that we should get marks first, and everything else should be done later. Parents want to motivate their kids... I will urge parents not to tell children that exams are everything," Modi explained.

Setting the example of the Chandrayaan-2 launch, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday exhorted the students of the nation to never be disheartened by the setbacks in life as ''every failure is a step towards success.

Setting the example of the Chandrayaan-2 launch, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday exhorted the students of the nation to never be disheartened by the setbacks in life as ''every failure is a step towards success.'' In his address at the third edition of 'Pariksha Pe Charcha 2020' programme, the Prime Minister revealed that he was advised to not go to the Chandrayaan 2 launch as it did not have an absolute guarantee of success, but he felt he needed to be there for motivation. "Motivation and demotivation are very common in life. Everyone goes through these feelings. In this regard, I can never forget my visit to ISRO during Chandrayaan 2," PM Modi said. Also read: India to launch Chandrayaan-3 in November 2020: ISRO chief K Sivan "Some people had told me not to attend the launch event saying 'there is no surety, what if it fails'. I told them that is the reason I must be there," he said. "A temporary setback doesn't mean success is not waiting. In fact, a setback may mean the best is yet to come," Modi added. The Prime Minister was responding to a question by a student on what to do if the board exams put the students' mood off. Expanding on the same, PM Modi recalled an incident from the cricketing world, when a stunning partnership of 386 runs between former Indian cricketers Rahul Dravid and Anil Kumble against Australia saved the sinking Indian side in the second innings. Also see: Rahul Dravid turns 47: Let's re-live the era of 'The Wall The Prime Minister began his address by describing 'Pariksha Pe Charcha' as a programme which is much closer to his heart than any other. "As Prime Minister, one gets to attend numerous types of programme. Each of them provides a new set of experiences. But, if someone asks me what is that one programme that touches your heart the most, I would say it is this one." Modi displayed his grasp on social media and said he wants his 'Pariksha Pe Charcha' interaction with students to be without any filter, a terminology often used on platforms to denote unedited posts and candid conversations. "We start our conversation. Today's trend is #withoutfilter. We will have talk like you (students) talk to your friends. We will talk in a light environment," Modi said, adding, "We may even make mistakes. And, in my case, if I make a mistake the friends in the media will love it too". During his interaction, the Prime Minister pitched for the Central government's 'Make in India' initiative, asking students to do their bid in strengthening the country's economy by buying Indian-made products. "Can we decide that by 2022 when the nation would mark 75 years of independence we will all buy everything that's India made? We will promote 'Make In India'. This will help our economy. This will strengthen our country," Modi said. "There are a lot of things that we as citizens can do for the development of our country. We shouldn't let water flow needlessly. We mustn't use electricity more than we need," he added. The Prime Minister said that he hopes that the young generation would take it upon themselves to act on some of the Fundamental Duties enshrined in the Constitution. "Today, I am talking to students who would be playing a key role in India's development in 2047, when we mark a hundred years since independence. I hope this generation takes it upon themselves to act on some of the Fundamental Duties enshrined in our Constitution," Modi said. Also read: Hope 'Constitution Day' reinforces obligation towards upholding constitutional ideas, values: PM Modi Modi further underscored the importance of extra-curricular activities for students, but at the same time cautioned the parents to not let the passion of students become a mere "fashion statement" for them, remarking "extra-curricular activities needn't be glamour-driven". "Not pursuing co-curricular activities can make a person like a robot. Yes, this would require better time management. Today opportunities are many and I hope youngsters make use of them," Modi told students during 'Pariksha Pe Charcha 2020' event. "What is not good is when the passion of the children becomes fashion statements for parents. Extra-curricular activities needn't be glamour driven. Let each child pursue what he or she likes,' he said. The Prime Minister encouraged students to have a 'gadget-free' hour every day. "These days there is a common sight: Four members of a family are seated but each of them is on the phone. Can we think of a technology-free hour? Or, mark a space where no technology is permitted. This way, we won't get distracted by technology," he said. Modi urged parents to not pressurise students over examinations as opportunities have now developed immensely. "Today, the world has changed a lot. The opportunities have developed immensely. The marks are not life anymore. Neither is any examination. These are just steps. First and foremost, we must accept this as a key step, but this isn't our life." "There is an environment created that says that we should get marks first, and everything else should be done later. Parents want to motivate their kids... I will urge parents not to tell children that exams are everything," Modi explained.

Recalling Chandrayaan-2 launch, PM Modi tells students 'every failure is a step towards success'

Ahead of the nomination process for the election of BJP national president, senior leaders including <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/not-one-bullet-fired-situation-in-kashmir-normal-amit-shah-267372">Amit Shah</a>, Rajnath Singh and Nitin Gadkari on Monday reached the party headquarters here at Deen Dayal Upadhyay Marg.

Union Ministers, Chief Ministers from BJP-ruled states, including Uttar Pradesh CM <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/niti-aayog-praises-yogi-government-for-kumbh-mela-arrangements-265276">Yogi Adityanath</a> and Goa CM Pramod Sawant, leaders, state chiefs and general secretaries are also present there.

As per the party sources, BJP working president Jagat Prakash Nadda is set to be the party chief and would be elected unopposed. Nadda will also file his nomination today.

A former Himachal Pradesh minister, Nadda has the organisational experience and became party's working president in June 2019 after the ruling party swept the Lok Sabha elections.

Nadda will replace Shah who is currently serving as Union Home Minister in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pariksha-pe-charcha-30-will-take-place-today-at-talkatora-stadium-new-delhi-275365">Narendra Modi</a> cabinet and had been serving as party chief till now.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will felicitate the newly elected BJP president later today at the party headquarters.

Speaking about the election process, BJP leader Dushyant Gautam said: "If there will be a single nomination then the name of the new BJP national president will be announced today itself. But in case, there will be two nominations, then the election process will be conducted tomorrow."

Ahead of the nomination process for the election of BJP national president, senior leaders including Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh and Nitin Gadkari on Monday reached the party headquarters here at Deen Dayal Upadhyay Marg.

Ahead of the nomination process for the election of BJP national president, senior leaders including Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh and Nitin Gadkari on Monday reached the party headquarters here at Deen Dayal Upadhyay Marg. Union Ministers, Chief Ministers from BJP-ruled states, including Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath and Goa CM Pramod Sawant, leaders, state chiefs and general secretaries are also present there. As per the party sources, BJP working president Jagat Prakash Nadda is set to be the party chief and would be elected unopposed. Nadda will also file his nomination today. A former Himachal Pradesh minister, Nadda has the organisational experience and became party's working president in June 2019 after the ruling party swept the Lok Sabha elections. Nadda will replace Shah who is currently serving as Union Home Minister in the Narendra Modi cabinet and had been serving as party chief till now. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will felicitate the newly elected BJP president later today at the party headquarters. Speaking about the election process, BJP leader Dushyant Gautam said: "If there will be a single nomination then the name of the new BJP national president will be announced today itself. But in case, there will be two nominations, then the election process will be conducted tomorrow."

BJP top leadership reaches party headquarters in Delhi ahead of nomination process for national president

During his 'Pariksha Pe Charcha 2020'&nbsp;programme, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will interact with students, teachers and parents on Monday to share valuable tips with them to ensure that they beat the exam stress.

Around 2,000 students are participating from all over India in 'Pariksha Pe Charcha 2020'&nbsp;programme held at Talkatora Stadium, New Delhi.

"The third edition of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Town Hall interaction programme Pariksha Pe Charcha 2020 with students from India and abroad to beat exam stress will be held tomorrow at 11 am&nbsp;at Talkatora Stadium, New Delhi. Around 2,000 students are participating from all over India in Pariksha Pe Charcha 2020," read a government release.

"The HRD Ministry in partnership with MyGov launched a 'short essay'&nbsp;competition on five different themes for students of classes 9 to 12 for the third edition of Prime Ministers Interaction Programme "ParikshaPeCharcha 2020", it added.

Among all the students attending the event, 1,050 students have been selected through an essay competition.

"To make this programme more student-centric, first-time students will moderate the one-hour long program of Prime Minister. This year, four Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS) schools students will conduct the programme," it read.&nbsp;

During his 'Pariksha Pe Charcha 2020' programme, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will interact with students, teachers and parents on Monday to share valuable tips with them to ensure that they beat the exam stress.

During his 'Pariksha Pe Charcha 2020' programme, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will interact with students, teachers and parents on Monday to share valuable tips with them to ensure that they beat the exam stress. Around 2,000 students are participating from all over India in 'Pariksha Pe Charcha 2020' programme held at Talkatora Stadium, New Delhi. "The third edition of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Town Hall interaction programme Pariksha Pe Charcha 2020 with students from India and abroad to beat exam stress will be held tomorrow at 11 am at Talkatora Stadium, New Delhi. Around 2,000 students are participating from all over India in Pariksha Pe Charcha 2020," read a government release. "The HRD Ministry in partnership with MyGov launched a 'short essay' competition on five different themes for students of classes 9 to 12 for the third edition of Prime Ministers Interaction Programme "ParikshaPeCharcha 2020", it added. Among all the students attending the event, 1,050 students have been selected through an essay competition. "To make this programme more student-centric, first-time students will moderate the one-hour long program of Prime Minister. This year, four Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS) schools students will conduct the programme," it read.

PM Modi to interact with students, teachers on Monday

RJD national president <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-election-result-2019-in-a-first-lalu-prasad-yadav-led-rjd-draw-a-blank-in-bihar-221152">Lalu Prasad Yadav</a> on Wednesday said that Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is an expert in changing colours and his party supported a law, which will take away the citizenship of the people.

"Palturam (Nitish Kumar) is an expert in changing colours. On the one hand, he backstabbed the people. On the other hand, his party supported the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-votes-in-favour-of-introduction-of-citizenship-amendment-bill-267153">Citizenship Amendment Bill</a> in Parliament. People, whose parents are illiterate and do not have any property listed in their name, will not be considered citizens because of this law," Yadav tweeted today.

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कल रात गया ज़िला के शांति बाग में <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CAA_NRC_NPR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CAA_NRC_NPR</a> के ग़रीब विरोधी काले क़ानून के खिलाफ 18 दिन से चल रहे अनिश्चितकालीन धरने को संबोधित किया। <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CAA_NRC_Protests?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CAA_NRC_Protests</a> <a href="https://t.co/bhZh1tZjBu">pic.twitter.com/bhZh1tZjBu</a>
— Tejashwi Yadav (@yadavtejashwi) <a href="https://twitter.com/yadavtejashwi/status/1217289195338657792?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Leader of Opposition in Bihar Legislative Council Rabri Devi also said that Nitish Kumar is fooling the public on CAA and the people have made up their mind to trample his doublespeak.

"The whole country is burning in the fire of CAA, NRC and NPR. Nitish Ji is fooling the public on this issue. On the one hand, his party supported the Citizenship Amendment Bill in Parliament. On the other hand, he is saying that he will not implement <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/nrc-row-assamese-cant-be-allowed-to-become-a-minority-in-their-own-land-246694">NRC</a>. The public know everything and have made up their minds to trample his doublespeak," Rabri tweeted.

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समुचा देश CAA,NRC,NPR के ज्वाला में जल रहल बा बाकी नीतीश जी झुठों के जनता के बेवकूफ बनावे रहल बा। एक ओर सदन में एह बिल के समर्थन करता अउरू दूसर ओर बिल के लागू ना होखे के बात कहता। 
 
ई केकरा के मूर्ख बनावतारन।जनता सब जानता। ईन कर दूधारी तलवार के कुन्द करे के विचार जनता बना लेले बा।
— Rabri Devi (@RabriDeviRJD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RabriDeviRJD/status/1217401947344392192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Bihar Chief Minister Kumar on January 13 said that there is no question of implementing the National Registers of Citizens (NRC) in the state and asserted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has clarified his stance on the exercise.

"No question of NRC in Bihar. It was in discussions only in the context of Assam. Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/narendra-modi-20-would-propel-affordable-housing-in-india-224832">Narendra Modi</a> has also clarified it," Kumar had said in the state assembly.

RJD national president Lalu Prasad Yadav on Wednesday said that Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is an expert in changing colours and his party supported a law, which will take away the citizenship of the people.

RJD national president Lalu Prasad Yadav on Wednesday said that Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is an expert in changing colours and his party supported a law, which will take away the citizenship of the people. "Palturam (Nitish Kumar) is an expert in changing colours. On the one hand, he backstabbed the people. On the other hand, his party supported the Citizenship Amendment Bill in Parliament. People, whose parents are illiterate and do not have any property listed in their name, will not be considered citizens because of this law," Yadav tweeted today. कल रात गया ज़िला के शांति बाग में #CAA_NRC_NPR के ग़रीब विरोधी काले क़ानून के खिलाफ 18 दिन से चल रहे अनिश्चितकालीन धरने को संबोधित किया। #CAA_NRC_Protests pic.twitter.com/bhZh1tZjBu — Tejashwi Yadav (@yadavtejashwi) January 15, 2020 × Leader of Opposition in Bihar Legislative Council Rabri Devi also said that Nitish Kumar is fooling the public on CAA and the people have made up their mind to trample his doublespeak. "The whole country is burning in the fire of CAA, NRC and NPR. Nitish Ji is fooling the public on this issue. On the one hand, his party supported the Citizenship Amendment Bill in Parliament. On the other hand, he is saying that he will not implement NRC. The public know everything and have made up their minds to trample his doublespeak," Rabri tweeted. समुचा देश CAA,NRC,NPR के ज्वाला में जल रहल बा बाकी नीतीश जी झुठों के जनता के बेवकूफ बनावे रहल बा। एक ओर सदन में एह बिल के समर्थन करता अउरू दूसर ओर बिल के लागू ना होखे के बात कहता। ई केकरा के मूर्ख बनावतारन।जनता सब जानता। ईन कर दूधारी तलवार के कुन्द करे के विचार जनता बना लेले बा। — Rabri Devi (@RabriDeviRJD) January 15, 2020 × Bihar Chief Minister Kumar on January 13 said that there is no question of implementing the National Registers of Citizens (NRC) in the state and asserted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has clarified his stance on the exercise. "No question of NRC in Bihar. It was in discussions only in the context of Assam. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also clarified it," Kumar had said in the state assembly.

Nitish Kumar supported law which will take away citizenship of people: Lalu Prasad Yadav

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/donald-trump-considering-a-visit-to-india-sources-274193">US President Donald Trump</a>'s shaky grasp of geography includes not knowing that India shares a border with China, according to a new book by a pair of reporters for The Washington Post.

The book, "A Very Stable Genius" by Philip Rucker and Carol Leonnig, highlights episodes of volatile behaviour by the president along with his ignorance of basic geography and history.

"It's not like you've got China on your border," the authors quoted Trump as telling Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a meeting between the two leaders.

India and China share a border and the two countries went to war in 1962 over a disputed Himalayan section of the frontier.

Following Trump's border comment and seeming dismissal of the threat China poses to India, "Modi's eyes bulged out in surprise," according to the book, excerpts of which were published in the Post on Wednesday.

"Modi's expression gradually shifted, from shock and concern to resignation," it said.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-donald-trumps-impeachment-what-happens-next-274216">US President Donald Trump's impeachment - What happens next</a>

After the meeting, "the Indians took a step back" in their diplomatic relations with the United States, a Trump aide told the authors.

The book also recounts a tour by Trump of a memorial for the USS Arizona, a US warship that was sunk by Japanese planes in the December 7, 1941 surprise attack on Pearl Harbour.

"Hey, John, what's this all about? What's this a tour of?" Trump is quoted as asking his then-chief of staff John Kelly.

"Trump had heard the phrase 'Pearl Harbor' and appeared to understand that he was visiting the scene of a historic battle, but he did not seem to know much else," the book said.

"He was at times dangerously uninformed," the book quotes a former senior White House adviser as saying.

The book said Trump lobbied then secretary of state Rex Tillerson in 2017 to help get rid of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act which prevents US firms from bribing foreign officials for business deals.

"It's just so unfair that American companies aren't allowed to pay bribes to get business overseas," Trump is quoted as saying. "We're going to change that."

The book also recounts an exchange between Trump and Anthony Scaramucci, who served briefly as White House communications director and is now a fierce critic of the president.

Scaramucci said he once asked Trump, "Are you an act?"

"I'm a total act and I don't understand why people don't get it," Trump reportedly replied.

US President Donald Trump's shaky grasp of geography includes not knowing that India shares a border with China, according to a new book by a pair of reporters for The Washington Post.

US President Donald Trump's shaky grasp of geography includes not knowing that India shares a border with China, according to a new book by a pair of reporters for The Washington Post. The book, "A Very Stable Genius" by Philip Rucker and Carol Leonnig, highlights episodes of volatile behaviour by the president along with his ignorance of basic geography and history. "It's not like you've got China on your border," the authors quoted Trump as telling Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a meeting between the two leaders. India and China share a border and the two countries went to war in 1962 over a disputed Himalayan section of the frontier. Following Trump's border comment and seeming dismissal of the threat China poses to India, "Modi's eyes bulged out in surprise," according to the book, excerpts of which were published in the Post on Wednesday. "Modi's expression gradually shifted, from shock and concern to resignation," it said. Also read: US President Donald Trump's impeachment - What happens next After the meeting, "the Indians took a step back" in their diplomatic relations with the United States, a Trump aide told the authors. The book also recounts a tour by Trump of a memorial for the USS Arizona, a US warship that was sunk by Japanese planes in the December 7, 1941 surprise attack on Pearl Harbour. "Hey, John, what's this all about? What's this a tour of?" Trump is quoted as asking his then-chief of staff John Kelly. "Trump had heard the phrase 'Pearl Harbor' and appeared to understand that he was visiting the scene of a historic battle, but he did not seem to know much else," the book said. "He was at times dangerously uninformed," the book quotes a former senior White House adviser as saying. The book said Trump lobbied then secretary of state Rex Tillerson in 2017 to help get rid of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act which prevents US firms from bribing foreign officials for business deals. "It's just so unfair that American companies aren't allowed to pay bribes to get business overseas," Trump is quoted as saying. "We're going to change that." The book also recounts an exchange between Trump and Anthony Scaramucci, who served briefly as White House communications director and is now a fierce critic of the president. Scaramucci said he once asked Trump, "Are you an act?" "I'm a total act and I don't understand why people don't get it," Trump reportedly replied.

It isn't like you've got China on your border: When Trump shocked Modi with his remark

Iranian Foreign Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-foreign-minister-to-visit-iran-saudi-arabia-to-discuss-developments-in-middle-east-273726">Javad Zarif</a> will arrive here on Tuesday on a three-day visit to India amid spiralling tension between the Middle East country and the United States.

Besides addressing the Raisina Dialogue - an annual conference where dignitaries from more than 100 countries across the world will share their views on geopolitics and geoeconomics, climate change, counter-terrorism and other agendas of the next decade - the foreign minister will also pay a courtesy call to Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-and-russias-putin-discuss-regional-global-issues-in-telephonic-conversation-274090">Narendra Modi </a>on Wednesday, January 15.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/shanghai-cooperation-organisation-secretary-general-vladimir-norov-arrives-in-india-on-4-day-visit-to-attend-raisina-dialogue-2020-273757">Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Secretary General Vladimir Norov arrives in India to attend Raisina Dialogue</a>

The visiting dignitary will further deliberate on regional issues with his Indian counterpart S Jaishankar over breakfast on Thursday following which he will emplane for Mumbai to interact with a group of businesses leaders.

During his trip to the country's financial capital, Zarif is also scheduled to call on Chief Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/shiv-sena-welcomes-army-chief-mm-naravanes-remark-over-pok-urges-centre-to-move-ahead-273890">Uddhav Thackeray</a>.

He will conclude his India visit on Friday, according to an official statement.

The visit by the Iranian foreign minister comes at a time when the global attention is focused on the simmering tensions in the Middle East post the killing of Iranian general <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/instagram-censoring-pro-qasem-soleimani-posts-from-the-platform-274004">Qasem Soleimani</a> by a Pentagon-ordered drone attack in Baghdad earlier this month.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="Instagram censoring pro-Qasem Soleimani posts from the platform">Instagram censoring pro-Qasem Soleimani posts from the platform</a>&nbsp;

India has been maintaining that it would like the situation to de-escalate as soon as possible and the country has been in touch with key players including Iran, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uae-lightning-strikes-the-worlds-tallest-building-burj-khalifa-273807">United Arab Emirates</a>, Oman and Qatar as it has important interests in the region.

Last week, Iran launched over a dozen ballistic missiles targeting at least two bases where <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/soleimani-was-probably-planning-to-attack-four-us-embassies-donald-trump-273535">US</a> military and coalition forces' are stationed in Iraq.

Soleimani's killing has led to a dramatic escalation of tension between Tehran and Washington which was already strained after from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), also known as the "Iran nuclear deal," in 2018.

India has strategic interests in the Gulf region which is a key source of its energy security.

Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif will arrive here on Tuesday on a three-day visit to India amid spiralling tension between the Middle East country and the United States.

Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif will arrive here on Tuesday on a three-day visit to India amid spiralling tension between the Middle East country and the United States. Besides addressing the Raisina Dialogue - an annual conference where dignitaries from more than 100 countries across the world will share their views on geopolitics and geoeconomics, climate change, counter-terrorism and other agendas of the next decade - the foreign minister will also pay a courtesy call to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, January 15. Also read: Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Secretary General Vladimir Norov arrives in India to attend Raisina Dialogue The visiting dignitary will further deliberate on regional issues with his Indian counterpart S Jaishankar over breakfast on Thursday following which he will emplane for Mumbai to interact with a group of businesses leaders. During his trip to the country's financial capital, Zarif is also scheduled to call on Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray. He will conclude his India visit on Friday, according to an official statement. The visit by the Iranian foreign minister comes at a time when the global attention is focused on the simmering tensions in the Middle East post the killing of Iranian general Qasem Soleimani by a Pentagon-ordered drone attack in Baghdad earlier this month. Also read: Instagram censoring pro-Qasem Soleimani posts from the platform India has been maintaining that it would like the situation to de-escalate as soon as possible and the country has been in touch with key players including Iran, United Arab Emirates, Oman and Qatar as it has important interests in the region. Last week, Iran launched over a dozen ballistic missiles targeting at least two bases where US military and coalition forces' are stationed in Iraq. Soleimani's killing has led to a dramatic escalation of tension between Tehran and Washington which was already strained after from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), also known as the "Iran nuclear deal," in 2018. India has strategic interests in the Gulf region which is a key source of its energy security.

Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif to arrive in India today on 3-day visit

Congress leader and former Union Finance Minister and senior <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/p-chidambaram-wants-pm-modi-to-have-televised-qa-session-over-caa-with-critics-273880">P Chidambaram</a> on Tuesday hit out at the Centre over the "sliding economy" and said that if unemployment rises and income declines there is the danger of youth exploding in anger.

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The circle of incompetent management is complete. Mr Narendra Modi's government started in July 2014 with CPI inflation at 7.39%. In December 2019 it was 7.35%
— P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) <a href="https://twitter.com/PChidambaram_IN/status/1216903117989564418?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2020</a></blockquote>
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In a series of tweets, the former finance minister said, "The circle of incompetent management is complete. Mr <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-question-of-nrc-in-bihar-pm-has-clarified-his-stand-on-it-nitish-kumar-273931">Narendra Modi's</a> government started in July 2014 with CPI inflation at 7.39 per cent. In December 2019 it was 7.35 per cent."

Taking a jibe at BJP's promise of "Achhe Din", he said, "Food inflation stands at 14.12 per cent. Vegetable prices are up 60 per cent. Onion prices are over Rs 100 per kg. This is the achhe din promised by the BJP."

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The nation is engrossed with the anti-CAA, anti-NPR protests. Both present a clear and present danger. 
 
The sliding economy is an even greater threat to the country. If unemployment rises and incomes decline, there is the danger of youth and students exploding in anger.
— P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) <a href="https://twitter.com/PChidambaram_IN/status/1216903307651735553?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"The nation is engrossed with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-police-arrested-94-persons-for-violence-during-anti-caa-protests-report-274087">anti-CAA</a>, anti-NPR protests. Both present a clear and present danger. The sliding economy is an even greater threat to the country. If unemployment rises and incomes decline, there is the danger of youth and students exploding in anger," he added. 
 
The retail inflation rose to 7.35 per cent in December 2019 compared to 5.54 per cent in the previous month, according to government data released on Monday. 
 
The last month's food inflation was 14.12 per cent as compared to 10.01 per cent in November last year, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/582-of-rural-807-of-urban-households-have-drinking-water-facilities-within-their-homes-national-sample-survey-264253">National Statistical Office</a> data showed. 
 
The data showed retail inflation was at over five-year high mainly due to the rise in the price of vegetables. 
 
The rise in inflation in vegetables was 60.5 per cent, pulses and products 15.44 per cent and meat and fish was 9.57 per cent.

Congress leader and former Union Finance Minister and senior P Chidambaram on Tuesday hit out at the Centre over the "sliding economy" and said that if unemployment rises and income declines there is the danger of youth exploding in anger.

Congress leader and former Union Finance Minister and senior P Chidambaram on Tuesday hit out at the Centre over the "sliding economy" and said that if unemployment rises and income declines there is the danger of youth exploding in anger. The circle of incompetent management is complete. Mr Narendra Modi's government started in July 2014 with CPI inflation at 7.39%. In December 2019 it was 7.35% — P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) January 14, 2020 × In a series of tweets, the former finance minister said, "The circle of incompetent management is complete. Mr Narendra Modi's government started in July 2014 with CPI inflation at 7.39 per cent. In December 2019 it was 7.35 per cent." Taking a jibe at BJP's promise of "Achhe Din", he said, "Food inflation stands at 14.12 per cent. Vegetable prices are up 60 per cent. Onion prices are over Rs 100 per kg. This is the achhe din promised by the BJP." The nation is engrossed with the anti-CAA, anti-NPR protests. Both present a clear and present danger. The sliding economy is an even greater threat to the country. If unemployment rises and incomes decline, there is the danger of youth and students exploding in anger. — P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) January 14, 2020 × "The nation is engrossed with the anti-CAA, anti-NPR protests. Both present a clear and present danger. The sliding economy is an even greater threat to the country. If unemployment rises and incomes decline, there is the danger of youth and students exploding in anger," he added. The retail inflation rose to 7.35 per cent in December 2019 compared to 5.54 per cent in the previous month, according to government data released on Monday. The last month's food inflation was 14.12 per cent as compared to 10.01 per cent in November last year, National Statistical Office data showed. The data showed retail inflation was at over five-year high mainly due to the rise in the price of vegetables. The rise in inflation in vegetables was 60.5 per cent, pulses and products 15.44 per cent and meat and fish was 9.57 per cent.

P Chidambaram attacks Modi govt over 'sliding economy' and unemployment

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar attended the inaugural session of Raisina Dialogue 2020 -- India's annual global conference on geopolitics and geo-economics -- here on Tuesday.

The flagship conference jointly organised by the Ministry of External Affairs and the Observer Research Foundation has been India's contribution to global efforts to discover solutions, identify opportunities and provide stability to a century that has witnessed an eventful two decades.

The three-day conclave will bring together 700 international participants, of which 40 per cent of the speakers will be women, emphasising India`s commitment to gender equality.

Along with the participation of 12 foreign ministers, including the foreign ministers of Russia, Iran, Australia, Maldives, South Africa, Estonia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Hungary, Latvia, Uzbekistan and the European Union, the National Security Adviser (NSA) of Afghanistan, the Deputy NSA of the United States and several other ministers of state will also present their ideas.

The inaugural session of the mega-event today will be addressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while other visiting leaders will also share their views on important challenges facing the world related to globalisation, 2030 agenda, the role of technology in the modern world, climate change and counter-terrorism.

Over the course of two days thereafter (on January15-16), intensive deliberations will take place over 80 sessions around 5 thematic pillars - the nationalist impulses challenging global institutions and collective action, the debate on the global trading architecture, the role of technologies in determining political, economic and military power, the global development agenda and the state-individual relationship in the age of digital communities and cyberspace, according to a statement by the MEA. 
&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar attended the inaugural session of Raisina Dialogue 2020 -- India's annual global conference on geopolitics and geo-economics -- here on Tuesday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar attended the inaugural session of Raisina Dialogue 2020 -- India's annual global conference on geopolitics and geo-economics -- here on Tuesday. The flagship conference jointly organised by the Ministry of External Affairs and the Observer Research Foundation has been India's contribution to global efforts to discover solutions, identify opportunities and provide stability to a century that has witnessed an eventful two decades. The three-day conclave will bring together 700 international participants, of which 40 per cent of the speakers will be women, emphasising India`s commitment to gender equality. Along with the participation of 12 foreign ministers, including the foreign ministers of Russia, Iran, Australia, Maldives, South Africa, Estonia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Hungary, Latvia, Uzbekistan and the European Union, the National Security Adviser (NSA) of Afghanistan, the Deputy NSA of the United States and several other ministers of state will also present their ideas. The inaugural session of the mega-event today will be addressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while other visiting leaders will also share their views on important challenges facing the world related to globalisation, 2030 agenda, the role of technology in the modern world, climate change and counter-terrorism. Over the course of two days thereafter (on January15-16), intensive deliberations will take place over 80 sessions around 5 thematic pillars - the nationalist impulses challenging global institutions and collective action, the debate on the global trading architecture, the role of technologies in determining political, economic and military power, the global development agenda and the state-individual relationship in the age of digital communities and cyberspace, according to a statement by the MEA.

PM Modi, Jaishankar attend inaugural session of Raisina Dialogue 2020

The fifth edition of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/shanghai-cooperation-organisation-secretary-general-vladimir-norov-arrives-in-india-on-4-day-visit-to-attend-raisina-dialogue-2020-273757">Raisina Dialogue</a> 2020, India's annual global conference on geopolitics and geo-economics is set to kick-off here Tuesday with the participation of more than 100 countries.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/shanghai-cooperation-organisation-secretary-general-vladimir-norov-arrives-in-india-on-4-day-visit-to-attend-raisina-dialogue-2020-273757">Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Secretary General Vladimir Norov arrives in India to attend Raisina Dialogue</a>

The flagship conference jointly organised by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/envoys-visit-is-to-see-first-hand-efforts-to-normalise-the-situation-in-kashmir-mea-spokesperson-raveesh-kumar-273208">Ministry of External Affairs</a> and the Observer Research Foundation has been India's contribution to global efforts to discover solutions, identify opportunities and provide stability to a century that has witnessed an eventful two decades.

The three-day conclave will bring together 700 international participants, of which 40 percent of the speakers will be women, emphasising India's commitment to gender equality.

Along with the participation of 12 foreign ministers, including the foreign ministers of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-and-russias-putin-discuss-regional-global-issues-in-telephonic-conversation-274090">Russia</a>, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-hints-at-de-escalating-tensions-with-us-273856">Iran</a>, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-prime-ministers-approval-rating-singed-by-bushfires-273895">Australia</a>, Maldives, South Africa, Estonia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Hungary, Latvia, Uzbekistan and the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-warns-iran-nuclear-deal-may-collapse-273585">European Union</a>, the National Security Adviser (NSA) of Afghanistan, the Deputy NSA of the United States and several other ministers of state will also present their ideas.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-foreign-ministry-rebuffs-misleading-reports-regarding-cancellation-of-ministers-participation-in-raisina-dialogue-273719">Also read: Bangladesh Foreign Ministry rebuffs misleading reports regarding cancellation of Minister's participation in Raisina Dialogue</a>

External Affairs Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/s-jaishankar-meets-sri-lankan-fm-gunawardena-273187">S Jaishankar</a> will share his insights on India's growing&nbsp;role in the world in a session on January 15.

This year's Dialogue titled 'Navigating the Alpha Century' is structured as a multi-stakeholder, cross-sectoral discussion, involving heads of states, cabinet ministers and local government officials as well as major private sector executives, members of the media and academics.

The inaugural session of the mega-event today will be addressed by Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pm-modi-caa-is-not-to-revoke-anyones-citizenship-but-to-give-273711">Narendra Modi</a> where other visiting leaders will share their views on important challenges facing the world related to globalisation, 2030 agenda, role of technology in the modern world, climate change and counter-terrorism.

Over the course of two days thereafter (on January15-16), intensive deliberations will take place over 80 sessions around 5 thematic pillars - the nationalist impulses challenging global institutions and collective action, the debate on the global trading architecture, the role of technologies in determining political, economic and military power, the global development agenda and the state-individual relationship in the age of digital communities and cyberspace, according to a statement by the MEA.

In the short space of five years, the Raisina Dialogue has acquired an enviable global profile uniting the best strategic thinkers of the world.

The synergies and collaborations in the Raisina Dialogue represent India's deliberative ethos, as well as its international credibility and convening power.

The Raisina Dialogue has grown along with India's diplomatic profile and will set the tone for its intensive diplomatic engagement this year. 
The inaugural address was to be delivered by Australian Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/australian-pm-to-visit-india-in-january-calls-india-a-natural-partner-253636">Scott Morrison</a> but he called off his visit in view of the bushfire crisis in his country.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/australian-pm-to-visit-india-in-january-calls-india-a-natural-partner-253636">Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison defers trip to India, Japan as bushfire crisis looms</a>

The fifth edition of the Raisina Dialogue 2020, India's annual global conference on geopolitics and geo-economics is set to kick-off here Tuesday with the participation of more than 100 countries.

The fifth edition of the Raisina Dialogue 2020, India's annual global conference on geopolitics and geo-economics is set to kick-off here Tuesday with the participation of more than 100 countries. Also read: Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Secretary General Vladimir Norov arrives in India to attend Raisina Dialogue The flagship conference jointly organised by the Ministry of External Affairs and the Observer Research Foundation has been India's contribution to global efforts to discover solutions, identify opportunities and provide stability to a century that has witnessed an eventful two decades. The three-day conclave will bring together 700 international participants, of which 40 percent of the speakers will be women, emphasising India's commitment to gender equality. Along with the participation of 12 foreign ministers, including the foreign ministers of Russia, Iran, Australia, Maldives, South Africa, Estonia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Hungary, Latvia, Uzbekistan and the European Union, the National Security Adviser (NSA) of Afghanistan, the Deputy NSA of the United States and several other ministers of state will also present their ideas. Also read: Bangladesh Foreign Ministry rebuffs misleading reports regarding cancellation of Minister's participation in Raisina Dialogue External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will share his insights on India's growing role in the world in a session on January 15. This year's Dialogue titled 'Navigating the Alpha Century' is structured as a multi-stakeholder, cross-sectoral discussion, involving heads of states, cabinet ministers and local government officials as well as major private sector executives, members of the media and academics. The inaugural session of the mega-event today will be addressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi where other visiting leaders will share their views on important challenges facing the world related to globalisation, 2030 agenda, role of technology in the modern world, climate change and counter-terrorism. Over the course of two days thereafter (on January15-16), intensive deliberations will take place over 80 sessions around 5 thematic pillars - the nationalist impulses challenging global institutions and collective action, the debate on the global trading architecture, the role of technologies in determining political, economic and military power, the global development agenda and the state-individual relationship in the age of digital communities and cyberspace, according to a statement by the MEA. In the short space of five years, the Raisina Dialogue has acquired an enviable global profile uniting the best strategic thinkers of the world. The synergies and collaborations in the Raisina Dialogue represent India's deliberative ethos, as well as its international credibility and convening power. The Raisina Dialogue has grown along with India's diplomatic profile and will set the tone for its intensive diplomatic engagement this year. The inaugural address was to be delivered by Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison but he called off his visit in view of the bushfire crisis in his country. Also read: Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison defers trip to India, Japan as bushfire crisis looms

Fifth edition of Raisina Dialogue focusing on geopolitics, geo-economics begins today

US President Donald Trump is considering a visit to India next month, sources close to the matter said on Tuesday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier invited Trump for India's annual Republic Day parade on January 26, but the US officials said it would overlap with the president's State of the Union address.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/memories-from-houston-pm-modi-gifts-framed-photograph-from-howdy-modi-to-trump-251835">'Memories from Houston': PM Modi gifts framed photograph from 'Howdy, Modi' to Trump</a>

If Trump makes it to India, it would be his first visit since he took office three years ago.&nbsp;

"There has been an open invitation for him to visit, both sides are working out the dates," a source said.&nbsp;

Another source said that Trump may come in the second half of February and could visit any other city apart from the national capital Delhi.&nbsp;

Indian foreign ministry has so far not reacted to this news.&nbsp;

(with Reuters inputs)

US President Donald Trump is considering a visit to India next month, sources close to the matter said on Tuesday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier invited Trump for India's annual Republic Day parade on January 26, but the US officials said it would overlap with the president's State of the Union address.

US President Donald Trump is considering a visit to India next month, sources close to the matter said on Tuesday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier invited Trump for India's annual Republic Day parade on January 26, but the US officials said it would overlap with the president's State of the Union address. Also read: 'Memories from Houston': PM Modi gifts framed photograph from 'Howdy, Modi' to Trump If Trump makes it to India, it would be his first visit since he took office three years ago. "There has been an open invitation for him to visit, both sides are working out the dates," a source said. Another source said that Trump may come in the second half of February and could visit any other city apart from the national capital Delhi. Indian foreign ministry has so far not reacted to this news. (with Reuters inputs)

Donald Trump considering a visit to India: Sources

The Indian government appointed career central banker Michael Patra as one of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/owing-to-rising-food-prices-indias-december-retail-inflation-surges-to-735-274063">Reserve Bank of India's</a> four deputy governors for a three-year term, it said in a statement on Tuesday.

He will fill a vacancy left by former deputy governor Viral Acharya, who resigned last June, six months before the scheduled end of his term in office.

Acharya cited personal reasons for his departure but had previously clashed with Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/p-chidambaram-attacks-modi-govt-over-sliding-economy-and-unemployment-274135">Narendra Modi's</a> government over an erosion of the central bank's independence.

He was the third key senior central bank official under the Modi government to resign, following the departures of former RBI governors Raghuram Rajan in 2016 and Urjit Patel in December 2018.

Patra, currently an executive director at the RBI, had applied for a deputy governor's post in 2017.

He has been a part of the central bank's monetary policy committee since its inception and has long been viewed as a monetary policy hawk.

However, since Governor Shaktikanta Das took office in December, Patra has voted for three successive rate cuts and has said the economy needs fiscal support in the current environment.

"It's an excellent decision. He is an accomplished monetary economist with not just strong academic credentials but also has a rich understanding of ground-level economic realities of India. This is the best choice in my opinion," said <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/indias-october-retail-inflation-rises-to-462-per-cent-261864">Rupa Rege Nitsure</a>, chief economist at L&amp;T Financial Holdings.

The Indian government appointed career central banker Michael Patra as one of the Reserve Bank of India's four deputy governors for a three-year term, it said in a statement on Tuesday.

The Indian government appointed career central banker Michael Patra as one of the Reserve Bank of India's four deputy governors for a three-year term, it said in a statement on Tuesday. He will fill a vacancy left by former deputy governor Viral Acharya, who resigned last June, six months before the scheduled end of his term in office. Acharya cited personal reasons for his departure but had previously clashed with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government over an erosion of the central bank's independence. He was the third key senior central bank official under the Modi government to resign, following the departures of former RBI governors Raghuram Rajan in 2016 and Urjit Patel in December 2018. Patra, currently an executive director at the RBI, had applied for a deputy governor's post in 2017. He has been a part of the central bank's monetary policy committee since its inception and has long been viewed as a monetary policy hawk. However, since Governor Shaktikanta Das took office in December, Patra has voted for three successive rate cuts and has said the economy needs fiscal support in the current environment. "It's an excellent decision. He is an accomplished monetary economist with not just strong academic credentials but also has a rich understanding of ground-level economic realities of India. This is the best choice in my opinion," said Rupa Rege Nitsure, chief economist at L&T Financial Holdings.

Government appoints Michael Patra as RBI Deputy Governor

Congress General Secretary <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/priyanka-gandhi-extends-wishes-to-people-on-lohri-273925">Priyanka Gandi Vadra</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday targeted Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/p-chidambaram-attacks-modi-govt-over-sliding-economy-and-unemployment-274135">Narendra Modi</a> led Centre for failing to control the rising prices of vegetables and essential commodities. 
 
The Congress leader also accused the Central government of not only picking pockets of the citizens but also taking away their livelihood.

"The prices of vegetables and other edible commodities are getting out of reach of the common man. What will the poor eat when vegetables, oil, pulses and flour turn expensive. The poor are not even getting employment due to the economic recession. The BJP government has not just picked the pockets of the poor but also kicked on their stomach," she tweeted in the morning in Hindi.

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Government of India: The annual rate of inflation, based on monthly WPI, stood at 2.59% (provisional) for the month of December, 2019 (over December,2018) as compared to 0.58% (provisional) for the previous month. <a href="https://t.co/Dx5xQB3WtB">pic.twitter.com/Dx5xQB3WtB</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1216975178749497345?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2020</a></blockquote>
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It should be noted that Vadra's comments came just a day after data showed that retail inflation rose to a five-and-half year high of 7.35 per cent in December last year.

Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandi Vadra on Tuesday targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi led Centre for failing to control the rising prices of vegetables and essential commodities.

Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandi Vadra on Tuesday targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi led Centre for failing to control the rising prices of vegetables and essential commodities. The Congress leader also accused the Central government of not only picking pockets of the citizens but also taking away their livelihood. "The prices of vegetables and other edible commodities are getting out of reach of the common man. What will the poor eat when vegetables, oil, pulses and flour turn expensive. The poor are not even getting employment due to the economic recession. The BJP government has not just picked the pockets of the poor but also kicked on their stomach," she tweeted in the morning in Hindi. Government of India: The annual rate of inflation, based on monthly WPI, stood at 2.59% (provisional) for the month of December, 2019 (over December,2018) as compared to 0.58% (provisional) for the previous month. pic.twitter.com/Dx5xQB3WtB — ANI (@ANI) January 14, 2020 × It should be noted that Vadra's comments came just a day after data showed that retail inflation rose to a five-and-half year high of 7.35 per cent in December last year.

Priyanka Gandhi slams Modi govt for 'rising inflation'

Congress leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jnu-violence-most-clinching-we-are-moving-towards-anarchy-p-chidambaram-272576">P Chidambaram</a> on Monday asked Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kolkata-port-trust-renamed-after-syama-prasad-mukherjee-announces-prime-minister-narendra-modi-273730">Narendra Modi</a> to have a televised Q and A session over the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019.

The former union minister alleged that the Modi is reluctant to take questions over the Act, which has triggered widespread protests across the country. 
 
He said that CAA in "conjunction" with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/refusal-to-take-part-in-npr-by-any-state-or-official-against-constitution-sushil-kumar-modi-272212">National Population Register</a> (NPR) and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mamata-banerjee-skips-150th-anniversary-celebrations-of-kolkata-port-trust-273736">National Register of Citizens</a> (NRC) will take away citizenship of many people. 
 
"PM says that CAA is meant to give citizenship, not to take it away. Many of us believe that CAA (in conjunction with NPR or NRC) will declare many persons as "non-citizens" and take away citizenship," Chidambaram said in a series of tweets.

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PM says that CAA is meant to give citizenship, not take it away. Many of us believe that CAA (in conjunction with NPR or NRC) will declare many persons as "non-citizens" and take away citizenship.
— P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) <a href="https://twitter.com/PChidambaram_IN/status/1216535249456287744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"The only way out is for the PM to select five of his most articulate critics and have a televised Q and A session with them. Let the people listen to the discussion and reach their conclusions on CAA. I sincerely hope PM will respond favourably to this suggestion," he tweeted.

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The only way out is for the PM to select five of his most articulate critics and have a televised Q and A session with them. 
 
Let the people listen to the discussion and reach their conclusions on CAA. 
 
I sincerely hope PM will respond favourably to this suggestion.
— P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) <a href="https://twitter.com/PChidambaram_IN/status/1216535424518119424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The Congress leader said that the Prime Minister is not talking to his critics. 
 
"PM talks from high platforms to silent audiences and does not take questions. We talk through the media and are willing to take questions from media persons," he tweeted. 
 
"PM is not talking to his critics. The critics do not have an opportunity to talk to the PM," he said in another tweet. 
 
The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/opposition-playing-political-games-over-citizenship-amendment-act-says-prime-minister-narendra-modi-273683">Citizenship (Amendment) Act</a>, 2019 grants citizenship to Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Parsis, Buddhists and Christians fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh who came to India on or before December 31, 2014.

Congress leader P Chidambaram on Monday asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to have a televised Q and A session over the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019. The former union minister alleged that the Modi is reluctant to take questions over the Act, which has triggered widespread protests across the country.

Congress leader P Chidambaram on Monday asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to have a televised Q and A session over the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019. The former union minister alleged that the Modi is reluctant to take questions over the Act, which has triggered widespread protests across the country. He said that CAA in "conjunction" with the National Population Register (NPR) and National Register of Citizens (NRC) will take away citizenship of many people. "PM says that CAA is meant to give citizenship, not to take it away. Many of us believe that CAA (in conjunction with NPR or NRC) will declare many persons as "non-citizens" and take away citizenship," Chidambaram said in a series of tweets. PM says that CAA is meant to give citizenship, not take it away. Many of us believe that CAA (in conjunction with NPR or NRC) will declare many persons as "non-citizens" and take away citizenship. — P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) January 13, 2020 × "The only way out is for the PM to select five of his most articulate critics and have a televised Q and A session with them. Let the people listen to the discussion and reach their conclusions on CAA. I sincerely hope PM will respond favourably to this suggestion," he tweeted. The only way out is for the PM to select five of his most articulate critics and have a televised Q and A session with them. Let the people listen to the discussion and reach their conclusions on CAA. I sincerely hope PM will respond favourably to this suggestion. — P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) January 13, 2020 × The Congress leader said that the Prime Minister is not talking to his critics. "PM talks from high platforms to silent audiences and does not take questions. We talk through the media and are willing to take questions from media persons," he tweeted. "PM is not talking to his critics. The critics do not have an opportunity to talk to the PM," he said in another tweet. The Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 grants citizenship to Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Parsis, Buddhists and Christians fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh who came to India on or before December 31, 2014.

P Chidambaram wants PM Modi to have televised Q&A session over CAA with critics

Bihar Chief Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/nitish-kumar-no-more-the-able-administrator-he-once-was-229884">Nitish Kumar</a> on Monday said that there is no question of implementing the National Registers of Citizens (<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-proposal-of-nationwide-nrc-right-now-ravi-shankar-prasad-270883">NRC</a>) in the state and asserted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has clarified his stance on the exercise.

"No question of NRC in Bihar. It was in discussions only in the context of Assam. Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/narendra-modi-government-20-must-focus-on-fixing-indias-economy-263158">Narendra Modi</a> has also clarified on it," said Kumar in the state assembly, whose JD (U) is an ally of BJP.

At a rally in Delhi's Ramlila Maidan on December 22 last year, Modi had said that the central government had no discussions of conducting a nationwide NRC.

"After I came to power in 2014, the government has held no discussions over NRC. We did carry out the NRC exercise in Assam, but it was at the orders of the Supreme Court," the Prime Minister had said.

Earlier on Sunday, JD (U) vice-president <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jdu-has-nothing-to-do-with-prashant-kishors-activities-in-wb-nitish-kumar-225557">Prashant Kishor</a> thanked the Congress party and its leadership for their "formal and unequivocal rejection" of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and NRC.

He also reassured the people of Bihar that the CAA and NRC will not be implemented in the state.

Thanking Congress leaders <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amit-shahs-challenge-to-rahul-mamata-over-caa-273794">Rahul Gandhi</a> and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/what-rubbish-entire-nation-knows-he-is-indian-priyanka-gandhi-vadra-on-rahuls-citizenship-row-214729">Priyanka Gandhi Vadra</a>, Kishor had tweeted, "I join my voice with all to thank #Congress leadership for their formal and unequivocal rejection of #CAA_NRC. Both @rahulgandhi &amp;@priyankagandhi deserves special thanks for their efforts on this count. Also would like to reassure to all - CAA and NRC will not be implemented in Bihar."

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I join my voice with all to thank <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Congress?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Congress</a> leadership for their formal and unequivocal rejection of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CAA_NRC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CAA_NRC</a>. Both <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rahulgandhi</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/priyankagandhi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@priyankagandhi</a> deserves special thanks for their efforts on this count. 
 
Also would like to reassure to all - बिहार में CAA-NRC लागू नहीं होगा।
— Prashant Kishor (@PrashantKishor) <a href="https://twitter.com/PrashantKishor/status/1216209842521526272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2020</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Monday said that there is no question of implementing the National Registers of Citizens (NRC) in the state and asserted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has clarified his stance on the exercise.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Monday said that there is no question of implementing the National Registers of Citizens (NRC) in the state and asserted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has clarified his stance on the exercise. "No question of NRC in Bihar. It was in discussions only in the context of Assam. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also clarified on it," said Kumar in the state assembly, whose JD (U) is an ally of BJP. At a rally in Delhi's Ramlila Maidan on December 22 last year, Modi had said that the central government had no discussions of conducting a nationwide NRC. "After I came to power in 2014, the government has held no discussions over NRC. We did carry out the NRC exercise in Assam, but it was at the orders of the Supreme Court," the Prime Minister had said. Earlier on Sunday, JD (U) vice-president Prashant Kishor thanked the Congress party and its leadership for their "formal and unequivocal rejection" of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and NRC. He also reassured the people of Bihar that the CAA and NRC will not be implemented in the state. Thanking Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Kishor had tweeted, "I join my voice with all to thank #Congress leadership for their formal and unequivocal rejection of #CAA_NRC. Both @rahulgandhi &@priyankagandhi deserves special thanks for their efforts on this count. Also would like to reassure to all - CAA and NRC will not be implemented in Bihar." I join my voice with all to thank #Congress leadership for their formal and unequivocal rejection of #CAA_NRC. Both @rahulgandhi & @priyankagandhi deserves special thanks for their efforts on this count. Also would like to reassure to all - बिहार में CAA-NRC लागू नहीं होगा। — Prashant Kishor (@PrashantKishor) January 12, 2020 ×

No question of NRC in Bihar, PM has clarified his stand on it: Nitish Kumar

Welcoming <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/from-nda-to-defence-chiefs-common-connection-between-all-three-heads-of-indian-armed-forces-271742">General MM Naravane's</a> remark over <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-take-action-to-reclaim-pok-if-ordered-says-army-chief-273589">Pakistan Occupied Kashmir</a> (PoK), <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/shiv-sena-extends-support-to-bharat-bandh-call-by-trade-unions-272886">Shiv Sena</a> said that Army Chief said nothing wrong as PoK is an integral part of India and urged the Centre to not get back on the issue as this will be the best way to teach "Tukde-Tukde gang" a lesson. 
 
"The new Indian Army Chief General Naravane has shown Marathi pride soon after taking charge. General Naravane has said it in clear terms that PoK is ours...if Centre gives orders, then we will capture PoK," Shiv Sena said in its mouthpiece Saamna. 
 
"The General said nothing wrong. Most of the terror training camps are running in PoK and these terror camps are run with the support of Pakistani Army and ISI," it added. 
 
Referring to the surgical strike conducted by India in the same region, the Saamna editorial said Pakistan's habits have not changed even after that. 
 
The editorial while referring to the killing of soldiers in Valley, said that the Kashmir issue comes to the fore only for political and electoral purposes. 
 
"That is why we welcome General Naravane's new policy. General Naravane's says Indian parliament had in February 1994 had passed a resolution that entire <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-decorated-police-officer-caught-with-three-terrorists-in-kulgam-273765">Jammu and Kashmir</a>, including PoK, is an inseparable part of India," it said. 
 
Asserting that General Naravane is asking for orders from Centre, the editorial said, "Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/opposition-playing-political-games-over-citizenship-amendment-act-says-prime-minister-narendra-modi-273683">Narendra Modi</a> will give such orders...this is what the country wishes." 
 
Hailing Home Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jnu-jamia-students-need-our-support-says-cong-leader-shashi-tharoor-273821">Amit Shah</a> for the abrogation of Article 370, "Now as soon as General Naravane gets orders from Modi-Shah, PoK will be ours and Veer Savarkar will be garlanded with flowers of Akhand Bharat." 
 
The editorial urged the Centre to not get back on the issue saying that this will be the best way to teach "Tukde-Tukde gang" a lesson.l said that the PoK is an integral part of Jammu and Kashmir. '

Watch:&nbsp;'Pok will belong to India as soon as we get orders,' says Indian Army Chief

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Army Chief General <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-take-action-to-reclaim-pok-if-ordered-says-army-chief-273589">Manoj Mukund Naravane</a> had on Saturday said that if Indian Army gets an order then it will take appropriate action to reclaim PoK. 
 
He had pointed out that a Parliamentary resolution states that the entire Jammu and Kashmir region is a part of India. 
 
"There is a parliamentary resolution, that entire Jammu and Kashmir region is a part of India. If Parliament wants it, then that area (PoK) also should belong to us. When we get orders to that effect, we will take appropriate action," the Army chief had said while speaking to the media in Delhi.

Welcoming General MM Naravane's remark over Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK), Shiv Sena said that Army Chief said nothing wrong as PoK is an integral part of India and urged the Centre to not get back on the issue as this will be the best way to teach "Tukde-Tukde gang" a lesson.

Welcoming General MM Naravane's remark over Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK), Shiv Sena said that Army Chief said nothing wrong as PoK is an integral part of India and urged the Centre to not get back on the issue as this will be the best way to teach "Tukde-Tukde gang" a lesson. "The new Indian Army Chief General Naravane has shown Marathi pride soon after taking charge. General Naravane has said it in clear terms that PoK is ours...if Centre gives orders, then we will capture PoK," Shiv Sena said in its mouthpiece Saamna. "The General said nothing wrong. Most of the terror training camps are running in PoK and these terror camps are run with the support of Pakistani Army and ISI," it added. Referring to the surgical strike conducted by India in the same region, the Saamna editorial said Pakistan's habits have not changed even after that. The editorial while referring to the killing of soldiers in Valley, said that the Kashmir issue comes to the fore only for political and electoral purposes. "That is why we welcome General Naravane's new policy. General Naravane's says Indian parliament had in February 1994 had passed a resolution that entire Jammu and Kashmir, including PoK, is an inseparable part of India," it said. Asserting that General Naravane is asking for orders from Centre, the editorial said, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi will give such orders...this is what the country wishes." Hailing Home Minister Amit Shah for the abrogation of Article 370, "Now as soon as General Naravane gets orders from Modi-Shah, PoK will be ours and Veer Savarkar will be garlanded with flowers of Akhand Bharat." The editorial urged the Centre to not get back on the issue saying that this will be the best way to teach "Tukde-Tukde gang" a lesson.l said that the PoK is an integral part of Jammu and Kashmir. ' Watch: 'Pok will belong to India as soon as we get orders,' says Indian Army Chief × Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane had on Saturday said that if Indian Army gets an order then it will take appropriate action to reclaim PoK. He had pointed out that a Parliamentary resolution states that the entire Jammu and Kashmir region is a part of India. "There is a parliamentary resolution, that entire Jammu and Kashmir region is a part of India. If Parliament wants it, then that area (PoK) also should belong to us. When we get orders to that effect, we will take appropriate action," the Army chief had said while speaking to the media in Delhi.

Shiv Sena welcomes Army Chief MM Naravane's remark over PoK, urges Centre to move ahead

Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-appeal-for-calm-dont-listen-to-rumours-pm-modi-on-anti-caa-protest-270189">Narendra Modi</a> on Sunday hit out at the Opposition, accusing them of playing political games over the amended Citizenship law and asserted that the act is about giving citizenship rights, not taking them away.

"I repeat again, Citizenship act is not to revoke anyone's citizenship, but it is to give citizenship. After independence, Mahatma Gandhi ji and other big leaders of the time all believed that India should give citizenship to persecuted religious minorities of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/how-pakistans-failure-to-protect-minorities-compelled-india-to-bring-citizenship-amendment-bill-265778">Pakistan</a>," he said while addressing people at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-interacts-with-saints-seers-at-belur-math-in-west-bengal-273667">Belur Math</a>.&nbsp;

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PM Modi: I repeat again, Citizenship act is not to revoke anyone's citizenship, but it is to give citizenship. After independence, Mahatma Gandhi ji and other big leaders of the time all believed that India should give citizenship to persecuted religious minorities of Pakistan <a href="https://t.co/UFyC0MsnDe">pic.twitter.com/UFyC0MsnDe</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1216212650016690177?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"You understood this very clearly. But those playing political games purposely refuse to understand. People are being misled over the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/caa-will-benefit-marginalised-pm-modi-pleads-people-to-not-trust-rumour-mongers-at-bjp-rally-in-delhi-269570">CAA</a>," he added.

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PM Narendra Modi in Belur Math: You understood this very clearly. But those playing political games purposely refuse to understand. People are being misled over the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CitizenshipAmendmentAct?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CitizenshipAmendmentAct</a> . <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WestBengal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WestBengal</a> <a href="https://t.co/IK3u3NRtTA">pic.twitter.com/IK3u3NRtTA</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1216213935394713600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The Prime Minister said that the Centre has made provisions to protect the identity, demography, and culture of the North-East.

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PM Modi: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CAA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CAA</a> mein hum nagrikta de hi rahe hain,kisi ki bhi nagrikta chheen nahi rahe hain.Iske alawa,aaj bhi,kisi bhi dharm ka vyakti,bhagwan mein maanta ho na maanta ho,jo vyakti Bharat ke samvidhaan ko maanta hai,vo tai prakriyaon ke tehet,Bharat ki nagrikta le sakta hai. <a href="https://t.co/Sp0Jg4mD9K">pic.twitter.com/Sp0Jg4mD9K</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1216216752427659264?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The Citizenship Amendment&nbsp;Act, 2019 grants citizenship to Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Parsis, Buddhists and Christians fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh who came to India on or before December 31, 2014.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday hit out at the Opposition, accusing them of playing political games over the amended Citizenship law and asserted that the act is about giving citizenship rights, not taking them away.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday hit out at the Opposition, accusing them of playing political games over the amended Citizenship law and asserted that the act is about giving citizenship rights, not taking them away. "I repeat again, Citizenship act is not to revoke anyone's citizenship, but it is to give citizenship. After independence, Mahatma Gandhi ji and other big leaders of the time all believed that India should give citizenship to persecuted religious minorities of Pakistan," he said while addressing people at Belur Math. PM Modi: I repeat again, Citizenship act is not to revoke anyone's citizenship, but it is to give citizenship. After independence, Mahatma Gandhi ji and other big leaders of the time all believed that India should give citizenship to persecuted religious minorities of Pakistan pic.twitter.com/UFyC0MsnDe — ANI (@ANI) January 12, 2020 × "You understood this very clearly. But those playing political games purposely refuse to understand. People are being misled over the CAA," he added. PM Narendra Modi in Belur Math: You understood this very clearly. But those playing political games purposely refuse to understand. People are being misled over the #CitizenshipAmendmentAct . #WestBengal pic.twitter.com/IK3u3NRtTA — ANI (@ANI) January 12, 2020 × The Prime Minister said that the Centre has made provisions to protect the identity, demography, and culture of the North-East. PM Modi: #CAA mein hum nagrikta de hi rahe hain,kisi ki bhi nagrikta chheen nahi rahe hain.Iske alawa,aaj bhi,kisi bhi dharm ka vyakti,bhagwan mein maanta ho na maanta ho,jo vyakti Bharat ke samvidhaan ko maanta hai,vo tai prakriyaon ke tehet,Bharat ki nagrikta le sakta hai. pic.twitter.com/Sp0Jg4mD9K — ANI (@ANI) January 12, 2020 × The Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019 grants citizenship to Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Parsis, Buddhists and Christians fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh who came to India on or before December 31, 2014.

Opposition playing political games over Citizenship Amendment Act: PM Modi

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