Additional Director General (ADG) Prashant Kumar on Thursday said that 317 people have been arrested and 79 cases registered in connection with the violence during the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/anti-caa-protest-stone-pelters-from-kashmir-were-called-to-create-unrest-in-uttar-pradesh-says-mos-home-affairs-nityanand-rai-270411">anti-Citizenship Amendment Act</a> (CAA) protests in Meerut.

"79 cases have been registered and 317 were arrested. 108 police personnel are injured in which 10 sustained firearm injuries. Ten administration officials and 7 people including some journalists also sustained injuries. Five people lost their lives in the violence," Kumar told ANI.

"The administration is educating people on CAA and we are also monitoring social media."

Also Watch: PM Modi condemns violence, urges anti-CAA protesters to introspect

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"Two men of Popular Front of India`s wing SDPI were arrested. One of them is the state chief of the organisation. We have found some objectionable literature from them,"&nbsp;Kumar said&nbsp;on the arrest of two people from Meerut Nauchangi area.&nbsp;

"In Shamli, some people from this organisation were arrested earlier. The police had also recovered such literature from their office in Meerut. We are investigating the organisation`s role," he said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/caa-protests-internet-services-to-remain-suspended-in-ghaziabad-till-saturday-morning-269411">Protests have erupted</a> across the country against the Act which grants Indian citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Parsi communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh, who entered India on or before December 31, 2014.

Additional Director General (ADG) Prashant Kumar on Thursday said that 317 people have been arrested and 79 cases registered in connection with the violence during the anti-Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) protests in Meerut.

Additional Director General (ADG) Prashant Kumar on Thursday said that 317 people have been arrested and 79 cases registered in connection with the violence during the anti-Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) protests in Meerut. "79 cases have been registered and 317 were arrested. 108 police personnel are injured in which 10 sustained firearm injuries. Ten administration officials and 7 people including some journalists also sustained injuries. Five people lost their lives in the violence," Kumar told ANI. "The administration is educating people on CAA and we are also monitoring social media." Also Watch: PM Modi condemns violence, urges anti-CAA protesters to introspect × "Two men of Popular Front of India`s wing SDPI were arrested. One of them is the state chief of the organisation. We have found some objectionable literature from them," Kumar said on the arrest of two people from Meerut Nauchangi area. "In Shamli, some people from this organisation were arrested earlier. The police had also recovered such literature from their office in Meerut. We are investigating the organisation`s role," he said. Protests have erupted across the country against the Act which grants Indian citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Parsi communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh, who entered India on or before December 31, 2014.

Anti-CAA protests: 317 arrested, over 70 cases registered in UP for violence

Security was beefed up and patrolling has been intensified across north-east Delhi to avoid any untoward incident ahead or after the Friday prayers.

The precautions have been taken after a massive protest had broken out in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/daryaganj-violence-court-dismisses-bail-plea-of-fifteen-accused-269738">Jama Masjid area</a> in Delhi against the newly-enacted citizenship law last week following the Friday prayers.

Police personnel and paramilitary forces were deployed across north-east Delhi in view of the Friday prayers.

"In view of Friday prayers, we have deployed appropriate forces in the region. Around 15 companies of paramilitary forces have been deployed. Police personnel are also deployed in sensitive areas," Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Prakash Surya told ANI.

The DCP said that flag marches will also be conducted in Seelampur, Jazfarabad, Mushtafabad and Welcome area.

Also Watch:&nbsp;Massive protests erupts in Delhi's Jama Masjid over CAA

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"Members of the Aman Committee are also with us. They are urging people to maintain law and order in the city," Surya added.

The Delhi Police had arrested 14 people at the protest on December 17. Subsequently, the court sent them to 14-days judicial custody.

The protesters had allegedly pelted stones at policemen and vandalised three buses during the protest.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/anti-caa-protests-317-arrested-over-70-cases-registered-in-up-for-violence-270471">Major protests</a> have been held across the country against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, which grants Indian citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Parsi communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh, who entered India on or before December 31, 2014.

Security was beefed up and patrolling has been intensified across north-east Delhi to avoid any untoward incident ahead or after the Friday prayers. The precautions have been taken after a massive protest had broken out in Jama Masjid area in Delhi against the newly-enacted citizenship law last week following the Friday prayers.

Security was beefed up and patrolling has been intensified across north-east Delhi to avoid any untoward incident ahead or after the Friday prayers. The precautions have been taken after a massive protest had broken out in Jama Masjid area in Delhi against the newly-enacted citizenship law last week following the Friday prayers. Police personnel and paramilitary forces were deployed across north-east Delhi in view of the Friday prayers. "In view of Friday prayers, we have deployed appropriate forces in the region. Around 15 companies of paramilitary forces have been deployed. Police personnel are also deployed in sensitive areas," Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Prakash Surya told ANI. The DCP said that flag marches will also be conducted in Seelampur, Jazfarabad, Mushtafabad and Welcome area. Also Watch: Massive protests erupts in Delhi's Jama Masjid over CAA × "Members of the Aman Committee are also with us. They are urging people to maintain law and order in the city," Surya added. The Delhi Police had arrested 14 people at the protest on December 17. Subsequently, the court sent them to 14-days judicial custody. The protesters had allegedly pelted stones at policemen and vandalised three buses during the protest. Major protests have been held across the country against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, which grants Indian citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Parsi communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh, who entered India on or before December 31, 2014.

Anti-CAA protests: Security beefed up in Delhi, ahead of Friday prayers

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday appealed for calm and asked people not to listen to rumours with respect to the Citizenship Amendment Act.&nbsp;

"Don't resort to violence. People listened to rumours and rumour-mongering fueled violence," the prime minister said during his address in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.&nbsp;

The prime minister said that issues like Article 370 and Ram temple in Ayodhya have been "resolved peacefully" in the country.&nbsp;

"The way to give citizenship to refugees from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan has been cleared. 130 crore Indians have found a solution to such challenges with confidence," he stated.&nbsp;

PM Modi asked people to introspect if damaging public property in the name protest was right.

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PM Modi: Better roads,transport&amp;sewer are our rights, but it's our duty to protect it.Quality education is our right but safety of educational institutions&amp;respect for teachers are our duties. Secure atmosphere is our right,but it's also duty of citizens to respect work of police <a href="https://t.co/nskRfcJ0rb">https://t.co/nskRfcJ0rb</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1209792379336577024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"People who damaged public property and were involved in violence in the name of protest in UP, should introspect if what they did was right," he said.

"A secure atmosphere is our right but it's also the duty of the citizens to respect the work of police," he said.&nbsp;

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PM Narendra Modi in Lucknow: Issues of Article370, Ram Temple have been resolved peacefully. The way to give citizenship to refugees from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan has been cleared. 130 crore Indians have found solution to such challenges with confidence. <a href="https://t.co/kglKRKa549">pic.twitter.com/kglKRKa549</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1209788196856324096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Earlier in the day, the prime minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lucknow-pm-modi-unveils-statue-of-former-pm-atal-bihari-vajpayee-on-his-95th-birth-anniversary-270180">unveiled a statue of former prime minister late Atal Bihari Vajpayee</a> at Lucknow's Lok Bhawan.&nbsp;

He also paid his tribute to the former PM on the occasion of his 95th birth anniversary.&nbsp;

"Atal ji used to say that life has to be seen in totality, not in pieces. The same is true for the government, the same is true for good governance. Good governance is also not possible until we think of the problems in totality," PM Modi said in Lucknow.&nbsp;

Watch: PM Modi condemns violence, urges anti-CAA protesters to introspect

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On Sunday, the prime minister addressed a rally at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan and stated that <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 will benefit the marginalised</a> and will not affect the citizens of the country.&nbsp;

While talking about the National Register of Citizens (NRC), the Prime Minister attacked the opposition and its ''friends'', saying that ''Urban Naxals are spreading rumours that all Muslims will be sent to detention centres''.&nbsp;

Commanding the crowd to respect their education, Modi said ''Read what is Citizenship Amendment Act and NRC. You are educated''.

Protests have gripped the country over the newly introduced citizenship law which seeks to grant citizenship to non-Muslim migrants from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday appealed for calm and asked people not to listen to rumours with respect to the Citizenship Amendment Act. "Don't resort to violence.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday appealed for calm and asked people not to listen to rumours with respect to the Citizenship Amendment Act. "Don't resort to violence. People listened to rumours and rumour-mongering fueled violence," the prime minister said during his address in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. The prime minister said that issues like Article 370 and Ram temple in Ayodhya have been "resolved peacefully" in the country. "The way to give citizenship to refugees from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan has been cleared. 130 crore Indians have found a solution to such challenges with confidence," he stated. PM Modi asked people to introspect if damaging public property in the name protest was right. PM Modi: Better roads,transport&sewer are our rights, but it's our duty to protect it.Quality education is our right but safety of educational institutions&respect for teachers are our duties. Secure atmosphere is our right,but it's also duty of citizens to respect work of police https://t.co/nskRfcJ0rb — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) December 25, 2019 × "People who damaged public property and were involved in violence in the name of protest in UP, should introspect if what they did was right," he said. "A secure atmosphere is our right but it's also the duty of the citizens to respect the work of police," he said. PM Narendra Modi in Lucknow: Issues of Article370, Ram Temple have been resolved peacefully. The way to give citizenship to refugees from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan has been cleared. 130 crore Indians have found solution to such challenges with confidence. pic.twitter.com/kglKRKa549 — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) December 25, 2019 × Earlier in the day, the prime minister unveiled a statue of former prime minister late Atal Bihari Vajpayee at Lucknow's Lok Bhawan. He also paid his tribute to the former PM on the occasion of his 95th birth anniversary. "Atal ji used to say that life has to be seen in totality, not in pieces. The same is true for the government, the same is true for good governance. Good governance is also not possible until we think of the problems in totality," PM Modi said in Lucknow. Watch: PM Modi condemns violence, urges anti-CAA protesters to introspect × On Sunday, the prime minister addressed a rally at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan and stated that CAA will benefit the marginalised and will not affect the citizens of the country. While talking about the National Register of Citizens (NRC), the Prime Minister attacked the opposition and its ''friends'', saying that ''Urban Naxals are spreading rumours that all Muslims will be sent to detention centres''. Commanding the crowd to respect their education, Modi said ''Read what is Citizenship Amendment Act and NRC. You are educated''. Protests have gripped the country over the newly introduced citizenship law which seeks to grant citizenship to non-Muslim migrants from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan. (With inputs from ANI)

I appeal for calm, don't listen to rumours: PM Modi on anti-CAA protest

It is not a new practice for Tamilians to show their love and respect for their icons by building temples in their honour. After temples were built for former Chief Ministers MGR, Jayalalithaa and Karunanidhi and a host of popular actors, a Narendra Modi temple have now been built in the Eragudi village in Tamil Nadu’s Trichy district. &nbsp;

The temple in honour of the current Indian Prime Minister was constructed by Shankar, a 50-year-old farmer who has been an admirer of the leader, since his days as Gujarat Chief Minister.&nbsp;

“I used to look up to him right from the time he was Chief Minister of Gujarat. Especially I have admired the manner in which he has developed the infrastructure in the State. The moment we knew that he was chosen as the PM candidate of the BJP, I was excited and have voted for him since then” Shankar told WION.&nbsp;

<img alt="Modi temple" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="64024346-449c-4ed2-93e3-75cfad23c44a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29_35.jpg" />

Constructing the temple, however, was not an easy task. Shankar says that he had to wait for a period of eight months for his 8ft x 8ft temple to get ready. “Our main source of income is agriculture on our 10-acre plot and I also have to take care of the needs of my children who are in college. So we first build the foundation and waited for over three months, later the pillars were erected, following which the tiles were laid and work was completed.”

Shankar also recalls that their family was very poor and how he lost his parents at a young age, how he had to discontinue his education while he was in his fourth grade." it was only by doing menial jobs that I earned some money to go to Saudi and work. I was rearing camels and sheep there, after working herd there for many years, I came back to our native and bought cultivable some land."

Besides a bust of Modi, the temple also has portraits of former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister’s Kamaraj, MGR, Jayalalithaa, and also that of Home Minister Amit Shah, Mahatma Gandhi and current TN Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami.

When asked if he had benefitted from any schemes of the Modi Government over the last few years, he said that he immensely benefited from the PM-KISAN scheme that provided Rs.6000 every year to farmers who held land up to 2 hectares. “While Congress had announced various schemes for farmers during their rule, much of the benefits didn’t reach us as there was a vicious cycle of middlemen. But now all the benefits are being directly transferred to our account.”

Recalling the trauma that their modest family underwent in 2013 after his daughter couldn’t get admission into a medical college, despite having scored 1105/1200 in her State Board exams, he stated that she had to settle for an Engineering degree by sacrificing her dream of becoming a Doctor. “Later when the NEET(National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) was introduced by the Modi Government, it had ensured a level playing field such that even students from very humble backgrounds can aspire to get a medical seat by merit. &nbsp;My daughter couldn’t become a Doctor, but we hope that our son who is now in his 12th grade will clear NEET and join a medical college.”

Besides the KISAN scheme, Shankar says that their family has also built their first toilet under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. Our family was in such a situation that we had always used firewood for cooking, but the Ujjwala Yojana changed things for the better and now we have access to LPG cylinders and cooking stoves.

On being asked about any specific requests he has for the Prime Minister, he said that if the river interlinking project were to be implemented, in his drought-prone district, lakhs of farmers like him would be able to sustain agriculture.&nbsp;

“I went to Mamallapuram to catch a glimpse of our PM during the Modi-Xi summit there in October and was able to see his motorcade from a distance. But I would consider it my life’s greatest opportunity if I get to meet our PM once, and I would fall on his feet to seek his blessings.”&nbsp;

Shankar says that many people have been flocking to his village every day to see the ‘Namo’ temple, he hopes to someday call top BJP leaders to perform grand rituals at his temple. Either way, he says he would perform the daily offerings at the temple for the rest of his life.

It is not a new practice for Tamilians to show their love and respect for their icons by building temples in their honour. After temples were built for former Chief Ministers MGR, Jayalalithaa and Karunanidhi and a host of popular actors, a Narendra Modi temple have now been built in the Eragudi village in Tamil Nadu’s Trichy district.

It is not a new practice for Tamilians to show their love and respect for their icons by building temples in their honour. After temples were built for former Chief Ministers MGR, Jayalalithaa and Karunanidhi and a host of popular actors, a Narendra Modi temple have now been built in the Eragudi village in Tamil Nadu’s Trichy district. The temple in honour of the current Indian Prime Minister was constructed by Shankar, a 50-year-old farmer who has been an admirer of the leader, since his days as Gujarat Chief Minister. “I used to look up to him right from the time he was Chief Minister of Gujarat. Especially I have admired the manner in which he has developed the infrastructure in the State. The moment we knew that he was chosen as the PM candidate of the BJP, I was excited and have voted for him since then” Shankar told WION. Constructing the temple, however, was not an easy task. Shankar says that he had to wait for a period of eight months for his 8ft x 8ft temple to get ready. “Our main source of income is agriculture on our 10-acre plot and I also have to take care of the needs of my children who are in college. So we first build the foundation and waited for over three months, later the pillars were erected, following which the tiles were laid and work was completed.” Shankar also recalls that their family was very poor and how he lost his parents at a young age, how he had to discontinue his education while he was in his fourth grade." it was only by doing menial jobs that I earned some money to go to Saudi and work. I was rearing camels and sheep there, after working herd there for many years, I came back to our native and bought cultivable some land." Besides a bust of Modi, the temple also has portraits of former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister’s Kamaraj, MGR, Jayalalithaa, and also that of Home Minister Amit Shah, Mahatma Gandhi and current TN Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami. When asked if he had benefitted from any schemes of the Modi Government over the last few years, he said that he immensely benefited from the PM-KISAN scheme that provided Rs.6000 every year to farmers who held land up to 2 hectares. “While Congress had announced various schemes for farmers during their rule, much of the benefits didn’t reach us as there was a vicious cycle of middlemen. But now all the benefits are being directly transferred to our account.” Recalling the trauma that their modest family underwent in 2013 after his daughter couldn’t get admission into a medical college, despite having scored 1105/1200 in her State Board exams, he stated that she had to settle for an Engineering degree by sacrificing her dream of becoming a Doctor. “Later when the NEET(National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) was introduced by the Modi Government, it had ensured a level playing field such that even students from very humble backgrounds can aspire to get a medical seat by merit. My daughter couldn’t become a Doctor, but we hope that our son who is now in his 12th grade will clear NEET and join a medical college.” Besides the KISAN scheme, Shankar says that their family has also built their first toilet under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. Our family was in such a situation that we had always used firewood for cooking, but the Ujjwala Yojana changed things for the better and now we have access to LPG cylinders and cooking stoves. On being asked about any specific requests he has for the Prime Minister, he said that if the river interlinking project were to be implemented, in his drought-prone district, lakhs of farmers like him would be able to sustain agriculture. “I went to Mamallapuram to catch a glimpse of our PM during the Modi-Xi summit there in October and was able to see his motorcade from a distance. But I would consider it my life’s greatest opportunity if I get to meet our PM once, and I would fall on his feet to seek his blessings.” Shankar says that many people have been flocking to his village every day to see the ‘Namo’ temple, he hopes to someday call top BJP leaders to perform grand rituals at his temple. Either way, he says he would perform the daily offerings at the temple for the rest of his life.

“Wish to meet him once and seek his blessings,” says Tamil Nadu farmer who built temple for PM Modi

Union Home Minister and BJP chief <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-issue-in-admitting-amit-shah-accepts-communication-gap-over-citizenship-amendment-act-270068">Amit Shah</a> on Thursday tore into <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/arvind-kejriwal-praises-centre-for-developing-peripheral-expressways-to-curb-pollution-268220">Arvind Kejriwal</a>-led Delhi government, accusing it of stealing credit for the developmental work done by the central government in the national capital."Prime Minister Narendra Modi has forced everyone to follow the work culture.

However, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal Ji has done something entirely new. He thought, why work. Why allot budgets and lay foundation stones for development projects? Work is already being done, just put your name on it," Shah said addressing a public gathering here.

Assembly polls in Delhi are scheduled to be announced sometime in the next few weeks, and thus political arguments have intensified over the last few days. Just on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi slammed the AAP government in the national capital for not doing enough to combat the menace of air pollution and providing clean drinking water.

"These people used to claim that each household in Delhi gets clean drinking water. They claimed to provide drinking water from the tap, but you all know the reality. They lied to you," PM Modi had said at a rally in Ramlila Ground.

On Thursday, the BJP president also, in his speech, raised the water issue."I recently saw an advertisement which said that the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/citizenship-amendment-act-is-wrong-and-should-be-denounced-says-canadian-leader-jagmeet-singh-270270"> Delhi government</a> will give drinking water to every household.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced that the Centre will provide drinking water to every household across the country. Is Delhi not part of the country? Water will also be provided to every household in the national capital by the Centre as well, he said. Shah said that 4,526 houses will be provided to the middle class and 2,088 units have been provisioned for the people belonging to the economically weaker sections of the society in the city.

"Thirty per cent of the area here will be developed as green open-public spaces. It will help the people of Delhi combat the problem of air population," he added. Several other BJP leaders including Union Urban Development Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, Delhi BJP President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/unity-in-diversity-is-indias-speciality-amid-nationwide-protests-pm-modi-addresses-a-rally-in-delhis-ramlila-ground-269566">Manoj Tiwari</a>, and MP<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/someone-has-to-take-responsibility-gautam-gambhir-on-delhi-fire-266940"> Gautam Gambhir</a> were also present at the event.&nbsp;

Union Home Minister and BJP chief Amit Shah on Thursday tore into Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi government, accusing it of stealing credit for the developmental work done by the central government in the national capital.

Union Home Minister and BJP chief Amit Shah on Thursday tore into Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi government, accusing it of stealing credit for the developmental work done by the central government in the national capital."Prime Minister Narendra Modi has forced everyone to follow the work culture. However, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal Ji has done something entirely new. He thought, why work. Why allot budgets and lay foundation stones for development projects? Work is already being done, just put your name on it," Shah said addressing a public gathering here. Assembly polls in Delhi are scheduled to be announced sometime in the next few weeks, and thus political arguments have intensified over the last few days. Just on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi slammed the AAP government in the national capital for not doing enough to combat the menace of air pollution and providing clean drinking water. "These people used to claim that each household in Delhi gets clean drinking water. They claimed to provide drinking water from the tap, but you all know the reality. They lied to you," PM Modi had said at a rally in Ramlila Ground. On Thursday, the BJP president also, in his speech, raised the water issue."I recently saw an advertisement which said that the Delhi government will give drinking water to every household. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced that the Centre will provide drinking water to every household across the country. Is Delhi not part of the country? Water will also be provided to every household in the national capital by the Centre as well, he said. Shah said that 4,526 houses will be provided to the middle class and 2,088 units have been provisioned for the people belonging to the economically weaker sections of the society in the city. "Thirty per cent of the area here will be developed as green open-public spaces. It will help the people of Delhi combat the problem of air population," he added. Several other BJP leaders including Union Urban Development Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, Delhi BJP President Manoj Tiwari, and MP Gautam Gambhir were also present at the event.

AAP stealing credit of Centre''s developmental projects: Amit Shah

People of Indian origin held marches in several cities of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-issues-travel-advisory-for-its-citizens-in-india-amid-anti-citizenship-act-protests-269837">United States</a> on Tuesday (local time) in support of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, which was enacted on December 12.

Watch:&nbsp;PM Modi condemns violence, urges anti-CAA protesters to introspect

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The demonstration was carried out in various cities of the US including Austin, Raleigh, and Seattle. 
 
It is important to note that Democrat Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, who has criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government over the CAA, is contesting from Seattle. 
 
Demonstrators held placards along with Indian flags and were seen raising slogans in support of CAA including 'Stop the violence, Stop the hate. India is a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/why-india-is-conflicted-269552">secular state</a>'. A placard read: 'NRIs support CAA'. 
 
The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/citizenship-amendment-act-indias-domestic-policy-russia-269792">Citizenship (Amendment) Bill</a> was passed by the Indian Parliament earlier this week and became an Act with Presidential assent on November 12. 
 
The legislation provides Indian citizenship to non-Muslim refugees of Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan, who arrived in India on or before December 31, 2014. 
 
Since the enactment of the CAA, protests have erupted in various parts of India including its national capital.

People of Indian origin held marches in several cities of the United States on Tuesday (local time) in support of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, which was enacted on December 12.

People of Indian origin held marches in several cities of the United States on Tuesday (local time) in support of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, which was enacted on December 12. Watch: PM Modi condemns violence, urges anti-CAA protesters to introspect × The demonstration was carried out in various cities of the US including Austin, Raleigh, and Seattle. It is important to note that Democrat Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, who has criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government over the CAA, is contesting from Seattle. Demonstrators held placards along with Indian flags and were seen raising slogans in support of CAA including 'Stop the violence, Stop the hate. India is a secular state'. A placard read: 'NRIs support CAA'. The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill was passed by the Indian Parliament earlier this week and became an Act with Presidential assent on November 12. The legislation provides Indian citizenship to non-Muslim refugees of Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan, who arrived in India on or before December 31, 2014. Since the enactment of the CAA, protests have erupted in various parts of India including its national capital.

'India is a secular state': Indian diaspora rally for Citizenship Act in US

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-appeal-for-calm-dont-listen-to-rumours-pm-modi-on-anti-caa-protest-270189">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> on Wednesday remembered former prime minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lucknow-pm-modi-unveils-statue-of-former-pm-atal-bihari-vajpayee-on-his-95th-birth-anniversary-270180">Atal Bihari Vajpayee</a> on his 95th birth anniversary and said that the late veteran leader used to say that "life has to be seen in totality, not in pieces".&nbsp;

PM Modi said that the same is true for the governance as well and that good governance is possible only when we "think of the problems in totality".

The prime minister's remarks came during his address in Uttar Pradesh capital city Lucknow after he unveiled Vajpayee's statue at Lok Bhawan.&nbsp;

Paying tribute to the former prime minister and BJP veteran, PM Modi laid the foundation stone for Atal Bihari Vajpayee Medical University in Lucknow and launched a scheme 'Atal Bhujal Yojana' aimed at improving groundwater management through community participation in New Delhi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to microblogging site Twitter today and paid his tribute to former PM Vajpayee on his birth anniversary.&nbsp;

"A tribute to the former Prime Minister, Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ji on his birth anniversary. He is settled in the hearts of the countrymen," the prime minister's tweet read.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday remembered former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his 95th birth anniversary and said that the late veteran leader used to say that "life has to be seen in totality, not in pieces".

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday remembered former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his 95th birth anniversary and said that the late veteran leader used to say that "life has to be seen in totality, not in pieces". PM Modi said that the same is true for the governance as well and that good governance is possible only when we "think of the problems in totality". The prime minister's remarks came during his address in Uttar Pradesh capital city Lucknow after he unveiled Vajpayee's statue at Lok Bhawan. Paying tribute to the former prime minister and BJP veteran, PM Modi laid the foundation stone for Atal Bihari Vajpayee Medical University in Lucknow and launched a scheme 'Atal Bhujal Yojana' aimed at improving groundwater management through community participation in New Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to microblogging site Twitter today and paid his tribute to former PM Vajpayee on his birth anniversary. "A tribute to the former Prime Minister, Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ji on his birth anniversary. He is settled in the hearts of the countrymen," the prime minister's tweet read.

Good governance is possible by thinking of problems in totality: PM Modi 

President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid floral tributes to former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his 95th birth anniversary at the 'Sadaiv Atal'&nbsp;memorial in Delhi on Wednesday morning.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, BJP working president JP Nadd, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and senior BJP leader LK Advani were among those present and paid their obeisances to Vajpayee.

Singer Anup Jalota was on stage. In his soulful voice, he sang prayers in memory of BJP stalwart, late Vajpayee. Earlier today, Modi extended his birthday greetings to Vajpayee.

"A tribute to former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ji on his birth anniversary, present in the hearts of the people," he tweeted and posted a video having snapshots of him and the former prime minister.

Born on December 25, 1924, in Madhya Pradesh's Gwalior, Vajpayee was an active member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

He was among the founding members of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh.

Known for his eloquent oratorical skills, he was a member of both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, representing Lucknow from the Lower House from 1991 to 2009.

Vajpayee was one of the several leaders who were jailed during the Emergency imposed by then prime minister Indira Gandhi in 1975.

The veteran leader, who led the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government from 1998-2004, was the first-ever person from the BJP to become the Prime Minister.

He served as Prime Minister thrice -- briefly in 1996, from 1998-1999 and then for a full five-year term between 1999 and 2004.

During his tenure, India had carried out the Pokhran-II nuclear tests in Rajasthan in 1998 and the Kargil War between India and Pakistan had broken out in 1999.

Apart from politics, Vajpayee was a prominent writer and has penned a number of poems.

After resigning as the prime minister in 2004, the BJP stalwart retired from active politics owing to his feeble health.

In 2015, Vajpayee was bestowed with Bharat Ratna, the country's highest civil honour.

The veteran BJP leader passed away on August 16, 2018, at the All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS) in Delhi following a prolonged illness.

December 25 is celebrated as `Good Governance Day` in honour of Vajpayee.

Later today, Modi will unveil a statue of Vajpayee at Lok Bhawan in Lucknow.

President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid floral tributes to former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his 95th birth anniversary at the 'Sadaiv Atal' memorial in Delhi on Wednesday morning.

President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid floral tributes to former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his 95th birth anniversary at the 'Sadaiv Atal' memorial in Delhi on Wednesday morning. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, BJP working president JP Nadd, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and senior BJP leader LK Advani were among those present and paid their obeisances to Vajpayee. Singer Anup Jalota was on stage. In his soulful voice, he sang prayers in memory of BJP stalwart, late Vajpayee. Earlier today, Modi extended his birthday greetings to Vajpayee. "A tribute to former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ji on his birth anniversary, present in the hearts of the people," he tweeted and posted a video having snapshots of him and the former prime minister. Born on December 25, 1924, in Madhya Pradesh's Gwalior, Vajpayee was an active member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). He was among the founding members of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh. Known for his eloquent oratorical skills, he was a member of both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, representing Lucknow from the Lower House from 1991 to 2009. Vajpayee was one of the several leaders who were jailed during the Emergency imposed by then prime minister Indira Gandhi in 1975. The veteran leader, who led the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government from 1998-2004, was the first-ever person from the BJP to become the Prime Minister. He served as Prime Minister thrice -- briefly in 1996, from 1998-1999 and then for a full five-year term between 1999 and 2004. During his tenure, India had carried out the Pokhran-II nuclear tests in Rajasthan in 1998 and the Kargil War between India and Pakistan had broken out in 1999. Apart from politics, Vajpayee was a prominent writer and has penned a number of poems. After resigning as the prime minister in 2004, the BJP stalwart retired from active politics owing to his feeble health. In 2015, Vajpayee was bestowed with Bharat Ratna, the country's highest civil honour. The veteran BJP leader passed away on August 16, 2018, at the All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS) in Delhi following a prolonged illness. December 25 is celebrated as `Good Governance Day` in honour of Vajpayee. Later today, Modi will unveil a statue of Vajpayee at Lok Bhawan in Lucknow.

President, PM pay tributes to Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his 95th birth anniversary

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday extended greetings to the nation on the occasion of Christmas and remembered the 'noble thoughts of Jesus Christ'.

Taking to Twitter, the Prime Minister said that the teachings of Jesus inspire millions of people across the world.

"Merry Christmas! We remember, with immense joy, the noble thoughts of Jesus Christ. He epitomised the spirit of service and compassion, devoting his life towards alleviating human suffering. His teachings inspire millions across the world," Modi tweeted.

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Merry Christmas! 
 
We remember, with immense joy, the noble thoughts of Jesus Christ. He epitomised spirit of service and compassion, devoting his life towards alleviating human suffering. 
 
His teachings inspire millions across the world.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1209667097468342272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Christmas is celebrated every year on December 25 and marks the birth of Jesus Christ.

It is commemorated by the Christian community and others across the globe by singing carols and exchanging gifts as the festival aims to spread the message of peace and prosperity.

December 25 is also celebrated by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as Good Governance Day in memory of late former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, whose birth anniversary also falls on the same day.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday extended greetings to the nation on the occasion of Christmas and remembered the 'noble thoughts of Jesus Christ'. Taking to Twitter, the Prime Minister said that the teachings of Jesus inspire millions of people across the world.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday extended greetings to the nation on the occasion of Christmas and remembered the 'noble thoughts of Jesus Christ'. Taking to Twitter, the Prime Minister said that the teachings of Jesus inspire millions of people across the world. "Merry Christmas! We remember, with immense joy, the noble thoughts of Jesus Christ. He epitomised the spirit of service and compassion, devoting his life towards alleviating human suffering. His teachings inspire millions across the world," Modi tweeted. Merry Christmas! We remember, with immense joy, the noble thoughts of Jesus Christ. He epitomised spirit of service and compassion, devoting his life towards alleviating human suffering. His teachings inspire millions across the world. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 25, 2019 × Christmas is celebrated every year on December 25 and marks the birth of Jesus Christ. It is commemorated by the Christian community and others across the globe by singing carols and exchanging gifts as the festival aims to spread the message of peace and prosperity. December 25 is also celebrated by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as Good Governance Day in memory of late former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, whose birth anniversary also falls on the same day.

Merry Christmas: PM Modi greets nation

Outlining the importance of water management, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that 'New India'&nbsp;will have to work together to tackle water issues.

"New India should come to work together to deal with every situation of the water crisis. For this, we are working together on five levels," he said after inaugurating the Atal Bhujal Yojana here to mark the 95th birth anniversary of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

He also said that the Rohtang Tunnel, connecting Himachal Pradesh to Ladakh, and Jammu and Kashmir, and connecting Manali with Leh, will now be known as Atal Tunnel, in honour of the late BJP leader.

"On the one hand there is Jal Jeevan Mission, which will ensure that piped potable water will reach every household while on the other side is the Atal Jal Yojana, which will put prime focus on places where the groundwater level is low," Modi said.

He said that during the tenure of the previous NDA government, water issues were a priority for Vajpayee.

"Whether it is the Atal Jal Yojana or the guidelines related to the Jal Jeevan Mission, these are major steps in proving the resolve to ensure that water reaches to every household in the country by 2024," the Prime Minister said.

He said that only three crore houses have access to piped water even after the country gained independence in 1947.

"Imagine, out of 18 crore rural households, only 3 crore houses get piped water. This was achieved in 70 years. Now we have to deliver clean drinking water to 15 crore households in the next three years," the Prime Minister said.

The Atal Bhujal Yojana scheme aims to improve groundwater management through community participation in identified priority areas in seven states -- Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.

Implementation of the scheme is expected to benefit nearly 8,350-gram panchayats in 78 districts in these states.

The initiative will promote panchayat led groundwater management and behavioural change with a primary focus on demand-side management.&nbsp;

Outlining the importance of water management, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that 'New India' will have to work together to tackle water issues. "New India should come to work together to deal with every situation of the water crisis.

Outlining the importance of water management, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that 'New India' will have to work together to tackle water issues. "New India should come to work together to deal with every situation of the water crisis. For this, we are working together on five levels," he said after inaugurating the Atal Bhujal Yojana here to mark the 95th birth anniversary of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He also said that the Rohtang Tunnel, connecting Himachal Pradesh to Ladakh, and Jammu and Kashmir, and connecting Manali with Leh, will now be known as Atal Tunnel, in honour of the late BJP leader. "On the one hand there is Jal Jeevan Mission, which will ensure that piped potable water will reach every household while on the other side is the Atal Jal Yojana, which will put prime focus on places where the groundwater level is low," Modi said. He said that during the tenure of the previous NDA government, water issues were a priority for Vajpayee. "Whether it is the Atal Jal Yojana or the guidelines related to the Jal Jeevan Mission, these are major steps in proving the resolve to ensure that water reaches to every household in the country by 2024," the Prime Minister said. He said that only three crore houses have access to piped water even after the country gained independence in 1947. "Imagine, out of 18 crore rural households, only 3 crore houses get piped water. This was achieved in 70 years. Now we have to deliver clean drinking water to 15 crore households in the next three years," the Prime Minister said. The Atal Bhujal Yojana scheme aims to improve groundwater management through community participation in identified priority areas in seven states -- Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. Implementation of the scheme is expected to benefit nearly 8,350-gram panchayats in 78 districts in these states. The initiative will promote panchayat led groundwater management and behavioural change with a primary focus on demand-side management.

New India should come forward to tackle water issues: PM Modi

Farmers of Amaravati capital region villages on Tuesday met Andhra Pradesh BJP President Kanna Lakshmi Narayana here to seek his support for their protest against the government's proposal of three capitals in the state.

The farmers appealed to the BJP state president to take the matter to the notice of Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-unveil-atal-bihari-vajpayee-statue-in-lucknow-tomorrow-269943">Narendra Modi</a>. Narayana assured the farmers that BJP would stand by them.

Speaking on the occasion, the state BJP president said "Chief Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/andhra-cm-jagan-reddy-proposes-3-capitals-for-andhra-pradesh-268817">YS Jaganmohan Reddy</a> should change his idea of three capitals. Change of policies whenever government changes is not correct."

Narayana also said that Jagan's attitude seems to be vindictive.

"Dictatorial attitude is not good for anybody. That will lead to troubles. There is a connection between capital and development. The decision of three capitals will be problematic for administration," he added.

Earlier yesterday, Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/andhra-chief-minister-n-chandrababu-naidu-to-meet-election-commission-today-219381">N Chandrababu Naidu</a> also expressed solidarity with the farmers who are agitating against Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy's idea of three capitals in the state.

Farmers of Amaravati capital region villages on Tuesday met Andhra Pradesh BJP President Kanna Lakshmi Narayana here to seek his support for their protest against the government's proposal of three capitals in the state.

Farmers of Amaravati capital region villages on Tuesday met Andhra Pradesh BJP President Kanna Lakshmi Narayana here to seek his support for their protest against the government's proposal of three capitals in the state. The farmers appealed to the BJP state president to take the matter to the notice of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Narayana assured the farmers that BJP would stand by them. Speaking on the occasion, the state BJP president said "Chief Minister YS Jaganmohan Reddy should change his idea of three capitals. Change of policies whenever government changes is not correct." Narayana also said that Jagan's attitude seems to be vindictive. "Dictatorial attitude is not good for anybody. That will lead to troubles. There is a connection between capital and development. The decision of three capitals will be problematic for administration," he added. Earlier yesterday, Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief N Chandrababu Naidu also expressed solidarity with the farmers who are agitating against Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy's idea of three capitals in the state.

Andhra Pradesh: Farmers seek state BJP chief's support to oppose plan of three capitals

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday delivered the&nbsp;32nd Intelligence Bureau (IB) Centenary Endowment Lecture in India during which he vowed that Modi government will wipe out&nbsp;terrorism, left-wing extremism and insurgency in northeast completely in next five years.

"Modi Government is committed that terrorism, Left-wing extremism and insurgency in the northeast is completely wiped out in the next five years," the official press released stated&nbsp;Shah as saying.

Shah also said, IB was 'brain' of the national security apparatus and has helped in ensuring zero tolerance to terrorism and Naxalism.

Lauding the IB officials, Shah also said, "their work would be etched in golden letters in the annals of history".&nbsp;

According to an official press release, the Home Minister pointed to interlinked challenges of human and weapons trafficking, cross-border infiltration, fake Indian currency notes (FICN), hawala transactions, drug trafficking as well as cyber threats.

The home minister also emphasised on the need for coordination between different security and intelligence agencies.

Listing out national security challenges in the coming years, especially against the backdrop of the country's aim to become a $5 trillion economy, he accorded special focus on securing "land and maritime borders," the release said.

He underscored the importance of coordination between different security and intelligence agencies and exhorted them to move towards sharper intelligence analysis along with a prompt phase-wise and time-bound strategy to address national security challenges.

Encouraging IB personnel to identify solutions to these challenges and look for new ways to counter them, he asked them to change their approach to be more effective.

Noting that IB personnel work tirelessly and anonymously for national security, he underscored their contribution in helping the country emerge stronger.

He also appreciated the organisation for having tackled insurgency in the northeast "very effectively" over the years.

(With inputs from agencies)

 
&nbsp;

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday delivered the 32nd Intelligence Bureau (IB) Centenary Endowment Lecture in India during which he vowed that Modi government will wipe out terrorism, left-wing extremism and insurgency in northeast completely in next five years.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday delivered the 32nd Intelligence Bureau (IB) Centenary Endowment Lecture in India during which he vowed that Modi government will wipe out terrorism, left-wing extremism and insurgency in northeast completely in next five years. "Modi Government is committed that terrorism, Left-wing extremism and insurgency in the northeast is completely wiped out in the next five years," the official press released stated Shah as saying. Shah also said, IB was 'brain' of the national security apparatus and has helped in ensuring zero tolerance to terrorism and Naxalism. Lauding the IB officials, Shah also said, "their work would be etched in golden letters in the annals of history". According to an official press release, the Home Minister pointed to interlinked challenges of human and weapons trafficking, cross-border infiltration, fake Indian currency notes (FICN), hawala transactions, drug trafficking as well as cyber threats. The home minister also emphasised on the need for coordination between different security and intelligence agencies. Listing out national security challenges in the coming years, especially against the backdrop of the country's aim to become a $5 trillion economy, he accorded special focus on securing "land and maritime borders," the release said. He underscored the importance of coordination between different security and intelligence agencies and exhorted them to move towards sharper intelligence analysis along with a prompt phase-wise and time-bound strategy to address national security challenges. Encouraging IB personnel to identify solutions to these challenges and look for new ways to counter them, he asked them to change their approach to be more effective. Noting that IB personnel work tirelessly and anonymously for national security, he underscored their contribution in helping the country emerge stronger. He also appreciated the organisation for having tackled insurgency in the northeast "very effectively" over the years. (With inputs from agencies)

Modi government committed to wipe out terrorism, left-wing extremism in five years: Amit Shah

Russia is hoping to complete free trade agreement between the Eurasian region and India in the year 2020, Russian Ambassador to India said on Monday.

Envoy Nikolai Kudashev also said that the leaders of both countries, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin, are also expected to meet several times during the year.

"We are hopeful of completing the free trade agreement between the Eurasian region and India in the year 2020. We will also make progress in defence cooperation with greater possibilities of joint cooperation and localisation."

"India and Russia are starting a new level of energy security partnership with lucrative opportunity for Indian companies in the Russian arctic. Hoping for early conclusion of Eurasian-India next year," Kudashev also said.

Russia and India have been taking steps to improve their bilateral relations.&nbsp;

In September this year, PM Modi met President Putin in Russia's far eastern city of Vladivostok during the 20th India Russia annual summit.

During that summit, key announcements were made on energy and a proposal has been made to have a full-fledged maritime route that serves as a link between Chennai and Vladivostok.

Describing Russia as a friend and a nation that has supported India, the Prime Minister had&nbsp;said that Russia has personally given importance to bolstering its strategic partnership with India.

Both sides agreed on a five-year road map in the energy sector with focus on Indian investment in Russian oil fields and transportation of energy to India and Russian investment in the downstream energy sector in India.&nbsp;

In November as well, both leaders had held bilateral talks on the sidelines of the BRICS summit.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russia is hoping to complete free trade agreement between the Eurasian region and India in the year 2020, Russian Ambassador to India said on Monday. Envoy Nikolai Kudashev also said that the leaders of both countries, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin, are also expected to meet several times during the year.

Russia is hoping to complete free trade agreement between the Eurasian region and India in the year 2020, Russian Ambassador to India said on Monday. Envoy Nikolai Kudashev also said that the leaders of both countries, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin, are also expected to meet several times during the year. "We are hopeful of completing the free trade agreement between the Eurasian region and India in the year 2020. We will also make progress in defence cooperation with greater possibilities of joint cooperation and localisation." "India and Russia are starting a new level of energy security partnership with lucrative opportunity for Indian companies in the Russian arctic. Hoping for early conclusion of Eurasian-India next year," Kudashev also said. Russia and India have been taking steps to improve their bilateral relations. In September this year, PM Modi met President Putin in Russia's far eastern city of Vladivostok during the 20th India Russia annual summit. During that summit, key announcements were made on energy and a proposal has been made to have a full-fledged maritime route that serves as a link between Chennai and Vladivostok. Describing Russia as a friend and a nation that has supported India, the Prime Minister had said that Russia has personally given importance to bolstering its strategic partnership with India. Both sides agreed on a five-year road map in the energy sector with focus on Indian investment in Russian oil fields and transportation of energy to India and Russian investment in the downstream energy sector in India. In November as well, both leaders had held bilateral talks on the sidelines of the BRICS summit. (With inputs from agencies)

'We hope to complete free trade agreement between Eurasia, India in 2020', says Russia envoy

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-lauds-strong-ties-with-islamic-countries-says-relations-have-strengthened-269577">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> has said that ties with Bangladesh have strengthened and both countries are working together on several issues.&nbsp;

While speaking at a rally in Delhi, PM Modi said, "Ties with Bangladesh have strengthened. We have worked with Bangladesh and solved many issues dating back to the partition. Land boundary issue, connectivity, railway, new waterways, expansion of broadband, we are working with Bangladesh shoulder-to-shoulder. "

The comments come days after Bangladesh's foreign minister AK Abdul Momen and home minister Asaduzzaman Khan called off visits to India in the aftermath of the passage of the Citizenship Amendment law in the Parliament. The law gives citizenship to non-Muslim persecuted minorities from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan who have arrived in Indian before December 31, 2014.

India, while explaining its position on the persecution of minorities in Bangladesh, said it was not under the current PM Hasina government. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson said, "no bill will impact the strong relationship between India and Bangladesh".

In fact, Union Home Minister Amit Shah in the Parliament during the discussion on the Citizenship Amendment bill said, "As long as Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was leading Bangladesh, everything worked very well. But once his government went, minorities began to be oppressed. I can tell you that a large number of Bangladeshi Hindus had to come here to seek refuge".

"The current government in Bangladesh is also taking care of religious minorities. It is making arrangements also for the religious minorities but there has been a long period in the past during which people came to India on the account of religious persecution. This Bill is only to give citizenship to those people who came at that time," he had said.

Many high-level visits have taken between India and Bangladesh with Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina visiting India twice this year. PM Modi is expected to visit Bangladesh next year around March 17 for the 100th birth anniversary of Bangladesh's 'father of the nation' Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that ties with Bangladesh have strengthened and both countries are working together on several issues. While speaking at a rally in Delhi, PM Modi said, "Ties with Bangladesh have strengthened.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that ties with Bangladesh have strengthened and both countries are working together on several issues. While speaking at a rally in Delhi, PM Modi said, "Ties with Bangladesh have strengthened. We have worked with Bangladesh and solved many issues dating back to the partition. Land boundary issue, connectivity, railway, new waterways, expansion of broadband, we are working with Bangladesh shoulder-to-shoulder. " The comments come days after Bangladesh's foreign minister AK Abdul Momen and home minister Asaduzzaman Khan called off visits to India in the aftermath of the passage of the Citizenship Amendment law in the Parliament. The law gives citizenship to non-Muslim persecuted minorities from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan who have arrived in Indian before December 31, 2014. India, while explaining its position on the persecution of minorities in Bangladesh, said it was not under the current PM Hasina government. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson said, "no bill will impact the strong relationship between India and Bangladesh". In fact, Union Home Minister Amit Shah in the Parliament during the discussion on the Citizenship Amendment bill said, "As long as Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was leading Bangladesh, everything worked very well. But once his government went, minorities began to be oppressed. I can tell you that a large number of Bangladeshi Hindus had to come here to seek refuge". "The current government in Bangladesh is also taking care of religious minorities. It is making arrangements also for the religious minorities but there has been a long period in the past during which people came to India on the account of religious persecution. This Bill is only to give citizenship to those people who came at that time," he had said. Many high-level visits have taken between India and Bangladesh with Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina visiting India twice this year. PM Modi is expected to visit Bangladesh next year around March 17 for the 100th birth anniversary of Bangladesh's 'father of the nation' Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

PM Modi expresses confidence in India-Bangladesh ties, says both working shoulder-to-shoulder

<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">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> on Sunday said that India's ties with the Islamic world and Gulf countries have increased in the past few years and this is largely due to the growing respect for New Delhi.

While speaking at a rally in Delhi today, Modi said, "We have the best ties with the Islamic world, Gulf countries in current times and many reasons to it. We have been putting efforts to strengthen ties with Palestine, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Jordan... we have achieved heights in our relations".

The prime minister said countries like "Afghanistan, Palestine, Saudi, the UAE, the Maldives, Bahrain - all these countries have given the highest awards to India. They have strengthened ties with the Indian civilization."

Earlier this year, PM Modi was honoured by the UAE's top award - the Zayed Medal and Bahrain's 'King Hamad Order of the Renaissance'. In all, PM Modi has been honoured six times from various countries of the Islamic world with top honours.

The prime minister talked about the increase in Haj quota by Saudi Arabia for Indians and the release of Indian prisoners by Islamic countries.&nbsp;

PM Modi said, "Saudi Arabia increased Haj quota. I had raised the issue, told Saudis that India's Muslim middle-class is increasing, they want to do Haj. I said the quota should be 2 lakhs and they increased it. In the last 5 years, many Islamic countries have released many Indian prisoners which is unprecedented. Saudi, Kuwait, Qatar or Bahrain, they have released Indian prisoners. This is for the first time so many Indian prisoners have been released by them."

The Gulf hosts a large population of the Indian diaspora. In terms of energy, India gets its crude oil from that part of the world.

PM Modi said when he visits "Islamic countries and meets the leaders and the Indian diaspora, he is told that the "respect for India has increased substantially".

A number of high-level visits have taken in the first term of PM Modi to west Asia. In his second term, he visited the UAE, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. 
&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that India's ties with the Islamic world and Gulf countries have increased in the past few years and this is largely due to the growing respect for New Delhi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that India's ties with the Islamic world and Gulf countries have increased in the past few years and this is largely due to the growing respect for New Delhi. While speaking at a rally in Delhi today, Modi said, "We have the best ties with the Islamic world, Gulf countries in current times and many reasons to it. We have been putting efforts to strengthen ties with Palestine, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Jordan... we have achieved heights in our relations". The prime minister said countries like "Afghanistan, Palestine, Saudi, the UAE, the Maldives, Bahrain - all these countries have given the highest awards to India. They have strengthened ties with the Indian civilization." Earlier this year, PM Modi was honoured by the UAE's top award - the Zayed Medal and Bahrain's 'King Hamad Order of the Renaissance'. In all, PM Modi has been honoured six times from various countries of the Islamic world with top honours. The prime minister talked about the increase in Haj quota by Saudi Arabia for Indians and the release of Indian prisoners by Islamic countries. PM Modi said, "Saudi Arabia increased Haj quota. I had raised the issue, told Saudis that India's Muslim middle-class is increasing, they want to do Haj. I said the quota should be 2 lakhs and they increased it. In the last 5 years, many Islamic countries have released many Indian prisoners which is unprecedented. Saudi, Kuwait, Qatar or Bahrain, they have released Indian prisoners. This is for the first time so many Indian prisoners have been released by them." The Gulf hosts a large population of the Indian diaspora. In terms of energy, India gets its crude oil from that part of the world. PM Modi said when he visits "Islamic countries and meets the leaders and the Indian diaspora, he is told that the "respect for India has increased substantially". A number of high-level visits have taken in the first term of PM Modi to west Asia. In his second term, he visited the UAE, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.

PM Modi lauds strong ties with Islamic countries, says relations have strengthened

''University in diversity is India's speciality'', announced <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jharkhand-polls-pm-modi-urges-voters-to-vote-in-record-numbers-in-fifth-phase-269265">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> while addressing a Bharatiya Janta Party rally at the Ramlila Ground in Delhi.

Amid the chants of Bharat Mata Ki Jai (hail mother India), the Prime Minister urged the crowd to join him in saying, "Vividha me ekta, Bharat ki visheshta" (Unity in diversity is India's speciality).

Starting off, Modi spoke about Delhiites and the issues they've faced. According to Modi, a large section of Delhi folks faced ''fear, uncertainty, deceit, and false electoral promises''. ''Illegal, sealing, bulldozer &amp; a cut-off date - life of a large population in Delhi was confined around these words'', he added.

While referring to the setbacks faced during the construction of Delhi metro's phase 4, Modi suggested that the state government's politicisation of the project caused the delay. ''That is why I say that those who do politics in your name, never understood your pain, they never intended to do that'', he announced.

The rally was primarily addressing the ownership rights of around 40 lakh residents of unauthorised colonies in the national capital, which has been fulfilled through a recent decision. 
 
On unauthorised colonies, Modi also took jibes at the previous state governments. ''You should know what those people, whom you were asking for something for yourself, were doing. They had illegally given 2000 lavish bungalows to their people. No one knows what was given to whom in lieu of that'', he said.

The PM accused political parties of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/anti-caa-protests-in-up-879-arrested-15-dead-5000-in-preventive-custody-269553">rumour-mongering</a> and misleading them. He said, ''When we authorised the unauthorised colonies, did we ask anyone their religion? Did we ask which political party they support? Did we ask for documents from 1970, 1980?''.

The administration had made elaborate arrangements for security in view of the recent protests in the national capital after protests broke out over the Citizenship Amendment Act.

The Prime Minister was welcomed by Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari at the venue, along with other senior functionaries of the party. 
 
The PM addressed a massive crowd. Before his address, BJP members from Delhi - Gautam Gambhir, Meenakshi Lekhi, Hans Raj Hans, and Harsh Vardhan also addressed the crowd.

''Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians all were befitted, everyone who lives here was benefitted. Why did we do this? Because we live for the love of the country. We are dedicated to the mantra of 'Sabka saath, sabka vikas''', Modi spoke while alluding to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/citizenship-amendment-bill-was-passed-to-give-respect-to-those-who-fled-to-india-as-refugees-pm-modi-268376">Citizenship (Amendment) Act</a> and the National Register of Citizens.

(With inputs from ANI)

''University in diversity is India's speciality'', announced Prime Minister Narendra Modi while addressing a Bharatiya Janta Party rally at the Ramlila Ground in Delhi.

''University in diversity is India's speciality'', announced Prime Minister Narendra Modi while addressing a Bharatiya Janta Party rally at the Ramlila Ground in Delhi. Amid the chants of Bharat Mata Ki Jai (hail mother India), the Prime Minister urged the crowd to join him in saying, "Vividha me ekta, Bharat ki visheshta" (Unity in diversity is India's speciality). Starting off, Modi spoke about Delhiites and the issues they've faced. According to Modi, a large section of Delhi folks faced ''fear, uncertainty, deceit, and false electoral promises''. ''Illegal, sealing, bulldozer & a cut-off date - life of a large population in Delhi was confined around these words'', he added. While referring to the setbacks faced during the construction of Delhi metro's phase 4, Modi suggested that the state government's politicisation of the project caused the delay. ''That is why I say that those who do politics in your name, never understood your pain, they never intended to do that'', he announced. The rally was primarily addressing the ownership rights of around 40 lakh residents of unauthorised colonies in the national capital, which has been fulfilled through a recent decision. On unauthorised colonies, Modi also took jibes at the previous state governments. ''You should know what those people, whom you were asking for something for yourself, were doing. They had illegally given 2000 lavish bungalows to their people. No one knows what was given to whom in lieu of that'', he said. The PM accused political parties of rumour-mongering and misleading them. He said, ''When we authorised the unauthorised colonies, did we ask anyone their religion? Did we ask which political party they support? Did we ask for documents from 1970, 1980?''. The administration had made elaborate arrangements for security in view of the recent protests in the national capital after protests broke out over the Citizenship Amendment Act. The Prime Minister was welcomed by Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari at the venue, along with other senior functionaries of the party. The PM addressed a massive crowd. Before his address, BJP members from Delhi - Gautam Gambhir, Meenakshi Lekhi, Hans Raj Hans, and Harsh Vardhan also addressed the crowd. ''Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians all were befitted, everyone who lives here was benefitted. Why did we do this? Because we live for the love of the country. We are dedicated to the mantra of 'Sabka saath, sabka vikas''', Modi spoke while alluding to the Citizenship (Amendment) Act and the National Register of Citizens. (With inputs from ANI)

'Unity in diversity is India's speciality': Amid nationwide protests, PM Modi addresses Delhi's Ramlila ground

The United States respects India`s democratic institutions and will continue to observe the active political debate, parliamentary discussions, and the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/wion-edit-citizenship-amendment-act-when-actors-turned-activists-269216">protests</a> over the Citizenship (Amendment) Act 2019, a senior State Department official said on Thursday.

"We are seeing the active political debate, the discussions in Parliament, the protests by people who are espousing their views on that law. We are also fully aware that there is a judicial process that`s underway," the official said.

"And we respect India`s democratic institutions and India`s democratic practices, and we will continue to observe it on an ongoing basis,` the official added.

The senior State Department official said that Washington would talk to New Delhi "about the fact that as democracies, issues around minority rights, religious freedom, human rights are important pillars of democratic societies", and encourage India and the other democracies alike to adhere to those principles.

The official also said that the US recognises India as a vibrant democracy and holds regular conversations with the country "about a full range of issues".

Similar remarks were made by US Secretary of State Michael <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-was-on-the-call-says-pompeo-on-trump-call-to-ukraine-leader-253318">Pompeo</a> yesterday, when he said that his country cares deeply about protecting minorities and religious rights everywhere but honours "Indian democracy as they have a robust debate" on the issue of CAA.

"We care deeply and always will about protecting minorities, protecting religious rights everywhere. We honour Indian democracy and they have a robust debate in India on the issue. The US will be consistent in its response to these issues, not only in India but all across the world," Pompeo said during the joint presser with US Defence Secretary Mark Esper, India`s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-us-commence-22-ministerial-dialogue-in-washington-dc-269125">2+2</a> India-US ministerial dialogue.

His remarks came after being asked whether he thinks "it is appropriate for a democracy to use faith as a determining criterion for citizenship."Last week, the Indian Parliament had passed the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019 and it became an Act after receiving assent from President Ram Nath Kovind.

The Act grants Indian citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Parsi communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh, and who entered India on or before December 31, 2014.

Commenting on the Kashmir issue, the senior State Department official said that Washington has spoken publicly of concerns about prolonged detentions in the region after the Indian government`s decision to revoke <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/article-370-abrogation-foreign-medias-india-bias-249191">Article 370</a> of the Constitution on August 5.&nbsp;

The United States respects India`s democratic institutions and will continue to observe the active political debate, parliamentary discussions, and the protests over the Citizenship (Amendment) Act 2019, a senior State Department official said on Thursday.

The United States respects India`s democratic institutions and will continue to observe the active political debate, parliamentary discussions, and the protests over the Citizenship (Amendment) Act 2019, a senior State Department official said on Thursday. "We are seeing the active political debate, the discussions in Parliament, the protests by people who are espousing their views on that law. We are also fully aware that there is a judicial process that`s underway," the official said. "And we respect India`s democratic institutions and India`s democratic practices, and we will continue to observe it on an ongoing basis,` the official added. The senior State Department official said that Washington would talk to New Delhi "about the fact that as democracies, issues around minority rights, religious freedom, human rights are important pillars of democratic societies", and encourage India and the other democracies alike to adhere to those principles. The official also said that the US recognises India as a vibrant democracy and holds regular conversations with the country "about a full range of issues". Similar remarks were made by US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo yesterday, when he said that his country cares deeply about protecting minorities and religious rights everywhere but honours "Indian democracy as they have a robust debate" on the issue of CAA. "We care deeply and always will about protecting minorities, protecting religious rights everywhere. We honour Indian democracy and they have a robust debate in India on the issue. The US will be consistent in its response to these issues, not only in India but all across the world," Pompeo said during the joint presser with US Defence Secretary Mark Esper, India`s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh after the 2+2 India-US ministerial dialogue. His remarks came after being asked whether he thinks "it is appropriate for a democracy to use faith as a determining criterion for citizenship."Last week, the Indian Parliament had passed the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019 and it became an Act after receiving assent from President Ram Nath Kovind. The Act grants Indian citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Parsi communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh, and who entered India on or before December 31, 2014. Commenting on the Kashmir issue, the senior State Department official said that Washington has spoken publicly of concerns about prolonged detentions in the region after the Indian government`s decision to revoke Article 370 of the Constitution on August 5.

Respect India's democratic institutions; will continue to observe parliamentary discussions: US State Dept official on CAA

Asserting that the flow of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into India has increased in the last few years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that global investors are looking to invest in the country with renewed hope and belief.

"In the last few years, FDI in India has increased. FDI, for me, has two meanings. One is Foreign Direct Investment, and for me, another one is, `First Develop India`," Modi said while addressing the annual ASSOCHAM conference here.

He said that there is a new mood of innovation and enterprise in the entire country today. "There`s an unprecedented belief in India`s ability across the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/economy-debate-narendra-modis-nda-versus-manmohan-singhs-upa-267271">world</a>. Global investors are looking at India today with renewed hope and belief," the Prime Minister said.

He also said that labour laws have undergone an overhaul as per suggestions from the industry sector, underlining that several steps have been taken to make the industry strong and futuristic.

"I want to tell everyone associated with the banking and corporate sector that the old weaknesses have been ironed out. Take decisions bravely, invest openly, and spend well and keep moving ahead," the Prime Minister said, adding that no action will be taken against right and commercially genuine decisions.

The Prime Minister said that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amit-shah-says-indian-economy-moved-to-bold-decisive-decision-making-calls-current-slowdown-temporary-265503">India</a> has made improvements in the Global Competitiveness Index and the country is one of the top 10 FDI destinations in the world.

"There`s no doubt about how weak India`s banking sector was, before 2014. Rs six lakh crores were provisioned to make up for the losses. Rs 70,000 crore and Rs 23,600,000 crore have been made available to the banks by the government," Modi added.

The Prime Minister said that Rs 10,000,000 crore has been earmarked for infrastructure in the next few years and Rs 3,500,000 crore has been set aside to ensure clean drinking water to every family in the country under the 'Jal Jeevan Mission'.

"We are going to invest Rs 10,000,000 crore on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/security-preparedness-ensuring-safety-in-cities-268773">infrastructure</a> in the coming years. On the rural infrastructure, we have dedicated an investment of Rs 2,500,000&nbsp;crore. We have also earmarked Rs 350,000&nbsp;crore to ensure drinking water to every family in the country," Modi further said.&nbsp;

Asserting that the flow of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into India has increased in the last few years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that global investors are looking to invest in the country with renewed hope and belief.

Asserting that the flow of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into India has increased in the last few years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that global investors are looking to invest in the country with renewed hope and belief. "In the last few years, FDI in India has increased. FDI, for me, has two meanings. One is Foreign Direct Investment, and for me, another one is, `First Develop India`," Modi said while addressing the annual ASSOCHAM conference here. He said that there is a new mood of innovation and enterprise in the entire country today. "There`s an unprecedented belief in India`s ability across the world. Global investors are looking at India today with renewed hope and belief," the Prime Minister said. He also said that labour laws have undergone an overhaul as per suggestions from the industry sector, underlining that several steps have been taken to make the industry strong and futuristic. "I want to tell everyone associated with the banking and corporate sector that the old weaknesses have been ironed out. Take decisions bravely, invest openly, and spend well and keep moving ahead," the Prime Minister said, adding that no action will be taken against right and commercially genuine decisions. The Prime Minister said that India has made improvements in the Global Competitiveness Index and the country is one of the top 10 FDI destinations in the world. "There`s no doubt about how weak India`s banking sector was, before 2014. Rs six lakh crores were provisioned to make up for the losses. Rs 70,000 crore and Rs 23,600,000 crore have been made available to the banks by the government," Modi added. The Prime Minister said that Rs 10,000,000 crore has been earmarked for infrastructure in the next few years and Rs 3,500,000 crore has been set aside to ensure clean drinking water to every family in the country under the 'Jal Jeevan Mission'. "We are going to invest Rs 10,000,000 crore on infrastructure in the coming years. On the rural infrastructure, we have dedicated an investment of Rs 2,500,000 crore. We have also earmarked Rs 350,000 crore to ensure drinking water to every family in the country," Modi further said.

Global investors looking at India with renewed hope, belief: PM Modi

Congress leader and former Karnataka Chief Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-siddaramaiah-sends-resignation-to-sonia-gandhi-takes-responsibility-of-bypoll-results-267242">Siddaramaiah</a> on Wednesday criticised the ruling BJP government in the state over the imposition of Section 144.

Section 144 has been imposed to maintain law and order in the wake of protests against the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/anti-citizenship-amendment-act-2019-protests-10-things-you-need-to-know-268511"> Citizenship Amendment Act 2019</a> and the National Register of Citizens (NRC).

"After a series of assaults on the values enshrined in the Constitution, it is time to take away the Right to Peaceful Protest through Sec144. I never expected @bsybjp (B S Yediyurappa) to play to the tune of @narendramodi (Prime Minister Narendra Modi). I thought he was more progressive and inclusive," he said in a tweet.

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After series of assault on the values enshrined in the Constitution, it is time to take away the Right to Peaceful Protest through Sec144 
 
I never expected <a href="https://twitter.com/BSYBJP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@bsybjp</a> to play to the tune of <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a>. I thought he was more progressive &amp; inclusive. 
 
Shame on You Mr. Yediyurappa.
— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) <a href="https://twitter.com/siddaramaiah/status/1207359881239396352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Today, police have been deployed in the Town Hall area as a 'bandh' has been called by a consortium of Left-wing and Muslim organisation in the state CAA 2019 and NRC.

Karnataka CM BS <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/b-s-yeddyurappa-karnatakas-lingayat-strongman-bjp-is-pinning-its-hope-on-133936">Yediyurappa</a> also held a meeting with senior police officers including Bangalore City Police Commissioner Bhaskar Rao in the morning and instructed them to take all measures to avoid any untoward incident, in the view of protests against CAA and NRC.

Congress leader and former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday criticised the ruling BJP government in the state over the imposition of Section 144.

Congress leader and former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday criticised the ruling BJP government in the state over the imposition of Section 144. Section 144 has been imposed to maintain law and order in the wake of protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act 2019 and the National Register of Citizens (NRC). "After a series of assaults on the values enshrined in the Constitution, it is time to take away the Right to Peaceful Protest through Sec144. I never expected @bsybjp (B S Yediyurappa) to play to the tune of @narendramodi (Prime Minister Narendra Modi). I thought he was more progressive and inclusive," he said in a tweet. After series of assault on the values enshrined in the Constitution, it is time to take away the Right to Peaceful Protest through Sec144 I never expected @bsybjp to play to the tune of @narendramodi. I thought he was more progressive & inclusive. Shame on You Mr. Yediyurappa. — Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) December 18, 2019 × Today, police have been deployed in the Town Hall area as a 'bandh' has been called by a consortium of Left-wing and Muslim organisation in the state CAA 2019 and NRC. Karnataka CM BS Yediyurappa also held a meeting with senior police officers including Bangalore City Police Commissioner Bhaskar Rao in the morning and instructed them to take all measures to avoid any untoward incident, in the view of protests against CAA and NRC.

Karnataka: Siddaramaiah slams Yediyurappa govt over imposition of Sec 144

Maldives Parliament Speaker and former president <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/maldives-china-fta-is-dead-speaker-of-maldivian-parliament-mohamed-nasheed-tells-wion-268187">Mohamed Nasheed </a>said on Saturday that the governments of India and Maldives are "on the same page" and the future of their ties is "bright".&nbsp;

The speaker is on a five-day visit to India on the joint invitation of Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu and Lok Sabha (Lower House) Speaker Om Birla.&nbsp;

"India has been next to us since time immemorial. We read the same book. We eat the same food. We watch the same films we do the same things. We are the same people," Nasheed said.&nbsp;

The former president further said that he would consider the relations between both the countries "bad" only when Maldivians stop "watching Bollywood movies and eating gulab jamuns".&nbsp;

"But that`s not happening any time soon," Nasheed said.&nbsp;

Nasheed is leading the parliamentary delegation from the Maldives who is on a visit to India.&nbsp;

The Maldivian speaker&nbsp;also criticised China for lending a hefty amount of funds to the Maldives at "inflated prices" in the last 6-7 years, adding that the debt created by it is unequal and the country can't pay the debt.&nbsp;

"When you are unable to pay debt, they ask for equity and with equity we very often relinquish land and sovereignty. It's a serious case. There is a pattern for this. We're worried and want Chinese authorities to address the issue appropriately, the speaker added.&nbsp;

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Speaker of Maldives parliament Mohamed Nasheed: When you are unable to pay debt,they ask for equity&amp;with equity we very often relinquish land&amp;sovereignty. It's a serious case.There is a pattern for this.We're worried&amp;want Chinese authorities to address issue appropriately.(2/2) <a href="https://t.co/H3LnbNVM2y">https://t.co/H3LnbNVM2y</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1205669276419362816?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
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On Friday, the speaker met <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maldives-mohamed-nasheed-calls-on-pm-modi-reaffirms-unwavering-support-to-india-first-policy-268178">PM Narendra Modi </a>and thanked him for his continued support for stronger India-Maldives ties since the formation of the new government in the Maldives.

PM Modi welcomed the Maldivian speaker and said that the "engagement between the two parliaments is a key component of the vibrant India-Maldives relationship". PM Modi added that this visit will help consolidate bridges of friendship between the two nations.&nbsp;

Nasheed also reaffirmed his "unwavering support" to the Maldives "India First" policy.&nbsp;

(with ANI inputs) 
&nbsp;

Maldives Parliament Speaker and former president Mohamed Nasheed said on Saturday that the governments of India and Maldives are "on the same page" and the future of their ties is "bright".

Maldives Parliament Speaker and former president Mohamed Nasheed said on Saturday that the governments of India and Maldives are "on the same page" and the future of their ties is "bright". The speaker is on a five-day visit to India on the joint invitation of Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu and Lok Sabha (Lower House) Speaker Om Birla. "India has been next to us since time immemorial. We read the same book. We eat the same food. We watch the same films we do the same things. We are the same people," Nasheed said. The former president further said that he would consider the relations between both the countries "bad" only when Maldivians stop "watching Bollywood movies and eating gulab jamuns". "But that`s not happening any time soon," Nasheed said. Nasheed is leading the parliamentary delegation from the Maldives who is on a visit to India. The Maldivian speaker also criticised China for lending a hefty amount of funds to the Maldives at "inflated prices" in the last 6-7 years, adding that the debt created by it is unequal and the country can't pay the debt. "When you are unable to pay debt, they ask for equity and with equity we very often relinquish land and sovereignty. It's a serious case. There is a pattern for this. We're worried and want Chinese authorities to address the issue appropriately, the speaker added. Speaker of Maldives parliament Mohamed Nasheed: When you are unable to pay debt,they ask for equity&with equity we very often relinquish land&sovereignty. It's a serious case.There is a pattern for this.We're worried&want Chinese authorities to address issue appropriately.(2/2) https://t.co/H3LnbNVM2y — ANI (@ANI) December 14, 2019 × On Friday, the speaker met PM Narendra Modi and thanked him for his continued support for stronger India-Maldives ties since the formation of the new government in the Maldives. PM Modi welcomed the Maldivian speaker and said that the "engagement between the two parliaments is a key component of the vibrant India-Maldives relationship". PM Modi added that this visit will help consolidate bridges of friendship between the two nations. Nasheed also reaffirmed his "unwavering support" to the Maldives "India First" policy. (with ANI inputs)

India, Maldives on same page; future of ties 'bright': Former President Mohamed Nasheed

Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi reaffirmed on Saturday that he would not apologise for his remarks on rape, adding that he will not seek foregiveness for stating "truth".

"BJP yesterday told me 'Rahul you gave a speech, apologise for that'. I was asked to apologise for speaking something correct. I am not Rahul Savarkar. I am Rahul Gandhi. I will never apologise for truth," Rahul said while addressing Congress's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/priyanka-gandhi-slams-bjp-government-on-economy-citizenship-bill-268260">Bharat Bachao </a>rally at the iconic Ramlila Maidan in New Delhi.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: Rahul Gandhi,at 'Bharat Bachao' rally: I was told in Parliament by BJP y'day 'Rahul ji, you gave a speech. Apologise for that.' I was told to apologise for speaking something correct. My name is not Rahul Savarkar. My name is Rahul Gandhi. I will never apologise for truth <a href="https://t.co/DhgFyZNX1a">pic.twitter.com/DhgFyZNX1a</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1205755807733895168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Rahul also said that no Congress member will apologise for the comments.&nbsp;

On Friday, a ruckus erupted in the Parliament for Rahul's remarks where he said that the country is witnessing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajya-sabha-adjourned-after-uproar-over-rahul-gandhis-remark-268035">"Rape in India" </a>rather than PM Narendra Modi's ambitious programme "Make in India", referring to rising number of rape incidents in the recent days. &nbsp;

Rahul later clarified on Friday that he meant whenever one reads a newspaper, there is a report of rape in different parts of India instead of a story on 'Make in India'. He had also said that BJP sought his apology as it wanted to deflect attention from protests in the northeast.&nbsp;

At the Bharat Bachao rally, the senior Congress leader also pulled up BJP government for creating religious divisions, mentioning the situation in Jammu and Kashmir and northeast India.&nbsp;

"They (BJP) work to create divisions, between religions. in Jammu and Kashmir, in northeast. Go to Assam, Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh. Go and witness what Narendra Modi did there, he has set those regions on fire."

Rahul Gandhi also slammed the Centre for the economic crisis in the country. "Today, GDP growth is at 4 per cent, that too even after they (BJP) changed the way to measure GDP. If GDP is measured according to the previous method, it will be just 2.5 per cent."

Earlier, senior Congress leaders Priyanka Gandhi and P Chidambaram also slammed BJP government in the rally.&nbsp;

(with inputs from agencies)

Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi reaffirmed on Saturday that he would not apologise for his remarks on rape, adding that he will not seek foregiveness for stating "truth".

Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi reaffirmed on Saturday that he would not apologise for his remarks on rape, adding that he will not seek foregiveness for stating "truth". "BJP yesterday told me 'Rahul you gave a speech, apologise for that'. I was asked to apologise for speaking something correct. I am not Rahul Savarkar. I am Rahul Gandhi. I will never apologise for truth," Rahul said while addressing Congress's Bharat Bachao rally at the iconic Ramlila Maidan in New Delhi. #WATCH: Rahul Gandhi,at 'Bharat Bachao' rally: I was told in Parliament by BJP y'day 'Rahul ji, you gave a speech. Apologise for that.' I was told to apologise for speaking something correct. My name is not Rahul Savarkar. My name is Rahul Gandhi. I will never apologise for truth pic.twitter.com/DhgFyZNX1a — ANI (@ANI) December 14, 2019 × Rahul also said that no Congress member will apologise for the comments. On Friday, a ruckus erupted in the Parliament for Rahul's remarks where he said that the country is witnessing "Rape in India" rather than PM Narendra Modi's ambitious programme "Make in India", referring to rising number of rape incidents in the recent days. Rahul later clarified on Friday that he meant whenever one reads a newspaper, there is a report of rape in different parts of India instead of a story on 'Make in India'. He had also said that BJP sought his apology as it wanted to deflect attention from protests in the northeast. At the Bharat Bachao rally, the senior Congress leader also pulled up BJP government for creating religious divisions, mentioning the situation in Jammu and Kashmir and northeast India. "They (BJP) work to create divisions, between religions. in Jammu and Kashmir, in northeast. Go to Assam, Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh. Go and witness what Narendra Modi did there, he has set those regions on fire." Rahul Gandhi also slammed the Centre for the economic crisis in the country. "Today, GDP growth is at 4 per cent, that too even after they (BJP) changed the way to measure GDP. If GDP is measured according to the previous method, it will be just 2.5 per cent." Earlier, senior Congress leaders Priyanka Gandhi and P Chidambaram also slammed BJP government in the rally. (with inputs from agencies)

Won't apologise for 'Rape in India' remarks': Rahul Gandhi at Congress rally

Congress general secretary <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/priyanka-gandhi-holds-meeting-with-up-congress-leaders-to-discuss-bharat-bachao-rally-preparations-266589">Priyanka Gandhi </a>slammed BJP on Saturday over inflation, Citizenship Amendment Bill 2019 and jobs as the party organised 'Bharat Bachao' (Save India) rally in the national capital on Saturday. &nbsp;

Taking a dig at BJP's slogan of Modi hai to mumkin hai (everything is possible if Modi is there), Priyanka said the reality is "if BJP is there, onions at Rs 100 per kg, highest unemployment in 45 years, 4 crore job losses are possible".

The Congress general secretary also urged the people of this country to "raise" their voice otherwise "Constitution" will be destroyed.&nbsp;

"I would like to tell every citizen of this country, raise your voice. If you love this country, become its voice. If we don't raise our voice, remain in the darkness of fear and lies even under these circumstances, and stay quiet then our Constitution will be destroyed," Gandhi said.&nbsp;

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PG Vadra, Congress: I'd like to tell every citizen of this country - raise your voice. You love this country, become its voice. If we don't raise our voice, stay back in the darkness of fear &amp; lies even in these circumstances, &amp; stay quiet then our Constitution will be destroyed. <a href="https://t.co/KHXyiYrRHA">pic.twitter.com/KHXyiYrRHA</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1205745009980362753?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Earlier, former finance minister P Chidambaram, who recently got bail in the INX Media case, also slammed Centre for wrecking the economy in the last six months.&nbsp;

"Yesterday, finance minister said everything's alright, we are on top of the world. The only thing she didn't say was 'achhe din aane wale hain' (good days are about to come)," Chidambaram said taking a dig to BJP's 2014 election slogan. &nbsp;

Congress interim chief Sonia Gandhi, former prime minister Manmohan Singh, Rahul Gandhi were other leaders who were present in this rally.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi slammed BJP on Saturday over inflation, Citizenship Amendment Bill 2019 and jobs as the party organised 'Bharat Bachao' (Save India) rally in the national capital on Saturday.

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi slammed BJP on Saturday over inflation, Citizenship Amendment Bill 2019 and jobs as the party organised 'Bharat Bachao' (Save India) rally in the national capital on Saturday. Taking a dig at BJP's slogan of Modi hai to mumkin hai (everything is possible if Modi is there), Priyanka said the reality is "if BJP is there, onions at Rs 100 per kg, highest unemployment in 45 years, 4 crore job losses are possible". The Congress general secretary also urged the people of this country to "raise" their voice otherwise "Constitution" will be destroyed. "I would like to tell every citizen of this country, raise your voice. If you love this country, become its voice. If we don't raise our voice, remain in the darkness of fear and lies even under these circumstances, and stay quiet then our Constitution will be destroyed," Gandhi said. PG Vadra, Congress: I'd like to tell every citizen of this country - raise your voice. You love this country, become its voice. If we don't raise our voice, stay back in the darkness of fear & lies even in these circumstances, & stay quiet then our Constitution will be destroyed. pic.twitter.com/KHXyiYrRHA — ANI (@ANI) December 14, 2019 × Earlier, former finance minister P Chidambaram, who recently got bail in the INX Media case, also slammed Centre for wrecking the economy in the last six months. "Yesterday, finance minister said everything's alright, we are on top of the world. The only thing she didn't say was 'achhe din aane wale hain' (good days are about to come)," Chidambaram said taking a dig to BJP's 2014 election slogan. Congress interim chief Sonia Gandhi, former prime minister Manmohan Singh, Rahul Gandhi were other leaders who were present in this rally.

Priyanka Gandhi slams BJP government on economy, Citizenship Bill

President Ram Nath Kovind gave his nod to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/citizenship-amendment-bill-protests-continue-to-rage-in-assam-cm-appeals-for-peace-267894">Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019 </a>late on Thursday, letting it become an Act after the Rajya Sabha (Upper House) passed the Bill.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-is-citizenship-amendment-bill-2019-all-there-is-to-know-about-cab-267792">Bill </a>gives Indian citizenship to the members of Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian communities coming from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan till December 31, 2014 to India due to religious persecution.&nbsp;

"Parliament received the assent of the President on December 12, 2019, and here by published for general information", according to the gazette of India.

The Act came to force after the official gazette published it on Thursday.

As per the citizenship bill, the migrants of these six communities will be given Indian citizenship after residing in the country for five years, changing from the earlier requirement of 11 years. The Bill also gives protection to these people from cases of illegal migrants filed against them.

It will not be applicable to the tribal areas of Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Tripura and in the areas covered under the Inner Line Permit, notified under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873.

However, massive protests continue in the Northeast against the citizenship bill and two people were also killed on Thursday. Curfew has been imposed in several areas including Guwahati, Dibrugarh, Tezpur and Dhekiajuli.&nbsp;

Earlier, the Bill was passed in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday and the Lok Sabha (Lower House) approved it after midnight on Monday.&nbsp;

(with inputs from agencies)

President Ram Nath Kovind gave his nod to the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019 late on Thursday, letting it become an Act after the Rajya Sabha (Upper House) passed the Bill.

President Ram Nath Kovind gave his nod to the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019 late on Thursday, letting it become an Act after the Rajya Sabha (Upper House) passed the Bill. The Bill gives Indian citizenship to the members of Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian communities coming from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan till December 31, 2014 to India due to religious persecution. "Parliament received the assent of the President on December 12, 2019, and here by published for general information", according to the gazette of India. The Act came to force after the official gazette published it on Thursday. As per the citizenship bill, the migrants of these six communities will be given Indian citizenship after residing in the country for five years, changing from the earlier requirement of 11 years. The Bill also gives protection to these people from cases of illegal migrants filed against them. It will not be applicable to the tribal areas of Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Tripura and in the areas covered under the Inner Line Permit, notified under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873. However, massive protests continue in the Northeast against the citizenship bill and two people were also killed on Thursday. Curfew has been imposed in several areas including Guwahati, Dibrugarh, Tezpur and Dhekiajuli. Earlier, the Bill was passed in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday and the Lok Sabha (Lower House) approved it after midnight on Monday. (with inputs from agencies)

President Ram Nath Kovind gives nod to Citizenship (Amendment) Bill

Union Minister Smriti Irani on Friday said that an objection against former congress chief Rahul Gandhi has been registered on his "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajya-sabha-adjourned-after-uproar-over-rahul-gandhis-remark-268035">rape in India" remark</a>.

"We have requested the Election Commission to take an action," Irani told media today.&nbsp;

"We have said this before that crimes against women should not be politicised. Rahul Gandhi dared to make rapes a political tool. We have requested the Election Commission to take action," she stated.

Irani added that the Election Commission has assured that they "will follow the legal procedure and do justice" in the matter.

This comes as Rahul Gandhi raked up a controversy by his remark against Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday.

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Union Minister and BJP leader, Smriti Irani: We have said this before that crimes against women should not be politicised. Rahul Gandhi dared to make rapes a political tool. We have requested Election Commission to take action. <a href="https://t.co/BJgOSYrJe6">https://t.co/BJgOSYrJe6</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1205461525357449218?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
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While addressing a rally in Jharkhand, Gandhi on Thursday said that the prime minister talks about 'Make in India' but nowadays wherever you look, it is 'rape in India'.

Earlier in the day, Irani had condemned Gandhi's remark saying, "this is the first time in history that a leader is giving a clarion call that Indian women should be raped. Is this Rahul Gandhi's message to the people of the country?".

Rajya Sabha was also adjourned today after an uproar over Rahul Gandhi's remark.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Gandhi has said that "there is no question of apologising". His comments came during his interaction with media in the Parliament.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Union Minister Smriti Irani on Friday said that an objection against former congress chief Rahul Gandhi has been registered on his "rape in India" remark. "We have requested the Election Commission to take an action," Irani told media today.

Union Minister Smriti Irani on Friday said that an objection against former congress chief Rahul Gandhi has been registered on his "rape in India" remark. "We have requested the Election Commission to take an action," Irani told media today. "We have said this before that crimes against women should not be politicised. Rahul Gandhi dared to make rapes a political tool. We have requested the Election Commission to take action," she stated. Irani added that the Election Commission has assured that they "will follow the legal procedure and do justice" in the matter. This comes as Rahul Gandhi raked up a controversy by his remark against Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday. Union Minister and BJP leader, Smriti Irani: We have said this before that crimes against women should not be politicised. Rahul Gandhi dared to make rapes a political tool. We have requested Election Commission to take action. https://t.co/BJgOSYrJe6 — ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2019 × While addressing a rally in Jharkhand, Gandhi on Thursday said that the prime minister talks about 'Make in India' but nowadays wherever you look, it is 'rape in India'. Earlier in the day, Irani had condemned Gandhi's remark saying, "this is the first time in history that a leader is giving a clarion call that Indian women should be raped. Is this Rahul Gandhi's message to the people of the country?". Rajya Sabha was also adjourned today after an uproar over Rahul Gandhi's remark. Meanwhile, Gandhi has said that "there is no question of apologising". His comments came during his interaction with media in the Parliament.

Have requested Election Commission to take action: Smriti Irani on Rahul Gandhi's rape remark 

Not many relationships in Asia have influenced the Indo-Pacific undercurrents as much as India-Japan relations have in recent times. If the annual leadership summits strengthened their political narrative, the recently concluded two-plus-two ministerial dialogue brought strategic substance, strengthening the narrative that both have been nurturing with frequent dialogues, official mechanisms and visits. &nbsp;

Such a substantive and secured relationship should, however, be constantly emboldened with the changing nature of national growth and developmental planning. It should go in parallel with national security thinking, especially factoring in new-age technologies and changing geopolitics. India-Japan relations must also imbibe and secure their relationship with innovative ideas while keeping it parallel to their domestic developmental discourse. &nbsp;

Under Shinzo Abe, Japan’s strategic reorientation in Asia is enduring constant change. This strategic reorientation holds significant implications for most countries, including India, at a time when Japan has moved to “Reiwa” era from its traditional “Hensei” era. “Reiwa” era complements Abe’s nationalist foreign policy, rebuking the Chinese traditional link with the Japanese system. In other words, Japan under Abe and its future leaderships is expected to employ a more autonomist, self-assured and pro-active foreign policy that is central to its quest to regain its lost glory. India should perceive this positively as it boosts a multipolar Asian power structure. &nbsp;

As the longest-serving Prime Minister of Japan, Abe has inculcated an India legacy under his leadership. It was Abe’s 2007 speech in the Indian Parliament on “Confluence of the Two Seas” that set the tone for the present Indo-Pacific undercurrents. Abe’s arrival for a third term as the Prime Minister of Japan from 2014-2017 coincided with the arrival of parallelly strong leadership in New Delhi with Narendra Modi as the Prime Minister of India, translating into a ‘leadership friendship’ framework that has deeply guided their relationship. More importantly, they have begun revitalising the Quad in the Indo-Pacific narrative. &nbsp;

Abe is also pursuing a more independent spectrum of security thinking. If not entirely a departure from its past “alliance structure” framework of international posturing with the United States, Tokyo’s attempt is to explore a new spectrum of security alignments through a fresh mode of policies and partnerships, including India in regional affairs. Japan’s vision of a harmonious regional order that Abe’s nationalist foreign policy is trying to emphasise through its “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” advocacy complements India’s nuanced Indo-Pacific outlook. Maintaining strategic restraint has become principal to strengthen national security and defence posturing and rebuilding ties with China is an important part of it. This further adds to India’s ‘inclusive’ Indo-Pacific construct that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been pitching to promote stable relations with Beijing. &nbsp;

Likewise, Indian foreign policy is currently boosting a new level of confidence with Tokyo. The recent two-plus-two ministerial dialogue has certainly enhanced their strategic and economic strides. India under Modi 2.0 is set to overtake the United Kingdom as the fifth largest global economy in nominal terms and is positioned to overtake Japan by 2025 to become the second-largest economy in Asia-Pacific. India’s national narrative has imbibed a nationalist character – focusing on economic growth and technological progression with schemes like ‘Make in India’, ‘Skill India’, and ‘Aayushman Bharat’. Such schemes must encourage the participation of Japan as a serious and longstanding partner, especially in the field of technology. &nbsp;

Technology was, in fact, a focal point during Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s visit to Tokyo in September 2019. While defence ties are on the upswing, the field of technology too offers a plethora of convergences. Aside from some joint projects (of which the Delhi Metro network, Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor, Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail project, and Western Dedicated Freight Corridor are few potent examples) and the acquisitions of Indian companies like Camlin by Japanese businesses, the technology business-business cooperation is still very low. &nbsp;

Past ventures between Japan and India however, albeit less, have been extremely successful like Maruti Suzuki’s dominance in Indian automobile sector and the planned undersea cable from Chennai to Andaman-Nicobar. The 2018 technology partnership between Japan’s National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology and Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad, is focused on major research in Artificial Intelligence (AI), and may further expand to 5G and robotics. 5G happens to be a potential key area of facilitation between the two and something that could be a focal point of cooperation. India plans on being an early adopter of 5G technology and Japanese aid could facilitate the same. &nbsp;

Another possible avenue of discussion should be the Osaka Track, a policy proposal by Shinzo Abe at the G-20 summit in 2019 that calls for the creation of international guidelines and rules for free movement of data beyond country lines. However, there exists some friction with India seriously considering data localisation through legislative action and refusing to sign the statement affirming the Track. In an otherwise untarnished, uncomplicated and decades-old relationship, it is important for Japan to accommodate and resolve such issues, particularly at a time when both countries are looking for a greater international partnership, including renegotiation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) to board India as a free-trading regional partner. Japan’s willingness not to exclude India from the RCEP is a testimony of this strengthened partnership. Further, a refreshed theory in multilateral cooperation vis-à-vis infrastructural and economic growth is called for. A renewed outlook by Japan, in lieu of Asian Development Bank (ADB), to become a member of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) can be beneficial in improving India-Japan bilateral ties and regional cooperation, given that India is a founding member of the AIIB.&nbsp;

With India’s defence procurement getting versatile, the recently concluded inaugural two-plus-two ministerial dialogue signals a new opportunity for Japan to explore the Indian domestic defence market afresh. Tokyo on its part hopes to enter the global arms market by leaving behind its self-imposed 1967 Arms Export ban, otherwise known as the Three Principles Exports Ban. The rebirth of the Japanese defence industry can only be possible via arms trade. &nbsp;

The negotiations over the logistics pact, Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA), which will allow access to bases of the Indian Navy and the Japanese Self-Defense Forces (JSDF), has brought the requisite confidence aided by the successful maritime exercises. Concrete talk on the Japanese amphibian aircraft, ShinMaywa US-2i and the recent cooperative understanding between India’s Mahindra Defence and ShinMaywa Industries Limited of Japan over the same is setting a new benchmark on technology transfer cooperation. Also, defence technology sharing is increasing between Japan’s Acquisition Technology and Logistical Agency (ATLA) and the Department of Defence Production (DDP). &nbsp;&nbsp;

In the charged Indo-Pacific geopolitical scenario, Modi and Abe have set an ideal example of using personal chemistry to forward mutually advantageous policy outlooks. It does require some reworking – their partnership must be restructured beyond the excessive US-centred Indo-Pacific framework, and the current US-China and South Korea-Japan tension must encourage them to realise their respective national strength to nurture a partnership that is independent of alliance-alignment politics. Their mutual appreciation as ‘natural partners’ must imbibe national developmental patterns, with a focus on technological collaboration. Both must realise the virtual reality and new possibilities offered by information technology to capitalise on them collaboratively. It is not difficult to realise that the world will live in an age of information technology rather than in&nbsp;age of the Indo-Pacific that is often made out to be the capital of India-Japan partnership. &nbsp;

(Views expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Not many relationships in Asia have influenced the Indo-Pacific undercurrents as much as India-Japan relations have in recent times. If the annual leadership summits strengthened their political narrative, the recently concluded two-plus-two ministerial dialogue brought strategic substance, strengthening the narrative that both have been nurturing with frequent dialogues, official mechanisms and visits.

Not many relationships in Asia have influenced the Indo-Pacific undercurrents as much as India-Japan relations have in recent times. If the annual leadership summits strengthened their political narrative, the recently concluded two-plus-two ministerial dialogue brought strategic substance, strengthening the narrative that both have been nurturing with frequent dialogues, official mechanisms and visits. Such a substantive and secured relationship should, however, be constantly emboldened with the changing nature of national growth and developmental planning. It should go in parallel with national security thinking, especially factoring in new-age technologies and changing geopolitics. India-Japan relations must also imbibe and secure their relationship with innovative ideas while keeping it parallel to their domestic developmental discourse. Under Shinzo Abe, Japan’s strategic reorientation in Asia is enduring constant change. This strategic reorientation holds significant implications for most countries, including India, at a time when Japan has moved to “Reiwa” era from its traditional “Hensei” era. “Reiwa” era complements Abe’s nationalist foreign policy, rebuking the Chinese traditional link with the Japanese system. In other words, Japan under Abe and its future leaderships is expected to employ a more autonomist, self-assured and pro-active foreign policy that is central to its quest to regain its lost glory. India should perceive this positively as it boosts a multipolar Asian power structure. As the longest-serving Prime Minister of Japan, Abe has inculcated an India legacy under his leadership. It was Abe’s 2007 speech in the Indian Parliament on “Confluence of the Two Seas” that set the tone for the present Indo-Pacific undercurrents. Abe’s arrival for a third term as the Prime Minister of Japan from 2014-2017 coincided with the arrival of parallelly strong leadership in New Delhi with Narendra Modi as the Prime Minister of India, translating into a ‘leadership friendship’ framework that has deeply guided their relationship. More importantly, they have begun revitalising the Quad in the Indo-Pacific narrative. Abe is also pursuing a more independent spectrum of security thinking. If not entirely a departure from its past “alliance structure” framework of international posturing with the United States, Tokyo’s attempt is to explore a new spectrum of security alignments through a fresh mode of policies and partnerships, including India in regional affairs. Japan’s vision of a harmonious regional order that Abe’s nationalist foreign policy is trying to emphasise through its “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” advocacy complements India’s nuanced Indo-Pacific outlook. Maintaining strategic restraint has become principal to strengthen national security and defence posturing and rebuilding ties with China is an important part of it. This further adds to India’s ‘inclusive’ Indo-Pacific construct that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been pitching to promote stable relations with Beijing. Likewise, Indian foreign policy is currently boosting a new level of confidence with Tokyo. The recent two-plus-two ministerial dialogue has certainly enhanced their strategic and economic strides. India under Modi 2.0 is set to overtake the United Kingdom as the fifth largest global economy in nominal terms and is positioned to overtake Japan by 2025 to become the second-largest economy in Asia-Pacific. India’s national narrative has imbibed a nationalist character – focusing on economic growth and technological progression with schemes like ‘Make in India’, ‘Skill India’, and ‘Aayushman Bharat’. Such schemes must encourage the participation of Japan as a serious and longstanding partner, especially in the field of technology. Technology was, in fact, a focal point during Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s visit to Tokyo in September 2019. While defence ties are on the upswing, the field of technology too offers a plethora of convergences. Aside from some joint projects (of which the Delhi Metro network, Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor, Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail project, and Western Dedicated Freight Corridor are few potent examples) and the acquisitions of Indian companies like Camlin by Japanese businesses, the technology business-business cooperation is still very low. Past ventures between Japan and India however, albeit less, have been extremely successful like Maruti Suzuki’s dominance in Indian automobile sector and the planned undersea cable from Chennai to Andaman-Nicobar. The 2018 technology partnership between Japan’s National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology and Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad, is focused on major research in Artificial Intelligence (AI), and may further expand to 5G and robotics. 5G happens to be a potential key area of facilitation between the two and something that could be a focal point of cooperation. India plans on being an early adopter of 5G technology and Japanese aid could facilitate the same. Another possible avenue of discussion should be the Osaka Track, a policy proposal by Shinzo Abe at the G-20 summit in 2019 that calls for the creation of international guidelines and rules for free movement of data beyond country lines. However, there exists some friction with India seriously considering data localisation through legislative action and refusing to sign the statement affirming the Track. In an otherwise untarnished, uncomplicated and decades-old relationship, it is important for Japan to accommodate and resolve such issues, particularly at a time when both countries are looking for a greater international partnership, including renegotiation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) to board India as a free-trading regional partner. Japan’s willingness not to exclude India from the RCEP is a testimony of this strengthened partnership. Further, a refreshed theory in multilateral cooperation vis-à-vis infrastructural and economic growth is called for. A renewed outlook by Japan, in lieu of Asian Development Bank (ADB), to become a member of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) can be beneficial in improving India-Japan bilateral ties and regional cooperation, given that India is a founding member of the AIIB. With India’s defence procurement getting versatile, the recently concluded inaugural two-plus-two ministerial dialogue signals a new opportunity for Japan to explore the Indian domestic defence market afresh. Tokyo on its part hopes to enter the global arms market by leaving behind its self-imposed 1967 Arms Export ban, otherwise known as the Three Principles Exports Ban. The rebirth of the Japanese defence industry can only be possible via arms trade. The negotiations over the logistics pact, Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA), which will allow access to bases of the Indian Navy and the Japanese Self-Defense Forces (JSDF), has brought the requisite confidence aided by the successful maritime exercises. Concrete talk on the Japanese amphibian aircraft, ShinMaywa US-2i and the recent cooperative understanding between India’s Mahindra Defence and ShinMaywa Industries Limited of Japan over the same is setting a new benchmark on technology transfer cooperation. Also, defence technology sharing is increasing between Japan’s Acquisition Technology and Logistical Agency (ATLA) and the Department of Defence Production (DDP). In the charged Indo-Pacific geopolitical scenario, Modi and Abe have set an ideal example of using personal chemistry to forward mutually advantageous policy outlooks. It does require some reworking – their partnership must be restructured beyond the excessive US-centred Indo-Pacific framework, and the current US-China and South Korea-Japan tension must encourage them to realise their respective national strength to nurture a partnership that is independent of alliance-alignment politics. Their mutual appreciation as ‘natural partners’ must imbibe national developmental patterns, with a focus on technological collaboration. Both must realise the virtual reality and new possibilities offered by information technology to capitalise on them collaboratively. It is not difficult to realise that the world will live in an age of information technology rather than in age of the Indo-Pacific that is often made out to be the capital of India-Japan partnership. (Views expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

National narratives guiding India-Japan ties

The Japanese Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/japan-prime-minister-shinzo-abe-might-cancel-india-trip-report-268002">Shinzo Abe's </a>visit to India has been postponed to a later date, the Indian foreign ministry confirmed on Friday.

As per sources, the visit was scheduled to be held in India's Northeast region, where massive protests against Citizenship (Amendment) Bill has led to unrest.&nbsp;

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar confirmed the postponement through a tweet, adding that a mutually convenient date would be decided in the future.&nbsp;

"With reference to the proposed visit of Japanese PM Shinzo Abe to India, both sides have decided to defer the visit to a mutually convenient date in the near future,"the MEA spokseperson said in a tweet.&nbsp;

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With reference to the proposed visit of Japanese PM <a href="https://twitter.com/AbeShinzo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AbeShinzo</a> to India, both sides have decided to defer the visit to a mutually convenient date in the near future.
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1205404342196424710?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Abe was scheduled to arrive in India on December 15 for the seond annual bilateral summit between India and Japan. It was also expected that Japanese PM will pay a visit to northeast's Imphal and thereby becoming first Japanese PM to visit the region.&nbsp;

The protests in the northeastern region, especially in Assam continue against the Bill that intends to give citizenship to non-Muslim migrants from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan.&nbsp;

On Thursday, two people were killed in Assam's Guwahati, while in many states police and other vehicles were set on fire.&nbsp;

The citizenship bill provides Indian citizenship to the people from Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian communities coming from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan till December 31, 2014, to India due to religious persecution.

(with inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

The Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's visit to India has been postponed to a later date, the Indian foreign ministry confirmed on Friday. As per sources, the visit was scheduled to be held in India's Northeast region, where massive protests against Citizenship (Amendment) Bill has led to unrest.

The Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's visit to India has been postponed to a later date, the Indian foreign ministry confirmed on Friday. As per sources, the visit was scheduled to be held in India's Northeast region, where massive protests against Citizenship (Amendment) Bill has led to unrest. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar confirmed the postponement through a tweet, adding that a mutually convenient date would be decided in the future. "With reference to the proposed visit of Japanese PM Shinzo Abe to India, both sides have decided to defer the visit to a mutually convenient date in the near future,"the MEA spokseperson said in a tweet. With reference to the proposed visit of Japanese PM @AbeShinzo to India, both sides have decided to defer the visit to a mutually convenient date in the near future. — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) December 13, 2019 × Abe was scheduled to arrive in India on December 15 for the seond annual bilateral summit between India and Japan. It was also expected that Japanese PM will pay a visit to northeast's Imphal and thereby becoming first Japanese PM to visit the region. The protests in the northeastern region, especially in Assam continue against the Bill that intends to give citizenship to non-Muslim migrants from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan. On Thursday, two people were killed in Assam's Guwahati, while in many states police and other vehicles were set on fire. The citizenship bill provides Indian citizenship to the people from Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian communities coming from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan till December 31, 2014, to India due to religious persecution. (with inputs from agencies)

Japanese PM Shinzo Abe's visit to India postponed

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-pm-johnson-we-have-a-powerful-mandate-for-brexit-268022">Boris Johnson </a>on Friday for his massive victory in the general elections in the United Kingdom.&nbsp;

"Many congratulations to PM @BorisJohnson for his return with a thumping majority. I wish him the best and look forward to working together for closer India-UK ties", PM Modi said in a tweet.&nbsp;

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Many congratulations to PM <a href="https://twitter.com/BorisJohnson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BorisJohnson</a> for his return with a thumping majority. I wish him the best and look forward to working together for closer India-UK ties. <a href="https://t.co/D95Z7XXRml">pic.twitter.com/D95Z7XXRml</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1205360968810803200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Johnson's Conservatives are on course of an impressive victory in the elections which were deemed as giving a final verdict on Brexit.&nbsp;

The Conservatives secured 362 seats out of total 650, its biggest national election win since Margaret Thatcher's triumph in 1987.&nbsp;

Its main opposition, the Labour, on the other hand, claimed 203 seats, a loss of 59. Labour's humiliating loss led to the resignation of its leader Jeremy Corbyn. The party is moving towards its worst show since 1935.&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump also extended his wishes to Johnson on a "great win" and said that London and Washington would be now able to strike a "massive new trade deal" after Brexit.

"This deal has the potential to be far bigger and more lucrative than any deal that could be made with the E.U. Celebrate Boris!" Trump said.

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Congratulations to Boris Johnson on his great WIN! Britain and the United States will now be free to strike a massive new Trade Deal after BREXIT. This deal has the potential to be far bigger and more lucrative than any deal that could be made with the E.U. Celebrate Boris!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1205368801438707713?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
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After winning his seat of Uxbridge, Johnson said that it seems that Conservatives got a "powerful" mandate to deliver Brexit.&nbsp;

"At this stage it does look as though this one-nation Conservative government has been given a powerful new mandate, to get Brexit done and not just to get Brexit done but to unite this country and to take it forward," Johnson said. &nbsp;

(with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Boris Johnson on Friday for his massive victory in the general elections in the United Kingdom. "Many congratulations to PM @BorisJohnson for his return with a thumping majority.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Boris Johnson on Friday for his massive victory in the general elections in the United Kingdom. "Many congratulations to PM @BorisJohnson for his return with a thumping majority. I wish him the best and look forward to working together for closer India-UK ties", PM Modi said in a tweet. Many congratulations to PM @BorisJohnson for his return with a thumping majority. I wish him the best and look forward to working together for closer India-UK ties. pic.twitter.com/D95Z7XXRml — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 13, 2019 × Johnson's Conservatives are on course of an impressive victory in the elections which were deemed as giving a final verdict on Brexit. The Conservatives secured 362 seats out of total 650, its biggest national election win since Margaret Thatcher's triumph in 1987. Its main opposition, the Labour, on the other hand, claimed 203 seats, a loss of 59. Labour's humiliating loss led to the resignation of its leader Jeremy Corbyn. The party is moving towards its worst show since 1935. US President Donald Trump also extended his wishes to Johnson on a "great win" and said that London and Washington would be now able to strike a "massive new trade deal" after Brexit. "This deal has the potential to be far bigger and more lucrative than any deal that could be made with the E.U. Celebrate Boris!" Trump said. Congratulations to Boris Johnson on his great WIN! Britain and the United States will now be free to strike a massive new Trade Deal after BREXIT. This deal has the potential to be far bigger and more lucrative than any deal that could be made with the E.U. Celebrate Boris! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 13, 2019 × After winning his seat of Uxbridge, Johnson said that it seems that Conservatives got a "powerful" mandate to deliver Brexit. "At this stage it does look as though this one-nation Conservative government has been given a powerful new mandate, to get Brexit done and not just to get Brexit done but to unite this country and to take it forward," Johnson said. (with inputs from agencies)

PM Narendra Modi congratulates Boris Johnson for win in UK election

In view of the protests against the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajya-sabha-passes-citizenship-amendment-bill-267747">Citizenship (Amendment) Bill</a> in Assam, several airlines in the country have announced that flights to Guwahati and Dibrugarh have been cancelled on Thursday and Friday and passengers travelling to these two cities will be offered a fee waiver on cancellation or rescheduling fee.

IndiGo announced that all its flights to and from Dibrugarh in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-one-can-take-away-your-rights-unique-identity-prime-minister-assures-assam-on-citizenship-amendment-bill-267780">Assam</a> are cancelled for Thursday due to unrest in the state.

"Due to the prevailing situation in Assam, flights to/from Dibrugarh are cancelled for today. Flyers can choose an alternate flight or get a refund," IndiGo said.

SpiceJet also said it is offering refund and waiver of cancellation or change fees for all flights to and from Guwahati and Dibrugarh till Friday.

Other airlines like Vistara and GoAir also announced the cancellation of flights to these two cities and waiving of cancellation or rescheduling fee.

"Due to the ongoing unrest in Assam, we are waiving rescheduling/cancellation fee to the customers travelling to and from Guwahati and Dibrugarh till Dec 13, 2019. Fare difference if any, will be applicable. Thank you," Vistara tweeted.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TravelUpdate?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TravelUpdate</a> Due to the ongoing unrest in Assam, we are waiving rescheduling/cancellation fee to the customers travelling to and from Guwahati and Dibrugarh till Dec 13, 2019. Fare difference if any, will be applicable. Thank you.
— Vistara (@airvistara) <a href="https://twitter.com/airvistara/status/1204777122499190784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

"Due to the ongoing unrest situation in #Assam, we're offering fee waiver on cancellation/rescheduling (fare difference, if any, will be applicable) to our customers flying to/from #GAU till 13th Dec'19. Reach out to us on FB, Twitter or call us at 18602100999," GoAir said in a tweet.

&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoAlert?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoAlert</a>: Due to the ongoing unrest situation in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Assam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Assam</a>, we're offering fee waiver on cancellation/rescheduling (fare difference, if any,will be applicable) to our customers flying to/from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GAU?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GAU</a> till 13th Dec'19. Reach out to us on FB, Twitter or call us at 18602100999.
— GoAir (@goairlinesindia) <a href="https://twitter.com/goairlinesindia/status/1204831879796445184?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

An official at Kolkata's Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport said that all flights between Kolkata to Dibrugarh sector have been cancelled due to the current situation in Assam.

In Assam, Guwahati and Dibrugarh districts have been placed under indefinite curfew till further orders in the wake of protests after the passage of the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday.

The administration had suspended mobile Internet services for 24 hours from 7 pm on Wednesday in ten districts of the state&nbsp;Lakhimpur, Tinsukia, Dhemaji, Dibrugarh, Charaideo, Sivasagar, Jorhat, Golaghat, Kamrup (metro) and Kamrup.

Amid the unrest in Assam, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday assured the people of the state that "no one can take away their rights, unique identity and beautiful culture".

The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019 sailed through the Parliament after Rajya Sabha passed it on Wednesday. As many as 125 members of the Upper House voted in favour while 105 MPs voted against the Bill, which was passed by Lok Sabha earlier this week.

The Bill seeks to grant Indian citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Zoroastrian communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh and who entered India on or before December 31, 2014.

In view of the protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill in Assam, several airlines in the country have announced that flights to Guwahati and Dibrugarh have been cancelled on Thursday and Friday and passengers travelling to these two cities will be offered a fee waiver on cancellation or rescheduling fee.

In view of the protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill in Assam, several airlines in the country have announced that flights to Guwahati and Dibrugarh have been cancelled on Thursday and Friday and passengers travelling to these two cities will be offered a fee waiver on cancellation or rescheduling fee. IndiGo announced that all its flights to and from Dibrugarh in Assam are cancelled for Thursday due to unrest in the state. "Due to the prevailing situation in Assam, flights to/from Dibrugarh are cancelled for today. Flyers can choose an alternate flight or get a refund," IndiGo said. SpiceJet also said it is offering refund and waiver of cancellation or change fees for all flights to and from Guwahati and Dibrugarh till Friday. Other airlines like Vistara and GoAir also announced the cancellation of flights to these two cities and waiving of cancellation or rescheduling fee. "Due to the ongoing unrest in Assam, we are waiving rescheduling/cancellation fee to the customers travelling to and from Guwahati and Dibrugarh till Dec 13, 2019. Fare difference if any, will be applicable. Thank you," Vistara tweeted. #TravelUpdate Due to the ongoing unrest in Assam, we are waiving rescheduling/cancellation fee to the customers travelling to and from Guwahati and Dibrugarh till Dec 13, 2019. Fare difference if any, will be applicable. Thank you. — Vistara (@airvistara) December 11, 2019 × "Due to the ongoing unrest situation in #Assam, we're offering fee waiver on cancellation/rescheduling (fare difference, if any, will be applicable) to our customers flying to/from #GAU till 13th Dec'19. Reach out to us on FB, Twitter or call us at 18602100999," GoAir said in a tweet. #GoAlert: Due to the ongoing unrest situation in #Assam, we're offering fee waiver on cancellation/rescheduling (fare difference, if any,will be applicable) to our customers flying to/from #GAU till 13th Dec'19. Reach out to us on FB, Twitter or call us at 18602100999. — GoAir (@goairlinesindia) December 11, 2019 × An official at Kolkata's Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport said that all flights between Kolkata to Dibrugarh sector have been cancelled due to the current situation in Assam. In Assam, Guwahati and Dibrugarh districts have been placed under indefinite curfew till further orders in the wake of protests after the passage of the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday. The administration had suspended mobile Internet services for 24 hours from 7 pm on Wednesday in ten districts of the state Lakhimpur, Tinsukia, Dhemaji, Dibrugarh, Charaideo, Sivasagar, Jorhat, Golaghat, Kamrup (metro) and Kamrup. Amid the unrest in Assam, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday assured the people of the state that "no one can take away their rights, unique identity and beautiful culture". The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019 sailed through the Parliament after Rajya Sabha passed it on Wednesday. As many as 125 members of the Upper House voted in favour while 105 MPs voted against the Bill, which was passed by Lok Sabha earlier this week. The Bill seeks to grant Indian citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Zoroastrian communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh and who entered India on or before December 31, 2014.

Flights to and from Dibrugarh, Guwahati cancelled due to Citizenship (Amendment) Bill protests

In a big relief for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Justice Nanavati-Mehta Commission has given him a clean chit in 2002 post-Godhra Gujarat riots.

The final report of Justice Nanavati -Mehta Commission on the 2002 Gujarat riots&nbsp;tabled in the Gujarat Assembly by Home Minister Pradipsinh Jadeja on Wednesday.

In the report, it is mentioned that the post-Godhra train burning riots were not organised. The reports were submitted based on the incident and the action taken by the government.

The first part of the report of the commission was submitted in the year 2008 by the Nanavati-Mehta Commission.&nbsp;

The first part covered the Godhra train burning incident in which it had concluded that burning of the S-6 coach of Sabarmati Express near Godhra Railway Station was a "planned conspiracy".

The first part also gave clean chit to the then Chief Minister of Gujarat Narendra Modi.

The Justice Nanavati-Mehta Commission was formed soon after the train carnage.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)

In a big relief for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Justice Nanavati-Mehta Commission has given him a clean chit in 2002 post-Godhra Gujarat riots. The final report of Justice Nanavati -Mehta Commission on the 2002 Gujarat riots tabled in the Gujarat Assembly by Home Minister Pradipsinh Jadeja on Wednesday.

In a big relief for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Justice Nanavati-Mehta Commission has given him a clean chit in 2002 post-Godhra Gujarat riots. The final report of Justice Nanavati -Mehta Commission on the 2002 Gujarat riots tabled in the Gujarat Assembly by Home Minister Pradipsinh Jadeja on Wednesday. In the report, it is mentioned that the post-Godhra train burning riots were not organised. The reports were submitted based on the incident and the action taken by the government. The first part of the report of the commission was submitted in the year 2008 by the Nanavati-Mehta Commission. The first part covered the Godhra train burning incident in which it had concluded that burning of the S-6 coach of Sabarmati Express near Godhra Railway Station was a "planned conspiracy". The first part also gave clean chit to the then Chief Minister of Gujarat Narendra Modi. The Justice Nanavati-Mehta Commission was formed soon after the train carnage. (With inputs from ANI)

2002 Gujarat riots: Nanavati-Mehta Commission gives clean chit to Narendra Modi

As Jharkhand's Hazaribagh seat prepares to go to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jharkhand-assembly-polls-one-dead-3-injured-in-clashes-in-gumla-266803">polls in the third phase</a>, elaborate security arrangements have been kept in place for polling parties to be dispatched from the district headquarters to the respective booths of five constituencies in the district.

Mayur Patel, Superintendent of Police, Hazaribagh told ANI, "All the five constituencies of Hazaribagh are going to poll on December 12. We have made elaborate security arrangements for the peaceful poll process. We are having 1700 booths throughout the district. The overall arrangement for the security has been beefed up."

"We have made all arrangements so that communal atmosphere does not get vitiated. We have talked with religious leaders and taken them into confidence. We are ensuring that the atmosphere remains calm," he added.

Speaking on tackling the Naxal menace in the state during the polls, Patel said, "We have Naxal problems in the bordering areas with Bihar and inter-district borders. We have our intelligence system through which we get regular updates. We have our special teams which will transport the EVMs."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jharkhand-assembly-polls-firing-reported-in-gumlas-sirsa-block-266776">Jharkhand</a>, which has an 81-member Assembly, is undergoing polling in five phases.

The first phase of the election in the state took place on November 30 while the second round was held on December 7.

The voting for the third phase will be conducted on December 12, the fourth phase on December 16, and the fifth and last phase on December 20.

The counting of votes will take place on December 23.

&nbsp;

As Jharkhand's Hazaribagh seat prepares to go to polls in the third phase, elaborate security arrangements have been kept in place for polling parties to be dispatched from the district headquarters to the respective booths of five constituencies in the district.

As Jharkhand's Hazaribagh seat prepares to go to polls in the third phase, elaborate security arrangements have been kept in place for polling parties to be dispatched from the district headquarters to the respective booths of five constituencies in the district. Mayur Patel, Superintendent of Police, Hazaribagh told ANI, "All the five constituencies of Hazaribagh are going to poll on December 12. We have made elaborate security arrangements for the peaceful poll process. We are having 1700 booths throughout the district. The overall arrangement for the security has been beefed up." "We have made all arrangements so that communal atmosphere does not get vitiated. We have talked with religious leaders and taken them into confidence. We are ensuring that the atmosphere remains calm," he added. Speaking on tackling the Naxal menace in the state during the polls, Patel said, "We have Naxal problems in the bordering areas with Bihar and inter-district borders. We have our intelligence system through which we get regular updates. We have our special teams which will transport the EVMs." Jharkhand, which has an 81-member Assembly, is undergoing polling in five phases. The first phase of the election in the state took place on November 30 while the second round was held on December 7. The voting for the third phase will be conducted on December 12, the fourth phase on December 16, and the fifth and last phase on December 20. The counting of votes will take place on December 23.

Security in Jharkhand ramped up ahead of December 12 polls

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtra-upset-over-thackerays-move-400-shiv-sena-workers-join-bjp-266344">Shiv Sena</a> on Tuesday targeted the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Centre over the spike in the onion prices and the state of the Indian economy.

In its mouthpiece Saamna, the Sena stated, " At present, the economy is slowing down. But the government is not ready to accept. The prices of onion have reached Rs 200 per kilogram. The Finance Minister has also given a very childish answer on this issue. She said I do not eat onion-garlic, so do not ask me about onions. It seems the Prime Minister has no desire to resolve this issue."

"When Modi was not the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/economy-debate-narendra-modis-nda-versus-manmohan-singhs-upa-267271">Prime Minister</a> he had expressed concern over the rising prices of onions. While he was the Chief Minister of Gujarat he had stated that onion is a vital vegetable and added that the vegetable should be kept in the locker. Today, his policy has changed. Modi is now the Prime Minister and the economy is collapsing. Earlier, an unconscious person was cured with the smell of the onion. But that it not even possible now as the edible bulb has disappeared from the market," the editorial read.

"Pandit Nehru (Jawaharlal Nehru) and Indira Gandhi cannot be held responsible for the apocalyptic destruction of the country`s economy. The present government is not in a mood to listen to the experts. For them, the economy is like a stock market that has become speculative."

The former ally also raked up the issue of demonetization and said, " Very few people make decisions in the Prime Minister`s Office. These decisions are valid for their political and social programmes of the ruling party. But their decisions have marginalised the economic reforms. While taking decisions, such as demonetization, the Finance Minister of the country was kept in dark and also the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India protested, later he was removed."

The Shiv Sena also slammed the Centre for not doing enough to combat the menace of poverty.

"This time in the Global Hunger Index, out of 107 countries India has been positioned at 102. In 2014, India was in the 55th position and in the last five years, poverty has increased in the country while in the neighboring countries such as Nepal, Bangladesh, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kulbhushan-jhadav-case-islamabad-insists-on-pakistan-representative-as-jhadav-gives-indian-side-power-of-attorney-to-represent-him-267156">Pakistan </a>it has reduced. There no work in the hands of the people and no food in their stomach. This is the condition of the common people of our country but the rulers are calling it development. Our economy is sick, but the Modi government is not ready to accept this either."

The Shiv Sena on Tuesday targeted the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Centre over the spike in the onion prices and the state of the Indian economy. In its mouthpiece Saamna, the Sena stated, " At present, the economy is slowing down.

The Shiv Sena on Tuesday targeted the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Centre over the spike in the onion prices and the state of the Indian economy. In its mouthpiece Saamna, the Sena stated, " At present, the economy is slowing down. But the government is not ready to accept. The prices of onion have reached Rs 200 per kilogram. The Finance Minister has also given a very childish answer on this issue. She said I do not eat onion-garlic, so do not ask me about onions. It seems the Prime Minister has no desire to resolve this issue." "When Modi was not the Prime Minister he had expressed concern over the rising prices of onions. While he was the Chief Minister of Gujarat he had stated that onion is a vital vegetable and added that the vegetable should be kept in the locker. Today, his policy has changed. Modi is now the Prime Minister and the economy is collapsing. Earlier, an unconscious person was cured with the smell of the onion. But that it not even possible now as the edible bulb has disappeared from the market," the editorial read. "Pandit Nehru (Jawaharlal Nehru) and Indira Gandhi cannot be held responsible for the apocalyptic destruction of the country`s economy. The present government is not in a mood to listen to the experts. For them, the economy is like a stock market that has become speculative." The former ally also raked up the issue of demonetization and said, " Very few people make decisions in the Prime Minister`s Office. These decisions are valid for their political and social programmes of the ruling party. But their decisions have marginalised the economic reforms. While taking decisions, such as demonetization, the Finance Minister of the country was kept in dark and also the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India protested, later he was removed." The Shiv Sena also slammed the Centre for not doing enough to combat the menace of poverty. "This time in the Global Hunger Index, out of 107 countries India has been positioned at 102. In 2014, India was in the 55th position and in the last five years, poverty has increased in the country while in the neighboring countries such as Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan it has reduced. There no work in the hands of the people and no food in their stomach. This is the condition of the common people of our country but the rulers are calling it development. Our economy is sick, but the Modi government is not ready to accept this either."

Shiv Sena lashes at Modi govt over rising onion prices, state of economy

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