Union Minister of Railways and Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal will be making a statement in Rajya Sabha on Tuesday regarding `India`s position in Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), reported news agency ANI.

Union Minister of Railways and Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal will be making a statement in Rajya Sabha on Tuesday regarding `India`s position in Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), reported news agency ANI. Recently External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Goyal gave detailed presentations on Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s recent foreign visits and India`s stand on the RCEP in the BJP parliamentary party meeting, the report added quoting sources. This presentation assumed significance as India decided not to join the RCEP agreement as its key concerns were not addressed. The key issues behind India`s decision included inadequate protection against import surge, insufficient differential with China, possible circumvention of rules of origin, keeping the base year as 2014 and no credible assurances on market access and non-tariff barriers. RCEP is a proposed free trade agreement (FTA) between the ten member-states of ASEAN and FTA partners. Goyal had said earlier that the country will be open to further discussions on RCEP if its demands are met and the trade deficit is balanced. (With inputs from ANI)

Piyush Goyal to make statement in Rajya Sabha over India's position in RCEP

Parle Biscuits, part of the Parle Products group, reported 15.2 per cent year-on-year (YoY) growth in net profit for the financial year 2018-19, with company’s FY19 net profit at Rs 410 crore against Rs 355 crore reported in the previous year. Total revenue too grew by a healthy 6.4 per cent YoY to Rs 9,030 crore.&nbsp;

Parle's good results would have ideally not caught much attention, had it not been for the raging controversy in August 2019 when the leftist eco-system indulged in viciously slanderous lies about how Parle Biscuits was on the verge of bankruptcy and was laying off staff as people in India could no longer afford to buy a packet of biscuits worth Rs 5.&nbsp;

Of course, it later came to light that vested interests that wanted a cut in the prevalent 18 per cent GST rate on biscuits were a part of the rumour mongering exercise to discredit the BJP-led NDA government. The Parle example is a befitting case of how prophets of gloom and doom have been working overtime to create a narrative that the Indian economy is falling off the cliff.

True, the economy is facing cyclical headwinds, after five excellent years of superior growth, witnessed during Narendra Modi's first term as Prime Minister. For the economy to reach the ambitious $5 trillion-mark by 2024-25, it will take the types of reform that were long-promised but never delivered by successive Congress-led UPA regimes. However, if there is any leader today who has both the vision and the will to execute that vision to put India into the global super league of nations, it is Modi whose first six months in office in his second term have shown that he means business.

Massive reductions in unwanted regulations, streamlining of labour laws, privatisation of state entities, removing swathes of bureaucracy, investments in infrastructure and of course, the courage to say no to a lop-sided trade deal like the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) are key highlights of Modi's economic agenda.

Under the inept UPA establishment, Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) that compromised India's economic interests had been the order of the day.

Between 2009-10 and 2013-14, the period during which Manmohan Singh was India's Prime Minister the Indian economy grew at 6.7 per cent and emerging market economies by 6.43 per cent. Between 2014-15 and 2018-19, the Indian economy under Prime Minister Modi grew at a superior yearly run rate of 7.4 per cent despite the emerging market space growing by 4.52 per cent. The recent 4.5 per cent GDP print for September 2019 quarter for India has, however, reignited the Modinomics versus Manmohanomics debate.

Where the Modi government has done significantly better than the Manmohan Singh regime is infrastructure. In March 2014, length of national highways stood at 91,287 kms and it had increased by March 2019 to a solid 135,676 kms, growing at &nbsp;8.25 per cent per year in Modi's first term versus a modest run rate of 5.29 per cent under his predecessor. Also, while the number of airline passengers grew by 9.2 per cent in the Manmohan years, the growth under Modi's first term was a record-breaking 15.28 per cent.

More importantly, Modinomics has managed the growth-inflation conundrum very effectively. In April 2014, retail inflation, defined by the consumer price index (CPI), stood at 7.72 per cent with food inflation at 9.21 per cent. CPI, however, averaged at just 4.3 per cent in Modi's first term, with food inflation at barely 1.59 per cent between October 2016 and October 2019. Importantly, food inflation was reined in, despite an average 24 per cent hike in MSP for Kharif crops in 2018. True, in October 2019, CPI touched 4.62 per cent, but the cumulative retail inflation in the April-October 2019 period is still benign, at just 3.47 per cent.

Coming back to the recent 'slowdown' in India, it is cyclical and not structural in nature, because the fundamentals of the economy are in fine fettle and long term growth is intact despite some short term concerns, as recently summed up by international rating giant S&amp;P while maintaining BBB minus with a stable outlook, for India. Out on bail and an accused in the INX media scam, former Finance Minister &nbsp;Chidambaram was recently heard giving bytes to the press that the current decline is structural in an obvious attempt to discredit hard facts. Mr Chidambaram is the last person, if any, who should be lecturing on the economy, given his abysmally poor track record in the past, in 2012, when S&amp;P had downgraded India's rating to BBB minus with a negative outlook, just a notch above junk status.

While one is not denying that there are short term challenges, prophets of gloom and doom are working overtime to undermine India's policymaking and policymakers. For instance, the IHS Markit India Manufacturing PMI, rose to 51.2 in November 2019, from 50.6 in October 2019, but this positive news failed to grab headlines in the 'pink' dailies.

While comparisons are often odious, India continues to decisively outperform peers. The recent sluggish pace comes against the global backdrop of 17 months of protracted US-China trade war, 6 months of massive protests in Hong Kong, leading to a 24.3 per cent decline in retail sales in October 2019, a technical recession in Singapore with GDP growth rate of barely 0.1 per cent in the September 2019 quarter, Venezuelan bankruptcy, double-dip recession in the world's 8th largest economy, Brazil, in May 2019, continued turbulence in the UK around Brexit, recession in Italy, steep slowdown in Japan amidst a trade war with South Korea and of course more importantly, industrial recession in Germany that is battling negative bond yields and its slowest growth rate since the 2011 Euro crisis. The September 2019 PMI number for Germany, the 4th largest economy globally, accounting for 28 per cent of Euro area's GDP, dropped to 49, the first time since April 2013 that Germany's PMI fell below 50.&nbsp;

Speaking of India, reduction in corporate tax from 30% to 22% and for new companies to merely 15%, hike in dearness allowance to 17% from 12%, hike in export credit limit under priority sector lending norms for small exporters, from Rs 25 crore per borrower to Rs 40 crore, corpus of Rs 25,000 crore for stalled housing projects, yearly payout of Rs 6000 to 14.5 crore farmers irrespective of landholding size,100% FDI in coal mining,sale of coal and contract manufacturing, 26% FDI in digital news media, Rs 70,000 crore recapitalisation package for public sector banks and allowing additional 15% depreciation for vehicles bought till 31st March 2020, are measures that will address the demand side of the economy, which has been tepid.

It needs to be mentioned here that passenger vehicle sales in India crossed the three-million milestone for the first time in 2016-17. Maruti Suzuki took 37 years to sell 20 million vehicles in India, with the first 10 million vehicles taking 29 long years to sell. Interestingly, the last 5 million units were sold in barely three years, between 2016-17 and 2019 and it is certainly no coincidence that this happened, with Narendra Modi at the helm! The recent sluggish pace in the auto sector this year which affected UK, Germany, China and Japan in equal measure, has been primarily been on account of stringent BS-VI emission norms. India, relatively speaking, fared much better, despite the disadvantage of a high base effect, thanks to the scorching pace of growth in the previous 5 years under Modi.

Repeated chatter that the current decline in GDP is the result of demonetisation is a myth. The number of income taxpayers jumped in 2018-19 to 8.45 crore from just 3.68 crore in 2013-14. Thanks to demonetisation, the total number of unified payment interface (UPI) transactions in October 2019 hit a record 1.15 billion. Under Manmohan Singh's tenure, the total number of digital transactions stood at a measly 93.2 crore in 2012-13; under Narendra Modi's leadership, digital transactions were a whopping 921.7 crore in volume terms in 2017-18.

Fear-mongering about the efficacy of goods and services tax (GST) is also incorrect as GST has strengthened tax compliance with the indirect tax to gross domestic product (GDP) ratio going up to 5.4 per cent post-GST, from 4.4 per cent in 2014-15.

Externally too, things under Narendra Modi look far healthier than they ever were under Manmohan Singh, with the share of short-term debt in total debt, at only 20 per cent in March 2019 versus a figure of 24.8 per cent in March 2013. Also, the ratio of short-term debt (original maturity) to foreign exchange reserves rose stood at a disturbing 33.1 per cent in March 2013, compared to 26.3 per cent in March 2019.

That the Modi government which successfully completed its first term and 6 months of the second term, with no BoP crisis till date, speaks volumes about the external debt management of the economy, despite challenging global geopolitics.

Foreign exchange reserves were, at a record $448.60 billion as on November 22nd 2019. Under Manmohan Singh's tenure, current account deficit (CAD), was consistently above 3.5 per cent, reaching a dangerous level of 6.7% in the December 2013 quarter, whereas the average CAD figure in Modi's first term, was well below 2%. Talking of foreign direct investment, while India averaged $18.2 billion in FDI annually under UPA I and, $38.4 billion under UPA II, in the Modi government's 5.5 years of tenure till date, the annual FDI figure averaged handsomely at almost $60 billion.

In terms of fiscal prudence too, the Narendra Modi regime wins hands down, with an average fiscal deficit figure of only 3.7% for the 2014-15 to 2018-19 period which is much better than the unreasonably high 5.4%, during the preceding five years, led by Manmohan Singh. That Modinomics has delivered high growth, without compromising macroeconomic stability, amidst the most globally volatile conditions, is therefore well established.

It would be apt to sum up India's future growth trajectory in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's own words from one of his recent public speeches where he so rightfully said--"Good governance with good intentions is the hallmark of our government. Implementation with integrity is our core passion".

Foreign exchange reserves were, at a record $448.60 billion as on November 22nd 2019. Under Manmohan Singh's tenure, current account deficit (CAD), was consistently above 3.5%, reaching a dangerous level of 6.7% in the December 2013 quarter, whereas the average CAD figure in Modi's first term, was well below 2%. Talking of foreign direct investment, while India averaged $18.2 billion in FDI annually under UPA I and, $38.4 billion under UPA II, in the Modi government's 5.5 years of tenure till date, the annual FDI figure averaged handsomely at almost $60 billion.

In terms of fiscal prudence too, the Narendra Modi regime wins hands down, with an average fiscal deficit figure of only 3.7% for the 2014-15 to 2018-19 period which is much better than the unreasonably high 5.4%, during the preceding five years, led by Manmohan Singh. That Modinomics has delivered high growth, without compromising macroeconomic stability, amidst the most globally volatile conditions, is therefore well established.

It would be apt to sum up India's future growth trajectory in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's own words from one of his recent public speeches where he so rightfully said--"Good governance with good intentions is the hallmark of our government. Implementation with integrity is our core passion".

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/business/column-economy-debate-modi-s-nda-versus-manmohan-s-upa-2804970">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Parle Biscuits, part of the Parle Products group, reported 15.2 per cent year-on-year (YoY) growth in net profit for the financial year 2018-19, with company’s FY19 net profit at Rs 410 crore against Rs 355 crore reported in the previous year.

Parle Biscuits, part of the Parle Products group, reported 15.2 per cent year-on-year (YoY) growth in net profit for the financial year 2018-19, with company’s FY19 net profit at Rs 410 crore against Rs 355 crore reported in the previous year. Total revenue too grew by a healthy 6.4 per cent YoY to Rs 9,030 crore. Parle's good results would have ideally not caught much attention, had it not been for the raging controversy in August 2019 when the leftist eco-system indulged in viciously slanderous lies about how Parle Biscuits was on the verge of bankruptcy and was laying off staff as people in India could no longer afford to buy a packet of biscuits worth Rs 5. Of course, it later came to light that vested interests that wanted a cut in the prevalent 18 per cent GST rate on biscuits were a part of the rumour mongering exercise to discredit the BJP-led NDA government. The Parle example is a befitting case of how prophets of gloom and doom have been working overtime to create a narrative that the Indian economy is falling off the cliff. True, the economy is facing cyclical headwinds, after five excellent years of superior growth, witnessed during Narendra Modi's first term as Prime Minister. For the economy to reach the ambitious $5 trillion-mark by 2024-25, it will take the types of reform that were long-promised but never delivered by successive Congress-led UPA regimes. However, if there is any leader today who has both the vision and the will to execute that vision to put India into the global super league of nations, it is Modi whose first six months in office in his second term have shown that he means business. Massive reductions in unwanted regulations, streamlining of labour laws, privatisation of state entities, removing swathes of bureaucracy, investments in infrastructure and of course, the courage to say no to a lop-sided trade deal like the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) are key highlights of Modi's economic agenda. Under the inept UPA establishment, Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) that compromised India's economic interests had been the order of the day. Between 2009-10 and 2013-14, the period during which Manmohan Singh was India's Prime Minister the Indian economy grew at 6.7 per cent and emerging market economies by 6.43 per cent. Between 2014-15 and 2018-19, the Indian economy under Prime Minister Modi grew at a superior yearly run rate of 7.4 per cent despite the emerging market space growing by 4.52 per cent. The recent 4.5 per cent GDP print for September 2019 quarter for India has, however, reignited the Modinomics versus Manmohanomics debate. Where the Modi government has done significantly better than the Manmohan Singh regime is infrastructure. In March 2014, length of national highways stood at 91,287 kms and it had increased by March 2019 to a solid 135,676 kms, growing at 8.25 per cent per year in Modi's first term versus a modest run rate of 5.29 per cent under his predecessor. Also, while the number of airline passengers grew by 9.2 per cent in the Manmohan years, the growth under Modi's first term was a record-breaking 15.28 per cent. More importantly, Modinomics has managed the growth-inflation conundrum very effectively. In April 2014, retail inflation, defined by the consumer price index (CPI), stood at 7.72 per cent with food inflation at 9.21 per cent. CPI, however, averaged at just 4.3 per cent in Modi's first term, with food inflation at barely 1.59 per cent between October 2016 and October 2019. Importantly, food inflation was reined in, despite an average 24 per cent hike in MSP for Kharif crops in 2018. True, in October 2019, CPI touched 4.62 per cent, but the cumulative retail inflation in the April-October 2019 period is still benign, at just 3.47 per cent. Coming back to the recent 'slowdown' in India, it is cyclical and not structural in nature, because the fundamentals of the economy are in fine fettle and long term growth is intact despite some short term concerns, as recently summed up by international rating giant S&P while maintaining BBB minus with a stable outlook, for India. Out on bail and an accused in the INX media scam, former Finance Minister Chidambaram was recently heard giving bytes to the press that the current decline is structural in an obvious attempt to discredit hard facts. Mr Chidambaram is the last person, if any, who should be lecturing on the economy, given his abysmally poor track record in the past, in 2012, when S&P had downgraded India's rating to BBB minus with a negative outlook, just a notch above junk status. While one is not denying that there are short term challenges, prophets of gloom and doom are working overtime to undermine India's policymaking and policymakers. For instance, the IHS Markit India Manufacturing PMI, rose to 51.2 in November 2019, from 50.6 in October 2019, but this positive news failed to grab headlines in the 'pink' dailies. While comparisons are often odious, India continues to decisively outperform peers. The recent sluggish pace comes against the global backdrop of 17 months of protracted US-China trade war, 6 months of massive protests in Hong Kong, leading to a 24.3 per cent decline in retail sales in October 2019, a technical recession in Singapore with GDP growth rate of barely 0.1 per cent in the September 2019 quarter, Venezuelan bankruptcy, double-dip recession in the world's 8th largest economy, Brazil, in May 2019, continued turbulence in the UK around Brexit, recession in Italy, steep slowdown in Japan amidst a trade war with South Korea and of course more importantly, industrial recession in Germany that is battling negative bond yields and its slowest growth rate since the 2011 Euro crisis. The September 2019 PMI number for Germany, the 4th largest economy globally, accounting for 28 per cent of Euro area's GDP, dropped to 49, the first time since April 2013 that Germany's PMI fell below 50. Speaking of India, reduction in corporate tax from 30% to 22% and for new companies to merely 15%, hike in dearness allowance to 17% from 12%, hike in export credit limit under priority sector lending norms for small exporters, from Rs 25 crore per borrower to Rs 40 crore, corpus of Rs 25,000 crore for stalled housing projects, yearly payout of Rs 6000 to 14.5 crore farmers irrespective of landholding size,100% FDI in coal mining,sale of coal and contract manufacturing, 26% FDI in digital news media, Rs 70,000 crore recapitalisation package for public sector banks and allowing additional 15% depreciation for vehicles bought till 31st March 2020, are measures that will address the demand side of the economy, which has been tepid. It needs to be mentioned here that passenger vehicle sales in India crossed the three-million milestone for the first time in 2016-17. Maruti Suzuki took 37 years to sell 20 million vehicles in India, with the first 10 million vehicles taking 29 long years to sell. Interestingly, the last 5 million units were sold in barely three years, between 2016-17 and 2019 and it is certainly no coincidence that this happened, with Narendra Modi at the helm! The recent sluggish pace in the auto sector this year which affected UK, Germany, China and Japan in equal measure, has been primarily been on account of stringent BS-VI emission norms. India, relatively speaking, fared much better, despite the disadvantage of a high base effect, thanks to the scorching pace of growth in the previous 5 years under Modi. Repeated chatter that the current decline in GDP is the result of demonetisation is a myth. The number of income taxpayers jumped in 2018-19 to 8.45 crore from just 3.68 crore in 2013-14. Thanks to demonetisation, the total number of unified payment interface (UPI) transactions in October 2019 hit a record 1.15 billion. Under Manmohan Singh's tenure, the total number of digital transactions stood at a measly 93.2 crore in 2012-13; under Narendra Modi's leadership, digital transactions were a whopping 921.7 crore in volume terms in 2017-18. Fear-mongering about the efficacy of goods and services tax (GST) is also incorrect as GST has strengthened tax compliance with the indirect tax to gross domestic product (GDP) ratio going up to 5.4 per cent post-GST, from 4.4 per cent in 2014-15. Externally too, things under Narendra Modi look far healthier than they ever were under Manmohan Singh, with the share of short-term debt in total debt, at only 20 per cent in March 2019 versus a figure of 24.8 per cent in March 2013. Also, the ratio of short-term debt (original maturity) to foreign exchange reserves rose stood at a disturbing 33.1 per cent in March 2013, compared to 26.3 per cent in March 2019. That the Modi government which successfully completed its first term and 6 months of the second term, with no BoP crisis till date, speaks volumes about the external debt management of the economy, despite challenging global geopolitics. Foreign exchange reserves were, at a record $448.60 billion as on November 22nd 2019. Under Manmohan Singh's tenure, current account deficit (CAD), was consistently above 3.5 per cent, reaching a dangerous level of 6.7% in the December 2013 quarter, whereas the average CAD figure in Modi's first term, was well below 2%. Talking of foreign direct investment, while India averaged $18.2 billion in FDI annually under UPA I and, $38.4 billion under UPA II, in the Modi government's 5.5 years of tenure till date, the annual FDI figure averaged handsomely at almost $60 billion. In terms of fiscal prudence too, the Narendra Modi regime wins hands down, with an average fiscal deficit figure of only 3.7% for the 2014-15 to 2018-19 period which is much better than the unreasonably high 5.4%, during the preceding five years, led by Manmohan Singh. That Modinomics has delivered high growth, without compromising macroeconomic stability, amidst the most globally volatile conditions, is therefore well established. It would be apt to sum up India's future growth trajectory in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's own words from one of his recent public speeches where he so rightfully said--"Good governance with good intentions is the hallmark of our government. Implementation with integrity is our core passion". Foreign exchange reserves were, at a record $448.60 billion as on November 22nd 2019. Under Manmohan Singh's tenure, current account deficit (CAD), was consistently above 3.5%, reaching a dangerous level of 6.7% in the December 2013 quarter, whereas the average CAD figure in Modi's first term, was well below 2%. Talking of foreign direct investment, while India averaged $18.2 billion in FDI annually under UPA I and, $38.4 billion under UPA II, in the Modi government's 5.5 years of tenure till date, the annual FDI figure averaged handsomely at almost $60 billion. In terms of fiscal prudence too, the Narendra Modi regime wins hands down, with an average fiscal deficit figure of only 3.7% for the 2014-15 to 2018-19 period which is much better than the unreasonably high 5.4%, during the preceding five years, led by Manmohan Singh. That Modinomics has delivered high growth, without compromising macroeconomic stability, amidst the most globally volatile conditions, is therefore well established. It would be apt to sum up India's future growth trajectory in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's own words from one of his recent public speeches where he so rightfully said--"Good governance with good intentions is the hallmark of our government. Implementation with integrity is our core passion". (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Economy Debate: Narendra Modi's NDA versus Manmohan Singh's UPA

While Article 21 of the Constitution of India guarantees every person protection of life and personal liberty, it connotes a much wider meaning, which includes the right to human dignity, right to health, right to receive medical care etc. It encompasses within its fold some of the finer facets of human civilization which make life worth living. It is not res integra anymore that the right to health has been held to be a deemed fundamental right. Article 47 of our Constitution reinforces that it is for the state to secure the health of its citizens as its primary duty. Furthermore, Article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, to which India is a signatory, ensures the right to standard of adequate living for health and well-being of an individual including adequate medical care and the right to security in the event of sickness, disability etc.&nbsp;

Due to the enormous challenges faced by India’s health sector, including high expenditures, low financial protection and no health insurance coverage or protection, prompting impoverishment and poverty by virtue of high medical and hospitalisation costs, the Central Government, with a view to ensure universal access to quality health care services without having to face financial hardship, conceptualised the “Ayushman Bharat Scheme”, in order to fulfil the vision of Health for All and Universal Health Coverage enshrined in the National Health Policy, 2017. The Scheme has a two-legged approach, namely (i) Health and Wellness Centres; and (ii) National Health Protection Scheme. The former seeks to construct around 1,50,000 Health and Wellness Centres across the country and ensure comprehensive primary health care services. Whereas, the latter seeks to provide a comprehensive health insurance scheme. The Central Government seeks to provide an insurance cover of Rs.5 Lakhs per family per year, with no cap on family size and age, including pre and post hospitalisation expense, by defining 1,350 medical packages covering surgery, medical and daycare treatments including medicines, diagnostics and transport. &nbsp;

The central government has allocated an amount of Rs 6,400 crores for the implementation of the scheme in the current financial year i.e. 2019-20, having benefitted over 20 lakh patients with access to much cheaper drugs till date and almost 70,000 hospitals having applied for empanelment under the said scheme. The state governments are expected to set up State Health Agencies to implement the Scheme in their respective States so that the Ayushman Bharat Scheme, being centrally sponsored, is availed by every deserving citizen of the country. It, being the bounden duty of the State Government since the subject of “Public health and sanitation; hospitals and dispensaries” falls solely under the ambit of the State List in the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution. Therefore, with the sole objective of public welfare in mind, altogether, a total of 32 States and Union Territories have signed a Memorandum with the Central Government to implement the Scheme and provide the benefits to their respective local citizens. However, it is quite cryptic as to why the government of NCT of Delhi has neither signed any Memorandum with the Central Government nor has adopted the said scheme for the benefit and welfare of its citizens. &nbsp;

The denial of benefits of the Scheme to millions of citizens of Delhi is not only violative of Article 21, but also blatantly violates the provisions of Article 14 of the Constitution, which aims to establish “Equality of Status and Opportunity” to every person.&nbsp;

Thus, the Government of NCT of Delhi is in direct abrogation of the rights and liberties of its local residents and inhabitants, juxtaposed with the citizens of other states of the country, enjoying the benefits of the Scheme. The citizens would be in a position to avail quality medical facilities all over the country under the said scheme from various hospitals that would come under the purview of the Scheme. Such denial by the Government of NCT of Delhi is further incongruous with the Doctrine of Good Governance, which categorically requires any Government to rise above their political interests and act only in public interest and for the welfare of its people.1 Public policy, is not the policy of a particular Government. 2. The political apathy of the Government of NCT of Delhi specifically lacks rationale and sensitivity towards the common citizens. It must be mentioned that political vendetta must never stand in the way of public welfare. Governments are expected to rise above the nexus of vested interests and nepotism and eschew window-dressing and that the principles of governance have to be tested on the touchstone of justice, equity, fair play. 3 In a democracy, it is legitimate for the citizens to expect that the Government of the day would treat the public interests as primary. &nbsp;

In view of the foregoing, it is trite to mention the maxim “Salus Populi Suprema Lex Esto”, which means that the health of the people must be the supreme law. It must not only be kept in books but be implemented in effect. All policies, schemes or provisions introduced in the interest of communal harmony and for the prevalence of good governance must be given effect to without any political controversy. &nbsp; 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

While Article 21 of the Constitution of India guarantees every person protection of life and personal liberty, it connotes a much wider meaning, which includes the right to human dignity, right to health, right to receive medical care etc.

While Article 21 of the Constitution of India guarantees every person protection of life and personal liberty, it connotes a much wider meaning, which includes the right to human dignity, right to health, right to receive medical care etc. It encompasses within its fold some of the finer facets of human civilization which make life worth living. It is not res integra anymore that the right to health has been held to be a deemed fundamental right. Article 47 of our Constitution reinforces that it is for the state to secure the health of its citizens as its primary duty. Furthermore, Article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, to which India is a signatory, ensures the right to standard of adequate living for health and well-being of an individual including adequate medical care and the right to security in the event of sickness, disability etc. Due to the enormous challenges faced by India’s health sector, including high expenditures, low financial protection and no health insurance coverage or protection, prompting impoverishment and poverty by virtue of high medical and hospitalisation costs, the Central Government, with a view to ensure universal access to quality health care services without having to face financial hardship, conceptualised the “Ayushman Bharat Scheme”, in order to fulfil the vision of Health for All and Universal Health Coverage enshrined in the National Health Policy, 2017. The Scheme has a two-legged approach, namely (i) Health and Wellness Centres; and (ii) National Health Protection Scheme. The former seeks to construct around 1,50,000 Health and Wellness Centres across the country and ensure comprehensive primary health care services. Whereas, the latter seeks to provide a comprehensive health insurance scheme. The Central Government seeks to provide an insurance cover of Rs.5 Lakhs per family per year, with no cap on family size and age, including pre and post hospitalisation expense, by defining 1,350 medical packages covering surgery, medical and daycare treatments including medicines, diagnostics and transport. The central government has allocated an amount of Rs 6,400 crores for the implementation of the scheme in the current financial year i.e. 2019-20, having benefitted over 20 lakh patients with access to much cheaper drugs till date and almost 70,000 hospitals having applied for empanelment under the said scheme. The state governments are expected to set up State Health Agencies to implement the Scheme in their respective States so that the Ayushman Bharat Scheme, being centrally sponsored, is availed by every deserving citizen of the country. It, being the bounden duty of the State Government since the subject of “Public health and sanitation; hospitals and dispensaries” falls solely under the ambit of the State List in the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution. Therefore, with the sole objective of public welfare in mind, altogether, a total of 32 States and Union Territories have signed a Memorandum with the Central Government to implement the Scheme and provide the benefits to their respective local citizens. However, it is quite cryptic as to why the government of NCT of Delhi has neither signed any Memorandum with the Central Government nor has adopted the said scheme for the benefit and welfare of its citizens. The denial of benefits of the Scheme to millions of citizens of Delhi is not only violative of Article 21, but also blatantly violates the provisions of Article 14 of the Constitution, which aims to establish “Equality of Status and Opportunity” to every person. Thus, the Government of NCT of Delhi is in direct abrogation of the rights and liberties of its local residents and inhabitants, juxtaposed with the citizens of other states of the country, enjoying the benefits of the Scheme. The citizens would be in a position to avail quality medical facilities all over the country under the said scheme from various hospitals that would come under the purview of the Scheme. Such denial by the Government of NCT of Delhi is further incongruous with the Doctrine of Good Governance, which categorically requires any Government to rise above their political interests and act only in public interest and for the welfare of its people.1 Public policy, is not the policy of a particular Government. 2. The political apathy of the Government of NCT of Delhi specifically lacks rationale and sensitivity towards the common citizens. It must be mentioned that political vendetta must never stand in the way of public welfare. Governments are expected to rise above the nexus of vested interests and nepotism and eschew window-dressing and that the principles of governance have to be tested on the touchstone of justice, equity, fair play. 3 In a democracy, it is legitimate for the citizens to expect that the Government of the day would treat the public interests as primary. In view of the foregoing, it is trite to mention the maxim “Salus Populi Suprema Lex Esto”, which means that the health of the people must be the supreme law. It must not only be kept in books but be implemented in effect. All policies, schemes or provisions introduced in the interest of communal harmony and for the prevalence of good governance must be given effect to without any political controversy. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Ayushman Bharat: Why rob Delhi of a world-class health scheme?

Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-extends-his-wishes-to-indian-forces-on-armed-forces-flag-day-266768">Narendra Modi</a> on Monday attacked Congress and JD-S while citing the result trends of Karnataka by-polls and asserted that the people of Karnataka had witnessed corruption and `laxity in development` during tenure of Congress-JD(S) government and hence have voted BJP.

He also said that the by-polls results of this state are a message for all those states where anyone betrays public mandate.

The Prime Minister`s comments came at a time when BJP was leading in as many as nine seats of Karnataka in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-bypolls-results-bjp-leads-in-10-seats-congress-jds-leading-in-2-each-267073">by-poll results</a> and has emerged victorious on three.

Speaking at an election rally here, Modi said, "Today people of Karnataka have proved that Congress and JD-S won`t be able to betray them. This is a message for all states of the country that if someone will go against the public mandate and betray people, the citizens will punish them at the first opportunity".

Modi also spoke about the political tussle that the state of Karnataka had witnessed soon after the assembly election results.

"Earlier the people gave mandate to BJP to form the government but <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-bypolls-results-congress-accepts-defeat-after-bjp-takes-early-lead-in-12-seats-267119">Congress</a> played behind the curtain and managed to stop the BJP government formation. But today people gave them punishment as BJP candidates are either winning or leading in most of the seats in the bye-elections," the Prime Minister said.

"I pay gratitude to the people of the state for choosing stability and development by showing confidence in the BJP," he added.

As of now, the BJP has won three seats and is leading on nine, while the Congress is leading on two seats and an Independent candidate on one.

The elections were held for 15 Assembly seats which were left vacant after the legislators resigned in July, triggering the collapse of the Congress-JDS coalition and paving the way for the BJP to come to power.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday attacked Congress and JD-S while citing the result trends of Karnataka by-polls and asserted that the people of Karnataka had witnessed corruption and `laxity in development` during tenure of Congress-JD(S) government and hence have voted BJP.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday attacked Congress and JD-S while citing the result trends of Karnataka by-polls and asserted that the people of Karnataka had witnessed corruption and `laxity in development` during tenure of Congress-JD(S) government and hence have voted BJP. He also said that the by-polls results of this state are a message for all those states where anyone betrays public mandate. The Prime Minister`s comments came at a time when BJP was leading in as many as nine seats of Karnataka in by-poll results and has emerged victorious on three. Speaking at an election rally here, Modi said, "Today people of Karnataka have proved that Congress and JD-S won`t be able to betray them. This is a message for all states of the country that if someone will go against the public mandate and betray people, the citizens will punish them at the first opportunity". Modi also spoke about the political tussle that the state of Karnataka had witnessed soon after the assembly election results. "Earlier the people gave mandate to BJP to form the government but Congress played behind the curtain and managed to stop the BJP government formation. But today people gave them punishment as BJP candidates are either winning or leading in most of the seats in the bye-elections," the Prime Minister said. "I pay gratitude to the people of the state for choosing stability and development by showing confidence in the BJP," he added. As of now, the BJP has won three seats and is leading on nine, while the Congress is leading on two seats and an Independent candidate on one. The elections were held for 15 Assembly seats which were left vacant after the legislators resigned in July, triggering the collapse of the Congress-JDS coalition and paving the way for the BJP to come to power.

Karnataka voted for stability, poll results a message for all states: PM Modi

Sri Lanka remains firmly committed to the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-plans-saarc-foreign-ministers-informal-meet-on-un-general-assembly-sidelines-244249">SAARC</a>) Charter and its objectives and attributes of high importance to its purposes and principles which aims to promote peace, stability, amity, and progress in the region, country's President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/sri-lanka-gotabaya-rajapaksas-election-victory-sparks-fear-among-minorities-263657">Gotabaya Rajapaksa</a> said on Sunday.

In his message on the occasion of the SAARC Charter Day, as cited by Colombo Page, Rajapaksa called on the member nations to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of "our cooperative mechanisms, particularly on areas which are priorities to the people of our region."

SAARC is a regional intergovernmental organisation and geopolitical union of states in South Asia, including, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Bhutan, Nepal, and the Maldives.

Rajapaksa said that the region as a whole requires to forge new avenues of cooperation to steer the Organization to be more effective in addressing the emerging challenges.

"The Member States of SAARC are better positioned to provide the necessary safety networks to address major concerns such as security through forming effective alliances. The Region as a whole requires to forge new avenues of cooperation to steer the Organisation to be more effective in addressing the emerging challenges," Rajapaksa said.

"I take this opportunity to reiterate Sri Lanka's firm commitment to SAARC and its objectives and remain confident of the determination of the governments and peoples of our region towards fostering stronger cooperation that is essential for peace, stability and economic prosperity in our region," he added.

In his message on the occasion, Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/saarc-needs-greater-collaboration-to-act-against-terrorism-pm-narendra-modi-266951">Narendra Modi</a> had said that efforts for greater collaboration among SAARC member states have been repeatedly challenged with threats and acts of terror and such an environment impedes the shared objective of realising the regional body's full potential.

"SAARC has made progress, but more needs to be done. Our efforts for greater collaboration have repeatedly been challenged with threats and acts of terrorism. Such an environment impedes our shared objective of realising the full potential of SAARC," Prime Minister Modi said in a letter addressed to the SAARC Secretariat.

Sri Lanka remains firmly committed to the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Charter and its objectives and attributes of high importance to its purposes and principles which aims to promote peace, stability, amity, and progress in the region, country's President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said on Sunday.

Sri Lanka remains firmly committed to the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Charter and its objectives and attributes of high importance to its purposes and principles which aims to promote peace, stability, amity, and progress in the region, country's President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said on Sunday. In his message on the occasion of the SAARC Charter Day, as cited by Colombo Page, Rajapaksa called on the member nations to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of "our cooperative mechanisms, particularly on areas which are priorities to the people of our region." SAARC is a regional intergovernmental organisation and geopolitical union of states in South Asia, including, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Bhutan, Nepal, and the Maldives. Rajapaksa said that the region as a whole requires to forge new avenues of cooperation to steer the Organization to be more effective in addressing the emerging challenges. "The Member States of SAARC are better positioned to provide the necessary safety networks to address major concerns such as security through forming effective alliances. The Region as a whole requires to forge new avenues of cooperation to steer the Organisation to be more effective in addressing the emerging challenges," Rajapaksa said. "I take this opportunity to reiterate Sri Lanka's firm commitment to SAARC and its objectives and remain confident of the determination of the governments and peoples of our region towards fostering stronger cooperation that is essential for peace, stability and economic prosperity in our region," he added. In his message on the occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said that efforts for greater collaboration among SAARC member states have been repeatedly challenged with threats and acts of terror and such an environment impedes the shared objective of realising the regional body's full potential. "SAARC has made progress, but more needs to be done. Our efforts for greater collaboration have repeatedly been challenged with threats and acts of terrorism. Such an environment impedes our shared objective of realising the full potential of SAARC," Prime Minister Modi said in a letter addressed to the SAARC Secretariat.

Sri Lanka firmly committed to SAARC: Gotabaya Rajapaksa

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said in Lok Sabha on Monday said the name of the Muslim community is nowhere mentioned in the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019.

"Nowhere in the Bill Muslim community is named even once. You cannot distort and present it in the House," said <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amit-shah-to-move-the-special-protection-group-amendment-bill-2019-today-in-rajya-sabha-265825">Amit Shah</a> after tabling the Bill, while replying to a member from Opposition Bench who alleged that the Bill is discriminatory against the community.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/citizenship-amendment-bill-secularism-unfinished-business-in-india-266260">The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2019</a> seeks to grant Indian citizenship to non-Muslim refugees from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan.

Also Watch:&nbsp;Citizenship Amendment Bill tabled in Lok Sabha

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Through this bill, Indian citizenship will be provided to the members of Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian communities, who have come from the three countries to India till December 31, 2014, to put an end to them being treated as illegal immigrants in the country.&nbsp;

The Bill was passed by the Lower House of the Parliament earlier this year but lapsed with the term of the previous Lok Sabha during the first term of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi government in the Centre.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said in Lok Sabha on Monday said the name of the Muslim community is nowhere mentioned in the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019. "Nowhere in the Bill Muslim community is named even once.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said in Lok Sabha on Monday said the name of the Muslim community is nowhere mentioned in the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019. "Nowhere in the Bill Muslim community is named even once. You cannot distort and present it in the House," said Amit Shah after tabling the Bill, while replying to a member from Opposition Bench who alleged that the Bill is discriminatory against the community. The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2019 seeks to grant Indian citizenship to non-Muslim refugees from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. Also Watch: Citizenship Amendment Bill tabled in Lok Sabha × Through this bill, Indian citizenship will be provided to the members of Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian communities, who have come from the three countries to India till December 31, 2014, to put an end to them being treated as illegal immigrants in the country. The Bill was passed by the Lower House of the Parliament earlier this year but lapsed with the term of the previous Lok Sabha during the first term of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi government in the Centre.

Muslim community not named in CAB even once: Amit Shah

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday urged the country`s police forces for striving to improve their image to inspire a sense of confidence among the people including women at all times.

Delivering his address at the 54th conference of the Directors General of Police and Inspectors General of Police here, the Prime Minister lauded the police forces for their meticulous efforts in maintaining general peace and tranquillity and ensuring normalcy in the country.

"We must not forget the contribution of their families who stood firmly behind them," he said while emphasising the role of effective policing in making sure that women feel safe and secure.

Modi urged the heads of police departments to carry forth the spirit of the conference to the lowest level-from state to the district to the police station.

After listening to the presentations given by different state police forces, the Prime Minister mentioned that a comprehensive list of best practices could be prepared and adopted by all the states and UTs, according to an official statement.

"Technology provides us with an effective weapon to ensure pro-active policing that factors-in the feedback of the common man," he said.

Modi expressed his special interest in the development of North-Eastern states which is critical for the Act East Policy of the government and urged the DGPs of these states to make extra efforts to create a conducive environment for the development programmes.

The Prime Minister recognised the pulls and pressures confronting the police officer in the day to day discharge of duties.

However, he said, "Whenever they are in doubt they should remember the ideals and the spirit with which they appeared for the civil services exams and continue to work in the national interest, keeping in mind the welfare of the weakest and poorest sections of society."

The Prime Minister participated in the 54th DGsP/IGsP Conference here on December 7 and 8.

Apart from leading the discussions and giving valuable suggestions over the past two days, he addressed the valedictory session of the conference this evening.

He also awarded the President`s police medals for distinguished service to officers of the Intelligence Bureau.

With the guidance of the Prime Minister, in order to encourage a meaningful exchange of views and experiences, the conference, which earlier used to be a one-day event, was changed to a three-day affair starting from 2015.

Moreover, the Conference was taken out of Delhi and organised in different parts of the country.

The format of the conference has also undergone significant changes in terms of the presence of the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister.

In the lead-up to the conference, Committees of DGPs were established to formulate the contours of presentations, which are on contemporary security threats. Additionally, during the conference, break-out sessions were held to further refine policy issues.

"This year, eleven core groups were formed for holding brainstorming sessions on key aspects of internal and external security such as terrorism, Naxalism, coastal security, cyber threats, combating radicalisation and narco-terrorism," the statement said.

Commending the conference for generating good inputs for policy planning and implementation, the Prime Minister laid emphasis on the emergence of concrete outcomes from the finalised action points.The Prime Minister has departed for Delhi after attending the conference.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday urged the country`s police forces for striving to improve their image to inspire a sense of confidence among the people including women at all times.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday urged the country`s police forces for striving to improve their image to inspire a sense of confidence among the people including women at all times. Delivering his address at the 54th conference of the Directors General of Police and Inspectors General of Police here, the Prime Minister lauded the police forces for their meticulous efforts in maintaining general peace and tranquillity and ensuring normalcy in the country. "We must not forget the contribution of their families who stood firmly behind them," he said while emphasising the role of effective policing in making sure that women feel safe and secure. Modi urged the heads of police departments to carry forth the spirit of the conference to the lowest level-from state to the district to the police station. After listening to the presentations given by different state police forces, the Prime Minister mentioned that a comprehensive list of best practices could be prepared and adopted by all the states and UTs, according to an official statement. "Technology provides us with an effective weapon to ensure pro-active policing that factors-in the feedback of the common man," he said. Modi expressed his special interest in the development of North-Eastern states which is critical for the Act East Policy of the government and urged the DGPs of these states to make extra efforts to create a conducive environment for the development programmes. The Prime Minister recognised the pulls and pressures confronting the police officer in the day to day discharge of duties. However, he said, "Whenever they are in doubt they should remember the ideals and the spirit with which they appeared for the civil services exams and continue to work in the national interest, keeping in mind the welfare of the weakest and poorest sections of society." The Prime Minister participated in the 54th DGsP/IGsP Conference here on December 7 and 8. Apart from leading the discussions and giving valuable suggestions over the past two days, he addressed the valedictory session of the conference this evening. He also awarded the President`s police medals for distinguished service to officers of the Intelligence Bureau. With the guidance of the Prime Minister, in order to encourage a meaningful exchange of views and experiences, the conference, which earlier used to be a one-day event, was changed to a three-day affair starting from 2015. Moreover, the Conference was taken out of Delhi and organised in different parts of the country. The format of the conference has also undergone significant changes in terms of the presence of the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister. In the lead-up to the conference, Committees of DGPs were established to formulate the contours of presentations, which are on contemporary security threats. Additionally, during the conference, break-out sessions were held to further refine policy issues. "This year, eleven core groups were formed for holding brainstorming sessions on key aspects of internal and external security such as terrorism, Naxalism, coastal security, cyber threats, combating radicalisation and narco-terrorism," the statement said. Commending the conference for generating good inputs for policy planning and implementation, the Prime Minister laid emphasis on the emergence of concrete outcomes from the finalised action points.The Prime Minister has departed for Delhi after attending the conference.

Inspire a sense of confidence among people including women: PM Modi to police top brass

An 8-year-old Licypriya Kangujam from Manipur has called upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi to implement climate change laws in the country and pass them in the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament.

"Please save our future. I am with my inspiration @gretathunberg to give more pressure to you and the world leaders. You can't underestimate us. Please pass the Climate Change law in the ongoing winter parliament session," reads Kangujam's Tweet dated December 6.

For long, the young activist has been holding talks, organising awareness campaigns, rallies and has helped victims of natural calamities.

She recently met Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg in an climate change event in Madrid in Spain. In June this year, she stood near Parliament premises to draw Prime Minister Narendra Modi's attention towards climate change.

"I urge him and all MPs to act on climate change now and save our future. The sea levels are increasing and the Earth is becoming hotter. They should act now," she had told ANI.

She has voiced concerns across several international platforms, urging the world leaders to act on the issue of climate change and to reduce natural disasters. She has also been recognised for her work and was awarded the 2019 World Children Peace Prize Laureate.

Kangujam is also the founder of 'The Child Movement', a voluntary movement by the children to raise their voices on global issues. Prime Minister Modi has also voiced his concerns about climate change.

In September this year, while addressing the United Nations Climate Action summit 2019, Modi also said that India has come to the United Nations to present a practical approach and roadmap on the issue.

"Need and not greed is our guiding principle. India is here today to not only talk about the seriousness of this issue but to present a practical approach and a roadmap. We believe that an ounce of practice is worth more than a ton of teaching," Modi had said.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

An 8-year-old Licypriya Kangujam from Manipur has called upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi to implement climate change laws in the country and pass them in the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament.

An 8-year-old Licypriya Kangujam from Manipur has called upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi to implement climate change laws in the country and pass them in the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament. "Please save our future. I am with my inspiration @gretathunberg to give more pressure to you and the world leaders. You can't underestimate us. Please pass the Climate Change law in the ongoing winter parliament session," reads Kangujam's Tweet dated December 6. For long, the young activist has been holding talks, organising awareness campaigns, rallies and has helped victims of natural calamities. She recently met Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg in an climate change event in Madrid in Spain. In June this year, she stood near Parliament premises to draw Prime Minister Narendra Modi's attention towards climate change. "I urge him and all MPs to act on climate change now and save our future. The sea levels are increasing and the Earth is becoming hotter. They should act now," she had told ANI. She has voiced concerns across several international platforms, urging the world leaders to act on the issue of climate change and to reduce natural disasters. She has also been recognised for her work and was awarded the 2019 World Children Peace Prize Laureate. Kangujam is also the founder of 'The Child Movement', a voluntary movement by the children to raise their voices on global issues. Prime Minister Modi has also voiced his concerns about climate change. In September this year, while addressing the United Nations Climate Action summit 2019, Modi also said that India has come to the United Nations to present a practical approach and roadmap on the issue. "Need and not greed is our guiding principle. India is here today to not only talk about the seriousness of this issue but to present a practical approach and a roadmap. We believe that an ounce of practice is worth more than a ton of teaching," Modi had said.

8-year-old Licypriya Kangujam urges PM to implement climate change laws

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said while <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/high-drama-at-saarc-meet-as-pakistans-foreign-minister-qureshi-boycotts-jaishankars-statement-252290">SAARC </a>has made progress, greater collaboration needed to act against the scourge of terrorism.

In a message on the 35th SAARC charter day, PM Modi said, "SAARC has made progress but more needs to be done. Our efforts for greater collaboration have repeatedly been challenged with threats and act of terrorism".

Highlighting how terrorism "impedes our shared objective of realizing the full potential of SAARC", PM Modi said, "it is critical that all countries in the region take effective steps to defeat the scourge of terrorism" and the "forces that support it" which will "generate greater trust and confidence to build a stronger SAARC".

The prime minister in the letter said the organisation was set up&nbsp;"to build a connected and integrated South Asia" and aims to promote "development and progress of all countries in the region" and New Delhi will continue to "support various initiatives to achieve closer cooperation in diverse areas"&nbsp;

The 19th SAARC summit was to happen in Islamabad in 2016 but it was boycotted by India along with --Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan after the Uri terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. 
&nbsp; 
Founded in Dhaka, SAARC, even though comprises just 3 per cent&nbsp;of the world area, it includes 21 per cent&nbsp;of the world population.

After 2016, New Delhi is focusing more on the BIMSTEC grouping as part of its "Act&nbsp;East"&nbsp;policy and had invited the leaders of the grouping during the swearing-in ceremony of PM Modi for his second term.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said while SAARC has made progress, greater collaboration needed to act against the scourge of terrorism. In a message on the 35th SAARC charter day, PM Modi said, "SAARC has made progress but more needs to be done.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said while SAARC has made progress, greater collaboration needed to act against the scourge of terrorism. In a message on the 35th SAARC charter day, PM Modi said, "SAARC has made progress but more needs to be done. Our efforts for greater collaboration have repeatedly been challenged with threats and act of terrorism". Highlighting how terrorism "impedes our shared objective of realizing the full potential of SAARC", PM Modi said, "it is critical that all countries in the region take effective steps to defeat the scourge of terrorism" and the "forces that support it" which will "generate greater trust and confidence to build a stronger SAARC". The prime minister in the letter said the organisation was set up "to build a connected and integrated South Asia" and aims to promote "development and progress of all countries in the region" and New Delhi will continue to "support various initiatives to achieve closer cooperation in diverse areas" The 19th SAARC summit was to happen in Islamabad in 2016 but it was boycotted by India along with --Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan after the Uri terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. Founded in Dhaka, SAARC, even though comprises just 3 per cent of the world area, it includes 21 per cent of the world population. After 2016, New Delhi is focusing more on the BIMSTEC grouping as part of its "Act East" policy and had invited the leaders of the grouping during the swearing-in ceremony of PM Modi for his second term.

SAARC needs greater collaboration to act against terrorism: PM Narendra Modi

Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/president-kovind-pm-modi-pay-floral-tribute-to-ambedkar-on-his-63rd-death-anniversary-266582">Narendra Modi</a> met his Mauritius counterpart <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/pm-narendra-modi-oath-ceremony-four-presidents-three-pms-and-millions-glued-on-tv-screens-222583">Pravind Kumar Jugnauth </a>in New Delhi on Friday.

Jugnauth is on a visit to India, which has come weeks after his victory in the recently concluded parliamentary elections.

PM Modi had congratulated Jugnauth over his victory during a telephonic conversation last month and extended him an invitation to visit New Delhi at his early convenience, which was accepted by the latter.

During the conversation, the Prime Minister had reiterated India's commitment to continue close and extensive cooperation between India and Mauritius for mutual benefit. 
&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met his Mauritius counterpart Pravind Kumar Jugnauth in New Delhi on Friday. Jugnauth is on a visit to India, which has come weeks after his victory in the recently concluded parliamentary elections.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met his Mauritius counterpart Pravind Kumar Jugnauth in New Delhi on Friday. Jugnauth is on a visit to India, which has come weeks after his victory in the recently concluded parliamentary elections. PM Modi had congratulated Jugnauth over his victory during a telephonic conversation last month and extended him an invitation to visit New Delhi at his early convenience, which was accepted by the latter. During the conversation, the Prime Minister had reiterated India's commitment to continue close and extensive cooperation between India and Mauritius for mutual benefit.

PM Modi meets Mauritius counterpart Pravind Jugnauth

President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid floral tribute to Dalit icon and architect of Indian Constitution Dr BR Ambedkar on his 63rd death anniversary at the Parliament.

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Vice President Venkaiah Naidu, Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, NCP chief Sharad Pawar and his daughter Supriya Sule were also present at the occasion to pay homage to Ambedkar. The Prime Minister remembered him as a man who dedicated his life to social justice.

"Ambedkar ji gave a unique gift to the country in the form of Constitution, which is the cornerstone of our democracy. A grateful nation will always be indebted to him," Modi tweeted.

The Vice President in a series of tweets said, humble tributes and respects to the architect of the Constitution.

"Ambedkar was a champion of democracy, he was a staunch patriot, a nationalist and a humanist to whom upliftment of poor and downtrodden was an essential precondition to development," he said.

Naidu added that Ambedkar strongly advocated dignity, unity, and freedom for all citizens, as enshrined in the Constitution and relentlessly campaigned for the rights of the marginalised.

He said that the tributes we pay him today will be meaningful only if we follow his ideals and uphold the values and ethics he propounded, in public life.

Born on April 14, 1891, Babasaheb Ambedkar was an Indian jurist, economist, politician and social reformer who campaigned against social discrimination towards the untouchables (Dalits) and supported the rights of women and workers. He died on December 6, 1956.

In 1990, Ambedkar was conferred with the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award.

President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid floral tribute to Dalit icon and architect of Indian Constitution Dr BR Ambedkar on his 63rd death anniversary at the Parliament.

President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid floral tribute to Dalit icon and architect of Indian Constitution Dr BR Ambedkar on his 63rd death anniversary at the Parliament. Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Vice President Venkaiah Naidu, Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, NCP chief Sharad Pawar and his daughter Supriya Sule were also present at the occasion to pay homage to Ambedkar. The Prime Minister remembered him as a man who dedicated his life to social justice. "Ambedkar ji gave a unique gift to the country in the form of Constitution, which is the cornerstone of our democracy. A grateful nation will always be indebted to him," Modi tweeted. The Vice President in a series of tweets said, humble tributes and respects to the architect of the Constitution. "Ambedkar was a champion of democracy, he was a staunch patriot, a nationalist and a humanist to whom upliftment of poor and downtrodden was an essential precondition to development," he said. Naidu added that Ambedkar strongly advocated dignity, unity, and freedom for all citizens, as enshrined in the Constitution and relentlessly campaigned for the rights of the marginalised. He said that the tributes we pay him today will be meaningful only if we follow his ideals and uphold the values and ethics he propounded, in public life. Born on April 14, 1891, Babasaheb Ambedkar was an Indian jurist, economist, politician and social reformer who campaigned against social discrimination towards the untouchables (Dalits) and supported the rights of women and workers. He died on December 6, 1956. In 1990, Ambedkar was conferred with the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award.

President Kovind, PM Modi pay floral tribute to Ambedkar on his 63rd death anniversary

Five interest rate cuts since the start of the year hasn't stopped India's economy from slowing to its weakest growth rate since 2013, but the&nbsp;Reserve Bank of India&nbsp;is expected to make its sixth cut on Thursday to give what little relief it can.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/indias-q2-gdp-falls-to-45-lowest-in-6-years-265259">Growing by 4.5&nbsp;per cent</a>&nbsp;annually in the June-September quarter, down from 7 per cent&nbsp;a year earlier, the economy is expanding well below the rate needed to generate enough jobs for the millions of younth&nbsp;entering the labour market each month.

The gross domestic product numbers released on Friday showed government spending helping to prop up weak demand, but private investment growth had virtually collapsed, with a crisis in the shadow banking sector causing illiquidity in the economy.

A Reuters poll of 70 economists predicted the RBI would cut its repo rate by 25 basis points (bps) to 4.90 per cent&nbsp;when the monetary policy committee's decision is announced on Thursday, and then by another 15 bps in the second quarter of 2020, where it will stay at least until 2021.

A 25 bps cut would take the cumulative rate cuts by Asia's most aggressive central bank to 160 bps since February and will be the most in a calendar year since 2009.

Madhavi Arora, economist forex and rates at Edelweiss Securities, said the RBI faced "a tough policy dilemma", as economic growth was underperforming, inflation was overshooting, and the government lacked fiscal room to manoeuvre.

She said the latest GDP numbers supported the view in Edelweiss that the RBI will ease "by at least another 50 bps in this cycle, despite an uptick in inflation beyond the 4 per cent&nbsp;comfort zone in the coming months."

Annual retail inflation rose to 4.62 per cent&nbsp;last month, climbing above 4 per cent&nbsp;for the first time in 15 months and up from 3.99 per cent&nbsp;in September.

Analysts believe transient factors were to blame, so the central bank still had room to continue cutting rates.

The September industrial output too contracted 4.3 per cent, following a decline of 1.4 per cent&nbsp;in August.

At its policy review in October, the RBI sharply lowered its growth projection for 2019/20 (April-March) by 80 bps to 6.1 per cent, but most economists expect another downward revision on Thursday.

Rate cuts alone are however expected to do little to revive growth and calls for more direct fiscal stimulus have grown in recent weeks.

A significant minority of economists - 24 of 56 - who answered an additional question in the poll said rate cuts would marginally boost the economy, while nearly a third said they would have little or no impact.

Anagha Deodhar, an economist at ICICI Securities in Mumbai said there was a strong case for an interest rate on Thursday, though monetary policy has limited benefits in the current circumstances.

"Hence, fiscal policy will have to do the heavy-lifting to boost growth. Sector-specific measures and increased government spending could be the quickest way to boost growth in the near term," Deodhar said.

Five interest rate cuts since the start of the year hasn't stopped India's economy from slowing to its weakest growth rate since 2013, but the Reserve Bank of India is expected to make its sixth cut on Thursday to give what little relief it can.

Five interest rate cuts since the start of the year hasn't stopped India's economy from slowing to its weakest growth rate since 2013, but the Reserve Bank of India is expected to make its sixth cut on Thursday to give what little relief it can. Growing by 4.5 per cent annually in the June-September quarter, down from 7 per cent a year earlier, the economy is expanding well below the rate needed to generate enough jobs for the millions of younth entering the labour market each month. The gross domestic product numbers released on Friday showed government spending helping to prop up weak demand, but private investment growth had virtually collapsed, with a crisis in the shadow banking sector causing illiquidity in the economy. A Reuters poll of 70 economists predicted the RBI would cut its repo rate by 25 basis points (bps) to 4.90 per cent when the monetary policy committee's decision is announced on Thursday, and then by another 15 bps in the second quarter of 2020, where it will stay at least until 2021. A 25 bps cut would take the cumulative rate cuts by Asia's most aggressive central bank to 160 bps since February and will be the most in a calendar year since 2009. Madhavi Arora, economist forex and rates at Edelweiss Securities, said the RBI faced "a tough policy dilemma", as economic growth was underperforming, inflation was overshooting, and the government lacked fiscal room to manoeuvre. She said the latest GDP numbers supported the view in Edelweiss that the RBI will ease "by at least another 50 bps in this cycle, despite an uptick in inflation beyond the 4 per cent comfort zone in the coming months." Annual retail inflation rose to 4.62 per cent last month, climbing above 4 per cent for the first time in 15 months and up from 3.99 per cent in September. Analysts believe transient factors were to blame, so the central bank still had room to continue cutting rates. The September industrial output too contracted 4.3 per cent, following a decline of 1.4 per cent in August. At its policy review in October, the RBI sharply lowered its growth projection for 2019/20 (April-March) by 80 bps to 6.1 per cent, but most economists expect another downward revision on Thursday. Rate cuts alone are however expected to do little to revive growth and calls for more direct fiscal stimulus have grown in recent weeks. A significant minority of economists - 24 of 56 - who answered an additional question in the poll said rate cuts would marginally boost the economy, while nearly a third said they would have little or no impact. Anagha Deodhar, an economist at ICICI Securities in Mumbai said there was a strong case for an interest rate on Thursday, though monetary policy has limited benefits in the current circumstances. "Hence, fiscal policy will have to do the heavy-lifting to boost growth. Sector-specific measures and increased government spending could be the quickest way to boost growth in the near term," Deodhar said.

RBI likely to slash interest rates for 6th time on December 5 to support growth

India will launch its first debt exchange-traded fund (EFT) comprised of debt of state-run companies, finance minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/growth-may-have-come-down-but-not-a-recession-yet-sitharaman-264953">Nirmala Sitharaman</a> said on Wednesday, in a bid to allow retail investors to buy government debt.

"It will be the first corporate ETF, which will provide additional money for PSUs (public sector undertakings) as well as other government organisations," Sitharaman told reporters after the proposal was approved by the cabinet chaired by Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/the-india-japan-alliance-is-the-next-global-power-play-265918">Narendra Modi</a>.

The ETF, called Bharat Bond ETF, will have a fixed maturity of three and ten years and will trade on the local stock exchange. It will invest in a portfolio of bonds of state-run companies and other government entities, a government statement said.

Retail investors will be able to invest in the bonds with as little as 1,000 rupees ($14), it said.

The move reflects Modi's push to ease rules for state companies to raise funds through debt instruments and further develop domestic capital markets.

"It is a positive development for retail investors," said A. Prasanna, head of fixed income research at ICICI Securities Primary Dealership in Mumbai.

"Compared to existing options, the new ETF will have lower fees and better tax treatment," he said, adding it was unlikely to have a big impact in the short term on the corporate bond market.

India has so far allowed only equity ETFs, and the government raised nearly 144 billion rupees ($2 billion) through ETFs in the 2019/20 fiscal year beginning April.

In general, ETFs have become a popular investment vehicle for investors because they allow them to invest in a diverse collection of assets.

According to government estimates, India's state-run social security fund, Employees Provident Fund (EPFO), has invested about 870 billion rupees in ETFs.

India will launch its first debt exchange-traded fund (EFT) comprised of debt of state-run companies, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Wednesday, in a bid to allow retail investors to buy government debt.

India will launch its first debt exchange-traded fund (EFT) comprised of debt of state-run companies, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Wednesday, in a bid to allow retail investors to buy government debt. "It will be the first corporate ETF, which will provide additional money for PSUs (public sector undertakings) as well as other government organisations," Sitharaman told reporters after the proposal was approved by the cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The ETF, called Bharat Bond ETF, will have a fixed maturity of three and ten years and will trade on the local stock exchange. It will invest in a portfolio of bonds of state-run companies and other government entities, a government statement said. Retail investors will be able to invest in the bonds with as little as 1,000 rupees ($14), it said. The move reflects Modi's push to ease rules for state companies to raise funds through debt instruments and further develop domestic capital markets. "It is a positive development for retail investors," said A. Prasanna, head of fixed income research at ICICI Securities Primary Dealership in Mumbai. "Compared to existing options, the new ETF will have lower fees and better tax treatment," he said, adding it was unlikely to have a big impact in the short term on the corporate bond market. India has so far allowed only equity ETFs, and the government raised nearly 144 billion rupees ($2 billion) through ETFs in the 2019/20 fiscal year beginning April. In general, ETFs have become a popular investment vehicle for investors because they allow them to invest in a diverse collection of assets. According to government estimates, India's state-run social security fund, Employees Provident Fund (EPFO), has invested about 870 billion rupees in ETFs.

India to launch first debt exchange-traded fund

India and Maldives are committed to enhancing their cooperation for peace and mutual security in the Indian Ocean region, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi here on Wednesday, as New Delhi gifted a fast interceptor vessel to the island nation in a bid to further strengthening deeper maritime security.

Speaking via video conference as India and Maldives jointly inaugurated key development projects, Modi said that New Delhi's Neighbourhood First policy and Male's India First policies have helped in strengthening the bilateral cooperation between the two countries in all sectors.

"As a close friend and a maritime member, India is committed to continuing partnering with the Maldives for democracy and development. We will also enhance our cooperation for peace and mutual security in the Indian Ocean region," said Modi.

New Delhi has initiated the process to roll out RuPay card in the Maldives and an LED lighting projects in Male. Commenting on the same, the Prime Minister said, "RuPay Payment mechanism will further ease the travel of Indians to the Maldives. I'm glad that this has been launched through the Bank of Maldives."

"Today we dedicated LED street lighting to the people of Male. India is very happy to bring to them benefits of these environment-friendly lights," he added.

The two countries are jointly working on building a Cancer Hospital and a Cricket Stadium in Hulhulmale, the Prime Minister announced.

"In the coming years, the projects under Indian assistance will bring even more benefits to the people of the Maldives," Modi said.

RuPay card facilitates electronic payment at all Indian banks and financial institutions.

The ties between the two countries are on an upswing after Solih became President in November 2018.&nbsp;

India and Maldives are committed to enhancing their cooperation for peace and mutual security in the Indian Ocean region, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi here on Wednesday, as New Delhi gifted a fast interceptor vessel to the island nation in a bid to further strengthening deeper maritime security.

India and Maldives are committed to enhancing their cooperation for peace and mutual security in the Indian Ocean region, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi here on Wednesday, as New Delhi gifted a fast interceptor vessel to the island nation in a bid to further strengthening deeper maritime security. Speaking via video conference as India and Maldives jointly inaugurated key development projects, Modi said that New Delhi's Neighbourhood First policy and Male's India First policies have helped in strengthening the bilateral cooperation between the two countries in all sectors. "As a close friend and a maritime member, India is committed to continuing partnering with the Maldives for democracy and development. We will also enhance our cooperation for peace and mutual security in the Indian Ocean region," said Modi. New Delhi has initiated the process to roll out RuPay card in the Maldives and an LED lighting projects in Male. Commenting on the same, the Prime Minister said, "RuPay Payment mechanism will further ease the travel of Indians to the Maldives. I'm glad that this has been launched through the Bank of Maldives." "Today we dedicated LED street lighting to the people of Male. India is very happy to bring to them benefits of these environment-friendly lights," he added. The two countries are jointly working on building a Cancer Hospital and a Cricket Stadium in Hulhulmale, the Prime Minister announced. "In the coming years, the projects under Indian assistance will bring even more benefits to the people of the Maldives," Modi said. RuPay card facilitates electronic payment at all Indian banks and financial institutions. The ties between the two countries are on an upswing after Solih became President in November 2018.

India committed to partnering with Maldives for development: PM Modi

Several BJP members including Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi on Monday sought an unconditional apology from Congress leader in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, saying he had termed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah as "infiltrators" and it was an "insult" to the voters.

As Chowdhury did not tender an apology and said his remarks were being misunderstood, Joshi hit out at him and urged the chair to move ahead with the day`s business.

The minister also called Congress president Sonia Gandhi an "infiltrator" referring to her foreign origins.

After the House met after lunch, BJP member Nishikant Dubey attacked Chowdhury saying that illegal migrations had been taking place in several districts of West Bengal.

"He should seek forgiveness from the House," Dubey said.

Joshi said a leader of Congress has come from Italy. He said Chowdhury has made "irresponsible remarks" against the Prime Minister and Home Minister and these cannot be accepted.

"Their own leader is `ghuspaithia` (infiltrator). Congress has little sense. He should apologise," he said and added that if Chowdhury does not apologise, Sonia Gandhi or Rahul Gandhi should apologise on his behalf.

Chowdhury said the ruling party members were making a mountain out of a molehill and they should listen to him if they have courage.

He made allegations against the government but Joshi urged the chair to expunge them from records.

He said BJP leaders had called party chief Sonia Gandhi an infiltrator.

"If my leader is an infiltrator, so is yours," he said.

Rama Devi, who was in the chair, also said that Chowdhury should apologise.

BJP member Rajendra Agarwal said Congress resorts to voting bank politics and said it was responsible for "demographic change" in some states of the northeast.

He said Sonia Gandhi had taken Indian citizenship 18 years after her marriage.

Joshi said our demand is that he should apologise and the House should run.

He said Chowdhury was not ready to apologise and accused the Congress member of lacking sensitivity and behaving irresponsibly.

"Congress does not improve, Adhir does not mend, please take today`s agenda," he said.

Several BJP members including Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi on Monday sought an unconditional apology from Congress leader in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, saying he had termed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah as "infiltrators" and it was an "insult" to the voters.

Several BJP members including Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi on Monday sought an unconditional apology from Congress leader in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, saying he had termed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah as "infiltrators" and it was an "insult" to the voters. As Chowdhury did not tender an apology and said his remarks were being misunderstood, Joshi hit out at him and urged the chair to move ahead with the day`s business. The minister also called Congress president Sonia Gandhi an "infiltrator" referring to her foreign origins. After the House met after lunch, BJP member Nishikant Dubey attacked Chowdhury saying that illegal migrations had been taking place in several districts of West Bengal. "He should seek forgiveness from the House," Dubey said. Joshi said a leader of Congress has come from Italy. He said Chowdhury has made "irresponsible remarks" against the Prime Minister and Home Minister and these cannot be accepted. "Their own leader is `ghuspaithia` (infiltrator). Congress has little sense. He should apologise," he said and added that if Chowdhury does not apologise, Sonia Gandhi or Rahul Gandhi should apologise on his behalf. Chowdhury said the ruling party members were making a mountain out of a molehill and they should listen to him if they have courage. He made allegations against the government but Joshi urged the chair to expunge them from records. He said BJP leaders had called party chief Sonia Gandhi an infiltrator. "If my leader is an infiltrator, so is yours," he said. Rama Devi, who was in the chair, also said that Chowdhury should apologise. BJP member Rajendra Agarwal said Congress resorts to voting bank politics and said it was responsible for "demographic change" in some states of the northeast. He said Sonia Gandhi had taken Indian citizenship 18 years after her marriage. Joshi said our demand is that he should apologise and the House should run. He said Chowdhury was not ready to apologise and accused the Congress member of lacking sensitivity and behaving irresponsibly. "Congress does not improve, Adhir does not mend, please take today`s agenda," he said.

BJP seeks apology from Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury over remarks against Modi, Shah

Senior NCP leader and NCP chief's daughter Supriya Sule said on Tuesday that it is the grandeur of Prime Minister Narendra Modi that he considered me for a cabinet post.&nbsp;

Sule was responding to NCP supremo Sharad Pawar's claim, where he said that PM Modi suggested that the duo should "work together", suggesting BJP-NCP alliance in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uddhav-thackeray-sworn-in-as-maharashtra-chief-minister-ajit-pawar-as-deputy-chief-minister-265104">Maharashtra</a>. Pawar also said that an offer was made to give cabinet birth to Sule in Centre.&nbsp;

"It is the grandeur of the prime minister that he made such suggestions. I am grateful to him for the suggestion, but this cannot happen," Sule said.&nbsp;

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Nationalist Congress Party leader Supriya Sule on Sharad Pawar's claim that PM Modi offered cabinet berth for Sule if BJP-NCP alliance happens: Ye pradhan mantri ji ka badappan hai ki unhone aisa sujhav diya. Main unki aabhari hoon unhone kaha, lekin wo ho nahi paya. <a href="https://t.co/3dVyqKqDDU">pic.twitter.com/3dVyqKqDDU</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1201870054532374528?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Days before BJP, NCP and Congress were closing in on a deal to form government in Maharashtra, in a jolting move, BJP's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ajit-pawar-resigns-as-deputy-chief-minister-of-maharashtra-sources-264628">Devendra Fadnavis </a>took oath along with senior NCP leader Ajit Pawar for the post of CM and deputy CM respectively on November 23.

However, senior Pawar repeatedly denied any involvement of stitching an alliance with BJP and ultimately BJP-NCP-Congress government was formed in the state with Uddhav Thackeray as the chief minister on November 28.&nbsp;

Speaking on whether a disciplinary action will be taken against Sharad Pawar's nephew Ajit, Sule said that is an internal matter of their party and family. "He will always remain my elder brother and senior leader of the party," Sule said.&nbsp;

Long-term allies Shiv Sena and BJP formed an alliance for the Maharashtra Assembly polls but their ties got severed over power-sharing agreement. Sena then held talks with its traditional opponents, Congress and NCP, who later supported Sena and Maha Aghadi government was formed in Maharashtra.

(with inputs from ANI)

 
&nbsp;

Senior NCP leader and NCP chief's daughter Supriya Sule said on Tuesday that it is the grandeur of Prime Minister Narendra Modi that he considered me for a cabinet post.

Senior NCP leader and NCP chief's daughter Supriya Sule said on Tuesday that it is the grandeur of Prime Minister Narendra Modi that he considered me for a cabinet post. Sule was responding to NCP supremo Sharad Pawar's claim, where he said that PM Modi suggested that the duo should "work together", suggesting BJP-NCP alliance in Maharashtra. Pawar also said that an offer was made to give cabinet birth to Sule in Centre. "It is the grandeur of the prime minister that he made such suggestions. I am grateful to him for the suggestion, but this cannot happen," Sule said. Nationalist Congress Party leader Supriya Sule on Sharad Pawar's claim that PM Modi offered cabinet berth for Sule if BJP-NCP alliance happens: Ye pradhan mantri ji ka badappan hai ki unhone aisa sujhav diya. Main unki aabhari hoon unhone kaha, lekin wo ho nahi paya. pic.twitter.com/3dVyqKqDDU — ANI (@ANI) December 3, 2019 × Days before BJP, NCP and Congress were closing in on a deal to form government in Maharashtra, in a jolting move, BJP's Devendra Fadnavis took oath along with senior NCP leader Ajit Pawar for the post of CM and deputy CM respectively on November 23. However, senior Pawar repeatedly denied any involvement of stitching an alliance with BJP and ultimately BJP-NCP-Congress government was formed in the state with Uddhav Thackeray as the chief minister on November 28. Speaking on whether a disciplinary action will be taken against Sharad Pawar's nephew Ajit, Sule said that is an internal matter of their party and family. "He will always remain my elder brother and senior leader of the party," Sule said. Long-term allies Shiv Sena and BJP formed an alliance for the Maharashtra Assembly polls but their ties got severed over power-sharing agreement. Sena then held talks with its traditional opponents, Congress and NCP, who later supported Sena and Maha Aghadi government was formed in Maharashtra. (with inputs from ANI)

Grateful to PM Narendra Modi for offering cabinet berth: NCP leader Supriya Sule

The Parliament on Tuesday passed the Special Protection Group (Amendment) Bill 2019 that aims to provide elite security only to the incumbent prime minister and his family members. Earlier, the bill provided security to former prime ministers and their family members as well.

The Rajya Sabha (Upper House) approved the bill after Congress and other parties staged a walkout. The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-passes-bill-to-amend-spg-act-264946">Lok Sabha </a>(Lower House) passed the SPG (Amendment) Bill on November 27.&nbsp;

Congress opposed the bill, citing the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/crpf-launches-probe-following-security-breach-at-priyanka-gandhis-residence-265769">security breach </a>at the residence of party's General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra after a car drove into her residence without permission last week.&nbsp;

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that the security breach at Priyanka's residence was a "coincidence" and assured the parliamentarians that the Bill was not an act of "political" vendetta.&nbsp;

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Home Minister Amit Shah in Rajya Sabha: Security cannot be made a status symbol. Why demand only SPG? SPG cover is meant for only the 'head of the state', we cannot be giving it to everyone. We don't oppose one family, we are against dynasty politics. <a href="https://t.co/Frb1HH8rqo">https://t.co/Frb1HH8rqo</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1201817943497007109?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2019</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Shah also added that the security of Gandhis was downgraded on the basis of threat analysis and even before the bill was brought. Earlier, the SPG protection was withdrawn from Gandhis November 8.&nbsp;

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Home Minister Amit Shah in Rajya Sabha on SPG Bill: This is the 5th amendment in the SPG Act. This amendment is not brought in by keeping Gandhis in mind, but, one thing that I can say for sure is that the previous 4 amendments were done by keeping only one family in mind. <a href="https://t.co/BCRNZmbea2">pic.twitter.com/BCRNZmbea2</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1201814296960753664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"Security cannot be made a status symbol... SPG cover is meant for only the 'head of the state', we cannot be giving it to everyone. We don't oppose one family, we are against dynasty politics," Shah said in an indirect reference to the Gandhi family. Taking a jibe at the Gandhi family, Shah also said the amendments to the bill have not been done to keep in mind the Gandhis but previous four amendments to the bill had been done keeping in mind only one family.&nbsp;

The Bill provides SPG cover to the prime minister and his immediate family members who are residing with him at his official residence. It will also provide security to the former prime minister and their family members at the residence allotted to them five years till the date he ceases to hold the office.&nbsp;

The original Bill that was enacted in 1988, provided proximate security to the prime minister and his immediate family members. However, later amendments extended the act to former prime ministers as well. The last amendment in 2003 mentioned that former PMs will be given security one year after they vacate PMO and after that security cover will be provided on the basis of analysing threat perception.&nbsp;

(with inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

The Parliament on Tuesday passed the Special Protection Group (Amendment) Bill 2019 that aims to provide elite security only to the incumbent prime minister and his family members.

The Parliament on Tuesday passed the Special Protection Group (Amendment) Bill 2019 that aims to provide elite security only to the incumbent prime minister and his family members. Earlier, the bill provided security to former prime ministers and their family members as well. The Rajya Sabha (Upper House) approved the bill after Congress and other parties staged a walkout. The Lok Sabha (Lower House) passed the SPG (Amendment) Bill on November 27. Congress opposed the bill, citing the security breach at the residence of party's General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra after a car drove into her residence without permission last week. Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that the security breach at Priyanka's residence was a "coincidence" and assured the parliamentarians that the Bill was not an act of "political" vendetta. Home Minister Amit Shah in Rajya Sabha: Security cannot be made a status symbol. Why demand only SPG? SPG cover is meant for only the 'head of the state', we cannot be giving it to everyone. We don't oppose one family, we are against dynasty politics. https://t.co/Frb1HH8rqo — ANI (@ANI) December 3, 2019 × Shah also added that the security of Gandhis was downgraded on the basis of threat analysis and even before the bill was brought. Earlier, the SPG protection was withdrawn from Gandhis November 8. Home Minister Amit Shah in Rajya Sabha on SPG Bill: This is the 5th amendment in the SPG Act. This amendment is not brought in by keeping Gandhis in mind, but, one thing that I can say for sure is that the previous 4 amendments were done by keeping only one family in mind. pic.twitter.com/BCRNZmbea2 — ANI (@ANI) December 3, 2019 × "Security cannot be made a status symbol... SPG cover is meant for only the 'head of the state', we cannot be giving it to everyone. We don't oppose one family, we are against dynasty politics," Shah said in an indirect reference to the Gandhi family. Taking a jibe at the Gandhi family, Shah also said the amendments to the bill have not been done to keep in mind the Gandhis but previous four amendments to the bill had been done keeping in mind only one family. The Bill provides SPG cover to the prime minister and his immediate family members who are residing with him at his official residence. It will also provide security to the former prime minister and their family members at the residence allotted to them five years till the date he ceases to hold the office. The original Bill that was enacted in 1988, provided proximate security to the prime minister and his immediate family members. However, later amendments extended the act to former prime ministers as well. The last amendment in 2003 mentioned that former PMs will be given security one year after they vacate PMO and after that security cover will be provided on the basis of analysing threat perception. (with inputs from agencies)

Parliament passes Special Protection (Amendment) Bill

The recent 2+2 meet in Delhi this past weekend serves as a breakthrough for India-Japan relations. One can expect increased, strategic cooperation and bilateral strategy. The meeting resulted in some really cool, non-cliché ways that India-Japan will build their strategy. And as a global geopolitical shift takes place from West to East, an alliance between the world’s largest democracy and the world’s most technologically advanced democracy could just be the one to really watch out for. Here’s how:

Fighter Jets

Indian and Japanese fighter jet exercises are to begin taking place in Japan. To add to that, the two nations also will accelerate talks for a defence pact which involves sharing resources including food, fuel, ammunition, equipment and transportation. Sounds like a semi ally to me – something similar to what Australia and the United Kingdom have now. Why is this so important? Two reasons: First, the geo-location of India is south-central and far-east Asia; two active parts of the Indian Ocean in terms of trade and ocean strategy. India and Japan will be able to share information on developments both for security, trade and oil transport. Second, the alliance would check back China’s ocean strategy. Currently, China is drafting a South China sea of conduct code and continues to influence South Asia with its Belt and Road infrastructure-building initiatives. Hands down, a strong India-Japan alliance would save both India and Japan any future ‘headaches’ of China’s unwanted drama.&nbsp;

Robotics&nbsp;

Ministers at the 2+2 agreed to ramp up joint research on robotics, unmanned land vehicles and artificial intelligence. Earlier this year, there has been a project arrangement on joint research on global navigation satellite system augmentation technology for UGV/robotics. Working together on these projects is extremely critical to the deeper development of technology and collaboration. Collaboration on technology projects boosts bilateral relations and defence relations automatically. Furthermore, tech project collaboration can also open up manufacturing and trade opportunities between India and Japan. This can be possible in public and private spheres.&nbsp;

Stability &nbsp;

Efforts were also made to review the progress of India’s Act East Policy and Japan’s Free and Open Indo Pacific Vision. The Act East policy cultivates economic and strategic relations with South-Eastern countries to strengthen the influence and counter China’s influence. The Free and Open Indo-Pacific Vision improves connectivity between the Pacific and Indian Oceans. With this vision, Japan wants to strengthen collaboration with India, the USA and Australia. Both items aim for peace and prosperity. Moreover, collaboration on both policies would ensure stability in the region. China’s growing military and economic influence in the Indo-Pacific region is concerning for many Asian countries. A broad Indo-Pacific approach initiated and followed through by India-Japan would foster regional peace and stability. &nbsp;

Japan-India relations have traditionally been strong. The 2+2 significantly bolstered this alliance. In addition to this, PM Narendra Modi and Shinzo Abe also have a Nuclear deal from 2016 which gives Japan the right to supply fuel, nuclear reactors and technology to India. It resulted in helping build six nuclear reactors in southern India which exponentially increases India’s nuclear energy. The two countries also have a Japan-India Consortium Forum (JCIF) which helps foster infrastructural development in northeast India. Active collaboration on defence, technology and stability will make the Indian-Japan relationship an Asian power play alliance and one that globe would definitely make note of. &nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;

The recent 2+2 meet in Delhi this past weekend serves as a breakthrough for India-Japan relations. One can expect increased, strategic cooperation and bilateral strategy.

The recent 2+2 meet in Delhi this past weekend serves as a breakthrough for India-Japan relations. One can expect increased, strategic cooperation and bilateral strategy. The meeting resulted in some really cool, non-cliché ways that India-Japan will build their strategy. And as a global geopolitical shift takes place from West to East, an alliance between the world’s largest democracy and the world’s most technologically advanced democracy could just be the one to really watch out for. Here’s how: Fighter Jets Indian and Japanese fighter jet exercises are to begin taking place in Japan. To add to that, the two nations also will accelerate talks for a defence pact which involves sharing resources including food, fuel, ammunition, equipment and transportation. Sounds like a semi ally to me – something similar to what Australia and the United Kingdom have now. Why is this so important? Two reasons: First, the geo-location of India is south-central and far-east Asia; two active parts of the Indian Ocean in terms of trade and ocean strategy. India and Japan will be able to share information on developments both for security, trade and oil transport. Second, the alliance would check back China’s ocean strategy. Currently, China is drafting a South China sea of conduct code and continues to influence South Asia with its Belt and Road infrastructure-building initiatives. Hands down, a strong India-Japan alliance would save both India and Japan any future ‘headaches’ of China’s unwanted drama. Robotics Ministers at the 2+2 agreed to ramp up joint research on robotics, unmanned land vehicles and artificial intelligence. Earlier this year, there has been a project arrangement on joint research on global navigation satellite system augmentation technology for UGV/robotics. Working together on these projects is extremely critical to the deeper development of technology and collaboration. Collaboration on technology projects boosts bilateral relations and defence relations automatically. Furthermore, tech project collaboration can also open up manufacturing and trade opportunities between India and Japan. This can be possible in public and private spheres. Stability  Efforts were also made to review the progress of India’s Act East Policy and Japan’s Free and Open Indo Pacific Vision. The Act East policy cultivates economic and strategic relations with South-Eastern countries to strengthen the influence and counter China’s influence. The Free and Open Indo-Pacific Vision improves connectivity between the Pacific and Indian Oceans. With this vision, Japan wants to strengthen collaboration with India, the USA and Australia. Both items aim for peace and prosperity. Moreover, collaboration on both policies would ensure stability in the region. China’s growing military and economic influence in the Indo-Pacific region is concerning for many Asian countries. A broad Indo-Pacific approach initiated and followed through by India-Japan would foster regional peace and stability.  Japan-India relations have traditionally been strong. The 2+2 significantly bolstered this alliance. In addition to this, PM Narendra Modi and Shinzo Abe also have a Nuclear deal from 2016 which gives Japan the right to supply fuel, nuclear reactors and technology to India. It resulted in helping build six nuclear reactors in southern India which exponentially increases India’s nuclear energy. The two countries also have a Japan-India Consortium Forum (JCIF) which helps foster infrastructural development in northeast India. Active collaboration on defence, technology and stability will make the Indian-Japan relationship an Asian power play alliance and one that globe would definitely make note of.  (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The India-Japan alliance is next global power play

After concluding his three-day trip to India, newly-elected <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/respect-accorded-by-modi-government-revitalised-bond-between-india-and-sri-lanka-gotabaya-rajapaksa-265744">Sri Lankan president </a>met Pakistan's foreign minister on Monday where the later invited him for a visit to Pakistan.

Pakistan's foreign minister Mahmood Qureshi's visit to Sri Lanka comes a day after Sri Lankan President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/china-will-take-belt-and-road-initiative-all-over-unless-other-countries-provide-alternative-warns-sri-lankas-gotabaya-rajapaksa-265560">Gotabaya Rajapaksa </a>wrapped up his three-day visit to India. Qureshi arrived in Colombo late Sunday night for a two-day trip.&nbsp;

"FM calls on the President of Sri Lanka. Bilateral issues, trade, investment and people to people contacts discussed. FM handed over a letter from President to President of Sri Lanka and invited him to visit Pakistan at his earliest convenience," Pakistan's Foreign Office Spokesperson Mohammad Faisal tweeted.

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FM calls on the President of Sri Lanka. Bilateral issues, trade, investment and people to people contacts discussed. FM handed over a letter from President to President of Sri Lanka and invited him to visit Pakistan at his earliest convenience. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FMinsrilanka?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FMinsrilanka</a> <a href="https://t.co/nwNRc4KH7p">pic.twitter.com/nwNRc4KH7p</a>
— Dr Mohammad Faisal (@DrMFaisal) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrMFaisal/status/1201413897166708736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Qureshi also held talks with his Sri Lankan counterpart Dinesh Gunewardene, where he stressed that both nations have been supportive of each other in areas such as economy and peace efforts. The two leaders also discussed trade, investment and tourism, according to local reports.&nbsp;

During Rajapaksa's visit to&nbsp;India, the government had offered <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-work-together-with-india-says-sri-lanka-president-gotabaya-in-joint-statement-with-pm-modi-265215">financial assistance </a>of hundreds of millions of dollars to Sri Lanka.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said that the country will credit give&nbsp;$400 million line of credit to improve its infrastructure and economy.

PM Modi also offered aid of $50 million to the island nation to strengthen its security and intelligence gathering, notably after the April 21 Easter attacks in which over 250 people were killed.&nbsp;

Rajapaksa termed the visit "successful", adding that the reception accorded by the Indian&nbsp;government will strengthen the "historic bond"&nbsp;between both the nations.&nbsp;

(with inputs from agencies) 
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After concluding his three-day trip to India, newly-elected Sri Lankan president met Pakistan's foreign minister on Monday where the later invited him for a visit to Pakistan.

After concluding his three-day trip to India, newly-elected Sri Lankan president met Pakistan's foreign minister on Monday where the later invited him for a visit to Pakistan. Pakistan's foreign minister Mahmood Qureshi's visit to Sri Lanka comes a day after Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa wrapped up his three-day visit to India. Qureshi arrived in Colombo late Sunday night for a two-day trip. "FM calls on the President of Sri Lanka. Bilateral issues, trade, investment and people to people contacts discussed. FM handed over a letter from President to President of Sri Lanka and invited him to visit Pakistan at his earliest convenience," Pakistan's Foreign Office Spokesperson Mohammad Faisal tweeted. FM calls on the President of Sri Lanka. Bilateral issues, trade, investment and people to people contacts discussed. FM handed over a letter from President to President of Sri Lanka and invited him to visit Pakistan at his earliest convenience. #FMinsrilanka pic.twitter.com/nwNRc4KH7p — Dr Mohammad Faisal (@DrMFaisal) December 2, 2019 × Qureshi also held talks with his Sri Lankan counterpart Dinesh Gunewardene, where he stressed that both nations have been supportive of each other in areas such as economy and peace efforts. The two leaders also discussed trade, investment and tourism, according to local reports. During Rajapaksa's visit to India, the government had offered financial assistance of hundreds of millions of dollars to Sri Lanka. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said that the country will credit give $400 million line of credit to improve its infrastructure and economy. PM Modi also offered aid of $50 million to the island nation to strengthen its security and intelligence gathering, notably after the April 21 Easter attacks in which over 250 people were killed. Rajapaksa termed the visit "successful", adding that the reception accorded by the Indian government will strengthen the "historic bond" between both the nations. (with inputs from agencies)

Pak foreign minister Qureshi meets newly-elected Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in Colombo

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/swedish-king-hubertus-queen-silvia-meet-pm-modi-at-hyderabad-house-265728">Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf </a>on Monday jointly inaugurated the India-Sweden High-Level Dialogue on Innovation Policy under which the two countries will jointly implement projects in strategic areas such as sustainable energy and artificial intelligence (AI) among others.

The dialogue aims to create a platform with key stakeholders in a triple helix format, with government, private, and academia providing overall strategic direction for joint innovation policy.

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Delhi: Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf Folke Hubertus and Queen Silvia Renate Sommerlath, visit the Jama Masjid. <a href="https://t.co/75D2H3psCh">pic.twitter.com/75D2H3psCh</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1201445768977997825?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The initiative has been taken up in pursuance of the Joint Declaration on India-Sweden Innovation Partnership for a Sustainable Future, which was signed between the two countries during PM Modi's 2018 visit to Sweden.

Under the joint declaration, both the countries have agreed to optimise formal bilateral collaboration mechanisms, increase synergies between policy areas and enable the exchange of experiences and best practice regarding innovation policies for the creation of vibrant joint innovation ecosystems.

The high-level dialogue will aim to jointly formulate and implement short and long-term projects in strategic areas such as, but not limited to, circular economy, digital health, artificial intelligence, sustainable energy, and future mobility.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf on Monday jointly inaugurated the India-Sweden High-Level Dialogue on Innovation Policy under which the two countries will jointly implement projects in strategic areas such as sustainable energy and artificial intelligence (AI) among others.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf on Monday jointly inaugurated the India-Sweden High-Level Dialogue on Innovation Policy under which the two countries will jointly implement projects in strategic areas such as sustainable energy and artificial intelligence (AI) among others. The dialogue aims to create a platform with key stakeholders in a triple helix format, with government, private, and academia providing overall strategic direction for joint innovation policy. Delhi: Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf Folke Hubertus and Queen Silvia Renate Sommerlath, visit the Jama Masjid. pic.twitter.com/75D2H3psCh — ANI (@ANI) December 2, 2019 × The initiative has been taken up in pursuance of the Joint Declaration on India-Sweden Innovation Partnership for a Sustainable Future, which was signed between the two countries during PM Modi's 2018 visit to Sweden. Under the joint declaration, both the countries have agreed to optimise formal bilateral collaboration mechanisms, increase synergies between policy areas and enable the exchange of experiences and best practice regarding innovation policies for the creation of vibrant joint innovation ecosystems. The high-level dialogue will aim to jointly formulate and implement short and long-term projects in strategic areas such as, but not limited to, circular economy, digital health, artificial intelligence, sustainable energy, and future mobility.

India, Sweden to work together on sustainable energy, artificial intelligence

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Monday said that he looks forward to "maintaining warm and mutually beneficial bilateral relations" with India in all aspects.

The newly elected president, who just concluded a "successful" <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/china-will-take-belt-and-road-initiative-all-over-unless-other-countries-provide-alternative-warns-sri-lankas-gotabaya-rajapaksa-265560">visit to India</a>, said that the "respect" accorded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government during his trip has helped in revitalizing the historical bond between Colombo and New Delhi." At the conclusion of a very successful visit to #India, the remarkable welcome, hospitality &amp; respect accorded by PM Narendra Modi &amp; govt has revitalized the historical bond btw #India &amp; #LKA. I look fwd to maintaining a warm &amp; mutually beneficial bilateral relations in all aspects," Rajapaksa tweeted, along with a two-minute video comprising highlights of his trip.

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At the conclusion of a very successful visit to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a>, the remarkable welcome, hospitality &amp; respect accorded by <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> &amp; Govt has revitalized the historical bond btw <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LKA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LKA</a>. I look fwd to maintaining a warm &amp; mutually beneficial bilateral relations in all aspects <a href="https://t.co/Ell8An0uTu">pic.twitter.com/Ell8An0uTu</a>
— Gotabaya Rajapaksa (@GotabayaR) <a href="https://twitter.com/GotabayaR/status/1201344703112761344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2019</a></blockquote>
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During his three day visit November 28-30, Rajapaksa held talks with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-work-together-with-india-says-sri-lanka-president-gotabaya-in-joint-statement-with-pm-modi-265215">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a>, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on a wide range of issues including security and development.

Rajapaksa was received by President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Modi and was accorded a ceremonial welcome upon his arrival at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

India announced financial assistance of USD 400 million and USD 50 million to Sri Lanka for counter-terrorism.

Rajapaksa said that his country will work closely with India to ensure that the Indian Ocean "remains a zone of peace", and assured that he will take steps to release the Indian fishermen's boats which are in Sri Lanka's custody.

He also extended an invitation to Modi to visit the island nation at a mutually convenient time. India also took up the matter of Sri Lankan minority Tamil community with Rajapaksa.

Prime Minister Modi, during the joint statement, said, that he is confident the Sri Lankan government will pursue the process of reconciliation to meet the aspirations of equality, justice, peace and respect of Tamils.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Monday said that he looks forward to "maintaining warm and mutually beneficial bilateral relations" with India in all aspects.

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Monday said that he looks forward to "maintaining warm and mutually beneficial bilateral relations" with India in all aspects. The newly elected president, who just concluded a "successful" visit to India, said that the "respect" accorded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government during his trip has helped in revitalizing the historical bond between Colombo and New Delhi." At the conclusion of a very successful visit to #India, the remarkable welcome, hospitality & respect accorded by PM Narendra Modi & govt has revitalized the historical bond btw #India & #LKA. I look fwd to maintaining a warm & mutually beneficial bilateral relations in all aspects," Rajapaksa tweeted, along with a two-minute video comprising highlights of his trip. At the conclusion of a very successful visit to #India, the remarkable welcome, hospitality & respect accorded by @narendramodi & Govt has revitalized the historical bond btw #India & #LKA. I look fwd to maintaining a warm & mutually beneficial bilateral relations in all aspects pic.twitter.com/Ell8An0uTu — Gotabaya Rajapaksa (@GotabayaR) December 2, 2019 × During his three day visit November 28-30, Rajapaksa held talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on a wide range of issues including security and development. Rajapaksa was received by President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Modi and was accorded a ceremonial welcome upon his arrival at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. India announced financial assistance of USD 400 million and USD 50 million to Sri Lanka for counter-terrorism. Rajapaksa said that his country will work closely with India to ensure that the Indian Ocean "remains a zone of peace", and assured that he will take steps to release the Indian fishermen's boats which are in Sri Lanka's custody. He also extended an invitation to Modi to visit the island nation at a mutually convenient time. India also took up the matter of Sri Lankan minority Tamil community with Rajapaksa. Prime Minister Modi, during the joint statement, said, that he is confident the Sri Lankan government will pursue the process of reconciliation to meet the aspirations of equality, justice, peace and respect of Tamils.

Respect accorded by Modi government revitalised bond between India and Sri Lanka: Gotabaya Rajapaksa

Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf Folke Hubertus and Queen Silvia Renate Sommerlath on Monday met Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-narendra-modi-wishes-bsf-personnel-on-raising-day-265508">Narendra Modi</a> at Hyderabad House. The royal couple is on a five-day visit to India.

Earlier in the day, they were accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhawan and were received by President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/dutch-king-and-queen-meet-president-ram-nath-kovind-pm-modi-at-rashtrapati-bhawan-255745">Ram Nath Kovind</a> and his wife Savita Kovind.

Hubertus and Sommerlth also met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.

The couple, on Tuesday, is slated to take part in a programme on `Tackling emissions and air pollution` at India Habitat Centre here.

On Wednesday, the dignitaries will emplane for Mumbai and meet the Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari at Raj Bhawan and will emplane for Dehradun the next day to visit Ram Jhula Bridge and Bathing Ghat in Uttarakhand.

Moreover, they will inaugurate the Sarai Sewage Treatment Plant in Haridwar the same day. Concluding their visit, the couple will emplane for New Delhi on Friday and thereafter will leave for Stockholm.

This will be King Gustaf`s third visit to India. As per <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-change-in-boundary-with-nepal-claims-ministry-of-external-affairs-260599">MEA</a>, several documents on furthering bilateral engagement are likely to be signed during the visit.

India and Sweden had a bilateral trade turnover of USD 3.37 billion in 2018 and cumulative investments of about USD 2.5 billion since 2000.

Bilateral relations between India and Sweden are friendly and based on principles of democracy and transparency, right to freedom, and rule of law.

Regular interactions in political, business, scientific and academic spheres have provided dynamism to the bilateral ties of the two countries.&nbsp;

Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf Folke Hubertus and Queen Silvia Renate Sommerlath on Monday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House. The royal couple is on a five-day visit to India.

Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf Folke Hubertus and Queen Silvia Renate Sommerlath on Monday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House. The royal couple is on a five-day visit to India. Earlier in the day, they were accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhawan and were received by President Ram Nath Kovind and his wife Savita Kovind. Hubertus and Sommerlth also met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. The couple, on Tuesday, is slated to take part in a programme on `Tackling emissions and air pollution` at India Habitat Centre here. On Wednesday, the dignitaries will emplane for Mumbai and meet the Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari at Raj Bhawan and will emplane for Dehradun the next day to visit Ram Jhula Bridge and Bathing Ghat in Uttarakhand. Moreover, they will inaugurate the Sarai Sewage Treatment Plant in Haridwar the same day. Concluding their visit, the couple will emplane for New Delhi on Friday and thereafter will leave for Stockholm. This will be King Gustaf`s third visit to India. As per MEA, several documents on furthering bilateral engagement are likely to be signed during the visit. India and Sweden had a bilateral trade turnover of USD 3.37 billion in 2018 and cumulative investments of about USD 2.5 billion since 2000. Bilateral relations between India and Sweden are friendly and based on principles of democracy and transparency, right to freedom, and rule of law. Regular interactions in political, business, scientific and academic spheres have provided dynamism to the bilateral ties of the two countries.

Swedish King Hubertus, Queen Silvia meet PM Modi at Hyderabad House

India will unveil a series of infrastructure projects this month as part of a plan to invest 100 trillion rupees ($1.39 trillion) in the sector over the next five years, the finance minister said on Saturday, in a push to improve the country's economy.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/growth-may-have-come-down-but-not-a-recession-yet-sitharaman-264953">Nirmala Sitharaman's </a>comments, as cited in local newspapers, followed data released on Friday that showed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/indias-economy-seen-growing-at-47-per-cent-in-september-quarter-265058">India's economic growth </a>slowed to 4.5% in the July-September quarter - its weakest pace since 2013 - upping the pressure on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government to speed reforms.

"A set of officers are looking into the pipeline of projects that can be readied so that once the fund is ready, it could be front-loaded on these projects," Sitharaman said at a business summit in Mumbai, the newspapers reported.

"That task is nearly completed. Before December 15, we will be able to announce frontloading of at least ten projects," she said.

Modi came to power in 2014 on the promise to improve India's economy and boost foreign investments, but he has struggled to meet those aims due to a lack of structural reforms. Modi won a second term in May and has taken various measures since 2014 to spur growth, including cutting the corporate tax and speeding up privatisation of state-run firms.

But several economic indicators show domestic consumption is weak, and many economists expect the current slowdown could persist for another two years.

India will unveil a series of infrastructure projects this month as part of a plan to invest 100 trillion rupees ($1.39 trillion) in the sector over the next five years, the finance minister said on Saturday, in a push to improve the country's economy.

India will unveil a series of infrastructure projects this month as part of a plan to invest 100 trillion rupees ($1.39 trillion) in the sector over the next five years, the finance minister said on Saturday, in a push to improve the country's economy. Nirmala Sitharaman's comments, as cited in local newspapers, followed data released on Friday that showed India's economic growth slowed to 4.5% in the July-September quarter - its weakest pace since 2013 - upping the pressure on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government to speed reforms. "A set of officers are looking into the pipeline of projects that can be readied so that once the fund is ready, it could be front-loaded on these projects," Sitharaman said at a business summit in Mumbai, the newspapers reported. "That task is nearly completed. Before December 15, we will be able to announce frontloading of at least ten projects," she said. Modi came to power in 2014 on the promise to improve India's economy and boost foreign investments, but he has struggled to meet those aims due to a lack of structural reforms. Modi won a second term in May and has taken various measures since 2014 to spur growth, including cutting the corporate tax and speeding up privatisation of state-run firms. But several economic indicators show domestic consumption is weak, and many economists expect the current slowdown could persist for another two years.

India plans to invest $1.39 trillion in infrastructure to spur economy

On the occasion of BSF Raising Day, Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ties-with-japan-key-component-of-indias-vision-for-stability-in-indo-pacific-pm-modi-265476">Narendra Modi </a>has extended greetings to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/punjab-bsf-troops-spot-multiple-drones-coming-from-pakistan-side-257467">Border Security Force </a>personnel for diligently protecting the borders.

Taking to Twitter, Modi on Sunday tweeted, "Greetings to all BSF personnel and their families on BSF's Raising Day. This force has been diligently protecting our borders. During natural disasters and crisis situations, BSF personnel have always worked hard to serve our citizens. Best wishes to the BSF family!"

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Greetings to all BSF personnel and their families on BSF’s Raising Day. This force has been diligently protecting our borders. During natural disasters and crisis situations, BSF personnel have always worked hard to serve our citizens. 
 
Best wishes to the BSF family!
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1200971503962951681?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2019</a></blockquote>
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BSF established on December 1, 1965, is a paramilitary force charged with guarding India's land border during peacetime and preventing transnational crime. It is under the administrative control of Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). It currently stands as the world's largest border guarding force.&nbsp;

On the occasion of BSF Raising Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended greetings to Border Security Force personnel for diligently protecting the borders.

On the occasion of BSF Raising Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended greetings to Border Security Force personnel for diligently protecting the borders. Taking to Twitter, Modi on Sunday tweeted, "Greetings to all BSF personnel and their families on BSF's Raising Day. This force has been diligently protecting our borders. During natural disasters and crisis situations, BSF personnel have always worked hard to serve our citizens. Best wishes to the BSF family!" Greetings to all BSF personnel and their families on BSF’s Raising Day. This force has been diligently protecting our borders. During natural disasters and crisis situations, BSF personnel have always worked hard to serve our citizens. Best wishes to the BSF family! — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 1, 2019 × BSF established on December 1, 1965, is a paramilitary force charged with guarding India's land border during peacetime and preventing transnational crime. It is under the administrative control of Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). It currently stands as the world's largest border guarding force.

PM Narendra Modi wishes BSF personnel on Raising Day

Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday said that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-confident-of-winning-all-15-seats-in-karnataka-bypolls-deputy-cm-ashwath-narayan-263908">Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) </a>is misusing the Constitution and they will be taught a lesson in the upcoming <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-congress-declares-names-of-six-candidates-contesting-assembly-by-polls-262661">Karnataka bypolls</a>.

"BJP is misusing the Constitution. So let us see what happens next (about Congress alliance with JDS). People are watching everything how the power is being misused at the state and central levels," Kharge told reporters at the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) office here.

"It is important to teach BJP a lesson and we have to win all 15 seats. Indicating that the party was not averse to ally with JD(S), he said, "There are sources saying that JDS and Congress will come together to form the government after the bypoll results."

Kharge further said that all <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sc-upholds-disqualification-of-rebel-mlas-permits-them-to-contest-bypolls-261738">disqualified MLAs </a>will lose in Karnataka as they cheated the ideology and party and people are really angry on them. He also accused the BJP of using nefarious means to win the elections.

"BJP is distributing money to the voters which is dangerous to democracy. At present, BJP is putting pressure even on voters. If they don't succeed through these means then they raise religious things to fight elections," he said.

Kharge accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of neglecting Karnataka and of being impervious to the state's concerns.

"The local leadership of BJP promised of bringing funds from the Centre if their government came to power in Karnataka but they brought nothing even after such a huge flood. Modi neither spoke about Karnataka nor did he visit the state," he said.

"In my opinion Modi hates Karnataka, I don`t know what is the reason. Does he hate Karnataka because he hates Yediyurappa? He never helps Karnataka due to reasons unknown to us," he added.

Speaking on Maharashtra politics, Kharge said: "We formed the government with Shiv Sena even when our President was not in favour of it. But suggestions by MLAs, other parties and leftist parties suggested us to keep BJP away from the power which is why we formed the government with NCP and Shiv Sena. We just wanted to keep the fascist party away."

The by-elections for 15 out of 17 seats in Karnataka are slated to be held on December 5. The results will be declared on December 9.&nbsp;

Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday said that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is misusing the Constitution and they will be taught a lesson in the upcoming Karnataka bypolls.

Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday said that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is misusing the Constitution and they will be taught a lesson in the upcoming Karnataka bypolls. "BJP is misusing the Constitution. So let us see what happens next (about Congress alliance with JDS). People are watching everything how the power is being misused at the state and central levels," Kharge told reporters at the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) office here. "It is important to teach BJP a lesson and we have to win all 15 seats. Indicating that the party was not averse to ally with JD(S), he said, "There are sources saying that JDS and Congress will come together to form the government after the bypoll results." Kharge further said that all disqualified MLAs will lose in Karnataka as they cheated the ideology and party and people are really angry on them. He also accused the BJP of using nefarious means to win the elections. "BJP is distributing money to the voters which is dangerous to democracy. At present, BJP is putting pressure even on voters. If they don't succeed through these means then they raise religious things to fight elections," he said. Kharge accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of neglecting Karnataka and of being impervious to the state's concerns. "The local leadership of BJP promised of bringing funds from the Centre if their government came to power in Karnataka but they brought nothing even after such a huge flood. Modi neither spoke about Karnataka nor did he visit the state," he said. "In my opinion Modi hates Karnataka, I don`t know what is the reason. Does he hate Karnataka because he hates Yediyurappa? He never helps Karnataka due to reasons unknown to us," he added. Speaking on Maharashtra politics, Kharge said: "We formed the government with Shiv Sena even when our President was not in favour of it. But suggestions by MLAs, other parties and leftist parties suggested us to keep BJP away from the power which is why we formed the government with NCP and Shiv Sena. We just wanted to keep the fascist party away." The by-elections for 15 out of 17 seats in Karnataka are slated to be held on December 5. The results will be declared on December 9.

BJP misusing Constitution, will be taught lesson in Karnataka bypolls: Mallikarjun Kharge

India's relationship with Japan is a key component of its vision for peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday, ahead of the inaugural meeting of the India-Japan Foreign and Defence Ministerial Dialogue (2+2).

The Prime Minister made the remarks during his meeting with Japan's Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and Defence Minister Taro Kono, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement.

The two Japanese ministers are on a day-long visit to India and are leading a delegation to the 2+2 ministerial dialogue.

The Indian delegation is being led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.

The Prime Minister welcomed the visiting ministers and expressed his satisfaction at the two sides accomplishing 2+2 dialogue which was proposed during the 13th India-Japan Annual Summit held in Japan in October 2018.

"Prime Minister added that India's relationship with Japan was a key component of our vision for Indo-Pacific for peace, stability and prosperity of the region, as well as a cornerstone of India's Act East Policy," the statement read.

He stressed the importance of all-round development in India-Japan relations for the benefit of the people of two nations, as well as the region and the world.

He mentioned that regular high-level exchanges between the two countries was a testimony to the depth and strength of the relationship.

Modi said that both he and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attach great importance to strengthening the bilateral partnership between the two countries, and conveyed that he looked forward to welcoming Abe to India for India-Japan Annual Summit next month.&nbsp;

India's relationship with Japan is a key component of its vision for peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday, ahead of the inaugural meeting of the India-Japan Foreign and Defence Ministerial Dialogue (2+2).

India's relationship with Japan is a key component of its vision for peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday, ahead of the inaugural meeting of the India-Japan Foreign and Defence Ministerial Dialogue (2+2). The Prime Minister made the remarks during his meeting with Japan's Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and Defence Minister Taro Kono, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement. The two Japanese ministers are on a day-long visit to India and are leading a delegation to the 2+2 ministerial dialogue. The Indian delegation is being led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. The Prime Minister welcomed the visiting ministers and expressed his satisfaction at the two sides accomplishing 2+2 dialogue which was proposed during the 13th India-Japan Annual Summit held in Japan in October 2018. "Prime Minister added that India's relationship with Japan was a key component of our vision for Indo-Pacific for peace, stability and prosperity of the region, as well as a cornerstone of India's Act East Policy," the statement read. He stressed the importance of all-round development in India-Japan relations for the benefit of the people of two nations, as well as the region and the world. He mentioned that regular high-level exchanges between the two countries was a testimony to the depth and strength of the relationship. Modi said that both he and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attach great importance to strengthening the bilateral partnership between the two countries, and conveyed that he looked forward to welcoming Abe to India for India-Japan Annual Summit next month.

Ties with Japan key component of India's vision for stability in Indo-Pacific: PM Modi

Japanese Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japanese-prime-minister-abes-approval-rating-sags-due-to-accusations-of-violating-laws-for-political-spending-262813">Shinzo Abe </a>is expected to arrive in north-eastern city Imphal as part of his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/japanese-pm-shinzo-abe-to-visit-india-in-december-247703">three-day visit to India </a>in December, as per sources. Imphal was once a battlefield between Japan and Allied forces during World War II.&nbsp;

If Abe visited&nbsp;Imphal, he would become the first Japanese PM to arrive in the north-eastern city.&nbsp;The sources added that the Japanese prime minister will also pay a visit to Imphal Peace Museum (IPM), which was opened in June to mark the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Imphal. The museum, which is 20 km southwest of Imphal and spread on 10 acres of land at the foothill of Red Hill, exhibits war artefacts and personal belongings of Japanese troops.&nbsp;

The Battle of Imphal is considered as one of the bloodiest battles fought during the second world war, where more than 30,000 Japanese troops were killed.&nbsp;

The Japanese PM will also hold talks with his Indian counterpart PM Modi regarding the acquisition and cross-servicing agreement, or ACSA, which seeks to enable both the nations to share defence capabilities and supplies. Meanwhile, India and Japan are also expected to hold their first 2+2 ministerial meeting later this week regarding the signing of ACSA.&nbsp;

India and Japan have deepened their bilateral ties in recent years and both Modi and Abe have made reciprocal visits.&nbsp;

Abe is scheduled to arrive in India on December 15, however, the Indian government is yet to confirm the date and places of Abe's visit. The Japanese PM is also likely to visit China late in December for a meeting with Japanese, Chinese and South Korean leaders.

(with inputs from agencies)

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is expected to arrive in north-eastern city Imphal as part of his three-day visit to India in December, as per sources. Imphal was once a battlefield between Japan and Allied forces during World War II.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is expected to arrive in north-eastern city Imphal as part of his three-day visit to India in December, as per sources. Imphal was once a battlefield between Japan and Allied forces during World War II. If Abe visited Imphal, he would become the first Japanese PM to arrive in the north-eastern city. The sources added that the Japanese prime minister will also pay a visit to Imphal Peace Museum (IPM), which was opened in June to mark the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Imphal. The museum, which is 20 km southwest of Imphal and spread on 10 acres of land at the foothill of Red Hill, exhibits war artefacts and personal belongings of Japanese troops. The Battle of Imphal is considered as one of the bloodiest battles fought during the second world war, where more than 30,000 Japanese troops were killed. The Japanese PM will also hold talks with his Indian counterpart PM Modi regarding the acquisition and cross-servicing agreement, or ACSA, which seeks to enable both the nations to share defence capabilities and supplies. Meanwhile, India and Japan are also expected to hold their first 2+2 ministerial meeting later this week regarding the signing of ACSA. India and Japan have deepened their bilateral ties in recent years and both Modi and Abe have made reciprocal visits. Abe is scheduled to arrive in India on December 15, however, the Indian government is yet to confirm the date and places of Abe's visit. The Japanese PM is also likely to visit China late in December for a meeting with Japanese, Chinese and South Korean leaders. (with inputs from agencies)

Japanese PM Shinzo Abe likely to visit India's Imphal in December

Looking forward to strengthening bilateral relations with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sri-lanka-president-gotabaya-rajapaksa-to-visit-india-today-265005">Sri Lanka's&nbsp;Gotabaya Rajapaksa</a> said on Thursday before departing for India in his first foreign visit since taking charge as the new President of the neighbouring island country.

"Leaving for my first state visit to India and looking forward to strengthening bilateral relations with Shri @narendramodi and Government&nbsp;of India,"&nbsp;Gotabaya said on Twitter.

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Leaving for my first state visit to India and looking forward to strengthening bilateral relations with Shri <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> and Govt of India <a href="https://t.co/Td6MbO4PdL">pic.twitter.com/Td6MbO4PdL</a>
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Gotabaya will arrive in Delhi today evening. On Friday he will meet PM Modi at&nbsp;Hyderabad.

This visit is keenly awaited given India's neighbourhood policy and New Delhi's outreach to newly elected governments in the region.

Last week, India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar made an unscheduled visit to the island country&nbsp;to physically hand over PM Modi's invite to Gotabaya to visit India. During the meet, India also called on the new leadership to continue the process of national reconciliation with regards to the minority Tamils.&nbsp;

Gotabaya as the defence secretary in 2009, played a key role in the defeat of LTTE militant group but that also raised issues of human right violations. And then China is the dragon in the room when it comes to Bejing's growing footprint in South Asia. New Delhi has dismissed such concerns.

Earlier this year, Prime Minister Modi had made a solidarity visit to Sri Lanka after the Easter Sunday terror attacks in the country.

During the visit, PM Modi paid respects at one of the attack sites - St Anthony’s Church. PM Modi has visited Sri Lanka three&nbsp;times since 2014 -&nbsp;with the first visit being in 2015, followed by a visit in 2017 and then June 2019.

The Modi government has been increasing its engagement with Colombo and helping to meet its development needs. &nbsp;

Looking forward to strengthening bilateral relations with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Sri Lanka's Gotabaya Rajapaksa said on Thursday before departing for India in his first foreign visit since taking charge as the new President of the neighbouring island country.

Looking forward to strengthening bilateral relations with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Sri Lanka's Gotabaya Rajapaksa said on Thursday before departing for India in his first foreign visit since taking charge as the new President of the neighbouring island country. "Leaving for my first state visit to India and looking forward to strengthening bilateral relations with Shri @narendramodi and Government of India," Gotabaya said on Twitter. Leaving for my first state visit to India and looking forward to strengthening bilateral relations with Shri @narendramodi and Govt of India pic.twitter.com/Td6MbO4PdL — Gotabaya Rajapaksa (@GotabayaR) November 28, 2019 × Gotabaya will arrive in Delhi today evening. On Friday he will meet PM Modi at Hyderabad. This visit is keenly awaited given India's neighbourhood policy and New Delhi's outreach to newly elected governments in the region. Last week, India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar made an unscheduled visit to the island country to physically hand over PM Modi's invite to Gotabaya to visit India. During the meet, India also called on the new leadership to continue the process of national reconciliation with regards to the minority Tamils. Gotabaya as the defence secretary in 2009, played a key role in the defeat of LTTE militant group but that also raised issues of human right violations. And then China is the dragon in the room when it comes to Bejing's growing footprint in South Asia. New Delhi has dismissed such concerns. Earlier this year, Prime Minister Modi had made a solidarity visit to Sri Lanka after the Easter Sunday terror attacks in the country. During the visit, PM Modi paid respects at one of the attack sites - St Anthony’s Church. PM Modi has visited Sri Lanka three times since 2014 - with the first visit being in 2015, followed by a visit in 2017 and then June 2019. The Modi government has been increasing its engagement with Colombo and helping to meet its development needs.

Looking forward to strengthening bilateral relations with India: Sri Lanka's Gotabaya Rajapaksa

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-be-campaigning-in-jharkhand-looking-forward-to-be-among-people-of-great-state-tweets-pm-modi-264288">prime minister </a>on Monday slammed Congress for its inability to resolve the issue of Ayodhya and Jammu and Kashmir to protect its vote bank in his rally for the upcoming polls in Jharkhand.&nbsp;

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jharkhand-assembly-polls-prime-minister-modi-likely-to-address-5-to-8-rallies-262619">Prime Minister Narendra Modi </a>was addressing his first rally in the state in Daltonganj for the upcoming elections in Jharkhand.&nbsp;

"The Congress follows the policy of procrastination so that it can keep collecting votes. The party kept the issue of article 370 pending. We had promised a resolution and we fulfilled it. The Ram Janmabhoomi dispute in Ayodhya had lingered for decades. The Congress could have resolved it, if it so wanted, but it chose to hurt the society, the country to protect its vote bank. See, today the dispute stands resolved," the prime minister said.

The prime minister, in his speech, also spoke on the connection between Lord Rama with tribals (Adivasis). It should be noted that the state of Jharkhand has a significant tribal population.&nbsp;

"The Adivasis had shown the direction to even Lord Rama. When Lord Rama was in Ayodhya, he was called a Prince. When he left Ayodhya for 'Vanvaas' (exile) and returned back after 14 years he was called 'Maryada Purushottam'. This showed that the transformation in Lord Rama took place because, during his exile, he spent time with Adivasis.&nbsp;

The prime minister also asserted to tribals that the BJP is committed to protect their rights: 'Jal, Jungle, Jameen' (water, forest and land)." He also said that under the administration of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, a separate ministry was established for the welfare of tribals.

PM Modi also praised the Jharkhand government led by Raghubar Das for tackling the issue of Naxalism in the state. He said that when he first visited Jharkhand in 2014, the state was badly affected by Naxalism and violence because of which the state lagged behind other states on developmental&nbsp;issues.

"But the BJP government changed this. We have been able to eliminate Naxalism because our intent is clear and we are working with honesty," Modi said.&nbsp;

He also accused Congress of using Naxals for political gains, adding that in the past five years, the government is able to eliminate this issue by bringing the disgruntled youth into the mainstream.&nbsp;

Calling the election as a contest between those who 'serve' and those who 'loot', the PM added: The Congress has problems, we have the solutions. They have accusations, we have the report of the work we have done. They have empty promises, we have the proof of development".&nbsp;

PM Modi also said that the party was committed to the five principles of social justice, stability, good governance, prosperity, respect for all and security.&nbsp;

Taking a jibe at former governments of the state, the prime minister said that earlier governments were formed through back door. Alliances were formed in the state by those who were driven by the lust for power and who exploited the resources of the state.&nbsp;

The prime minister said that the Das government worked day and night to end corruption, bring transparency and set up institutional mechanisms.&nbsp;

He also added that the "double-engine" growth in Jharkhand was only possible because, in the Centre and state, BJP government was in power.&nbsp;

"The benefits of double-engine growth are many. There is continuity of development....no political games are played," PM said.

The elections of Jharkhand will be held in five phases beginning from November 30.&nbsp;Daltonganj will vote in the phase.&nbsp;

(with inputs from agencies)

The prime minister on Monday slammed Congress for its inability to resolve the issue of Ayodhya and Jammu and Kashmir to protect its vote bank in his rally for the upcoming polls in Jharkhand.

The prime minister on Monday slammed Congress for its inability to resolve the issue of Ayodhya and Jammu and Kashmir to protect its vote bank in his rally for the upcoming polls in Jharkhand. The Prime Minister Narendra Modi was addressing his first rally in the state in Daltonganj for the upcoming elections in Jharkhand. "The Congress follows the policy of procrastination so that it can keep collecting votes. The party kept the issue of article 370 pending. We had promised a resolution and we fulfilled it. The Ram Janmabhoomi dispute in Ayodhya had lingered for decades. The Congress could have resolved it, if it so wanted, but it chose to hurt the society, the country to protect its vote bank. See, today the dispute stands resolved," the prime minister said. The prime minister, in his speech, also spoke on the connection between Lord Rama with tribals (Adivasis). It should be noted that the state of Jharkhand has a significant tribal population. "The Adivasis had shown the direction to even Lord Rama. When Lord Rama was in Ayodhya, he was called a Prince. When he left Ayodhya for 'Vanvaas' (exile) and returned back after 14 years he was called 'Maryada Purushottam'. This showed that the transformation in Lord Rama took place because, during his exile, he spent time with Adivasis. The prime minister also asserted to tribals that the BJP is committed to protect their rights: 'Jal, Jungle, Jameen' (water, forest and land)." He also said that under the administration of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, a separate ministry was established for the welfare of tribals. PM Modi also praised the Jharkhand government led by Raghubar Das for tackling the issue of Naxalism in the state. He said that when he first visited Jharkhand in 2014, the state was badly affected by Naxalism and violence because of which the state lagged behind other states on developmental issues. "But the BJP government changed this. We have been able to eliminate Naxalism because our intent is clear and we are working with honesty," Modi said. He also accused Congress of using Naxals for political gains, adding that in the past five years, the government is able to eliminate this issue by bringing the disgruntled youth into the mainstream. Calling the election as a contest between those who 'serve' and those who 'loot', the PM added: The Congress has problems, we have the solutions. They have accusations, we have the report of the work we have done. They have empty promises, we have the proof of development". PM Modi also said that the party was committed to the five principles of social justice, stability, good governance, prosperity, respect for all and security. Taking a jibe at former governments of the state, the prime minister said that earlier governments were formed through back door. Alliances were formed in the state by those who were driven by the lust for power and who exploited the resources of the state. The prime minister said that the Das government worked day and night to end corruption, bring transparency and set up institutional mechanisms. He also added that the "double-engine" growth in Jharkhand was only possible because, in the Centre and state, BJP government was in power. "The benefits of double-engine growth are many. There is continuity of development....no political games are played," PM said. The elections of Jharkhand will be held in five phases beginning from November 30. Daltonganj will vote in the phase. (with inputs from agencies)

PM Narendra Modi slams Congress over Ayodhya, Article 370 issue

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday tweeted that he will be campaigning in poll-bound Jharkhand and added that he is looking forward to being among the people of the state.

"Will be campaigning in Jharkhand today. Looking forward to being among the people of this great state. Today`s rallies will take place in Daltonganj and Gumla," Modi tweeted.

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Will be campaigning in Jharkhand today. Looking forward to being among the people of this great state. Today’s rallies will take place in Daltonganj and Gumla. <a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4Jharkhand?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BJP4Jharkhand</a>
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Chief Minister Raghubar Das, who is seeking reelection earlier tweeted: "In 2014, you gave immense love to Modi ji. In 2019, you gave immense affection and blessings to Modi ji. Modi ji worked day and night for the development of Jharkhand. Modi ji is coming to the holy land of Palamu. When Modi ji is with Jharkhand then why think about someone else."

Jharkhand will go to polls in five phases from November 30.&nbsp;

The first phase of polling will be held on November 30 while the second phase on December 6, followed by the third phase on December 12, the fourth phase on December 16 and the last phase on December 20.

The Congress has forged an alliance with the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) in the state to take on the BJP.

In 2014, the BJP, which won 43 seats, formed the government along with All Jharkhand Students` Union (AJSU), which had won five seats, under the leadership of Raghubar Das.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday tweeted that he will be campaigning in poll-bound Jharkhand and added that he is looking forward to being among the people of the state.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday tweeted that he will be campaigning in poll-bound Jharkhand and added that he is looking forward to being among the people of the state. "Will be campaigning in Jharkhand today. Looking forward to being among the people of this great state. Today`s rallies will take place in Daltonganj and Gumla," Modi tweeted. Will be campaigning in Jharkhand today. Looking forward to being among the people of this great state. Today’s rallies will take place in Daltonganj and Gumla. @BJP4Jharkhand — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 25, 2019 × Chief Minister Raghubar Das, who is seeking reelection earlier tweeted: "In 2014, you gave immense love to Modi ji. In 2019, you gave immense affection and blessings to Modi ji. Modi ji worked day and night for the development of Jharkhand. Modi ji is coming to the holy land of Palamu. When Modi ji is with Jharkhand then why think about someone else." Jharkhand will go to polls in five phases from November 30. The first phase of polling will be held on November 30 while the second phase on December 6, followed by the third phase on December 12, the fourth phase on December 16 and the last phase on December 20. The Congress has forged an alliance with the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) in the state to take on the BJP. In 2014, the BJP, which won 43 seats, formed the government along with All Jharkhand Students` Union (AJSU), which had won five seats, under the leadership of Raghubar Das.

Will be campaigning in Jharkhand, looking forward to be among people of 'great' state, tweets PM Modi  

If there is one politician in India who is a living testimony to what erstwhile "Iron Lady" and former Prime Minister of UK, Thatcher said, it has to be Home Minister and BJP's National President, Amit Shah, who has given invincibility and will power a whole new dimension.

Shah has earned the enviable epithet of being named the new-age Chanakya, after the prolific scholar, statesman, strategist, philosopher, economist and advisor to the Mauryan Empire in 4th Century B.C., who has, till date, remained an enigmatically inspirational character.

Shah’s stellar and well-earned rise to national prominence as the Union Home Minister in 2019, is likewise, a story of sheer grit, determination, excruciating hard-work, an acutely keen understanding of India’s socio-political landscape, and an in-depth understanding of the regional equations at play, across the length and breadth of India.

The National Register of Citizens (NRC), which aims to identify illegal immigrants, primarily from Bangladesh, who entered Assam and settled there after March 25th 1971, and have them deported back to their native country, is yet another masterstroke from Amit Shah,who has said in Parliament that people whose names are missing from the NRC can approach tribunals formed at the tehsil level.

The Assam government will provide financial help to those who don't have the money to file pleas, Shah added, deftly putting to rest contentious issues pertaining to the NRC exercise. Explaining the nuances between NRC and the Citizenship Amendment Bill like only he can and, stating that NRC which will be a pan-India exercise, is primarily about stopping the malaise of infiltrators and illegal immigrants, on the floor of the Parliament, is part of Shah's broader vision of rehabilitating persecuted Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, Christian, Parsi and Sikh minorities, among other things and, rightfully so.

Among the possible changes in the new Citizenship Amendment Bill which lapsed after the dissolution of the last Lok Sabha, include a clear categorisation of those who are "illegal immigrants" and those who took shelter in India after facing gross religious persecution in the neighbouring countries of Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Due to recently found violations of Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card by a British-born Hinduphobic writer, Aatish Ali Taseer, there is a possibility of incorporation of certain provisions in the new draft, so that such rampant abuse and misuse could be detected and action taken, right from the word go.

Going a little back in time, success in Uttar Pradesh in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections apart, under Amit Shah’s indomitable leadership, the BJP continued its streak of successes in legislative assembly elections in Maharashtra, Haryana, Jammu &amp; Kashmir, Jharkhand and Assam in 2016, including a landslide victory in state elections in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, not to forget storming to power in Gujarat for the sixth time in a row, amidst huge anti-incumbency.

A strong debut in Manipur for the BJP and the spectacular victory in Tripura in 2018, where the BJP dislodged an utterly incompetent Leftist (CPI-M) government which had ruled Tripura for over two decades and still done virtually nothing to uplift people from the morass of poverty, are ringing testimonies of how Amit Shah ensured BJP's ascent in the North-East, completely annihilating the Congress, which incidentally, by December 2018, had been electorally wiped out of the eight beautiful North-Eastern states, in totality.

Chanakya’s work ethic has always been about getting his hands “soiled on the shop floor”, as management gurus would put it, rather than arm-chair steering. It is this passionate, personal involvement, right up to the booth and panna-pramukh levels that has catapulted Amit Shah into being amongst India’s finest master political strategists, where the zeal to win is based on the strengths of the BJP, and not on the weaknesses of the opposition, which has, in any case, fumbled and faltered, sans any cohesive development agenda or grassroots organisational structure, besides the added ignominy of being embattled with a blinkered vision, marred by an unhealthy Modi-phobia.

Shah’s "Chanakya-Niti" is about putting into practice what Chanakya preached. Chanakya ended the concept of King as demi-god and preached that an effective ruler is only one who follows the constitution or the legal hand-book. Having risen up the ranks by the dint of his patience, intellect and political acumen, it has not come as a surprise, therefore, that Amit Shah has always had strong reservations about the “Parivarwad” culture or dynastic politics, abetted and nurtured by the Congress establishment.

Chanakya was of the view that if the king has only one child, who is not mature enough to rule, the reins of the state should then be passed on to someone from outside, to someone who is capable of it. Shah, by reinforcing what Chanakya said, brilliantly shifted the political narrative to dynastic politics, something which a left-leaning media had always shied to take note of in its unabashed and misplaced loyalty towards the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty.

Narendra Modi came and re-wrote India’s political narrative with his no-nonsense style, and the irrepressible Amit Shah, in turn, ensured the invincibility of the BJP in election after election, with a persistence that is rare.To the Modi-Shah duo, goes the credit of correcting a historical Nehruvian blunder, by revoking Article 370.Amit Shah realised that the horrific Pulwama terror attack by Pakistan on 14th February 2019, is one more reason why Article 35-A needed to be abrogated unconditionally. Terrorism, promoted and abetted by Pakistan in the Kashmir valley, is no longer about separatism or secessionism, but about the Islamic theology of “Ummah”, which is synonymous with Ummat-al-Islam. In simpler terms, it basically means, the problem of terrorism in Kashmir is part of a larger game-plan by radical Islamists to establish an Islamic Caliphate in J&amp;K, &nbsp;under the guise of “Jihad”.

“Ummah” is the desire by radicalised terror elements to establish a supranational community of Islamists in the Kashmir valley, under the garb of uniting people with common ancestry, history or geography.

Amit Shah, the modern-day Sardar Patel, whose political genius has never been in doubt, has shown once again, why courage of conviction, is what it takes to ensure, justice, social, economic and political, is delivered to those who need it most, at a time when it matters most! "Is Desh Mein Do Vidhan, Do Pradhan aur Do Nishan, nahin challenge," said Syama Prasad Mukherjee.

66 years after his death in 1953, Syama Prasad must be finally smiling from wherever he is, as his long-cherished dream of "One Nation, One Union, One Constitution, One Prime Minister and One Flag," finally came true, in its truest sense, on 5th August 2019, thanks to Amit Shah.

In what is likely to be a new beginning for India's fight against terrorism, if there is one more measure which makes Amit Shah, India's new age "Loh Purush" it is the passage in the parliament, of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment (UAPA) Bill, in the recently concluded monsoon session.

The bill is a cornerstone of the Modi government's zero-tolerance policy against terrorism. The objective of the new amendments is to facilitate speedy investigation and prosecution in terror-related offences. The most important part is, allowing an individual to be designated as a terrorist, a measure that is in line with the global practices.

Under the law, personal/financial information of an individual designated as terrorist, can be shared with various Western agencies. It also gives power to officers of the rank of Inspector of NIA, to investigate the offences under chapter IV and Chapter VI. The bill also seeks to empower NIA to conduct raids anywhere without the relevant state government's prior permission.

Besides designating an individual as a terrorist, the bill empowers the NIA to grant approval to seize/attach property when the case is being probed.

To allay fears about misuse of the law, the home ministry has said that an individual designated as terrorist can appeal to the Home Secretary, who will have to dispose of the appeal within 45 days.The Centre will constitute a review committee under the act. An implicated individual can appeal against the inclusion of his/her name and seek a hearing before the committee.

If not satisfied with the Home Secretary&amp;#39;s decision, the individual in question can move the committee headed by a sitting/retired judge of a high court and comprising at least two retired secretaries of the central government.

Home Minister, Amit Shah, India's new age "Loh Purush" has clarified that the new law would be used "sparsely" — for example only in such cases as dreaded militants like Yasin Bhatkal and Masood Azhar, to name a few.

According to Home Ministry data, in India, in the last 15 years, only one outfit, "Deendar Anjuman" appealed against the government's decision to ban it. To put things in perspective, as many as 42 organisations that had been declared illegal during the period under consideration, did not appeal. The law will also prevent terror masterminds from setting up a new group after their previous outfit is outlawed.

The provisions of the law are similar to a UN policy used by the Security Council to apply pressure on a state or entity to comply with the objectives set by the UN without resorting to the use of force. Hafiz Saeed, the 26/11 mastermind, and JeM chief Masood Azhar could be among the first individuals to be designated as terrorists under the law.

Both of them have already been designated "global terrorists" by the US, the UN and the EU. These type of anti-terror laws are already there in such countries as US, China, Israel and the EU. It, therefore, goes entirely to Amit Shah's iron will, that he could bring in the UAPA, which will go down as a watershed bill in curbing terror on Indian soil. Sardar Patel integrated more than 550 princely States into the Indian Union.

Amit Shah, as Home Minister, has ensured, that the integration exercise which was embarked upon, over 70 years back, has no room for any ambiguity whatsoever. That India will not cede an inch of its territory or sovereignty, is a message that has gone out loud and clear, by India's new age "Loh Purush". 
 
(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/report-amit-shah-india-s-new-age-loh-purush-2803194">original article</a>) 
&nbsp; 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) &nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

If there is one politician in India who is a living testimony to what erstwhile "Iron Lady" and former Prime Minister of UK, Thatcher said, it has to be Home Minister and BJP's National President, Amit Shah, who has given invincibility and will power a whole new dimension.

If there is one politician in India who is a living testimony to what erstwhile "Iron Lady" and former Prime Minister of UK, Thatcher said, it has to be Home Minister and BJP's National President, Amit Shah, who has given invincibility and will power a whole new dimension. Shah has earned the enviable epithet of being named the new-age Chanakya, after the prolific scholar, statesman, strategist, philosopher, economist and advisor to the Mauryan Empire in 4th Century B.C., who has, till date, remained an enigmatically inspirational character. Shah’s stellar and well-earned rise to national prominence as the Union Home Minister in 2019, is likewise, a story of sheer grit, determination, excruciating hard-work, an acutely keen understanding of India’s socio-political landscape, and an in-depth understanding of the regional equations at play, across the length and breadth of India. The National Register of Citizens (NRC), which aims to identify illegal immigrants, primarily from Bangladesh, who entered Assam and settled there after March 25th 1971, and have them deported back to their native country, is yet another masterstroke from Amit Shah,who has said in Parliament that people whose names are missing from the NRC can approach tribunals formed at the tehsil level. The Assam government will provide financial help to those who don't have the money to file pleas, Shah added, deftly putting to rest contentious issues pertaining to the NRC exercise. Explaining the nuances between NRC and the Citizenship Amendment Bill like only he can and, stating that NRC which will be a pan-India exercise, is primarily about stopping the malaise of infiltrators and illegal immigrants, on the floor of the Parliament, is part of Shah's broader vision of rehabilitating persecuted Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, Christian, Parsi and Sikh minorities, among other things and, rightfully so. Among the possible changes in the new Citizenship Amendment Bill which lapsed after the dissolution of the last Lok Sabha, include a clear categorisation of those who are "illegal immigrants" and those who took shelter in India after facing gross religious persecution in the neighbouring countries of Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan. Due to recently found violations of Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card by a British-born Hinduphobic writer, Aatish Ali Taseer, there is a possibility of incorporation of certain provisions in the new draft, so that such rampant abuse and misuse could be detected and action taken, right from the word go. Going a little back in time, success in Uttar Pradesh in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections apart, under Amit Shah’s indomitable leadership, the BJP continued its streak of successes in legislative assembly elections in Maharashtra, Haryana, Jammu & Kashmir, Jharkhand and Assam in 2016, including a landslide victory in state elections in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, not to forget storming to power in Gujarat for the sixth time in a row, amidst huge anti-incumbency. A strong debut in Manipur for the BJP and the spectacular victory in Tripura in 2018, where the BJP dislodged an utterly incompetent Leftist (CPI-M) government which had ruled Tripura for over two decades and still done virtually nothing to uplift people from the morass of poverty, are ringing testimonies of how Amit Shah ensured BJP's ascent in the North-East, completely annihilating the Congress, which incidentally, by December 2018, had been electorally wiped out of the eight beautiful North-Eastern states, in totality. Chanakya’s work ethic has always been about getting his hands “soiled on the shop floor”, as management gurus would put it, rather than arm-chair steering. It is this passionate, personal involvement, right up to the booth and panna-pramukh levels that has catapulted Amit Shah into being amongst India’s finest master political strategists, where the zeal to win is based on the strengths of the BJP, and not on the weaknesses of the opposition, which has, in any case, fumbled and faltered, sans any cohesive development agenda or grassroots organisational structure, besides the added ignominy of being embattled with a blinkered vision, marred by an unhealthy Modi-phobia. Shah’s "Chanakya-Niti" is about putting into practice what Chanakya preached. Chanakya ended the concept of King as demi-god and preached that an effective ruler is only one who follows the constitution or the legal hand-book. Having risen up the ranks by the dint of his patience, intellect and political acumen, it has not come as a surprise, therefore, that Amit Shah has always had strong reservations about the “Parivarwad” culture or dynastic politics, abetted and nurtured by the Congress establishment. Chanakya was of the view that if the king has only one child, who is not mature enough to rule, the reins of the state should then be passed on to someone from outside, to someone who is capable of it. Shah, by reinforcing what Chanakya said, brilliantly shifted the political narrative to dynastic politics, something which a left-leaning media had always shied to take note of in its unabashed and misplaced loyalty towards the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty. Narendra Modi came and re-wrote India’s political narrative with his no-nonsense style, and the irrepressible Amit Shah, in turn, ensured the invincibility of the BJP in election after election, with a persistence that is rare.To the Modi-Shah duo, goes the credit of correcting a historical Nehruvian blunder, by revoking Article 370.Amit Shah realised that the horrific Pulwama terror attack by Pakistan on 14th February 2019, is one more reason why Article 35-A needed to be abrogated unconditionally. Terrorism, promoted and abetted by Pakistan in the Kashmir valley, is no longer about separatism or secessionism, but about the Islamic theology of “Ummah”, which is synonymous with Ummat-al-Islam. In simpler terms, it basically means, the problem of terrorism in Kashmir is part of a larger game-plan by radical Islamists to establish an Islamic Caliphate in J&K, under the guise of “Jihad”. “Ummah” is the desire by radicalised terror elements to establish a supranational community of Islamists in the Kashmir valley, under the garb of uniting people with common ancestry, history or geography. Amit Shah, the modern-day Sardar Patel, whose political genius has never been in doubt, has shown once again, why courage of conviction, is what it takes to ensure, justice, social, economic and political, is delivered to those who need it most, at a time when it matters most! "Is Desh Mein Do Vidhan, Do Pradhan aur Do Nishan, nahin challenge," said Syama Prasad Mukherjee. 66 years after his death in 1953, Syama Prasad must be finally smiling from wherever he is, as his long-cherished dream of "One Nation, One Union, One Constitution, One Prime Minister and One Flag," finally came true, in its truest sense, on 5th August 2019, thanks to Amit Shah. In what is likely to be a new beginning for India's fight against terrorism, if there is one more measure which makes Amit Shah, India's new age "Loh Purush" it is the passage in the parliament, of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment (UAPA) Bill, in the recently concluded monsoon session. The bill is a cornerstone of the Modi government's zero-tolerance policy against terrorism. The objective of the new amendments is to facilitate speedy investigation and prosecution in terror-related offences. The most important part is, allowing an individual to be designated as a terrorist, a measure that is in line with the global practices. Under the law, personal/financial information of an individual designated as terrorist, can be shared with various Western agencies. It also gives power to officers of the rank of Inspector of NIA, to investigate the offences under chapter IV and Chapter VI. The bill also seeks to empower NIA to conduct raids anywhere without the relevant state government's prior permission. Besides designating an individual as a terrorist, the bill empowers the NIA to grant approval to seize/attach property when the case is being probed. To allay fears about misuse of the law, the home ministry has said that an individual designated as terrorist can appeal to the Home Secretary, who will have to dispose of the appeal within 45 days.The Centre will constitute a review committee under the act. An implicated individual can appeal against the inclusion of his/her name and seek a hearing before the committee. If not satisfied with the Home Secretary&#39;s decision, the individual in question can move the committee headed by a sitting/retired judge of a high court and comprising at least two retired secretaries of the central government. Home Minister, Amit Shah, India's new age "Loh Purush" has clarified that the new law would be used "sparsely" — for example only in such cases as dreaded militants like Yasin Bhatkal and Masood Azhar, to name a few. According to Home Ministry data, in India, in the last 15 years, only one outfit, "Deendar Anjuman" appealed against the government's decision to ban it. To put things in perspective, as many as 42 organisations that had been declared illegal during the period under consideration, did not appeal. The law will also prevent terror masterminds from setting up a new group after their previous outfit is outlawed. The provisions of the law are similar to a UN policy used by the Security Council to apply pressure on a state or entity to comply with the objectives set by the UN without resorting to the use of force. Hafiz Saeed, the 26/11 mastermind, and JeM chief Masood Azhar could be among the first individuals to be designated as terrorists under the law. Both of them have already been designated "global terrorists" by the US, the UN and the EU. These type of anti-terror laws are already there in such countries as US, China, Israel and the EU. It, therefore, goes entirely to Amit Shah's iron will, that he could bring in the UAPA, which will go down as a watershed bill in curbing terror on Indian soil. Sardar Patel integrated more than 550 princely States into the Indian Union. Amit Shah, as Home Minister, has ensured, that the integration exercise which was embarked upon, over 70 years back, has no room for any ambiguity whatsoever. That India will not cede an inch of its territory or sovereignty, is a message that has gone out loud and clear, by India's new age "Loh Purush". (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Amit Shah — India's new age 'Loh Purush'

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