Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation in his monthly radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat' on Sunday.

During the 59th edition of the 'Mann ki Baat', PM Modi referred to Ayodhya verdict announced earlier this month and said, "After this historic verdict, the country has moved ahead on a new path, with a new resolve".

"On the one hand, a protracted legal battle has finally come to an end, on the other hand, the respect for the judiciary has grown in the country. In the truest sense, this verdict has also proved to be a milestone for the judiciary in our country," PM Modi said.

"After this historic verdict of the Supreme Court, the country has moved ahead on a new path, with a new resolve…full of new hopes and aspirations," PM Modi added.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court on November 9 directed the Centre to give five acres of suitable land to Sunni Waqf Board and at the same time make necessary arrangements for the construction of the temple by forming a trust.

He also emphasised on the importance of National Cadet Corps (NCC) on NCC day.&nbsp;

While lauding the NCC cadets PM Modi said it helps "build a character of youth."

"It is a Tri-services organisation comprising the Army, Navy and Air Force. NCC means, cultivating qualities of Leadership, patriotism, selfless service discipline and hard work as an integral part of one’s character; a thrilling journey of imbibing them into one’s habits," PM Modi said. 
&nbsp; 
PM Modi also spoke to NCC cadets through phone calls.&nbsp;

The National Cadet Corps or NCC is the youth wing of Armed Forces.&nbsp;It is open to school and college students on a voluntary basis.&nbsp;

He also appealed all school board, teachers and parents&nbsp;to celebrate "fir India week" in the month of December.

"CBSE has started an initiative 'Fit India Week.' Schools can celebrate it in December. It can involve several fitness-related activities, including sports, games, yoga and dance. I appeal to all the schools to celebrate it. Students, parents and teachers must take part in it."

In the last edition of the programme on October 27, the Prime Minister spoke on various issues like urging people to buy local products and the idea of festival tourism on 'Mann Ki Baat'.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation in his monthly radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat' on Sunday. During the 59th edition of the 'Mann ki Baat', PM Modi referred to Ayodhya verdict announced earlier this month and said, "After this historic verdict, the country has moved ahead on a new path, with a new resolve".

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation in his monthly radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat' on Sunday. During the 59th edition of the 'Mann ki Baat', PM Modi referred to Ayodhya verdict announced earlier this month and said, "After this historic verdict, the country has moved ahead on a new path, with a new resolve". "On the one hand, a protracted legal battle has finally come to an end, on the other hand, the respect for the judiciary has grown in the country. In the truest sense, this verdict has also proved to be a milestone for the judiciary in our country," PM Modi said. "After this historic verdict of the Supreme Court, the country has moved ahead on a new path, with a new resolve…full of new hopes and aspirations," PM Modi added. The Supreme Court on November 9 directed the Centre to give five acres of suitable land to Sunni Waqf Board and at the same time make necessary arrangements for the construction of the temple by forming a trust. He also emphasised on the importance of National Cadet Corps (NCC) on NCC day. While lauding the NCC cadets PM Modi said it helps "build a character of youth." "It is a Tri-services organisation comprising the Army, Navy and Air Force. NCC means, cultivating qualities of Leadership, patriotism, selfless service discipline and hard work as an integral part of one’s character; a thrilling journey of imbibing them into one’s habits," PM Modi said. PM Modi also spoke to NCC cadets through phone calls. The National Cadet Corps or NCC is the youth wing of Armed Forces. It is open to school and college students on a voluntary basis. He also appealed all school board, teachers and parents to celebrate "fir India week" in the month of December. "CBSE has started an initiative 'Fit India Week.' Schools can celebrate it in December. It can involve several fitness-related activities, including sports, games, yoga and dance. I appeal to all the schools to celebrate it. Students, parents and teachers must take part in it." In the last edition of the programme on October 27, the Prime Minister spoke on various issues like urging people to buy local products and the idea of festival tourism on 'Mann Ki Baat'.

Mann Ki Baat: After Ayodhya verdict, country moved ahead on new path, says PM Modi

In his 59th edition of the Mann Ki Baat radio program, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday announced the launch of 'Fit India School grading system'&nbsp;in schools across the country.

"In the Fit India Movement, schedules have been drawn for ranking schools in accordance with fitness. The schools that achieve this ranking will also be able to use the 'Fit India'&nbsp;logo and flag," Modi said.

The Fit India School rankings have been divided into three categories - The Fit India Schools, which is the first level of ranking, Fit India School (3 star) and Fit India School (5 star).

The level of ranking will depend on how much importance the school gives to inculcating overall fitness among its students and teachers and infrastructural facilities available for fitness activities.

"Schools can declare themselves as fit by visiting the Fit India portal. Fit India three-star and Fit India five-star ratings will also be given. I appeal that all schools should enroll in the Fit India ranking system and Fit India should become innate to our temperament. That it becomes a mass movement and bring awareness is what we must strive for," the Prime Minister said.

The Fit India School ranking system has been drawn up by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in discussion with the Ministry of Human Resource Development.

Speaking about the importance of the ranking system, Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Kiren Rijiju said,&nbsp;"The ranking system will help parents understand if a school attaches importance to fitness activities or not."

"Inculcating the habit to stay fit from a young age leads to children being not just physically healthy, but gives them mental sharpness and focus too. When our children are fit, India is bound to turn into a fit country. It is a behavioural change that we strive to bring about," Rijiju added.

Urging all state boards to celebrate the Fit India Week in December, PM Modi hailed the on-going Fit India Week celebrations in CBSE schools across the country. Modi said,&nbsp;"CBSE has taken a commendable initiative of introducing the concept of 'Fit India week'. I appeal to the school boards and management of all the states of the country that Fit India Week should be celebrated in every school, in the month of December."

"This will inculcate the habit of fitness in our daily routine. There are many types of events to be organized with regards to the aspect of fitness. This includes quiz, essays, articles, paintings, traditional and local sports, yogasana, dance, sports and games competitions. Students, as well as their teachers and parents, can participate in the Fit India Week," he added.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

In his 59th edition of the Mann Ki Baat radio program, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday announced the launch of 'Fit India School grading system' in schools across the country.

In his 59th edition of the Mann Ki Baat radio program, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday announced the launch of 'Fit India School grading system' in schools across the country. "In the Fit India Movement, schedules have been drawn for ranking schools in accordance with fitness. The schools that achieve this ranking will also be able to use the 'Fit India' logo and flag," Modi said. The Fit India School rankings have been divided into three categories - The Fit India Schools, which is the first level of ranking, Fit India School (3 star) and Fit India School (5 star). The level of ranking will depend on how much importance the school gives to inculcating overall fitness among its students and teachers and infrastructural facilities available for fitness activities. "Schools can declare themselves as fit by visiting the Fit India portal. Fit India three-star and Fit India five-star ratings will also be given. I appeal that all schools should enroll in the Fit India ranking system and Fit India should become innate to our temperament. That it becomes a mass movement and bring awareness is what we must strive for," the Prime Minister said. The Fit India School ranking system has been drawn up by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in discussion with the Ministry of Human Resource Development. Speaking about the importance of the ranking system, Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Kiren Rijiju said, "The ranking system will help parents understand if a school attaches importance to fitness activities or not." "Inculcating the habit to stay fit from a young age leads to children being not just physically healthy, but gives them mental sharpness and focus too. When our children are fit, India is bound to turn into a fit country. It is a behavioural change that we strive to bring about," Rijiju added. Urging all state boards to celebrate the Fit India Week in December, PM Modi hailed the on-going Fit India Week celebrations in CBSE schools across the country. Modi said, "CBSE has taken a commendable initiative of introducing the concept of 'Fit India week'. I appeal to the school boards and management of all the states of the country that Fit India Week should be celebrated in every school, in the month of December." "This will inculcate the habit of fitness in our daily routine. There are many types of events to be organized with regards to the aspect of fitness. This includes quiz, essays, articles, paintings, traditional and local sports, yogasana, dance, sports and games competitions. Students, as well as their teachers and parents, can participate in the Fit India Week," he added.

Mann Ki Baat: PM Modi announces launch of 'Fit India School rankings'

In his 59th edition of the radio program 'Mann Ki Baat', Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said he hopes that 'Constitution Day' reinforces obligation towards upholding the constitutional ideals and values.

"I hope that the 'Constitution Day' reinforces our obligation towards upholding the constitutional ideals and values thus contributing to nation-building. After all, this was the dream of the makers of our Constitution," Modi said during the radio address.

"My dear countrymen, November 26 is Constitution Day and it is a special day for the whole country," he underlined.

"This year it is even more special as we will be completing 70 years of the adoption of the Constitution," Modi said.

"Our Constitution guards the rights and dignity of every citizen which has been ensured owing to the farsightedness of its architects," he added.

In his 59th edition of the radio program 'Mann Ki Baat', Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said he hopes that 'Constitution Day' reinforces obligation towards upholding the constitutional ideals and values.

In his 59th edition of the radio program 'Mann Ki Baat', Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said he hopes that 'Constitution Day' reinforces obligation towards upholding the constitutional ideals and values. "I hope that the 'Constitution Day' reinforces our obligation towards upholding the constitutional ideals and values thus contributing to nation-building. After all, this was the dream of the makers of our Constitution," Modi said during the radio address. "My dear countrymen, November 26 is Constitution Day and it is a special day for the whole country," he underlined. "This year it is even more special as we will be completing 70 years of the adoption of the Constitution," Modi said. "Our Constitution guards the rights and dignity of every citizen which has been ensured owing to the farsightedness of its architects," he added.

Hope 'Constitution Day' reinforces obligation towards upholding constitutional ideas, values: PM Modi

In the 59th edition of his monthly radio address 'Mann ki Baat' on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi outlined the issue of plastic waste flooding the water bodies and narrated an example of how a large amount of such waste was cleaned by a group of motivated scuba divers.

He also stated that a plastic-free India could be an example for the whole world.

"I was reading a story about a group of scuba divers in Vishakhapatnam, who were returning towards the seashore on Mangamaripeta beach when they encountered several plastic bottles and pouches in the water," he said.

He stated that after considering the situation as very serious, the group of divers started an initiative to clean out the garbage from the water bodies.

"In around two weeks, they took out nearly 4000 kg of plastic waste from the water," he said.

The Prime Minister further added that this small initiative was slowly becoming a large movement, which has already garnered the support of the local people and fishermen.

He also urged the citizens to take inspiration from the group of scuba divers and start getting rid of plastic waste from their surroundings.

"If we resolve to eliminate plastic waste from our own surroundings, a plastic-free India will be possible, that can set an example before the entire world," he added.

In the 59th edition of his monthly radio address 'Mann ki Baat' on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi outlined the issue of plastic waste flooding the water bodies and narrated an example of how a large amount of such waste was cleaned by a group of motivated scuba divers.

In the 59th edition of his monthly radio address 'Mann ki Baat' on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi outlined the issue of plastic waste flooding the water bodies and narrated an example of how a large amount of such waste was cleaned by a group of motivated scuba divers. He also stated that a plastic-free India could be an example for the whole world. "I was reading a story about a group of scuba divers in Vishakhapatnam, who were returning towards the seashore on Mangamaripeta beach when they encountered several plastic bottles and pouches in the water," he said. He stated that after considering the situation as very serious, the group of divers started an initiative to clean out the garbage from the water bodies. "In around two weeks, they took out nearly 4000 kg of plastic waste from the water," he said. The Prime Minister further added that this small initiative was slowly becoming a large movement, which has already garnered the support of the local people and fishermen. He also urged the citizens to take inspiration from the group of scuba divers and start getting rid of plastic waste from their surroundings. "If we resolve to eliminate plastic waste from our own surroundings, a plastic-free India will be possible, that can set an example before the entire world," he added.

PM Modi lauds scuba divers for cleaning plastic waste from deep sea

In dramatic developments on Saturday, Bharatiya Janata Party's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/devendra-fadnavis-takes-oath-as-maharashtra-chief-minister-ajit-pawar-as-deputy-cm-263978">Devendra Fadnavis took oath as Maharashtra Chief Minister</a> for the second consecutive term.

Responding to a congratulatory message by Prime Minister Narendra Modi&nbsp;on Twitter, Fadnavis said,&nbsp;he is "looking forward of taking the state to greater heights"&nbsp;under the leadership of PM Modi.

"Thank you so much Hon'ble PM Narendra Modi ji! Under your guidance and leadership, we are once again looking forward to take Maharashtra to newer and greater heights!" Fadnavis tweeted while retweeting the congratulatory message posted by the Prime Minister.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Thank you so much Hon’ble PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> ji ! 
Under your guidance and leadership, we are once again looking forward to take <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Maharashtra?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Maharashtra</a> to newer and greater heights ! <a href="https://t.co/laJKhXZWFL">https://t.co/laJKhXZWFL</a>
— Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dev_Fadnavis/status/1198104484016078848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Home Minister and BJP President Amit Shah also took Twitter to congratulate Fadnavis.&nbsp;

"I am confident that this government will be continuously committed to the development and welfare of Maharashtra and will set new standards of progress in the state," Shah said.

BJP, with 105 seats, came together with the Nationalist Congress Party, which bagged 54 seats, to reach the majority mark. NCP's Ajit Pawar, nephew of NCP chief Sharad Pawar,&nbsp;took oath as Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra.

However, Sharad Pawar said that it was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-do-not-support-or-endorse-ajit-pawars-decision-to-support-bjp-sharad-pawar-on-ajit-decision-to-support-bjp-263991">Ajit's personal decision to join hands with BJP</a>.

"Ajit Pawar's decision to support the BJP to form the Maharashtra Government is his personal decision and not that of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). We place on record that we do not support or endorse this decision of his," he tweeted.

The move came at a time when deliberations between Congress, NCP, and Shiv Sena had seemingly reached the final stage on Friday. Earlier, Sharad Pawar had claimed that there was a consensus on Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray as chief minister of the alliance government.

Shiv Sena bagged 56 seats while 44 seats went to Congress in the 288-member Maharashtra Assembly.

The BJP, which emerged as the single largest party, could not stake claim to form a government as its ally Shiv Sena remained firm on rotating the Chief Minister's post and equal sharing of Cabinet berths.

Shiv Sena parted its ways with BJP to explore ways to form a government. It, however, failed to prove the support of the required number of MLAs in the time given by state Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari.

The Governor had then invited NCP, the third-largest party, to prove its ability to form the government failing which President's Rule was imposed in the state.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

In dramatic developments on Saturday, Bharatiya Janata Party's Devendra Fadnavis took oath as Maharashtra Chief Minister for the second consecutive term. Responding to a congratulatory message by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Twitter, Fadnavis said, he is "looking forward of taking the state to greater heights" under the leadership of PM Modi.

In dramatic developments on Saturday, Bharatiya Janata Party's Devendra Fadnavis took oath as Maharashtra Chief Minister for the second consecutive term. Responding to a congratulatory message by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Twitter, Fadnavis said, he is "looking forward of taking the state to greater heights" under the leadership of PM Modi. "Thank you so much Hon'ble PM Narendra Modi ji! Under your guidance and leadership, we are once again looking forward to take Maharashtra to newer and greater heights!" Fadnavis tweeted while retweeting the congratulatory message posted by the Prime Minister. Thank you so much Hon’ble PM @narendramodi ji ! Under your guidance and leadership, we are once again looking forward to take #Maharashtra to newer and greater heights ! https://t.co/laJKhXZWFL — Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) November 23, 2019 × Home Minister and BJP President Amit Shah also took Twitter to congratulate Fadnavis. "I am confident that this government will be continuously committed to the development and welfare of Maharashtra and will set new standards of progress in the state," Shah said. BJP, with 105 seats, came together with the Nationalist Congress Party, which bagged 54 seats, to reach the majority mark. NCP's Ajit Pawar, nephew of NCP chief Sharad Pawar, took oath as Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra. However, Sharad Pawar said that it was Ajit's personal decision to join hands with BJP. "Ajit Pawar's decision to support the BJP to form the Maharashtra Government is his personal decision and not that of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). We place on record that we do not support or endorse this decision of his," he tweeted. The move came at a time when deliberations between Congress, NCP, and Shiv Sena had seemingly reached the final stage on Friday. Earlier, Sharad Pawar had claimed that there was a consensus on Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray as chief minister of the alliance government. Shiv Sena bagged 56 seats while 44 seats went to Congress in the 288-member Maharashtra Assembly. The BJP, which emerged as the single largest party, could not stake claim to form a government as its ally Shiv Sena remained firm on rotating the Chief Minister's post and equal sharing of Cabinet berths. Shiv Sena parted its ways with BJP to explore ways to form a government. It, however, failed to prove the support of the required number of MLAs in the time given by state Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari. The Governor had then invited NCP, the third-largest party, to prove its ability to form the government failing which President's Rule was imposed in the state. (With inputs from agencies)

Looking towards taking Maharashtra to greater heights under PM Modi's leadership: Fadnavis

Almost 22 per cent of underground water resources in the country have either dried up or fall in the critical category, Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said on Friday, adding that his government has initiated work on mapping all the aquifers in the country for their better management.

Speaking at an event here, Shekhawat said that his government is committed to complete the mapping of all the aquifers (groundwater resources) in the country by the next two years, while work on mapping the aquifers in the critically exploited districts is aimed to be completed by March 2020.

"Of the total number of underground water resources in India, almost 22 per cent of them are either dried up or on the verge of drying up, they are critically exploited. My government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken up an initiative to map the aquifers," Shekhawat said.

"We have covered almost a million square kilometres of aquifer mapping and we are committed to complete it by the next two years, and we have further amended our commitment to complete the mapping of aquifers by next March for the exploited districts and areas," he added.

Shekhawat made the remark following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) and Australia's MARVI (Managing Aquifer Recharge and Sustaining Groundwater Use through Village-level Intervention).

 
&nbsp;

Almost 22 per cent of underground water resources in the country have either dried up or fall in the critical category, Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said on Friday, adding that his government has initiated work on mapping all the aquifers in the country for their better management.

Almost 22 per cent of underground water resources in the country have either dried up or fall in the critical category, Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said on Friday, adding that his government has initiated work on mapping all the aquifers in the country for their better management. Speaking at an event here, Shekhawat said that his government is committed to complete the mapping of all the aquifers (groundwater resources) in the country by the next two years, while work on mapping the aquifers in the critically exploited districts is aimed to be completed by March 2020. "Of the total number of underground water resources in India, almost 22 per cent of them are either dried up or on the verge of drying up, they are critically exploited. My government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken up an initiative to map the aquifers," Shekhawat said. "We have covered almost a million square kilometres of aquifer mapping and we are committed to complete it by the next two years, and we have further amended our commitment to complete the mapping of aquifers by next March for the exploited districts and areas," he added. Shekhawat made the remark following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) and Australia's MARVI (Managing Aquifer Recharge and Sustaining Groundwater Use through Village-level Intervention).

22% underground water resources dried up or in critical category: Jal Shakti Minister Shekhawat

Who says silence is not golden in Indian politics? Just a few hours ago, when it seemed that the Shiv Sena, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and the Congress had all but stitched together a fragile alliance to form a government in Maharashtra, people woke up from slumber to a new reality and a new government. Political pundits failed to read the mistaken silence of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) since Devendra Fadnavis resigned as chief minister following the collapse of talks with its oldest alliance partner, the Shiv Sena, in the aftermath of a hung assembly after elections. The BJP master strategists led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah were secretly at work without even giving an iota of hint what was cooking.

The Indian media jumped the gun and rushed to anoint NCP chief Sharad Pawar as the modern-day Chanakya for succeeding in cajoling the Congress to join what critics termed as an "unthinkable and unprincipled alliance". But it was the real Chanakya Amit Shah who sprang a surprise by breaking in Pawar's own party. In fact, it was the Sena which was very apprehensive of the BJP's attempts of horse-trading and poaching of its newly-elected MLAs and had, therefore, huddled them to the safe environs of the Congress-ruled Rajasthan. But none had the inkling of the BJP's masterstroke that it could strike at the heart of the NCP and wean away Pawar's nephew Ajit Pawar.&nbsp;

As things stand, it is now almost certain that Ajit will walk out on his parent party with more than 18 MLAs to avoid anti-defection law either by forming a new party or merging the entire block with the BJP. The BJP, which fell short of 40 seats in the 288-member house, will also need the support of some smaller parties and independents, some of them BJP rebels, to prove majority. That the BJP has already done its homework by enlisting their support is a foregone conclusion.

In the latest twist of turns, the chief protagonist Sharad Pawar, who had almost scripted an unimaginable story of bringing the two warring parties Shiv Sena and Congress together, has been left red-faced. Never in his dreams could he have imagined that his nephew would do a Vibhishana to him! But it is surprising that the Maratha strongman, who himself had been giving conflicting signals to the media in recent days regarding the government formation, could not read the riot act.

That all was not well between the uncle and nephew was not a hidden secret. Sharad Pawar’s ambition of promoting his daughter Supriya Sule at the expense of his nephew never went down well with the latter. The early signs of the rift appeared in 2009 when Sharad Pawar appointed Chhagan Bhujbal as the deputy chief minister in the Ashok Chavan-led government after the Congress and NCP swept the polls. Miffed by Sharad Pawar’s decision to cut him to size, Ajit showed up his clout when he secured the support of a majority of the NCP MLAs a year later forcing his uncle to instate him as the deputy chief minister replacing Bhujbal. Since then, Ajit has been working to come out of the shadow of his dominant uncle.

Early this year, Ajit took some political positions which did not gel with the official policy of the NCP. Not only did he support the Modi government’s decision to abrogate the controversial Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir, he went on to demand that Pakistan-occupied Kashmir should also be made a part of India.

What surprises the most is that the senior Pawar did not even get a whiff of his nephew's designs who was at the helm of the talks along with him leading to an almost certain Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress government! Till a month-and-a-half ago, Ajit must have endeared himself to his uncle after he resigned as an MLA after Sharad Pawar’s name got embroiled in the 25,000 crore rupee Maharashtra State Cooperative Bank scam saying he was perturbed over the allegations against the latter. He also owed his deputy chief ministership to his uncle then.

But, as they say, politics is a strange game like cricket where fortunes change in just a matter of time. The same thing happened in Maharashtra. While Uddhav Thackeray, Sharad Pawar and Sonia Gandhi might be ruing for taking their own sweet time to firm up the alliance, the Modi-Shah duo should be commended for thumbing the nose of the opposition and walking away with the trophy. For, everything is fair in love and war. And this was Maharashtra, the second largest state after Uttar Pradesh which sends maximum MPs to the Lok Sabha, where political stakes are very high for all the parties.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.) 
&nbsp;

Who says silence is not golden in Indian politics? Just a few hours ago, when it seemed that the Shiv Sena, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and the Congress had all but stitched together a fragile alliance to form a government in Maharashtra, people woke up from slumber to a new reality and a new government.

Who says silence is not golden in Indian politics? Just a few hours ago, when it seemed that the Shiv Sena, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and the Congress had all but stitched together a fragile alliance to form a government in Maharashtra, people woke up from slumber to a new reality and a new government. Political pundits failed to read the mistaken silence of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) since Devendra Fadnavis resigned as chief minister following the collapse of talks with its oldest alliance partner, the Shiv Sena, in the aftermath of a hung assembly after elections. The BJP master strategists led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah were secretly at work without even giving an iota of hint what was cooking. The Indian media jumped the gun and rushed to anoint NCP chief Sharad Pawar as the modern-day Chanakya for succeeding in cajoling the Congress to join what critics termed as an "unthinkable and unprincipled alliance". But it was the real Chanakya Amit Shah who sprang a surprise by breaking in Pawar's own party. In fact, it was the Sena which was very apprehensive of the BJP's attempts of horse-trading and poaching of its newly-elected MLAs and had, therefore, huddled them to the safe environs of the Congress-ruled Rajasthan. But none had the inkling of the BJP's masterstroke that it could strike at the heart of the NCP and wean away Pawar's nephew Ajit Pawar. As things stand, it is now almost certain that Ajit will walk out on his parent party with more than 18 MLAs to avoid anti-defection law either by forming a new party or merging the entire block with the BJP. The BJP, which fell short of 40 seats in the 288-member house, will also need the support of some smaller parties and independents, some of them BJP rebels, to prove majority. That the BJP has already done its homework by enlisting their support is a foregone conclusion. In the latest twist of turns, the chief protagonist Sharad Pawar, who had almost scripted an unimaginable story of bringing the two warring parties Shiv Sena and Congress together, has been left red-faced. Never in his dreams could he have imagined that his nephew would do a Vibhishana to him! But it is surprising that the Maratha strongman, who himself had been giving conflicting signals to the media in recent days regarding the government formation, could not read the riot act. That all was not well between the uncle and nephew was not a hidden secret. Sharad Pawar’s ambition of promoting his daughter Supriya Sule at the expense of his nephew never went down well with the latter. The early signs of the rift appeared in 2009 when Sharad Pawar appointed Chhagan Bhujbal as the deputy chief minister in the Ashok Chavan-led government after the Congress and NCP swept the polls. Miffed by Sharad Pawar’s decision to cut him to size, Ajit showed up his clout when he secured the support of a majority of the NCP MLAs a year later forcing his uncle to instate him as the deputy chief minister replacing Bhujbal. Since then, Ajit has been working to come out of the shadow of his dominant uncle. Early this year, Ajit took some political positions which did not gel with the official policy of the NCP. Not only did he support the Modi government’s decision to abrogate the controversial Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir, he went on to demand that Pakistan-occupied Kashmir should also be made a part of India. What surprises the most is that the senior Pawar did not even get a whiff of his nephew's designs who was at the helm of the talks along with him leading to an almost certain Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress government! Till a month-and-a-half ago, Ajit must have endeared himself to his uncle after he resigned as an MLA after Sharad Pawar’s name got embroiled in the 25,000 crore rupee Maharashtra State Cooperative Bank scam saying he was perturbed over the allegations against the latter. He also owed his deputy chief ministership to his uncle then. But, as they say, politics is a strange game like cricket where fortunes change in just a matter of time. The same thing happened in Maharashtra. While Uddhav Thackeray, Sharad Pawar and Sonia Gandhi might be ruing for taking their own sweet time to firm up the alliance, the Modi-Shah duo should be commended for thumbing the nose of the opposition and walking away with the trophy. For, everything is fair in love and war. And this was Maharashtra, the second largest state after Uttar Pradesh which sends maximum MPs to the Lok Sabha, where political stakes are very high for all the parties. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

A coup in Maharashtra politics

Lok Sabha speaker, OM Birla on Friday all MPs to take a pledge against&nbsp;single-use plastic as he said that "if the MPs of India take this resolution then the message will be spread among 130 crore people of our country."

Speaking in the lower house of the Parliament, OM Birla said, "This House represents 130 crore people and I think the entire House will agree with the fact that single-use plastic should be stopped. If the MPs of India take this resolution then the message will be spread among 130 crore people of our country."

Extending his support to the idea, environment minister Prakash Javadekar lauded the proposal.&nbsp;

The latest appeal by Lok Sabha Speaker comes a day after, Kerala Government decided to ban the manufacturing, sale and storage of single-use plastic products from January 1, 2020.

As per the decision, plastic manufacturers, wholesalers and small sellers who violate the law can be fined Rs 10,000 for the first time and Rs 25,000 for violating the law again.

Concerns are growing worldwide about plastic pollution, with a particular focus on the oceans, where nearly 50 per cent of single-use plastic products end up, killing marine life and entering the human food chain, studies show.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his Independence Day speech had called on countrymen to shun single-use plastic such as cups, straws, plastic bags.

A pan India ban was also proposed but the plans have been delayed for next year after considering its impact on industries who are heavily dependent on single-use plastic.

The European Union plans to ban single-use plastic items such as straws, forks, knives and cotton buds by 2021.

China's commercial hub of Shanghai is gradually reining in use of single-use plastics in catering, and its island province of Hainan has already vowed to completely eliminate single-use plastic by 2025.

Lok Sabha speaker, OM Birla on Friday all MPs to take a pledge against single-use plastic as he said that "if the MPs of India take this resolution then the message will be spread among 130 crore people of our country.

Lok Sabha speaker, OM Birla on Friday all MPs to take a pledge against single-use plastic as he said that "if the MPs of India take this resolution then the message will be spread among 130 crore people of our country." Speaking in the lower house of the Parliament, OM Birla said, "This House represents 130 crore people and I think the entire House will agree with the fact that single-use plastic should be stopped. If the MPs of India take this resolution then the message will be spread among 130 crore people of our country." Extending his support to the idea, environment minister Prakash Javadekar lauded the proposal. The latest appeal by Lok Sabha Speaker comes a day after, Kerala Government decided to ban the manufacturing, sale and storage of single-use plastic products from January 1, 2020. As per the decision, plastic manufacturers, wholesalers and small sellers who violate the law can be fined Rs 10,000 for the first time and Rs 25,000 for violating the law again. Concerns are growing worldwide about plastic pollution, with a particular focus on the oceans, where nearly 50 per cent of single-use plastic products end up, killing marine life and entering the human food chain, studies show. Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his Independence Day speech had called on countrymen to shun single-use plastic such as cups, straws, plastic bags. A pan India ban was also proposed but the plans have been delayed for next year after considering its impact on industries who are heavily dependent on single-use plastic. The European Union plans to ban single-use plastic items such as straws, forks, knives and cotton buds by 2021. China's commercial hub of Shanghai is gradually reining in use of single-use plastics in catering, and its island province of Hainan has already vowed to completely eliminate single-use plastic by 2025.

In bid to encourage people, Lok Sabha Speaker asks all MPs to shun single-use plastic

Bangladesh Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/road-in-bangladeshi-city-to-be-named-after-prime-minister-sheikh-hasina-257162">Sheikh Hasina </a>will be in India on Friday&nbsp;to watch the first day of the day/night&nbsp;Test between India and Bangladesh that will be played at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

On the sidelines of 'pink-ball' Test&nbsp;match, the Bangladesh premier will also hold one-to-one "courtesy meeting" with state Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. However, the focus of the discussion has not be disclosed yet.

"Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will be coming to the city to watch the day and night India-Bangladesh cricket Test match. Apart from being present at the grounds during the inauguration and felicitation programme, we (Hasina and herself) will also have a one-on-one courtesy meeting at 6pm," Banerjee told reporters.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had extended an invitation to PM Hasina last month to attend the historic day/night Test match, which will be played with a pink ball.

On Friday, a special flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines carrying the Bangladesh Prime Minister and her entourage will depart from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) in Dhaka at 10 am (local time). The plane will land at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata at 10:25 am.

After the ceremonial programs at the airport, the prime minister will go to Hotel Taj Bengal Kolkata where she will be staying during this short visit.

Later, the premier along with the&nbsp;Banerjee will go to the Eden Gardens Stadium and ring the ceremonial bell at about 12:30 pm.

After watching the first session of the second Test match, Hasina will return to the hotel.

After the end of the first day's play, the premier will attend a small cultural program followed by a felicitation program arranged by the Cricket Association of Bengal(CAB) at Eden Gardens Stadium.

Hasina will then leave for Dhaka at 10 pm.

(With inputs from agencies)

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will be in India on Friday to watch the first day of the day/night Test between India and Bangladesh that will be played at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will be in India on Friday to watch the first day of the day/night Test between India and Bangladesh that will be played at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. On the sidelines of 'pink-ball' Test match, the Bangladesh premier will also hold one-to-one "courtesy meeting" with state Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. However, the focus of the discussion has not be disclosed yet. "Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will be coming to the city to watch the day and night India-Bangladesh cricket Test match. Apart from being present at the grounds during the inauguration and felicitation programme, we (Hasina and herself) will also have a one-on-one courtesy meeting at 6pm," Banerjee told reporters. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had extended an invitation to PM Hasina last month to attend the historic day/night Test match, which will be played with a pink ball. On Friday, a special flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines carrying the Bangladesh Prime Minister and her entourage will depart from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) in Dhaka at 10 am (local time). The plane will land at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata at 10:25 am. After the ceremonial programs at the airport, the prime minister will go to Hotel Taj Bengal Kolkata where she will be staying during this short visit. Later, the premier along with the Banerjee will go to the Eden Gardens Stadium and ring the ceremonial bell at about 12:30 pm. After watching the first session of the second Test match, Hasina will return to the hotel. After the end of the first day's play, the premier will attend a small cultural program followed by a felicitation program arranged by the Cricket Association of Bengal(CAB) at Eden Gardens Stadium. Hasina will then leave for Dhaka at 10 pm. (With inputs from agencies)

In 'cricket diplomacy', Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina, CM Mamta Banerjee to meet on sidelines of 'pink ball' Test in Kolkata

Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Finland for strengthening cooperation in the tourism sector.

The MoU seeks to establish the basis for a cooperative relationship to encourage and promote successful bilateral cooperation in the field of tourism, sharing data, knowledge, expertise in the field of tourism.

The two countries will also be sharing experiences in making policies, regulation and standards in planning, implementation and development of tourism policy.

It also aims at "facilitating the identification and expansion of joint projects, pilots and partnerships between companies and organisations through visits, meetings, workshops, co-creation sessions and site evaluations", an official release said.

India and Finland will also be exchanging best practices through workshops and study visits for experts of the two countries on cooperation.

"India and Finland have enjoyed a strong diplomatic and long economic relationship. The two parties now desiring to strengthen and further develop the established relationship have signed an MoU between the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, Government for Finland for strengthening cooperation in the field of tourism," the government said.

It further said that Finland is one of the emerging inbound source markets for India.

"In 2018, 21,239 Finnish tourists visited India. The signing of MoU with Finland will be instrumental in increasing arrival from this source market," it said.

The meeting of the Union Cabinet was chaired by Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sharad-pawar-meets-pm-narendra-modi-to-discuss-farmer-crisis-in-maharashtra-263410">Narendra Modi</a> here.

Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Finland for strengthening cooperation in the tourism sector. The MoU seeks to establish the basis for a cooperative relationship to encourage and promote successful bilateral cooperation in the field of tourism, sharing data, knowledge, expertise in the field of tourism.

Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Finland for strengthening cooperation in the tourism sector. The MoU seeks to establish the basis for a cooperative relationship to encourage and promote successful bilateral cooperation in the field of tourism, sharing data, knowledge, expertise in the field of tourism. The two countries will also be sharing experiences in making policies, regulation and standards in planning, implementation and development of tourism policy. It also aims at "facilitating the identification and expansion of joint projects, pilots and partnerships between companies and organisations through visits, meetings, workshops, co-creation sessions and site evaluations", an official release said. India and Finland will also be exchanging best practices through workshops and study visits for experts of the two countries on cooperation. "India and Finland have enjoyed a strong diplomatic and long economic relationship. The two parties now desiring to strengthen and further develop the established relationship have signed an MoU between the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, Government for Finland for strengthening cooperation in the field of tourism," the government said. It further said that Finland is one of the emerging inbound source markets for India. "In 2018, 21,239 Finnish tourists visited India. The signing of MoU with Finland will be instrumental in increasing arrival from this source market," it said. The meeting of the Union Cabinet was chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi here.

Union Cabinet approves MoU with Finland in tourism

India&nbsp;has agreed to&nbsp;sell&nbsp;stakes in five&nbsp;state-run companies, including oil refiner&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/sensex-closes-in-the-green-at-40345-nifty-bank-gains-by-12-per-cent-261425">Bharat&nbsp;Petroleum&nbsp;Corp </a>(BPCL), finance minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-state-run-banks-report-frauds-of-more-than-13-billion-in-six-months-finance-minister-263160">Nirmala Sitharaman </a>said on Wednesday, a move that could help bridge a widening fiscal gap.

Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/aap-protests-in-parliament-demands-inclusion-of-bill-on-unauthorised-colonies-in-winter-session-263360">Narendra Modi</a>'s government has also approved the sale of holdings in logistics firm Container Corp of&nbsp;India&nbsp;Ltd and Shipping Corp of&nbsp;India, Sitharaman told reporters after a cabinet meeting.

India&nbsp;has set a target of raising 1.05 trillion rupees ($14.6 billion) through the sale of&nbsp;state&nbsp;stakes in companies by March 2020. It has reached 173.64 billion rupees since April by&nbsp;selling minority&nbsp;stakes in government companies.

Watch: Indian government to&nbsp;divest stake in BPCL&nbsp;

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The government owns 63.75 per cent&nbsp;of Shipping Corp and a&nbsp;stake&nbsp;of 53.29 per cent&nbsp;in&nbsp;India's second-biggest&nbsp;state&nbsp;refiner BPCL, which industry sources estimate could fetch $8 billion to $10 billion.

Sitharaman said management control of BPCL's subsidiary, Numaligarh Refinery Ltd (NRL), in the eastern&nbsp;Indian&nbsp;state&nbsp;of Assam, will be given to another oil company for consolidation.

India, which has already announced a plan to&nbsp;sell&nbsp;national carrier Air&nbsp;India, faces tax shortfalls of around 2 trillion rupees in the current fiscal year, making the&nbsp;stake&nbsp;sales critical to relieving the deficit.

Modi's government has set a fiscal deficit target of 3.3 per cent&nbsp;of gross domestic product (GDP) for the current year, but economists and government sources say this is likely to slip to around 3.8 per cent.

New Delhi also plans to&nbsp;offload&nbsp;stakes in Tehri Hydro Development Corporation&nbsp;India&nbsp;Ltd (THDCIL) and North Eastern Electric Power Corp Ltd (NEEPCO), which the government plans to hand over to&nbsp;state-run power producer NTPC.

India&nbsp;plans to invite international energy firms to participate in the privatisation of&nbsp;state-owned oil companies, oil minister Dharmendra Pradhan said last week.

Separately, the cabinet approved the import of 1.2 million tonnes of onions to curb local price rises, as well as a two-year moratorium for telecom companies to pay their spectrum dues.

India has agreed to sell stakes in five state-run companies, including oil refiner Bharat Petroleum Corp (BPCL), finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Wednesday, a move that could help bridge a widening fiscal gap.

India has agreed to sell stakes in five state-run companies, including oil refiner Bharat Petroleum Corp (BPCL), finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Wednesday, a move that could help bridge a widening fiscal gap. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government has also approved the sale of holdings in logistics firm Container Corp of India Ltd and Shipping Corp of India, Sitharaman told reporters after a cabinet meeting. India has set a target of raising 1.05 trillion rupees ($14.6 billion) through the sale of state stakes in companies by March 2020. It has reached 173.64 billion rupees since April by selling minority stakes in government companies. Watch: Indian government to divest stake in BPCL The government owns 63.75 per cent of Shipping Corp and a stake of 53.29 per cent in India's second-biggest state refiner BPCL, which industry sources estimate could fetch $8 billion to $10 billion. Sitharaman said management control of BPCL's subsidiary, Numaligarh Refinery Ltd (NRL), in the eastern Indian state of Assam, will be given to another oil company for consolidation. India, which has already announced a plan to sell national carrier Air India, faces tax shortfalls of around 2 trillion rupees in the current fiscal year, making the stake sales critical to relieving the deficit. Modi's government has set a fiscal deficit target of 3.3 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) for the current year, but economists and government sources say this is likely to slip to around 3.8 per cent. New Delhi also plans to offload stakes in Tehri Hydro Development Corporation India Ltd (THDCIL) and North Eastern Electric Power Corp Ltd (NEEPCO), which the government plans to hand over to state-run power producer NTPC. India plans to invite international energy firms to participate in the privatisation of state-owned oil companies, oil minister Dharmendra Pradhan said last week. Separately, the cabinet approved the import of 1.2 million tonnes of onions to curb local price rises, as well as a two-year moratorium for telecom companies to pay their spectrum dues.

India to offload Bharat Petroleum in state stake sell-off

Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/narendra-modi-government-20-must-focus-on-fixing-indias-economy-263158">Narendra Modi</a> will address the Accountants General and Deputy Accountants General Conclave in Delhi today.

Additionally, he will also unveil a statue of Mahatma Gandhi before his speech.

The theme of the conclave is "Transforming Audit and Assurance in a Digital World".

Watch: PM Modi addresses 250th session of Parliament's Upper House

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pm-modi-addresses-in-the-250th-session-of-the-upper-house-of-parliament-262899/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Panel discussions and group discussions are to be held to discuss ways to transform the department into a technology-led organisation, given how Government is increasingly being data-driven in today's fast-changing policy and governance environment," read an official statement.

It is being held to consolidate experience and learning, and chart out the path of Indian Audit and Accounts Department for the next few years.

"Efforts are also on to institutionalize knowledge base, leverage IT-based platform to curate knowledge resources and develop anytime, anywhere learning and IT-based toolkits for auditors. In the last few years the Indian Audit and Accounts Department has moved towards transforming audit to meet challenges in the new age, technology-driven India," the statement added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the Accountants General and Deputy Accountants General Conclave in Delhi today. Additionally, he will also unveil a statue of Mahatma Gandhi before his speech.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the Accountants General and Deputy Accountants General Conclave in Delhi today. Additionally, he will also unveil a statue of Mahatma Gandhi before his speech. The theme of the conclave is "Transforming Audit and Assurance in a Digital World". Watch: PM Modi addresses 250th session of Parliament's Upper House "Panel discussions and group discussions are to be held to discuss ways to transform the department into a technology-led organisation, given how Government is increasingly being data-driven in today's fast-changing policy and governance environment," read an official statement. It is being held to consolidate experience and learning, and chart out the path of Indian Audit and Accounts Department for the next few years. "Efforts are also on to institutionalize knowledge base, leverage IT-based platform to curate knowledge resources and develop anytime, anywhere learning and IT-based toolkits for auditors. In the last few years the Indian Audit and Accounts Department has moved towards transforming audit to meet challenges in the new age, technology-driven India," the statement added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address conclave of accountants in Delhi today

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said the Centre's aim is to make evidence-based policy-making an integral part of governance by the year 2022.

"Our aim is to make evidence-based policy-making an integral part of governance by the year 2022. It will also help in creating a new identity of New India. So is the right phase for the transformation of audit and assurance sector. Now CAG also has to move towards CAG 2.0," said Modi.

Prime Minister Modi, who was addressing the Accountants General and Deputy Accountants General conclave, said, "The responsibility of the CAG is crucial as it plays an important role in keeping the economic conduct of the country and society sacred. And therefore you have high expectations."

He further said that "today, as India is moving towards becoming an economic power of 5 trillion dollars, your role is also important in that. Because what you do will directly affect the efficiency of the government, the decision making and policymaking of the government."

"This organisation is not limited to just statistics and process, but really has to come forward as a catalyst of good governance. You are seriously following the suggestion of making CAG, CAG Plus, it is a pleasure," he added.

"Today all stakeholders want accurate audits so that they can execute their plans properly, but they also don't want the audit process to take a lot of time," added Prime Minister Modi.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said the Centre's aim is to make evidence-based policy-making an integral part of governance by the year 2022. "Our aim is to make evidence-based policy-making an integral part of governance by the year 2022.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said the Centre's aim is to make evidence-based policy-making an integral part of governance by the year 2022. "Our aim is to make evidence-based policy-making an integral part of governance by the year 2022. It will also help in creating a new identity of New India. So is the right phase for the transformation of audit and assurance sector. Now CAG also has to move towards CAG 2.0," said Modi. Prime Minister Modi, who was addressing the Accountants General and Deputy Accountants General conclave, said, "The responsibility of the CAG is crucial as it plays an important role in keeping the economic conduct of the country and society sacred. And therefore you have high expectations." He further said that "today, as India is moving towards becoming an economic power of 5 trillion dollars, your role is also important in that. Because what you do will directly affect the efficiency of the government, the decision making and policymaking of the government." "This organisation is not limited to just statistics and process, but really has to come forward as a catalyst of good governance. You are seriously following the suggestion of making CAG, CAG Plus, it is a pleasure," he added. "Today all stakeholders want accurate audits so that they can execute their plans properly, but they also don't want the audit process to take a lot of time," added Prime Minister Modi.

Our aim is to make evidence-based policy-making integral part of governance by 2022: PM Modi

Corruption charges against&nbsp;Sri&nbsp;Lankan president <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/gotabaya-rajapaksa-names-brother-mahinda-as-sri-lanka-pm-spokesperson-263441">Gotabaya Rajapaksa</a> were dropped Thursday by a court, which handed his passport back as he acquired immunity from prosecution after being elected last weekend.

Under&nbsp;Sri&nbsp;Lanka's constitution, no court proceedings can be maintained against a serving president. However, action could be taken after he leaves office.

The High Court had indicted Rajapaksa in September last year on charges of siphoning off 33 million rupees (around $185,000) in state funds to build a memorial for his parents.

The court also released his passport which had been impounded, allowing him to make his first overseas trip as president to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sri-lankas-newly-elected-president-accepts-pm-modis-invitation-to-visit-india-on-november-29-263217">India next week</a> at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Rajapaksa was being tried before a special court established by the former government to expedite high-profile corruption cases. Rajapaksa, 70, had pleaded not guilty.

Six others were also charged along with Rajapaksa and their fate will be decided when the case is taken up for a hearing on January 9, the court said.

Official sources said Rajapaksa was also entitled to claim foreign sovereign immunity in respect to two civil cases filed against him in California for allegedly causing the death of a senior newspaper editor and torture.

He has denied responsibility for the killing of anti-establishment editor Lasantha Wickrematunge in 2009 and torturing suspects when he headed the defence ministry under brother Mahinda's presidency between 2005 and 2015.

Wickrematunge was murdered days before he was due to testify in a defamation case brought by Gotabaya Rajapaksa after his paper accused him of corruption in a deal to buy MiG jets from Ukraine.

Rajapaksa was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/gotabaya-rajapaksa-sworn-in-as-sri-lankan-new-president-262851">elected president</a> on Saturday and was due later Thursday to swear in his brother Mahinda as prime minister.

Corruption charges against Sri Lankan president Gotabaya Rajapaksa were dropped Thursday by a court, which handed his passport back as he acquired immunity from prosecution after being elected last weekend.

Corruption charges against Sri Lankan president Gotabaya Rajapaksa were dropped Thursday by a court, which handed his passport back as he acquired immunity from prosecution after being elected last weekend. Under Sri Lanka's constitution, no court proceedings can be maintained against a serving president. However, action could be taken after he leaves office. The High Court had indicted Rajapaksa in September last year on charges of siphoning off 33 million rupees (around $185,000) in state funds to build a memorial for his parents. The court also released his passport which had been impounded, allowing him to make his first overseas trip as president to India next week at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Rajapaksa was being tried before a special court established by the former government to expedite high-profile corruption cases. Rajapaksa, 70, had pleaded not guilty. Six others were also charged along with Rajapaksa and their fate will be decided when the case is taken up for a hearing on January 9, the court said. Official sources said Rajapaksa was also entitled to claim foreign sovereign immunity in respect to two civil cases filed against him in California for allegedly causing the death of a senior newspaper editor and torture. He has denied responsibility for the killing of anti-establishment editor Lasantha Wickrematunge in 2009 and torturing suspects when he headed the defence ministry under brother Mahinda's presidency between 2005 and 2015. Wickrematunge was murdered days before he was due to testify in a defamation case brought by Gotabaya Rajapaksa after his paper accused him of corruption in a deal to buy MiG jets from Ukraine. Rajapaksa was elected president on Saturday and was due later Thursday to swear in his brother Mahinda as prime minister.

Charges dropped against immune new Sri Lanka president

On the fourth day of Parliament's winter session, opposition members raised slogans in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/petition-in-supreme-court-seeks-probe-into-lok-sabha-election-results-263431">Lok Sabha</a> during Question Hour, prompting <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-gives-suspension-of-business-notice-over-downgrade-in-security-cover-263294">Speaker Om Birla</a> to intervene saying that the dignity of the House should be maintained.

"It is our duty to maintain the dignity of the House. Please do not come to the well of the house. I have always given all a chance for debate and discussion," Birla told the protesting members who came near the Speaker's podium soon after the start of day's session and were raising slogans.

On Tuesday, Birla had warned members that he will be forced to take action if they try to address the chair while protesting from the well of the House.

The Speaker said there might have been instances earlier of members speaking to the Chair from the well of the House.

"If it happens after today, I will be forced to take action," he said. 
 
Ahead of the winter session, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/prime-minister-narendra-modi-to-address-conclave-of-accountants-in-delhi-today-263523">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> had on Monday said that the session is an important one as it is the last in this year and all lawmakers should contribute to enriching the discussions.

Talking about the need to have a "frank discussion" in the Parliament, the Prime Minister said, "It is important that there should be quality debates, there should be dialogue and discussions and everyone should contribute to enriching discussions in the Parliament.

On the fourth day of Parliament's winter session, opposition members raised slogans in the Lok Sabha during Question Hour, prompting Speaker Om Birla to intervene saying that the dignity of the House should be maintained.

On the fourth day of Parliament's winter session, opposition members raised slogans in the Lok Sabha during Question Hour, prompting Speaker Om Birla to intervene saying that the dignity of the House should be maintained. "It is our duty to maintain the dignity of the House. Please do not come to the well of the house. I have always given all a chance for debate and discussion," Birla told the protesting members who came near the Speaker's podium soon after the start of day's session and were raising slogans. On Tuesday, Birla had warned members that he will be forced to take action if they try to address the chair while protesting from the well of the House. The Speaker said there might have been instances earlier of members speaking to the Chair from the well of the House. "If it happens after today, I will be forced to take action," he said. Ahead of the winter session, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had on Monday said that the session is an important one as it is the last in this year and all lawmakers should contribute to enriching the discussions. Talking about the need to have a "frank discussion" in the Parliament, the Prime Minister said, "It is important that there should be quality debates, there should be dialogue and discussions and everyone should contribute to enriching discussions in the Parliament.

Maintain dignity of the house: Lok Sabha Speaker warns opposition MPs

The 14th <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/japanese-pm-shinzo-abe-to-visit-india-in-december-247703">India-Japan Annual Summit</a> could happen in Northeastern India in mid-December. The Indian side has identified the location and forwarded it to the Japanese side. The likely dates for the summit between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese PM Shinzo Abe are December 15 to 17.

Choosing the northeastern region for the summit has strategic undertones, as Japan's engagement in that region has tremendously increased, especially in terms of infrastructural development.

The Government of Japan is slated to invest Rs 13,000 crores in India's northeast. Additionally, according to the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, Japan is a stakeholder in several projects like Guwahati Water Supply Project, Guwahati Sewage Project in Assam, Northeast Road Network Connectivity Improvement Project spread over Assam and Meghalaya, Northeast Network Connectivity Improvement Project in Meghalaya, Bio-diversity Conservation and Forest Management Project in Sikkim, Sustainable Forest Management Project in Tripura, Technical Cooperation Project for Sustainable Agriculture &amp; Irrigation in Mizoram, and a Forest Management Project in Nagaland.

Watch: PM Modi holds talks with Japanese PM Shinzo Abe

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/narendra-modi-government-20-must-focus-on-fixing-indias-economy-263158">PM Modi</a> has already met Japanese PM Shinzo Abe thrice this year, first in Osaka on the sidelines of the G20 summit, then in Biarritz, France on the sidelines of G7 summit followed by a meeting in Vladivostok, Russia on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum.

New Delhi and Tokyo have been increasing engagement and defined their relationship as a "special strategic and global partnership" in 2014 during PM Modi's visit to Japan. It marked Modi's first major visit outside of the region after taking charge during his first term.

India-Japan annual summits have become a platform for both sides to display the growing partnership between both the countries, as well as highlighting the special relationship shared by both the leaders. The 2015 edition of the summit took place in Varanasi while the 2017 Annual Summit took place in PM Modi's home state of Gujarat. The Varanasi summit saw both leaders attending Ganga aarti (prayer) while Ahmedabad summit witnessed a roadshow by both the leaders.&nbsp;

The 2018 summit saw PM Modi being hosted by PM Abe for a private dinner at his ancestral home in Yamanashi, the first such reception to be extended to a foreign leader.

The 14th India-Japan Annual Summit could happen in Northeastern India in mid-December. The Indian side has identified the location and forwarded it to the Japanese side.

The 14th India-Japan Annual Summit could happen in Northeastern India in mid-December. The Indian side has identified the location and forwarded it to the Japanese side. The likely dates for the summit between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese PM Shinzo Abe are December 15 to 17. Choosing the northeastern region for the summit has strategic undertones, as Japan's engagement in that region has tremendously increased, especially in terms of infrastructural development. The Government of Japan is slated to invest Rs 13,000 crores in India's northeast. Additionally, according to the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, Japan is a stakeholder in several projects like Guwahati Water Supply Project, Guwahati Sewage Project in Assam, Northeast Road Network Connectivity Improvement Project spread over Assam and Meghalaya, Northeast Network Connectivity Improvement Project in Meghalaya, Bio-diversity Conservation and Forest Management Project in Sikkim, Sustainable Forest Management Project in Tripura, Technical Cooperation Project for Sustainable Agriculture & Irrigation in Mizoram, and a Forest Management Project in Nagaland. Watch: PM Modi holds talks with Japanese PM Shinzo Abe PM Modi has already met Japanese PM Shinzo Abe thrice this year, first in Osaka on the sidelines of the G20 summit, then in Biarritz, France on the sidelines of G7 summit followed by a meeting in Vladivostok, Russia on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum. New Delhi and Tokyo have been increasing engagement and defined their relationship as a "special strategic and global partnership" in 2014 during PM Modi's visit to Japan. It marked Modi's first major visit outside of the region after taking charge during his first term. India-Japan annual summits have become a platform for both sides to display the growing partnership between both the countries, as well as highlighting the special relationship shared by both the leaders. The 2015 edition of the summit took place in Varanasi while the 2017 Annual Summit took place in PM Modi's home state of Gujarat. The Varanasi summit saw both leaders attending Ganga aarti (prayer) while Ahmedabad summit witnessed a roadshow by both the leaders. The 2018 summit saw PM Modi being hosted by PM Abe for a private dinner at his ancestral home in Yamanashi, the first such reception to be extended to a foreign leader.

14th edition of India-Japan Annual Summit to be held in Northeastern region around mid-December

Amidst the power struggle in Maharashtra, NCP chief Sharad Pawar met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday to discuss the farmer crisis in the state.&nbsp;

"Due to the prevalence of Presidential Rule in the state, your urgent intervention is highly necessitated. I shall be grateful if you take immediate steps to initiate massive relief measures and ameliorate the miseries of the distressed farmers" Pawar wrote in a letter to the prime minister.&nbsp;

Interestingly, NCP is in talks with Shiv Sena and Congress regarding the government formation in Maharashtra. However, new political scenario might create in <a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/maharashtra-political-crisis-top-leaders-of-ncp-and-congress-to-meet-in-new-delhi-today-263293">Maharashtra</a> with Pawar-Modi meet. The government in Maharashtra can also be formed if NCP and BJP come together.&nbsp;

"I have collected data on crop damage from two districts, but damage because of excessive rains extends to rest of Maharashtra, including Marathwada and Vidarbha. I am collecting details and information regarding the same, which should be sent to you at the earliest," Pawar added.

Farmers have not yet received any loan waiver and in the wake of recent damage, the current farm loans should also be waived, Pawar wrote. &nbsp;

Earlier on Monday, PM Modi praised NCP and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) for following the parliamentary norms in a address to the Rajya Sabha (Upper House). The prime minister also added that his own party should learn from them. &nbsp;

Pawar also met Congress chief <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sharad-pawar-arrives-in-delhi-to-meet-sonia-gandhi-on-maharashtra-government-formation-262859">Sonia Gandhi </a>on Monday at her residence in Delhi but denied any talks regarding government formation in the state. Both Congress and NCP leaders will meet on Wednesday in the national capital regarding the common minimum programme (CMP) prepared by three parties 
including the Shiv Sena to form government in the state.&nbsp;

Earlier, Shiv Sena and BJP, who came together for elections in Maharashtra, had a fallout over power sharing agreement in the state. Shiv Sena claims that both parties agreed upon a 50:50 power sharing deal in which chief ministers from both the parties will hold office for a period of 2.5 years. However, BJP denies this claim.

In the Maharashtra Assembly elections that were concluded on October 21, BJP won the maximum number of seats 105. &nbsp;Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress won 56, 54 and 44 seats respectively. A majority of 144 seats is required to form government in the state.&nbsp;

Amidst the power struggle in Maharashtra, NCP chief Sharad Pawar met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday to discuss the farmer crisis in the state. "Due to the prevalence of Presidential Rule in the state, your urgent intervention is highly necessitated.

Amidst the power struggle in Maharashtra, NCP chief Sharad Pawar met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday to discuss the farmer crisis in the state. "Due to the prevalence of Presidential Rule in the state, your urgent intervention is highly necessitated. I shall be grateful if you take immediate steps to initiate massive relief measures and ameliorate the miseries of the distressed farmers" Pawar wrote in a letter to the prime minister. Interestingly, NCP is in talks with Shiv Sena and Congress regarding the government formation in Maharashtra. However, new political scenario might create in Maharashtra with Pawar-Modi meet. The government in Maharashtra can also be formed if NCP and BJP come together. "I have collected data on crop damage from two districts, but damage because of excessive rains extends to rest of Maharashtra, including Marathwada and Vidarbha. I am collecting details and information regarding the same, which should be sent to you at the earliest," Pawar added. Farmers have not yet received any loan waiver and in the wake of recent damage, the current farm loans should also be waived, Pawar wrote. Earlier on Monday, PM Modi praised NCP and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) for following the parliamentary norms in a address to the Rajya Sabha (Upper House). The prime minister also added that his own party should learn from them. Pawar also met Congress chief Sonia Gandhi on Monday at her residence in Delhi but denied any talks regarding government formation in the state. Both Congress and NCP leaders will meet on Wednesday in the national capital regarding the common minimum programme (CMP) prepared by three parties including the Shiv Sena to form government in the state. Earlier, Shiv Sena and BJP, who came together for elections in Maharashtra, had a fallout over power sharing agreement in the state. Shiv Sena claims that both parties agreed upon a 50:50 power sharing deal in which chief ministers from both the parties will hold office for a period of 2.5 years. However, BJP denies this claim. In the Maharashtra Assembly elections that were concluded on October 21, BJP won the maximum number of seats 105. Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress won 56, 54 and 44 seats respectively. A majority of 144 seats is required to form government in the state.

Sharad Pawar meets PM Narendra Modi to discuss farmer crisis in Maharashtra

Moving closer towards the appointment of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), the government has sought the names of commander-in-chief rank officers from the three services.

As part of the process, the government has also identified the appointment house for the individual appointed as the first CDS.

For the appointment, the Cabinet Committee on Security had appointed an implementation committee under National Security Advisor Ajit Doval who held meetings on the structure and responsibilities of the new position announced to be created by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/this-house-has-seen-many-historic-moments-says-modi-in-rajya-sabha-address-262903">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> on August 15 this year.

"All the three services have forwarded the names of their commander-in-chief rank officers as was asked for by the government. The implementation committee report is also complete and would be finalised by the government soon," government sources told ANI.

Sources said during the initial stages of the appointment process, the thinking of the top government functionaries involved in the process was that the first person to be appointed for the post should be from the Indian Army.

Sources said that the purpose of seeking more names from services is to consider a larger pool of officers while making the appointment for the new office.

They added that it is most likely that the appointment would be made from the existing seniormost officers from the three services by the beginning of next month.

During the discussions, the defence forces in the implementation committee had conveyed to the government that the CDS could be an officer higher in protocol than the existing services chiefs.

The forces are also of the view that the CDS should be placed probably at 11A in the order of precedence where he would be above the services chiefs but a notch below the Cabinet Secretary.

In the order of precedence in the government, the cabinet secretary is at the 11th position while the services chiefs are at the 12th position. If the services' point is accepted, 11A would be a new position created for the CDS.

When the CDS is appointed, the first Vice Chief of Defence Staff would be Vice Admiral C Hari Kumar from the Navy who would be replacing Lieutenant General P Rajeshwar who is going to head the tri-services operational command in Andaman and Nicobar.

At present, the three services operate under the Integrated Defence Staff with joint staffing from the three forces. New cyber, space and special operations agencies have been created for the tri-services and they would be working under the CDS, sources said.

Moving closer towards the appointment of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), the government has sought the names of commander-in-chief rank officers from the three services.

Moving closer towards the appointment of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), the government has sought the names of commander-in-chief rank officers from the three services. As part of the process, the government has also identified the appointment house for the individual appointed as the first CDS. For the appointment, the Cabinet Committee on Security had appointed an implementation committee under National Security Advisor Ajit Doval who held meetings on the structure and responsibilities of the new position announced to be created by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 15 this year. "All the three services have forwarded the names of their commander-in-chief rank officers as was asked for by the government. The implementation committee report is also complete and would be finalised by the government soon," government sources told ANI. Sources said during the initial stages of the appointment process, the thinking of the top government functionaries involved in the process was that the first person to be appointed for the post should be from the Indian Army. Sources said that the purpose of seeking more names from services is to consider a larger pool of officers while making the appointment for the new office. They added that it is most likely that the appointment would be made from the existing seniormost officers from the three services by the beginning of next month. During the discussions, the defence forces in the implementation committee had conveyed to the government that the CDS could be an officer higher in protocol than the existing services chiefs. The forces are also of the view that the CDS should be placed probably at 11A in the order of precedence where he would be above the services chiefs but a notch below the Cabinet Secretary. In the order of precedence in the government, the cabinet secretary is at the 11th position while the services chiefs are at the 12th position. If the services' point is accepted, 11A would be a new position created for the CDS. When the CDS is appointed, the first Vice Chief of Defence Staff would be Vice Admiral C Hari Kumar from the Navy who would be replacing Lieutenant General P Rajeshwar who is going to head the tri-services operational command in Andaman and Nicobar. At present, the three services operate under the Integrated Defence Staff with joint staffing from the three forces. New cyber, space and special operations agencies have been created for the tri-services and they would be working under the CDS, sources said.

Government moves closer towards Chief of Defence Staff appointment

Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/brics-pm-narendra-modis-foreign-policy-pivot-262873">Narendra Modi</a> on Tuesday paid tributes to late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on her 102nd birth anniversary.

"Tributes to our former PM Smt. Indira Gandhi Ji on her birth anniversary," tweeted Prime Minister Modi.

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Tributes to our former PM Smt. Indira Gandhi Ji on her birth anniversary.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1196625932280139776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Born on November 19, 1917, to India's first Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and Kamala Nehru, Indira Gandhi served as the first and only woman prime minister of the country from January 1966 to March 1977 and again from January 1980 until her assassination in October 1984.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday paid tributes to late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on her 102nd birth anniversary. "Tributes to our former PM Smt. Indira Gandhi Ji on her birth anniversary," tweeted Prime Minister Modi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday paid tributes to late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on her 102nd birth anniversary. "Tributes to our former PM Smt. Indira Gandhi Ji on her birth anniversary," tweeted Prime Minister Modi. Tributes to our former PM Smt. Indira Gandhi Ji on her birth anniversary. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 19, 2019 × Born on November 19, 1917, to India's first Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and Kamala Nehru, Indira Gandhi served as the first and only woman prime minister of the country from January 1966 to March 1977 and again from January 1980 until her assassination in October 1984.

PM Modi pays tribute to Indira Gandhi on her 102nd birth anniversary

Sri Lanka's newly elected President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has accepted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's invitation to visit India on November 29, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Tuesday.

Jaishankar made the announcement after meeting Rajapaksa in Sri Lanka, a day after the latter took oath as the seventh President of the island nation.

"A warm meeting with Sri Lanka President @GotabayaR. Conveyed PM @narendramodi's message of a partnership for shared peace, progress, prosperity and security. Confident that under his leadership, India-SriLanka relations would reach greater heights," Jaishankar Tweeted.

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A warm meeting with Sri Lanka President <a href="https://twitter.com/GotabayaR?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GotabayaR</a>. Conveyed PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a>’s message of a partnership for shared peace, progress, prosperity &amp; security. Confident that under his leadership, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaSriLanka?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaSriLanka</a> relations would reach greater heights. <a href="https://t.co/pDxZf0ZM3A">pic.twitter.com/pDxZf0ZM3A</a>
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1196789834536423425?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"President @GotabayaR has accepted PM @narendramodi's invitation to visit India on 29th November," he added.

Rajapaksa, 70-year old, defeated Sajith Premadasa by more than 13 lakh votes in the recently concluded Presidential elections, country's election commission announced on Sunday.

He is the second member of the Rajapaksa family to become the president. His older brother Mahinda Rajapaksa was president from 2005 to 2015.

Sri Lanka's newly elected President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has accepted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's invitation to visit India on November 29, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Tuesday.

Sri Lanka's newly elected President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has accepted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's invitation to visit India on November 29, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Tuesday. Jaishankar made the announcement after meeting Rajapaksa in Sri Lanka, a day after the latter took oath as the seventh President of the island nation. "A warm meeting with Sri Lanka President @GotabayaR. Conveyed PM @narendramodi's message of a partnership for shared peace, progress, prosperity and security. Confident that under his leadership, India-SriLanka relations would reach greater heights," Jaishankar Tweeted. A warm meeting with Sri Lanka President @GotabayaR. Conveyed PM @narendramodi’s message of a partnership for shared peace, progress, prosperity & security. Confident that under his leadership, #IndiaSriLanka relations would reach greater heights. pic.twitter.com/pDxZf0ZM3A — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) November 19, 2019 × "President @GotabayaR has accepted PM @narendramodi's invitation to visit India on 29th November," he added. Rajapaksa, 70-year old, defeated Sajith Premadasa by more than 13 lakh votes in the recently concluded Presidential elections, country's election commission announced on Sunday. He is the second member of the Rajapaksa family to become the president. His older brother Mahinda Rajapaksa was president from 2005 to 2015.

Sri Lanka's newly-elected President accepts PM Modi's invitation to visit India on November 29

When a regime changes, all who have benefited from the old order are suddenly deprived of their influence. They are left with little besides their litany of complaints and criticism. &nbsp;

Still, it is understandable, for those not nimble enough to change stripe, that contemplation of an interminable stretch, out of the limelight, is akin to the Roman Catholic state of purgatory. It is a suspension, in suffering, stuck indefinitely between Heaven and Hell. Except, that the old order admits to none of its sins.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Instead, it adopts a stance of indignation when a procession of their number, including the all-powerful who thought themselves beyond the law, are prosecuted for corruption. It was corruption, almost institutionalised, that was a major reason for the UPA’s humiliating rout at the hustings, not once, but twice in a row. &nbsp;

When Narendra Modi, a provincial but clean Chief Minister, with no first-hand foreknowledge of the Centre, won a majority in the Lok Sabha after 30 years, in 2014, the old guard was astounded. There were those in the capital who thought it was a massive overreaction on the part of the electorate to his spectacular oratory. Modi’s popularity would surely wane by mid-term, they said, as it had in the case of the ill-fated Rajiv Gandhi administration. And he would be shown the door at the end of his one and only five-year term. It was a flash in the pan. All one had to do was be patient and disdainful. &nbsp;&nbsp;

It was axiomatic to such people that no “communal” government, with a nebulous grip on the economy and governance, and clumsy law-making, could possibly last more than a single term. Even the avuncular, get-along Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s saffron government from a decade ago, lasted only about six years. &nbsp;

Demonetisation in Modi 1.0, they cried, and do so still, as each anniversary of the November 8, 2016 announcement approaches, was a disaster. It destroyed livelihoods of the MSME sector and the labouring classes. Then, GST bamboozled the shopkeeper. And the shortfall in its collections month after month point to both a slowing economy and its flawed architecture. Not for nothing was it kept in abeyance by the Congress for long years. &nbsp;

So, a second Modi term in 2019, despite spurious accusations of corruption in the 36 fighter Rafale purchase, in a forced re-enactment of the Bofors scenario that brough Rajiv Gandhi down, was most galling. And that too with an increased majority. What can the electorate be thinking? Do they not see the mismatch between performance and promise? &nbsp;

And now, six months into Modi 2.0, two daunting but long-promised Hindutva aspirations have been fulfilled. The first is the dramatic abrogation of Articles 35A and 370 less than three months into the second term - by simply voiding them both of all content. It was a spectacular bit of legal interpretation and execution.&nbsp;

This, and the resultant main-streaming of J&amp;K via the creation of two new Union Territories - one of Buddhist majority Ladakh, and the other by combining Jammu &amp; Kashmir. There is a new awakening of hope and ambition in both these territories. There has been very little by way of fall out. Pakistan has been reduced to near tears for the lack of support it garnered internationally. And domestically, there has been a broad acceptance of the move. Of course, most of the prospective trouble-makers were safely locked up, out of harm’s way. &nbsp;

The other major achievement within 6 months of this term, is the unanimous and positive Supreme Court verdict on the Ram Temple at Ayodhya. This will lead to the construction of the cherished temple soon, after a very long interregnum. Ayodhya itself is set to be transformed as well.&nbsp;

Other possibilities, to set right the distortions in secularism, is the promulgation of the Uniform Civil Code and the implementation of the National Register of Citizens nationally. Repossession of Gilgit-Baltistan and PoK could also come about through a fortuitous quirk of fate within this very term. &nbsp;

Even on the basis of its present successes, the NDA, increasingly becoming synonymous with the BJP till new allies come along, should be re-elected in 2024. &nbsp;

The only fly in the ointment is the Modi government’s handling of the economy. Not only is it imperative to improve performance for the sake of the hopeful masses looking for jobs and livelihood, but also to keep up with our raised international diplomacy. &nbsp;

To be taken seriously abroad, we have to spend money by way of aid, grants and ventures. Money which we patently do not have at present. Nor can we properly finance our own necessary development and welfare programmes domestically. Holding to the fiscal discipline we have set for ourselves is proving extremely difficult at a 5.5 per cent&nbsp;GDP growth rate when we need 10 per cent. &nbsp;

In today’s world, to raise one’s political profile, particularly in competition with China, without the assurance of a robust economy, simply cannot be sustained. The government will have to take many bold and reformist steps and quickly. &nbsp;

If there is anything that will upset the applecart politically from mid-term in 2021, it is a floundering economy. The cyclical and global position notwithstanding, Prime Minister Modi and his cabinet have no room for excuses or bluster in this regard. The economy is the keystone, and its neglect could bring the whole house down.&nbsp; 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) &nbsp;

When a regime changes, all who have benefited from the old order are suddenly deprived of their influence. They are left with little besides their litany of complaints and criticism.

When a regime changes, all who have benefited from the old order are suddenly deprived of their influence. They are left with little besides their litany of complaints and criticism. Still, it is understandable, for those not nimble enough to change stripe, that contemplation of an interminable stretch, out of the limelight, is akin to the Roman Catholic state of purgatory. It is a suspension, in suffering, stuck indefinitely between Heaven and Hell. Except, that the old order admits to none of its sins. Instead, it adopts a stance of indignation when a procession of their number, including the all-powerful who thought themselves beyond the law, are prosecuted for corruption. It was corruption, almost institutionalised, that was a major reason for the UPA’s humiliating rout at the hustings, not once, but twice in a row. When Narendra Modi, a provincial but clean Chief Minister, with no first-hand foreknowledge of the Centre, won a majority in the Lok Sabha after 30 years, in 2014, the old guard was astounded. There were those in the capital who thought it was a massive overreaction on the part of the electorate to his spectacular oratory. Modi’s popularity would surely wane by mid-term, they said, as it had in the case of the ill-fated Rajiv Gandhi administration. And he would be shown the door at the end of his one and only five-year term. It was a flash in the pan. All one had to do was be patient and disdainful. It was axiomatic to such people that no “communal” government, with a nebulous grip on the economy and governance, and clumsy law-making, could possibly last more than a single term. Even the avuncular, get-along Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s saffron government from a decade ago, lasted only about six years. Demonetisation in Modi 1.0, they cried, and do so still, as each anniversary of the November 8, 2016 announcement approaches, was a disaster. It destroyed livelihoods of the MSME sector and the labouring classes. Then, GST bamboozled the shopkeeper. And the shortfall in its collections month after month point to both a slowing economy and its flawed architecture. Not for nothing was it kept in abeyance by the Congress for long years. So, a second Modi term in 2019, despite spurious accusations of corruption in the 36 fighter Rafale purchase, in a forced re-enactment of the Bofors scenario that brough Rajiv Gandhi down, was most galling. And that too with an increased majority. What can the electorate be thinking? Do they not see the mismatch between performance and promise? And now, six months into Modi 2.0, two daunting but long-promised Hindutva aspirations have been fulfilled. The first is the dramatic abrogation of Articles 35A and 370 less than three months into the second term - by simply voiding them both of all content. It was a spectacular bit of legal interpretation and execution. This, and the resultant main-streaming of J&K via the creation of two new Union Territories - one of Buddhist majority Ladakh, and the other by combining Jammu & Kashmir. There is a new awakening of hope and ambition in both these territories. There has been very little by way of fall out. Pakistan has been reduced to near tears for the lack of support it garnered internationally. And domestically, there has been a broad acceptance of the move. Of course, most of the prospective trouble-makers were safely locked up, out of harm’s way. The other major achievement within 6 months of this term, is the unanimous and positive Supreme Court verdict on the Ram Temple at Ayodhya. This will lead to the construction of the cherished temple soon, after a very long interregnum. Ayodhya itself is set to be transformed as well. Other possibilities, to set right the distortions in secularism, is the promulgation of the Uniform Civil Code and the implementation of the National Register of Citizens nationally. Repossession of Gilgit-Baltistan and PoK could also come about through a fortuitous quirk of fate within this very term. Even on the basis of its present successes, the NDA, increasingly becoming synonymous with the BJP till new allies come along, should be re-elected in 2024. The only fly in the ointment is the Modi government’s handling of the economy. Not only is it imperative to improve performance for the sake of the hopeful masses looking for jobs and livelihood, but also to keep up with our raised international diplomacy. To be taken seriously abroad, we have to spend money by way of aid, grants and ventures. Money which we patently do not have at present. Nor can we properly finance our own necessary development and welfare programmes domestically. Holding to the fiscal discipline we have set for ourselves is proving extremely difficult at a 5.5 per cent GDP growth rate when we need 10 per cent. In today’s world, to raise one’s political profile, particularly in competition with China, without the assurance of a robust economy, simply cannot be sustained. The government will have to take many bold and reformist steps and quickly. If there is anything that will upset the applecart politically from mid-term in 2021, it is a floundering economy. The cyclical and global position notwithstanding, Prime Minister Modi and his cabinet have no room for excuses or bluster in this regard. The economy is the keystone, and its neglect could bring the whole house down. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Narendra Modi government 2.0 must focus on fixing economy

The economy will be on focus at the winter session of the Parliament which begins today. The session will also see the tabling of many bills including Citizenship Bill.

The session, which ends on December 13, will have a total of 20 sittings spread across 26 days, including four Private Members' days.

The Citizenship Bill, which the BJP seeks to pass with the aim of granting citizenship to non-Muslims from neighbouring countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan who came to India before December 31, 2014, will be taken up during the proceedings of the House.

Other key bills that are likely to be taken up during the course of the Houses include the Personal Data Protection Bill, 2019, Anti Maritime Piracy Bill 2019 and Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill, 2019 among the 47 items.

Earlier on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended an all-party leaders meeting where he said that the government will seek to work together will all parties in a constructive manner to take up all pending legislative work.

Union Ministers Amit Shah, Thawarchand Gehlot, V Muraleedharan and Arjun Ram Meghwal attended the meeting, convened by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi.

After the all-party leaders meeting, Rajya Sabha Chairman and Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu had also met the floor leaders yesterday.

This will be the second session of the Parliament since Prime Minister Narendra Modi returned to office with a bigger majority for the second successive term.

(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;

The economy will be on focus at the winter session of the Parliament which begins today. The session will also see the tabling of many bills including Citizenship Bill.

The economy will be on focus at the winter session of the Parliament which begins today. The session will also see the tabling of many bills including Citizenship Bill. The session, which ends on December 13, will have a total of 20 sittings spread across 26 days, including four Private Members' days. The Citizenship Bill, which the BJP seeks to pass with the aim of granting citizenship to non-Muslims from neighbouring countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan who came to India before December 31, 2014, will be taken up during the proceedings of the House. Other key bills that are likely to be taken up during the course of the Houses include the Personal Data Protection Bill, 2019, Anti Maritime Piracy Bill 2019 and Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill, 2019 among the 47 items. Earlier on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended an all-party leaders meeting where he said that the government will seek to work together will all parties in a constructive manner to take up all pending legislative work. Union Ministers Amit Shah, Thawarchand Gehlot, V Muraleedharan and Arjun Ram Meghwal attended the meeting, convened by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi. After the all-party leaders meeting, Rajya Sabha Chairman and Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu had also met the floor leaders yesterday. This will be the second session of the Parliament since Prime Minister Narendra Modi returned to office with a bigger majority for the second successive term. (With inputs from ANI)

Citizenship Bill in focus as winter session of Parliament gets underway from today 

Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/look-forward-to-a-productive-parliament-session-pm-narendra-modi-262632">Narendra Modi</a> on Monday said that Rajya Sabha has seen many historic moments and described it (Rajya Sabha) as a far-sighted house.&nbsp;

''Rajya Sabha has made history and has seen history being made as well. It is a far-sighted house,'' the prime minister said during his address in Rajya Sabha during a discussion on 250th session of the House.&nbsp;

The Rajya Sabha gives an opportunity to people away from electoral politics to contribute to the country and its development, Modi said.&nbsp;

Rajya Sabha has risen to the occasion whenever it comes to the good of the nation, Modi said and added, it was widely believed that Triple Talaq bill would not pass here but it did.&nbsp;

Speaking about the landmark GST Bill, which was passed during the first term of Modi government, the prime minister said even GST became a reality after it was passed in this House (Rajya Sabha), <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/brics-pm-narendra-modis-foreign-policy-pivot-262873">the prime minister</a> said.

''We can never forget the role of the Rajya Sabha when bills related to Articles 370 and 35(A) were passed,'' Modi said reminiscing the landmark bill that rescinded the special status accorded to Jammu and Kashmir and resulted in its bifurcation into two Union Territories.&nbsp;

Watch: PM Modi addresses the 250th session of Parliament

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Quoting &nbsp;Atal Bihari Vajpayee who ha remarked that &nbsp;Rajya Sabha may be the second house but it should not be called a secondary house, Modi said that he agreed with former prime minister's remark and said that Rajya Sabha must be an active supportive house for national development.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-is-worlds-most-open-and-investment-friendly-economy-pm-modi-at-brics-262166">prime minister</a> had a word praise for NCP and BJD for the way both the parties conducted themselves in the House.

''These parties (NCP and BJD) have strictly adhered to parliamentary norms and never gone into the well. Yet, they have raised their points very effectively,'' he said.

Other parties including BJP can learn from them, he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that Rajya Sabha has seen many historic moments and described it (Rajya Sabha) as a far-sighted house. ''Rajya Sabha has made history and has seen history being made as well.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that Rajya Sabha has seen many historic moments and described it (Rajya Sabha) as a far-sighted house. ''Rajya Sabha has made history and has seen history being made as well. It is a far-sighted house,'' the prime minister said during his address in Rajya Sabha during a discussion on 250th session of the House. The Rajya Sabha gives an opportunity to people away from electoral politics to contribute to the country and its development, Modi said. Rajya Sabha has risen to the occasion whenever it comes to the good of the nation, Modi said and added, it was widely believed that Triple Talaq bill would not pass here but it did. Speaking about the landmark GST Bill, which was passed during the first term of Modi government, the prime minister said even GST became a reality after it was passed in this House (Rajya Sabha), the prime minister said. ''We can never forget the role of the Rajya Sabha when bills related to Articles 370 and 35(A) were passed,'' Modi said reminiscing the landmark bill that rescinded the special status accorded to Jammu and Kashmir and resulted in its bifurcation into two Union Territories. Watch: PM Modi addresses the 250th session of Parliament Quoting Atal Bihari Vajpayee who ha remarked that Rajya Sabha may be the second house but it should not be called a secondary house, Modi said that he agreed with former prime minister's remark and said that Rajya Sabha must be an active supportive house for national development. The prime minister had a word praise for NCP and BJD for the way both the parties conducted themselves in the House. ''These parties (NCP and BJD) have strictly adhered to parliamentary norms and never gone into the well. Yet, they have raised their points very effectively,'' he said. Other parties including BJP can learn from them, he said.

'This house has seen many historic moments,' says Modi in Rajya Sabha address 

BRIC&nbsp;was formed as a formal grouping in Saint Petersburg in September 2006, with the 1st official summit being held in June 2009 at Yekaterinburg in Russia. BRIC became BRICS only in 2010, with the entry of South Africa, in addition to already existing members - Brazil, Russia, India and China.&nbsp;

All BRICS nations are members of the G20 group. BRICS make up almost 42 per cent of the world’s population, 23 per cent of the global GDP, about 17 per cent of the world trade, almost 50 per cent of world economic growth and 26.6 of the world area.

In a breakthrough at the 6th BRICS Summit in Fortaleza in Brazil 2014, India got the presidency of the New Development Bank (NDB)— the name that Narendra Modi had endorsed. It was launched with an initial capital of $50 billion after the leaders signed the "Fortaleza Declaration". While China walked away with the bank’s headquarters, to be located in Shanghai, Modi got Beijing to agree on equal shareholding rights for all members.&nbsp;

NDB's Articles of Agreement specify that all members of the United Nations could be members of the bank, however, the share of the BRICS nations can never be less than 55 per cent&nbsp;of the voting power. From an Indian perspective, BRICS has emerged as the voice of developing countries on diverse issues like WTO, climate change, inclusive development and mutual cooperation in areas including trade, finance, health, agriculture, energy, space, culture, education, technology and IT.

Also, India has to maintain the balancing act between Russia-China on the one side and the US on the other. While India's stature in global affairs in the last five years under its dynamic Prime Minister Narendra Modi has seen an unprecedented rise, the current crop of BRICS leaders too are opinionated personalities — from Chinese President Xi Jinping to Russian President Vladimir Putin to Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro. Hence the shrewd deftness with which South Block, in the last five years under Modi, has taken the lead in galvanising BRICS to take a strong stand against terrorism, putting aside conflicting domestic agendas, is commendable.

Last year at the 10th BRICS Summit, the joint working group on counter-terrorism decided to constitute sub-working groups in five areas: terrorist financing; use of Internet for terrorist purposes; countering radicalisation; the issue of foreign terrorist fighters; and capacity-building.

During meetings of National Security Advisers of BRICS, India’s NSA Ajit Doval put forward a proposal to host a BRICS workshop on digital forensics in India. Brazil also made terrorism one of the priorities for its presidency. It held the first BRICS seminar on Strategies for Countering Terrorism. The focus on countering global terrorism will be even more pronounced this year at the 11th BRICS Summit in the wake of recent terrorist attacks on Israel on 12th and 13th November 2019, with Israel being bombarded by over 250 rockets and missiles by the radical Islamic Jihad and Palestinian militants.

That BRICS put counter-terrorism on top of the agenda has been a huge diplomatic victory for Narendra Modi and India as was evident even in the BRICS Summit in Xiamen in September 2017, with China as the chair, despite the strained ties at that point,due to the standoff in Doklam.

Again at the 10th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg, Partnership on New Industrial Revolution (PartNIR) which is a programme of partnership among BRICS nations that sought to focus on maximising the opportunities arising from the Fourth Industrial Revolution/New Industrial Revolution, showcased how India under Modi has taken the lead in making intra BRICS trade, commerce, investments and people to people connect, the cornerstone of its global messaging.

Coming back to the 11th BRICS Summit in Brasilia in Brazil, it has been an excellent opportunity for India to lay the foundation for hosting the 2021 Summit, scheduled in India after the last BRICS Summit that took place in Goa in 2016. India will also be hosting the G20 Summit in 2022, and the current summit is an opportunity to harmonise the two agendas from New India's perspective. PM Modi also expressed satisfaction that MOU between trade promotion agencies of BRICS will help to achieve the target of USD 500 billion intra-BRICS trade target going forward, among other things. He also mentioned about India's programme of Fit India and proposed for a BRICS Youth Summit to promote Start-Ups and Hackathons.&nbsp;

This year in 2019, "BRICS-- Economic Growth for an Innovative Future" was the theme. In the Summit, apart from Brazil's decision to allow visa free entry to Indians and agreement on bilateral cooperation in areas like bio fuels, post harvest technologies and animal husbandry, clearly, Xi Jinping's invite to PM Modi to China for the 3rd informal summit between the two nations in 2020, hogged headlines.

This is significant as it comes close on the heels of the 2nd informal Summit at Mamallapuram in Chennai last month between the two world leaders. The leaders further reviewed the ongoing preparations for the celebration of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and China in 2020. The leaders also reiterated the importance of maintaining peace and security in border areas and exchanged views on many issues including RCEP, WTO and BRICS.

Besides China, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at Brasilia garnered attention. It was the 4th meeting of the two leaders in 2019, after Modi’s visit to Vladivostok in September 2019, underpinning how Russia is one of the pivots of Modi's foreign policy outreach. The two leaders noted that the USD 25 billion bilateral trade target by 2025 has already been achieved. They further decided to hold the 1st bilateral regional forum between Russian Provinces and the Indian States in 2020, to do away with the trade barriers at the regional level. Russian President Vladimir Putin highlighted the potential of the Arctic region in natural gas and invited India to invest in the region.

The leaders also reviewed the progress made in the Infrastructure sector, especially railways including raising the speed of the Nagpur-Secunderabad sector railway line. The leaders further noted cooperation between India and Russia in the Defence sector and Civil Nuclear Energy. Prime Minister Modi accepted the Russian President’s invitation to participate in Russia’s Victory Day celebrations in 2020.

In the final analysis, BRICS 2019 focussed on strengthening cooperation in the fields of science, technology, innovation and the digital economy. The annual summit also aimed to advance cooperation in the fight against transnational crime, especially organized crime, money laundering and drug trafficking.

Euro-Atlantic powers realize that India’s close relationship with the US and commitment to a liberal global order is what prevents BRICS from becoming a divisive, illiberal anti-Western coalition, led by Russian muscle power and Chinese money power. For instance, were Modi to boycott the Xiamen summit in 2017, amidst the Doklam standoff then, it would have been the death knell of BRICS, reducing this grouping to an incoherent bunch of expansionist powers like Russia and China on the one hand and tottering economies like Brazil and South Africa on the other. Brazil and South Africa, which in the last few years have wandered aimlessly from one domestic economic crisis to another have increasingly started looking at South Block to enhance bilateral cooperation to prevent further marginalisation.

BRICS, which in many ways is redefining multilateralism and multiculturalism, has emerged as a template for cooperation between emerging powers and a useful instrument for India to fight the agenda-setting monopoly of Atlantic powers, in its quest for a greater role in global governance. Above all, if BRICS has furthered the cause of a multipolar world, the credit for this unarguably goes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's foreign policy outreach that is both inclusive and global in its approach, but with "India first", being the guiding diktat.&nbsp;

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-brics-modi-s-foreign-policy-pivot-2801796">original article</a>) 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;

BRIC was formed as a formal grouping in Saint Petersburg in September 2006, with the 1st official summit being held in June 2009 at Yekaterinburg in Russia. BRIC became BRICS only in 2010, with the entry of South Africa, in addition to already existing members - Brazil, Russia, India and China.

BRIC was formed as a formal grouping in Saint Petersburg in September 2006, with the 1st official summit being held in June 2009 at Yekaterinburg in Russia. BRIC became BRICS only in 2010, with the entry of South Africa, in addition to already existing members - Brazil, Russia, India and China. All BRICS nations are members of the G20 group. BRICS make up almost 42 per cent of the world’s population, 23 per cent of the global GDP, about 17 per cent of the world trade, almost 50 per cent of world economic growth and 26.6 of the world area. In a breakthrough at the 6th BRICS Summit in Fortaleza in Brazil 2014, India got the presidency of the New Development Bank (NDB)— the name that Narendra Modi had endorsed. It was launched with an initial capital of $50 billion after the leaders signed the "Fortaleza Declaration". While China walked away with the bank’s headquarters, to be located in Shanghai, Modi got Beijing to agree on equal shareholding rights for all members. NDB's Articles of Agreement specify that all members of the United Nations could be members of the bank, however, the share of the BRICS nations can never be less than 55 per cent of the voting power. From an Indian perspective, BRICS has emerged as the voice of developing countries on diverse issues like WTO, climate change, inclusive development and mutual cooperation in areas including trade, finance, health, agriculture, energy, space, culture, education, technology and IT. Also, India has to maintain the balancing act between Russia-China on the one side and the US on the other. While India's stature in global affairs in the last five years under its dynamic Prime Minister Narendra Modi has seen an unprecedented rise, the current crop of BRICS leaders too are opinionated personalities — from Chinese President Xi Jinping to Russian President Vladimir Putin to Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro. Hence the shrewd deftness with which South Block, in the last five years under Modi, has taken the lead in galvanising BRICS to take a strong stand against terrorism, putting aside conflicting domestic agendas, is commendable. Last year at the 10th BRICS Summit, the joint working group on counter-terrorism decided to constitute sub-working groups in five areas: terrorist financing; use of Internet for terrorist purposes; countering radicalisation; the issue of foreign terrorist fighters; and capacity-building. During meetings of National Security Advisers of BRICS, India’s NSA Ajit Doval put forward a proposal to host a BRICS workshop on digital forensics in India. Brazil also made terrorism one of the priorities for its presidency. It held the first BRICS seminar on Strategies for Countering Terrorism. The focus on countering global terrorism will be even more pronounced this year at the 11th BRICS Summit in the wake of recent terrorist attacks on Israel on 12th and 13th November 2019, with Israel being bombarded by over 250 rockets and missiles by the radical Islamic Jihad and Palestinian militants. That BRICS put counter-terrorism on top of the agenda has been a huge diplomatic victory for Narendra Modi and India as was evident even in the BRICS Summit in Xiamen in September 2017, with China as the chair, despite the strained ties at that point,due to the standoff in Doklam. Again at the 10th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg, Partnership on New Industrial Revolution (PartNIR) which is a programme of partnership among BRICS nations that sought to focus on maximising the opportunities arising from the Fourth Industrial Revolution/New Industrial Revolution, showcased how India under Modi has taken the lead in making intra BRICS trade, commerce, investments and people to people connect, the cornerstone of its global messaging. Coming back to the 11th BRICS Summit in Brasilia in Brazil, it has been an excellent opportunity for India to lay the foundation for hosting the 2021 Summit, scheduled in India after the last BRICS Summit that took place in Goa in 2016. India will also be hosting the G20 Summit in 2022, and the current summit is an opportunity to harmonise the two agendas from New India's perspective. PM Modi also expressed satisfaction that MOU between trade promotion agencies of BRICS will help to achieve the target of USD 500 billion intra-BRICS trade target going forward, among other things. He also mentioned about India's programme of Fit India and proposed for a BRICS Youth Summit to promote Start-Ups and Hackathons. This year in 2019, "BRICS-- Economic Growth for an Innovative Future" was the theme. In the Summit, apart from Brazil's decision to allow visa free entry to Indians and agreement on bilateral cooperation in areas like bio fuels, post harvest technologies and animal husbandry, clearly, Xi Jinping's invite to PM Modi to China for the 3rd informal summit between the two nations in 2020, hogged headlines. This is significant as it comes close on the heels of the 2nd informal Summit at Mamallapuram in Chennai last month between the two world leaders. The leaders further reviewed the ongoing preparations for the celebration of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and China in 2020. The leaders also reiterated the importance of maintaining peace and security in border areas and exchanged views on many issues including RCEP, WTO and BRICS. Besides China, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at Brasilia garnered attention. It was the 4th meeting of the two leaders in 2019, after Modi’s visit to Vladivostok in September 2019, underpinning how Russia is one of the pivots of Modi's foreign policy outreach. The two leaders noted that the USD 25 billion bilateral trade target by 2025 has already been achieved. They further decided to hold the 1st bilateral regional forum between Russian Provinces and the Indian States in 2020, to do away with the trade barriers at the regional level. Russian President Vladimir Putin highlighted the potential of the Arctic region in natural gas and invited India to invest in the region. The leaders also reviewed the progress made in the Infrastructure sector, especially railways including raising the speed of the Nagpur-Secunderabad sector railway line. The leaders further noted cooperation between India and Russia in the Defence sector and Civil Nuclear Energy. Prime Minister Modi accepted the Russian President’s invitation to participate in Russia’s Victory Day celebrations in 2020. In the final analysis, BRICS 2019 focussed on strengthening cooperation in the fields of science, technology, innovation and the digital economy. The annual summit also aimed to advance cooperation in the fight against transnational crime, especially organized crime, money laundering and drug trafficking. Euro-Atlantic powers realize that India’s close relationship with the US and commitment to a liberal global order is what prevents BRICS from becoming a divisive, illiberal anti-Western coalition, led by Russian muscle power and Chinese money power. For instance, were Modi to boycott the Xiamen summit in 2017, amidst the Doklam standoff then, it would have been the death knell of BRICS, reducing this grouping to an incoherent bunch of expansionist powers like Russia and China on the one hand and tottering economies like Brazil and South Africa on the other. Brazil and South Africa, which in the last few years have wandered aimlessly from one domestic economic crisis to another have increasingly started looking at South Block to enhance bilateral cooperation to prevent further marginalisation. BRICS, which in many ways is redefining multilateralism and multiculturalism, has emerged as a template for cooperation between emerging powers and a useful instrument for India to fight the agenda-setting monopoly of Atlantic powers, in its quest for a greater role in global governance. Above all, if BRICS has furthered the cause of a multipolar world, the credit for this unarguably goes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's foreign policy outreach that is both inclusive and global in its approach, but with "India first", being the guiding diktat. (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)

BRICS: PM Narendra Modi’s foreign policy pivot

BJP has planned a concerted campaign by its national leaders for the Jharkhand assembly polls with Prime Minister Narendra Modi expected to address five to eight rallies and party chief Amit Shah at least 10 rallies, party sources said.

They said that Shah would kick-start the campaign by the national leadership on November 21 and would also hold rallies on December 2, 5, 9, 14, and 17.

The sources said BJP working president JP Nadda will address at least 15 rallies. Union ministers including Rajnath Singh, Prakash Javadekar and Giriraj Singh will also campaign in the state.

Jharkhand will go to the polls in five phases from November 30.

This will be the fourth assembly election in Jharkhand since the state was carved out of Bihar in 2000.

BJP has planned a concerted campaign by its national leaders for the Jharkhand assembly polls with Prime Minister Narendra Modi expected to address five to eight rallies and party chief Amit Shah at least 10 rallies, party sources said.

BJP has planned a concerted campaign by its national leaders for the Jharkhand assembly polls with Prime Minister Narendra Modi expected to address five to eight rallies and party chief Amit Shah at least 10 rallies, party sources said. They said that Shah would kick-start the campaign by the national leadership on November 21 and would also hold rallies on December 2, 5, 9, 14, and 17. The sources said BJP working president JP Nadda will address at least 15 rallies. Union ministers including Rajnath Singh, Prakash Javadekar and Giriraj Singh will also campaign in the state. Jharkhand will go to the polls in five phases from November 30. This will be the fourth assembly election in Jharkhand since the state was carved out of Bihar in 2000.

Jharkhand assembly polls: Prime Minister Narendra Modi likely to address 5 to 8 rallies

BJP has planned a concerted campaign by its national leaders for the Jharkhand assembly polls with Prime Minister Narendra Modi expected to address five to eight rallies and party chief Amit Shah at least 10 rallies, party sources said.

They said that Shah would kick-start the campaign by the national leadership on November 21 and would also hold rallies on December 2, 5, 9, 14, and 17.

The sources said BJP working president JP Nadda will address at least 15 rallies.

Union ministers including Rajnath Singh, Prakash Javadekar and Giriraj Singh will also campaign in the state.

Jharkhand will go to the polls in five phases from November 30. This will be the fourth assembly election in Jharkhand since the state was carved out of Bihar in 2000.&nbsp;

Jharkhand assembly polls: Prime Minister Modi likely to address 5 to 8 rallies

The BRICS nations, including Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, on Thursday, reaffirmed their fundamental commitment to mutual respect and share the goal of building a peaceful, stable and a prosperous world.

The document presents a shared vision of the BRICS nations on such issues as a reform of the system of international relations, strengthening of international financial and economic architecture, future cooperation between the five countries.

"Building on the work of successive summits in the pillars of economy, peace and security and people-to-people exchanges, we will continue to strengthen BRICS cooperation for the benefit and welfare of our peoples and enhance the traditional ties of friendship amongst our countries," the document said.

It also emphasised the need for a constructive dialogue and cooperation on conserving biodiversity, prohibiting the use of chemical weapons, anti-money laundering and terror financing, infrastructure, including the G20 infrastructure agenda, the New Development Bank`s Project Preparation Facility, counter-terrorism, security in the use of ICTs, major international and regional hot spots, peacekeeping and transnational organised crime.

Heads of BRICS member states also stood "unanimous" in resolving the long-standing conflicts in the Middle East and North Africa as well as Israel and Palestine."We are unanimous in our resolve that the conflicts elsewhere in the Middle East and North Africa should not be used as a pretext to delay resolution of the long-standing Palestinian-Israeli conflict," the leaders stressed.

"Guided by the international framework in places, such as the relevant UN resolutions, the Madrid principles and the Arab Peace Initiative, we reiterate that the two-state solution will enable Israelis and Palestinians to live side by side, in peace and security," they said in the document. "In this context, we express, furthermore, the need for new and creative diplomatic efforts to achieving a just and comprehensive settlement of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, in order to achieve peace and stability in the Middle East," the leaders noted.

The leaders also expressed serious concern about the ongoing crisis in the Gulf region and reiterated continuous support to the people of Afghanistan in their effort to build a stable, inclusive, peaceful and prosperous country.

"We firmly believe that there is no military solution to the situation in Afghanistan. We reaffirm our support for a process of peace and reconciliation that is Afghan-owned and Afghan-led. We express concern over the persistence of terrorist-related attacks," the document read.

The theme of the BRICS summit this year was `Economic Growth for an Innovative Future` and therefore, keeping in tandem with it, the countries highlighted the importance of science, technology and innovation (STI) as one of the main drivers of economic growth as well as a key element to shape the future of societies.

The member countries also led to the foundation of the BRICS Network of Human Milk Banks and emphasised the importance of our collective action in promoting research and development of medicines and diagnostic tools to end epidemics, to combat communicable diseases and to facilitate access to safe, effective, quality and affordable essential medicines, as well as activities to strengthen non-communicable diseases prevention.

Terrorism was another important point of focus at the summit. The leaders once again vowed their commitment to fighting terror and agreed to maintain efforts on anti-corruption law enforcement cooperation and returning of assets, including on civil and administrative proceedings.&nbsp;

The BRICS nations, including Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, on Thursday, reaffirmed their fundamental commitment to mutual respect and share the goal of building a peaceful, stable and a prosperous world.

The BRICS nations, including Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, on Thursday, reaffirmed their fundamental commitment to mutual respect and share the goal of building a peaceful, stable and a prosperous world. The document presents a shared vision of the BRICS nations on such issues as a reform of the system of international relations, strengthening of international financial and economic architecture, future cooperation between the five countries. "Building on the work of successive summits in the pillars of economy, peace and security and people-to-people exchanges, we will continue to strengthen BRICS cooperation for the benefit and welfare of our peoples and enhance the traditional ties of friendship amongst our countries," the document said. It also emphasised the need for a constructive dialogue and cooperation on conserving biodiversity, prohibiting the use of chemical weapons, anti-money laundering and terror financing, infrastructure, including the G20 infrastructure agenda, the New Development Bank`s Project Preparation Facility, counter-terrorism, security in the use of ICTs, major international and regional hot spots, peacekeeping and transnational organised crime. Heads of BRICS member states also stood "unanimous" in resolving the long-standing conflicts in the Middle East and North Africa as well as Israel and Palestine."We are unanimous in our resolve that the conflicts elsewhere in the Middle East and North Africa should not be used as a pretext to delay resolution of the long-standing Palestinian-Israeli conflict," the leaders stressed. "Guided by the international framework in places, such as the relevant UN resolutions, the Madrid principles and the Arab Peace Initiative, we reiterate that the two-state solution will enable Israelis and Palestinians to live side by side, in peace and security," they said in the document. "In this context, we express, furthermore, the need for new and creative diplomatic efforts to achieving a just and comprehensive settlement of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, in order to achieve peace and stability in the Middle East," the leaders noted. The leaders also expressed serious concern about the ongoing crisis in the Gulf region and reiterated continuous support to the people of Afghanistan in their effort to build a stable, inclusive, peaceful and prosperous country. "We firmly believe that there is no military solution to the situation in Afghanistan. We reaffirm our support for a process of peace and reconciliation that is Afghan-owned and Afghan-led. We express concern over the persistence of terrorist-related attacks," the document read. The theme of the BRICS summit this year was `Economic Growth for an Innovative Future` and therefore, keeping in tandem with it, the countries highlighted the importance of science, technology and innovation (STI) as one of the main drivers of economic growth as well as a key element to shape the future of societies. The member countries also led to the foundation of the BRICS Network of Human Milk Banks and emphasised the importance of our collective action in promoting research and development of medicines and diagnostic tools to end epidemics, to combat communicable diseases and to facilitate access to safe, effective, quality and affordable essential medicines, as well as activities to strengthen non-communicable diseases prevention. Terrorism was another important point of focus at the summit. The leaders once again vowed their commitment to fighting terror and agreed to maintain efforts on anti-corruption law enforcement cooperation and returning of assets, including on civil and administrative proceedings.

BRICS stands united in resolving Israel-Palestine, Middle East conflict

BRICS leaders vowed to overcome "challenges" facing multilateralism and called for an urgent need to reform multilateral organisations like United Nations and World Trade Organization (WTO) in the joint declaration released on Thursday.

The joint statement came on the second day of the 11th BRICS Summit hosted by Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro. &nbsp;

"Trade tensions and policy uncertainty have taken a toll on confidence, trade, investment and growth," Bolsonaro said as he read out the declaration. "It is critical that all WTO members avoid unilateral and protectionist measures," he said.

He added that the BRICS nations reiterate the fundamental importance of a rules-based, transparent, non-discriminatory, open, free and inclusive international trade and reaffirm their commitment to helping overcome the significant challenges currently facing multilateralism.

The joint declaration also called on for an "urgent need" to strengthen and reform the multilateral system that includes organisations such as the UN, WTO,&nbsp;IMF, among others.&nbsp;

The statement also reaffirmed the need for a "comprehensive" reform of the UN, including the Security Council, in order to make it more "representative, effective, and efficient", and to increase the representation of democratic countries so that they can adequately respond to global challenge.

The BRICS leaders also agreed that a military solution to the conflict in Syria is not possible. They also reiterated their commitment to implement Paris climate agreement.&nbsp;

The 20-page document also expressed serious concern over persistent threats to international peace and security and committed to working for achieving lasting peace for everyone.

Earlier <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/brics-nations-contribute-to-half-of-global-economic-development-pm-modi-262162">PM Narendra Modi </a>addressed BRICS business forum where he said that BRICS nations contribute to half of the economic development of the world. PM Modi also urged the forum to create a roadmap to achieve the USD 500 billion intra-BRICS trade target.

BRICS is an association of five major economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.&nbsp;

BRICS leaders vowed to overcome "challenges" facing multilateralism and called for an urgent need to reform multilateral organisations like United Nations and World Trade Organization (WTO) in the joint declaration released on Thursday.

BRICS leaders vowed to overcome "challenges" facing multilateralism and called for an urgent need to reform multilateral organisations like United Nations and World Trade Organization (WTO) in the joint declaration released on Thursday. The joint statement came on the second day of the 11th BRICS Summit hosted by Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro. "Trade tensions and policy uncertainty have taken a toll on confidence, trade, investment and growth," Bolsonaro said as he read out the declaration. "It is critical that all WTO members avoid unilateral and protectionist measures," he said. He added that the BRICS nations reiterate the fundamental importance of a rules-based, transparent, non-discriminatory, open, free and inclusive international trade and reaffirm their commitment to helping overcome the significant challenges currently facing multilateralism. The joint declaration also called on for an "urgent need" to strengthen and reform the multilateral system that includes organisations such as the UN, WTO, IMF, among others. The statement also reaffirmed the need for a "comprehensive" reform of the UN, including the Security Council, in order to make it more "representative, effective, and efficient", and to increase the representation of democratic countries so that they can adequately respond to global challenge. The BRICS leaders also agreed that a military solution to the conflict in Syria is not possible. They also reiterated their commitment to implement Paris climate agreement. The 20-page document also expressed serious concern over persistent threats to international peace and security and committed to working for achieving lasting peace for everyone. Earlier PM Narendra Modi addressed BRICS business forum where he said that BRICS nations contribute to half of the economic development of the world. PM Modi also urged the forum to create a roadmap to achieve the USD 500 billion intra-BRICS trade target. BRICS is an association of five major economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

BRICS leaders call for free trade, United Nations and WTO reforms

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will hold countrywide protests on Friday against Congress leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-slams-rahul-gandhi-over-chowkidar-chor-hai-remark-rafale-claims-after-sc-verdict-demands-apology-262036">Rahul Gandhi </a>and his party for "misleading" the country on Rafale deal.

The BJP leaders will hold protests outside All India Congress Committee office in Delhi and other Congress offices in other parts of the country demanding an apology from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his remarks on Rafale.

A party release signed by general secretary Arun Singh said that Congress and Rahul Gandhi gave 'false', 'fabricated'&nbsp;and 'undignified'&nbsp;statements on Rafale deal. The Supreme Court on Thursday dismissed the review petitions challenging its verdict in the Rafale case passed on December 14, 2018, upholding the 36 Rafale jets deal.

A three-judge bench presided by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and comprising Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and KM Joseph passed the order on a batch of petitions seeking review of its December 14, 2018 verdict which had upheld purchase of <a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/supreme-court-dismisses-rafale-review-petitions-261965">36 Rafale jets </a>by Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government from France.

The apex court closed the contempt petition filed by BJP lawmaker Meenakshi Lekhi against Rahul Gandhi for his remarks. The Supreme Court accepted Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's apology for wrongly attributing his infamous "chowkidar chor hai" remark in Rafale case to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and opined that a person holding a place of importance in political spectrum should have been more careful."Rahul Gandhi needs to be more careful in the future. It was unfortunate," a three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justices SK Kaul and KM Joseph said in their verdict.&nbsp;

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will hold countrywide protests on Friday against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and his party for "misleading" the country on Rafale deal.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will hold countrywide protests on Friday against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and his party for "misleading" the country on Rafale deal. The BJP leaders will hold protests outside All India Congress Committee office in Delhi and other Congress offices in other parts of the country demanding an apology from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his remarks on Rafale. A party release signed by general secretary Arun Singh said that Congress and Rahul Gandhi gave 'false', 'fabricated' and 'undignified' statements on Rafale deal. The Supreme Court on Thursday dismissed the review petitions challenging its verdict in the Rafale case passed on December 14, 2018, upholding the 36 Rafale jets deal. A three-judge bench presided by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and comprising Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and KM Joseph passed the order on a batch of petitions seeking review of its December 14, 2018 verdict which had upheld purchase of 36 Rafale jets by Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government from France. The apex court closed the contempt petition filed by BJP lawmaker Meenakshi Lekhi against Rahul Gandhi for his remarks. The Supreme Court accepted Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's apology for wrongly attributing his infamous "chowkidar chor hai" remark in Rafale case to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and opined that a person holding a place of importance in political spectrum should have been more careful."Rahul Gandhi needs to be more careful in the future. It was unfortunate," a three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justices SK Kaul and KM Joseph said in their verdict.

BJP to hold nationwide protests against Rahul Gandhi over claims on Rafale deal

On the sidelines of BRICS summit, Chinese President Xi Jinping has invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for another visit to China next year.&nbsp;

"2020 will be here soon, and I hope China-India relations will achieve new and greater development in the new year," said Chinese president in a statement, reports Reuters. "I welcome you to come to China for another meeting next year."

This development comes after President Jinping met Modi last month in Chennai in India for the second <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chinese-president-xi-jinping-wraps-up-chennai-visit-leaves-for-nepal-255459">informal summit</a>. Both India and China sought to strengthen ties during Jinping's visit, which was a follow-up of Modi's informal visit to Wuhan in China in 2018.

On Wednesday, both Modi and Jinping met in Brasilia in Brazil on the sidelines of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-russian-president-vladimir-putin-hold-talks-on-sidelines-of-brics-summit-261915">BRICS summit</a>. &nbsp;"

"Held talks with President Xi Jinping. Several subjects pertaining to deepening bilateral cooperation were discussed," PM Modi tweeted after the meet. The Indian prime minister added that today's meet with Chinese president will bring "new vigour" to India-China relations. The Indian PM will again meet President Jinping today. &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

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Held talks with President Xi Jinping. Several subjects pertaining to deepening bilateral cooperation were discussed. 
 
Today’s discussions will add new vigour to India-China relations. <a href="https://t.co/mvGZoMYuQ6">pic.twitter.com/mvGZoMYuQ6</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1194709717236486144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Both countries should "increase political mutual trust, properly manage differences and expand practical cooperation so as to guide a better and more stable development of bilateral ties," the Chinese president said, as per a statement released by Chinese Foreign Ministry on Thursday. 
&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
"The leaders had forward—looking discussions on various aspects of the multifaceted India-China relationship," the Indian foreign ministry tweeted after Modi-Jinping meet.

Jinping and Modi are in Brazil for the 11th BRICS summit.

BRICS is an association of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, which brings together 23 per cent of global GDP and 42 per cent of the world's population.&nbsp;

The theme of this year's summit is 'Economic Growth for an Innovative Future' and will focus on strengthening ties among the member nations in key areas such as digital economy, science, and technology, as well as in building mechanisms for counter-terrorism cooperation.&nbsp;

All the BRICS member nations will again meet on Thursday and will release a joint statement.&nbsp;

The BRICS summit is the first time Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro hosted a major international event after holding office.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

On the sidelines of BRICS summit, Chinese President Xi Jinping has invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for another visit to China next year. "2020 will be here soon, and I hope China-India relations will achieve new and greater development in the new year," said Chinese president in a statement, reports Reuters.

On the sidelines of BRICS summit, Chinese President Xi Jinping has invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for another visit to China next year. "2020 will be here soon, and I hope China-India relations will achieve new and greater development in the new year," said Chinese president in a statement, reports Reuters. "I welcome you to come to China for another meeting next year." This development comes after President Jinping met Modi last month in Chennai in India for the second informal summit. Both India and China sought to strengthen ties during Jinping's visit, which was a follow-up of Modi's informal visit to Wuhan in China in 2018. On Wednesday, both Modi and Jinping met in Brasilia in Brazil on the sidelines of BRICS summit. " "Held talks with President Xi Jinping. Several subjects pertaining to deepening bilateral cooperation were discussed," PM Modi tweeted after the meet. The Indian prime minister added that today's meet with Chinese president will bring "new vigour" to India-China relations. The Indian PM will again meet President Jinping today. Held talks with President Xi Jinping. Several subjects pertaining to deepening bilateral cooperation were discussed. Today’s discussions will add new vigour to India-China relations. pic.twitter.com/mvGZoMYuQ6 — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 13, 2019 × Both countries should "increase political mutual trust, properly manage differences and expand practical cooperation so as to guide a better and more stable development of bilateral ties," the Chinese president said, as per a statement released by Chinese Foreign Ministry on Thursday. "The leaders had forward—looking discussions on various aspects of the multifaceted India-China relationship," the Indian foreign ministry tweeted after Modi-Jinping meet. Jinping and Modi are in Brazil for the 11th BRICS summit. BRICS is an association of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, which brings together 23 per cent of global GDP and 42 per cent of the world's population. The theme of this year's summit is 'Economic Growth for an Innovative Future' and will focus on strengthening ties among the member nations in key areas such as digital economy, science, and technology, as well as in building mechanisms for counter-terrorism cooperation. All the BRICS member nations will again meet on Thursday and will release a joint statement. The BRICS summit is the first time Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro hosted a major international event after holding office.

XI Jinping invites PM Narendra Modi for another visit to China

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that India is the world's most open and investment-friendly economy due to political stability, predictable policy and business-friendly reforms.

In his speech, PM Modi termed India as a land of limitless opportunities and urged the business leaders of the BRICS nations to invest in India, particularly in its infrastructure development.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also said that BRICS nations contribute to half of global economic development.&nbsp;

"BRICS nations contribute 50% to the economic development of the world. Despite global recession BRICS nations have contributed to economic development and brought crores of people out of poverty," said PM Modi at BRICS business forum.

Addressing the Dialogue with BRICS Business Council and New Development Bank, Prime Minister Modi urged the BRICS Business Council to create a roadmap to achieve the $ 500 billion intra-BRICS trade target by the next summit.

He also urged the BRICS business leaders to identify the priority areas in business for the next ten years and make a blueprint of it.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that India is the world's most open and investment-friendly economy due to political stability, predictable policy and business-friendly reforms.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that India is the world's most open and investment-friendly economy due to political stability, predictable policy and business-friendly reforms. In his speech, PM Modi termed India as a land of limitless opportunities and urged the business leaders of the BRICS nations to invest in India, particularly in its infrastructure development. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also said that BRICS nations contribute to half of global economic development. "BRICS nations contribute 50% to the economic development of the world. Despite global recession BRICS nations have contributed to economic development and brought crores of people out of poverty," said PM Modi at BRICS business forum. Addressing the Dialogue with BRICS Business Council and New Development Bank, Prime Minister Modi urged the BRICS Business Council to create a roadmap to achieve the $ 500 billion intra-BRICS trade target by the next summit. He also urged the BRICS business leaders to identify the priority areas in business for the next ten years and make a blueprint of it.

India is world's most open and investment-friendly economy: PM Modi at BRICS

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