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<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (June 21) led celebrations for the International Day of Yoga 2024 in Jammu and Kashmir's Srinagar. This was the first trip to Kashmir that Prime Minister Modi made since&nbsp;assuming office for a third consecutive term. On Friday, Modi led the Yoga session at the&nbsp;Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar.</p>

<p>Addressing the event, Modi said that in the last decade,&nbsp;the expansion of Yoga has changed the perception related to it. "Today, the world is seeing a new Yoga economy going forward. In India, from Rishikesh and Kashi to Kerala, a new connect of Yoga tourism is being seen," the prime minister said.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/international-yoga-day-2024-live-pm-modi-from-srinagar-733671"><strong>Click here to follow all updates on the International Yoga Day 2024</strong></a></p>

<p>"Tourists from across the world are coming to India because they want to learn authentic Yoga in India...People are even keeping personal Yoga trainers for their fitness...All of these have created new opportunities for the youth, new employment opportunities for youth," he added.</p>

<h2><strong>'Number of people doing Yoga continuously increasing'</strong></h2>

<p>Modi pointed out that the number of people&nbsp;doing yoga was continuously&nbsp;increasing in the world. "Wherever I go and whoever (global leaders) I meet, they ask me about yoga with curiosity. Yoga is becoming a part of daily life,” he added.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">VIDEO | International Yoga Day 2024: “The number of people doing yoga is continuously increasing in the world Their attraction towards yoga is also on the rise. Wherever I go and whoever (global leaders) I meet, they ask me about yoga with curiosity. Yoga is becoming a part of… <a href="https://t.co/WAw458jfB6">pic.twitter.com/WAw458jfB6</a></p>
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTI_News/status/1803980407542555053?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>"The world is looking at Yoga as a powerful agent of global good. Yoga helps us live in the present moment without the baggage of the past. It connects us with ourselves,” the PM also said.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>The theme this year</strong></h2>

<p>The theme for this year's&nbsp;International Day of Yoga is "Yoga for Self and Society." Talking about the theme, Modi said, "Yoga helps us realise that our welfare is related to the welfare of the world around us. When we are peaceful within, we can also make a positive impact&nbsp;on the world."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Post Yoga selfies in Srinagar! Unparalled vibrancy here, at the Dal Lake. <a href="https://t.co/G9yxoLUkpX">pic.twitter.com/G9yxoLUkpX</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1803996122999853182?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>"Astronauts are also being trained in yoga and meditation. Yoga is also being used in prisons to spread positive thoughts among the inmates," he added.&nbsp;</p>


Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (June 21) led celebrations for the International Day of Yoga 2024 in Jammu and Kashmir's Srinagar. This was the first trip to Kashmir that Prime Minister Modi made since assuming office for a third consecutive term.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (June 21) led celebrations for the International Day of Yoga 2024 in Jammu and Kashmir's Srinagar. This was the first trip to Kashmir that Prime Minister Modi made since assuming office for a third consecutive term. On Friday, Modi led the Yoga session at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar. Addressing the event, Modi said that in the last decade, the expansion of Yoga has changed the perception related to it. "Today, the world is seeing a new Yoga economy going forward. In India, from Rishikesh and Kashi to Kerala, a new connect of Yoga tourism is being seen," the prime minister said. Click here to follow all updates on the International Yoga Day 2024 "Tourists from across the world are coming to India because they want to learn authentic Yoga in India...People are even keeping personal Yoga trainers for their fitness...All of these have created new opportunities for the youth, new employment opportunities for youth," he added. 'Number of people doing Yoga continuously increasing' Modi pointed out that the number of people doing yoga was continuously increasing in the world. "Wherever I go and whoever (global leaders) I meet, they ask me about yoga with curiosity. Yoga is becoming a part of daily life,” he added. VIDEO | International Yoga Day 2024: “The number of people doing yoga is continuously increasing in the world Their attraction towards yoga is also on the rise. Wherever I go and whoever (global leaders) I meet, they ask me about yoga with curiosity. Yoga is becoming a part of… pic.twitter.com/WAw458jfB6 — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 21, 2024 × "The world is looking at Yoga as a powerful agent of global good. Yoga helps us live in the present moment without the baggage of the past. It connects us with ourselves,” the PM also said. The theme this year The theme for this year's International Day of Yoga is "Yoga for Self and Society." Talking about the theme, Modi said, "Yoga helps us realise that our welfare is related to the welfare of the world around us. When we are peaceful within, we can also make a positive impact on the world." Post Yoga selfies in Srinagar! Unparalled vibrancy here, at the Dal Lake. pic.twitter.com/G9yxoLUkpX — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 21, 2024 × "Astronauts are also being trained in yoga and meditation. Yoga is also being used in prisons to spread positive thoughts among the inmates," he added.

International Yoga Day 2024: Modi leads celebrations, says world seeing new Yoga economy going forward

<p>Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal expressed his deepest gratitude to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for adorning Assam's 'Gamosa' during the International Day of Yoga event in Srinagar.</p>

<p>Sonowal took to his official X handle and said, "Associated with this beloved Gamosa is the spiritual devotion and solidarity of the devout masses of Krishnaguru Sevashram," said the Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterway.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"On behalf of the people of Assam as well as the devotees of Krishnaguru Sevashram, I express my deep gratitude to Modi ji for once again showing his love and affection for the Gamosa," he added.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Assam's Gamosa shines again!<br />
<br />
Hon'ble PM Shri <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> ji Modi sends the message of Yoga's greatness to the world from Srinagar in Jammu &amp; Kashmir by wearing our very own Gamosa.<br />
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Associated with this beloved Gamosa is the spiritual devotion and solidarity of the devout… <a href="https://t.co/02maDnS7lV">pic.twitter.com/02maDnS7lV</a></p>
— Sarbananda Sonowal (@sarbanandsonwal) <a href="https://twitter.com/sarbanandsonwal/status/1804023985992245598?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>PM Modi was seen wearing a 'Gamosa' during the 10th International Day of Yoga event at Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Srinagar on Friday (June 21) morning.</p>

<p>Sonowal also marked the occasion of the 10th International Yoga Day by performing Yoga at Tinsukia, Assam.</p>

<p>"Today, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the people of the world have adopted Yoga. This is a big achievement for the people of India. This is an ancient culture of the country. If people make Yoga a part of their lives then not only they will stay healthy but also spread morals in society. The solutions that PM Modi has given through Yoga to protect themselves from diseases are a big contribution to humanity. We will work to inculcate yoga among the youth," he said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-indicates-early-restoration-of-statehood-on-his-two-day-visit-to-jammu-and-kashmir-733619">PM Modi indicates early restoration of statehood on his two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir</a></p>

<h2><strong>PM Modi says world seeing new Yoga economy going forward</strong></h2>

<p>PM Modi on Friday (June 21) led celebrations for the International Day of Yoga 2024 in Jammu and Kashmir's Srinagar.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This was the prime minister's first trip to J&amp;K since assuming office for his third consecutive term.</p>

<p>Addressing the event, Modi said that in the last decade, the expansion of Yoga has changed the perception related to it. "Today, the world is seeing a new Yoga economy going forward. In India, from Rishikesh and Kashi to Kerala, a new connection of Yoga tourism is being seen," the prime minister said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Post Yoga selfies in Srinagar! Unparalled vibrancy here, at the Dal Lake. <a href="https://t.co/G9yxoLUkpX">pic.twitter.com/G9yxoLUkpX</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1803996122999853182?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Tourists from across the world are coming to India because they want to learn authentic Yoga in India...People are even keeping personal Yoga trainers for their fitness...All of these have created new opportunities for the youth, new employment opportunities for youth," he added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal expressed his deepest gratitude to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for adorning Assam's 'Gamosa' during the International Day of Yoga event in Srinagar.

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal expressed his deepest gratitude to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for adorning Assam's 'Gamosa' during the International Day of Yoga event in Srinagar. Sonowal took to his official X handle and said, "Associated with this beloved Gamosa is the spiritual devotion and solidarity of the devout masses of Krishnaguru Sevashram," said the Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterway. "On behalf of the people of Assam as well as the devotees of Krishnaguru Sevashram, I express my deep gratitude to Modi ji for once again showing his love and affection for the Gamosa," he added. Assam's Gamosa shines again! Hon'ble PM Shri @narendramodi ji Modi sends the message of Yoga's greatness to the world from Srinagar in Jammu & Kashmir by wearing our very own Gamosa. Associated with this beloved Gamosa is the spiritual devotion and solidarity of the devout… pic.twitter.com/02maDnS7lV — Sarbananda Sonowal (@sarbanandsonwal) June 21, 2024 × PM Modi was seen wearing a 'Gamosa' during the 10th International Day of Yoga event at Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Srinagar on Friday (June 21) morning. Sonowal also marked the occasion of the 10th International Yoga Day by performing Yoga at Tinsukia, Assam. "Today, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the people of the world have adopted Yoga. This is a big achievement for the people of India. This is an ancient culture of the country. If people make Yoga a part of their lives then not only they will stay healthy but also spread morals in society. The solutions that PM Modi has given through Yoga to protect themselves from diseases are a big contribution to humanity. We will work to inculcate yoga among the youth," he said. Also read: PM Modi indicates early restoration of statehood on his two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir PM Modi says world seeing new Yoga economy going forward PM Modi on Friday (June 21) led celebrations for the International Day of Yoga 2024 in Jammu and Kashmir's Srinagar. This was the prime minister's first trip to J&K since assuming office for his third consecutive term. Addressing the event, Modi said that in the last decade, the expansion of Yoga has changed the perception related to it. "Today, the world is seeing a new Yoga economy going forward. In India, from Rishikesh and Kashi to Kerala, a new connection of Yoga tourism is being seen," the prime minister said. Post Yoga selfies in Srinagar! Unparalled vibrancy here, at the Dal Lake. pic.twitter.com/G9yxoLUkpX — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 21, 2024 × "Tourists from across the world are coming to India because they want to learn authentic Yoga in India...People are even keeping personal Yoga trainers for their fitness...All of these have created new opportunities for the youth, new employment opportunities for youth," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Union Minister Sonowal expresses deep gratitude to PM Modi as he adorns Assam's Gamosa

<p>Prime Minister, Narendra Modi inaugurated the new campus of the Nalanda University in Rajgir, Bihar on June 19 (Wednesday). The ancient ruins of Nalanda University are less than 20 km away from the newly constructed campus.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Nalanda University was a significant part of India's cultural heritage and attracted scholars from all across the world. The site contains artefacts that were built using stucco, metal and stone back in the day.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/heatwaves-sizzle-india-delhi-feels-like-50-degrees-nainital-swelters-slight-relief-expected-soon-732918">Heatwaves sizzle India: Delhi feels like 50 degrees, Nainital swelters; slight relief expected soon</a></strong></p>

<p>Prime Minister Modi also paid a visit to the ancient remains of the campus that was declared a United Nations Heritage site back in 2016. Ambassadors from 17 countries along with the Union Minister for External Affairs, Dr S Jaishankar, Chief Minister of Bihar, Nitish Kumar and Governor of Bihar, Rajendra Vishwanath were present at the event.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It’s a very special day for our education sector. At around 10:30 AM today, the new campus of the Nalanda University would be inaugurated at Rajgir. Nalanda has a strong connect with our glorious past. This university will surely go a long way in catering to the educational needs… <a href="https://t.co/sJh6cndEve">pic.twitter.com/sJh6cndEve</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1803262253631721719?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 19, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>On account of this historic event, Modi took to X and wrote "It’s a very special day for our education sector. At around 10:30 AM today, the new campus of the Nalanda University would be inaugurated at Rajgir. Nalanda has a strong connect with our glorious past. This university will surely go a long way in catering to the educational needs of the youth."</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;</strong>India &amp; US planning a human-led lunar exploration?</p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-us-planning-a-human-led-lunar-exploration-733028/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>The establishment of the new campus at Nalanda University is a significant milestone for the education system in India and the country as a whole. The campus, built at a cost of Rs 1749 crore ($209 million),&nbsp;has two academic blocks&nbsp;with 40 classrooms and a total seating capacity of almost 1,900 people. On-campus residential facilities are also present for students along with other amenities such as clubs, sports complexes, auditoriums, etc.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canadian-sentiment-towards-india-drops-sharply-amid-diplomatic-strains-report-732927">Canadian sentiment towards India drops sharply amid diplomatic strains: Report</a></strong></p>

<p>"It is a matter of happiness that today Nalanda University is being inaugurated by PM Modi. His presence here underscores the importance he places on Nalanda's educational and cultural legacies. We are very fortunate that this significant event is happening in Bihar," Bihar Governor, Rajendra Vishwanath commented on the inauguration ceremony that took place.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Prime Minister, Narendra Modi inaugurated the new campus of the Nalanda University in Rajgir, Bihar on June 19 (Wednesday). The ancient ruins of Nalanda University are less than 20 km away from the newly constructed campus.

Prime Minister, Narendra Modi inaugurated the new campus of the Nalanda University in Rajgir, Bihar on June 19 (Wednesday). The ancient ruins of Nalanda University are less than 20 km away from the newly constructed campus. Nalanda University was a significant part of India's cultural heritage and attracted scholars from all across the world. The site contains artefacts that were built using stucco, metal and stone back in the day. Also read | Heatwaves sizzle India: Delhi feels like 50 degrees, Nainital swelters; slight relief expected soon Prime Minister Modi also paid a visit to the ancient remains of the campus that was declared a United Nations Heritage site back in 2016. Ambassadors from 17 countries along with the Union Minister for External Affairs, Dr S Jaishankar, Chief Minister of Bihar, Nitish Kumar and Governor of Bihar, Rajendra Vishwanath were present at the event. It’s a very special day for our education sector. At around 10:30 AM today, the new campus of the Nalanda University would be inaugurated at Rajgir. Nalanda has a strong connect with our glorious past. This university will surely go a long way in catering to the educational needs… pic.twitter.com/sJh6cndEve — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 19, 2024 × On account of this historic event, Modi took to X and wrote "It’s a very special day for our education sector. At around 10:30 AM today, the new campus of the Nalanda University would be inaugurated at Rajgir. Nalanda has a strong connect with our glorious past. This university will surely go a long way in catering to the educational needs of the youth." Watch | India & US planning a human-led lunar exploration? The establishment of the new campus at Nalanda University is a significant milestone for the education system in India and the country as a whole. The campus, built at a cost of Rs 1749 crore ($209 million), has two academic blocks with 40 classrooms and a total seating capacity of almost 1,900 people. On-campus residential facilities are also present for students along with other amenities such as clubs, sports complexes, auditoriums, etc. Also read | Canadian sentiment towards India drops sharply amid diplomatic strains: Report "It is a matter of happiness that today Nalanda University is being inaugurated by PM Modi. His presence here underscores the importance he places on Nalanda's educational and cultural legacies. We are very fortunate that this significant event is happening in Bihar," Bihar Governor, Rajendra Vishwanath commented on the inauguration ceremony that took place. (With inputs from agencies)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates new Nalanda University campus in Rajgir, Bihar

<p>Congress leader Rahul Gandhi hit out at Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (June 18) for "remaining silent" about the alleged anomalies in the NEET-UG 2024 exam, a key test for admission to medical colleges that was taken by millions.</p>

<p>His attack on the prime minister came shortly after the Supreme Court criticised the Centre and the National Testing Agency (NTA) for their handling of the NEET-UG 2024 exam, saying that even in the unlikely event that there was "0.001 per cent negligence" on anyone's part, it should be thoroughly addressed.</p>

<p>“Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as usual, remains silent on the issue of over 2.4 million students' futures being jeopardised by the NEET exam scandal. Arrests in Bihar, Gujarat, and Haryana clearly indicate that there was a planned and organised corruption in the exam process, with these BJP-ruled states becoming the epicentre of the paper leak,” Rahul Gandhi posted on X in Hindi.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">NEET परीक्षा में 24 लाख से अधिक छात्रों के भविष्य के साथ हुए खिलवाड़ पर भी नरेंद्र मोदी हमेशा की तरह मौन धारण किए हुए हैं।<br />
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बिहार, गुजरात और हरियाणा में हुई गिरफ्तारियों से साफ है कि परीक्षा में योजनाबद्ध तरीके से संगठित भ्रष्टाचार हुआ है और ये भाजपा शासित राज्य पेपर लीक का…</p>
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1802976369355485403?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 18, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>“In our manifesto, we guaranteed the protection of the youth's future by enacting stringent laws against paper leaks. Fulfilling our responsibility as the Opposition, we are committed to strongly raising the voices of the youth across the country, from the streets to Parliament, and pressuring the government to develop such stringent policies,” the Congress MP added.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/great-discontent-modi-nda-government-could-topple-with-smallest-disturbance-says-rahul-gandhi-732796">'Great discontent': Modi-NDA government could topple with 'smallest disturbance,' says Rahul Gandhi</a></strong></p>

<p>Admission to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, and other relevant courses at government and private medical universities across the country is determined by the results of the NEET-UG test, which is administered by the NTA.</p>

<p>Earlier on Sunday, Rahul Gandhi attacked Modi over the medical entry exam controversy, claiming that even before Modi took the oath of office for a new term, more than 2.4 million students had been crushed by the alleged "irregularities".</p>

<p>Rahul Gandhi gave students assurances that he would speak for them in Parliament and strongly bring up issues about their future.</p>

<h2>What is the SC saying?</h2>

<p><br />
On Tuesday, the Supreme Court declared that the case over the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (Undergraduate)-2024 test should not be handled as adversarial, noting that students put in a lot of effort to prepare for these exams.</p>

<p>Justices Vikram Nath and SVN Bhatti on vacation urged the lawyers standing on behalf of the Centre and the NTA, "Even if there is 0.001 per cent negligence on the part of anyone, it should be thoroughly dealt with."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Congress leader Rahul Gandhi hit out at Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (June 18) for "remaining silent" about the alleged anomalies in the NEET-UG 2024 exam, a key test for admission to medical colleges that was taken by millions.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi hit out at Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (June 18) for "remaining silent" about the alleged anomalies in the NEET-UG 2024 exam, a key test for admission to medical colleges that was taken by millions. His attack on the prime minister came shortly after the Supreme Court criticised the Centre and the National Testing Agency (NTA) for their handling of the NEET-UG 2024 exam, saying that even in the unlikely event that there was "0.001 per cent negligence" on anyone's part, it should be thoroughly addressed. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as usual, remains silent on the issue of over 2.4 million students' futures being jeopardised by the NEET exam scandal. Arrests in Bihar, Gujarat, and Haryana clearly indicate that there was a planned and organised corruption in the exam process, with these BJP-ruled states becoming the epicentre of the paper leak,” Rahul Gandhi posted on X in Hindi. NEET परीक्षा में 24 लाख से अधिक छात्रों के भविष्य के साथ हुए खिलवाड़ पर भी नरेंद्र मोदी हमेशा की तरह मौन धारण किए हुए हैं। बिहार, गुजरात और हरियाणा में हुई गिरफ्तारियों से साफ है कि परीक्षा में योजनाबद्ध तरीके से संगठित भ्रष्टाचार हुआ है और ये भाजपा शासित राज्य पेपर लीक का… — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) June 18, 2024 × “In our manifesto, we guaranteed the protection of the youth's future by enacting stringent laws against paper leaks. Fulfilling our responsibility as the Opposition, we are committed to strongly raising the voices of the youth across the country, from the streets to Parliament, and pressuring the government to develop such stringent policies,” the Congress MP added. Also read: 'Great discontent': Modi-NDA government could topple with 'smallest disturbance,' says Rahul Gandhi Admission to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, and other relevant courses at government and private medical universities across the country is determined by the results of the NEET-UG test, which is administered by the NTA. Earlier on Sunday, Rahul Gandhi attacked Modi over the medical entry exam controversy, claiming that even before Modi took the oath of office for a new term, more than 2.4 million students had been crushed by the alleged "irregularities". Rahul Gandhi gave students assurances that he would speak for them in Parliament and strongly bring up issues about their future. What is the SC saying? On Tuesday, the Supreme Court declared that the case over the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (Undergraduate)-2024 test should not be handled as adversarial, noting that students put in a lot of effort to prepare for these exams. Justices Vikram Nath and SVN Bhatti on vacation urged the lawyers standing on behalf of the Centre and the NTA, "Even if there is 0.001 per cent negligence on the part of anyone, it should be thoroughly dealt with." (With inputs from agencies)

Rahul Gandhi slams 'silent' Modi over NEET-UG controversy as Supreme Court criticises exam handling

<p>Congress MP Rahul Gandhi has claimed that members of the Narendra Modi govenment in India are in touch with the INDIA bloc. He has also suggested that even a minor disturbance could topple the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Gandhi, in an interview with the Financial Times, claimed that there was "great discontent" within&nbsp;the Modi government and that it would struggle to survive.</p>

<p>"The space in the Indian political system has been blown open. A tectonic shift has taken place in Indian politics," he said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pannun-murder-for-hire-case-first-visuals-of-extradited-indian-national-nikhil-gupta-released-by-czech-police-732678">Pannun murder-for-hire case: Visuals of Indian national Nikhil Gupta's extradition released by Czech police</a></strong></p>

<p>"The numbers are such that they are very fragile, and the smallest disturbance can drop the government. Basically, one ally has to turn the other way," he added, refusing to elaborate on his claims.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>BJP's 'politics of hate'</strong></h2>

<p>Gandhi said the 2024 Lok Sabha elections were a repudiation of the Bharatiya Janata Party's politics of "hatred".</p>

<p>"The idea that you can spread hatred, you can spread anger and you can reap benefits of that — the Indian people have rejected it in this election. Essentially, what has happened is that the basic architecture of BJP — the idea of creating religious hatred — that has collapsed."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Recent elections saw the Modi-led bloc NDA come to power for the third time with 293 Lok Sabha seats. Despite this, the BJP lost its majority and now depends on smaller parties to remain in power.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The INDIA coalition, established to challenge the BJP, shocked everyone by winning 234 seats, making Rahul Gandhi the face of opposition politics.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-to-retain-rae-bareli-priyanka-gandhi-vadra-to-contest-from-wayanad-732563">Rahul Gandhi to retain Rae Bareli, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to contest from Wayanad</a></strong></p>

<p>Gandhi had announced that he would continue to be an MP from Rae Bareli in the north, and that his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra would contest the by-polls from Wayanad in the south.</p>

<p>Congress President Rahul Gandhi had contested and won both seats, but the Indian law allows a person to represent only one seat in the Parliament.&nbsp;</p>

<p>If Vadra is elected from Wayanad, there would be three members from the Nehru-Gandhi family in the Parliament: Sonia Gandhi in Rajya Sabha and her children Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi in Lok Sabha.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Congress MP Rahul Gandhi has claimed that members of the Narendra Modi govenment in India are in touch with the INDIA bloc. He has also suggested that even a minor disturbance could topple the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government.

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi has claimed that members of the Narendra Modi govenment in India are in touch with the INDIA bloc. He has also suggested that even a minor disturbance could topple the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government. Gandhi, in an interview with the Financial Times, claimed that there was "great discontent" within the Modi government and that it would struggle to survive. "The space in the Indian political system has been blown open. A tectonic shift has taken place in Indian politics," he said. Also read | Pannun murder-for-hire case: Visuals of Indian national Nikhil Gupta's extradition released by Czech police "The numbers are such that they are very fragile, and the smallest disturbance can drop the government. Basically, one ally has to turn the other way," he added, refusing to elaborate on his claims. BJP's 'politics of hate' Gandhi said the 2024 Lok Sabha elections were a repudiation of the Bharatiya Janata Party's politics of "hatred". "The idea that you can spread hatred, you can spread anger and you can reap benefits of that — the Indian people have rejected it in this election. Essentially, what has happened is that the basic architecture of BJP — the idea of creating religious hatred — that has collapsed." Recent elections saw the Modi-led bloc NDA come to power for the third time with 293 Lok Sabha seats. Despite this, the BJP lost its majority and now depends on smaller parties to remain in power. The INDIA coalition, established to challenge the BJP, shocked everyone by winning 234 seats, making Rahul Gandhi the face of opposition politics. Also read | Rahul Gandhi to retain Rae Bareli, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to contest from Wayanad Gandhi had announced that he would continue to be an MP from Rae Bareli in the north, and that his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra would contest the by-polls from Wayanad in the south. Congress President Rahul Gandhi had contested and won both seats, but the Indian law allows a person to represent only one seat in the Parliament. If Vadra is elected from Wayanad, there would be three members from the Nehru-Gandhi family in the Parliament: Sonia Gandhi in Rajya Sabha and her children Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi in Lok Sabha. (With inputs from agencies)

'Great discontent': Modi-NDA government could fall with smallest disturbance, says Rahul Gandhi

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<p>A day after sharing a post that made fun of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pope Francis' meeting in Italy, the Congress party unit in the south Indian state of Kerala apologised on Monday (June 17) on its X account.</p>

<p>"Finally, the Pope got a chance to meet God!," the Congress party's Kerala wing wrote on X with a photo of PM Modi and the Pope in the since-deleted post.</p>

<p>This was a reference to PM Modi's earlier statement that he believed he had been "sent by God" for a specific reason.</p>

<p>The tweet was swiftly denounced by the BJP, which claimed that the Congress had insulted both Pope and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.</p>

<p>Kerala BJP president K Surendran wrote on X, "The @INCIndia Kerala 'X' handle, seemingly run by radical Islamists or Urban Naxals, continues to post derogatory and humiliating content against nationalistic leaders. Now, it has even stooped to mocking the respected Pope and the Christian community."</p>

<p>BJP IT Cell in-charge Amit Malviya sought an apology from Sonia Gandhi, the former president of the Congress, a Catholic, alleging that the Congress had a history of demeaning other faiths.</p>

<p>"After mocking the Hindus and deriding their faith, the Islamist-Marxist nexus in the Congress has now come down to insulting the Christians. This, when Sonia Gandhi, the longest serving Congress President, herself is a practising Catholic. She must apologise to the believers," Malviya wrote on X.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="ml">ഒരു മതത്തെയും മതപുരോഹിതന്മാരെയും ആരാധനാമൂർത്തികളെയും അപമാനിക്കുകയും അവഹേളിക്കുകയും ചെയ്യുന്നത് ഇന്ത്യൻ നാഷണൽ കോൺഗ്രസിന്റെ പാരമ്പര്യമല്ലെന്ന് ഈ നാട്ടിലെ ജനങ്ങൾക്ക് മുഴുവനും അറിയാം. എല്ലാ മതങ്ങളെയും വിശ്വാസങ്ങളെയും ചേർത്ത് പിടിച്ച് സൗഹാർദ്ദപരമായ അന്തരീക്ഷത്തിൽ ജനങ്ങളെ മുന്നോട്ടു… <a href="https://t.co/Jg7HBh9BMw">pic.twitter.com/Jg7HBh9BMw</a></p>
— Congress Kerala (@INCKerala) <a href="https://twitter.com/INCKerala/status/1802381978236260611?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pope Francis' assertion that making jokes about God is not heresy was mentioned by Congress in retaliation.</p>

<p>"When you manage to make intelligent smiles gush from the lips of even one spectator, you make even God smile. Pope Francis said this on Friday, 14th June on the same day after he met Narendra Modi," the party posted.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greek-coastguard-threw-migrants-into-sea-after-tying-their-hands-report-732521">Greek coastguard threw migrants into sea after tying their hands: Report</a></strong></p>

<p>The Congress's Kerala unit removed the tweet and expressed an apology for causing "any emotional or psychological distress to Christians" in the face of growing criticism.</p>

<p>It made clear in a statement that it has no intention of insulting any religion or religious leaders.</p>

<p>“No Congress worker would even entertain the remotest thought of insulting the Pope, whom Christians around the world see as God-like. However, the Congress has no qualms about mocking Narendra Modi, who insults the believers of this country by calling himself God,” the Congress statement said.</p>

<p>“We also know that the Prime Minister has been keeping a studied silence on Manipur, where the minorities have been persecuted, and places of worship destroyed. Minorities faced persecution in Assam and Northeast and the PM has not uttered a word. We are calling out the hollowness of the PM towards the minority community and this camaraderie and this diplomacy [with the Pope] doesn't mean anything serious by the PM towards the Christian community,” Congress spokesperson Mathew Anthony said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A day after sharing a post that made fun of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pope Francis' meeting in Italy, the Congress party unit in the south Indian state of Kerala apologised on Monday (June 17) on its X account.

A day after sharing a post that made fun of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pope Francis' meeting in Italy, the Congress party unit in the south Indian state of Kerala apologised on Monday (June 17) on its X account. "Finally, the Pope got a chance to meet God!," the Congress party's Kerala wing wrote on X with a photo of PM Modi and the Pope in the since-deleted post. This was a reference to PM Modi's earlier statement that he believed he had been "sent by God" for a specific reason. The tweet was swiftly denounced by the BJP, which claimed that the Congress had insulted both Pope and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Kerala BJP president K Surendran wrote on X, "The @INCIndia Kerala 'X' handle, seemingly run by radical Islamists or Urban Naxals, continues to post derogatory and humiliating content against nationalistic leaders. Now, it has even stooped to mocking the respected Pope and the Christian community." BJP IT Cell in-charge Amit Malviya sought an apology from Sonia Gandhi, the former president of the Congress, a Catholic, alleging that the Congress had a history of demeaning other faiths. "After mocking the Hindus and deriding their faith, the Islamist-Marxist nexus in the Congress has now come down to insulting the Christians. This, when Sonia Gandhi, the longest serving Congress President, herself is a practising Catholic. She must apologise to the believers," Malviya wrote on X. ഒരു മതത്തെയും മതപുരോഹിതന്മാരെയും ആരാധനാമൂർത്തികളെയും അപമാനിക്കുകയും അവഹേളിക്കുകയും ചെയ്യുന്നത് ഇന്ത്യൻ നാഷണൽ കോൺഗ്രസിന്റെ പാരമ്പര്യമല്ലെന്ന് ഈ നാട്ടിലെ ജനങ്ങൾക്ക് മുഴുവനും അറിയാം. എല്ലാ മതങ്ങളെയും വിശ്വാസങ്ങളെയും ചേർത്ത് പിടിച്ച് സൗഹാർദ്ദപരമായ അന്തരീക്ഷത്തിൽ ജനങ്ങളെ മുന്നോട്ടു… pic.twitter.com/Jg7HBh9BMw — Congress Kerala (@INCKerala) June 16, 2024 × Pope Francis' assertion that making jokes about God is not heresy was mentioned by Congress in retaliation. "When you manage to make intelligent smiles gush from the lips of even one spectator, you make even God smile. Pope Francis said this on Friday, 14th June on the same day after he met Narendra Modi," the party posted. Also read: Greek coastguard threw migrants into sea after tying their hands: Report The Congress's Kerala unit removed the tweet and expressed an apology for causing "any emotional or psychological distress to Christians" in the face of growing criticism. It made clear in a statement that it has no intention of insulting any religion or religious leaders. “No Congress worker would even entertain the remotest thought of insulting the Pope, whom Christians around the world see as God-like. However, the Congress has no qualms about mocking Narendra Modi, who insults the believers of this country by calling himself God,” the Congress statement said. “We also know that the Prime Minister has been keeping a studied silence on Manipur, where the minorities have been persecuted, and places of worship destroyed. Minorities faced persecution in Assam and Northeast and the PM has not uttered a word. We are calling out the hollowness of the PM towards the minority community and this camaraderie and this diplomacy [with the Pope] doesn't mean anything serious by the PM towards the Christian community,” Congress spokesperson Mathew Anthony said. (With inputs from agencies)

Congress party unit in Kerala in hot water over Pope-Modi post; issues apology

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<p>As the Modi government’s third term began, India participated in two important international conferences: the BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia, on 10 June and the Outreach Session of G7 in Apulia, Italy, on 14 June. At the first conference, India was represented by Dammu Ravi, Secretary (Economic Relations) in the Ministry of External Affairs, as the External Affairs Minister was yet to be sworn in. At the second conference, India – as one of the 12 guest nations of the G7 Chair, Italy – &nbsp;was represented by the Prime Minister.</p>

<p>Naturally, the latter meeting received much greater attention in India and abroad, given the heft of G7 – an exclusive club of rich and powerful nations – and the fact that it was PM Modi’s first outing for summit diplomacy in his third term. Taken together, India's participation demonstrated that New Delhi’s preoccupation with major powers and the challenge to pilot its diplomacy through great power divisions would be a vital feature of external relations in the coming years.</p>

<h2><strong>G7 highlights </strong></h2>

<p>Though not a member of G7, India gets invited regularly to its annual summits, in a clear indication that the West sees value in having India as an interlocutor and partner when global challenges are under discussion. This was India's 11th participation and PM Modi’s 5th consecutive participation in G7 deliberations. Besides India, the other guest nations were Algeria, Argentina, Brazil (G20 President), Egypt, Kenya, Mauritania (AU President), &nbsp;Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Tunisia, Türkiye and UAE. The significant absentees were China and Russia, apart from two other members of BRICS – Iran and Ethiopia.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modi-and-italys-meloni-take-a-selfie-at-g7-731937">PM Modi and Italy's Meloni take a selfie at G7 | PHOTO INSIDE</a></strong></p>

<p>Clearly, G7 symbolizes the West and the North, whereas Beijing and Moscow lead the East and seek to dominate the South. India is also a part of the East and is certainly a credible claimant of the leadership of the South, but it does not share the anti-Western inclinations and instincts of Russia and China. India views itself as a natural bridge between the North and the South as well as a possible interlocutor between the East and the West. This mindset guided New Delhi’s interventions in the two conferences of G7 and BRICS.</p>

<p>On specific discussions in Italy on 14 June, which covered issues such as energy, AI, Africa, and the Mediterranean, PM Modi tweeted that he had “a very productive day” with world leaders. “Together,” he added, “we aim to create impactful solutions that benefit the global community and create a better world for future generations.” The Indian side presented its views in consonance with the collective decisions taken by G20 just nine months back in New Delhi. Mr Modi stressed that developing countries were bearing “the brunt of global uncertainty and tensions.” He reiterated India's commitment to achieving the target Net Zero by 2070 and highlighted the nation’s proactive role in converting “monopoly in technology into mass usage” and promoting cooperation to make Artificial Intelligence&nbsp; (AI) “transparent, fair, secure, accessible and responsible.” He also underlined the importance of the recent elections as “the biggest festival of democracy,” pointing out that the entire electoral process was made “fair and transparent by the ubiquitous use of technology.”</p>

<p>A major utility of G7 for the Indian leadership lies in the opportunities it offers for both formal and informal interactions with world leaders. Bilateral meetings of several kinds – &nbsp;formal and informal – were held between the Indian PM and the leaders of the US, UK, Italy, France, Canada, Japan, and others. These meetings revealed two trends: one, summit diplomacy has become an essential and impactful part of 21st-century diplomacy; and two, the Indian PM loves it and excels at it. His personal rapport with a slew of participants is a national asset. However, it seems that by the time the G7 summit takes place next year, some of this year’s participants may be replaced by new leaders. Therefore, more – and not less – attention to summit-level interactions will become necessary in the future.</p>

<h2><strong>BRICS meeting outcomes</strong></h2>

<p>In contrast to G7, BRICS offers a non-Western and even anti-Western perspective on several international issues. The latter seeks a more responsive and representative multilateral system that ensures more meaningful participation of developing and least developed countries. It advocates a comprehensive reform of the UN, and expansion of the Security Council to include developing countries from&nbsp; Africa, Asia and Latin America. BRICS swears by the role of G20 as “the premium forum for international economic cooperation,” and the contribution of consecutive presidencies of India, Brazil and South Africa during 2022–25 in addressing “inequalities, imbalances and shortcomings of the world economy.” This grouping is also committed to promoting the enhanced use of local currencies in trade and financial transactions among its members, thus moving towards de-dollarization.</p>

<p>In a direct attack on Western sanctions against Russia, BRICS expressed concern over “the use of unilateral coercive measures” and termed them “incompatible” with the UN Charter. While seeking speedy reform of the existing Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs), the grouping re-committed itself to strengthening the New Development Bank (also known as the ‘BRICS Bank’) into “a new type” of MDB for the 21st century.</p>

<p>The joint statement was particularly harsh on Israel, blaming it for “mass civilian displacement, death and casualties, and destruction of civilian infrastructure.” It reflected the grouping's “unwavering commitment” to the two-state solution. On Ukraine, it revealed an ambivalent position, hiding behind divergent national positions and appreciating various mediation proposals. Against this backdrop, India participated in the peace summit on Ukraine hosted by Switzerland on 15–16 June, while China stayed away. Russia was not invited. But in a brilliant display of diplomatic calibration, New Delhi declined to sign the summit’s communique, maintaining that options acceptable to both Russia and Ukraine alone can lead to abiding peace.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Modi calls for an end to monopoly in technology during the G7 summit in Italy</strong></p>

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<p>It is worth underlining that India is a full signatory to the BRICS ministerial statement. On the other hand, not being a member of G7, it is not committed to any of the provisions of the nearly 18,000-word ‘Apulia Leaders’ Communiqué’. A careful comparison of the two documents reveals a vast spectrum of differences between G7 member states’ common positions and the consensus view of the 10 member states of BRICS. India thus has the complex task of deepening its ties with the West, while still shaping the perceptions and decisions of the expanded BRICS.</p>

<h2><strong>Conclusion </strong></h2>

<p>The multilateral groupings of the East and the South such as BRICS and the Shanghai &nbsp;Cooperation Organization (SCO) are of considerable value to India. They enable it to exercise its strategic autonomy in a multipolar world. Besides, they help New Delhi to try enhancing its convergence with Moscow, despite the latter’s growing proximity with Beijing.</p>

<p>On the other hand, G7 is a platform that takes up issues and subjects having immense relevance in the global context. As Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra aptly put it, “Sharing India's perspectives on these issues not only within the G7 but also through the G7 summit to the entire world is very important.”</p>

<p>Hence, India plans to work – creatively and actively – both with the Western and non-Western camps. The forthcoming summits of SCO (July), BRICS (October), and G20 (November) will provide the opportunity to assess the effectiveness of India’s calibrated diplomacy and the complex, nuanced role it plays in tackling global challenges and advancing the national interest.</p>

<p><strong><em>(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)</em></strong></p>


As the Modi government’s third term began, India participated in two important international conferences: the BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia, on 10 June and the Outreach Session of G7 in Apulia, Italy, on 14 June.

As the Modi government’s third term began, India participated in two important international conferences: the BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia, on 10 June and the Outreach Session of G7 in Apulia, Italy, on 14 June. At the first conference, India was represented by Dammu Ravi, Secretary (Economic Relations) in the Ministry of External Affairs, as the External Affairs Minister was yet to be sworn in. At the second conference, India – as one of the 12 guest nations of the G7 Chair, Italy – was represented by the Prime Minister. Naturally, the latter meeting received much greater attention in India and abroad, given the heft of G7 – an exclusive club of rich and powerful nations – and the fact that it was PM Modi’s first outing for summit diplomacy in his third term. Taken together, India's participation demonstrated that New Delhi’s preoccupation with major powers and the challenge to pilot its diplomacy through great power divisions would be a vital feature of external relations in the coming years. G7 highlights Though not a member of G7, India gets invited regularly to its annual summits, in a clear indication that the West sees value in having India as an interlocutor and partner when global challenges are under discussion. This was India's 11th participation and PM Modi’s 5th consecutive participation in G7 deliberations. Besides India, the other guest nations were Algeria, Argentina, Brazil (G20 President), Egypt, Kenya, Mauritania (AU President), Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Tunisia, Türkiye and UAE. The significant absentees were China and Russia, apart from two other members of BRICS – Iran and Ethiopia. Also read | PM Modi and Italy's Meloni take a selfie at G7 | PHOTO INSIDE Clearly, G7 symbolizes the West and the North, whereas Beijing and Moscow lead the East and seek to dominate the South. India is also a part of the East and is certainly a credible claimant of the leadership of the South, but it does not share the anti-Western inclinations and instincts of Russia and China. India views itself as a natural bridge between the North and the South as well as a possible interlocutor between the East and the West. This mindset guided New Delhi’s interventions in the two conferences of G7 and BRICS. On specific discussions in Italy on 14 June, which covered issues such as energy, AI, Africa, and the Mediterranean, PM Modi tweeted that he had “a very productive day” with world leaders. “Together,” he added, “we aim to create impactful solutions that benefit the global community and create a better world for future generations.” The Indian side presented its views in consonance with the collective decisions taken by G20 just nine months back in New Delhi. Mr Modi stressed that developing countries were bearing “the brunt of global uncertainty and tensions.” He reiterated India's commitment to achieving the target Net Zero by 2070 and highlighted the nation’s proactive role in converting “monopoly in technology into mass usage” and promoting cooperation to make Artificial Intelligence (AI) “transparent, fair, secure, accessible and responsible.” He also underlined the importance of the recent elections as “the biggest festival of democracy,” pointing out that the entire electoral process was made “fair and transparent by the ubiquitous use of technology.” A major utility of G7 for the Indian leadership lies in the opportunities it offers for both formal and informal interactions with world leaders. Bilateral meetings of several kinds – formal and informal – were held between the Indian PM and the leaders of the US, UK, Italy, France, Canada, Japan, and others. These meetings revealed two trends: one, summit diplomacy has become an essential and impactful part of 21st-century diplomacy; and two, the Indian PM loves it and excels at it. His personal rapport with a slew of participants is a national asset. However, it seems that by the time the G7 summit takes place next year, some of this year’s participants may be replaced by new leaders. Therefore, more – and not less – attention to summit-level interactions will become necessary in the future. BRICS meeting outcomes In contrast to G7, BRICS offers a non-Western and even anti-Western perspective on several international issues. The latter seeks a more responsive and representative multilateral system that ensures more meaningful participation of developing and least developed countries. It advocates a comprehensive reform of the UN, and expansion of the Security Council to include developing countries from Africa, Asia and Latin America. BRICS swears by the role of G20 as “the premium forum for international economic cooperation,” and the contribution of consecutive presidencies of India, Brazil and South Africa during 2022–25 in addressing “inequalities, imbalances and shortcomings of the world economy.” This grouping is also committed to promoting the enhanced use of local currencies in trade and financial transactions among its members, thus moving towards de-dollarization. In a direct attack on Western sanctions against Russia, BRICS expressed concern over “the use of unilateral coercive measures” and termed them “incompatible” with the UN Charter. While seeking speedy reform of the existing Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs), the grouping re-committed itself to strengthening the New Development Bank (also known as the ‘BRICS Bank’) into “a new type” of MDB for the 21st century. The joint statement was particularly harsh on Israel, blaming it for “mass civilian displacement, death and casualties, and destruction of civilian infrastructure.” It reflected the grouping's “unwavering commitment” to the two-state solution. On Ukraine, it revealed an ambivalent position, hiding behind divergent national positions and appreciating various mediation proposals. Against this backdrop, India participated in the peace summit on Ukraine hosted by Switzerland on 15–16 June, while China stayed away. Russia was not invited. But in a brilliant display of diplomatic calibration, New Delhi declined to sign the summit’s communique, maintaining that options acceptable to both Russia and Ukraine alone can lead to abiding peace. Also watch | Modi calls for an end to monopoly in technology during the G7 summit in Italy × It is worth underlining that India is a full signatory to the BRICS ministerial statement. On the other hand, not being a member of G7, it is not committed to any of the provisions of the nearly 18,000-word ‘Apulia Leaders’ Communiqué’. A careful comparison of the two documents reveals a vast spectrum of differences between G7 member states’ common positions and the consensus view of the 10 member states of BRICS. India thus has the complex task of deepening its ties with the West, while still shaping the perceptions and decisions of the expanded BRICS. Conclusion The multilateral groupings of the East and the South such as BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) are of considerable value to India. They enable it to exercise its strategic autonomy in a multipolar world. Besides, they help New Delhi to try enhancing its convergence with Moscow, despite the latter’s growing proximity with Beijing. On the other hand, G7 is a platform that takes up issues and subjects having immense relevance in the global context. As Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra aptly put it, “Sharing India's perspectives on these issues not only within the G7 but also through the G7 summit to the entire world is very important.” Hence, India plans to work – creatively and actively – both with the Western and non-Western camps. The forthcoming summits of SCO (July), BRICS (October), and G20 (November) will provide the opportunity to assess the effectiveness of India’s calibrated diplomacy and the complex, nuanced role it plays in tackling global challenges and advancing the national interest. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Navigating between BRICS and G7: India's trapeze act

<p>Iran's Ambassador to India, Dr&nbsp;Iraj Elahi, has expressed optimism on the continued strengthening of ties between India and Iran under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his third term.</p>

<p>In a congratulatory message on the occasion of Eid Ul Adha, Ambassador Elahi extended his heartfelt&nbsp;congratulations&nbsp;to the Indian government and its people for the successful conduct of the Lok Sabha elections and the formation of the new government.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He remarked, "I am hopeful that under the continued leadership of His Excellency Prime Minister Modi, relations between the two old nations will continue and strengthen during the third term."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iranian-presidential-election-race-poll-shows-parliament-speaker-ghalibaf-in-lead-among-potential-candidates-731954">Iranian presidential election race: Poll shows Parliament speaker Ghalibaf in lead among potential candidates</a></strong></p>

<p>The two countries recently signed a significant 10-year agreement that allows India to operate the Chabahar port, which provides India with connectivity with Afghanistan and Central Asia.&nbsp;This deal is expected to enhance trade and connectivity further between the two countries.</p>

<p>The Iran ambassador pointed out, "Throughout history, Iran and&nbsp;India have been together and have shared profound bonds, standing by each other in times of both joy and sorrow."&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a solemn reflection, Ambassador Elahi also acknowledged the unwavering support and sympathy extended by the Indian government and people of India in the aftermath of the tragic plane crash in May that resulted in the death of President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and other top officials.</p>

<p>"The unwavering support, and sympathy of the Indian government and the people of India following the martyrdom of our esteemed president and minister of foreign affairs will forever be etched in the memory of the Iranian people," he stated.</p>

<p>The accident had sent shockwaves throughout the region and the world. Indian Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar visited the country to offer condolences on behalf of India.</p>


Iran's Ambassador to India, Dr Iraj Elahi, has expressed optimism on the continued strengthening of ties between India and Iran under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his third term.

Iran's Ambassador to India, Dr Iraj Elahi, has expressed optimism on the continued strengthening of ties between India and Iran under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his third term. In a congratulatory message on the occasion of Eid Ul Adha, Ambassador Elahi extended his heartfelt congratulations to the Indian government and its people for the successful conduct of the Lok Sabha elections and the formation of the new government. He remarked, "I am hopeful that under the continued leadership of His Excellency Prime Minister Modi, relations between the two old nations will continue and strengthen during the third term." Also read | Iranian presidential election race: Poll shows Parliament speaker Ghalibaf in lead among potential candidates The two countries recently signed a significant 10-year agreement that allows India to operate the Chabahar port, which provides India with connectivity with Afghanistan and Central Asia. This deal is expected to enhance trade and connectivity further between the two countries. The Iran ambassador pointed out, "Throughout history, Iran and India have been together and have shared profound bonds, standing by each other in times of both joy and sorrow." In a solemn reflection, Ambassador Elahi also acknowledged the unwavering support and sympathy extended by the Indian government and people of India in the aftermath of the tragic plane crash in May that resulted in the death of President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and other top officials. "The unwavering support, and sympathy of the Indian government and the people of India following the martyrdom of our esteemed president and minister of foreign affairs will forever be etched in the memory of the Iranian people," he stated. The accident had sent shockwaves throughout the region and the world. Indian Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar visited the country to offer condolences on behalf of India.

Iranian Ambassador Elahi sees India-Iran ties growing under Modi's 3rd term

<p>During his address at the G7 Outreach Session&nbsp;on Friday (June 14),&nbsp;Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for an end to the monopoly in technology in order to lay the foundation of an inclusive society. He also called for prioritising the Global South's concerns, particularly Africa.&nbsp;</p>

<p>PM Modi recalled that it was a matter of honour for India that the African Union (AU) was admitted as a permanent member of the G20 under its presidency.</p>

<p>"In these efforts, we have given high priority to Africa. We are proud that the G-20, under the chairmanship of India, made the African Union a permanent member," he said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Spoke at the G7 Outreach Session on AI and Energy, Africa and Mediterranean. Highlighted a wide range of subjects, notably, the wide scale usage of technology for human progress. The rise of technology in various aspects of human life has also reaffirmed the importance of cyber… <a href="https://t.co/lafxE4aJos">pic.twitter.com/lafxE4aJos</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1801654400089526428?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 14, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>"India has been contributing to the economic and social development, stability and security of all the countries of Africa, and will continue to do so in the future," PM Modi added.</p>

<p>Calling for an end to the monopoly in technology, in particular on artificial intelligence, he said, "We must make technology creative, not destructive. Only then will we be able to lay the foundation of an inclusive society. India is striving for a better future through this human-centric approach."</p>

<p>He underlined that India was among the few countries that formulated a national strategy on artificial intelligence.</p>

<p>"Based on this strategy, we have launched the AI Mission this year. Its basic mantra is 'AI for All'. As a founding member and lead chair of the global partnership for AI, we are promoting cooperation among all countries," he said. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-g7-leaders-sing-happy-birthday-to-german-chancellor-olaf-scholz-731793">Watch: G7 leaders sing 'Happy Birthday' to German Chancellor Olaf Scholz</a></p>

<h2><strong>Italian PM Meloni greets Indian counterpart Modi with 'namaste'</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier in the day, PM Modi was welcomed by his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni to the G7 summit which is being held in Italy's Apulia. He arrived for the summit on Thursday (June 13) late night.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> warmly welcomed by the G7 host, PM <a href="https://twitter.com/GiorgiaMeloni?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GiorgiaMeloni</a> of Italy as he arrived at Borgo Egnazia to participate in the G7 Summit. <a href="https://t.co/NTxLGYedGv">pic.twitter.com/NTxLGYedGv</a></p>
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1801617352443715825?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 14, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>PM Modi met French President Emmanuel Macron, his British counterpart Rishi Sunak and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on the sidelines of the G7 Summit.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


During his address at the G7 Outreach Session on Friday (June 14), Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for an end to the monopoly in technology in order to lay the foundation of an inclusive society.

During his address at the G7 Outreach Session on Friday (June 14), Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for an end to the monopoly in technology in order to lay the foundation of an inclusive society. He also called for prioritising the Global South's concerns, particularly Africa. PM Modi recalled that it was a matter of honour for India that the African Union (AU) was admitted as a permanent member of the G20 under its presidency. "In these efforts, we have given high priority to Africa. We are proud that the G-20, under the chairmanship of India, made the African Union a permanent member," he said. Spoke at the G7 Outreach Session on AI and Energy, Africa and Mediterranean. Highlighted a wide range of subjects, notably, the wide scale usage of technology for human progress. The rise of technology in various aspects of human life has also reaffirmed the importance of cyber… pic.twitter.com/lafxE4aJos — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 14, 2024 × "India has been contributing to the economic and social development, stability and security of all the countries of Africa, and will continue to do so in the future," PM Modi added. Calling for an end to the monopoly in technology, in particular on artificial intelligence, he said, "We must make technology creative, not destructive. Only then will we be able to lay the foundation of an inclusive society. India is striving for a better future through this human-centric approach." He underlined that India was among the few countries that formulated a national strategy on artificial intelligence. "Based on this strategy, we have launched the AI Mission this year. Its basic mantra is 'AI for All'. As a founding member and lead chair of the global partnership for AI, we are promoting cooperation among all countries," he said. Also read: Watch: G7 leaders sing 'Happy Birthday' to German Chancellor Olaf Scholz Italian PM Meloni greets Indian counterpart Modi with 'namaste' Earlier in the day, PM Modi was welcomed by his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni to the G7 summit which is being held in Italy's Apulia. He arrived for the summit on Thursday (June 13) late night. PM @narendramodi warmly welcomed by the G7 host, PM @GiorgiaMeloni of Italy as he arrived at Borgo Egnazia to participate in the G7 Summit. pic.twitter.com/NTxLGYedGv — Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) June 14, 2024 × PM Modi met French President Emmanuel Macron, his British counterpart Rishi Sunak and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on the sidelines of the G7 Summit. (With inputs from agencies)

G7 Outreach session: PM Modi calls for ending monopoly in technology

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed at Brindisi Airport, Italy, on Friday (June 14)&nbsp;where he is set to take part in the G7 Outreach Summit.</p>

<p>On the sidelines of the summit, PM Modi is likely to hold bilateral meetings with US President Joe Biden, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.</p>

<p>United States NSA Jake Sullivan said that their government is likely to discuss the foiled murder-for-hire plot against Khalistan separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun with India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said that this will be “a continuing topic of dialogue between the US and India, including at very senior levels”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After arriving in Italy, PM Modi wrote on X, "Landed in Italy to take part in the G7 Summit. Looking forward to engaging in productive discussions with world leaders. Together, we aim to address global challenges and foster international cooperation for a brighter future."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Apulia, Italy: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives are Brindisi Airport, Italy to participate in the G7 Outreach Summit on 14th June.<br />
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian PM Giorgia Meloni will have a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Summit. <a href="https://t.co/wwv0wpKNYC">pic.twitter.com/wwv0wpKNYC</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1801374910142435415?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 13, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Meanwhile, taking to X, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "PM Narendra Modi touches down at Brindisi airport in Apulia, Italy. The agenda includes participation in the Outreach session of the G7 Summit &amp; substantive interactions with the global leaders on the sidelines. An action-packed day awaits!"</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/g7-summit-glad-my-first-visit-in-3rd-term-is-to-italy-says-pm-modi-731476">G7 Summit: 'Glad my first visit in 3rd term is to Italy', says PM Modi</a></p>

<p>During his visit to Italy, PM Modi is set to participate in a summit session titled <em>Artificial Intelligence, Energy, Africa-Mediterranean </em>which will be hosted by Italian Prime Minister&nbsp;Meloni and joined by Pope Francis.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pope Francis is also likely to hold bilateral talks with PM Modi. In his departure statement, PM Modi said, "I look forward to meeting fellow world leaders and discussing a wide range of issues aimed at making our planet better and improving lives of people."</p>

<p>He added that he was "glad" to make his first foreign visit to Italy for the G7 Summit at the start of his third consecutive term as the prime minister.</p>

<p>"I warmly recall my visit to Italy for the G20 Summit in 2021. Prime Minister Meloni's two visits to India last year were instrumental in infusing momentum and depth in our bilateral agenda. We remain committed to consolidate the India-Italy strategic partnership, and bolster cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and the Mediterranean regions," read his statement.</p>

<p>"During the discussions at the Outreach session, the focus would be on artificial intelligence, energy, Africa, and the Mediterranean. It will be an opportunity to bring greater synergy between the outcomes of the G20 Summit held under India's Presidency and the forthcoming G7 Summit and deliberate on issues which are crucial for the Global South. I am also looking forward to meeting other leaders participating in the summit," Modi added.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Italy hosts G7 Summit: PM Modi &amp; Italian PM Meloni to hold bilateral meeting&nbsp;</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/italy-hosts-g7-summit-pm-modi-italian-pm-meloni-to-hold-bilateral-meeting-731455/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>G7 to strengthen dialogue with Global South: Meloni</strong></h2>

<p>Italian PM Meloni, in her opening address, said that southern Italy is the venue of the summit to deliver a strong message to the Global South.</p>

<p>"It is no coincidence that we are hosting the summit in Apulia. We did this because Apulia is a region of southern Italy and the message we want to launch is that the G7, under the Italian presidency, wishes to strengthen its dialogue with the nations of the Global South," said PM Meloni.</p>

<p>Apart from India, Italy sent&nbsp;invitations to the G7 Summit to 11 developing countries in Africa, South America and the Indo-Pacific region.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed at Brindisi Airport, Italy, on Friday (June 14) where he is set to take part in the G7 Outreach Summit. On the sidelines of the summit, PM Modi is likely to hold bilateral meetings with US President Joe Biden, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed at Brindisi Airport, Italy, on Friday (June 14) where he is set to take part in the G7 Outreach Summit. On the sidelines of the summit, PM Modi is likely to hold bilateral meetings with US President Joe Biden, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. United States NSA Jake Sullivan said that their government is likely to discuss the foiled murder-for-hire plot against Khalistan separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun with India. He said that this will be “a continuing topic of dialogue between the US and India, including at very senior levels”. After arriving in Italy, PM Modi wrote on X, "Landed in Italy to take part in the G7 Summit. Looking forward to engaging in productive discussions with world leaders. Together, we aim to address global challenges and foster international cooperation for a brighter future." #WATCH | Apulia, Italy: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives are Brindisi Airport, Italy to participate in the G7 Outreach Summit on 14th June. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian PM Giorgia Meloni will have a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Summit. pic.twitter.com/wwv0wpKNYC — ANI (@ANI) June 13, 2024 × Meanwhile, taking to X, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "PM Narendra Modi touches down at Brindisi airport in Apulia, Italy. The agenda includes participation in the Outreach session of the G7 Summit & substantive interactions with the global leaders on the sidelines. An action-packed day awaits!" Also Read: G7 Summit: 'Glad my first visit in 3rd term is to Italy', says PM Modi During his visit to Italy, PM Modi is set to participate in a summit session titled Artificial Intelligence, Energy, Africa-Mediterranean which will be hosted by Italian Prime Minister Meloni and joined by Pope Francis. Pope Francis is also likely to hold bilateral talks with PM Modi. In his departure statement, PM Modi said, "I look forward to meeting fellow world leaders and discussing a wide range of issues aimed at making our planet better and improving lives of people." He added that he was "glad" to make his first foreign visit to Italy for the G7 Summit at the start of his third consecutive term as the prime minister. "I warmly recall my visit to Italy for the G20 Summit in 2021. Prime Minister Meloni's two visits to India last year were instrumental in infusing momentum and depth in our bilateral agenda. We remain committed to consolidate the India-Italy strategic partnership, and bolster cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and the Mediterranean regions," read his statement. "During the discussions at the Outreach session, the focus would be on artificial intelligence, energy, Africa, and the Mediterranean. It will be an opportunity to bring greater synergy between the outcomes of the G20 Summit held under India's Presidency and the forthcoming G7 Summit and deliberate on issues which are crucial for the Global South. I am also looking forward to meeting other leaders participating in the summit," Modi added. Watch: Italy hosts G7 Summit: PM Modi & Italian PM Meloni to hold bilateral meeting G7 to strengthen dialogue with Global South: Meloni Italian PM Meloni, in her opening address, said that southern Italy is the venue of the summit to deliver a strong message to the Global South. "It is no coincidence that we are hosting the summit in Apulia. We did this because Apulia is a region of southern Italy and the message we want to launch is that the G7, under the Italian presidency, wishes to strengthen its dialogue with the nations of the Global South," said PM Meloni. Apart from India, Italy sent invitations to the G7 Summit to 11 developing countries in Africa, South America and the Indo-Pacific region. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Modi lands in Italy for G7 Summit, to meet several heads of states

<p>Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday (June 13) hit out at Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the alleged discrepancies in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) stating that the future of 2.4 million students who appeared in the medical entrance examination was at stake due to the Modi government's actions.</p>

<p>"Grace marks were not the only problem in the NEET exam. There has been rigging, papers have been leaked, corruption has taken place. The future of 24 lakh students who appeared in the NEET exam is at stake due to the actions of the Modi government. A nexus of Exam Centre and Coaching Centre has been formed, in which the game of 'pay money, take paper' is being played," Kharge said in a post on X.</p>

<p>He further said that the "Modi government cannot escape its responsibility" and called&nbsp;for a fair investigation under the supervision of the Supreme Court in the matter.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">NEET परीक्षा में केवल Grace Marks की समस्या नहीं थी।<br />
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धाँधली हुई है, पेपर लीक हुए हैं, भ्रष्टाचार हुआ है।<br />
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NEET परीक्षा में बैठे 24 लाख़ छात्र-छात्राओं का भविष्य मोदी सरकार के कारनामों से दाँव पर लग गया है।<br />
<br />
Exam Centre और Coaching Centre का एक Nexus बन चुका है, जिसमें 'पैसे…</p>
— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) <a href="https://twitter.com/kharge/status/1801186020244721743?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 13, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The Modi government cannot escape its responsibility by putting the responsibility of its actions on the shoulders of NTA. The Congress party demands a fair investigation under the supervision of the Supreme Court in the entire NEET scam. After the investigation, the culprits should be given the harshest punishment and lakhs of students should be compensated to save their year from being wasted," he said in the post.</p>

<p>"In the last 10 years, the Modi government has ruined the future of crores of youth through paper leak and rigging," he added.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-hits-out-at-modi-government-for-destroying-future-of-students-amid-neet-ug-exam-row-730171"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;NEET-UG exam row: Rahul Gandhi hits out at Modi government for 'destroying future of students'</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>Centre tells SC grace marks to 1,563 candidates cancelled</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, the Supreme Court was informed by the Centre that they will be cancelling the scorecards of 1,563 NEET-UG 2024 candidates and conduct&nbsp;the test again of those who were earlier given grace marks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The development came after several aspirants complained about inflated&nbsp;marks.</p>

<p>The Centre announced that the 1,563 students will be given the option to take a re-test, which will ensure fairness and integrity in the examination process. The Centre further detailed the steps taken to address the issue.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The declaration of NEET results on Wednesday (June 5) witnessed 67 candidates bagging the top rank, out of which six were from the same exam centre in the northern state of Haryana.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday (June 13) hit out at Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the alleged discrepancies in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) stating that the future of 2.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday (June 13) hit out at Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the alleged discrepancies in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) stating that the future of 2.4 million students who appeared in the medical entrance examination was at stake due to the Modi government's actions. "Grace marks were not the only problem in the NEET exam. There has been rigging, papers have been leaked, corruption has taken place. The future of 24 lakh students who appeared in the NEET exam is at stake due to the actions of the Modi government. A nexus of Exam Centre and Coaching Centre has been formed, in which the game of 'pay money, take paper' is being played," Kharge said in a post on X. He further said that the "Modi government cannot escape its responsibility" and called for a fair investigation under the supervision of the Supreme Court in the matter. NEET परीक्षा में केवल Grace Marks की समस्या नहीं थी। धाँधली हुई है, पेपर लीक हुए हैं, भ्रष्टाचार हुआ है। NEET परीक्षा में बैठे 24 लाख़ छात्र-छात्राओं का भविष्य मोदी सरकार के कारनामों से दाँव पर लग गया है। Exam Centre और Coaching Centre का एक Nexus बन चुका है, जिसमें 'पैसे… — Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) June 13, 2024 × "The Modi government cannot escape its responsibility by putting the responsibility of its actions on the shoulders of NTA. The Congress party demands a fair investigation under the supervision of the Supreme Court in the entire NEET scam. After the investigation, the culprits should be given the harshest punishment and lakhs of students should be compensated to save their year from being wasted," he said in the post. "In the last 10 years, the Modi government has ruined the future of crores of youth through paper leak and rigging," he added. Also read: NEET-UG exam row: Rahul Gandhi hits out at Modi government for 'destroying future of students' Centre tells SC grace marks to 1,563 candidates cancelled Meanwhile, the Supreme Court was informed by the Centre that they will be cancelling the scorecards of 1,563 NEET-UG 2024 candidates and conduct the test again of those who were earlier given grace marks. The development came after several aspirants complained about inflated marks. The Centre announced that the 1,563 students will be given the option to take a re-test, which will ensure fairness and integrity in the examination process. The Centre further detailed the steps taken to address the issue. The declaration of NEET results on Wednesday (June 5) witnessed 67 candidates bagging the top rank, out of which six were from the same exam centre in the northern state of Haryana. (With inputs from agencies)

Congress President Kharge hits out at PM Modi over NEET-UG exam, says 'future of students at stake'

<p>Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni took the internet by storm on Thursday (June 13) after her videos of greeting several leaders during the summit of Group of Seven&nbsp;(G7) with a 'Namaste' gesture went viral.</p>

<p>In the pictures and videos, she can be seen greeting President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz with folded hands.</p>

<p>Several Indian netizens expressed joy over Meloni accepting and preferring the Indian way of greeting people instead of a handshake.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Namaste at G7 Italy summit: Italian PM Meloni with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz <a href="https://t.co/OSPRq3C42U">pic.twitter.com/OSPRq3C42U</a></p>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1801244560280195233?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 13, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>One of the social media users quipped, "Meloni Namaste karna sikh gayi" (Meloni learnt the Namaste gesture).</p>

<p>The netizens also expressed excitement over Meloni and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's meeting as the cheerful friendliness between the two leaders had sparked a social media frenzy in the past as well.</p>

<p>Some netizens believed that this was "Modi's magic". A user wrote, "Eagerly waiting for Modi and Meloni to come together."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Giorgia Meloni preferring 'Namaste' over a handshake 😄 <a href="https://t.co/d3ceav0UEe">pic.twitter.com/d3ceav0UEe</a></p>
— Meme Farmer (@craziestlazy) <a href="https://twitter.com/craziestlazy/status/1801230761984765963?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 13, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modi-to-attend-50th-g7-summit-in-italy-first-international-trip-since-re-election-731159">PM Modi to attend 50th G7 summit in Italy, first international trip since re-election</a></p>

<h2><strong>'Glad my first visit in 3rd term is to Italy', says PM Modi</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, PM Modi who left for Italy for the G7 Summit said he was glad that his first foreign visit after assuming office for the third consecutive term was to Italy.</p>

<p>"At the invitation of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, I am travelling to the Apulia region in Italy to participate in the G7 Outreach Summit on 14 June 2024. I am glad that my first visit in the third consecutive term is to Italy for the G-7 Summit," read the statement.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">At the invitation of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, I am travelling to Apulia region in Italy to participate in the G7 Outreach Summit on 14 June 2024. I am glad that my first visit in the third consecutive term is to Italy for the G-7 Summit...During the discussions at the… <a href="https://t.co/4g8dA6U0nP">pic.twitter.com/4g8dA6U0nP</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1801227720568828210?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 13, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I am glad that my first visit in the third consecutive term is to Italy for the G-7 Summit. I warmly recall my visit to Italy for the G20 Summit in 2021. Prime Minister Meloni's two visits to India last year were instrumental in infusing momentum and depth in our bilateral agenda. We remain committed to consolidate the India-Italy strategic partnership, and bolster cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and the Mediterranean regions," it added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The statement further highlighted that the discussions at the Outreach session will focus on artificial intelligence, energy, Africa, and the Mediterranean. &nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni took the internet by storm on Thursday (June 13) after her videos of greeting several leaders during the summit of Group of Seven (G7) with a 'Namaste' gesture went viral.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni took the internet by storm on Thursday (June 13) after her videos of greeting several leaders during the summit of Group of Seven (G7) with a 'Namaste' gesture went viral. In the pictures and videos, she can be seen greeting President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz with folded hands. Several Indian netizens expressed joy over Meloni accepting and preferring the Indian way of greeting people instead of a handshake. Namaste at G7 Italy summit: Italian PM Meloni with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz pic.twitter.com/OSPRq3C42U — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) June 13, 2024 × One of the social media users quipped, "Meloni Namaste karna sikh gayi" (Meloni learnt the Namaste gesture). The netizens also expressed excitement over Meloni and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's meeting as the cheerful friendliness between the two leaders had sparked a social media frenzy in the past as well. Some netizens believed that this was "Modi's magic". A user wrote, "Eagerly waiting for Modi and Meloni to come together." Giorgia Meloni preferring 'Namaste' over a handshake 😄 pic.twitter.com/d3ceav0UEe — Meme Farmer (@craziestlazy) June 13, 2024 × Also read: PM Modi to attend 50th G7 summit in Italy, first international trip since re-election 'Glad my first visit in 3rd term is to Italy', says PM Modi Meanwhile, PM Modi who left for Italy for the G7 Summit said he was glad that his first foreign visit after assuming office for the third consecutive term was to Italy. "At the invitation of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, I am travelling to the Apulia region in Italy to participate in the G7 Outreach Summit on 14 June 2024. I am glad that my first visit in the third consecutive term is to Italy for the G-7 Summit," read the statement. At the invitation of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, I am travelling to Apulia region in Italy to participate in the G7 Outreach Summit on 14 June 2024. I am glad that my first visit in the third consecutive term is to Italy for the G-7 Summit...During the discussions at the… pic.twitter.com/4g8dA6U0nP — ANI (@ANI) June 13, 2024 × "I am glad that my first visit in the third consecutive term is to Italy for the G-7 Summit. I warmly recall my visit to Italy for the G20 Summit in 2021. Prime Minister Meloni's two visits to India last year were instrumental in infusing momentum and depth in our bilateral agenda. We remain committed to consolidate the India-Italy strategic partnership, and bolster cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and the Mediterranean regions," it added. The statement further highlighted that the discussions at the Outreach session will focus on artificial intelligence, energy, Africa, and the Mediterranean. (With inputs from agencies)

G7 Summit: Italy PM Giorgia Meloni prefers Namaste over handshake, greets leaders with folded hands

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, two days after takig oath for his third consecutive term, revamped the look of his official X handle with fresh profile and cover images.</p>

<p>The cover image showcases his&nbsp;cabinet ministers whereas the profile image has his photo decked in a white kurta and churidar, which he paired with a yellow half jacket.</p>

<p>Marking his fresh term, the cover image of the Prime Minister Office's (PMO) was also changed to the one where he can be seen bowing down to the Constitution of India in the Sanvidhan Sabha (Centre Hall of Parliament).</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amit-shah-assumes-office-as-union-home-minister-for-second-consecutive-term-730792">Amit Shah assumes office as India's home minister for second consecutive term</a></p>

<h2><strong>PM Modi assumes office for third term</strong></h2>

<p>PM Modi assumed office for his consecutive third term in the South Block office in Delhi on Monday (June 10).&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">देशभर के अपने किसान भाई-बहनों का जीवन आसान बनाने के लिए हमारी सरकार प्रतिबद्ध है। यह मेरे लिए सौभाग्य की बात है कि लगातार तीसरी बार प्रधानमंत्री के रूप में कार्यभार संभालने के बाद पहला काम उनके लिए ही करने का अवसर मिला है। इसके तहत पीएम किसान सम्मान निधि की 17वीं किस्त से जुड़ी… <a href="https://t.co/YZQK3VCXIH">pic.twitter.com/YZQK3VCXIH</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1800087673396248742?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 10, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>After assuming office, the Indian prime minister signed his first file authorising the release of the 17th instalment of PM Kisan Nidhi which will benefit 9.3 crore farmers and distribute nearly Rs 20,000 crores.</p>

<p>After signing the file, PM Modi said, “Ours is a Government fully committed to Kisan Kalyan. It is therefore fitting that the first file signed on taking charge is related to farmer welfare. We want to keep working even more for the farmers and the agriculture sector in the times to come.”</p>

<p>He took oath as the prime minister along with 72 Council of Ministers in a grand swearing-in ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Sunday (June 9).</p>

<p>During the grand ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan President&nbsp;Droupadi Murmu administered the oath of office of prime minister to Narendra Modi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>His cabinet, which includes BJP stalwarts Rajnath Singh, Amit Shah, Nitin Gadkari, Nirmala Sitharaman and S Jaishankar, also took oath.</p>

<p>The Council of Ministers includes 30 Cabinet Ministers, five Ministers of State with Independent Charge and 36 Ministers of State.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Among the new faces, three are former chief ministers and one was BJP's first Lok Sabha MP from Kerala and actor-turned-politician Suresh Gopi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This team of ministers is a great blend of youth and experience; we will leave no stone unturned in improving people's lives. I look forward to serving 140 crore Indians and working with the Council of Ministers to take India to new heights of progress," said PM Modi, in a post on X after the ceremony.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, two days after takig oath for his third consecutive term, revamped the look of his official X handle with fresh profile and cover images.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, two days after takig oath for his third consecutive term, revamped the look of his official X handle with fresh profile and cover images. The cover image showcases his cabinet ministers whereas the profile image has his photo decked in a white kurta and churidar, which he paired with a yellow half jacket. Marking his fresh term, the cover image of the Prime Minister Office's (PMO) was also changed to the one where he can be seen bowing down to the Constitution of India in the Sanvidhan Sabha (Centre Hall of Parliament). Also read: Amit Shah assumes office as India's home minister for second consecutive term PM Modi assumes office for third term PM Modi assumed office for his consecutive third term in the South Block office in Delhi on Monday (June 10). देशभर के अपने किसान भाई-बहनों का जीवन आसान बनाने के लिए हमारी सरकार प्रतिबद्ध है। यह मेरे लिए सौभाग्य की बात है कि लगातार तीसरी बार प्रधानमंत्री के रूप में कार्यभार संभालने के बाद पहला काम उनके लिए ही करने का अवसर मिला है। इसके तहत पीएम किसान सम्मान निधि की 17वीं किस्त से जुड़ी… pic.twitter.com/YZQK3VCXIH — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 10, 2024 × After assuming office, the Indian prime minister signed his first file authorising the release of the 17th instalment of PM Kisan Nidhi which will benefit 9.3 crore farmers and distribute nearly Rs 20,000 crores. After signing the file, PM Modi said, “Ours is a Government fully committed to Kisan Kalyan. It is therefore fitting that the first file signed on taking charge is related to farmer welfare. We want to keep working even more for the farmers and the agriculture sector in the times to come.” He took oath as the prime minister along with 72 Council of Ministers in a grand swearing-in ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Sunday (June 9). During the grand ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath of office of prime minister to Narendra Modi. His cabinet, which includes BJP stalwarts Rajnath Singh, Amit Shah, Nitin Gadkari, Nirmala Sitharaman and S Jaishankar, also took oath. The Council of Ministers includes 30 Cabinet Ministers, five Ministers of State with Independent Charge and 36 Ministers of State. Among the new faces, three are former chief ministers and one was BJP's first Lok Sabha MP from Kerala and actor-turned-politician Suresh Gopi. "This team of ministers is a great blend of youth and experience; we will leave no stone unturned in improving people's lives. I look forward to serving 140 crore Indians and working with the Council of Ministers to take India to new heights of progress," said PM Modi, in a post on X after the ceremony. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Modi revamps official X handles, uploads fresh profile and cover pictures

<p>BJP's Amit Malviya has filed a Rs 10 crore (100 million)&nbsp;defamation suit as retaliation for&nbsp;RSS activist Shantanu Sinha's allegations of Malviya's alleged involvement in sexual exploitation of women.</p>

<p>“[T]he nature of allegations are extremely offensive in as much as, they falsely allege sexual misconduct purportedly committed by my client. The same is fatally injurious to the dignity and reputation of my client who, by virtue of his professional profile, is a public figure. Such malevolently malicious statements have been deliberately made to tarnish his reputation,” the legal&nbsp;notice sent by Malviya reads.</p>

<p>Meanwhile,&nbsp;Congress has called for Malviya's "immediate removal" from the position and an "independent probe"&nbsp;into the matter.</p>

<p>It further accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of providing "political patronage to the perpetrators of crime."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Congresswoman Supriya Shrinate revealed during a news conference that Malviya was accused by some RSS members of engaging in "nefarious activities",&nbsp;including "sexual exploitation of women not only in 5-star hotels but also in BJP offices in Bengal."</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/suresh-gopi-dismisses-reports-of-wanting-to-quit-ministerial-post-for-films-730487">Suresh Gopi dismisses reports of wanting to quit ministerial post for films</a></strong></p>

<p>"It has come to light by members of the RSS who are on record -- a gentleman by the name of Shantanu Sinha related to Rahul Sinha, an office bearer of the BJP in Bengal has alleged that Amit Malviya, the head of BJP IT Cell has indulged in nefarious activities, he has indulged in sexual exploitation of women not only in 5-star hotels but also in BJP offices in Bengal," Shrinate said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Shrinate added, "If you remember the IIT-BHU gangrape and the three people involved --- Saksham Patel, Kunal Pander, and Anand Chauhan --- are all extremely close to the senior leaders of the BJP, including PM Modi."</p>

<p>"It is a position of power and there can be no independent probe or justice unless or until he is removed from the position," said Shrinate, calling for Malviya's "immediate removal."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Shrinate urged the NCW to intervene, saying, "We hope that the new Minister of Women and Child Development is not going to be a mute bystander to women’s plight. We hope that NCW will find their voice, conscience, and morality and take suo-moto cognisance of this matter."</p>

<p>Taking to Facebook on Tuesday (June 11), Sinha clarified that the "post was not aimed to malign Malviya but as a caution not to get entangled in a honey trap".</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">RSS member Shantanu Sinha in a social media post says, "It is a great chagrin to me that the nastiest and most corrupted political party of the country, the Indian National Congress is spreading hate campaign against Amit Malaviya and BJP...I want to give a clear message that the… <a href="https://t.co/oEjOb6Oic8">https://t.co/oEjOb6Oic8</a> <a href="https://t.co/nfLrww4Uqf">pic.twitter.com/nfLrww4Uqf</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1800395252651733195?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 11, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


BJP's Amit Malviya has filed a Rs 10 crore (100 million) defamation suit as retaliation for RSS activist Shantanu Sinha's allegations of Malviya's alleged involvement in sexual exploitation of women.

BJP's Amit Malviya has filed a Rs 10 crore (100 million) defamation suit as retaliation for RSS activist Shantanu Sinha's allegations of Malviya's alleged involvement in sexual exploitation of women. “[T]he nature of allegations are extremely offensive in as much as, they falsely allege sexual misconduct purportedly committed by my client. The same is fatally injurious to the dignity and reputation of my client who, by virtue of his professional profile, is a public figure. Such malevolently malicious statements have been deliberately made to tarnish his reputation,” the legal notice sent by Malviya reads. Meanwhile, Congress has called for Malviya's "immediate removal" from the position and an "independent probe" into the matter. It further accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of providing "political patronage to the perpetrators of crime." Congresswoman Supriya Shrinate revealed during a news conference that Malviya was accused by some RSS members of engaging in "nefarious activities", including "sexual exploitation of women not only in 5-star hotels but also in BJP offices in Bengal." Also read: Suresh Gopi dismisses reports of wanting to quit ministerial post for films "It has come to light by members of the RSS who are on record -- a gentleman by the name of Shantanu Sinha related to Rahul Sinha, an office bearer of the BJP in Bengal has alleged that Amit Malviya, the head of BJP IT Cell has indulged in nefarious activities, he has indulged in sexual exploitation of women not only in 5-star hotels but also in BJP offices in Bengal," Shrinate said. Shrinate added, "If you remember the IIT-BHU gangrape and the three people involved --- Saksham Patel, Kunal Pander, and Anand Chauhan --- are all extremely close to the senior leaders of the BJP, including PM Modi." "It is a position of power and there can be no independent probe or justice unless or until he is removed from the position," said Shrinate, calling for Malviya's "immediate removal." Shrinate urged the NCW to intervene, saying, "We hope that the new Minister of Women and Child Development is not going to be a mute bystander to women’s plight. We hope that NCW will find their voice, conscience, and morality and take suo-moto cognisance of this matter." Taking to Facebook on Tuesday (June 11), Sinha clarified that the "post was not aimed to malign Malviya but as a caution not to get entangled in a honey trap". RSS member Shantanu Sinha in a social media post says, "It is a great chagrin to me that the nastiest and most corrupted political party of the country, the Indian National Congress is spreading hate campaign against Amit Malaviya and BJP...I want to give a clear message that the… https://t.co/oEjOb6Oic8 pic.twitter.com/nfLrww4Uqf — ANI (@ANI) June 11, 2024 × (With inputs from agencies)

BJP leader Amit Malviya sues RSS activist over sexual misconduct row

<p>A day after Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) Narendra Modi took oath as the prime minister of India alongside his cabinet, the portfolio allocation was announced late on Monday (Jun 10). Amid the reshuffling of the pack,&nbsp;Mansukh Mandaviya has been appointed the new minister of sports and youth affairs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mandaviya will be replacing outgoing Anurag Thakur in the new cabinet under PM Modi. Apart from the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs, Mansukh Mandaviya has also been assigned the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers.</p>

<p>Mandaviya takes over the reins of the crucial ministry, just weeks before the start of the Paris Olympics where hopes are high from the Indian athletes to come back with a rich medal haul.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/modi-30-cabinet-portfolio-list-announced-bjp-retains-key-ministries-730577"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Modi 3.0 Cabinet Portfolio list announced: BJP retains key Ministries</strong></a></p>

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<p>The leader from Gujarat managed to enter Lok Sabha, the lower house of the parliament after defeating Congress' Lalit Vasoya by 383,000 votes from the&nbsp;Porbandar Lok Sabha seat.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mandaviya has the previous experience of serving in the cabinet which prompted PM Modi to allocate him the sports ministry.</p>

<p>He served as the Health Minister in the pervious cabinet and oversaw the implementation of Covid-19 vaccine programme after taking charge in 2021.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mandaviya was also the Minister of Health and Family Welfare and Chemicals and Fertilisers of India in the previous cabinet.</p>

<p>Apart from Mandaviya,&nbsp;Raksha Nikhil Khadse, who won from the Raver constituency in Maharashtra, has been appointed as the Minister of State in the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-cabinet-ministers-portfolio-assigned-check-out-full-list-of-names-730518"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Modi 3.0 cabinet portfolios assigned: Check out full list of names</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>'Not Modi alone'</strong></h2>

<p>Hours before the portfolio announcement, PM Modi, in his first address to the officials of the Prime Minister&nbsp;Office (PMO) said the government did not operate solely because of him.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"When it comes to the Government, it is not just Modi alone, thousands of minds that are connected to him, thousands of brains that are working on this, thousands of arms that are working on this - as a result of this grand form, even the common man gets to meet its capabilities," said PM Modi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While most exit polls had predicted a landslide victory for BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), the results humbled the ruling party.</p>

<p>Despite the results, BJP has formed a coalition government with over a dozen alliance partners as Modi took oath for a third consecutive term as the PM of the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A day after Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) Narendra Modi took oath as the prime minister of India alongside his cabinet, the portfolio allocation was announced late on Monday (Jun 10).

A day after Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) Narendra Modi took oath as the prime minister of India alongside his cabinet, the portfolio allocation was announced late on Monday (Jun 10). Amid the reshuffling of the pack, Mansukh Mandaviya has been appointed the new minister of sports and youth affairs. Mandaviya will be replacing outgoing Anurag Thakur in the new cabinet under PM Modi. Apart from the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs, Mansukh Mandaviya has also been assigned the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers. Mandaviya takes over the reins of the crucial ministry, just weeks before the start of the Paris Olympics where hopes are high from the Indian athletes to come back with a rich medal haul. Watch | Modi 3.0 Cabinet Portfolio list announced: BJP retains key Ministries × The leader from Gujarat managed to enter Lok Sabha, the lower house of the parliament after defeating Congress' Lalit Vasoya by 383,000 votes from the Porbandar Lok Sabha seat. Mandaviya has the previous experience of serving in the cabinet which prompted PM Modi to allocate him the sports ministry. He served as the Health Minister in the pervious cabinet and oversaw the implementation of Covid-19 vaccine programme after taking charge in 2021. Mandaviya was also the Minister of Health and Family Welfare and Chemicals and Fertilisers of India in the previous cabinet. Apart from Mandaviya, Raksha Nikhil Khadse, who won from the Raver constituency in Maharashtra, has been appointed as the Minister of State in the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. Also read | Modi 3.0 cabinet portfolios assigned: Check out full list of names 'Not Modi alone' Hours before the portfolio announcement, PM Modi, in his first address to the officials of the Prime Minister Office (PMO) said the government did not operate solely because of him. "When it comes to the Government, it is not just Modi alone, thousands of minds that are connected to him, thousands of brains that are working on this, thousands of arms that are working on this - as a result of this grand form, even the common man gets to meet its capabilities," said PM Modi. While most exit polls had predicted a landslide victory for BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), the results humbled the ruling party. Despite the results, BJP has formed a coalition government with over a dozen alliance partners as Modi took oath for a third consecutive term as the PM of the country. (With inputs from agencies)

Who is Mansukh Mandaviya, the new Union Sports Minister in PM Modi's cabinet?

<p>The first meeting of Narendra Modi's third cabinet was held at the Indian Prime Minister's Lok Kalyan Marg home on Monday (June 9). The Cabinet resolved to help&nbsp;build 300 million more rural and urban houses to satisfy the housing needs of the growing number of eligible families.</p>

<p>Since 2015–16, the Indian government has been carrying out the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, which aims to help eligible rural and urban people build homes with the most basic facilities. Over the course of the previous 10 years, 4.21 crore residences under PMAY have been constructed for eligible impoverished households.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Through convergence with other central and state government projects, all PMAY-built homes are equipped with additional essential utilities such as functional household tap connections, LPG and electricity connections, and household toilets.</p>

<p>In his first address to the officials of PMO, after assuming office of the Prime Minister for the third time, PM Modi said, "What new can be done in the team which gave me so much in 10 years, how we can do ever better, how we can do ever quicker, how we can do it on a better scale - if we go ahead together with all of these, I am confident that the 140 crore people of the country have put their stamp of approval on their efforts."</p>

<p>"These elections are not a stamp on the speeches of Modi, these elections are a stamp on the efforts of every government employee in 10 years. So, if someone is entitled to this victory, it is you. Every employee of the Government of India is truly entitled to this victory - who left no stone unturned to give themselves in for a vision...I want to go ahead with a new energy, a new courage. I was not born to stop," he added.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-assumes-office-for-third-term-after-a-grand-oath-ceremony-730424">PM Modi assumes office for third term after a grand oath ceremony</a></strong></p>

<p>The&nbsp;leaders who took oath as Cabinet Ministers at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Sunday include Raj Nath Singh, Amit Shah, Nitin Jairam Gadkari, Jagat Prakash Nadda, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Nirmala Sitharaman, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Manohar Lal, HD Kumaraswamy, Piyush Goyal, Dharmendra Pradhan, Jitan Ram Manjhi, Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh, Sarbananda Sonowal, Virendra Kumar, Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, Pralhad Joshi, Jual Oram, Giriraj Singh, Ashwini Vaishnaw, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Bhupender Yadav, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Annpurna Devi, Kiren Rijiju, Hardeep Singh Puri, Mansukh Mandaviya, G Kishan Reddy, Chirag Paswan and C R Patil.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The first meeting of Narendra Modi's third cabinet was held at the Indian Prime Minister's Lok Kalyan Marg home on Monday (June 9). The Cabinet resolved to help build 300 million more rural and urban houses to satisfy the housing needs of the growing number of eligible families.

The first meeting of Narendra Modi's third cabinet was held at the Indian Prime Minister's Lok Kalyan Marg home on Monday (June 9). The Cabinet resolved to help build 300 million more rural and urban houses to satisfy the housing needs of the growing number of eligible families. Since 2015–16, the Indian government has been carrying out the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, which aims to help eligible rural and urban people build homes with the most basic facilities. Over the course of the previous 10 years, 4.21 crore residences under PMAY have been constructed for eligible impoverished households. Through convergence with other central and state government projects, all PMAY-built homes are equipped with additional essential utilities such as functional household tap connections, LPG and electricity connections, and household toilets. In his first address to the officials of PMO, after assuming office of the Prime Minister for the third time, PM Modi said, "What new can be done in the team which gave me so much in 10 years, how we can do ever better, how we can do ever quicker, how we can do it on a better scale - if we go ahead together with all of these, I am confident that the 140 crore people of the country have put their stamp of approval on their efforts." "These elections are not a stamp on the speeches of Modi, these elections are a stamp on the efforts of every government employee in 10 years. So, if someone is entitled to this victory, it is you. Every employee of the Government of India is truly entitled to this victory - who left no stone unturned to give themselves in for a vision...I want to go ahead with a new energy, a new courage. I was not born to stop," he added. Also read: PM Modi assumes office for third term after a grand oath ceremony The leaders who took oath as Cabinet Ministers at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Sunday include Raj Nath Singh, Amit Shah, Nitin Jairam Gadkari, Jagat Prakash Nadda, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Nirmala Sitharaman, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Manohar Lal, HD Kumaraswamy, Piyush Goyal, Dharmendra Pradhan, Jitan Ram Manjhi, Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh, Sarbananda Sonowal, Virendra Kumar, Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, Pralhad Joshi, Jual Oram, Giriraj Singh, Ashwini Vaishnaw, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Bhupender Yadav, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Annpurna Devi, Kiren Rijiju, Hardeep Singh Puri, Mansukh Mandaviya, G Kishan Reddy, Chirag Paswan and C R Patil. (With inputs from agencies)

First Modi 3.0 cabinet meet ends, govt to help 300mn people build houses

<p>Newly sworn-in Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (Jun 10) finally responded to a congratulatory message from his Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau after a gap of four days. The PM thanked Trudeadu and urged him to respect India's concerns, in a veiled message amid frosty bilateral ties.</p>

<p>“Thank you Canadian PM for the congratulatory message. India looks forward to working with Canada based on mutual understanding and respect for each other's concerns,” PM Modi wrote on the social media website X.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Thank you <a href="https://twitter.com/CanadianPM?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CanadianPM</a> for the congratulatory message. India looks forward to working with Canada based on mutual understanding and respect for each others concerns. <a href="https://t.co/QQJFngoMyH">https://t.co/QQJFngoMyH</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1800016432492904755?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 10, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Modi's response came as relations between New Delhi and Ottawa have strained following Trudeau's allegations last year that agents of the Indian government were involved in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.</p>

<p>India rejected these allegations as "absurd" and "motivated".</p>

<p>Modi's response to Trudeau's congratulatory message&nbsp;came after four days, whereas he responded to similar felicitations from other world leaders promptly.</p>

<p>Trudeau had wished PM Modi on June 6.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjP3MamidGGAxU77TgGHU5PCJAQxfQBKAB6BAgLEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/heres-how-modi-30-oath-taking-ceremony-made-headlines-in-western-media-730382" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/heres-how-modi-30-oath-taking-ceremony-made-headlines-in-western-media-730382&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjP3MamidGGAxU77TgGHU5PCJAQxfQBKAB6BAgLEAE">Here`s how Modi 3.0 oath-taking ceremony made headlines in Western media</a></strong></p>

<p>“Congratulations to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his electoral victory,” Trudeau had tweeted.</p>

<p>“Canada stands ready to work with his government, fostering a relationship anchored in human rights, diversity, and the rule of law.”</p>

<p>In the Nijjar killing case, Canada has so far arrested four individuals, all suspected to be Indian nationals.</p>

<h2><strong>Modi's response to Pak PM Shehbaz's message</strong></h2>

<p>PM Modi on Monday also responded to Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif's congratulatory message.</p>

<p>"Thank you @cmshehbaz for your good wishes," he wrote on X.</p>

<p>Earlier in the day, Sharif had extended wishes to Modi on X, writing, "Felicitations to @narendramodi on taking oath as the Prime Minister of India."</p>

<p>Former prime minister of Pakistan and ruling party chief Nawaz Sharif also congratulated PM Modi on Monday.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjP3MamidGGAxU77TgGHU5PCJAQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/five-major-global-events-that-will-require-immediate-attention-of-modi-30-govt-730516" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/five-major-global-events-that-will-require-immediate-attention-of-modi-30-govt-730516&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjP3MamidGGAxU77TgGHU5PCJAQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">Five major global events that will require immediate attention of Modi 3.0 govt</a></strong></p>

<p>"My warm felicitations to Modi Ji on assuming office for the third time. Your party's success in recent elections reflects the confidence of the people in your leadership. Let us replace hate with hope and seize the opportunity to shape the destiny of the two billion people of South Asia," he wrote on X.</p>

<p>Responding to Nawaz, PM Modi wrote, "Appreciate your message&nbsp;@NawazSharifMNS.The people of India have always stood for peace, security and progressive ideas. Advancing the well-being and security of our people shall always remain our priority."</p>

<p>Notably, Pakistani leader Shehbaz Sharif was not invited to PM Modi's oath-taking ceremony on June 9 whereas leaders of India's all neighbouring countries and the Indian Ocean region were.</p>

<p>The foreign leaders who attended the event include Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, and Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe.<br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Newly sworn-in Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (Jun 10) finally responded to a congratulatory message from his Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau after a gap of four days.

Newly sworn-in Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (Jun 10) finally responded to a congratulatory message from his Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau after a gap of four days. The PM thanked Trudeadu and urged him to respect India's concerns, in a veiled message amid frosty bilateral ties. “Thank you Canadian PM for the congratulatory message. India looks forward to working with Canada based on mutual understanding and respect for each other's concerns,” PM Modi wrote on the social media website X. Thank you @CanadianPM for the congratulatory message. India looks forward to working with Canada based on mutual understanding and respect for each others concerns. https://t.co/QQJFngoMyH — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 10, 2024 × Modi's response came as relations between New Delhi and Ottawa have strained following Trudeau's allegations last year that agents of the Indian government were involved in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India rejected these allegations as "absurd" and "motivated". Modi's response to Trudeau's congratulatory message came after four days, whereas he responded to similar felicitations from other world leaders promptly. Trudeau had wished PM Modi on June 6. Also read: Here`s how Modi 3.0 oath-taking ceremony made headlines in Western media “Congratulations to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his electoral victory,” Trudeau had tweeted. “Canada stands ready to work with his government, fostering a relationship anchored in human rights, diversity, and the rule of law.” In the Nijjar killing case, Canada has so far arrested four individuals, all suspected to be Indian nationals. Modi's response to Pak PM Shehbaz's message PM Modi on Monday also responded to Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif's congratulatory message. "Thank you @cmshehbaz for your good wishes," he wrote on X. Earlier in the day, Sharif had extended wishes to Modi on X, writing, "Felicitations to @narendramodi on taking oath as the Prime Minister of India." Former prime minister of Pakistan and ruling party chief Nawaz Sharif also congratulated PM Modi on Monday. Also read: Five major global events that will require immediate attention of Modi 3.0 govt "My warm felicitations to Modi Ji on assuming office for the third time. Your party's success in recent elections reflects the confidence of the people in your leadership. Let us replace hate with hope and seize the opportunity to shape the destiny of the two billion people of South Asia," he wrote on X. Responding to Nawaz, PM Modi wrote, "Appreciate your message @NawazSharifMNS.The people of India have always stood for peace, security and progressive ideas. Advancing the well-being and security of our people shall always remain our priority." Notably, Pakistani leader Shehbaz Sharif was not invited to PM Modi's oath-taking ceremony on June 9 whereas leaders of India's all neighbouring countries and the Indian Ocean region were. The foreign leaders who attended the event include Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, and Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

'Respect each other's concerns,' PM Modi's cautionary response to Canadian PM Trudeau

<p>Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) loyalist Pralhad Joshi took oath as Union&nbsp;Minister in India's Narendra Modi cabinet at a ceremony Rashtrapati Bhavan on Sunday (Jun 9).</p>

<p>BJP leader Joshi contested the Lok Sabha elections 2024 from Karnataka's Dharwad constituency and won the seat by polling 716,231 votes.</p>

<p>He defeated Congress' Vinod Asooti by a margin of 97,324 votes.</p>

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<p>Born on November 27, 1962, Joshi is the Member of Parliament in the Lok Sabha since the year 2004, and served as the Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Coal and Mines during Modi's second term (2019-2024).</p>

<p>He was sworn in as the cabinet minister in the Modi government on 30 May 2019.</p>

<p>He was also the State President of the Bharatiya Janata Party, Karnataka (BJP) from 2014 to 2016.</p>

<p>He served on the panel of chairpersons of Lok Sabha from the year 2014 to 2016.</p>

<h2><strong>Early political career</strong></h2>

<p>Joshi stepped into the political orbit when he initiated a campaign to hoist the Indian flag at Idagah Maidan (also known as Kittur Rani Chennamma Maidan) in Karnataka's&nbsp;Hubli from 1992 to 1994.</p>

<p>He also spearheaded the "Save Kashmir Movement" during those years, which established him as a known figure in the area.</p>

<p>Following this, he was elected as the president of BJP in Dharwad district.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He first contested the Lok Sabha elections in 2004 and won the Dharwad seat by defeating Congress' BS Patil.</p>

<p>Joshi has won three consecutive elections from Dharwad constituency.</p>

<p>In the 2009 general elections, he emerged victorious by the second highest margin among 28 constituencies in Karnataka, whereas the majority of the ministers and MPs suffered a defeat in the same year.</p>

<p>In 2019 general elections, he won the Dharwad seat for the second consecutive term by a margin of over one lakh votes. He was soon&nbsp;appointed Minister of parliamentary affairs, coal and mines in Modi's cabinet.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) loyalist Pralhad Joshi took oath as Union Minister in India's Narendra Modi cabinet at a ceremony Rashtrapati Bhavan on Sunday (Jun 9).

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) loyalist Pralhad Joshi took oath as Union Minister in India's Narendra Modi cabinet at a ceremony Rashtrapati Bhavan on Sunday (Jun 9). BJP leader Joshi contested the Lok Sabha elections 2024 from Karnataka's Dharwad constituency and won the seat by polling 716,231 votes. He defeated Congress' Vinod Asooti by a margin of 97,324 votes. × Born on November 27, 1962, Joshi is the Member of Parliament in the Lok Sabha since the year 2004, and served as the Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Coal and Mines during Modi's second term (2019-2024). He was sworn in as the cabinet minister in the Modi government on 30 May 2019. He was also the State President of the Bharatiya Janata Party, Karnataka (BJP) from 2014 to 2016. He served on the panel of chairpersons of Lok Sabha from the year 2014 to 2016. Early political career Joshi stepped into the political orbit when he initiated a campaign to hoist the Indian flag at Idagah Maidan (also known as Kittur Rani Chennamma Maidan) in Karnataka's Hubli from 1992 to 1994. He also spearheaded the "Save Kashmir Movement" during those years, which established him as a known figure in the area. Following this, he was elected as the president of BJP in Dharwad district. He first contested the Lok Sabha elections in 2004 and won the Dharwad seat by defeating Congress' BS Patil. Joshi has won three consecutive elections from Dharwad constituency. In the 2009 general elections, he emerged victorious by the second highest margin among 28 constituencies in Karnataka, whereas the majority of the ministers and MPs suffered a defeat in the same year. In 2019 general elections, he won the Dharwad seat for the second consecutive term by a margin of over one lakh votes. He was soon appointed Minister of parliamentary affairs, coal and mines in Modi's cabinet. (With inputs from agencies)

Modi 3.0 swearing-in ceremony: Pralhad Joshi takes oath as union minister

<p>Narendra Modi became India's prime minister for a third term in a row but this time with a reduced majority. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party was 32 seats short of majority, and is now dependent on allies Janata Dal (United) and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) to keep parliamentary majority for the next five years in New Delhi's corridors of power.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-is-neighbourhood-first-sagar-outlook-foreign-policy-frameworks-at-centre-of-modi-30-inauguration-730111">What is Neighbourhood First, SAGAR outlook? Foreign policy frameworks at centre of Modi 3.0 inauguration</a></strong></p>

<p>Consistent with the 'Neighbourhood First' foreign policy paradigm, the heads of state and government from Bhutan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Mauritius and the Seychelles featured as distinguished guests during the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister-designate Narendra Modi on Sunday (June 9), reflecting New Delhi's continued focus on the neighbourhood and Indian Ocean Region as part of its foreign policy initiatives.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Delhi | Nepali PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Mauritius PM Pravind Jugnauth and Vice President of Seychelles Ahmed Afif attend the oath ceremony of PM-designate Narendra Modi at… <a href="https://t.co/JX7mUaH4Wq">pic.twitter.com/JX7mUaH4Wq</a></p>
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<p>The Neighbourhood First and SAGAR frameworks serve as the basis for New Delhi's ongoing engagements with the countries in the region that potentially offset Chinese strategic designs in the region in the long-term. While internal policy initiatives may differ due to compulsions of India's coalition politics, the foreign policy trajectory&nbsp;— with minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-is-neighbourhood-first-sagar-outlook-foreign-policy-frameworks-at-centre-of-modi-30-inauguration-730111">Dr S Jaishankar</a> as PM Modi's foreign affairs lieutenant&nbsp;—&nbsp;is expected to stay the same during the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance's third term in power.</p>

<h2><strong>Pretoria, South Africa</strong></h2>

<p>On a punishingly humid evening of New Delhi on June 4, 2024, as this journalist stepped outside the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party headquarters to sense the public mood following the evolving&nbsp;results of India's Lok Sabha Elections, an image from New Delhi G20 Leaders summit&nbsp;— showing Presidents Lula of Brazil and Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa with host Indian PM Narendra Modi&nbsp;— was put out as the highlight of PM Modi's second term in power. Two of the leaders on that hoarding&nbsp;— PM Modi and President Ramaphosa&nbsp;— faced a similar challenge. Their parties had lost the majority, so they had to ensure that either their alliance crosses the majority mark, and if not, they are able to forge an alliance to return to power.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While Prime Minister Narendra Modi claimed victory the same evening, won letters of support from National Democratic Alliance leaders two days later, got appointed as Prime Minister-designate on next, and took oath to office and secrecy with his cabinet on June 9, the South African leader has not been as politically-savvy.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Unlike Indian leader Narendra Modi, South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa&nbsp;— whose African Nationalist Party, like India's BJP, also lost parliamentary majority in the just-held elections&nbsp;— is still struggling to forge an alliance.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Indian PM Narendra Modi's G20 image featuring South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa outside the BJP headquarters in New Delhi on June 4, 2024 | Mukul Sharma/WION" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="84cf7075-dcb3-49ae-9c36-a778ca48cfd6" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/SouthAfricaelections.png" /></p>

<p><em>Indian PM Narendra Modi's G20 image featuring South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa outside the BJP headquarters in New Delhi on June 4, 2024 | Mukul Sharma/WION</em></p>

<p>Reeling from its worst electoral performance in 30 years, the ANC is seeking to stitch together a "Government of National Unity" to administer the nation. This means that instead of entering into a coalition agreement with its main rival parties, the ANC under Ramaphosa will now seeking a broad multiparty alliance.</p>

<p>The road to South Africa's new government remains full of uncertainty. If you want to know what turn South Africa's road to power could take, read this piece on WION by Rajiv Bhatia,&nbsp;Distinguished Fellow at Mumbai's Gateway House and a&nbsp;former Indian Ambassador&nbsp;—&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/south-africa-after-elections-four-scenarios-728078">South Africa after elections: Four scenarios</a></p>

<h2>Tehran, Iran</h2>

<p>Iran will have a new president soon as the country's constitution requires fresh elections in case the serving president is incapacitated. After President Ebrahim Raisi's death in a helicopter crash last month, Mohammed Mokhber&nbsp;— the vice president in Raisi's tenure&nbsp;— assumed presidency.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But Mokhber does not feature in the list of six presidential candidates announced by Tehran on Sunday for June 28 election, meaning that the country's all-powerful Guardian Council&nbsp;&nbsp;— composed of 12 clerics, six of whom are directly elected (and can be summarily dismissed) by the Supreme Leader&nbsp;— wants somebody else at the helm.&nbsp;&nbsp;The approved candidates include conservative speaker of parliament Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and the ultraconservative former nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili. Just one reformist candidate, Massoud Pezeshkian, who is a lawmaker representing Tabriz in Iran's parliament, has been approved.</p>

<p>The conservative former interior minister Mostafa Pourmohammadi has also been authorised to run. Others on the list include conservative Tehran mayor Alireza Zakaani and incumbent vice president Amirhossein Ghazizadeh-Hashemi, the ultraconservative head of the Martyrs' Foundation. Former hardline president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who was previously disqualified from entering the presidential races in 2017 and 2021, was again excluded from the list.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><b>Copenhagen, Denmark</b></h2>

<p>The country of a little more than 6 million in Europe was taken aback by shock when its&nbsp;Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen was "hit" by a man in a Copenhagen square on Friday (June 7) ahead of ongoing elections for European Union parliament. But Danish authorities later said that the incident was not thought to be politically motivated.</p>

<p>"It is not our guiding... hypothesis that there is a political motive here. But that is something that the police of course will investigate," prosecutor Taruh Sekeroglu told reporters.<img alt="File photo of Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen | AFP" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5fe116bd-678b-40c6-b502-ecc736d4a754" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/denmarkPM.png" /></p>

<p><em>File photo of Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen | AFP</em></p>

<p>Sekeroglu said the man was suspected of violence against a public servant and deemed a flight risk.</p>

<p>In a post on social media platform Instagram on Saturday evening, the head of government said she needed "peace and quiet."</p>

<p>"I am saddened and shaken by the incident yesterday, but otherwise I am fine," said Frederiksen, 46.</p>

<p>She thanked people for the "many, many, many messages of support and encouragement," and said she now needed to be with her family.</p>


Narendra Modi became India's prime minister for a third term in a row but this time with a reduced majority. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party was 32 seats short of majority, and is now dependent on allies Janata Dal (United) and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) to keep parliamentary majority for the next five years in New Delhi's corridors of power.

Narendra Modi became India's prime minister for a third term in a row but this time with a reduced majority. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party was 32 seats short of majority, and is now dependent on allies Janata Dal (United) and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) to keep parliamentary majority for the next five years in New Delhi's corridors of power. Also read | What is Neighbourhood First, SAGAR outlook? Foreign policy frameworks at centre of Modi 3.0 inauguration Consistent with the 'Neighbourhood First' foreign policy paradigm, the heads of state and government from Bhutan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Mauritius and the Seychelles featured as distinguished guests during the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister-designate Narendra Modi on Sunday (June 9), reflecting New Delhi's continued focus on the neighbourhood and Indian Ocean Region as part of its foreign policy initiatives. Delhi | Nepali PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Mauritius PM Pravind Jugnauth and Vice President of Seychelles Ahmed Afif attend the oath ceremony of PM-designate Narendra Modi at… pic.twitter.com/JX7mUaH4Wq — ANI (@ANI) June 9, 2024 × The Neighbourhood First and SAGAR frameworks serve as the basis for New Delhi's ongoing engagements with the countries in the region that potentially offset Chinese strategic designs in the region in the long-term. While internal policy initiatives may differ due to compulsions of India's coalition politics, the foreign policy trajectory — with minister Dr S Jaishankar as PM Modi's foreign affairs lieutenant — is expected to stay the same during the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance's third term in power. Pretoria, South Africa On a punishingly humid evening of New Delhi on June 4, 2024, as this journalist stepped outside the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party headquarters to sense the public mood following the evolving results of India's Lok Sabha Elections, an image from New Delhi G20 Leaders summit — showing Presidents Lula of Brazil and Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa with host Indian PM Narendra Modi — was put out as the highlight of PM Modi's second term in power. Two of the leaders on that hoarding — PM Modi and President Ramaphosa — faced a similar challenge. Their parties had lost the majority, so they had to ensure that either their alliance crosses the majority mark, and if not, they are able to forge an alliance to return to power. While Prime Minister Narendra Modi claimed victory the same evening, won letters of support from National Democratic Alliance leaders two days later, got appointed as Prime Minister-designate on next, and took oath to office and secrecy with his cabinet on June 9, the South African leader has not been as politically-savvy. Unlike Indian leader Narendra Modi, South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa — whose African Nationalist Party, like India's BJP, also lost parliamentary majority in the just-held elections — is still struggling to forge an alliance. Indian PM Narendra Modi's G20 image featuring South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa outside the BJP headquarters in New Delhi on June 4, 2024 | Mukul Sharma/WION Reeling from its worst electoral performance in 30 years, the ANC is seeking to stitch together a "Government of National Unity" to administer the nation. This means that instead of entering into a coalition agreement with its main rival parties, the ANC under Ramaphosa will now seeking a broad multiparty alliance. The road to South Africa's new government remains full of uncertainty. If you want to know what turn South Africa's road to power could take, read this piece on WION by Rajiv Bhatia, Distinguished Fellow at Mumbai's Gateway House and a former Indian Ambassador — South Africa after elections: Four scenarios Tehran, Iran Iran will have a new president soon as the country's constitution requires fresh elections in case the serving president is incapacitated. After President Ebrahim Raisi's death in a helicopter crash last month, Mohammed Mokhber — the vice president in Raisi's tenure — assumed presidency. But Mokhber does not feature in the list of six presidential candidates announced by Tehran on Sunday for June 28 election, meaning that the country's all-powerful Guardian Council — composed of 12 clerics, six of whom are directly elected (and can be summarily dismissed) by the Supreme Leader — wants somebody else at the helm. The approved candidates include conservative speaker of parliament Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and the ultraconservative former nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili. Just one reformist candidate, Massoud Pezeshkian, who is a lawmaker representing Tabriz in Iran's parliament, has been approved. The conservative former interior minister Mostafa Pourmohammadi has also been authorised to run. Others on the list include conservative Tehran mayor Alireza Zakaani and incumbent vice president Amirhossein Ghazizadeh-Hashemi, the ultraconservative head of the Martyrs' Foundation. Former hardline president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who was previously disqualified from entering the presidential races in 2017 and 2021, was again excluded from the list. Copenhagen, Denmark The country of a little more than 6 million in Europe was taken aback by shock when its Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen was "hit" by a man in a Copenhagen square on Friday (June 7) ahead of ongoing elections for European Union parliament. But Danish authorities later said that the incident was not thought to be politically motivated. "It is not our guiding... hypothesis that there is a political motive here. But that is something that the police of course will investigate," prosecutor Taruh Sekeroglu told reporters. File photo of Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen | AFP Sekeroglu said the man was suspected of violence against a public servant and deemed a flight risk. In a post on social media platform Instagram on Saturday evening, the head of government said she needed "peace and quiet." "I am saddened and shaken by the incident yesterday, but otherwise I am fine," said Frederiksen, 46. She thanked people for the "many, many, many messages of support and encouragement," and said she now needed to be with her family.

The Capitals: Modi keeps Neighbourhood First during third inauguration in New Delhi; and more

<p>Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) leader and Bihar's former chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi has become a part of the Narendra Modi government's cabinet.</p>

<p>Manjhi, who clinched victory from Gaya -&nbsp;the only seat on which HAM (S) contested - had been the chief minister of Bihar from May 2014 to February 2015.</p>

<p>On Sunday (June 9), Manjhi wrote in Hindi on X, “Will be a part of the programme at Prime Minister&nbsp;Narendra Modi’s residence. There is good news for the people of Gaya and Bihar.”&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/s-jaishankar-face-of-indias-assertive-foreign-policy-returns-as-external-affairs-minister-730187">S Jaishankar, face of India's assertive foreign policy, returns to cabinet</a></p>

<p>Meanwhile, speaking to The Indian Express, HAM(S) spokesperson Danish Rizwan said, "Manjhi ji received a call in the morning and was informed about&nbsp;him being made a minister. We are all overwhelmed. It will send a great message to the entire Dalit community in Bihar."</p>

<h2><strong>From MLA to backup CM: Manjhi sails his boat in Bihar politics</strong></h2>

<p>The political career of Manjhi soared to new heights when he became Bihar's chief minister between 2014 to 2015. The Dalit leader became the first chief minister of the state who belonged to the Musahar community.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Through the years, Manjhi remained affiliated with different parties which included close ally Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal (United).</p>

<p>In 1980, Manjhi stepped into the world of politics as a Congress candidate.&nbsp;He was part of three consecutive cabinets, which were headed by Congress in Bihar, between 1980 and 1990.</p>

<p>The Dalit leader joined the Lalu Prasad Yadav's Rashtriya Janata Dal in 1990 after splitting from the Janata Dal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Manjhi was made a minister in the RJD-led&nbsp;government from 1996 to 2005 before he switched sides and joined Nitish Kumar's JD (U).</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;PM Modi oath-taking ceremony | Reemergence of opposition &amp; revisiting India's popular mandate</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pm-modi-oath-taking-ceremony-reemergence-of-opposition-revisiting-indias-popular-mandate-730221/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>He turned out to be the surprise choice of Nitish Kumar in 2014 for the position of Bihar chief minister when Kumar resigned in a huff after&nbsp;an embarrassing performance in the Lok Sabha elections in 2014.</p>

<p>Kumar chose Manjhi because he maintained a low profile and also because of the 70-year-old’s surname. It was expected that Manjhi would keep the seat safe for Nitish, once he came back and took over the chief minister's position.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) leader and Bihar's former chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi has become a part of the Narendra Modi government's cabinet. Manjhi, who clinched victory from Gaya - the only seat on which HAM (S) contested - had been the chief minister of Bihar from May 2014 to February 2015.

Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) leader and Bihar's former chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi has become a part of the Narendra Modi government's cabinet. Manjhi, who clinched victory from Gaya - the only seat on which HAM (S) contested - had been the chief minister of Bihar from May 2014 to February 2015. On Sunday (June 9), Manjhi wrote in Hindi on X, “Will be a part of the programme at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s residence. There is good news for the people of Gaya and Bihar.” Also Read: S Jaishankar, face of India's assertive foreign policy, returns to cabinet Meanwhile, speaking to The Indian Express, HAM(S) spokesperson Danish Rizwan said, "Manjhi ji received a call in the morning and was informed about him being made a minister. We are all overwhelmed. It will send a great message to the entire Dalit community in Bihar." From MLA to backup CM: Manjhi sails his boat in Bihar politics The political career of Manjhi soared to new heights when he became Bihar's chief minister between 2014 to 2015. The Dalit leader became the first chief minister of the state who belonged to the Musahar community. Through the years, Manjhi remained affiliated with different parties which included close ally Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal (United). In 1980, Manjhi stepped into the world of politics as a Congress candidate. He was part of three consecutive cabinets, which were headed by Congress in Bihar, between 1980 and 1990. The Dalit leader joined the Lalu Prasad Yadav's Rashtriya Janata Dal in 1990 after splitting from the Janata Dal. Manjhi was made a minister in the RJD-led government from 1996 to 2005 before he switched sides and joined Nitish Kumar's JD (U). Watch: PM Modi oath-taking ceremony | Reemergence of opposition & revisiting India's popular mandate He turned out to be the surprise choice of Nitish Kumar in 2014 for the position of Bihar chief minister when Kumar resigned in a huff after an embarrassing performance in the Lok Sabha elections in 2014. Kumar chose Manjhi because he maintained a low profile and also because of the 70-year-old’s surname. It was expected that Manjhi would keep the seat safe for Nitish, once he came back and took over the chief minister's position. (With inputs from agencies)

Jitan Ram Manjhi, who once acted as Nitish's backup CM in Bihar, finds his place in Modi 3.0

<p>The Western media extensively covered the oath-taking ceremony of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he began his historic third term on Sunday (June 9). Along with Modi, 72 other ministers also took&nbsp;oath and are now waiting for&nbsp;portfolios&nbsp;to be assigned.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Among the ministers who took oath were some important leaders of the BJP's coalition partners who played a crucial role in the government formation. For the first time, PM Modi will share power with his allies since he came to the helm in 2014.</p>

<h2><strong>Here's how PM Modi's swearing-in ceremony was covered by&nbsp;foreign media</strong></h2>

<h3><strong>The New York Times</strong></h3>

<p>While reporting about the swearing-in ceremony of the Modi government, The New York Times stated that New Delhi's political air had transformed. It wrote that PM Modi was denied a parliamentary majority and he had to turn to a set of coalition partners who took the spotlight yesterday.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/narendra-modi-takes-oath-as-indias-16th-prime-minister-enters-third-term-in-a-row-730217">Narendra Modi takes oath as India's 16th prime minister, enters third term in a row</a></p>

<p><strong>BBC</strong></p>

<p>BBC opted for an objective style of reporting in its coverage of Modi 3.0 and kept itself away from any analysis. However, it emphasised that the ruling alliance won by a lower margin in comparison to what was predicted by the exit polls which led to the "resurgence of India's opposition."</p>

<h3><strong>Al Jazeera</strong></h3>

<p>In its report, Al Jazeera said that the lack of a majority will&nbsp;test the ability of the BJP to ensure certainty among allies over policies in a coalition government. It further added that the alliance may face challenges from the two coalition-era veterans, Nitish Kumar and Chandrababu Naidu who "have friends across the aisle" and "opposition will be wooing them".</p>

<h3><strong>Bloomberg</strong></h3>

<p>Bloomberg spoke about the oath ceremony's grandeur and added that it was attended by 8,000 guests which included foreign heads of states, business tycoons and Bollywood stars. The publication&nbsp;also emphasised Modi's&nbsp;power sharing with allies for the first time.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Narendra Modi Cabinet 3.0 | Who made it to NDA government's cabinet?</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/narendra-modi-cabinet-30-who-made-it-to-nda-governments-cabinet-730334/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<h3><strong>AFP</strong></h3>

<p>AFP news agency covered the overall event, which covered the rise of the coalition partners&nbsp;who emerged as key support in the formation of the government.</p>

<h3><strong>Reuters</strong></h3>

<p>The news agency reported that Modi's oath-taking ceremony followed a "shock election setback" and in detail discussed the challenges of the coalition government.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


The Western media extensively covered the oath-taking ceremony of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he began his historic third term on Sunday (June 9). Along with Modi, 72 other ministers also took oath and are now waiting for portfolios to be assigned.

The Western media extensively covered the oath-taking ceremony of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he began his historic third term on Sunday (June 9). Along with Modi, 72 other ministers also took oath and are now waiting for portfolios to be assigned. Among the ministers who took oath were some important leaders of the BJP's coalition partners who played a crucial role in the government formation. For the first time, PM Modi will share power with his allies since he came to the helm in 2014. Here's how PM Modi's swearing-in ceremony was covered by foreign media The New York Times While reporting about the swearing-in ceremony of the Modi government, The New York Times stated that New Delhi's political air had transformed. It wrote that PM Modi was denied a parliamentary majority and he had to turn to a set of coalition partners who took the spotlight yesterday. Also Read: Narendra Modi takes oath as India's 16th prime minister, enters third term in a row BBC BBC opted for an objective style of reporting in its coverage of Modi 3.0 and kept itself away from any analysis. However, it emphasised that the ruling alliance won by a lower margin in comparison to what was predicted by the exit polls which led to the "resurgence of India's opposition." Al Jazeera In its report, Al Jazeera said that the lack of a majority will test the ability of the BJP to ensure certainty among allies over policies in a coalition government. It further added that the alliance may face challenges from the two coalition-era veterans, Nitish Kumar and Chandrababu Naidu who "have friends across the aisle" and "opposition will be wooing them". Bloomberg Bloomberg spoke about the oath ceremony's grandeur and added that it was attended by 8,000 guests which included foreign heads of states, business tycoons and Bollywood stars. The publication also emphasised Modi's power sharing with allies for the first time. Watch: Narendra Modi Cabinet 3.0 | Who made it to NDA government's cabinet? AFP AFP news agency covered the overall event, which covered the rise of the coalition partners who emerged as key support in the formation of the government. Reuters The news agency reported that Modi's oath-taking ceremony followed a "shock election setback" and in detail discussed the challenges of the coalition government. (With inputs from agencies)

Here's how Modi 3.0 oath-taking ceremony made headlines in Western media

<p>India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi assumed office for his consecutive third term in the South Block office in the national capital on Monday (June 10).&nbsp;</p>

<p>After assuming office, PM Modi signed his first file authorising the release of the 17th installment of PM Kisan Nidhi which will benefit 9.3 crore farmers and distribute nearly Rs 20,000 crores.</p>

<p>After signing the file, PM Modi said, “Ours is a Government fully committed to Kisan Kalyan. It is therefore fitting that the first file signed on taking charge is related to farmer welfare. We want to keep working even more for the farmers and the agriculture sector in the times to come.”</p>

<p>He took&nbsp;oath as the prime minister along with 72&nbsp;Council of Ministers in a grand swearing-in ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Sunday (June 9).</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The first file signed by PM Modi pertains to PM Kisan Nidhi release<br />
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After being sworn in as Prime Minister for the 3rd time, PM Narendra Modi’s signs his first file authorising release of 17th instalment of PM Kisan Nidhi. This will benefit 9.3 crore farmers and distribute… <a href="https://t.co/Fp4Q5nOAYT">pic.twitter.com/Fp4Q5nOAYT</a></p>
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<p>The newly sworn-in prime minister's immediate agenda is to hold a Cabinet meeting. Meanwhile, a formal request will be submitted by the Cabinet to President Droupadi Murmu for summoning a session of Parliament.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/heres-how-modi-30-oath-taking-ceremony-made-headlines-in-western-media-730382">&nbsp;Here's how Modi 3.0 oath-taking ceremony made headlines in western media</a></p>

<p>In the Parliament session, the president will address the two houses which will be followed by laying out the vision of the government and deciding their priorities in the third term.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | PM Narendra Modi today took charge as the Prime Minister, in New Delhi.<br />
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After being sworn in as Prime Minister for the 3rd time, PM Narendra Modi signed his first file authorising the release of 17th instalment of PM Kisan Nidhi. This will benefit 9.3 crore farmers and… <a href="https://t.co/G4ownB0NFh">pic.twitter.com/G4ownB0NFh</a></p>
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<p>The government is also likely to announce the allocation of two&nbsp;crore houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) housing scheme.</p>

<h2><strong>Modi takes oath as prime minister in grand ceremony</strong></h2>

<p>During the grand ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Sunday (June 9), President Murmu administered the oath of office of prime minister to Narendra Modi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>His Cabinet, which includes BJP stalwarts Rajnath Singh, Amit Shah, Nitin Gadkari, Nirmala Sitharaman&nbsp;and S Jaishankar, also took&nbsp;oath.</p>

<p>The Council of Ministers includes&nbsp;30 Cabinet Ministers, five Ministers of State with Independent Charge&nbsp;and 36 Ministers of State.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Modi 3.0: New Cabinet to discuss 100-day plan for the new govt; portfolio allocation on cards</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/modi-30-new-cabinet-to-discuss-100-day-plan-for-the-new-govt-portfolio-allocation-on-cards-730376/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Among the new faces, three are former chief ministers and one was BJP's first Lok Sabha MP from Kerala and actor-turned-politician Suresh Gopi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This team of ministers is a great blend of youth and experience; we will leave no stone unturned in improving people's lives. I look forward to serving 140 crore Indians and working with the Council of Ministers to take India to new heights of progress," said PM Modi, in a post on X after the ceremony.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The new Cabinet's first meeting is expected to be held at the Prime Minister's residence at Lok Kalyan Marg on Monday evening (June 10). It is most likely that the allocation of ministerial portfolios will happen thereafter.</p>

<p>In this Cabinet, there is significant representation of states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, as Bihar got four Cabinet berths while Uttar Pradesh has nine ministerial positions, including one in the Cabinet.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi assumed office for his consecutive third term in the South Block office in the national capital on Monday (June 10). After assuming office, PM Modi signed his first file authorising the release of the 17th installment of PM Kisan Nidhi which will benefit 9.

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi assumed office for his consecutive third term in the South Block office in the national capital on Monday (June 10). After assuming office, PM Modi signed his first file authorising the release of the 17th installment of PM Kisan Nidhi which will benefit 9.3 crore farmers and distribute nearly Rs 20,000 crores. After signing the file, PM Modi said, “Ours is a Government fully committed to Kisan Kalyan. It is therefore fitting that the first file signed on taking charge is related to farmer welfare. We want to keep working even more for the farmers and the agriculture sector in the times to come.” He took oath as the prime minister along with 72 Council of Ministers in a grand swearing-in ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Sunday (June 9). The first file signed by PM Modi pertains to PM Kisan Nidhi release After being sworn in as Prime Minister for the 3rd time, PM Narendra Modi’s signs his first file authorising release of 17th instalment of PM Kisan Nidhi. This will benefit 9.3 crore farmers and distribute… pic.twitter.com/Fp4Q5nOAYT — ANI (@ANI) June 10, 2024 × The newly sworn-in prime minister's immediate agenda is to hold a Cabinet meeting. Meanwhile, a formal request will be submitted by the Cabinet to President Droupadi Murmu for summoning a session of Parliament. Also Read: Here's how Modi 3.0 oath-taking ceremony made headlines in western media In the Parliament session, the president will address the two houses which will be followed by laying out the vision of the government and deciding their priorities in the third term. #WATCH | PM Narendra Modi today took charge as the Prime Minister, in New Delhi. After being sworn in as Prime Minister for the 3rd time, PM Narendra Modi signed his first file authorising the release of 17th instalment of PM Kisan Nidhi. This will benefit 9.3 crore farmers and… pic.twitter.com/G4ownB0NFh — ANI (@ANI) June 10, 2024 × The government is also likely to announce the allocation of two crore houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) housing scheme. Modi takes oath as prime minister in grand ceremony During the grand ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Sunday (June 9), President Murmu administered the oath of office of prime minister to Narendra Modi. His Cabinet, which includes BJP stalwarts Rajnath Singh, Amit Shah, Nitin Gadkari, Nirmala Sitharaman and S Jaishankar, also took oath. The Council of Ministers includes 30 Cabinet Ministers, five Ministers of State with Independent Charge and 36 Ministers of State. Watch: Modi 3.0: New Cabinet to discuss 100-day plan for the new govt; portfolio allocation on cards Among the new faces, three are former chief ministers and one was BJP's first Lok Sabha MP from Kerala and actor-turned-politician Suresh Gopi. "This team of ministers is a great blend of youth and experience; we will leave no stone unturned in improving people's lives. I look forward to serving 140 crore Indians and working with the Council of Ministers to take India to new heights of progress," said PM Modi, in a post on X after the ceremony. The new Cabinet's first meeting is expected to be held at the Prime Minister's residence at Lok Kalyan Marg on Monday evening (June 10). It is most likely that the allocation of ministerial portfolios will happen thereafter. In this Cabinet, there is significant representation of states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, as Bihar got four Cabinet berths while Uttar Pradesh has nine ministerial positions, including one in the Cabinet. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Modi assumes office for third term after a grand oath ceremony

<p>As the NDA alliance prepares for the oath-taking ceremony on Sunday (June 9) at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in the national capital, reports have emerged that&nbsp;JD (U) chief Nitish Kumar was&nbsp;offered the post of the prime minister by the INDIA bloc in exchange of shifting loyalties.</p>

<p>Speaking to The Indian Express, Janata Dal (United) leader KC Tyagi said, "Such is the game of politics that those who had refused to make Nitish Kumar INDIA bloc’s national convenor have been now making offers to make Nitish PM."</p>

<p>The senior JD(U) leader&nbsp;accused Congress and other parties of ‘ill-treating’ Kumar. He added that his party will not return to the INDIA bloc.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-30-cabinet-nitish-kumars-jd-u-to-get-two-ministries-tdp-seeks-four-report-729915">Modi 3.0 Cabinet: Nitish Kumar's JD (U) to get two ministries, TDP seeks four: report</a></p>

<p>Kumar played an instrumental role in the INDIA bloc's formation in 2023. He changed sides in January and joined NDA before the Lok Sabha elections.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Here's how Congress reacted to Tyagi's statement</strong></h2>

<p>On Saturday (June 8), the Congress refuted the claims made by KC Tyagi that Nitish Kumar was offered the post of the prime minister. “We don't have any such information,” said Congress general secretary KC Venugopal, at the press conference after the Congress Working Committee meeting.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While addressing NDA's parliamentary meeting on Friday (June 7), Kumar proposed to name Narendra Modi as the leader of the coalition and said, "Those who have won this time will lose the next elections. I'm confident about it. They never worked for the nation. They never served the country. The country will progress under your (PM Modi) leadership."</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;PM Narendra Modi swearing-in ceremony: Three-layered security to be put in place</strong></p>

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<p>“All the pending works of Bihar will be done. It is a very good thing that all of us have come together and we will all work together with you (PM Modi). You will be swearing in as the Prime Minister on Sunday, but I wanted you to do it today itself. Whenever you take the oath, we will be with you…We will all work together under your leadership," he added.</p>

<p>Nitish Kumar's JD(U), after clinching 12 seats, became a crucial ally of the Bharatiya Janata Party in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) coalition.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


As the NDA alliance prepares for the oath-taking ceremony on Sunday (June 9) at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in the national capital, reports have emerged that JD (U) chief Nitish Kumar was offered the post of the prime minister by the INDIA bloc in exchange of shifting loyalties.

As the NDA alliance prepares for the oath-taking ceremony on Sunday (June 9) at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in the national capital, reports have emerged that JD (U) chief Nitish Kumar was offered the post of the prime minister by the INDIA bloc in exchange of shifting loyalties. Speaking to The Indian Express, Janata Dal (United) leader KC Tyagi said, "Such is the game of politics that those who had refused to make Nitish Kumar INDIA bloc’s national convenor have been now making offers to make Nitish PM." The senior JD(U) leader accused Congress and other parties of ‘ill-treating’ Kumar. He added that his party will not return to the INDIA bloc. Also Read: Modi 3.0 Cabinet: Nitish Kumar's JD (U) to get two ministries, TDP seeks four: report Kumar played an instrumental role in the INDIA bloc's formation in 2023. He changed sides in January and joined NDA before the Lok Sabha elections. Here's how Congress reacted to Tyagi's statement On Saturday (June 8), the Congress refuted the claims made by KC Tyagi that Nitish Kumar was offered the post of the prime minister. “We don't have any such information,” said Congress general secretary KC Venugopal, at the press conference after the Congress Working Committee meeting. While addressing NDA's parliamentary meeting on Friday (June 7), Kumar proposed to name Narendra Modi as the leader of the coalition and said, "Those who have won this time will lose the next elections. I'm confident about it. They never worked for the nation. They never served the country. The country will progress under your (PM Modi) leadership." Watch: PM Narendra Modi swearing-in ceremony: Three-layered security to be put in place “All the pending works of Bihar will be done. It is a very good thing that all of us have come together and we will all work together with you (PM Modi). You will be swearing in as the Prime Minister on Sunday, but I wanted you to do it today itself. Whenever you take the oath, we will be with you…We will all work together under your leadership," he added. Nitish Kumar's JD(U), after clinching 12 seats, became a crucial ally of the Bharatiya Janata Party in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) coalition. (With inputs from agencies)

INDIA bloc offered PM post to Nitish Kumar, claims JD (U) leader; Congress reacts

<p>Hours before the scheduled swearing-in ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi, Narendra Modi, India's prime minister-in-waiting and National Democratic Alliance leader in the Lok Sabha, paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat, the slain national icon's resting place in the capital. Modi also paid tributes to the Bharatiya Janata Party's founding father and former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee at his memorial 'Sadaiv Atal', located less than two km away from Rajghat.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Modi was accompanied by the outgoing union minister Hardeep Singh Puri.&nbsp;</p>

<p>President Droupadi Murmu had handed over the prime minister-designate&nbsp;his third letter of appointment after the BJP chief JP Nadda presented letters of support from NDA parties, who have a strength of 293 in the newly elected 543-member Lok Sabha, the lower house of Indian parliament.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;PM Narendra Modi swearing-in ceremony: Security increased for the event</strong></p>

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<p>Modi, along with about 30 members of his council of ministers or cabinet, is scheduled to take oath of secrecy at Rashtrapati Bhawan later on June 9 at about 7:15 PM (Indian Standard Time).</p>

<p>The oath-taking ceremony is a grand event in the national capital where personalities from different walks of life and overseas leaders have been invited.</p>

<p>India has invited the heads of state and government from Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Maldives, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan and the Seychelles for the swearing-in. The spotlight will be on Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, who rose to power on an anti-India plank and persisted with that rhetoric until a few weeks ago.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-pm-modi-formally-elected-as-the-alliance-leader-by-nda-leaders-729101">Lok Sabha Polls: Modi formally elected as alliance leader by all NDA partners</a></strong></p>

<p>The BJP won 240 seats and Congress 99, as per the final results published by the Election Commission of India.</p>

<p>The ruling National Democratic Alliance has 293 members in Lok Sabha while the Opposition's 'INDIA' bloc has 233 members.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Hours before the scheduled swearing-in ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi, Narendra Modi, India's prime minister-in-waiting and National Democratic Alliance leader in the Lok Sabha, paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat, the slain national icon's resting place in the capital.

Hours before the scheduled swearing-in ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi, Narendra Modi, India's prime minister-in-waiting and National Democratic Alliance leader in the Lok Sabha, paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat, the slain national icon's resting place in the capital. Modi also paid tributes to the Bharatiya Janata Party's founding father and former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee at his memorial 'Sadaiv Atal', located less than two km away from Rajghat. Modi was accompanied by the outgoing union minister Hardeep Singh Puri. President Droupadi Murmu had handed over the prime minister-designate his third letter of appointment after the BJP chief JP Nadda presented letters of support from NDA parties, who have a strength of 293 in the newly elected 543-member Lok Sabha, the lower house of Indian parliament. Also watch | PM Narendra Modi swearing-in ceremony: Security increased for the event × Modi, along with about 30 members of his council of ministers or cabinet, is scheduled to take oath of secrecy at Rashtrapati Bhawan later on June 9 at about 7:15 PM (Indian Standard Time). The oath-taking ceremony is a grand event in the national capital where personalities from different walks of life and overseas leaders have been invited. India has invited the heads of state and government from Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Maldives, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan and the Seychelles for the swearing-in. The spotlight will be on Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, who rose to power on an anti-India plank and persisted with that rhetoric until a few weeks ago. Also read | Lok Sabha Polls: Modi formally elected as alliance leader by all NDA partners The BJP won 240 seats and Congress 99, as per the final results published by the Election Commission of India. The ruling National Democratic Alliance has 293 members in Lok Sabha while the Opposition's 'INDIA' bloc has 233 members. (With inputs from agencies)

Modi 3.0 to be sworn in with focus on 'Neighbourhood First' foreign policy plank

<p>Bharatiya Janata Party leader Piyush Goyal took oath as Union Cabinet Minister at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Sunday (Jun 9).</p>

<p>Goyal won his debut Lok Sabha poll from the Mumbai North constituency with an impressive vote margin.</p>

<p>He defeated Congress' Bhushan Patil by 3,57,608 votes, which was the highest margin in Maharashtra.</p>

<p>Goyal served as the Minister of Commerce and Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Textiles, and Leader of the House, Rajya Sabha during Modi's second term (2019-2024).</p>

<p>He previously has helmed the Ministry of Railways, Finance, Corporate Affairs, Coal, Power, New and Renewable Energy, and Mines.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Political Journey</strong></h2>

<p>Goyal has held several integral positions in the saffron party and has also been its National Treasurer.</p>

<p>Under his tenure, India recorded its highest-ever exports of about $776 Bn in 2022-23.</p>

<p>The other key milestones achieved during his tenure are:</p>

<p>- He led the signing of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with UAE and the India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA).</p>

<p>- Supervised the launch of Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Schemes to boost the Make In India initiative.</p>

<p>- Spearheaded the implementation of Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY), which is also termed the world's largest food security program, in which free foodgrain&nbsp;was distributed to approximately 80 crore people over a period of two years.</p>

<p>- He helped the country achieve the best-ever safety record of zero passenger deaths in rail accidents as the Minister of Railways.</p>

<p>- He implemented the LED bulb distribution program (UJALA).</p>

<h2><strong>Education</strong></h2>

<p>Goyal is an all-India second-rank holder Chartered Accountant and a second-rank holder in law from Mumbai University.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He was also a renowned investment banker. His father, Late Vedprakash Goyal served as Union Minister of Shipping, and was the National Treasurer of the BJP for more than twenty years.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Bharatiya Janata Party leader Piyush Goyal took oath as Union Cabinet Minister at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Sunday (Jun 9). Goyal won his debut Lok Sabha poll from the Mumbai North constituency with an impressive vote margin.

Bharatiya Janata Party leader Piyush Goyal took oath as Union Cabinet Minister at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Sunday (Jun 9). Goyal won his debut Lok Sabha poll from the Mumbai North constituency with an impressive vote margin. He defeated Congress' Bhushan Patil by 3,57,608 votes, which was the highest margin in Maharashtra. Goyal served as the Minister of Commerce and Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Textiles, and Leader of the House, Rajya Sabha during Modi's second term (2019-2024). He previously has helmed the Ministry of Railways, Finance, Corporate Affairs, Coal, Power, New and Renewable Energy, and Mines. Political Journey Goyal has held several integral positions in the saffron party and has also been its National Treasurer. Under his tenure, India recorded its highest-ever exports of about $776 Bn in 2022-23. The other key milestones achieved during his tenure are: - He led the signing of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with UAE and the India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA). - Supervised the launch of Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Schemes to boost the Make In India initiative. - Spearheaded the implementation of Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY), which is also termed the world's largest food security program, in which free foodgrain was distributed to approximately 80 crore people over a period of two years. - He helped the country achieve the best-ever safety record of zero passenger deaths in rail accidents as the Minister of Railways. - He implemented the LED bulb distribution program (UJALA). Education Goyal is an all-India second-rank holder Chartered Accountant and a second-rank holder in law from Mumbai University. He was also a renowned investment banker. His father, Late Vedprakash Goyal served as Union Minister of Shipping, and was the National Treasurer of the BJP for more than twenty years. (With inputs from agencies)

Modi 3.0 swearing-in ceremony: Piyush Goyal takes oath as Union Cabinet Minister

<p>In the twilight hours of the national capital, India got its 16th prime minister when Narendra Modi was administered the oath of office and secrecy by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Sunday (June 9).</p>

<p>Along with Modi, 71 cabinet ministers were also sworn in during the grand oath-taking ceremony. As Modi took the oath,&nbsp;the crowds chanted "Modi Modi".</p>

<p>After taking the oath, PM Modi became the second person in the history of India to hold the office of the prime minister for three successive terms. Jawaharlal Nehru, who was the first prime minister of the country, had clinched victory in the 1952, 1957 and 1962 general elections.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-is-yours-rise-and-rise-of-undefeated-leader-of-indias-14bn-people-728501">Narendra Modi hits a hat-trick as India's PM, but the victory trumpet is mellow</a></p>

<p>The BJP-led NDA government, after clinching a clear majority in Lok Sabha elections 2024, made decisions regarding the distribution of portfolios in the new cabinet in a marathon 11-hour meeting held at the Prime Minister's residence on June 8 (Saturday).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The meeting was attended by BJP leaders Amit Shah, JP Nadda and the party's national general secretary (organisation) BL Santhosh.</p>

<h2><strong>World leaders gather to witness India's history in making</strong></h2>

<p>The grand oath-taking ceremony, which was organised at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, also saw the presence of several foreign leaders and dignitaries.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The event was attended by Sri Lanka President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Mauritius PM Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda', Bhutan PM Tshering Tobgay and Seychelles Vice-President Ahmed Afif.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;PM Modi Oath ceremony: From Nehru To Narendra Modi, A look at India's longest-serving PMs</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pm-modi-oath-ceremony-from-nehru-to-narendra-modi-a-look-at-indias-longest-serving-pms-730230/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Across the national capital, the security was strengthened and prohibitory orders were imposed. Delhi was declared a no-fly zone and three-layered security was implemented both inside and outside the premises of the Rashtrapati Bhavan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The president's house remained blanketed by five companies of paramilitary personnel, NSG commandoes, drones and snipers. Traffic restrictions were also applicable on various roads, especially those which ran around the Rashtrapati Bhavan.</p>

<p>In the Lok Sabha elections, the NDA won 293 of 543 seats, easily passing the majority mark of 272. The INDIA alliance gave&nbsp;a strong fight and managed to win 232 constituencies.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In the twilight hours of the national capital, India got its 16th prime minister when Narendra Modi was administered the oath of office and secrecy by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Sunday (June 9).

In the twilight hours of the national capital, India got its 16th prime minister when Narendra Modi was administered the oath of office and secrecy by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Sunday (June 9). Along with Modi, 71 cabinet ministers were also sworn in during the grand oath-taking ceremony. As Modi took the oath, the crowds chanted "Modi Modi". After taking the oath, PM Modi became the second person in the history of India to hold the office of the prime minister for three successive terms. Jawaharlal Nehru, who was the first prime minister of the country, had clinched victory in the 1952, 1957 and 1962 general elections. Also Read: Narendra Modi hits a hat-trick as India's PM, but the victory trumpet is mellow The BJP-led NDA government, after clinching a clear majority in Lok Sabha elections 2024, made decisions regarding the distribution of portfolios in the new cabinet in a marathon 11-hour meeting held at the Prime Minister's residence on June 8 (Saturday). The meeting was attended by BJP leaders Amit Shah, JP Nadda and the party's national general secretary (organisation) BL Santhosh. World leaders gather to witness India's history in making The grand oath-taking ceremony, which was organised at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, also saw the presence of several foreign leaders and dignitaries. The event was attended by Sri Lanka President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Mauritius PM Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda', Bhutan PM Tshering Tobgay and Seychelles Vice-President Ahmed Afif. Watch: PM Modi Oath ceremony: From Nehru To Narendra Modi, A look at India's longest-serving PMs Across the national capital, the security was strengthened and prohibitory orders were imposed. Delhi was declared a no-fly zone and three-layered security was implemented both inside and outside the premises of the Rashtrapati Bhavan. The president's house remained blanketed by five companies of paramilitary personnel, NSG commandoes, drones and snipers. Traffic restrictions were also applicable on various roads, especially those which ran around the Rashtrapati Bhavan. In the Lok Sabha elections, the NDA won 293 of 543 seats, easily passing the majority mark of 272. The INDIA alliance gave a strong fight and managed to win 232 constituencies. (With inputs from agencies)

Narendra Modi takes oath as India's 16th prime minister, enters third term in a row

<p>When Narendra Modi sat on LK Advani's chariot&nbsp;in 1991 during its Gujarat leg, little did the then 41-year-old RSS regional organiser know that 33 years later he would be at the helm of the consecration of the same Ram Temple which was at that time being envisioned by the Bharatiya Janta Party or BJP.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Two weeks after Ayodhya's Ram Temple consecration earlier this year,&nbsp;Modi - now the prime minister in his second term -&nbsp;delivered his reply to the president's motion of thanks in the Parliament on February 5. He announced the ambitious goal of 'chaar sau paar' or '400 plus seats for BJP that quickly resonated with the abrogation of Article 370 which had marked the beginning of his second term in 2019.</p>

<p><img alt="modi ram temple" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8fc99a6f-daf8-4bc9-aa8e-604dd6d926fa" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/LYKE6MYJWBOSNJGFPFCY5GU6RM.jpg" /></p>

<p><em>Prime Minister Narendra Modi walks inside Ayodhya's Ram Temple during consecration ceremony.</em></p>

<p>"Lord Ram has returned not only home, but to such a grand temple that it is definite that 'Abki baar 400 paar' (This time 400 plus). Even Kharge ji (Mallikarjun Kharge, the leader of opposition Congress) is saying it. Not only will NDA win 400+ seats, BJP itself will win 370 seats," Modi told&nbsp;parliament to as BJP parliamentarians thumbed their desk, cheering the end of his second term in power with an absolute majority.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Nearly a month later, Modi delivered a speech at Srinagar's Bakshi stadium - the first in Jammu &amp; Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Whenever I came here after 2014, I have always said that I am making all these efforts, to win your hearts and I am seeing that I have been able to win your hearts. I will keep trying hard. This is Modi’s guarantee," Modi said to the large crowd gathered at the stadium.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In his time in power, Modi had established the success of two of the BJP's core ideological activities - the abrogation of Article 370 that had given Kashmir special status, and the construction of the Ram Temple.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Three months after his speech in Kashmir, India's 2024 Lok Sabha elections have culminated and the ruling BJP has clinched a third term under the leadership of Modi but the victory trumpets remain mellow and '400-paar' appears a far-fetched dream.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-elections-results-2024-bjp-to-get-a-hat-trick-or-india-bloc-to-rise-and-shine-728474">Lok Sabha Election Results 2024: INDIA gives tough fight to Modi's NDA in early trends</a></p>

<p>But the mandate of the&nbsp;country of nearly 1.4 billion people, has once again favoured&nbsp;Narendra Damodardas Modi, who now has again stepped in the shoes of the leader of the&nbsp;world's largest democracy and took the oath of prime minister amid cheers and chants of "Modi, Modi".&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Humble beginnings</strong></h2>

<p>In the small town of Vadnagar, Gujarat - far away from the political muddle of the capital New Delhi - Modi spent his childhood with his parents and five siblings. &nbsp;</p>

<p>His father was a tea seller or "chaiwallaha" who used to run a stall at the local train station to run the household.</p>

<p>At school, Modi was an average student who apparently loved to act plays.</p>

<p>At the age of 17, he was married and soon after, he left his family and village and went on a spiritual sojourn.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="modi" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1d36e3f0-5e6b-4389-8e07-278414cc29e1" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/x%20%286%29.png" /></p>

<p><em>Narendra Modi on journey to Himalayas</em></p>

<p>He was acquainted with Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the ideological fount of BJP,&nbsp;from his childhood and in 1972, became a “pracharak” or volunteer for the Hindu nationalist organisation&nbsp;which slowly carved his way into the world of politics.</p>

<h2><strong>Modi's increasing involvement with RSS amid shadows of Emergency</strong></h2>

<p>After joining the RSS, the state headquarters of the RSS in the Indian city of Ahmedabad became Modi's home.</p>

<p>In 1975, when India's then-prime minister Indira Gandhi declared a state of emergency in the country and pushed its democracy to the darkest days possible, Modi worked to restore the lost freedom.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;India Elections: Decision day today | Modi 3.0 vs I.N.D.I.A: And the winner is...</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-elections-decision-day-today-modi-30-vs-india-and-the-winner-is-728469/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Gandhi had called the invoking of emergency as an important “shock treatment” to shut down internal unrest and in the process, censored the opposition, silenced the media and tightened government control.</p>

<p><img alt="modi 1" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="09d0dab9-778b-4519-bec2-788651eca544" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/GPDa68_WAAAUOgo.jpg" /></p>

<p><em>Narendra Modi during Emergency days</em></p>

<p>To evade arrest during that time, Modi used a pseudonym and adorned different looks like that of a saint or of a Sikh to hide his real identity.</p>

<h2><strong>A powerful ascent and a deep scar&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>In 1987, Modi joined the BJP and gained immense support and praise from one of the party's top leaders Lal Krishna Advani - the man whose name remains engraved at the bottom of the infamous Babri Masjid demolition case.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Advani saw a rising leader in Modi, and handed him some crucial responsibilities within the party.</p>

<p>He became the chief minister of Gujarat in 2001 and since then, the state witnessed a wave of innovation, industry and infrastructure. In a short period, the arid landscape became home to the “Gujarat model” which became the definition of government efficiency and development.</p>

<p>But, soon Modi saw himself embroiled in an ugly controversy when a Hindu-Muslim riot broke out in the state in 2002 after Muslims were blamed for setting on fire a train which was carrying Hindu pilgrims.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Godhra" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6d3d4d9f-828c-4e05-b8a1-aa12986f6011" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/train-fire_37cfb7e4-fd80-11e6-a3af-7fa15638f741.jpg" /></p>

<p><em>Train filled with&nbsp;Hindu pilgrims on fire triggered the riots</em></p>

<p>Some blamed the Modi administration for failing to curb the Gujarat riots, while few others even accused the leader of being complicit in the&nbsp;violence.</p>

<p>In the aftermath of the incident, Modi also had to face international repercussions as the United States banned him from entering the country over the accusation of human rights violations.</p>

<p>However, the BJP leader denied any wrongdoing and later was also given a clean chit by the Supreme Court. Months after the riots, Modi called snap elections and was re-elected as the state's chief minister with a massive majority.</p>

<h2><strong>At the helm of power and democracy</strong></h2>

<p>In the year 2014, the BJP had a landslide victory in the general elections, defeating the ruling Congress, its worst defeat ever.</p>

<p>Narendra Modi was chosen as the new prime minister and this ushered in a new era for the country which saw the development and rise in every sector.</p>

<p>The transport networks developed, bullet trains were introduced, some 40 million concrete homes were provided to impoverished families and the military capabilities of the country were bolstered.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="modi 3" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="70240765-ac77-4fee-ba36-e5c8c64fe957" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/GNd-0VGWwAAnxXJ.jpg" /></p>

<p><em>UP CM Yogi Adityanath accompanies Narendra Modi during roadshow.</em></p>

<p>In 2016, the Modi government&nbsp;demonetised all Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 banknotes, which the prime minister said was a 'surgical strike' on black money.&nbsp;</p>

<p>That was a reference to the retaliatory strikes carried out by the Indian Army on alleged launch pads used by militants in&nbsp;Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in response to the Uri attack.</p>

<p>In 2019, Modi emerged stronger and more victorious in the Lok Sabha elections. Just before the polls, the Modi administration had given a befitting reply to the Pulwama attack by carrying out a Balakot airstrike in Pakistan, which won the hearts of the Indians.</p>

<p>The abrogation of Article 370 and the consecration of Ram Temple in Ayodhya marked the highs of his second tenure.&nbsp;</p>

<p>When the opposition in the campaign of Lok Sabha elections 2024 raised questions about Modi's family background, the leader roared in front of a cheering crowd "You are Modi’s and Modi is yours", as people flashed placards with the slogan: "I am Modi's family", which has now become the threshold of his third tenure.</p>


When Narendra Modi sat on LK Advani's chariot in 1991 during its Gujarat leg, little did the then 41-year-old RSS regional organiser know that 33 years later he would be at the helm of the consecration of the same Ram Temple which was at that time being envisioned by the Bharatiya Janta Party or BJP.

When Narendra Modi sat on LK Advani's chariot in 1991 during its Gujarat leg, little did the then 41-year-old RSS regional organiser know that 33 years later he would be at the helm of the consecration of the same Ram Temple which was at that time being envisioned by the Bharatiya Janta Party or BJP. Two weeks after Ayodhya's Ram Temple consecration earlier this year, Modi - now the prime minister in his second term - delivered his reply to the president's motion of thanks in the Parliament on February 5. He announced the ambitious goal of 'chaar sau paar' or '400 plus seats for BJP that quickly resonated with the abrogation of Article 370 which had marked the beginning of his second term in 2019. Prime Minister Narendra Modi walks inside Ayodhya's Ram Temple during consecration ceremony. "Lord Ram has returned not only home, but to such a grand temple that it is definite that 'Abki baar 400 paar' (This time 400 plus). Even Kharge ji (Mallikarjun Kharge, the leader of opposition Congress) is saying it. Not only will NDA win 400+ seats, BJP itself will win 370 seats," Modi told parliament to as BJP parliamentarians thumbed their desk, cheering the end of his second term in power with an absolute majority. Nearly a month later, Modi delivered a speech at Srinagar's Bakshi stadium - the first in Jammu & Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370. "Whenever I came here after 2014, I have always said that I am making all these efforts, to win your hearts and I am seeing that I have been able to win your hearts. I will keep trying hard. This is Modi’s guarantee," Modi said to the large crowd gathered at the stadium. In his time in power, Modi had established the success of two of the BJP's core ideological activities - the abrogation of Article 370 that had given Kashmir special status, and the construction of the Ram Temple. Three months after his speech in Kashmir, India's 2024 Lok Sabha elections have culminated and the ruling BJP has clinched a third term under the leadership of Modi but the victory trumpets remain mellow and '400-paar' appears a far-fetched dream. Also Read: Lok Sabha Election Results 2024: INDIA gives tough fight to Modi's NDA in early trends But the mandate of the country of nearly 1.4 billion people, has once again favoured Narendra Damodardas Modi, who now has again stepped in the shoes of the leader of the world's largest democracy and took the oath of prime minister amid cheers and chants of "Modi, Modi". Humble beginnings In the small town of Vadnagar, Gujarat - far away from the political muddle of the capital New Delhi - Modi spent his childhood with his parents and five siblings. His father was a tea seller or "chaiwallaha" who used to run a stall at the local train station to run the household. At school, Modi was an average student who apparently loved to act plays. At the age of 17, he was married and soon after, he left his family and village and went on a spiritual sojourn. Narendra Modi on journey to Himalayas He was acquainted with Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the ideological fount of BJP, from his childhood and in 1972, became a “pracharak” or volunteer for the Hindu nationalist organisation which slowly carved his way into the world of politics. Modi's increasing involvement with RSS amid shadows of Emergency After joining the RSS, the state headquarters of the RSS in the Indian city of Ahmedabad became Modi's home. In 1975, when India's then-prime minister Indira Gandhi declared a state of emergency in the country and pushed its democracy to the darkest days possible, Modi worked to restore the lost freedom. Watch: India Elections: Decision day today | Modi 3.0 vs I.N.D.I.A: And the winner is... Gandhi had called the invoking of emergency as an important “shock treatment” to shut down internal unrest and in the process, censored the opposition, silenced the media and tightened government control. Narendra Modi during Emergency days To evade arrest during that time, Modi used a pseudonym and adorned different looks like that of a saint or of a Sikh to hide his real identity. A powerful ascent and a deep scar In 1987, Modi joined the BJP and gained immense support and praise from one of the party's top leaders Lal Krishna Advani - the man whose name remains engraved at the bottom of the infamous Babri Masjid demolition case. Advani saw a rising leader in Modi, and handed him some crucial responsibilities within the party. He became the chief minister of Gujarat in 2001 and since then, the state witnessed a wave of innovation, industry and infrastructure. In a short period, the arid landscape became home to the “Gujarat model” which became the definition of government efficiency and development. But, soon Modi saw himself embroiled in an ugly controversy when a Hindu-Muslim riot broke out in the state in 2002 after Muslims were blamed for setting on fire a train which was carrying Hindu pilgrims. Train filled with Hindu pilgrims on fire triggered the riots Some blamed the Modi administration for failing to curb the Gujarat riots, while few others even accused the leader of being complicit in the violence. In the aftermath of the incident, Modi also had to face international repercussions as the United States banned him from entering the country over the accusation of human rights violations. However, the BJP leader denied any wrongdoing and later was also given a clean chit by the Supreme Court. Months after the riots, Modi called snap elections and was re-elected as the state's chief minister with a massive majority. At the helm of power and democracy In the year 2014, the BJP had a landslide victory in the general elections, defeating the ruling Congress, its worst defeat ever. Narendra Modi was chosen as the new prime minister and this ushered in a new era for the country which saw the development and rise in every sector. The transport networks developed, bullet trains were introduced, some 40 million concrete homes were provided to impoverished families and the military capabilities of the country were bolstered. UP CM Yogi Adityanath accompanies Narendra Modi during roadshow. In 2016, the Modi government demonetised all Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 banknotes, which the prime minister said was a 'surgical strike' on black money. That was a reference to the retaliatory strikes carried out by the Indian Army on alleged launch pads used by militants in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in response to the Uri attack. In 2019, Modi emerged stronger and more victorious in the Lok Sabha elections. Just before the polls, the Modi administration had given a befitting reply to the Pulwama attack by carrying out a Balakot airstrike in Pakistan, which won the hearts of the Indians. The abrogation of Article 370 and the consecration of Ram Temple in Ayodhya marked the highs of his second tenure. When the opposition in the campaign of Lok Sabha elections 2024 raised questions about Modi's family background, the leader roared in front of a cheering crowd "You are Modi’s and Modi is yours", as people flashed placards with the slogan: "I am Modi's family", which has now become the threshold of his third tenure.

Narendra Modi hits a hat-trick as India's PM, but the victory trumpet is mellow

<p>In a not-so-expected sight, BJP leader Ravneet Singh Bittu was seen running towards Narendra Modi's official residence after he got stuck in traffic and was late for a meeting in the national capital on June 9 (Sunday).</p>

<p>Bittu did not wish to be late for the meeting inside Narendra Modi's official residence,&nbsp;however, the national capital's heavy traffic had slowed him down.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/multi-layered-security-no-fly-zone-in-delhi-as-capital-gears-up-for-pms-swearing-in-ceremony-729854">Multi-layered security, no-fly zone in Delhi as capital gears up for Modi's swearing-in ceremony</a></p>

<p>When he found himself getting late, the minister got out of his car and started running on the road as guards flanked him.</p>

<p>The footage of the MP running at a roundabout in front of Modi's&nbsp;official residence was widely shared on social media platforms.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Ravneet Singh Bittu running towards PM Residence as his car stuck into traffic. <a href="https://t.co/YwDWXorPNX">pic.twitter.com/YwDWXorPNX</a></p>
— Pooja Sangwan ( Modi Ka Parivar ) (@ThePerilousGirl) <a href="https://twitter.com/ThePerilousGirl/status/1799696383131418936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 9, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>"One should never be late," he said while speaking to NDTV and added that many leaders were reaching for the meeting, so he decided to get out of the car and instead run to the residence rather than wait for the jam to clear.</p>

<h2><strong>Bittu to be part of Modi 3.0 Cabinet&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Bittu lost the Ludhiana seat to the Congress's Amrinder Singh Raja by a huge margin in the Lok Sabha elections. However, the leader is likely to be part of the Modi 3.0 cabinet.</p>

<p>Bittu is former Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh's grandson, who was seen as a hero of the anti-terrorism campaign in the state and was assassinated in a terror attack while still holding the office.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;PM-designate Modi's swearing-in ceremony: Traffic advisory in Delhi today for oath ceremony</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pm-designate-modis-swearing-in-ceremony-traffic-advisory-in-delhi-today-for-oath-ceremony-730036/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>After attending the tea meeting, Bittu said, "It is a very big thing for me that they (NDA) have chosen me in their cabinet even after losing the elections. Punjab has been given priority this time...I will prepare the ground for BJP to win the Assembly elections in 2027...Just 2 years ago, the people of Punjab rejected Congress, everyone knows the work that AAP is doing. So, people have only one option which is BJP...I would like to become the Chief Minister of Punjab if given a chance."</p>

<p>"Whether it is PM Modi, Amit Shah or others, all of them gave me their trust. There was no demand when I left Congress, but I did not want to sit in the opposition after winning for the third time. BJP made my dream true," he added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In a not-so-expected sight, BJP leader Ravneet Singh Bittu was seen running towards Narendra Modi's official residence after he got stuck in traffic and was late for a meeting in the national capital on June 9 (Sunday).

In a not-so-expected sight, BJP leader Ravneet Singh Bittu was seen running towards Narendra Modi's official residence after he got stuck in traffic and was late for a meeting in the national capital on June 9 (Sunday). Bittu did not wish to be late for the meeting inside Narendra Modi's official residence, however, the national capital's heavy traffic had slowed him down. Also Read: Multi-layered security, no-fly zone in Delhi as capital gears up for Modi's swearing-in ceremony When he found himself getting late, the minister got out of his car and started running on the road as guards flanked him. The footage of the MP running at a roundabout in front of Modi's official residence was widely shared on social media platforms. Ravneet Singh Bittu running towards PM Residence as his car stuck into traffic. pic.twitter.com/YwDWXorPNX — Pooja Sangwan ( Modi Ka Parivar ) (@ThePerilousGirl) June 9, 2024 × "One should never be late," he said while speaking to NDTV and added that many leaders were reaching for the meeting, so he decided to get out of the car and instead run to the residence rather than wait for the jam to clear. Bittu to be part of Modi 3.0 Cabinet Bittu lost the Ludhiana seat to the Congress's Amrinder Singh Raja by a huge margin in the Lok Sabha elections. However, the leader is likely to be part of the Modi 3.0 cabinet. Bittu is former Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh's grandson, who was seen as a hero of the anti-terrorism campaign in the state and was assassinated in a terror attack while still holding the office. Watch: PM-designate Modi's swearing-in ceremony: Traffic advisory in Delhi today for oath ceremony After attending the tea meeting, Bittu said, "It is a very big thing for me that they (NDA) have chosen me in their cabinet even after losing the elections. Punjab has been given priority this time...I will prepare the ground for BJP to win the Assembly elections in 2027...Just 2 years ago, the people of Punjab rejected Congress, everyone knows the work that AAP is doing. So, people have only one option which is BJP...I would like to become the Chief Minister of Punjab if given a chance." "Whether it is PM Modi, Amit Shah or others, all of them gave me their trust. There was no demand when I left Congress, but I did not want to sit in the opposition after winning for the third time. BJP made my dream true," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: BJP leader gets stuck in traffic, runs on foot to Modi's house for tea meet

<p>Congress leader Rahul Gandhi attacked PM-designate Narendra Modi amid the ongoing NEET-UG medical entrance controversy stating that the alleged discrepancies in the examination had "devastated more than 24 lakh students and their families".</p>

<p>The grand old party's MP-elect then assured that he would become their voice in the parliament, further vowing to strongly raise concerns related to the betterment of their future.</p>

<p>"Narendra Modi has not even taken oath yet and the scam in NEET exam has devastated more than 24 lakh students and their families. 6 students from the same exam centre top the exam with maximum marks, many get such marks which are technically not possible, but the government is continuously denying the possibility of paper leak," Gandhi said in a post on X.</p>

<p>Further reiterating the poll promise to formulate a law that would deal with the paper leak issues, Gandhi said that the grand old party has come up with a "robust plan".</p>

<p>"Congress had made a robust plan to deal with this 'paper leak industry' which is being run in collusion with the education mafia and the government machinery. In our manifesto, we had pledged to free the students from paper leak by making a law," he said.</p>

<p>"Today, I assure all the students of the country that I will become your voice in Parliament and strongly raise the issues related to your future. The youth have expressed confidence in INDIA - INDIA will not allow their voice to be suppressed," Gandhi added.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">नरेंद्र मोदी ने अभी शपथ भी नहीं ली है और NEET परीक्षा में हुई धांधली ने 24 लाख से अधिक स्टूडेंट्स और उनके परिवारों को तोड़ दिया है।<br />
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एक ही एग्जाम सेंटर से 6 छात्र मैक्सिमम मार्क्स के साथ टॉप कर जाते हैं, कितनों को ऐसे मार्क्स मिलते हैं जो टेक्निकली संभव ही नहीं है, लेकिन सरकार…</p>
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1799679113478934556?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 9, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>'BJP govt has destroyed future of medial aspirants,' says KC Venugopal&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier, Congress general secretary (organisations) KC Venugopal had hit out at the BJP government over "destroying the future of medical aspirants" and&nbsp;urged&nbsp;the Ministry of Education to conduct a proper investigation into the matter.</p>

<p>In a post on X, KC Venugopal said, "The BJP government has totally botched the NEET examinations and destroyed the future of our medical aspirants."</p>

<p>"First, it persisted with the exam despite huge opposition from many states, especially Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Now, it is clearly unable to administer it effectively and we are now seeing the paper leak at the national level. This, coupled with multiple irregularities raises alarm about how the exam is being conducted," he added.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/neet-aspirants-allege-inflation-of-marks-nta-denies-discrepancies-729765">Also read:&nbsp;India's NEET test-takers allege discrepancy in results, testing agency rejects claims</a></p>

<h2><strong>India's NEET test-takers allege discrepancy in results</strong></h2>

<p>One of India's most sought-after exams, the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) which is the gateway for admission to medical colleges, found itself surrounded by controversy this week after several aspirants complained about inflation of marks.</p>

<p>The declaration of NEET results on Wednesday (Jun 5) witnessed an unprecedented 67 candidates bagging the top rank, out of which six were from the same exam centre in the northern state of Haryana.</p>

<p>The National Testing Agency (NTA), however, dismissed the claims regarding discrepancies and irregularities in the result.</p>

<p>It cited changes made to the NCERT textbooks and 'grace marks' given to students for losing time at the examination centres as the reasons behind students scoring higher marks.</p>

<p>"Such cases and representations were considered by NTA and the normalisation formula, which has been devised and adopted by Supreme Court, vide its Judgment dated 13.06.2018, was implemented to address the loss of time faced by the candidates of NEET (UG) 2024," it said in a statement.<br />
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<br />
"The loss of examination time was ascertained and such candidates were compensated with grace marks. So, there marks can be 718 or 719 also," the statement further read.</p>

<p>However, on Saturday, the NTA set up a committee to review the grace marks awarded to NEET UG 2024 candidates.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Congress leader Rahul Gandhi attacked PM-designate Narendra Modi amid the ongoing NEET-UG medical entrance controversy stating that the alleged discrepancies in the examination had "devastated more than 24 lakh students and their families".

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi attacked PM-designate Narendra Modi amid the ongoing NEET-UG medical entrance controversy stating that the alleged discrepancies in the examination had "devastated more than 24 lakh students and their families". The grand old party's MP-elect then assured that he would become their voice in the parliament, further vowing to strongly raise concerns related to the betterment of their future. "Narendra Modi has not even taken oath yet and the scam in NEET exam has devastated more than 24 lakh students and their families. 6 students from the same exam centre top the exam with maximum marks, many get such marks which are technically not possible, but the government is continuously denying the possibility of paper leak," Gandhi said in a post on X. Further reiterating the poll promise to formulate a law that would deal with the paper leak issues, Gandhi said that the grand old party has come up with a "robust plan". "Congress had made a robust plan to deal with this 'paper leak industry' which is being run in collusion with the education mafia and the government machinery. In our manifesto, we had pledged to free the students from paper leak by making a law," he said. "Today, I assure all the students of the country that I will become your voice in Parliament and strongly raise the issues related to your future. The youth have expressed confidence in INDIA - INDIA will not allow their voice to be suppressed," Gandhi added. नरेंद्र मोदी ने अभी शपथ भी नहीं ली है और NEET परीक्षा में हुई धांधली ने 24 लाख से अधिक स्टूडेंट्स और उनके परिवारों को तोड़ दिया है। एक ही एग्जाम सेंटर से 6 छात्र मैक्सिमम मार्क्स के साथ टॉप कर जाते हैं, कितनों को ऐसे मार्क्स मिलते हैं जो टेक्निकली संभव ही नहीं है, लेकिन सरकार… — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) June 9, 2024 × 'BJP govt has destroyed future of medial aspirants,' says KC Venugopal Earlier, Congress general secretary (organisations) KC Venugopal had hit out at the BJP government over "destroying the future of medical aspirants" and urged the Ministry of Education to conduct a proper investigation into the matter. In a post on X, KC Venugopal said, "The BJP government has totally botched the NEET examinations and destroyed the future of our medical aspirants." "First, it persisted with the exam despite huge opposition from many states, especially Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Now, it is clearly unable to administer it effectively and we are now seeing the paper leak at the national level. This, coupled with multiple irregularities raises alarm about how the exam is being conducted," he added. Also read: India's NEET test-takers allege discrepancy in results, testing agency rejects claims India's NEET test-takers allege discrepancy in results One of India's most sought-after exams, the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) which is the gateway for admission to medical colleges, found itself surrounded by controversy this week after several aspirants complained about inflation of marks. The declaration of NEET results on Wednesday (Jun 5) witnessed an unprecedented 67 candidates bagging the top rank, out of which six were from the same exam centre in the northern state of Haryana. The National Testing Agency (NTA), however, dismissed the claims regarding discrepancies and irregularities in the result. It cited changes made to the NCERT textbooks and 'grace marks' given to students for losing time at the examination centres as the reasons behind students scoring higher marks. "Such cases and representations were considered by NTA and the normalisation formula, which has been devised and adopted by Supreme Court, vide its Judgment dated 13.06.2018, was implemented to address the loss of time faced by the candidates of NEET (UG) 2024," it said in a statement. "The loss of examination time was ascertained and such candidates were compensated with grace marks. So, there marks can be 718 or 719 also," the statement further read. However, on Saturday, the NTA set up a committee to review the grace marks awarded to NEET UG 2024 candidates. (With inputs from agencies)

NEET-UG exam row: Rahul Gandhi hits out at Modi government for 'destroying future of students'

<p>Narendra Modi got a major setback on June 4 as the Indian electorate stopped short of handing over a full majority to his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. His ambitious target of '400 paar' fell flat as the BJP managed to get just 240 seats; however, the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) crossed the 272 majority mark comfortably. States like Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and West Bengal thwarted BJP's 400-paar campaign. As per media reports, the BJP displayed a poor show in Bengal especially where Modi, the party's star campaigner, held road shows and political rallies.</p>

<h2><strong>Modi magic failed in Bengal</strong></h2>

<p>Narendra Modi held 23 campaign events in the state in the run-up to the elections, covering 27 Lok Sabha seats out of the total 42. Out of those 27 seats, the BJP lost 20. This translates into an embarrassing success rate of just 26 per cent.</p>

<p>Of these 27 seats, Modi held an election campaign in one constituency twice. BJP lost there too. Modi came to high profile Krishnanagar seat twice to back BJP's Amrita Roy against Trinamool Congress's firebrand leader Mahua Moitra. Roy lost the seat to Moitra with a margin of 56,000 votes.</p>

<p>Modi also held his first-ever roadshow in Bengal for Kolkata North BJP candidate Tapas Roy. TMC's Sudip Bandopadhyay thrashed him with a margin of 92,560 votes.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjKu4CqhMqGAxXvxDgGHahgCmsQvOMEKAB6BAgLEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-election-2024/pm-modi-has-lost-credibility-he-should-resign-says-mamata-banerjee-728842" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-election-2024/pm-modi-has-lost-credibility-he-should-resign-says-mamata-banerjee-728842&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjKu4CqhMqGAxXvxDgGHahgCmsQvOMEKAB6BAgLEAE">PM Modi has lost credibility, he should resign, says Mamata Banerjee</a></strong></p>

<p>Modi's backing couldn’t prevent two union ministers' boats from sinking either. Union Minister of State Nisith Pramanick, for whom Modi held a giant rally in Coochbehar constituency, couldn't stay afloat. Similarly, BJP's Subhash Sarkar lost his Bankura seat to the TMC.</p>

<p>BJP failed to hold on to seats like Barrackpore and Jhargram despite Narendra Modi addressing rallies in both these seats.</p>

<p>Here are some more seats where Modi campaigned but his BJP went straight to the ground: Arambagh, Hooghly, Barasat, Bolpur, Barrackpore, Howrah, Uluberia, Jhargram, Jadavpur, Mathurapur, Medinipur and Bardhaman Purba.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Narendra Modi got a major setback on June 4 as the Indian electorate stopped short of handing over a full majority to his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Narendra Modi got a major setback on June 4 as the Indian electorate stopped short of handing over a full majority to his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. His ambitious target of '400 paar' fell flat as the BJP managed to get just 240 seats; however, the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) crossed the 272 majority mark comfortably. States like Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and West Bengal thwarted BJP's 400-paar campaign. As per media reports, the BJP displayed a poor show in Bengal especially where Modi, the party's star campaigner, held road shows and political rallies. Modi magic failed in Bengal Narendra Modi held 23 campaign events in the state in the run-up to the elections, covering 27 Lok Sabha seats out of the total 42. Out of those 27 seats, the BJP lost 20. This translates into an embarrassing success rate of just 26 per cent. Of these 27 seats, Modi held an election campaign in one constituency twice. BJP lost there too. Modi came to high profile Krishnanagar seat twice to back BJP's Amrita Roy against Trinamool Congress's firebrand leader Mahua Moitra. Roy lost the seat to Moitra with a margin of 56,000 votes. Modi also held his first-ever roadshow in Bengal for Kolkata North BJP candidate Tapas Roy. TMC's Sudip Bandopadhyay thrashed him with a margin of 92,560 votes. Also read: PM Modi has lost credibility, he should resign, says Mamata Banerjee Modi's backing couldn’t prevent two union ministers' boats from sinking either. Union Minister of State Nisith Pramanick, for whom Modi held a giant rally in Coochbehar constituency, couldn't stay afloat. Similarly, BJP's Subhash Sarkar lost his Bankura seat to the TMC. BJP failed to hold on to seats like Barrackpore and Jhargram despite Narendra Modi addressing rallies in both these seats. Here are some more seats where Modi campaigned but his BJP went straight to the ground: Arambagh, Hooghly, Barasat, Bolpur, Barrackpore, Howrah, Uluberia, Jhargram, Jadavpur, Mathurapur, Medinipur and Bardhaman Purba. (With inputs from agencies)

BJP lost 20 seats out of 27 in Bengal where Modi campaigned, success rate 25%

<p>Narendra Modi will take oath for a third term as India's prime minister at a ceremony in New Delhi on Sunday (June 9).<br />
<br />
India general&nbsp;elections, the world's largest election exercise, has wrapped up with Narendra Modi-led NDA registering a win. Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) individually won 240 seats. The alliance was targeting "400 paar" i.e., over 400 seats, this time. However, it had to settle for 292. This helped pave the way for a coalition NDA government that on Wednesday (Jun 5) formally elected Modi as the bloc's leader.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Modi meets President Droupadi Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhavan</strong></p>

<p>Narendra Modi meets President Droupadi Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhavan and stakes claim to form the government. He was chosen as the leader of the NDA Parliamentary Party today.</p>

<p><strong>Modi meets veteran BJP leaders</strong></p>

<p>PM Modi meets veteran leader LK Advani at the latter's residence in New Delhi on Friday.&nbsp;PM later headed to&nbsp;meets veteran BJP leader Murli Manohar at his residence.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Watch?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Watch</a> | Indian <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PMModi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PMModi</a> meets veteran leader <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LKAdvani?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LKAdvani</a> at the latter's residence in New Delhi.<br />
<br />
PM Modi won a third-term in the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2024?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2024</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ElectionsOnWION?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ElectionsOnWION</a><br />
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<p><strong>Chirag Paswan elected as LJP (Ram Vilas) Parliamentary Party leader</strong></p>

<p>Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan has been&nbsp;elected as the LJP (Ram Vilas) Parliamentary Party leader after a meeting in Delhi. As per reports all five MPs of the party namely Veena Devi, Arun Bharti, Shambhavi Choudhary and Rajesh Verma along with LJP President Chirag Paswan were present in the meeting.</p>

<p>Chirag Paswan dismissed rumours of demands by his party, and said, "LJP is completely dedicated to our leader Narendra Modi. There is no doubt about it. In the NDA meeting held the day before yesterday, LJP extended the support to the leadership of PM Modi without any conditions."</p>

<p>"So, the party has no demands. I can say on behalf of the NDA that no party presented any demands that day. Everyone extended the support unconditionally. Today, NDA will probably submit the letter of support to PM Modi’s leadership to the President today," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Narendra Modi will take oath for a third term as India's prime minister at a ceremony in New Delhi on Sunday (June 9). India general elections, the world's largest election exercise, has wrapped up with Narendra Modi-led NDA registering a win.

Narendra Modi will take oath for a third term as India's prime minister at a ceremony in New Delhi on Sunday (June 9). India general elections, the world's largest election exercise, has wrapped up with Narendra Modi-led NDA registering a win. Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) individually won 240 seats. The alliance was targeting "400 paar" i.e., over 400 seats, this time. However, it had to settle for 292. This helped pave the way for a coalition NDA government that on Wednesday (Jun 5) formally elected Modi as the bloc's leader. Modi meets President Droupadi Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Narendra Modi meets President Droupadi Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhavan and stakes claim to form the government. He was chosen as the leader of the NDA Parliamentary Party today. Modi meets veteran BJP leaders PM Modi meets veteran leader LK Advani at the latter's residence in New Delhi on Friday. PM later headed to meets veteran BJP leader Murli Manohar at his residence. #Watch | Indian #PMModi meets veteran leader #LKAdvani at the latter's residence in New Delhi. PM Modi won a third-term in the #LokSabhaElections2024 #ElectionsOnWION (Source: ANI) pic.twitter.com/DF43LTiQHD — WION (@WIONews) June 7, 2024 × Chirag Paswan elected as LJP (Ram Vilas) Parliamentary Party leader Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan has been elected as the LJP (Ram Vilas) Parliamentary Party leader after a meeting in Delhi. As per reports all five MPs of the party namely Veena Devi, Arun Bharti, Shambhavi Choudhary and Rajesh Verma along with LJP President Chirag Paswan were present in the meeting. Chirag Paswan dismissed rumours of demands by his party, and said, "LJP is completely dedicated to our leader Narendra Modi. There is no doubt about it. In the NDA meeting held the day before yesterday, LJP extended the support to the leadership of PM Modi without any conditions." "So, the party has no demands. I can say on behalf of the NDA that no party presented any demands that day. Everyone extended the support unconditionally. Today, NDA will probably submit the letter of support to PM Modi’s leadership to the President today," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Modi to take oath as prime minister of India on June 9

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