Launching a scathing attack on Congress Party on Tuesday <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-leaders-never-mentioned-narasimha-rao-and-dr-manmohan-singh-centred-only-around-gandhis-pm-modi-in-lok-sabha-230332">PM Narendra Modi</a> said that Emergency was imposed on this day in 1975 and the blot on India’s soul will never be forgotten.

In his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/our-government-will-overcome-all-challenges-received-a-strong-mandate-pm-modi-230320">maiden speech in the 17th Lok Sabha</a>, the prime minister said: “A few people were constantly asking during the debate – Who did it? Who did it? I want to ask them, today is 25th June. Who imposed the Emergency? Who trampled over the spirit of the Constitution, gagged the media and bullied the judiciary? We can’t forget those dark days.”

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The Prime Minister recalled the "horrors of emergency" while targeting Congress, the prime Opposition party. "Soul of the nation was crushed on this day, June 25, 44 years ago," he said, adding that all castes, groups, religions had fought together to reclaim democracy.

Taking a potshot at the Congress, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said the party never recognised efforts of anyone but only the members from the Gandhi-Nehru family.&nbsp;

Replying to the Motion of Thanks to the President's address in Lok Sabha, Modi said the Congress never spoke about the good work of former Prime Ministers Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Narasimha Rao.&nbsp;

The Prime Minister said the NDA was given a chance to serve the nation in 2014 as the people thought it was a way of escaping from the UPA regime.

(With inputs from PTI)

Launching a scathing attack on Congress Party on Tuesday PM Narendra Modi said that Emergency was imposed on this day in 1975 and the blot on India’s soul will never be forgotten.

Launching a scathing attack on Congress Party on Tuesday PM Narendra Modi said that Emergency was imposed on this day in 1975 and the blot on India’s soul will never be forgotten. In his maiden speech in the 17th Lok Sabha, the prime minister said: “A few people were constantly asking during the debate – Who did it? Who did it? I want to ask them, today is 25th June. Who imposed the Emergency? Who trampled over the spirit of the Constitution, gagged the media and bullied the judiciary? We can’t forget those dark days.” Replying to 'Motion Of Thanks On the President's Address' in Lok Sabha https://t.co/oXpl0TMDOg — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 25, 2019 × The Prime Minister recalled the "horrors of emergency" while targeting Congress, the prime Opposition party. "Soul of the nation was crushed on this day, June 25, 44 years ago," he said, adding that all castes, groups, religions had fought together to reclaim democracy. Taking a potshot at the Congress, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said the party never recognised efforts of anyone but only the members from the Gandhi-Nehru family. Replying to the Motion of Thanks to the President's address in Lok Sabha, Modi said the Congress never spoke about the good work of former Prime Ministers Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Narasimha Rao. The Prime Minister said the NDA was given a chance to serve the nation in 2014 as the people thought it was a way of escaping from the UPA regime. (With inputs from PTI)

We can't forget dark days of Emergency, India's soul was crushed: PM Modi in Lok Sabha

In a sharp attack on the Congress, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/our-government-will-overcome-all-challenges-received-a-strong-mandate-pm-modi-230320">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> on Tuesday accused it of insulting leaders like Narasimha Rao and Dr Manmohan Singh and also targeted the party over “dynastic politics” and said only one family was spoken about and got all the attention.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was replying in Lok Sabha on Motion of thanks on President Ram Nath Kovind's joint address of the house.

Continuing his attack on the Congress, Narendra Modi said, "Did those in power from 2004 to 2014 ever talk in appreciation of Atal Bihari Vajpayee? Did they ever speak about the good work of Narasimha Rao Ji? In this Lok Sabha debate, they did not even speak of Manmohan Singh."

Taking a dig at the Opposition, Narendra Modi said, "You have gone so up in the air that you can't see the ground, you've lost your roots. It gives me satisfaction to see you rise so much,".

In the next 5 years, Modi claimed, the goal is to further strengthen and secure the nation and giving an impetus to the nation's inclusivity.

PM Modi said a period of five years cannot suffice to cure the malaise of 70 years, but his government strove to bring the nation to the path of peace, prosperity and development.

"I know that it takes time to change things which have been existing for the last 70 years. We did not divert or dilute from our main goal. We have to move forward, be it regarding infrastructure or in space," he added.

The Prime Minister claimed that electoral gains or setback never factored in his governance or policy-making.

"I never think about polls in terms of victory and defeat. The opportunity to serve 130 crore Indians and work to make a positive difference in the lives of our citizens is special to me," he said.&nbsp;

In a sharp attack on the Congress, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday accused it of insulting leaders like Narasimha Rao and Dr Manmohan Singh and also targeted the party over “dynastic politics” and said only one family was spoken about and got all the attention.

In a sharp attack on the Congress, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday accused it of insulting leaders like Narasimha Rao and Dr Manmohan Singh and also targeted the party over “dynastic politics” and said only one family was spoken about and got all the attention. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was replying in Lok Sabha on Motion of thanks on President Ram Nath Kovind's joint address of the house. Continuing his attack on the Congress, Narendra Modi said, "Did those in power from 2004 to 2014 ever talk in appreciation of Atal Bihari Vajpayee? Did they ever speak about the good work of Narasimha Rao Ji? In this Lok Sabha debate, they did not even speak of Manmohan Singh." Taking a dig at the Opposition, Narendra Modi said, "You have gone so up in the air that you can't see the ground, you've lost your roots. It gives me satisfaction to see you rise so much,". In the next 5 years, Modi claimed, the goal is to further strengthen and secure the nation and giving an impetus to the nation's inclusivity. PM Modi said a period of five years cannot suffice to cure the malaise of 70 years, but his government strove to bring the nation to the path of peace, prosperity and development. "I know that it takes time to change things which have been existing for the last 70 years. We did not divert or dilute from our main goal. We have to move forward, be it regarding infrastructure or in space," he added. The Prime Minister claimed that electoral gains or setback never factored in his governance or policy-making. "I never think about polls in terms of victory and defeat. The opportunity to serve 130 crore Indians and work to make a positive difference in the lives of our citizens is special to me," he said.

Congress leaders never mentioned Narasimha Rao and Dr Manmohan Singh; centred only around Gandhis: PM Modi in Lok Sabha

The principle reason why Indian liberalism has turned on its head is because of dynasties which have spawned all across political parties. Dynasties are undemocratic in nature, and hence, the functioning of the political parties remain undemocratic.

Social mobility lies at the core of liberal values. Liberalism was a movement against medieval institutions which stood for the politics of birth and entitlement. The aristocracy wanted to perpetuate the old order which liberal values challenged.

Liberal order fought for mobility in the society which freed labour and mind from traditional structures of social and political hierarchies. Indian democratic politics started with liberal politics at helms of the affair. The conservatives in Indian politics immediately after 1947 were a minority and did not enjoy social and cultural gravitas.

70 years down the line, every party in India claiming itself to be liberal has turned dynastic and conservative. BJP seems to be the only party holding ground to rampant dynasticism which exists in Indian politics.

The irony is that BJP does not call itself liberal but demonstrates the fastest political mobility within the organisation. It is not as if families are absent in RSS-BJP. They do exist, but power transition does not take place within one family. BJP is not hostage to one family. The party firmly rests on the principle of ideology than family loyalty. The vote catching job is not rested on the shoulder of the charism of a clan but on the organisation which has the build in capacity to outlast any individual. It is for this reason that BJP was able to make a transition from Vajpayee to Narendra Modi.&nbsp;

The other big reason why parties which claim to be liberal became highly elitist and short on mobility because successive generations became more and more westernised but not the party. It created a social circuit within the all-powerful political spectrum which was distinct and different from the culture and ideology of the organisation.

For example, Rajiv Gandhi in 1980s wanted to change the party with his friends. Rahul Gandhi also fought with the top Congress brass with little help from his friends. Other regional parties have witnessed this development with various degrees. Such social circuits operate in most of the parties and claim to hold liberal values. This circle involves people related to the first family of a party in a personal way where loyalty to the family members is ranked over and above the organisation.

If one looks at BJP-RSS Parivar, the ideology of the parent outfit and health of the organisation is given primacy over the individual. Moreover, frontal organisations of RSS and BJP became a conduit to mainframe which is not the case with many other parties. Many leaders of these two subsets constitute the top rung of BJP now. Today, Congress cannot boost such mobility. The regional parties run by dynasts cannot promise mobility.

Mobility means that every post in a political party should be open to contest. Those parties which band around a family do not have the right to exist in modern societies because they only end up perpetuating a feudal system. Such parties should wither away making space for healthier options to come up. 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;

The principle reason why Indian liberalism has turned on its head is because of dynasties which have spawned all across political parties. Dynasties are undemocratic in nature, and hence, the functioning of the political parties remain undemocratic.

The principle reason why Indian liberalism has turned on its head is because of dynasties which have spawned all across political parties. Dynasties are undemocratic in nature, and hence, the functioning of the political parties remain undemocratic. Social mobility lies at the core of liberal values. Liberalism was a movement against medieval institutions which stood for the politics of birth and entitlement. The aristocracy wanted to perpetuate the old order which liberal values challenged. Liberal order fought for mobility in the society which freed labour and mind from traditional structures of social and political hierarchies. Indian democratic politics started with liberal politics at helms of the affair. The conservatives in Indian politics immediately after 1947 were a minority and did not enjoy social and cultural gravitas. 70 years down the line, every party in India claiming itself to be liberal has turned dynastic and conservative. BJP seems to be the only party holding ground to rampant dynasticism which exists in Indian politics. The irony is that BJP does not call itself liberal but demonstrates the fastest political mobility within the organisation. It is not as if families are absent in RSS-BJP. They do exist, but power transition does not take place within one family. BJP is not hostage to one family. The party firmly rests on the principle of ideology than family loyalty. The vote catching job is not rested on the shoulder of the charism of a clan but on the organisation which has the build in capacity to outlast any individual. It is for this reason that BJP was able to make a transition from Vajpayee to Narendra Modi. The other big reason why parties which claim to be liberal became highly elitist and short on mobility because successive generations became more and more westernised but not the party. It created a social circuit within the all-powerful political spectrum which was distinct and different from the culture and ideology of the organisation. For example, Rajiv Gandhi in 1980s wanted to change the party with his friends. Rahul Gandhi also fought with the top Congress brass with little help from his friends. Other regional parties have witnessed this development with various degrees. Such social circuits operate in most of the parties and claim to hold liberal values. This circle involves people related to the first family of a party in a personal way where loyalty to the family members is ranked over and above the organisation. If one looks at BJP-RSS Parivar, the ideology of the parent outfit and health of the organisation is given primacy over the individual. Moreover, frontal organisations of RSS and BJP became a conduit to mainframe which is not the case with many other parties. Many leaders of these two subsets constitute the top rung of BJP now. Today, Congress cannot boost such mobility. The regional parties run by dynasts cannot promise mobility. Mobility means that every post in a political party should be open to contest. Those parties which band around a family do not have the right to exist in modern societies because they only end up perpetuating a feudal system. Such parties should wither away making space for healthier options to come up. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Why liberal political parties run by dynasts are a gated community

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today addressed the parliament&nbsp;on Motion of thanks on&nbsp;President Ram Nath Kovind's joint address of the house and said that the country has given a strong mandate, as our government was voted back into power.

"The president in his address mentioned our vision for India. We should all move forward together. We can overcome every obstacle together. About 60 speakers spoke on the Motion of Thanks," PM Narendra Modi said in Lok Sabha.

Thanking country's voter PM Narendra Modi said that after many decades, the country has given a strong mandate, a government was voted back into power.This Lok Sabha elections have shown that more than themselves, the people of India are thinking about the betterment of the country, this spirit is commendable.

"We have to move together to fulfil the dream of a strong, safe, developed and inclusive nation," said PM Modi speaking in Lok Sabha.

President Ram Nath Kovind had addressed the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha last week and had raised several issues comprising water crisis, 'One Nation, One Poll' proposal and the National Register of Citizens.&nbsp;

The President had said that the government has taken the decision to go ahead with the process of National Register Citizens on a priority basis.&nbsp;

Following the fierce debate between the government and the opposition, Congress specifically

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today addressed the parliament on Motion of thanks on President Ram Nath Kovind's joint address of the house and said that the country has given a strong mandate, as our government was voted back into power.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today addressed the parliament on Motion of thanks on President Ram Nath Kovind's joint address of the house and said that the country has given a strong mandate, as our government was voted back into power. "The president in his address mentioned our vision for India. We should all move forward together. We can overcome every obstacle together. About 60 speakers spoke on the Motion of Thanks," PM Narendra Modi said in Lok Sabha. Thanking country's voter PM Narendra Modi said that after many decades, the country has given a strong mandate, a government was voted back into power.This Lok Sabha elections have shown that more than themselves, the people of India are thinking about the betterment of the country, this spirit is commendable. "We have to move together to fulfil the dream of a strong, safe, developed and inclusive nation," said PM Modi speaking in Lok Sabha. President Ram Nath Kovind had addressed the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha last week and had raised several issues comprising water crisis, 'One Nation, One Poll' proposal and the National Register of Citizens. The President had said that the government has taken the decision to go ahead with the process of National Register Citizens on a priority basis. Following the fierce debate between the government and the opposition, Congress specifically

Our government will overcome all challenges, received a strong mandate: PM Modi 

Focus on defence, security, trade and boosting strategic ties during Pompeo's 3-day visit to India

The UK is falling behind in the global race to engage with India as it has failed to adjust its strategy to fit India's enhanced influence and power on the world stage, a new British parliamentary inquiry report concluded on Monday.

The report 'Building Bridges: Reawakening UK-India ties', released to coincide with the first-ever India Day in the Houses of Parliament to mark the launch of UK-India Week 2019, called for a reset of ties through better visa and immigration policies for Indian tourists, students and professionals as it accuses the UK government of missing opportunities in the bilateral relationship.

"The UK is falling behind in the global race to engage with a rising India...The story of the UK's recent relationship with India is primarily one of the missed opportunities,"&nbsp;the report said.

"There are certain practical steps the government must take to reset its relationship with India, in particular making it easier for Indians to visit the UK and to work or study here,"&nbsp;it noted.

On the issue of visas, it expressed concern that India seems to face tougher norms than a non-democratic country like China.

"There is no excuse for the migration policies that have led the UK to lose ground in attracting Indian students and tourists "&nbsp;who not only contribute to our economy but build lasting bilateral ties.

"The FCO (Foreign and Commonwealth Office) should ensure that the goal of improving the overall relationship with India is woven into the broader government migration policy. Something has gone wrong, if it is more difficult for citizens of a strategically important democracy that shares our values, language and history to visit or study in the UK than those of an autocracy such as China."

While the inquiry acknowledged that in all fundamental respects the UK is well placed to capitalise on a mutually beneficial relationship with India, it warned that the relationship between the two democracies is not fulfilling its potential because the right message is not going out to New Delhi.

"As the UK prepares to leave the EU, it is time to reset this relationship. We cannot afford to be complacent or rely on historical connections to deliver a modern partnership,"&nbsp;it said.

The report follows the year-long "Global Britain and India" inquiry, launched by the House of Commons' cross-party Foreign Affairs Committee (FAC) in July last year to explore the India-UK relationship in the context of Britain's impending exit from the European Union (EU).&nbsp;

Through a series of oral and written submissions from a diverse range of organisations and individuals working within the UK-India corridor, the influential parliamentary committee concluded that the UK must prioritise talks with India and do more to lay the groundwork for an eventual free trade agreement.&nbsp;

The Indian Ocean is identified as a vital arena for closer defence and security cooperation between the two countries.

"The FCO should take care to ensure that stronger economic ties with China are not at the expense of a deeper partnership with India,"&nbsp;it warned.

Tom Tugendhat, Conservative Party MP and Chair of the FAC, raised the issue of the UK government's failure to formally apologise for the Jallianwala Bagh massacre during the British Raj in time for its 100th anniversary in April this year as an important symbolic opportunity"&nbsp;which was missed.

He said, "As new powers challenge the structure of global trade and dispute resolution, we cannot miss the opportunity to partner with India. Trade, security, a shared commitment to the rules-based international system,&nbsp;these are all factors in our growing and evolving partnership.

"The government needs to make sure the UK is making its support for India clear, reawakening the ties between us and building bridges that are made to last."

The report's findings are expected to feature heavily during the course of UK-India Week, organised by UK-based media house India Inc, which includes a high-profile Leaders' Summit in Buckinghamshire, south-east England.

The UK is falling behind in the global race to engage with India as it has failed to adjust its strategy to fit India's enhanced influence and power on the world stage, a new British parliamentary inquiry report concluded on Monday.

The UK is falling behind in the global race to engage with India as it has failed to adjust its strategy to fit India's enhanced influence and power on the world stage, a new British parliamentary inquiry report concluded on Monday. The report 'Building Bridges: Reawakening UK-India ties', released to coincide with the first-ever India Day in the Houses of Parliament to mark the launch of UK-India Week 2019, called for a reset of ties through better visa and immigration policies for Indian tourists, students and professionals as it accuses the UK government of missing opportunities in the bilateral relationship. "The UK is falling behind in the global race to engage with a rising India...The story of the UK's recent relationship with India is primarily one of the missed opportunities," the report said. "There are certain practical steps the government must take to reset its relationship with India, in particular making it easier for Indians to visit the UK and to work or study here," it noted. On the issue of visas, it expressed concern that India seems to face tougher norms than a non-democratic country like China. "There is no excuse for the migration policies that have led the UK to lose ground in attracting Indian students and tourists " who not only contribute to our economy but build lasting bilateral ties. "The FCO (Foreign and Commonwealth Office) should ensure that the goal of improving the overall relationship with India is woven into the broader government migration policy. Something has gone wrong, if it is more difficult for citizens of a strategically important democracy that shares our values, language and history to visit or study in the UK than those of an autocracy such as China." While the inquiry acknowledged that in all fundamental respects the UK is well placed to capitalise on a mutually beneficial relationship with India, it warned that the relationship between the two democracies is not fulfilling its potential because the right message is not going out to New Delhi. "As the UK prepares to leave the EU, it is time to reset this relationship. We cannot afford to be complacent or rely on historical connections to deliver a modern partnership," it said. The report follows the year-long "Global Britain and India" inquiry, launched by the House of Commons' cross-party Foreign Affairs Committee (FAC) in July last year to explore the India-UK relationship in the context of Britain's impending exit from the European Union (EU). Through a series of oral and written submissions from a diverse range of organisations and individuals working within the UK-India corridor, the influential parliamentary committee concluded that the UK must prioritise talks with India and do more to lay the groundwork for an eventual free trade agreement. The Indian Ocean is identified as a vital arena for closer defence and security cooperation between the two countries. "The FCO should take care to ensure that stronger economic ties with China are not at the expense of a deeper partnership with India," it warned. Tom Tugendhat, Conservative Party MP and Chair of the FAC, raised the issue of the UK government's failure to formally apologise for the Jallianwala Bagh massacre during the British Raj in time for its 100th anniversary in April this year as an important symbolic opportunity" which was missed. He said, "As new powers challenge the structure of global trade and dispute resolution, we cannot miss the opportunity to partner with India. Trade, security, a shared commitment to the rules-based international system, these are all factors in our growing and evolving partnership. "The government needs to make sure the UK is making its support for India clear, reawakening the ties between us and building bridges that are made to last." The report's findings are expected to feature heavily during the course of UK-India Week, organised by UK-based media house India Inc, which includes a high-profile Leaders' Summit in Buckinghamshire, south-east England.

UK falling behind in race to engage with India, warns British Parliament report

On the eve of the 2019 Lok Sabha results, the New York Times published an article titled “How Narendra Modi Seduced India with Envy and Hate”. A little before the election, Time magazine featured NaMo on their cover and in bold letters labelled him as the “Divider in Chief”. Kapil Komireddi’s analysis of the Indian political landscape for The Guardian went on to call Indians “intellectually vacant” and the country a “make believe land of fudge and fakery”.&nbsp;

These scathing remarks from the international community crystallised national support for Modi and May 23, 2019 put the debate to rest, telling the world what India really is – an exemplary democracy that does not seek validation from a few writers in Manhattan or London to create the ideological roadmap for our future.&nbsp;

However, it is imperative to discuss a political narrative that goes beyond cow lynchings and hate speech, as some leading Western publications have been trying to propagate. Modi’s victory is unfazed by this empty outrage because it represents what India has always stood for – inclusion, development and progress.

The people of India have faith in their PM not simply because of his superstar appeal, but because of the way he has addressed the needs of different segments of Indian society through various developmental schemes. Some of the key initiatives by Modi such as Jan Dhan Yojna and Swachh Bharat have been praised by global organisations such as the World Bank. The Jan Dhan initiative has been lauded by the Bank as one of the most successful financial inclusion initiatives. Over 344 million bank accounts have been opened and to the critics who thrive on cynicism, only 16.3 per cent of these accounts were inoperative.&nbsp;

According to the World Health Organisation, Swachh Bharat’s cleanliness drive has been estimated to avert hygiene and food conditions-related deaths of over 3,00,000 children by October 2019.&nbsp;

Just before the 2014 electoral upset, only under 40 per cent of Indian households had access to toilets. By 2018, this number increased to 89 per cent under Modi. A rock star appeal doesn’t push the country to set electoral precedents - the provision of basic necessities does.&nbsp;

Making toilets and providing electricity to every village might not be consequential to the average New York Times subscriber, but it is what created the bond of trust between Modi and the woman who is no longer eve-teased as she tries to use the restroom in the morning.&nbsp;

A one-Dimensional analysis of any issue, let alone the Indian economy, is problematic. The 2014 Indian economy that was handed to Modi as a welcome package by the Gandhi family, was in a shambles with double-digit inflation, investors withdrawing funds from India and the country being included on the list of the “fragile five economies”.&nbsp;

The Modi government (despite certain mishaps) has in the past five years taken serious measures to change things around. Beyond focusing on better infrastructure, the transparency brought into the system through structural reforms such as GST, the Bankruptcy &amp; Insolvency Code Bill and FDI in selective sectors, among others, has made India the favourite FDI destination in 2018, ahead of US and China.

Communal violence is unfortunately not new. It is a systemic product of the post-Independence social and religious fragility in India. However, fortunately, there hasn’t been a single case of large-scale communal riots since Modi came to power in 2014. Compare that with the UPA government, which failed to manage communal violence - the 2006 Aligarh riots, 2008 Dhule riots, 2010 Deganga, 2011 Bharatpur, 2012 Assam riots and most famously, 2013 Muzaffarnagar, are just a few examples that come to mind.

Indian voters recognise that the UPA government not just failed to maintain peace on a domestic level, but also on the international level, costing the country over 800 civilians between 2004 and 2014 at the hands of terrorism funded by neighbouring countries. Modi has denied India the chance to become a victim yet again and gave Parliament a culture shock when he pivoted from the meekish approach it has usually adopted in the past.&nbsp;

While it is satisfying for some to demonise Modi in the short run, it is much more difficult to come up with a clear and inclusive roadmap, rally the troops in a country with 100+ languages and six major religions and influence people in a unified manner and inspire meaningful change.&nbsp;

The truth is we don’t have the time or the bandwidth for despair anymore as we grow desperate to see India evolve into a global leader. The road is long and uphill, but empty criticism will not be carried as excess baggage by the citizens who are determined to rise.&nbsp;

&nbsp; 
(Mansi Sharma contributed to this article) 
 
(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-empty-outrage-will-not-do-2764306">original article)</a>

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

On the eve of the 2019 Lok Sabha results, the New York Times published an article titled “How Narendra Modi Seduced India with Envy and Hate”. A little before the election, Time magazine featured NaMo on their cover and in bold letters labelled him as the “Divider in Chief”.

On the eve of the 2019 Lok Sabha results, the New York Times published an article titled “How Narendra Modi Seduced India with Envy and Hate”. A little before the election, Time magazine featured NaMo on their cover and in bold letters labelled him as the “Divider in Chief”. Kapil Komireddi’s analysis of the Indian political landscape for The Guardian went on to call Indians “intellectually vacant” and the country a “make believe land of fudge and fakery”. These scathing remarks from the international community crystallised national support for Modi and May 23, 2019 put the debate to rest, telling the world what India really is – an exemplary democracy that does not seek validation from a few writers in Manhattan or London to create the ideological roadmap for our future. However, it is imperative to discuss a political narrative that goes beyond cow lynchings and hate speech, as some leading Western publications have been trying to propagate. Modi’s victory is unfazed by this empty outrage because it represents what India has always stood for – inclusion, development and progress. The people of India have faith in their PM not simply because of his superstar appeal, but because of the way he has addressed the needs of different segments of Indian society through various developmental schemes. Some of the key initiatives by Modi such as Jan Dhan Yojna and Swachh Bharat have been praised by global organisations such as the World Bank. The Jan Dhan initiative has been lauded by the Bank as one of the most successful financial inclusion initiatives. Over 344 million bank accounts have been opened and to the critics who thrive on cynicism, only 16.3 per cent of these accounts were inoperative. According to the World Health Organisation, Swachh Bharat’s cleanliness drive has been estimated to avert hygiene and food conditions-related deaths of over 3,00,000 children by October 2019. Just before the 2014 electoral upset, only under 40 per cent of Indian households had access to toilets. By 2018, this number increased to 89 per cent under Modi. A rock star appeal doesn’t push the country to set electoral precedents - the provision of basic necessities does. Making toilets and providing electricity to every village might not be consequential to the average New York Times subscriber, but it is what created the bond of trust between Modi and the woman who is no longer eve-teased as she tries to use the restroom in the morning. A one-Dimensional analysis of any issue, let alone the Indian economy, is problematic. The 2014 Indian economy that was handed to Modi as a welcome package by the Gandhi family, was in a shambles with double-digit inflation, investors withdrawing funds from India and the country being included on the list of the “fragile five economies”. The Modi government (despite certain mishaps) has in the past five years taken serious measures to change things around. Beyond focusing on better infrastructure, the transparency brought into the system through structural reforms such as GST, the Bankruptcy & Insolvency Code Bill and FDI in selective sectors, among others, has made India the favourite FDI destination in 2018, ahead of US and China. Communal violence is unfortunately not new. It is a systemic product of the post-Independence social and religious fragility in India. However, fortunately, there hasn’t been a single case of large-scale communal riots since Modi came to power in 2014. Compare that with the UPA government, which failed to manage communal violence - the 2006 Aligarh riots, 2008 Dhule riots, 2010 Deganga, 2011 Bharatpur, 2012 Assam riots and most famously, 2013 Muzaffarnagar, are just a few examples that come to mind. Indian voters recognise that the UPA government not just failed to maintain peace on a domestic level, but also on the international level, costing the country over 800 civilians between 2004 and 2014 at the hands of terrorism funded by neighbouring countries. Modi has denied India the chance to become a victim yet again and gave Parliament a culture shock when he pivoted from the meekish approach it has usually adopted in the past. While it is satisfying for some to demonise Modi in the short run, it is much more difficult to come up with a clear and inclusive roadmap, rally the troops in a country with 100+ languages and six major religions and influence people in a unified manner and inspire meaningful change. The truth is we don’t have the time or the bandwidth for despair anymore as we grow desperate to see India evolve into a global leader. The road is long and uphill, but empty criticism will not be carried as excess baggage by the citizens who are determined to rise. (Mansi Sharma contributed to this article) (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Narendra Modi’s victory is unfazed by empty outrages

Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking to increase the strength of judges and raise the retirement age of high court judges to 65 years.

Gogoi has also urged the prime minister to make tenure appointments of retired apex court judges and high court judges under Articles 128 and 224A of the Constitution respectively to clear the backlog of cases pending for years.

The CJI, who wrote three letters to the PM, said there was pendency of 58,669 cases in the top court and the number was increasing due to the filing of more fresh cases.

Due to paucity of judges, the required number of Constitution benches to decide important cases involving questions of law were not being formed, the CJI said.

"You would recall that way back in 1988, about three decades ago, the judge strength of the SC was increased from 18 to 26, and then again after two decades in 2009, it was increased to 31, including the CJI, to expedite disposal of cases to keep pace with the rate of institution," he wrote.

"I request you to kindly consider, on top priority, to augment the judge-strength in the SC appropriately so that it can function more efficiently and effectively as it will go a long way to attain the ultimate goal of rendering timely justice to the litigant public," Gogoi wrote.

He said that though the size of the feeder cadre of chief justice and judges of the high courts has increased in the past yet the strength has not been increased proportionally in the top court.

In his second letter, the CJI urged Modi to consider bringing a constitutional amendment to increase the retirement age of high court judges from 62 to 65 years.

"One of the prime reasons why we are not able to contain the ever-growing pendency is a shortage of HC judges. At present, 399 posts, or 37 per cent of sanctioned judge-strength, are vacant. The existing vacancies need to be filled immediately. However, despite best efforts put in by all stakeholders, it has not been possible to appoint judges to bring the working judge-strength anywhere close to the sanctioned judge-strength," Gogoi wrote.

The CJI also wrote that the retirement age of high court judges should be raised by three years to 65 years.

"This, in turn, would help in improving the vacancy position and consequently reducing pendency of cases. This would also be in consonance with the (repeated) recommendations made by parliamentary standing committees," he wrote.

Gogoi further said, "A judge takes time to evolve and by the time he is in a position to put innovative thoughts based on rich experience to the practice, he finds himself nearing retirement. This can be avoided if the age of retirement is raised to an appropriate level so that his vast experience, deeper insight and expertise can be utilised for a longer period."

"In my view also, if retired HC judges are considered for appointment in tribunals beyond the age of 62 years, they may continue in HCs up to 65 years. The proposal suggested will ensure continued availability of more experienced judges for a longer tenure," he wrote.

Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking to increase the strength of judges and raise the retirement age of high court judges to 65 years.

Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking to increase the strength of judges and raise the retirement age of high court judges to 65 years. Gogoi has also urged the prime minister to make tenure appointments of retired apex court judges and high court judges under Articles 128 and 224A of the Constitution respectively to clear the backlog of cases pending for years. The CJI, who wrote three letters to the PM, said there was pendency of 58,669 cases in the top court and the number was increasing due to the filing of more fresh cases. Due to paucity of judges, the required number of Constitution benches to decide important cases involving questions of law were not being formed, the CJI said. "You would recall that way back in 1988, about three decades ago, the judge strength of the SC was increased from 18 to 26, and then again after two decades in 2009, it was increased to 31, including the CJI, to expedite disposal of cases to keep pace with the rate of institution," he wrote. "I request you to kindly consider, on top priority, to augment the judge-strength in the SC appropriately so that it can function more efficiently and effectively as it will go a long way to attain the ultimate goal of rendering timely justice to the litigant public," Gogoi wrote. He said that though the size of the feeder cadre of chief justice and judges of the high courts has increased in the past yet the strength has not been increased proportionally in the top court. In his second letter, the CJI urged Modi to consider bringing a constitutional amendment to increase the retirement age of high court judges from 62 to 65 years. "One of the prime reasons why we are not able to contain the ever-growing pendency is a shortage of HC judges. At present, 399 posts, or 37 per cent of sanctioned judge-strength, are vacant. The existing vacancies need to be filled immediately. However, despite best efforts put in by all stakeholders, it has not been possible to appoint judges to bring the working judge-strength anywhere close to the sanctioned judge-strength," Gogoi wrote. The CJI also wrote that the retirement age of high court judges should be raised by three years to 65 years. "This, in turn, would help in improving the vacancy position and consequently reducing pendency of cases. This would also be in consonance with the (repeated) recommendations made by parliamentary standing committees," he wrote. Gogoi further said, "A judge takes time to evolve and by the time he is in a position to put innovative thoughts based on rich experience to the practice, he finds himself nearing retirement. This can be avoided if the age of retirement is raised to an appropriate level so that his vast experience, deeper insight and expertise can be utilised for a longer period." "In my view also, if retired HC judges are considered for appointment in tribunals beyond the age of 62 years, they may continue in HCs up to 65 years. The proposal suggested will ensure continued availability of more experienced judges for a longer tenure," he wrote.

CJI Ranjan Gogoi writes to PM Narendra Modi, seeks increase in number of Supreme Court judges

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pompeo-to-seek-stronger-strategic-ties-with-india-despite-trade-tensions-229376">US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo</a> during his India visit next week will attempt to soothe increasing friction with New Delhi over trade, data flow, arms from Russia and Iran oil imports and focus on strategic ties between the two big world democracies, a senior official from the US State Department said on Friday.

"While in New Delhi, Secretary Pompeo is slated to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S&nbsp;Jaishankar, who's really one of the visionaries behind the expansion of the US-India Strategic Partnership," the senior official added.

Pompeo will arrive in New Delhi on Tuesday for talks that are aimed at laying the ground for an upcoming meeting between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Modi later in the week at a G20 meeting in Osaka, Japan.

He will also engage in talks with Jaishankar specifically about expanding security, energy, and space cooperation, among other things. The Secretary is further scheduled to meet Indian business leaders to discuss a vision for the economic dimension of the US-India partnership. He is also planning to address a gathering in New Delhi, the official said.

India is currently engaged in disputes with the United States over tariffs, hence trade is obviously going to be a major topic of discussion in his meetings.

"We want both of our nations to thrive. I'm certain that the Secretary will convey during his visit the extraordinary potential to realise the collective strength of our economies if there's a fair and reciprocal approach to the trade relationship," the senior official told reporters.

Another issue that has alarmed India is the possibility of the US restrictions on work visas for Indian professionals in retaliation for New Delhi's insistence on local data storage by big foreign firms, to which the official assured that Washington has no such plans.

"Indians have contributed under the H-1B program to the US economy, and&nbsp; 
I think the Secretary will be able to assure the Indian leadership that we have no plans to place caps on H-1B work visas for nations that are having foreign companies store data locally," the official noted.

In addition, new tensions have spiked over New Delhi's plans to buy S-400 surface-to-air missile systems from Moscow, a move that can trigger Washington to impose sanctions under its Countering American Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), further prohibiting any engagement with Russia's defence sector.

"With respect to S-400, we're urging all of our allies and partners, India included, foregoing transactions with Russia that risk triggering the CAATSA sanctions. I think this is the time where we will be encouraging India to look at alternatives (S-400)," the official added.

A major discussion on Iran sanctions is expected to top the table during the visit, along with India's concerns on energy security, the official said.

"We've engaged with the Indians in a conversation as to how to preserve an exemption for the Chabahar Port, which allows India to continue essential humanitarian supplies to Afghanistan as well as to provide Afghanistan with economic alternatives. So I expect Iran will be on the agenda, but again, this is an area where we've succeeded in working well with India," the official concluded.

The official finally noted that both the US and India are gearing up for the first ever tri-service military exercise with India in the Bay of Bengal later this year to increase the force interoperability followed by another 2+2 dialogue.

Pompeo will visit India from June 25-27, the first high-level engagement between India and the United States after NDA's return to power for a second term.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo during his India visit next week will attempt to soothe increasing friction with New Delhi over trade, data flow, arms from Russia and Iran oil imports and focus on strategic ties between the two big world democracies, a senior official from the US State Department said on Friday.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo during his India visit next week will attempt to soothe increasing friction with New Delhi over trade, data flow, arms from Russia and Iran oil imports and focus on strategic ties between the two big world democracies, a senior official from the US State Department said on Friday. "While in New Delhi, Secretary Pompeo is slated to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who's really one of the visionaries behind the expansion of the US-India Strategic Partnership," the senior official added. Pompeo will arrive in New Delhi on Tuesday for talks that are aimed at laying the ground for an upcoming meeting between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Modi later in the week at a G20 meeting in Osaka, Japan. He will also engage in talks with Jaishankar specifically about expanding security, energy, and space cooperation, among other things. The Secretary is further scheduled to meet Indian business leaders to discuss a vision for the economic dimension of the US-India partnership. He is also planning to address a gathering in New Delhi, the official said. India is currently engaged in disputes with the United States over tariffs, hence trade is obviously going to be a major topic of discussion in his meetings. "We want both of our nations to thrive. I'm certain that the Secretary will convey during his visit the extraordinary potential to realise the collective strength of our economies if there's a fair and reciprocal approach to the trade relationship," the senior official told reporters. Another issue that has alarmed India is the possibility of the US restrictions on work visas for Indian professionals in retaliation for New Delhi's insistence on local data storage by big foreign firms, to which the official assured that Washington has no such plans. "Indians have contributed under the H-1B program to the US economy, and I think the Secretary will be able to assure the Indian leadership that we have no plans to place caps on H-1B work visas for nations that are having foreign companies store data locally," the official noted. In addition, new tensions have spiked over New Delhi's plans to buy S-400 surface-to-air missile systems from Moscow, a move that can trigger Washington to impose sanctions under its Countering American Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), further prohibiting any engagement with Russia's defence sector. "With respect to S-400, we're urging all of our allies and partners, India included, foregoing transactions with Russia that risk triggering the CAATSA sanctions. I think this is the time where we will be encouraging India to look at alternatives (S-400)," the official added. A major discussion on Iran sanctions is expected to top the table during the visit, along with India's concerns on energy security, the official said. "We've engaged with the Indians in a conversation as to how to preserve an exemption for the Chabahar Port, which allows India to continue essential humanitarian supplies to Afghanistan as well as to provide Afghanistan with economic alternatives. So I expect Iran will be on the agenda, but again, this is an area where we've succeeded in working well with India," the official concluded. The official finally noted that both the US and India are gearing up for the first ever tri-service military exercise with India in the Bay of Bengal later this year to increase the force interoperability followed by another 2+2 dialogue. Pompeo will visit India from June 25-27, the first high-level engagement between India and the United States after NDA's return to power for a second term.

Iran oil imports, trade top agenda during Pompeo's India visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday congratulated those who have been conferred with the Prime Minister's Award for Outstanding Contribution for Promotion and Development of Yoga, 2019.&nbsp;

"We are immensely proud of their rich work to ensure more people embrace Yoga and our planet becomes healthier," PM Modi&nbsp;tweeted.

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Congratulations to those who have been conferred the Prime Minister’s Awards for Outstanding Contribution for Promotion and Development of Yoga -2019. 
 
We are immensely proud of their rich work to ensure more people embrace Yoga and our planet becomes healthier. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/YogaDay2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#YogaDay2019</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1142311078287704065?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Modi posted the congratulatory message on Twitter in Spanish, French, Arabic, Russian, Japanese and English.

Founded in 1980, the Japan Yoga Niketan has popularised yoga across Japan. It runs many yoga training institutes and courses. They have been able to draw people from all sections of Japanese society, Modi said.

Founded by Swami Satyananda Saraswati, the Bihar School of Yoga, Munger has been actively working for over 50 years.&nbsp;

"They merge ancient wisdom with modern trends with an aim to improve fitness. Their yoga programmes and publications are widely popular," the PM said.

Modi also referred to Antonietta Rozzi, who belongs to Italy and has been practising Yoga for over four decades. She founded the Sarva Yoga International and popularised Yoga across Europe.&nbsp;

"We are proud of dedicated individuals like her," he tweeted.

The prime minister said Swami Rajarshi Muni, who hails from Gujarat's Limbdi, has made remarkable efforts to spread yoga. Most notably, he founded the LIFE Mission and is associated with Lakulish Yoga University that mentors students, he said.&nbsp;

"His commitment to social service is also outstanding," Modi said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday congratulated those who have been conferred with the Prime Minister's Award for Outstanding Contribution for Promotion and Development of Yoga, 2019.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday congratulated those who have been conferred with the Prime Minister's Award for Outstanding Contribution for Promotion and Development of Yoga, 2019. "We are immensely proud of their rich work to ensure more people embrace Yoga and our planet becomes healthier," PM Modi tweeted. Congratulations to those who have been conferred the Prime Minister’s Awards for Outstanding Contribution for Promotion and Development of Yoga -2019. We are immensely proud of their rich work to ensure more people embrace Yoga and our planet becomes healthier. #YogaDay2019 — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 22, 2019 × Modi posted the congratulatory message on Twitter in Spanish, French, Arabic, Russian, Japanese and English. Founded in 1980, the Japan Yoga Niketan has popularised yoga across Japan. It runs many yoga training institutes and courses. They have been able to draw people from all sections of Japanese society, Modi said. Founded by Swami Satyananda Saraswati, the Bihar School of Yoga, Munger has been actively working for over 50 years. "They merge ancient wisdom with modern trends with an aim to improve fitness. Their yoga programmes and publications are widely popular," the PM said. Modi also referred to Antonietta Rozzi, who belongs to Italy and has been practising Yoga for over four decades. She founded the Sarva Yoga International and popularised Yoga across Europe. "We are proud of dedicated individuals like her," he tweeted. The prime minister said Swami Rajarshi Muni, who hails from Gujarat's Limbdi, has made remarkable efforts to spread yoga. Most notably, he founded the LIFE Mission and is associated with Lakulish Yoga University that mentors students, he said. "His commitment to social service is also outstanding," Modi said.

Narendra Modi congratulates those conferred PM's Award for Outstanding Contribution for Promotion of Yoga

From Everest's base to earth's lowest elevation at Dead Sea, International Yoga Day celebrated across the globe

On the 5th International Yoga Day on Friday, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh participated in an early morning yoga session at Rajpath here and said that yoga was one of the biggest achievements of cultural diplomacy by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/yoga-for-heart-care-this-years-theme-pm-modi-in-ranchi-229057">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a>.

"It was Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who helped get Yoga international recognition. This was one of the biggest achievements of his cultural diplomacy," Rajnath said here after attending the yoga session along with a large number of people.

The Union Minister also took to Twitter to say: "I urge everyone to make Yoga an integral part of their lives."

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On <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/YogaDay2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#YogaDay2019</a> I urge everyone to make Yoga an integral part of their lives. Join us live from Rajpath, New Delhi on my YouTube channel : <a href="https://t.co/XkgAaG7Ekf">https://t.co/XkgAaG7Ekf</a>
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajnathsingh/status/1141885605699149824?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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While Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked Yoga Day in Jharkhand's capital Ranchi, Union Ministers, BJP leaders and top government functionaries are participating in similar events across the country.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar performed Yoga in Rohtak.

Newly-elected Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla took part in an event on the premises of the Parliament House complex along with parliamentarians and parliament staff.

BJP working president JP Nadda also performed yoga, along with other party leaders and workers at the Deen Dayal Upadhyay park near the party's headquarters here.

On the 5th International Yoga Day on Friday, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh participated in an early morning yoga session at Rajpath here and said that yoga was one of the biggest achievements of cultural diplomacy by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

On the 5th International Yoga Day on Friday, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh participated in an early morning yoga session at Rajpath here and said that yoga was one of the biggest achievements of cultural diplomacy by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "It was Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who helped get Yoga international recognition. This was one of the biggest achievements of his cultural diplomacy," Rajnath said here after attending the yoga session along with a large number of people. The Union Minister also took to Twitter to say: "I urge everyone to make Yoga an integral part of their lives." On #YogaDay2019 I urge everyone to make Yoga an integral part of their lives. Join us live from Rajpath, New Delhi on my YouTube channel : https://t.co/XkgAaG7Ekf — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) June 21, 2019 × While Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked Yoga Day in Jharkhand's capital Ranchi, Union Ministers, BJP leaders and top government functionaries are participating in similar events across the country. Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar performed Yoga in Rohtak. Newly-elected Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla took part in an event on the premises of the Parliament House complex along with parliamentarians and parliament staff. BJP working president JP Nadda also performed yoga, along with other party leaders and workers at the Deen Dayal Upadhyay park near the party's headquarters here.

PM Modi helped get yoga international recognition: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-has-no-plans-to-cap-h-1b-work-visa-program-state-department-229065">US has no plans to cap H-1B work visa programme: State Department</a>

The Trump administration has no plans to cap H-1B work visas for nations that force foreign companies to store data locally, the State Department said on Thursday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-hard-to-believe-iranian-shooting-down-of-us-drone-was-intentional-229050">Trump says hard to believe Iranian shooting down of US drone was intentional</a>

US President Donald Trump played down Iran's downing of a US military surveillance drone on Thursday, saying he suspected it was shot by mistake and "it would have made a big difference" to him had the remotely controlled aircraft been piloted.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/yoga-for-heart-care-this-years-theme-pm-modi-in-ranchi-229057">Yoga for 'heart care' this year's theme: PM Modi in Ranchi</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that ''yoga for heart care'' will be the theme for this year and that world is accepting yoga practices.

Modi addressed around 30,000 people at Prabhat Tara ground in Ranchi on the occasion of International Day of Yoga.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/xi-kim-say-boosting-china-north-korea-ties-good-for-regional-peace-report-229051">Xi, Kim say boosting China-North Korea ties good for regional peace: Report</a>

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed that amid "serious and complicated" international affairs strengthening bilateral ties was good for both countries and regional peace, North Korean state media KCNA said on Friday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ahead-of-india-visit-pompeo-makes-congratulatory-call-to-jaishankar-229056">Ahead of India visit, Pompeo makes congratulatory call to Jaishankar&nbsp;</a>

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo Thursday spoke with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and underscored the Trump administration's strong commitment to work closely with India to advance the bilateral strategic partnership, a top official has said.

US has no plans to cap H-1B work visa programme: State Department The Trump administration has no plans to cap H-1B work visas for nations that force foreign companies to store data locally, the State Department said on Thursday.

US has no plans to cap H-1B work visa programme: State Department The Trump administration has no plans to cap H-1B work visas for nations that force foreign companies to store data locally, the State Department said on Thursday. Trump says hard to believe Iranian shooting down of US drone was intentional US President Donald Trump played down Iran's downing of a US military surveillance drone on Thursday, saying he suspected it was shot by mistake and "it would have made a big difference" to him had the remotely controlled aircraft been piloted. Yoga for 'heart care' this year's theme: PM Modi in Ranchi Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that ''yoga for heart care'' will be the theme for this year and that world is accepting yoga practices. Modi addressed around 30,000 people at Prabhat Tara ground in Ranchi on the occasion of International Day of Yoga. Xi, Kim say boosting China-North Korea ties good for regional peace: Report North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed that amid "serious and complicated" international affairs strengthening bilateral ties was good for both countries and regional peace, North Korean state media KCNA said on Friday. Ahead of India visit, Pompeo makes congratulatory call to Jaishankar US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo Thursday spoke with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and underscored the Trump administration's strong commitment to work closely with India to advance the bilateral strategic partnership, a top official has said.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Mr SN Yadav, my yoga teacher, learnt his ropes under famous and much controversial Dhirendra Brahmachari. He continues to practice yoga and heal people.&nbsp;

The healing is also accompanied by long rounds of preaching the virtue of the yogic traditions in India which can be both amusing and irritating at the same time.&nbsp;

But, in one of the usual conversation which I had with him during a therapy session about Yoga, in general, made me see the whole PM Narendra Modi-led campaign in a different light. 
&nbsp; 
When I asked, what has changed under Modi when it comes to yoga, he said, “Respect.” The conversation was long but the message was clear that something indeed changed under Narendra Modi. Though yoga cannot be attributed to any person, group or government, but the push made by Narendra Modi did make yoga attain visibility and respect across the globe. A simple act of lending himself to the act of Yoga in public made the ancient art respectable with the Indian elite.

I asked him what does he mean by respect? He said,” Earlier hospitals would not entertain the idea of alternative healing. Today, every hospital invites us for alternative healing. Medical fraternity too has understood that Yoga does not compete with any system of knowledge. It only adds to it.”

There are photographs of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru doing Yoga and Indira Gandhi patronising Dhirendra Brahmachari, but a personalised push supported by both organisation and government was absent owing to the fact that many people associated yoga with Hinduism.

Lastly, when I asked him, what was the idea of yoga in 70s and 80s when you started your work, he said,” People thought Yoga is all about old people and ascetics and never thought in terms of it being an intrinsic part of modern daily life.”

It is for this reason, the public practice of yoga became such a polarising issue. But down the years, the critics have reduced and participation of people has increased. My understanding is that yoga has found space within the rubric of positive nationalism too which makes a claim to India’s rich historical ancient legacy.

Yoga is reflecting a larger temperamental shift, wherein faith from the ancient civilizational perspective is reclaiming its lost space in the politics, culture, literature and society.&nbsp;

This shift is a rejection of the idea of ‘French secularism’ which many political parties feel is still workable in Indian democracy. It is not. The former was about separation of the church and the state whereas the Indian experience of living together (as religious communities) is about peaceful co-existence which does not come at the expense of public affirmation of Sanatan Dharma and practices and art, directly and indirectly, connected to it.&nbsp;

Today, India has stamped its ownership on Yoga and the credit, definitely, goes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.&nbsp;Narendra Modi helped&nbsp;yoga&nbsp;attain&nbsp;the global status it deserved.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;

&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Mr SN Yadav, my yoga teacher, learnt his ropes under famous and much controversial Dhirendra Brahmachari. He continues to practice yoga and heal people. The healing is also accompanied by long rounds of preaching the virtue of the yogic traditions in India which can be both amusing and irritating at the same time.

Mr SN Yadav, my yoga teacher, learnt his ropes under famous and much controversial Dhirendra Brahmachari. He continues to practice yoga and heal people. The healing is also accompanied by long rounds of preaching the virtue of the yogic traditions in India which can be both amusing and irritating at the same time. But, in one of the usual conversation which I had with him during a therapy session about Yoga, in general, made me see the whole PM Narendra Modi-led campaign in a different light. When I asked, what has changed under Modi when it comes to yoga, he said, “Respect.” The conversation was long but the message was clear that something indeed changed under Narendra Modi. Though yoga cannot be attributed to any person, group or government, but the push made by Narendra Modi did make yoga attain visibility and respect across the globe. A simple act of lending himself to the act of Yoga in public made the ancient art respectable with the Indian elite. I asked him what does he mean by respect? He said,” Earlier hospitals would not entertain the idea of alternative healing. Today, every hospital invites us for alternative healing. Medical fraternity too has understood that Yoga does not compete with any system of knowledge. It only adds to it.” There are photographs of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru doing Yoga and Indira Gandhi patronising Dhirendra Brahmachari, but a personalised push supported by both organisation and government was absent owing to the fact that many people associated yoga with Hinduism. Lastly, when I asked him, what was the idea of yoga in 70s and 80s when you started your work, he said,” People thought Yoga is all about old people and ascetics and never thought in terms of it being an intrinsic part of modern daily life.” It is for this reason, the public practice of yoga became such a polarising issue. But down the years, the critics have reduced and participation of people has increased. My understanding is that yoga has found space within the rubric of positive nationalism too which makes a claim to India’s rich historical ancient legacy. Yoga is reflecting a larger temperamental shift, wherein faith from the ancient civilizational perspective is reclaiming its lost space in the politics, culture, literature and society. This shift is a rejection of the idea of ‘French secularism’ which many political parties feel is still workable in Indian democracy. It is not. The former was about separation of the church and the state whereas the Indian experience of living together (as religious communities) is about peaceful co-existence which does not come at the expense of public affirmation of Sanatan Dharma and practices and art, directly and indirectly, connected to it. Today, India has stamped its ownership on Yoga and the credit, definitely, goes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Narendra Modi helped yoga attain the global status it deserved. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Blog: Yoga fever grips the world and the credit goes to Narendra Modi

Crediting Prime Minister Narendra Modi for taking yoga to the world, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Friday that the ancient Indian practice has become ambassador of the country's culture around the globe.

Shah praised Modi's efforts towards promoting Yoga and said it was due to the prime minister's initiatives that yoga has got international recognition and June 21 is now celebrated as the International Day of Yoga.

Addressing state-level yoga day celebrations organised by the Haryana government here, Shah said on December 11, 2014, the United Nations General Assembly declared June 21 as the 'International Day of Yoga', months after Prime Minister Modi proposed the idea.

The International Day of Yoga is celebrated annually on June 21 to raise global awareness about the benefits of the ancient Indian practice.

"Modi ji has helped take yoga to the world. It has also helped promote our culture. Yoga today has become ambassador of our culture to the world and has helped attract millions across the world to our culture... It has played a key role in promoting our culture," Shah said.

Without naming anyone, Shah said there are some who point fingers by saying what will be gained by doing yoga for a day. 
 
"I want to humbly tell those pointing fingers that today, on this occasion, in 200 nations crores of people who are doing yoga will help inspire millions of children, who will take a pledge to connect yoga with their life," he said.

He said in the past when India was under foreign rule including by the Britishers, yoga was restricted to saints and seers. 
 
Shah said that later many people made their contributions to promote yoga, but international recognition came only in 2014.

"Several people held different programmes and contributed to revive yoga. But it gained recognition at the world level when country witnessed a big change in 2014 when people decided to elect Narendra Modi as the prime minister. Addressing the UN General Assembly on December 11, 2014, Modi presented our heritage before the world," the Union home minister said.

"Within 70 days of putting the proposal of observing June 21 as Yoga day, 177 countries accepted it. As a result of it, the whole world is celebrating International Yoga Day," he said.

Shah said in western nations and at other places a patent is registered for any invention, but yoga, he added, was India's gift to the world and it was for the welfare and well-being of the entire world.

Shah also expressed gratitude to saints and seers as also to Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and Ramdev for popularising this ancient Indian practice. 
 
Expressing happiness on a large number of people taking to yoga, the home minister said he is surprised to see a gathering of 1 lakh to 1.5 lakh attending early morning yoga camps of Ramdev.

"I want to express gratitude and thank all those who have helped promote yoga and make it as a revolution," he said.&nbsp;He congratulated the Manohar Lal Khattar government for setting up a Yoga Council in the state.

Shah highlighted the benefits of the ancient Indian practice for overall well-being, saying yoga keeps body and mind healthy.&nbsp;Yoga is showing the world the way towards a healthy life, he said. ?&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

"Yoga is the symbol of India's ancient history and diversity which is showing the world the way towards a healthy life," he tweeted after the event.

Earlier, Chief Minister Khattar touched upon steps taken by the Modi government and his own dispensation for promotion of yoga.&nbsp;He said yoga day celebrations were held at 80 places in Haryana.

On the occasion, Shah, Khattar and others performed various yoga 'asanas' including 'Kapal Bhati', 'Anulom Vilom' and 'Bhramari Pranayama'.

Among others who were present on the occasion included Haryana ministers Anil Vij, Manish Grover, senior BJP leader Anil Jain, BJP MP from Rohtak, Arvind Sharma and state BJP chief Subhash Barala.&nbsp;

Crediting Prime Minister Narendra Modi for taking yoga to the world, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Friday that the ancient Indian practice has become ambassador of the country's culture around the globe.

Crediting Prime Minister Narendra Modi for taking yoga to the world, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Friday that the ancient Indian practice has become ambassador of the country's culture around the globe. Shah praised Modi's efforts towards promoting Yoga and said it was due to the prime minister's initiatives that yoga has got international recognition and June 21 is now celebrated as the International Day of Yoga. Addressing state-level yoga day celebrations organised by the Haryana government here, Shah said on December 11, 2014, the United Nations General Assembly declared June 21 as the 'International Day of Yoga', months after Prime Minister Modi proposed the idea. The International Day of Yoga is celebrated annually on June 21 to raise global awareness about the benefits of the ancient Indian practice. "Modi ji has helped take yoga to the world. It has also helped promote our culture. Yoga today has become ambassador of our culture to the world and has helped attract millions across the world to our culture... It has played a key role in promoting our culture," Shah said. Without naming anyone, Shah said there are some who point fingers by saying what will be gained by doing yoga for a day. "I want to humbly tell those pointing fingers that today, on this occasion, in 200 nations crores of people who are doing yoga will help inspire millions of children, who will take a pledge to connect yoga with their life," he said. He said in the past when India was under foreign rule including by the Britishers, yoga was restricted to saints and seers. Shah said that later many people made their contributions to promote yoga, but international recognition came only in 2014. "Several people held different programmes and contributed to revive yoga. But it gained recognition at the world level when country witnessed a big change in 2014 when people decided to elect Narendra Modi as the prime minister. Addressing the UN General Assembly on December 11, 2014, Modi presented our heritage before the world," the Union home minister said. "Within 70 days of putting the proposal of observing June 21 as Yoga day, 177 countries accepted it. As a result of it, the whole world is celebrating International Yoga Day," he said. Shah said in western nations and at other places a patent is registered for any invention, but yoga, he added, was India's gift to the world and it was for the welfare and well-being of the entire world. Shah also expressed gratitude to saints and seers as also to Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and Ramdev for popularising this ancient Indian practice. Expressing happiness on a large number of people taking to yoga, the home minister said he is surprised to see a gathering of 1 lakh to 1.5 lakh attending early morning yoga camps of Ramdev. "I want to express gratitude and thank all those who have helped promote yoga and make it as a revolution," he said. He congratulated the Manohar Lal Khattar government for setting up a Yoga Council in the state. Shah highlighted the benefits of the ancient Indian practice for overall well-being, saying yoga keeps body and mind healthy. Yoga is showing the world the way towards a healthy life, he said. ? "Yoga is the symbol of India's ancient history and diversity which is showing the world the way towards a healthy life," he tweeted after the event. Earlier, Chief Minister Khattar touched upon steps taken by the Modi government and his own dispensation for promotion of yoga. He said yoga day celebrations were held at 80 places in Haryana. On the occasion, Shah, Khattar and others performed various yoga 'asanas' including 'Kapal Bhati', 'Anulom Vilom' and 'Bhramari Pranayama'. Among others who were present on the occasion included Haryana ministers Anil Vij, Manish Grover, senior BJP leader Anil Jain, BJP MP from Rohtak, Arvind Sharma and state BJP chief Subhash Barala.

Amit Shah credits PM Narendra Modi for taking yoga to the world

Delhi chief minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) president Arvind Kejriwal met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Parliament on Friday and assured full cooperation of his government.

"I have congratulated him and wished him luck for the next five years. I told him that it is important for Centre and state government to work together for the development of Delhi. I have assured him that Delhi government will work with them and hopes that we will get support from Centre too," Kejriwal said.

The Delhi chief minister briefly discussed Ayushman Bharat scheme with Modi. "Ayushman Bharat was briefly discussed. Informed Hon’ble PM that Delhi Govt’s Delhi Health scheme is much bigger and wider in scope. However, assured him to examine if Ayushman Bharat scheme cud also be integrated into our scheme," he tweeted after the meeting.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Ayushman Bharat was briefly discussed. Informed Hon’ble PM that Delhi Govt’s Delhi Health scheme is much bigger and wider in scope. However, assured him to examine if Ayushman Bharat scheme cud also be integrated into our scheme. <a href="https://t.co/qUVvPrnZc6">https://t.co/qUVvPrnZc6</a>
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArvindKejriwal/status/1141961167700578304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Water harvesting-related issues were also discussed between the two. "Del govt plans to store yamuna water during rainy season. One season’s water sufficient to meet one year’s Delhi’s water needs. Requested Centre’s support," Kejriwal said in another tweet. 
&nbsp;

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Met Sh <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> ji n congratulated him for LS victory 
 
1. Del govt plans to store yamuna water during rainy season. One season’s water sufficient to meet one year’s Delhi’s water needs. Requested Centre’s support 
 
2. Invited PM to visit a Mohalla clinic n Del govt school
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArvindKejriwal/status/1141958983286050816?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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AAP chief also invited the Prime Minister to visit Mohalla clinic and a Delhi government school.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Delhi chief minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) president Arvind Kejriwal met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Parliament on Friday and assured full cooperation of his government.

Delhi chief minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) president Arvind Kejriwal met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Parliament on Friday and assured full cooperation of his government. "I have congratulated him and wished him luck for the next five years. I told him that it is important for Centre and state government to work together for the development of Delhi. I have assured him that Delhi government will work with them and hopes that we will get support from Centre too," Kejriwal said. The Delhi chief minister briefly discussed Ayushman Bharat scheme with Modi. "Ayushman Bharat was briefly discussed. Informed Hon’ble PM that Delhi Govt’s Delhi Health scheme is much bigger and wider in scope. However, assured him to examine if Ayushman Bharat scheme cud also be integrated into our scheme," he tweeted after the meeting. Ayushman Bharat was briefly discussed. Informed Hon’ble PM that Delhi Govt’s Delhi Health scheme is much bigger and wider in scope. However, assured him to examine if Ayushman Bharat scheme cud also be integrated into our scheme. https://t.co/qUVvPrnZc6 — Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) June 21, 2019 × Water harvesting-related issues were also discussed between the two. "Del govt plans to store yamuna water during rainy season. One season’s water sufficient to meet one year’s Delhi’s water needs. Requested Centre’s support," Kejriwal said in another tweet. Met Sh @narendramodi ji n congratulated him for LS victory 1. Del govt plans to store yamuna water during rainy season. One season’s water sufficient to meet one year’s Delhi’s water needs. Requested Centre’s support 2. Invited PM to visit a Mohalla clinic n Del govt school — Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) June 21, 2019 × AAP chief also invited the Prime Minister to visit Mohalla clinic and a Delhi government school. (With inputs from agencies)

Arvind Kejriwal meets PM Narendra Modi, says Delhi government and Centre must work together

United States President Donald Trump is obsessed with trade tariffs. He misses no opportunity to upbraid China, India, Mexico and even the European Union (EU) on the high tariffs they impose on US products. &nbsp;

He is especially incensed by India’s 50 per cent import duty on Harley Davidson motorcycles, which have an infinitesimal market share in India. Yet for Trump, it is a symbol of how other countries “rip off America”, as he said in a recent television interview. Trump has used tariff threats to bully Mexico into sending 6,000 Mexican troops to stop refugees fleeing Central American countries like El Salvador and Honduras before they reach the US-Mexico border. &nbsp;

Trump has, meanwhile, held out a threat to slap 25 per cent tariffs on Chinese exports to the US valued at $300 billion in addition to the tariffs already in place on $250 billion worth of Chinese exports. Trump is expected to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping at the G20 Summit in Osaka, Japan, on June 28-29 to thrash out the issues in the escalating US-China trade war. &nbsp;

Where does India fit in? India-US trade is a fraction of China-US trade. China’s trade surplus with the US that sends Trump into near-delirium was $419.2 billion in 2018. India’s trade surplus with the US in 2018 was a relatively puny $24.2 billion. &nbsp;

“Tariffs are a beautiful thing,” Trump told CNBC’s Squawk Box show on June 10, 2019. But so far, the tariffs Trump has imposed on China aren’t working. Latest data shows China’s trade surplus with the US trade climbed by $2.1 billion to $29.2 billion for the month of April 2019.

At the G20 summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to have a short bilateral meeting with Trump. Trade, technology and defence will dominate the conversation. Trump wants India to cut import duties on a swathe of goods, including medical stents whose suppliers have a strong lobby in the US. &nbsp;

Trump will apply additional pressure on Modi to stop India buying Russia’s S-400 anti-missile system. The US has already told NATO ally Turkey, which is also buying the S-400, that Washington will no longer support the advanced F-35 fighter jet programme in Turkey. &nbsp;

Modi though has several aces up his sleeve and must tackle Trump’s tactics with a few of his own. Strategically, the US needs India to counter China’s emergence as the world’s pre-eminent superpower over the next two decades. India is the only country with a large economy and military that can help Washington contain China in the Indo-Pacific. &nbsp;

As important as strategy is psychology. Trump is a megalomaniac. He relishes praise. But he also respects strong leaders. One of the reasons Trump constantly praises Xi Jinping whilst decrying China is the strongman image the Chinese leader projects. The last thing Modi should, therefore, do at the G20 summit in Osaka next week is fawn over Trump in the hope that his administration will soften its stand over trade tariffs and the S-400. Far better to adopt Xi’s playbook with Trump: be friendly, but firm. Xi hasn’t conceded an inch to Trump on trade or technology but has kept the dialogue going. By slapping tariffs last week on US exports covering 28 items, India has made a good beginning. &nbsp;

India’s consumer market is the world’s second largest. India also has the second highest percentage of Internet users (12 per cent) in the world, behind China (21 per cent) but ahead of the US (8 per cent). Washington does have legitimate complaints on India’s restrictive laws on e-commerce firms. These and other trade issues will need to be sorted out by the new team in the commerce and finance ministries.&nbsp;

As commerce and industry minister, Piyush Goyal is well suited to negotiate knotty trade disputes with the US. The MoS in the commerce ministry, Hardip Singh Puri, is another experienced negotiator, having spent several years as India’s permanent representative at the United Nations in New York. &nbsp;

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s stint as defence minister will prove useful while negotiating the difficult terrain over India’s commitment to buy the S-400. Advance payment has already been made to Russia and cancelling the contract is neither feasible nor desirable. India needs to maintain its links with Russian defence contractors to avoid over-dependence on American military hardware. &nbsp;

India’s trump card is the fact that both the US and China need it in their corner. Washington knows that a China-Russia axis can pose a threat to the Western alliance. With the European Union sclerotic and Britain enervated by Brexit, the US has few allies apart from India with both large economies and militaries. &nbsp;

China, for its part, needs to keep India onside as an antidote to the US bullying. The Wuhan spirit and Xi’s likely return trip to Modi’s constituency Varanasi in October this year is aimed at keeping India in good humour and as far out of Washington’s orbit of influence as possible. &nbsp;

Modi will this have to play his cards deftly in Osaka. It is likely to be another decade before India’s economic and military heft reaches a level that makes it part of an emerging Isosceles triangle with the US and China. Till then, stay flexible, but on core issues, resolute as Trump lumbers through the G20 summit in Japan next week.

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-dealing-with-donald-trump-2762858">original article)</a>

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;

United States President Donald Trump is obsessed with trade tariffs. He misses no opportunity to upbraid China, India, Mexico and even the European Union (EU) on the high tariffs they impose on US products.

United States President Donald Trump is obsessed with trade tariffs. He misses no opportunity to upbraid China, India, Mexico and even the European Union (EU) on the high tariffs they impose on US products. He is especially incensed by India’s 50 per cent import duty on Harley Davidson motorcycles, which have an infinitesimal market share in India. Yet for Trump, it is a symbol of how other countries “rip off America”, as he said in a recent television interview. Trump has used tariff threats to bully Mexico into sending 6,000 Mexican troops to stop refugees fleeing Central American countries like El Salvador and Honduras before they reach the US-Mexico border. Trump has, meanwhile, held out a threat to slap 25 per cent tariffs on Chinese exports to the US valued at $300 billion in addition to the tariffs already in place on $250 billion worth of Chinese exports. Trump is expected to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping at the G20 Summit in Osaka, Japan, on June 28-29 to thrash out the issues in the escalating US-China trade war. Where does India fit in? India-US trade is a fraction of China-US trade. China’s trade surplus with the US that sends Trump into near-delirium was $419.2 billion in 2018. India’s trade surplus with the US in 2018 was a relatively puny $24.2 billion. “Tariffs are a beautiful thing,” Trump told CNBC’s Squawk Box show on June 10, 2019. But so far, the tariffs Trump has imposed on China aren’t working. Latest data shows China’s trade surplus with the US trade climbed by $2.1 billion to $29.2 billion for the month of April 2019. At the G20 summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to have a short bilateral meeting with Trump. Trade, technology and defence will dominate the conversation. Trump wants India to cut import duties on a swathe of goods, including medical stents whose suppliers have a strong lobby in the US. Trump will apply additional pressure on Modi to stop India buying Russia’s S-400 anti-missile system. The US has already told NATO ally Turkey, which is also buying the S-400, that Washington will no longer support the advanced F-35 fighter jet programme in Turkey. Modi though has several aces up his sleeve and must tackle Trump’s tactics with a few of his own. Strategically, the US needs India to counter China’s emergence as the world’s pre-eminent superpower over the next two decades. India is the only country with a large economy and military that can help Washington contain China in the Indo-Pacific. As important as strategy is psychology. Trump is a megalomaniac. He relishes praise. But he also respects strong leaders. One of the reasons Trump constantly praises Xi Jinping whilst decrying China is the strongman image the Chinese leader projects. The last thing Modi should, therefore, do at the G20 summit in Osaka next week is fawn over Trump in the hope that his administration will soften its stand over trade tariffs and the S-400. Far better to adopt Xi’s playbook with Trump: be friendly, but firm. Xi hasn’t conceded an inch to Trump on trade or technology but has kept the dialogue going. By slapping tariffs last week on US exports covering 28 items, India has made a good beginning. India’s consumer market is the world’s second largest. India also has the second highest percentage of Internet users (12 per cent) in the world, behind China (21 per cent) but ahead of the US (8 per cent). Washington does have legitimate complaints on India’s restrictive laws on e-commerce firms. These and other trade issues will need to be sorted out by the new team in the commerce and finance ministries. As commerce and industry minister, Piyush Goyal is well suited to negotiate knotty trade disputes with the US. The MoS in the commerce ministry, Hardip Singh Puri, is another experienced negotiator, having spent several years as India’s permanent representative at the United Nations in New York. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s stint as defence minister will prove useful while negotiating the difficult terrain over India’s commitment to buy the S-400. Advance payment has already been made to Russia and cancelling the contract is neither feasible nor desirable. India needs to maintain its links with Russian defence contractors to avoid over-dependence on American military hardware. India’s trump card is the fact that both the US and China need it in their corner. Washington knows that a China-Russia axis can pose a threat to the Western alliance. With the European Union sclerotic and Britain enervated by Brexit, the US has few allies apart from India with both large economies and militaries. China, for its part, needs to keep India onside as an antidote to the US bullying. The Wuhan spirit and Xi’s likely return trip to Modi’s constituency Varanasi in October this year is aimed at keeping India in good humour and as far out of Washington’s orbit of influence as possible. Modi will this have to play his cards deftly in Osaka. It is likely to be another decade before India’s economic and military heft reaches a level that makes it part of an emerging Isosceles triangle with the US and China. Till then, stay flexible, but on core issues, resolute as Trump lumbers through the G20 summit in Japan next week. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

PM Narendra Modi must play his cards deftly when he meets Donald Trump at G20 Summit

International Yoga Day: Enthusiasts twist and stretch in 'Yoga for the heart' in 2019

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/om-birla-two-time-bjp-mp-from-rajasthan-becomes-speaker-of-17th-lok-sabha-228575">new Lok Sabha speaker, Om Birla</a>, a two-time BJP MP from Rajasthan, is a relative newcomer for the post traditionally held by seniors.

A surprise pick by the ruling BJP-led NDA, Birla's name was proposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself for the post, sources said. The 56-year-old leader is considered to be close to both Modi and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah.

Birla's nomination for the Lok Sabha speaker's post also has the backing of non-NDA parties such as the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) and the Biju Janata Dal (BJD).

Starting his political journey as a student leader, Birla was also elected to the Rajasthan Assembly for three consecutive terms in 2003, 2008 and 2013.

He won his first Lok Sabha election in 2014 and was again elected this year from Rajasthan's Kota-Bundi seat. Birla defeated Congress's Ramnarayan Meena with a margin of over 2.5 lakh votes in the recently-concluded general election.

A conscientious parliamentarian, Birla has registered an 86-per cent average attendance in the House, asked 671 questions, participated in 163 debates and introduced six private members' bills in the 16th Lok Sabha.

From 1991 to 2003, he was a key leader in the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) as a state-level president first and then, as a vice-president&nbsp; 
at the national level.

Birla, who holds a Masters degree in commerce, is a member of the Standing Committee on Energy in Parliament, the Committee on Petitions and the Consultative Committee for the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.

He succeeds eight-time MP Sumitra Mahajan as the Lok Sabha speaker, a post traditionally held by senior MPs.

However, this is not the first time that a relative newcomer has occupied the position. In 1996, Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leader G M C Balayogi, also a two-time MP then, was elected as the speaker in the Lower House of Parliament.

After his death in a helicopter crash in 2002, Shiv Sena leader and first-time MP Manohar Joshi was appointed to the position.&nbsp;

The new Lok Sabha speaker, Om Birla, a two-time BJP MP from Rajasthan, is a relative newcomer for the post traditionally held by seniors. A surprise pick by the ruling BJP-led NDA, Birla's name was proposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself for the post, sources said.

The new Lok Sabha speaker, Om Birla, a two-time BJP MP from Rajasthan, is a relative newcomer for the post traditionally held by seniors. A surprise pick by the ruling BJP-led NDA, Birla's name was proposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself for the post, sources said. The 56-year-old leader is considered to be close to both Modi and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah. Birla's nomination for the Lok Sabha speaker's post also has the backing of non-NDA parties such as the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) and the Biju Janata Dal (BJD). Starting his political journey as a student leader, Birla was also elected to the Rajasthan Assembly for three consecutive terms in 2003, 2008 and 2013. He won his first Lok Sabha election in 2014 and was again elected this year from Rajasthan's Kota-Bundi seat. Birla defeated Congress's Ramnarayan Meena with a margin of over 2.5 lakh votes in the recently-concluded general election. A conscientious parliamentarian, Birla has registered an 86-per cent average attendance in the House, asked 671 questions, participated in 163 debates and introduced six private members' bills in the 16th Lok Sabha. From 1991 to 2003, he was a key leader in the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) as a state-level president first and then, as a vice-president at the national level. Birla, who holds a Masters degree in commerce, is a member of the Standing Committee on Energy in Parliament, the Committee on Petitions and the Consultative Committee for the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. He succeeds eight-time MP Sumitra Mahajan as the Lok Sabha speaker, a post traditionally held by senior MPs. However, this is not the first time that a relative newcomer has occupied the position. In 1996, Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leader G M C Balayogi, also a two-time MP then, was elected as the speaker in the Lower House of Parliament. After his death in a helicopter crash in 2002, Shiv Sena leader and first-time MP Manohar Joshi was appointed to the position.

Om Birla: From grassroots politician to Lok Sabha speaker

Prime Minister Narendra Modi to set up a panel to give suggestions on issues related to '<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-narendra-modi-chaired-all-party-meeting-over-one-nation-one-election-underway-at-parliament-228677">One nation, One election</a>' proposal, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Wednesday after the meeting of heads of various political parties to discuss the 'Simultaneous Elections' concept.&nbsp;

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his address, said that a committee will be constituted to give its suggestions on the subject (One Nation, One Election) in a time-bound manner," Rajnath Singh said&nbsp;while speaking to the media after the meeting.

NCP leader Sharad Pawar, CPI-M's Sitaram Yechury, Bihar Chief Minister and JD (U) leader Nitish Kumar, SAD leader Sukhbir Singh Badal, PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti, NCP chief Farooq Abdullah and BJD leader Naveen Patnaik and National People's Party leader Conard Sangma were among the leaders who attended the meeting chaired by PM Modi.

"Most parties gave their support to One Nation, One Election," Rajnath Singh said.

"CPI(M) and CPI had a difference of opinion but they didn't oppose the idea, just the implementation of it," he added.

Meanwhile, several opposition parties, including the Congress, skipped the all-party meeting. Those joining the Congress in not attending the meeting included Shiv Sena, Samajwadi Party (SP), the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), the DMK, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the Trinamool Congress.

The concept of 'One Nation, One Election', which was part of BJP's 2019 manifesto, was recommended by the Law Commission last year in August to save public money.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi to set up a panel to give suggestions on issues related to 'One nation, One election' proposal, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Wednesday after the meeting of heads of various political parties to discuss the 'Simultaneous Elections' concept.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi to set up a panel to give suggestions on issues related to 'One nation, One election' proposal, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Wednesday after the meeting of heads of various political parties to discuss the 'Simultaneous Elections' concept. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his address, said that a committee will be constituted to give its suggestions on the subject (One Nation, One Election) in a time-bound manner," Rajnath Singh said while speaking to the media after the meeting. NCP leader Sharad Pawar, CPI-M's Sitaram Yechury, Bihar Chief Minister and JD (U) leader Nitish Kumar, SAD leader Sukhbir Singh Badal, PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti, NCP chief Farooq Abdullah and BJD leader Naveen Patnaik and National People's Party leader Conard Sangma were among the leaders who attended the meeting chaired by PM Modi. "Most parties gave their support to One Nation, One Election," Rajnath Singh said. "CPI(M) and CPI had a difference of opinion but they didn't oppose the idea, just the implementation of it," he added. Meanwhile, several opposition parties, including the Congress, skipped the all-party meeting. Those joining the Congress in not attending the meeting included Shiv Sena, Samajwadi Party (SP), the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), the DMK, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the Trinamool Congress. The concept of 'One Nation, One Election', which was part of BJP's 2019 manifesto, was recommended by the Law Commission last year in August to save public money.

PM Modi to form committee for 'one nation, one election'

The meeting of the heads of political parties under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the concept of '<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-mamata-stalin-and-chandrababu-naidu-decide-to-skip-pm-modis-one-nation-one-election-meeting-today-228537">One Nation, One Election</a>'&nbsp;among other things including NITI Aayog's proposal for developing 'Aspirational districts'&nbsp;is undergoing at Parliament today.

JDU's Nitish Kumar, NC's Farooq Abdullah, SAD's Sukhbir Singh Badal, BJD's Naveen Patnaik, PDP's Mehbooba Mufti, and YSRCP's Jagan Mohan Reddy are among those who are attending the meeting.

The Congress-led UPA and the Trinamool Congress have opposed the concept.

Newly appointed leader of the Congress in the Lok Sabha Ahir Ranjan Choudhary told reporters after a meeting of the UPA chaired by Sonia Gandhi here on Tuesday that the parties were opposed to the idea in principle.

Since some issues are to be sorted out, the UPA will meet again on Wednesday morning to discuss the issue further and take a common stand at the meeting called by Modi in the evening, said Chaudhary.

DMK, the second largest party in the UPA, and other Congress allies like NCP, IUML attended the meeting.

Prominent leaders who attended the meeting included UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Adhir Ranjan Choudhary, K Suresh, all from the Congress party, TR Baalu, Kanimozhi of DMK, Supriya Sule of NCP, Farooq Abdullah of NC, Thirumaavalan Thol (VCK), NK Premachandran ( RSP), PK Kunhalikutty (IUML), and Thomas Chazhikadan of KC-M.

Banerjee has written to the government saying that she would not be able to attend the meeting called to discuss the issue of 'One Nation, One Election'&nbsp;idea.

In her letter to Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi, she said, "Response on such a sensitive and serious subject like 'One Country and One Election'&nbsp;in such a short time would not do justice to the subject it deserves."

She said that the matter required consultations with the Constitutional experts, election experts, and all the party members.

"Instead of doing the matter hurriedly, I would like to request you to kindly circulate a white paper on the subject to all political parties inviting their views by providing adequate time."

"If you only do so, we will be able to give concrete suggestions on this important subject," the letter further read.

Moreover, talking about the Aspirational Districts Programme, Banerjee said,&nbsp;"We have recently conveyed our views to NITI Aayog during its meeting, stating that we are not in support of selection of a few districts as Aspirational Districts as it would not conform to the overall objectives of achieving balanced and uniform development of all the districts of the State."

The letter also said that the party will "whole-heartedly participate in the most befitting manner" in the celebration of 75 years of India's Independence and 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.&nbsp;

The meeting of the heads of political parties under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the concept of 'One Nation, One Election' among other things including NITI Aayog's proposal for developing 'Aspirational districts' is undergoing at Parliament today.

The meeting of the heads of political parties under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the concept of 'One Nation, One Election' among other things including NITI Aayog's proposal for developing 'Aspirational districts' is undergoing at Parliament today. JDU's Nitish Kumar, NC's Farooq Abdullah, SAD's Sukhbir Singh Badal, BJD's Naveen Patnaik, PDP's Mehbooba Mufti, and YSRCP's Jagan Mohan Reddy are among those who are attending the meeting. The Congress-led UPA and the Trinamool Congress have opposed the concept. Newly appointed leader of the Congress in the Lok Sabha Ahir Ranjan Choudhary told reporters after a meeting of the UPA chaired by Sonia Gandhi here on Tuesday that the parties were opposed to the idea in principle. Since some issues are to be sorted out, the UPA will meet again on Wednesday morning to discuss the issue further and take a common stand at the meeting called by Modi in the evening, said Chaudhary. DMK, the second largest party in the UPA, and other Congress allies like NCP, IUML attended the meeting. Prominent leaders who attended the meeting included UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Adhir Ranjan Choudhary, K Suresh, all from the Congress party, TR Baalu, Kanimozhi of DMK, Supriya Sule of NCP, Farooq Abdullah of NC, Thirumaavalan Thol (VCK), NK Premachandran ( RSP), PK Kunhalikutty (IUML), and Thomas Chazhikadan of KC-M. Banerjee has written to the government saying that she would not be able to attend the meeting called to discuss the issue of 'One Nation, One Election' idea. In her letter to Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi, she said, "Response on such a sensitive and serious subject like 'One Country and One Election' in such a short time would not do justice to the subject it deserves." She said that the matter required consultations with the Constitutional experts, election experts, and all the party members. "Instead of doing the matter hurriedly, I would like to request you to kindly circulate a white paper on the subject to all political parties inviting their views by providing adequate time." "If you only do so, we will be able to give concrete suggestions on this important subject," the letter further read. Moreover, talking about the Aspirational Districts Programme, Banerjee said, "We have recently conveyed our views to NITI Aayog during its meeting, stating that we are not in support of selection of a few districts as Aspirational Districts as it would not conform to the overall objectives of achieving balanced and uniform development of all the districts of the State." The letter also said that the party will "whole-heartedly participate in the most befitting manner" in the celebration of 75 years of India's Independence and 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

PM Narendra Modi holds all-party meeting over 'One Nation, One Election' at Parliament

In a bid to boost India's relations with its neighbours, the government has signed agreements with Bangladesh and South Korea, under which Doordarshan India will be available in those countries, while their state channels will be shown on DD Free Dish.

The government has decided to show BTV World, a channel owned by Bangladesh TV, on the Doordarshan Free Dish which will be available for the viewers of Doordarshan in India, an official statement said.

At the same time, DD India would be made available in Bangladesh, it said.

"India has entered into an agreement with Bangladesh so that DD India will be shown on Bangladesh TV. In return, Bangladesh's official channel will also be available in India on DD Free Dish. DD Free dish is available in 35 million households," Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar said.

The move is part of a robust cultural exchange in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Act East policy, he said.

The government has also approved the proposal of Prasar Bharati for making available the KBS World, an English 24x7 channel of the government of the Republic of South Korea on the DD Free Dish for the Indian viewers. Simultaneously, people of South Korea would be able to view DD India in their country.

The arrangement with Bangladesh is as a result of an MoU signed between Prasar Bharati and Bangladesh TV (BTV) May 7, 2019.

BTV World would be of special interest to the viewers of eastern India and the decision marks an important watershed moment in the strengthening of ties between the two countries, the statement said.

The pact comes after an earlier decision taken by the two governments to co-produce a film on Banga Bandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, which will be directed by eminent film director/producer Shyam Benegal.

Talking about the World Yoga Day, Javadekar said the government's decision to honour media houses for their contribution towards promoting healthy living through yoga has been well received and several media houses had shown enthusiasm in promoting the ancient Indian practice.

Javadekar had earlier this month announced 33 awards -- 11 for each newspaper organisations, TV and radio channels. A six-member jury will consider the entries in all 23 official languages.

"This (yoga) has become a public movement in India. We declared one scheme for media houses that have been well received," he said.

"As far as yesterday's decision on a dance reality show is concerned, it has been well received by all sections of the society," Javadekar said, adding that psychologists and choreographers have lauded the move.

The Information and Broadcasting Ministry has asked all private satellite TV channels to avoid showing children in an indecent, suggestive and inappropriate manner in dance reality shows or other such programmes.

In a bid to boost India's relations with its neighbours, the government has signed agreements with Bangladesh and South Korea, under which Doordarshan India will be available in those countries, while their state channels will be shown on DD Free Dish.

In a bid to boost India's relations with its neighbours, the government has signed agreements with Bangladesh and South Korea, under which Doordarshan India will be available in those countries, while their state channels will be shown on DD Free Dish. The government has decided to show BTV World, a channel owned by Bangladesh TV, on the Doordarshan Free Dish which will be available for the viewers of Doordarshan in India, an official statement said. At the same time, DD India would be made available in Bangladesh, it said. "India has entered into an agreement with Bangladesh so that DD India will be shown on Bangladesh TV. In return, Bangladesh's official channel will also be available in India on DD Free Dish. DD Free dish is available in 35 million households," Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar said. The move is part of a robust cultural exchange in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Act East policy, he said. The government has also approved the proposal of Prasar Bharati for making available the KBS World, an English 24x7 channel of the government of the Republic of South Korea on the DD Free Dish for the Indian viewers. Simultaneously, people of South Korea would be able to view DD India in their country. The arrangement with Bangladesh is as a result of an MoU signed between Prasar Bharati and Bangladesh TV (BTV) May 7, 2019. BTV World would be of special interest to the viewers of eastern India and the decision marks an important watershed moment in the strengthening of ties between the two countries, the statement said. The pact comes after an earlier decision taken by the two governments to co-produce a film on Banga Bandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, which will be directed by eminent film director/producer Shyam Benegal. Talking about the World Yoga Day, Javadekar said the government's decision to honour media houses for their contribution towards promoting healthy living through yoga has been well received and several media houses had shown enthusiasm in promoting the ancient Indian practice. Javadekar had earlier this month announced 33 awards -- 11 for each newspaper organisations, TV and radio channels. A six-member jury will consider the entries in all 23 official languages. "This (yoga) has become a public movement in India. We declared one scheme for media houses that have been well received," he said. "As far as yesterday's decision on a dance reality show is concerned, it has been well received by all sections of the society," Javadekar said, adding that psychologists and choreographers have lauded the move. The Information and Broadcasting Ministry has asked all private satellite TV channels to avoid showing children in an indecent, suggestive and inappropriate manner in dance reality shows or other such programmes.

DD India to be available in Bangladesh, South Korea

Jessie J took to social media on Saturday to pen a loved-up note for her baby daddy.&nbsp;The English singer has mostly remained tight-lipped about the identity of her boyfriend but it seems that she is ready to introduce her man to the world.

Sharing a sweet tribute for her boyfriend of nearly two years shortly after they welcomed their first child, Jessi J wrote, "I struggle to keep things private. I think if you know me you know that. I want to protect the people I love and keep it for just myself. And then so often I think f**k it because life is short [and] I don’t want to regret it. Once you open the door you can’t close it."

The singer went on to reveal that she "met this man"&nbsp;a few weeks after&nbsp;she suffered a miscarriage in 2021. "Like a beam of light, he lit up my dark days,"&nbsp;the England native wrote while&nbsp;uploading a picture&nbsp;from the OT as she was giving birth. "It was a whirlwind love and a miracle that we fell pregnant naturally with not one issue. Grateful doesn’t cut it. He has given me many of the best gifts of my life."

Jessi continued,&nbsp;"He didn’t let go of my hand [during childbirth] and I wouldn’t have been able to go through it without him. The calm to my crazy. The peace to my fear. The Daddy to my baby. Thank you."

Check it out below!

<img alt="ss" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d3cf3210-a208-45c9-b437-07711845fec8" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Jessie-J-Reveals-She-Met-Her-Boyfriend-Weeks-After-Suffering-a-Miscarriage-Inline-01.jpg" />

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/shahid-kapoor-opens-up-on-working-with-kriti-sanon-for-the-first-time-says-she-is-on-the-top-of-her-game-600172">Shahid Kapoor opens up on working with Kriti Sanon for the first time, says 'She is on the top of her game'</a>

Jessie suffered a pregnancy loss&nbsp;in November 2021 after deciding to have a baby on her own. In January this year, she revealed that she is expecting again and will soon welcome her rainbow baby with her baby daddy. For those unaware, rainbow baby&nbsp;is a name coined for "a healthy baby born after losing a baby due to miscarriage, infant loss, stillbirth, or neonatal death".

In May, she welcomed her little munchkin, while keeping the identity of the baby daddy under wraps.

"A week ago my whole life changed. My son entered this world and my heart grew twice the size. The feeling is indescribable [and] I am flying in love. He is magic. He is all my dreams come true [and] he is my whole,"&nbsp;Jessie wrote on an Instagram on May 19. "He and I are both doing great. I am soaking up every second and still can’t believe he is real, here and mine. I am so grateful."

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Jessie J took to social media on Saturday to pen a loved-up note for her baby daddy. The English singer has mostly remained tight-lipped about the identity of her boyfriend but it seems that she is ready to introduce her man to the world.

Jessie J took to social media on Saturday to pen a loved-up note for her baby daddy. The English singer has mostly remained tight-lipped about the identity of her boyfriend but it seems that she is ready to introduce her man to the world. Sharing a sweet tribute for her boyfriend of nearly two years shortly after they welcomed their first child, Jessi J wrote, "I struggle to keep things private. I think if you know me you know that. I want to protect the people I love and keep it for just myself. And then so often I think f**k it because life is short [and] I don’t want to regret it. Once you open the door you can’t close it." The singer went on to reveal that she "met this man" a few weeks after she suffered a miscarriage in 2021. "Like a beam of light, he lit up my dark days," the England native wrote while uploading a picture from the OT as she was giving birth. "It was a whirlwind love and a miracle that we fell pregnant naturally with not one issue. Grateful doesn’t cut it. He has given me many of the best gifts of my life." Jessi continued, "He didn’t let go of my hand [during childbirth] and I wouldn’t have been able to go through it without him. The calm to my crazy. The peace to my fear. The Daddy to my baby. Thank you." Check it out below! Also read: Shahid Kapoor opens up on working with Kriti Sanon for the first time, says 'She is on the top of her game' Jessie suffered a pregnancy loss in November 2021 after deciding to have a baby on her own. In January this year, she revealed that she is expecting again and will soon welcome her rainbow baby with her baby daddy. For those unaware, rainbow baby is a name coined for "a healthy baby born after losing a baby due to miscarriage, infant loss, stillbirth, or neonatal death". In May, she welcomed her little munchkin, while keeping the identity of the baby daddy under wraps. "A week ago my whole life changed. My son entered this world and my heart grew twice the size. The feeling is indescribable [and] I am flying in love. He is magic. He is all my dreams come true [and] he is my whole," Jessie wrote on an Instagram on May 19. "He and I are both doing great. I am soaking up every second and still can’t believe he is real, here and mine. I am so grateful." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Opposition parties to huddle before taking call on attending PM Modi's simultaneous poll meet

The Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) said on Wednesday that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/government-says-it-follows-accepted-procedures-for-gdp-estimation-226348">India's GDP</a> estimation methodology is at par with its global standing as a responsible, transparent and well-managed economy.

A detailed note titled 'GDP estimation in India: Perspectives and Facts'&nbsp;rubbished former Chief Economic Adviser Arvind Subramanian's claims that India's average annual growth between 2011-12 and 2016-17 May have been over-estimated by about 2.5 percentage points -- meaning that India actually grew at 4.5 per cent and not 7 per cent, between 2011-12 and 2016-17.

The note said Subramanian cherry-picked a few indicators and performed a rather unconvincing regression analysis to prove his hypothesis that India`s GDP was over-estimated post-2011-12.

For instance, Subramanian's paper selectively ignores tax data based on the argument that the period post-2011-12 witnessed major changes in direct and indirect taxes.

The note said Subramanian's analysis ended on March 31, 2017, while the only major tax change (Goods and Services Tax) was introduced on July 1, 2017.

In totality, the note highlights eight clear points with supportive facts and arguments that debunk Subramanian's paper in entirety. The new methodology that uses 2011-12 as the base year includes two major improvements: incorporation of MCA21 database and incorporation of Recommendations of System of National Accounts (SNA) 2008.

"This change was in line with other countries that have changed their methodologies in line with SNA 2008 and revised their respective GDP figures."

On average, the real GDP estimates saw an increase of 0.7 per cent among OECD countries.

The note prepared with major contributions from leading economists Bibek Debroy, Rathin Roy, Surjit Bhalla, Charan Singh, and Arvind Virmani "reject Subramanian's methodology, arguments, and conclusions on the basis of academic merit and grasp of Indian realities," according to an official statement.

The note concluded with the point that India's GDP estimation methodology is by no means a perfect exercise and the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation is working on multiple aspects to improve the accuracy of economic data.

"However, the direction and pace of improvement is commendable and as of today India's GDP estimation methodology is at par with its global standing as a responsible, transparent and well-managed economy," said the statement.

"If anything, the weakness of Subramaniam's attempt to suggest that the growth numbers are over-estimated confirms that the estimation process is robust to spurious criticism," said the statement.

"Going forward, Indian National Income Accounting is bound to change for good and an important step in accomplishing that will involve criticism from experts and academics. But the country's interests are not served by imparting sensationalism through the negativity that questions the credibility of the system," added the statement.

The Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) said on Wednesday that India's GDP estimation methodology is at par with its global standing as a responsible, transparent and well-managed economy.

The Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) said on Wednesday that India's GDP estimation methodology is at par with its global standing as a responsible, transparent and well-managed economy. A detailed note titled 'GDP estimation in India: Perspectives and Facts' rubbished former Chief Economic Adviser Arvind Subramanian's claims that India's average annual growth between 2011-12 and 2016-17 May have been over-estimated by about 2.5 percentage points -- meaning that India actually grew at 4.5 per cent and not 7 per cent, between 2011-12 and 2016-17. The note said Subramanian cherry-picked a few indicators and performed a rather unconvincing regression analysis to prove his hypothesis that India`s GDP was over-estimated post-2011-12. For instance, Subramanian's paper selectively ignores tax data based on the argument that the period post-2011-12 witnessed major changes in direct and indirect taxes. The note said Subramanian's analysis ended on March 31, 2017, while the only major tax change (Goods and Services Tax) was introduced on July 1, 2017. In totality, the note highlights eight clear points with supportive facts and arguments that debunk Subramanian's paper in entirety. The new methodology that uses 2011-12 as the base year includes two major improvements: incorporation of MCA21 database and incorporation of Recommendations of System of National Accounts (SNA) 2008. "This change was in line with other countries that have changed their methodologies in line with SNA 2008 and revised their respective GDP figures." On average, the real GDP estimates saw an increase of 0.7 per cent among OECD countries. The note prepared with major contributions from leading economists Bibek Debroy, Rathin Roy, Surjit Bhalla, Charan Singh, and Arvind Virmani "reject Subramanian's methodology, arguments, and conclusions on the basis of academic merit and grasp of Indian realities," according to an official statement. The note concluded with the point that India's GDP estimation methodology is by no means a perfect exercise and the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation is working on multiple aspects to improve the accuracy of economic data. "However, the direction and pace of improvement is commendable and as of today India's GDP estimation methodology is at par with its global standing as a responsible, transparent and well-managed economy," said the statement. "If anything, the weakness of Subramaniam's attempt to suggest that the growth numbers are over-estimated confirms that the estimation process is robust to spurious criticism," said the statement. "Going forward, Indian National Income Accounting is bound to change for good and an important step in accomplishing that will involve criticism from experts and academics. But the country's interests are not served by imparting sensationalism through the negativity that questions the credibility of the system," added the statement.

EAC-PM releases detailed analysis on robustness of India's GDP estimation methodology

BSP chief Mayawati on Wednesday said that holding simultaneous national and state elections "appears to be an undemocratic and unconstitutional" idea for a vast country like India as she declined to attend an all-party meeting called by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the issue.

She said that elections in any democracy can never be a problem "nor elections should be weighed from the point of view of expenditure and extravagance".

'One nation, one election' is not an issue before the country, she said. "Elections through ballot papers are actually the national issue and our party will continue its struggle for it."

The BSP president said it was a new drama of the BJP to divert attention from the concerns over "attempts to hijack" democracy through alleged irregularities in the working of electronic voting machine (EVMs).

"Even the idea of one nation, one election for the world's biggest democracy like India, prima facie, appears to be undemocratic and unconstitutional," she said in a party release issued here, asking the BJP to desist from works and mentality that harm constitution and democracy.

Mayawati said she would have attended the all-party meeting called by the prime minister if it was to address a "national concern" over EVMs. She described the idea of simultaneous Lok Sabha and assembly polls as a ploy to divert attention from issues like poverty.

Mayawati's comments come on the day an all-party meeting has been convened by Modi to discuss several issues, including the idea of "one nation, one election", the celebration of 150 years of Mahatma Gandhi's birth anniversary this year and 75 years of Independence in 2022.

The BSP chief alleged that the people's faith in the electronic voting machines (EVMs) had dwindled to a "worrisome level". 
 
"The stubbornness of conducting elections through electronic voting machines instead of the ballot paper is the real threat to the democracy and Constitution of the country.

"The 'one nation, one election' is, in fact, an attempt to divert the attention from burning national issues such as poverty, inflation, unemployment and increase in violence, and is simply an illusion."

The "one nation, one election", a part of the Bharatiya Janata Party's Lok Sabha election manifesto, has made the Opposition wary of the prospects.

In August last year, the Law Commission had recommended holding simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and state assemblies to save public money.&nbsp;

In its draft recommendations, the commission had said simultaneous polls, with an exception of Jammu and Kashmir, would help the government of the day focus on "developmental activities rather than electioneering".

It, however, cautioned that holding simultaneous elections was not possible within the existing framework of the Constitution. 
 
After Modi addressed a NITI Aayog meeting last week, an official release said, "The Prime Minister called for widespread debate and consultations on simultaneous elections for Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabhas, keeping in view various aspects such as the resulting financial savings and consequent better utilisation of resources."

The Niti Aayog had last year suggested synchronised two-phase Lok Sabha and Assembly polls from 2024 to ensure minimum campaign-mode disruption to governance.&nbsp;

BSP chief Mayawati on Wednesday said that holding simultaneous national and state elections "appears to be an undemocratic and unconstitutional" idea for a vast country like India as she declined to attend an all-party meeting called by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the issue.

BSP chief Mayawati on Wednesday said that holding simultaneous national and state elections "appears to be an undemocratic and unconstitutional" idea for a vast country like India as she declined to attend an all-party meeting called by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the issue. She said that elections in any democracy can never be a problem "nor elections should be weighed from the point of view of expenditure and extravagance". 'One nation, one election' is not an issue before the country, she said. "Elections through ballot papers are actually the national issue and our party will continue its struggle for it." The BSP president said it was a new drama of the BJP to divert attention from the concerns over "attempts to hijack" democracy through alleged irregularities in the working of electronic voting machine (EVMs). "Even the idea of one nation, one election for the world's biggest democracy like India, prima facie, appears to be undemocratic and unconstitutional," she said in a party release issued here, asking the BJP to desist from works and mentality that harm constitution and democracy. Mayawati said she would have attended the all-party meeting called by the prime minister if it was to address a "national concern" over EVMs. She described the idea of simultaneous Lok Sabha and assembly polls as a ploy to divert attention from issues like poverty. Mayawati's comments come on the day an all-party meeting has been convened by Modi to discuss several issues, including the idea of "one nation, one election", the celebration of 150 years of Mahatma Gandhi's birth anniversary this year and 75 years of Independence in 2022. The BSP chief alleged that the people's faith in the electronic voting machines (EVMs) had dwindled to a "worrisome level". "The stubbornness of conducting elections through electronic voting machines instead of the ballot paper is the real threat to the democracy and Constitution of the country. "The 'one nation, one election' is, in fact, an attempt to divert the attention from burning national issues such as poverty, inflation, unemployment and increase in violence, and is simply an illusion." The "one nation, one election", a part of the Bharatiya Janata Party's Lok Sabha election manifesto, has made the Opposition wary of the prospects. In August last year, the Law Commission had recommended holding simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and state assemblies to save public money. In its draft recommendations, the commission had said simultaneous polls, with an exception of Jammu and Kashmir, would help the government of the day focus on "developmental activities rather than electioneering". It, however, cautioned that holding simultaneous elections was not possible within the existing framework of the Constitution. After Modi addressed a NITI Aayog meeting last week, an official release said, "The Prime Minister called for widespread debate and consultations on simultaneous elections for Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabhas, keeping in view various aspects such as the resulting financial savings and consequent better utilisation of resources." The Niti Aayog had last year suggested synchronised two-phase Lok Sabha and Assembly polls from 2024 to ensure minimum campaign-mode disruption to governance.

'Would've attended all-party meet if it was about EVMs,' says Mayawati

Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jp-nadda-appointed-working-president-of-bjp-228080">newly appointed working president</a> Jagat Prakash Nadda on Monday said that he will work to strengthen the party as its worker.

Nadda also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for showing faith in him.

Nadda tweeted, ''Respected Prime Minister' gratitude to the conscience of the heart. Under your guidance, we will take the party's policies and government plans to the last man. Your personality and leadership have given the party public support, I will try to strengthen it as an activist.''

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आदरणीय प्रधानमंत्री जी ह्रदय के अंत:करण से आभार। आपके मार्गदर्शन मे हम पार्टी की नीतियों और सरकार की योजनाओं को अंतिम पायदान पर खड़े व्यक्ति तक ले जाएँगे। आपके व्यक्तित्व और नेतृत्व से पार्टी को जनसमर्थन मिला है, मैं कार्यकर्ता के रूप में उसको मज़बूती प्रदान करने की कोशिश करूँगा। <a href="https://t.co/NGlLHbAu12">https://t.co/NGlLHbAu12</a>
— Jagat Prakash Nadda (@JPNadda) <a href="https://twitter.com/JPNadda/status/1140673132103176192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 17, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Nadda also tweeted out to Amit Shah saying, ''Respected Chairman, Mr Mr You @amitshah and the party have expressed my faith in me. The way you have elevated the party to new heights is exemplary. This is how I will continue to serve the party. Thank you again.''

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आदरणीय अध्यक्ष श्री <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@amitshah</a> जी आपने और पार्टी ने जो विश्वास मुझ पर व्यक्त किया है उसके लिए मैं ह्रदय से आभारी हूँ। आपने जिस प्रकार पार्टी को नित नई ऊँचाइयों पर पहुँचाया है, वह अनुकरणीय है। मैं इसी प्रकार पार्टी की सेवा करता रहूँगा। 
आपका पुनः आभार। <a href="https://t.co/suw0SRysyv">https://t.co/suw0SRysyv</a>
— Jagat Prakash Nadda (@JPNadda) <a href="https://twitter.com/JPNadda/status/1140674602647064579?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 17, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Former Union minister was appointed as BJP's working president during the party's parliamentary board meeting on Monday.

The decision by BJP's highest decision-making body was announced by former party president and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh after the meeting, which was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah.

Amit Shah will continue to be BJP's national president.

Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) newly appointed working president Jagat Prakash Nadda on Monday said that he will work to strengthen the party as its worker. Nadda also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for showing faith in him.

Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) newly appointed working president Jagat Prakash Nadda on Monday said that he will work to strengthen the party as its worker. Nadda also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for showing faith in him. Nadda tweeted, ''Respected Prime Minister' gratitude to the conscience of the heart. Under your guidance, we will take the party's policies and government plans to the last man. Your personality and leadership have given the party public support, I will try to strengthen it as an activist.'' आदरणीय प्रधानमंत्री जी ह्रदय के अंत:करण से आभार। आपके मार्गदर्शन मे हम पार्टी की नीतियों और सरकार की योजनाओं को अंतिम पायदान पर खड़े व्यक्ति तक ले जाएँगे। आपके व्यक्तित्व और नेतृत्व से पार्टी को जनसमर्थन मिला है, मैं कार्यकर्ता के रूप में उसको मज़बूती प्रदान करने की कोशिश करूँगा। https://t.co/NGlLHbAu12 — Jagat Prakash Nadda (@JPNadda) June 17, 2019 × Nadda also tweeted out to Amit Shah saying, ''Respected Chairman, Mr Mr You @amitshah and the party have expressed my faith in me. The way you have elevated the party to new heights is exemplary. This is how I will continue to serve the party. Thank you again.'' आदरणीय अध्यक्ष श्री @amitshah जी आपने और पार्टी ने जो विश्वास मुझ पर व्यक्त किया है उसके लिए मैं ह्रदय से आभारी हूँ। आपने जिस प्रकार पार्टी को नित नई ऊँचाइयों पर पहुँचाया है, वह अनुकरणीय है। मैं इसी प्रकार पार्टी की सेवा करता रहूँगा। आपका पुनः आभार। https://t.co/suw0SRysyv — Jagat Prakash Nadda (@JPNadda) June 17, 2019 × Former Union minister was appointed as BJP's working president during the party's parliamentary board meeting on Monday. The decision by BJP's highest decision-making body was announced by former party president and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh after the meeting, which was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah. Amit Shah will continue to be BJP's national president.

Will try to strengthen party as an activist: BJP's working president JP Nadda

The Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) spectacular triumph in Karnataka in last month’s Lok Sabha elections has triggered a political turmoil in the state.&nbsp;

With the state Assembly in session, the JD(S)-Congress government in Karnataka is facing its biggest challenge ever. Both have come to realise the futility of trying to keep its folks under check. The faction-ridden Congress and the Janata Dal (S) have become sitting ducks for an aggressive BJP planning to expand its turf all over South India.

In Karnataka and Telangana, the BJP is on the ascendant. The Karnataka victory has exceeded the BJP’s own expectations. Improvement upon its 2014 tally of 17 by winning 26 out of a total of 28 Lok Sabha seats, has galvanised the party.

In 2018, Karnataka was the first state to be projected as a laboratory of the Stop Modi campaign. As part of that strategy, although the BJP had emerged as the largest single party with 105 seats, the Congress and JD (S) joined hands, with the chief ministership going to the decidedly junior JD (S) with 42 seats. HD Kumar Swamy was made chief minister with great fanfare with all top anti-BJP opposition leaders in attendance at the swearing-in ceremony, in Bangalore.&nbsp;

Naturally, the BJP is now looking at Karnataka as the springboard of its southward march. It would be interesting to examine how the Karnataka poll outcome is changing the face of politics in South India.

While in most states, the BJP and the NDA have maintained its tally of 2014, the one state – other than West Bengal – which has proven political pundits wrong is Karnataka, where the party has effectively won all but two Lok Sabha seats. &nbsp;Of these two, one is a BJP-backed independent. &nbsp;&nbsp;

BJP has witnessed a whirlwind journey in the Kannada-speaking state in the last two decades. From winning four seats in 1989, the party started growing in Karnataka in the early 1090s. In 2008, the BJP formed a government on its own, but lost power in 2013. In the May 2018 state Assembly elections, the party missed the half-way mark by a few seats, but it was enough for two arch rivals, Congress and JD(S), to join hands showing scant respect for the people’s mandate.&nbsp;

The fight for Karnataka in 2019 was unique. The party organisation, which saw a low in the 2013 state Assembly elections, was energised in the last four years. By 2018, it was ready for battle. &nbsp;

The BJP, which had witnessed splits when senior leaders like BS Yeddyurappa and B Sreeramulu had left in 2011-2012, succeeded in reviving a strong organisation.&nbsp;

The return of leaders like Yeddyurappa and Sreeramulu to the party and integration with the team was a huge challenge. However, the task was undertaken efficiently right up to the grassroot level, without compromising on the core integrity of the organisation. The credit for this goes to the party’s national president Amit Shah and Karnataka general secretary incharge P Muralidhar Rao.

The measures envisioned by Amit Shah were meticulously implemented. This included creating and strengthening booth committees, adding new members and their training, deploying vistaraks and reaching out to the beneficiaries of Modi government’s policies.

All organisation-strengthening programmes were undertaken sincerely by karyakartas from top to bottom. The BJP plans to replicate this experience in Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala as part of its southward march.&nbsp;

The party also benefitted from the entry of new leaders and people from different organisations outside its immediate fold like the JD(S), Congress and some social outfits.&nbsp;

This was part of the expansion plan of the party, which is still underway. These include the defeat of veteran Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge by Umesh Jadhav, who joined BJP from Congress just before the election. Former Congress MLA, Raja Amresh Nayak, was another leader, who joined BJP and won from Raichur. Principally, it was the spirit of converting challenges to opportunities that helped the party in all these instances.

The formation of Congress-JD(S) alliance was touted as an invincible combination expected to win a majority of seats in Karnataka. But, the BJP diligently identified the fault lines of that flawed partnership and managed to exploit the gaps therein effectively. This was the primary reason for BJP’s unprecedented victories in opposition strongholds like Tumkur and Chitradurga.

Reaching the message of how the Congress-JD (U) alliance is failing inch-by-inch to every nook and corner was initiated. News of the internal squabbles in the partnership and its failure in function as a coherent government was communicated precisely and effectively.

In democratic polity, it is continuous and uninterrupted communication between the political leadership and the people that prevents democracy from becoming sterile and stagnant. Realising this, BJP leadership ensured continuity in its public connect.

There was a huge Modi appeal, but to convert it into political victories, both in the Assembly and Lok Sabha elections was the result of a structured organisational work, decisive strategies and innovation.&nbsp;

The last five years of the BJP in Karnataka is the best example of how continuous innovation and pathbreaking approaches can raise the quality of political functioning, creating energy and synergy.&nbsp;

Amit Shah played the most crucial role in driving the party in this direction. His leadership boosted the morale of state leadership, which toiled day and night under party president and popular leader B S Yeddyurappa. State prabhari Muralidhar Rao worked more than a full-timer, building trust and comradeship among state leaders.&nbsp;

The Karnataka experience has given BJP the confidence to expand into new territories. It will be interesting to watch how the saffron saga unfolds in South India.&nbsp;

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-bjp-s-southern-springboard-2761672">original article)</a>

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) spectacular triumph in Karnataka in last month’s Lok Sabha elections has triggered a political turmoil in the state. With the state Assembly in session, the JD(S)-Congress government in Karnataka is facing its biggest challenge ever.

The Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) spectacular triumph in Karnataka in last month’s Lok Sabha elections has triggered a political turmoil in the state. With the state Assembly in session, the JD(S)-Congress government in Karnataka is facing its biggest challenge ever. Both have come to realise the futility of trying to keep its folks under check. The faction-ridden Congress and the Janata Dal (S) have become sitting ducks for an aggressive BJP planning to expand its turf all over South India. In Karnataka and Telangana, the BJP is on the ascendant. The Karnataka victory has exceeded the BJP’s own expectations. Improvement upon its 2014 tally of 17 by winning 26 out of a total of 28 Lok Sabha seats, has galvanised the party. In 2018, Karnataka was the first state to be projected as a laboratory of the Stop Modi campaign. As part of that strategy, although the BJP had emerged as the largest single party with 105 seats, the Congress and JD (S) joined hands, with the chief ministership going to the decidedly junior JD (S) with 42 seats. HD Kumar Swamy was made chief minister with great fanfare with all top anti-BJP opposition leaders in attendance at the swearing-in ceremony, in Bangalore. Naturally, the BJP is now looking at Karnataka as the springboard of its southward march. It would be interesting to examine how the Karnataka poll outcome is changing the face of politics in South India. While in most states, the BJP and the NDA have maintained its tally of 2014, the one state – other than West Bengal – which has proven political pundits wrong is Karnataka, where the party has effectively won all but two Lok Sabha seats. Of these two, one is a BJP-backed independent. BJP has witnessed a whirlwind journey in the Kannada-speaking state in the last two decades. From winning four seats in 1989, the party started growing in Karnataka in the early 1090s. In 2008, the BJP formed a government on its own, but lost power in 2013. In the May 2018 state Assembly elections, the party missed the half-way mark by a few seats, but it was enough for two arch rivals, Congress and JD(S), to join hands showing scant respect for the people’s mandate. The fight for Karnataka in 2019 was unique. The party organisation, which saw a low in the 2013 state Assembly elections, was energised in the last four years. By 2018, it was ready for battle. The BJP, which had witnessed splits when senior leaders like BS Yeddyurappa and B Sreeramulu had left in 2011-2012, succeeded in reviving a strong organisation. The return of leaders like Yeddyurappa and Sreeramulu to the party and integration with the team was a huge challenge. However, the task was undertaken efficiently right up to the grassroot level, without compromising on the core integrity of the organisation. The credit for this goes to the party’s national president Amit Shah and Karnataka general secretary incharge P Muralidhar Rao. The measures envisioned by Amit Shah were meticulously implemented. This included creating and strengthening booth committees, adding new members and their training, deploying vistaraks and reaching out to the beneficiaries of Modi government’s policies. All organisation-strengthening programmes were undertaken sincerely by karyakartas from top to bottom. The BJP plans to replicate this experience in Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala as part of its southward march. The party also benefitted from the entry of new leaders and people from different organisations outside its immediate fold like the JD(S), Congress and some social outfits. This was part of the expansion plan of the party, which is still underway. These include the defeat of veteran Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge by Umesh Jadhav, who joined BJP from Congress just before the election. Former Congress MLA, Raja Amresh Nayak, was another leader, who joined BJP and won from Raichur. Principally, it was the spirit of converting challenges to opportunities that helped the party in all these instances. The formation of Congress-JD(S) alliance was touted as an invincible combination expected to win a majority of seats in Karnataka. But, the BJP diligently identified the fault lines of that flawed partnership and managed to exploit the gaps therein effectively. This was the primary reason for BJP’s unprecedented victories in opposition strongholds like Tumkur and Chitradurga. Reaching the message of how the Congress-JD (U) alliance is failing inch-by-inch to every nook and corner was initiated. News of the internal squabbles in the partnership and its failure in function as a coherent government was communicated precisely and effectively. In democratic polity, it is continuous and uninterrupted communication between the political leadership and the people that prevents democracy from becoming sterile and stagnant. Realising this, BJP leadership ensured continuity in its public connect. There was a huge Modi appeal, but to convert it into political victories, both in the Assembly and Lok Sabha elections was the result of a structured organisational work, decisive strategies and innovation. The last five years of the BJP in Karnataka is the best example of how continuous innovation and pathbreaking approaches can raise the quality of political functioning, creating energy and synergy. Amit Shah played the most crucial role in driving the party in this direction. His leadership boosted the morale of state leadership, which toiled day and night under party president and popular leader B S Yeddyurappa. State prabhari Muralidhar Rao worked more than a full-timer, building trust and comradeship among state leaders. The Karnataka experience has given BJP the confidence to expand into new territories. It will be interesting to watch how the saffron saga unfolds in South India. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

How the Karnataka poll outcome is changing the face of politics in South India

The first session of the 17th Lok Sabha will commence from Monday during which the passage of the Union Budget and key legislations such as triple talaq will be on top of the agenda for the government.

Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/keep-political-differences-aside-for-smooth-functioning-of-parliament-pm-modi-227639">Narendra Modi, chairing an all-party meeting</a> on the eve of the first session, invited heads of all parties to a meeting on June 19 who have an MP either in the Lower House or the Rajya Sabha to discuss the "one nation, one election" issue.

The meeting will also discuss the issue of celebrations of 75 years of India's Independence in 2022 and 150 years of Mahatma Gandhi's birth anniversary this year, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said.

Modi also invited all MPs from both houses of Parliament for a dinner on June 20 where they will interact freely and exchange views. 
"Both these are initiatives are aimed to build 'esprit de corps' among members of all parties in Parliament," Joshi said.&nbsp;

Noting that there are many new faces in this Lok Sabha, Modi said the first session of the Lower House of Parliament should begin with "fresh zeal and new thinking".

At the all-party meeting, the Congress raised with the government issues of unemployment, farmers distress, drought, and press freedom, while also calling for early conduct of assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir.

The opposition parties demanded a discussion on all such issues in Parliament, with the Congress asserting that it is still a "fight of ideologies".

The prime minister, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad, Congress lawmakers Adhir Ranjan Choudhary, K Suresh, National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah and TMC leader Derek O'Brien were present at the meeting.

The BJP also held its parliamentary party meet here Sunday, with Modi assuring the leaders that his government will be at the forefront of facilitating legislation that manifests the spirit of "sabka saath, sabka vikas, sabka vishwas".

A day before the first session, a meeting of the NDA was also held here.

The Lok Sabha will have 30 sittings and the Rajya Sabha 27 sittings between June 17 to July 26.&nbsp;

The Modi government had promulgated ten ordinances in its first term after the opposition used its majority in the Rajya Sabha to block the bills in the previous session.

It had promulgated some ordinances again, including the triple talaq bill, amendment bills on Jammu and Kashmir reservation, Aadhaar laws, companies act and the Indian Medical Council Act.

Among the bills that will be introduced in this session, the one on triple talaq can be contentious for the government and the opposition.

The first two days of the session will be used for administering oath of office to all Lok Sabha MPs by Protem Speaker Virender Kumar.

The speaker will be elected on June 19 and the next day the president will address a joint sitting of both Houses.

The budget will be introduced on July 5.

Addressing the media after the all-party meeting, Joshi said the prime minister urged leaders of all parties to "introspect whether members of Parliament are able to fulfil people's aspirations as their representatives and the manner in which last two years of the 16th Lok Sabha were wasted".

An all-party meeting is a customary procedure before the beginning of every session of Parliament to ensure its smooth functioning.

Joshi said the government has requested all parties, especially the opposition, for their cooperation for the smooth functioning of both Houses of Parliament.&nbsp;

The first session of the 17th Lok Sabha will commence from Monday during which the passage of the Union Budget and key legislations such as triple talaq will be on top of the agenda for the government.

The first session of the 17th Lok Sabha will commence from Monday during which the passage of the Union Budget and key legislations such as triple talaq will be on top of the agenda for the government. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, chairing an all-party meeting on the eve of the first session, invited heads of all parties to a meeting on June 19 who have an MP either in the Lower House or the Rajya Sabha to discuss the "one nation, one election" issue. The meeting will also discuss the issue of celebrations of 75 years of India's Independence in 2022 and 150 years of Mahatma Gandhi's birth anniversary this year, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said. Modi also invited all MPs from both houses of Parliament for a dinner on June 20 where they will interact freely and exchange views. "Both these are initiatives are aimed to build 'esprit de corps' among members of all parties in Parliament," Joshi said. Noting that there are many new faces in this Lok Sabha, Modi said the first session of the Lower House of Parliament should begin with "fresh zeal and new thinking". At the all-party meeting, the Congress raised with the government issues of unemployment, farmers distress, drought, and press freedom, while also calling for early conduct of assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir. The opposition parties demanded a discussion on all such issues in Parliament, with the Congress asserting that it is still a "fight of ideologies". The prime minister, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad, Congress lawmakers Adhir Ranjan Choudhary, K Suresh, National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah and TMC leader Derek O'Brien were present at the meeting. The BJP also held its parliamentary party meet here Sunday, with Modi assuring the leaders that his government will be at the forefront of facilitating legislation that manifests the spirit of "sabka saath, sabka vikas, sabka vishwas". A day before the first session, a meeting of the NDA was also held here. The Lok Sabha will have 30 sittings and the Rajya Sabha 27 sittings between June 17 to July 26. The Modi government had promulgated ten ordinances in its first term after the opposition used its majority in the Rajya Sabha to block the bills in the previous session. It had promulgated some ordinances again, including the triple talaq bill, amendment bills on Jammu and Kashmir reservation, Aadhaar laws, companies act and the Indian Medical Council Act. Among the bills that will be introduced in this session, the one on triple talaq can be contentious for the government and the opposition. The first two days of the session will be used for administering oath of office to all Lok Sabha MPs by Protem Speaker Virender Kumar. The speaker will be elected on June 19 and the next day the president will address a joint sitting of both Houses. The budget will be introduced on July 5. Addressing the media after the all-party meeting, Joshi said the prime minister urged leaders of all parties to "introspect whether members of Parliament are able to fulfil people's aspirations as their representatives and the manner in which last two years of the 16th Lok Sabha were wasted". An all-party meeting is a customary procedure before the beginning of every session of Parliament to ensure its smooth functioning. Joshi said the government has requested all parties, especially the opposition, for their cooperation for the smooth functioning of both Houses of Parliament.

17th Lok Sabha's first session from today; budget, triple talaq in focus

The government has decided to demolish 400 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhis-residence-at-delhis-tughlaq-lane-declared-vacant-put-on-mps-allocation-list-226134">old flats</a> and construct new ones in their place in Lutyens' Delhi for Members of Parliament using construction waste.

The flats which will be coming up in North Avenue and South Avenue, located on either side of the Rashtrapati Bhavan, will replace the old ones built nearly 60 years ago, officials of the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) said.

"All old MP flats, which were built in North and South Avenues after Independence, will be demolished," CPWD's Director General Prabhakar Singh told PTI.

"We will use construction and demolition (C&amp;D) waste in building the new flats for MPs in North and South Avenues, an area which has many old flats," he added.

The waste from the demolition site of the old flats is likely to be used for the construction of the new ones after being processed at a facility.

CPWD, the prime construction agency of the central government, recently constructed 36 duplex flats, at a cost of Rs 80 crore, which are ready to be allotted for the newly-elected parliamentarians.

"The new MP flats will be constructed in a phased manner in North Avenue and South Avenue so that there is no chaos after the demolition of the old ones," he said.

The swanky low-rise buildings will have solar power panels and designated car parking spots, among a host of other facilities, the official said.

The new Lok Sabha has around 300 first-time members, including cricketer-turned-politician Gautam Gambhir, Union ministers Ravi Shankar Prasad and Smriti Irani, Sufi singer Hans Raj Hans and Bengali actresses Mimi Chakraborty and Nusrat Jahan Ruhi.

The government has made temporary arrangements to accommodate 350 MPs till the time they are allotted full-time official residences in Lutyens' Delhi, an area in the national capital named after British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens, who was responsible for much of the architectural design and building of the high-security zone prior to Independence.

In the past, newly-elected MPs used to stay in five-star hotels, but the practice has been dropped following the Lok Sabha Secretariat's cost-cutting measures.&nbsp;

The BJP-led NDA government started its second term as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the other ministers of his council took the oath of office on May 30.&nbsp;

The government has decided to demolish 400 old flats and construct new ones in their place in Lutyens' Delhi for Members of Parliament using construction waste. The flats which will be coming up in North Avenue and South Avenue, located on either side of the Rashtrapati Bhavan, will replace the old ones built nearly 60 years ago, officials of the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) said.

The government has decided to demolish 400 old flats and construct new ones in their place in Lutyens' Delhi for Members of Parliament using construction waste. The flats which will be coming up in North Avenue and South Avenue, located on either side of the Rashtrapati Bhavan, will replace the old ones built nearly 60 years ago, officials of the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) said. "All old MP flats, which were built in North and South Avenues after Independence, will be demolished," CPWD's Director General Prabhakar Singh told PTI. "We will use construction and demolition (C&D) waste in building the new flats for MPs in North and South Avenues, an area which has many old flats," he added. The waste from the demolition site of the old flats is likely to be used for the construction of the new ones after being processed at a facility. CPWD, the prime construction agency of the central government, recently constructed 36 duplex flats, at a cost of Rs 80 crore, which are ready to be allotted for the newly-elected parliamentarians. "The new MP flats will be constructed in a phased manner in North Avenue and South Avenue so that there is no chaos after the demolition of the old ones," he said. The swanky low-rise buildings will have solar power panels and designated car parking spots, among a host of other facilities, the official said. The new Lok Sabha has around 300 first-time members, including cricketer-turned-politician Gautam Gambhir, Union ministers Ravi Shankar Prasad and Smriti Irani, Sufi singer Hans Raj Hans and Bengali actresses Mimi Chakraborty and Nusrat Jahan Ruhi. The government has made temporary arrangements to accommodate 350 MPs till the time they are allotted full-time official residences in Lutyens' Delhi, an area in the national capital named after British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens, who was responsible for much of the architectural design and building of the high-security zone prior to Independence. In the past, newly-elected MPs used to stay in five-star hotels, but the practice has been dropped following the Lok Sabha Secretariat's cost-cutting measures. The BJP-led NDA government started its second term as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the other ministers of his council took the oath of office on May 30.

400 new flats to be built for MPs in Lutyens' Delhi using construction waste

In the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ahead-of-budget-session-pm-modi-chairs-all-party-meet-opposition-demands-debate-on-unemployment-farm-distress-227603"> all-party meeting</a> here on Sunday, a day ahead of the beginning of the Budget session of Parliament in which crucial Bills are likely to be tabled, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged all leaders to keep political differences aside and not to disrupt the functioning of the Parliament.

"We are for the people. We cannot win hearts by disrupting the functioning of the Parliament. All parties must keep political differences aside and commit themselves to tirelessly work in the direction of the nation's progress," said Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who chaired the all-party meeting.

Modi also urged the leaders to introspect whether members of Parliament are able to fulfill the people's aspirations as their representatives or not. In the meeting, while the government put forth its legislative agenda, the Opposition parties raised other issues including the problems related to farmers and water supply.

The Budget Session, beginning Monday, would also see the tabling of many important Bills.

Besides the Triple Talaq Bill, the other Bills, which are likely to be introduced in the Parliament, are the Central Educational Institutions (Reservation in Teachers Cadre) Bill and Aadhaar and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill 2019.

The Cabinet on Wednesday cleared a Bill to allow voluntary use of Aadhaar as identity proof for opening bank accounts and procuring mobile phone connections.

A resolution seeking the extension of Proclamation issued by the President on December 19, 2018, under Article 356 of the Constitution of India in relation to the state of Jammu and Kashmir is also required to be approved by both the Houses of Parliament by July 2, 2019.

Ten Ordinances have been promulgated during the inter-session period, which are to be replaced by Acts of Parliament as these shall cease to operate at the expiration of six weeks from the reassembly of Parliament, that is, by August 1, 2019.

As many as 46 Bills have lapsed on the dissolution of 16th Lok Sabha which were at various stages in both the Houses.

Some of these important Bills are likely to be revived and brought before Parliament.

Prime Minister Modi also exhorted all leaders to cooperate with the government and strive in the direction of making a New India by 2022 and achieve the true meaning of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas.'

He also said that the government is always receptive to the issues raised by all political parties and is ready to discuss all issues of national importance on the floor of both the Houses of Parliament.

"We had a fruitful all-party meeting today. The first one after the election results and before the start of the Monsoon Session. Thankful to the leaders for their valuable suggestions. We all agreed on the smooth running of Parliament so that we can fulfill people's aspirations," said PM Modi in a tweet.

Briefing media persons after the all-party meeting, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said,&nbsp;"To ensure that 17th Lok Sabha starts functioning on a positive note, Prime Minister Modi has invited the party presidents of all parties to the Parliament on June 19, and MPs of both the Houses on June 20 interaction and exchange of views with the government.

"The session will mainly be devoted to oath-taking, the election of the speaker, the motion of thanks on the President's address, financial business relating to union budget for 2019-20. However, time will also be provided for the transaction of essential legislative and non-legislative business during the Session.

The Economic Survey of India will be presented tabled in the House on July 4 by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

She will present the Union Budget for 2019- 20 in the Lok Sabha on July 5 at 11 am.

Present in the meeting were also Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, SP leader Ram Gopal Yadav, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Prahlad Joshi and leader of BJP in the Rajya Sabha Thawar Chand Gehlot.

Other leaders who attended the meeting included V Vijayasai Reddy of YSRCP, Derek O'Brien of TMC, Farooq Abdullah of National Conference, NCP's Supriya Sule, Anupriya Patel of Apna Dal (Sonelal), AAP's Sanjay Singh, and Jayadev Galla of TDP.

In the all-party meeting here on Sunday, a day ahead of the beginning of the Budget session of Parliament in which crucial Bills are likely to be tabled, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged all leaders to keep political differences aside and not to disrupt the functioning of the Parliament.

In the all-party meeting here on Sunday, a day ahead of the beginning of the Budget session of Parliament in which crucial Bills are likely to be tabled, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged all leaders to keep political differences aside and not to disrupt the functioning of the Parliament. "We are for the people. We cannot win hearts by disrupting the functioning of the Parliament. All parties must keep political differences aside and commit themselves to tirelessly work in the direction of the nation's progress," said Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who chaired the all-party meeting. Modi also urged the leaders to introspect whether members of Parliament are able to fulfill the people's aspirations as their representatives or not. In the meeting, while the government put forth its legislative agenda, the Opposition parties raised other issues including the problems related to farmers and water supply. The Budget Session, beginning Monday, would also see the tabling of many important Bills. Besides the Triple Talaq Bill, the other Bills, which are likely to be introduced in the Parliament, are the Central Educational Institutions (Reservation in Teachers Cadre) Bill and Aadhaar and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill 2019. The Cabinet on Wednesday cleared a Bill to allow voluntary use of Aadhaar as identity proof for opening bank accounts and procuring mobile phone connections. A resolution seeking the extension of Proclamation issued by the President on December 19, 2018, under Article 356 of the Constitution of India in relation to the state of Jammu and Kashmir is also required to be approved by both the Houses of Parliament by July 2, 2019. Ten Ordinances have been promulgated during the inter-session period, which are to be replaced by Acts of Parliament as these shall cease to operate at the expiration of six weeks from the reassembly of Parliament, that is, by August 1, 2019. As many as 46 Bills have lapsed on the dissolution of 16th Lok Sabha which were at various stages in both the Houses. Some of these important Bills are likely to be revived and brought before Parliament. Prime Minister Modi also exhorted all leaders to cooperate with the government and strive in the direction of making a New India by 2022 and achieve the true meaning of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas.' He also said that the government is always receptive to the issues raised by all political parties and is ready to discuss all issues of national importance on the floor of both the Houses of Parliament. "We had a fruitful all-party meeting today. The first one after the election results and before the start of the Monsoon Session. Thankful to the leaders for their valuable suggestions. We all agreed on the smooth running of Parliament so that we can fulfill people's aspirations," said PM Modi in a tweet. Briefing media persons after the all-party meeting, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said, "To ensure that 17th Lok Sabha starts functioning on a positive note, Prime Minister Modi has invited the party presidents of all parties to the Parliament on June 19, and MPs of both the Houses on June 20 interaction and exchange of views with the government. "The session will mainly be devoted to oath-taking, the election of the speaker, the motion of thanks on the President's address, financial business relating to union budget for 2019-20. However, time will also be provided for the transaction of essential legislative and non-legislative business during the Session. The Economic Survey of India will be presented tabled in the House on July 4 by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. She will present the Union Budget for 2019- 20 in the Lok Sabha on July 5 at 11 am. Present in the meeting were also Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, SP leader Ram Gopal Yadav, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Prahlad Joshi and leader of BJP in the Rajya Sabha Thawar Chand Gehlot. Other leaders who attended the meeting included V Vijayasai Reddy of YSRCP, Derek O'Brien of TMC, Farooq Abdullah of National Conference, NCP's Supriya Sule, Anupriya Patel of Apna Dal (Sonelal), AAP's Sanjay Singh, and Jayadev Galla of TDP.

Keep political differences aside for smooth functioning of Parliament: PM Modi says in all-party meet

The government should bring an ordinance to construct Ram temple, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray said on Sunday in Ayodhya, asserting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has the courage to do so and there would be no one to stop it.

Thackeray offered prayers at the makeshift Ram Lalla temple along with his son Aditya and 18 newly-elected lawmakers of his party. The Shiv Sena has said the visit was to fulfil the promise Thackeray made last November to come to Ayodhya again after the elections.

"The case is in court for many years. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has courage. If the government takes the decision, there is no one to stop it. Not only Shiv Sena but Hindus of the whole world are also with this," Uddhav said while addressing a press conference after his visit to the Ram Lalla (or infant Ram) temple.

"The government should bring an ordinance for construction of Ram temple. The issue concerns all Hindus and the temple has to be constructed at the earliest," he said, raising the slogan of "Kanoon banao, mandir banao (formulate law and construct temple)".

Maharashtra will be going to polls later this year and the visit is being seen as an attempt by the Shive Sena to put pressure on ally BJP on the Ram temple issue. But Sena has maintained that Thackeray's visit should not be seen through the electoral lens.

"For us, Ram temple is a matter of faith and not politics," Thackeray said.

The title suit over the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid site is being heard by the Supreme Court.

The government should bring an ordinance to construct Ram temple, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray said on Sunday in Ayodhya, asserting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has the courage to do so and there would be no one to stop it.

The government should bring an ordinance to construct Ram temple, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray said on Sunday in Ayodhya, asserting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has the courage to do so and there would be no one to stop it. Thackeray offered prayers at the makeshift Ram Lalla temple along with his son Aditya and 18 newly-elected lawmakers of his party. The Shiv Sena has said the visit was to fulfil the promise Thackeray made last November to come to Ayodhya again after the elections. "The case is in court for many years. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has courage. If the government takes the decision, there is no one to stop it. Not only Shiv Sena but Hindus of the whole world are also with this," Uddhav said while addressing a press conference after his visit to the Ram Lalla (or infant Ram) temple. "The government should bring an ordinance for construction of Ram temple. The issue concerns all Hindus and the temple has to be constructed at the earliest," he said, raising the slogan of "Kanoon banao, mandir banao (formulate law and construct temple)". Maharashtra will be going to polls later this year and the visit is being seen as an attempt by the Shive Sena to put pressure on ally BJP on the Ram temple issue. But Sena has maintained that Thackeray's visit should not be seen through the electoral lens. "For us, Ram temple is a matter of faith and not politics," Thackeray said. The title suit over the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid site is being heard by the Supreme Court.

PM Narendra Modi has courage, should bring ordinance to construct Ram temple: Uddhav Thackeray in Ayodhya 

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