A selection committee headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to meet Wednesday night to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/alok-verma-resumes-office-after-77-day-forced-leave-189139">decide on the fate of CBI Director Alok Verma</a>, reinstated by a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-sets-aside-government-order-reinstates-alok-verma-as-cbi-chief-188935">Supreme Court order</a> after he was sent on forced leave by the government, officials said Wednesday.

The meeting is scheduled to be held at the prime minister's residence at Lok Kalyan Marg, they said.

The apex court had Tuesday reinstated Verma as the CBI director. It quashed the government's unprecedented "overnight" order over two months ago, stripping him of his powers and sending him on leave after he and his deputy Rakesh Asthana traded corruption charges sparking a bitter feud.

The court, while reinstating Verma, however, made it clear that he will desist from taking any major policy decision till a high-powered committee considers the issue of "divestment of power and authority".&nbsp;

Verma's two-year tenure as CBI director ends on January 31.

Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi and senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge are among the members of the panel, the officials said.

Meanwhile, Verma had on Wednesday joined the office following the order.&nbsp;

The Modi government had in October, 2018 sent Verma and Asthana on forced leave.&nbsp;

Alok Verma's two-year tenure as CBI director ends on January 31.

A selection committee headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to meet Wednesday night to decide on the fate of CBI Director Alok Verma, reinstated by a Supreme Court order after he was sent on forced leave by the government, officials said Wednesday. The meeting is scheduled to be held at the prime minister's residence at Lok Kalyan Marg, they said. The apex court had Tuesday reinstated Verma as the CBI director. It quashed the government's unprecedented "overnight" order over two months ago, stripping him of his powers and sending him on leave after he and his deputy Rakesh Asthana traded corruption charges sparking a bitter feud. The court, while reinstating Verma, however, made it clear that he will desist from taking any major policy decision till a high-powered committee considers the issue of "divestment of power and authority". Verma's two-year tenure as CBI director ends on January 31. Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi and senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge are among the members of the panel, the officials said. Meanwhile, Verma had on Wednesday joined the office following the order. The Modi government had in October, 2018 sent Verma and Asthana on forced leave.

CBI Director Alok Verma case: PM-led panel scheduled Jan 9 night to meet and decide

Quoting a book, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Wednesday said the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/crop-insurance-scheme-designed-to-profit-insurance-firms-chidambaram-177381">Centre's crop insurance scheme </a>was "as big a scam" as the Rafale fighter jet deal.

Taking a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's frequent foreign tours, he said mere speeches and announcements will not help the public and demanded that the BJP-led government<a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/crop-insurance-scheme-likely-to-get-rs-13000cr-in-fy19-budget-29093"> solve farmers' problems </a>before looking at alliance talks for the forthcoming elections.

Modi had launched the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojna in 2015 with the main objective to provide insurance cover and financial support to farmers in the event of failure of any of the notified crops as a result of natural calamities, pests, and diseases.

Addressing a rally in Beed district of Maharashtra during his tour of the drought-hit Marathwada region, Thackeray asked how many people received benefits of the government's crop insurance scheme after paying instalments to insurance firms.

"People have got cheques of Rs 2, Rs 5, Rs 50, Rs 100. I don't do 'Mann ki Baat' (referring to Modi's monthly radio programme) but believe in speaking 'Jann ki Baat'. Allegations are being made that there is a scam of thousands of crores in the crop insurance scheme," he said.

"Who should we question? There is someone called Sainath, who is an expert on the subject, who has written a book. He has said the crop insurance scam is as big a scam as Rafale," Thackeray said.

While the Opposition Congress has been alleging corruption in the Rafale jet deal, the government has denied it.

Claiming that there was a "bubble" of announcements, Thackeray asked the government to "solve the problems of farmers before considering any alliance talks".

The Sena has been regularly hitting out at the BJP despite being part of the government in Maharashtra and at the Centre. Its leaders have often said they would contest the next polls on their own.

Thackeray's party and the BJP had contested the 2014 Lok Sabha polls in an alliance but split up at the time of Assembly polls. The Sena joined the state government later.

"Everyday you (Modi) go to different countries and say my country is changing. How many days left (in power) for you now?" Thackeray asked.

"You go to different countries everyday and think our country is changing. Today Russia, tomorrow Japan and day after China. Then say our country is changing. The country may be changing for you but not for people, their conditions, their sorrows are not changing," he said.

The Sena chief said he would not mind if he does not get a single vote after speaking truth, but he was averse to winning elections by speaking lies.

He said the Centre had neither been able to resolve issues or farmers nor constructed the Ram temple.

"If the issue was to be decided by court, why did you make this promise in your poll manifesto?" Thackeray asked.

Hitting out at the Centre's drought assessment team which visited the state last month to take stock of the situation, he said it was "useless" and a mere ploy to show "carrots" to people.

"It needs to be understood who is truly yours and who is not. Mere speeches and announcements do not fill the vessels of people. The central team to assess drought came and went. Did you get anything? It is strange they need a mechanism to see drought even after the area is drought-hit," he said.

Assuring his support to farmers amid the ongoing drought situation, he appealed them to support his party.

The state received inadequate rainfall last monsoon and the government had earlier declared drought in 151 out of the 353 talukas in the state.

Earlier in the day, the Sena leader handed over 100 cattle fodder-laden trucks and other essential supplies to farmers and undertook a tour of the drought-hit region.

Beed, which was earlier a stronghold of the NCP, is now dominated by the BJP while Sena has no presence in the district.

Taking a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's frequent foreign tours, Uddhav Thackeray said mere speeches and announcements will not help the public.

Quoting a book, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Wednesday said the Centre's crop insurance scheme was "as big a scam" as the Rafale fighter jet deal. Taking a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's frequent foreign tours, he said mere speeches and announcements will not help the public and demanded that the BJP-led government solve farmers' problems before looking at alliance talks for the forthcoming elections. Modi had launched the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojna in 2015 with the main objective to provide insurance cover and financial support to farmers in the event of failure of any of the notified crops as a result of natural calamities, pests, and diseases. Addressing a rally in Beed district of Maharashtra during his tour of the drought-hit Marathwada region, Thackeray asked how many people received benefits of the government's crop insurance scheme after paying instalments to insurance firms. "People have got cheques of Rs 2, Rs 5, Rs 50, Rs 100. I don't do 'Mann ki Baat' (referring to Modi's monthly radio programme) but believe in speaking 'Jann ki Baat'. Allegations are being made that there is a scam of thousands of crores in the crop insurance scheme," he said. "Who should we question? There is someone called Sainath, who is an expert on the subject, who has written a book. He has said the crop insurance scam is as big a scam as Rafale," Thackeray said. While the Opposition Congress has been alleging corruption in the Rafale jet deal, the government has denied it. Claiming that there was a "bubble" of announcements, Thackeray asked the government to "solve the problems of farmers before considering any alliance talks". The Sena has been regularly hitting out at the BJP despite being part of the government in Maharashtra and at the Centre. Its leaders have often said they would contest the next polls on their own. Thackeray's party and the BJP had contested the 2014 Lok Sabha polls in an alliance but split up at the time of Assembly polls. The Sena joined the state government later. "Everyday you (Modi) go to different countries and say my country is changing. How many days left (in power) for you now?" Thackeray asked. "You go to different countries everyday and think our country is changing. Today Russia, tomorrow Japan and day after China. Then say our country is changing. The country may be changing for you but not for people, their conditions, their sorrows are not changing," he said. The Sena chief said he would not mind if he does not get a single vote after speaking truth, but he was averse to winning elections by speaking lies. He said the Centre had neither been able to resolve issues or farmers nor constructed the Ram temple. "If the issue was to be decided by court, why did you make this promise in your poll manifesto?" Thackeray asked. Hitting out at the Centre's drought assessment team which visited the state last month to take stock of the situation, he said it was "useless" and a mere ploy to show "carrots" to people. "It needs to be understood who is truly yours and who is not. Mere speeches and announcements do not fill the vessels of people. The central team to assess drought came and went. Did you get anything? It is strange they need a mechanism to see drought even after the area is drought-hit," he said. Assuring his support to farmers amid the ongoing drought situation, he appealed them to support his party. The state received inadequate rainfall last monsoon and the government had earlier declared drought in 151 out of the 353 talukas in the state. Earlier in the day, the Sena leader handed over 100 cattle fodder-laden trucks and other essential supplies to farmers and undertook a tour of the drought-hit region. Beed, which was earlier a stronghold of the NCP, is now dominated by the BJP while Sena has no presence in the district.

Crop insurance as 'big' a scam as Rafale: Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Wednesday indicated that alleged middleman Christian Michel, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/agustawestland-vvip-chopper-case-christian-michel-received-money-from-other-defence-deals-as-well-enforcement-directorate-tells-court-188422">arrested in the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper case</a>, was lobbying for French manufacturer Rafale's rivals in the multi-role aircraft deal.

The onus is on the Congress to come clean on what is driving its <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rafale-deal-nirmala-sitharaman-hits-back-at-congress-president-says-rahul-gandhi-misleading-nation-188560">allegations on the (Rafale) deal</a>, Modi said at a rally here.

Citing media reports, Modi said Michel was lobbying for "some other contender" as well.

Congress should answer which leader of their party, now shouting about this (Rafale deal), has a connection with Michel, he said.

Modi said the 'chowkidar' (watchdog), who has embarked on a campaign to root-out corruption cannot be bought or scared and will continue with his work relentlessly.

The 'chowkidar' can pick a wrongdoer even in darkness, he said.&nbsp;

The onus is on the Congress to come clean on what is driving its allegations on the (Rafale) deal, Modi said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Wednesday indicated that alleged middleman Christian Michel, arrested in the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper case, was lobbying for French manufacturer Rafale's rivals in the multi-role aircraft deal. The onus is on the Congress to come clean on what is driving its allegations on the (Rafale) deal, Modi said at a rally here. Citing media reports, Modi said Michel was lobbying for "some other contender" as well. Congress should answer which leader of their party, now shouting about this (Rafale deal), has a connection with Michel, he said. Modi said the 'chowkidar' (watchdog), who has embarked on a campaign to root-out corruption cannot be bought or scared and will continue with his work relentlessly. The 'chowkidar' can pick a wrongdoer even in darkness, he said.

Michel was lobbying for Rafale rival; Congress should clarify: PM Modi

A prequel to English author AA&nbsp;Milne’s classic creation of children Winnie the Pooh is in development, as per The Hollywood Reporter. The project is taking inspiration from the 'Paddington' movies. Earlier, only Disney had the screen rights to Pooh Bear stories, but that ended after the character entered public domain last year. Notably, indie horror filmmaker Rhys Frake-Wakefield took the opportunity to write and direct an R-Rated slasher movie, 'Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey' . The prequel treatment, we presume, will be geared towards children.

Mike de Seve will direct and co-write the film with John Reynolds.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-oh-bother-winnie-the-pooh-blood-and-honey-first-trailer-is-here-to-destroy-your-childhood-watch-511933">Oh, bother! 'Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey' first trailer is here to destroy your childhood. Watch</a>

Reynolds said in a statement, “We’re telling the surprising origin story of the ‘silly young bear’ and his friends, when they were still kids, in a way designed to connect with 21st-century kids."

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/W3E74j_xFtg" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

de Seve said, “I think this unsinkable young cub is totally relatable for today’s kids, with his hell-bent craving for honey and his ludicrous schemes to get it. The whole gang is hilarious, and are even more hilarious as kids, we’re finding out.”&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the fans of Winnie the Pooh and supporting characters like Piglet and Tigger continue to observe 'Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey' with a horrified fascination. It is a sick retelling of the short stories by Milne set in Hundred Acre Wood, where Winnie the Pooh and his friends had many adventurous together with their human friend Christopher Robin.&nbsp;

Christopher Robin, Pooh and others did have all those adventures in Robin's childhood in the film, but then the boy grew up and went to college. Pooh, Piglet, and others, meanwhile, went more and more hungry and became feral. Now, they have become so crazy that they terrorise a group of girls residing in a rural cabin.&nbsp;

 
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

A prequel to English author AA Milne’s classic creation of children Winnie the Pooh is in development, as per The Hollywood Reporter. The project is taking inspiration from the 'Paddington' movies.

A prequel to English author AA Milne’s classic creation of children Winnie the Pooh is in development, as per The Hollywood Reporter. The project is taking inspiration from the 'Paddington' movies. Earlier, only Disney had the screen rights to Pooh Bear stories, but that ended after the character entered public domain last year. Notably, indie horror filmmaker Rhys Frake-Wakefield took the opportunity to write and direct an R-Rated slasher movie, 'Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey' . The prequel treatment, we presume, will be geared towards children. Mike de Seve will direct and co-write the film with John Reynolds. Also Read: Oh, bother! 'Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey' first trailer is here to destroy your childhood. Watch Reynolds said in a statement, “We’re telling the surprising origin story of the ‘silly young bear’ and his friends, when they were still kids, in a way designed to connect with 21st-century kids." de Seve said, “I think this unsinkable young cub is totally relatable for today’s kids, with his hell-bent craving for honey and his ludicrous schemes to get it. The whole gang is hilarious, and are even more hilarious as kids, we’re finding out.” Meanwhile, the fans of Winnie the Pooh and supporting characters like Piglet and Tigger continue to observe 'Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey' with a horrified fascination. It is a sick retelling of the short stories by Milne set in Hundred Acre Wood, where Winnie the Pooh and his friends had many adventurous together with their human friend Christopher Robin. Christopher Robin, Pooh and others did have all those adventures in Robin's childhood in the film, but then the boy grew up and went to college. Pooh, Piglet, and others, meanwhile, went more and more hungry and became feral. Now, they have become so crazy that they terrorise a group of girls residing in a rural cabin.

Putin, Modi share great chemistry, says Russian deputy foreign minister

Soon after the Centre approved <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cabinet-approves-10-quota-for-economically-weak-among-upper-castes-188798">10 percent quota for economically weaker upper castes</a> in government jobs and education, several political leaders called the decision a politically-motivated move ahead of 2019 general elections.

Taking to Twitter, National Conference leader Omar Abdullah said, "Reservation for economically backward upper castes. The bugle announcing the elections has well &amp; truly sounded."

Former cabinet minister Yashwant Singh also hit out at the Centre while calling the decision a "jumla" (hollow promise).

"The proposal to give 10% reservation to economically weaker upper castes is nothing more than a jumla. It is bristling with legal complications and there is no time for getting it passed thru both Houses of Parliament. Govt stands completely exposed," Singh, a former BJP leader said.

Meanwhile, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mamata-banerjee-raises-question-on-the-legal-aspect-of-10-reservation-for-poor-among-upper-castes-188864">West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee</a> said that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government is misleading the unemployed youth only for elections.

"My question is, in the name of elections can a government cheat people or ditch unemployed youth? They've to clarify whether it will be implemented or not and if it is constitutionally and legally valid or not," she questioned.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also trained guns at the Centre calling the move a "mere political stunt".

Congress leader and former Uttarakhand chief minister Harish Rawat said that the Centre took the decision when election is around the corner.

"They took the decision very late that also when elections are around the corner. No matter what they do, what 'jumlas'&nbsp;they give, nothing is going to save this government," he added.

Meanwhile, MoS for Social Justice and Empowerment Vijay Sampla hailed the decision saying, "It's a historic step by Modi government. It's meant for economically weaker upper caste sections whose annual earning is lower than Rs&nbsp;8 lakhs and who possess less than five acres of land. It will not affect other reservation categories." &nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Soon after the Centre approved 10 percent quota for economically weaker upper castes in government jobs and education, several political leaders called the decision a politically-motivated move ahead of 2019 general elections.

Soon after the Centre approved 10 percent quota for economically weaker upper castes in government jobs and education, several political leaders called the decision a politically-motivated move ahead of 2019 general elections. Taking to Twitter, National Conference leader Omar Abdullah said, "Reservation for economically backward upper castes. The bugle announcing the elections has well & truly sounded." Former cabinet minister Yashwant Singh also hit out at the Centre while calling the decision a "jumla" (hollow promise). "The proposal to give 10% reservation to economically weaker upper castes is nothing more than a jumla. It is bristling with legal complications and there is no time for getting it passed thru both Houses of Parliament. Govt stands completely exposed," Singh, a former BJP leader said. Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government is misleading the unemployed youth only for elections. "My question is, in the name of elections can a government cheat people or ditch unemployed youth? They've to clarify whether it will be implemented or not and if it is constitutionally and legally valid or not," she questioned. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also trained guns at the Centre calling the move a "mere political stunt". Congress leader and former Uttarakhand chief minister Harish Rawat said that the Centre took the decision when election is around the corner. "They took the decision very late that also when elections are around the corner. No matter what they do, what 'jumlas' they give, nothing is going to save this government," he added. Meanwhile, MoS for Social Justice and Empowerment Vijay Sampla hailed the decision saying, "It's a historic step by Modi government. It's meant for economically weaker upper caste sections whose annual earning is lower than Rs 8 lakhs and who possess less than five acres of land. It will not affect other reservation categories."

Opposition corners Centre over general category quota

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US&nbsp;President Donald Trump had a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/trump-and-pm-modi-discuss-trade-afghanistan-in-phone-call-white-house-188894">telephonic conversation last evening</a> in which both exchanged New Year greetings and expressed satisfaction over the progress in India-US&nbsp;strategic partnership.

According to a release by the Ministry of External Affairs, "they appreciated the developments such as the launch of the 2+2 Dialogue mechanism and the first-ever trilateral summit of India, the US&nbsp;and Japan."

According to the White House, President Trump received a call from PM Modi in which both "the leaders exchanged perspectives on how to reduce the US&nbsp;trade deficit with India, expand security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific, and increase cooperation in Afghanistan.”&nbsp;

The two leaders took positive note of growing bilateral cooperation in defence, counter-terrorism, energy and coordination on regional and global issues and agreed to continue to work together for further strengthening India-US&nbsp;bilateral relations in 2019.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
PM Modi &amp; US President Trump took positive note of growing bilateral cooperation in defence, counter-terrorism&amp;energy and coordination on regional and global issues. They agreed to continue to work together for further strengthening India-U.S. bilateral relations in 2019.
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1082456716510261248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The development comes a week after President <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-mocks-indian-pm-for-library-in-afghanistan-187955">Trump mocked Prime Minister Modi</a> and India's development aid to Afghanistan. US President, in the first cabinet meet of the year, had said that even though he gets "along very well with India and Prime Minister Modi", he doesn't "know who’s using it (the library) in Afghanistan."&nbsp;

The conversations also come at a time when US media reports suggest that Washington may be withdrawing 7,000 of its troops from Afghanistan, however,&nbsp;it has not been confirmed by the Pentagon or the Afghan authorities.

Both the leader last met at the JAI - Japan, America and India trilateral on the sidelines of G20 summit in Argentina. Before that PM Modi met US vice president Mike Pence in November on the sidelines of East Asia Summit. During the Diwali celebration at the White House in 2018, Trump had called PM Modi a friend and said he is "grateful for friendship with PM Modi".

India and US have been working on Indo-Pacific concept but issues such as trade remain. While Trump had referred to India as a "tariff king", India has been trying to reduce the trade deficit with Washington.

On Monday, PM Modi also had a telephonic conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin during which Putin wished PM Modi success for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls and invited him to take part in the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok in September 2019.

During October 2018, India and Russia signed the S400 deal that comes under the ambit of American sanctions under CAATSA law. Washington is yet to make a decision regarding the sanction.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump had a telephonic conversation last evening in which both exchanged New Year greetings and expressed satisfaction over the progress in India-US strategic partnership.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump had a telephonic conversation last evening in which both exchanged New Year greetings and expressed satisfaction over the progress in India-US strategic partnership. According to a release by the Ministry of External Affairs, "they appreciated the developments such as the launch of the 2+2 Dialogue mechanism and the first-ever trilateral summit of India, the US and Japan." According to the White House, President Trump received a call from PM Modi in which both "the leaders exchanged perspectives on how to reduce the US trade deficit with India, expand security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific, and increase cooperation in Afghanistan.” The two leaders took positive note of growing bilateral cooperation in defence, counter-terrorism, energy and coordination on regional and global issues and agreed to continue to work together for further strengthening India-US bilateral relations in 2019. PM Modi & US President Trump took positive note of growing bilateral cooperation in defence, counter-terrorism&energy and coordination on regional and global issues. They agreed to continue to work together for further strengthening India-U.S. bilateral relations in 2019. — ANI (@ANI) January 8, 2019 × The development comes a week after President Trump mocked Prime Minister Modi and India's development aid to Afghanistan. US President, in the first cabinet meet of the year, had said that even though he gets "along very well with India and Prime Minister Modi", he doesn't "know who’s using it (the library) in Afghanistan." The conversations also come at a time when US media reports suggest that Washington may be withdrawing 7,000 of its troops from Afghanistan, however, it has not been confirmed by the Pentagon or the Afghan authorities. Both the leader last met at the JAI - Japan, America and India trilateral on the sidelines of G20 summit in Argentina. Before that PM Modi met US vice president Mike Pence in November on the sidelines of East Asia Summit. During the Diwali celebration at the White House in 2018, Trump had called PM Modi a friend and said he is "grateful for friendship with PM Modi". India and US have been working on Indo-Pacific concept but issues such as trade remain. While Trump had referred to India as a "tariff king", India has been trying to reduce the trade deficit with Washington. On Monday, PM Modi also had a telephonic conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin during which Putin wished PM Modi success for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls and invited him to take part in the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok in September 2019. During October 2018, India and Russia signed the S400 deal that comes under the ambit of American sanctions under CAATSA law. Washington is yet to make a decision regarding the sanction.

PM Modi, US President Trump discuss Indo-Pacific and Afghanistan in phone call

The Government on Tuesday introduced a Bill in Lok Sabha for 10 per cent reservation in jobs and educational institutions for economically backward section in the general category.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cabinet-approves-10-quota-for-economically-weak-among-upper-castes-188798">The Bill was approved by the Union Cabinet on Monday</a> and was brought in on the last day of the Winter Session of Lok Sabha.

Union Minister Thawar Chand Gehlot introduced the Bill in the House amid protests by Samajwadi Party. The debate on the bill is expected to start at 2 pm.

The 10% quota is over and above the 50% reservation already given to the scheduled castes, tribes, and other backward castes (OBCs). The Supreme Court however has repeatedly struck down any further reservations over the 50% mark.&nbsp;

The upper castes have never before been given the benefit of a quota.&nbsp;

The move to give the upper castes a quota comes just before the 2019 general elections.&nbsp;

PTI quoted sources as saying the reservation is likely to be availed by those whose annual income is below Rs 8 lakh and have up to five acres of land, he said.&nbsp;

Articles 15 and 16 of the Constitution will have to be amended for implementation of the decision, the sources added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)&nbsp;

The Government on Tuesday introduced a Bill in Lok Sabha for 10 per cent reservation in jobs and educational institutions for economically backward section in the general category.

The Government on Tuesday introduced a Bill in Lok Sabha for 10 per cent reservation in jobs and educational institutions for economically backward section in the general category. The Bill was approved by the Union Cabinet on Monday and was brought in on the last day of the Winter Session of Lok Sabha. Union Minister Thawar Chand Gehlot introduced the Bill in the House amid protests by Samajwadi Party. The debate on the bill is expected to start at 2 pm. The 10% quota is over and above the 50% reservation already given to the scheduled castes, tribes, and other backward castes (OBCs). The Supreme Court however has repeatedly struck down any further reservations over the 50% mark. The upper castes have never before been given the benefit of a quota. The move to give the upper castes a quota comes just before the 2019 general elections. PTI quoted sources as saying the reservation is likely to be availed by those whose annual income is below Rs 8 lakh and have up to five acres of land, he said. Articles 15 and 16 of the Constitution will have to be amended for implementation of the decision, the sources added. (With inputs from PTI)

Government introduces quota bill in Lok Sabha

BSP Chief Mayawati on Tuesday <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cabinet-approves-10-quota-for-economically-weak-among-upper-castes-188798">welcomed the reservation </a>announced by the Centre for economically weaker sections of the upper caste.&nbsp;

However, she called the move a 'political stunt.'

"The decision taken by the Central government is good but the intention behind the decision seems to be not good. It looks more of a political stunt as it has come just ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. It would have been better had the government taken the decision earlier," Mayawati, in an exclusive interview, told ANI.

The BSP supremo was referring to the announcement made on Tuesday by the Narendra Modi-led government of giving 10 per cent r<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/opposition-corners-centre-over-general-category-quota-188911">eservation to upper caste poor</a> in jobs and education.

The former UP CM stressed that the reservation should also be extended to the poor, who belong to the various minority religious groups.

"Reservation to the poor, tribals, Dalits should not be confined to education sector or jobs but also other sectors in which till now it has not been introduced," she added.

Mayawati also demanded that the Centre should chalk out a new reservation policy for the backwards and poor after taking note of their increasing population.

"I also demand that the reservation for SC, ST, and OBC should be increased to 50%, considering their increasing population," stressed Mayawati.

The former UP CM stressed that the reservation should also be extended to the poor, who belong to the various minority religious groups.

BSP Chief Mayawati on Tuesday welcomed the reservation announced by the Centre for economically weaker sections of the upper caste. However, she called the move a 'political stunt.' "The decision taken by the Central government is good but the intention behind the decision seems to be not good. It looks more of a political stunt as it has come just ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. It would have been better had the government taken the decision earlier," Mayawati, in an exclusive interview, told ANI. The BSP supremo was referring to the announcement made on Tuesday by the Narendra Modi-led government of giving 10 per cent reservation to upper caste poor in jobs and education. The former UP CM stressed that the reservation should also be extended to the poor, who belong to the various minority religious groups. "Reservation to the poor, tribals, Dalits should not be confined to education sector or jobs but also other sectors in which till now it has not been introduced," she added. Mayawati also demanded that the Centre should chalk out a new reservation policy for the backwards and poor after taking note of their increasing population. "I also demand that the reservation for SC, ST, and OBC should be increased to 50%, considering their increasing population," stressed Mayawati.

10% reservation for upper caste poor a 'political stunt': BSP chief Mayawati

In a significant decision ahead of Lok Sabha polls the Narendra Modi cabinet on Monday has approved a 10% quota for the upper castes.

The decision has received a mixed response from common people but has invoked strong reactions from opposition parties.

Within minutes of the Union Cabinet's decision, the Congress has raised questions over the move terming it as a poll gimmick.

Congress spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi said the government did not think about this for four years and eight months and brought this just months before the model code of conduct coming into effect.

He also asked whether the government has the majority to bring about a Constitution amendment in Parliament.

"Why did you not think of this for four years and eight months? So obviously thought of as election gimmick three months before the model code. You know that you cannot exceed 50 per cent maxima so it is done only to posture that you tried," he said in a tweet.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
See last two tweets re reservation 4forwards? Qs—did u nt think of this for 4 yrs 8 mths? so obviously thought of as election gimmick 3mths b4 model code! (3) u know u cannot exceed 50% maxima so it is done only to posture tht u tried unctal thing (4) do u hv majority 4ctal am?
— Abhishek Singhvi (@DrAMSinghvi) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrAMSinghvi/status/1082199007353393153?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal challenged the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government to get the Constitutional amendments passed before the elections this summer. “If they do so, the Aam Aadmi Party will support the government, else it will be clear it is just an election gimmick,” Kejriwal tweeted.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, ruling party BJP has welcomed the decision.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
MoS for Social Justice &amp; Empowerment Vijay Sampla: It's a historic step by Modi govt. It's meant for economically weaker upper caste sections whose annual earning is lower than Rs. 8 lakhs and who possess less than 5 acres of land. It will not affect other reservation categories. <a href="https://t.co/4YQt97sXhW">pic.twitter.com/4YQt97sXhW</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1082243923265777664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"Reservations are meant to correct historical injustice to Dalits. For poverty alleviation, one may run various schemes but reservations are meant for justice. Constitution doesn't permit reservations on economic grounds," says Asaduddin Owaisi.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Reservations are meant to correct historical injustice to Dalits. For poverty alleviation, one may run various schemes but reservations are meant for justice. 
 
Constitution doesn’t permit reservations on economic grounds<a href="https://t.co/KrHNruMXse">https://t.co/KrHNruMXse</a>
— Asaduddin Owaisi (@asadowaisi) <a href="https://twitter.com/asadowaisi/status/1082218613858156544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Former Minister of Finance Yashwant Sinha has termed this decision as nothing more than a jumla.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
The proposal to give 10% reservation to economically weaker upper castes is nothing more than a jumla. It is bristling with legal complications and there is no time for getting it passed thru both Houses of Parliament. Govt stands completely exposed.
— Yashwant Sinha (@YashwantSinha) <a href="https://twitter.com/YashwantSinha/status/1082210355089043456?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Harish Rawat,Congress on 10% reservation approved by Cabinet for economically weaker upper castes: 'Bohot der kar di meherbaan aate aate', that also when elections are around the corner. No matter what they do, what 'jumlas' they give, nothing is going to save this Govt <a href="https://t.co/PXBwWvNKTY">pic.twitter.com/PXBwWvNKTY</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1082209245716717568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"Is it like all the previous 'jumlas'? There are just two days left for the Winter Session of Parliament to over and now they are coming with a bill… it is possible that this is just another lollipop from this government. They just want to attract upper caste votes and people who had diverted towards the Congress in the recent elections. I can say that it is just a jumla before the Lok Sabha elections," says Patidar leader Hardik Patel.

In a significant decision ahead of Lok Sabha polls the Narendra Modi cabinet on Monday has approved a 10% quota for the upper castes. The decision has received a mixed response from common people but has invoked strong reactions from opposition parties.

In a significant decision ahead of Lok Sabha polls the Narendra Modi cabinet on Monday has approved a 10% quota for the upper castes. The decision has received a mixed response from common people but has invoked strong reactions from opposition parties. Within minutes of the Union Cabinet's decision, the Congress has raised questions over the move terming it as a poll gimmick. Congress spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi said the government did not think about this for four years and eight months and brought this just months before the model code of conduct coming into effect. He also asked whether the government has the majority to bring about a Constitution amendment in Parliament. "Why did you not think of this for four years and eight months? So obviously thought of as election gimmick three months before the model code. You know that you cannot exceed 50 per cent maxima so it is done only to posture that you tried," he said in a tweet. See last two tweets re reservation 4forwards? Qs—did u nt think of this for 4 yrs 8 mths? so obviously thought of as election gimmick 3mths b4 model code! (3) u know u cannot exceed 50% maxima so it is done only to posture tht u tried unctal thing (4) do u hv majority 4ctal am? — Abhishek Singhvi (@DrAMSinghvi) January 7, 2019 × Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal challenged the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government to get the Constitutional amendments passed before the elections this summer. “If they do so, the Aam Aadmi Party will support the government, else it will be clear it is just an election gimmick,” Kejriwal tweeted. Meanwhile, ruling party BJP has welcomed the decision. MoS for Social Justice & Empowerment Vijay Sampla: It's a historic step by Modi govt. It's meant for economically weaker upper caste sections whose annual earning is lower than Rs. 8 lakhs and who possess less than 5 acres of land. It will not affect other reservation categories. pic.twitter.com/4YQt97sXhW — ANI (@ANI) January 7, 2019 × "Reservations are meant to correct historical injustice to Dalits. For poverty alleviation, one may run various schemes but reservations are meant for justice. Constitution doesn't permit reservations on economic grounds," says Asaduddin Owaisi. Reservations are meant to correct historical injustice to Dalits. For poverty alleviation, one may run various schemes but reservations are meant for justice. Constitution doesn’t permit reservations on economic groundshttps://t.co/KrHNruMXse — Asaduddin Owaisi (@asadowaisi) January 7, 2019 × Former Minister of Finance Yashwant Sinha has termed this decision as nothing more than a jumla. The proposal to give 10% reservation to economically weaker upper castes is nothing more than a jumla. It is bristling with legal complications and there is no time for getting it passed thru both Houses of Parliament. Govt stands completely exposed. — Yashwant Sinha (@YashwantSinha) January 7, 2019 × Harish Rawat,Congress on 10% reservation approved by Cabinet for economically weaker upper castes: 'Bohot der kar di meherbaan aate aate', that also when elections are around the corner. No matter what they do, what 'jumlas' they give, nothing is going to save this Govt pic.twitter.com/PXBwWvNKTY — ANI (@ANI) January 7, 2019 × "Is it like all the previous 'jumlas'? There are just two days left for the Winter Session of Parliament to over and now they are coming with a bill… it is possible that this is just another lollipop from this government. They just want to attract upper caste votes and people who had diverted towards the Congress in the recent elections. I can say that it is just a jumla before the Lok Sabha elections," says Patidar leader Hardik Patel.

10% quota for poor among upper castes: Who said what

The Narendra Modi cabinet has approved a 10% quota for the upper castes. The reservation — if it is cleared by parliament and if gets past the courts — will be given to the economically weak among the upper castes.&nbsp;

PTI reported that the government is likely to bring a constitutional amendment bill in Parliament on Tuesday.

The reservation for the upper castes will be in government jobs and educational&nbsp;institutions.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UPDATE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UPDATE</a> 10 percent reservation approved by Union Cabinet for economically weaker upper caste sections. Reservation approved in Govt jobs and education <a href="https://t.co/fu82M2xfoc">https://t.co/fu82M2xfoc</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1082205224754917376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The 10% quota is over and above the 50% reservation already given to the scheduled castes, tribes, and other backward castes (OBCs). The Supreme Court however has repeatedly struck down any further reservations over the 50% mark.&nbsp;

The upper castes have never before been given the benefit of a quota.&nbsp;

The move to give the upper castes a quota comes just before the 2019 general elections.&nbsp;

PTI quoted sources as saying the reservation is likely to be availed by those whose annual income is below Rs 8 lakh and have up to five acres of land, he said.&nbsp;

Articles 15 and 16 of the Constitution will have to be amended for implementation of the decision, the sources added.&nbsp;

Former attorney general Soli Sorabjee told the Zee Network that&nbsp;"since in its present form constitution doesn't allow such reservation, it would need a constitutional amendment. Which will be a time-taking process which would need numbers.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"There have been changes in reservation structure from time to time, horizontal as well as vertical.&nbsp;

"As reservation is not considered to be a basic structure of the constitution so amendment can be made. Though the Government has to prove that there is a need for such amendment."&nbsp;

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/10-quota-for-poor-among-upper-caste-who-said-what-188829">reaction to the news of the new quota</a> was swift:&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Reservations are meant to correct historical injustice to Dalits. For poverty alleviation, one may run various schemes but reservations are meant for justice. 
 
Constitution doesn’t permit reservations on economic grounds<a href="https://t.co/KrHNruMXse">https://t.co/KrHNruMXse</a>
— Asaduddin Owaisi (@asadowaisi) <a href="https://twitter.com/asadowaisi/status/1082218613858156544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
WB CM on 10% reservation approved by Cabinet for economically weaker upper castes:My question is,in the name of elections can a govt cheat people or ditch unemployed youth?They've to clarify whether it will be implemented or not and if it is constitutionally&amp;legally valid or not <a href="https://t.co/l2XnYbhd4s">pic.twitter.com/l2XnYbhd4s</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1082290560528830465?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Randeep Surjewala, Congress on 10% reservation approved by Cabinet for economically weaker upper castes: 100 days are left for elections and Mr Modi now remembers the economically weaker sections of the society. <a href="https://t.co/NelzKLWnFJ">pic.twitter.com/NelzKLWnFJ</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1082266250015842305?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
MoS for Social Justice &amp; Empowerment Vijay Sampla: It's a historic step by Modi govt. It's meant for economically weaker upper caste sections whose annual earning is lower than Rs. 8 lakhs and who possess less than 5 acres of land. It will not affect other reservation categories. <a href="https://t.co/4YQt97sXhW">pic.twitter.com/4YQt97sXhW</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1082243923265777664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

On social media however, it looked like large sections of the twitterati approved of the move:&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ModiOnceMore?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ModiOnceMore</a> 
 
1st time in 70yrs , A upper caste Hindus will get 10% <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Reservation?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Reservation</a> who are financially-weak . 
 
Till today no one showed courtesy for Upper Caste ppl. 
 
MODI - "The Baap of all Politicians" <a href="https://t.co/PeKTsxif5H">pic.twitter.com/PeKTsxif5H</a>
— 🇮🇳 Pradeep Kumar 🇮🇳 (@pradeepksm2272) <a href="https://twitter.com/pradeepksm2272/status/1082219149072449536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
He ruled Gujarat for 15 years as a chief minister and he is ruling India from 2014 as PM ;the opposition underestimated his political brilliance. He is Narendra Modi. Welcome move by govt. to grant 10% <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Reservation?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Reservation</a> to economically deprived Upper Caste . <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SabkaSaathSabkaVikas?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SabkaSaathSabkaVikas</a>
— Rahul Jha (@JhaRahul_Bihar) <a href="https://twitter.com/JhaRahul_Bihar/status/1082212472730382338?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
This 10% quota is for general cast people who earn less than 8 lakh PA (66k PM). So almost all of middle class too is included! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Reservation?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Reservation</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SavarnoKoSamman?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SavarnoKoSamman</a>
— Vikas Pandey (@MODIfiedVikas) <a href="https://twitter.com/MODIfiedVikas/status/1082208759483637760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The Indian constitution saw reservations as a means of righting the historical discrimination against the lower castes and uplifting the socially backward. And they have helped create a burgeoning middle class among the lower castes, the Dalits for example.&nbsp;

There has however been resentment against the reservations among the&nbsp;upper castes.

The general refrain from the upper castes has been that reservations should be based on incomes, and not merely on caste. Basically, that&nbsp;only the poor should be given them.

The new 10% reservations, since they are in one sense based on income — they can only be availed by people with incomes less than Rs 8 lakh per annum and who own less than 5 acres of land — fit in with that idea.&nbsp;

The Narendra Modi cabinet has approved a 10% quota for the upper castes. The reservation — if it is cleared by parliament and if gets past the courts — will be given to the economically weak among the upper castes.

The Narendra Modi cabinet has approved a 10% quota for the upper castes. The reservation — if it is cleared by parliament and if gets past the courts — will be given to the economically weak among the upper castes. PTI reported that the government is likely to bring a constitutional amendment bill in Parliament on Tuesday. The reservation for the upper castes will be in government jobs and educational institutions. #UPDATE 10 percent reservation approved by Union Cabinet for economically weaker upper caste sections. Reservation approved in Govt jobs and education https://t.co/fu82M2xfoc — ANI (@ANI) January 7, 2019 × The 10% quota is over and above the 50% reservation already given to the scheduled castes, tribes, and other backward castes (OBCs). The Supreme Court however has repeatedly struck down any further reservations over the 50% mark. The upper castes have never before been given the benefit of a quota. The move to give the upper castes a quota comes just before the 2019 general elections. PTI quoted sources as saying the reservation is likely to be availed by those whose annual income is below Rs 8 lakh and have up to five acres of land, he said. Articles 15 and 16 of the Constitution will have to be amended for implementation of the decision, the sources added. Former attorney general Soli Sorabjee told the Zee Network that "since in its present form constitution doesn't allow such reservation, it would need a constitutional amendment. Which will be a time-taking process which would need numbers. "There have been changes in reservation structure from time to time, horizontal as well as vertical. "As reservation is not considered to be a basic structure of the constitution so amendment can be made. Though the Government has to prove that there is a need for such amendment." The reaction to the news of the new quota was swift: Reservations are meant to correct historical injustice to Dalits. For poverty alleviation, one may run various schemes but reservations are meant for justice. Constitution doesn’t permit reservations on economic groundshttps://t.co/KrHNruMXse — Asaduddin Owaisi (@asadowaisi) January 7, 2019 × WB CM on 10% reservation approved by Cabinet for economically weaker upper castes:My question is,in the name of elections can a govt cheat people or ditch unemployed youth?They've to clarify whether it will be implemented or not and if it is constitutionally&legally valid or not pic.twitter.com/l2XnYbhd4s — ANI (@ANI) January 7, 2019 × Randeep Surjewala, Congress on 10% reservation approved by Cabinet for economically weaker upper castes: 100 days are left for elections and Mr Modi now remembers the economically weaker sections of the society. pic.twitter.com/NelzKLWnFJ — ANI (@ANI) January 7, 2019 × MoS for Social Justice & Empowerment Vijay Sampla: It's a historic step by Modi govt. It's meant for economically weaker upper caste sections whose annual earning is lower than Rs. 8 lakhs and who possess less than 5 acres of land. It will not affect other reservation categories. pic.twitter.com/4YQt97sXhW — ANI (@ANI) January 7, 2019 × On social media however, it looked like large sections of the twitterati approved of the move: #ModiOnceMore 1st time in 70yrs , A upper caste Hindus will get 10% #Reservation who are financially-weak . Till today no one showed courtesy for Upper Caste ppl. MODI - "The Baap of all Politicians" pic.twitter.com/PeKTsxif5H — 🇮🇳 Pradeep Kumar 🇮🇳 (@pradeepksm2272) January 7, 2019 × He ruled Gujarat for 15 years as a chief minister and he is ruling India from 2014 as PM ;the opposition underestimated his political brilliance. He is Narendra Modi. Welcome move by govt. to grant 10% #Reservation to economically deprived Upper Caste . #SabkaSaathSabkaVikas — Rahul Jha (@JhaRahul_Bihar) January 7, 2019 × This 10% quota is for general cast people who earn less than 8 lakh PA (66k PM). So almost all of middle class too is included! #Reservation #SavarnoKoSamman — Vikas Pandey (@MODIfiedVikas) January 7, 2019 × The Indian constitution saw reservations as a means of righting the historical discrimination against the lower castes and uplifting the socially backward. And they have helped create a burgeoning middle class among the lower castes, the Dalits for example. There has however been resentment against the reservations among the upper castes. The general refrain from the upper castes has been that reservations should be based on incomes, and not merely on caste. Basically, that only the poor should be given them. The new 10% reservations, since they are in one sense based on income — they can only be availed by people with incomes less than Rs 8 lakh per annum and who own less than 5 acres of land — fit in with that idea.

Cabinet approves 10% quota for economically weak among upper castes

Ram Janmbhoomi Trust Chairman Mahant Nritya Gopal Das on Monday said construction of a<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/if-ram-temple-cant-be-built-during-bjp-govt-tenure-when-will-it-be-asks-shiv-sena-188068"> grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya </a>should start at the earliest and hopes of crores of devotees are with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to get this issue resolved.

He also said seers would take a "concrete decision" on <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/whenever-ram-temple-is-built-in-ayodhya-it-will-be-by-us-yogi-adityanath-186043">the temple issue</a> at a 'Dharma Sansad' from January 31-February 1 during the 'Kumbh Mela'.

"The grand temple construction should start soon as hopes of crores of Ram bhakts (devotees) still are with Modi. The extension of dates by the Supreme Court is emotionally hurting Hindus, who feel it should be considered (by the court). For past 70 years, the matter is pending in courts. He should get justice now," Mahant said in a statement here.

The Supreme Court on Friday had said an "appropriate bench" on January 10 will fix the date of hearing in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land title dispute case.

On the same day, the court also dismissed a fresh plea that demanded an urgent hearing on a day-to-day basis in the Ayodhya land dispute matter.

The petition was PIL filed by advocate Harinath Ram, who had submitted that in view of the inordinate delay in the adjudication of the matter and in the prevailing sentiments surrounding, the Ayodhya land dispute matter should be given a hearing on priority.

"Not only us, but the entire Hindu community hopes that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will ensure that the matter is resolved and pay real tributes to 'karsewaks' (volunteers) killed by Mulayam Singh Yadav government in 1990," Mahant said.

On a call given by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), a large number of 'karsewaks' had assembled in Ayodhya near the disputed site and several of them lost lives after Yadav, then the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh ordered police firing on October 30, 1990.

Later, Yadav had said the decision to order police firing was 'painful', but he had no other option to maintain peace in the country.

Attacking the Congress and Babri mosque supporters for creating hurdles in the temple construction, the Mahant said, "I ask them not to waste time and money of Hindu community."

Ram Janmbhoomi Trust Chairman Mahant Nritya Gopal Das said seers would take a 'concrete decision' on the temple issue at a 'Dharma Sansad' from January 31-February 1 during the 'Kumbh Mela'.

Ram Janmbhoomi Trust Chairman Mahant Nritya Gopal Das on Monday said construction of a grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya should start at the earliest and hopes of crores of devotees are with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to get this issue resolved. He also said seers would take a "concrete decision" on the temple issue at a 'Dharma Sansad' from January 31-February 1 during the 'Kumbh Mela'. "The grand temple construction should start soon as hopes of crores of Ram bhakts (devotees) still are with Modi. The extension of dates by the Supreme Court is emotionally hurting Hindus, who feel it should be considered (by the court). For past 70 years, the matter is pending in courts. He should get justice now," Mahant said in a statement here. The Supreme Court on Friday had said an "appropriate bench" on January 10 will fix the date of hearing in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land title dispute case. On the same day, the court also dismissed a fresh plea that demanded an urgent hearing on a day-to-day basis in the Ayodhya land dispute matter. The petition was PIL filed by advocate Harinath Ram, who had submitted that in view of the inordinate delay in the adjudication of the matter and in the prevailing sentiments surrounding, the Ayodhya land dispute matter should be given a hearing on priority. "Not only us, but the entire Hindu community hopes that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will ensure that the matter is resolved and pay real tributes to 'karsewaks' (volunteers) killed by Mulayam Singh Yadav government in 1990," Mahant said. On a call given by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), a large number of 'karsewaks' had assembled in Ayodhya near the disputed site and several of them lost lives after Yadav, then the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh ordered police firing on October 30, 1990. Later, Yadav had said the decision to order police firing was 'painful', but he had no other option to maintain peace in the country. Attacking the Congress and Babri mosque supporters for creating hurdles in the temple construction, the Mahant said, "I ask them not to waste time and money of Hindu community."

Ram temple construction should start at earliest, delay 'emotionally hurting Hindus': Mahant

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who is currently dealing with an economic crisis before the general elections, is in the news for a private jet he took last year that was apparently funded by an entrepreneur named Akhil Tripath who is also a minor Tory donor.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who is currently dealing with an economic crisis before the general elections, is in the news for a private jet he took last year that was apparently funded by an entrepreneur named Akhil Tripath who is also a minor Tory donor. British media was awash with headlines Thursday (Feb 29) about how Sunak attended two Conservative conferences in Wales and Scotland last year and took a private jet to travel there. The private jet was funded by Tripathi, a report by the Financial Times on Thursday said. Tripathi is the co-founder of Signifier Medical Technologies, a start-up that deals in anti-snoring devices and is facing losses. Questions are now being raised about how Tripathi gained access to Prime Minister Sunak and the due diligence done by the Conservative Party before accepting his money. Following Sunak's trip in April 2023, he sent a thank-you note to Tripathi for arranging the flight. However, the private jet did not belong to Tripathi and was rented. So who is Akhil Tripathi? Entrepreneur, minor Tony donor Tripathi's startup Signifier Medical Technologies focuses on the development and commercialisation of innovative and non-invasive solutions for patients with snoring and sleep disorder-related breathing conditions. The company is hoping to sell its anti-snoring device to the National Health Service (NHS). Also read | Rishi Sunak calls out threats to MPs, warns of 'toxic' culture in UK politics The Financial Times report said that Tripathi is a minor Tory donor. Months after he arranged the private jet for Prime Minister Sunak, Tripathi was embroiled in a civil fraud case involving his start-up. He rented the Embraer Legacy 500 to Sunak, which the PM recorded as a $48,619 (around £38,500) gift. Sunak's trips led to questions about the due diligence that he and the Conservative party did on Tripathi, the report added. Tripathi made his first donation worth $63,142 to the Conservatives in July 2021. In total, he has given nearly $194,000 to the party. Since developing a relationship with Sunak, Tripathi has been pursued in the courts by investors in his startup. As per the report, one investor said that Tripathi committed a “fraud” in relation to the company. Also watch | Rishi Sunak's asylum laws trapping 55,000 people in perma-backlog: Report × Meanwhile, the entrepreneur has held meetings with several politicians, including former health secretary Sajid Javid and Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt. Not much is known about Tripathi's early background. As per Companies House, he is an Indian national born in 1985. He has been the co-founder of many other startups apart from Signifier. At the time Tripathi arranged for the flight for Sunak, Signifier reported losses of $42.3 million on revenue of just $3.1 million for the year to March 31, 2022, the report said. But despite the losses, Tripathi lived a glamorous lifestyle. 'How did Sunak end up on that plane?' The Labour Party demanded that Sunak and the Conservative Party should give an account of how the prime minister ended up on that private jet. “They must explain on what basis Mr Tripathi gained access to the highest levels of government, and what checks were made on his background before he did so,” Emily Thornberry, Labour’s shadow attorney-general, told the publication. Tripathi is currently facing two civil actions in the High Court of Justice in London. A Conservative party official said that on reflection, PM Sunak should have “maybe thought twice” before getting on the private jet arranged by the entrepreneur. (With inputs from agencies)

RBI likely to give government bumper interim dividend: Sources

The Union Cabinet Monday cleared the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/protests-against-citizenship-bill-rock-assam-cm-asks-the-public-to-keep-calm-188444"> redrafted Citizenship Amendment Bill</a>, which seeks to provide Indian citizenship to non-Muslims from Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, officials said.

A meeting of the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, cleared the bill and it is expected to be tabled in Lok Sabha Tuesday, an official privy to the development said.

The move came within hours of the presentation in Lok Sabha of a report of the Joint Parliamentary Committee examining the bill that was first introduced in Parliament in 2016.

Large sections of people in Assam and other northeastern states have been protesting against the bill, saying it would nullify the 1985 Assam Accord under which any foreign national, irrespective of religion, who had entered the state after 1971 should be deported.

The fresh bill seeks to amend the Citizenship Act 1955 to grant Indian nationality to people from minority communities — Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians — from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan after six years of residence in India instead of 12 even if they don't possess any proper documentation.

This was an election promise of the BJP in 2014.

Eight influential students' bodies of the Northeast, besides more than 40 socio-cultural organisations of Assam, have called an 11-hour 'bandh' Tuesday in protest against the central government's move to amend the Citizenship Act.

The JPC report was prepared with a majority vote as opposition members have opposed the move to grant citizenship on the basis of religion saying it is against the Constitution.

The Congress, Trinamool Congress, CPI-M, and a few other parties have been steadfastly opposing the bill claiming that citizenship can't be given on the basis of religion as India is a secular nation.

Some opposition members have even given dissent notes in the report.

Interestingly, BJP's ally Shiv Sena and JD-U have announced that they would oppose the bill in Parliament.

Speaking in Silchar in Assam on Friday, the prime minister reiterated the Centre's commitment to pass the Citizenship Amendment Bill.

"The Citizenship Bill is an atonement of the wrong that was done during India's Partition. I hope this bill is passed soon in Parliament. India will safeguard all who had been victims of the Partition," he said.

A meeting of the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, cleared the bill and it is expected to be tabled in Lok Sabha Tuesday, an official privy to the development said.

The Union Cabinet Monday cleared the redrafted Citizenship Amendment Bill, which seeks to provide Indian citizenship to non-Muslims from Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, officials said. A meeting of the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, cleared the bill and it is expected to be tabled in Lok Sabha Tuesday, an official privy to the development said. The move came within hours of the presentation in Lok Sabha of a report of the Joint Parliamentary Committee examining the bill that was first introduced in Parliament in 2016. Large sections of people in Assam and other northeastern states have been protesting against the bill, saying it would nullify the 1985 Assam Accord under which any foreign national, irrespective of religion, who had entered the state after 1971 should be deported. The fresh bill seeks to amend the Citizenship Act 1955 to grant Indian nationality to people from minority communities — Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians — from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan after six years of residence in India instead of 12 even if they don't possess any proper documentation. This was an election promise of the BJP in 2014. Eight influential students' bodies of the Northeast, besides more than 40 socio-cultural organisations of Assam, have called an 11-hour 'bandh' Tuesday in protest against the central government's move to amend the Citizenship Act. The JPC report was prepared with a majority vote as opposition members have opposed the move to grant citizenship on the basis of religion saying it is against the Constitution. The Congress, Trinamool Congress, CPI-M, and a few other parties have been steadfastly opposing the bill claiming that citizenship can't be given on the basis of religion as India is a secular nation. Some opposition members have even given dissent notes in the report. Interestingly, BJP's ally Shiv Sena and JD-U have announced that they would oppose the bill in Parliament. Speaking in Silchar in Assam on Friday, the prime minister reiterated the Centre's commitment to pass the Citizenship Amendment Bill. "The Citizenship Bill is an atonement of the wrong that was done during India's Partition. I hope this bill is passed soon in Parliament. India will safeguard all who had been victims of the Partition," he said.

Union Cabinet clears Citizenship Amendment Bill, to be introduced in Lok Sabha Tuesday

Several students' bodies of the north-eastern region have decided to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/assam-bandh-against-citizenship-bill-evokes-widespread-response-173026">observe a "bandh" on Tuesday</a> in support of the call given by an influential students' union to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/protests-against-citizenship-bill-rock-assam-cm-asks-the-public-to-keep-calm-188444">protest the proposed Citizens Amendment Bill, 2016.</a>

The Mizo Zirlai Pawal (MZP), the All Arunachal Pradesh Students' Union (AAPSU), the Naga Students' Federation (NSF) and the All Assam Students Union (AASU) have extended their support to the 11-hour "bandh" called by the North East Students' Organisation (NESO).

The "bandh" has also been called to condemn Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent statement that the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016 would be passed in Parliament soon, a NESO leader said.

"Despite staging various dharnas even in New Delhi by students' bodies from the north-east, the Centre is hell-bent to pass the controversial bill, undermining the sentiments of the indigenous people of the region," NESO coordinator Pritambai Sonam told reporters at Itanagar on Sunday.

Modi had said at a rally near Silchar in Assam's Barak Valley on Friday that the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016 would soon be passed in Parliament as a "penance against the injustice and many wrongs done in the past".

MZP general secretary Lalnunmawia Pautu said the 11-hour bandh would begin from 5 am in Aizawl on Tuesday.

He added that the people of the north-east were against the proposed amendment as it would grant citizenship to people on religious grounds.

In Mizoram, it would mean legalising thousands of Buddhist Chakmas who had illegally entered the state from Bangladesh, Pautu said.

The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016 was introduced in the Lok Sabha to amend the Citizenship Act, 1955 to grant Indian citizenship to Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians, who fled religious persecution in Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan and entered India before December 31, 2014.

Demanding immediate scrapping of the bill, AAPSU president Hawa Bagang said, "If the bill is passed, we will be left with no option but to take up arms to protect our indigenous population."

The NSF, in a press release, said as a constituent of the NESO, it had apprised the Centre of the detrimental effects of the bill if it was passed in Parliament.

Samujjal Kumar Bhattacharyya, the chief advisor of the NESO and AASU, had told a press conference in Guwahati on Saturday that the "bandh" was called by the two organisations, along with 30 allied ethnic organisations in Assam, to oppose the bill and condemn the prime minister's statement.

The 'bandh' has also been called to condemn Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent statement that the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016 would be passed in Parliament soon, a NESO leader said.

Several students' bodies of the north-eastern region have decided to observe a "bandh" on Tuesday in support of the call given by an influential students' union to protest the proposed Citizens Amendment Bill, 2016. The Mizo Zirlai Pawal (MZP), the All Arunachal Pradesh Students' Union (AAPSU), the Naga Students' Federation (NSF) and the All Assam Students Union (AASU) have extended their support to the 11-hour "bandh" called by the North East Students' Organisation (NESO). The "bandh" has also been called to condemn Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent statement that the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016 would be passed in Parliament soon, a NESO leader said. "Despite staging various dharnas even in New Delhi by students' bodies from the north-east, the Centre is hell-bent to pass the controversial bill, undermining the sentiments of the indigenous people of the region," NESO coordinator Pritambai Sonam told reporters at Itanagar on Sunday. Modi had said at a rally near Silchar in Assam's Barak Valley on Friday that the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016 would soon be passed in Parliament as a "penance against the injustice and many wrongs done in the past". MZP general secretary Lalnunmawia Pautu said the 11-hour bandh would begin from 5 am in Aizawl on Tuesday. He added that the people of the north-east were against the proposed amendment as it would grant citizenship to people on religious grounds. In Mizoram, it would mean legalising thousands of Buddhist Chakmas who had illegally entered the state from Bangladesh, Pautu said. The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016 was introduced in the Lok Sabha to amend the Citizenship Act, 1955 to grant Indian citizenship to Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians, who fled religious persecution in Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan and entered India before December 31, 2014. Demanding immediate scrapping of the bill, AAPSU president Hawa Bagang said, "If the bill is passed, we will be left with no option but to take up arms to protect our indigenous population." The NSF, in a press release, said as a constituent of the NESO, it had apprised the Centre of the detrimental effects of the bill if it was passed in Parliament. Samujjal Kumar Bhattacharyya, the chief advisor of the NESO and AASU, had told a press conference in Guwahati on Saturday that the "bandh" was called by the two organisations, along with 30 allied ethnic organisations in Assam, to oppose the bill and condemn the prime minister's statement.

Students across North East support 'bandh' against Citizenship Amendment Bill

Lashing out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over demonetisation and GST, Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Saturday dubbed him as an "incompetent man who listens to nobody".

The Congress president accused Modi of destroying India's growth story through these two measures.

"Congress built the India growth story. Modi has used demonetisation and the Gabbar Singh Tax to completely destroy it. He's an incompetent man who listens to nobody," Gandhi tweeted, citing a media report.

The report claimed that demonetisation and Goods and Services Tax were headed to look like bigger failures (than they actually are) due to flow of black money and tax evasion.

Lashing out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over demonetisation and GST, Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Saturday dubbed him as an "incompetent man who listens to nobody".

Lashing out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over demonetisation and GST, Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Saturday dubbed him as an "incompetent man who listens to nobody". The Congress president accused Modi of destroying India's growth story through these two measures. "Congress built the India growth story. Modi has used demonetisation and the Gabbar Singh Tax to completely destroy it. He's an incompetent man who listens to nobody," Gandhi tweeted, citing a media report. The report claimed that demonetisation and Goods and Services Tax were headed to look like bigger failures (than they actually are) due to flow of black money and tax evasion.

Narendra Modi an 'incompetent man' who listens to nobody: Rahul Gandhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Jharkhand and Odisha on Saturday to lay foundation stones of various projects, said an official statement.

In Jharkhand, the Prime Minister will unveil the plaque to mark the laying of foundation stone of revival of North Koel (Mandal Dam) project and Kanhar Stone Pipeline irrigation system.

He will inaugurate the collective e-griha&nbsp;pravesh of twenty-five thousand beneficiaries under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana through video conferencing.

He will also address a public gathering.

At Odisha's Baripada, the Prime Minister will dedicate to the nation, Balasore-Haldia-Durgapur section of LPG pipeline project of IOCL and the Balasore multi-modal logistics park.

The Prime Minister will unveil the plaque to mark the commencement of work for the development and conservation of Rasika Ray temple at an ancient fort, Haripurgarh.

He will also lay the foundation stone for the four-laning of various National Highway projects and inaugurate six passport Seva Kendras.

He will also flag off the second passenger train from Tatanagar to Badampahar.

Further, he will also address a public gathering at Baripada.&nbsp;

In Jharkhand, the Prime Minister will unveil the plaque to mark the laying of foundation stone of revival of North Koel (Mandal Dam) project and Kanhar Stone Pipeline irrigation system.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Jharkhand and Odisha on Saturday to lay foundation stones of various projects, said an official statement. In Jharkhand, the Prime Minister will unveil the plaque to mark the laying of foundation stone of revival of North Koel (Mandal Dam) project and Kanhar Stone Pipeline irrigation system. He will inaugurate the collective e-griha pravesh of twenty-five thousand beneficiaries under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana through video conferencing. He will also address a public gathering. At Odisha's Baripada, the Prime Minister will dedicate to the nation, Balasore-Haldia-Durgapur section of LPG pipeline project of IOCL and the Balasore multi-modal logistics park. The Prime Minister will unveil the plaque to mark the commencement of work for the development and conservation of Rasika Ray temple at an ancient fort, Haripurgarh. He will also lay the foundation stone for the four-laning of various National Highway projects and inaugurate six passport Seva Kendras. He will also flag off the second passenger train from Tatanagar to Badampahar. Further, he will also address a public gathering at Baripada.

PM Modi to visit Jharkhand, Odisha today

This is officially the season of biopics and those on political leaders, no less. After ‘The Accidental Prime Minister’ that is based on the life of former Indian PM Manmohan Singh that will release on January 11 this year, another has just been announced on the current PM Narendra Modi.&nbsp;

Trade analyst Taran Adarsh revealed that a biopic will be made on Modi and none other than Vivek Oberoi will play the lead role. Taran tweeted: “IT’S OFFICIAL... Vivekanand Oberoi [Vivek Oberoi] to star in Narendra Modi biopic, titled #PMNarendraModi... Directed by Omung Kumar... Produced by Sandip Ssingh... First look poster will be launched on 7 Jan 2019... Filming starts mid-Jan 2019.”

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
IT’S OFFICIAL... Vivekanand Oberoi [Vivek Oberoi] to star in Narendra Modi biopic, titled <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PMNarendraModi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PMNarendraModi</a>... Directed by Omung Kumar... Produced by Sandip Ssingh... First look poster will be launched on 7 Jan 2019... Filming starts mid-Jan 2019.
— taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) <a href="https://twitter.com/taran_adarsh/status/1081044861355155459?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Director Omung Kumar confirmed the news. Omung has previously made biopics on Mary Kom and Sarbjit. He plans to take over the project on Modi ahead of the 2019 general elections. It is said that the veteran actor Paresh Rawal for roped in to play the role but he backed out owing to unknown reasons.&nbsp;

This will be a comeback-of-sorts for Vivek who has been off the scene for a while now but who knew Vivek's full name was Vivek Anand Oberoi?

Among other&nbsp;details revealed, the shooting on the film will start from mid-January 2019. The first look poster will be launched on January 7.&nbsp;

This is officially the season of biopics and those on political leaders, no less. After ‘The Accidental Prime Minister’ that is based on the life of former Indian PM Manmohan Singh that will release on January 11 this year, another has just been announced on the current PM Narendra Modi.

This is officially the season of biopics and those on political leaders, no less. After ‘The Accidental Prime Minister’ that is based on the life of former Indian PM Manmohan Singh that will release on January 11 this year, another has just been announced on the current PM Narendra Modi. Trade analyst Taran Adarsh revealed that a biopic will be made on Modi and none other than Vivek Oberoi will play the lead role. Taran tweeted: “IT’S OFFICIAL... Vivekanand Oberoi [Vivek Oberoi] to star in Narendra Modi biopic, titled #PMNarendraModi... Directed by Omung Kumar... Produced by Sandip Ssingh... First look poster will be launched on 7 Jan 2019... Filming starts mid-Jan 2019.” IT’S OFFICIAL... Vivekanand Oberoi [Vivek Oberoi] to star in Narendra Modi biopic, titled #PMNarendraModi... Directed by Omung Kumar... Produced by Sandip Ssingh... First look poster will be launched on 7 Jan 2019... Filming starts mid-Jan 2019. — taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) January 4, 2019 × Director Omung Kumar confirmed the news. Omung has previously made biopics on Mary Kom and Sarbjit. He plans to take over the project on Modi ahead of the 2019 general elections. It is said that the veteran actor Paresh Rawal for roped in to play the role but he backed out owing to unknown reasons. This will be a comeback-of-sorts for Vivek who has been off the scene for a while now but who knew Vivek's full name was Vivek Anand Oberoi? Among other details revealed, the shooting on the film will start from mid-January 2019. The first look poster will be launched on January 7.

Confirmed! Vivek Oberoi to play Narendra Modi in biopic

India's proposed retaliatory tariffs against US agricultural products including apples, almonds and lentils will have an adverse impact on American exports worth nearly $900 million, according to the latest Congressional report.

India last year announced higher import duties on many US products like apples, almonds, walnuts, chickpeas and lentils in retaliation to President Donald Trump's decision to impose heavy tariffs on imported steel and aluminium items, a move that sparked fears of a global trade war.

However, India is the only major country which has been continuously postponing the implementation of the retaliatory tariffs despite announcing it more than six months ago.

In October last year, Trump described India as a "tariff king" as he reiterated his allegations that New Delhi has a high tariff rate on various American products.

India's proposed retaliatory tariffs is far less than that by China on more than 800 American agricultural products which accounted for approximately $20.6 billion in exports to the US in 2017.

China is followed by Canada ($2.6 billion), Mexico ($ 2.5 billion), the European Union (EU) ($1 billion) and Turkey ($250 million) in slapping retaliatory tariffs on the agricultural products from the US.

Countries have imposed tariffs on American agricultural products to retaliate against actions the Trump administration took in March, 2018 to protect US steel and aluminum producers and in response to Chinese intellectual property rights and technology policies.

Since then, over 800 US food and agricultural products have been subject to retaliatory tariffs from China, the EU, Turkey, Canada and Mexico, the bipartisan Congressional Research Service (CRS) said in its report 'Profiles and Effects of Retaliatory Tariffs on US Agricultural Exports'.

The CRS, an independent research wing of Congress, regularly prepares reports on various issues for the lawmakers to take informed decisions.

US exports of those products to the retaliating countries totalled $26.9 billion in 2017, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) export data.

It all started on March 23, 2018, when the Trump administration applied a 25 per cent tariff to all US steel imports and a 10 per cent tariff to all US aluminum imports, citing an investigation that showed national security concerns.

"Canada, China, Mexico, the EU and Turkey retaliated with tariffs on imports of US agricultural and food products and other goods.

"India has proposed retaliatory tariffs on US apples, almonds, walnuts, chickpeas and lentils, but it has delayed implementation pending ongoing negotiations with the Trump administration," said the CRS.

Reports of CRS are prepared by independent experts for the lawmakers to make informed decisions and are not an official position of the US Congress.

In its report dated December 31, the CRS said in response to the tariffs the Trump administration levied on US imports of steel and aluminum from India earlier this year, India has threatened to impose retaliatory tariffs on a handful of US agricultural and food products. The date for imposing these tariffs has been pushed back several times, and they are currently set to become effective on January 31, 2019.

"US exports of the targeted products were valued at $857 million in 2017, comprising 54 per cent of the $1.8 billion of total US agricultural exports to India. US almond growers, in particular, could feel the effects of India's threatened tariffs should they enter into force," said the CRS, a copy of which was obtained by PTI.

India ranked third as a destination for US apple exports in 2017, purchasing $97 million of US apples, or 10 per cent of the total exports.

"The Indian government proposes to apply a 30 per cent retaliatory tariff on imports of US apples on January 31, 2019," the CRS said. Comparatively, US apple exports to Mexico and China are now subject to additional retaliatory tariffs of 20 per cent and 40 per cent respectively, raising the total tariff rates to 20 per cent and 50 per cent respectively.

The Trump administration has taken measures to ease the downside effects of the retaliatory tariffs on farmers and ranchers through a $12 billion trade aid package.

Under the initiative, USDA has committed to making direct payments to farmers of selected commodities subject to the tariffs, as well as buying up surplus quantities of some commodities and providing funding for additional trade promotion efforts.

India's exports to the US in 2017-18 stood at $47.9 billion, while imports were $26.7 billion. The trade balance is in favour of India. 
&nbsp;

India last year announced higher import duties on many US products in retaliation to President Donald Trump's decision to impose heavy tariffs on imported steel and aluminium items, a move that sparked fears of a global trade war.

India's proposed retaliatory tariffs against US agricultural products including apples, almonds and lentils will have an adverse impact on American exports worth nearly $900 million, according to the latest Congressional report. India last year announced higher import duties on many US products like apples, almonds, walnuts, chickpeas and lentils in retaliation to President Donald Trump's decision to impose heavy tariffs on imported steel and aluminium items, a move that sparked fears of a global trade war. However, India is the only major country which has been continuously postponing the implementation of the retaliatory tariffs despite announcing it more than six months ago. In October last year, Trump described India as a "tariff king" as he reiterated his allegations that New Delhi has a high tariff rate on various American products. India's proposed retaliatory tariffs is far less than that by China on more than 800 American agricultural products which accounted for approximately $20.6 billion in exports to the US in 2017. China is followed by Canada ($2.6 billion), Mexico ($ 2.5 billion), the European Union (EU) ($1 billion) and Turkey ($250 million) in slapping retaliatory tariffs on the agricultural products from the US. Countries have imposed tariffs on American agricultural products to retaliate against actions the Trump administration took in March, 2018 to protect US steel and aluminum producers and in response to Chinese intellectual property rights and technology policies. Since then, over 800 US food and agricultural products have been subject to retaliatory tariffs from China, the EU, Turkey, Canada and Mexico, the bipartisan Congressional Research Service (CRS) said in its report 'Profiles and Effects of Retaliatory Tariffs on US Agricultural Exports'. The CRS, an independent research wing of Congress, regularly prepares reports on various issues for the lawmakers to take informed decisions. US exports of those products to the retaliating countries totalled $26.9 billion in 2017, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) export data. It all started on March 23, 2018, when the Trump administration applied a 25 per cent tariff to all US steel imports and a 10 per cent tariff to all US aluminum imports, citing an investigation that showed national security concerns. "Canada, China, Mexico, the EU and Turkey retaliated with tariffs on imports of US agricultural and food products and other goods. "India has proposed retaliatory tariffs on US apples, almonds, walnuts, chickpeas and lentils, but it has delayed implementation pending ongoing negotiations with the Trump administration," said the CRS. Reports of CRS are prepared by independent experts for the lawmakers to make informed decisions and are not an official position of the US Congress. In its report dated December 31, the CRS said in response to the tariffs the Trump administration levied on US imports of steel and aluminum from India earlier this year, India has threatened to impose retaliatory tariffs on a handful of US agricultural and food products. The date for imposing these tariffs has been pushed back several times, and they are currently set to become effective on January 31, 2019. "US exports of the targeted products were valued at $857 million in 2017, comprising 54 per cent of the $1.8 billion of total US agricultural exports to India. US almond growers, in particular, could feel the effects of India's threatened tariffs should they enter into force," said the CRS, a copy of which was obtained by PTI. India ranked third as a destination for US apple exports in 2017, purchasing $97 million of US apples, or 10 per cent of the total exports. "The Indian government proposes to apply a 30 per cent retaliatory tariff on imports of US apples on January 31, 2019," the CRS said. Comparatively, US apple exports to Mexico and China are now subject to additional retaliatory tariffs of 20 per cent and 40 per cent respectively, raising the total tariff rates to 20 per cent and 50 per cent respectively. The Trump administration has taken measures to ease the downside effects of the retaliatory tariffs on farmers and ranchers through a $12 billion trade aid package. Under the initiative, USDA has committed to making direct payments to farmers of selected commodities subject to the tariffs, as well as buying up surplus quantities of some commodities and providing funding for additional trade promotion efforts. India's exports to the US in 2017-18 stood at $47.9 billion, while imports were $26.7 billion. The trade balance is in favour of India.

India's retaliatory tariffs to hit US exports worth $900 million: Report

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/2019-lok-sabha-polls-will-be-janta-versus-gathbandhan-pm-modi-187752">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> on Tuesday said that the Congress is trying to throw muck on him even though the party has nothing to prove him wrong.

In an exclusive interview to ANI, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/loan-waivers-do-not-benefit-majority-of-farmers-pm-modi-187761">Prime Minister Modi</a> said that those levelling allegations on him are actually weakening the Indian security forces.&nbsp;

He added that in spite of allegations from the Congress in the Rafale deal, he will continue to expedite the procurement process in defence so that country`s security is not compromised.

"Those people who want to weaken the Army are levelling allegations. Should I worry that they are making personal attacks on me, or whether my country`s needs should be met? I decided that whatever abuses are hurled at me, whatever allegations are levelled against me, I will continue on the path of honesty and give primacy to the country`s security. I won`t leave my Army jawans merely to their fate. Whatever be their requirement, I will expedite the procurement processes. I will do it even if allegations are levelled me," Mr Modi said in response to allegations of corruption in the Rafale jet purchase deal.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UoQrd7Hd-h8" width="560"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

When asked why he was silent on the Congress accusation of crony capitalism and alleged favouring of Anil Ambani in the Rafale deal, Mr Modi replied, "This is not an allegation against me personally, but an allegation against my government. If there is any allegation against me personally, let them dig who gave what, when and where and to whom."

"In Parliament, I have spoken elaborately on this and whichever public forum I got, I spoke about this. The matter has been cleared even by the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court scrutinised it threadbare. The French President has spoken. ..Media should have the courage to ask (the Congress) where is the evidence for these allegations? Don't throw muck and run away.... They (Congress) are not able to give any real evidence, just keep talking. Unko yeh bolne ki beemari hai toh mujhe kya baar baar ussi me ulajhna chahiye kya (If they have this problem of talking about it then should I too get entangled in it)," he added.

The Prime Minister said that there should be debate in the country on why controversies have been created over defence deals since Independence and on need for middlemen in defence purchases.

"Why controversies have been created over defence deals since Independence and our forces weakened. Who is doing it? What is the reason? Also, what is the need for middlemen in the defence deals? Can`t defence deal not be done without middlemen? Had Make in India been initiated 70 years back, the malai khane wala raasta from outside would have been closed. My crime is that I am trying to Make In India. My crime is that whatever our defence forces need, that should be made in India, so that dealings outside the country end. I am trying to get technology transfer," Prime Minister said.&nbsp;

The Prime Minister sought to dispel the Congress allegation that the purchase would harm his Make in India initiative.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi has accused Prime Minister Modi of favouring Anil Ambani's Reliance group in the Rafale deal by pushing Dassault Aviation to have a tie up with it through an offset clause, an allegation denied vehemently by both the Indian government and Dassault.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that the Congress is trying to throw muck on him even though the party has nothing to prove him wrong. In an exclusive interview to ANI, Prime Minister Modi said that those levelling allegations on him are actually weakening the Indian security forces.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that the Congress is trying to throw muck on him even though the party has nothing to prove him wrong. In an exclusive interview to ANI, Prime Minister Modi said that those levelling allegations on him are actually weakening the Indian security forces. He added that in spite of allegations from the Congress in the Rafale deal, he will continue to expedite the procurement process in defence so that country`s security is not compromised. "Those people who want to weaken the Army are levelling allegations. Should I worry that they are making personal attacks on me, or whether my country`s needs should be met? I decided that whatever abuses are hurled at me, whatever allegations are levelled against me, I will continue on the path of honesty and give primacy to the country`s security. I won`t leave my Army jawans merely to their fate. Whatever be their requirement, I will expedite the procurement processes. I will do it even if allegations are levelled me," Mr Modi said in response to allegations of corruption in the Rafale jet purchase deal. × When asked why he was silent on the Congress accusation of crony capitalism and alleged favouring of Anil Ambani in the Rafale deal, Mr Modi replied, "This is not an allegation against me personally, but an allegation against my government. If there is any allegation against me personally, let them dig who gave what, when and where and to whom." "In Parliament, I have spoken elaborately on this and whichever public forum I got, I spoke about this. The matter has been cleared even by the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court scrutinised it threadbare. The French President has spoken. ..Media should have the courage to ask (the Congress) where is the evidence for these allegations? Don't throw muck and run away.... They (Congress) are not able to give any real evidence, just keep talking. Unko yeh bolne ki beemari hai toh mujhe kya baar baar ussi me ulajhna chahiye kya (If they have this problem of talking about it then should I too get entangled in it)," he added. The Prime Minister said that there should be debate in the country on why controversies have been created over defence deals since Independence and on need for middlemen in defence purchases. "Why controversies have been created over defence deals since Independence and our forces weakened. Who is doing it? What is the reason? Also, what is the need for middlemen in the defence deals? Can`t defence deal not be done without middlemen? Had Make in India been initiated 70 years back, the malai khane wala raasta from outside would have been closed. My crime is that I am trying to Make In India. My crime is that whatever our defence forces need, that should be made in India, so that dealings outside the country end. I am trying to get technology transfer," Prime Minister said. The Prime Minister sought to dispel the Congress allegation that the purchase would harm his Make in India initiative. Congress president Rahul Gandhi has accused Prime Minister Modi of favouring Anil Ambani's Reliance group in the Rafale deal by pushing Dassault Aviation to have a tie up with it through an offset clause, an allegation denied vehemently by both the Indian government and Dassault.

Those accusing me in Rafale deal are weakening Indian security forces: PM Modi

Dubbing the loan waivers announced by the Congress governments as "political stunts", <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/2019-lok-sabha-polls-will-be-janta-versus-gathbandhan-pm-modi-187752">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> on Tuesday asserted that a majority of farmers do not benefit from these "misleading" announcements as only a few of them take loans from banks.

In an interview to ANI, he said the solution to the farmers` problems is to empower them and his government is committed to this."These are political stunts," <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/surgical-strikes-decision-was-a-big-risk-but-i-was-more-concerned-about-safety-of-soldiers-pm-modi-187741">Modi asserted</a>.

He recently described the loan waivers announced by the Congress governments in states like Madhya Pradesh as "lollipops".

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/F4Mb-E0NHQo" width="560"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Asked why he described the announcements as "lollipops", the Prime Minister said: "To say a lie and mislead, that is what I called lollipop. Like saying that we have waived all farm loans. The truth is that nothing like that has happened... They should not mislead... And particularly a responsible political party should never do it."

Explaining further, he said there is a very small segment of farmers who take loans from banks while a majority of them take loans from money lenders." (So) when governments make such announcements (of loan waivers), those farmers ( who take loans from money lenders) do not become beneficiaries of the waivers. The farmers who are dying are out of the purview of such schemes," Modi elaborated.

Responding to criticism that his government has been insensitive to the farmers` woes, he said, "If loan waiver helps, it should be definitely done.&nbsp; 
But it has been done by earlier governments also. Since (former Deputy Prime Minister) Devi Lal`s time (in 1989-1991), loan waiver was done."

He said the Congress-led UPA government also announced farm loan waiver in 2009 to "win (the Lok Sabha) elections".

"Still, if state governments are doing it (announcing loan waivers), we are not stopping them. We have not stopped any state government. We are committed to addressing farmers` problems and empowering farmers," Modi added.

At the same time, the Prime Minister wanted it to be pondered over as to why farmers fall in debt trap. "What is lacking in our system that a farmer becomes debt-ridden and the governments have to repeat this vicious cycle of elections and loan waivers?.. We should have a situation so that a farmer does not need loan," he said.

"The solution is to empower the farmers. From seed to market, give all facilities to the farmers," Modi said.

He said if the Swaminathan Commission report had been implemented in 2007, there would have been no need for loans."Instead of doing that, they found avenues to win elections," Modi said, targeting the Congress.&nbsp;

Dubbing the loan waivers announced by the Congress governments as "political stunts", Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday asserted that a majority of farmers do not benefit from these "misleading" announcements as only a few of them take loans from banks.

Dubbing the loan waivers announced by the Congress governments as "political stunts", Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday asserted that a majority of farmers do not benefit from these "misleading" announcements as only a few of them take loans from banks. In an interview to ANI, he said the solution to the farmers` problems is to empower them and his government is committed to this."These are political stunts," Modi asserted. He recently described the loan waivers announced by the Congress governments in states like Madhya Pradesh as "lollipops". × Asked why he described the announcements as "lollipops", the Prime Minister said: "To say a lie and mislead, that is what I called lollipop. Like saying that we have waived all farm loans. The truth is that nothing like that has happened... They should not mislead... And particularly a responsible political party should never do it." Explaining further, he said there is a very small segment of farmers who take loans from banks while a majority of them take loans from money lenders." (So) when governments make such announcements (of loan waivers), those farmers ( who take loans from money lenders) do not become beneficiaries of the waivers. The farmers who are dying are out of the purview of such schemes," Modi elaborated. Responding to criticism that his government has been insensitive to the farmers` woes, he said, "If loan waiver helps, it should be definitely done. But it has been done by earlier governments also. Since (former Deputy Prime Minister) Devi Lal`s time (in 1989-1991), loan waiver was done." He said the Congress-led UPA government also announced farm loan waiver in 2009 to "win (the Lok Sabha) elections". "Still, if state governments are doing it (announcing loan waivers), we are not stopping them. We have not stopped any state government. We are committed to addressing farmers` problems and empowering farmers," Modi added. At the same time, the Prime Minister wanted it to be pondered over as to why farmers fall in debt trap. "What is lacking in our system that a farmer becomes debt-ridden and the governments have to repeat this vicious cycle of elections and loan waivers?.. We should have a situation so that a farmer does not need loan," he said. "The solution is to empower the farmers. From seed to market, give all facilities to the farmers," Modi said. He said if the Swaminathan Commission report had been implemented in 2007, there would have been no need for loans."Instead of doing that, they found avenues to win elections," Modi said, targeting the Congress.

Loan waivers do not benefit majority of farmers: PM Modi

The 2019 Lok Sabha elections will be a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/surgical-strikes-decision-was-a-big-risk-but-i-was-more-concerned-about-safety-of-soldiers-pm-modi-187741">"public versus coalition"</a> contest, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday while ridiculing the alliance proposed to be formed by anti-BJP parties.

In an interview to ANI, he dismissed claims by some political pundits that the BJP might not get more than 180 out of 543 seats in the Lok Sabha elections, saying there were a similar "set of persons" who echoed a similar narrative even in 2014.&nbsp;

The Prime Minister was responding to a question whether people had now considered the 'Mahagathbandhan' to be an alternative to Modi.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/G3gtIZNV8vI" width="560"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

He expressed confidence that the people will again repose faith in the BJP considering the work done by his government over the last four and a half years.

"I believe, this election is going to be a contest between those who fulfil and take forward the aspirations of the people and those who stop these aspirations. There is experience of 70 years. The public is the decider," the Prime Minister said when asked if the 2019 elections were heading towards a US Presidential style of elections between Modi vs Rahul.

Asked whether the upcoming Lok Sabha polls would be "anybody but Modi'' contest as projected by the opposition parties, he said, "It is going to be janata (public) versus gathbandhan (coalition). Modi is just a manifestation of public love and blessings," he added.

Reposing faith in the "intelligence" of the voters, Modi said, "The Indian public will decide the course of elections. The public will decide the agenda, who is for the aspirations of the people, who is against the aspirations of the people. This is going to the yardstick for the elections."

Ridiculing the coalition sought to be formed by some anti-BJP parties, he said, "the public knows that earlier it was decentralised corruption, those who sat in the states, looted the states, those who were in the Centre, looted at the centre... The people will decide whether or not they should ally with these forces of corruption who are coming together."

The Prime Minister's attention was drawn to the "180 club" claim by some sections, inferring that the BJP might not get more than 180 seats in the Lok Sabha polls.

In his response, he said, "Is there any scientific study? In 2013 too, the same set of persons used to talk the same thing about BJP getting less than 180 seats. That narrative continues."

He went on to add, "If they do not spread such things, how will people join their 'gathbandhan'? They will have to talk big to attract people."

Asserting that BJP has no reason to "mistrust the intelligence of the common man", Modi said, "I keep telling all political pundits let us trust the common man`s intelligence. After all, what did the common people experience from this government that they will go away from us? I have faith in the public, their intelligence."

Attacking the anti-BJP parties who are trying to firm up an alliance, he said there is no unity among them in any way, nor any joint articulation about what they would do for the country.

To press his point, he said if media reports of last five years are analysed, there is nothing concrete that the 'gathbandhan' has said or done unitedly.

"They still speak in different voices. Who are these people? They are looking for each other`s support to save themselves... They hold each other`s hand, so that they are saved. That is the game," Modi said.

"Their single point agenda is Modi, do this to Modi, do that to Modi...There is no articulation on what they would do for the nation and why they will do it," the Prime Minister said.

He said the anti-BJP coalition had failed already during its experiment in Telangana Assembly elections and local polls in states like Assam and Jammu and Kashmir." At the top, these (coalition) leaders may get together for their safety but that does not mean that public is joining them," Modi said.

PM Modi's attention was drawn to allegation by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and TDP leader Chandrababu Naidu that the efforts being made by Telangana Chief Minister and TRS supremo K Chandrashekar Rao to form an alliance has the blessings of Modi.

"I am not aware that some coalition is being made by KCR," Modi replied.&nbsp;

The Prime Minister was also asked about the unhappiness expressed by some of the BJP allies, like Shiv Sena, from time to time and whether they were indulging in "muscle flexing".

His attention was particularly drawn to Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray's apparent attack on him when he said that `chowkidar chor hai (guard is the thief), echoing Rahul Gandhi's oft repeated line of attack on Narendra Modi.

In his response, he said, "Sometimes, some expectations are not met" and some allies feel that they "could benefit by putting pressure" on the BJP.

"Some (allies) feel that such issues could be resolved through discussions.... But our effort is to take everyone along and listen to everyone," Modi added.

He emphasised that he was "committed to give importance to regional aspirations" as he believes that the country cannot be run by ignoring regional aspirations. "That is why BJP is more successful."

The Prime Minister noted that the BJP, despite getting full majority in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, took every ally along, adhering to the coalition dharma.

"Even today when we run the government, there is consensus in decision-making," he said. "It is true that states have their own level of politics. Our allies wish to grow and we too want them to grow. We do not want that we should grow at the cost of allies," Modi added.

Making a comparison with the Congress, he said "it is speciality of Congress-led alliance that all allies are those who have come out of the Congress after raising their voice against the Congress or emerged because of Congress-opposition. So when they approach the Congress, Congress usurps them. We are different. Those who associate with us, they prosper. So our effort remains that our allies blossom."

Asked whether he expected more parties to join the NDA, Modi said that process has been continuing since 2014 and referred to the small parties of North East which had joined the BJP-led coalition.

Queried whether BSP would be joining the NDA, he said, "I don`t think any sensible person will spell out such things on TV, as to who will join and who cannot."

Asked whether there was any move of film stars-turned-politicians Rajnikanth and Kamala Hassan to join the NDA and improve the NDA'S footprint in South India, he said, "We are continuously striving to expand our base. We are ready to take everyone along, those who want to come with us, those with whom we can walk. It is linked to our strengthening the regional aspirations."&nbsp;

The 2019 Lok Sabha elections will be a "public versus coalition" contest, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday while ridiculing the alliance proposed to be formed by anti-BJP parties.

The 2019 Lok Sabha elections will be a "public versus coalition" contest, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday while ridiculing the alliance proposed to be formed by anti-BJP parties. In an interview to ANI, he dismissed claims by some political pundits that the BJP might not get more than 180 out of 543 seats in the Lok Sabha elections, saying there were a similar "set of persons" who echoed a similar narrative even in 2014. The Prime Minister was responding to a question whether people had now considered the 'Mahagathbandhan' to be an alternative to Modi. × He expressed confidence that the people will again repose faith in the BJP considering the work done by his government over the last four and a half years. "I believe, this election is going to be a contest between those who fulfil and take forward the aspirations of the people and those who stop these aspirations. There is experience of 70 years. The public is the decider," the Prime Minister said when asked if the 2019 elections were heading towards a US Presidential style of elections between Modi vs Rahul. Asked whether the upcoming Lok Sabha polls would be "anybody but Modi'' contest as projected by the opposition parties, he said, "It is going to be janata (public) versus gathbandhan (coalition). Modi is just a manifestation of public love and blessings," he added. Reposing faith in the "intelligence" of the voters, Modi said, "The Indian public will decide the course of elections. The public will decide the agenda, who is for the aspirations of the people, who is against the aspirations of the people. This is going to the yardstick for the elections." Ridiculing the coalition sought to be formed by some anti-BJP parties, he said, "the public knows that earlier it was decentralised corruption, those who sat in the states, looted the states, those who were in the Centre, looted at the centre... The people will decide whether or not they should ally with these forces of corruption who are coming together." The Prime Minister's attention was drawn to the "180 club" claim by some sections, inferring that the BJP might not get more than 180 seats in the Lok Sabha polls. In his response, he said, "Is there any scientific study? In 2013 too, the same set of persons used to talk the same thing about BJP getting less than 180 seats. That narrative continues." He went on to add, "If they do not spread such things, how will people join their 'gathbandhan'? They will have to talk big to attract people." Asserting that BJP has no reason to "mistrust the intelligence of the common man", Modi said, "I keep telling all political pundits let us trust the common man`s intelligence. After all, what did the common people experience from this government that they will go away from us? I have faith in the public, their intelligence." Attacking the anti-BJP parties who are trying to firm up an alliance, he said there is no unity among them in any way, nor any joint articulation about what they would do for the country. To press his point, he said if media reports of last five years are analysed, there is nothing concrete that the 'gathbandhan' has said or done unitedly. "They still speak in different voices. Who are these people? They are looking for each other`s support to save themselves... They hold each other`s hand, so that they are saved. That is the game," Modi said. "Their single point agenda is Modi, do this to Modi, do that to Modi...There is no articulation on what they would do for the nation and why they will do it," the Prime Minister said. He said the anti-BJP coalition had failed already during its experiment in Telangana Assembly elections and local polls in states like Assam and Jammu and Kashmir." At the top, these (coalition) leaders may get together for their safety but that does not mean that public is joining them," Modi said. PM Modi's attention was drawn to allegation by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and TDP leader Chandrababu Naidu that the efforts being made by Telangana Chief Minister and TRS supremo K Chandrashekar Rao to form an alliance has the blessings of Modi. "I am not aware that some coalition is being made by KCR," Modi replied. The Prime Minister was also asked about the unhappiness expressed by some of the BJP allies, like Shiv Sena, from time to time and whether they were indulging in "muscle flexing". His attention was particularly drawn to Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray's apparent attack on him when he said that `chowkidar chor hai (guard is the thief), echoing Rahul Gandhi's oft repeated line of attack on Narendra Modi. In his response, he said, "Sometimes, some expectations are not met" and some allies feel that they "could benefit by putting pressure" on the BJP. "Some (allies) feel that such issues could be resolved through discussions.... But our effort is to take everyone along and listen to everyone," Modi added. He emphasised that he was "committed to give importance to regional aspirations" as he believes that the country cannot be run by ignoring regional aspirations. "That is why BJP is more successful." The Prime Minister noted that the BJP, despite getting full majority in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, took every ally along, adhering to the coalition dharma. "Even today when we run the government, there is consensus in decision-making," he said. "It is true that states have their own level of politics. Our allies wish to grow and we too want them to grow. We do not want that we should grow at the cost of allies," Modi added. Making a comparison with the Congress, he said "it is speciality of Congress-led alliance that all allies are those who have come out of the Congress after raising their voice against the Congress or emerged because of Congress-opposition. So when they approach the Congress, Congress usurps them. We are different. Those who associate with us, they prosper. So our effort remains that our allies blossom." Asked whether he expected more parties to join the NDA, Modi said that process has been continuing since 2014 and referred to the small parties of North East which had joined the BJP-led coalition. Queried whether BSP would be joining the NDA, he said, "I don`t think any sensible person will spell out such things on TV, as to who will join and who cannot." Asked whether there was any move of film stars-turned-politicians Rajnikanth and Kamala Hassan to join the NDA and improve the NDA'S footprint in South India, he said, "We are continuously striving to expand our base. We are ready to take everyone along, those who want to come with us, those with whom we can walk. It is linked to our strengthening the regional aspirations."

2019 Lok Sabha polls will be 'Janata versus Gathbandhan': PM Modi

Urjit Patel stepped down as the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor because of personal reasons and had been telling the Prime Minister for some time about his decision to resign, said <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/2019-lok-sabha-polls-will-be-janta-versus-gathbandhan-pm-modi-187752">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> on Tuesday.

"I am revealing for the first time, he (Urjit Patel) was telling me about this for the past 6-7 months before his resignation. He gave it even in writing. He wrote to me personally," <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/those-accusing-me-in-rafale-deal-are-weakening-indian-security-forces-pm-modi-187774">Prime Minister Modi revealed</a>.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/surgical-strikes-decision-was-a-big-risk-but-i-was-more-concerned-about-safety-of-soldiers-pm-modi-187741">Also read:&nbsp;Surgical strikes decision was a 'big risk' but I was more concerned about </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/surgical-strikes-decision-was-a-big-risk-but-i-was-more-concerned-about-safety-of-soldiers-pm-modi-187741">safety</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/surgical-strikes-decision-was-a-big-risk-but-i-was-more-concerned-about-safety-of-soldiers-pm-modi-187741"> of soldiers: PM Modi</a>

Patel resigned in December from his post citing "personal reasons" amidst reports of a rift between the RBI and the government. Prime Minister Modi, after Patel`s resignation, tweeted that the RBI Governor left behind a "great legacy."

The Prime Minister further dispelled the opposition`s criticism that Patel was made to leave.

"No such question arises. I acknowledge that Patel did a good job as RBI Governor," Prime Minister Modi added.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uhdV6cwPsoc" width="560"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Stressing that institutions like CBI and judiciary are paramount to his government, the Prime Minister stressed that the opposition Congress party has no right to criticise the BJP by saying that the government weakened such institutions in the country.

"Congress has no right to speak on this issue. Against the PM and PMO, the NAC (National Advisory Council) was formed. What kind of empowerment of the PMO was this? Cabinet takes such a big decision and a big leader tears that Cabinet decision at a press conference. What kind of respect is for an institution?", questioned PM Modi.

"Coming to judiciary, they openly said that we will decide judiciary on the basis of ideology and senior judges were shown the door and junior judges were promoted. And you are talking about institutions? In the same RBI, several times Governors were forced to leave before their term expired. You called Planning Commission people a bunch of jokers," the Prime Minister added.

Prime Minister Modi cleared the air over the government removing the two men at the top of CBI.

In October, CBI Director Alok Verma and his deputy Rakesh Asthana, were relieved of their duties pending an inquiry, after each accused the other of corruption, following which the government sent them on leave, calling it an "extraordinary and unprecedented" situation.

''When CBI internal personal matter came to light, they were both asked to go on leave legally. Because institution is paramount for us," stressed the PM while speaking to ANI.

Opposition parties, especially the Congress, have in recent times, criticised the BJP-led Narendra Modi government of misusing the Enforcement Directorate for political vendetta, often dubbing it as Embarrassment Directorate. Prime Minister, however, allayed the criticism.

"How are these people saying this? Recently, Sohrabuddin judgement came. Just read that judgement. See how institutions were misused. Accusations on us is that Modi is not taking action against these people. And you are saying this is vendetta. ED is doing is job professionally. From a foreign country, a razdaar (confidante) has been brought in custody of India. Should not every Indian be proud of it?", said the Prime Minister, while referring to Christian Michel, the alleged middleman in the Rs 3,600-crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal.

Michel, a UK citizen, was extradited to India from the UAE last month in connection with the case and was respresented by lawyer Aljo K Joseph, who happened to be a Congress party leader but was shunted after controversy over his affiliation erupted.

"If a Congress worker turns up to be Christian Michel`s lawyer, then it is a cause for worry. The countrymen should be proud that razdaar has come, now there will be proper inquiry under legal scrutiny and the truth will come out. Instead of that, you are sending lawyers from your party to support him Michel. This is a matter of concern," Prime Minister added.&nbsp;

Urjit Patel stepped down as the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor because of personal reasons and had been telling the Prime Minister for some time about his decision to resign, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday.

Urjit Patel stepped down as the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor because of personal reasons and had been telling the Prime Minister for some time about his decision to resign, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday. "I am revealing for the first time, he (Urjit Patel) was telling me about this for the past 6-7 months before his resignation. He gave it even in writing. He wrote to me personally," Prime Minister Modi revealed. Also read: Surgical strikes decision was a 'big risk' but I was more concerned about safety of soldiers: PM Modi Patel resigned in December from his post citing "personal reasons" amidst reports of a rift between the RBI and the government. Prime Minister Modi, after Patel`s resignation, tweeted that the RBI Governor left behind a "great legacy." The Prime Minister further dispelled the opposition`s criticism that Patel was made to leave. "No such question arises. I acknowledge that Patel did a good job as RBI Governor," Prime Minister Modi added. × Stressing that institutions like CBI and judiciary are paramount to his government, the Prime Minister stressed that the opposition Congress party has no right to criticise the BJP by saying that the government weakened such institutions in the country. "Congress has no right to speak on this issue. Against the PM and PMO, the NAC (National Advisory Council) was formed. What kind of empowerment of the PMO was this? Cabinet takes such a big decision and a big leader tears that Cabinet decision at a press conference. What kind of respect is for an institution?", questioned PM Modi. "Coming to judiciary, they openly said that we will decide judiciary on the basis of ideology and senior judges were shown the door and junior judges were promoted. And you are talking about institutions? In the same RBI, several times Governors were forced to leave before their term expired. You called Planning Commission people a bunch of jokers," the Prime Minister added. Prime Minister Modi cleared the air over the government removing the two men at the top of CBI. In October, CBI Director Alok Verma and his deputy Rakesh Asthana, were relieved of their duties pending an inquiry, after each accused the other of corruption, following which the government sent them on leave, calling it an "extraordinary and unprecedented" situation. ''When CBI internal personal matter came to light, they were both asked to go on leave legally. Because institution is paramount for us," stressed the PM while speaking to ANI. Opposition parties, especially the Congress, have in recent times, criticised the BJP-led Narendra Modi government of misusing the Enforcement Directorate for political vendetta, often dubbing it as Embarrassment Directorate. Prime Minister, however, allayed the criticism. "How are these people saying this? Recently, Sohrabuddin judgement came. Just read that judgement. See how institutions were misused. Accusations on us is that Modi is not taking action against these people. And you are saying this is vendetta. ED is doing is job professionally. From a foreign country, a razdaar (confidante) has been brought in custody of India. Should not every Indian be proud of it?", said the Prime Minister, while referring to Christian Michel, the alleged middleman in the Rs 3,600-crore AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal. Michel, a UK citizen, was extradited to India from the UAE last month in connection with the case and was respresented by lawyer Aljo K Joseph, who happened to be a Congress party leader but was shunted after controversy over his affiliation erupted. "If a Congress worker turns up to be Christian Michel`s lawyer, then it is a cause for worry. The countrymen should be proud that razdaar has come, now there will be proper inquiry under legal scrutiny and the truth will come out. Instead of that, you are sending lawyers from your party to support him Michel. This is a matter of concern," Prime Minister added.

Urjit Patel was telling me about resignation for the past 6-7 months: PM Modi

The interview given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi shows that politicians do only and truly react to electoral judgements. Not only the Prime Minister spoke on a number of issues but addressed issues related to his enemies in a very humble manner.

He not for once came across as an arrogant Prime Minister. Not to say that he was arrogant in his previous interviews but the cold distant persona which existed like a halo around him was absent this time.

Not only he answered contentious questions but also chose not to attack his opponents in a visceral fashion he has done during assembly elections. This is a strong departure. It has come after BJP got routed in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan. He focused on economic issues throughout his interaction.

This too came without chest thumping. Even questions on Congress-Mukt Bharat were tactfully answered. He immediately made a difference between Congress as a culture and Congress as an institution which again is a departure from sharp rhetoric which India witnessed post-2014.&nbsp;

The presentation of self by Modi was of a man trying to fit into a large and powerful office who works within the parameters of the institutions. It is for this reason he on two accounts came out supporting the Reserve Bank of India and Judiciary. He not only complemented Urjit Patel but also clarified that there will be no ordinance before judicial process is over in the Ayodhya case. It was a mixed signal that the government can correct decisions but would not preempt the court. His government in past had serious differences with both the institutions but Modi did not exhibit any bitterness on camera.

Certain goal posts were also changed. He categorically denied that BJP used surgical strike for political ends. He charged Congress for doing so. He also defined BJP’s position on the role of the armed forces. Many critics had argued that BJP by using armed forces for political ends had made the Army as a quasi-political player as it was affecting public opinion.&nbsp;

Modi did not call the Opposition anti-national or unpatriotic on this issue. He simply limited his answer to the word “Gaurav Gatha” which loosely translates into tales of courage. He argued that if we do not talk about their tales of courage then who would.

&nbsp;Throughout the interview, he answered questions on important decisions as they were collaborative in nature and decisions were taken after a lot of consultations. You were looking at a person who sounded strong but unsure at times, decisive but a team player and driven but again a team player. But these were not the characteristics which defined Narendra Modi in past. He was projected by the party as a sole leader who took his own decisions and always right.

His attack on the Opposition was also limited to the issues of legal cases and principled stand.&nbsp;

In 90-minutes Modi clarified his position on a number of things on the day one of 2019. From Sabarimala to triple talaq, from loan waiver to GST, the nation knows where the Prime Minister stands on all these issues.

&nbsp;It is a way to wrest away the agenda with which the Congress ran away after winning three elections. It is also a way to present a new Modi who is not indulging in a political witch hunt. A Modi who is subservient to the Constitutional and political process.

Perhaps he has realised that what people liked in him as a challenger was being despised as the Prime Minister. India as a nation can quickly change the meaning of things. Indira Gandhi, a strong Prime Minister, was being perceived as dictatorial by the nation in 70s. Indira lost office in the 1980s. A hard-working Manmohan Singh and tyaag ki devi Sonia Gandhi within 7 years were being seen differently. Manmohan was being seen as PM without authority and Sonia Gandhi as a leader with a lot of power but without responsibility. The same perhaps was happening to Modi.

He was being seen distant and unapproachable. Throughout the interview, he came across as Modi as a man more than Modi as a conqueror and PM. Perhaps he saw what hubris can do to leaders.

Lastly, economic agendas and administration are back as an electoral mantra for time. What will happen in May this year is a million-dollar question, but we do have a different Modi on TV? He did not go for the press conference but ended up answering all the relevant questions. 
 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;

The interview given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi shows that politicians do only and truly react to electoral judgements. Not only the Prime Minister spoke on a number of issues but addressed issues related to his enemies in a very humble manner.

The interview given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi shows that politicians do only and truly react to electoral judgements. Not only the Prime Minister spoke on a number of issues but addressed issues related to his enemies in a very humble manner. He not for once came across as an arrogant Prime Minister. Not to say that he was arrogant in his previous interviews but the cold distant persona which existed like a halo around him was absent this time. Not only he answered contentious questions but also chose not to attack his opponents in a visceral fashion he has done during assembly elections. This is a strong departure. It has come after BJP got routed in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan. He focused on economic issues throughout his interaction. This too came without chest thumping. Even questions on Congress-Mukt Bharat were tactfully answered. He immediately made a difference between Congress as a culture and Congress as an institution which again is a departure from sharp rhetoric which India witnessed post-2014. The presentation of self by Modi was of a man trying to fit into a large and powerful office who works within the parameters of the institutions. It is for this reason he on two accounts came out supporting the Reserve Bank of India and Judiciary. He not only complemented Urjit Patel but also clarified that there will be no ordinance before judicial process is over in the Ayodhya case. It was a mixed signal that the government can correct decisions but would not preempt the court. His government in past had serious differences with both the institutions but Modi did not exhibit any bitterness on camera. Certain goal posts were also changed. He categorically denied that BJP used surgical strike for political ends. He charged Congress for doing so. He also defined BJP’s position on the role of the armed forces. Many critics had argued that BJP by using armed forces for political ends had made the Army as a quasi-political player as it was affecting public opinion. Modi did not call the Opposition anti-national or unpatriotic on this issue. He simply limited his answer to the word “Gaurav Gatha” which loosely translates into tales of courage. He argued that if we do not talk about their tales of courage then who would. Throughout the interview, he answered questions on important decisions as they were collaborative in nature and decisions were taken after a lot of consultations. You were looking at a person who sounded strong but unsure at times, decisive but a team player and driven but again a team player. But these were not the characteristics which defined Narendra Modi in past. He was projected by the party as a sole leader who took his own decisions and always right. His attack on the Opposition was also limited to the issues of legal cases and principled stand. In 90-minutes Modi clarified his position on a number of things on the day one of 2019. From Sabarimala to triple talaq, from loan waiver to GST, the nation knows where the Prime Minister stands on all these issues. It is a way to wrest away the agenda with which the Congress ran away after winning three elections. It is also a way to present a new Modi who is not indulging in a political witch hunt. A Modi who is subservient to the Constitutional and political process. Perhaps he has realised that what people liked in him as a challenger was being despised as the Prime Minister. India as a nation can quickly change the meaning of things. Indira Gandhi, a strong Prime Minister, was being perceived as dictatorial by the nation in 70s. Indira lost office in the 1980s. A hard-working Manmohan Singh and tyaag ki devi Sonia Gandhi within 7 years were being seen differently. Manmohan was being seen as PM without authority and Sonia Gandhi as a leader with a lot of power but without responsibility. The same perhaps was happening to Modi. He was being seen distant and unapproachable. Throughout the interview, he came across as Modi as a man more than Modi as a conqueror and PM. Perhaps he saw what hubris can do to leaders. Lastly, economic agendas and administration are back as an electoral mantra for time. What will happen in May this year is a million-dollar question, but we do have a different Modi on TV? He did not go for the press conference but ended up answering all the relevant questions. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Dissecting PM's interview: Modi back in ‘humble’ avatar

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-seeks-to-end-government-shutdown-calls-for-meeting-with-us-congress-187796">Trump seeks to end </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-seeks-to-end-government-shutdown-calls-for-meeting-with-us-congress-187796">government</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-seeks-to-end-government-shutdown-calls-for-meeting-with-us-congress-187796"> shutdown, calls for meeting with US Congress</a>

President Donald Trump on Tuesday invited Republican and Democratic leaders from Congress for a meeting to seek an end to the federal government shutdown now in its second week.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/new-sanctions-loom-as-wada-confirm-russia-misses-doping-deadline-187798">New sanctions loom as WADA confirm Russia misses doping deadline</a>

Russia faced the possibility of renewed sporting sanctions on Tuesday when the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) confirmed the country had missed a December 31 deadline to hand over data from its anti-doping laboratory in Moscow.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/tmc-turns-21-projects-party-chief-mamata-banerjee-as-possible-pm-candidate-of-grand-opposition-alliance-187803">TMC turns 21, projects Mamata Banerjee as possible PM candidate of </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/tmc-turns-21-projects-party-chief-mamata-banerjee-as-possible-pm-candidate-of-grand-opposition-alliance-187803">grand</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/tmc-turns-21-projects-party-chief-mamata-banerjee-as-possible-pm-candidate-of-grand-opposition-alliance-187803"> opposition alliance</a>

The ruling Trinamool Congress in West Bengal turned 21 on Tuesday and used the occasion to project party chief and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee as a possible prime ministerial candidate of any grand opposition alliance for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/words-of-outgoing-prime-minister-will-have-no-effect-aap-on-pm-modi-interview-187800">Words of 'outgoing' prime minister will have no effect: AAP on PM Modi interview</a>

The AAP Tuesday said instead of "wasting" time talking about Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, issues concerning the people needs to be discussed.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/former-president-raul-castro-urges-cubans-to-prepare-for-worst-with-us-187806">Former president Raul Castro urges Cubans to prepare for worst with </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/former-president-raul-castro-urges-cubans-to-prepare-for-worst-with-us-187806">US</a>

Former Cuban president and leader of the island's Communist Party Raul Castro on Tuesday urged the nation to strengthen its defenses and prepare "for the worst scenarios" vis-a-vis the US, the government of which he accused of having resumed the policy of "confrontation."

 
&nbsp;

Trump seeks to end government shutdown, calls for meeting with US Congress President Donald Trump on Tuesday invited Republican and Democratic leaders from Congress for a meeting to seek an end to the federal government shutdown now in its second week. New sanctions loom as WADA confirm Russia misses doping deadline Russia faced the possibility of renewed sporting sanctions on Tuesday when the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) confirmed the country had missed a December 31 deadline to hand over data from its anti-doping laboratory in Moscow. TMC turns 21, projects Mamata Banerjee as possible PM candidate of grand opposition alliance The ruling Trinamool Congress in West Bengal turned 21 on Tuesday and used the occasion to project party chief and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee as a possible prime ministerial candidate of any grand opposition alliance for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. Words of 'outgoing' prime minister will have no effect: AAP on PM Modi interview The AAP Tuesday said instead of "wasting" time talking about Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, issues concerning the people needs to be discussed. Former president Raul Castro urges Cubans to prepare for worst with US Former Cuban president and leader of the island's Communist Party Raul Castro on Tuesday urged the nation to strengthen its defenses and prepare "for the worst scenarios" vis-a-vis the US, the government of which he accused of having resumed the policy of "confrontation."

News brief: Big stories of the day

With its Bengal 'Rath Yatras' stuck in legal tangles, the BJP's state unit is planning two-three rallies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in January and February.

Ahead of the national polls, the party planned the 'Rath Yatras' that would have touched all 42 constituencies in the state. However, it got stuck in legal battles after the state government denied permission.

"We are hopeful that prime minister's first rally might take place on January 29. We have sent the schedule to Delhi. Nothing has, however, been fixed so far," state BJP chief Dilip Ghosh said.

The prime minister's first rally is expected to be held at the Brigade Parade ground in the heart of city. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will also hold a rally at the same venue on January 19 and has invited leaders of all opposition parties in the country.

BJP has identified Bengal as a priority state and party chief Amit Shah has set a target of 22 seats from here in the upcoming elections.

Over the last few years, the party has emerged as the main opposition in the state with a significant show in rural polls and by-elections.&nbsp;

The prime minister's first rally is expected to be held at the Brigade Parade ground in Kolkata.

With its Bengal 'Rath Yatras' stuck in legal tangles, the BJP's state unit is planning two-three rallies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in January and February. Ahead of the national polls, the party planned the 'Rath Yatras' that would have touched all 42 constituencies in the state. However, it got stuck in legal battles after the state government denied permission. "We are hopeful that prime minister's first rally might take place on January 29. We have sent the schedule to Delhi. Nothing has, however, been fixed so far," state BJP chief Dilip Ghosh said. The prime minister's first rally is expected to be held at the Brigade Parade ground in the heart of city. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will also hold a rally at the same venue on January 19 and has invited leaders of all opposition parties in the country. BJP has identified Bengal as a priority state and party chief Amit Shah has set a target of 22 seats from here in the upcoming elections. Over the last few years, the party has emerged as the main opposition in the state with a significant show in rural polls and by-elections.

BJP plans Modi rallies in Bengal as uncertainty over 'Rath Yatra' looms

The AAP Tuesday said instead of "wasting" time talking about Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, issues concerning the people needs to be discussed.

Reacting to Modi's televised interview, senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh said the NDA government at the Centre is in its last days and the words of an "outgoing" prime minister will have no effect.

In an interview broadcast by various television channels, Modi talked about a host of issues including the surgical strikes, the Ram temple's construction and personal attacks on him by the Congress.

"It is need of the hour today to discuss issues that concern people of the country rather than wasting time on Narendra Modi and Sonia Gandhi," Singh said reacting to the PM's interview.

Farmers are forced to throw vegetables and milk on the road, women feel insecure, the youth are disenchanted and still, Modi is avoiding his promises to all of them, he said.

"Modi will have to explain what happened to his promises to the people. Not even a single penny of black money came back after demonetisation although over 100 people died due to it," he said.

Singh charged that if the prime minister felt that the people should wait for the court's judgment on the Ram temple issue then why his party was creating "animosity" in the country in its name.&nbsp;

The AAP Tuesday said instead of "wasting" time talking about Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, issues concerning the people needs to be discussed.

The AAP Tuesday said instead of "wasting" time talking about Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, issues concerning the people needs to be discussed. Reacting to Modi's televised interview, senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh said the NDA government at the Centre is in its last days and the words of an "outgoing" prime minister will have no effect. In an interview broadcast by various television channels, Modi talked about a host of issues including the surgical strikes, the Ram temple's construction and personal attacks on him by the Congress. "It is need of the hour today to discuss issues that concern people of the country rather than wasting time on Narendra Modi and Sonia Gandhi," Singh said reacting to the PM's interview. Farmers are forced to throw vegetables and milk on the road, women feel insecure, the youth are disenchanted and still, Modi is avoiding his promises to all of them, he said. "Modi will have to explain what happened to his promises to the people. Not even a single penny of black money came back after demonetisation although over 100 people died due to it," he said. Singh charged that if the prime minister felt that the people should wait for the court's judgment on the Ram temple issue then why his party was creating "animosity" in the country in its name.

Words of 'outgoing' prime minister will have no effect: AAP on PM Modi interview

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday noted that one surgical strike was not enough for Pakistan. Now, Pakistan has reacted on the comment calling it "political" adding that the comment was made as Indian general elections are just around the corner.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/surgical-strikes-decision-was-a-big-risk-but-i-was-more-concerned-about-safety-of-soldiers-pm-modi-187741">PM Modi yesterday, in an interview</a> to news agency ANI, said that it would be a big mistake to think that Pakistan will "mend its ways after a single war."&nbsp;

The Prime Minister added that India will make all efforts to keep the pressure on Pakistan, but it will be a huge mistake to believe that the country will mend its ways anytime soon, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

Pakistan foreign affairs spokesperson told WION, "These are political statements made ahead of Indian elections, We have always talked about peace with India. Such statements don't help in resolving issues."

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cBkhKQRPWeE" width="560"></iframe>

PM Modi on Tuesday reiterated that India was never against a dialogue, however, cross-border terrorism is something that needs to end, he added.&nbsp;

"India, whether under UPA or NDA government, has never opposed dialogue. It is our consistent policy that we are in favour of dialogue. It is the consistent policy of the country, not Modi government or Manmohan Singh government. It is our consistent policy that we are ready to talk on all issues, not this issue or that issue Because India's argument is strong We only say one thing that amid the noise of bombs and guns, the dialogue cannot be heard. Cross-border terrorism must end. And we are persistently maintaining pressure on this,"&nbsp;Prime Minister said.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday noted that one surgical strike was not enough for Pakistan. Now, Pakistan has reacted on the comment calling it "political" adding that the comment was made as Indian general elections are just around the corner.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday noted that one surgical strike was not enough for Pakistan. Now, Pakistan has reacted on the comment calling it "political" adding that the comment was made as Indian general elections are just around the corner. PM Modi yesterday, in an interview to news agency ANI, said that it would be a big mistake to think that Pakistan will "mend its ways after a single war." The Prime Minister added that India will make all efforts to keep the pressure on Pakistan, but it will be a huge mistake to believe that the country will mend its ways anytime soon, news agency ANI reported. Pakistan foreign affairs spokesperson told WION, "These are political statements made ahead of Indian elections, We have always talked about peace with India. Such statements don't help in resolving issues." PM Modi on Tuesday reiterated that India was never against a dialogue, however, cross-border terrorism is something that needs to end, he added. "India, whether under UPA or NDA government, has never opposed dialogue. It is our consistent policy that we are in favour of dialogue. It is the consistent policy of the country, not Modi government or Manmohan Singh government. It is our consistent policy that we are ready to talk on all issues, not this issue or that issue Because India's argument is strong We only say one thing that amid the noise of bombs and guns, the dialogue cannot be heard. Cross-border terrorism must end. And we are persistently maintaining pressure on this," Prime Minister said.

Political statement ahead of polls: Pak on PM Modi's surgical strike comment

The CBI has registered 206 cases of corruption against central government employees between January and November last year, Minister of State for Personnel Jitendra Singh said Wednesday in Lok Sabha.

Of the total cases registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) till November last year, charge sheets have been filed in only 45 of them, according to the minister's written reply in the House.

There were 338 such cases registered in 2017, as against 400 in 2016 and 441 in 2015. The charge sheets were filed in 168 cases in 2017, 272 in 2016 and 361 in 2015, the reply said.

In another reply, Singh said the central government has granted sanction for prosecution against 17 IAS officers in 23 cases since January 2015.&nbsp;

The Personnel Ministry deals with corruption cases involving Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers.&nbsp;

"Also, as per information received from the Ministry of Home Affairs, sanction for prosecution has been granted to prosecute three Indian Police Service (IPS) officers during last three years (2015 to 2017)," Singh said.&nbsp;

As per information received from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, 16 cases of corruption against Indian Forest Service (IFS) officers were noticed and sanction for prosecution was granted in four cases during the last three years, the minister said.

The CBI has registered 206 cases of corruption against central government employees between January and November last year, Minister of State for Personnel Jitendra Singh said Wednesday in Lok Sabha.

The CBI has registered 206 cases of corruption against central government employees between January and November last year, Minister of State for Personnel Jitendra Singh said Wednesday in Lok Sabha. Of the total cases registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) till November last year, charge sheets have been filed in only 45 of them, according to the minister's written reply in the House. There were 338 such cases registered in 2017, as against 400 in 2016 and 441 in 2015. The charge sheets were filed in 168 cases in 2017, 272 in 2016 and 361 in 2015, the reply said. In another reply, Singh said the central government has granted sanction for prosecution against 17 IAS officers in 23 cases since January 2015. The Personnel Ministry deals with corruption cases involving Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers. "Also, as per information received from the Ministry of Home Affairs, sanction for prosecution has been granted to prosecute three Indian Police Service (IPS) officers during last three years (2015 to 2017)," Singh said. As per information received from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, 16 cases of corruption against Indian Forest Service (IFS) officers were noticed and sanction for prosecution was granted in four cases during the last three years, the minister said.

CBI registered 206 corruption cases against central govt employees in 2018

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/2019-lok-sabha-polls-will-be-janta-versus-gathbandhan-pm-modi-187752">2019 Lok Sabha polls will be 'Janata versus Gathbandhan': PM Modi</a>

The 2019 Lok Sabha elections will be a "public versus coalition" contest, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday while ridiculing the alliance proposed to be formed by anti-BJP parties.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/meghalaya-miners-rescue-technical-snag-in-pumps-hinder-rescue-operations-187708">Meghalaya miners rescue: Technical snag in pumps hinder rescue operations</a>

The multi-agency operation to rescue the miners trapped in a flooded quarry in Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district was hindered after the high-powered pumps encountered technical snags on Tuesday, officials said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/atf-price-cut-by-147-costs-less-than-petrol-diesel-187734">ATF price cut by 14.7%; costs less than petrol, diesel</a>

Jet fuel price Tuesday was cut by a record 14.7 per cent on the back of decline in international rates, making it cheaper than both petrol and diesel.

The price of Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) -- used to power airplanes -- was slashed by Rs 9,990 per kilolitre, or 14.7 per cent, to Rs 58,060.97 per kl, according to price notification issued by state-owned oil firms.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/i-will-be-everyones-premier-bangladesh-pm-sheikh-hasina-187730">I will be everyone's premier, first priority to continue economic reforms: Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina</a>

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said that she will be the "premier of all" Bangladeshis and her government's first priority would be to continue the economic reforms.

Prime Minister Hasina's Awami League and its allies won a landslide victory in the general elections on Sunday, bagging 288 of the total 299 seats which went to the polls.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/surgical-strikes-decision-was-a-big-risk-but-i-was-more-concerned-about-safety-of-soldiers-pm-modi-187741">Surgical strikes decision was a 'big risk' but I was more concerned about </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/surgical-strikes-decision-was-a-big-risk-but-i-was-more-concerned-about-safety-of-soldiers-pm-modi-187741">safety</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/surgical-strikes-decision-was-a-big-risk-but-i-was-more-concerned-about-safety-of-soldiers-pm-modi-187741"> of soldiers: PM Modi</a>

"Come back before sunrise, irrespective of the success or failure of the mission". This was the message of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Indian Army Special Forces' commandos who went across the Line of Control (LoC) on September 28, 2016 to carry out surgical strikes at terrorist camps in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir.

2019 Lok Sabha polls will be 'Janata versus Gathbandhan': PM Modi The 2019 Lok Sabha elections will be a "public versus coalition" contest, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday while ridiculing the alliance proposed to be formed by anti-BJP parties.

2019 Lok Sabha polls will be 'Janata versus Gathbandhan': PM Modi The 2019 Lok Sabha elections will be a "public versus coalition" contest, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday while ridiculing the alliance proposed to be formed by anti-BJP parties. Meghalaya miners rescue: Technical snag in pumps hinder rescue operations The multi-agency operation to rescue the miners trapped in a flooded quarry in Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district was hindered after the high-powered pumps encountered technical snags on Tuesday, officials said. ATF price cut by 14.7%; costs less than petrol, diesel Jet fuel price Tuesday was cut by a record 14.7 per cent on the back of decline in international rates, making it cheaper than both petrol and diesel. The price of Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) -- used to power airplanes -- was slashed by Rs 9,990 per kilolitre, or 14.7 per cent, to Rs 58,060.97 per kl, according to price notification issued by state-owned oil firms. I will be everyone's premier, first priority to continue economic reforms: Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said that she will be the "premier of all" Bangladeshis and her government's first priority would be to continue the economic reforms. Prime Minister Hasina's Awami League and its allies won a landslide victory in the general elections on Sunday, bagging 288 of the total 299 seats which went to the polls. Surgical strikes decision was a 'big risk' but I was more concerned about safety of soldiers: PM Modi "Come back before sunrise, irrespective of the success or failure of the mission". This was the message of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Indian Army Special Forces' commandos who went across the Line of Control (LoC) on September 28, 2016 to carry out surgical strikes at terrorist camps in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir.

"Come back before sunrise, irrespective of the success or failure of the mission". This was the message of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Indian Army Special Forces' commandos who went across the Line of Control (LoC) on September 28, 2016 to carry out surgical strikes at terrorist camps in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir.

Modi, while revealing details of the military action for the first time, told ANI in an interview that the date of the attack was changed twice, keeping in mind the safety and security of the troops.

The strikes were carried out days after terrorists attacked an Army camp in Uri in Kashmir, killing 20 soldiers. The Prime Minister said the surgical strikes were planned as there was a "rage" building up within him as well as the Army after soldiers were burnt alive in the terror attack in Uri.

"I gave clear orders that whether you get success or failure, don't think about that but come back before sunrise. Don't fall for the lure and prolong it (the operation)," he said, turning a bit emotional while discussing that operation.

Emphasising that he was determined to see that none of the soldiers died in the operation, he said he had told them that they must return before sunrise even if they fail. The Prime Minister revealed that he was keeping tab of the risky operation throughout the night and was getting live information.

"I knew it was a big risk. I never care about any political risk to me. The biggest consideration for me was the safety of our soldiers," he said.

He said he didn't want any harm to come to the commandos who were "willing to sacrifice their lives on our word." The Prime Minister disclosed that the commandos for the operation were chosen carefully and then imparted special training. Whatever equipment was required, it was arranged for them, he said.

He said he was "anxious" throughout the time the soldiers were on the other side of the LoC and the moments became "extremely difficult" when the information flow stopped for about an hour in the morning.

"In the morning, information flow stopped, for an hour. My anxiety increased. Even one hour after sunrise. That time was extremely difficult for me... Then came the information that they have not reached back yet but two-three units have reached the safe zone, so don`t worry. But I said I won`t be fine till the last man returns," Modi said.

On politicisation of the surgical strikes, the Prime Minister said it was not done by the government but by opposition parties, which "raised questions" over the military action and cited the Pakistani version to "lend weight to their doubts".

The Prime Minister said that even before the country was informed about the strikes, Pakistan was told about it.

"An Army officer apprised the nation (India) of the operation. That information was given to Pakistan as well... But it is unfortunate for the country that the same day (of the surgical strike), leaders of some parties raised doubts over the surgical strikes," Modi said.

"It was necessary for Pakistan to speak like this (to deny), to keep their morale intact. But what Pakistan was saying, was being said here too. To lend weight to their views, they were citing Pakistani version. Politicisation started from that point," he added.

Delhi CM and AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal in a series of tweets post surgical strikes raised doubts over the veracity of the Government`s claims.&nbsp;

Kejriwal said that Pakistan had invited foreign journalists to view their side of the border to ascertain claims of a surgical strike. "BJP I believe you. But international media publishing Pak propaganda that no strike took place.&nbsp;

Lets expose Pak propaganda," tweeted Arvind Kejriwal on October 4th, 2016.PM Modi added that the opposition leaders were speaking "rubbish" and "those who raised doubts over the Army action, were wrong and such politicisation should not have happened".

Modi said lauding the valour of soldiers from all operations including the 1962 war with China was the duty of the government and citizens.

"If we don`t hail the valour of those who stake their lives for the country, then who will? So praising the Army should not be considered as politicisation," he said.

The Prime Minister was asked whether the objectives of the surgical strikes were met, considering that cross-LoC attacks still continue in Kashmir.

In response, he said he would not like to discuss the issue in open domain.

But then he went on to add, "Ek ladai se Pakistan sudhar jayega, yeh sochne mein bahut badi galti hogi. Pakistan ko sudarne mein abhi aur samay lagega (It will be a big mistake to think that Pakistan will start behaving after one fight. It will take a long time for Pakistan to start behaving).

Talking about the Uri attack, Modi said, "That incident made me restless and there was rage within me. I had gone to Kerala and made a mention of this. Because I could not stop myself.

Modi said that while talking to the Army, he realised that they wanted justice for their martyred soldiers and the government gave them the "free hand" to plan and execute the surgical strikes.

Special training was imparted to the commandos and secrecy was maintained."The topography and obstacles were kept in consideration... It was a learning experience for me as well," Modi said.

In September 2016, terrorists of Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed entered the Army camp in Uri near the Line of Control and killed 20 soldiers in the attack.

In retaliation, the Indian Army troops including the commandos from various units of the Para (Special Forces) units deployed in Jammu and Kashmir carried out raids across the border on multiple targets.

All these targets were launch pads for terrorists for infiltrating into Jammu and Kashmir for carrying out attacks against military and civilian targets.

Though the security forces are not sure about the exact number of casualties on the Pakistan side but based on post-operation intercepts and movements, it is believed that it had suffered around 50 casualties including its regular Army soldiers who were deployed for protecting the terror camps.

From the Indian side, only one soldier had suffered injury due to a personnel mine explosion while returning from the operation.

"Come back before sunrise, irrespective of the success or failure of the mission". This was the message of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Indian Army Special Forces' commandos who went across the Line of Control (LoC) on September 28, 2016 to carry out surgical strikes at terrorist camps in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir.

"Come back before sunrise, irrespective of the success or failure of the mission". This was the message of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Indian Army Special Forces' commandos who went across the Line of Control (LoC) on September 28, 2016 to carry out surgical strikes at terrorist camps in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir. Modi, while revealing details of the military action for the first time, told ANI in an interview that the date of the attack was changed twice, keeping in mind the safety and security of the troops. The strikes were carried out days after terrorists attacked an Army camp in Uri in Kashmir, killing 20 soldiers. The Prime Minister said the surgical strikes were planned as there was a "rage" building up within him as well as the Army after soldiers were burnt alive in the terror attack in Uri. "I gave clear orders that whether you get success or failure, don't think about that but come back before sunrise. Don't fall for the lure and prolong it (the operation)," he said, turning a bit emotional while discussing that operation. Emphasising that he was determined to see that none of the soldiers died in the operation, he said he had told them that they must return before sunrise even if they fail. The Prime Minister revealed that he was keeping tab of the risky operation throughout the night and was getting live information. "I knew it was a big risk. I never care about any political risk to me. The biggest consideration for me was the safety of our soldiers," he said. He said he didn't want any harm to come to the commandos who were "willing to sacrifice their lives on our word." The Prime Minister disclosed that the commandos for the operation were chosen carefully and then imparted special training. Whatever equipment was required, it was arranged for them, he said. He said he was "anxious" throughout the time the soldiers were on the other side of the LoC and the moments became "extremely difficult" when the information flow stopped for about an hour in the morning. "In the morning, information flow stopped, for an hour. My anxiety increased. Even one hour after sunrise. That time was extremely difficult for me... Then came the information that they have not reached back yet but two-three units have reached the safe zone, so don`t worry. But I said I won`t be fine till the last man returns," Modi said. On politicisation of the surgical strikes, the Prime Minister said it was not done by the government but by opposition parties, which "raised questions" over the military action and cited the Pakistani version to "lend weight to their doubts". The Prime Minister said that even before the country was informed about the strikes, Pakistan was told about it. "An Army officer apprised the nation (India) of the operation. That information was given to Pakistan as well... But it is unfortunate for the country that the same day (of the surgical strike), leaders of some parties raised doubts over the surgical strikes," Modi said. "It was necessary for Pakistan to speak like this (to deny), to keep their morale intact. But what Pakistan was saying, was being said here too. To lend weight to their views, they were citing Pakistani version. Politicisation started from that point," he added. Delhi CM and AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal in a series of tweets post surgical strikes raised doubts over the veracity of the Government`s claims. Kejriwal said that Pakistan had invited foreign journalists to view their side of the border to ascertain claims of a surgical strike. "BJP I believe you. But international media publishing Pak propaganda that no strike took place. Lets expose Pak propaganda," tweeted Arvind Kejriwal on October 4th, 2016.PM Modi added that the opposition leaders were speaking "rubbish" and "those who raised doubts over the Army action, were wrong and such politicisation should not have happened". Modi said lauding the valour of soldiers from all operations including the 1962 war with China was the duty of the government and citizens. "If we don`t hail the valour of those who stake their lives for the country, then who will? So praising the Army should not be considered as politicisation," he said. The Prime Minister was asked whether the objectives of the surgical strikes were met, considering that cross-LoC attacks still continue in Kashmir. In response, he said he would not like to discuss the issue in open domain. But then he went on to add, "Ek ladai se Pakistan sudhar jayega, yeh sochne mein bahut badi galti hogi. Pakistan ko sudarne mein abhi aur samay lagega (It will be a big mistake to think that Pakistan will start behaving after one fight. It will take a long time for Pakistan to start behaving). Talking about the Uri attack, Modi said, "That incident made me restless and there was rage within me. I had gone to Kerala and made a mention of this. Because I could not stop myself. Modi said that while talking to the Army, he realised that they wanted justice for their martyred soldiers and the government gave them the "free hand" to plan and execute the surgical strikes. Special training was imparted to the commandos and secrecy was maintained."The topography and obstacles were kept in consideration... It was a learning experience for me as well," Modi said. In September 2016, terrorists of Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed entered the Army camp in Uri near the Line of Control and killed 20 soldiers in the attack. In retaliation, the Indian Army troops including the commandos from various units of the Para (Special Forces) units deployed in Jammu and Kashmir carried out raids across the border on multiple targets. All these targets were launch pads for terrorists for infiltrating into Jammu and Kashmir for carrying out attacks against military and civilian targets. Though the security forces are not sure about the exact number of casualties on the Pakistan side but based on post-operation intercepts and movements, it is believed that it had suffered around 50 casualties including its regular Army soldiers who were deployed for protecting the terror camps. From the Indian side, only one soldier had suffered injury due to a personnel mine explosion while returning from the operation.

Surgical strikes decision was a 'big risk' but I was more concerned about safety of soldiers: PM Modi

Like the year 2017, &nbsp;2018 also ends with a round of important state elections. But unlike 2017 which the Bharatiya Janata Party rounded off with a hard-fought victory in Gujarat, 2018 has seen curtains down for the party in the key states of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. That alone makes 2019 crucial, but what adds to the importance is the fact that that year will also witness a contest to determine which party or combination of parties rules the country.&nbsp;

It is, therefore, natural that electoral issues will be thrown up in the coming months. Although different topics will seek to occupy the primary narrative, every party will swear by the development agenda. While the BJP will present the development it has done in the past five years, others will dig up credit-worry material from the past when they were in power. The question is: Will the politics of development alone be the decisive factor? This is important because, if the answer is in the affirmative, then various other issues, many of them polarising and contentious, ought to be consigned to the dustbin. But the country’s recent political history does not point in that direction.&nbsp;

The Congress-led regime of PV Narasimha Rao presided over the most dramatic economic reforms the country has seen since Independence. It discarded decades of a socialist structure that had impeded growth and openness in the Indian economy. Its impact has been so profound that it is not just being felt today but will continue to be felt for many more years to come. Those bold measures were remarkable for another important reason: They were helmed by a leader who had himself spent a lifetime soaked in the Congress’s socialist credentials as far as economic policies were concerned. And they saved the country from certain bankruptcy. And yet, the Rao government lost power in 1996. The development agenda failed to click.&nbsp;

The fate of the Atal Bihari Vajpayee dispensation was no different. Prime Minister Vajpayee initiated arguably the biggest reform in decades in the infrastructure sector — national highways, rural roads, electricity, telecommunications. The India Shining campaign highlighted those undisputed achievements, but the BJP was ousted from power by the Congress which had only less than a decade ago played a role in the destabilisation of two non-Congress governments. Besides, it had also virtually trashed Rao’s development politics by relegating him to a non-entity in the Congress’s galaxy of tall leaders. People had not forgotten the shabby treatment it had given to Rao even after his death. But nothing mattered, and the Congress-led alliance formed the government in 2004. &nbsp;

Both Raman Singh in Chhattisgarh and Shivraj Singh Chouhan in Madhya Pradesh, in their long stints at the helm, had to a large extent succeeded in improving a lot of the people of their respective States through developmental politics. Madhya Pradesh is an especially interesting case because it had been considered part of the BIMARU (sick) conglomeration of states when Chouhan took charge. In more than a decade in office, his regime had managed to extricate it out of this pejorative terminology— which then comprised Bihar, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. But the people of the state voted his regime out recently.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Political parties understand this reality, which is why, although they talk of the politics of development, they are careful to cultivate other factors as well, sometimes at the cost of development. The constant use of identities — of religion, caste, regional pride — is one such weapon that these parties deploy. To be fair to them, they do so because they know that the voters also —despite being vocal on public platforms — about issues of development — are often swayed by parochial considerations.&nbsp;

This explains the budding romance between the Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party in Uttar Pradesh. If the alliance between the two regional heavyweights happens, it can signal big trouble for the BJP in the state which sends 80 members to the Lok Sabha and which can well decide on who will form the next government at the Centre. It cannot be the politics of development which has brought the two entities this close, because both have a miserable track record on that front. What we can witness is the return of unabashed caste politics in Uttar Pradesh.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Similar is the story with other parties. The BJP has enough to talk about developmental politics — from empowering the common man to have bank accounts to enhancing road, rail and air connectivity to providing cooking gas connections to millions of needy families to implementing various new insurance schemes for the farming and the health sectors, and the Make in India, Digital India, Startup India projects etc. But even it realises that these may not be enough.

That said, it must be acknowledged that voters do have issues other than development which bothers them, and when such issues are ignored or belittled, the people let their annoyance known through the EVMs.&nbsp; 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Like the year 2017, 2018 also ends with a round of important state elections. But unlike 2017 which the Bharatiya Janata Party rounded off with a hard-fought victory in Gujarat, 2018 has seen curtains down for the party in the key states of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.

Like the year 2017, 2018 also ends with a round of important state elections. But unlike 2017 which the Bharatiya Janata Party rounded off with a hard-fought victory in Gujarat, 2018 has seen curtains down for the party in the key states of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. That alone makes 2019 crucial, but what adds to the importance is the fact that that year will also witness a contest to determine which party or combination of parties rules the country. It is, therefore, natural that electoral issues will be thrown up in the coming months. Although different topics will seek to occupy the primary narrative, every party will swear by the development agenda. While the BJP will present the development it has done in the past five years, others will dig up credit-worry material from the past when they were in power. The question is: Will the politics of development alone be the decisive factor? This is important because, if the answer is in the affirmative, then various other issues, many of them polarising and contentious, ought to be consigned to the dustbin. But the country’s recent political history does not point in that direction. The Congress-led regime of PV Narasimha Rao presided over the most dramatic economic reforms the country has seen since Independence. It discarded decades of a socialist structure that had impeded growth and openness in the Indian economy. Its impact has been so profound that it is not just being felt today but will continue to be felt for many more years to come. Those bold measures were remarkable for another important reason: They were helmed by a leader who had himself spent a lifetime soaked in the Congress’s socialist credentials as far as economic policies were concerned. And they saved the country from certain bankruptcy. And yet, the Rao government lost power in 1996. The development agenda failed to click. The fate of the Atal Bihari Vajpayee dispensation was no different. Prime Minister Vajpayee initiated arguably the biggest reform in decades in the infrastructure sector — national highways, rural roads, electricity, telecommunications. The India Shining campaign highlighted those undisputed achievements, but the BJP was ousted from power by the Congress which had only less than a decade ago played a role in the destabilisation of two non-Congress governments. Besides, it had also virtually trashed Rao’s development politics by relegating him to a non-entity in the Congress’s galaxy of tall leaders. People had not forgotten the shabby treatment it had given to Rao even after his death. But nothing mattered, and the Congress-led alliance formed the government in 2004. Both Raman Singh in Chhattisgarh and Shivraj Singh Chouhan in Madhya Pradesh, in their long stints at the helm, had to a large extent succeeded in improving a lot of the people of their respective States through developmental politics. Madhya Pradesh is an especially interesting case because it had been considered part of the BIMARU (sick) conglomeration of states when Chouhan took charge. In more than a decade in office, his regime had managed to extricate it out of this pejorative terminology— which then comprised Bihar, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. But the people of the state voted his regime out recently. Political parties understand this reality, which is why, although they talk of the politics of development, they are careful to cultivate other factors as well, sometimes at the cost of development. The constant use of identities — of religion, caste, regional pride — is one such weapon that these parties deploy. To be fair to them, they do so because they know that the voters also —despite being vocal on public platforms — about issues of development — are often swayed by parochial considerations. This explains the budding romance between the Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party in Uttar Pradesh. If the alliance between the two regional heavyweights happens, it can signal big trouble for the BJP in the state which sends 80 members to the Lok Sabha and which can well decide on who will form the next government at the Centre. It cannot be the politics of development which has brought the two entities this close, because both have a miserable track record on that front. What we can witness is the return of unabashed caste politics in Uttar Pradesh. Similar is the story with other parties. The BJP has enough to talk about developmental politics — from empowering the common man to have bank accounts to enhancing road, rail and air connectivity to providing cooking gas connections to millions of needy families to implementing various new insurance schemes for the farming and the health sectors, and the Make in India, Digital India, Startup India projects etc. But even it realises that these may not be enough. That said, it must be acknowledged that voters do have issues other than development which bothers them, and when such issues are ignored or belittled, the people let their annoyance known through the EVMs. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

It will take more than just 'politics of development' as parties prepare for 2019 Lok Sabha elections

narendra-modi-1

Narendra Modi  , News on Narendra Modi  , stories on Narendra Modi  , articles on Narendra Modi  , Narendra Modi   stories at Wion, Narendra Modi   news, Narendra Modi   latest news

narendra modi-1