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


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

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

BJP leader Amit Malviya sues RSS activist over sexual misconduct row

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

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

<p>India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi assumed office for his consecutive third term in the South Block office in the national capital on Monday (June 10).&nbsp;</p>

<p>After assuming office, PM Modi signed his first file authorising the release of the 17th installment of PM Kisan Nidhi which will benefit 9.3 crore farmers and distribute nearly Rs 20,000 crores.</p>

<p>After signing the file, PM Modi said, “Ours is a Government fully committed to Kisan Kalyan. It is therefore fitting that the first file signed on taking charge is related to farmer welfare. We want to keep working even more for the farmers and the agriculture sector in the times to come.”</p>

<p>He took&nbsp;oath as the prime minister along with 72&nbsp;Council of Ministers in a grand swearing-in ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Sunday (June 9).</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The first file signed by PM Modi pertains to PM Kisan Nidhi release<br />
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After being sworn in as Prime Minister for the 3rd time, PM Narendra Modi’s signs his first file authorising release of 17th instalment of PM Kisan Nidhi. This will benefit 9.3 crore farmers and distribute… <a href="https://t.co/Fp4Q5nOAYT">pic.twitter.com/Fp4Q5nOAYT</a></p>
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<p>The newly sworn-in prime minister's immediate agenda is to hold a Cabinet meeting. Meanwhile, a formal request will be submitted by the Cabinet to President Droupadi Murmu for summoning a session of Parliament.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/heres-how-modi-30-oath-taking-ceremony-made-headlines-in-western-media-730382">&nbsp;Here's how Modi 3.0 oath-taking ceremony made headlines in western media</a></p>

<p>In the Parliament session, the president will address the two houses which will be followed by laying out the vision of the government and deciding their priorities in the third term.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | PM Narendra Modi today took charge as the Prime Minister, in New Delhi.<br />
<br />
After being sworn in as Prime Minister for the 3rd time, PM Narendra Modi signed his first file authorising the release of 17th instalment of PM Kisan Nidhi. This will benefit 9.3 crore farmers and… <a href="https://t.co/G4ownB0NFh">pic.twitter.com/G4ownB0NFh</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1800048887434264753?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 10, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>The government is also likely to announce the allocation of two&nbsp;crore houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) housing scheme.</p>

<h2><strong>Modi takes oath as prime minister in grand ceremony</strong></h2>

<p>During the grand ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Sunday (June 9), President Murmu administered the oath of office of prime minister to Narendra Modi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>His Cabinet, which includes BJP stalwarts Rajnath Singh, Amit Shah, Nitin Gadkari, Nirmala Sitharaman&nbsp;and S Jaishankar, also took&nbsp;oath.</p>

<p>The Council of Ministers includes&nbsp;30 Cabinet Ministers, five Ministers of State with Independent Charge&nbsp;and 36 Ministers of State.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Modi 3.0: New Cabinet to discuss 100-day plan for the new govt; portfolio allocation on cards</strong></p>

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<p>Among the new faces, three are former chief ministers and one was BJP's first Lok Sabha MP from Kerala and actor-turned-politician Suresh Gopi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This team of ministers is a great blend of youth and experience; we will leave no stone unturned in improving people's lives. I look forward to serving 140 crore Indians and working with the Council of Ministers to take India to new heights of progress," said PM Modi, in a post on X after the ceremony.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The new Cabinet's first meeting is expected to be held at the Prime Minister's residence at Lok Kalyan Marg on Monday evening (June 10). It is most likely that the allocation of ministerial portfolios will happen thereafter.</p>

<p>In this Cabinet, there is significant representation of states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, as Bihar got four Cabinet berths while Uttar Pradesh has nine ministerial positions, including one in the Cabinet.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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<p>After winning the General Elections 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not give many details about his plans for the third term. However, he emphasised that he would keep working on strengthening the country’s military and its influence. This news will, possibly, please the US and its allies, who are increasingly focused on countering China’s expansive maritime claims and assertive actions in the Indo-Pacific region.</p>

<p>Modi told his supporters at the BJP headquarters soon after the election results that his government’s priority would be to boost defence production and exports. He emphasised his goal to enhance security by reducing India’s reliance on imported arms. He announced his intention to make India self-sufficient in the defence sector.</p>

<p>Under Modi, defence co-operation with the US has grown significantly, especially through the Quad security grouping, which also includes Australia and Japan. This relationship is mutually beneficial—the US gets a strong partner close to China, which it considers a significant challenge, while India enhances its defence strength against a much more powerful rival.</p>

<p>“India is now seen as a key frontline state by the Americans,” said New Delhi-based defence analyst Rahul Bedi, according to a report in&nbsp;<em>The Diplomat</em>. The Indian Navy’s role in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) was “crucial”, it said.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/multi-layered-security-no-fly-zone-in-delhi-as-capital-gears-up-for-pms-swearing-in-ceremony-729854">Multi-layered security, no-fly zone in Delhi as capital gears up for PM's swearing-in ceremony</a></p>

<p>The IOR, encompassing waters from Africa to Australia, is vital for global trade and energy routes. It includes such significant nations as India, Indonesia and South Africa. This region is strategically important for maritime security, economic activities and geopolitical influence, playing a crucial role in global stability and commerce.</p>

<p>When US President Joe Biden congratulated Modi on the election results, strengthening defence relationship was a key point on his agenda. During a call, the two leaders vowed to strengthen Indo-US strategic partnership and promote a free, open and prosperous Indo-Pacific region, according to a White House statement. It also mentioned that National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan would soon visit New Delhi to discuss shared US-India priorities with the new government.</p>

<p>The Indo-Pacific region, spanning the Indian and Pacific Oceans, is crucial for global trade and security. It includes such key countries as India, China, Japan, Australia and the US. This area is strategically important due to its economic potential, shipping routes and geopolitical significance in maintaining regional stability.</p>

<p>About a year into Modi’s second term, India’s defence strategy had shifted significantly towards China. This change was prompted by a clash in 2020 between troops from the two countries in Galwan Valley, an area in northern Ladakh, in which 20 Indian soldiers were killed.</p>

<p>“China poses a long-term strategic challenge for India, affecting both its border and its interests in the Indian Ocean,” Viraj Solanki, an expert from the International Institute for Strategic Studies, told&nbsp;<em>The Diplomat</em>&nbsp;in an interview. This had prompted India to adjust its defence partnerships, with an eye to countering China’s increasing clout in the Indo-Pacific region, he explained.</p>

<p>China was trying to expand its influence and presence in the region through greater engagement with these countries, Solanki said. This was a headache for New Delhi and was likely to result in greater competition in the Indian Ocean in future, he added. Beijing maintains close ties with Islamabad. China has also been boosting defence ties with such neighbouring countries of India as Nepal, Bangladesh, the Maldives and Sri Lanka.</p>

<p>When congratulating Modi on the election results, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said a “healthy and stable” relationship between India and China is beneficial for both countries and supports peace and development of the region. She also mentioned that China was “ready to work with India”, but her comments were much more reserved compared to the Foreign Ministry’s statements after Modi’s win in 2019 before the border clash. Back then, the Foreign Ministry referred to the two countries as “important neighbours” and expressed a desire to “deepen political trust, engage in mutually beneficial cooperation and strengthen the partnership between the two nations”.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;PM Narendra Modi swearing-in ceremony: Security increased for PM Modi's swearing-in</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pm-narendra-modi-swearing-in-ceremony-security-increased-for-pm-modis-swearing-in-729866/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Modi has always governed with his party holding a majority. But, after a weaker mandate in the recent elections compared to the earlier two, he will need to depend on coalition partners and will face a stronger, more energised opposition. The main Opposition party, the Congress, is unlikely to oppose Modi’s defence reforms, but had criticised his handling of the border issues with China and might push him on this matter, Bedi was quoted as saying.</p>

<p>Bedi echoed dissenting voices within the country, saying Modi had not been totally honest about the Ladakh situation. He mentioned a Defence Ministry document briefly posted online and then removed, which indicated that Chinese troops had entered Indian territory during the 2020 clash. The Opposition will, possibly, demand that the government give the true picture.</p>

<p>Under Modi’s military modernisation and reforms programme, his government has aimed to expand the private defence manufacturing sector, earlier dominated by government-run organisations. His government has also relaxed foreign investment rules to encourage companies to set up operations in India. In a major project, India launched its first home-built aircraft carrier in 2022. This is part of a plan to deploy two carrier battle groups to counter China’s growing naval power.</p>

<p>Much of India’s military equipment comes from Russia, but delays in delivery and issues with getting spare parts due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine have pushed India to diversify its defence purchases. Now, India was looking more towards the US, France, Israel and other countries, Solanki said. To strengthen ties with India, Washington has agreed to a deal allowing General Electric to work with Hindustan Aeronautics to make fighter jet engines.</p>

<p>At the defence conference,&nbsp;Shangri-La Dialogue, held by the International Institute for Strategic Studies in Singapore last weekend, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin said India and the US were also co-producing armoured vehicles.</p>

<p>He added that his country’s ties with India were the best it had ever been; it was “really strong”.</p>

<p><strong><em>(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)</em></strong></p>


After winning the General Elections 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not give many details about his plans for the third term. However, he emphasised that he would keep working on strengthening the country’s military and its influence.

After winning the General Elections 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not give many details about his plans for the third term. However, he emphasised that he would keep working on strengthening the country’s military and its influence. This news will, possibly, please the US and its allies, who are increasingly focused on countering China’s expansive maritime claims and assertive actions in the Indo-Pacific region. Modi told his supporters at the BJP headquarters soon after the election results that his government’s priority would be to boost defence production and exports. He emphasised his goal to enhance security by reducing India’s reliance on imported arms. He announced his intention to make India self-sufficient in the defence sector. Under Modi, defence co-operation with the US has grown significantly, especially through the Quad security grouping, which also includes Australia and Japan. This relationship is mutually beneficial—the US gets a strong partner close to China, which it considers a significant challenge, while India enhances its defence strength against a much more powerful rival. “India is now seen as a key frontline state by the Americans,” said New Delhi-based defence analyst Rahul Bedi, according to a report in The Diplomat. The Indian Navy’s role in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) was “crucial”, it said. Also Read: Multi-layered security, no-fly zone in Delhi as capital gears up for PM's swearing-in ceremony The IOR, encompassing waters from Africa to Australia, is vital for global trade and energy routes. It includes such significant nations as India, Indonesia and South Africa. This region is strategically important for maritime security, economic activities and geopolitical influence, playing a crucial role in global stability and commerce. When US President Joe Biden congratulated Modi on the election results, strengthening defence relationship was a key point on his agenda. During a call, the two leaders vowed to strengthen Indo-US strategic partnership and promote a free, open and prosperous Indo-Pacific region, according to a White House statement. It also mentioned that National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan would soon visit New Delhi to discuss shared US-India priorities with the new government. The Indo-Pacific region, spanning the Indian and Pacific Oceans, is crucial for global trade and security. It includes such key countries as India, China, Japan, Australia and the US. This area is strategically important due to its economic potential, shipping routes and geopolitical significance in maintaining regional stability. About a year into Modi’s second term, India’s defence strategy had shifted significantly towards China. This change was prompted by a clash in 2020 between troops from the two countries in Galwan Valley, an area in northern Ladakh, in which 20 Indian soldiers were killed. “China poses a long-term strategic challenge for India, affecting both its border and its interests in the Indian Ocean,” Viraj Solanki, an expert from the International Institute for Strategic Studies, told The Diplomat in an interview. This had prompted India to adjust its defence partnerships, with an eye to countering China’s increasing clout in the Indo-Pacific region, he explained. China was trying to expand its influence and presence in the region through greater engagement with these countries, Solanki said. This was a headache for New Delhi and was likely to result in greater competition in the Indian Ocean in future, he added. Beijing maintains close ties with Islamabad. China has also been boosting defence ties with such neighbouring countries of India as Nepal, Bangladesh, the Maldives and Sri Lanka. When congratulating Modi on the election results, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said a “healthy and stable” relationship between India and China is beneficial for both countries and supports peace and development of the region. She also mentioned that China was “ready to work with India”, but her comments were much more reserved compared to the Foreign Ministry’s statements after Modi’s win in 2019 before the border clash. Back then, the Foreign Ministry referred to the two countries as “important neighbours” and expressed a desire to “deepen political trust, engage in mutually beneficial cooperation and strengthen the partnership between the two nations”. Watch: PM Narendra Modi swearing-in ceremony: Security increased for PM Modi's swearing-in Modi has always governed with his party holding a majority. But, after a weaker mandate in the recent elections compared to the earlier two, he will need to depend on coalition partners and will face a stronger, more energised opposition. The main Opposition party, the Congress, is unlikely to oppose Modi’s defence reforms, but had criticised his handling of the border issues with China and might push him on this matter, Bedi was quoted as saying. Bedi echoed dissenting voices within the country, saying Modi had not been totally honest about the Ladakh situation. He mentioned a Defence Ministry document briefly posted online and then removed, which indicated that Chinese troops had entered Indian territory during the 2020 clash. The Opposition will, possibly, demand that the government give the true picture. Under Modi’s military modernisation and reforms programme, his government has aimed to expand the private defence manufacturing sector, earlier dominated by government-run organisations. His government has also relaxed foreign investment rules to encourage companies to set up operations in India. In a major project, India launched its first home-built aircraft carrier in 2022. This is part of a plan to deploy two carrier battle groups to counter China’s growing naval power. Much of India’s military equipment comes from Russia, but delays in delivery and issues with getting spare parts due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine have pushed India to diversify its defence purchases. Now, India was looking more towards the US, France, Israel and other countries, Solanki said. To strengthen ties with India, Washington has agreed to a deal allowing General Electric to work with Hindustan Aeronautics to make fighter jet engines. At the defence conference, Shangri-La Dialogue, held by the International Institute for Strategic Studies in Singapore last weekend, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin said India and the US were also co-producing armoured vehicles. He added that his country’s ties with India were the best it had ever been; it was “really strong”. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Modi 3.0 Military Manoeuvre: Managing China, Courting US

<p>Pakistan on Saturday (June 8) said that it wished to forge cordial and "cooperative ties" with all neighbouring countries, which includes India and wishes to resolve disputes through discussions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch made the remarks a day before Narendra Modi is set to take oath as India's prime minister for a third consecutive term.</p>

<p>The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) headed by Narendra Modi won 293 seats in the Lok Sabha elections and is now headed to form the government for a record third term.</p>

<h2><strong>Here's how Pakistan reacted to NDA's victory in polls</strong></h2>

<p>When answering the question if Pakistan has congratulated Narendra Modi on winning the elections, Baloch said Indian citizens have the right to decide regarding their leadership.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/multi-layered-security-no-fly-zone-in-delhi-as-capital-gears-up-for-pms-swearing-in-ceremony-729854">Multi-layered security, no-fly zone in Delhi as capital gears up for PM's swearing-in ceremony</a></p>

<p>"We do not have any comments on their electoral process," Baloch said, further stating that since the new government has not been sworn in officially, it is "premature" to discuss congratulating Modi.</p>

<p>Speaking about Pakistan's ties with India, Baloch said that the country has always tried to resolve all disputes with its neighbouring nation via constructive dialogue.</p>

<p>"Pakistan has always desired cooperative relations with all its neighbours including India. We have consistently advocated constructive dialogue and engagement to resolve all outstanding issues, including the core dispute of Jammu and Kashmir," she added.</p>

<p>India has always shown its desire to share cordial relations with Pakistan while emphasising the onus of creating an environment which is free of terror and hostility lies on Islamabad.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;India: Congress working committee meet begins</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-congress-working-committee-meet-begins-729864/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>India's Foreign Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had earlier said that the country "never closed doors to talking to Pakistan" but the terrorism issue needs to be "fair, square at the centre of the conversation".</p>

<p>"We have never closed our doors on talking with Pakistan. The question is what to talk about ... If some guy has that many terrorist camps ... that should be the central part of the conversation," Jaishankar said.</p>

<p>Indian President Droupadi Murmu will administer the oath of office and secrecy to Prime Minister-in-waiting Narendra Modi along with the Union Council of Ministers at 7.15 pm on June 9.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Pakistan on Saturday (June 8) said that it wished to forge cordial and "cooperative ties" with all neighbouring countries, which includes India and wishes to resolve disputes through discussions.

Pakistan on Saturday (June 8) said that it wished to forge cordial and "cooperative ties" with all neighbouring countries, which includes India and wishes to resolve disputes through discussions. Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch made the remarks a day before Narendra Modi is set to take oath as India's prime minister for a third consecutive term. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) headed by Narendra Modi won 293 seats in the Lok Sabha elections and is now headed to form the government for a record third term. Here's how Pakistan reacted to NDA's victory in polls When answering the question if Pakistan has congratulated Narendra Modi on winning the elections, Baloch said Indian citizens have the right to decide regarding their leadership. Also Read: Multi-layered security, no-fly zone in Delhi as capital gears up for PM's swearing-in ceremony "We do not have any comments on their electoral process," Baloch said, further stating that since the new government has not been sworn in officially, it is "premature" to discuss congratulating Modi. Speaking about Pakistan's ties with India, Baloch said that the country has always tried to resolve all disputes with its neighbouring nation via constructive dialogue. "Pakistan has always desired cooperative relations with all its neighbours including India. We have consistently advocated constructive dialogue and engagement to resolve all outstanding issues, including the core dispute of Jammu and Kashmir," she added. India has always shown its desire to share cordial relations with Pakistan while emphasising the onus of creating an environment which is free of terror and hostility lies on Islamabad. Watch: India: Congress working committee meet begins India's Foreign Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had earlier said that the country "never closed doors to talking to Pakistan" but the terrorism issue needs to be "fair, square at the centre of the conversation". "We have never closed our doors on talking with Pakistan. The question is what to talk about ... If some guy has that many terrorist camps ... that should be the central part of the conversation," Jaishankar said. Indian President Droupadi Murmu will administer the oath of office and secrecy to Prime Minister-in-waiting Narendra Modi along with the Union Council of Ministers at 7.15 pm on June 9. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan holds back from congratulating Modi on his third tenure as India's PM, calls it 'premature' talks

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<p>From Nitish Kumar and Congress to Italian PM Giorgia Meloni and India's PM Narendra Modi, the reactions on the internet after the Lok Sabha Elections results have ranged from brutally sarcastic to hilarious.&nbsp;</p>

<p>You open X these days, and are instantly bombarded with memes posted by everyone, from a novice with 40 followers to an 'influencer' with 4 million.</p>

<p>It makes one wonder if the meme, once the dominion of "le me, when Mom scolds" and the 'nervous frog' emoji, has now become a serious social currency with real-life political implications.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>The Language of Memes&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>"Palat, palat, palat," Shah Rukh Khan's legendary dialogue from <em>Dil Waale Dulhania Le Jaayenge</em> is very popular right now. Nitish Kumar, the former Bihar chief minister infamous for frequently changing his political colours, is goaded to do so with the Modi 3.0 government by the King of Romance, in the popular quip.</p>

<p>On the other end of the ideological spectrum, supporters of PM Modi have been using memes from popular movies like 'Pushpa' to garner support for the NDA and shore up votes.</p>

<p>It is the new normal that the social media of all political parties use reels and memes to either disparage their opponents or glorify their leaders.</p>

<p>Indian National Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has often been the brunt of memes and jokes, as has Modi, the prime minister-designate.</p>

<p><em><strong>The questions that are now of essence are these:</strong></em></p>

<p><em><strong>Have memes become how we communicate our political leanings?</strong></em></p>

<p><em><strong>Will they survive the test of time?&nbsp;</strong></em></p>

<p>Let's take a deeper look.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Global allure of the meme</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Memes and pranks of this sort have been made across the world, either to protest against their leaders or to express the people's support for them.</p>

<p>Famously, former UK PM Liz Truss was compared to lettuce by the Daily Star, with her tenure ending before the vegetable rotted. She later said this had 'hurt her' while UK citizens revelled.</p>

<p>Similarly, when foes, friends, and now foes again, Tejashwi Yadav and Nitish Kumar sat on the same plane while travelling to New Delhi, the duo became 'meme fodder' for people comparing them to their exes at a wedding party, cordial but angry.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/it-billionaire-narayana-murthy-suggests-70-hour-work-week-for-indian-youth-and-internet-has-this-to-say-651689">IT billionaire Narayana Murthy suggests 70-hour work week for Indian youth, and internet has this to say</a></strong></p>

<p>Tech tycoon Narayana Murthy was also the target of memes when he advocated for a 70-hour workweek.</p>

<h2><strong>Harmless fun or real-life threat?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>But there are critics and a dark side to meme-making and sharing.</p>

<p>When MP-elect Kangana Ranaut won and was allegedly assaulted by a CISF official, a meme fest erupted on X, with people rejoicing over the incident.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-kangana-ranaut-slapped-by-a-cisf-guard-at-chandigarh-airport-watch-729388">Kangana Ranaut slapped by a CISF guard at Chandigarh airport, watch</a></strong></p>

<p>But some people, like comedian Mallika Dua, pointed out that this was nothing but the glorification of violence, and the officials who protect our nuclear reactors, cities, and communities must be sensitised to let go of their political opinions and act with strict indifference.</p>

<p>The internet does not exist in a vacuum and has real-life implications.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-Sushant-Singh-Rajput-death-case-What-we-know-so-far-318873">Sushant Singh Rajput death case: What we know so far</a></strong></p>

<p>After the tragic demise of actor Sushant Singh Rajput, memes and conspiracy theories proliferated and fueled a vapid media trial.</p>

<p>This left such a lasting impact that many of the daily top 10 trends on Indian X are still #JusticeForSSR or #CBIForSSR, four years after the incident!&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Good, bad or ugly?</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>To explore the true impact of memes, let's consider what their creators and consumers think.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sanchita, a frequent Instagram user, says, "I think memes provide us, especially Gen Z, with much-needed comic relief during intense times such as elections because our future more often than not depends on the leaders that will be elected."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Varun says, "The meme makes complex issues like politics into a simple and relatable way to understand the situation better. It's going to evolve, and the internet is a vast medium, so it will survive."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Tamanna, a millennial, says, "With people becoming increasingly intolerant of others' viewpoints, memes are a great method to defuse tensions and make everyone laugh. When the Modi-Meloni memes took over, people were giggling, enjoying, and sharing them like crazy with their peers. I have hardly seen anyone taking offence at them."</p>

<p>Anuradha, a new user of social media, says, "I do see some political memes, and I think it’s okay to portray your political preferences in a funny manner. A little laugh never hurts you. We live in a democratic country and have the right to say what we believe in. The recent elections have proven my point."</p>

<h2><strong>Here to stay</strong></h2>

<p>No one can predict the next meme fest, and we could all become fodder for it. But one thing is clear: memes are here to stay, for good and bad.</p>

<p>They say a picture paints a thousand words, but a sarcastic meme can now take down governments.</p>


From Nitish Kumar and Congress to Italian PM Giorgia Meloni and India's PM Narendra Modi, the reactions on the internet after the Lok Sabha Elections results have ranged from brutally sarcastic to hilarious.

From Nitish Kumar and Congress to Italian PM Giorgia Meloni and India's PM Narendra Modi, the reactions on the internet after the Lok Sabha Elections results have ranged from brutally sarcastic to hilarious. You open X these days, and are instantly bombarded with memes posted by everyone, from a novice with 40 followers to an 'influencer' with 4 million. It makes one wonder if the meme, once the dominion of "le me, when Mom scolds" and the 'nervous frog' emoji, has now become a serious social currency with real-life political implications. The Language of Memes "Palat, palat, palat," Shah Rukh Khan's legendary dialogue from Dil Waale Dulhania Le Jaayenge is very popular right now. Nitish Kumar, the former Bihar chief minister infamous for frequently changing his political colours, is goaded to do so with the Modi 3.0 government by the King of Romance, in the popular quip. On the other end of the ideological spectrum, supporters of PM Modi have been using memes from popular movies like 'Pushpa' to garner support for the NDA and shore up votes. It is the new normal that the social media of all political parties use reels and memes to either disparage their opponents or glorify their leaders. Indian National Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has often been the brunt of memes and jokes, as has Modi, the prime minister-designate. The questions that are now of essence are these: Have memes become how we communicate our political leanings? Will they survive the test of time? Let's take a deeper look. Global allure of the meme Memes and pranks of this sort have been made across the world, either to protest against their leaders or to express the people's support for them. Famously, former UK PM Liz Truss was compared to lettuce by the Daily Star, with her tenure ending before the vegetable rotted. She later said this had 'hurt her' while UK citizens revelled. Similarly, when foes, friends, and now foes again, Tejashwi Yadav and Nitish Kumar sat on the same plane while travelling to New Delhi, the duo became 'meme fodder' for people comparing them to their exes at a wedding party, cordial but angry. Also read | IT billionaire Narayana Murthy suggests 70-hour work week for Indian youth, and internet has this to say Tech tycoon Narayana Murthy was also the target of memes when he advocated for a 70-hour workweek. Harmless fun or real-life threat? But there are critics and a dark side to meme-making and sharing. When MP-elect Kangana Ranaut won and was allegedly assaulted by a CISF official, a meme fest erupted on X, with people rejoicing over the incident. Also read | Kangana Ranaut slapped by a CISF guard at Chandigarh airport, watch But some people, like comedian Mallika Dua, pointed out that this was nothing but the glorification of violence, and the officials who protect our nuclear reactors, cities, and communities must be sensitised to let go of their political opinions and act with strict indifference. The internet does not exist in a vacuum and has real-life implications. Also read | Sushant Singh Rajput death case: What we know so far After the tragic demise of actor Sushant Singh Rajput, memes and conspiracy theories proliferated and fueled a vapid media trial. This left such a lasting impact that many of the daily top 10 trends on Indian X are still #JusticeForSSR or #CBIForSSR, four years after the incident! Good, bad or ugly? To explore the true impact of memes, let's consider what their creators and consumers think. Sanchita, a frequent Instagram user, says, "I think memes provide us, especially Gen Z, with much-needed comic relief during intense times such as elections because our future more often than not depends on the leaders that will be elected." Varun says, "The meme makes complex issues like politics into a simple and relatable way to understand the situation better. It's going to evolve, and the internet is a vast medium, so it will survive." Tamanna, a millennial, says, "With people becoming increasingly intolerant of others' viewpoints, memes are a great method to defuse tensions and make everyone laugh. When the Modi-Meloni memes took over, people were giggling, enjoying, and sharing them like crazy with their peers. I have hardly seen anyone taking offence at them." Anuradha, a new user of social media, says, "I do see some political memes, and I think it’s okay to portray your political preferences in a funny manner. A little laugh never hurts you. We live in a democratic country and have the right to say what we believe in. The recent elections have proven my point." Here to stay No one can predict the next meme fest, and we could all become fodder for it. But one thing is clear: memes are here to stay, for good and bad. They say a picture paints a thousand words, but a sarcastic meme can now take down governments.

'Meme Fest' of Indian politics: From Nitish Kumar to Melodi, are memes the new political currency?

<p>Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)&nbsp;leader Narendra Modi&nbsp;met Indian President Droupadi Murmu and staked claim to form government at the centre on Friday (June 7). Following that, Modi told the media that the president had called him and asked to work as the PM delegate.</p>

<p>"The President called me just now and asked me to work as the PM delegate and she has informed me about the oath ceremony. I have told the President that we will be comfortable on the evening of the 9th of June. Now the Rashtrapati Bhavan will work out the rest of the details and by then we will hand over the list of the Council of Ministers to the President. After that, the oath ceremony will take place," Modi said.</p>

<p>"This is the first election after Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav...For the third time, the NDA government has been given a chance by the people to serve to country...I assure the people of the country that in the last two terms, the speed with which the country has moved forward, change is visible in every sector and for 25 crore people to move out of poverty is a proud moment for every Indiaṇ," he added.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Narendra Modi says, "This is the first election after Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav...For the third time, the NDA government has been given a chance by the people to serve to country...I assure the people of the country that in the last two terms, the speed with which the… <a href="https://t.co/FDmw61Iswr">pic.twitter.com/FDmw61Iswr</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1799067151791514022?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 7, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>The PM-designate also said the next five years are going to be very useful for India.</p>

<p>&nbsp;"... During this tenure of 10 years, India has emerged as a Vishwabandhu for the world. Its maximum advantage is starting now. And I am sure that the next 5 years are going to be very useful for India in the global environment as well. The world is going through many crises, many tensions, disasters...we Indians are fortunate that despite so many big crises, we are today known as the world's fastest-growing economy. We are also being praised in the world for growth..," he further said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | PM-designate Narendra Modi says, "... During this tenure of 10 years, India has emerged as a Vishwabandhu for the world. Its maximum advantage is starting now. And I am sure that the next 5 years are going to be very useful for India in the global environment as well.… <a href="https://t.co/Iwq2JVw8n1">pic.twitter.com/Iwq2JVw8n1</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1799068942717394948?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 7, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Narendra Modi also acknowledged the efforts of media persons during the election period in his address. "Just like us, media persons also have to work hard during elections, covering different locations. You all have taken a lot of pain, and I hope that the health of all my friends from the media world is good," he stated.</p>

<p>Reflecting on India's global standing, Modi noted, "During this tenure of 10 years, India has emerged as a Vishwabandhu for the world. Its maximum advantage is starting now. And I am sure that the next five years are going to be very useful for India in the global environment as well. The world is going through many crises, many tensions, disasters...we Indians are fortunate that despite so many big crises, we are today known as the world's fastest-growing economy. We are also being praised in the world for growth."</p>


Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Narendra Modi met Indian President Droupadi Murmu and staked claim to form government at the centre on Friday (June 7). Following that, Modi told the media that the president had called him and asked to work as the PM delegate.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Narendra Modi met Indian President Droupadi Murmu and staked claim to form government at the centre on Friday (June 7). Following that, Modi told the media that the president had called him and asked to work as the PM delegate. "The President called me just now and asked me to work as the PM delegate and she has informed me about the oath ceremony. I have told the President that we will be comfortable on the evening of the 9th of June. Now the Rashtrapati Bhavan will work out the rest of the details and by then we will hand over the list of the Council of Ministers to the President. After that, the oath ceremony will take place," Modi said. "This is the first election after Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav...For the third time, the NDA government has been given a chance by the people to serve to country...I assure the people of the country that in the last two terms, the speed with which the country has moved forward, change is visible in every sector and for 25 crore people to move out of poverty is a proud moment for every Indiaṇ," he added. #WATCH | Narendra Modi says, "This is the first election after Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav...For the third time, the NDA government has been given a chance by the people to serve to country...I assure the people of the country that in the last two terms, the speed with which the… pic.twitter.com/FDmw61Iswr — ANI (@ANI) June 7, 2024 × The PM-designate also said the next five years are going to be very useful for India. "... During this tenure of 10 years, India has emerged as a Vishwabandhu for the world. Its maximum advantage is starting now. And I am sure that the next 5 years are going to be very useful for India in the global environment as well. The world is going through many crises, many tensions, disasters...we Indians are fortunate that despite so many big crises, we are today known as the world's fastest-growing economy. We are also being praised in the world for growth..," he further said. #WATCH | PM-designate Narendra Modi says, "... During this tenure of 10 years, India has emerged as a Vishwabandhu for the world. Its maximum advantage is starting now. And I am sure that the next 5 years are going to be very useful for India in the global environment as well.… pic.twitter.com/Iwq2JVw8n1 — ANI (@ANI) June 7, 2024 × Narendra Modi also acknowledged the efforts of media persons during the election period in his address. "Just like us, media persons also have to work hard during elections, covering different locations. You all have taken a lot of pain, and I hope that the health of all my friends from the media world is good," he stated. Reflecting on India's global standing, Modi noted, "During this tenure of 10 years, India has emerged as a Vishwabandhu for the world. Its maximum advantage is starting now. And I am sure that the next five years are going to be very useful for India in the global environment as well. The world is going through many crises, many tensions, disasters...we Indians are fortunate that despite so many big crises, we are today known as the world's fastest-growing economy. We are also being praised in the world for growth."

PM-designate Modi meets President Murmu, stakes claim to form government at centre

<p>Seven countries have been invited to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's oath-taking ceremony this weekend. The invited nations from India's neighbourhood and the Indian Ocean include—Seychelles, Mauritius, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal. PM Modi has personally reached out to several leaders from these countries, extending invitations that have now been formally sent. The grand event at Rashtrapati Bhawan will mark the beginning of Modi's third consecutive term.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Maldives:</strong> Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has been invited to attend Prime Minister Narendra Modi's oath ceremony. President Muizzu, who took office last year, congratulated Prime Minister Modi and the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) for their victory in the 2024 Indian General Elections. In a social media message, he stated, "I look forward to working together to advance our shared interests in pursuit of shared prosperity and stability for our two countries."&nbsp;&nbsp;While no public confirmation has come from President Muizzu's office, if he travels to Delhi, this will mark his first visit to India since assuming office.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maldives-president-muizzu-invited-to-indian-pm-modis-oath-taking-ceremony-729372">Maldives President Muizzu invited to Indian PM Modi's swearing-in ceremony</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>Sri Lanka:</strong> Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe congratulated Prime Minister Modi on his electoral victory during a phone call between the 2 leaders. A statement from the Sri Lankan government said, "During the conversation, PM Modi invited President Wickremesinghe to his swearing-in ceremony, which the President accepted." During Wednesday's telephonic call, the two leaders noted the significant progress that has taken place in implementing the Vision Document issued during the visit of President Wickremesinghe to New Delhi in July 2023. The Sri Lankan President travels to Delhi on 9th June.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Bangladesh:</strong> Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina accepted Modi's invitation during a telephone conversation. Noorelahi Mina, Deputy Press Secretary to the Bangladeshi Prime Minister, confirmed the acceptance who was quoted by United News of Bangladesh. Bangladesh PM was among the first world leaders to send a written congratulatory message to PM Modi on the election win. PM Hasina is expected to reach Delhi on Saturday and leave on Monday.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I thank Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for her warm wishes. India and Bangladesh share historic relations, which have seen unprecedented growth in the last decade. I look forward to working together to further strengthen our people-centric partnership. <a href="https://twitter.com/BDMOFA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BDMOFA</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1798380737319846128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 5, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Bhutan:</strong> Bhutanese leadership has been invited to be guests at the ceremony. PM Modi has spoken to both Bhutan's King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Bhutan PM Dasho Tshering Tobgay. Earlier this year, PM Modi travelled to Bhutan, which was his last foreign visit during his 2nd term. India and Bhutan are working on rail connectivity.</p>

<p><strong>Nepal:</strong> Nepal's Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda, is also confirmed to attend the ceremony in Delhi. PM Prachanda had called Narendra Modi to wish him on the electoral success. An Indian readout of the talks said, "Nepal shares deep-rooted cultural and civilizational links with India and remains a special partner in India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy".&nbsp;Congratulations&nbsp;poured in from all political parties, cutting across party lines in Nepal for PM Modi.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Congratulations to PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> on the electoral success of BJP and NDA in the Loksabha elections for the third consecutive term. We are happy to note the successful completion of the world’s largest democratic exercise with enthusiastic participation of the people of India.</p>
— ☭ Comrade Prachanda (@cmprachanda) <a href="https://twitter.com/cmprachanda/status/1798008853927456833?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 4, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Mauritius:</strong> Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth called PM Modi on Wednesday, congratulating him on his election victory. Prime Minister Modi thanked his counterpart and "reaffirmed his continued commitment to further strengthen the special relationship between India and Mauritius", an Indian readout on the talks said. Prime Minister Jugnauth was the first global leader to congratulate Modi on his victory on June 4th.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Seychelles:</strong> The Indian Ocean Country has been invited to be the guest at the Modi 3.0 inauguration. The Indian Origin President of Seychelles Wavel Ramkalawan, sent a message of&nbsp;congratulations&nbsp;to Prime Minister Modi. In his message, he said, "This outcome is a testament to the confidence that the Indian people place in your visionary leadership and the remarkable progress that India has made under your stewardship, as well as the high regard in which you are held."</p>


Seven countries have been invited to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's oath-taking ceremony this weekend. The invited nations from India's neighbourhood and the Indian Ocean include—Seychelles, Mauritius, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal.

Seven countries have been invited to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's oath-taking ceremony this weekend. The invited nations from India's neighbourhood and the Indian Ocean include—Seychelles, Mauritius, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal. PM Modi has personally reached out to several leaders from these countries, extending invitations that have now been formally sent. The grand event at Rashtrapati Bhawan will mark the beginning of Modi's third consecutive term. Maldives: Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has been invited to attend Prime Minister Narendra Modi's oath ceremony. President Muizzu, who took office last year, congratulated Prime Minister Modi and the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) for their victory in the 2024 Indian General Elections. In a social media message, he stated, "I look forward to working together to advance our shared interests in pursuit of shared prosperity and stability for our two countries." While no public confirmation has come from President Muizzu's office, if he travels to Delhi, this will mark his first visit to India since assuming office. Also read | Maldives President Muizzu invited to Indian PM Modi's swearing-in ceremony Sri Lanka: Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe congratulated Prime Minister Modi on his electoral victory during a phone call between the 2 leaders. A statement from the Sri Lankan government said, "During the conversation, PM Modi invited President Wickremesinghe to his swearing-in ceremony, which the President accepted." During Wednesday's telephonic call, the two leaders noted the significant progress that has taken place in implementing the Vision Document issued during the visit of President Wickremesinghe to New Delhi in July 2023. The Sri Lankan President travels to Delhi on 9th June. Bangladesh: Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina accepted Modi's invitation during a telephone conversation. Noorelahi Mina, Deputy Press Secretary to the Bangladeshi Prime Minister, confirmed the acceptance who was quoted by United News of Bangladesh. Bangladesh PM was among the first world leaders to send a written congratulatory message to PM Modi on the election win. PM Hasina is expected to reach Delhi on Saturday and leave on Monday. I thank Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for her warm wishes. India and Bangladesh share historic relations, which have seen unprecedented growth in the last decade. I look forward to working together to further strengthen our people-centric partnership. @BDMOFA — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 5, 2024 × Bhutan: Bhutanese leadership has been invited to be guests at the ceremony. PM Modi has spoken to both Bhutan's King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Bhutan PM Dasho Tshering Tobgay. Earlier this year, PM Modi travelled to Bhutan, which was his last foreign visit during his 2nd term. India and Bhutan are working on rail connectivity. Nepal: Nepal's Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda, is also confirmed to attend the ceremony in Delhi. PM Prachanda had called Narendra Modi to wish him on the electoral success. An Indian readout of the talks said, "Nepal shares deep-rooted cultural and civilizational links with India and remains a special partner in India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy". Congratulations poured in from all political parties, cutting across party lines in Nepal for PM Modi. Congratulations to PM @narendramodi on the electoral success of BJP and NDA in the Loksabha elections for the third consecutive term. We are happy to note the successful completion of the world’s largest democratic exercise with enthusiastic participation of the people of India. — ☭ Comrade Prachanda (@cmprachanda) June 4, 2024 × Mauritius: Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth called PM Modi on Wednesday, congratulating him on his election victory. Prime Minister Modi thanked his counterpart and "reaffirmed his continued commitment to further strengthen the special relationship between India and Mauritius", an Indian readout on the talks said. Prime Minister Jugnauth was the first global leader to congratulate Modi on his victory on June 4th. Seychelles: The Indian Ocean Country has been invited to be the guest at the Modi 3.0 inauguration. The Indian Origin President of Seychelles Wavel Ramkalawan, sent a message of congratulations to Prime Minister Modi. In his message, he said, "This outcome is a testament to the confidence that the Indian people place in your visionary leadership and the remarkable progress that India has made under your stewardship, as well as the high regard in which you are held."

EXCLUSIVE: Seven countries invited for Indian PM Modi's swearing-in ceremony this weekend

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<p>Congress leader Rahul Gandhi alleged on Thursday (June 6)&nbsp; that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and&nbsp;Home Minister Amit Shah gave investment advice to people during the campaign for the Lok Sabha elections which resulted in losses of billions to retail investors. Addressing a press conference, Gandhi said that following the exit polls, the stock markets rose and then crashed on June 4, which was the result day.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The prime minister said that the stock market is rising at a great speed. the Union home minister said that on June 4 the stock market will be on the rise and you all should invest and similar was said by the finance minister...Amit Shah says to buy shares before June 4, 19 May PM Modi says the stock market will break records on June 4. Why did the PM, home minister give investment advice to investors," Gandhi questioned.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-hits-out-at-bjp-accuses-pm-modi-of-capturing-cbi-and-ed-728744">Rahul Gandhi hits out at BJP, accuses PM Modi of capturing CBI and ED</a></strong></p>

<p>Gandhi pointed out that retail investors lost $359.2 billion (around Rs 30 lakh crore) and this was the biggest stock market scam.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Rahul Gandhi demands JPC probe</strong></h2>

<p>Sharpening his attack on Modi and Shah, Gandhi told reporters on Thursday that a&nbsp;Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe should be launched into the matter.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Congress leader Rahul Gandhi says, "Why did the PM and Union Home Minister give specific investment advice to the five crore families investing in the stock market? Is it their job to give investment advice? Why were both interviews given to the same media owned by the… <a href="https://t.co/xyAayIxdXL">pic.twitter.com/xyAayIxdXL</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1798689728310706398?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 6, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>"What is the connection between the BJP, the fake exit pollsters and the dubious foreign investors who invested one day before the exit polls were announced and made a huge profit at the cost of five crore salaries? We demand a JPC into this. We are convinced that this is a scam. Somebody has made thousands of crores of Rupees at the cost of Indian retail investors and the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister have given an indication to buy. So we demand today a joint parliamentary committee to investigate this," the Congress leader added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Gandhi also demanded an inquiry against PM Modi, Home Minister Shah and those who carried out exit polls.</p>

<h2><strong>BJP reacts: No one suffered a loss</strong></h2>

<p>Reacting to Gandhi's allegation, Union Minister Piyush Goyal said, "In April and May, when the market was rising, foreigners sold in the market and Indian investors took advantage of it and bought it. The benefit of this rise in the last 2 months has been received by Indian investors. The day the exit poll came, foreigners bought at high prices and Indian investors sold at high prices and took profit."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | BJP leader Piyush Goyal says "In April and May, when the market was rising, foreigners sold in the market and Indian investors took advantage of it and bought it. The benefit of this rise in the last 2 months has been received by Indian investors. The day the exit poll… <a href="https://t.co/SxyOFpMm2c">pic.twitter.com/SxyOFpMm2c</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1798727754055348441?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 6, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>"Rahul Gandhi talks about Rs 30 lakh crores. I understood why the people country have no faith in Rahul Gandhi because he does not even understand that it is valuation. Valuation does not mean anything. The purchase and sale is what matters," Union Minister Goyal added.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Cong&nbsp;leaders want Gandhi to become LoP in LS</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, in the latest news from the formation of the&nbsp;government, Congress leaders including Shashi Tharoor&nbsp;want Rahul Gandhi to be the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | On demand for Rahul Gandhi as LoP in Parliament, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor says, "I have made the same demand myself in the number of interviews today. So, I hope that heeds it and I would be happy to recommend that...After the two Bharat Jodo Yatras and his… <a href="https://t.co/EEO1KVDaGd">pic.twitter.com/EEO1KVDaGd</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1798703132081602655?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 6, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>"I sought votes on the name of my leader, Rahul Gandhi. I think he should be the Leader of Congress in the Lok Sabha. I hope elected Congress MPs also think the same. Let’s see how the Congress Parliamentary Party decides," Congress MP Manickam Tagore said in a post on X.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Rahul is duty-bound to lead the party as LOP in LS. He led the 2024 campaign &amp; was the face of our campaign. I came into politics because of Rahul Gandhi. Wish to be led by him. Like his parents, he is a benevolent human being. Time to bring sanity in public life," Congress MP Vivek Tankha said on the microblogging site.&nbsp;</p>


Congress leader Rahul Gandhi alleged on Thursday (June 6) that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah gave investment advice to people during the campaign for the Lok Sabha elections which resulted in losses of billions to retail investors.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi alleged on Thursday (June 6) that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah gave investment advice to people during the campaign for the Lok Sabha elections which resulted in losses of billions to retail investors. Addressing a press conference, Gandhi said that following the exit polls, the stock markets rose and then crashed on June 4, which was the result day. "The prime minister said that the stock market is rising at a great speed. the Union home minister said that on June 4 the stock market will be on the rise and you all should invest and similar was said by the finance minister...Amit Shah says to buy shares before June 4, 19 May PM Modi says the stock market will break records on June 4. Why did the PM, home minister give investment advice to investors," Gandhi questioned. Also read | Rahul Gandhi hits out at BJP, accuses PM Modi of capturing CBI and ED Gandhi pointed out that retail investors lost $359.2 billion (around Rs 30 lakh crore) and this was the biggest stock market scam. Rahul Gandhi demands JPC probe Sharpening his attack on Modi and Shah, Gandhi told reporters on Thursday that a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe should be launched into the matter. #WATCH | Congress leader Rahul Gandhi says, "Why did the PM and Union Home Minister give specific investment advice to the five crore families investing in the stock market? Is it their job to give investment advice? Why were both interviews given to the same media owned by the… pic.twitter.com/xyAayIxdXL — ANI (@ANI) June 6, 2024 × "What is the connection between the BJP, the fake exit pollsters and the dubious foreign investors who invested one day before the exit polls were announced and made a huge profit at the cost of five crore salaries? We demand a JPC into this. We are convinced that this is a scam. Somebody has made thousands of crores of Rupees at the cost of Indian retail investors and the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister have given an indication to buy. So we demand today a joint parliamentary committee to investigate this," the Congress leader added. Gandhi also demanded an inquiry against PM Modi, Home Minister Shah and those who carried out exit polls. BJP reacts: No one suffered a loss Reacting to Gandhi's allegation, Union Minister Piyush Goyal said, "In April and May, when the market was rising, foreigners sold in the market and Indian investors took advantage of it and bought it. The benefit of this rise in the last 2 months has been received by Indian investors. The day the exit poll came, foreigners bought at high prices and Indian investors sold at high prices and took profit." #WATCH | BJP leader Piyush Goyal says "In April and May, when the market was rising, foreigners sold in the market and Indian investors took advantage of it and bought it. The benefit of this rise in the last 2 months has been received by Indian investors. The day the exit poll… pic.twitter.com/SxyOFpMm2c — ANI (@ANI) June 6, 2024 × "Rahul Gandhi talks about Rs 30 lakh crores. I understood why the people country have no faith in Rahul Gandhi because he does not even understand that it is valuation. Valuation does not mean anything. The purchase and sale is what matters," Union Minister Goyal added. Cong leaders want Gandhi to become LoP in LS Meanwhile, in the latest news from the formation of the government, Congress leaders including Shashi Tharoor want Rahul Gandhi to be the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha. #WATCH | On demand for Rahul Gandhi as LoP in Parliament, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor says, "I have made the same demand myself in the number of interviews today. So, I hope that heeds it and I would be happy to recommend that...After the two Bharat Jodo Yatras and his… pic.twitter.com/EEO1KVDaGd — ANI (@ANI) June 6, 2024 × "I sought votes on the name of my leader, Rahul Gandhi. I think he should be the Leader of Congress in the Lok Sabha. I hope elected Congress MPs also think the same. Let’s see how the Congress Parliamentary Party decides," Congress MP Manickam Tagore said in a post on X. "Rahul is duty-bound to lead the party as LOP in LS. He led the 2024 campaign & was the face of our campaign. I came into politics because of Rahul Gandhi. Wish to be led by him. Like his parents, he is a benevolent human being. Time to bring sanity in public life," Congress MP Vivek Tankha said on the microblogging site.

Stock market scam: Modi, Shah gave investment advice during Lok Sabha polls, alleges Rahul; BJP reacts

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