Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent new year messages to President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said relations between the two countries were developing in a constructive and dynamic manner.

Putin, conveying his greetings to the two leaders, also noted that agreements reached during Indo-Russia annual summit in October contributed to strengthening the privileged strategic partnership between the two nations, according to the Russian Embassy here.

In his new year messages to Kovind and Modi, the Russian president emphasised that relations between the two countries were developing in a constructive and dynamic manner, the embassy said.

"Vladimir Putin expressed confidence that joint efforts will lead to further growth of mutually beneficial cooperation in various areas and greater coordination of efforts on key issues on the regional and global agenda within the UN, BRICS, the SCO, the G20 and other multilateral bodies," it said.

In the annual summit here, India inked a $5 billion deal to purchase the much-vaunted S-400 air defence system from Russia, notwithstanding US warnings of punitive sanctions against nations doing military transactions with Moscow.

A number of other pacts were also signed following talks between Modi and Putin.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent new year messages to President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said relations between the two countries were developing in a constructive and dynamic manner.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent new year messages to President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said relations between the two countries were developing in a constructive and dynamic manner. Putin, conveying his greetings to the two leaders, also noted that agreements reached during Indo-Russia annual summit in October contributed to strengthening the privileged strategic partnership between the two nations, according to the Russian Embassy here. In his new year messages to Kovind and Modi, the Russian president emphasised that relations between the two countries were developing in a constructive and dynamic manner, the embassy said. "Vladimir Putin expressed confidence that joint efforts will lead to further growth of mutually beneficial cooperation in various areas and greater coordination of efforts on key issues on the regional and global agenda within the UN, BRICS, the SCO, the G20 and other multilateral bodies," it said. In the annual summit here, India inked a $5 billion deal to purchase the much-vaunted S-400 air defence system from Russia, notwithstanding US warnings of punitive sanctions against nations doing military transactions with Moscow. A number of other pacts were also signed following talks between Modi and Putin.

Indo-Russia talks developing in a dynamic manner: Putin's New Year message to PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday congratulated his Bangladeshi counterpart Sheikh Hasina on <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-pm-hasinas-party-registers-landslide-victory-in-parliamentary-polls-187416">winning a third consecutive term</a> in the parliamentary elections.&nbsp;

PM Modi reiterated India's continued commitment to work together for Bangladesh's development and the strengthening of the bilateral relations.

PM Sheikh Hasina thanked PM Modi for being the first leader to call her to convey congratulations. She also thanked India for consistent and generous support which has benefited Bangladesh’s development and appreciated PM’s reiteration of this commitment, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

"Spoke to Sheikh Hasina Ji and congratulated her on a resounding victory in Bangladesh elections. Wished her very best for tenure ahead," PM Modi tweeted out.

The Indian government in an official statement said that the Prime Minister, earlier in the day, telephoned his Bangladeshi counterpart on winning elections with a thumping majority.&nbsp;

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Indian Govt: PM Sheikh Hasina thanked PM Modi for being the first leader to call her to convey congratulations. She also thanked India for consistent and generous support which has benefited Bangladesh’s development, and appreciated PM’s reiteration of this commitment. <a href="https://t.co/WCgRZvyXte">https://t.co/WCgRZvyXte</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1079630856652759040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"He expressed confidence that the partnership between Indian and Bangladesh will continue to flourish under her far-sighted leadership," the statement read.

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Spoke to Sheikh Hasina Ji and congratulated her on the resounding victory in the Bangladesh elections. 
 
Wished her the very best for the tenure ahead.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1079628942221312001?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"The conversation was very cordial, fully reflecting the close and traditionally friendly relations between India and Bangladesh," the statement concluded.&nbsp;

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League party registered a landslide victory in Sunday's controversial general election. Bangladesh's Election Commission confirmed a third successive term for Hasina on Monday announcing results on 298 seats; election was cancelled in one seat.&nbsp;

According to official EC figures, Hasina's Awami League-led alliance bagged a total of 288 seats, registering a landslide win. Jatiya Oikya Front settled with 7 seats, rest three went to others. Jatiya Oikya Front is a political alliance of primarily four parties led by opposition leader Kamal Hossain.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday congratulated his Bangladeshi counterpart Sheikh Hasina on winning a third consecutive term in the parliamentary elections.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday congratulated his Bangladeshi counterpart Sheikh Hasina on winning a third consecutive term in the parliamentary elections. PM Modi reiterated India's continued commitment to work together for Bangladesh's development and the strengthening of the bilateral relations. PM Sheikh Hasina thanked PM Modi for being the first leader to call her to convey congratulations. She also thanked India for consistent and generous support which has benefited Bangladesh’s development and appreciated PM’s reiteration of this commitment, news agency ANI reported. "Spoke to Sheikh Hasina Ji and congratulated her on a resounding victory in Bangladesh elections. Wished her very best for tenure ahead," PM Modi tweeted out. The Indian government in an official statement said that the Prime Minister, earlier in the day, telephoned his Bangladeshi counterpart on winning elections with a thumping majority. Indian Govt: PM Sheikh Hasina thanked PM Modi for being the first leader to call her to convey congratulations. She also thanked India for consistent and generous support which has benefited Bangladesh’s development, and appreciated PM’s reiteration of this commitment. https://t.co/WCgRZvyXte — ANI (@ANI) December 31, 2018 × "He expressed confidence that the partnership between Indian and Bangladesh will continue to flourish under her far-sighted leadership," the statement read. Spoke to Sheikh Hasina Ji and congratulated her on the resounding victory in the Bangladesh elections. Wished her the very best for the tenure ahead. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 31, 2018 × "The conversation was very cordial, fully reflecting the close and traditionally friendly relations between India and Bangladesh," the statement concluded. Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League party registered a landslide victory in Sunday's controversial general election. Bangladesh's Election Commission confirmed a third successive term for Hasina on Monday announcing results on 298 seats; election was cancelled in one seat. According to official EC figures, Hasina's Awami League-led alliance bagged a total of 288 seats, registering a landslide win. Jatiya Oikya Front settled with 7 seats, rest three went to others. Jatiya Oikya Front is a political alliance of primarily four parties led by opposition leader Kamal Hossain.

Our ties will continue to flourish under her leadership: PM Modi congratulates Sheikh Hasina on parliamentary win 

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/hope-sanitation-prevails-along-with-reverence-pm-modi-on-kumbh-mela-187343">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> Sunday announced renaming of three islands of Andaman and Nicobar on the occasion of 75th anniversary of Tricolour hoisting by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose here.

The Ross Island was renamed as Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep, the Neil Island would now be known as Shaheed Dweep and the Havelock Island as Swaraj Dweep, Modi said during a speech. &nbsp;

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PM Narendra Modi at Marina Park in Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands: From today, the three islands in Andaman and Nicobar- Ross Island will be known with the name of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island, Neil Island as Shaheed Dweep &amp; Havelock Island as Swaraj Dweep <a href="https://t.co/9mAB0UvZRk">pic.twitter.com/9mAB0UvZRk</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1079372988179312641?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The PM also released a commemorative stamp, its first-day cover and a Rs 75 coin on this special day. &nbsp; &nbsp;

He also announced setting up of a deemed university after Bose.

Earlier, Modi visited the Marina Park here and hoisted a national flag on a 150-feet high mast.

He also paid floral tribute at Netaji's statue in the park.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday announced renaming of three islands of Andaman and Nicobar on the occasion of 75th anniversary of Tricolour hoisting by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose here.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday announced renaming of three islands of Andaman and Nicobar on the occasion of 75th anniversary of Tricolour hoisting by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose here. The Ross Island was renamed as Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep, the Neil Island would now be known as Shaheed Dweep and the Havelock Island as Swaraj Dweep, Modi said during a speech. PM Narendra Modi at Marina Park in Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands: From today, the three islands in Andaman and Nicobar- Ross Island will be known with the name of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island, Neil Island as Shaheed Dweep & Havelock Island as Swaraj Dweep pic.twitter.com/9mAB0UvZRk — ANI (@ANI) December 30, 2018 × The PM also released a commemorative stamp, its first-day cover and a Rs 75 coin on this special day. He also announced setting up of a deemed university after Bose. Earlier, Modi visited the Marina Park here and hoisted a national flag on a 150-feet high mast. He also paid floral tribute at Netaji's statue in the park.

PM Modi renames 3 islands of Andaman and Nicobar

Notwithstanding irritants on trade issues, India and the US made "landmark" progress in 2018 to bolster their strategic and defence ties from holding the maiden trilateral meeting with Japan to the first-ever 2+2 dialogue during which they signed <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/22-dialogue-india-us-sign-comcasa-agreement-to-deepen-defence-ties-163982">the long-pending </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/22-dialogue-india-us-sign-comcasa-agreement-to-deepen-defence-ties-163982">COMCASA</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/22-dialogue-india-us-sign-comcasa-agreement-to-deepen-defence-ties-163982"> agreement </a>that would open the way for sales of more sensitive US military equipment to India.

The trade disputes posed bumps on the road as President Donald Trump called India a "tariff king" in September. However, two months later, he praised Indians as tough negotiators as the two countries started talks on a bilateral trade deal.

India was among the few countries, which received a waiver on Iran sanctions from the Trump administration, which also pressed Pakistan to bring to justice the perpetrators of the 2008 Mumbai attack and announced a reward of $ 5 million for information leading to the arrest or conviction in any country of any individual who committed, conspired to commit, or aided the 26/11 attack.

"This has been a landmark year for US-India ties as we build out stronger relationships across the board," Alice Wells, the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, told PTI.

"Last month, President Trump met in Buenos Aires with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in the first US-India-Japan or 'JAI' meeting as Prime Minister Modi called it" between the three leaders, and Vice President (Mike) Pence reviewed the rapid development of the strategic partnership during his meeting with Prime Minister Modi in Singapore," said Wells, who has been Trump administration's point person for the South and Central Asia.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo described the first 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in September as "symbolic of our increasingly close partnership," she said.

Pompeo along with Defence Secretary James Mattis were hosted by their Indian counterparts, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi.

"The 2+2 focused on operationalising India's status as a Major Defence Partner of the US, cooperation on global challenges, and our shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific," Wells said.

"The event culminated with the signing of the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/22-dialogue-india-us-sign-comcasa-agreement-to-deepen-defence-ties-163982">)</a>, which will facilitate greater interoperability between our forces, enhance information and intelligence sharing, and ensure that India has access to top-tier US military technology," she said.

"The finalisation of this agreement was a historic step and, since then, we have made significant strides toward finalising additional agreements that will enable our militaries and private sectors to work even closer together," she added.

India's strategic partnership with the US and its emergence as a leading global power was on display during other high-level gatherings this year, including two meetings of the quadrilateral partners (Australia, India, Japan, and the US) and at the India-Japan-US trilateral meeting at the G-20 summit last month.

"At these meetings, US and Indian officials discussed our shared commitment to maintaining and strengthening a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific based on respect and partnership, not domination," she said.

On the economic front, India-US trade relationship continues to grow, she said. Bilateral trade grew to $ 126 billion last year, and, parallel with the launch of the Strategic Energy Partnership, US-sourced oil and liquefied natural gas landed on Indian shores. "Still, we can do much more. US companies need better access to India's markets in order for us to realise the full potential of our economic partnership," Wells said.

She said the Trump administration looks forward to building on this relationship's momentum and working even more closely with the Indian counterparts on a range of shared strategic interests next year.

Nisha Desai Biswal, president of the US-India Business Council, believes 2018 experienced major upheavals impacting longstanding trade agreements and frameworks, with retaliatory tariffs, rising protectionism, and domestic political clashes spilling over into the economic policy of major economies.

"Despite these trade headwinds, the US-India commercial and strategic relationship continues to enjoy strong bipartisan support in the US, underpinned by rapidly expanding bilateral trade," she said.

On the US-India strategic front, proponents of greater interoperability scored some major wins, including the conferring of STA-1 status to India by Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross. "This puts India on par with America"s closest allies," she said.

Biswal said that on the commercial front, the private sector will be watching closely to see whether the two governments can reach a bilateral trade deal and resolve key trade irritants impacting US business.

"Business community engagement will be particularly critical in 2019, with a challenging political environment in both countries making protectionist policy a significant concern," she said.

The resumption of the US-India Commercial Dialogue next February, a US-India CEO Forum and the potential for a Trade Policy Forum will make 2019 a particularly important year, Biswal said.

All eyes are right now on the upcoming elections and how that will impact the economy and overall investment climate, she noted.

Alyssa Ayres from the Council of Foreign Relations said bilateral ties have made good progress on strategic and defence front, but economic ties are bumpier.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The trade disputes posed bumps on the road as President Donald Trump called India a 'tariff king' in September. However, two months later, he praised Indians as tough negotiators.

Notwithstanding irritants on trade issues, India and the US made "landmark" progress in 2018 to bolster their strategic and defence ties from holding the maiden trilateral meeting with Japan to the first-ever 2+2 dialogue during which they signed the long-pending COMCASA agreement that would open the way for sales of more sensitive US military equipment to India. The trade disputes posed bumps on the road as President Donald Trump called India a "tariff king" in September. However, two months later, he praised Indians as tough negotiators as the two countries started talks on a bilateral trade deal. India was among the few countries, which received a waiver on Iran sanctions from the Trump administration, which also pressed Pakistan to bring to justice the perpetrators of the 2008 Mumbai attack and announced a reward of $ 5 million for information leading to the arrest or conviction in any country of any individual who committed, conspired to commit, or aided the 26/11 attack. "This has been a landmark year for US-India ties as we build out stronger relationships across the board," Alice Wells, the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, told PTI. "Last month, President Trump met in Buenos Aires with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in the first US-India-Japan or 'JAI' meeting as Prime Minister Modi called it" between the three leaders, and Vice President (Mike) Pence reviewed the rapid development of the strategic partnership during his meeting with Prime Minister Modi in Singapore," said Wells, who has been Trump administration's point person for the South and Central Asia. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo described the first 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in September as "symbolic of our increasingly close partnership," she said. Pompeo along with Defence Secretary James Mattis were hosted by their Indian counterparts, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi. "The 2+2 focused on operationalising India's status as a Major Defence Partner of the US, cooperation on global challenges, and our shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific," Wells said. "The event culminated with the signing of the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA), which will facilitate greater interoperability between our forces, enhance information and intelligence sharing, and ensure that India has access to top-tier US military technology," she said. "The finalisation of this agreement was a historic step and, since then, we have made significant strides toward finalising additional agreements that will enable our militaries and private sectors to work even closer together," she added. India's strategic partnership with the US and its emergence as a leading global power was on display during other high-level gatherings this year, including two meetings of the quadrilateral partners (Australia, India, Japan, and the US) and at the India-Japan-US trilateral meeting at the G-20 summit last month. "At these meetings, US and Indian officials discussed our shared commitment to maintaining and strengthening a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific based on respect and partnership, not domination," she said. On the economic front, India-US trade relationship continues to grow, she said. Bilateral trade grew to $ 126 billion last year, and, parallel with the launch of the Strategic Energy Partnership, US-sourced oil and liquefied natural gas landed on Indian shores. "Still, we can do much more. US companies need better access to India's markets in order for us to realise the full potential of our economic partnership," Wells said. She said the Trump administration looks forward to building on this relationship's momentum and working even more closely with the Indian counterparts on a range of shared strategic interests next year. Nisha Desai Biswal, president of the US-India Business Council, believes 2018 experienced major upheavals impacting longstanding trade agreements and frameworks, with retaliatory tariffs, rising protectionism, and domestic political clashes spilling over into the economic policy of major economies. "Despite these trade headwinds, the US-India commercial and strategic relationship continues to enjoy strong bipartisan support in the US, underpinned by rapidly expanding bilateral trade," she said. On the US-India strategic front, proponents of greater interoperability scored some major wins, including the conferring of STA-1 status to India by Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross. "This puts India on par with America"s closest allies," she said. Biswal said that on the commercial front, the private sector will be watching closely to see whether the two governments can reach a bilateral trade deal and resolve key trade irritants impacting US business. "Business community engagement will be particularly critical in 2019, with a challenging political environment in both countries making protectionist policy a significant concern," she said. The resumption of the US-India Commercial Dialogue next February, a US-India CEO Forum and the potential for a Trade Policy Forum will make 2019 a particularly important year, Biswal said. All eyes are right now on the upcoming elections and how that will impact the economy and overall investment climate, she noted. Alyssa Ayres from the Council of Foreign Relations said bilateral ties have made good progress on strategic and defence front, but economic ties are bumpier.

2018: A landmark year for India-US strategic relationship

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/meghalaya-mine-rescue-navy-ndrf-personnel-enter-shaft-to-ascertain-water-level-187381">Meghalaya mine rescue: Navy, NDRF personnel enter shaft to ascertain water level</a>

A team leader from the Indian Navy and NDRF personnel went inside a 370-foot-deep mine, where 15 miners are trapped, to ascertain the water level inside on Sunday afternoon, officials said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-renames-3-islands-of-andaman-and-nicobar-187382">PM Modi renames 3 islands of Andaman and Nicobar</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday announced renaming of three islands of Andaman and Nicobar on the occasion of 75th anniversary of Tricolour hoisting by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose here.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/polls-close-in-bangladesh-election-marred-by-violence-12-dead-187346">Bangladesh elections: Voting ends, 12 killed in poll-related violence</a>

At least 12 people were killed in election-day clashes in Bangladesh Sunday, after a bloody campaign overshadowed by a crackdown on the opposition by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is expected to win a historic but controversial fourth term.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/triple-talaq-bill-will-ruin-families-will-launch-agitation-against-it-aimwplb-187352">Triple talaq bill will ruin families, will launch </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/triple-talaq-bill-will-ruin-families-will-launch-agitation-against-it-aimwplb-187352">agitation</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/triple-talaq-bill-will-ruin-families-will-launch-agitation-against-it-aimwplb-187352"> against it: AIMWPLB</a>

The All India Muslim Women Personal Law Board (AIMWPLB) Sunday termed the triple talaq bill as one which will "ruin" families if it is made into a law, and said it will launch an agitation against it.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/tale-of-rohingya-repatriation-stuck-in-limbo-one-of-the-biggest-humanitarian-crises-of-south-asia-187353">Rohingya repatriation stuck in limbo: One of the biggest humanitarian crisis of South Asia</a>

Over a year ago, in August 2017, Myanmar witnessed a conflict that sparked international concern. Western Myanmar’s Rakhine state saw hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslims fleeing their homes following an army crackdown.&nbsp;

Meghalaya mine rescue: Navy, NDRF personnel enter shaft to ascertain water level A team leader from the Indian Navy and NDRF personnel went inside a 370-foot-deep mine, where 15 miners are trapped, to ascertain the water level inside on Sunday afternoon, officials said.

Meghalaya mine rescue: Navy, NDRF personnel enter shaft to ascertain water level A team leader from the Indian Navy and NDRF personnel went inside a 370-foot-deep mine, where 15 miners are trapped, to ascertain the water level inside on Sunday afternoon, officials said. PM Modi renames 3 islands of Andaman and Nicobar Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday announced renaming of three islands of Andaman and Nicobar on the occasion of 75th anniversary of Tricolour hoisting by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose here. Bangladesh elections: Voting ends, 12 killed in poll-related violence At least 12 people were killed in election-day clashes in Bangladesh Sunday, after a bloody campaign overshadowed by a crackdown on the opposition by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is expected to win a historic but controversial fourth term. Triple talaq bill will ruin families, will launch agitation against it: AIMWPLB The All India Muslim Women Personal Law Board (AIMWPLB) Sunday termed the triple talaq bill as one which will "ruin" families if it is made into a law, and said it will launch an agitation against it. Rohingya repatriation stuck in limbo: One of the biggest humanitarian crisis of South Asia Over a year ago, in August 2017, Myanmar witnessed a conflict that sparked international concern. Western Myanmar’s Rakhine state saw hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslims fleeing their homes following an army crackdown.

News brief: Big stories of the day

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-is-pulling-its-citizens-out-of-poverty-at-a-record-pace-pm-modi-in-mann-ki-baat-187307">Prime Minister Narendra Modi </a>Sunday said he hoped sanitation will be maintained along with reverence at Kumbh Mela in January, saying it will send a positive message far and wide.

In his monthly <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bapu-had-a-special-connection-with-south-africa-pm-in-last-mann-ki-baat-of-2018-187317">'Mann ki Baat' radio address</a>, last this year, he said this time much emphasis is being laid on cleanliness during Kumbh.&nbsp;

"If during the course of this event sanitation prevails along with reverence, then it will lead to a positive message reaching far and wide," the Prime Minister said.

He said, Kumbh Mela is also a huge medium of self-discovery, where every visitor experiences a unique feeling and learns to look at the worldly things from a spiritual perspective.&nbsp;

"This can be a huge learning experience especially for the youth," he felt.

The Kumbh Mela will commence from January 15 at Prayagraj.

The Mela draws lakhs of pilgrims over the course of approximately 55 auspicious days to bathe at the sacred confluence of the Ganga, the Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati.

Referring to Republic Day celebrations, the PM said this time South African President Cyril Ramaphosa will be the chief guest as India also celebrates the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.&nbsp;

"Our revered Bapu and South Africa shared an unbreakable bond. It was South Africa, where Mohan (Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi) transformed into the 'Mahatma'. It was in South Africa, where Mahatma Gandhi had started his first Satyagraha and stood rock steady in protest of apartheid," Modi said.&nbsp;

He also said that at times when government organisations are described as a 'regulators', Food Safety and Standard Authority of India has been working beyond this brief for public awareness and public education.&nbsp;

It has launched a campaign on promoting good eating or safe and healthy diet habits.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday said he hoped sanitation will be maintained along with reverence at Kumbh Mela in January, saying it will send a positive message far and wide.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday said he hoped sanitation will be maintained along with reverence at Kumbh Mela in January, saying it will send a positive message far and wide. In his monthly 'Mann ki Baat' radio address, last this year, he said this time much emphasis is being laid on cleanliness during Kumbh. "If during the course of this event sanitation prevails along with reverence, then it will lead to a positive message reaching far and wide," the Prime Minister said. He said, Kumbh Mela is also a huge medium of self-discovery, where every visitor experiences a unique feeling and learns to look at the worldly things from a spiritual perspective. "This can be a huge learning experience especially for the youth," he felt. The Kumbh Mela will commence from January 15 at Prayagraj. The Mela draws lakhs of pilgrims over the course of approximately 55 auspicious days to bathe at the sacred confluence of the Ganga, the Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati. Referring to Republic Day celebrations, the PM said this time South African President Cyril Ramaphosa will be the chief guest as India also celebrates the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. "Our revered Bapu and South Africa shared an unbreakable bond. It was South Africa, where Mohan (Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi) transformed into the 'Mahatma'. It was in South Africa, where Mahatma Gandhi had started his first Satyagraha and stood rock steady in protest of apartheid," Modi said. He also said that at times when government organisations are described as a 'regulators', Food Safety and Standard Authority of India has been working beyond this brief for public awareness and public education. It has launched a campaign on promoting good eating or safe and healthy diet habits.

Hope sanitation prevails along with reverence: PM Modi on Kumbh Mela

The BJP top brass has relied on a mix of electoral experience and organisational ability in picking its team of state in-charges to drive the party's 2019 Lok Sabha poll campaign, and as expected from the Modi-Shah duo, they have sprung a few surprises as well with the Hindutva agenda being at the core of the choices.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and party president Amit Shah have entrusted Gordhan Zadaphia, a fellow Gujarati who was long a bitter Modi critic, with the responsibility of Uttar Pradesh, a state where BJP's performance will be central to its dream to retain power at the Centre.

Election in-charges are trusted lieutenants of the party's central leadership and their job is to be a bridge between it and state units, elicit feedback from grassroots and craft and execute poll campaign while being at the background.

Here is a profile of leaders<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/chhattisgarh-cm-baghel-conducts-first-cabinet-expansion-9-mlas-take-oath-186308"> chosen as in-charges for 17 states </a>and Union Territory of Chandigarh.

Gordhan Zadaphia: He had a big fallout with Modi in 2004 when he refused to take oath as minister. He later floated his own party and joined hands with likes of former state CMs, Keshubhai Patel and Suresh Mehta, to take on Modi.

He returned to BJP before 2014 Lok Sabha polls. What is, however, unquestionable is the 64-year-old leader's Hindutva credentials as his ties with RSS and VHP always remained strong.

The junior home minister in Gujarat government during 2002 riots, Zadaphia has already set a target of winning all 80 seats of UP, where BJP had won 71 seats in 2014.&nbsp;

Incidentally, Shah was UP in-charge in 2014.&nbsp;

Bhupender Yadav: A party general secretary, he will be in charge of Bihar. A lawyer and key party spearhead in Parliament, Yadav has been involved with almost every state election in some way since Shah became BJP chief in 2014.&nbsp;

A low profile leader, he enjoys Shah's trust and has long been in-charge of party affairs in Bihar.

His job will be to iron out any differences with allies— CM Nitish Kumar's JD(U) and Union minister Ram Vilas Paswan's LJP. NDA had won 31 of the state's 40 seats in 2014.

Mahendra Singh: A minister in UP government, BJP has appointed him election in-charge for Assam. Party came to power in the state for first time in 2016, with him as in-charge.&nbsp;

Arun Singh: A party general secretary, he will lead a poll campaign in Odisha. &nbsp;A Thakur leader from UP, Singh (53) started his political career with Bhartiya Janata Yuva Morcha, BJP's youth wing, and has since steadily climbed up the organisational ladder.

BJP had won only one seat out of 21 in Odisha in 2014.

Mangal Pandey: A former Bihar BJP chief, he has also looked after party affairs in Himachal Pradesh in past. Now a minister in Bihar government, Pandey (53) has the responsibility of steering campaign in Jharkhand.

Tirath Singh Rawat: A former Uttarakhand BJP chief, Rawat would lead task in Himachal Pradesh. His job will be to ensure a repeat of 2014 feat when the party won all 4 seats.

Nalin Kohli: A lawyer and savvy spokesperson of the party, Kohli is in-charge of Nagaland and Manipur. BJP is in power in Manipur and its ally is at the helm in Nagaland.&nbsp;

Nitin Nabin: An MLA from Bihar, he has been given charge of Sikkim. He is only 38 and has also been associated with BJYM.

Prakash Javadekar, who has been the party's in charge in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, likes to take everyone on board.&nbsp;

Due to this quality, he has been given the responsibility of Rajasthan, where BJP under Vasundhara Raje has been at loggerheads with its national leadership over various issues. He has to act as a bridge between both sides.&nbsp;

Javadekar enjoys trust of Modi and Shah. He also has the backing of BJP's ideological mentor Sangh.

Sudhanshu Trivedi has also been again given the responsibility of Rajasthan for 2019 polls.

Trivedi, who has a doctorate in mechanical engineering, rose to prominence during his tenure as political advisor to then BJP chief Rajnath Singh. He is known for his political analysis and deep understanding of caste equations.&nbsp;

Captain Abhimanyu, a minister in BJP government in Haryana, has been given the responsibility of Punjab and Chandigarh. An Amit Shah loyalist, he was in his team for UP during 2014 LS polls.&nbsp;

The Jaat leader handed caste-dominated western UP at that time. Hailing from Haryana, he twice has been in-charge of Punjab in 2012 and 2017.&nbsp; 
BJP's Chhattisgarh in charge Anil Jain is a practitioner surgeon at Apollo Hospital, New Delhi.&nbsp;

Jain maintains a low profile and is essentially a backroom boy. He takes care of Shah's schedule and political programmes. BJP lost Chhattisgarh last month with him as in charge.&nbsp;

O P Mathur, vice-president of the party, will lead the campaign in Gujarat after 16 years. He was state-in-charge in 2002 assembly elections.&nbsp;

BJP's Dalit face and Union minister Thawarchand Gehlot has again been given charge of Uttrakhand. He's also a member of BJP's parliamentary board.&nbsp;

The architect of party's victory in Tripura, Sunil Deodhar has been given a new challenge of making the party a force in Andhra Pradesh.&nbsp;

He is known for his organisation skills especially in strengthening the party on the ground and expanding its network of cadres. He will be assisted by V Muralidharan, party's ex-Kerala unit chief.&nbsp;

The responsibility of Telangana has been given to Aravind Limbavali, sitting MLA from Karnataka and ex-minister.

Swatantra Dev Singh, minister of state (independent charge) in UP, will lead party campaign in Madhya Pradesh. Singh will be accompanied by party's Delhi unit ex-chief Satish Upadhyay.

The BJP top brass has relied on a mix of electoral experience and organisational ability in picking its team of state in-charges to drive the party's 2019 Lok Sabha poll campaign, and as expected from the Modi-Shah duo, they have sprung a few surprises as well with the Hindutva agenda being at the core of the choices.

The BJP top brass has relied on a mix of electoral experience and organisational ability in picking its team of state in-charges to drive the party's 2019 Lok Sabha poll campaign, and as expected from the Modi-Shah duo, they have sprung a few surprises as well with the Hindutva agenda being at the core of the choices. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and party president Amit Shah have entrusted Gordhan Zadaphia, a fellow Gujarati who was long a bitter Modi critic, with the responsibility of Uttar Pradesh, a state where BJP's performance will be central to its dream to retain power at the Centre. Election in-charges are trusted lieutenants of the party's central leadership and their job is to be a bridge between it and state units, elicit feedback from grassroots and craft and execute poll campaign while being at the background. Here is a profile of leaders chosen as in-charges for 17 states and Union Territory of Chandigarh. Gordhan Zadaphia: He had a big fallout with Modi in 2004 when he refused to take oath as minister. He later floated his own party and joined hands with likes of former state CMs, Keshubhai Patel and Suresh Mehta, to take on Modi. He returned to BJP before 2014 Lok Sabha polls. What is, however, unquestionable is the 64-year-old leader's Hindutva credentials as his ties with RSS and VHP always remained strong. The junior home minister in Gujarat government during 2002 riots, Zadaphia has already set a target of winning all 80 seats of UP, where BJP had won 71 seats in 2014. Incidentally, Shah was UP in-charge in 2014. Bhupender Yadav: A party general secretary, he will be in charge of Bihar. A lawyer and key party spearhead in Parliament, Yadav has been involved with almost every state election in some way since Shah became BJP chief in 2014. A low profile leader, he enjoys Shah's trust and has long been in-charge of party affairs in Bihar. His job will be to iron out any differences with allies— CM Nitish Kumar's JD(U) and Union minister Ram Vilas Paswan's LJP. NDA had won 31 of the state's 40 seats in 2014. Mahendra Singh: A minister in UP government, BJP has appointed him election in-charge for Assam. Party came to power in the state for first time in 2016, with him as in-charge. Arun Singh: A party general secretary, he will lead a poll campaign in Odisha. A Thakur leader from UP, Singh (53) started his political career with Bhartiya Janata Yuva Morcha, BJP's youth wing, and has since steadily climbed up the organisational ladder. BJP had won only one seat out of 21 in Odisha in 2014. Mangal Pandey: A former Bihar BJP chief, he has also looked after party affairs in Himachal Pradesh in past. Now a minister in Bihar government, Pandey (53) has the responsibility of steering campaign in Jharkhand. Tirath Singh Rawat: A former Uttarakhand BJP chief, Rawat would lead task in Himachal Pradesh. His job will be to ensure a repeat of 2014 feat when the party won all 4 seats. Nalin Kohli: A lawyer and savvy spokesperson of the party, Kohli is in-charge of Nagaland and Manipur. BJP is in power in Manipur and its ally is at the helm in Nagaland. Nitin Nabin: An MLA from Bihar, he has been given charge of Sikkim. He is only 38 and has also been associated with BJYM. Prakash Javadekar, who has been the party's in charge in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, likes to take everyone on board. Due to this quality, he has been given the responsibility of Rajasthan, where BJP under Vasundhara Raje has been at loggerheads with its national leadership over various issues. He has to act as a bridge between both sides. Javadekar enjoys trust of Modi and Shah. He also has the backing of BJP's ideological mentor Sangh. Sudhanshu Trivedi has also been again given the responsibility of Rajasthan for 2019 polls. Trivedi, who has a doctorate in mechanical engineering, rose to prominence during his tenure as political advisor to then BJP chief Rajnath Singh. He is known for his political analysis and deep understanding of caste equations. Captain Abhimanyu, a minister in BJP government in Haryana, has been given the responsibility of Punjab and Chandigarh. An Amit Shah loyalist, he was in his team for UP during 2014 LS polls. The Jaat leader handed caste-dominated western UP at that time. Hailing from Haryana, he twice has been in-charge of Punjab in 2012 and 2017. BJP's Chhattisgarh in charge Anil Jain is a practitioner surgeon at Apollo Hospital, New Delhi. Jain maintains a low profile and is essentially a backroom boy. He takes care of Shah's schedule and political programmes. BJP lost Chhattisgarh last month with him as in charge. O P Mathur, vice-president of the party, will lead the campaign in Gujarat after 16 years. He was state-in-charge in 2002 assembly elections. BJP's Dalit face and Union minister Thawarchand Gehlot has again been given charge of Uttrakhand. He's also a member of BJP's parliamentary board. The architect of party's victory in Tripura, Sunil Deodhar has been given a new challenge of making the party a force in Andhra Pradesh. He is known for his organisation skills especially in strengthening the party on the ground and expanding its network of cadres. He will be assisted by V Muralidharan, party's ex-Kerala unit chief. The responsibility of Telangana has been given to Aravind Limbavali, sitting MLA from Karnataka and ex-minister. Swatantra Dev Singh, minister of state (independent charge) in UP, will lead party campaign in Madhya Pradesh. Singh will be accompanied by party's Delhi unit ex-chief Satish Upadhyay.

BJP bets heavy on electoral experience, organisational ability in selecting Lok Sabha campaign in-charges

The national council of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Saturday unanimously decided to extend the terms of all of its office-bearers, including party convener <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-implement-odd-even-scheme-whenever-required-kejriwal-186468">Arvind Kejriwal</a>, by a year.

Hinting at the possibility of the AAP becoming a part of the Grand Alliance of opposition parties in the 2019 general polls, senior party leader Gopal Rai told reporters, "Besides playing our role in the Lok Sabha election, we will cooperate with others (parties) to remove the (Narendra) Modi government."

The party would contest the Lok Sabha election in Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Goa and Chandigarh with all its might, he said.

Talking to reporters after a meeting of the AAP national council, party leader Pankaj Gupta said a proposal to extend the term of the current council by a year in view of the upcoming Lok Sabha election and Delhi Assembly polls was passed unanimously.

"The extension of the national council's term means that the terms of the national executive and convener Arvind Kejriwal are also extended by a year," he told PTI.

The term of the national council was to end on April 23, 2019, Gupta said.

"In the coming days, there will be the (2019) Lok Sabha election and after a few months, the Delhi Assembly polls. In view of this, we have decided that the term of the national council will be extended by a year.

"The proposal was passed unanimously," he told reporters.

Asked whether the term of Delhi Chief Minister Kejriwal as the party's national convener was also extended, Rai said the terms of all the national council members were extended.

Kejriwal was elected as the national convenor of the AAP for the second time in April 2016 for a period of three years.

According to the party constitution, "No member will hold the same post as an office-bearer for more than two consecutive terms of three years each."

Briefing reporters after the national council meeting, Rai, who is the AAP's Delhi convener, said the council had decided that the party would contest the Lok Sabha polls to end the "autocracy of Narendra Modi".

In other states, the respective state committees will submit their reports to the party's Political Affairs Committee on the strength of the organisation and candidates, Rai said.

He added that the Political Affairs Committee would then take a decision on which seats to contest in these states.

The council discussed issues like the farmers' condition, women security and the Rafale fighter jets deal, which would be raised by the AAP during the campaigning for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, Rai said.

The national council of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Saturday unanimously decided to extend the terms of all of its office-bearers, including party convener Arvind Kejriwal, by a year.

The national council of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Saturday unanimously decided to extend the terms of all of its office-bearers, including party convener Arvind Kejriwal, by a year. Hinting at the possibility of the AAP becoming a part of the Grand Alliance of opposition parties in the 2019 general polls, senior party leader Gopal Rai told reporters, "Besides playing our role in the Lok Sabha election, we will cooperate with others (parties) to remove the (Narendra) Modi government." The party would contest the Lok Sabha election in Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Goa and Chandigarh with all its might, he said. Talking to reporters after a meeting of the AAP national council, party leader Pankaj Gupta said a proposal to extend the term of the current council by a year in view of the upcoming Lok Sabha election and Delhi Assembly polls was passed unanimously. "The extension of the national council's term means that the terms of the national executive and convener Arvind Kejriwal are also extended by a year," he told PTI. The term of the national council was to end on April 23, 2019, Gupta said. "In the coming days, there will be the (2019) Lok Sabha election and after a few months, the Delhi Assembly polls. In view of this, we have decided that the term of the national council will be extended by a year. "The proposal was passed unanimously," he told reporters. Asked whether the term of Delhi Chief Minister Kejriwal as the party's national convener was also extended, Rai said the terms of all the national council members were extended. Kejriwal was elected as the national convenor of the AAP for the second time in April 2016 for a period of three years. According to the party constitution, "No member will hold the same post as an office-bearer for more than two consecutive terms of three years each." Briefing reporters after the national council meeting, Rai, who is the AAP's Delhi convener, said the council had decided that the party would contest the Lok Sabha polls to end the "autocracy of Narendra Modi". In other states, the respective state committees will submit their reports to the party's Political Affairs Committee on the strength of the organisation and candidates, Rai said. He added that the Political Affairs Committee would then take a decision on which seats to contest in these states. The council discussed issues like the farmers' condition, women security and the Rafale fighter jets deal, which would be raised by the AAP during the campaigning for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, Rai said.

AAP national council's term extended by a year, Kejriwal to remain party chief

Congress President Rahul Gandhi Saturday met<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-will-contribute-rs-4500-crore-in-bhutans-12th-five-year-planpm-modi-186982"> Bhutan Prime Minister Lotay Tshering </a>here and the two discussed the political situation in the region.

The meeting took place at a local hotel.

"I had an excellent meeting today with the Prime Minister of Bhutan, Dr Lotay Tshering. We discussed the political situation in the region and other matters of common interest. I look forward to continuing our dialogue in the future," Gandhi said on Twitter.

Later, in a Facebook post, he said the India-Bhutan relations has endured the test of time.&nbsp;

"It's a relationship that has endured the test of time. We are joined not only by a pleasant past but also by our hopes to create a better future for the region," Gandhi said in his post.

The Bhutanese prime minister is on a state visit to India and had earlier met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday.&nbsp;

Tshering arrived here on Thursday on his first foreign visit after taking charge as PM of the Himalayan nation last month following his party's victory in the general elections.&nbsp;

Congress President Rahul Gandhi Saturday met Bhutan Prime Minister Lotay Tshering here and the two discussed the political situation in the region. The meeting took place at a local hotel.

Congress President Rahul Gandhi Saturday met Bhutan Prime Minister Lotay Tshering here and the two discussed the political situation in the region. The meeting took place at a local hotel. "I had an excellent meeting today with the Prime Minister of Bhutan, Dr Lotay Tshering. We discussed the political situation in the region and other matters of common interest. I look forward to continuing our dialogue in the future," Gandhi said on Twitter. Later, in a Facebook post, he said the India-Bhutan relations has endured the test of time. "It's a relationship that has endured the test of time. We are joined not only by a pleasant past but also by our hopes to create a better future for the region," Gandhi said in his post. The Bhutanese prime minister is on a state visit to India and had earlier met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday. Tshering arrived here on Thursday on his first foreign visit after taking charge as PM of the Himalayan nation last month following his party's victory in the general elections.

Rahul Gandhi meets Bhutan PM Lotay Tshering

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday accused the Congress of misleading farmers on loan waiver promises, calling them lollipops.

On a day's visit to the Purvanchal region, his second trip to Uttar Pradesh this month, Modi claimed the JD(S)-Congress coalition government which came to power in Karnataka recently had waived only 800 farm loans.

"Be wary of the Congress and its lies,"&nbsp;he said at a public meeting here after laying the foundation stone for a medical college and releasing a postal stamp on legendary king Suheldev.

"Will you trust the lollypop company"&nbsp;he said.

Modi's remarks on farm loans&nbsp;"made at other recent meetings as well"&nbsp;follow the waivers announced by the Congress governments in Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh after the recent assembly polls.

Modi has been saying that the Congress had promised much more than its governments have delivered on loan waivers, a charge denied in the past by that party.

The prime minister described himself again as a "chowkidar' (watchman) of the people, a term ridiculed by Congress president Rahul Gandhi.

"This chowkidar of yours is toiling very hard day and night, and with honesty, to brighten your future and that of your children,"&nbsp;he said.

"Because of this chowkidar, some thieves are having sleepless nights. It is your faith and blessings on me that will take the thieves to their rightful place one day," he said. 
He described Maharaja Suheldev as a brave warrior.

"Maharaja Suheldev is among those bravehearts who had struggled for the honour of 'Maa Bharti',"&nbsp;he said.

"All people hailing from the deprived and the exploited sections of society seek inspiration from him. Remembering him strengthens the mantra of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikaas (inclusive development)," he said.

The PM's rally here is also being seen as an effort by the Bharatiya Janata Party to woo the Rajbhar community, which reveres Maharaja Suheldev.

However, BJP ally Suheldev Bhartiya Samaj Party has distanced itself from the event. SBSP chief and Uttar Pradesh minister Om Prakash Rajbhar has claimed he was not invited in time.

Modi said his government will not let the memory of those who defended the country and worked for society to fade away.

"There are bravehearts of the country who have not been given the due respect by the previous governments. Our government is paying tribute to them,"&nbsp;he said.

"Several important steps have being taken to transform Purvanchal into a big medical hub and to strengthen small industries in UP," Modi said.

He said when a government works with transparency and public interest is put above self-interest, big tasks are accomplished effectively.

"Today even the poorest of the poor are heard. The government has been able to lay the foundation of a strong monument," he said.

Modi mentioned Pradhan Mantri Jan ArogyaYojana and said for the first time healthcare had been given so much emphasis.

The prime minister listed several agriculture-related projects for the region.

These include the International Rice Research Institute in Varanasi, cargo centres in Varanasi and Ghazipur, a fertilizer plant in Gorakhpur and the Bansagar irrigation project.

He said the Union government has fixed the minimum support price of 22 crops at one and a half times the cost of production.

Mentioning connectivity projects, Modi said work is in full swing for the Purvanchal Expressway.

The recently opened waterway between Varanasi and Kolkata would also benefit Ghazipur, he added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday accused the Congress of misleading farmers on loan waiver promises, calling them lollipops. On a day's visit to the Purvanchal region, his second trip to Uttar Pradesh this month, Modi claimed the JD(S)-Congress coalition government which came to power in Karnataka recently had waived only 800 farm loans.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday accused the Congress of misleading farmers on loan waiver promises, calling them lollipops. On a day's visit to the Purvanchal region, his second trip to Uttar Pradesh this month, Modi claimed the JD(S)-Congress coalition government which came to power in Karnataka recently had waived only 800 farm loans. "Be wary of the Congress and its lies," he said at a public meeting here after laying the foundation stone for a medical college and releasing a postal stamp on legendary king Suheldev. "Will you trust the lollypop company" he said. Modi's remarks on farm loans "made at other recent meetings as well" follow the waivers announced by the Congress governments in Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh after the recent assembly polls. Modi has been saying that the Congress had promised much more than its governments have delivered on loan waivers, a charge denied in the past by that party. The prime minister described himself again as a "chowkidar' (watchman) of the people, a term ridiculed by Congress president Rahul Gandhi. "This chowkidar of yours is toiling very hard day and night, and with honesty, to brighten your future and that of your children," he said. "Because of this chowkidar, some thieves are having sleepless nights. It is your faith and blessings on me that will take the thieves to their rightful place one day," he said. He described Maharaja Suheldev as a brave warrior. "Maharaja Suheldev is among those bravehearts who had struggled for the honour of 'Maa Bharti'," he said. "All people hailing from the deprived and the exploited sections of society seek inspiration from him. Remembering him strengthens the mantra of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikaas (inclusive development)," he said. The PM's rally here is also being seen as an effort by the Bharatiya Janata Party to woo the Rajbhar community, which reveres Maharaja Suheldev. However, BJP ally Suheldev Bhartiya Samaj Party has distanced itself from the event. SBSP chief and Uttar Pradesh minister Om Prakash Rajbhar has claimed he was not invited in time. Modi said his government will not let the memory of those who defended the country and worked for society to fade away. "There are bravehearts of the country who have not been given the due respect by the previous governments. Our government is paying tribute to them," he said. "Several important steps have being taken to transform Purvanchal into a big medical hub and to strengthen small industries in UP," Modi said. He said when a government works with transparency and public interest is put above self-interest, big tasks are accomplished effectively. "Today even the poorest of the poor are heard. The government has been able to lay the foundation of a strong monument," he said. Modi mentioned Pradhan Mantri Jan ArogyaYojana and said for the first time healthcare had been given so much emphasis. The prime minister listed several agriculture-related projects for the region. These include the International Rice Research Institute in Varanasi, cargo centres in Varanasi and Ghazipur, a fertilizer plant in Gorakhpur and the Bansagar irrigation project. He said the Union government has fixed the minimum support price of 22 crops at one and a half times the cost of production. Mentioning connectivity projects, Modi said work is in full swing for the Purvanchal Expressway. The recently opened waterway between Varanasi and Kolkata would also benefit Ghazipur, he added.

PM Modi attacks Congress on loan waiver promises

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/conversion-to-christianity-remains-a-sensitive-issue-in-nepal-and-india-185608">Nepal-India relations</a> saw an upward trend in 2018 as high-level bilateral visits gradually helped remove the mistrust, with<a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/pm-modi-has-changed-tack-cooperated-closely-with-nepal-178364"> Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> saying New Delhi was ready to be the 'Sherpa' in the land-locked Himalayan nation's quest to scale the mountain of success.

India was able to recover its lost ground in Nepal in recent months after a period of unease in bilateral ties following the violent agitation in 2015 by Madhesis, mostly of Indian-origin, who blocked Indo-Nepal border demanding more representation in Parliament and redrawing of provincial boundaries.

The economic blockade severely affected Nepal, its economy and its ties with India.

India's bilateral engagement with Nepal in 2018 began with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in February meeting Left alliance leader K P Sharma Oli days before his swearing in as prime minister.

After Nepal witnessed political instability for several years, the Left alliance came to power in the historic polls in December 2017.

Known for his pro-China stance, Oli became Nepal's Prime Minister for the second time in February. His first term as the premier from 2015 to 2016 saw straining of ties with New Delhi over the 2015 blockade.

Oli, who publicly criticised New Delhi for allegedly interfering in Nepal's internal matters and accused it of toppling his government, however, changed his tone after his sweeping poll victory and said he wants to "update" relations with India "in keeping with the times".

Oli said he favours a review of all special provisions of the Indo-Nepal relations. He also vowed to deepen Nepal's ties with China to explore more options and get more leverage in his dealings with India.

The prime ministers of Nepal and India agreed to review, adjust and update the Treaty of Peace and Friendship of 1950 and other bilateral agreements.

China, which has been investing heavily in Nepal blunting India's influence in the country, was quick to congratulate the new Nepalese government and said that India, China and Nepal should step up "sound interaction for win-win outcomes".

The highest level of visit between India and Nepal came in April when Prime Minister Oli, leading a 53-member jumbo delegation, visited India for a three-day visit which, he said, helped in clearing misunderstanding and mistrust and strengthening mutual trust between the two neighbours.

During talks between Oli and Modi, the two countries agreed to conduct feasibility studies <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/india-to-help-nepal-build-rail-link-to-kathmandu-162857">regarding construction of Raxaul-Kathmandu railway line </a>and operating Nepalese steamers to transport goods and people from Nepal to other countries.

In May, Prime Minister Modi travelled to Nepal for a two-day state visit, his third visit to the country in four years.

Modi visited the famed 20th century Janaki temple in Janakpur, dedicated to the Hindu goddess Sita. He and his Nepalese counterpart jointly inaugurated a direct bus service between Janakpur and Ayodhya - the two sacred cities for Hindus - to promote religious tourism in Nepal and India.

Describing his trip to Nepal as a reflection of his government's commitment to "neighbourhood first" policy, Modi said Nepal has entered a new era and India would continue to support it.

He said India supports a "united, prosperous and strong" Nepal as he called for transforming the land-locked Himalayan nation into land- and water-linked country.

Oli said Nepal is sensitive to India's interests and would not allow its territory to be used against it.

Modi said India was ready to be the 'Sherpa' — a member of the Himalayan community renowned for mountaineering skills — to help Nepal scale the mountain of success, hailing the Himalayan nation's successful journey from bullets to ballots.

Oli, briefing Nepal's Parliament on Modi's state visit, said the visit has elevated bilateral ties to new heights.

In August, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-narendra-modi-attends-inaugural-session-of-4th-bimstec-summit-in-kathmandu-162519">Modi visited Nepal for BIMSTEC conference</a> and held talks with Oli during which India and Nepal exchanged a memorandum of understanding to build a strategic railway line connecting Bihar's Raxual city to Kathmandu.

This was the third meeting between Modi and Oli in 2018.

China made inroads into Nepal as Kathmandu started accessing the internet through a Chinese optical fibre link laid across the Himalayan mountains, ending its sole dependency on India for connecting to the cyberspace.

Nepal and China signed the protocol of Transit and Transport Agreement in September according to which the Communist giant agreed to allow Nepal to use four of its seaports and three land ports for third-country trade, reducing its dependence on India to conduct international commerce.

The Madhesi agitation in 2015 forced Nepal to explore trade links with China and reduce its long-term dependence on India.

In September, Nepal decided not to participate in the first-ever joint military exercise of BIMSTEC nations in Pune, amid reports that Nepal's political parties had expressed concern over the drill.

In December, Nepal banned the use of Indian currency notes of Rs 2,000, Rs 500 and Rs 200 denominations, a move that could affect Indian tourists visiting the Himalayan nation where Indian currency is widely used.

Notwithstanding differences in India-Nepal ties and the growing Chinese influence in the Himalayan nation, the frequent high-level visits by the leaders of the two countries have helped promote goodwill, trust, understanding and cooperation and have injected fresh momentum to further consolidate age-old and multi-faceted relations.

Nepal-India relations saw an upward trend in 2018 as high-level bilateral visits gradually helped remove the mistrust, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying New Delhi was ready to be the 'Sherpa' in the land-locked Himalayan nation's quest to scale the mountain of success.

Nepal-India relations saw an upward trend in 2018 as high-level bilateral visits gradually helped remove the mistrust, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying New Delhi was ready to be the 'Sherpa' in the land-locked Himalayan nation's quest to scale the mountain of success. India was able to recover its lost ground in Nepal in recent months after a period of unease in bilateral ties following the violent agitation in 2015 by Madhesis, mostly of Indian-origin, who blocked Indo-Nepal border demanding more representation in Parliament and redrawing of provincial boundaries. The economic blockade severely affected Nepal, its economy and its ties with India. India's bilateral engagement with Nepal in 2018 began with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in February meeting Left alliance leader K P Sharma Oli days before his swearing in as prime minister. After Nepal witnessed political instability for several years, the Left alliance came to power in the historic polls in December 2017. Known for his pro-China stance, Oli became Nepal's Prime Minister for the second time in February. His first term as the premier from 2015 to 2016 saw straining of ties with New Delhi over the 2015 blockade. Oli, who publicly criticised New Delhi for allegedly interfering in Nepal's internal matters and accused it of toppling his government, however, changed his tone after his sweeping poll victory and said he wants to "update" relations with India "in keeping with the times". Oli said he favours a review of all special provisions of the Indo-Nepal relations. He also vowed to deepen Nepal's ties with China to explore more options and get more leverage in his dealings with India. The prime ministers of Nepal and India agreed to review, adjust and update the Treaty of Peace and Friendship of 1950 and other bilateral agreements. China, which has been investing heavily in Nepal blunting India's influence in the country, was quick to congratulate the new Nepalese government and said that India, China and Nepal should step up "sound interaction for win-win outcomes". The highest level of visit between India and Nepal came in April when Prime Minister Oli, leading a 53-member jumbo delegation, visited India for a three-day visit which, he said, helped in clearing misunderstanding and mistrust and strengthening mutual trust between the two neighbours. During talks between Oli and Modi, the two countries agreed to conduct feasibility studies regarding construction of Raxaul-Kathmandu railway line and operating Nepalese steamers to transport goods and people from Nepal to other countries. In May, Prime Minister Modi travelled to Nepal for a two-day state visit, his third visit to the country in four years. Modi visited the famed 20th century Janaki temple in Janakpur, dedicated to the Hindu goddess Sita. He and his Nepalese counterpart jointly inaugurated a direct bus service between Janakpur and Ayodhya - the two sacred cities for Hindus - to promote religious tourism in Nepal and India. Describing his trip to Nepal as a reflection of his government's commitment to "neighbourhood first" policy, Modi said Nepal has entered a new era and India would continue to support it. He said India supports a "united, prosperous and strong" Nepal as he called for transforming the land-locked Himalayan nation into land- and water-linked country. Oli said Nepal is sensitive to India's interests and would not allow its territory to be used against it. Modi said India was ready to be the 'Sherpa' — a member of the Himalayan community renowned for mountaineering skills — to help Nepal scale the mountain of success, hailing the Himalayan nation's successful journey from bullets to ballots. Oli, briefing Nepal's Parliament on Modi's state visit, said the visit has elevated bilateral ties to new heights. In August, Modi visited Nepal for BIMSTEC conference and held talks with Oli during which India and Nepal exchanged a memorandum of understanding to build a strategic railway line connecting Bihar's Raxual city to Kathmandu. This was the third meeting between Modi and Oli in 2018. China made inroads into Nepal as Kathmandu started accessing the internet through a Chinese optical fibre link laid across the Himalayan mountains, ending its sole dependency on India for connecting to the cyberspace. Nepal and China signed the protocol of Transit and Transport Agreement in September according to which the Communist giant agreed to allow Nepal to use four of its seaports and three land ports for third-country trade, reducing its dependence on India to conduct international commerce. The Madhesi agitation in 2015 forced Nepal to explore trade links with China and reduce its long-term dependence on India. In September, Nepal decided not to participate in the first-ever joint military exercise of BIMSTEC nations in Pune, amid reports that Nepal's political parties had expressed concern over the drill. In December, Nepal banned the use of Indian currency notes of Rs 2,000, Rs 500 and Rs 200 denominations, a move that could affect Indian tourists visiting the Himalayan nation where Indian currency is widely used. Notwithstanding differences in India-Nepal ties and the growing Chinese influence in the Himalayan nation, the frequent high-level visits by the leaders of the two countries have helped promote goodwill, trust, understanding and cooperation and have injected fresh momentum to further consolidate age-old and multi-faceted relations.

Nepal, India ties strengthened with high-level bilateral visits in 2018

The Union Cabinet Friday approved the Gaganyaan project under which a three-member crew will be sent to space for at least seven days, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-to-become-trillion-dollar-digital-economy-in-two-to-three-years-ravi-shankar-prasad-184431">Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad</a> said.

The project will cost Rs 10,000 crore, he said at a press conference here.

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Cabinet approves indigenous human spaceflight programme; Gaganyaan programme to carry 3 member crew for minimum 7 days in space at a total cost of Rs 10k crores.
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1078594488233222144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The Gaganyaan project was announced by <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-will-contribute-rs-4500-crore-in-bhutans-12th-five-year-planpm-modi-186982">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> in his Independence Day speech.&nbsp;

He had said the mission will be undertaken by 2022.&nbsp;

India has already inked agreements with Russia and France for assistance in the ambitious project.&nbsp;

The Union Cabinet Friday approved the Gaganyaan project under which a three-member crew will be sent to space for at least seven days, Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said.

The Union Cabinet Friday approved the Gaganyaan project under which a three-member crew will be sent to space for at least seven days, Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said. The project will cost Rs 10,000 crore, he said at a press conference here. Cabinet approves indigenous human spaceflight programme; Gaganyaan programme to carry 3 member crew for minimum 7 days in space at a total cost of Rs 10k crores. — ANI (@ANI) December 28, 2018 × The Gaganyaan project was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his Independence Day speech. He had said the mission will be undertaken by 2022. India has already inked agreements with Russia and France for assistance in the ambitious project.

Gaganyaan project: Govt allocates Rs 10,000 crore to send 3 Indians into space by 2022

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-bhutan-agree-on-mangdechhu-tariff-as-india-announces-rs-4500-cr-for-bhutanese-5-year-plan-187007">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> will launch several of infrastructure projects in Andaman and Nicobar Islands on Sunday.&nbsp;

He will reach Port Blair Saturday evening and will visit the Tsunami Memorial at Car Nicobar the following day.

The prime minister will lay a wreath at the memorial and light a candle at the Wall of Lost Souls, a statement from his office said.&nbsp;

He will then inaugurate an industrial training institute at Arong and lay the foundation stone for some infrastructure projects. The prime minister will also address a public meeting, it said.

Later in the day, Prime Minister Modi will lay a wreath at the Martyrs Column at Port Blair and will visit the Cellular Jail in the city.&nbsp;

Modi will hoist the high mast flag at South Point, Port Blair. He will pay floral tributes at statue of Subhash Chandra Bose at Marina Park in Port Blair, the statement said. At the Netaji Stadium, the prime minister will release a commemorative postal stamp, coin and first day cover to mark the 75th anniversary of the hoisting of the tricolour on Indian soil by Bose.&nbsp;

He will also release the innovation and start-up policy for the islands.

The prime minister will inaugurate a 7 MW solar power plant, and solar village. He will also lay the foundation stone for a number of development projects and address a gathering, the statement said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch several of infrastructure projects in Andaman and Nicobar Islands on Sunday. He will reach Port Blair Saturday evening and will visit the Tsunami Memorial at Car Nicobar the following day.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch several of infrastructure projects in Andaman and Nicobar Islands on Sunday. He will reach Port Blair Saturday evening and will visit the Tsunami Memorial at Car Nicobar the following day. The prime minister will lay a wreath at the memorial and light a candle at the Wall of Lost Souls, a statement from his office said. He will then inaugurate an industrial training institute at Arong and lay the foundation stone for some infrastructure projects. The prime minister will also address a public meeting, it said. Later in the day, Prime Minister Modi will lay a wreath at the Martyrs Column at Port Blair and will visit the Cellular Jail in the city. Modi will hoist the high mast flag at South Point, Port Blair. He will pay floral tributes at statue of Subhash Chandra Bose at Marina Park in Port Blair, the statement said. At the Netaji Stadium, the prime minister will release a commemorative postal stamp, coin and first day cover to mark the 75th anniversary of the hoisting of the tricolour on Indian soil by Bose. He will also release the innovation and start-up policy for the islands. The prime minister will inaugurate a 7 MW solar power plant, and solar village. He will also lay the foundation stone for a number of development projects and address a gathering, the statement said.

PM Modi to launch series of infra projects for Andaman and Nicobar Islands

The Universal Basic Income is simply a basic income. It is a program in which country's citizens or permanent residents receive a regular sum of money from a government source. UBI can be implemented nationally, regionally or locally.

In UBI a basic sum of money is provided to individuals regardless of their income, resources or employment status with a purpose to reduce poverty and increase equality among citizens.

The essential principle behind basic income is the idea that all citizens of the country are entitled to a livable income, whether or not they contribute to production and despite the particular circumstances into which they are born.

After the surprising defeat in the recent five state assembly elections, there are speculations that the Narendra Modi led government may hold a discussion on the implementation of UBI scheme, something which may turn out to be a game changer for the prime minister in upcoming general elections.

Meanwhile, experts are also seeing UBI as a more efficient medium of help to a large number of people, especially farmers than one-time universal loan waiver.

In UBI a basic sum of money is provided to individuals regardless of their income, resources or employment status with a purpose to reduce poverty and increase equality among citizens.

The Universal Basic Income is simply a basic income. It is a program in which country's citizens or permanent residents receive a regular sum of money from a government source. UBI can be implemented nationally, regionally or locally. In UBI a basic sum of money is provided to individuals regardless of their income, resources or employment status with a purpose to reduce poverty and increase equality among citizens. The essential principle behind basic income is the idea that all citizens of the country are entitled to a livable income, whether or not they contribute to production and despite the particular circumstances into which they are born. After the surprising defeat in the recent five state assembly elections, there are speculations that the Narendra Modi led government may hold a discussion on the implementation of UBI scheme, something which may turn out to be a game changer for the prime minister in upcoming general elections. Meanwhile, experts are also seeing UBI as a more efficient medium of help to a large number of people, especially farmers than one-time universal loan waiver.

What is Universal basic Income and why it is in news?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday that development projects worth Rs 26,000 crore were under way in various sectors in Himachal Pradesh.

Addressing a 'jan abhaar' rally to celebrate one year of the Jai Ram Thakur-led BJP government in Himachal Pradesh, the prime minister also said the state was like home and he had learnt a lot while travelling through it.&nbsp;

PM&nbsp;Modi said he felt great happiness seeing those he worked with become front line leaders.

He described Himachal Pradesh as the land of brave soldiers who were ever ready to make supreme sacrifices at the border.

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PM Modi in Dharamshala,HP: For forty years, our ex-servicemen asked for 'One Rank, One Pension'. The previous government allocated just Rs. 500 crore for it. But when we came to power, we implemented OROP and ensured welfare of our ex-servicemen <a href="https://t.co/jnKk0tNYy6">pic.twitter.com/jnKk0tNYy6</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1078205362321395712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Congratulating Thakur on completing one year as chief minister, Modi said, "Himachal Pradesh is like my home. I worked here for several years for the party's organisational work."&nbsp;

The prime minister will release a booklet on the achievements of the BJP government.&nbsp;

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PM Modi in Dharamshala,Himachal Pradesh: Aaisa kaha jata hai ki pahad ka paani aur pahad ki jawani kabhi pahad ke kaam nahi aati hai,lekin aaj yahan ki sarkar ne aisa kaam kiya hai ki pahad ka paani bhi pahad ke kaam aa raha hai aur pahad ki jawani bhi pahad key kaam aa rahi hai <a href="https://t.co/a3vgMAdedh">pic.twitter.com/a3vgMAdedh</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1078202602502811648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Modi went through an exhibition put up by the state government to showcase benefits of state and centre sponsored schemes for the general public.

The prime minister was welcomed by the chief minister, former chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal, Kangra BJP MP Shanta Kumar and Union Health minister Jagat Prakash Nadda when he reached the helipad in Dharamshala.&nbsp;

Himachal Pradesh Governor Jagat Prakash Nadda was also present on the occasion.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday that development projects worth Rs 26,000 crore were under way in various sectors in Himachal Pradesh. Addressing a 'jan abhaar' rally to celebrate one year of the Jai Ram Thakur-led BJP government in Himachal Pradesh, the prime minister also said the state was like home and he had learnt a lot while travelling through it.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday that development projects worth Rs 26,000 crore were under way in various sectors in Himachal Pradesh. Addressing a 'jan abhaar' rally to celebrate one year of the Jai Ram Thakur-led BJP government in Himachal Pradesh, the prime minister also said the state was like home and he had learnt a lot while travelling through it. PM Modi said he felt great happiness seeing those he worked with become front line leaders. He described Himachal Pradesh as the land of brave soldiers who were ever ready to make supreme sacrifices at the border. PM Modi in Dharamshala,HP: For forty years, our ex-servicemen asked for 'One Rank, One Pension'. The previous government allocated just Rs. 500 crore for it. But when we came to power, we implemented OROP and ensured welfare of our ex-servicemen pic.twitter.com/jnKk0tNYy6 — ANI (@ANI) December 27, 2018 × Congratulating Thakur on completing one year as chief minister, Modi said, "Himachal Pradesh is like my home. I worked here for several years for the party's organisational work." The prime minister will release a booklet on the achievements of the BJP government. PM Modi in Dharamshala,Himachal Pradesh: Aaisa kaha jata hai ki pahad ka paani aur pahad ki jawani kabhi pahad ke kaam nahi aati hai,lekin aaj yahan ki sarkar ne aisa kaam kiya hai ki pahad ka paani bhi pahad ke kaam aa raha hai aur pahad ki jawani bhi pahad key kaam aa rahi hai pic.twitter.com/a3vgMAdedh — ANI (@ANI) December 27, 2018 × Modi went through an exhibition put up by the state government to showcase benefits of state and centre sponsored schemes for the general public. The prime minister was welcomed by the chief minister, former chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal, Kangra BJP MP Shanta Kumar and Union Health minister Jagat Prakash Nadda when he reached the helipad in Dharamshala. Himachal Pradesh Governor Jagat Prakash Nadda was also present on the occasion.

Projects worth Rs 26,000 crore underway in Himachal Pradesh: PM Modi

BJP's ‘save democracy’ Rath Yatra (chariot journey), that was scheduled to commence from three different points this Saturday and conclude with party President Amit Shah's public rally after crossing through all the Lok Sabha constituencies of West Bengal, has been grounded even before it could take-off as the Supreme Court this Monday refused to accord a priority hearing on BJP's application challenging a Calcutta High Court order preventing the Yatra in West Bengal.

The Mamata Banerjee government has stiffly opposed BJP's yatra. It used what it calls “intelligence feedback” to drive home the communal angle and raise the law and order issue through a petition filed in the Calcutta high court to stall the Yatra.

At the outset, a single judge bench of the Calcutta high court allowed the Yatra. But a Division Bench of the high court struck down this order after the Mamata government had challenged it.

Since winter holidays were starting, the BJP approached the Supreme Court to seek an urgent hearing in this matter but as the request has been denied by the apex court, the matter will now come up for hearing in the normal course when the court reopens in January 2019. Till then the Yatra would remain on the back-burner and in the interim people will be witnessing a battle of wits and a war of words between the BJP and All India Trinamool Congress, the ruling party in West Bengal.

After the BJP took up the Ayodhya temple issue, senior party leader L K Advani had embarked on his famous padyatra in September 1990. Advani’s Somnath to Ayodhya Rath Yatra is now history. In 2011, Advani took out another yatra - Jan Chetna Yatra to take on UPA government on the corruption issue.

Except for the nomenclature, there is no ground to compare Advani’s Yatra with BJP’s now postponed “Save Democracy Rath Yatra” in Bengal which is directed against the Mamata Banerjee government and more particularly aimed at building public opinion against illegal immigrants from Bangladesh. BJP views it as a serious issue and the main reason leading to distress among the state's youth. The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has already launched a campaign in support of a National Register of Citizens on the same lines as Assam to weed out the illegal Bangladeshis from Bengal.&nbsp;

The social media has been loaded with comments both for and against BJP’s save democracy Rath Yatra. A Twitter post in defence of the BJP said: If this (stopping the BJP from taking out its Rat Yatra) is not akin to Emergency what else is? &nbsp;Can law and order be an alibi to prevent freedom of Expression?

The present impasse and its outcome will have a far-reaching impact on BJP’s campaign for the 2019 Lok Sabha election not only in Bengal but also in other parts of the country. The stakes are too high for the BJP which has already suffered defeat in the just concluded Assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh - the Hindi heartland states.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

BJP's ‘save democracy’ Rath Yatra (chariot journey), that was scheduled to commence from three different points this Saturday and conclude with party President Amit Shah's public rally after crossing through all the Lok Sabha constituencies of West Bengal, has been grounded even before it could take-off as the Supreme Court this Monday refused to accord a priority hearing on BJP's application challenging a Calcutta High Court order preventing the Yatra in West Bengal.

BJP's ‘save democracy’ Rath Yatra (chariot journey), that was scheduled to commence from three different points this Saturday and conclude with party President Amit Shah's public rally after crossing through all the Lok Sabha constituencies of West Bengal, has been grounded even before it could take-off as the Supreme Court this Monday refused to accord a priority hearing on BJP's application challenging a Calcutta High Court order preventing the Yatra in West Bengal. The Mamata Banerjee government has stiffly opposed BJP's yatra. It used what it calls “intelligence feedback” to drive home the communal angle and raise the law and order issue through a petition filed in the Calcutta high court to stall the Yatra. At the outset, a single judge bench of the Calcutta high court allowed the Yatra. But a Division Bench of the high court struck down this order after the Mamata government had challenged it. Since winter holidays were starting, the BJP approached the Supreme Court to seek an urgent hearing in this matter but as the request has been denied by the apex court, the matter will now come up for hearing in the normal course when the court reopens in January 2019. Till then the Yatra would remain on the back-burner and in the interim people will be witnessing a battle of wits and a war of words between the BJP and All India Trinamool Congress, the ruling party in West Bengal. After the BJP took up the Ayodhya temple issue, senior party leader L K Advani had embarked on his famous padyatra in September 1990. Advani’s Somnath to Ayodhya Rath Yatra is now history. In 2011, Advani took out another yatra - Jan Chetna Yatra to take on UPA government on the corruption issue. Except for the nomenclature, there is no ground to compare Advani’s Yatra with BJP’s now postponed “Save Democracy Rath Yatra” in Bengal which is directed against the Mamata Banerjee government and more particularly aimed at building public opinion against illegal immigrants from Bangladesh. BJP views it as a serious issue and the main reason leading to distress among the state's youth. The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has already launched a campaign in support of a National Register of Citizens on the same lines as Assam to weed out the illegal Bangladeshis from Bengal. The social media has been loaded with comments both for and against BJP’s save democracy Rath Yatra. A Twitter post in defence of the BJP said: If this (stopping the BJP from taking out its Rat Yatra) is not akin to Emergency what else is? Can law and order be an alibi to prevent freedom of Expression? The present impasse and its outcome will have a far-reaching impact on BJP’s campaign for the 2019 Lok Sabha election not only in Bengal but also in other parts of the country. The stakes are too high for the BJP which has already suffered defeat in the just concluded Assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh - the Hindi heartland states. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The Rath Yatra controversy and BJP’s stakes in West Bengal

The Central government has decided to rename three islands in Andaman and Nicobar, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

Ross Island, Neil Island and Havelock Island will be renamed Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose island, Shaheed Dweep and Swaraj Dweep respectively.

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Three islands in Andaman and Nicobar — Ross Island, Neil Island and Havelock Island to be renamed as Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island, Shaheed Dweep &amp; Swaraj Dweep respectively by Centre.
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1077371982566440961?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 25, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The renaming of the islands will take place to mark the 75th year of freedom fighter Subhash Chandra Bose hoisting the national flag at Port Blair, ANI added.

Bose had hoisted the flag at Port Blair on December 30, 1943, as he believed that Port Blair was the first territory to be freed from British rule. This was done after the Japenese captured that area during the time of the Second World War. Bose had reportedly suggested back then that the Andaman and Nicobar Islands be renamed as Shahid and Swaraj dweep.&nbsp;

It is also reported that the new names will officially be announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his trip to Port Blair on December 30.

The Uttar Pradesh government, earlier this year, renamed Allahabad as Prayagraj, while Mughalsarai railway station was renamed as Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya junction and Faizabad is now known as Ayodhya.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

The Central government has decided to rename three islands in Andaman and Nicobar, news agency ANI reported. Ross Island, Neil Island and Havelock Island will be renamed Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose island, Shaheed Dweep and Swaraj Dweep respectively.

The Central government has decided to rename three islands in Andaman and Nicobar, news agency ANI reported. Ross Island, Neil Island and Havelock Island will be renamed Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose island, Shaheed Dweep and Swaraj Dweep respectively. Three islands in Andaman and Nicobar — Ross Island, Neil Island and Havelock Island to be renamed as Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island, Shaheed Dweep & Swaraj Dweep respectively by Centre. — ANI (@ANI) December 25, 2018 × The renaming of the islands will take place to mark the 75th year of freedom fighter Subhash Chandra Bose hoisting the national flag at Port Blair, ANI added. Bose had hoisted the flag at Port Blair on December 30, 1943, as he believed that Port Blair was the first territory to be freed from British rule. This was done after the Japenese captured that area during the time of the Second World War. Bose had reportedly suggested back then that the Andaman and Nicobar Islands be renamed as Shahid and Swaraj dweep. It is also reported that the new names will officially be announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his trip to Port Blair on December 30. The Uttar Pradesh government, earlier this year, renamed Allahabad as Prayagraj, while Mughalsarai railway station was renamed as Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya junction and Faizabad is now known as Ayodhya. (With inputs from agencies)

Neil, Ross, Havelock: Centre says it will rename 3 islands in Andaman and Nicobar

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhis-air-quality-severe-cpcb-urges-people-to-minimise-outdoor-activities-186041">Pollution levels in New Delhi</a> have hit their worst this year in the past two days - earning a "severe" to "emergency" rating and indicating conditions that can spark a public health crisis.

Christmas Day in the Indian capital is also forecast to be bleak.

Senior government officials said the main reasons for the surge in the amount of toxic smog trapped over New Delhi were unusually cold air, including fog, and a lack of wind.

This mean that vehicle fumes, pollution from coal-fired power plants and industries, as well as smoke from fires being burned to keep people warm hangs over the city.

Data from the government's <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/close-industries-at-hotspots-ban-construction-till-wednesday-cpcb-led-task-force-186146">Central Pollution Control Board</a> (CPCB) showed the air quality index, which measures the concentration of poisonous particulate matter, was an average of 449 on Monday, only slightly better than the 450 on Sunday.

The index measures the concentration of tiny poisonous particulate matter, or PM 2.5, that are less than 2.5 microns in diameter, which can be carried deep into the lungs.

The previous highest recording this year was 447 on June 15, when there was a dust storm.

Anything above 100 is considered unhealthy.

In some parts of Delhi, pollution levels hit 654 on Monday, among the worst recorded this year, and visibility in some parts of the city was just 200 metres, the weather department said.

Environmentalists said that inaction by the authorities was inexcusable and a concerted effort was needed to reduce pollution from vehicles and industry.

"If this is not an emergency, then what is?" asked Delhi-based environmentalist Vimlendu Jha.

The "severe" to "emergency" ratings mean that the air is not only hazardous for citizens with existing respiratory problems but can also seriously affect healthy people.

Conditions are likely to remain severe on Tuesday, a holiday for Christmas. The PM 2.5 level may average above 400 and hit a high of 534 in some places, CPCB data showed.

WHO CARES?

CPCB announced measures such as shutting factories and construction sites in heavily polluted areas until Wednesday along with an advisory to avoid using diesel-powered vehicles.

"The situation might improve slightly but is likely to continue in severe category until afternoon of Dec. 26, when wind speeds will pick up and improve dispersion of pollutants," said a task force headed by the CPCB.

Steps this year have failed to make much difference and instead there has been finger-pointing between Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration, the city government and the governments of states around the capital.

The apparent lack of concern about the toxic air among ordinary folk gives federal and local politicians the cover they need for failing to address the problem, say pollution activists and social scientists.

During October and November, the federal government had blamed neighbouring states for failing to curb the burning of stubble in fields, but Delhi's air worsened in December, data showed.

India's toxic air claimed 1.24 million lives in 2017, or 12.5 per cent of total deaths, according to a study published in Lancet Planetary Health this month.

"We are definitely seeing an increase in the number of patients with respiratory problems," said Doctor Desh Deepak, at the government-run Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital.

A damning report by the World Health Organization this year said India was home to the world's 14 most polluted cities, with Delhi the sixth worst.

For a second year, New Delhi's chief minister has likened the city to a "gas chamber".

A city government spokesman was not immediately available for comment.

Pollution levels in New Delhi have hit their worst this year in the past two days - earning a "severe" to "emergency" rating and indicating conditions that can spark a public health crisis.

Pollution levels in New Delhi have hit their worst this year in the past two days - earning a "severe" to "emergency" rating and indicating conditions that can spark a public health crisis. Christmas Day in the Indian capital is also forecast to be bleak. Senior government officials said the main reasons for the surge in the amount of toxic smog trapped over New Delhi were unusually cold air, including fog, and a lack of wind. This mean that vehicle fumes, pollution from coal-fired power plants and industries, as well as smoke from fires being burned to keep people warm hangs over the city. Data from the government's Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) showed the air quality index, which measures the concentration of poisonous particulate matter, was an average of 449 on Monday, only slightly better than the 450 on Sunday. The index measures the concentration of tiny poisonous particulate matter, or PM 2.5, that are less than 2.5 microns in diameter, which can be carried deep into the lungs. The previous highest recording this year was 447 on June 15, when there was a dust storm. Anything above 100 is considered unhealthy. In some parts of Delhi, pollution levels hit 654 on Monday, among the worst recorded this year, and visibility in some parts of the city was just 200 metres, the weather department said. Environmentalists said that inaction by the authorities was inexcusable and a concerted effort was needed to reduce pollution from vehicles and industry. "If this is not an emergency, then what is?" asked Delhi-based environmentalist Vimlendu Jha. The "severe" to "emergency" ratings mean that the air is not only hazardous for citizens with existing respiratory problems but can also seriously affect healthy people. Conditions are likely to remain severe on Tuesday, a holiday for Christmas. The PM 2.5 level may average above 400 and hit a high of 534 in some places, CPCB data showed. WHO CARES? CPCB announced measures such as shutting factories and construction sites in heavily polluted areas until Wednesday along with an advisory to avoid using diesel-powered vehicles. "The situation might improve slightly but is likely to continue in severe category until afternoon of Dec. 26, when wind speeds will pick up and improve dispersion of pollutants," said a task force headed by the CPCB. Steps this year have failed to make much difference and instead there has been finger-pointing between Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration, the city government and the governments of states around the capital. The apparent lack of concern about the toxic air among ordinary folk gives federal and local politicians the cover they need for failing to address the problem, say pollution activists and social scientists. During October and November, the federal government had blamed neighbouring states for failing to curb the burning of stubble in fields, but Delhi's air worsened in December, data showed. India's toxic air claimed 1.24 million lives in 2017, or 12.5 per cent of total deaths, according to a study published in Lancet Planetary Health this month. "We are definitely seeing an increase in the number of patients with respiratory problems," said Doctor Desh Deepak, at the government-run Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital. A damning report by the World Health Organization this year said India was home to the world's 14 most polluted cities, with Delhi the sixth worst. For a second year, New Delhi's chief minister has likened the city to a "gas chamber". A city government spokesman was not immediately available for comment.

Pollution at 'emergency' level in past two days in Delhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said his government has changed the "dilly-dallying" work culture regarding the implementation of development projects.

Addressing a rally here after inaugurating the country's longest rail-cum-road bridge, at Bogibeel in Assam, he said completion of projects within a given time frame is no longer confined to paper but has become a reality.

"We have changed the earlier 'latkane bhatkane' (dilly-dallying) work culture... Completion of projects within a time frame is no longer confined to paper but has become a truth in the real sense," he said in a apparent dig at the previous Congress-led UPA government.

If former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had a second term, Bogibeel Bridge would have been ready by 2008-09. After his government, no attention was paid to the project till 2014, the prime minister said.

''About 16 years ago, Atal Ji came here. He had a vision for the development of the Bogibeel Bridge. This Bridge is also a tribute to his vision. When Vajpayee ji's Government lost power in 2004, several key infrastructure projects of his era were not completed,'' Modi said.

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PM Modi: About 16 years ago, Atal Ji came here. He had a vision for the development of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BogibeelBridge?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BogibeelBridge</a>. This Bridge is also a tribute to his vision. When Vajpayee ji's Government lost power in 2004, several key infrastructure projects of his era were not completed. <a href="https://t.co/qFyeQiuhCu">pic.twitter.com/qFyeQiuhCu</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1077512145670033409?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 25, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Asserting that the Bogibeel bridge will strengthen the country's defence prowess with movement of vehicles and trains, he said, it is not only a bridge, it is a lifeline for crores of people in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.

The bridge will cut down rail distance (between Dibrugarh in Assam to Naharlagun in Arunachal Pradesh) to below 200 km from 700 km now, Modi said.

After inaugurating the bridge, the prime minister flagged off the Tinsukia-Naharlagun Intercity Express, which will run five days a week and use the 4.9-km bridge to cut down the train-travel time between Tinsukia in Assam to Naharlagun town of Arunachal Pradesh by more than 10 hours.

Itanagar, the capital of Arunachal Pradesh is just over 15 km from Naharlagun.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said his government has changed the "dilly-dallying" work culture regarding the implementation of development projects. Addressing a rally here after inaugurating the country's longest rail-cum-road bridge, at Bogibeel in Assam, he said completion of projects within a given time frame is no longer confined to paper but has become a reality.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said his government has changed the "dilly-dallying" work culture regarding the implementation of development projects. Addressing a rally here after inaugurating the country's longest rail-cum-road bridge, at Bogibeel in Assam, he said completion of projects within a given time frame is no longer confined to paper but has become a reality. "We have changed the earlier 'latkane bhatkane' (dilly-dallying) work culture... Completion of projects within a time frame is no longer confined to paper but has become a truth in the real sense," he said in a apparent dig at the previous Congress-led UPA government. If former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had a second term, Bogibeel Bridge would have been ready by 2008-09. After his government, no attention was paid to the project till 2014, the prime minister said. ''About 16 years ago, Atal Ji came here. He had a vision for the development of the Bogibeel Bridge. This Bridge is also a tribute to his vision. When Vajpayee ji's Government lost power in 2004, several key infrastructure projects of his era were not completed,'' Modi said. PM Modi: About 16 years ago, Atal Ji came here. He had a vision for the development of the #BogibeelBridge. This Bridge is also a tribute to his vision. When Vajpayee ji's Government lost power in 2004, several key infrastructure projects of his era were not completed. pic.twitter.com/qFyeQiuhCu — ANI (@ANI) December 25, 2018 × Asserting that the Bogibeel bridge will strengthen the country's defence prowess with movement of vehicles and trains, he said, it is not only a bridge, it is a lifeline for crores of people in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. The bridge will cut down rail distance (between Dibrugarh in Assam to Naharlagun in Arunachal Pradesh) to below 200 km from 700 km now, Modi said. After inaugurating the bridge, the prime minister flagged off the Tinsukia-Naharlagun Intercity Express, which will run five days a week and use the 4.9-km bridge to cut down the train-travel time between Tinsukia in Assam to Naharlagun town of Arunachal Pradesh by more than 10 hours. Itanagar, the capital of Arunachal Pradesh is just over 15 km from Naharlagun.

Bogibeel bridge tribute to Vajpayee's vision: PM Modi in Assam

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Bogibeel bridge in Dibrugarh, Assam on Tuesday. Bogibeel is be the country's longest rail-road bridge.&nbsp;

The first passenger train passing through Bogibeel was flagged off by PM Modi, PTI reported.&nbsp;&nbsp;

December 25 is also the birth anniversary of late former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and is observed by the government as "Good Governance Day".

Bogibeel&nbsp;connects the south bank of the Brahmaputra river in Assam's Dibrugarh district with Silapathar in Dhemaji district, bordering Arunachal Pradesh.

The 4.9-km bridge will cut down train travel time between Tinsukia in Assam and Naharlagun in Arunachal Pradesh by over 10 hours.

"It will take five-and-a-half hours compared to the 15-20 hours it currently takes. Passengers had to change trains multiple times and take a long-winded route," Northeast Frontier Railway spokesperson Nripen Bhattacharya said.

The Tinsukia-Naharlagun Intercity Express will run five days a week.

(With inputs from PTI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Bogibeel bridge in Dibrugarh, Assam on Tuesday. Bogibeel is be the country's longest rail-road bridge. The first passenger train passing through Bogibeel was flagged off by PM Modi, PTI reported.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Bogibeel bridge in Dibrugarh, Assam on Tuesday. Bogibeel is be the country's longest rail-road bridge. The first passenger train passing through Bogibeel was flagged off by PM Modi, PTI reported. December 25 is also the birth anniversary of late former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and is observed by the government as "Good Governance Day". Bogibeel connects the south bank of the Brahmaputra river in Assam's Dibrugarh district with Silapathar in Dhemaji district, bordering Arunachal Pradesh. The 4.9-km bridge will cut down train travel time between Tinsukia in Assam and Naharlagun in Arunachal Pradesh by over 10 hours. "It will take five-and-a-half hours compared to the 15-20 hours it currently takes. Passengers had to change trains multiple times and take a long-winded route," Northeast Frontier Railway spokesperson Nripen Bhattacharya said. The Tinsukia-Naharlagun Intercity Express will run five days a week. (With inputs from PTI)

Modi inaugurates Bogibeel bridge in Assam, it will be India's longest

Former Union minister Captain Jai Narain Prasad Nishad died at a hospital here Monday following prolonged illness, sources said.

Nishad (88), also a former Member of Parliament, was undergoing treatment at the Max Hospital, Saket, in south Delhi, where he breathed his last, they said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled his demise in a Twitter post.

"Saddened by the demise of Captain Jai Narain Prasad Nishad Ji. He served our nation with great diligence. Captain Nishad's efforts for the progress of Bihar were noteworthy. His work towards empowering the poor will always be remembered. Condolences to his family and supporters," he tweeted.

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Saddened by the demise of Captain Jai Narain Prasad Nishad Ji. He served our nation with great diligence. Captain Nishad’s efforts for the progress of Bihar were noteworthy. His work towards empowering the poor will always be remembered. Condolences to his family and supporters.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1077128041975943168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 24, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"The former minister died today and the body was handed over to the family at around 1 pm," a hospital source said.

He was an MP from the Muzaffarpur constituency in Bihar, and his son, Ajay Nishad, is currently a lawmaker.

Former Union minister Captain Jai Narain Prasad Nishad died at a hospital here Monday following prolonged illness, sources said. Nishad (88), also a former Member of Parliament, was undergoing treatment at the Max Hospital, Saket, in south Delhi, where he breathed his last, they said.

Former Union minister Captain Jai Narain Prasad Nishad died at a hospital here Monday following prolonged illness, sources said. Nishad (88), also a former Member of Parliament, was undergoing treatment at the Max Hospital, Saket, in south Delhi, where he breathed his last, they said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled his demise in a Twitter post. "Saddened by the demise of Captain Jai Narain Prasad Nishad Ji. He served our nation with great diligence. Captain Nishad's efforts for the progress of Bihar were noteworthy. His work towards empowering the poor will always be remembered. Condolences to his family and supporters," he tweeted. Saddened by the demise of Captain Jai Narain Prasad Nishad Ji. He served our nation with great diligence. Captain Nishad’s efforts for the progress of Bihar were noteworthy. His work towards empowering the poor will always be remembered. Condolences to his family and supporters. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 24, 2018 × "The former minister died today and the body was handed over to the family at around 1 pm," a hospital source said. He was an MP from the Muzaffarpur constituency in Bihar, and his son, Ajay Nishad, is currently a lawmaker.

Former Union Minister Jai Narain Prasad Nishad dies at 88

On the eve of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/atal-bihari-vajpayee-former-prime-minister-and-bjp-stalwart-dies-at-93-159594">Atal Bihari Vajpayee</a>'s 94th birth anniversary, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-flag-off-first-train-on-longest-rail-road-bridge-on-december-25-185986">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> Monday released a Rs 100 commemorative coin in the memory of the former premier.

Vajpayee's long-time associate and BJP veteran L K Advani, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and BJP president Amit Shah were also present at the event here.

The former prime minister died at the AIIMS in the national capital in August at the age of 93 following prolonged illness.

Addressing the gathering, Modi said he would go to Vajpayee's memorial on Tuesday to reiterate his commitment to the ideology and path shown by the statesman.&nbsp;

"Atal Ji wanted democracy to be supreme. He built the Jana Sangh. But, when the time came to rescue our democracy he and others went to Janata Party. Likewise, when the choice was between remaining in power or comprising on ideology, he left Janata Party and formed the BJP," the prime minister said.&nbsp;

He said while for some, power is oxygen and they cannot live without it, Vajpayee spent a long part of his career in the opposition benches raising issues of national interest.&nbsp;

The late prime minister never compromised on the ideology of the party, Modi said. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

He said, the party, which "Atalji built brick by brick" has become among the largest political parties.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Modi said Vajpayee as a speaker was unparalleled. "When he spoke, the nation spoke... When he spoke the nation listened," he said.

The mind is not ready to believe that Vajpayee is no longer alive. Though he was away from public glare for nearly a decade due to ill health, the way people gave him a farewell on his demise showed the mark he had created in people's minds, Modi said.&nbsp;

On the eve of Atal Bihari Vajpayee's 94th birth anniversary, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Monday released a Rs 100 commemorative coin in the memory of the former premier.

On the eve of Atal Bihari Vajpayee's 94th birth anniversary, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Monday released a Rs 100 commemorative coin in the memory of the former premier. Vajpayee's long-time associate and BJP veteran L K Advani, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and BJP president Amit Shah were also present at the event here. The former prime minister died at the AIIMS in the national capital in August at the age of 93 following prolonged illness. Addressing the gathering, Modi said he would go to Vajpayee's memorial on Tuesday to reiterate his commitment to the ideology and path shown by the statesman. "Atal Ji wanted democracy to be supreme. He built the Jana Sangh. But, when the time came to rescue our democracy he and others went to Janata Party. Likewise, when the choice was between remaining in power or comprising on ideology, he left Janata Party and formed the BJP," the prime minister said. He said while for some, power is oxygen and they cannot live without it, Vajpayee spent a long part of his career in the opposition benches raising issues of national interest. The late prime minister never compromised on the ideology of the party, Modi said. He said, the party, which "Atalji built brick by brick" has become among the largest political parties. Prime Minister Modi said Vajpayee as a speaker was unparalleled. "When he spoke, the nation spoke... When he spoke the nation listened," he said. The mind is not ready to believe that Vajpayee is no longer alive. Though he was away from public glare for nearly a decade due to ill health, the way people gave him a farewell on his demise showed the mark he had created in people's minds, Modi said.

PM Modi releases Rs 100 commemorative coin in memory of Atal Bihari Vajpayee

Pakistan witnessed a political coup in 2018 with cricketer-turned-politician<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khan-lectures-india-on-treatment-of-minorities-says-will-show-modi-govt-how-to-treat-them-185894"> Imran Khan </a>breaking the dominance of the PML-N and the PPP - the two main political parties that have been repeatedly in power - to become prime minister and initiate steps like opening the Kartarpur corridor to improve ties with India.

The Indo-Pak ties strained after the terror attacks by Pakistan-based terrorists in 2016 and India's surgical strikes inside <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-kashmir-two-army-officers-killed-in-pakistan-ceasefire-violation-in-kupwara-185745">Pakistan-occupied Kashmir</a>. The ties further nose-dived in 2017 with no bilateral talks taking place between them.

Amidst deadly skirmishes along the Line of Control and diplomatic bickering for the better part of 2018, the consensus on both sides to open the Kartarpur corridor for <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sikh-pilgrims-gather-at-gurdwara-punja-sahib-in-pak-for-guru-nanaks-birth-anniversary-179580">Indian Sikh pilgrims</a> has created a ray of hope for improvement in Indo-Pak ties in 2019. The corridor is likely to be completed before the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/amarinder-launches-year-long-celebrations-of-550th-birth-anniversary-of-guru-nanak-dev-179044">550th birth anniversary</a> of Guru Nanak Dev next year.

Foreign Office spokesman Mohammad Faisal said, "Kartarpur is not an isolated event" and the process to engage India was set in motion by Prime Minister Khan when he wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in September, offering dialogue to resolve all disputes, including Kashmir.

"Unfortunately, the process whittled after India cancelled a meeting of the two <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/due-to-policies-of-bjp-indo-pak-negotiations-havent-been-taking-place-pak-foreign-minister-qureshi-170258">Foreign Minister</a>s scheduled to be held on the sidelines of UN General Assembly in New York," he said.

Defence analyst Talat Masood said the Kartarpur corridor was a good confidence-building measure. "There should be follow-up steps to build on the goodwill generated by the opening of Kartarpur corridor," he said.

Though Pakistan released Indian national Hamid Nihal Ansari after six years, it has hardened its stance on Indian death row prisoner Kulbhushan Jadhav.

Khan's victory in the elections helped to improve communication between the two countries.

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chief struggled for more than two decades to break the dominance of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) - the two main political parties that have been repeatedly in power when the powerful military was not ruling the country.

Modi congratulated Khan on his victory, while the Indian high commissioner in Islamabad met him and presented a cricket bat signed by the Indian team.

Pakistani officials say they support a meaningful dialogue with India to address all issues of concern including Kashmir. But India has made it clear that talks and terror cannot go together.

Despite the failure to start talks in 2018, Khan's victory in the elections and opening of Kartarpur corridor has provided a window of opportunity, Masood said.

Khan in a recent interview to the Washington Post sent a positive signal towards India by conceding that the 2008 Mumbai attack was an act of "terrorism".

"We also want something done about the bombers of Mumbai. I have asked our government to find out the status of the case. Resolving that case is in our interest because it was an act of terrorism," he said.

The Mumbai attack case in which seven Lashkar-e-Taiba members are facing charges of planning and executing the deadly strike since 2009 is still being dragged on in a Pakistani anti-terror court though the Islamabad High Court in 2015 directed that the case should be wrapped up in two months.

Khan hoped that talks will start after elections in India in 2019.

On the economic front, cash-strapped Pakistan approached the IMF as its government struggled to keep the economy afloat. Pakistan is seeking $ 8 billion from the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/pakistans-privatisation-dilemma-as-it-seeks-imf-bailout-185452">International Monetary Fund</a> (IMF) to bail itself out from a severe balance-of-payments crisis that threatens to cripple the country's economy.

Under pressure to generate external funds, Khan travelled to Saudi Arabia and China and both countries assured him that they would provide Pakistan with a $ 6 billion rescue package each, according to reports.

Khan's government also pledged to complete the multi-billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects as a national priority, in an effort to allay the Chinese concerns about its future. Khan had criticised former prime minister Nawaz Sharif for the lack of transparency and corruption in the CPEC projects.

During the year, US-Pakistan ties further deteriorated and the US suspended $ 300 million in military support fund to Pakistan.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo visited Pakistan to "reset" the strained ties. Following his meetings with the civil and military leadership in Pakistan, Pompeo said that despite challenges in the US-Pakistan ties, he was hopeful of finding "common grounds" with the country's new government under Khan.

This year, Pakistan's most powerful political family - the Sharifs - suffered several setbacks.

An anti-corruption court in July <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/two-corruption-cases-against-nawaz-sharif-pakistan-court-judgement-due-on-december-24-185940">sentenced Sharif </a>to 10 years in jail. His daughter Maryam and son-in-law Capt (retired) Safdar were also sentenced to seven years and one-year jail term, respectively.

Sharif's wife Kulsoom died in London after a prolonged illness. His younger brother Shehbaz Sharif, who became PML-N chief, was also taken into custody in a corruption case.

The year will also be remembered for the deaths of hundreds of people in terror attacks. Maulana Sami ul Haq, an 80-year-old cleric known as the 'Father of Taliban', was murdered this year.

Christian woman <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/exonerated-but-not-free-asia-bibi-to-spend-christmas-in-custody-185935">Asia Bibi</a> was acquitted of blasphemy after eight years on death row, prompting violent protests by Islamists. Leading rights activist Asma Jahangir died this year.

Pakistan elected a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/arif-alvi-sworn-in-as-pakistans-new-president-164610">new President</a>, Arif Alvi, a close aide of Khan.

Pakistan witnessed a political coup in 2018 with cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan breaking the dominance of the PML-N and the PPP - the two main political parties that have been repeatedly in power - to become prime minister and initiate steps like opening the Kartarpur corridor to improve ties with India.

Pakistan witnessed a political coup in 2018 with cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan breaking the dominance of the PML-N and the PPP - the two main political parties that have been repeatedly in power - to become prime minister and initiate steps like opening the Kartarpur corridor to improve ties with India. The Indo-Pak ties strained after the terror attacks by Pakistan-based terrorists in 2016 and India's surgical strikes inside Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The ties further nose-dived in 2017 with no bilateral talks taking place between them. Amidst deadly skirmishes along the Line of Control and diplomatic bickering for the better part of 2018, the consensus on both sides to open the Kartarpur corridor for Indian Sikh pilgrims has created a ray of hope for improvement in Indo-Pak ties in 2019. The corridor is likely to be completed before the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev next year. Foreign Office spokesman Mohammad Faisal said, "Kartarpur is not an isolated event" and the process to engage India was set in motion by Prime Minister Khan when he wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in September, offering dialogue to resolve all disputes, including Kashmir. "Unfortunately, the process whittled after India cancelled a meeting of the two Foreign Ministers scheduled to be held on the sidelines of UN General Assembly in New York," he said. Defence analyst Talat Masood said the Kartarpur corridor was a good confidence-building measure. "There should be follow-up steps to build on the goodwill generated by the opening of Kartarpur corridor," he said. Though Pakistan released Indian national Hamid Nihal Ansari after six years, it has hardened its stance on Indian death row prisoner Kulbhushan Jadhav. Khan's victory in the elections helped to improve communication between the two countries. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chief struggled for more than two decades to break the dominance of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) - the two main political parties that have been repeatedly in power when the powerful military was not ruling the country. Modi congratulated Khan on his victory, while the Indian high commissioner in Islamabad met him and presented a cricket bat signed by the Indian team. Pakistani officials say they support a meaningful dialogue with India to address all issues of concern including Kashmir. But India has made it clear that talks and terror cannot go together. Despite the failure to start talks in 2018, Khan's victory in the elections and opening of Kartarpur corridor has provided a window of opportunity, Masood said. Khan in a recent interview to the Washington Post sent a positive signal towards India by conceding that the 2008 Mumbai attack was an act of "terrorism". "We also want something done about the bombers of Mumbai. I have asked our government to find out the status of the case. Resolving that case is in our interest because it was an act of terrorism," he said. The Mumbai attack case in which seven Lashkar-e-Taiba members are facing charges of planning and executing the deadly strike since 2009 is still being dragged on in a Pakistani anti-terror court though the Islamabad High Court in 2015 directed that the case should be wrapped up in two months. Khan hoped that talks will start after elections in India in 2019. On the economic front, cash-strapped Pakistan approached the IMF as its government struggled to keep the economy afloat. Pakistan is seeking $ 8 billion from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to bail itself out from a severe balance-of-payments crisis that threatens to cripple the country's economy. Under pressure to generate external funds, Khan travelled to Saudi Arabia and China and both countries assured him that they would provide Pakistan with a $ 6 billion rescue package each, according to reports. Khan's government also pledged to complete the multi-billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects as a national priority, in an effort to allay the Chinese concerns about its future. Khan had criticised former prime minister Nawaz Sharif for the lack of transparency and corruption in the CPEC projects. During the year, US-Pakistan ties further deteriorated and the US suspended $ 300 million in military support fund to Pakistan. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo visited Pakistan to "reset" the strained ties. Following his meetings with the civil and military leadership in Pakistan, Pompeo said that despite challenges in the US-Pakistan ties, he was hopeful of finding "common grounds" with the country's new government under Khan. This year, Pakistan's most powerful political family - the Sharifs - suffered several setbacks. An anti-corruption court in July sentenced Sharif to 10 years in jail. His daughter Maryam and son-in-law Capt (retired) Safdar were also sentenced to seven years and one-year jail term, respectively. Sharif's wife Kulsoom died in London after a prolonged illness. His younger brother Shehbaz Sharif, who became PML-N chief, was also taken into custody in a corruption case. The year will also be remembered for the deaths of hundreds of people in terror attacks. Maulana Sami ul Haq, an 80-year-old cleric known as the 'Father of Taliban', was murdered this year. Christian woman Asia Bibi was acquitted of blasphemy after eight years on death row, prompting violent protests by Islamists. Leading rights activist Asma Jahangir died this year. Pakistan elected a new President, Arif Alvi, a close aide of Khan.

Pakistan witnesses Sharif's fall, Imran's rise in 2018; hopes to improve ties with India in 2019

Makkal Needhi Maiam chief <a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/kajal-aggarwal-confirms-next-film-with-kamal-haasan-181353">Kamal Haasan</a> Saturday said his party has authorised him to a take a decision on forging an alliance with like-minded parties for next year's Lok Sabha polls.

After discussions, the party executive and administrative panels "authorised me to take a decision on forging an alliance with like-minded parties and a good alliance will fructify," Haasan told reporters here.

The move is seen as a clear signal that Haasan's fledgeling party -founded in February this year does not want to test the waters all alone and would rather prefer to join forces with established parties.

Haasan had said recently that he was not averse to forging poll ties with the Congress if it eased itself out of the DMK-led alliance, which the national party has rejected.

Asked to name the parties with which MNM would strike an electoral alliance, the actor-turned-politician said there was no need to spell out details now.

"We will let you know after taking a decision. Now there is no urgency to disclose it," he said.

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Kamal Haasan: I will definitely contest in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. <a href="https://t.co/jU9RyA1oTw">pic.twitter.com/jU9RyA1oTw</a>
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The ideology of the party with which they may forge ties may be different, but the thought process should be in favour of Tamil Nadu, he said.

His party's propaganda for the Lok Sabha election would be based on the growth of Tamil Nadu, he said.

"The time has come to correct the injustices meted out to the state and aspects like these will be the focal points of our poll propaganda," he said.

Asked if his party would forge an alliance with Congress or the BJP, he said his party "would not strike a poll deal with a party that tries to change the DNA of Tamil Nadu," which is perceived as against the BJP.

Haasan said a panel has been set up to pick party nominees for the 40 Parliamentary constituencies; 39 in Tamil Nadu and one in neighbouring Puducherry.

A party functionary told PTI that while nominees will be ready for all the Lok Sabha&nbsp;seats, it may be 'tailored' as per the coalition needs.

To a question on facing the local body polls expected in 2019, he said: "We are preparing for it and there is no need to determine now if we will go it alone or will have the poll deal with other parties."

Haasan said his party would field candidates "if by-elections are held to 20 Assembly constituencies."

Eighteen AIADMK MLAs were disqualified and constituencies represented by them fell vacant. Two more seats became vacant following the deaths of incumbents.

However, Haasan said only after the declaration of by-election to the 20 constituencies would he be able to disclose if the party would face it alone or in alliance with other parties.

On the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expected next month to Tamil Nadu to address a party event, he said it was preparatory to the Lok Sabha election.

Makkal Needhi Maiam chief Kamal Haasan Saturday said his party has authorised him to a take a decision on forging an alliance with like-minded parties for next year's Lok Sabha polls.

Makkal Needhi Maiam chief Kamal Haasan Saturday said his party has authorised him to a take a decision on forging an alliance with like-minded parties for next year's Lok Sabha polls. After discussions, the party executive and administrative panels "authorised me to take a decision on forging an alliance with like-minded parties and a good alliance will fructify," Haasan told reporters here. The move is seen as a clear signal that Haasan's fledgeling party -founded in February this year does not want to test the waters all alone and would rather prefer to join forces with established parties. Haasan had said recently that he was not averse to forging poll ties with the Congress if it eased itself out of the DMK-led alliance, which the national party has rejected. Asked to name the parties with which MNM would strike an electoral alliance, the actor-turned-politician said there was no need to spell out details now. "We will let you know after taking a decision. Now there is no urgency to disclose it," he said. Kamal Haasan: I will definitely contest in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. pic.twitter.com/jU9RyA1oTw — ANI (@ANI) December 22, 2018 × The ideology of the party with which they may forge ties may be different, but the thought process should be in favour of Tamil Nadu, he said. His party's propaganda for the Lok Sabha election would be based on the growth of Tamil Nadu, he said. "The time has come to correct the injustices meted out to the state and aspects like these will be the focal points of our poll propaganda," he said. Asked if his party would forge an alliance with Congress or the BJP, he said his party "would not strike a poll deal with a party that tries to change the DNA of Tamil Nadu," which is perceived as against the BJP. Haasan said a panel has been set up to pick party nominees for the 40 Parliamentary constituencies; 39 in Tamil Nadu and one in neighbouring Puducherry. A party functionary told PTI that while nominees will be ready for all the Lok Sabha seats, it may be 'tailored' as per the coalition needs. To a question on facing the local body polls expected in 2019, he said: "We are preparing for it and there is no need to determine now if we will go it alone or will have the poll deal with other parties." Haasan said his party would field candidates "if by-elections are held to 20 Assembly constituencies." Eighteen AIADMK MLAs were disqualified and constituencies represented by them fell vacant. Two more seats became vacant following the deaths of incumbents. However, Haasan said only after the declaration of by-election to the 20 constituencies would he be able to disclose if the party would face it alone or in alliance with other parties. On the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expected next month to Tamil Nadu to address a party event, he said it was preparatory to the Lok Sabha election.

Kamal Haasan's party to scout for allies to face Lok Sabha polls

Producers Guild of India has hailed the decision of the government to reduce GST on cinema tickets as a 'progressive step' which will help the industry 'move forward positively.'

According to a statement, the Guild is happy with the reduction of GST on film tickets, exceeding Rs 100 to 18 per cent from 28 per cent and up to Rs 100 to 12 per cent from 18 per cent.

"This will help the industry move forward positively with increased investments in both exhibition infrastructure and creative development, enabling even better cinema and greater screen density across the country.&nbsp;

"We look forward to continuing to engage with the government on initiatives that will help to unleash the full potential of the film industry," Siddharth Roy Kapur, President of Producers Guild of India said in a statement.

The move comes after a delegation from the film industry, including Kapur, met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and discussed several issues the industry faces.

"The Film Industry truly appreciates the continued endeavours of the GST Council, The Central and State Governments towards resolving issues faced by the stakeholders in the smooth functioning of GST," the statement further read.

Producers Guild of India has hailed the decision of the government to reduce GST on cinema tickets as a 'progressive step' which will help the industry 'move forward positively.

Producers Guild of India has hailed the decision of the government to reduce GST on cinema tickets as a 'progressive step' which will help the industry 'move forward positively.' According to a statement, the Guild is happy with the reduction of GST on film tickets, exceeding Rs 100 to 18 per cent from 28 per cent and up to Rs 100 to 12 per cent from 18 per cent. "This will help the industry move forward positively with increased investments in both exhibition infrastructure and creative development, enabling even better cinema and greater screen density across the country. "We look forward to continuing to engage with the government on initiatives that will help to unleash the full potential of the film industry," Siddharth Roy Kapur, President of Producers Guild of India said in a statement. The move comes after a delegation from the film industry, including Kapur, met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and discussed several issues the industry faces. "The Film Industry truly appreciates the continued endeavours of the GST Council, The Central and State Governments towards resolving issues faced by the stakeholders in the smooth functioning of GST," the statement further read.

Thankful to government for reducing GST on film tickets: Producers Guild of India

GDP numbers are misleading, RBI’s autonomy is in extreme danger and demonetisation is the biggest banking scam, former finance minister Yashwant Sinha claims in his new book. He also says that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s idea of self-employment is a ‘distraction from the more serious issue of unemployment and underemployment’. 
 
Sinha, who has been quite vocal about the government’s policies since the past couple of years, quit the BJP in April. Party leaders have been dismissing his allegations on several issues with BJP chief Amit Shah once asking if people should believe the ministers or those ‘who did not get jobs’. 
 
According to Sinha, Modi blew a golden opportunity to send the economy soaring to new heights. 
 
“He could have fixed the UPA’s legacy issues and fundamentally raised India from a poor country to a middle-income country, but he squandered the chance,” he says, adding his book demonstrates how ‘Modi unmade India’. 
 
Though the book “India Unmade: How the Modi Government Broke the Economy” is a critique of the NDA government’s economic management, Sinha says he has not always been a critic of Modi. 
 
“Nor do I have a personal vendetta against him for not appointing me minister or giving me some other post, as some people incorrectly speculate. In fact, the truth is that I recognised his mettle early on and was one of the first senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders to say he should be made the party’s prime ministerial candidate in the 2014 elections,” he claims. 
 
He has been severely critical of Modi on demonetisation, jobs, GDP figures and Make in India among others policies and programmes. 
 
“The Modi government’s lasting legacy will be the catastrophe that was the demonetisation of high-denomination currency on November 8, 2016,” he argues. 
 
“Demonetisation was a whimsical decision that served no purpose of governance. It did, however, provide Modi with a populist campaign plank of having taken tough decisions to nab the corrupt rich. His decision paid a rich electoral dividend in Uttar Pradesh in 2017. But as far as the constantly shifting governance objectives of demonetisation went, it was a big zero,” he says. 
 
On the second anniversary of demonetisation, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had said that demonetisation resulted in increasing the tax base and a higher tax collection (both direct and indirect) for the government, thereby improving its fiscal health. He had also clarified that the real purpose of demonetisation was not the confiscation of cash but to bring it to the formal economy and make the holders pay tax. 
 
On Make in India, Sinha writes, “The malaise of Indian industry during Modi’s tenure is typified by his most famous flagship scheme, Make in India. It is his biggest failure; it is also an unoriginal idea. It is nothing more than a revival of the National Manufacturing Competitiveness Council that the UPA set up in 2004, whose first chairman was V Krishnamurthy.” 
 
He also says that the growth rates were seemed to have been recalibrated to make the government’s economic management look good, with an average rate of 7.35 per cent over its first four years. 
 
The jobs Modi mentioned like ‘pakoda’ sellers, autorickshaw drivers, tea-stall boys and newspaper deliverers are all in the informal sector and are nobody’s idea of an aspirational job, he says. He terms GDP figures as way below India’s potential. “But then India is the only country in the world that grows at 7.35 per cent, without investment, without industrial growth, without agricultural growth. Just like magic,” he writes in a sarcastic vein. 
 
The GST concept, he says, is good because it is simple and will lead to lower prices because there won’t be any tax on tax; there’ll be tax set-offs at every stage, and it will widen the tax net for transactions. 
 
“It is a better tax, but Modi-Jaitley botched it up at its very beginning. That GST has been tweaked 200 times already and over 400 notifications and 100 circulars and FAQs have been issued since its launch is standing testimony to the folly of the Modi-Jaitley team.” 
 
Sinha says that UPA’s management of the economy was also flawed. 
 
“When the global financial crisis hit us, the (UPA) government decided to focus on increasing consumer demand, and it began reducing or even eliminating some excise duties. 
 
“This, along with the debt waiver and MNREGA, was meant to put money in people’s pockets to encourage consumption demand. Yet all these welfare measures hardly encouraged productive activity and did not increase investment,” he writes. 
 
The Modi government, according to him, had everything going for it on all fronts; it had the kind of opportunity few governments have had in independent India’s history, yet it squandered its mandate. 
 
“In summation, the Modi government is just about event management. He is the best in creating false impressions. In the process, Modi has given India its ‘lost half-decade’. Elect him again and by 2024 it will be a lost decade,” he warns. 
 
The book, published by Juggernaut, is co-authored by journalist Aditya Sinha.

So, why is the need for the book? “. Over the last fifty-five months, the Modi government has dished out a stunning continuum of untruths and boasts about its economic management, performance and accomplishments. It thus becomes essential to speak truth to power, and so it is my job that this book is a statement of fact.”Sinha.&nbsp;

GDP numbers are misleading, RBI’s autonomy is in extreme danger and demonetisation is the biggest banking scam, former finance minister Yashwant Sinha claims in his new book.

GDP numbers are misleading, RBI’s autonomy is in extreme danger and demonetisation is the biggest banking scam, former finance minister Yashwant Sinha claims in his new book. He also says that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s idea of self-employment is a ‘distraction from the more serious issue of unemployment and underemployment’. Sinha, who has been quite vocal about the government’s policies since the past couple of years, quit the BJP in April. Party leaders have been dismissing his allegations on several issues with BJP chief Amit Shah once asking if people should believe the ministers or those ‘who did not get jobs’. According to Sinha, Modi blew a golden opportunity to send the economy soaring to new heights. “He could have fixed the UPA’s legacy issues and fundamentally raised India from a poor country to a middle-income country, but he squandered the chance,” he says, adding his book demonstrates how ‘Modi unmade India’. Though the book “India Unmade: How the Modi Government Broke the Economy” is a critique of the NDA government’s economic management, Sinha says he has not always been a critic of Modi. “Nor do I have a personal vendetta against him for not appointing me minister or giving me some other post, as some people incorrectly speculate. In fact, the truth is that I recognised his mettle early on and was one of the first senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders to say he should be made the party’s prime ministerial candidate in the 2014 elections,” he claims. He has been severely critical of Modi on demonetisation, jobs, GDP figures and Make in India among others policies and programmes. “The Modi government’s lasting legacy will be the catastrophe that was the demonetisation of high-denomination currency on November 8, 2016,” he argues. “Demonetisation was a whimsical decision that served no purpose of governance. It did, however, provide Modi with a populist campaign plank of having taken tough decisions to nab the corrupt rich. His decision paid a rich electoral dividend in Uttar Pradesh in 2017. But as far as the constantly shifting governance objectives of demonetisation went, it was a big zero,” he says. On the second anniversary of demonetisation, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had said that demonetisation resulted in increasing the tax base and a higher tax collection (both direct and indirect) for the government, thereby improving its fiscal health. He had also clarified that the real purpose of demonetisation was not the confiscation of cash but to bring it to the formal economy and make the holders pay tax. On Make in India, Sinha writes, “The malaise of Indian industry during Modi’s tenure is typified by his most famous flagship scheme, Make in India. It is his biggest failure; it is also an unoriginal idea. It is nothing more than a revival of the National Manufacturing Competitiveness Council that the UPA set up in 2004, whose first chairman was V Krishnamurthy.” He also says that the growth rates were seemed to have been recalibrated to make the government’s economic management look good, with an average rate of 7.35 per cent over its first four years. The jobs Modi mentioned like ‘pakoda’ sellers, autorickshaw drivers, tea-stall boys and newspaper deliverers are all in the informal sector and are nobody’s idea of an aspirational job, he says. He terms GDP figures as way below India’s potential. “But then India is the only country in the world that grows at 7.35 per cent, without investment, without industrial growth, without agricultural growth. Just like magic,” he writes in a sarcastic vein. The GST concept, he says, is good because it is simple and will lead to lower prices because there won’t be any tax on tax; there’ll be tax set-offs at every stage, and it will widen the tax net for transactions. “It is a better tax, but Modi-Jaitley botched it up at its very beginning. That GST has been tweaked 200 times already and over 400 notifications and 100 circulars and FAQs have been issued since its launch is standing testimony to the folly of the Modi-Jaitley team.” Sinha says that UPA’s management of the economy was also flawed. “When the global financial crisis hit us, the (UPA) government decided to focus on increasing consumer demand, and it began reducing or even eliminating some excise duties. “This, along with the debt waiver and MNREGA, was meant to put money in people’s pockets to encourage consumption demand. Yet all these welfare measures hardly encouraged productive activity and did not increase investment,” he writes. The Modi government, according to him, had everything going for it on all fronts; it had the kind of opportunity few governments have had in independent India’s history, yet it squandered its mandate. “In summation, the Modi government is just about event management. He is the best in creating false impressions. In the process, Modi has given India its ‘lost half-decade’. Elect him again and by 2024 it will be a lost decade,” he warns. The book, published by Juggernaut, is co-authored by journalist Aditya Sinha. So, why is the need for the book? “. Over the last fifty-five months, the Modi government has dished out a stunning continuum of untruths and boasts about its economic management, performance and accomplishments. It thus becomes essential to speak truth to power, and so it is my job that this book is a statement of fact.”Sinha.

PM Modi could have fixed UPA’s legacy issues but he squandered the chance: Yashwant Sinha

"No there is no chance. I am happy where I am right now", said Minister for Road Transport and Highways<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mallyaji-is-one-time-defaulter-unfair-to-call-him-a-chor-nitin-gadkari-183892"> Nitin Gadkari</a> while responding to a question on a probability of him becoming the Prime Ministerial candidate face in the 2019 elections, replacing <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/farmers-pm-narendra-modis-2019-challenge-185494">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a>.

According to media reports, the head of a government organisation in Maharashtra has written to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), demanding Gadkari be allowed to lead the Bharatiya Janata Party if it wants to win the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/my-statements-have-been-taken-out-of-context-nitin-gadkari-over-remark-on-mallya-184055">My statements have been taken out of context: Nitin Gadkari over remark on Mallya</a>

In an exclusive interview to ANI Gadkari said, "No there is no chance. I am happy where I am right now. I have to complete Ganga work first, building of Express Highway Access Control in 13-14 countries and I also want to make roads for Chaar Dhams and other works. I am happy doing these works and want to complete it."

Meanwhile, talking about the development projects in the Northeast, the senior BJP leader, who was coming from Arunachal Pradesh after inaugurating and laying foundation stones for national highways projects worth Rs 9,533 crore in the state, accused the previous government of ignoring the northeast in terms of development.

He said, "A project of Rs 4000 crore for constructing 400 km road is underway. Arunachal is a large area but it has less population even international border is attached to it. Due to the lack of road, there is poverty and unemployment. But once the roads are constructed, it will bring jobs here."

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/opposition-mahagathbandhan-an-illusion-bjp-will-win-in-2019-amit-shah-185264">Opposition '</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/opposition-mahagathbandhan-an-illusion-bjp-will-win-in-2019-amit-shah-185264">mahagathbandhan</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/opposition-mahagathbandhan-an-illusion-bjp-will-win-in-2019-amit-shah-185264">' an illusion; BJP will win in 2019, says Amit Shah</a>

"The forest-based industry could come here if roads were made. I believe in Northeast the previous governments have not worked well. But when the Modi government came into power, we decided to give northeast the first priority," he added.

He further told ANI that the upcoming development projects in the northeast will completely change the image of the Northeastern region.

"Road, Railway and Aviation sectors have been improved in the northeast since last 4.5 years. The development work worth Rs 2.50 lakh crore is presently underway in the northeast. The upcoming development in the northeast will completely change the image of the region. Our dream is to make northeast a prosperous and enriched part of our country," he said.

The Union Minister further highlighted his Ministry's plan of developing the waterways.

He said, "We are building six bridges on Brahmaputra River. We are also focusing on developing the waterways like making five-star and seven-star cruise."

He also expressed his concern over the road safety in the country.

"We are making an express highway from Mumbai to Delhi at cost of Rs one lakh crore. I believe when it comes to the road sector, the image of our country in the last five years has changed. In coming days, our priority will be road safety," he added.

Yesterday, the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for several national highway projects at Roing in Lower Dibang Valley District of Arunachal Pradesh.

The Minister also inaugurated two bridges over the Lohit and Dibang River.

"No there is no chance. I am happy where I am right now", said Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari while responding to a question on a probability of him becoming the Prime Ministerial candidate face in the 2019 elections, replacing Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"No there is no chance. I am happy where I am right now", said Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari while responding to a question on a probability of him becoming the Prime Ministerial candidate face in the 2019 elections, replacing Prime Minister Narendra Modi. According to media reports, the head of a government organisation in Maharashtra has written to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), demanding Gadkari be allowed to lead the Bharatiya Janata Party if it wants to win the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. Also read: My statements have been taken out of context: Nitin Gadkari over remark on Mallya In an exclusive interview to ANI Gadkari said, "No there is no chance. I am happy where I am right now. I have to complete Ganga work first, building of Express Highway Access Control in 13-14 countries and I also want to make roads for Chaar Dhams and other works. I am happy doing these works and want to complete it." Meanwhile, talking about the development projects in the Northeast, the senior BJP leader, who was coming from Arunachal Pradesh after inaugurating and laying foundation stones for national highways projects worth Rs 9,533 crore in the state, accused the previous government of ignoring the northeast in terms of development. He said, "A project of Rs 4000 crore for constructing 400 km road is underway. Arunachal is a large area but it has less population even international border is attached to it. Due to the lack of road, there is poverty and unemployment. But once the roads are constructed, it will bring jobs here." Also read: Opposition 'mahagathbandhan' an illusion; BJP will win in 2019, says Amit Shah "The forest-based industry could come here if roads were made. I believe in Northeast the previous governments have not worked well. But when the Modi government came into power, we decided to give northeast the first priority," he added. He further told ANI that the upcoming development projects in the northeast will completely change the image of the Northeastern region. "Road, Railway and Aviation sectors have been improved in the northeast since last 4.5 years. The development work worth Rs 2.50 lakh crore is presently underway in the northeast. The upcoming development in the northeast will completely change the image of the region. Our dream is to make northeast a prosperous and enriched part of our country," he said. The Union Minister further highlighted his Ministry's plan of developing the waterways. He said, "We are building six bridges on Brahmaputra River. We are also focusing on developing the waterways like making five-star and seven-star cruise." He also expressed his concern over the road safety in the country. "We are making an express highway from Mumbai to Delhi at cost of Rs one lakh crore. I believe when it comes to the road sector, the image of our country in the last five years has changed. In coming days, our priority will be road safety," he added. Yesterday, the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for several national highway projects at Roing in Lower Dibang Valley District of Arunachal Pradesh. The Minister also inaugurated two bridges over the Lohit and Dibang River.

No interest in being 2019 Prime Minister face: Nitin Gadkari

The first trans-national fuel pipeline in between <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/need-to-revive-nepals-confidence-in-indian-currency-185415">Nepal and India</a> is near completion with only 12.2 kilometres remaining to be laid down.

About&nbsp;65 per cent of the Motihari-Amlekhganj Pipeline project that covers the length of 36.2 kilometres has been completed, informed the pipeline project office in Simara in Nepal. The&nbsp;trans-border pipeline stretches 24 kilometres on Nepal side and has been taken forward as "Mega Project" which the Governments of Nepal and India are prioritising.

"Work on the project is expediting. Petroleum products will be supplied to Nepal through the routes of Patna in India within three months if work continues at this rate without any interruption," the Pipeline Project office's engineer Sharad Prasad Paudyal was quoted by Nepal news agency RSS.

The&nbsp;Pipe installation project along the Rajat Jayanti Chowk of Birgunj, Gandak Chowk&nbsp;Baipas&nbsp;area and 468 meters in Gandak area has been completed while the installation running along the Parsa National Park covering an area of nine&nbsp;kilometres&nbsp;is yet to be laid.

Likewise, laying pipeline along 33.7&nbsp;kilometres&nbsp;from Motihari to Raxaul in North India has been completed. Pipe installation in the remaining areas will be completed soon if the work continues uninterrupted.

The&nbsp;Indian government is said to have invested Rs 3.5 billion to install the pipeline for the project from Motihari of India to Amlekhganj of Bara. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Nepalese counterpart KP Sharma Oli jointly laid the foundation stone for the project at Hyderabad House of New Delhi during PM Oli`s visit to India eight months ago.&nbsp;

The first trans-national fuel pipeline in between Nepal and India is near completion with only 12.2 kilometres remaining to be laid down. About 65 per cent of the Motihari-Amlekhganj Pipeline project that covers the length of 36.

The first trans-national fuel pipeline in between Nepal and India is near completion with only 12.2 kilometres remaining to be laid down. About 65 per cent of the Motihari-Amlekhganj Pipeline project that covers the length of 36.2 kilometres has been completed, informed the pipeline project office in Simara in Nepal. The trans-border pipeline stretches 24 kilometres on Nepal side and has been taken forward as "Mega Project" which the Governments of Nepal and India are prioritising. "Work on the project is expediting. Petroleum products will be supplied to Nepal through the routes of Patna in India within three months if work continues at this rate without any interruption," the Pipeline Project office's engineer Sharad Prasad Paudyal was quoted by Nepal news agency RSS. The Pipe installation project along the Rajat Jayanti Chowk of Birgunj, Gandak Chowk Baipas area and 468 meters in Gandak area has been completed while the installation running along the Parsa National Park covering an area of nine kilometres is yet to be laid. Likewise, laying pipeline along 33.7 kilometres from Motihari to Raxaul in North India has been completed. Pipe installation in the remaining areas will be completed soon if the work continues uninterrupted. The Indian government is said to have invested Rs 3.5 billion to install the pipeline for the project from Motihari of India to Amlekhganj of Bara. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Nepalese counterpart KP Sharma Oli jointly laid the foundation stone for the project at Hyderabad House of New Delhi during PM Oli`s visit to India eight months ago.

Indo-Nepal Fuel Pipeline project to complete soon

The Trump administration said it welcomes India's "reinvigorating" ties with the Maldives, two days after New Delhi announced a $1.4-billion financial assistance to the island-nation faced with a daunting challenge to fend off mounting Chinese debts.

The statement from the Trump administration came as the newly elected President of Maldives, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/maldives-president-ibrahim-solih-a-reformer-who-must-hold-together-a-diverse-coalition-184835">Ibrahim Mohamed Solih</a>, wrapped up his <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/maldivian-president-ibrahim-mohamed-solih-to-begin-india-visit-today-184397">three-day visit</a> to India.

During the visit, Solih had called India his country's closest friend and "largest trading partner". The two countries have also agreed to remain mindful of each other's concerns and aspirations for stability in the strategic Indian Ocean Region and boost maritime cooperation.

"We welcome India reinvigorating its ties with the Maldives and note the many positive announcements that came out of Prime Minister Solih's recent visit to India," Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia David Ranz told Indian reporters Wednesday.

India, Ranz said, shares America's view of Maldives' critical role in the security of the Indo-Pacific and the importance of offering support during this transition period.

Solih's visit to India within a month after taking charge of the presidency is seen as an effort by his government to repair ties with India. The bilateral relations had strained during the rule of his predecessor Abdulla Yameen, who had developed increasingly close ties with China.

During Solih's visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said there are "infinite possibilities" between the two neighbours.

"India will always stand by you in your government's ambitious efforts to change the lives of the Maldivian people. For the social and economic development of Maldives, India will extend budget support, currency swap and lines of credit worth $1.4 billion," Modi said.

Ranz has just returned from a visit to Male. The purpose of his visit was to examine ways the US can expand its partnership with the Maldives in pursuit of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

The US do not have an embassy in the Maldives and the American ambassador in Sri Lanka is also the envoy to Male.

"The election of President Solih and subsequent peaceful transition of power was a major democratic moment, and one that the United States views as profoundly significant for the broader region," Ranz said.

Soon after the election in early October, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Alice Wells was in Male as the first high-level Trump administration visitor to the Maldives.

Ranz's visit last week served to build on the relationships with the new government established by Wells and US Ambassador to Sri Lanka and Maldives Aliana B Teplitz&nbsp;who recently assumed the role and led US delegation to President Solih's November 17 inauguration&nbsp;and ramp up America's coordination on Maldives' short and long-term needs.

"The United States is looking to providing assistance in the areas of debt analysis and sustainability, justice-sector capacity building, civil society support, and environmental aid&nbsp;all areas the Maldivian government has identified as priorities in its 100-day plan," Ranz said.

The United States has also offered security assistance given Maldives' strategic location on key sea lanes, he said, adding that the US has already committed USD10 million to the Maldives.

"We believe this support will help strengthen democracy, improve governance, root out corruption, enhance security, and promote economic development, which are priorities we are emphasizing across the region as part of our vision for the Indo-Pacific," Ranz said.

Maldives occupies a very important geostrategic position in the Indo-Pacific given the volume of trade that transits through the sea lanes it sits astride. According to reports, the Maldives' debt to China has reached&nbsp;$3 billion.

"With its recent return to a democratic path, we see Maldives as a country that can tap the initiatives we are rolling out across the Indo-Pacific and become a valuable partner in realizing a secure, strong, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region," Ranz said.&nbsp;

The Trump administration said it welcomes India's "reinvigorating" ties with the Maldives, two days after New Delhi announced a $1.4-billion financial assistance to the island-nation faced with a daunting challenge to fend off mounting Chinese debts.

The Trump administration said it welcomes India's "reinvigorating" ties with the Maldives, two days after New Delhi announced a $1.4-billion financial assistance to the island-nation faced with a daunting challenge to fend off mounting Chinese debts. The statement from the Trump administration came as the newly elected President of Maldives, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, wrapped up his three-day visit to India. During the visit, Solih had called India his country's closest friend and "largest trading partner". The two countries have also agreed to remain mindful of each other's concerns and aspirations for stability in the strategic Indian Ocean Region and boost maritime cooperation. "We welcome India reinvigorating its ties with the Maldives and note the many positive announcements that came out of Prime Minister Solih's recent visit to India," Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia David Ranz told Indian reporters Wednesday. India, Ranz said, shares America's view of Maldives' critical role in the security of the Indo-Pacific and the importance of offering support during this transition period. Solih's visit to India within a month after taking charge of the presidency is seen as an effort by his government to repair ties with India. The bilateral relations had strained during the rule of his predecessor Abdulla Yameen, who had developed increasingly close ties with China. During Solih's visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said there are "infinite possibilities" between the two neighbours. "India will always stand by you in your government's ambitious efforts to change the lives of the Maldivian people. For the social and economic development of Maldives, India will extend budget support, currency swap and lines of credit worth $1.4 billion," Modi said. Ranz has just returned from a visit to Male. The purpose of his visit was to examine ways the US can expand its partnership with the Maldives in pursuit of a free and open Indo-Pacific. The US do not have an embassy in the Maldives and the American ambassador in Sri Lanka is also the envoy to Male. "The election of President Solih and subsequent peaceful transition of power was a major democratic moment, and one that the United States views as profoundly significant for the broader region," Ranz said. Soon after the election in early October, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Alice Wells was in Male as the first high-level Trump administration visitor to the Maldives. Ranz's visit last week served to build on the relationships with the new government established by Wells and US Ambassador to Sri Lanka and Maldives Aliana B Teplitz who recently assumed the role and led US delegation to President Solih's November 17 inauguration and ramp up America's coordination on Maldives' short and long-term needs. "The United States is looking to providing assistance in the areas of debt analysis and sustainability, justice-sector capacity building, civil society support, and environmental aid all areas the Maldivian government has identified as priorities in its 100-day plan," Ranz said. The United States has also offered security assistance given Maldives' strategic location on key sea lanes, he said, adding that the US has already committed USD10 million to the Maldives. "We believe this support will help strengthen democracy, improve governance, root out corruption, enhance security, and promote economic development, which are priorities we are emphasizing across the region as part of our vision for the Indo-Pacific," Ranz said. Maldives occupies a very important geostrategic position in the Indo-Pacific given the volume of trade that transits through the sea lanes it sits astride. According to reports, the Maldives' debt to China has reached $3 billion. "With its recent return to a democratic path, we see Maldives as a country that can tap the initiatives we are rolling out across the Indo-Pacific and become a valuable partner in realizing a secure, strong, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region," Ranz said.

US welcomes India 'reinvigorating' ties with Maldives

Nepal’s ban on India’s Rs 200, Rs 500 and Rs 2000 notes should not come as a surprise to India. It is also an opportunity for China to make Nepal shift gradually towards using the yuan instead of the Indian rupee. Yet to see Nepal’s decision as one driven by China and not its own national interests would be a gross misreading of the situation. The decision requires to be seen in the correct perspective by New Delhi for crafting an adequate response to what is clearly a challenge affecting millions of Nepalese, including in India.

In fact, it is surprising that Nepal’s demonetisation of high-value notes was so long in coming, i.e. more than two years after India demonetised notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1000. Nepal, like Bhutan, has always used and traded in Indian rupees. Simply because it was easier to do so. At the same time, long before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s note ban, notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 were banned in Nepal. Most transactions were restricted to notes of Rs 100 and lesser value. More than the current ban, the actual surprise is that Nepal had allowed free use of the new notes of Rs 2000, Rs 500 and Rs 200 till recently though there were large sections, especially of business and trade, that did not accept these.

The reasons why Nepal let the high-value notes circulate for two years can only be speculated upon. One of the reasons is said to be that Nepal was negotiating exchange of the demonetised Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes; and, that Nepal Rastra Bank reportedly holds over $1 billion worth of these erstwhile notes. Therefore, it did not reiterate the ban after demonetisation because it expected GoI to accommodate its interests. Recent economic upheavals in Nepal and India combined with political changes on both sides of the border had resulted in an erosion of confidence in the Indian currency. There was a marked decline in the usage of Indian money. And, pending political stability, Nepal did not want to worsen the economic situation by banning the newly issued Indian notes. That would have been unsettling for businessmen, traders, migrants, Nepalese workers in India, tourists and the millions of Nepalese who keep their savings in cash at home.

Earlier this year, Nepalese PM KP Sharma Oli had said that demonetisation hurt countries like Nepal and Bhutan where the Indian rupee is widely used. He had said that he would take this up with Indian leaders. Therefore, the speculation that Nepal’s ban on the new Indian notes is retaliation for India refusing to replace its stock of demonetised notes (of Rs 1000 and Rs 500) with new ones. It is undeniable that the Nepalese economy and people have lost billions of rupees, which they can scarce afford to, because of India’s demonetisation.

The ban on Indian notes of Rs 1000 and Rs 500, long before November 2016, has its origins in the rumour that most of the counterfeit Indian currency originates in Nepal – either produced there by anti-Indian elements or is transported from there across the porous Nepal-India border. Doubtless, Nepal was one of the places from where criminal elements would bring in fake currency of high value. But there was no basis for saying that Nepal is the only place from where bulk of the counterfeit currency came. All that the rumour achieved was to make Nepal ban notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1000.

Regardless of the reasons, it is clear that demonetisation has demolished confidence in the Indian currency in the neighbourhood where the rupee was much valued especially as a savings instrument. India must respond without falling victim to conspiracy theories of the decision being an outcome of a Nepal-China plot.

India is Nepal’s largest trading partner and supplies bulk of Nepal’s essentials and consumer goods. India is also home to millions of Nepalese and the ‘Sarkar’ is paying pension to legions of Gorkha ex-servicemen. There is no way China can take the place of India vis-à-vis Nepal, and it is for India to reinforce its position and strengthen ties.

In the present case, India should help Nepal implement its decision and, at the same time, uphold the primacy of the Indian rupee. The first step in this direction is to enable the Nepalese (and Indian tourists going to Nepal, who are mostly from middle and lower income groups) to freely and easily exchange their high-value currency for Rs 100 notes.

Such actions will revive confidence in India and the Indian currency. That is a necessary condition for resolving the larger issue of dealing with the cross-border movement of black money and counterfeit currency, which is at the root of Nepal’s demonetisation.

How New Delhi responds will decide whether Nepal is bound closer to India or pushed into China’s embrace.

(This article was originally published on DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-need-to-revive-nepal-s-confidence-in-indian-currency-2698128">original article)</a>

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) 
&nbsp;

Nepal’s ban on India’s Rs 200, Rs 500 and Rs 2000 notes should not come as a surprise to India. It is also an opportunity for China to make Nepal shift gradually towards using the yuan instead of the Indian rupee.

Nepal’s ban on India’s Rs 200, Rs 500 and Rs 2000 notes should not come as a surprise to India. It is also an opportunity for China to make Nepal shift gradually towards using the yuan instead of the Indian rupee. Yet to see Nepal’s decision as one driven by China and not its own national interests would be a gross misreading of the situation. The decision requires to be seen in the correct perspective by New Delhi for crafting an adequate response to what is clearly a challenge affecting millions of Nepalese, including in India. In fact, it is surprising that Nepal’s demonetisation of high-value notes was so long in coming, i.e. more than two years after India demonetised notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1000. Nepal, like Bhutan, has always used and traded in Indian rupees. Simply because it was easier to do so. At the same time, long before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s note ban, notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 were banned in Nepal. Most transactions were restricted to notes of Rs 100 and lesser value. More than the current ban, the actual surprise is that Nepal had allowed free use of the new notes of Rs 2000, Rs 500 and Rs 200 till recently though there were large sections, especially of business and trade, that did not accept these. The reasons why Nepal let the high-value notes circulate for two years can only be speculated upon. One of the reasons is said to be that Nepal was negotiating exchange of the demonetised Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes; and, that Nepal Rastra Bank reportedly holds over $1 billion worth of these erstwhile notes. Therefore, it did not reiterate the ban after demonetisation because it expected GoI to accommodate its interests. Recent economic upheavals in Nepal and India combined with political changes on both sides of the border had resulted in an erosion of confidence in the Indian currency. There was a marked decline in the usage of Indian money. And, pending political stability, Nepal did not want to worsen the economic situation by banning the newly issued Indian notes. That would have been unsettling for businessmen, traders, migrants, Nepalese workers in India, tourists and the millions of Nepalese who keep their savings in cash at home. Earlier this year, Nepalese PM KP Sharma Oli had said that demonetisation hurt countries like Nepal and Bhutan where the Indian rupee is widely used. He had said that he would take this up with Indian leaders. Therefore, the speculation that Nepal’s ban on the new Indian notes is retaliation for India refusing to replace its stock of demonetised notes (of Rs 1000 and Rs 500) with new ones. It is undeniable that the Nepalese economy and people have lost billions of rupees, which they can scarce afford to, because of India’s demonetisation. The ban on Indian notes of Rs 1000 and Rs 500, long before November 2016, has its origins in the rumour that most of the counterfeit Indian currency originates in Nepal – either produced there by anti-Indian elements or is transported from there across the porous Nepal-India border. Doubtless, Nepal was one of the places from where criminal elements would bring in fake currency of high value. But there was no basis for saying that Nepal is the only place from where bulk of the counterfeit currency came. All that the rumour achieved was to make Nepal ban notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1000. Regardless of the reasons, it is clear that demonetisation has demolished confidence in the Indian currency in the neighbourhood where the rupee was much valued especially as a savings instrument. India must respond without falling victim to conspiracy theories of the decision being an outcome of a Nepal-China plot. India is Nepal’s largest trading partner and supplies bulk of Nepal’s essentials and consumer goods. India is also home to millions of Nepalese and the ‘Sarkar’ is paying pension to legions of Gorkha ex-servicemen. There is no way China can take the place of India vis-à-vis Nepal, and it is for India to reinforce its position and strengthen ties. In the present case, India should help Nepal implement its decision and, at the same time, uphold the primacy of the Indian rupee. The first step in this direction is to enable the Nepalese (and Indian tourists going to Nepal, who are mostly from middle and lower income groups) to freely and easily exchange their high-value currency for Rs 100 notes. Such actions will revive confidence in India and the Indian currency. That is a necessary condition for resolving the larger issue of dealing with the cross-border movement of black money and counterfeit currency, which is at the root of Nepal’s demonetisation. How New Delhi responds will decide whether Nepal is bound closer to India or pushed into China’s embrace. (This article was originally published on DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Need to revive Nepal’s confidence in Indian currency

To win the 2019 Lok Sabha election, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has to overcome three demographic roadblocks: farmers, Dalits and NDA allies. Of the three, farmers hold the key.&nbsp;

Over 50 per cent of Indians earn their livelihood from farming activity. Agriculture, &nbsp;though, contributes only 15 per cent to India’s GDP. In those dissonant numbers lie the farm distress that has been building for years. It has come to a head just before the 2019 general election.&nbsp;

Natural disasters like successive droughts have pushed many marginal farmers to the brink. The political solution of granting loan waivers to alleviate farmer distress is akin to administering a painkiller. The pain will return. Last week former RBI governor Raghuram Rajan and 12 other leading economists released a document titled “An economic strategy for India.” The document focuses on macro-economic stability, jobs, health, education and – most emphatically – agriculture. Arguing specifically against farm loan waivers, Rajan declared: “I have said forever that farm loan waivers should be taken off the table.”

Most Indian farmers have small holdings of between one and four acres. The increase in minimum support price (MSP) to cost-plus-50 per cent is not a panacea. 
 
The formula to compute input costs itself is inaccurate as Ashok Gulati and Tirtha Chatterjee, writing in a daily, have pointed out: “Farmers are basically demanding three things: One, a debate in Parliament to discuss farm distress; two; a one-time loan waiver; and three, raising minimum support prices (MSPs) to 50 per cent above comprehensive cost (C2) of production, and making MSPs legally binding on private traders – that is, if any trader buys below MSP, he should be put in prison for, say, three years. The third demand, of setting higher MSPs and making them legally binding, is the most strange. 
 
Although the Modi government is already drum-beating that they have fulfilled the Swaminathan formula by giving a 50 per cent margin over A2+FL, people in this business know that they have changed the reference cost from C2 to A2+FL, which is about 38 per cent lower. In any case, an MSP formula based on just cost, be it A2+FL or C2, ignoring its demand side, is patently inefficient. It will cost the nation heavily in due course.”&nbsp;

The real solution to farm distress lies elsewhere: technology and open markets. Between farm and fork are middlemen. They suck away a significant portion of the difference between the price at which the farmer sells his produce and the price the consumer pays. Ideally, this shouldn’t exceed 15-20 per cent, giving mandi operators, wholesalers and retailers sufficient profit margins. In reality, the margins can exceed 50 per cent. The farmer is shortchanged and the consumer too pays more than she should.&nbsp;

This defective mechanism lies at the heart of why agriculture is an unremunerative occupation. Surveys show that over 75 per cent of the children of farmers don’t want to be farmers. The monopolistic Agriculture Produce Market Committee (APMC) decides the price farmers receive. Farmers who recently marched through Mumbai and Delhi want to sell their produce in open markets. An MSP-plus 50 per cent formula helps neither marginal farmers nor the government which has to balance food inflation (currently negative) with giving farmers remunerative prices.&nbsp;

The Telangana model is to bypass MSP+50 per cent and hand out Rs 4,000 per acre for every cropping season. But handing out cash to big farmers with tens of acres of land would be a waste. Former Finance Minister Yashwant Sinha instead suggests a more pragmatic way forward: “All small and marginal farmer households, including tenant and sub-tenant farmers, should receive a basic income of Rs 6,000 per acre per crop season. This will work out to Rs 12,000 per household per annum. Farmers holding land in excess of 5 acres of irrigated land, who produce the disposable surplus and take advantage of the minimum support price may not be included in the scheme. For unirrigated holdings, the limit could be 10 acres. The total financial burden of this scheme, likely to be Rs 1.84 lakh crore, could be distributed in the ratio of 70:30 between the Centre and the states. The financial burden on the Centre will thus be Rs 1.29 lakh crore, less than 1 per cent of the country’s GDP. The total expenditure budget of the Government of India in 2018-19 is Rs 24.42 lakh crore. It is, therefore, not difficult to find this money within the resources available to it with better expenditure management.”

The second step that can bring about a new green revolution and increase yield-per-acre of crops as China, the European Union (EU) and the United States have done is fast-tracking genetically modified crops. This has been strongly opposed but the science is increasingly clear: properly monitored, genetically modified crops can significantly increase yield per acre. By using the benefit of agricultural technology and allowing farmers to sell in open, transparent mandis, the vicious cycle of drought and farmer indebtedness can be converted into a virtuous cycle of high-yield crops and a market-discovered price for farmers’ produce. It could win back for Modi the confidence of a farming community that has long suffered economic distress.

(This article was originally published on DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-farmers-pm-s-2019-challenge-2698138">original article)</a>

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

To win the 2019 Lok Sabha election, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has to overcome three demographic roadblocks: farmers, Dalits and NDA allies. Of the three, farmers hold the key.

To win the 2019 Lok Sabha election, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has to overcome three demographic roadblocks: farmers, Dalits and NDA allies. Of the three, farmers hold the key. Over 50 per cent of Indians earn their livelihood from farming activity. Agriculture, though, contributes only 15 per cent to India’s GDP. In those dissonant numbers lie the farm distress that has been building for years. It has come to a head just before the 2019 general election. Natural disasters like successive droughts have pushed many marginal farmers to the brink. The political solution of granting loan waivers to alleviate farmer distress is akin to administering a painkiller. The pain will return. Last week former RBI governor Raghuram Rajan and 12 other leading economists released a document titled “An economic strategy for India.” The document focuses on macro-economic stability, jobs, health, education and – most emphatically – agriculture. Arguing specifically against farm loan waivers, Rajan declared: “I have said forever that farm loan waivers should be taken off the table.” Most Indian farmers have small holdings of between one and four acres. The increase in minimum support price (MSP) to cost-plus-50 per cent is not a panacea. The formula to compute input costs itself is inaccurate as Ashok Gulati and Tirtha Chatterjee, writing in a daily, have pointed out: “Farmers are basically demanding three things: One, a debate in Parliament to discuss farm distress; two; a one-time loan waiver; and three, raising minimum support prices (MSPs) to 50 per cent above comprehensive cost (C2) of production, and making MSPs legally binding on private traders – that is, if any trader buys below MSP, he should be put in prison for, say, three years. The third demand, of setting higher MSPs and making them legally binding, is the most strange. Although the Modi government is already drum-beating that they have fulfilled the Swaminathan formula by giving a 50 per cent margin over A2+FL, people in this business know that they have changed the reference cost from C2 to A2+FL, which is about 38 per cent lower. In any case, an MSP formula based on just cost, be it A2+FL or C2, ignoring its demand side, is patently inefficient. It will cost the nation heavily in due course.” The real solution to farm distress lies elsewhere: technology and open markets. Between farm and fork are middlemen. They suck away a significant portion of the difference between the price at which the farmer sells his produce and the price the consumer pays. Ideally, this shouldn’t exceed 15-20 per cent, giving mandi operators, wholesalers and retailers sufficient profit margins. In reality, the margins can exceed 50 per cent. The farmer is shortchanged and the consumer too pays more than she should. This defective mechanism lies at the heart of why agriculture is an unremunerative occupation. Surveys show that over 75 per cent of the children of farmers don’t want to be farmers. The monopolistic Agriculture Produce Market Committee (APMC) decides the price farmers receive. Farmers who recently marched through Mumbai and Delhi want to sell their produce in open markets. An MSP-plus 50 per cent formula helps neither marginal farmers nor the government which has to balance food inflation (currently negative) with giving farmers remunerative prices. The Telangana model is to bypass MSP+50 per cent and hand out Rs 4,000 per acre for every cropping season. But handing out cash to big farmers with tens of acres of land would be a waste. Former Finance Minister Yashwant Sinha instead suggests a more pragmatic way forward: “All small and marginal farmer households, including tenant and sub-tenant farmers, should receive a basic income of Rs 6,000 per acre per crop season. This will work out to Rs 12,000 per household per annum. Farmers holding land in excess of 5 acres of irrigated land, who produce the disposable surplus and take advantage of the minimum support price may not be included in the scheme. For unirrigated holdings, the limit could be 10 acres. The total financial burden of this scheme, likely to be Rs 1.84 lakh crore, could be distributed in the ratio of 70:30 between the Centre and the states. The financial burden on the Centre will thus be Rs 1.29 lakh crore, less than 1 per cent of the country’s GDP. The total expenditure budget of the Government of India in 2018-19 is Rs 24.42 lakh crore. It is, therefore, not difficult to find this money within the resources available to it with better expenditure management.” The second step that can bring about a new green revolution and increase yield-per-acre of crops as China, the European Union (EU) and the United States have done is fast-tracking genetically modified crops. This has been strongly opposed but the science is increasingly clear: properly monitored, genetically modified crops can significantly increase yield per acre. By using the benefit of agricultural technology and allowing farmers to sell in open, transparent mandis, the vicious cycle of drought and farmer indebtedness can be converted into a virtuous cycle of high-yield crops and a market-discovered price for farmers’ produce. It could win back for Modi the confidence of a farming community that has long suffered economic distress. (This article was originally published on DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Farmers: PM Narendra Modi's 2019 challenge

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