Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh&nbsp;on Friday said Narendra Modi has failed to fulfill public faith in last four years and that he is a ''paradoxical prime minister''.

Singh was speaking at Congress leader Shashi Tharoor's new book&nbsp; __ The Paradoxical Prime Minister: Narendra Modi and His India __ launch.

Modi was elected as India's 14th prime minister on the back of many lofty promises but he failed to fulfill those promises, he said and added that Tharoor has demonstrated this through his "superbly written and devastatingly accurate book".

He said that the prime minister is silent on the current crisis in which CBI's top two bosses were divested of their powers and sent on leave by the government.

"He (Modi) has spoken of being a prime minister for all Indians but the government he presides over has been mostly silent in the face of widespread communal violence, mob lynching and cow vigilantism,'' Singh said.

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He(Modi) has spoken of being a prime minister for all Indians but the govt he presides over has mostly been silent in face of widespread communal violence,mob lynching,cow vigilantism.Environment of our universities&amp; national institutions like CBI has been vitiated:Manmohan Singh <a href="https://t.co/IImHpRtSsf">pic.twitter.com/IImHpRtSsf</a>
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"At the same time, academic freedoms are being sought to be curbed. The environment in our universities and national institutions like the CBI is being vitiated and dissent stifled," Singh continued.

Talking about recent price hike in petrol Manmohan Singh said, ''Petrol &amp; diesel prices are at historic high despite fall in international crude oil prices because Modi govt chose to levying excessive excise duties instead of passing on benefit of low prices to Indians.''

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Petrol&amp;diesel prices are at historic high despite fall in international crude oil prices because Modi govt chose to levying excessive excise duties instead of passing on benefit of low prices to Indians:Manmohan Singh at release of Shashi Tharoor's"The Paradoxical Prime Minister" <a href="https://t.co/MXmwl6jsvj">pic.twitter.com/MXmwl6jsvj</a>
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Concluding his speech at the book launch he said, ''Modi's rule has not been good for India and it all arises from the Modi paradox that Tharoor has shown in his book.''

"Much of what the Modi government is all about has turned out to be little more than a series of empty gestures...With very little substance having been achieved on the ground," he concluded.&nbsp;

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Friday said Narendra Modi has failed to fulfill public faith in last four years and that he is a ''paradoxical prime minister''.

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Friday said Narendra Modi has failed to fulfill public faith in last four years and that he is a ''paradoxical prime minister''. Singh was speaking at Congress leader Shashi Tharoor's new book __ The Paradoxical Prime Minister: Narendra Modi and His India __ launch. Modi was elected as India's 14th prime minister on the back of many lofty promises but he failed to fulfill those promises, he said and added that Tharoor has demonstrated this through his "superbly written and devastatingly accurate book". He said that the prime minister is silent on the current crisis in which CBI's top two bosses were divested of their powers and sent on leave by the government. "He (Modi) has spoken of being a prime minister for all Indians but the government he presides over has been mostly silent in the face of widespread communal violence, mob lynching and cow vigilantism,'' Singh said. He(Modi) has spoken of being a prime minister for all Indians but the govt he presides over has mostly been silent in face of widespread communal violence,mob lynching,cow vigilantism.Environment of our universities& national institutions like CBI has been vitiated:Manmohan Singh pic.twitter.com/IImHpRtSsf — ANI (@ANI) October 26, 2018 × "At the same time, academic freedoms are being sought to be curbed. The environment in our universities and national institutions like the CBI is being vitiated and dissent stifled," Singh continued. Talking about recent price hike in petrol Manmohan Singh said, ''Petrol & diesel prices are at historic high despite fall in international crude oil prices because Modi govt chose to levying excessive excise duties instead of passing on benefit of low prices to Indians.'' Petrol&diesel prices are at historic high despite fall in international crude oil prices because Modi govt chose to levying excessive excise duties instead of passing on benefit of low prices to Indians:Manmohan Singh at release of Shashi Tharoor's"The Paradoxical Prime Minister" pic.twitter.com/MXmwl6jsvj — ANI (@ANI) October 26, 2018 × Concluding his speech at the book launch he said, ''Modi's rule has not been good for India and it all arises from the Modi paradox that Tharoor has shown in his book.'' "Much of what the Modi government is all about has turned out to be little more than a series of empty gestures...With very little substance having been achieved on the ground," he concluded.

Modi's rule has not been good for India: Manmohan Singh

Pakistan will send a human to space for the first time in 2022 with China's help, Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry announced Thursday, the same year <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/isro-to-send-human-in-space-by-2022-chandrayan-2-to-be-completed-in-2019-space-agency-chief-173487">India plans to launch</a> its manned space mission.

Pakistan's first space mission has been planned for 2022 and the federal Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Imran Khan approved the plan on Thursday, ahead of his maiden visit to Beijing from November 3.

An agreement between Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) and a Chinese company has already been signed, Chaudhry said.&nbsp;

In his Independence Day address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an ambitious mission of sending an Indian astronaut to space by 2022, which would make India the fourth nation in the world to do so.

"We have resolved that by 2022, when India celebrates 75 years of Independence or maybe even before that, certainly some of our young boys and girls will unfurl the Tricolour in space," Modi said from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the 72nd Independence Day.&nbsp;

Pakistan and China already have robust defence ties and Islamabad is one of the top buyers of Chinese military hardware.

Earlier this year, Pakistan launched two indigenously built satellites into orbit, using a Chinese launch vehicle.

The satellites were launched onboard a Chinese Long March (LM-2C) rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre located at the Gobi desert, China.

One of the satellites launched was a remote sensing satellite (PRSS1) ? a dual-purpose Earth observational and optical satellite.&nbsp;

The second test satellite launched was a PAK-TES-1A, developed by Space and Upper Atmospheric Research Commission (Suparco) to enhance satellite manufacture capabilities in the country which would help end Pakistan's dependency on commercial satellites for information related to weather, environment and agriculture.

The satellites were transported to China as Pakistan lacks the infrastructure to launch objects, the Express Tribune quoted an official as saying.&nbsp; 
China launched its first manned space mission in 2003, becoming the third country in the world to independently develop manned spaceflight, after Russia and the United States.

Prime Minister Khan is embarking on his first visit to China on November 3 and will hold meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang, Geo News quoted the Foreign Office as saying.&nbsp;

During the visit the two sides will review the entire range of bilateral relations which have enjoyed a long history of mutual trust and mutual support. The two sides will also sign several agreements in diverse fields, the Foreign Office statement added.

This will be the premier's first official visit to China after assuming office in August.

The visit signifies the closeness and traditional warmth which characterises Pakistan-China all weather strategic cooperative partnership, the statement added.

After his visit to Beijing, Khan will visit Shanghai to participate in the irst China International Import Expo in Shanghai. The premier will be a keynote speaker at the inauguration of the expo.

He will be accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi.

&nbsp;

Pakistan will send a human to space for the first time in 2022 with China's help, Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry announced Thursday, the same year India plans to launch its manned space mission.

Pakistan will send a human to space for the first time in 2022 with China's help, Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry announced Thursday, the same year India plans to launch its manned space mission. Pakistan's first space mission has been planned for 2022 and the federal Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Imran Khan approved the plan on Thursday, ahead of his maiden visit to Beijing from November 3. An agreement between Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) and a Chinese company has already been signed, Chaudhry said. In his Independence Day address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an ambitious mission of sending an Indian astronaut to space by 2022, which would make India the fourth nation in the world to do so. "We have resolved that by 2022, when India celebrates 75 years of Independence or maybe even before that, certainly some of our young boys and girls will unfurl the Tricolour in space," Modi said from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the 72nd Independence Day. Pakistan and China already have robust defence ties and Islamabad is one of the top buyers of Chinese military hardware. Earlier this year, Pakistan launched two indigenously built satellites into orbit, using a Chinese launch vehicle. The satellites were launched onboard a Chinese Long March (LM-2C) rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre located at the Gobi desert, China. One of the satellites launched was a remote sensing satellite (PRSS1) ? a dual-purpose Earth observational and optical satellite. The second test satellite launched was a PAK-TES-1A, developed by Space and Upper Atmospheric Research Commission (Suparco) to enhance satellite manufacture capabilities in the country which would help end Pakistan's dependency on commercial satellites for information related to weather, environment and agriculture. The satellites were transported to China as Pakistan lacks the infrastructure to launch objects, the Express Tribune quoted an official as saying. China launched its first manned space mission in 2003, becoming the third country in the world to independently develop manned spaceflight, after Russia and the United States. Prime Minister Khan is embarking on his first visit to China on November 3 and will hold meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang, Geo News quoted the Foreign Office as saying. During the visit the two sides will review the entire range of bilateral relations which have enjoyed a long history of mutual trust and mutual support. The two sides will also sign several agreements in diverse fields, the Foreign Office statement added. This will be the premier's first official visit to China after assuming office in August. The visit signifies the closeness and traditional warmth which characterises Pakistan-China all weather strategic cooperative partnership, the statement added. After his visit to Beijing, Khan will visit Shanghai to participate in the irst China International Import Expo in Shanghai. The premier will be a keynote speaker at the inauguration of the expo. He will be accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi.

First Pakistani astronauts to be in space in 2022

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold an annual summit with his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe on October 28-29. Modi and Abe will not only review the current status of bilateral ties, but are also expected to take some concrete steps to expand their engagement.

For the two leaders, security and defence cooperation are of utmost importance. Over the last few years, security cooperation between the two sides has taken several strides. While India, Japan and the US conduct Malabar naval exercises, New Delhi and Tokyo also hold the annual Defence Ministerial Dialogue, the National Security Advisers’ dialogue, the ‘2+2’ Dialogue, the Defence Policy Dialogue and the Service-to-Service staff talks. They have also decided to enhance ties in this area by fostering defence equipment and technology cooperation in areas such as surveillance and unmanned system technologies, and defence industry cooperation.

For the first time, Japan will be an observer at the Cope India exercise in December between India and the US air forces. The Indian Army will hold the first ground force exercise with its Japanese counterpart next month. At the same time, Japan has also expressed readiness to provide state-of-the-art US-2 amphibian aircraft. Japan has expressed its desire to strengthen cooperation with India in order to tackle terrorist groups such as Al-Qaeda, Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed. During Modi’s visit, the two countries would reportedly sign the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA).&nbsp;

This, in turn, would provide Japanese ships access to fuel and servicing at major Indian naval bases, including the Andaman and Nicobar islands. Modi and Abe said that differences should be resolved through dialogue and all countries, large or small, should enjoy the freedom of navigation, sustainable development, and a free, fair, and open trade and investment system. The two leaders also indicated the need to align Japan’s Free and Open Indo-Pacific Strategy with India’s Act East Policy.

The bonhomie between India and Japan comes at a time when China, with which India and Japan both have long-standing disputes, has undertaken aggressive posturing. Since these two countries also want to direction of global politics, they have a shared interest in preventing China’s growing clout. It is in this context that India and Japan are trying to engage with ASEAN countries, including Vietnam and Indonesia. The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue among the US, India, Japan and Australia was revived last year to promote peace and security in the Indo-Pacific. But it is equally true that the Trump administration’s inclination towards looking at things through the prism of ‘America First’ Policy, thereby jeopardising the security of US’ allies and partners, has also made it necessary for the two countries to foster close security and defence ties with each other and also engage other like-mined countries.

India’s $100 military-modernisation programme is yet another factor for the two sides to promote defence relations. Working with Japan will enable India to strengthen its ‘Make in India’ programme in the defence sector, which in turn will not only reduce the volume of India’s arms imports, but also enable it to realise its dream of becoming a major arms exporter. For Japan, transferring high technology to India will burnish its image of a reliable arms technology provider. This can be gauged from the fact that Hiramatsu, the Japanese Ambassador to India, has said that Japan has responded positively to Indian Navy’s ongoing submarine tender project 75I and is keen on collaborating in this area. In the past, Japan was reluctant to provide defence technology. But the proposed signing of an agreement on maritime domain awareness during Modi’s visit will add a new dimension to India-Japan defence ties, given Japan’s position as a world leader in anti-submarine warfare and maritime awareness equipment.

Infrastructure, trade and commerce will be another area of discussion during Modi’s visit. It is expected that Modi’s visit will witness some concrete efforts to develop Asia-Africa Growth Corridor, which can effectively counter China’s Belt Road Initiative. While the signing of the nuclear agreement was seen as an epoch-making event in the bilateral ties in November 2016, the fact remains that in the last two years no movement has been initiated in this area. So Modi should bring up this issue in his talks with Abe. Now, with the deepening convergence of interests in areas such as security, infrastructure, trade and commerce, the importance of Modi’s visit cannot be overstated. 
 
(This article was originally published on DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-the-imperative-of-strengthening-india-s-ties-with-japan-2679320">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold an annual summit with his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe on October 28-29. Modi and Abe will not only review the current status of bilateral ties, but are also expected to take some concrete steps to expand their engagement.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold an annual summit with his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe on October 28-29. Modi and Abe will not only review the current status of bilateral ties, but are also expected to take some concrete steps to expand their engagement. For the two leaders, security and defence cooperation are of utmost importance. Over the last few years, security cooperation between the two sides has taken several strides. While India, Japan and the US conduct Malabar naval exercises, New Delhi and Tokyo also hold the annual Defence Ministerial Dialogue, the National Security Advisers’ dialogue, the ‘2+2’ Dialogue, the Defence Policy Dialogue and the Service-to-Service staff talks. They have also decided to enhance ties in this area by fostering defence equipment and technology cooperation in areas such as surveillance and unmanned system technologies, and defence industry cooperation. For the first time, Japan will be an observer at the Cope India exercise in December between India and the US air forces. The Indian Army will hold the first ground force exercise with its Japanese counterpart next month. At the same time, Japan has also expressed readiness to provide state-of-the-art US-2 amphibian aircraft. Japan has expressed its desire to strengthen cooperation with India in order to tackle terrorist groups such as Al-Qaeda, Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed. During Modi’s visit, the two countries would reportedly sign the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA). This, in turn, would provide Japanese ships access to fuel and servicing at major Indian naval bases, including the Andaman and Nicobar islands. Modi and Abe said that differences should be resolved through dialogue and all countries, large or small, should enjoy the freedom of navigation, sustainable development, and a free, fair, and open trade and investment system. The two leaders also indicated the need to align Japan’s Free and Open Indo-Pacific Strategy with India’s Act East Policy. The bonhomie between India and Japan comes at a time when China, with which India and Japan both have long-standing disputes, has undertaken aggressive posturing. Since these two countries also want to direction of global politics, they have a shared interest in preventing China’s growing clout. It is in this context that India and Japan are trying to engage with ASEAN countries, including Vietnam and Indonesia. The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue among the US, India, Japan and Australia was revived last year to promote peace and security in the Indo-Pacific. But it is equally true that the Trump administration’s inclination towards looking at things through the prism of ‘America First’ Policy, thereby jeopardising the security of US’ allies and partners, has also made it necessary for the two countries to foster close security and defence ties with each other and also engage other like-mined countries. India’s $100 military-modernisation programme is yet another factor for the two sides to promote defence relations. Working with Japan will enable India to strengthen its ‘Make in India’ programme in the defence sector, which in turn will not only reduce the volume of India’s arms imports, but also enable it to realise its dream of becoming a major arms exporter. For Japan, transferring high technology to India will burnish its image of a reliable arms technology provider. This can be gauged from the fact that Hiramatsu, the Japanese Ambassador to India, has said that Japan has responded positively to Indian Navy’s ongoing submarine tender project 75I and is keen on collaborating in this area. In the past, Japan was reluctant to provide defence technology. But the proposed signing of an agreement on maritime domain awareness during Modi’s visit will add a new dimension to India-Japan defence ties, given Japan’s position as a world leader in anti-submarine warfare and maritime awareness equipment. Infrastructure, trade and commerce will be another area of discussion during Modi’s visit. It is expected that Modi’s visit will witness some concrete efforts to develop Asia-Africa Growth Corridor, which can effectively counter China’s Belt Road Initiative. While the signing of the nuclear agreement was seen as an epoch-making event in the bilateral ties in November 2016, the fact remains that in the last two years no movement has been initiated in this area. So Modi should bring up this issue in his talks with Abe. Now, with the deepening convergence of interests in areas such as security, infrastructure, trade and commerce, the importance of Modi’s visit cannot be overstated. (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)

The imperative of strengthening India’s ties with Japan

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday described India and Japan a "winning combination" and said the island nation is New Delhi's most trusted partners in its economic and technological modernisation.&nbsp;

In a statement, before he leaves for Japan on Saturday to attend the Annual Summit on October 28 and 29, Modi said India's partnership with Japan is of great substance and purpose.

"We have a special strategic and global partnership. Our ties with Japan, both economic and strategic, stand completely transformed in recent years. It is today a partnership of great substance and purpose. It rests on the strong pillars of India's Act East Policy, and our shared vision and commitment to a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific," he said.

Modi said it will be his 12th meeting with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe since he first toured Japan as prime minister in September 2014.&nbsp;

He said, as democracies, the two countries have shared values and they seek peace and prosperity for all.

"Our complementarities make India and Japan a winning combination. Japan today is one of the most trusted partners in India's economic and technological modernisations and one of the top investors in India," he pointed out.&nbsp;

The PM said that projects such as Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail and Dedicated Freight Corridors reflect the high level and "strength of our economic engagement".&nbsp;

"Japan is also at the forefront of engaging in our national initiatives, such as 'Make in India', 'Skill India', 'Digital India', 'Start-Up India'...Japanese investors have faith in India's economic future, which is marked with myriad opportunities," Modi said.&nbsp;

He said India values Japan's global leadership in innovation, technologies and best practices and during his visit, he will have a chance to see some of Japan's high-tech capabilities in robotics.

"I will have wide-ranging talks with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and interact with business leaders and captains of industry from both countries. I will also address the Indian community. These interactions will help to further strengthen our trade and investment ties, and cooperation in new areas such as healthcare, digital technologies, agriculture and food processing, disaster risk reduction and disaster resilient infrastructure," he said.

He recalled that last year, he had hosted Prime Minister Abe and his wife Akie Abe in his home state of Gujarat.

In a special gesture, Modi will be hosted by his Japanese counterpart for a private dinner at his holiday home in the picturesque Yamanashi prefecture on October 28, which will be, perhaps, the first such reception to be extended to a foreign leader.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday described India and Japan a "winning combination" and said the island nation is New Delhi's most trusted partners in its economic and technological modernisation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday described India and Japan a "winning combination" and said the island nation is New Delhi's most trusted partners in its economic and technological modernisation. In a statement, before he leaves for Japan on Saturday to attend the Annual Summit on October 28 and 29, Modi said India's partnership with Japan is of great substance and purpose. "We have a special strategic and global partnership. Our ties with Japan, both economic and strategic, stand completely transformed in recent years. It is today a partnership of great substance and purpose. It rests on the strong pillars of India's Act East Policy, and our shared vision and commitment to a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific," he said. Modi said it will be his 12th meeting with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe since he first toured Japan as prime minister in September 2014. He said, as democracies, the two countries have shared values and they seek peace and prosperity for all. "Our complementarities make India and Japan a winning combination. Japan today is one of the most trusted partners in India's economic and technological modernisations and one of the top investors in India," he pointed out. The PM said that projects such as Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail and Dedicated Freight Corridors reflect the high level and "strength of our economic engagement". "Japan is also at the forefront of engaging in our national initiatives, such as 'Make in India', 'Skill India', 'Digital India', 'Start-Up India'...Japanese investors have faith in India's economic future, which is marked with myriad opportunities," Modi said. He said India values Japan's global leadership in innovation, technologies and best practices and during his visit, he will have a chance to see some of Japan's high-tech capabilities in robotics. "I will have wide-ranging talks with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and interact with business leaders and captains of industry from both countries. I will also address the Indian community. These interactions will help to further strengthen our trade and investment ties, and cooperation in new areas such as healthcare, digital technologies, agriculture and food processing, disaster risk reduction and disaster resilient infrastructure," he said. He recalled that last year, he had hosted Prime Minister Abe and his wife Akie Abe in his home state of Gujarat. In a special gesture, Modi will be hosted by his Japanese counterpart for a private dinner at his holiday home in the picturesque Yamanashi prefecture on October 28, which will be, perhaps, the first such reception to be extended to a foreign leader.

India, Japan a winning combination: PM Modi

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/fbi-finds-11th-package-in-florida-hunt-for-sender-of-bombs-173674">FBI finds </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/fbi-finds-11th-package-in-florida-hunt-for-sender-of-bombs-173674">11th</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/fbi-finds-11th-package-in-florida-hunt-for-sender-of-bombs-173674"> package addressed to US Senator Cory Booker during Florida hunt for </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/fbi-finds-11th-package-in-florida-hunt-for-sender-of-bombs-173674">sender</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/fbi-finds-11th-package-in-florida-hunt-for-sender-of-bombs-173674"> of bombs</a>

An eleventh suspicious package addressed to US Senator Cory Booker was found on Friday morning, as federal authorities investigate the bombs sent to prominent Democrats and critics of US President Donald Trump.

The latest package was found at a mail sorting facility in Florida and was addressed to the Democratic senator from New Jersey, the FBI said on Twitter.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-courts-arrest-says-pm-modi-can-run-but-not-hide-from-the-truth-173640">Rahul Gandhi courts </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-courts-arrest-says-pm-modi-can-run-but-not-hide-from-the-truth-173640">arrest,</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-courts-arrest-says-pm-modi-can-run-but-not-hide-from-the-truth-173640"> says PM Modi can run but not hide from </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-courts-arrest-says-pm-modi-can-run-but-not-hide-from-the-truth-173640">truth</a>

Congress president Rahul Gandhi courted arrest on Friday after staging a protest outside the CBI headquarters against the move to divest CBI Director Alok Verma of his powers, saying Prime Minister Narendra Modi "stole" money from the country and can run but not hide from the truth.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-has-invited-putin-to-washington-nsa-john-bolton-173632">White House has invited Putin to Washington: NSA John Bolton</a>

The White House has invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to Washington, US National Security Adviser John Bolton said on Friday.

Putin and Trump have met several times on the sidelines of multilateral gatherings, but had only one bilateral summit, in the Finnish capital in July.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-agrees-to-increase-imports-from-india-trade-minister-suresh-prabhu-173630">China has agreed to increase imports from India: Commerce Minister Suresh Prabhu</a>

Commerce Minister Suresh Prabhu on Friday said that China has agreed to increase its imports from the country.

"Global disruptions offer a chance to increase Indian exports," Prabhu said at an event organised by the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII).

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rs-8100-crore-bank-loan-fraud-ed-seeks-fugitive-tag-for-sterling-biotech-group-promoters-173633">Rs 8,100-crore bank loan fraud: ED seeks fugitive tag for Sterling Biotech group promoters</a>

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) Friday moved a special court here to get declared the owners of Gujarat-based Sterling Biotech group, charged in an alleged Rs 8,100-crore bank loan fraud case, as fugitive economic offenders under a new law, the agency said.

FBI finds 11th package addressed to US Senator Cory Booker during Florida hunt for sender of bombs An eleventh suspicious package addressed to US Senator Cory Booker was found on Friday morning, as federal authorities investigate the bombs sent to prominent Democrats and critics of US President Donald Trump.

FBI finds 11th package addressed to US Senator Cory Booker during Florida hunt for sender of bombs An eleventh suspicious package addressed to US Senator Cory Booker was found on Friday morning, as federal authorities investigate the bombs sent to prominent Democrats and critics of US President Donald Trump. The latest package was found at a mail sorting facility in Florida and was addressed to the Democratic senator from New Jersey, the FBI said on Twitter. Rahul Gandhi courts arrest, says PM Modi can run but not hide from truth Congress president Rahul Gandhi courted arrest on Friday after staging a protest outside the CBI headquarters against the move to divest CBI Director Alok Verma of his powers, saying Prime Minister Narendra Modi "stole" money from the country and can run but not hide from the truth. White House has invited Putin to Washington: NSA John Bolton The White House has invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to Washington, US National Security Adviser John Bolton said on Friday. Putin and Trump have met several times on the sidelines of multilateral gatherings, but had only one bilateral summit, in the Finnish capital in July. China has agreed to increase imports from India: Commerce Minister Suresh Prabhu Commerce Minister Suresh Prabhu on Friday said that China has agreed to increase its imports from the country. "Global disruptions offer a chance to increase Indian exports," Prabhu said at an event organised by the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII). Rs 8,100-crore bank loan fraud: ED seeks fugitive tag for Sterling Biotech group promoters The Enforcement Directorate (ED) Friday moved a special court here to get declared the owners of Gujarat-based Sterling Biotech group, charged in an alleged Rs 8,100-crore bank loan fraud case, as fugitive economic offenders under a new law, the agency said.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Launching a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi for sending Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Director Alok Verma on leave, Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Friday said that the former acted out of fear as he was involved in corruption.

"The Prime Minister has put Rs 30,000 crore in the pocket of Anil Ambani after stealing from the Air Force, and the youth. The country knows about it. The Prime Minister can run, but can`t hide from the truth. It will come out. Removing the CBI director will not make any difference. The truth will come out in the end," the Gandhi scion said after leaving Lodhi Colony police station, where he was taken after being detained for protesting outside the CBI headquarters.

During the demonstration, several party workers marched towards the CBI headquarters with their president.&nbsp;

Protestors raised slogans and placards as their party president sat atop a crowded truck amidst tight security. A supporter was seen sitting inside a cage with a placard that read 'the CBI.'

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP South) Vijay Kumar said that eight leaders and 150 workers of the Congress were detained for 20 minutes before being released.

The grand old party had called for nationwide protests outside the offices of the CBI.

Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee chief Raj Babbar, who was leading a protest in Lucknow, was also detained. Police also used water cannons to disperse protestors in Chandigarh.

The government recently sent Alok Verma and his deputy Rakesh Asthana on leave after both levelled allegations of accepting bribes at each other.&nbsp;

However, the CBI on Thursday informed that Alok Verma and Rakesh Asthana would continue to remain the CBI Director and Special Director, respectively.

Launching a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi for sending Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Director Alok Verma on leave, Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Friday said that the former acted out of fear as he was involved in corruption.

Launching a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi for sending Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Director Alok Verma on leave, Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Friday said that the former acted out of fear as he was involved in corruption. "The Prime Minister has put Rs 30,000 crore in the pocket of Anil Ambani after stealing from the Air Force, and the youth. The country knows about it. The Prime Minister can run, but can`t hide from the truth. It will come out. Removing the CBI director will not make any difference. The truth will come out in the end," the Gandhi scion said after leaving Lodhi Colony police station, where he was taken after being detained for protesting outside the CBI headquarters. During the demonstration, several party workers marched towards the CBI headquarters with their president. Protestors raised slogans and placards as their party president sat atop a crowded truck amidst tight security. A supporter was seen sitting inside a cage with a placard that read 'the CBI.' Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP South) Vijay Kumar said that eight leaders and 150 workers of the Congress were detained for 20 minutes before being released. The grand old party had called for nationwide protests outside the offices of the CBI. Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee chief Raj Babbar, who was leading a protest in Lucknow, was also detained. Police also used water cannons to disperse protestors in Chandigarh. The government recently sent Alok Verma and his deputy Rakesh Asthana on leave after both levelled allegations of accepting bribes at each other. However, the CBI on Thursday informed that Alok Verma and Rakesh Asthana would continue to remain the CBI Director and Special Director, respectively.

PM Modi sent CBI director on leave out of fear: Rahul Gandhi

The acute shortage of qualified medical professionals in rural India may impact the relaunch of 150,000 health sub-centres and primary health centres (PHCs) as “health and wellness centres” under Ayushman Bharat Yojana, the national health scheme launched on September 23, 2018.

A lesser known part of the health insurance programme, also called ‘Modicare’, comprises health and wellness centres that will have a critical role in controlling the growing burden of non-communicable diseases in India. They will also offer maternal and child health services. The problem is that sub-centres, run by a team of an auxiliary nurse midwife, a male multi-skilled health worker and health assistants, are short of staff while primary health centres do not have enough doctors:

Of the 156,231 sub-centres in India, 78,569 were without male health workers, 6,371 without auxiliary nurse midwives and 4,263 without either, according to Rural Health Statistics, 2017.

PHCs require 25,650 doctors across India to tend to a minimum of 40 patients per doctor per day for outpatient care, as per Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS). If these standards are met, 1 million patients could be benefit everyday. But with a shortage of 3,027 doctors, 1,974 PHCs are without doctors. This means that 12 per cent, or 121,080 patients, go without access to primary healthcare everyday.

Healthcare in India’s villages is a three-tier structure under the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM): Sub-centres, primary health centres and community health centres.&nbsp;

Sub-centres are at the forefront, covering 5,000 people in the plains and 3,000 in hill or tribal areas. PHCs are equally important for the Ayushman Bharat Yojana to succeed because they are the first link to a consultation with a medical doctor and act as referral points for specialist consultations at community health centres.

Strengthening both the PHCs and sub-centres will ease the burden on secondary and tertiary health institutions.

Failure to find enough doctors will also set back universal health coverage as envisioned by successive National Health Policies in 2002 and 2017.

Seventy per cent of India’s population lives in villages and 30 per cent in urban areas. But the distribution of health workers leaves rural India with little access to healthcare — 60 per cent of the country’s 2 million strong health workforce caters to urban India, only the remaining 40 per cent services villages, as per data from a 2016 World Health Organisation (WHO) report.

There is another issue the proposed centres will have to deal with: Health-workers practising in both urban and rural areas of India are not adequately qualified, as per the WHO study. Among urban and rural allopathic doctors, only 58 and 19 percent doctors, respectively, were medically qualified.&nbsp;

As for nurses and midwives practising in rural areas, only 33 per cent have studied beyond secondary school and 11 per cent have medical qualification, the report estimated.

A perception survey of patients who visited healthcare facilities more than once showed that 43 per cent patients, on average, across four states were not satisfied with the medical treatment provided by the health facilities.Of the patients surveyed, 34 per cent complained of staff absenteeism, 32 per cent of shortage of medicines, 13 per cent &nbsp;of long waits; 3 per cent said centres were shut, 2 per cent claimed that there were no facilities at all and the remaining 5 per cent alleged different acts of corruption, according to the 2011 report by the High Level Expert Group on Universal Health Coverage.

A potential area of concern for the new wellness centres could be the reliance of rural patients on non-degree allopathic practitioners (NDAPs), or practitioners without an MBBS, according to a study carried out in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.&nbsp;

Studies in rural Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha have shown reliance on private practitioners for multiple reasons. The biggest of these is the lack of easy access to public health facilities: 73 per cent sub-centres were more than 3 km from patients, 28 per cent sub-centres and 20 per cent PHCs were not accessible by public transport, concluded an IndiaSpend analysis of a Comptroller and Auditor General report.

The easy availability and proximity of an NDAP allowed for faster consultation, according to this 2014 study carried out in north India. “Embedded in the community, the NDAPs have adapted their services to people’s needs, preferences and economic capabilities”, making them the preferred resource for “all-in-one” services, the study said.

Poor living and working conditions, irregular drug supply, weak infrastructure, professional isolation and the burden of administrative work: These are some of the challenges faced by doctors on rural postings, stated a 2017 study by the Public Health Foundation of India.

As of 2018, India has 497 medical colleges registered with the Medical Council of India (MCI) that together offer an intake capacity of 60,680 seats for MBBS. Trends in India, as well as other BRICS nations such as South Africa, suggest that most doctors prefer to sign up for hospital-based specialisations in urban areas than get into general practice at PHCs, a 2015 study published in Human Resources for Health observed.

To address this, policy frameworks in several states have mandated compulsory rural service of 1-5 years during postgraduate medical studies. Further, some states require medical officers to practise medicine in rural areas for a particular period after postgraduate studies.

Mid-level health providers could be the solution to the shortage of doctors in rural areas, according to this report of a national consultation on strengthening rural healthcare, 2018.

“A key challenge that India faces is that even after diagnosis, people continue to use health care services in secondary and tertiary settings, for conditions which can be managed at the primary care level,” said Chandrakant Lahariya, the national professional officer, Universal Health Coverage, WHO.&nbsp; 
 
(This article was originally published on DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-ways-to-make-modicare-work-2678897">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The acute shortage of qualified medical professionals in rural India may impact the relaunch of 150,000 health sub-centres and primary health centres (PHCs) as “health and wellness centres” under Ayushman Bharat Yojana, the national health scheme launched on September 23, 2018.

The acute shortage of qualified medical professionals in rural India may impact the relaunch of 150,000 health sub-centres and primary health centres (PHCs) as “health and wellness centres” under Ayushman Bharat Yojana, the national health scheme launched on September 23, 2018. A lesser known part of the health insurance programme, also called ‘Modicare’, comprises health and wellness centres that will have a critical role in controlling the growing burden of non-communicable diseases in India. They will also offer maternal and child health services. The problem is that sub-centres, run by a team of an auxiliary nurse midwife, a male multi-skilled health worker and health assistants, are short of staff while primary health centres do not have enough doctors: Of the 156,231 sub-centres in India, 78,569 were without male health workers, 6,371 without auxiliary nurse midwives and 4,263 without either, according to Rural Health Statistics, 2017. PHCs require 25,650 doctors across India to tend to a minimum of 40 patients per doctor per day for outpatient care, as per Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS). If these standards are met, 1 million patients could be benefit everyday. But with a shortage of 3,027 doctors, 1,974 PHCs are without doctors. This means that 12 per cent, or 121,080 patients, go without access to primary healthcare everyday. Healthcare in India’s villages is a three-tier structure under the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM): Sub-centres, primary health centres and community health centres. Sub-centres are at the forefront, covering 5,000 people in the plains and 3,000 in hill or tribal areas. PHCs are equally important for the Ayushman Bharat Yojana to succeed because they are the first link to a consultation with a medical doctor and act as referral points for specialist consultations at community health centres. Strengthening both the PHCs and sub-centres will ease the burden on secondary and tertiary health institutions. Failure to find enough doctors will also set back universal health coverage as envisioned by successive National Health Policies in 2002 and 2017. Seventy per cent of India’s population lives in villages and 30 per cent in urban areas. But the distribution of health workers leaves rural India with little access to healthcare — 60 per cent of the country’s 2 million strong health workforce caters to urban India, only the remaining 40 per cent services villages, as per data from a 2016 World Health Organisation (WHO) report. There is another issue the proposed centres will have to deal with: Health-workers practising in both urban and rural areas of India are not adequately qualified, as per the WHO study. Among urban and rural allopathic doctors, only 58 and 19 percent doctors, respectively, were medically qualified. As for nurses and midwives practising in rural areas, only 33 per cent have studied beyond secondary school and 11 per cent have medical qualification, the report estimated. A perception survey of patients who visited healthcare facilities more than once showed that 43 per cent patients, on average, across four states were not satisfied with the medical treatment provided by the health facilities.Of the patients surveyed, 34 per cent complained of staff absenteeism, 32 per cent of shortage of medicines, 13 per cent of long waits; 3 per cent said centres were shut, 2 per cent claimed that there were no facilities at all and the remaining 5 per cent alleged different acts of corruption, according to the 2011 report by the High Level Expert Group on Universal Health Coverage. A potential area of concern for the new wellness centres could be the reliance of rural patients on non-degree allopathic practitioners (NDAPs), or practitioners without an MBBS, according to a study carried out in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Studies in rural Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha have shown reliance on private practitioners for multiple reasons. The biggest of these is the lack of easy access to public health facilities: 73 per cent sub-centres were more than 3 km from patients, 28 per cent sub-centres and 20 per cent PHCs were not accessible by public transport, concluded an IndiaSpend analysis of a Comptroller and Auditor General report. The easy availability and proximity of an NDAP allowed for faster consultation, according to this 2014 study carried out in north India. “Embedded in the community, the NDAPs have adapted their services to people’s needs, preferences and economic capabilities”, making them the preferred resource for “all-in-one” services, the study said. Poor living and working conditions, irregular drug supply, weak infrastructure, professional isolation and the burden of administrative work: These are some of the challenges faced by doctors on rural postings, stated a 2017 study by the Public Health Foundation of India. As of 2018, India has 497 medical colleges registered with the Medical Council of India (MCI) that together offer an intake capacity of 60,680 seats for MBBS. Trends in India, as well as other BRICS nations such as South Africa, suggest that most doctors prefer to sign up for hospital-based specialisations in urban areas than get into general practice at PHCs, a 2015 study published in Human Resources for Health observed. To address this, policy frameworks in several states have mandated compulsory rural service of 1-5 years during postgraduate medical studies. Further, some states require medical officers to practise medicine in rural areas for a particular period after postgraduate studies. Mid-level health providers could be the solution to the shortage of doctors in rural areas, according to this report of a national consultation on strengthening rural healthcare, 2018. “A key challenge that India faces is that even after diagnosis, people continue to use health care services in secondary and tertiary settings, for conditions which can be managed at the primary care level,” said Chandrakant Lahariya, the national professional officer, Universal Health Coverage, WHO. (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)

Ways to make Modicare work

Citing disbursal of loans under the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojna (PMMY), Prime Minister Narendra Modi Thursday said "unprecedented" employment and entrepreneurial opportunities exist in the country today.

Modi addressed the employees of Hari Krishna Exports, a prominent Surat-based diamond processing-exporting firm, through video conference from Delhi.

The company, led by Savji Dholakia, gifted 600 cars to its employees Thursday as Diwali bonus at an event named as 'Hari Krishna Skill India Incentive Ceremony'.

"Around 14 crore loans were disbursed across the country under this (Mudra) scheme. Out of these, 40 lakh loans were given to the youth of Gujarat. In the last four years, loans worth Rs 7 lakh crore were disbursed under this scheme," Modi said in his speech.

"Out of all those who took loans under Mudra, over 3.5 crore youth were first-time entrepreneurs, as they have chosen the path of self-employment for the first time. Today, there exist unprecedented employment as well as entrepreneurial opportunities in the country," the prime minister said. 
 
Two women, one of them a disabled person, and two male employees of the firm received keys of their cars from Modi himself in Delhi.

The prime minister said his government has been taking many steps to strengthen the gems and jewellery sector, as it is a significant generator of employment and a key contributor to the exports.

Referring to the "Main Nahin Hum" portal and app launched yesterday, Modi urged the company and its employees to dedicate some time for social causes.

He appealed Dholakia and his company to set themselves a target of making at least 100 villages "digital" by 2022.

He would be visiting Gujarat on October 31 to dedicate the Statue of Unity of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Modi said.

"The biggest Diwali for Gujarat will be on October 31, when the Statue of Unity will be dedicated to the nation," he said.&nbsp;

Citing disbursal of loans under the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojna (PMMY), Prime Minister Narendra Modi Thursday said "unprecedented" employment and entrepreneurial opportunities exist in the country today.

Citing disbursal of loans under the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojna (PMMY), Prime Minister Narendra Modi Thursday said "unprecedented" employment and entrepreneurial opportunities exist in the country today. Modi addressed the employees of Hari Krishna Exports, a prominent Surat-based diamond processing-exporting firm, through video conference from Delhi. The company, led by Savji Dholakia, gifted 600 cars to its employees Thursday as Diwali bonus at an event named as 'Hari Krishna Skill India Incentive Ceremony'. "Around 14 crore loans were disbursed across the country under this (Mudra) scheme. Out of these, 40 lakh loans were given to the youth of Gujarat. In the last four years, loans worth Rs 7 lakh crore were disbursed under this scheme," Modi said in his speech. "Out of all those who took loans under Mudra, over 3.5 crore youth were first-time entrepreneurs, as they have chosen the path of self-employment for the first time. Today, there exist unprecedented employment as well as entrepreneurial opportunities in the country," the prime minister said. Two women, one of them a disabled person, and two male employees of the firm received keys of their cars from Modi himself in Delhi. The prime minister said his government has been taking many steps to strengthen the gems and jewellery sector, as it is a significant generator of employment and a key contributor to the exports. Referring to the "Main Nahin Hum" portal and app launched yesterday, Modi urged the company and its employees to dedicate some time for social causes. He appealed Dholakia and his company to set themselves a target of making at least 100 villages "digital" by 2022. He would be visiting Gujarat on October 31 to dedicate the Statue of Unity of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Modi said. "The biggest Diwali for Gujarat will be on October 31, when the Statue of Unity will be dedicated to the nation," he said.

Unprecedented employment opportunities in India today: PM Modi

CBI director Alok Verma was removed overnight without the approval of the selection committee because Prime Minister Narendra Modi feared that the top officer might take steps that could “hurt” him in the Rafale “scam”, the Congress alleged Wednesday. Talking to reporters here, Congress’s chief spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala said the prime minister’s “desperate bid” to cover up the Rafale “scam” had pushed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into complete “disintegration”.

He claimed that the government “panicked” because Verma was likely to file an FIR in connection with the Rafale issue, based on complaints received by the probe agency.

Surjewala also sought an “explanation” from the prime minister over the overnight removal of the CBI director. There was no immediate reaction from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) on the allegations.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has, however, dismissed as “rubbish” the allegations that Verma was removed because he wanted to look into the Rafale fighter jet deal. In an unprecedented fallout of a raging feud between Verma and CBI Special Director Rakesh Asthana, who is facing bribery and extortion charges, both the top officers were stripped of their powers and sent on leave.

Surjewala said, “The removal of CBI director Alok Verma was illegal and unconstitutional. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was petrified that the number one in the CBI (Verma) was about to take steps that might have hurt him in the Rafale scam. The government panicked because Verma was likely to file an FIR in the Rafale issue, based on complaints received by the investigating agency.”

He also hit out at Jaitley and Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad for putting out a “weak defence of cleaning the system to justify the prime minister’s panic reaction on the Rafale scam”.

“In order to save the prime minister, the finance minister and the law minister are taking refuge behind a bogus apology by giving an explanation of a fraud equivalence,” the Congress leader said. He asked the government to clarify if the new interim chief of the CBI, Nageshwar Rao, was “under a cloud”, adding, “Doesn’t this fact demolish the government’s argument of cleaning the system?”

“Prime Minister Modi must explain why the CBI director was removed past midnight and what was the tearing hurry to do so without an approval of the selection committee. The government wants to denigrate and disintegrate the CBI, in a desperate attempt to cover up the Rafale issue.

“Doesn’t it tantamount to complete trashing and slithering of Constitutional norms, laws and all semblance of political morality and accountability?” he asked. Surjewala also attacked the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), which has supervisory powers over the CBI.

“The CVC acted as a stooge and a captive puppet of the Modi government by abdicating its statutory responsibilities to play partisan politics for protecting the Modi government and its favourite government officer,” he alleged. The Congress leader accused the Centre of “trampling the Constitution and laws and making a mockery of the CBI and institutions”.

“As per the orders of the government, the CBI director was divested of his duties. Only a selection committee comprising the chief justice of India, the prime minister and the leader of the opposition can effect such a removal,” he said. Surjewala added that the CBI now stood for “complete burial of investigation”.

CBI director Alok Verma was removed overnight without the approval of the selection committee because Prime Minister Narendra Modi feared that the top officer might take steps that could “hurt” him in the Rafale “scam”, the Congress alleged Wednesday.

CBI director Alok Verma was removed overnight without the approval of the selection committee because Prime Minister Narendra Modi feared that the top officer might take steps that could “hurt” him in the Rafale “scam”, the Congress alleged Wednesday. Talking to reporters here, Congress’s chief spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala said the prime minister’s “desperate bid” to cover up the Rafale “scam” had pushed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into complete “disintegration”. He claimed that the government “panicked” because Verma was likely to file an FIR in connection with the Rafale issue, based on complaints received by the probe agency. Surjewala also sought an “explanation” from the prime minister over the overnight removal of the CBI director. There was no immediate reaction from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) on the allegations. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has, however, dismissed as “rubbish” the allegations that Verma was removed because he wanted to look into the Rafale fighter jet deal. In an unprecedented fallout of a raging feud between Verma and CBI Special Director Rakesh Asthana, who is facing bribery and extortion charges, both the top officers were stripped of their powers and sent on leave. Surjewala said, “The removal of CBI director Alok Verma was illegal and unconstitutional. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was petrified that the number one in the CBI (Verma) was about to take steps that might have hurt him in the Rafale scam. The government panicked because Verma was likely to file an FIR in the Rafale issue, based on complaints received by the investigating agency.” He also hit out at Jaitley and Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad for putting out a “weak defence of cleaning the system to justify the prime minister’s panic reaction on the Rafale scam”. “In order to save the prime minister, the finance minister and the law minister are taking refuge behind a bogus apology by giving an explanation of a fraud equivalence,” the Congress leader said. He asked the government to clarify if the new interim chief of the CBI, Nageshwar Rao, was “under a cloud”, adding, “Doesn’t this fact demolish the government’s argument of cleaning the system?” “Prime Minister Modi must explain why the CBI director was removed past midnight and what was the tearing hurry to do so without an approval of the selection committee. The government wants to denigrate and disintegrate the CBI, in a desperate attempt to cover up the Rafale issue. “Doesn’t it tantamount to complete trashing and slithering of Constitutional norms, laws and all semblance of political morality and accountability?” he asked. Surjewala also attacked the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), which has supervisory powers over the CBI. “The CVC acted as a stooge and a captive puppet of the Modi government by abdicating its statutory responsibilities to play partisan politics for protecting the Modi government and its favourite government officer,” he alleged. The Congress leader accused the Centre of “trampling the Constitution and laws and making a mockery of the CBI and institutions”. “As per the orders of the government, the CBI director was divested of his duties. Only a selection committee comprising the chief justice of India, the prime minister and the leader of the opposition can effect such a removal,” he said. Surjewala added that the CBI now stood for “complete burial of investigation”.

CBI director removed because PM Narendra Modi feared action in Rafale scam, says Congress

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be on a two-day visit to Japan starting October 28 to take part in an annual summit between the two nations and will engage with his counterpart Shinzo Abe on a range of issues including defence and regional security.

This will be the 13th annual summit and the fifth one to be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale told reporters.

"Regional security will be another topic. We presume that given the interest Japan has in issues related to the Korean peninsula and DPRK, this matter will be discussed. We will certainly raise our concerns over terrorism and other trans-border crimes which are of importance to us," he said.

He said India is also hoping to have some kind of synergy or integration between Modi's Ayushman Bharat scheme, which is the largest medicare programme of its kind globally, and the Japanese programme which is called Asia Health and Wellbeing Initiative.

"How we dovetail this and how we leverage Japan's strength in certain areas including medical equipments, hospitals and others is something that the two leaders can explore," Gokhale said.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be on a two-day visit to Japan starting October 28 to take part in an annual summit between the two nations and will engage with his counterpart Shinzo Abe on a range of issues including defence and regional security.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be on a two-day visit to Japan starting October 28 to take part in an annual summit between the two nations and will engage with his counterpart Shinzo Abe on a range of issues including defence and regional security. This will be the 13th annual summit and the fifth one to be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale told reporters. "Regional security will be another topic. We presume that given the interest Japan has in issues related to the Korean peninsula and DPRK, this matter will be discussed. We will certainly raise our concerns over terrorism and other trans-border crimes which are of importance to us," he said. He said India is also hoping to have some kind of synergy or integration between Modi's Ayushman Bharat scheme, which is the largest medicare programme of its kind globally, and the Japanese programme which is called Asia Health and Wellbeing Initiative. "How we dovetail this and how we leverage Japan's strength in certain areas including medical equipments, hospitals and others is something that the two leaders can explore," Gokhale said.

PM Modi on two-day visit to Japan starting October 28

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that governments may have schemes and budgets but the success of any initiative lies in public involvement.&nbsp;

Addressing the IT professionals in Delhi, Modi said every effort, however big or small, must be valued.&nbsp;

''I'm connected through social media, however, I do not believe every information that I come across. I find the information I want on social media,'' Modi further said.&nbsp;

The prime minister also lauded the youngsters' effort in leveraging the power of technology.&nbsp;

India's youngsters are leveraging the power of technology wonderfully. They are using technology not only for themselves but also for the welfare of others which is a great sign, the PM said.&nbsp;

The symbol of the Swachh Bharat Mission is the specs of Bapu, the inspiration is Bapu and we are fulfilling Bapu's vision, said Modi referring to Gandhi's ideas on sanitation and hygiene which the father of the nation considered to be more important than political independence.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that governments may have schemes and budgets but the success of any initiative lies in public involvement. Addressing the IT professionals in Delhi, Modi said every effort, however big or small, must be valued.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that governments may have schemes and budgets but the success of any initiative lies in public involvement. Addressing the IT professionals in Delhi, Modi said every effort, however big or small, must be valued. ''I'm connected through social media, however, I do not believe every information that I come across. I find the information I want on social media,'' Modi further said. The prime minister also lauded the youngsters' effort in leveraging the power of technology. India's youngsters are leveraging the power of technology wonderfully. They are using technology not only for themselves but also for the welfare of others which is a great sign, the PM said. The symbol of the Swachh Bharat Mission is the specs of Bapu, the inspiration is Bapu and we are fulfilling Bapu's vision, said Modi referring to Gandhi's ideas on sanitation and hygiene which the father of the nation considered to be more important than political independence.

Success of any government initiative lies in public involvement: PM Modi 

The Seoul Peace Prize awarded to Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a matter of immense pride for all Indians, BJP president Amit Shah said Wednesday, adding that the honour has taken note of "Modinomics" whose foundation is to "further the spirit of equality".&nbsp;

The prime minister was conferred with the award for his contribution to international cooperation and fostering global economic growth, a statement by the Ministry of External Affairs said.&nbsp;

"Prime Minister Modi has been honoured for improving the human development of fellow Indians by ushering economic growth and furthering the development of democracy through steps towards ending corruption and furthering social integration," Shah said in a series of tweets.&nbsp;

Describing the award as a "matter of great joy" and "immense pride for 130 crore Indians", the BJP chief said Modi's efforts towards boosting global cooperation and raising global economic growth have been noted by the awarding committee.

"I am glad that the Award Committee has taken note of 'Modinomics' whose foundation is to further a spirit of equality and empowerment for all sections of society.

Furthermore, the PM's bold and innovative foreign policy including the 'Act East Policy' have been hailed," he tweeted.

Shah said the award was a recognition of Modi's leadership, adding that the prime minister was at the forefront of building a better tomorrow through 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas' (development for all).&nbsp;

He said the Seoul Peace Prize is considered among the most valued global prizes, whose previous laureates include former UN secretary generals, world leaders, top policymakers and organisations driving monumental social change across the length and breadth of the planet.

The Seoul Peace Prize was established in 1990 to commemorate the success of the 24th Olympic Games held in Seoul. The award was established to crystalise Korean people's yearning for peace on the Korean peninsula and the rest of the world.&nbsp;

Modi is the 14th recipient of the award and the past laureates include former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and renowned international relief organisations like Doctors Without Borders and Oxfam.&nbsp;

The Seoul Peace Prize awarded to Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a matter of immense pride for all Indians, BJP president Amit Shah said Wednesday, adding that the honour has taken note of "Modinomics" whose foundation is to "further the spirit of equality".

The Seoul Peace Prize awarded to Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a matter of immense pride for all Indians, BJP president Amit Shah said Wednesday, adding that the honour has taken note of "Modinomics" whose foundation is to "further the spirit of equality". The prime minister was conferred with the award for his contribution to international cooperation and fostering global economic growth, a statement by the Ministry of External Affairs said. "Prime Minister Modi has been honoured for improving the human development of fellow Indians by ushering economic growth and furthering the development of democracy through steps towards ending corruption and furthering social integration," Shah said in a series of tweets. Describing the award as a "matter of great joy" and "immense pride for 130 crore Indians", the BJP chief said Modi's efforts towards boosting global cooperation and raising global economic growth have been noted by the awarding committee. "I am glad that the Award Committee has taken note of 'Modinomics' whose foundation is to further a spirit of equality and empowerment for all sections of society. Furthermore, the PM's bold and innovative foreign policy including the 'Act East Policy' have been hailed," he tweeted. Shah said the award was a recognition of Modi's leadership, adding that the prime minister was at the forefront of building a better tomorrow through 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas' (development for all). He said the Seoul Peace Prize is considered among the most valued global prizes, whose previous laureates include former UN secretary generals, world leaders, top policymakers and organisations driving monumental social change across the length and breadth of the planet. The Seoul Peace Prize was established in 1990 to commemorate the success of the 24th Olympic Games held in Seoul. The award was established to crystalise Korean people's yearning for peace on the Korean peninsula and the rest of the world. Modi is the 14th recipient of the award and the past laureates include former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and renowned international relief organisations like Doctors Without Borders and Oxfam.

Seoul Peace Prize to PM is recognition of 'Modinomics': Amit Shah

China on Tuesday said its first internal security cooperation agreement with India will provide an institutional guarantee to combat trans-border crimes, but did not indicate any change in its stance on blocking India's efforts to list Pakistan-based JeM chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist by the UN.

The agreement was inked during the first India-China high-level meeting on bilateral security cooperation which was co-chaired by Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Zhao Kezhi, State Councilor and Minister of Public Security, China, in New Delhi.&nbsp;

"This cooperation treaty is very important in terms of advancing law enforcement and security cooperation so that the two countries enjoy the sound development of bilateral relations," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying told a media briefing answering a question on the pact and the talks between the two ministers.

Referring to the April informal summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, Hua said, "We believe this cooperation on security and law enforcement will help us to combat crimes as it will provide more institutional and systematic guarantee on this".

"We will continue to step up our cooperation in combating separatist forces, telecom fraud the drug crimes and other trans-border crimes. We will explore more areas for security and law enforcement cooperation and ensure the security of our personnel that carrying projects in each other's countries," she said.

On India's request for China's support to declare Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Azhar as global terrorist by the UN, Hua said she has to check the specific details of the talks between the two ministers.

"As per to India's request for the listing of Masood (Azhar) we already stated our positon for many times," she said.

"On the counter-terrorism issue, China has always actively participated in international anti-terrorist operations. We have always made our decisions and judgements on the merits of the matter itself," she said.

"We will continue to step up the security cooperation to uphold the regional peace and stability with parties," she said.

A veto-wielding permanent member of the UN Security Council, China has repeatedly blocked India's bid at the United Nations to list Azhar as a global terrorist.

On reports that India has requested China to not to give shelter to hard-line United Liberation Front Of Assam (ULFA) leader Paresh Baruah, Hua said, "I shall stress that the Chinese government has always adhered to the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries. This remains unchanged."

China on Tuesday said its first internal security cooperation agreement with India will provide an institutional guarantee to combat trans-border crimes, but did not indicate any change in its stance on blocking India's efforts to list Pakistan-based JeM chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist by the UN.

China on Tuesday said its first internal security cooperation agreement with India will provide an institutional guarantee to combat trans-border crimes, but did not indicate any change in its stance on blocking India's efforts to list Pakistan-based JeM chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist by the UN. The agreement was inked during the first India-China high-level meeting on bilateral security cooperation which was co-chaired by Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Zhao Kezhi, State Councilor and Minister of Public Security, China, in New Delhi. "This cooperation treaty is very important in terms of advancing law enforcement and security cooperation so that the two countries enjoy the sound development of bilateral relations," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying told a media briefing answering a question on the pact and the talks between the two ministers. Referring to the April informal summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, Hua said, "We believe this cooperation on security and law enforcement will help us to combat crimes as it will provide more institutional and systematic guarantee on this". "We will continue to step up our cooperation in combating separatist forces, telecom fraud the drug crimes and other trans-border crimes. We will explore more areas for security and law enforcement cooperation and ensure the security of our personnel that carrying projects in each other's countries," she said. On India's request for China's support to declare Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Azhar as global terrorist by the UN, Hua said she has to check the specific details of the talks between the two ministers. "As per to India's request for the listing of Masood (Azhar) we already stated our positon for many times," she said. "On the counter-terrorism issue, China has always actively participated in international anti-terrorist operations. We have always made our decisions and judgements on the merits of the matter itself," she said. "We will continue to step up the security cooperation to uphold the regional peace and stability with parties," she said. A veto-wielding permanent member of the UN Security Council, China has repeatedly blocked India's bid at the United Nations to list Azhar as a global terrorist. On reports that India has requested China to not to give shelter to hard-line United Liberation Front Of Assam (ULFA) leader Paresh Baruah, Hua said, "I shall stress that the Chinese government has always adhered to the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries. This remains unchanged."

Security pact with India provides institutional guarantee to combat trans- border crimes: China

India's main opposition Congress party said on Monday it would not name its leader Rahul Gandhi as the prime ministerial candidate of an alliance seeking to defeat Prime Minister Narendra Modi in next year's general election.

Congress is working to build an opposition front with other parties in preparation for the vote, and spokesman Sanjay Jha said it would respect the "aspirations" of potential alliance partners though no alternative candidates will be nominated.

Jha said the party would be following the same strategy as it did in 2004 when its alliance defeated a coalition led by Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) without formally naming a prime ministerial nominee.

"Defeating the BJP is our primary goal, and therefore the Congress party is going to be very politically accommodating because we believe that regional parties' aspirations and their ambitions will have to be respected depending upon relative strengths in different areas," he told Reuters on Monday.

Many of Congress's potential alliance parties are run by ambitious regional leaders with years of governance experience.

Echoing Jha's comments, senior Congress leader and former finance and home minister Palaniappan Chidambaram said the party's main focus was on forging an alliance to win the election, due by May 2019.

"We want to form a coalition, make it win and then the parties involved will decide who becomes prime minister," he told TV channel News18 Tamil Nadu in an interview broadcast at the weekend.

Scion of Nehru-Gandhi dynasty

Gandhi, 48, is a scion of the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty that has ruled India for nearly four decades since its independence from Britain in 1947.

Unlike Modi, a powerful orator who ran the state of Gujarat before becoming prime minister, Gandhi has never held a ministerial position despite being a lawmaker since 2004 and critics question whether he has the charisma or experience to defeat Modi.

The decision by Congress not to impose Gandhi's candidacy could also be exploited by Modi to suggest the opposition alliance is indecisive and not fit for government, political analysts say.

It comes as the party struggles to hold together a so-called "grand alliance" ahead of not only next year's national vote but a series of state elections this year. Modi, meanwhile, is being buffeted by a jobs crisis and farm distress.

An opinion poll by TV channel Times Now predicted in August that nationally Congress would raise its seat count in the lower house of parliament next year to 78 from 44 in 2014.

The BJP is projected to continue its lead over other parties, though its seat strength could fall to 227 from 282 at the last election. A party needs to win 272 seats for a simple-majority out of the 543 seats in fray.

India's main opposition Congress party said on Monday it would not name its leader Rahul Gandhi as the prime ministerial candidate of an alliance seeking to defeat Prime Minister Narendra Modi in next year's general election.

India's main opposition Congress party said on Monday it would not name its leader Rahul Gandhi as the prime ministerial candidate of an alliance seeking to defeat Prime Minister Narendra Modi in next year's general election. Congress is working to build an opposition front with other parties in preparation for the vote, and spokesman Sanjay Jha said it would respect the "aspirations" of potential alliance partners though no alternative candidates will be nominated. Jha said the party would be following the same strategy as it did in 2004 when its alliance defeated a coalition led by Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) without formally naming a prime ministerial nominee. "Defeating the BJP is our primary goal, and therefore the Congress party is going to be very politically accommodating because we believe that regional parties' aspirations and their ambitions will have to be respected depending upon relative strengths in different areas," he told Reuters on Monday. Many of Congress's potential alliance parties are run by ambitious regional leaders with years of governance experience. Echoing Jha's comments, senior Congress leader and former finance and home minister Palaniappan Chidambaram said the party's main focus was on forging an alliance to win the election, due by May 2019. "We want to form a coalition, make it win and then the parties involved will decide who becomes prime minister," he told TV channel News18 Tamil Nadu in an interview broadcast at the weekend. Scion of Nehru-Gandhi dynasty Gandhi, 48, is a scion of the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty that has ruled India for nearly four decades since its independence from Britain in 1947. Unlike Modi, a powerful orator who ran the state of Gujarat before becoming prime minister, Gandhi has never held a ministerial position despite being a lawmaker since 2004 and critics question whether he has the charisma or experience to defeat Modi. The decision by Congress not to impose Gandhi's candidacy could also be exploited by Modi to suggest the opposition alliance is indecisive and not fit for government, political analysts say. It comes as the party struggles to hold together a so-called "grand alliance" ahead of not only next year's national vote but a series of state elections this year. Modi, meanwhile, is being buffeted by a jobs crisis and farm distress. An opinion poll by TV channel Times Now predicted in August that nationally Congress would raise its seat count in the lower house of parliament next year to 78 from 44 in 2014. The BJP is projected to continue its lead over other parties, though its seat strength could fall to 227 from 282 at the last election. A party needs to win 272 seats for a simple-majority out of the 543 seats in fray.

Congress will not name Rahul Gandhi as PM candidate in election battle

Terming as "deeply regrettable" Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's remarks on Kashmir, India on Monday said that instead of making comments on internal affairs of another country, Islamabad should take "credible action" to dismantle terror infrastructure operating from its soil.

Pakistan's "deceitful stand" on dialogue, while supporting terror and violence, "stands exposed" to the whole world, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar told reporters while replying to queries on Khan's remarks.&nbsp;

Referring to incidents of violence in Kashmir, Khan, in a tweet, said that time has come for<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-pm-imran-khan-calls-for-dialogue-to-resolve-kashmir-issue-172803"> India to realise that it must move to resolve the Kashmir dispute</a> through dialogue in accordance with the UN Security Council resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people.

"Strongly condemn the new cycle of killings of innocent Kashmiris....By Indian security forces," he tweeted.

Responding to Khan's remarks, the MEA Spokesperson said the Pakistan leadership should look inwards and address its own issues. He said Islamabad should stop supporting and glorifying terrorists and terror activities against India and its other neighbours.

"The remarks made by Pakistan's Prime Minister in his tweet today are deeply regrettable. Instead of making comments on India's internal affairs, Pakistan leadership should look inwards and address its own issues.

"Pakistan would serve the interest of the people of the region by taking credible action against all kind of support to terrorism and terror infrastructure from all territories under its control rather than supporting and glorifying terrorists and terror activities against India and its other neighbours," Kumar said.

It is not the first time Khan has spoken about Kashmir.

In his victory speech after the July elections, Khan expressed his willingness to improve Pakistan's ties with India and said that his government would like the leaders of the two sides to resolve all disputes, including the "core issue" of Kashmir, through talks.&nbsp;

He had said good India-Pakistan relations will be beneficial for the entire region.

A meeting between the foreign ministers of India and Pakistan was announced on the sidelines of the United National General Assembly. However, in September, New Delhi called it off, citing killings of Indian security personnel by Pakistan-based entities and the release of Pakistani postage stamps "glorifying a terrorist and terrorism".&nbsp;

India maintains that the entire state of Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of the country and Pakistan is in illegal occupation of a part of the state's territory. &nbsp;

Terming as "deeply regrettable" Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's remarks on Kashmir, India on Monday said that instead of making comments on internal affairs of another country, Islamabad should take "credible action" to dismantle terror infrastructure operating from its soil.

Terming as "deeply regrettable" Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's remarks on Kashmir, India on Monday said that instead of making comments on internal affairs of another country, Islamabad should take "credible action" to dismantle terror infrastructure operating from its soil. Pakistan's "deceitful stand" on dialogue, while supporting terror and violence, "stands exposed" to the whole world, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar told reporters while replying to queries on Khan's remarks. Referring to incidents of violence in Kashmir, Khan, in a tweet, said that time has come for India to realise that it must move to resolve the Kashmir dispute through dialogue in accordance with the UN Security Council resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people. "Strongly condemn the new cycle of killings of innocent Kashmiris....By Indian security forces," he tweeted. Responding to Khan's remarks, the MEA Spokesperson said the Pakistan leadership should look inwards and address its own issues. He said Islamabad should stop supporting and glorifying terrorists and terror activities against India and its other neighbours. "The remarks made by Pakistan's Prime Minister in his tweet today are deeply regrettable. Instead of making comments on India's internal affairs, Pakistan leadership should look inwards and address its own issues. "Pakistan would serve the interest of the people of the region by taking credible action against all kind of support to terrorism and terror infrastructure from all territories under its control rather than supporting and glorifying terrorists and terror activities against India and its other neighbours," Kumar said. It is not the first time Khan has spoken about Kashmir. In his victory speech after the July elections, Khan expressed his willingness to improve Pakistan's ties with India and said that his government would like the leaders of the two sides to resolve all disputes, including the "core issue" of Kashmir, through talks. He had said good India-Pakistan relations will be beneficial for the entire region. A meeting between the foreign ministers of India and Pakistan was announced on the sidelines of the United National General Assembly. However, in September, New Delhi called it off, citing killings of Indian security personnel by Pakistan-based entities and the release of Pakistani postage stamps "glorifying a terrorist and terrorism". India maintains that the entire state of Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of the country and Pakistan is in illegal occupation of a part of the state's territory.

India slams Imran's remarks on Kashmir, asks Pakistan to dismantle terror infrastructure on its soil

Japan hopes to clinch a military logistics pact with India that will allow access to each other's bases, Tokyo's envoy said on Monday, in a tightening of security ties seen as designed to balance China's growing weight in the region.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be visiting Japan this weekend for an annual summit with his counterpart Shinzo Abe, and the proposed Acquisition and Cross Servicing Agreement between the two militaries is on the agenda.

Under Modi and Abe, bilateral relations have rapidly expanded and the two countries conduct three-way naval exercises involving the United States in the Indian Ocean and the Pacific.

Japan's ambassador to India, Kenji Hiramatsu, said it was only natural for the two militaries to have a logistics-sharing agreement because of the large number of manoeuvres they were carrying out each year.

"We hope to start formal negotiations with regard to signing of the ACSA. It is high time we had mutual logistics support," he said.

Under such a pact, Japanese ships would get access to fuel and servicing at major Indian naval bases including the Andaman and Nicobar islands, which lie near the Malacca Straits through which a large amount of Japan's but also China's trade and fuel supplies is shipped.

India's navy, which is increasingly sending ships further out as a way to counter China's expanding presence in the Indian Ocean, would get access to Japanese facilities for maintenance.

Modi's government signed a similar agreement with the United States in 2016 ending years of hesitation by previous administrations that worried about upsetting China.

Beijing has in the past expressed concern about multilateral and complex exercises, calling them destabilising to the region.

Hiramatsu said Japan and India had a great deal of convergence with respect to freedom of navigation and transparency in the Indio-Pacific region.

Japan hopes to clinch a military logistics pact with India that will allow access to each other's bases, Tokyo's envoy said on Monday, in a tightening of security ties seen as designed to balance China's growing weight in the region.

Japan hopes to clinch a military logistics pact with India that will allow access to each other's bases, Tokyo's envoy said on Monday, in a tightening of security ties seen as designed to balance China's growing weight in the region. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be visiting Japan this weekend for an annual summit with his counterpart Shinzo Abe, and the proposed Acquisition and Cross Servicing Agreement between the two militaries is on the agenda. Under Modi and Abe, bilateral relations have rapidly expanded and the two countries conduct three-way naval exercises involving the United States in the Indian Ocean and the Pacific. Japan's ambassador to India, Kenji Hiramatsu, said it was only natural for the two militaries to have a logistics-sharing agreement because of the large number of manoeuvres they were carrying out each year. "We hope to start formal negotiations with regard to signing of the ACSA. It is high time we had mutual logistics support," he said. Under such a pact, Japanese ships would get access to fuel and servicing at major Indian naval bases including the Andaman and Nicobar islands, which lie near the Malacca Straits through which a large amount of Japan's but also China's trade and fuel supplies is shipped. India's navy, which is increasingly sending ships further out as a way to counter China's expanding presence in the Indian Ocean, would get access to Japanese facilities for maintenance. Modi's government signed a similar agreement with the United States in 2016 ending years of hesitation by previous administrations that worried about upsetting China. Beijing has in the past expressed concern about multilateral and complex exercises, calling them destabilising to the region. Hiramatsu said Japan and India had a great deal of convergence with respect to freedom of navigation and transparency in the Indio-Pacific region.

Japan, India negotiating military logistics pact in tightening of ties

In a veiled attack on the Nehru-Gandhi family, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Sunday that to keep "one family" above the rest, efforts were made to forget the contributions leaders such as Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Bhim Rao Ambedkar and Subhash Chandra Bose made in the Independence struggle.

"But now our government is changing all that," he said while addressing an event at the historic Red Fort to mark the 75th anniversary of the proclamation of the 'Azad Hind Sarkar' by Bose. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
Donning the famous Azad Hind Fauj cap, the Prime Minister hoisted the national flag at the Red Fort and unveiled a plaque to mark the anniversary. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
The plaque will be placed at barrack number three at the Red Fort where members of the Azad Hind Fauj faced trial. A museum will be also set up in the barrack. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
Modi lamented that post Independence, India's policies were based on the British system as "things were seen through British glasses". 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
"Policies, including those related to education, had to suffer because of this," he said.

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Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoists the national flag at the Red Fort to mark the 75th anniversary of the proclamation of ‘Azad Hind Sarkar’, today. <a href="https://t.co/m17Jr46sz9">pic.twitter.com/m17Jr46sz9</a>
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Modi said had India benefited from the guidance of Patel and Bose, things would have been much better. He said his government is changing that now. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
"In an effort to highlight the role of one family, efforts were made to deliberately ignore and forget contributions made by others in the independence struggle, and later in creating a new India," he said.&nbsp;

These leaders included Sardar Patel, Bhim Rao Ambedkar and Subhash Chandra Bose, the prime minister added. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
He said while Bose focused on the East and Northeast India, the two regions did not get due recognition. 
&nbsp; &nbsp; 
Now, he said, his government is working to make the Northeast the "engine of growth". 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
Hailing Bose's spirit of nationalism, Modi said as a 16-year old, he was aggrieved at the plight of India under the British rule. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
"His ideology was nationalism, he lived by nationalism," the PM said.

In a veiled attack on the Nehru-Gandhi family, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Sunday that to keep "one family" above the rest, efforts were made to forget the contributions leaders such as Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Bhim Rao Ambedkar and Subhash Chandra Bose made in the Independence struggle.

In a veiled attack on the Nehru-Gandhi family, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Sunday that to keep "one family" above the rest, efforts were made to forget the contributions leaders such as Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Bhim Rao Ambedkar and Subhash Chandra Bose made in the Independence struggle. "But now our government is changing all that," he said while addressing an event at the historic Red Fort to mark the 75th anniversary of the proclamation of the 'Azad Hind Sarkar' by Bose. Donning the famous Azad Hind Fauj cap, the Prime Minister hoisted the national flag at the Red Fort and unveiled a plaque to mark the anniversary. The plaque will be placed at barrack number three at the Red Fort where members of the Azad Hind Fauj faced trial. A museum will be also set up in the barrack. Modi lamented that post Independence, India's policies were based on the British system as "things were seen through British glasses". "Policies, including those related to education, had to suffer because of this," he said. Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoists the national flag at the Red Fort to mark the 75th anniversary of the proclamation of ‘Azad Hind Sarkar’, today. pic.twitter.com/m17Jr46sz9 — ANI (@ANI) October 21, 2018 × Modi said had India benefited from the guidance of Patel and Bose, things would have been much better. He said his government is changing that now. "In an effort to highlight the role of one family, efforts were made to deliberately ignore and forget contributions made by others in the independence struggle, and later in creating a new India," he said. These leaders included Sardar Patel, Bhim Rao Ambedkar and Subhash Chandra Bose, the prime minister added. He said while Bose focused on the East and Northeast India, the two regions did not get due recognition. Now, he said, his government is working to make the Northeast the "engine of growth". Hailing Bose's spirit of nationalism, Modi said as a 16-year old, he was aggrieved at the plight of India under the British rule. "His ideology was nationalism, he lived by nationalism," the PM said.

For 'one family', contribution of other leaders forgotten. Our govt changing all that: Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday inaugurated and dedicated to the nation a refurbished national police memorial here and a newly-built museum for the khaki-donning forces.

A 30-feet-tall and 238-tonne heavy black granite central sculpture honouring the slain troopers, a museum and a wall of valour bearing the names of over 34,800 martyred personnel were unveiled during the event held to mark the National Police Commemoration Day.

"It is the day to remember every jawan who maintains law and peace in Jammu and Kashmir &amp; fights against terrorism. Jawans on duty in Naxal-affected areas are doing a great service. It's also due to them that no.of Naxal affected districts are going down and youth is coming to the mainstream. It is the result of your alertness that the elements which create unrest are unsuccessful in their attempts. The attempts to create fear &amp; insecurity in the nation were foiled by you. The peace prevalent in the nation is possible only due to your services," said PM Modi.

The PM was accorded a ceremonial salute upon his arrival at the memorial which is built on a 6.12-acre land in central Delhi's Chanakyapuri area. He was received by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on the venue.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Delhi: PM Modi honours the survivors of the Hot Spring Incident, on National Police Memorial Day today. 10 policemen were killed in an ambush by Chinese troops in 1959 in Ladakh's Hot Spring area. <a href="https://t.co/iqmaXWYPYF">pic.twitter.com/iqmaXWYPYF</a>
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He then led the people present for the event into laying wreaths on the memorial in the honour and memory of the jawan killed in the line of action.

Ministers of state in the Home Ministry Kiren Rijiju and Hansram G Ahir, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval along with senior officers and personnel of various Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and state police forces were present during the event.

Intelligence Bureau Director Rajiv Jain said 34,844 police personnel from central and state police forces have laid down their lives in the line of duty since Independence, 414 did so over the last year.

The day is observed to pay homage to the 10 policemen killed in an ambush by Chinese troops in 1959 in Ladakh's Hot Spring area.

Numerous other personnel who laid down their lives protecting the country's unity and integrity are remembered on the occasion.

The memorial built a few years ago has now been refurbished and the central structure has been enhanced by replacing the old rock structure.

The museum capturing the history, artefacts, uniform and gear of central and state police forces is an underground facility in the premises of the national police memorial.

The museum project is being steered by the Intelligence Bureau (IB) in coordination with the central armed police forces (CAPFs) that function under the command of the Union Home Ministry.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday inaugurated and dedicated to the nation a refurbished national police memorial here and a newly-built museum for the khaki-donning forces.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday inaugurated and dedicated to the nation a refurbished national police memorial here and a newly-built museum for the khaki-donning forces. A 30-feet-tall and 238-tonne heavy black granite central sculpture honouring the slain troopers, a museum and a wall of valour bearing the names of over 34,800 martyred personnel were unveiled during the event held to mark the National Police Commemoration Day. "It is the day to remember every jawan who maintains law and peace in Jammu and Kashmir & fights against terrorism. Jawans on duty in Naxal-affected areas are doing a great service. It's also due to them that no.of Naxal affected districts are going down and youth is coming to the mainstream. It is the result of your alertness that the elements which create unrest are unsuccessful in their attempts. The attempts to create fear & insecurity in the nation were foiled by you. The peace prevalent in the nation is possible only due to your services," said PM Modi. The PM was accorded a ceremonial salute upon his arrival at the memorial which is built on a 6.12-acre land in central Delhi's Chanakyapuri area. He was received by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on the venue. #WATCH Delhi: PM Modi honours the survivors of the Hot Spring Incident, on National Police Memorial Day today. 10 policemen were killed in an ambush by Chinese troops in 1959 in Ladakh's Hot Spring area. pic.twitter.com/iqmaXWYPYF — ANI (@ANI) October 21, 2018 × He then led the people present for the event into laying wreaths on the memorial in the honour and memory of the jawan killed in the line of action. Ministers of state in the Home Ministry Kiren Rijiju and Hansram G Ahir, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval along with senior officers and personnel of various Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and state police forces were present during the event. Intelligence Bureau Director Rajiv Jain said 34,844 police personnel from central and state police forces have laid down their lives in the line of duty since Independence, 414 did so over the last year. The day is observed to pay homage to the 10 policemen killed in an ambush by Chinese troops in 1959 in Ladakh's Hot Spring area. Numerous other personnel who laid down their lives protecting the country's unity and integrity are remembered on the occasion. The memorial built a few years ago has now been refurbished and the central structure has been enhanced by replacing the old rock structure. The museum capturing the history, artefacts, uniform and gear of central and state police forces is an underground facility in the premises of the national police memorial. The museum project is being steered by the Intelligence Bureau (IB) in coordination with the central armed police forces (CAPFs) that function under the command of the Union Home Ministry.

India will never forget sacrifice made by police: Modi on National Police Commemoration Day

Women's rights activist Trupti Desai, who had threatened to block Prime Minister Narendra Modi's convoy at Shirdi town in Maharashtra, was detained by police here Friday morning, reported news agency ANI.

Desai, president of Bhumata Ranragini Brigade, has been batting for women's entry into the Sabarimala temple in Kerala.

She said that she wrote a letter to SP Ahmednagar yesterday demanding to meet PM Modi to discuss Sabrimala temple issue ahead of his Shirdi visit today. She had also threatened to stop his convoy if he doesn't meet.

Police detained Desai when she was about to leave for Shirdi today morning.&nbsp;

"Today, before she could leave Pune for Shirdi (in neighbouring Ahmednagar district), officials from Sahakarnagar police station took her into preventive custody," a senior police official said.

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Pune: Activist Trupti Desai detained by police, earlier this morning. She wrote a letter to SP Ahmednagar y’day demanding to meet PM Modi to discuss <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SabrimalaTemple?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SabrimalaTemple</a> issue ahead of his Shirdi visit today. She had also threatened to stop his convoy if he doesn't meet. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Maharashtra?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Maharashtra</a> <a href="https://t.co/PtEcWfW0KS">pic.twitter.com/PtEcWfW0KS</a>
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"She was taken into police custody early in the morning as she had threatened to disrupt PM's visit in Shirdi," the official said adding that she has been currently kept under detention at Sahakar Nagar police station.

Desai said that it is her constitutional right to protest and alleged that she was stopped at her home.&nbsp;

''It is an attempt to suppress our voice,'' she said.&nbsp;

Modi is on a visit to Shirdi on Friday, where he is set to take part in functions to mark the conclusion of the year-long Saibaba Samadhi centenary programme organised by the Sai temple trust. He will also hand over keys of houses to some beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY).

A few days back, Desai had sought a meeting with the PM in Shirdi to discuss the Sabarimala issue and warned that if she was not allowed to meet him, her outfit would block his convoy.

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Police force was already here today morning when we were about to leave for Shirdi. It is wrong. It is our Constitutional right to protest. We are being stopped at home only. It is an attempt to suppress our voice through Modi ji: Activist Trupti Desai on being detained by police <a href="https://t.co/n8NJXBhqGR">pic.twitter.com/n8NJXBhqGR</a>
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&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Women's rights activist Trupti Desai, who had threatened to block Prime Minister Narendra Modi's convoy at Shirdi town in Maharashtra, was detained by police here Friday morning, reported news agency ANI.

Women's rights activist Trupti Desai, who had threatened to block Prime Minister Narendra Modi's convoy at Shirdi town in Maharashtra, was detained by police here Friday morning, reported news agency ANI. Desai, president of Bhumata Ranragini Brigade, has been batting for women's entry into the Sabarimala temple in Kerala. She said that she wrote a letter to SP Ahmednagar yesterday demanding to meet PM Modi to discuss Sabrimala temple issue ahead of his Shirdi visit today. She had also threatened to stop his convoy if he doesn't meet. Police detained Desai when she was about to leave for Shirdi today morning. "Today, before she could leave Pune for Shirdi (in neighbouring Ahmednagar district), officials from Sahakarnagar police station took her into preventive custody," a senior police official said. Pune: Activist Trupti Desai detained by police, earlier this morning. She wrote a letter to SP Ahmednagar y’day demanding to meet PM Modi to discuss #SabrimalaTemple issue ahead of his Shirdi visit today. She had also threatened to stop his convoy if he doesn't meet. #Maharashtra pic.twitter.com/PtEcWfW0KS — ANI (@ANI) October 19, 2018 × "She was taken into police custody early in the morning as she had threatened to disrupt PM's visit in Shirdi," the official said adding that she has been currently kept under detention at Sahakar Nagar police station. Desai said that it is her constitutional right to protest and alleged that she was stopped at her home. ''It is an attempt to suppress our voice,'' she said. Modi is on a visit to Shirdi on Friday, where he is set to take part in functions to mark the conclusion of the year-long Saibaba Samadhi centenary programme organised by the Sai temple trust. He will also hand over keys of houses to some beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY). A few days back, Desai had sought a meeting with the PM in Shirdi to discuss the Sabarimala issue and warned that if she was not allowed to meet him, her outfit would block his convoy. Police force was already here today morning when we were about to leave for Shirdi. It is wrong. It is our Constitutional right to protest. We are being stopped at home only. It is an attempt to suppress our voice through Modi ji: Activist Trupti Desai on being detained by police pic.twitter.com/n8NJXBhqGR — ANI (@ANI) October 19, 2018 ×

Activist supporting women's entry into Sabarimala detained ahead of PM's Shirdi visit

Pakistan said on Friday that India's decision to buy S-400 missile defence system from Russia will further destabilise stability in the region and renewed the arms race.

In a statement, the Foreign Office said the Indian purchase was part of its efforts to acquire a Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) System through multiple sources.

"This (S-400) will further destabilise strategic stability in South Asia, besides leading to a renewed arms race," it said.

India and Russia concluded the $ 5 billion S-400 air defence system deal early this month during the visit of President Vladimir Putin to New Delhi for the annual summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The S-400 Triumf system is a next-generation mobile air defense system, which is capable of destroying aerial targets at an extremely long range of up to 400 kilometers.

The S-400 is known as Russia's most advanced long-range surface-to-air missile defence system.&nbsp;

The Foreign Office also claimed that following the May 1998 nuclear tests by both sides, Pakistan had proposed a Strategic Restraint Regime in the region, advocating against the acquisition of BMD systems due to their destabilizing effect.

"Indian rejection of this proposal forced Pakistan to develop capabilities which render any BMD system ineffective and unreliable," it said.

Pakistan remains fully confident of its ability to address threats from any kind of destabilizing weapon system, the Foreign Office said.

"We reiterate our commitment towards ensuring national defence in line with the policy of maintaining credible minimum deterrence and maintaining strategic balance in the region in the future as well," it said.

Pakistan said on Friday that India's decision to buy S-400 missile defence system from Russia will further destabilise stability in the region and renewed the arms race.

Pakistan said on Friday that India's decision to buy S-400 missile defence system from Russia will further destabilise stability in the region and renewed the arms race. In a statement, the Foreign Office said the Indian purchase was part of its efforts to acquire a Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) System through multiple sources. "This (S-400) will further destabilise strategic stability in South Asia, besides leading to a renewed arms race," it said. India and Russia concluded the $ 5 billion S-400 air defence system deal early this month during the visit of President Vladimir Putin to New Delhi for the annual summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The S-400 Triumf system is a next-generation mobile air defense system, which is capable of destroying aerial targets at an extremely long range of up to 400 kilometers. The S-400 is known as Russia's most advanced long-range surface-to-air missile defence system. The Foreign Office also claimed that following the May 1998 nuclear tests by both sides, Pakistan had proposed a Strategic Restraint Regime in the region, advocating against the acquisition of BMD systems due to their destabilizing effect. "Indian rejection of this proposal forced Pakistan to develop capabilities which render any BMD system ineffective and unreliable," it said. Pakistan remains fully confident of its ability to address threats from any kind of destabilizing weapon system, the Foreign Office said. "We reiterate our commitment towards ensuring national defence in line with the policy of maintaining credible minimum deterrence and maintaining strategic balance in the region in the future as well," it said.

India's decision to buy S-400 missile system will further destabilise region: Pakistan

The government has set a goal of providing a permanent house to every family by 2022, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday.

Addressing a public meeting in Shirdi after handing over the keys to the beneficiaries of the housing scheme Prime Minister Awas Yojana- Grameen (PMAY-G), Modi said a permanent house makes life easy and provides enthusiasm to fight against poverty. 
&nbsp; 
''A permanent house makes life easy and provides enthusiasm to fight against poverty. Keeping this in mind, the government has set the goal of providing a permanent house to every family by 2022. I am happy that we have completed half the journey,'' Modi was quoted as saying in Shirdi, Maharashtra.

''In its last 4 years of governance, the previous government built only 25 lakh houses. But in last the 4 years, the BJP-led central government has built 1.25 Crore houses,'' the PM boasted.&nbsp;

Modi arrived in Shirdi on Friday morning and visited the renowned Sai Baba shrine here.

He also paid obeisance at the Samadhi Temple before taking part in rituals at sanctum sanctorum of the Saibaba Samadhi Temple Complex.

PM also unveiled the plaque to mark the laying of a foundation stone for various development works of the Shri Saibaba Sansthan Trust.

He also released a silver coin to commemorate the centenary year of Shri Saibaba Samadhi.

The government has set a goal of providing a permanent house to every family by 2022, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday. Addressing a public meeting in Shirdi after handing over the keys to the beneficiaries of the housing scheme Prime Minister Awas Yojana- Grameen (PMAY-G), Modi said a permanent house makes life easy and provides enthusiasm to fight against poverty.

The government has set a goal of providing a permanent house to every family by 2022, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday. Addressing a public meeting in Shirdi after handing over the keys to the beneficiaries of the housing scheme Prime Minister Awas Yojana- Grameen (PMAY-G), Modi said a permanent house makes life easy and provides enthusiasm to fight against poverty. ''A permanent house makes life easy and provides enthusiasm to fight against poverty. Keeping this in mind, the government has set the goal of providing a permanent house to every family by 2022. I am happy that we have completed half the journey,'' Modi was quoted as saying in Shirdi, Maharashtra. ''In its last 4 years of governance, the previous government built only 25 lakh houses. But in last the 4 years, the BJP-led central government has built 1.25 Crore houses,'' the PM boasted. Modi arrived in Shirdi on Friday morning and visited the renowned Sai Baba shrine here. He also paid obeisance at the Samadhi Temple before taking part in rituals at sanctum sanctorum of the Saibaba Samadhi Temple Complex. PM also unveiled the plaque to mark the laying of a foundation stone for various development works of the Shri Saibaba Sansthan Trust. He also released a silver coin to commemorate the centenary year of Shri Saibaba Samadhi.

Permanent house to every family by 2022: PM Modi

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena, who allegedly said Tuesday that India's RAW was trying to kill him, has tightened his security. The announcement was made by his adviser Shiral Lakthilaka.&nbsp;

"The president has taken the threat very seriously," the news agency AFP quoted Lakthilaka as telling reporters in Colombo. "The president's security has been increased."

Sirisena had "told the cabinet of local media reports of an Indian intelligence agency being involved," Lakthilaka said. "He did not name the agency."

The Sri Lankan foreign ministry had on Wednesday rejected the reports — of Sirisena saying the Research and Analysis Wing was trying to kill him — as "<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sri-lanka-says-its-president-did-not-allege-indias-raw-was-trying-to-assassinate-him-172021">completely untrue</a>".&nbsp;

The ministry said it was "disappointing that matters of this nature have become the subject of distorted and erroneous media reports taking the President’s remarks out of context."&nbsp;

"The ministry wishes to clarify that the media reports in this connection are baseless and false," it added.&nbsp;

Sirisena and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke on the phone on Wednesday, with the Sri Lankan leader "categorically" rejecting reports he had accused New Delhi of involvement, Modi's office said.&nbsp;

But AFP quoted Sri Lankan police as saying they were still investigating the alleged plot and had detained an Indian national.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, news reports said Sirisena had accused his senior coalition partner, the United National Party (UNP), of not taking seriously an alleged conspiracy to kill him and former secretary to the ministry of defence, Gotabhaya Rajapaksa.&nbsp;

The reports quoted a ministerial source as saying Sirisena had made his comments at a heated cabinet meeting.

The reports quoted Sirisena as saying RAW was plotting to kill him, but that Prime Minister Modi might not be aware of the plot.&nbsp;

Sirisena's predecessor Mahinda Rajapakse had accused RAW of engineering his defeat in the January 2015 election. New Delhi has repeatedly denied the charge.&nbsp;

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe meawhile arrived in India Thursday on a three-day visit.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena, who allegedly said Tuesday that India's RAW was trying to kill him, has tightened his security. The announcement was made by his adviser Shiral Lakthilaka.

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena, who allegedly said Tuesday that India's RAW was trying to kill him, has tightened his security. The announcement was made by his adviser Shiral Lakthilaka. "The president has taken the threat very seriously," the news agency AFP quoted Lakthilaka as telling reporters in Colombo. "The president's security has been increased." Sirisena had "told the cabinet of local media reports of an Indian intelligence agency being involved," Lakthilaka said. "He did not name the agency." The Sri Lankan foreign ministry had on Wednesday rejected the reports — of Sirisena saying the Research and Analysis Wing was trying to kill him — as "completely untrue". The ministry said it was "disappointing that matters of this nature have become the subject of distorted and erroneous media reports taking the President’s remarks out of context." "The ministry wishes to clarify that the media reports in this connection are baseless and false," it added. Sirisena and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke on the phone on Wednesday, with the Sri Lankan leader "categorically" rejecting reports he had accused New Delhi of involvement, Modi's office said. But AFP quoted Sri Lankan police as saying they were still investigating the alleged plot and had detained an Indian national. On Tuesday, news reports said Sirisena had accused his senior coalition partner, the United National Party (UNP), of not taking seriously an alleged conspiracy to kill him and former secretary to the ministry of defence, Gotabhaya Rajapaksa. The reports quoted a ministerial source as saying Sirisena had made his comments at a heated cabinet meeting. The reports quoted Sirisena as saying RAW was plotting to kill him, but that Prime Minister Modi might not be aware of the plot. Sirisena's predecessor Mahinda Rajapakse had accused RAW of engineering his defeat in the January 2015 election. New Delhi has repeatedly denied the charge. Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe meawhile arrived in India Thursday on a three-day visit. (With inputs from agencies)

Sri Lanka President who said India's RAW is plotting to kill him tightens security

The Modi government is demonstrating an unusual, though welcome, urgency in pursuing a revamp of the national security apparatus. Under the chairmanship of the National Security Adviser, the Strategic Policy Group (SPG) has been revived to assist the National Security Council in moving forward with a long-term strategic defence review. 
 
The SPG, whose members include the NITI Aayog vice chairman, the cabinet secretary, the three military chiefs, the Reserve Bank of India governor, the foreign secretary, home secretary, finance secretary and the defence secretary, will now be the central instrumentality for inter-ministerial coordination and integration of inputs in forming national security policies. It was set up by the AB Vajpayee government in 1999 but was earlier headed by the Cabinet Secretary. Now the power shifts to the NSA, making an already powerful office even more potent. 
 
The NSA is now joined by three deputies at the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) with responsibilities spanning across three distinct domains. RN Ravi, a former head of the Joint Intelligence Committee, was recently appointed the third deputy national security adviser, joining former RAW chief Rajinder Khanna and former ambassador to Russia Pankaj Saran at the NSCS.

These changes come months after the Narendra Modi government decided to establish an overarching defence planning committee (DPC) —comprising the chairman of the chiefs of staff committee, three service chiefs, the defence, expenditure and foreign secretaries — under the national security adviser to enhance India’s ability to do some long-term strategising. The Prime Minister recently also gave the go-ahead for the formation of the three tri-services agencies—for cyber, space, and special operations across the three armed forces.

This revamp comes at a time when Indian national security planning stands at a crossroads. The silo-driven approach to national security has resulted in the lack of an integrated view. The three services, as well as the civilian and defence agencies, are often seen to be working at cross-purposes. Such an ad hoc approach has meant that more often than not, issues like threat perception and force structure are not managed via a centralised and authoritative overview. Instead, individual services tend to be driving the agenda at their own levels.

The headlines on Indian defence policy often tend to be completely divorced from the ground reality. India’s $250-billion military modernisation programme is often talked about. But even as New Delhi remains keen on acquiring significant weapons platforms, there have been persistent doubts about its ability to harness these resources in service of a long-term strategy. Indeed, the absence of an Indian “grand strategy” that sets out political objectives for Indian power projection—and then ensures military, economic, intelligence and educational development—coordinated toward these objectives, has been a perennial topic of discussion within Indian strategic circles.

India’s defence reform campaign has existed nearly as long as the current system itself. This drive focuses on extending resource integration and coordination throughout defence policymaking. Effective defence planning and force structuring is a function of an institutional framework that allows for a clear delineation of political goals, efficient mobilisation of resources and effective use of these resources for developing instrumentalities of state power. At a time when advances in technology are revolutionizing warfare, India is still debating the need to move towards leaner force structures.&nbsp;

India needs to cut the flab on an urgent basis as over half of the annual defence budget going to meet salary and pension requirements is clearly not sustainable. The priorities of India’s ‘Make In India’ initiative and cumbersome defence procurement process will also have to be brought in sync with each other.

India’s status as the world’s largest arms importer hardly does justice to its ambitions to emerge as a defence manufacturing hub. The debate on integration, both among the services headquarters, and between the services and the ministry of defence, also continues unabated and should be concluded. The central challenge in defence planning remains the issue of uncertainty. Effective defence planning tends to put a premium on assuring future strategic and operational adaptiveness.&nbsp;

In the Indian context, a transformative shift in mindset, structures and processes is needed. Rapidly evolving security environment, as well as a near permanent pressure on scarce resources, underscores the need for strategic defence planning.

Though rather late in its term, the Modi government has begun a process of streamlining national security planning. It is not perfect but the fact that changes are being made underlines the fact that policymakers recognise the gravity of the challenge they face. It can only be hoped that the drumbeat of impending elections would not take away the focus from the critical area. After all, governments may come and go but the imperatives of national security will remain. 
&nbsp;

(This article was originally published on DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-modi-govt-streamlining-national-security-planning-2676086">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The Modi government is demonstrating an unusual, though welcome, urgency in pursuing a revamp of the national security apparatus. Under the chairmanship of the National Security Adviser, the Strategic Policy Group (SPG) has been revived to assist the National Security Council in moving forward with a long-term strategic defence review.

The Modi government is demonstrating an unusual, though welcome, urgency in pursuing a revamp of the national security apparatus. Under the chairmanship of the National Security Adviser, the Strategic Policy Group (SPG) has been revived to assist the National Security Council in moving forward with a long-term strategic defence review. The SPG, whose members include the NITI Aayog vice chairman, the cabinet secretary, the three military chiefs, the Reserve Bank of India governor, the foreign secretary, home secretary, finance secretary and the defence secretary, will now be the central instrumentality for inter-ministerial coordination and integration of inputs in forming national security policies. It was set up by the AB Vajpayee government in 1999 but was earlier headed by the Cabinet Secretary. Now the power shifts to the NSA, making an already powerful office even more potent. The NSA is now joined by three deputies at the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) with responsibilities spanning across three distinct domains. RN Ravi, a former head of the Joint Intelligence Committee, was recently appointed the third deputy national security adviser, joining former RAW chief Rajinder Khanna and former ambassador to Russia Pankaj Saran at the NSCS. These changes come months after the Narendra Modi government decided to establish an overarching defence planning committee (DPC) —comprising the chairman of the chiefs of staff committee, three service chiefs, the defence, expenditure and foreign secretaries — under the national security adviser to enhance India’s ability to do some long-term strategising. The Prime Minister recently also gave the go-ahead for the formation of the three tri-services agencies—for cyber, space, and special operations across the three armed forces. This revamp comes at a time when Indian national security planning stands at a crossroads. The silo-driven approach to national security has resulted in the lack of an integrated view. The three services, as well as the civilian and defence agencies, are often seen to be working at cross-purposes. Such an ad hoc approach has meant that more often than not, issues like threat perception and force structure are not managed via a centralised and authoritative overview. Instead, individual services tend to be driving the agenda at their own levels. The headlines on Indian defence policy often tend to be completely divorced from the ground reality. India’s $250-billion military modernisation programme is often talked about. But even as New Delhi remains keen on acquiring significant weapons platforms, there have been persistent doubts about its ability to harness these resources in service of a long-term strategy. Indeed, the absence of an Indian “grand strategy” that sets out political objectives for Indian power projection—and then ensures military, economic, intelligence and educational development—coordinated toward these objectives, has been a perennial topic of discussion within Indian strategic circles. India’s defence reform campaign has existed nearly as long as the current system itself. This drive focuses on extending resource integration and coordination throughout defence policymaking. Effective defence planning and force structuring is a function of an institutional framework that allows for a clear delineation of political goals, efficient mobilisation of resources and effective use of these resources for developing instrumentalities of state power. At a time when advances in technology are revolutionizing warfare, India is still debating the need to move towards leaner force structures. India needs to cut the flab on an urgent basis as over half of the annual defence budget going to meet salary and pension requirements is clearly not sustainable. The priorities of India’s ‘Make In India’ initiative and cumbersome defence procurement process will also have to be brought in sync with each other. India’s status as the world’s largest arms importer hardly does justice to its ambitions to emerge as a defence manufacturing hub. The debate on integration, both among the services headquarters, and between the services and the ministry of defence, also continues unabated and should be concluded. The central challenge in defence planning remains the issue of uncertainty. Effective defence planning tends to put a premium on assuring future strategic and operational adaptiveness. In the Indian context, a transformative shift in mindset, structures and processes is needed. Rapidly evolving security environment, as well as a near permanent pressure on scarce resources, underscores the need for strategic defence planning. Though rather late in its term, the Modi government has begun a process of streamlining national security planning. It is not perfect but the fact that changes are being made underlines the fact that policymakers recognise the gravity of the challenge they face. It can only be hoped that the drumbeat of impending elections would not take away the focus from the critical area. After all, governments may come and go but the imperatives of national security will remain. (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)

Modi government streamlining national security planning

Congress president Rahul Gandhi Tuesday said he would desist from opposing Narendra Modi the day the prime minister stopped "dividing" the country and started helping the poor.

Campaigning for his party in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh, Gandhi again attacked Modi over his alleged proximity to businessmen, saying he worked for a handful of rich people.

Addressing a public meeting here in Morena district, he said, "Someone said yesterday that Rahul Gandhi opposes Narendra Modi. I say that I do not oppose for the sake of opposing, there is a reason.

"I will stop opposing Narendra Modiji the day he starts helping the shopkeepers, labourers and the poor. The day he stops the work of dividing the country, I will stop opposing Modiji."

Accusing Modi of working for "15-20" rich people, Gandhi said, "Until Modi talks about justice, waives the loans of farmers, stands with the labourers, whatever the rest of Hindustan says, Rahul Gandhi, will stand against him, because I believe you people are behind the progress of the country."

He alleged that the prime minister, in his Independence Day speech, had insulted the ancestors of those who toiled hard to build this country.

"The US president says only India and China can compete with it (America). The country was poor and hungry 70 years back. There was no city, no railway lines, no plane, no industry and the prime minister says nothing has happened in the last 70 years," the Congress president said.

He accused Modi of helping his "friends" convert their black money through the demonetisation exercise, under which high-value currency notes were scrapped in November, 2016.

"Two years ago, Modi had imposed demonetisation and made the entire country stand in queues. Did we see a Vijay Mallya or Nirav Modi or Anil Ambani in those queues?

Modi helped them convert their black money into white," he said.

Gandhi attacked Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan over the issue of corruption.

He said, "Corruption is rampant in Madhya Pradesh. There is a hierarchy of corruption that reaches the chief minister and his family."

"Scams like Vyapam (a multi-crore-rupee admission and recruitment racket) have destroyed education in Madhya Pradesh and made it expensive. In the e-tendering scam, everyone knows who is involved.

"You can study for hours. But you cannot go ahead until you have money to offer, which means Vyapam. This scam has killed 50 people. The entire state knows what is the role of the chief minister and his wife in this scam," Gandhi said.

In the past, Chouhan has vehemently denied his or his family's involvement in the Vyapam scam.

Gandhi said if voted to power, his party would create jobs for the youth of Madhya Pradesh, where the Congress is in the opposition since 2003.

"The Congress chief minister will work hard for 18 out of 24 hours to create employment for the youth of Madhya Pradesh. We will not make false promises like the BJP, which had promised to give two crore jobs to the youth," he said.

The Congress chief promised to set up food processing units in every district of the state to promote the "Made In Madhya Pradesh" brand and said his party would announce farm loan waiver if elected to power.

Gandhi also addressed public rallies at Joura and Sheopur as part of his election campaign in Madhya Pradesh.

Before addressing the rallies, he visited the Bandi Chhor Gurdwara, located in the Gwalior Fort. He was accompanied by state Congress president Kamal Nath and senior party leader Jyotiraditya Scindia.

After the public meetings, Gandhi held a roadshow from Joura to Bamor in Morena district and headed for Gwalior, from where he will leave for New Delhi, concluding his two-day visit to the state.

The 230-member Madhya Pradesh Assembly will go to the polls on November 28 and the counting of votes will be taken up on December 11.&nbsp;

Congress president Rahul Gandhi Tuesday said he would desist from opposing Narendra Modi the day the prime minister stopped "dividing" the country and started helping the poor.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi Tuesday said he would desist from opposing Narendra Modi the day the prime minister stopped "dividing" the country and started helping the poor. Campaigning for his party in poll-bound Madhya Pradesh, Gandhi again attacked Modi over his alleged proximity to businessmen, saying he worked for a handful of rich people. Addressing a public meeting here in Morena district, he said, "Someone said yesterday that Rahul Gandhi opposes Narendra Modi. I say that I do not oppose for the sake of opposing, there is a reason. "I will stop opposing Narendra Modiji the day he starts helping the shopkeepers, labourers and the poor. The day he stops the work of dividing the country, I will stop opposing Modiji." Accusing Modi of working for "15-20" rich people, Gandhi said, "Until Modi talks about justice, waives the loans of farmers, stands with the labourers, whatever the rest of Hindustan says, Rahul Gandhi, will stand against him, because I believe you people are behind the progress of the country." He alleged that the prime minister, in his Independence Day speech, had insulted the ancestors of those who toiled hard to build this country. "The US president says only India and China can compete with it (America). The country was poor and hungry 70 years back. There was no city, no railway lines, no plane, no industry and the prime minister says nothing has happened in the last 70 years," the Congress president said. He accused Modi of helping his "friends" convert their black money through the demonetisation exercise, under which high-value currency notes were scrapped in November, 2016. "Two years ago, Modi had imposed demonetisation and made the entire country stand in queues. Did we see a Vijay Mallya or Nirav Modi or Anil Ambani in those queues? Modi helped them convert their black money into white," he said. Gandhi attacked Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan over the issue of corruption. He said, "Corruption is rampant in Madhya Pradesh. There is a hierarchy of corruption that reaches the chief minister and his family." "Scams like Vyapam (a multi-crore-rupee admission and recruitment racket) have destroyed education in Madhya Pradesh and made it expensive. In the e-tendering scam, everyone knows who is involved. "You can study for hours. But you cannot go ahead until you have money to offer, which means Vyapam. This scam has killed 50 people. The entire state knows what is the role of the chief minister and his wife in this scam," Gandhi said. In the past, Chouhan has vehemently denied his or his family's involvement in the Vyapam scam. Gandhi said if voted to power, his party would create jobs for the youth of Madhya Pradesh, where the Congress is in the opposition since 2003. "The Congress chief minister will work hard for 18 out of 24 hours to create employment for the youth of Madhya Pradesh. We will not make false promises like the BJP, which had promised to give two crore jobs to the youth," he said. The Congress chief promised to set up food processing units in every district of the state to promote the "Made In Madhya Pradesh" brand and said his party would announce farm loan waiver if elected to power. Gandhi also addressed public rallies at Joura and Sheopur as part of his election campaign in Madhya Pradesh. Before addressing the rallies, he visited the Bandi Chhor Gurdwara, located in the Gwalior Fort. He was accompanied by state Congress president Kamal Nath and senior party leader Jyotiraditya Scindia. After the public meetings, Gandhi held a roadshow from Joura to Bamor in Morena district and headed for Gwalior, from where he will leave for New Delhi, concluding his two-day visit to the state. The 230-member Madhya Pradesh Assembly will go to the polls on November 28 and the counting of votes will be taken up on December 11.

Stop dividing India and I will stop opposing you: Rahul Gandhi to PM

PM Modi set to meet oil company chiefs

Two US senators have called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to soften India's stance on data localisation, warning that measures requiring it represent "key trade barriers" between the two nations.

In a letter to Modi dated Friday, US Senators John Cornyn and Mark Warner - co-chairs of the Senate's India caucus that comprises over 30 senators - urged India to instead adopt a "light touch" regulatory framework that would allow data to flow freely across borders.

The letter comes as relations between Washington and New Delhi are strained over multiple issues, including an Indo-Russian defence contract, India's new tariffs on electronics and other items, and its moves to buy oil from Iran despite upcoming US sanctions.

Global payments companies including Mastercard, Visa and American Express have been lobbying India's finance ministry and the Reserve Bank of India to relax proposed rules that require all payment data on domestic transactions in India be stored inside the country by October 15.

The letter is most likely a last-ditch effort after the RBI told officials at top payment firms this week that the central bank would implement, in full, its data localisation directive without extending the deadline, or allowing data to be stored both offshore as well as locally - a practice known as data mirroring.

"We see this (data localisation) as a fundamental issue to the further development of digital trade and one that is crucial to our economic partnership," the U.S. senators said in the letter that has not been previously reported.

Modi's office did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment.

Localisation push

Other than the RBI proposal, India is working on an overarching data protection law that calls for storing all critical personal data in India. E-commerce and cloud computing policies are also being developed.

The letter also raised concerns on the draft data protection bill and e-commerce policy framework that called for stringent localisation measures.

These measures have unnerved some tech companies who fear it will increase their infrastructure costs, hit their global fraud detection analytic platforms and affect planned investments in India at a time when more and more Indians are going online and using digital payments.

US lobby groups, that represent companies such as Facebook Inc, Amazon.com and Alphabet Inc-owned Google, have also voiced concerns about the proposals.

Shamika Ravi, a member of Modi's economic advisory council, had earlier told Reuters that the moves were in the "long-term strategic and economic interest" of the country.

The senators added that any concerns related to "protection and security" as well as access to data for lawful purposes were possible without restrictions on physical location, according to the letter.

Government sources have previously told Reuters though, that stringent data localisation measures were essential for gaining easier access to data during investigations.

The measures in India come at a time when countries around the world are announcing stringent rules to regulate how firms store data and protect privacy, in the aftermath of Facebook's Cambridge Analytica scandal.

Two US senators have called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to soften India's stance on data localisation, warning that measures requiring it represent "key trade barriers" between the two nations.

Two US senators have called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to soften India's stance on data localisation, warning that measures requiring it represent "key trade barriers" between the two nations. In a letter to Modi dated Friday, US Senators John Cornyn and Mark Warner - co-chairs of the Senate's India caucus that comprises over 30 senators - urged India to instead adopt a "light touch" regulatory framework that would allow data to flow freely across borders. The letter comes as relations between Washington and New Delhi are strained over multiple issues, including an Indo-Russian defence contract, India's new tariffs on electronics and other items, and its moves to buy oil from Iran despite upcoming US sanctions. Global payments companies including Mastercard, Visa and American Express have been lobbying India's finance ministry and the Reserve Bank of India to relax proposed rules that require all payment data on domestic transactions in India be stored inside the country by October 15. The letter is most likely a last-ditch effort after the RBI told officials at top payment firms this week that the central bank would implement, in full, its data localisation directive without extending the deadline, or allowing data to be stored both offshore as well as locally - a practice known as data mirroring. "We see this (data localisation) as a fundamental issue to the further development of digital trade and one that is crucial to our economic partnership," the U.S. senators said in the letter that has not been previously reported. Modi's office did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment. Localisation push Other than the RBI proposal, India is working on an overarching data protection law that calls for storing all critical personal data in India. E-commerce and cloud computing policies are also being developed. The letter also raised concerns on the draft data protection bill and e-commerce policy framework that called for stringent localisation measures. These measures have unnerved some tech companies who fear it will increase their infrastructure costs, hit their global fraud detection analytic platforms and affect planned investments in India at a time when more and more Indians are going online and using digital payments. US lobby groups, that represent companies such as Facebook Inc, Amazon.com and Alphabet Inc-owned Google, have also voiced concerns about the proposals. Shamika Ravi, a member of Modi's economic advisory council, had earlier told Reuters that the moves were in the "long-term strategic and economic interest" of the country. The senators added that any concerns related to "protection and security" as well as access to data for lawful purposes were possible without restrictions on physical location, according to the letter. Government sources have previously told Reuters though, that stringent data localisation measures were essential for gaining easier access to data during investigations. The measures in India come at a time when countries around the world are announcing stringent rules to regulate how firms store data and protect privacy, in the aftermath of Facebook's Cambridge Analytica scandal.

US senators writes to Modi to soften data localisation stance

Lieutenant General Zameer Uddin Shah (Retired) on Saturday said that the transport was delayed to the army for over 24 hours during the 2002 Gujarat riots, even though they had made a request to the then Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi.

Speaking to the reporters following the launch of his book titled 'The Sarkari Mussalman', which was unveiled here by former vice president Hamid Ansari, Lt General Shah said that what he has written in his book is 'gospel truth', which is mentioned on 'war diaries'&nbsp;of the Indian Army.

"There was a difference between the report filed by me and the one by the Special Investigation Team (SIT). There was a difference of 24 hours. Certain channels claimed that I was lying. We were on the field for more than 24 hours. I do not want to pinpoint anyone, but this was the fault of the administration. I do not want to make any political statement," he said.

"I was not aware of the SIT report until a few days ago when this was pointed out to me. Let me say again, it is a blatant lie. I have told the truth," he added.

As per Lt General Shah, who led the army in the riots, said that around 3,000 troops landed at the Ahmedabad airfield by 7 am on March 1, but they had to wait for more than 24 hours to receive transport to move to the areas where the riots were taking place.

Some portions of Lt General Shah's book relating to the 2002 Gujarat riots has created controversy.

However, the SIT report on the same clearly stated that there was no delay in requisition and deployment of the Army.&nbsp;

Lieutenant General Zameer Uddin Shah (Retired) on Saturday said that the transport was delayed to the army for over 24 hours during the 2002 Gujarat riots, even though they had made a request to the then Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi.

Lieutenant General Zameer Uddin Shah (Retired) on Saturday said that the transport was delayed to the army for over 24 hours during the 2002 Gujarat riots, even though they had made a request to the then Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi. Speaking to the reporters following the launch of his book titled 'The Sarkari Mussalman', which was unveiled here by former vice president Hamid Ansari, Lt General Shah said that what he has written in his book is 'gospel truth', which is mentioned on 'war diaries' of the Indian Army. "There was a difference between the report filed by me and the one by the Special Investigation Team (SIT). There was a difference of 24 hours. Certain channels claimed that I was lying. We were on the field for more than 24 hours. I do not want to pinpoint anyone, but this was the fault of the administration. I do not want to make any political statement," he said. "I was not aware of the SIT report until a few days ago when this was pointed out to me. Let me say again, it is a blatant lie. I have told the truth," he added. As per Lt General Shah, who led the army in the riots, said that around 3,000 troops landed at the Ahmedabad airfield by 7 am on March 1, but they had to wait for more than 24 hours to receive transport to move to the areas where the riots were taking place. Some portions of Lt General Shah's book relating to the 2002 Gujarat riots has created controversy. However, the SIT report on the same clearly stated that there was no delay in requisition and deployment of the Army.

2002 Gujarat riots: Ex-Army officer dubs SIT report as 'blatant lie'

Fuel prices continued to rise on Sunday across the country. The price of petrol in Delhi increased by 0.6 paise to Rs 82.74 per litre, while price rose by 0.19 paise to Rs 75.38 per litre.

In Mumbai, prices of petrol and diesel were hiked by 0.6 paise and 0.20 paise, respectively. Petrol now costs Rs 88.18 per litre, while diesel is priced at Rs 79.02 per litre.

Fuel prices have been witnessing a steep rise since the past few months. While the Opposition has repeatedly blamed the union government for not doing enough to keep a check on prices, the latter has maintained that global crude oil prices and other international factors are causing a hike in prices of petroleum products.

Meanwhile Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan in Delhi to discuss petroleum issues.

According to reports, the discussion in the meeting focused on increasing domestic oil production, subsidy borne by oil marketing companies and reducing imports to cut down the account deficit.

Fuel prices continued to rise on Sunday across the country. The price of petrol in Delhi increased by 0.6 paise to Rs 82.74 per litre, while price rose by 0.19 paise to Rs 75.

Fuel prices continued to rise on Sunday across the country. The price of petrol in Delhi increased by 0.6 paise to Rs 82.74 per litre, while price rose by 0.19 paise to Rs 75.38 per litre. In Mumbai, prices of petrol and diesel were hiked by 0.6 paise and 0.20 paise, respectively. Petrol now costs Rs 88.18 per litre, while diesel is priced at Rs 79.02 per litre. Fuel prices have been witnessing a steep rise since the past few months. While the Opposition has repeatedly blamed the union government for not doing enough to keep a check on prices, the latter has maintained that global crude oil prices and other international factors are causing a hike in prices of petroleum products. Meanwhile Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan in Delhi to discuss petroleum issues. According to reports, the discussion in the meeting focused on increasing domestic oil production, subsidy borne by oil marketing companies and reducing imports to cut down the account deficit.

Fuel prices up again, petrol sells at Rs 88.18 in Mumbai

The foundation stone for a museum for prime ministers in the Teen Murti Estate premises will be laid by Union ministers Monday, despite objections raised by the Congress, including former PM Manmohan Singh.

Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma and Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri will lay the foundation stone for the museum at Teen Murti Estate, the official residence of India's first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru.

The Culture Ministry issued an invite to media late Friday evening for the foundation stone laying ceremony.

The government has gone ahead with its plan even as Singh last month wrote to his successor Narendra Modi, raising expressing concerns over the government's move to change the "nature and character" of the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library (NMML).

Urging Modi to leave the Teen Murti Complex, which houses the NMML, "undisturbed", Singh said the present museum respected both history and heritage.

"I recall that during the six-year tenure of Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji as prime minister, there was absolutely no attempt to change the nature and character of the NMML and the Teen Murti Complex in any way. But sadly that it seems to be part of the agenda of Government of India now," Singh noted in his letter on August 24.

Senior Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Jairam Ramesh, who are members of the NMML society, along with historians had also opposed the move.

Some had also called on Home Minister Rajnath Singh on August 26, urging him not to dilute the legacy of Nehru.

The new museum which will include memorabilia of prime ministers, Lal Bahadur Shastri onwards, will come upon a plot of land within the Teen Murti Estate and is expected to cost Rs 270 crore.&nbsp;

The foundation stone for a museum for prime ministers in the Teen Murti Estate premises will be laid by Union ministers Monday, despite objections raised by the Congress, including former PM Manmohan Singh.

The foundation stone for a museum for prime ministers in the Teen Murti Estate premises will be laid by Union ministers Monday, despite objections raised by the Congress, including former PM Manmohan Singh. Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma and Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri will lay the foundation stone for the museum at Teen Murti Estate, the official residence of India's first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru. The Culture Ministry issued an invite to media late Friday evening for the foundation stone laying ceremony. The government has gone ahead with its plan even as Singh last month wrote to his successor Narendra Modi, raising expressing concerns over the government's move to change the "nature and character" of the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library (NMML). Urging Modi to leave the Teen Murti Complex, which houses the NMML, "undisturbed", Singh said the present museum respected both history and heritage. "I recall that during the six-year tenure of Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji as prime minister, there was absolutely no attempt to change the nature and character of the NMML and the Teen Murti Complex in any way. But sadly that it seems to be part of the agenda of Government of India now," Singh noted in his letter on August 24. Senior Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Jairam Ramesh, who are members of the NMML society, along with historians had also opposed the move. Some had also called on Home Minister Rajnath Singh on August 26, urging him not to dilute the legacy of Nehru. The new museum which will include memorabilia of prime ministers, Lal Bahadur Shastri onwards, will come upon a plot of land within the Teen Murti Estate and is expected to cost Rs 270 crore.

Foundation stone for museum for PMs to be laid on Monday despite objections

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will Monday brainstorm with chief executives of top global and Indian oil and gas companies on emerging energy scenario, with ripples from US sanctions on Iran and volatile oil prices threatening growth.

The third annual meeting would also deliberate on ways to revive investment in oil and gas exploration and production, official sources said.

Modi's first meeting was on January 5, 2016 where suggestions for reforming natural gas prices were made. More than a year later, the government allowed higher natural gas price for yet-to-be-produced fields in difficult areas like deep sea.

In the last edition in October 2017, suggestions were made for giving out equity to foreign and private companies in producing oil and gas fields of state-owned ONGC and OIL. But the plan could not go through in view of strong opposition from Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC).

Sources said Saudi Oil Minister Khalid A Al Falih, BP CEO Bob Dudley, Total head Patrick Fouyane, Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani and Vedanta chief Anil Agarwal are expected to attend the meeting Monday.

The meeting, coordinated by the NITI Aayog, is likely to focus on challenges posed by volatile oil prices and the US sanctions on Iran.

The meeting would look at measures to attract investments and steps for making it easier to do business in India.

Sources said reforms initiated in the last four years in the oil and gas sector, including open acreage policy, pricing reforms and liberalised licensing policy, will be showcased and suggestions would be sought on what more can be done to hasten growth.

The government is looking at private investment to raise domestic oil and gas production, which has stagnated for the last few years while fuel demand has been rising by 5-6 per cent annually. India is dependent on imports to meet 83 per cent of its demand and more than half of its natural gas requirements.

The Prime Minister in 2015 had set a target of reducing India's oil dependence by 10 per cent to 67 per cent (based on import dependence of 77 per cent in 2014-15) by 2022. Import dependence has only increased since then and the government is now looking for ways to raise domestic output.

Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) Secretary General Mohammed Barkindo and India's Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan would also attend the meeting, they said.

Also likely to attend the meeting are ONGC Chairman and Managing Director Shashi Shanker, Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) Chairman Sanjiv Singh, GAIL India head B C

Tripathi, Hindustan Petroleum Corp Ltd (HPCL) Chairman Mukesh Kumar Suran, Oil India Chairman Utpal Bora and Bharat Petroleum Corp Ltd (BPCL) Chairman D Rajkumar.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will Monday brainstorm with chief executives of top global and Indian oil and gas companies on emerging energy scenario, with ripples from US sanctions on Iran and volatile oil prices threatening growth.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will Monday brainstorm with chief executives of top global and Indian oil and gas companies on emerging energy scenario, with ripples from US sanctions on Iran and volatile oil prices threatening growth. The third annual meeting would also deliberate on ways to revive investment in oil and gas exploration and production, official sources said. Modi's first meeting was on January 5, 2016 where suggestions for reforming natural gas prices were made. More than a year later, the government allowed higher natural gas price for yet-to-be-produced fields in difficult areas like deep sea. In the last edition in October 2017, suggestions were made for giving out equity to foreign and private companies in producing oil and gas fields of state-owned ONGC and OIL. But the plan could not go through in view of strong opposition from Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC). Sources said Saudi Oil Minister Khalid A Al Falih, BP CEO Bob Dudley, Total head Patrick Fouyane, Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani and Vedanta chief Anil Agarwal are expected to attend the meeting Monday. The meeting, coordinated by the NITI Aayog, is likely to focus on challenges posed by volatile oil prices and the US sanctions on Iran. The meeting would look at measures to attract investments and steps for making it easier to do business in India. Sources said reforms initiated in the last four years in the oil and gas sector, including open acreage policy, pricing reforms and liberalised licensing policy, will be showcased and suggestions would be sought on what more can be done to hasten growth. The government is looking at private investment to raise domestic oil and gas production, which has stagnated for the last few years while fuel demand has been rising by 5-6 per cent annually. India is dependent on imports to meet 83 per cent of its demand and more than half of its natural gas requirements. The Prime Minister in 2015 had set a target of reducing India's oil dependence by 10 per cent to 67 per cent (based on import dependence of 77 per cent in 2014-15) by 2022. Import dependence has only increased since then and the government is now looking for ways to raise domestic output. Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) Secretary General Mohammed Barkindo and India's Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan would also attend the meeting, they said. Also likely to attend the meeting are ONGC Chairman and Managing Director Shashi Shanker, Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) Chairman Sanjiv Singh, GAIL India head B C Tripathi, Hindustan Petroleum Corp Ltd (HPCL) Chairman Mukesh Kumar Suran, Oil India Chairman Utpal Bora and Bharat Petroleum Corp Ltd (BPCL) Chairman D Rajkumar.

PM Narendra Modi to brainstorm oil scenario with global CEOs

Festival of Navratri is incomplete without garba dance in Gujarat. From young to old-aged people, everyone celebrates the festival in the state by performing this dance.

Several visually-impaired girls from Andh Kanya Prakash Gruh, a school in Ahmedabad which cares for approximately 200 blind girls, also got a chance to perform garba dance; that too, on a song written by Prime Minister Narendra Modi!

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Visually challenged girls performed a song which was written by PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> <a href="https://t.co/VVHbKrgwnc">pic.twitter.com/VVHbKrgwnc</a>
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Prime Minister Modi penned down the song titled 'Ghume Aeno Garbo'&nbsp;in his mother tongue - Gujarati. It is sung by Aishwarya Majmudar and Ami Parikh.

The Prime Minister is known for his exemplary writing skills. He has authored several books and writes wonderful poetry as well.

In April, he had shared a poem titled 'Ramata Ram Akela'&nbsp;written by him in Gujarati.

Known to be an ardent follower of all rituals performed during Navratri, the Prime Minister keeps fasts on all the nine days.

Festival of Navratri is incomplete without garba dance in Gujarat. From young to old-aged people, everyone celebrates the festival in the state by performing this dance.

Festival of Navratri is incomplete without garba dance in Gujarat. From young to old-aged people, everyone celebrates the festival in the state by performing this dance. Several visually-impaired girls from Andh Kanya Prakash Gruh, a school in Ahmedabad which cares for approximately 200 blind girls, also got a chance to perform garba dance; that too, on a song written by Prime Minister Narendra Modi! #WATCH Visually challenged girls performed a song which was written by PM @narendramodi pic.twitter.com/VVHbKrgwnc — ANI (@ANI) October 13, 2018 × Prime Minister Modi penned down the song titled 'Ghume Aeno Garbo' in his mother tongue - Gujarati. It is sung by Aishwarya Majmudar and Ami Parikh. The Prime Minister is known for his exemplary writing skills. He has authored several books and writes wonderful poetry as well. In April, he had shared a poem titled 'Ramata Ram Akela' written by him in Gujarati. Known to be an ardent follower of all rituals performed during Navratri, the Prime Minister keeps fasts on all the nine days.

Ahmedabad: Visually-impaired girls do the garba to song penned by PM Modi

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