Petrol and diesel prices increased again on Saturday by Rs 0.18 and Rs 0.29 respectively in the national capital. Petrol in Delhi will be sold at Rs 82.66 per litre, diesel for the day will be at Rs 74.19 per litre.

In Mumbai, petrol and diesel prices were at Rs 88.12 per litre, an increase of Rs 0.31, and Rs 78.82 per litre, up by Rs 0.31, respectively.

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.

Petrol and diesel prices increased again on Saturday by Rs 0.18 and Rs 0.29 respectively in the national capital. Petrol in Delhi will be sold at Rs 82.66 per litre, diesel for the day will be at Rs 74.

Petrol and diesel prices increased again on Saturday by Rs 0.18 and Rs 0.29 respectively in the national capital. Petrol in Delhi will be sold at Rs 82.66 per litre, diesel for the day will be at Rs 74.19 per litre. In Mumbai, petrol and diesel prices were at Rs 88.12 per litre, an increase of Rs 0.31, and Rs 78.82 per litre, up by Rs 0.31, respectively. 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 rise yet again, petrol sells at Rs 88.12 in Mumbai

A very severe cyclonic storm packing winds of up to 150 kmph and widespread rains hit eastern India Thursday, killing eight people in Andhra Pradesh and one in Odisha, damaging homes, uprooting trees and power lines in the two states.

Cyclone 'Titli' made landfall on the eastern coast early Thursday, wreaking havoc mainly in Srikakulam and Vizianagaram districts of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha's Gajapati and Ganjam districts.

Traffic on the Chennai-Kolkata National Highway was hit after uprooted trees blocked some sections of the road.

The South Central Railway, as well as the East Coast Railway, cancelled several trains while some were terminated midway, officials said, adding a few express trains were also diverted.

Train services between Khurda Road in Odisha and Vizianagaram in Andhra Pradesh also remained suspended since 10 pm Wednesday.&nbsp;

According to the India Meteorological Department, Cyclone 'Titli' made landfall near Palasa in Srikakulam district, southwest of Gopalpur in Odisha with an estimated maximum sustained surface wind speed of 140-150 km per hour gusting to 165 km per hour between 4.30 am and 5.30 am.

The cyclonic storm system is now moving northeastwards towards Gangetic West Bengal across Odisha and will weaken gradually, the IMD said.&nbsp;

The Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority said the cyclone caused widespread damage in Srikakulam and Vizianagaram, and threw normal life out of gear as heavy to very heavy rains lashed the two north coastal districts since late Wednesday night.

While a 62-year-old woman died at Gudivada Agraharam village after a tree fell on her, a 55-year-old man died in a house collapse at Rotanasa village in Srikakulam, the SDMA said.

The Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister's Office said the other six killed were fishermen who had ventured into the sea. 
Of the 67 fishing boats that had gone into the sea over the last few days from Kakinada in East Godavari district, 65 had returned to the shore safely, the CMO said.

The road network in Srikakulam district suffered extensive damage, while the power distribution network was also severely affected. More than 2,000 electric poles were uprooted.

The Eastern Power Distribution Company that caters to the electricity needs of the north coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh, reported that the distribution system for 4,319 villages and six towns in Srikakulam district was affected.

In Odisha, the cyclonic storm led to very heavy rainfall mainly in Ganjam, Gajapati and Puri districts and caused minor damage to power supply and communication.

An eight-year-old boy drowned in a canal in the Hinjili area of Ganjam district, where five people were reported missing after being swept away in the flood waters.

Ganjam Collector Kulange Vijay Amruta said the five people, including two women and two children, were swept away by flood water while returning home from a cyclone shelter in Sorada.

As the cyclone triggered heavy downpour after crossing the Odisha coast, fear of flood gripped many areas as the major rivers in the state's southern region are rising menacingly, prompting the state government to launch a fresh evacuation. 
In all, eight districts -- Ganjam, Gajapati, Khurda, Puri, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Bhadrak and Balasore -- were affected, Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) B P Sethi said.

Officials said southern Odisha districts like Gajapati, Ganjam and Rayagada were pounded by incessant rains since Wednesday, leading the water levels of Bansadhara and Rushikulya rivers to rise.

While vast areas were inundated in south Odisha districts, reports of flash flood poured in from various parts, they said.

The state government on Wednesday evacuated over three lakh people to safe places. The evacuees were housed in 1,112 shelters.

Altogether, 105 pregnant women in Ganjam district and 18 in Jagatsinghpur have been shifted to hospitals, Sethi said.

Gajapati district was the worst affected in Odisha. It received 228.4 mm rainfall triggering flood scare, the SRC said.

Water Resources Secretary P K Jena said with the Bansadhara and Rusikulya rivers rising, the Odisha government is taking measures to avoid a flood.

The IMD has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall at some places in Gajapati, Ganjam, Puri, Rayagada, Koraput, Kandhamal, Kalahandi, Boudh, Bolangir, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Khurda, Nayagarh, Cuttack, Jajpur, Dhenkanal, Angul, Bhadrak, Balasore districts till Friday.

Power supply and telephone links got disrupted, and road communication snapped due to uprooted trees at many places in Gajapati district, Sethi said.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik reviewed the situation and instructed officials to expedite restoration efforts once the situation improves.

"The chief minister gave instruction to send two more teams of NDRF to Gajapati where extensive damage has been caused to roads, hutments, electric and telephone poles," Chief Secretary A P Padhi said.

Thirteen teams of the National Disaster Response Force and Orissa Disaster Rapid Action Force were deployed in affected areas along with fire brigade personnel.

According to East Coast Railway CPRO, J P Mishra, some railway station buildings were damaged at a few places, including in Palasa. Signal poles and overhead electric masts were damaged at places between Palasa and Kottabomali stations.

Meanwhile,&nbsp;Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday spoke with the chief ministers of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha and assured them all possible help to deal with the aftermath of cyclone Titli.

"Spoke to Shri @ncbn Ji and Shri @Naveen_Odisha Ji regarding the situation arising due to cyclone related conditions in parts of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. Assured all possible help from the Centre," the prime minister tweeted.

He also prayed for the safety and wellbeing of those affected by the cyclone.&nbsp;

The cyclone packing winds of up to 150 kmph and widespread rains hit eastern India Thursday, killing eight people in Andhra Pradesh and one in Odisha, damaging homes, uprooting trees and power lines in the two states.&nbsp;

A very severe cyclonic storm packing winds of up to 150 kmph and widespread rains hit eastern India Thursday, killing eight people in Andhra Pradesh and one in Odisha, damaging homes, uprooting trees and power lines in the two states.

A very severe cyclonic storm packing winds of up to 150 kmph and widespread rains hit eastern India Thursday, killing eight people in Andhra Pradesh and one in Odisha, damaging homes, uprooting trees and power lines in the two states. Cyclone 'Titli' made landfall on the eastern coast early Thursday, wreaking havoc mainly in Srikakulam and Vizianagaram districts of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha's Gajapati and Ganjam districts. Traffic on the Chennai-Kolkata National Highway was hit after uprooted trees blocked some sections of the road. The South Central Railway, as well as the East Coast Railway, cancelled several trains while some were terminated midway, officials said, adding a few express trains were also diverted. Train services between Khurda Road in Odisha and Vizianagaram in Andhra Pradesh also remained suspended since 10 pm Wednesday. According to the India Meteorological Department, Cyclone 'Titli' made landfall near Palasa in Srikakulam district, southwest of Gopalpur in Odisha with an estimated maximum sustained surface wind speed of 140-150 km per hour gusting to 165 km per hour between 4.30 am and 5.30 am. The cyclonic storm system is now moving northeastwards towards Gangetic West Bengal across Odisha and will weaken gradually, the IMD said. The Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority said the cyclone caused widespread damage in Srikakulam and Vizianagaram, and threw normal life out of gear as heavy to very heavy rains lashed the two north coastal districts since late Wednesday night. While a 62-year-old woman died at Gudivada Agraharam village after a tree fell on her, a 55-year-old man died in a house collapse at Rotanasa village in Srikakulam, the SDMA said. The Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister's Office said the other six killed were fishermen who had ventured into the sea. Of the 67 fishing boats that had gone into the sea over the last few days from Kakinada in East Godavari district, 65 had returned to the shore safely, the CMO said. The road network in Srikakulam district suffered extensive damage, while the power distribution network was also severely affected. More than 2,000 electric poles were uprooted. The Eastern Power Distribution Company that caters to the electricity needs of the north coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh, reported that the distribution system for 4,319 villages and six towns in Srikakulam district was affected. In Odisha, the cyclonic storm led to very heavy rainfall mainly in Ganjam, Gajapati and Puri districts and caused minor damage to power supply and communication. An eight-year-old boy drowned in a canal in the Hinjili area of Ganjam district, where five people were reported missing after being swept away in the flood waters. Ganjam Collector Kulange Vijay Amruta said the five people, including two women and two children, were swept away by flood water while returning home from a cyclone shelter in Sorada. As the cyclone triggered heavy downpour after crossing the Odisha coast, fear of flood gripped many areas as the major rivers in the state's southern region are rising menacingly, prompting the state government to launch a fresh evacuation. In all, eight districts -- Ganjam, Gajapati, Khurda, Puri, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Bhadrak and Balasore -- were affected, Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) B P Sethi said. Officials said southern Odisha districts like Gajapati, Ganjam and Rayagada were pounded by incessant rains since Wednesday, leading the water levels of Bansadhara and Rushikulya rivers to rise. While vast areas were inundated in south Odisha districts, reports of flash flood poured in from various parts, they said. The state government on Wednesday evacuated over three lakh people to safe places. The evacuees were housed in 1,112 shelters. Altogether, 105 pregnant women in Ganjam district and 18 in Jagatsinghpur have been shifted to hospitals, Sethi said. Gajapati district was the worst affected in Odisha. It received 228.4 mm rainfall triggering flood scare, the SRC said. Water Resources Secretary P K Jena said with the Bansadhara and Rusikulya rivers rising, the Odisha government is taking measures to avoid a flood. The IMD has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall at some places in Gajapati, Ganjam, Puri, Rayagada, Koraput, Kandhamal, Kalahandi, Boudh, Bolangir, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Khurda, Nayagarh, Cuttack, Jajpur, Dhenkanal, Angul, Bhadrak, Balasore districts till Friday. Power supply and telephone links got disrupted, and road communication snapped due to uprooted trees at many places in Gajapati district, Sethi said. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik reviewed the situation and instructed officials to expedite restoration efforts once the situation improves. "The chief minister gave instruction to send two more teams of NDRF to Gajapati where extensive damage has been caused to roads, hutments, electric and telephone poles," Chief Secretary A P Padhi said. Thirteen teams of the National Disaster Response Force and Orissa Disaster Rapid Action Force were deployed in affected areas along with fire brigade personnel. According to East Coast Railway CPRO, J P Mishra, some railway station buildings were damaged at a few places, including in Palasa. Signal poles and overhead electric masts were damaged at places between Palasa and Kottabomali stations. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday spoke with the chief ministers of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha and assured them all possible help to deal with the aftermath of cyclone Titli. "Spoke to Shri @ncbn Ji and Shri @Naveen_Odisha Ji regarding the situation arising due to cyclone related conditions in parts of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. Assured all possible help from the Centre," the prime minister tweeted. He also prayed for the safety and wellbeing of those affected by the cyclone. The cyclone packing winds of up to 150 kmph and widespread rains hit eastern India Thursday, killing eight people in Andhra Pradesh and one in Odisha, damaging homes, uprooting trees and power lines in the two states.

Cyclone Titli: PM Modi assures help as 8 die in Andhra Pradesh, one in Odisha

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will pay an official visit to Japan on October 28-29 to hold the annual India-Japan summit with his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe which will focus on bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interests, news agency PTI reported quoting External Affairs Ministry on Friday.

It will be the fifth annual summit meeting between Modi and Abe and their 12 meeting overall since 2014, the report added.

Besides bilateral issues, the two leaders are expected to deliberate on a range of regional and global issues including the situation in the Indo-Pacific region.

"Under the framework of the Special Strategic and Global Partnership between India and Japan, the two leaders will have wide-ranging discussions over two days on bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest," the MEA said.

It said the prime minister's visit will reaffirm the traditional bonds of friendship between the two countries and strengthen their multi-faceted cooperation in diverse fields. "It

will also advance the vision of India and Japan working together to promote peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond," the MEA said.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will pay an official visit to Japan on October 28-29 to hold the annual India-Japan summit with his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe which will focus on bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interests, news agency PTI reported quoting External Affairs Ministry on Friday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will pay an official visit to Japan on October 28-29 to hold the annual India-Japan summit with his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe which will focus on bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interests, news agency PTI reported quoting External Affairs Ministry on Friday. It will be the fifth annual summit meeting between Modi and Abe and their 12 meeting overall since 2014, the report added. Besides bilateral issues, the two leaders are expected to deliberate on a range of regional and global issues including the situation in the Indo-Pacific region. "Under the framework of the Special Strategic and Global Partnership between India and Japan, the two leaders will have wide-ranging discussions over two days on bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest," the MEA said. It said the prime minister's visit will reaffirm the traditional bonds of friendship between the two countries and strengthen their multi-faceted cooperation in diverse fields. "It will also advance the vision of India and Japan working together to promote peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond," the MEA said.

PM Modi to visit Japan on October 28-29 for India-Japan annual summit

Veteran environmental activist GD Agarwal died at a Rishikesh hospital on Thursday, 111 days after he began a fast for a pollution-free Ganga. He was 86.

Agarwal, who began his hunger strike on June 22 demanding government measures to save the Ganga, died of a heart attack at the All India Institute of medical Sciences in Uttarakhand's Rishikesh, its director Ravi Kant said.

The activist was admitted to hospital on Wednesday after he even gave up water.

Local authorities imposed section 144 of the CrPC, which bans the assembly of people, around the venue of the protest and he was picked up and taken to hospital.

Dr Ravi Kant said Agarwal suffered from hernia, high blood pressure and coronary artery disease and the fast worsened his condition.

GD Agarwal, also known as Swami Gyanswaroop Sanand in his later years, had been a professor at the Indian Institute of Technology in Kanpur and served on the Central Pollution Control Board.

He was protesting against hydroelectric projects on the Ganga's tributaries and had demanded a law to protect the river.

Earlier, he had rejected a plea from Haridwar MP Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank to end the fast, following assurances on his demands from the Centre.

Agarwal had been campaigning for the Ganga for several years and undertook a similar fast earlier as well.

A day before Agarwal died, Union Water Resources and Ganga River Rejuvenation Minister Nitin Gadkari said almost all his demands had been met and he had written a letter to the activist to give up his fast.

On Tuesday, the Centre came out with a gazette notification stating the minimum environmental flow that is to be maintained at various locations on the Ganga.

Gadkari said draft legislation on protecting the Ganga had also been sent to the Cabinet for approval.

Reacting to the Ganga crusader's death, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said his passion for saving the environment will always be remembered.

"Saddened by the demise of Shri GD Agarwal Ji. His passion towards learning, education, saving the environment, particularly Ganga cleaning will always be remembered. My condolences," he tweeted.

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Saddened by the demise of Shri GD Agarwal Ji. His passion towards learning, education, saving the environment, particularly Ganga cleaning will always be remembered. My condolences.
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Gadkari termed Agarwal's death an irreparable loss to the nation.

The water resources minister said Agarwal's contribution towards the environment and the Ganga will be greatly remembered.

Aam Aadmi Party MP Sanjay Singh said an "insensitive government" was "waiting? for him to die.

Senior Congress leader and former environment minister Jairam Ramesh expressed anguish over the activist's "martyrdom".

"He was an indefatigable crusader not only for Nirmal Ganga but also for Aviral Ganga (free-flowing Ganga). It was my privilege and good fortune to be able to implement some of his important suggestions to ensure uninterrupted flow in the Ganga and its tributaries in Uttarakhand,"&nbsp;Ramesh said.

A few years ago, the activist adopted Swami Gyanswaroop Sanand as his name.

As he continued the fast continued, on September 9, Agarwal announced he will give up water in October.

The National Mission for Clean Ganga officials then talked with him and Congress president Rahul Gandhi expressed support for his cause.

Agarwal had pledged his organs for medical research at the AIIMS in Rishikesh, the hospital director said.

Veteran environmental activist GD Agarwal died at a Rishikesh hospital on Thursday, 111 days after he began a fast for a pollution-free Ganga. He was 86. Agarwal, who began his hunger strike on June 22 demanding government measures to save the Ganga, died of a heart attack at the All India Institute of medical Sciences in Uttarakhand's Rishikesh, its director Ravi Kant said.

Veteran environmental activist GD Agarwal died at a Rishikesh hospital on Thursday, 111 days after he began a fast for a pollution-free Ganga. He was 86. Agarwal, who began his hunger strike on June 22 demanding government measures to save the Ganga, died of a heart attack at the All India Institute of medical Sciences in Uttarakhand's Rishikesh, its director Ravi Kant said. The activist was admitted to hospital on Wednesday after he even gave up water. Local authorities imposed section 144 of the CrPC, which bans the assembly of people, around the venue of the protest and he was picked up and taken to hospital. Dr Ravi Kant said Agarwal suffered from hernia, high blood pressure and coronary artery disease and the fast worsened his condition. GD Agarwal, also known as Swami Gyanswaroop Sanand in his later years, had been a professor at the Indian Institute of Technology in Kanpur and served on the Central Pollution Control Board. He was protesting against hydroelectric projects on the Ganga's tributaries and had demanded a law to protect the river. Earlier, he had rejected a plea from Haridwar MP Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank to end the fast, following assurances on his demands from the Centre. Agarwal had been campaigning for the Ganga for several years and undertook a similar fast earlier as well. A day before Agarwal died, Union Water Resources and Ganga River Rejuvenation Minister Nitin Gadkari said almost all his demands had been met and he had written a letter to the activist to give up his fast. On Tuesday, the Centre came out with a gazette notification stating the minimum environmental flow that is to be maintained at various locations on the Ganga. Gadkari said draft legislation on protecting the Ganga had also been sent to the Cabinet for approval. Reacting to the Ganga crusader's death, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said his passion for saving the environment will always be remembered. "Saddened by the demise of Shri GD Agarwal Ji. His passion towards learning, education, saving the environment, particularly Ganga cleaning will always be remembered. My condolences," he tweeted. Saddened by the demise of Shri GD Agarwal Ji. His passion towards learning, education, saving the environment, particularly Ganga cleaning will always be remembered. My condolences. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 11, 2018 × Gadkari termed Agarwal's death an irreparable loss to the nation. The water resources minister said Agarwal's contribution towards the environment and the Ganga will be greatly remembered. Aam Aadmi Party MP Sanjay Singh said an "insensitive government" was "waiting? for him to die. Senior Congress leader and former environment minister Jairam Ramesh expressed anguish over the activist's "martyrdom". "He was an indefatigable crusader not only for Nirmal Ganga but also for Aviral Ganga (free-flowing Ganga). It was my privilege and good fortune to be able to implement some of his important suggestions to ensure uninterrupted flow in the Ganga and its tributaries in Uttarakhand," Ramesh said. A few years ago, the activist adopted Swami Gyanswaroop Sanand as his name. As he continued the fast continued, on September 9, Agarwal announced he will give up water in October. The National Mission for Clean Ganga officials then talked with him and Congress president Rahul Gandhi expressed support for his cause. Agarwal had pledged his organs for medical research at the AIIMS in Rishikesh, the hospital director said.

Save Ganga crusader GD Agarwal dies after 111-day fast: Govt says most of his demands met

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is chairing a high-level meeting&nbsp;in Delhi on the state of the economy and oil sector with an agenda aimed to curb the rupee's continuous slide.

The main focus of the meeting is the rupee's continuing weakness against the dollar.

According to reports, the government could announce measures to control the current account deficit and the crude oil prices in the light of the upcoming sanctions on Iran by us. It may also announce a fresh set of measures that could include higher customs duties and import restrictions on certain non-essential items.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Commerce Minister Suresh Prabhu are part of the meeting.

The government recently increased import duty on several electronic and consumer items including refrigerators, air conditioners and telecom equipment to rein in current account deficit and stabilise the rupee.

It also hiked duty on footwear, diamonds, and jet fuel as a part of its plan to get foreign funds flowing back to India recently.

According to WION's sources, there could be a new list of items that would attract higher import duty and there could be quantitative restrictions on inward shipments. &nbsp;

India's current account deficit widened to 2.4 per cent of GDP in April-June and the rupee is hovering around 74 to a dollar.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is chairing a high-level meeting in Delhi on the state of the economy and oil sector with an agenda aimed to curb the rupee's continuous slide.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is chairing a high-level meeting in Delhi on the state of the economy and oil sector with an agenda aimed to curb the rupee's continuous slide. The main focus of the meeting is the rupee's continuing weakness against the dollar. According to reports, the government could announce measures to control the current account deficit and the crude oil prices in the light of the upcoming sanctions on Iran by us. It may also announce a fresh set of measures that could include higher customs duties and import restrictions on certain non-essential items. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Commerce Minister Suresh Prabhu are part of the meeting. The government recently increased import duty on several electronic and consumer items including refrigerators, air conditioners and telecom equipment to rein in current account deficit and stabilise the rupee. It also hiked duty on footwear, diamonds, and jet fuel as a part of its plan to get foreign funds flowing back to India recently. According to WION's sources, there could be a new list of items that would attract higher import duty and there could be quantitative restrictions on inward shipments. India's current account deficit widened to 2.4 per cent of GDP in April-June and the rupee is hovering around 74 to a dollar.

PM Modi chairs high-level meeting on economy, finance & oil ministers attend

Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte will be visiting India on October 30.

Conte will be accompanied by a delegation that will participate in the 24th edition of the DST-CII India-Italy Technology Summit 2018.

During the visit, Conte will hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the two leaders will later address the valedictory session of the Technology Summit.

The summit is organised by the Department of Science &amp; Technology (DST) of the Government of India in partnership with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).

This edition of the summit will focus on seven areas viz. Cleantech, Renewable, ICT, Healthcare, Aerospace, Education and Cultural Heritage.

The objective of the Summit is to facilitate technology transfers, joint ventures, R&amp;D, and market access between industry and research institutions in India and Italy.

Conte's India visit will be a part of the ongoing celebrations to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Italy.

Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte will be visiting India on October 30. Conte will be accompanied by a delegation that will participate in the 24th edition of the DST-CII India-Italy Technology Summit 2018.

Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte will be visiting India on October 30. Conte will be accompanied by a delegation that will participate in the 24th edition of the DST-CII India-Italy Technology Summit 2018. During the visit, Conte will hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the two leaders will later address the valedictory session of the Technology Summit. The summit is organised by the Department of Science & Technology (DST) of the Government of India in partnership with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). This edition of the summit will focus on seven areas viz. Cleantech, Renewable, ICT, Healthcare, Aerospace, Education and Cultural Heritage. The objective of the Summit is to facilitate technology transfers, joint ventures, R&D, and market access between industry and research institutions in India and Italy. Conte's India visit will be a part of the ongoing celebrations to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Italy.

Italian prime minister Giuseppe Conte to visit India

'4th Industrial Revolution' will change the nature of jobs and provide more opportunities, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday as he allayed fears of job loss due to technological development.&nbsp;

Speaking at the launch of the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, he said his government is open to policy changes to help reap benefits of the fourth industrial revolution.

While the previous industrial revolutions eluded the country, India's contribution to the 4th Industrial Revolution would be astonishing, he said.

"India was not independent when the first and second industrial revolution happened. When third industrial revolution happened, India was struggling with challenges of just attained independence," he said.

"Our diversity, our demographic potential, fast-growing market size and digital infrastructure has potential to make India a global hub for research and implementation," he said.

Artificial intelligence, machine learning, Internet of Things, blockchain and big data hold potential to take India to new heights, the Prime Minister said.

Modi said teledensity has increased to 93 per cent and nearly 50 crore Indians now have mobiles.

India is the largest mobile data consuming country in the world and also the one with the cheapest data rates, he said, adding mobile data consumption has increased 30 times in four years.

Over 120 crore Indians have Aadhaar, he said, adding work to connect all the 2.5 lakh village panchayats with optic fibre would be completed soon.

In 2014, only 59 panchayats were connected with optic fibre while presently 1 lakh are connected, Modi said.&nbsp;

'4th Industrial Revolution' will change the nature of jobs and provide more opportunities, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday as he allayed fears of job loss due to technological development.

'4th Industrial Revolution' will change the nature of jobs and provide more opportunities, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday as he allayed fears of job loss due to technological development. Speaking at the launch of the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, he said his government is open to policy changes to help reap benefits of the fourth industrial revolution. While the previous industrial revolutions eluded the country, India's contribution to the 4th Industrial Revolution would be astonishing, he said. "India was not independent when the first and second industrial revolution happened. When third industrial revolution happened, India was struggling with challenges of just attained independence," he said. "Our diversity, our demographic potential, fast-growing market size and digital infrastructure has potential to make India a global hub for research and implementation," he said. Artificial intelligence, machine learning, Internet of Things, blockchain and big data hold potential to take India to new heights, the Prime Minister said. Modi said teledensity has increased to 93 per cent and nearly 50 crore Indians now have mobiles. India is the largest mobile data consuming country in the world and also the one with the cheapest data rates, he said, adding mobile data consumption has increased 30 times in four years. Over 120 crore Indians have Aadhaar, he said, adding work to connect all the 2.5 lakh village panchayats with optic fibre would be completed soon. In 2014, only 59 panchayats were connected with optic fibre while presently 1 lakh are connected, Modi said.

4th Industrial Revolution to change nature of jobs: PM Modi

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Thursday launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In a quickly organised press conference, Rahul stated that Modi is a corrupt Prime Minister and claimed that he gave away Rs 30,000 crore rupees to Ambanis.

Sharpening his attack a step further, the Congress president also accused Modi of being Ambani's Prime Minister. "PM Modi Ambani ki chowkidari kar rahe hain (PM Modi is safeguarding Ambani's interest)," Rahul said.

The attack comes in the wake of a report published by a French website Mediapart which said it has accessed an internal document of French aviation major Dassault Aviation where it was being claimed that it is imperative for the company to get into a relationship with a particular Indian counterpart, in this case the Reliance Group.

Rahul also insisted that Prime Minister is directly involved in the Rafale scam and called for an investigation by joint parliamentary committee (JPC).

The Congress has <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-alleges-govt-manipulated-rafale-deal-process-170698">decided to make Rafale</a> into an issue of corruption to target PM Modi. Throughout the press conference, Rahul continued to press the message that Rafale is a scam which has been instituted from top within the NDA regime. He also raised questions on defence minister Nirmala Sitaraman's visit to France.

Though French government and Dassault Aviation <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/freely-chose-reliance-for-rafale-deal-dassault-aviation-issues-clarification-170776">continue to deny</a> any quid pro quo, Congress is determined to take on the government on the Rafale issue. In fact, the party has constituted a small group to focus only on the Rafale deal and turn it into an electoral issue.

Rahul Gandhi said that Dassault will say whatever the Indian government wants it to say as the company is sitting on a huge contract. Despite the best effort of the the government, controversy refuses to die down for the government which claims that it went into a deal because of urgent requirement by the Indian Air Force.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Thursday launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In a quickly organised press conference, Rahul stated that Modi is a corrupt Prime Minister and claimed that he gave away Rs 30,000 crore rupees to Ambanis.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Thursday launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In a quickly organised press conference, Rahul stated that Modi is a corrupt Prime Minister and claimed that he gave away Rs 30,000 crore rupees to Ambanis. Sharpening his attack a step further, the Congress president also accused Modi of being Ambani's Prime Minister. "PM Modi Ambani ki chowkidari kar rahe hain (PM Modi is safeguarding Ambani's interest)," Rahul said. The attack comes in the wake of a report published by a French website Mediapart which said it has accessed an internal document of French aviation major Dassault Aviation where it was being claimed that it is imperative for the company to get into a relationship with a particular Indian counterpart, in this case the Reliance Group. Rahul also insisted that Prime Minister is directly involved in the Rafale scam and called for an investigation by joint parliamentary committee (JPC). The Congress has decided to make Rafale into an issue of corruption to target PM Modi. Throughout the press conference, Rahul continued to press the message that Rafale is a scam which has been instituted from top within the NDA regime. He also raised questions on defence minister Nirmala Sitaraman's visit to France. Though French government and Dassault Aviation continue to deny any quid pro quo, Congress is determined to take on the government on the Rafale issue. In fact, the party has constituted a small group to focus only on the Rafale deal and turn it into an electoral issue. Rahul Gandhi said that Dassault will say whatever the Indian government wants it to say as the company is sitting on a huge contract. Despite the best effort of the the government, controversy refuses to die down for the government which claims that it went into a deal because of urgent requirement by the Indian Air Force.

Rafale deal: In a sharp attack on Modi, Rahul says PM safeguarding Ambani's interest

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will leave for France on Wednesday night on a three-day visit, which comes in the backdrop of a huge controversy over the procurement of 36 Rafale jets from French aerospace major Dassault Aviation.

Officials sources said Sitharaman will hold wide-ranging talks with her French counterpart Florence Parly on ways to deepen strategic cooperation between the two countries and also deliberate on major regional and global issues of mutual interests.

Sitharaman, who will hold with Party the first edition of defence dialogue, will leave for Paris late Wednesday night and conclude her visit on Saturday, they said.

The sources said besides exploring ways to boost bilateral defence cooperation, Sitharaman will also take stock of progress in the supply of 36 Rafale jets by Dassault to the Indian Air Force under Rs 58,000-crore deal.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced the procurement of a batch of 36 Rafale jets after talks with the then French President Francois Hollande on April 10, 2015 in Paris. The final deal was sealed on September 23, 2016.

The Congress has been alleging massive irregularities in the deal, saying the government was procuring each aircraft at a cost of over Rs 1,670 crore as against Rs 526 crore finalised by the UPA government when it was negotiating the deal.

The Congress has also been targeting the government over the selection of Reliance Defence as an offset partner for Dassault. The government has vehemently rejected the allegations and asserted that it did not have any role in the selection of Reliance Defence.

Last month, Hollande was quoted by French publication 'Mediapart' as saying that France was given "no choice" on the selection of the Indian partner for Dassault and the Indian government proposed the name of Reliance to partner with the French aerospace giant.

The former French president's comments triggered a massive political row.

Sources said Sitharaman will discuss with Party ways to expand Indo-French maritime security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.

The two ministers are also likely to deliberate on joint production of military platforms and weapons by the two countries.

French President Emmanuel Macron had visited India in March during which the two countries decided to expand strategic ties and deepen counter-terror cooperation.

The two sides also inked a strategic pact providing for the use of each other's military facilities including opening naval bases to warships.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Macron also decided to create an annual defence dialogue at the ministerial level to explore ways to further deepen defence and strategic ties.

Sitharaman and Parly will hold the first edition of the defence dialogue.&nbsp;

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will leave for France on Wednesday night on a three-day visit, which comes in the backdrop of a huge controversy over the procurement of 36 Rafale jets from French aerospace major Dassault Aviation.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will leave for France on Wednesday night on a three-day visit, which comes in the backdrop of a huge controversy over the procurement of 36 Rafale jets from French aerospace major Dassault Aviation. Officials sources said Sitharaman will hold wide-ranging talks with her French counterpart Florence Parly on ways to deepen strategic cooperation between the two countries and also deliberate on major regional and global issues of mutual interests. Sitharaman, who will hold with Party the first edition of defence dialogue, will leave for Paris late Wednesday night and conclude her visit on Saturday, they said. The sources said besides exploring ways to boost bilateral defence cooperation, Sitharaman will also take stock of progress in the supply of 36 Rafale jets by Dassault to the Indian Air Force under Rs 58,000-crore deal. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced the procurement of a batch of 36 Rafale jets after talks with the then French President Francois Hollande on April 10, 2015 in Paris. The final deal was sealed on September 23, 2016. The Congress has been alleging massive irregularities in the deal, saying the government was procuring each aircraft at a cost of over Rs 1,670 crore as against Rs 526 crore finalised by the UPA government when it was negotiating the deal. The Congress has also been targeting the government over the selection of Reliance Defence as an offset partner for Dassault. The government has vehemently rejected the allegations and asserted that it did not have any role in the selection of Reliance Defence. Last month, Hollande was quoted by French publication 'Mediapart' as saying that France was given "no choice" on the selection of the Indian partner for Dassault and the Indian government proposed the name of Reliance to partner with the French aerospace giant. The former French president's comments triggered a massive political row. Sources said Sitharaman will discuss with Party ways to expand Indo-French maritime security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. The two ministers are also likely to deliberate on joint production of military platforms and weapons by the two countries. French President Emmanuel Macron had visited India in March during which the two countries decided to expand strategic ties and deepen counter-terror cooperation. The two sides also inked a strategic pact providing for the use of each other's military facilities including opening naval bases to warships. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Macron also decided to create an annual defence dialogue at the ministerial level to explore ways to further deepen defence and strategic ties. Sitharaman and Parly will hold the first edition of the defence dialogue.

Defence minister Sitharaman set to leave for France over procurement of 36 Rafale jets

Lauding Prime Minister Narendra Modi for improving sanitation in the country through the Swachh Bharat mission, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates said now is the time to build on the success of the movement.

"The leadership of Narendra Modi and the Indian government has played an important role in improving sanitation. Now is the time to build on the success of Swachh Bharat," Gates tweeted.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
The leadership of <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> and the Indian government has played an important role in improving sanitation. Now is the time to build on the success of <a href="https://twitter.com/swachhbharat?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@swachhbharat</a>. <a href="https://t.co/HKXapJxQ3x">https://t.co/HKXapJxQ3x</a>
— Bill Gates (@BillGates) <a href="https://twitter.com/BillGates/status/1049522138065981441?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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This is not the first time when Gates has praised Prime Minister Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party-led central government for the efforts made towards improving sanitation process in India.

Earlier, Gates who co-chairs the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, had congratulated the Indian government for the efforts made in reducing malnutrition and sanitation-related woes in India.

The Swachh Bharat Mission was launched in October 2014 by Prime Minister Modi. Since the launch of the Swachh Bharat Mission, over eight crore toilets have been built across India and over five lakh villages have been made open defecation free.

Under the mission, the Prime Minister launched the `Swachhata Hi Seva` movement on September 15 with an aim to fulfill Mahatma Gandhi`s dream of a Clean India.

Lauding Prime Minister Narendra Modi for improving sanitation in the country through the Swachh Bharat mission, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates said now is the time to build on the success of the movement.

Lauding Prime Minister Narendra Modi for improving sanitation in the country through the Swachh Bharat mission, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates said now is the time to build on the success of the movement. "The leadership of Narendra Modi and the Indian government has played an important role in improving sanitation. Now is the time to build on the success of Swachh Bharat," Gates tweeted. The leadership of @narendramodi and the Indian government has played an important role in improving sanitation. Now is the time to build on the success of @swachhbharat. https://t.co/HKXapJxQ3x — Bill Gates (@BillGates) October 9, 2018 × This is not the first time when Gates has praised Prime Minister Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party-led central government for the efforts made towards improving sanitation process in India. Earlier, Gates who co-chairs the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, had congratulated the Indian government for the efforts made in reducing malnutrition and sanitation-related woes in India. The Swachh Bharat Mission was launched in October 2014 by Prime Minister Modi. Since the launch of the Swachh Bharat Mission, over eight crore toilets have been built across India and over five lakh villages have been made open defecation free. Under the mission, the Prime Minister launched the `Swachhata Hi Seva` movement on September 15 with an aim to fulfill Mahatma Gandhi`s dream of a Clean India.

Now is the time to build on Swachh Bharat's success: Bill Gates

Taking his attack against Prime Minister Narendra Modi to poll-bound Rajasthan, Congress president Rahul Gandhi Tuesday said demonetisation and the Goods and Services Tax, which he referred to as Gabbar Singh Tax, had destroyed India's economy.&nbsp;

Addressing a rally in Dholpur's Mania area, Gandhi said the prime minister had declared during elections that he wanted to be a 'chowkidar' but never clarified who he wanted to guard. The Congress president alleged that he benefited 15-20 industrialists of the country instead of farmers.

According to Gandhi, the former UPA government led by his party had waived farmers' loans worth Rs. 70,000 crore. But bad debt worth Rs. 3.5 lakh crore was written off by the present government and the prime minister did not help farmers with even a one rupee waiver, he alleged.&nbsp;

Gandhi, who is on a two-day visit to the state, named several industrialists, including Nirav Modi, Mehul Choksi, Lalit Modi and Anil Ambani, and said the PM benefited them but did not take care of farmers and youths.

Gandhi claimed the government had destroyed the country's economy with decisions like demonetisation and GST.&nbsp;

Modi, he said, benefited his industrialist friend in Rafale deal and did not speak a single word when he raised the matter in Parliament.&nbsp;

The Congress president said the Centre and state governments worked against people, small-scale business, farmers, women and youths.&nbsp;

The former UPA government introduced several schemes and programmes for the poor, including MGNREGA. Moreover, the former Ashok Gehlot government in Rajasthan had brought free medicines schemes but the BJP governments had weakened them and worked against the people, Gandhi said.

The Congress chief, who is holding a 150 km roadshow in eastern Rajasthan, will visit Bikaner Wednesday.&nbsp;

Elections in Rajasthan will be held on December 7.&nbsp;

Taking his attack against Prime Minister Narendra Modi to poll-bound Rajasthan, Congress president Rahul Gandhi Tuesday said demonetisation and the Goods and Services Tax, which he referred to as Gabbar Singh Tax, had destroyed India's economy.

Taking his attack against Prime Minister Narendra Modi to poll-bound Rajasthan, Congress president Rahul Gandhi Tuesday said demonetisation and the Goods and Services Tax, which he referred to as Gabbar Singh Tax, had destroyed India's economy. Addressing a rally in Dholpur's Mania area, Gandhi said the prime minister had declared during elections that he wanted to be a 'chowkidar' but never clarified who he wanted to guard. The Congress president alleged that he benefited 15-20 industrialists of the country instead of farmers. According to Gandhi, the former UPA government led by his party had waived farmers' loans worth Rs. 70,000 crore. But bad debt worth Rs. 3.5 lakh crore was written off by the present government and the prime minister did not help farmers with even a one rupee waiver, he alleged. Gandhi, who is on a two-day visit to the state, named several industrialists, including Nirav Modi, Mehul Choksi, Lalit Modi and Anil Ambani, and said the PM benefited them but did not take care of farmers and youths. Gandhi claimed the government had destroyed the country's economy with decisions like demonetisation and GST. Modi, he said, benefited his industrialist friend in Rafale deal and did not speak a single word when he raised the matter in Parliament. The Congress president said the Centre and state governments worked against people, small-scale business, farmers, women and youths. The former UPA government introduced several schemes and programmes for the poor, including MGNREGA. Moreover, the former Ashok Gehlot government in Rajasthan had brought free medicines schemes but the BJP governments had weakened them and worked against the people, Gandhi said. The Congress chief, who is holding a 150 km roadshow in eastern Rajasthan, will visit Bikaner Wednesday. Elections in Rajasthan will be held on December 7.

Demonetisation and GST destroyed economy: Rahul Gandhi

As India’s ‘extended neighbourhood’, Central Asia holds an important place in India’s foreign policy framework. India’s main priority has always been to strengthen its relations with this region to satisfy both its geopolitical as well as geoeconomic interests. Earlier this week, when Uzbek president Shavkat Mirziyoyev made his first state visit to India, both the sides laid stress on building deeper ties with special focus on defence cooperation and strategic partnership.&nbsp;

For centuries, India has shared deep cultural and civilizational linkages with this region. However, today India lacks a direct access to Central Asia because of the presence of hostile Pakistan and an unstable Afghanistan. This is precisely why important pipelines project like TAPI (Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India) are yet to be fully operationalized. Despite the geographical proximity, the region is not as easily accessible as India wants it to be.&nbsp;

The region provides connectivity between South Asia and Europe. Projects like INSTC i.e. the International North-South Trade Corridor is a classic example of India’s trade interests in the region as the corridor serves the dual purpose of cutting down the transportation time of goods from India to Europe via Central Asia as well as giving a smooth access to Indian companies who want to invest in the region.

The collapse of the erstwhile Soviet Union post-1991, which gave birth to the five Central Asian republics, changed the region’s security dynamics completely. The region became a battleground for the new great game in the region where great powers like the US, Russia and China along with middle powers like India, Iran and Turkey got involved as stakeholders. All these major powers are mainly eyeing the Central Asian gas reserves, but India has always been concerned more about the region’s security and prosperity.

In 2012, India formulated its Connect Central Asia policy which is a broad-based approach including political, security, economic, and cultural connections between India and the region, which for a long time was not high on New Delhi’s foreign policy agenda. India somehow overlooked this region for nearly two decades and, as a result, had drifted away from the region. At the same time, China was busy making deep inroads into the Central Asian republics by investing huge sums of money for developing infrastructure in the region.

The India of today is a much stronger power than it was 25 years ago and, therefore, its self-interest has expanded over the years. Hence, India cannot afford Chinese ambitions of regional hegemony to solidify in the region and therefore India is trying to counterbalance China by re-engaging with the region in a nuanced manner. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the Central Asian states in July 2015 was a marker of India’s desire to get deeply involved and recalibrate its ties there.&nbsp;

Although, the worrying factor is that India’s trade numbers with the countries in Central Asia are still very low compared to that of China and Russia with the region. For instance, India’s trade with Uzbekistan stands at just $323 million. Through regional organisations like the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), where India became a permanent member last year, India is trying to better these trade numbers and emerge as a bigger player in the region. 
 
(This article was originally published on DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-why-central-asia-matters-to-india-2672424">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

&nbsp;

As India’s ‘extended neighbourhood’, Central Asia holds an important place in India’s foreign policy framework. India’s main priority has always been to strengthen its relations with this region to satisfy both its geopolitical as well as geoeconomic interests.

As India’s ‘extended neighbourhood’, Central Asia holds an important place in India’s foreign policy framework. India’s main priority has always been to strengthen its relations with this region to satisfy both its geopolitical as well as geoeconomic interests. Earlier this week, when Uzbek president Shavkat Mirziyoyev made his first state visit to India, both the sides laid stress on building deeper ties with special focus on defence cooperation and strategic partnership. For centuries, India has shared deep cultural and civilizational linkages with this region. However, today India lacks a direct access to Central Asia because of the presence of hostile Pakistan and an unstable Afghanistan. This is precisely why important pipelines project like TAPI (Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India) are yet to be fully operationalized. Despite the geographical proximity, the region is not as easily accessible as India wants it to be. The region provides connectivity between South Asia and Europe. Projects like INSTC i.e. the International North-South Trade Corridor is a classic example of India’s trade interests in the region as the corridor serves the dual purpose of cutting down the transportation time of goods from India to Europe via Central Asia as well as giving a smooth access to Indian companies who want to invest in the region. The collapse of the erstwhile Soviet Union post-1991, which gave birth to the five Central Asian republics, changed the region’s security dynamics completely. The region became a battleground for the new great game in the region where great powers like the US, Russia and China along with middle powers like India, Iran and Turkey got involved as stakeholders. All these major powers are mainly eyeing the Central Asian gas reserves, but India has always been concerned more about the region’s security and prosperity. In 2012, India formulated its Connect Central Asia policy which is a broad-based approach including political, security, economic, and cultural connections between India and the region, which for a long time was not high on New Delhi’s foreign policy agenda. India somehow overlooked this region for nearly two decades and, as a result, had drifted away from the region. At the same time, China was busy making deep inroads into the Central Asian republics by investing huge sums of money for developing infrastructure in the region. The India of today is a much stronger power than it was 25 years ago and, therefore, its self-interest has expanded over the years. Hence, India cannot afford Chinese ambitions of regional hegemony to solidify in the region and therefore India is trying to counterbalance China by re-engaging with the region in a nuanced manner. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the Central Asian states in July 2015 was a marker of India’s desire to get deeply involved and recalibrate its ties there. Although, the worrying factor is that India’s trade numbers with the countries in Central Asia are still very low compared to that of China and Russia with the region. For instance, India’s trade with Uzbekistan stands at just $323 million. Through regional organisations like the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), where India became a permanent member last year, India is trying to better these trade numbers and emerge as a bigger player in the region. (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)

Why Central Asia matters to India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Uttarakhand Investors Summit-2018 on Sunday.

After the inauguration, PM Modi also addressed the gathering in which he talked about the tax system of the country and said that "We have improved the tax system in the country. We are trying to make the tax system more swift and transparent."

"Doing business has become easier due to Insolvency &amp; Bankruptcy Code. The banking system has also got strengthened," he also added.

He further said that Uttarakhand is on the path of growth and has the potential to be an energy surplus state.

"Potential, policy and performance, these are the sources of progress", He said.

Along with Modi, Uttarakhand chief minister Trivendra Singh Rawat was also at the summit who said that for the past three months,&nbsp;the state is preparing for the summit.

Explain that the Uttarakhand government had been engaged in the preparations for the Investors Summit for the last 3 months.

The two-day event will conclude on Monday and Home Minister Rajnath Singh will address it on the second day.&nbsp;

Union Ministers Nitin Gadkari, Piyush Goyal, Ravi Shankar Prasad, Harsimrat Kaur Badal, KJ Alphons and CR Chaudhary are also expected to participate in the sessions on different subjects.

Uttarakhand so far has generated over 70 thousand crore investment proposals during the run-up to the event; Trivendra Singh Rawat informed media. 
&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Uttarakhand Investors Summit-2018 on Sunday. After the inauguration, PM Modi also addressed the gathering in which he talked about the tax system of the country and said that "We have improved the tax system in the country.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Uttarakhand Investors Summit-2018 on Sunday. After the inauguration, PM Modi also addressed the gathering in which he talked about the tax system of the country and said that "We have improved the tax system in the country. We are trying to make the tax system more swift and transparent." "Doing business has become easier due to Insolvency & Bankruptcy Code. The banking system has also got strengthened," he also added. He further said that Uttarakhand is on the path of growth and has the potential to be an energy surplus state. "Potential, policy and performance, these are the sources of progress", He said. Along with Modi, Uttarakhand chief minister Trivendra Singh Rawat was also at the summit who said that for the past three months, the state is preparing for the summit. Explain that the Uttarakhand government had been engaged in the preparations for the Investors Summit for the last 3 months. The two-day event will conclude on Monday and Home Minister Rajnath Singh will address it on the second day. Union Ministers Nitin Gadkari, Piyush Goyal, Ravi Shankar Prasad, Harsimrat Kaur Badal, KJ Alphons and CR Chaudhary are also expected to participate in the sessions on different subjects. Uttarakhand so far has generated over 70 thousand crore investment proposals during the run-up to the event; Trivendra Singh Rawat informed media.

We have improved the tax system in the country: PM Modi at Uttarakhand Investors' Summit

Congress president Rahul Gandhi Friday said he will become prime minister if allies want him but the first step is for all parties to get together and defeat the ruling BJP.

It's a two-stage process and a decision on who will be prime minister comes second, Gandhi said.&nbsp;

"We have had discussions with allies and what we decided is that this is a two-stage process stage -- one is to get together and defeat BJP and stage two is, once the election is over then we will decide what happens," the Congress president explained.&nbsp;

Probed further about the possibility of him becoming prime minister, Gandhi said, "If they (allies) want me, sure... I will."

The Congress chief, who was speaking at the HT Leadership Summit, answered questions on a range of issues, including his temple visits and the RSS.

Gandhi said he has been going to temples, gurdwaras and mosques for years, but the issue of his visits to temples has suddenly been publicised.&nbsp;

"I guess BJP doesn't like it. It infuriates them. BJP feels only they can go to temples, he said.

He said he has developed a thick skin. He can understand the criticism and is not disturbed by it. "My response is to listen."

"Leadership is an evolution. It is something which is constantly changing and you learn. At least in my evolution, I am going much more into listening to people and trying to understand them," Gandhi said.

He added that while he does not see India in blocks, he believes every Indian is a stakeholder.

Taking on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the BJP and its ideological mentor RSS, Gandhi said a single, suffocating ideology is being imposed upon 1.2 billion Indians. "The ideological centre that is fighting the BJP can only be the Congress," he said.

"I am ready to take criticisms and questions. Why can't the prime minister do the same. India desperately needs healing and listening and all sections want it," he said.

Asked about the difference between his leadership style and that of his mother, Sonia Gandhi, the Congress president said, "I have learnt a lot from her, she has taught me to be patient. I used to be much more impatient. She tells me how to be patient, sometimes I tell her she is too patient."&nbsp;

"She goes by gut feeling and I go by thinking," Gandhi said.&nbsp;

He added that he now listens more, like his mother.

Replying to a question about whether there is anyone special in his life, Gandhi smiled and replied that he has a lot of special people in his life, like his mother and sister.

He also attacked the government on various fronts, including demonetisation, foreign policy and governance.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi Friday said he will become prime minister if allies want him but the first step is for all parties to get together and defeat the ruling BJP.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi Friday said he will become prime minister if allies want him but the first step is for all parties to get together and defeat the ruling BJP. It's a two-stage process and a decision on who will be prime minister comes second, Gandhi said. "We have had discussions with allies and what we decided is that this is a two-stage process stage -- one is to get together and defeat BJP and stage two is, once the election is over then we will decide what happens," the Congress president explained. Probed further about the possibility of him becoming prime minister, Gandhi said, "If they (allies) want me, sure... I will." The Congress chief, who was speaking at the HT Leadership Summit, answered questions on a range of issues, including his temple visits and the RSS. Gandhi said he has been going to temples, gurdwaras and mosques for years, but the issue of his visits to temples has suddenly been publicised. "I guess BJP doesn't like it. It infuriates them. BJP feels only they can go to temples, he said. He said he has developed a thick skin. He can understand the criticism and is not disturbed by it. "My response is to listen." "Leadership is an evolution. It is something which is constantly changing and you learn. At least in my evolution, I am going much more into listening to people and trying to understand them," Gandhi said. He added that while he does not see India in blocks, he believes every Indian is a stakeholder. Taking on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the BJP and its ideological mentor RSS, Gandhi said a single, suffocating ideology is being imposed upon 1.2 billion Indians. "The ideological centre that is fighting the BJP can only be the Congress," he said. "I am ready to take criticisms and questions. Why can't the prime minister do the same. India desperately needs healing and listening and all sections want it," he said. Asked about the difference between his leadership style and that of his mother, Sonia Gandhi, the Congress president said, "I have learnt a lot from her, she has taught me to be patient. I used to be much more impatient. She tells me how to be patient, sometimes I tell her she is too patient." "She goes by gut feeling and I go by thinking," Gandhi said. He added that he now listens more, like his mother. Replying to a question about whether there is anyone special in his life, Gandhi smiled and replied that he has a lot of special people in his life, like his mother and sister. He also attacked the government on various fronts, including demonetisation, foreign policy and governance.

If allies want me, I will: Rahul Gandhi on becoming PM

One of the paradoxes of ideological and cultural conflict is how adversaries, after a long engagement, begin to resemble one another. Following Karl Marx, the presiding deity of Communism, the patron saint of dialectical materialism, Frederich Engels, called this phenomenon the interpenetration of opposites. In Anti-Dühring and The Dialectics of Nature (1878), Engels argued that while “traditional formal logic seeks to banish contradiction…dialectical thought embraces it.” In other words, contradiction is the key to progress.

During the Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led NDA-I (1999-2004), we witnessed a ‘Congressikaran’ of the BJP and a saffronisation of the Congress. In other words, once in power, the NDA stared sounding more and more like the Congress, while the Congress adopted some of the shrill postures and overtones of its political and electoral opponent. One would have thought that NDA-II, with PM Narendra Modi at the helm, would buck this trend. The decisive majority that Modi earned, not to mention the BJP’s triumph in Yogi Adityanath’s Uttar Pradesh, proved that they were not hostage to “coalition dharma”. Without any compulsion to appease other NDA members or conciliate a belligerent Opposition, how is it that the BJP and the larger Sangh Parivar sometime resemble a divided family?

The paradox is that their very success and dominance in today’s India seemed to have exposed cracks and fault lines; in constantly embattled in the Opposition, they seemed much more cohesive and united. But now that their writ runs large over the country, whether in politics or culture, their internal dissensions have been exposed to the gaze, often critical and unsparing, of the public. In the last few weeks there have been at least three inflexion points baring the internal disagreements within the Hindu Right.

First, the unprecedented success of the 3-day outreach by RSS Sarsanghchalak Mohan Rao Bhagwat. With over 10 million views and 50 opinion or op-ed responses in English and Indian-language press, this event would be pronounced an unqualified success. However, rumblings of discontent soon appeared. Some hardliners tweeted that the spiritual head of the RSS was appeasing Muslims, other minorities, LGBTs and generally backtracking on “Hindu” causes. Actually, nothing Bhagwat said constituted a radical shift from the line taken by previous Sarsangchalaks, including ‘Guruji’ MS Golwalkar. The Sangh has shown itself responding to the need of the hour by changing with the times.

The second inflection point was the so-called “Hindu Charter of Demands”. I say “so-called” because it also includes demands not exclusively Hindu, such as a ban on all foreign contributions and stress on equal opportunities to all Indian languages which would, of course, include Urdu, widely, albeit mistakenly, perceived as a ‘Muslim language’. Again, what we see is the coming to the fore of elements more impatient if not radical than the ruling BJP or RSS. The authors and signatories of the “Hindu Charter of Demands”, many of whom I know personally, expect speedy and timely redress, else may urge Hindus to vote against the BJP in the upcoming 2019 elections.

The third inflection point was the Sabarimala verdict, allowing women between 10 and 50 or, to put it plainly, menstruating women, to visit the shrine of Lord Ayyappa in Kerala. In a 4-1 verdict on September 28, the Supreme Court had ruled against this: “Rules disallowing women in Sabarimala are unconstitutional and violative of Article 21.” While sections of the Sangh Parivar, including some womens’ outfits, initially welcomed the verdict as promoting equality, others immediately saw it as an opportunity to put the Pinarayi Vijayan-led Communist government, which sought to implement the judgment immediately, on the back foot. The issue, aside from its politics, is quite complex. Should an interventionist Supreme Court overrule and override the faith of devotees? In this case, allowing women would distract, if not disturb, the celibacy, if not of the deity, then of the millions of male devotees who have fasted and practiced abstinence for the 40-day period of their vow. Especially, when a large body of women devotees are ready to wait?

The challenge for the bigger Hindu-Hindutva constituency is how to maintain unity, especially in the run-up to the 2019 elections. The real work of the regeneration and rejuvenation of India, which includes a second Indian renaissance, insiders aver, requires at least another five years of the Modi Sarkar. “The reforms initiated in the first term need to formalised, institutionalised, and put on a permanent footing,” one of them told me.

For this, Hindu unity is absolutely essential. The question is what can be done to ensure it. Here the principle interpenetration of opposites might show the way: The ruling dispensation must be more inclusive and accommodative rather than succumbing to hardliner and radicals. 
 
(This article was originally published on DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-seeing-red-how-will-the-hindutva-blues-play-out-2672075">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

 
&nbsp;

One of the paradoxes of ideological and cultural conflict is how adversaries, after a long engagement, begin to resemble one another. Following Karl Marx, the presiding deity of Communism, the patron saint of dialectical materialism, Frederich Engels, called this phenomenon the interpenetration of opposites.

One of the paradoxes of ideological and cultural conflict is how adversaries, after a long engagement, begin to resemble one another. Following Karl Marx, the presiding deity of Communism, the patron saint of dialectical materialism, Frederich Engels, called this phenomenon the interpenetration of opposites. In Anti-Dühring and The Dialectics of Nature (1878), Engels argued that while “traditional formal logic seeks to banish contradiction…dialectical thought embraces it.” In other words, contradiction is the key to progress. During the Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led NDA-I (1999-2004), we witnessed a ‘Congressikaran’ of the BJP and a saffronisation of the Congress. In other words, once in power, the NDA stared sounding more and more like the Congress, while the Congress adopted some of the shrill postures and overtones of its political and electoral opponent. One would have thought that NDA-II, with PM Narendra Modi at the helm, would buck this trend. The decisive majority that Modi earned, not to mention the BJP’s triumph in Yogi Adityanath’s Uttar Pradesh, proved that they were not hostage to “coalition dharma”. Without any compulsion to appease other NDA members or conciliate a belligerent Opposition, how is it that the BJP and the larger Sangh Parivar sometime resemble a divided family? The paradox is that their very success and dominance in today’s India seemed to have exposed cracks and fault lines; in constantly embattled in the Opposition, they seemed much more cohesive and united. But now that their writ runs large over the country, whether in politics or culture, their internal dissensions have been exposed to the gaze, often critical and unsparing, of the public. In the last few weeks there have been at least three inflexion points baring the internal disagreements within the Hindu Right. First, the unprecedented success of the 3-day outreach by RSS Sarsanghchalak Mohan Rao Bhagwat. With over 10 million views and 50 opinion or op-ed responses in English and Indian-language press, this event would be pronounced an unqualified success. However, rumblings of discontent soon appeared. Some hardliners tweeted that the spiritual head of the RSS was appeasing Muslims, other minorities, LGBTs and generally backtracking on “Hindu” causes. Actually, nothing Bhagwat said constituted a radical shift from the line taken by previous Sarsangchalaks, including ‘Guruji’ MS Golwalkar. The Sangh has shown itself responding to the need of the hour by changing with the times. The second inflection point was the so-called “Hindu Charter of Demands”. I say “so-called” because it also includes demands not exclusively Hindu, such as a ban on all foreign contributions and stress on equal opportunities to all Indian languages which would, of course, include Urdu, widely, albeit mistakenly, perceived as a ‘Muslim language’. Again, what we see is the coming to the fore of elements more impatient if not radical than the ruling BJP or RSS. The authors and signatories of the “Hindu Charter of Demands”, many of whom I know personally, expect speedy and timely redress, else may urge Hindus to vote against the BJP in the upcoming 2019 elections. The third inflection point was the Sabarimala verdict, allowing women between 10 and 50 or, to put it plainly, menstruating women, to visit the shrine of Lord Ayyappa in Kerala. In a 4-1 verdict on September 28, the Supreme Court had ruled against this: “Rules disallowing women in Sabarimala are unconstitutional and violative of Article 21.” While sections of the Sangh Parivar, including some womens’ outfits, initially welcomed the verdict as promoting equality, others immediately saw it as an opportunity to put the Pinarayi Vijayan-led Communist government, which sought to implement the judgment immediately, on the back foot. The issue, aside from its politics, is quite complex. Should an interventionist Supreme Court overrule and override the faith of devotees? In this case, allowing women would distract, if not disturb, the celibacy, if not of the deity, then of the millions of male devotees who have fasted and practiced abstinence for the 40-day period of their vow. Especially, when a large body of women devotees are ready to wait? The challenge for the bigger Hindu-Hindutva constituency is how to maintain unity, especially in the run-up to the 2019 elections. The real work of the regeneration and rejuvenation of India, which includes a second Indian renaissance, insiders aver, requires at least another five years of the Modi Sarkar. “The reforms initiated in the first term need to formalised, institutionalised, and put on a permanent footing,” one of them told me. For this, Hindu unity is absolutely essential. The question is what can be done to ensure it. Here the principle interpenetration of opposites might show the way: The ruling dispensation must be more inclusive and accommodative rather than succumbing to hardliner and radicals. (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)

 How will the Hindutva blues play out?

Congress on Saturday questioned the independence of Election Commission of India (ECI) after it allegedly rescheduled a press conference to announce state elections.

In a tweet, Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala said that &nbsp;ECI had announced a presser at 12.30 today to announce election dates to the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ec-to-announce-poll-dates-for-mp-rajasthan-chhattisgarh-mizoram-today-169788">5 states</a>&nbsp;(the EC may announce the poll schedule for Telangana also today, along with those of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, and Mizoram). However, he said, the ECI suddenly changed the time of announcement and press conference to 3 pm as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is addressing a rally in Ajmer in Rajasthan at 1 pm.

Surjewala tweet asked the readers to draw their own conclusion regarding election commission's sudden change in the press conference schedule.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
3 Facts- Draw your own conclusions. 
 
1. ECI announces a PC at 12.30 today to announce elction dates to the 5 states. 
 
2. PM Modi is addressing a rally in Ajmer, Rajasthan at 1 PM today. 
 
3. ECI suddenly changes the time of announcement and PC to 3 PM. 
 
Independence of ECI?
— Randeep Singh Surjewala (@rssurjewala) <a href="https://twitter.com/rssurjewala/status/1048445188165816320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

''3 Facts- Draw your own conclusions. 1. ECI announces a PC at 12.30 today to announce elction dates to the 5 states. 2. PM Modi is addressing a rally in Ajmer, Rajasthan at 1 PM today. 3. ECI suddenly changes the time of announcement and PC to 3 PM. Independence of ECI?'' read his tweet.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Election commission was to announce poll dates at 12.30 pm; PM to address poll rally at 1 pm in Rajasthan. What happens next? EC postpones it’s PC to 3 pm! 😄
— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) <a href="https://twitter.com/sardesairajdeep/status/1048480330758279168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

Congress on Saturday questioned the independence of Election Commission of India (ECI) after it allegedly rescheduled a press conference to announce state elections.

Congress on Saturday questioned the independence of Election Commission of India (ECI) after it allegedly rescheduled a press conference to announce state elections. In a tweet, Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala said that ECI had announced a presser at 12.30 today to announce election dates to the 5 states (the EC may announce the poll schedule for Telangana also today, along with those of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, and Mizoram). However, he said, the ECI suddenly changed the time of announcement and press conference to 3 pm as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is addressing a rally in Ajmer in Rajasthan at 1 pm. Surjewala tweet asked the readers to draw their own conclusion regarding election commission's sudden change in the press conference schedule. 3 Facts- Draw your own conclusions. 1. ECI announces a PC at 12.30 today to announce elction dates to the 5 states. 2. PM Modi is addressing a rally in Ajmer, Rajasthan at 1 PM today. 3. ECI suddenly changes the time of announcement and PC to 3 PM. Independence of ECI? — Randeep Singh Surjewala (@rssurjewala) October 6, 2018 × ''3 Facts- Draw your own conclusions. 1. ECI announces a PC at 12.30 today to announce elction dates to the 5 states. 2. PM Modi is addressing a rally in Ajmer, Rajasthan at 1 PM today. 3. ECI suddenly changes the time of announcement and PC to 3 PM. Independence of ECI?'' read his tweet. Election commission was to announce poll dates at 12.30 pm; PM to address poll rally at 1 pm in Rajasthan. What happens next? EC postpones it’s PC to 3 pm! 😄 — Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) October 6, 2018 ×

Poll dates: Cong says Election Commission moved press conference because of Modi rally

India's top biomedical research body urged the government on Friday to take immediate steps to save Asiatic lions after 23 of the endangered species died in the last three weeks, some due to a rare virus whose spread officials are scrambling to control.

Five of the Asiatic lions, the last remaining species of which live in the Gir forests of western India, were found to have died from the contagious Canine Distemper Virus (CDV), the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said in a statement.

The deaths have cast a renewed spotlight on the conditions at Gir for the endangered wild cats, as many as 600 of whom live on the roughly 850 square miles-long expanse of the sanctuary that is surrounded by clusters of human settlements.

India's top court ordered to move some of the lions to a separate sanctuary in 2013 after wildlife experts and activists said the relocation was essential to protect the lions from potential calamities like disease outbreaks.

But successive local governments in Gujarat, which is Prime Minister Narendra Modi's home state, have staunchly opposed the shift, and Modi himself has said the state wouldn't part with any lions because they were "the pride of Gujarat."

“I am not at all surprised, but deeply saddened by this,” said Ravi Chellam, a prominent wildlife biologist and part of a government-appointed committee to oversee the relocation.

The Supreme Court’s order needed to be urgently implemented, he said. “We are only waking up now when there is a crisis on our hands.”

Gujarat opposed the 2013 Supreme Court verdict citing a range of reasons including that breaking up the lions' tribe would be bad for their lives.

D.T. Vasavada, chief conservator of forests in the area, said on Friday he did not want to comment on the relocation as the matter was sub-judice.

"At present, our focus is on saving the lions," he said. "We are taking all precautions to avoid spread of the virus."

At least 33 other lions have been kept under isolation and are being tested for signs of the virus, Vasavada added.

The ICMR said 300 shots of a vaccine for CDV had been imported from the United States to be given to the lions as a precautionary measure, without providing further details.

It recommended that to avoid their extinction, Asiatic lions "should be placed in 2-3 different sanctuaries."

The prevalence and diversity of CDV in wildlife in India has not been studied, it said. An outbreak of the same virus in the Serengeti forests of East Africa in 1994 wiped out around 30 percent of the population of lions there.

India's top biomedical research body urged the government on Friday to take immediate steps to save Asiatic lions after 23 of the endangered species died in the last three weeks, some due to a rare virus whose spread officials are scrambling to control.

India's top biomedical research body urged the government on Friday to take immediate steps to save Asiatic lions after 23 of the endangered species died in the last three weeks, some due to a rare virus whose spread officials are scrambling to control. Five of the Asiatic lions, the last remaining species of which live in the Gir forests of western India, were found to have died from the contagious Canine Distemper Virus (CDV), the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said in a statement. The deaths have cast a renewed spotlight on the conditions at Gir for the endangered wild cats, as many as 600 of whom live on the roughly 850 square miles-long expanse of the sanctuary that is surrounded by clusters of human settlements. India's top court ordered to move some of the lions to a separate sanctuary in 2013 after wildlife experts and activists said the relocation was essential to protect the lions from potential calamities like disease outbreaks. But successive local governments in Gujarat, which is Prime Minister Narendra Modi's home state, have staunchly opposed the shift, and Modi himself has said the state wouldn't part with any lions because they were "the pride of Gujarat." “I am not at all surprised, but deeply saddened by this,” said Ravi Chellam, a prominent wildlife biologist and part of a government-appointed committee to oversee the relocation. The Supreme Court’s order needed to be urgently implemented, he said. “We are only waking up now when there is a crisis on our hands.” Gujarat opposed the 2013 Supreme Court verdict citing a range of reasons including that breaking up the lions' tribe would be bad for their lives. D.T. Vasavada, chief conservator of forests in the area, said on Friday he did not want to comment on the relocation as the matter was sub-judice. "At present, our focus is on saving the lions," he said. "We are taking all precautions to avoid spread of the virus." At least 33 other lions have been kept under isolation and are being tested for signs of the virus, Vasavada added. The ICMR said 300 shots of a vaccine for CDV had been imported from the United States to be given to the lions as a precautionary measure, without providing further details. It recommended that to avoid their extinction, Asiatic lions "should be placed in 2-3 different sanctuaries." The prevalence and diversity of CDV in wildlife in India has not been studied, it said. An outbreak of the same virus in the Serengeti forests of East Africa in 1994 wiped out around 30 percent of the population of lions there.

At least 23 Asiatic lions die in Gir forest, five from rare virus

Responding to the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-russia-sign-s-400-air-defence-system-deal-to-be-delivered-by-2020-169580">S-400 deal</a> between India and Russia, the United States has said that it doesn't want to damage the capabilities of its allies.

"The intent of our implementation of CAATSA is to impose costs on Russia for its malign behaviour, including by stopping the flow of money to Russia's defence sector. CAATSA is not intended to impose damage to the military capabilities of our allies or partners," the US embassy said in a statement.

"The waiver authority is not for a blanket waiver, it is transaction-specific. We cannot prejudge any sanctions decisions," it further added.

The US had earlier said that countries trading with Russia's defence and intelligence sectors would face automatic sanctions under a sweeping legislation called Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act or CAATSA.

A State Department spokesperson had said that the implementation of the sanctions act would be focused at countries acquiring weapons such as the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/all-you-need-to-know-about-russias-s-400-air-defence-system-169587">S-400 missile</a> batteries.

Last month, the United States imposed sanctions on China's military for its purchase of combat fighters as well as the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/thaad-vs-s-400-india-dumps-us-picks-russian-defence-missile-system-169445">S-400 missile system</a> it bought from Russia this year.

On Friday, India agreed to buy S-400 surface to air missile systems from Russia disregarding US warnings that such a purchase could trigger sanctions. Although there was no public signing, the deal was sealed during President Vladimir Putin's ongoing visit to New Delhi for an annual summit.

After summit talks between Putin and Modi, the two countries signed eight agreements covering space, nuclear energy and railways at a televised news conference.

(With inputs from agencies)

Responding to the S-400 deal between India and Russia, the United States has said that it doesn't want to damage the capabilities of its allies. "The intent of our implementation of CAATSA is to impose costs on Russia for its malign behaviour, including by stopping the flow of money to Russia's defence sector.

Responding to the S-400 deal between India and Russia, the United States has said that it doesn't want to damage the capabilities of its allies. "The intent of our implementation of CAATSA is to impose costs on Russia for its malign behaviour, including by stopping the flow of money to Russia's defence sector. CAATSA is not intended to impose damage to the military capabilities of our allies or partners," the US embassy said in a statement. "The waiver authority is not for a blanket waiver, it is transaction-specific. We cannot prejudge any sanctions decisions," it further added. The US had earlier said that countries trading with Russia's defence and intelligence sectors would face automatic sanctions under a sweeping legislation called Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act or CAATSA. A State Department spokesperson had said that the implementation of the sanctions act would be focused at countries acquiring weapons such as the S-400 missile batteries. Last month, the United States imposed sanctions on China's military for its purchase of combat fighters as well as the S-400 missile system it bought from Russia this year. On Friday, India agreed to buy S-400 surface to air missile systems from Russia disregarding US warnings that such a purchase could trigger sanctions. Although there was no public signing, the deal was sealed during President Vladimir Putin's ongoing visit to New Delhi for an annual summit. After summit talks between Putin and Modi, the two countries signed eight agreements covering space, nuclear energy and railways at a televised news conference. (With inputs from agencies)

US responds to India's S-400 deal with Russia, says can't prejudge sanctions decisions

For the second time within days, US President Donald Trump has lashed out at India’s high tariffs on various American products and asserted that the Government of India (GoI) is desperately seeking a trade deal with the US to keep him happy. Chances are that Trump is speaking the truth, at least about India having approached the US for negotiating a trade agreement.

Talk of a trade deal gained credence not only because Trump said so. Only last week, Assistant US Trade Representative Mark Linscott was in New Delhi for detailed talks with officials about a possible agreement on bilateral trade. Earlier in June, Linscott had come at the head of a US delegation for a discussion of issues related to trade and tariffs that have been points of bilateral contention.

Yet, in spite of Trump’s taunts of India being a “Tariff King”, if the Government of India has not been forthcoming on a trade deal apparently in the offing, it could be because of concerns over domestic reactions, especially among industry and business.

With the threats of a trade war, particularly between the US and China on the rise, the question is, what should India do. Former Foreign Secretary Lalit Mansingh, who was also ambassador to the US, says India should lose no time in signing a trade agreement with the US. Trump is challenging the WTO and he may well render the current international trading regime irrelevant, if not obsolete.

In such a scenario, India has no option but to work on regional and bilateral trade pacts to safeguard and advance its interests, says Mansingh. India, which is part of the RCEP — Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), between the ASEAN and the Indo-Pacific nations of China, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and South Korea — should now similarly protect its economic and commercial interests by signing a bilateral agreement with the US, which is its largest trading partner.

In Mansingh’s view, also shared by other observers of India-US relations, India would be justified in going to the US for a special bilateral deal because it has not been able to take advantage of the WTO system in the aggressive way China has been able to do. Besides, the US opposition to China’s trade strategy under the prevalent world trading system is not limited to Trump; there is a political consensus in the US on redefining the terms of trade with China. Mansingh’s prescription is more by way of a safeguard in the event of a trade war breaking out between the US and China.

So far, India has not suffered as a result of Trump’s trade offensive and slapping of tariffs across continents. It is true that Trump struck India with tariffs on steel and aluminium after New Delhi failed in its attempts to get an exemption. Even so, India is not affected as it is not a big exporter of either steel or aluminium comparable, for example, to China, Japan and South Korea. However, if a US-China trade war breaks out, the international system could be in serious trouble like in 2008, and India would suffer more than collateral damage. Right now it is a war of words and wits. But a trade war between the world’s two largest trading nations will certainly affect India severely. At this stage, it would be hard to foretell all the grim consequences. For the same reason, it is not possible for India to protect its economic and trade interests against the tide of oncoming events.

At the same time, it should not be difficult for India, to secure some of its interests, such as ensuring oil supplies and stabilising the rupee-dollar equation.

Petroleum prices are high and going higher because of US sanctions against Russia and its retraction from the nuclear deal with Iran. This is affecting the Indian economy as well as eroding the value of the rupee. In addition, the US sanctions against Russia is also likely to inflict collateral damage on India, which is facing rough weather from the US on the defence deals to be signed with Russia.

In a way, the price and supply of crude are not related to the rupee value. Oil supplies are hit because of Trump’s actions and campaign to squeeze Iran. India has been protesting unilateral sanctions against Iran. But considering that the US is the largest economy and the biggest military power, India cannot ignore what it entails. Nor can India afford to stand on principle — that it will support only UN sanctions — beyond a point.

India can and will find other sources of oil as well as natural gas. (In this matter, Trump has said that he would help India). Refineries dependent on crude from Iran will suffer, but given India’s good relations with oil producers such as Saudi Arabia, UAE and others in the Middle East, supplies should not be a problem in the event of India being compelled to end imports from Iran. Prices will keep rising until such time supplies increase, which will happen when OPEC decides to raise the production. With Trump warning that oil prices should be stable, OPEC would have to give in soon.

Although GoI expects that the US would allow it to fulfil its oil contract obligations with Iran, India is unlikely to wait until the November deadline for finalising other sources of oil supplies. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is confident that there would be no oil crisis.

There is no basis for similar confidence with regard to the rupee value, which is falling because of the weakness of the Indian economy. To address that weakness calls for measures, which the government can ill afford when the country is in election mode, particularly when such measures can alienate powerful financial interests.

India needs to have in place political, economic and diplomatic strategies to deal with a world where the US is moving away from multilateralism. To begin with, it may be worth considering whether India could take a cue from Trump’s North American trade deal with Canada and Mexico.

(This article was originally published on DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-india-is-trump-s-trade-target-2671244">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

For the second time within days, US President Donald Trump has lashed out at India’s high tariffs on various American products and asserted that the Government of India (GoI) is desperately seeking a trade deal with the US to keep him happy.

For the second time within days, US President Donald Trump has lashed out at India’s high tariffs on various American products and asserted that the Government of India (GoI) is desperately seeking a trade deal with the US to keep him happy. Chances are that Trump is speaking the truth, at least about India having approached the US for negotiating a trade agreement. Talk of a trade deal gained credence not only because Trump said so. Only last week, Assistant US Trade Representative Mark Linscott was in New Delhi for detailed talks with officials about a possible agreement on bilateral trade. Earlier in June, Linscott had come at the head of a US delegation for a discussion of issues related to trade and tariffs that have been points of bilateral contention. Yet, in spite of Trump’s taunts of India being a “Tariff King”, if the Government of India has not been forthcoming on a trade deal apparently in the offing, it could be because of concerns over domestic reactions, especially among industry and business. With the threats of a trade war, particularly between the US and China on the rise, the question is, what should India do. Former Foreign Secretary Lalit Mansingh, who was also ambassador to the US, says India should lose no time in signing a trade agreement with the US. Trump is challenging the WTO and he may well render the current international trading regime irrelevant, if not obsolete. In such a scenario, India has no option but to work on regional and bilateral trade pacts to safeguard and advance its interests, says Mansingh. India, which is part of the RCEP — Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), between the ASEAN and the Indo-Pacific nations of China, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and South Korea — should now similarly protect its economic and commercial interests by signing a bilateral agreement with the US, which is its largest trading partner. In Mansingh’s view, also shared by other observers of India-US relations, India would be justified in going to the US for a special bilateral deal because it has not been able to take advantage of the WTO system in the aggressive way China has been able to do. Besides, the US opposition to China’s trade strategy under the prevalent world trading system is not limited to Trump; there is a political consensus in the US on redefining the terms of trade with China. Mansingh’s prescription is more by way of a safeguard in the event of a trade war breaking out between the US and China. So far, India has not suffered as a result of Trump’s trade offensive and slapping of tariffs across continents. It is true that Trump struck India with tariffs on steel and aluminium after New Delhi failed in its attempts to get an exemption. Even so, India is not affected as it is not a big exporter of either steel or aluminium comparable, for example, to China, Japan and South Korea. However, if a US-China trade war breaks out, the international system could be in serious trouble like in 2008, and India would suffer more than collateral damage. Right now it is a war of words and wits. But a trade war between the world’s two largest trading nations will certainly affect India severely. At this stage, it would be hard to foretell all the grim consequences. For the same reason, it is not possible for India to protect its economic and trade interests against the tide of oncoming events. At the same time, it should not be difficult for India, to secure some of its interests, such as ensuring oil supplies and stabilising the rupee-dollar equation. Petroleum prices are high and going higher because of US sanctions against Russia and its retraction from the nuclear deal with Iran. This is affecting the Indian economy as well as eroding the value of the rupee. In addition, the US sanctions against Russia is also likely to inflict collateral damage on India, which is facing rough weather from the US on the defence deals to be signed with Russia. In a way, the price and supply of crude are not related to the rupee value. Oil supplies are hit because of Trump’s actions and campaign to squeeze Iran. India has been protesting unilateral sanctions against Iran. But considering that the US is the largest economy and the biggest military power, India cannot ignore what it entails. Nor can India afford to stand on principle — that it will support only UN sanctions — beyond a point. India can and will find other sources of oil as well as natural gas. (In this matter, Trump has said that he would help India). Refineries dependent on crude from Iran will suffer, but given India’s good relations with oil producers such as Saudi Arabia, UAE and others in the Middle East, supplies should not be a problem in the event of India being compelled to end imports from Iran. Prices will keep rising until such time supplies increase, which will happen when OPEC decides to raise the production. With Trump warning that oil prices should be stable, OPEC would have to give in soon. Although GoI expects that the US would allow it to fulfil its oil contract obligations with Iran, India is unlikely to wait until the November deadline for finalising other sources of oil supplies. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is confident that there would be no oil crisis. There is no basis for similar confidence with regard to the rupee value, which is falling because of the weakness of the Indian economy. To address that weakness calls for measures, which the government can ill afford when the country is in election mode, particularly when such measures can alienate powerful financial interests. India needs to have in place political, economic and diplomatic strategies to deal with a world where the US is moving away from multilateralism. To begin with, it may be worth considering whether India could take a cue from Trump’s North American trade deal with Canada and Mexico. (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)

India is Trump’s trade target

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/putin-set-ink-s-400-defence-deal-during-india-visit-us-warns-against-missile-pact-169213">Putin set to ink S-400 defence deal during India visit, US warns against missile pact</a>

Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit New Delhi on Thursday and meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ink the deal on S-400 air defence systems. President Putin will also participate in the 19th India-Russia annual bilateral summit, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/american-frances-arnold-george-smith-british-researcher-gregory-winter-win-nobel-prize">American Frances Arnold, George Smith &amp; British researcher Gregory Winter win Nobel Prize in Chemistry</a>

Two American scientists - Frances Arnold and George Smith, including a British researcher Gregory Winter have won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry this year.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/actress-fan-bingbing-fined-authorities-china-tax-evasion-169085">Chinese superstar Fan Bingbing emerges; ordered to pay $129 million for tax evasion</a>

China's taxation authorities fined A-list Chinese movie star Fan Bingbing $129 million for tax evasion, state news agency Xinhua said on Wednesday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-deports-seven-rohingyas-myanmar-169170">Plea in Supreme Court against </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-deports-seven-rohingyas-myanmar-169170">deportation</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-deports-seven-rohingyas-myanmar-169170"> of seven Rohingyas to Myanmar</a>

A plea has been filed in Supreme Court for urgent hearing seeking a restraint on the Government of India from deporting seven Rohingya Muslims lodged in the Silchar Detention centre in Assam to Myanmar, news agency ANI reported. According to reports, the plea will be heard in the top court on Thursday.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/halt-sanctions-humanitarian-goods-iran-un-court-iran-169167">Halt sanctions on humanitarian goods to Iran: International Court of Justice to </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/halt-sanctions-humanitarian-goods-iran-un-court-iran-169167">US</a>

The International Court of Justice(ICJ) today ordered the Trump administration to halt sanctions on "humanitarian" goods to Iran.

President Trump had imposed sanctions on Iran last month after pulling out of the nuclear deal involving European allies, a second round of sanctions is due next month.

Putin set to ink S-400 defence deal during India visit, US warns against missile pact Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit New Delhi on Thursday and meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ink the deal on S-400 air defence systems.

Putin set to ink S-400 defence deal during India visit, US warns against missile pact Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit New Delhi on Thursday and meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ink the deal on S-400 air defence systems. President Putin will also participate in the 19th India-Russia annual bilateral summit, news agency ANI reported. American Frances Arnold, George Smith & British researcher Gregory Winter win Nobel Prize in Chemistry Two American scientists - Frances Arnold and George Smith, including a British researcher Gregory Winter have won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry this year. Chinese superstar Fan Bingbing emerges; ordered to pay $129 million for tax evasion China's taxation authorities fined A-list Chinese movie star Fan Bingbing $129 million for tax evasion, state news agency Xinhua said on Wednesday. Plea in Supreme Court against deportation of seven Rohingyas to Myanmar A plea has been filed in Supreme Court for urgent hearing seeking a restraint on the Government of India from deporting seven Rohingya Muslims lodged in the Silchar Detention centre in Assam to Myanmar, news agency ANI reported. According to reports, the plea will be heard in the top court on Thursday. Halt sanctions on humanitarian goods to Iran: International Court of Justice to US The International Court of Justice(ICJ) today ordered the Trump administration to halt sanctions on "humanitarian" goods to Iran. President Trump had imposed sanctions on Iran last month after pulling out of the nuclear deal involving European allies, a second round of sanctions is due next month.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Today we mark the beginning of the 150th birth anniversary celebrations of our beloved Bapu. He remains a shining beacon of hope for millions of people across the world who seek a life of equality, dignity, inclusion and empowerment. The impact he left on human society has few parallels.

Mahatma Gandhi connected India, in letter and spirit, in thought and action. As Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel rightly said, “India is a land of diversity. There is no land with such diversity as ours. If there was one person who brought everyone together, made people rise above differences, to fight colonialism and enhanced India’s stature at the world stage, it was Mahatma Gandhi. And, he began to do this not in India but from South Africa itself. Bapu could see ahead and could understand the larger picture. He remained committed to his principles till his last breath.”

In the 21st century, the thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi remain as essential as they were in his time and offer solutions to several problems the world faces. In a world where terrorism, radicalization, extremism and mindless hate are dividing nations as well as societies, Mahatma Gandhi’s clarion call of peace and Ahimsa have the power to unite humanity.

At a time when inequalities are not uncommon, Bapu’s emphasis on equal and inclusive growth can herald an era of prosperity for the millions on the margins.

In pics: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/gandhis-global-influence-477">Global influence of Mahatma Gandhi</a>

In an era where climate change and environmental degradation have become central issues of discussion, the world can refer to the thoughts of Gandhiji. More than a century ago, in 1909, he differentiated between human wants and human greed. He urged both restraint and compassion while utilising natural resources and he himself led by example in doing this. He cleaned his own toilets, ensuring clean surroundings. He also ensured minimal wastage of water and when he was in Ahmedabad, he took great care to ensure that unclean water did not merge with the Sabarmati.

Sometime back, a crisp, comprehensive and concise document penned by Mahatma Gandhi caught my attention. In 1941, Bapu wrote the ‘Constructive Programme: its meaning and place’, which he subsequently modified in 1945, when there was renewed fervour around the freedom movement. In that document, Bapu has talked about a wide range of topics ranging from rural development, strengthening agriculture, enhancing sanitation, promoting Khadi, empowerment of women, economic equality among other issues.

I would urge my fellow Indians to have a look at Gandhiji’s ‘Constructive Programme’ (it is widely available both online and offline) and make it a guiding light on how we can build the India of Bapu’s dreams. Many topics in the ‘Constructive Programme’ are absolutely relevant today and the Government of India is fulfilling many of the points venerable Bapu raised seven decades ago but remain unfulfilled even today.

One of the most beautiful aspects of Gandhiji’s personality was that he made every Indian feel that he or she is working for India’s freedom. He instilled the spirit of self-belief that a teacher, lawyer, doctor, farmer, labourer, entrepreneur, in whatever they were doing they were contributing to India’s freedom struggle.

In the same light, today, let us embrace those aspects we think we can act upon that will fulfil Gandhiji’s vision. It can start with something as simple as ensuring zero waste of food to imbibing values of non-violence and togetherness.

Let us think about how our actions can contribute to a cleaner and greener environment for the future generations. Almost eight decades ago, when the threats of pollution were not as much, Mahatma Gandhi took to cycling. Those in Ahmedabad recall Gandhiji cycling from Gujarat Vidyapith to Sabarmati Ashram. In fact, I read that one of Gandhiji’s first protests in South Africa was against a set of laws that prevented people from cycling. Despite a prosperous legal career, Gandhiji would use the bicycle to travel in Johannesburg. It is said that when a plague hit Johannesburg, Gandhiji rushed to the worst affected spot on a cycle and immersed himself in relief work. Can we emulate this same spirit today?

The festive season is here and people across India would be shopping for new clothes, gifts, food items and more. While doing so, remember the wise thoughts Gandhiji gave us in the form of his talisman. Let us think about how our actions can light the lamp of prosperity in the lives of our fellow Indians. By buying what they make, be it a Khadi product, or a gift item or foodstuff, we are helping our fellow Indians in pursuit of a better life. We may never have seen them or may not do so for the rest of our lives. However, Bapu would be proud of us that in our actions we are helping fellow Indians.

Over the last four years, 130 crore Indians have paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi in the form of the Swachh Bharat Mission. With the hard work of each and every Indian, the Swachh Bharat Mission, which completes four years today, has emerged as a vibrant mass movement with commendable outcomes. Over 85 million households now have access to toilets for the first time. Over 400 million Indians no longer have to defecate in the open. In a short span of four years, sanitation coverage is up from 39 per cent to 95 per cent as 21 states, Union Territories and 4.5 lakhs villages are now open defecation free.

Swachh Bharat Mission is about dignity and a better future. It augurs well for crores of women that their troubles of having to hide their faces every morning while answering nature’s call in the open are history and for the children of India who were prone to several diseases due to lack of sanitation.

A few days ago, a Divyang brother from Rajasthan called me during the ‘Mann Ki Baat’ programme. Not able to see from both eyes, he narrated how having his own toilet made an extremely positive difference in his life. There are several Divyang sisters and brothers like him who have been saved from the inconvenience of going to public open defecation spots. The blessings I received from him will remain etched in my memory.

An overwhelming majority of Indians today did not have the good fortune of being a part of the freedom struggle. We could not die for the nation then but now, we must live for the nation and do everything possible to build the India our freedom fighters envisioned.

Today we have a great opportunity to fulfil Bapu’s dream. We have covered substantial ground and I am confident we will cover a lot more in the times to come.

One of Bapu’s favourite hymns, when translated, reads thus: “A good soul is one who feels the pain of others.” It was this spirit that made him live for others. Today, we, the 1.3 billion Indians are committed to working together to fulfil the dreams Bapu saw for a country for which he gave his life. 
 
(This is a special article by the Prime Minister of India to mark the beginning of the 150th birth anniversary celebrations of Mahatma Gandhi)

(This article was originally published on DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-fulfilling-bapu-s-dreams-2670424">original article</a>)

Today we mark the beginning of the 150th birth anniversary celebrations of our beloved Bapu. He remains a shining beacon of hope for millions of people across the world who seek a life of equality, dignity, inclusion and empowerment.

Today we mark the beginning of the 150th birth anniversary celebrations of our beloved Bapu. He remains a shining beacon of hope for millions of people across the world who seek a life of equality, dignity, inclusion and empowerment. The impact he left on human society has few parallels. Mahatma Gandhi connected India, in letter and spirit, in thought and action. As Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel rightly said, “India is a land of diversity. There is no land with such diversity as ours. If there was one person who brought everyone together, made people rise above differences, to fight colonialism and enhanced India’s stature at the world stage, it was Mahatma Gandhi. And, he began to do this not in India but from South Africa itself. Bapu could see ahead and could understand the larger picture. He remained committed to his principles till his last breath.” In the 21st century, the thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi remain as essential as they were in his time and offer solutions to several problems the world faces. In a world where terrorism, radicalization, extremism and mindless hate are dividing nations as well as societies, Mahatma Gandhi’s clarion call of peace and Ahimsa have the power to unite humanity. At a time when inequalities are not uncommon, Bapu’s emphasis on equal and inclusive growth can herald an era of prosperity for the millions on the margins. In pics: Global influence of Mahatma Gandhi In an era where climate change and environmental degradation have become central issues of discussion, the world can refer to the thoughts of Gandhiji. More than a century ago, in 1909, he differentiated between human wants and human greed. He urged both restraint and compassion while utilising natural resources and he himself led by example in doing this. He cleaned his own toilets, ensuring clean surroundings. He also ensured minimal wastage of water and when he was in Ahmedabad, he took great care to ensure that unclean water did not merge with the Sabarmati. Sometime back, a crisp, comprehensive and concise document penned by Mahatma Gandhi caught my attention. In 1941, Bapu wrote the ‘Constructive Programme: its meaning and place’, which he subsequently modified in 1945, when there was renewed fervour around the freedom movement. In that document, Bapu has talked about a wide range of topics ranging from rural development, strengthening agriculture, enhancing sanitation, promoting Khadi, empowerment of women, economic equality among other issues. I would urge my fellow Indians to have a look at Gandhiji’s ‘Constructive Programme’ (it is widely available both online and offline) and make it a guiding light on how we can build the India of Bapu’s dreams. Many topics in the ‘Constructive Programme’ are absolutely relevant today and the Government of India is fulfilling many of the points venerable Bapu raised seven decades ago but remain unfulfilled even today. One of the most beautiful aspects of Gandhiji’s personality was that he made every Indian feel that he or she is working for India’s freedom. He instilled the spirit of self-belief that a teacher, lawyer, doctor, farmer, labourer, entrepreneur, in whatever they were doing they were contributing to India’s freedom struggle. In the same light, today, let us embrace those aspects we think we can act upon that will fulfil Gandhiji’s vision. It can start with something as simple as ensuring zero waste of food to imbibing values of non-violence and togetherness. Let us think about how our actions can contribute to a cleaner and greener environment for the future generations. Almost eight decades ago, when the threats of pollution were not as much, Mahatma Gandhi took to cycling. Those in Ahmedabad recall Gandhiji cycling from Gujarat Vidyapith to Sabarmati Ashram. In fact, I read that one of Gandhiji’s first protests in South Africa was against a set of laws that prevented people from cycling. Despite a prosperous legal career, Gandhiji would use the bicycle to travel in Johannesburg. It is said that when a plague hit Johannesburg, Gandhiji rushed to the worst affected spot on a cycle and immersed himself in relief work. Can we emulate this same spirit today? The festive season is here and people across India would be shopping for new clothes, gifts, food items and more. While doing so, remember the wise thoughts Gandhiji gave us in the form of his talisman. Let us think about how our actions can light the lamp of prosperity in the lives of our fellow Indians. By buying what they make, be it a Khadi product, or a gift item or foodstuff, we are helping our fellow Indians in pursuit of a better life. We may never have seen them or may not do so for the rest of our lives. However, Bapu would be proud of us that in our actions we are helping fellow Indians. Over the last four years, 130 crore Indians have paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi in the form of the Swachh Bharat Mission. With the hard work of each and every Indian, the Swachh Bharat Mission, which completes four years today, has emerged as a vibrant mass movement with commendable outcomes. Over 85 million households now have access to toilets for the first time. Over 400 million Indians no longer have to defecate in the open. In a short span of four years, sanitation coverage is up from 39 per cent to 95 per cent as 21 states, Union Territories and 4.5 lakhs villages are now open defecation free. Swachh Bharat Mission is about dignity and a better future. It augurs well for crores of women that their troubles of having to hide their faces every morning while answering nature’s call in the open are history and for the children of India who were prone to several diseases due to lack of sanitation. A few days ago, a Divyang brother from Rajasthan called me during the ‘Mann Ki Baat’ programme. Not able to see from both eyes, he narrated how having his own toilet made an extremely positive difference in his life. There are several Divyang sisters and brothers like him who have been saved from the inconvenience of going to public open defecation spots. The blessings I received from him will remain etched in my memory. An overwhelming majority of Indians today did not have the good fortune of being a part of the freedom struggle. We could not die for the nation then but now, we must live for the nation and do everything possible to build the India our freedom fighters envisioned. Today we have a great opportunity to fulfil Bapu’s dream. We have covered substantial ground and I am confident we will cover a lot more in the times to come. One of Bapu’s favourite hymns, when translated, reads thus: “A good soul is one who feels the pain of others.” It was this spirit that made him live for others. Today, we, the 1.3 billion Indians are committed to working together to fulfil the dreams Bapu saw for a country for which he gave his life. (This is a special article by the Prime Minister of India to mark the beginning of the 150th birth anniversary celebrations of Mahatma Gandhi) (This article was originally published on DNA. Read the original article)

PM Narendra Modi's heartfelt tribute to Bapu on Gandhi Jayanti

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was presented the UN's Champions of the Earth Award by United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres here on Wednesday.

PM Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron were jointly awarded the UN's highest environmental honour for their pioneering work in championing the International Solar Alliance and promoting new areas of cooperation on environmental action.

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Addressing an event in Rajkot on Sunday, Modi had said cleanliness was an important aspect of Mahatma Gandhi's life and the father of the nation was the most deserving candidate for the UN green award.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was presented the UN's Champions of the Earth Award by United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres here on Wednesday. PM Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron were jointly awarded the UN's highest environmental honour for their pioneering work in championing the International Solar Alliance and promoting new areas of cooperation on environmental action.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was presented the UN's Champions of the Earth Award by United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres here on Wednesday. PM Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron were jointly awarded the UN's highest environmental honour for their pioneering work in championing the International Solar Alliance and promoting new areas of cooperation on environmental action. Climate and calamity are directly related to culture; if climate is not the focus of culture, calamity cannot be prevented. When I say ‘Sabka Saath,’ I also include nature in it: PM Modi at Champions of the Earth event in Delhi pic.twitter.com/hcM6Yy9eJE — ANI (@ANI) October 3, 2018 × It is an honour for Indians. Indians are committed to save the environment: PM Narendra Modi on receiving the 'UNEP Champions of the Earth' award pic.twitter.com/hVnlowRyDZ — ANI (@ANI) October 3, 2018 × Addressing an event in Rajkot on Sunday, Modi had said cleanliness was an important aspect of Mahatma Gandhi's life and the father of the nation was the most deserving candidate for the UN green award.

UN Secretary General presents PM Narendra Modi with Champions of Earth award

Champions of Earth award for Narendra Modi

Indian President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi on his 150th birth anniversary on Tuesday.

Earlier in the day, paying homage to Mahatma Gandhi, PM Modi tweeted, "From today, we are entering Pujya Bapu's 150 the anniversary year. It is a great opportunity for all of us to fulfil his dreams."

He will also attend the closing session of the Mahatma Gandhi International Sanitation Convention (MGISC) at Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre. MGISC has been a 4-day international conference that has brought together Sanitation Ministers and other leaders in WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) from around the world.

As the nation is celebrating the 150th anniversary of iconic freedom fighter of the country a number of events have been lined up to mark the day.

The National Gandhi Museum at Rajghat launched a series of programmes, including "recreated heartbeats" of the father of the nation, kickstarting the year-long celebrations to mark his 150th birth anniversary.

The "recreated heartbeats" has been formed by digitalising the electrocardiography (ECG) details of Mahatma Gandhi and it can be heard through a headphone, Director General, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Dr Balram Jakhar, said.

Three monuments -- Gol Gumbad, Bijri Khan and Paik tombs -- &nbsp;in the national capital will also be illuminated with colours of the national flag to mark the anniversary for seven days starting from today.

A nationwide campaign call, 'CHANGE150' by LetterFarms, a non-profit organisation has also been launched which is aimed to mobilize over a million change ideas from youngsters around India inspired by Bapu's change mantra.

The NGO is inviting the youth of India to handwrite one change that they passionately wish to see in the world on a postcard, over the next 12 months. Those ideas will then be presented to the decision makers of the country including President and Prime Minister, governors and state chief ministers.

Indian President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi on his 150th birth anniversary on Tuesday. Earlier in the day, paying homage to Mahatma Gandhi, PM Modi tweeted, "From today, we are entering Pujya Bapu's 150 the anniversary year.

Indian President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi on his 150th birth anniversary on Tuesday. Earlier in the day, paying homage to Mahatma Gandhi, PM Modi tweeted, "From today, we are entering Pujya Bapu's 150 the anniversary year. It is a great opportunity for all of us to fulfil his dreams." He will also attend the closing session of the Mahatma Gandhi International Sanitation Convention (MGISC) at Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre. MGISC has been a 4-day international conference that has brought together Sanitation Ministers and other leaders in WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) from around the world. As the nation is celebrating the 150th anniversary of iconic freedom fighter of the country a number of events have been lined up to mark the day. The National Gandhi Museum at Rajghat launched a series of programmes, including "recreated heartbeats" of the father of the nation, kickstarting the year-long celebrations to mark his 150th birth anniversary. The "recreated heartbeats" has been formed by digitalising the electrocardiography (ECG) details of Mahatma Gandhi and it can be heard through a headphone, Director General, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Dr Balram Jakhar, said. Three monuments -- Gol Gumbad, Bijri Khan and Paik tombs -- in the national capital will also be illuminated with colours of the national flag to mark the anniversary for seven days starting from today. A nationwide campaign call, 'CHANGE150' by LetterFarms, a non-profit organisation has also been launched which is aimed to mobilize over a million change ideas from youngsters around India inspired by Bapu's change mantra. The NGO is inviting the youth of India to handwrite one change that they passionately wish to see in the world on a postcard, over the next 12 months. Those ideas will then be presented to the decision makers of the country including President and Prime Minister, governors and state chief ministers.

Tributes pour in from far and wide on Mahatma Gandhi’s 150th birthday

United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres who is on a three-day visit to India participated in the 150th birth anniversary of India's iconic freedom fighter Mahatma Gandhi on Tuesday.

He visited Raj Ghat and laid a wreath to honour Gandhi.

The UN chief will also speak at a closing session of the Mahatma Gandhi International Sanitation Conference along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He will also participate in the International Solar Alliance Assembly and a meeting of the Indian Ocean Rim Association energy ministers.

The UN Chief&nbsp;arrived in the country on Monday and formally inaugurated the UN House in the national capital.

On his visit, Guterres said that he was delighted to be back to Delhi and wished enormous success in the deepening of the cooperation between India and the United Nations.

During his three-day stay, he is expected to discuss key global issues such as climate change and terrorism with PM Modi. He will also meet Lok Sabha speaker Sumitra Mahajan and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj along with other senior leaders of the country.

Guterres is also scheduled to deliver a lecture at the India Habitat Centre on the theme 'Global challenges, global solutions'.

Guterres had visited the country, earlier in 2016, months before his election as the Secretary-General.

United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres who is on a three-day visit to India participated in the 150th birth anniversary of India's iconic freedom fighter Mahatma Gandhi on Tuesday.

United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres who is on a three-day visit to India participated in the 150th birth anniversary of India's iconic freedom fighter Mahatma Gandhi on Tuesday. He visited Raj Ghat and laid a wreath to honour Gandhi. The UN chief will also speak at a closing session of the Mahatma Gandhi International Sanitation Conference along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He will also participate in the International Solar Alliance Assembly and a meeting of the Indian Ocean Rim Association energy ministers. The UN Chief arrived in the country on Monday and formally inaugurated the UN House in the national capital. On his visit, Guterres said that he was delighted to be back to Delhi and wished enormous success in the deepening of the cooperation between India and the United Nations. During his three-day stay, he is expected to discuss key global issues such as climate change and terrorism with PM Modi. He will also meet Lok Sabha speaker Sumitra Mahajan and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj along with other senior leaders of the country. Guterres is also scheduled to deliver a lecture at the India Habitat Centre on the theme 'Global challenges, global solutions'. Guterres had visited the country, earlier in 2016, months before his election as the Secretary-General.

UN Chief Antonio Guterres pays tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his 150th birth anniversary

Stressing that India would generate 40 per cent of power from non-fossil fuels by 2030, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday called for connecting solar energy supply across borders giving the mantra of 'One World One Sun One Grid'.

"We have a dream One World, One Sun One Grid. We generate round the clock electricity from Sun as it sets in one part of the world but rises in another part. Sun never sets for entire earth," PM Modi said addressing inaugural function of 2nd Global RE-Invest meeting of Indian Ocean Rim Association and the first assembly of International Solar Alliance here in the capital.

The same event also marked the inauguration of the second IORA Renewable Energy Ministerial Meeting, and the 2nd Global RE-Invest (Renewable Energy Investors' Meet and Expo). United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was also present on the occasion.

PM Modi said he saw the 121-country International Solar Alliance as the future OPEC for meeting energy needs of the world.

Oil cartel OPEC led by Saudi Arabia currently meets close to half of the world's oil needs.

He said solar power will play the same role that oil wells have played over the past few decades in meeting global energy needs.

Humans have in the last 150-200 years relied on resources trapped below the earth's surface for meeting energy needs. But for a secure future, resources available above the ground like solar and wind energy need to be harnessed, he said.

Talking about India's plans for the renewable energy he said that India would add as much as 50 GW of non-hydro renewable energy to existing 72 GW and is successfully marching on the way to achieve the target of having 175 GW of clean energy by 2022.

The prime minister was of the view that this was the right time to invest in renewable energy because there is a possibility of USD 70-80 billion business in the next four years in India.

The Prime Minister said in the last four years USD 42 billion has been invested in clean energy in India.&nbsp;

He also said that India's solar energy increased by nine times in the last four years after his government took over in May 2014.

Elaborating about India's plans in renewables, he said that in the next four years as many as 28 lakh solar pumps would be installed which would help avoid 10 GW generation capacity.

He also told that under UJALA scheme, 31 crore LED bulbs were distributed which save 40000 Million Units per year and have saved Rs 16,000 crore besides reducing CO2 emissions.

He also informed that India has decided 40 per cent of electricity capacity would be non-fossil fuel based by 2030.

He said, "Today ISA has become big hope for people. In three years, it has become an inter-governmental organisation. 125 crore Indians feel pride that ISA is headquartered in India.

"I think whenever people would discuss a big organisation for human development then ISA would to on the top of the list. Whatever role OPEC is playing today to meet the energy requirement of the world, that would be played by ISA in coming days. Whatever role is played by oil wells today, would be played by sunlight."

He also said, "We need to expand the scope of ISA beyond 125 tropical countries which fall between tropic of cancer and Capricorn. India in the first assembly of ISA will propose to send all United National member nations the proposal to become a member of the body."

On this occasion, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said, "It is India where we are going to see global renewable energy revolution. Solar energy is at the centre of this revolution."

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a person who has single-handedly put India in the renewable map of the world. The ISA is an action-oriented organisation."

Stressing that India would generate 40 per cent of power from non-fossil fuels by 2030, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday called for connecting solar energy supply across borders giving the mantra of 'One World One Sun One Grid'.

Stressing that India would generate 40 per cent of power from non-fossil fuels by 2030, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday called for connecting solar energy supply across borders giving the mantra of 'One World One Sun One Grid'. "We have a dream One World, One Sun One Grid. We generate round the clock electricity from Sun as it sets in one part of the world but rises in another part. Sun never sets for entire earth," PM Modi said addressing inaugural function of 2nd Global RE-Invest meeting of Indian Ocean Rim Association and the first assembly of International Solar Alliance here in the capital. The same event also marked the inauguration of the second IORA Renewable Energy Ministerial Meeting, and the 2nd Global RE-Invest (Renewable Energy Investors' Meet and Expo). United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was also present on the occasion. PM Modi said he saw the 121-country International Solar Alliance as the future OPEC for meeting energy needs of the world. Oil cartel OPEC led by Saudi Arabia currently meets close to half of the world's oil needs. He said solar power will play the same role that oil wells have played over the past few decades in meeting global energy needs. Humans have in the last 150-200 years relied on resources trapped below the earth's surface for meeting energy needs. But for a secure future, resources available above the ground like solar and wind energy need to be harnessed, he said. Talking about India's plans for the renewable energy he said that India would add as much as 50 GW of non-hydro renewable energy to existing 72 GW and is successfully marching on the way to achieve the target of having 175 GW of clean energy by 2022. The prime minister was of the view that this was the right time to invest in renewable energy because there is a possibility of USD 70-80 billion business in the next four years in India. The Prime Minister said in the last four years USD 42 billion has been invested in clean energy in India. He also said that India's solar energy increased by nine times in the last four years after his government took over in May 2014. Elaborating about India's plans in renewables, he said that in the next four years as many as 28 lakh solar pumps would be installed which would help avoid 10 GW generation capacity. He also told that under UJALA scheme, 31 crore LED bulbs were distributed which save 40000 Million Units per year and have saved Rs 16,000 crore besides reducing CO2 emissions. He also informed that India has decided 40 per cent of electricity capacity would be non-fossil fuel based by 2030. He said, "Today ISA has become big hope for people. In three years, it has become an inter-governmental organisation. 125 crore Indians feel pride that ISA is headquartered in India. "I think whenever people would discuss a big organisation for human development then ISA would to on the top of the list. Whatever role OPEC is playing today to meet the energy requirement of the world, that would be played by ISA in coming days. Whatever role is played by oil wells today, would be played by sunlight." He also said, "We need to expand the scope of ISA beyond 125 tropical countries which fall between tropic of cancer and Capricorn. India in the first assembly of ISA will propose to send all United National member nations the proposal to become a member of the body." On this occasion, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said, "It is India where we are going to see global renewable energy revolution. Solar energy is at the centre of this revolution." External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a person who has single-handedly put India in the renewable map of the world. The ISA is an action-oriented organisation."

India targeting 40% of power generation from non-fossil fuel by 2030: PM Modi

By Saloni Kapur

Pakistan’s prime minister Imran Khan called in September for a meeting between the Pakistani and Indian foreign ministers at the 73rd session of the UN General Assembly. The Indian foreign ministry initially confirmed that the two ministers would meet in New York. But, the following day, India cancelled over the killing of police officers in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir and the July 2018 release of Pakistani stamps depicting Kashmiri separatist fighters.

The cancellation of the meeting highlights the tense diplomatic relationship between Pakistan and India, which has long marred the prospects for regional cooperation in the broader South Asian region. However, as I argue in my forthcoming book, Pakistan after Trump: International Society’s Role in Counterterrorism Cooperation, despite the antagonism that has characterised relations in the Pakistan-India-Afghanistan triangle, all three states have consistently turned to the institutions of international society to resolve conflicts.

This was most recently exemplified by Khan’s diplomatic outreach towards India, and indicates that there are strong institutional foundations on which policymakers could build more cooperative relationships based on a recognition of shared values and interests. This challenges the assumption that the roots of conflict in the region are too deep to be dislodged.

The institutions of regional society 
 
Pakistan and India have fought three wars over the contested province of Jammu and Kashmir. While it may seem counter-intuitive to suggest that war is an institution of international society, its established rules make it an effective way of resolving interstate conflicts, maintaining a regional balance of power, bringing about shifts in international law, demarcating the borders between states, and enhancing justice in international society. This is not to suggest that war is “good,” but that it fulfils certain functions in international relations.

The first war, in 1947-48, transferred control over part of Jammu and Kashmir to Pakistan. A balance of power is a precondition of a regional society of states wherein countries cooperate in the functioning of shared institutions to realise common interests. In South Asia, where India is the predominant power, the 1947-48 war gave Pakistan control over the strategically important territory of Gilgit-Baltistan, which shares borders with Afghanistan and China and through which the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor now passes. Moreover, in the face of the failure of UN resolutions adopted from 1948 to 1951 to enforce the conduct of a plebiscite in the Muslim-majority province, the war brought about a transfer of territory that signified progress towards a settlement of the issue.

Pakistan regularly issues calls for the plebiscite to be held, while a retired Indian diplomat I interviewed in November 2016 told me that the only reason for the referendum not taking place was Pakistan’s failure to withdraw its troops from the province as per the terms of the UN resolutions. This suggests that both countries acknowledge the UN-mandated plebiscite, which represents the application of international law and democracy to resolve the conflict.

Also significant are the Karachi and Simla agreements. The Karachi Agreement of 1949 brought about the demarcation of a ceasefire line in Jammu and Kashmir. The Simla Agreement of 1972 introduced the Line of Control, which remains the de-facto border in Jammu and Kashmir. It also declared that India and Pakistan would peacefully resolve their differences through negotiations or other means. These agreements again show efforts to use international law to sort out the Kashmir conflict.

Human rights are an emergent norm in international society. Pakistan has repeatedly drawn attention to human rights violations in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir. The rape and murder of a Muslim child in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir also triggered widespread protests in mainland India in 2018 after provincial ministers defended the suspects. This marks a shift in the public narrative on human rights in Jammu and Kashmir within India. It highlights the potential for civil society to pressure both governments into negotiating a resolution of the conflict in a way that respects the rights of local people.

On transnational terrorism, the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation’s (SAARC) Convention on Suppression of Terrorism and its additional protocols represent legal efforts to forge regional counter-terrorism cooperation by SAARC’s member states, which include India, Pakistan and Afghanistan. Diplomatic counter-terrorism initiatives by South Asian states have included the India-Pakistan Joint Anti-Terror Mechanism of 2006 and the SAARC Terrorist Offences Monitoring Desk of 1990.

Reason for hope

In 2016, India and Pakistan attempted to share information and collaboratively investigate a militant attack in the Indian city of Pathankot. Continued diplomatic engagement between the civilian administrations of both countries, even when attacks take place, would help to counter a longstanding pattern of terrorist attacks disrupting attempts to resume the peace process. It would also sideline the forces that benefit from the ongoing conflict.

International efforts, including the US, China and Russia, to negotiate with the Afghan Taliban are also evidence of a broad attempt to bring stability to Afghanistan. Willingness on the part of Afghanistan, Pakistan and India to participate in these diplomatic overtures underscores all three states’ efforts to engage with the institutions of diplomacy and great power management in order to stabilise the wider region.

Thus, Pakistan, India and Afghanistan have repeatedly turned to the shared rules, norms and institutions of international society to work out their problems. There is sufficient shared ground on which to build mutual understandings on contentious issues. Regional cooperation is in the interest of all three states and would weaken the actors who benefit from conflict.

India’s and Pakistan’s admission to, and Afghanistan’s observer status in, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation – an Asian security cooperation organisation led by China and Russia – are cause for hope. The rising clout of China and Russia in the international order may provide the necessary pressure for all three South Asian states to engage more constructively in regional security cooperation in the medium to long term.

(Saloni Kapur is PhD Candidate in International Relations, Lancaster University) 
&nbsp;

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

By Saloni Kapur Pakistan’s prime minister Imran Khan called in September for a meeting between the Pakistani and Indian foreign ministers at the 73rd session of the UN General Assembly.

By Saloni Kapur Pakistan’s prime minister Imran Khan called in September for a meeting between the Pakistani and Indian foreign ministers at the 73rd session of the UN General Assembly. The Indian foreign ministry initially confirmed that the two ministers would meet in New York. But, the following day, India cancelled over the killing of police officers in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir and the July 2018 release of Pakistani stamps depicting Kashmiri separatist fighters. The cancellation of the meeting highlights the tense diplomatic relationship between Pakistan and India, which has long marred the prospects for regional cooperation in the broader South Asian region. However, as I argue in my forthcoming book, Pakistan after Trump: International Society’s Role in Counterterrorism Cooperation, despite the antagonism that has characterised relations in the Pakistan-India-Afghanistan triangle, all three states have consistently turned to the institutions of international society to resolve conflicts. This was most recently exemplified by Khan’s diplomatic outreach towards India, and indicates that there are strong institutional foundations on which policymakers could build more cooperative relationships based on a recognition of shared values and interests. This challenges the assumption that the roots of conflict in the region are too deep to be dislodged. The institutions of regional society Pakistan and India have fought three wars over the contested province of Jammu and Kashmir. While it may seem counter-intuitive to suggest that war is an institution of international society, its established rules make it an effective way of resolving interstate conflicts, maintaining a regional balance of power, bringing about shifts in international law, demarcating the borders between states, and enhancing justice in international society. This is not to suggest that war is “good,” but that it fulfils certain functions in international relations. The first war, in 1947-48, transferred control over part of Jammu and Kashmir to Pakistan. A balance of power is a precondition of a regional society of states wherein countries cooperate in the functioning of shared institutions to realise common interests. In South Asia, where India is the predominant power, the 1947-48 war gave Pakistan control over the strategically important territory of Gilgit-Baltistan, which shares borders with Afghanistan and China and through which the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor now passes. Moreover, in the face of the failure of UN resolutions adopted from 1948 to 1951 to enforce the conduct of a plebiscite in the Muslim-majority province, the war brought about a transfer of territory that signified progress towards a settlement of the issue. Pakistan regularly issues calls for the plebiscite to be held, while a retired Indian diplomat I interviewed in November 2016 told me that the only reason for the referendum not taking place was Pakistan’s failure to withdraw its troops from the province as per the terms of the UN resolutions. This suggests that both countries acknowledge the UN-mandated plebiscite, which represents the application of international law and democracy to resolve the conflict. Also significant are the Karachi and Simla agreements. The Karachi Agreement of 1949 brought about the demarcation of a ceasefire line in Jammu and Kashmir. The Simla Agreement of 1972 introduced the Line of Control, which remains the de-facto border in Jammu and Kashmir. It also declared that India and Pakistan would peacefully resolve their differences through negotiations or other means. These agreements again show efforts to use international law to sort out the Kashmir conflict. Human rights are an emergent norm in international society. Pakistan has repeatedly drawn attention to human rights violations in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir. The rape and murder of a Muslim child in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir also triggered widespread protests in mainland India in 2018 after provincial ministers defended the suspects. This marks a shift in the public narrative on human rights in Jammu and Kashmir within India. It highlights the potential for civil society to pressure both governments into negotiating a resolution of the conflict in a way that respects the rights of local people. On transnational terrorism, the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation’s (SAARC) Convention on Suppression of Terrorism and its additional protocols represent legal efforts to forge regional counter-terrorism cooperation by SAARC’s member states, which include India, Pakistan and Afghanistan. Diplomatic counter-terrorism initiatives by South Asian states have included the India-Pakistan Joint Anti-Terror Mechanism of 2006 and the SAARC Terrorist Offences Monitoring Desk of 1990. Reason for hope In 2016, India and Pakistan attempted to share information and collaboratively investigate a militant attack in the Indian city of Pathankot. Continued diplomatic engagement between the civilian administrations of both countries, even when attacks take place, would help to counter a longstanding pattern of terrorist attacks disrupting attempts to resume the peace process. It would also sideline the forces that benefit from the ongoing conflict. International efforts, including the US, China and Russia, to negotiate with the Afghan Taliban are also evidence of a broad attempt to bring stability to Afghanistan. Willingness on the part of Afghanistan, Pakistan and India to participate in these diplomatic overtures underscores all three states’ efforts to engage with the institutions of diplomacy and great power management in order to stabilise the wider region. Thus, Pakistan, India and Afghanistan have repeatedly turned to the shared rules, norms and institutions of international society to work out their problems. There is sufficient shared ground on which to build mutual understandings on contentious issues. Regional cooperation is in the interest of all three states and would weaken the actors who benefit from conflict. India’s and Pakistan’s admission to, and Afghanistan’s observer status in, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation – an Asian security cooperation organisation led by China and Russia – are cause for hope. The rising clout of China and Russia in the international order may provide the necessary pressure for all three South Asian states to engage more constructively in regional security cooperation in the medium to long term. (Saloni Kapur is PhD Candidate in International Relations, Lancaster University) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Regional cooperation could bring stability to South Asia

Remembering slain journalist Gauri Lankesh, global writers' body PEN International said Saturday the Indian government should protect its writers, journalists and those exercising freedom of expression.

"The climate for free expression has severely deteriorated in India in the last few years," it said at the end of its 84th Congress held here from September 25 to 29.

Every year, PEN International prepares a "Freedom of Expression Report" on the country where the Congress is held. A report on India was released Saturday.

"The report outlines how dissenting voices, be they journalists, writers, academics or students, face intimidation, harassment, prosecution, online abuse and physical violence," said a release issued by the organisation.

"PEN International calls on the Indian authorities to protect its writers, journalists and all others exercising their right to free expression and to bring its legislation in line with its obligations under the international law," it added.

The release quoted PEN International president and American-Mexican writer Jennifer Clement as saying that the organisation "honours (journalist) Gauri Lankesh, who was shot to death outside her home a year ago".

"Even though we welcome the progress that has been made in the investigation, we are still waiting for justice," Clement said.

"Unless the cycle of impunity is broken, those who want to use violence to silence will be emboldened," she added.

Lankesh was shot dead outside her house in Bengaluru on September 5, 2017. The Karnataka police has arrested some members of a right-wing group for allegedly conspiring to kill her.

The release also quoted journalist Salil Tripathi, the Chair of PEN International's Writers in Prison Committee, as saying that laws stifling speech, "an environment hostile to dissenting views" and "emboldened critics online and in the real world" had cast a chill over free expression in India.

"Journalists and writers have been sued, intimidated, threatened and sometimes murdered. There is little political will to amend the laws that prevent free expression or to enforce laws that protect the writer," Tripathi said.

Scholar-writer Ganesh Devy, the director of the Congress, said this was the first such gathering in India since PEN was established 98 years ago and was attended by writers from 87 countries.

"The Congress has also presented a project of translating 100 Indian books into the languages of the world and vice versa," he added.&nbsp;

Remembering slain journalist Gauri Lankesh, global writers' body PEN International said Saturday the Indian government should protect its writers, journalists and those exercising freedom of expression.

Remembering slain journalist Gauri Lankesh, global writers' body PEN International said Saturday the Indian government should protect its writers, journalists and those exercising freedom of expression. "The climate for free expression has severely deteriorated in India in the last few years," it said at the end of its 84th Congress held here from September 25 to 29. Every year, PEN International prepares a "Freedom of Expression Report" on the country where the Congress is held. A report on India was released Saturday. "The report outlines how dissenting voices, be they journalists, writers, academics or students, face intimidation, harassment, prosecution, online abuse and physical violence," said a release issued by the organisation. "PEN International calls on the Indian authorities to protect its writers, journalists and all others exercising their right to free expression and to bring its legislation in line with its obligations under the international law," it added. The release quoted PEN International president and American-Mexican writer Jennifer Clement as saying that the organisation "honours (journalist) Gauri Lankesh, who was shot to death outside her home a year ago". "Even though we welcome the progress that has been made in the investigation, we are still waiting for justice," Clement said. "Unless the cycle of impunity is broken, those who want to use violence to silence will be emboldened," she added. Lankesh was shot dead outside her house in Bengaluru on September 5, 2017. The Karnataka police has arrested some members of a right-wing group for allegedly conspiring to kill her. The release also quoted journalist Salil Tripathi, the Chair of PEN International's Writers in Prison Committee, as saying that laws stifling speech, "an environment hostile to dissenting views" and "emboldened critics online and in the real world" had cast a chill over free expression in India. "Journalists and writers have been sued, intimidated, threatened and sometimes murdered. There is little political will to amend the laws that prevent free expression or to enforce laws that protect the writer," Tripathi said. Scholar-writer Ganesh Devy, the director of the Congress, said this was the first such gathering in India since PEN was established 98 years ago and was attended by writers from 87 countries. "The Congress has also presented a project of translating 100 Indian books into the languages of the world and vice versa," he added.

Dissenting voices under attack in India: PEN International

Former minister of science and technology and senior Congress leader Jaipal Reddy on Thursday said that no one from the current French authorities including President Emmanuel Macron has contradicted former France president Francois Hollande`s claim on the controversial Rafale jets deal.

"For the first time on Wednesday, current French President avoided the question on Rafale and said he was not in charge at the time. In other words, he did not contradict the former French President's words. This consistent non-contradiction from current French authorities is absolutely tantamount to confirmation of facts," Reddy said while addressing a press conference.

Calling on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to break his silence on the issue, Reddy said," You are no longer contradicting the president of the Congress party(Rahul Gandhi). You are no longer contradicting the opposition in India. There is no ploy left in Paris. Don`t confuse Pakistan with Paris. So, Mr Modi owes an explanation to the nation about the statement made by the former president of France on Anil Ambani`s company."

Reddy further said that in the last 70 years, he had never seen a head of state of a foreign major country make a statement that is contradictory to the one made by an Indian Prime Minister.

"Can anybody cite a single example of a former prime minister being contradicted by a former president of any major, responsible Western democracy? France is the only country that has stood beside India consistently. When we went nuclear, France is the only country which did not act in a hostile fashion. From De Gaulle to the present days, France has been a friendly country. So, if a president of France says something, the country has to sit up and take notice of it."

"The non-contraction by the current president of France is equivalent to an international revelation," Reddy further said.

Reddy claimed that "Prime Minister Modi is getting caught or sandwiched between international revelations and internal disclosures."

Earlier, Macron had said that he was not in power when the deal was signed between the two countries.&nbsp;

"It was a government to government discussion. I just want to refer to what Prime Minister Modi very clearly said a few days ago. I was not in charge at that time. I know that we have very clear rules," Macron said while addressing a presser on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday.

"The contract is a part of a broader framework between India and France, which is a military and defence coalition between the two countries. It`s very important to me and it`s a strategic coalition. I just want to refer what Prime Minister Modi said on the situation," Macron had added.

The deal to buy 36 Rafale fighter jets was signed in 2016 between Prime Minister Modi-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government and the French government under then-President Francois Hollande.

The Congress party has been alleging irregularities in the high-profile Defence fighter jets contract, saying that the NDA government was procuring each aircraft at a cost of over Rs 1,670 crore as against Rs 526 crore finalised by the then United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government.

The controversy took a new twist last week after Hollande, with whom Prime Minister Modi had cleared the deal in 2016, claimed that the Indian government had proposed Reliance Defence`s name as the offset partner for Dassault Aviation.&nbsp;

Former minister of science and technology and senior Congress leader Jaipal Reddy on Thursday said that no one from the current French authorities including President Emmanuel Macron has contradicted former France president Francois Hollande`s claim on the controversial Rafale jets deal.

Former minister of science and technology and senior Congress leader Jaipal Reddy on Thursday said that no one from the current French authorities including President Emmanuel Macron has contradicted former France president Francois Hollande`s claim on the controversial Rafale jets deal. "For the first time on Wednesday, current French President avoided the question on Rafale and said he was not in charge at the time. In other words, he did not contradict the former French President's words. This consistent non-contradiction from current French authorities is absolutely tantamount to confirmation of facts," Reddy said while addressing a press conference. Calling on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to break his silence on the issue, Reddy said," You are no longer contradicting the president of the Congress party(Rahul Gandhi). You are no longer contradicting the opposition in India. There is no ploy left in Paris. Don`t confuse Pakistan with Paris. So, Mr Modi owes an explanation to the nation about the statement made by the former president of France on Anil Ambani`s company." Reddy further said that in the last 70 years, he had never seen a head of state of a foreign major country make a statement that is contradictory to the one made by an Indian Prime Minister. "Can anybody cite a single example of a former prime minister being contradicted by a former president of any major, responsible Western democracy? France is the only country that has stood beside India consistently. When we went nuclear, France is the only country which did not act in a hostile fashion. From De Gaulle to the present days, France has been a friendly country. So, if a president of France says something, the country has to sit up and take notice of it." "The non-contraction by the current president of France is equivalent to an international revelation," Reddy further said. Reddy claimed that "Prime Minister Modi is getting caught or sandwiched between international revelations and internal disclosures." Earlier, Macron had said that he was not in power when the deal was signed between the two countries. "It was a government to government discussion. I just want to refer to what Prime Minister Modi very clearly said a few days ago. I was not in charge at that time. I know that we have very clear rules," Macron said while addressing a presser on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday. "The contract is a part of a broader framework between India and France, which is a military and defence coalition between the two countries. It`s very important to me and it`s a strategic coalition. I just want to refer what Prime Minister Modi said on the situation," Macron had added. The deal to buy 36 Rafale fighter jets was signed in 2016 between Prime Minister Modi-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government and the French government under then-President Francois Hollande. The Congress party has been alleging irregularities in the high-profile Defence fighter jets contract, saying that the NDA government was procuring each aircraft at a cost of over Rs 1,670 crore as against Rs 526 crore finalised by the then United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government. The controversy took a new twist last week after Hollande, with whom Prime Minister Modi had cleared the deal in 2016, claimed that the Indian government had proposed Reliance Defence`s name as the offset partner for Dassault Aviation.

Macron didn't counter Hollande's statement on Rafale: Congress

Congress president Rahul Gandhi Thursday hit out at the Modi government for reportedly targeting a Defence Ministry official who allegedly raised "objections" over the price of the Rafale jets.

He took to Twitter to take a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a poem in Hindi alleging that he gave benefits to "crony capitalists" at the cost of state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited in the Rafale deal.

Gandhi also alleged that the officer who raised questions over the deal was penalised, while those who sided with the government were rewarded. 
He tagged a media report that alleged that the Defence Ministry official who raised objections over the price of the Rafale jets "proceeded" on a month's leave and the 36-Rafale deal was approved by the Defence Acquisition Council thereafter.

Citing the same media report, Congress' chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala, in a Tweet, claimed that the Modi government "sent on leave the 'whistleblower'", who questioned the loss to the state exchequer "by paying 300% extra for 36 Rafale".

He also alleged that a senior officer, who overruled the official who raised questions over the Rafale jets pricing, was made a member of UPSC (Union Public Service Commission).&nbsp;

"Perks of pleasing Modi Govt cover corruption tracks," he claimed.

The Congress has been stepping up its attack on the government with the Rafale deal controversy taking a new turn last week after Francois Hollande, who was French president when the Rs 58,000 crore deal was announced, was quoted as saying by French publication Mediapart that France was given "no choice" in selection of the Indian partner for Dassault and the Indian government proposed the name of Reliance Defence as offset partner for the French aerospace giant.

Modi had announced the procurement of 36 Rafale fighters after holding talks with Hollande on April 10, 2015, in Paris.&nbsp;

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
मोदी-अंबानी का देखो खेल 
HAL से छीन लिया राफेल 
धन्नासेठों की कैसी भक्ति 
घटा दिया सेना की शक्ति 
जिस अफसर ने चोरी से रोका 
ठगों के सरदार ने उसको ठोका 
पिट्ठुओं को मिली शाबाशी 
सेठों ने उड़ती चिड़िया फाँसी 
 
जन-जन में फैल रही है सनसनी 
मिलकर रोकेंगे लुटेरों की कंपनी <a href="https://t.co/XJPbpVoAj3">https://t.co/XJPbpVoAj3</a>
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1045228268444667904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Congress president Rahul Gandhi Thursday hit out at the Modi government for reportedly targeting a Defence Ministry official who allegedly raised "objections" over the price of the Rafale jets.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi Thursday hit out at the Modi government for reportedly targeting a Defence Ministry official who allegedly raised "objections" over the price of the Rafale jets. He took to Twitter to take a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a poem in Hindi alleging that he gave benefits to "crony capitalists" at the cost of state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited in the Rafale deal. Gandhi also alleged that the officer who raised questions over the deal was penalised, while those who sided with the government were rewarded. He tagged a media report that alleged that the Defence Ministry official who raised objections over the price of the Rafale jets "proceeded" on a month's leave and the 36-Rafale deal was approved by the Defence Acquisition Council thereafter. Citing the same media report, Congress' chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala, in a Tweet, claimed that the Modi government "sent on leave the 'whistleblower'", who questioned the loss to the state exchequer "by paying 300% extra for 36 Rafale". He also alleged that a senior officer, who overruled the official who raised questions over the Rafale jets pricing, was made a member of UPSC (Union Public Service Commission). "Perks of pleasing Modi Govt cover corruption tracks," he claimed. The Congress has been stepping up its attack on the government with the Rafale deal controversy taking a new turn last week after Francois Hollande, who was French president when the Rs 58,000 crore deal was announced, was quoted as saying by French publication Mediapart that France was given "no choice" in selection of the Indian partner for Dassault and the Indian government proposed the name of Reliance Defence as offset partner for the French aerospace giant. Modi had announced the procurement of 36 Rafale fighters after holding talks with Hollande on April 10, 2015, in Paris. मोदी-अंबानी का देखो खेल HAL से छीन लिया राफेल धन्नासेठों की कैसी भक्ति घटा दिया सेना की शक्ति जिस अफसर ने चोरी से रोका ठगों के सरदार ने उसको ठोका पिट्ठुओं को मिली शाबाशी सेठों ने उड़ती चिड़िया फाँसी जन-जन में फैल रही है सनसनी मिलकर रोकेंगे लुटेरों की कंपनी https://t.co/XJPbpVoAj3 — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) September 27, 2018 ×

Rahul says Modi targeted official who raised objections on Rafale deal

Senior Congress leader Jaipal Reddy Thursday alleged French President Emmanuel Macron did not contradict Francois Hollande's claim on Rafale deal which was tantamount to the confirmation of his predecessor's claim, reported news agency PTI.

Modi is getting caught or sandwiched between international revelations and internal disclosures, he said.

Noting that the "Rafale scam has begin to stink and the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government has begin to sink", Reddy said India has had a very good relationship with France and "when a former French president says something, this country needs to sit up and take notice".

Reddy&nbsp;alleged Anil Ambani's company was taken as an offset partner because of the pressure from Government of India and it was so intense that the French authorities were left with no choice, the report further said.

"It is for the first time that the present French president Macron while answering a specific question avoided the question. He simply said I was not in charge at that time. In other words, he did not contradict the version of former French president Hollande," he claimed.

"The point we would like to highlight is this consistent non-contradiction by the current French authorities which is absolutely tantamount to confirmation on the facts mentioned by the former president," he added.

"The non-contraction by the current president of France is equivalent to an international revelation," Reddy was quoted as saying.

Reddy said Modi owed an explanation to the nation about the statement made by the former president of France on Ambani's company.

Senior Congress leader Jaipal Reddy Thursday alleged French President Emmanuel Macron did not contradict Francois Hollande's claim on Rafale deal which was tantamount to the confirmation of his predecessor's claim, reported news agency PTI.

Senior Congress leader Jaipal Reddy Thursday alleged French President Emmanuel Macron did not contradict Francois Hollande's claim on Rafale deal which was tantamount to the confirmation of his predecessor's claim, reported news agency PTI. Modi is getting caught or sandwiched between international revelations and internal disclosures, he said. Noting that the "Rafale scam has begin to stink and the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government has begin to sink", Reddy said India has had a very good relationship with France and "when a former French president says something, this country needs to sit up and take notice". Reddy alleged Anil Ambani's company was taken as an offset partner because of the pressure from Government of India and it was so intense that the French authorities were left with no choice, the report further said. "It is for the first time that the present French president Macron while answering a specific question avoided the question. He simply said I was not in charge at that time. In other words, he did not contradict the version of former French president Hollande," he claimed. "The point we would like to highlight is this consistent non-contradiction by the current French authorities which is absolutely tantamount to confirmation on the facts mentioned by the former president," he added. "The non-contraction by the current president of France is equivalent to an international revelation," Reddy was quoted as saying. Reddy said Modi owed an explanation to the nation about the statement made by the former president of France on Ambani's company.

Macron did not contradict Hollande's claim on Rafale: Jaipal Reddy

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