A Pakistani lawmaker from Prime Minister Imran Khan's party has met top Indian leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as Islamabad started backdoor contacts with New Delhi to defuse tensions between the two sides in the wake of the Pulwama terror attack, a media report said Sunday.

"The government has begun backdoor contacts with India and the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Ramesh Kumar Vankwani, who was in India last week, has met Prime Minister Modi and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj," the Express Tribune reported.

"I have communicated a positive note to the Indian leaders and I hope there will now be a change in their behaviour," Vankwani said on Saturday while talking to the paper over telephone.

He also met Minster of State for External Affairs General VK Singh, who has also served as the chief of the Indian Army.

The Sindh-based PTI leader, who is a lawmaker on minority seat, is in India as part of a 220-member delegation from 185 countries who attended the Kumbh Mela on an invite of the Indian government.

His visit comes amid heightened tensions between the two countries in the wake of February 14 suicide attack by Jaish-e-Mohammad that killed at least 40 CRPF soldiers in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district.

Days after the Pulwama attack, Prime Minister Modi said security forces have been given free hand to avenge the dastardly act.

Vankwani said he met Modi during an event and the Indian Prime Minister met him warmly, the paper reported.

He said he told Modi that he had come with a positive message and wanted to return with a positive message. He said later on Modi's directive, Swaraj also held a 25-minute-long meeting with him, the paper said.

"I told the Indian foreign minister that in Pakistan its captain's (Imran Khan) government now; he is a Pathan and he does what he says. We assure you that no Pakistani institution is involved in Pulwama attack. If India provides evidence, we will facilitate the investigation," the paper quoted Vankwani as saying.

According to the PTI leader, he told Swaraj that the two countries need to take lessons from past and not to hold on to it.

"Enmity can be brought to an end by befriending the enemy," he said, adding that he himself has returned after Ganga Ashnan (ablution) and never tells lies.

"I told them that we need to get out of politics of accusations," he was quoted as saying by the paper.

According to Vankwani, after the meeting he "felts that the atmosphere was beginning to thaw."

"Indian PM during his Rajasthan rally has hinted at holding dialogue with Pakistan," he added.&nbsp;

A Pakistani lawmaker from Prime Minister Imran Khan's party has met top Indian leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as Islamabad started backdoor contacts with New Delhi to defuse tensions between the two sides in the wake of the Pulwama terror attack, a media report said Sunday.

A Pakistani lawmaker from Prime Minister Imran Khan's party has met top Indian leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as Islamabad started backdoor contacts with New Delhi to defuse tensions between the two sides in the wake of the Pulwama terror attack, a media report said Sunday. "The government has begun backdoor contacts with India and the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Ramesh Kumar Vankwani, who was in India last week, has met Prime Minister Modi and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj," the Express Tribune reported. "I have communicated a positive note to the Indian leaders and I hope there will now be a change in their behaviour," Vankwani said on Saturday while talking to the paper over telephone. He also met Minster of State for External Affairs General VK Singh, who has also served as the chief of the Indian Army. The Sindh-based PTI leader, who is a lawmaker on minority seat, is in India as part of a 220-member delegation from 185 countries who attended the Kumbh Mela on an invite of the Indian government. His visit comes amid heightened tensions between the two countries in the wake of February 14 suicide attack by Jaish-e-Mohammad that killed at least 40 CRPF soldiers in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district. Days after the Pulwama attack, Prime Minister Modi said security forces have been given free hand to avenge the dastardly act. Vankwani said he met Modi during an event and the Indian Prime Minister met him warmly, the paper reported. He said he told Modi that he had come with a positive message and wanted to return with a positive message. He said later on Modi's directive, Swaraj also held a 25-minute-long meeting with him, the paper said. "I told the Indian foreign minister that in Pakistan its captain's (Imran Khan) government now; he is a Pathan and he does what he says. We assure you that no Pakistani institution is involved in Pulwama attack. If India provides evidence, we will facilitate the investigation," the paper quoted Vankwani as saying. According to the PTI leader, he told Swaraj that the two countries need to take lessons from past and not to hold on to it. "Enmity can be brought to an end by befriending the enemy," he said, adding that he himself has returned after Ganga Ashnan (ablution) and never tells lies. "I told them that we need to get out of politics of accusations," he was quoted as saying by the paper. According to Vankwani, after the meeting he "felts that the atmosphere was beginning to thaw." "Indian PM during his Rajasthan rally has hinted at holding dialogue with Pakistan," he added.

Pak lawmaker says 'atmosphere beginning to thaw' after meetings with Indian leaders

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-takes-u-turn-says-bahawalpur-seminary-not-linked-to-jem-199229">Pakistan has</a> set up a "Crisis Management Cell" in the wake of heightened Indo-Pak tensions following one of the worst terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad terror group that killed 40 CRPF soldiers, according to a media report.

The cell will keep all stakeholders updated over the border situation and diplomatic contacts, Foreign Office spokesperson Muhammad Faisal was quoted as saying by The Express Tribune on Saturday.

The cell, set up in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will remain operational throughout the week without any break, Faisal said.

Days after the Pulwama attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said security forces have been given free hand to avenge the dastardly act.&nbsp;

Pakistan has set up a "Crisis Management Cell" in the wake of heightened Indo-Pak tensions following one of the worst terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad terror group that killed 40 CRPF soldiers, according to a media report.

Pakistan has set up a "Crisis Management Cell" in the wake of heightened Indo-Pak tensions following one of the worst terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad terror group that killed 40 CRPF soldiers, according to a media report. The cell will keep all stakeholders updated over the border situation and diplomatic contacts, Foreign Office spokesperson Muhammad Faisal was quoted as saying by The Express Tribune on Saturday. The cell, set up in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will remain operational throughout the week without any break, Faisal said. Days after the Pulwama attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said security forces have been given free hand to avenge the dastardly act.

Pakistan sets up Crisis Management Cell amid simmering Indo-Pak tension

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday attacked Pakistan and said ''a nation on verge of bankruptcy has now become second name for terror''.&nbsp;

Modi was addressing a public rally in Yavatmal, Maharashtra.

Prime minister's attack comes amid growing anger across the country over the terrorist attack on the CRPF convoy by a Jaish-e-Mohammed suicide bomber, Adil Ahmad Dar.

More than 40 CRPF soldiers were killed in the attack.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Yavatmal, Maharashtra: I know that we are all in immense pain after what happend in Pulwama, I understand your anger. Two sons from Maharashtra lost their lives in the attack, their sacrifice won’t go in vain. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PulwamaAttack?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PulwamaAttack</a> <a href="https://t.co/y9iyREgr9W">pic.twitter.com/y9iyREgr9W</a>
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''The sacrifice of Pulwama martyrs will not go in vain and the security forces have been given a free hand to punish perpetrators of the attack,'' he said.&nbsp;

''I know that we are all in immense pain after what happened in Pulwama, I understand your anger. Two sons from Maharashtra lost their lives in the attack and their sacrifice won’t go in vain,'' he added.

PM also said that security forces have been given full freedom to punish the perpetrators. &nbsp;&nbsp;

''Terror organisations who have committed this crime, no matter how much they try to hide, they will be punished,'' he added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday attacked Pakistan and said ''a nation on verge of bankruptcy has now become second name for terror''. Modi was addressing a public rally in Yavatmal, Maharashtra.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday attacked Pakistan and said ''a nation on verge of bankruptcy has now become second name for terror''. Modi was addressing a public rally in Yavatmal, Maharashtra. Prime minister's attack comes amid growing anger across the country over the terrorist attack on the CRPF convoy by a Jaish-e-Mohammed suicide bomber, Adil Ahmad Dar. More than 40 CRPF soldiers were killed in the attack. Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Yavatmal, Maharashtra: I know that we are all in immense pain after what happend in Pulwama, I understand your anger. Two sons from Maharashtra lost their lives in the attack, their sacrifice won’t go in vain. #PulwamaAttack pic.twitter.com/y9iyREgr9W — ANI (@ANI) February 16, 2019 × ''The sacrifice of Pulwama martyrs will not go in vain and the security forces have been given a free hand to punish perpetrators of the attack,'' he said. ''I know that we are all in immense pain after what happened in Pulwama, I understand your anger. Two sons from Maharashtra lost their lives in the attack and their sacrifice won’t go in vain,'' he added. PM also said that security forces have been given full freedom to punish the perpetrators. ''Terror organisations who have committed this crime, no matter how much they try to hide, they will be punished,'' he added.

Nation on verge of bankruptcy has become second name for terror: Modi attacks Pakistan

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is scheduled to address a rally in Rudrapur, is held up at the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun as his chopper could not take off due to inclement weather on Thursday, a senior police officer said.

The prime minister landed at the airport here around 7.15 am and has been waiting since, Additional Director General of Police Ashok Kumar said.

He is to fly in a chopper to Rudrapur, but inclement weather delayed the travel.

It has been raining here since early morning.

The prime minister will address a public meeting and launch several development projects, including the State Integrated Co-operative Development Project, in Rudrapur.&nbsp;

The Integrated Co-operative Development Project aims to drastically improve the rural economy in Uttarakhand by giving a boost to co-operative, farm and allied sectors and check forced migration from the hills.&nbsp;

He will also distribute loan cheques among select beneficiaries of Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Farmers Welfare Scheme of the state government. 
The prime minister is also scheduled to visit the Corbett Tiger Reserve in Ramnagar.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is scheduled to address a rally in Rudrapur, is held up at the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun as his chopper could not take off due to inclement weather on Thursday, a senior police officer said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is scheduled to address a rally in Rudrapur, is held up at the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun as his chopper could not take off due to inclement weather on Thursday, a senior police officer said. The prime minister landed at the airport here around 7.15 am and has been waiting since, Additional Director General of Police Ashok Kumar said. He is to fly in a chopper to Rudrapur, but inclement weather delayed the travel. It has been raining here since early morning. The prime minister will address a public meeting and launch several development projects, including the State Integrated Co-operative Development Project, in Rudrapur. The Integrated Co-operative Development Project aims to drastically improve the rural economy in Uttarakhand by giving a boost to co-operative, farm and allied sectors and check forced migration from the hills. He will also distribute loan cheques among select beneficiaries of Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Farmers Welfare Scheme of the state government. The prime minister is also scheduled to visit the Corbett Tiger Reserve in Ramnagar.

Modi held up at Dehradun airport due to bad weather

As the 2019 general election is approaching, the issue of women is likely to assume significance.&nbsp;

It has been observed that during the last few years, the participation of women in electoral voting has increased considerably. In 16 out of 29 states of India, more women voted than men in 2014 elections. &nbsp;

Women turnout during India's 2014 parliamentary general elections was 65.63 per cent, compared to 67.09 per cent turnout for men. Though the rise in female voter registration has been modest, turnout among female electors has surged. This trend has made every political party sensitive to the demands of women.

It is ironical that Indian politics has been represented by strong women personality over the last 60 years such as Indira Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, Jayalalitha, Mayawati, Mamata &nbsp;Banerjee, Sushma Swaraj, Sheila Dikshit, Rabri Devi, Agatha Sangma etc. However, this has not translated into significant development of women in society.&nbsp;

Contrary to the democratic expectations, violence against women has increased in Indian society. Cases of crime against women have increased by over 40 per cent from 2012 to 2016, according to the National Crime Records Bureau. A woman was raped every 13 minutes, a bride was murdered for dowry every 69 minutes, and six women were gang-raped every day in India in 2016.

Participation of women in opportunity structure is significantly low, particularly in the political structure. Indian women have the lowest representation in Parliament, they make up a mere 11.6 per cent of the 542-member Lok Sabha and 11 per cent of the 245-member Rajya Sabha. In 2014, just 8.1 per cent of candidates for the Lok Sabha were women.&nbsp;

Among its South Asian neighbours, India ranks fifth in women’s political representation in Parliament falling behind Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Nepal. It's sad that India which aspires to become a regional and global power has poor records of women underrepresentation in state and national decision-making bodies.

At the same time, the current government is credited to make women for the first time as defence minister of the country. PM Modi's Council of Ministers consists of 9 female ministers, of whom 6 hold the rank of Cabinet minister, the highest number of female Cabinet ministers in any Indian government in history.

Also, the government is known for its numerous women-centred policies like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Ujjawala scheme etc. It's yet to be seen whether women electorate will continue to support PM Modi now as he remains a popular figure among Indian women.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

&nbsp;

As the 2019 general election is approaching, the issue of women is likely to assume significance. It has been observed that during the last few years, the participation of women in electoral voting has increased considerably.

As the 2019 general election is approaching, the issue of women is likely to assume significance. It has been observed that during the last few years, the participation of women in electoral voting has increased considerably. In 16 out of 29 states of India, more women voted than men in 2014 elections. Women turnout during India's 2014 parliamentary general elections was 65.63 per cent, compared to 67.09 per cent turnout for men. Though the rise in female voter registration has been modest, turnout among female electors has surged. This trend has made every political party sensitive to the demands of women. It is ironical that Indian politics has been represented by strong women personality over the last 60 years such as Indira Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, Jayalalitha, Mayawati, Mamata Banerjee, Sushma Swaraj, Sheila Dikshit, Rabri Devi, Agatha Sangma etc. However, this has not translated into significant development of women in society. Contrary to the democratic expectations, violence against women has increased in Indian society. Cases of crime against women have increased by over 40 per cent from 2012 to 2016, according to the National Crime Records Bureau. A woman was raped every 13 minutes, a bride was murdered for dowry every 69 minutes, and six women were gang-raped every day in India in 2016. Participation of women in opportunity structure is significantly low, particularly in the political structure. Indian women have the lowest representation in Parliament, they make up a mere 11.6 per cent of the 542-member Lok Sabha and 11 per cent of the 245-member Rajya Sabha. In 2014, just 8.1 per cent of candidates for the Lok Sabha were women. Among its South Asian neighbours, India ranks fifth in women’s political representation in Parliament falling behind Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Nepal. It's sad that India which aspires to become a regional and global power has poor records of women underrepresentation in state and national decision-making bodies. At the same time, the current government is credited to make women for the first time as defence minister of the country. PM Modi's Council of Ministers consists of 9 female ministers, of whom 6 hold the rank of Cabinet minister, the highest number of female Cabinet ministers in any Indian government in history. Also, the government is known for its numerous women-centred policies like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Ujjawala scheme etc. It's yet to be seen whether women electorate will continue to support PM Modi now as he remains a popular figure among Indian women. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Women electorate to play an important role in Lok Sabha elections 2019

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is expected to announce investments in energy and infrastructure during a visit to India and Pakistan in coming days as part of his efforts to wean the Saudi economy off oil exports.

He is also expected to visit China, Malaysia and Indonesia during a tour that will be his first through the region since the storm over the murder of Jamal Khashoggi, a Washington Post columnist, at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in October.

Prince Mohammed is expected to sign agreements, mostly linked to a refinery and the power sector, during the trip to Pakistan this weekend, Pakistani officials said.

The memorandums of understanding will include renewable energy projects and investments in petrochemicals and mineral resources, Saudi state news agency SPA said.

The prince is expected in New Delhi next week, along with leading Saudi businessmen, at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India's foreign ministry said on Tuesday.

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan was among a handful of leaders who attended an investment conference in Saudi Arabia in October, an event boycotted by many companies and world leaders in protest over Khashoggi's killing.

Modi met the prince in November, when they were both in Argentina for a Group of 20 summit. Saudi Arabia is India's top supplier of crude oil but the two countries have expanded ties beyond energy, and their governments have agreed to build a strategic partnership, the foreign ministry said.

In a statement, it cited cooperation in areas including energy security, trade and investment, infrastructure, defence and security.

India is expecting Prince Mohammed to announce an initial investment in its National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF), a quasi-sovereign wealth fund, to help accelerate the building of ports and highways, an Indian official said.

Saudi state media said Saudi officials will discuss investment in NIIF.

Saudi Arabia has also flagged a desire to invest in India's farm sector, with products to be exported to Saudi, another official at the trade ministry said.

Refinery hitch

However, progress on a $44 billion refinery that Indian state-run oil companies agreed to build with Saudi Aramco on India's west coast has been held up by strong opposition from mango farmers who will lose their land.

Since taking office in 2014, Modi has sought to use India's fast-growing economy to attract more investment from Saudi Arabia and other Islamic nations.

As a fellow Muslim country, Pakistan has long maintained strong ties with Saudi Arabia. In late October, Riyadh offered Pakistan a $6 billion loan to help keep its ailing economy afloat.

Saudi Arabia has also announced plans for a $10 billion refinery and petrochemical complex at the coastal city of Gwadar, where China is building a port as part of its vast Belt and Road initiative.

"They’re looking at the energy sector, at some of our privatisation plans that they might bid for through our privatisation process," Pakistani investment minister Haroon Sharif told.

Sharif, who chairs Pakistan's Board of Investment, said there was also Saudi interest in Pakistan's mining sector.

"Saudi Arabia has huge resources. Their investment fund is over $1 trillion, so we want just a fraction of that," said a second Pakistani minister, who did not wish to be named.

Saudi state news said Saudi officials will discuss investments with China, South Korea and Indonesia, in sectors including healthcare and telecommunications, without giving further details.

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is expected to announce investments in energy and infrastructure during a visit to India and Pakistan in coming days as part of his efforts to wean the Saudi economy off oil exports.

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is expected to announce investments in energy and infrastructure during a visit to India and Pakistan in coming days as part of his efforts to wean the Saudi economy off oil exports. He is also expected to visit China, Malaysia and Indonesia during a tour that will be his first through the region since the storm over the murder of Jamal Khashoggi, a Washington Post columnist, at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in October. Prince Mohammed is expected to sign agreements, mostly linked to a refinery and the power sector, during the trip to Pakistan this weekend, Pakistani officials said. The memorandums of understanding will include renewable energy projects and investments in petrochemicals and mineral resources, Saudi state news agency SPA said. The prince is expected in New Delhi next week, along with leading Saudi businessmen, at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India's foreign ministry said on Tuesday. Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan was among a handful of leaders who attended an investment conference in Saudi Arabia in October, an event boycotted by many companies and world leaders in protest over Khashoggi's killing. Modi met the prince in November, when they were both in Argentina for a Group of 20 summit. Saudi Arabia is India's top supplier of crude oil but the two countries have expanded ties beyond energy, and their governments have agreed to build a strategic partnership, the foreign ministry said. In a statement, it cited cooperation in areas including energy security, trade and investment, infrastructure, defence and security. India is expecting Prince Mohammed to announce an initial investment in its National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF), a quasi-sovereign wealth fund, to help accelerate the building of ports and highways, an Indian official said. Saudi state media said Saudi officials will discuss investment in NIIF. Saudi Arabia has also flagged a desire to invest in India's farm sector, with products to be exported to Saudi, another official at the trade ministry said. Refinery hitch However, progress on a $44 billion refinery that Indian state-run oil companies agreed to build with Saudi Aramco on India's west coast has been held up by strong opposition from mango farmers who will lose their land. Since taking office in 2014, Modi has sought to use India's fast-growing economy to attract more investment from Saudi Arabia and other Islamic nations. As a fellow Muslim country, Pakistan has long maintained strong ties with Saudi Arabia. In late October, Riyadh offered Pakistan a $6 billion loan to help keep its ailing economy afloat. Saudi Arabia has also announced plans for a $10 billion refinery and petrochemical complex at the coastal city of Gwadar, where China is building a port as part of its vast Belt and Road initiative. "They’re looking at the energy sector, at some of our privatisation plans that they might bid for through our privatisation process," Pakistani investment minister Haroon Sharif told. Sharif, who chairs Pakistan's Board of Investment, said there was also Saudi interest in Pakistan's mining sector. "Saudi Arabia has huge resources. Their investment fund is over $1 trillion, so we want just a fraction of that," said a second Pakistani minister, who did not wish to be named. Saudi state news said Saudi officials will discuss investments with China, South Korea and Indonesia, in sectors including healthcare and telecommunications, without giving further details.

Pakistan, India hope to reap investment from Saudi prince's visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday inaugurated several projects and laid foundation stone of many vital schemes worth over Rs 4,000 crore for Arunachal Pradesh at a function in Itanagar.

Modi laid the foundation stone for construction of greenfield Airport at Hollongi and inaugurated a retrofitted airport at Tezu in Lohit district through a remote.

He inaugurated the new Doordarshan channel for Arunachal Pradesh, DD Arun Prabha.

The prime minister also dedicated to the nation the 110 MW Pare Hydroelectric Plant and laid the foundation stone for a permanent campus of Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) at Jote.

The prime minister inaugurated 50 health and wellness centers in the state also through remote at the function at IG Park here.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday inaugurated several projects and laid foundation stone of many vital schemes worth over Rs 4,000 crore for Arunachal Pradesh at a function in Itanagar.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday inaugurated several projects and laid foundation stone of many vital schemes worth over Rs 4,000 crore for Arunachal Pradesh at a function in Itanagar. Modi laid the foundation stone for construction of greenfield Airport at Hollongi and inaugurated a retrofitted airport at Tezu in Lohit district through a remote. He inaugurated the new Doordarshan channel for Arunachal Pradesh, DD Arun Prabha. The prime minister also dedicated to the nation the 110 MW Pare Hydroelectric Plant and laid the foundation stone for a permanent campus of Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) at Jote. The prime minister inaugurated 50 health and wellness centers in the state also through remote at the function at IG Park here.

PM inaugurates and lays foundation of projects worth Rs 4000 crore in Arunachal Pradesh

BJP is committed to implementing Assam Accord and setting up of a &nbsp;committee for implementation of its Clause 6 is a step in that direction, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi.&nbsp;

Modi was addressing a public rally in Changsari, Assam.&nbsp;

Allaying people's fear on the&nbsp;Citizenship bill, Modi said it would not harm Assam and northeast, and added,&nbsp;only after necessary investigation and recommendation of the state government can the decision of giving someone citizenship be taken.&nbsp;

''My government is fully committed to the interests of Assam,'' he added.&nbsp;

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PM in Assam: Bharat Ratna used to be reserved for some ppl the moment they were born, it used to take decades to honour ppl who spent their lives to bring honour to nation. I feel proud that during BJP govt we got chance to give Bharat Ratna to Gopinath Bordoloi &amp; Bhupen Hazarika <a href="https://t.co/BJFCOrD7c5">pic.twitter.com/BJFCOrD7c5</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1094151608252882949?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2019</a></blockquote>
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''To rid Assam and the country of infiltrators we've always strengthened the voice of people. That is why we did chitmahal agreement and are working towards completely sealing India-Bangladesh border. We implemented NRC under the supervision of the Supreme Court that earlier governments were hesitating to do,'' Modi said.

Assam to become oil and gas hub of the country with projects worth Rs 14,000 crore completed in the last four years, he added.&nbsp;

BJP is committed to implementing Assam Accord and setting up of a committee for implementation of its Clause 6 is a step in that direction, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

BJP is committed to implementing Assam Accord and setting up of a committee for implementation of its Clause 6 is a step in that direction, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Modi was addressing a public rally in Changsari, Assam. Allaying people's fear on the Citizenship bill, Modi said it would not harm Assam and northeast, and added, only after necessary investigation and recommendation of the state government can the decision of giving someone citizenship be taken. ''My government is fully committed to the interests of Assam,'' he added. PM in Assam: Bharat Ratna used to be reserved for some ppl the moment they were born, it used to take decades to honour ppl who spent their lives to bring honour to nation. I feel proud that during BJP govt we got chance to give Bharat Ratna to Gopinath Bordoloi & Bhupen Hazarika pic.twitter.com/BJFCOrD7c5 — ANI (@ANI) February 9, 2019 × ''To rid Assam and the country of infiltrators we've always strengthened the voice of people. That is why we did chitmahal agreement and are working towards completely sealing India-Bangladesh border. We implemented NRC under the supervision of the Supreme Court that earlier governments were hesitating to do,'' Modi said. Assam to become oil and gas hub of the country with projects worth Rs 14,000 crore completed in the last four years, he added.

BJP is committed to implementing Assam Accord: PM Modi

Taking potshots at the attempts to cobble up a mahagathbandhan (grand alliance) against the BJP, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday asked people to guard against this 'mahamilavat' (highly adulterated) dispensation.

In his maiden public rally after BJP lost power in the state last year, Modi said top Congress leaders were embroiled in legal tangles. 
"Most members of the (Gandhi) family are either out on bail or have obtained anticipatory bail," the Prime Minister said, during the rally at Kodatarai in Raigarh district.

Congress has betrayed and cheated Chhattisgarh farmers over the loan waiver in the state, he said. For electoral gains, Congress comes up with the promise of loan waiver in every ten years, he added.

Loans of only those farmers who availed them from cooperative and rural banks were waived, he said.

"What about loans of those who had borrowed from nationalised banks? Are they not entitled to the loan waiver," he said.

"Why did the Congress not inform people about the criteria for the loan waiver? This is cheating," he said. "What about farmers who borrowed from 'sahukar' (private moneylender) and relatives. Who will waive their loans? In the name of the loan waiver, Congress has benefited 'bichauliye' (middlemen)," he said.

Modi said the Congress government has decided to obstruct the CBI in the state. "If someone has not done anything (wrong), will he be afraid of an investigation," he asked.

"Can any agency enquire without any reason?" he said. "People have no problem in this (CBI probe) but the Congress has," Modi said.

By opting out of the Ayushman Bharat scheme, the Congress government in Chhattisgarh has deprived poor of healthcare, Modi said.

"I have come amidst you to get a new mandate for a new India," Modi said. 
India's poverty has started to decline due to efforts of the BJP-led government, Modi said.&nbsp;

Taking potshots at the attempts to cobble up a mahagathbandhan (grand alliance) against the BJP, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday asked people to guard against this 'mahamilavat' (highly adulterated) dispensation.

Taking potshots at the attempts to cobble up a mahagathbandhan (grand alliance) against the BJP, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday asked people to guard against this 'mahamilavat' (highly adulterated) dispensation. In his maiden public rally after BJP lost power in the state last year, Modi said top Congress leaders were embroiled in legal tangles. "Most members of the (Gandhi) family are either out on bail or have obtained anticipatory bail," the Prime Minister said, during the rally at Kodatarai in Raigarh district. Congress has betrayed and cheated Chhattisgarh farmers over the loan waiver in the state, he said. For electoral gains, Congress comes up with the promise of loan waiver in every ten years, he added. Loans of only those farmers who availed them from cooperative and rural banks were waived, he said. "What about loans of those who had borrowed from nationalised banks? Are they not entitled to the loan waiver," he said. "Why did the Congress not inform people about the criteria for the loan waiver? This is cheating," he said. "What about farmers who borrowed from 'sahukar' (private moneylender) and relatives. Who will waive their loans? In the name of the loan waiver, Congress has benefited 'bichauliye' (middlemen)," he said. Modi said the Congress government has decided to obstruct the CBI in the state. "If someone has not done anything (wrong), will he be afraid of an investigation," he asked. "Can any agency enquire without any reason?" he said. "People have no problem in this (CBI probe) but the Congress has," Modi said. By opting out of the Ayushman Bharat scheme, the Congress government in Chhattisgarh has deprived poor of healthcare, Modi said. "I have come amidst you to get a new mandate for a new India," Modi said. India's poverty has started to decline due to efforts of the BJP-led government, Modi said.

People should be wary of 'adulteration': Modi on opposition alliance

Foreign Affairs Minister of Bangladesh Dr AK Abdul Momen who is on a four-day visit to India called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday.

During the meet, Prime Minister Modi congratulated Momen on his appointment as the foreign minister, and "appreciated his gesture of selecting India as the destination for his first foreign visit."

According to a release, Prime Minister 'reaffirmed India’s commitment' to work with Bangladesh to 'build on this momentum' during the new term in office of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

He also lauded India-Bangladesh relations which he said has been on an "upward trajectory" in the last few years.

Momen briefed the PM on recent developments in the bilateral relationship.

This is the first high-level visit from Bangladesh to India since Sheikh Hasina's landslide victory in December Parliamentary elections.

The Bangladeshi FM will meet External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Friday and take part in the fifth Joint Consultative Committee Meeting. Five MoUs including developing an Indian Economic Zone in Mongla, Bangladesh and training programme for Bangladesh Civil servants are expected to be signed on the occasion.

PM Modi visited Bangladesh in 2015 which was followed by the visit of Bangladesh PM Hasina in 2017. Hasina visited India again in 2018 for the joint inauguration of Bangladesh Bhaban at Santiniketan University along with Modi. During this visit, she was awarded a Doctor of Literature (D.Lit) by Kazi Nazrul University, Asansol.

Foreign Affairs Minister of Bangladesh Dr AK Abdul Momen who is on a four-day visit to India called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday. During the meet, Prime Minister Modi congratulated Momen on his appointment as the foreign minister, and "appreciated his gesture of selecting India as the destination for his first foreign visit.

Foreign Affairs Minister of Bangladesh Dr AK Abdul Momen who is on a four-day visit to India called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday. During the meet, Prime Minister Modi congratulated Momen on his appointment as the foreign minister, and "appreciated his gesture of selecting India as the destination for his first foreign visit." According to a release, Prime Minister 'reaffirmed India’s commitment' to work with Bangladesh to 'build on this momentum' during the new term in office of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. He also lauded India-Bangladesh relations which he said has been on an "upward trajectory" in the last few years. Momen briefed the PM on recent developments in the bilateral relationship. This is the first high-level visit from Bangladesh to India since Sheikh Hasina's landslide victory in December Parliamentary elections. The Bangladeshi FM will meet External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Friday and take part in the fifth Joint Consultative Committee Meeting. Five MoUs including developing an Indian Economic Zone in Mongla, Bangladesh and training programme for Bangladesh Civil servants are expected to be signed on the occasion. PM Modi visited Bangladesh in 2015 which was followed by the visit of Bangladesh PM Hasina in 2017. Hasina visited India again in 2018 for the joint inauguration of Bangladesh Bhaban at Santiniketan University along with Modi. During this visit, she was awarded a Doctor of Literature (D.Lit) by Kazi Nazrul University, Asansol.

Committed to building on the momentum: PM Modi to Bangladeshi foreign minister

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched a scathing attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, accusing her of orchestrating violence against BJP workers

Claiming she had become jittery due to people's love for BJP, Modi accused his political rivals of misleading the distressed farming community through farm loan waivers.

Modi was addressing a public rally in Thakurnagar, West Bengal.

Prime minister also made a strong pitch for the passage of the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill that seeks to accord Indian citizenship to non-Muslim minorities from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh who fled their countries due to religious persecution, according to news agency PTI.

Addressing a well-attended event of the Scheduled Caste Matua community, where his speech was welcomed with loud cheers, Modi said, "Now I can understand why Didi (Banerjee) and her party are indulging in violence...Killing innocent people. She has become jittery because of your love for us."

Calling yesterday's Budget a "historic step" for the welfare of farmers, the working and middle class, he said these sections were neglected for years after Independence.

Modi said that his government took honest steps to improve the condition of farmers and the working class.&nbsp;

"We have announced measures in our budget that will benefit 12 crore, small farmers, 30-40 crore workmen, and three crore middle-class people," he said.

He also said villages were neglected for many, many years after Independence.

There was commotion at the rally ground which prompted him to cut short his speech barely after 14 minutes, according to PTI.

Before the rally, the prime minister visited the Matua Thakurbari and sought the blessings of Baro Ma, the current leader of the community and widow of the founder of Matua Mahasangh Harishchandra Thakur.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched a scathing attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, accusing her of orchestrating violence against BJP workers Claiming she had become jittery due to people's love for BJP, Modi accused his political rivals of misleading the distressed farming community through farm loan waivers.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched a scathing attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, accusing her of orchestrating violence against BJP workers Claiming she had become jittery due to people's love for BJP, Modi accused his political rivals of misleading the distressed farming community through farm loan waivers. Modi was addressing a public rally in Thakurnagar, West Bengal. Prime minister also made a strong pitch for the passage of the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill that seeks to accord Indian citizenship to non-Muslim minorities from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh who fled their countries due to religious persecution, according to news agency PTI. Addressing a well-attended event of the Scheduled Caste Matua community, where his speech was welcomed with loud cheers, Modi said, "Now I can understand why Didi (Banerjee) and her party are indulging in violence...Killing innocent people. She has become jittery because of your love for us." Calling yesterday's Budget a "historic step" for the welfare of farmers, the working and middle class, he said these sections were neglected for years after Independence. Modi said that his government took honest steps to improve the condition of farmers and the working class. "We have announced measures in our budget that will benefit 12 crore, small farmers, 30-40 crore workmen, and three crore middle-class people," he said. He also said villages were neglected for many, many years after Independence. There was commotion at the rally ground which prompted him to cut short his speech barely after 14 minutes, according to PTI. Before the rally, the prime minister visited the Matua Thakurbari and sought the blessings of Baro Ma, the current leader of the community and widow of the founder of Matua Mahasangh Harishchandra Thakur. (With inputs from PTI)

Modi roasts Mamata on her home turf, accuses TMC of orchestrating violence against BJP workers

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday launched a fresh attack on&nbsp;Pinarayi Vijayan-led Communist government in Kerala accusing it of disrespecting all aspects of Kerala's culture.&nbsp;

''The issue of the Sabarimala Temple has caught the attention of the entire nation. The people of India are seeing the manner in which the Communist Government of Kerala is disrespecting all aspects of Kerala’s culture,'' Modi said addressing a public rally in&nbsp;Thrissur, Kerala.

Modi alleged that neither the Congress nor the Communists have any concern for women empowerment.&nbsp;

''Let me tell you, neither the Congress nor Communists have any concern for women empowerment. If they did, they would not be opposing NDA's efforts to end Triple Talaq,'' Modi said.

India has had many women CM, but has even one of them been a Communist leader, Prime Minister added.

India’s energy needs are growing, so is the need to speed&nbsp;up development of oil and gas infrastructure, he said and added&nbsp;''We're very close to our goal to provide a cooking gas connection to every home. Nearly 6 crore poor women have received free cooking gas connection.''&nbsp;

Speaking about BJP's flagship programme Swachh Bharat mission, Modi said an issue like sanitation, which was never important enough to be high on the priority of previous governments is a ''core focus area for our government''.

&nbsp;The toilet coverage, which was around 38 per cent in 2014 has gone up more than 98 per cent today, he added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday launched a fresh attack on Pinarayi Vijayan-led Communist government in Kerala accusing it of disrespecting all aspects of Kerala's culture.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday launched a fresh attack on Pinarayi Vijayan-led Communist government in Kerala accusing it of disrespecting all aspects of Kerala's culture. ''The issue of the Sabarimala Temple has caught the attention of the entire nation. The people of India are seeing the manner in which the Communist Government of Kerala is disrespecting all aspects of Kerala’s culture,'' Modi said addressing a public rally in Thrissur, Kerala. Modi alleged that neither the Congress nor the Communists have any concern for women empowerment. ''Let me tell you, neither the Congress nor Communists have any concern for women empowerment. If they did, they would not be opposing NDA's efforts to end Triple Talaq,'' Modi said. India has had many women CM, but has even one of them been a Communist leader, Prime Minister added. India’s energy needs are growing, so is the need to speed up development of oil and gas infrastructure, he said and added ''We're very close to our goal to provide a cooking gas connection to every home. Nearly 6 crore poor women have received free cooking gas connection.'' Speaking about BJP's flagship programme Swachh Bharat mission, Modi said an issue like sanitation, which was never important enough to be high on the priority of previous governments is a ''core focus area for our government''. The toilet coverage, which was around 38 per cent in 2014 has gone up more than 98 per cent today, he added.

Communist government in Kerala disrespecting Kerala culture, alleges Modi

On the first day of the 9th edition of Vibrant Gujarat in Gandhi Nagar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral meetings with four world leaders and discussed everything from investment to geopolitics to artificial intelligence.&nbsp;

Modi met Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Prime Minister of Denmark Lars Løkke Rasmussen, Prime Minister of Malta Dr Joseph Muscat and Prime Minister of Czech Republic Andrej Babis. The three-day investment summit from 18th to 20th January is a biannual event which was started in 2003 when PM Modi was the chief minister of Gujarat.&nbsp;

Uzbekistan: India focus on Afghanistan&nbsp;

Uzbekistan's President and PM discussed the first India-Central Asia Dialogue which took place in Samarkand, Uzbekistan last week. According to a statement released by the ministry of external affairs (MEA), Prime Minister thanked President Mirziyoyev for his support for the First India-Central Asia Dialogue "where important discussions also took place on support to peace and development in Afghanistan". While President Mirziyoyev said the dialogue "demonstrated India's positive impact on &nbsp;Central Asia and the joint quest of the participant countries for peace in Afghanistan." Uzbekistan's Novoi Minerals &amp; Metallurgical Company signed an agreement with Department of Atomic Energy on the long-term supply of Uranium Ore Concentrate for India's energy requirements. This is the second visit of Uzbekistan's President to India in 6 months. He was in India from September 30 to October 1 for a state visit.

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Deep rooted relationship radiating warmth 
 
PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> met with Uzbek <a href="https://twitter.com/president_uz?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@president_uz</a> Shavkat Mirziyoyev on <a href="https://twitter.com/VibrantGujarat?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VibrantGujarat</a> margins in Ahmedabad. Good discussion on upgrading bilateral relationship, specially in trade &amp; investment, healthcare, pharma, agriculture &amp; IT. <a href="https://t.co/a072oYIhdj">pic.twitter.com/a072oYIhdj</a>
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1086117541305565184?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Denmark: Second Nordic leader in two weeks in India

With Denmark's PM, India focused on technology cooperation. Rasmussen is the second Nordic leader to visit India this month after the visit by Norway's Prime Minister Erna Solberg two weeks ago. Ties between the two countries had taken a dip after no progress in the extradition of Kim Davy but both India and Denmark agreed to revive ties, especially after the first India Nordic summit in Stockholm last year when PM Rasmussen met PM Modi.&nbsp;

Around 130 Danish companies have invested in India in areas such as shipping, renewable energy, environment, agriculture and food processing.

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PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> met the Prime Minister of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Denmark?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Denmark</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/larsloekke?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@larsloekke</a> on the margins of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VibrantGujaratSummit?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VibrantGujaratSummit</a>. Took stock of the bilateral relationship, specially in trade &amp; investment, renewable energy, waste management, agriculture and food processing. <a href="https://t.co/rzzzOozPtX">pic.twitter.com/rzzzOozPtX</a>
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1086216016709984261?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Malta: Artificial intelligence, blockchain&nbsp;

Indian Pharma, IT industry especially Artificial Intelligence (AI) dominated talks between Malta's PM and PM Modi. Malta's PM invited India to cooperate with his country on advanced technologies such as AI, blockchain and financial technologies. Malta which has been unofficially known as the "1st blockchain island" last year brought in formal legislation on blockchain technology and sees Indian IT playing an important role.

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A partner in EU &amp; Mediterranean 
 
PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> &amp; Maltese PM <a href="https://twitter.com/JosephMuscat_JM?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JosephMuscat_JM</a> met on <a href="https://twitter.com/VibrantGujarat?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VibrantGujarat</a> margins. Discussed growing economic linkages and agreed to enhance mutual cooperation in sectors such renewable energy, pharmaceuticals &amp; healthcare, air connectivity &amp; tourism. <a href="https://t.co/ubXctakEWY">pic.twitter.com/ubXctakEWY</a>
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1086105902221090816?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Czech Republic: Investment focus&nbsp;

During his interaction with the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic, PM Modi invited Czech companies to invest in defence, automotive and railway sectors. &nbsp;Czech PM invited nomination of an Indian scientist for its Research &amp; Development Council. President Ram Nath Kovind visited the central European country in September last year.&nbsp;

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Deepening economic relations 🇮🇳🇨🇿 
 
PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> met with his Czech counterpart Andrej Babiš on <a href="https://twitter.com/VibrantGujarat?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VibrantGujarat</a> margins.Talks focused on trade, technology &amp; investment;cooperation in defence, high-tech manufacturing, heavy engineering, automotive industry &amp; civil aviation <a href="https://t.co/X7hzCPA12s">pic.twitter.com/X7hzCPA12s</a>
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1086216015980023808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Australia, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Japan, Morocco, Norway, Poland, South Africa, South Korea, Thailand, The Netherlands, UAE and Uzbekistan are the 15 countries partnering this year's Vibrant Gujarat.&nbsp;

On the first day of the 9th edition of Vibrant Gujarat in Gandhi Nagar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral meetings with four world leaders and discussed everything from investment to geopolitics to artificial intelligence.

On the first day of the 9th edition of Vibrant Gujarat in Gandhi Nagar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral meetings with four world leaders and discussed everything from investment to geopolitics to artificial intelligence. Modi met Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Prime Minister of Denmark Lars Løkke Rasmussen, Prime Minister of Malta Dr Joseph Muscat and Prime Minister of Czech Republic Andrej Babis. The three-day investment summit from 18th to 20th January is a biannual event which was started in 2003 when PM Modi was the chief minister of Gujarat. Uzbekistan: India focus on Afghanistan Uzbekistan's President and PM discussed the first India-Central Asia Dialogue which took place in Samarkand, Uzbekistan last week. According to a statement released by the ministry of external affairs (MEA), Prime Minister thanked President Mirziyoyev for his support for the First India-Central Asia Dialogue "where important discussions also took place on support to peace and development in Afghanistan". While President Mirziyoyev said the dialogue "demonstrated India's positive impact on Central Asia and the joint quest of the participant countries for peace in Afghanistan." Uzbekistan's Novoi Minerals & Metallurgical Company signed an agreement with Department of Atomic Energy on the long-term supply of Uranium Ore Concentrate for India's energy requirements. This is the second visit of Uzbekistan's President to India in 6 months. He was in India from September 30 to October 1 for a state visit. Deep rooted relationship radiating warmth PM @narendramodi met with Uzbek @president_uz Shavkat Mirziyoyev on @VibrantGujarat margins in Ahmedabad. Good discussion on upgrading bilateral relationship, specially in trade & investment, healthcare, pharma, agriculture & IT. pic.twitter.com/a072oYIhdj — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) January 18, 2019 × Denmark: Second Nordic leader in two weeks in India With Denmark's PM, India focused on technology cooperation. Rasmussen is the second Nordic leader to visit India this month after the visit by Norway's Prime Minister Erna Solberg two weeks ago. Ties between the two countries had taken a dip after no progress in the extradition of Kim Davy but both India and Denmark agreed to revive ties, especially after the first India Nordic summit in Stockholm last year when PM Rasmussen met PM Modi. Around 130 Danish companies have invested in India in areas such as shipping, renewable energy, environment, agriculture and food processing. PM @narendramodi met the Prime Minister of #Denmark @larsloekke on the margins of #VibrantGujaratSummit. Took stock of the bilateral relationship, specially in trade & investment, renewable energy, waste management, agriculture and food processing. pic.twitter.com/rzzzOozPtX — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) January 18, 2019 × Malta: Artificial intelligence, blockchain Indian Pharma, IT industry especially Artificial Intelligence (AI) dominated talks between Malta's PM and PM Modi. Malta's PM invited India to cooperate with his country on advanced technologies such as AI, blockchain and financial technologies. Malta which has been unofficially known as the "1st blockchain island" last year brought in formal legislation on blockchain technology and sees Indian IT playing an important role. A partner in EU & Mediterranean PM @narendramodi & Maltese PM @JosephMuscat_JM met on @VibrantGujarat margins. Discussed growing economic linkages and agreed to enhance mutual cooperation in sectors such renewable energy, pharmaceuticals & healthcare, air connectivity & tourism. pic.twitter.com/ubXctakEWY — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) January 18, 2019 × Czech Republic: Investment focus During his interaction with the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic, PM Modi invited Czech companies to invest in defence, automotive and railway sectors. Czech PM invited nomination of an Indian scientist for its Research & Development Council. President Ram Nath Kovind visited the central European country in September last year. Deepening economic relations 🇮🇳🇨🇿 PM @narendramodi met with his Czech counterpart Andrej Babiš on @VibrantGujarat margins.Talks focused on trade, technology & investment;cooperation in defence, high-tech manufacturing, heavy engineering, automotive industry & civil aviation pic.twitter.com/X7hzCPA12s — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) January 18, 2019 × Australia, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Japan, Morocco, Norway, Poland, South Africa, South Korea, Thailand, The Netherlands, UAE and Uzbekistan are the 15 countries partnering this year's Vibrant Gujarat.

Geopolitics, AI dominate agenda as PM Modi meets 4 foreign leaders at Vibrant Gujarat 

RSS general secretary Bhaiya Ji Joshi has again brought the Ayodhya temple issue to the fore.

Weeks after the issue receded from the news headlines, he told the press that the Ram temple should be built before the next Kumbh, which is set six years from now. Asked about the time gap, he said, ”if construction starts immediately, then the temple would be ready by 2025.”

The case relating to the Ram temple is still pending in the Supreme Court, which has not bowed to the demand of political parties for day-to-day hearings on the matter.

After its defeat in three north Indian states in recent elections, the BJP has resurrected Ayodhya issue -- which is sub judice -- with much fanfare. It is the clamour for the temple that had pitchforked the BJP to India's political centre-stage in the 1990s.

By 1998, the issue had fizzled out and during the general election of 2014, the Ram temple was not even a core campaign issue for BJP.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi in an interview to a news agency had scotched speculation of immediate legislative intervention to hasten the building of the Ram temple. He had said that the government will await the supreme court's verdict. As of now, a makeshift structure exists where the deity of Lord Ram stands.

Despite the prime minister's categorical assertion, the RSS and cadres of the BJP have taken a contrarian position with a view to improving their prospects in the coming general election.

In the absence of any wave, the BJP is expected to face strong anti-incumbency in Hindi heartland of the country.

Insiders have told WION that Ram Mandir is an issue which binds BJP workers together. However, no construction can take place until the Supreme Court gives its verdict in the long-pending case. The RSS and seers inclined towards BKP want to keep the issue alive till the parliamentary elections.

RSS general secretary Bhaiya Ji Joshi has again brought the Ayodhya temple issue to the fore. Weeks after the issue receded from the news headlines, he told the press that the Ram temple should be built before the next Kumbh, which is set six years from now.

RSS general secretary Bhaiya Ji Joshi has again brought the Ayodhya temple issue to the fore. Weeks after the issue receded from the news headlines, he told the press that the Ram temple should be built before the next Kumbh, which is set six years from now. Asked about the time gap, he said, ”if construction starts immediately, then the temple would be ready by 2025.” The case relating to the Ram temple is still pending in the Supreme Court, which has not bowed to the demand of political parties for day-to-day hearings on the matter. After its defeat in three north Indian states in recent elections, the BJP has resurrected Ayodhya issue -- which is sub judice -- with much fanfare. It is the clamour for the temple that had pitchforked the BJP to India's political centre-stage in the 1990s. By 1998, the issue had fizzled out and during the general election of 2014, the Ram temple was not even a core campaign issue for BJP. Prime Minister Narendra Modi in an interview to a news agency had scotched speculation of immediate legislative intervention to hasten the building of the Ram temple. He had said that the government will await the supreme court's verdict. As of now, a makeshift structure exists where the deity of Lord Ram stands. Despite the prime minister's categorical assertion, the RSS and cadres of the BJP have taken a contrarian position with a view to improving their prospects in the coming general election. In the absence of any wave, the BJP is expected to face strong anti-incumbency in Hindi heartland of the country. Insiders have told WION that Ram Mandir is an issue which binds BJP workers together. However, no construction can take place until the Supreme Court gives its verdict in the long-pending case. The RSS and seers inclined towards BKP want to keep the issue alive till the parliamentary elections.

As elections near, Ram temple back as electoral agenda

Prime minister Narendra Modi on Sunday&nbsp;said that Sikhs or anyone from India will soon be able to visit Kartapur Gurudwara in Narowal district of Pakistan without a visa.&nbsp;

He was speaking at a ceremony where a commemorative coin on Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti was released.&nbsp;

"It is because of the efforts of central government Kartarpur corridor is being built. Now, Indians and Sikh don't need to use binoculars, they can go to Narowal without visas and can pay respects at the Darbar Sahib," Modi said.

He explained that the corridor is "atonement of the mistake of August of 1947" and "despite the holy site being just a few kilometres away, the important pilgrimage site for Sikhs was not taken (on the Indian side.) The corridor will reduce the damage that was done."

Days after India and Pakistan announced that they build a corridor on the respective sides in November of 2018, PM Modi had then given parallels and said, "Who would have thought that Berlin wall would fall. With the blessings of Guru Nanak Dev ji, Kartarpur corridor will not be just a corridor but will act as a bridge to connect people"

The Indian cabinet had passed a resolution that a corridor will be built from Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur District till the border on November 22, 2018. On that day itself, the Ministry of External Affairs also informed Islamabad through Pakistan's high commission in Delhi its decision to build Kartarpur Corridor and urged "Pakistan to develop a corridor in their territory from the International Border to Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib."

The Indian Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu laid the foundation stone on November 26 while Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan laid the foundation stone on 28 of the same month. The corridor is being built as part of the 550th Birth Anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak which is being celebrated this year.&nbsp;

Kartarpur Gurudwara is located just 3 kilometres away from the Pakistan- India border and the founder of the Sikh religion, Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji had spent the last 18 years of his life at the location. The Gurudwara holds huge significance for the Sikh community and it had been a long-standing demand of the community to ease the travel to the holy site.

Prime minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that Sikhs or anyone from India will soon be able to visit Kartapur Gurudwara in Narowal district of Pakistan without a visa.

Prime minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that Sikhs or anyone from India will soon be able to visit Kartapur Gurudwara in Narowal district of Pakistan without a visa. He was speaking at a ceremony where a commemorative coin on Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti was released. "It is because of the efforts of central government Kartarpur corridor is being built. Now, Indians and Sikh don't need to use binoculars, they can go to Narowal without visas and can pay respects at the Darbar Sahib," Modi said. He explained that the corridor is "atonement of the mistake of August of 1947" and "despite the holy site being just a few kilometres away, the important pilgrimage site for Sikhs was not taken (on the Indian side.) The corridor will reduce the damage that was done." Days after India and Pakistan announced that they build a corridor on the respective sides in November of 2018, PM Modi had then given parallels and said, "Who would have thought that Berlin wall would fall. With the blessings of Guru Nanak Dev ji, Kartarpur corridor will not be just a corridor but will act as a bridge to connect people" The Indian cabinet had passed a resolution that a corridor will be built from Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur District till the border on November 22, 2018. On that day itself, the Ministry of External Affairs also informed Islamabad through Pakistan's high commission in Delhi its decision to build Kartarpur Corridor and urged "Pakistan to develop a corridor in their territory from the International Border to Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib." The Indian Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu laid the foundation stone on November 26 while Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan laid the foundation stone on 28 of the same month. The corridor is being built as part of the 550th Birth Anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak which is being celebrated this year. Kartarpur Gurudwara is located just 3 kilometres away from the Pakistan- India border and the founder of the Sikh religion, Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji had spent the last 18 years of his life at the location. The Gurudwara holds huge significance for the Sikh community and it had been a long-standing demand of the community to ease the travel to the holy site.

Sikhs will soon be able to visit Kartarpur Gurudwara in Pakistan without visas: PM Modi 

The Narendra Modi government's outreach to different sections of society is likely to be a key theme for the two-day BJP national council meeting starting here Friday as thousands of delegates arrive here for the mega event that will set the tone for the party's Lok Sabha campaign.

BJP president Amit Shah will inaugurate the event while Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to deliver the concluding speech on Saturday, which party leaders believe will lay down its agenda for the general elections.

The passage of the bill providing 10 per cent reservation in jobs and education for economically weaker sections in the general category has boosted the saffron party's morale after it suffered a blow in the recent assembly polls where it lost power in all three states it ruled.

The BJP believes that the bill, which will come into force after getting the President's nod -- a mere formality -- will consolidate its core vote of upper castes in the Hindi-speaking states and also strengthen its appeal among political significant communities like Jats, Patidars and Marathas, among others.

A section of the party believes that anger among upper castes played a role in its loss in the recent state polls.&nbsp;

Party sources said the Modi government's measures, like granting constitutional status to the OBC Commission and strengthening the law on atrocities against Dalits and tribals, are likely to be highlighted and projected as part of its "social justice" project.

"The Modi government has empowered every section of society. The party will naturally talk at length about it," they said.

Its measures for farmers, besides various schemes for the welfare of the poor and economic growth, will also be discussed, they said.

Shah has often asserted that the BJP will win more seats than the 2014 polls when it had won its first-ever majority by bagging 282 of the 543 Lok Sabha seats.

BJP's rivals believe that the party is facing a resurgent Congress in several states while the expected alliance of the Samajwadi Party and the BSP will dent its prospects in Uttar Pradesh, making the likelihood of its repeat of 2014 feat challenging.&nbsp;

The Narendra Modi government's outreach to different sections of society is likely to be a key theme for the two-day BJP national council meeting starting here Friday as thousands of delegates arrive here for the mega event that will set the tone for the party's Lok Sabha campaign.

The Narendra Modi government's outreach to different sections of society is likely to be a key theme for the two-day BJP national council meeting starting here Friday as thousands of delegates arrive here for the mega event that will set the tone for the party's Lok Sabha campaign. BJP president Amit Shah will inaugurate the event while Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to deliver the concluding speech on Saturday, which party leaders believe will lay down its agenda for the general elections. The passage of the bill providing 10 per cent reservation in jobs and education for economically weaker sections in the general category has boosted the saffron party's morale after it suffered a blow in the recent assembly polls where it lost power in all three states it ruled. The BJP believes that the bill, which will come into force after getting the President's nod -- a mere formality -- will consolidate its core vote of upper castes in the Hindi-speaking states and also strengthen its appeal among political significant communities like Jats, Patidars and Marathas, among others. A section of the party believes that anger among upper castes played a role in its loss in the recent state polls. Party sources said the Modi government's measures, like granting constitutional status to the OBC Commission and strengthening the law on atrocities against Dalits and tribals, are likely to be highlighted and projected as part of its "social justice" project. "The Modi government has empowered every section of society. The party will naturally talk at length about it," they said. Its measures for farmers, besides various schemes for the welfare of the poor and economic growth, will also be discussed, they said. Shah has often asserted that the BJP will win more seats than the 2014 polls when it had won its first-ever majority by bagging 282 of the 543 Lok Sabha seats. BJP's rivals believe that the party is facing a resurgent Congress in several states while the expected alliance of the Samajwadi Party and the BSP will dent its prospects in Uttar Pradesh, making the likelihood of its repeat of 2014 feat challenging.

BJP's 2-day national council from Friday

A few days back we had <a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/confirmed-vivek-oberoi-to-play-narendra-modi-in-biopic-188302">reported </a>that Vivek Oberoi is all set to play Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a new biopic. The makers shared the first look of the film on Monday. Oberoi, dressed exactly like the PM stands tall in a poster of the film that is also titled as 'Narendra Modi'.&nbsp; 
 
The biopic will be directed by Omung Kumar, who has films such as 'Mary Kom' and 'Sarbjit' to his credit. 
 
At the poster launch event of the film, Vivek said he hopes to becomes a better person by the end of the shoot.

"I am extremely fortunate. Today, I am feeling like I felt 16 years ago, during 'Company' days. I am feeling the same kind of excitement and hunger because this is a role of a lifetime for any actor. I truly believe at the end of the journey, I pray I become better actor and a better human being," the actor told reporters. 
 
"Narendra Bhai is one of the tallest leaders in the world and to bring his personal qualities on screen is an incredible challenge and I want all your blessings that we can complete this incredible journey," he added.

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जय हिन्द. జై హింద్. ஜெய் ஹிந்த். Jai Hind 🇮🇳🙏 We humbly ask for your prayers and blessings on this incredible journey. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AkhandBharat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AkhandBharat</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PMNarendraModi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PMNarendraModi</a> <a href="https://t.co/t0lQVka7mJ">pic.twitter.com/t0lQVka7mJ</a>
— Vivek Anand Oberoi (@vivekoberoi) <a href="https://twitter.com/vivekoberoi/status/1082232090756698113?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The film's poster was launched in the presence of Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis in 27 languages. It features Vivek, dressed in a yellow kurta with tricolour in the backdrop. The tagline reads, "Deshbhakti hi meri shakti hai." 
 
Fadnavis said it is great that a film on this scale is being made on Modi "under whose leadership India is not only touching new heights but the hopes and expectations of every citizen of India are being fulfilled." 
 
"I believe the film will be inspirational. We always say Modi's life has been inspirational. He is like a raj-yogi and this film will get that in front of the audience. Vivek, we are very excited. We wish the film releases tomorrow but we know it is going to be a very difficult process and you will have to take it seriously. I have faith and predict that people will be inspired by this film," the CM said. 
 
Actor Suresh Oberoi, Vivek's father, is co-producing the film along with Sandeep Ssingh. The film is yet to go on floors. 
 
Vivek was one of the guests from Bollywood who attended PM Modi's swearing-in ceremony in May 2014.&nbsp;

A few days back we had reported that Vivek Oberoi is all set to play Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a new biopic. The makers shared the first look of the film on Monday.

A few days back we had reported that Vivek Oberoi is all set to play Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a new biopic. The makers shared the first look of the film on Monday. Oberoi, dressed exactly like the PM stands tall in a poster of the film that is also titled as 'Narendra Modi'. The biopic will be directed by Omung Kumar, who has films such as 'Mary Kom' and 'Sarbjit' to his credit. At the poster launch event of the film, Vivek said he hopes to becomes a better person by the end of the shoot. "I am extremely fortunate. Today, I am feeling like I felt 16 years ago, during 'Company' days. I am feeling the same kind of excitement and hunger because this is a role of a lifetime for any actor. I truly believe at the end of the journey, I pray I become better actor and a better human being," the actor told reporters. "Narendra Bhai is one of the tallest leaders in the world and to bring his personal qualities on screen is an incredible challenge and I want all your blessings that we can complete this incredible journey," he added. जय हिन्द. జై హింద్. ஜெய் ஹிந்த். Jai Hind 🇮🇳🙏 We humbly ask for your prayers and blessings on this incredible journey. #AkhandBharat #PMNarendraModi pic.twitter.com/t0lQVka7mJ — Vivek Anand Oberoi (@vivekoberoi) January 7, 2019 × The film's poster was launched in the presence of Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis in 27 languages. It features Vivek, dressed in a yellow kurta with tricolour in the backdrop. The tagline reads, "Deshbhakti hi meri shakti hai." Fadnavis said it is great that a film on this scale is being made on Modi "under whose leadership India is not only touching new heights but the hopes and expectations of every citizen of India are being fulfilled." "I believe the film will be inspirational. We always say Modi's life has been inspirational. He is like a raj-yogi and this film will get that in front of the audience. Vivek, we are very excited. We wish the film releases tomorrow but we know it is going to be a very difficult process and you will have to take it seriously. I have faith and predict that people will be inspired by this film," the CM said. Actor Suresh Oberoi, Vivek's father, is co-producing the film along with Sandeep Ssingh. The film is yet to go on floors. Vivek was one of the guests from Bollywood who attended PM Modi's swearing-in ceremony in May 2014.

First look of Vivek Oberoi as PM Narendra Modi in new biopic is out

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/order-to-monitor-computers-exists-since-2009-arun-jaitley-185675">Finance Minister Arun Jaitley</a> Monday said the government was not seeking Reserve Bank surplus to meet fiscal deficit but to utilise them for accelerating poverty alleviation programmes and recapitalising the state-owned banks.

Replying to a debate on the second batch of supplementary demands for grants in the Lok Sabha, the Minister said that the Modi government has the best track record of keeping fiscal deficit under check.

The House later passed supplementary demand for grants for the current fiscal to provide additional expenditure of Rs 85,948.86 crore, about half of which is for capital infusion in public sector banks.

Referring to the issues concerning the Economic Capital Framework (ECF) of RBI, Jaitley said that central banks of most of the countries keep a reserve of 8 per cent, while some conservative central banks maintain 14 per cent reserves.

The RBI was maintaining a reserve of 28 per cent, he said, adding the expert committee will decide on the appropriate reserve of the central bank so that surplus funds could be utilised for funding poverty alleviation programmes and recapitalising the state-owned banks.

"This government has the best track record than any other previous government in managing fiscal deficit. We do not need RBI reserves to manage the fiscal deficit, Jaitley said.

He said the Modi government has brought down fiscal deficit and kept inflation and the Current Account Deficit (CAD) under check, while India retained the fastest growing economy tag for 5 years.

The Finance Minister further said that it was only during the Modi government tenure that India became the fastest growing major economy&nbsp; 
in the world, ahead of China.

Jaitley also said that demonetisation and the Goods and Services Tax (GST) has helped increase the tax base and allocate more funds for poverty alleviation and social sector programmes.

The number of Income Tax return filers have gone up from 3.8 crore during the UPA regime, to 6.86 crore currently.

When the NDA government completes its five-year term in 2019, the number would double from 3.83 crore, he added.

With regard to concerns expressed by some members over the agrarian situation, Jaitley said the government will take all steps to support the farmers.

"Whatever steps need to be taken at the end, the Government will take it," he said, amid sloganeering by Congress over the Rafale issue.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley Monday said the government was not seeking Reserve Bank surplus to meet fiscal deficit but to utilise them for accelerating poverty alleviation programmes and recapitalising the state-owned banks.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley Monday said the government was not seeking Reserve Bank surplus to meet fiscal deficit but to utilise them for accelerating poverty alleviation programmes and recapitalising the state-owned banks. Replying to a debate on the second batch of supplementary demands for grants in the Lok Sabha, the Minister said that the Modi government has the best track record of keeping fiscal deficit under check. The House later passed supplementary demand for grants for the current fiscal to provide additional expenditure of Rs 85,948.86 crore, about half of which is for capital infusion in public sector banks. Referring to the issues concerning the Economic Capital Framework (ECF) of RBI, Jaitley said that central banks of most of the countries keep a reserve of 8 per cent, while some conservative central banks maintain 14 per cent reserves. The RBI was maintaining a reserve of 28 per cent, he said, adding the expert committee will decide on the appropriate reserve of the central bank so that surplus funds could be utilised for funding poverty alleviation programmes and recapitalising the state-owned banks. "This government has the best track record than any other previous government in managing fiscal deficit. We do not need RBI reserves to manage the fiscal deficit, Jaitley said. He said the Modi government has brought down fiscal deficit and kept inflation and the Current Account Deficit (CAD) under check, while India retained the fastest growing economy tag for 5 years. The Finance Minister further said that it was only during the Modi government tenure that India became the fastest growing major economy in the world, ahead of China. Jaitley also said that demonetisation and the Goods and Services Tax (GST) has helped increase the tax base and allocate more funds for poverty alleviation and social sector programmes. The number of Income Tax return filers have gone up from 3.8 crore during the UPA regime, to 6.86 crore currently. When the NDA government completes its five-year term in 2019, the number would double from 3.83 crore, he added. With regard to concerns expressed by some members over the agrarian situation, Jaitley said the government will take all steps to support the farmers. "Whatever steps need to be taken at the end, the Government will take it," he said, amid sloganeering by Congress over the Rafale issue.

Government not seeking RBI reserves to meet fiscal deficit: Arun Jaitley

The election season is reaching its climax. Today, the power corridors and media fraternity are busy discussing the fortunes of BJP and Congress in the assembly elections ahead of the results.

The common theme interwoven in almost every discussion is whether the BJP will lose, will be 'taught' a lesson and so on and so forth. The BJP, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi is being judged for every decision the government has taken in states ruled by it.

These discussions evoke a lot of interest among people because it entails the fall of a leader.

Everyone who has read comics, seen superhero movies and watched a system at its pinnacle, loves the fall of the leader. It's an emotion which generates a lot of interest among the section of people who follow politics and is astonishing for others to see someone they look up to, fall.

Leaders often take a decision or a series of decisions which lead to a downward spiral and cause reverse momentum. This is not a piece where I will be dissecting the good and bad of Narendra Modi government. This is about leadership.

Watching a big leader fall also gives a&nbsp;certain kind of pleasure to people who for decades have been suppressed. Social evils exist in every society - India is no different - and certain practices (I will call them mistakes) followed by socially elevated sections of society create and propagate these feelings.

Among the various reasons given for the failure of a leader is not giving himself/herself enough time to process things which leads to a lack of discernment and sometimes disastrous decisions. Other reasons can include immaturity, lack of knowledge, less awareness etc.

There is a streak in people who rejoice when Humpty Dumpty has a great fall, but insist that rise and fall are the part and parcel of leadership. In the end, it's history that judges better because it sees things with deeper perspective and greater hindsight. 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) 
&nbsp;

The election season is reaching its climax. Today, the power corridors and media fraternity are busy discussing the fortunes of BJP and Congress in the assembly elections ahead of the results.

The election season is reaching its climax. Today, the power corridors and media fraternity are busy discussing the fortunes of BJP and Congress in the assembly elections ahead of the results. The common theme interwoven in almost every discussion is whether the BJP will lose, will be 'taught' a lesson and so on and so forth. The BJP, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi is being judged for every decision the government has taken in states ruled by it. These discussions evoke a lot of interest among people because it entails the fall of a leader. Everyone who has read comics, seen superhero movies and watched a system at its pinnacle, loves the fall of the leader. It's an emotion which generates a lot of interest among the section of people who follow politics and is astonishing for others to see someone they look up to, fall. Leaders often take a decision or a series of decisions which lead to a downward spiral and cause reverse momentum. This is not a piece where I will be dissecting the good and bad of Narendra Modi government. This is about leadership. Watching a big leader fall also gives a certain kind of pleasure to people who for decades have been suppressed. Social evils exist in every society - India is no different - and certain practices (I will call them mistakes) followed by socially elevated sections of society create and propagate these feelings. Among the various reasons given for the failure of a leader is not giving himself/herself enough time to process things which leads to a lack of discernment and sometimes disastrous decisions. Other reasons can include immaturity, lack of knowledge, less awareness etc. There is a streak in people who rejoice when Humpty Dumpty has a great fall, but insist that rise and fall are the part and parcel of leadership. In the end, it's history that judges better because it sees things with deeper perspective and greater hindsight. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Assembly elections 2018: Ah! To comment on fluctuating fortunes

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan to invite Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc) summit, Foreign Office Spokesman Dr Mohammad Faisal said on Tuesday.

Addressing a conference in Islamabad, Faisal recalled that Prime Minister Imran Khan in his first address had said that if India took one step forward, Pakistan would take two.

SAARC Summits are usually held biennially hosted by a member state in alphabetical order. The member state hosting the summit assumes the Chair of the Association

The last SAARC Summit in 2014 was held in Kathmandu, which was attended by Modi.&nbsp;

The 2016 SAARC Summit was to be held in Islamabad. But after the terrorist attack on an Indian Army camp in Uri in Jammu and Kashmir on September 18 that year, India expressed its inability to participate in the summit due to "prevailing circumstances" and stepped up diplomatic pressure on Pakistan. Nineteen Indian soldiers died in the attack.

The summit was called off after Bangladesh, Bhutan and Afghanistan also declined to participate in the Islamabad meet.

Maldives and Sri Lanka are the seventh and eighth members of the initiative.&nbsp;

The invitation comes after Pakistan invited Sushma Swaraj, Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh and Punjab minister Navjot Singh Sidhu for Kartapur corridor ceremony.

Khan is likely to invite Indian prime minister Modi during his address at the break ground ceremony of Kartarpur corridor.

(With PTI inputs)

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan to invite Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc) summit, Foreign Office Spokesman Dr Mohammad Faisal said on Tuesday.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan to invite Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc) summit, Foreign Office Spokesman Dr Mohammad Faisal said on Tuesday. Addressing a conference in Islamabad, Faisal recalled that Prime Minister Imran Khan in his first address had said that if India took one step forward, Pakistan would take two. SAARC Summits are usually held biennially hosted by a member state in alphabetical order. The member state hosting the summit assumes the Chair of the Association The last SAARC Summit in 2014 was held in Kathmandu, which was attended by Modi. The 2016 SAARC Summit was to be held in Islamabad. But after the terrorist attack on an Indian Army camp in Uri in Jammu and Kashmir on September 18 that year, India expressed its inability to participate in the summit due to "prevailing circumstances" and stepped up diplomatic pressure on Pakistan. Nineteen Indian soldiers died in the attack. The summit was called off after Bangladesh, Bhutan and Afghanistan also declined to participate in the Islamabad meet. Maldives and Sri Lanka are the seventh and eighth members of the initiative. The invitation comes after Pakistan invited Sushma Swaraj, Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh and Punjab minister Navjot Singh Sidhu for Kartapur corridor ceremony. Khan is likely to invite Indian prime minister Modi during his address at the break ground ceremony of Kartarpur corridor. (With PTI inputs)

Pakistan to invite PM Narendra Modi for SAARC summit

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Saturday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of betraying the people, claiming that he had not fulfilled promises of providing two crore jobs every year and "depositing" Rs 15 lakh in their bank accounts.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: Congress President Rahul Gandhi says in Damoh,"Shivraj Singh has realised that he is fighting this election to lose, but there is no hatred in him. However, the other person (PM) is worried &amp; he talks with hatred everywhere he goes. PM is weak". <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MadhyaPradesh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MadhyaPradesh</a> <a href="https://t.co/RxBcFUObGt">pic.twitter.com/RxBcFUObGt</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1066354016945356802?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2018</a></blockquote>
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While Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan speaks with decency, Modi lacks it whenever he attacks the Congress and his family members, the Gandhi scion said while addressing a gathering at Damoh, Madhya Pradesh.

"When you hear Modi's speech, he uses wrong words and speaks with hatred... And also speaks lies. The faith reposed by the people and youths in them has broken. Now, when Modi comes, people say he will speak lies," Gandhi said.

"He (Modi) speaks with hatred about me and my family, but Shivraj uses decent language. Modi doesn't know how to speak decently, but Rahul Gandhi will always maintain decency while speaking. Though Chouhan has indulged in corruption, whenever he says anything against us, he speaks with decency," he added.

Chouhan knows that he is contesting this election only to lose. He is going to be defeated. But there is no hatred in his words, he said.&nbsp;

"There is another person (Modi), who is afraid. The people have lost their faith (in Modi)," he added.&nbsp;

"He (Modi) knows that he is going to be defeated in 2019. This has caused hatred in his heart. Wherever he is going, he is talking with hatred and anger. People know that this man is weak. This fear is converting into hatred. The entire country is watching," he said.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Saturday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of betraying the people, claiming that he had not fulfilled promises of providing two crore jobs every year and "depositing" Rs 15 lakh in their bank accounts.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Saturday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of betraying the people, claiming that he had not fulfilled promises of providing two crore jobs every year and "depositing" Rs 15 lakh in their bank accounts. #WATCH: Congress President Rahul Gandhi says in Damoh,"Shivraj Singh has realised that he is fighting this election to lose, but there is no hatred in him. However, the other person (PM) is worried & he talks with hatred everywhere he goes. PM is weak". #MadhyaPradesh pic.twitter.com/RxBcFUObGt — ANI (@ANI) November 24, 2018 × While Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan speaks with decency, Modi lacks it whenever he attacks the Congress and his family members, the Gandhi scion said while addressing a gathering at Damoh, Madhya Pradesh. "When you hear Modi's speech, he uses wrong words and speaks with hatred... And also speaks lies. The faith reposed by the people and youths in them has broken. Now, when Modi comes, people say he will speak lies," Gandhi said. "He (Modi) speaks with hatred about me and my family, but Shivraj uses decent language. Modi doesn't know how to speak decently, but Rahul Gandhi will always maintain decency while speaking. Though Chouhan has indulged in corruption, whenever he says anything against us, he speaks with decency," he added. Chouhan knows that he is contesting this election only to lose. He is going to be defeated. But there is no hatred in his words, he said. "There is another person (Modi), who is afraid. The people have lost their faith (in Modi)," he added. "He (Modi) knows that he is going to be defeated in 2019. This has caused hatred in his heart. Wherever he is going, he is talking with hatred and anger. People know that this man is weak. This fear is converting into hatred. The entire country is watching," he said.

Watch: Rahul Gandhi says Modi is weak, talks with hatred wherever he goes

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Thursday laid foundation stones to mark the beginning of work for CNG supply to automobiles and piped cooking gas to kitchens in 129 districts of 18 states, covering over a quarter of India's population.

Keen to cut emissions through a greater share of environment-friendly natural gas as auto and cooking fuel, Modi also launched the 10th round of bidding for award of city gas licenses in 124 new districts, which have been clubbed into 50 Geographical Areas (GAs).

"This is an important step in developing infrastructure," he said, adding once 10th round is completed, natural gas as fuel will cover 400 districts and 70 per cent population.

Modi said households with piped cooking gas connections would reach 2 crore after network in cities awarded up to 10th round is completed.&nbsp;

Currently there are over 32 lakh piped consumers.

He said CNG stations too would more than double to 10,000.

Downstream regulator Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) had just a few weeks back awarded licenses for 78 out of the 86 GAs put on offer in the 9th round of bidding.

Of the GAs awarded in the 9th round, Modi laid foundation stones for work in 65 GAs, made up of 129 districts, while leaving out the ones in election-bound states like Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Telangana due to the model code of conduct.

The license winners of 61 GAS out of these 65 GAs organised functions in their respective areas, which were connected to Vigyan Bhawan in the national capital through video conferencing, where the prime minister formally launched the city gas works.

With an annual consumption of 142 million standard cubic meters per day, the share of natural gas in India's energy mix is just 6.2 per cent. This compares to a world average of 24 per cent. Gas accounts for 25 per cent share in Gujarat's energy mix.

Speaking on the occasion, Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said the city gas licensing rounds are a step towards making India a gas-based economy.

Gas is an environment-friendly fuel which is cheaper than not just liquid fuels such as petrol and diesel but is also cheaper than subsidised LPG.

City gas distribution (CGD) networks entail building pipelines from the gas supply source to the doorstep of consumers as well as setting up CNG dispensing stations to supply the fuel to automobiles.

PNGRB had offered 106 GAs in the previous eight bid rounds, of which 56 were awarded. 35 GAs were authorised by the government prior to incorporation of PNGRB.

The 91 GAs existing prior to the 9th round covered 11 per cent of the country's area and about 19 per cent of the population. Over 3.2 million vehicles are served in these GAs by 1,349 CNG stations as compared to over 63,000 petrol pumps. As many as 4.6 million households are connected with piped cooking gas.

In the 10th bid round for giving licences to retail CNG to automobiles and piped natural gas to household kitchens, 50 geographical areas or GAs spread over 124 districts in 14 states, covering 24 per cent of India's population and 18 per cent of its area, are being offered, PNGRB Chairman Dinesh K Sarraf said.

In the ninth bid round, 86 GAs spread over 174 districts in 22 states and union territories and covering 26 per cent of India's population and 24 per cent of its area was offered. Of these, 78 GAs have been awarded to companies like Adani Gas, Indian Oil Corp (IOC), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) and Torrent Gas.

"Of the 86 GAs of 9th bid round, five GAs have been excluded as they are under litigation. Another 16 GAs fall in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Telangana where assembly elections are on and so have been excluded because of model code of conduct," he said.

First CNG station or a piped natural gas connection in the GAs awarded in the previous round will take at least 1-2 years to become operational.

"In the two rounds (9th and 10th), we have covered 50 per cent of India's population and 42 per cent of the area," he said.

Bids for the 10th round will close on February 5 and areas will be awarded by the end of February, he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Thursday laid foundation stones to mark the beginning of work for CNG supply to automobiles and piped cooking gas to kitchens in 129 districts of 18 states, covering over a quarter of India's population.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Thursday laid foundation stones to mark the beginning of work for CNG supply to automobiles and piped cooking gas to kitchens in 129 districts of 18 states, covering over a quarter of India's population. Keen to cut emissions through a greater share of environment-friendly natural gas as auto and cooking fuel, Modi also launched the 10th round of bidding for award of city gas licenses in 124 new districts, which have been clubbed into 50 Geographical Areas (GAs). "This is an important step in developing infrastructure," he said, adding once 10th round is completed, natural gas as fuel will cover 400 districts and 70 per cent population. Modi said households with piped cooking gas connections would reach 2 crore after network in cities awarded up to 10th round is completed. Currently there are over 32 lakh piped consumers. He said CNG stations too would more than double to 10,000. Downstream regulator Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) had just a few weeks back awarded licenses for 78 out of the 86 GAs put on offer in the 9th round of bidding. Of the GAs awarded in the 9th round, Modi laid foundation stones for work in 65 GAs, made up of 129 districts, while leaving out the ones in election-bound states like Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Telangana due to the model code of conduct. The license winners of 61 GAS out of these 65 GAs organised functions in their respective areas, which were connected to Vigyan Bhawan in the national capital through video conferencing, where the prime minister formally launched the city gas works. With an annual consumption of 142 million standard cubic meters per day, the share of natural gas in India's energy mix is just 6.2 per cent. This compares to a world average of 24 per cent. Gas accounts for 25 per cent share in Gujarat's energy mix. Speaking on the occasion, Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said the city gas licensing rounds are a step towards making India a gas-based economy. Gas is an environment-friendly fuel which is cheaper than not just liquid fuels such as petrol and diesel but is also cheaper than subsidised LPG. City gas distribution (CGD) networks entail building pipelines from the gas supply source to the doorstep of consumers as well as setting up CNG dispensing stations to supply the fuel to automobiles. PNGRB had offered 106 GAs in the previous eight bid rounds, of which 56 were awarded. 35 GAs were authorised by the government prior to incorporation of PNGRB. The 91 GAs existing prior to the 9th round covered 11 per cent of the country's area and about 19 per cent of the population. Over 3.2 million vehicles are served in these GAs by 1,349 CNG stations as compared to over 63,000 petrol pumps. As many as 4.6 million households are connected with piped cooking gas. In the 10th bid round for giving licences to retail CNG to automobiles and piped natural gas to household kitchens, 50 geographical areas or GAs spread over 124 districts in 14 states, covering 24 per cent of India's population and 18 per cent of its area, are being offered, PNGRB Chairman Dinesh K Sarraf said. In the ninth bid round, 86 GAs spread over 174 districts in 22 states and union territories and covering 26 per cent of India's population and 24 per cent of its area was offered. Of these, 78 GAs have been awarded to companies like Adani Gas, Indian Oil Corp (IOC), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) and Torrent Gas. "Of the 86 GAs of 9th bid round, five GAs have been excluded as they are under litigation. Another 16 GAs fall in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Telangana where assembly elections are on and so have been excluded because of model code of conduct," he said. First CNG station or a piped natural gas connection in the GAs awarded in the previous round will take at least 1-2 years to become operational. "In the two rounds (9th and 10th), we have covered 50 per cent of India's population and 42 per cent of the area," he said. Bids for the 10th round will close on February 5 and areas will be awarded by the end of February, he said.

PM Modi lays foundation stone for city gas work in 122 districts

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday challenged the Congress to make someone from outside the Gandhi family its chief for at least five years if it respected democracy, as he returned the Congress' barb that a 'chaiwala' could rise to power only because of democratic systems established by Pandit Jawahal Lal Nehru.

In an apparent attack on Gandhis, Modi also said that the family whose "four generations ruled the country" cannot fathom how can the son of a poor mother could sit on the "rajgaddi" (throne).

Addressing a poll rally here in Surguja district for the second phase of Chhattisgarh assembly elections scheduled for November 20, Modi also hit back at the Congress for questioning demonetisation, saying the move "still rankles" them as the money "stashed under beds and in sacks" was taken away in a single stroke.

While the BJP has been ruling Chhattisgarh for 15 continuous years, the Congress was in power in the state only for three years after the state was carved out of Madhya Pradesh in 2000. Traditionally, the two national parties have had a direct fight in this state, although a third force as emerged this time in form of an alliance between the parties of former Congress chief minister Ajit Jogi and of Dalit leader Mayawati.

Modi asked Congress to give account of what the four generations of the (Gandhi) family did for the nation before asking for an account of his government's four-and-half years' rule.

"Four generations of the Congress ruled the counry, but they have nothing to tell the people. We are everyday giving an account of what we have done in the last four years," he said.

"They (Congress leaders) are saying it was due to a great person, due to Pandit Nehru, that a 'chaiwala' (tea seller) became the prime minister," Modi said.

"If you so much respect the democracy, do a small thing. If you claim that because of your principles, your faith in democracy, the Constitution and Pandit Nehru, Modi, a chaiwala, could become the PM, appoint someone good from outside the (Gandhi) family as the Congress president for just five years," he said.

"If this happens, I will accept that Nehru ji created such a democratic system because of which anyone, (even) a dedicated Congressman outside the family could become the Congress chief," he said.

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor had said that it was due to the institutional structures created by Nehru that even a "chaiwala" could become India's prime minister. His party colleague Mallikarjun Kharge had also said earlier that a "chaiwala" could become the prime minister as the Congress preserved democracy.

Sitaram Kesri had served as the Congress president in the 1990s, but his tenure from September 1996 to March 1998 was less than five years.

Rahul Gandhi is currently president of the Congress party, while the post was held by his mother Sonia Gandhi before that. A Congress president mostly gets a three-year term, though there have been exceptions.

Continuing his barbs at the Gandhi family, Modi said the "contract of democracy" in the country was not given to one family, but they felt the Britishers had named India after it.

"They still keep crying that how could a chaiwala sit (on the PM's chair). How could he? They still cannot fathom how come the son of a poor mother could sit on the throne" he said.

Stating that such people cannot understand difficulties faced by the poor, but a chaiwala can, he said the credit for making a 'chaiwala' the prime minister goes to 125 crore Indians and not to Modi or the BJP.

The PM also took on Rahul Gandhi for attacking him over demonetisation, saying only one "family" is "crying" over the note-ban exercise.

"No one from those sitting here (in the rally) is crying over demonetisation, but only one family is crying. Their (Gandhis) associates lost their illegally earned money filled in bags, hidden inside their bed and pillow after demonetisation," the prime minister said. 
 
Modi also said Chhattisgarh was created peacefully during the tenure of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, in contrast to violence during agitations for bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh under the Congress rule.

He said the BJP is the only unbiased party and it is guided by the mantra of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas', while the Congress kept the country in dark with lies that are ingrained in their minds.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday challenged the Congress to make someone from outside the Gandhi family its chief for at least five years if it respected democracy, as he returned the Congress' barb that a 'chaiwala' could rise to power only because of democratic systems established by Pandit Jawahal Lal Nehru.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday challenged the Congress to make someone from outside the Gandhi family its chief for at least five years if it respected democracy, as he returned the Congress' barb that a 'chaiwala' could rise to power only because of democratic systems established by Pandit Jawahal Lal Nehru. In an apparent attack on Gandhis, Modi also said that the family whose "four generations ruled the country" cannot fathom how can the son of a poor mother could sit on the "rajgaddi" (throne). Addressing a poll rally here in Surguja district for the second phase of Chhattisgarh assembly elections scheduled for November 20, Modi also hit back at the Congress for questioning demonetisation, saying the move "still rankles" them as the money "stashed under beds and in sacks" was taken away in a single stroke. While the BJP has been ruling Chhattisgarh for 15 continuous years, the Congress was in power in the state only for three years after the state was carved out of Madhya Pradesh in 2000. Traditionally, the two national parties have had a direct fight in this state, although a third force as emerged this time in form of an alliance between the parties of former Congress chief minister Ajit Jogi and of Dalit leader Mayawati. Modi asked Congress to give account of what the four generations of the (Gandhi) family did for the nation before asking for an account of his government's four-and-half years' rule. "Four generations of the Congress ruled the counry, but they have nothing to tell the people. We are everyday giving an account of what we have done in the last four years," he said. "They (Congress leaders) are saying it was due to a great person, due to Pandit Nehru, that a 'chaiwala' (tea seller) became the prime minister," Modi said. "If you so much respect the democracy, do a small thing. If you claim that because of your principles, your faith in democracy, the Constitution and Pandit Nehru, Modi, a chaiwala, could become the PM, appoint someone good from outside the (Gandhi) family as the Congress president for just five years," he said. "If this happens, I will accept that Nehru ji created such a democratic system because of which anyone, (even) a dedicated Congressman outside the family could become the Congress chief," he said. Congress leader Shashi Tharoor had said that it was due to the institutional structures created by Nehru that even a "chaiwala" could become India's prime minister. His party colleague Mallikarjun Kharge had also said earlier that a "chaiwala" could become the prime minister as the Congress preserved democracy. Sitaram Kesri had served as the Congress president in the 1990s, but his tenure from September 1996 to March 1998 was less than five years. Rahul Gandhi is currently president of the Congress party, while the post was held by his mother Sonia Gandhi before that. A Congress president mostly gets a three-year term, though there have been exceptions. Continuing his barbs at the Gandhi family, Modi said the "contract of democracy" in the country was not given to one family, but they felt the Britishers had named India after it. "They still keep crying that how could a chaiwala sit (on the PM's chair). How could he? They still cannot fathom how come the son of a poor mother could sit on the throne" he said. Stating that such people cannot understand difficulties faced by the poor, but a chaiwala can, he said the credit for making a 'chaiwala' the prime minister goes to 125 crore Indians and not to Modi or the BJP. The PM also took on Rahul Gandhi for attacking him over demonetisation, saying only one "family" is "crying" over the note-ban exercise. "No one from those sitting here (in the rally) is crying over demonetisation, but only one family is crying. Their (Gandhis) associates lost their illegally earned money filled in bags, hidden inside their bed and pillow after demonetisation," the prime minister said. Modi also said Chhattisgarh was created peacefully during the tenure of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, in contrast to violence during agitations for bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh under the Congress rule. He said the BJP is the only unbiased party and it is guided by the mantra of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas', while the Congress kept the country in dark with lies that are ingrained in their minds.

Modi dares Congress to make a non-Gandhi party president for at least 5 years 

US Vice President Mike Pence would meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his four-nation trip next week, during which he will also attend the US-ASEAN Summit and the East Asia Summit in Singapore, the White House has said.

Generally the summit is attended by US President. However, this time Pence would be representing the country at the request of President Donald Trump.

Pence will travel to Japan, Singapore, Australia, and Papua New Guinea between November 11 and 18 to attend the US-ASEAN Summit and the East Asia Summit in Singapore as well as the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings in Papua New Guinea.

Pence will also participate in meetings with Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Singapore premier Lee Hsien Loong, India's Narendra Modi, Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister Peter O'Neill, and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, in addition to other bilateral meetings, the White House said.

National Security Advisor John Bolton will join Vice President Pence for the US-ASEAN Summit and East Asia Summit in Singapore and APEC meetings in Papua New Guinea.

"The Vice President is honoured to represent President Donald Trump at the US-ASEAN Summit and APEC next week, where he will highlight American leadership in the region and reaffirm our commitment to freedom, economic prosperity, and security in the Indo-Pacific," Alyssa Farah, Press Secretary for the Vice President said.

This will be Pence's third trip to the region as the Vice President and he will reaffirm President Trump's commitment to the final, fully verified denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, she said.

"He will also deliver the message that authoritarianism, aggression, and the disregard for other nations' sovereignty by any nation in the Indo-Pacific will not be tolerated by the United States," Farah said.&nbsp;

US Vice President Mike Pence would meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his four-nation trip next week, during which he will also attend the US-ASEAN Summit and the East Asia Summit in Singapore, the White House has said.

US Vice President Mike Pence would meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his four-nation trip next week, during which he will also attend the US-ASEAN Summit and the East Asia Summit in Singapore, the White House has said. Generally the summit is attended by US President. However, this time Pence would be representing the country at the request of President Donald Trump. Pence will travel to Japan, Singapore, Australia, and Papua New Guinea between November 11 and 18 to attend the US-ASEAN Summit and the East Asia Summit in Singapore as well as the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings in Papua New Guinea. Pence will also participate in meetings with Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Singapore premier Lee Hsien Loong, India's Narendra Modi, Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister Peter O'Neill, and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, in addition to other bilateral meetings, the White House said. National Security Advisor John Bolton will join Vice President Pence for the US-ASEAN Summit and East Asia Summit in Singapore and APEC meetings in Papua New Guinea. "The Vice President is honoured to represent President Donald Trump at the US-ASEAN Summit and APEC next week, where he will highlight American leadership in the region and reaffirm our commitment to freedom, economic prosperity, and security in the Indo-Pacific," Alyssa Farah, Press Secretary for the Vice President said. This will be Pence's third trip to the region as the Vice President and he will reaffirm President Trump's commitment to the final, fully verified denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, she said. "He will also deliver the message that authoritarianism, aggression, and the disregard for other nations' sovereignty by any nation in the Indo-Pacific will not be tolerated by the United States," Farah said.

US Vice President Mike Pence to meet PM Modi next week: White House

On the second anniversary of demonetisation on Thursday, the Congress party poured scorn on Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Centre`s move, calling it a `black day` for Indian democracy and economy."

The cost and destruction of demonetisation was endured by every citizen of this country other than few crony capitalist friends of Prime Minister Modi. Demonetisation was a black day for our democracy and our economy," read a post on the official Twitter handle of the Congress party.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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The cost &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DestructionByDemonetisation?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DestructionByDemonetisation</a> was endured by every citizen of this country other than few crony capitalist friends of PM Modi. Demonetisation was a black day for our democracy &amp; our economy. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NotebandiKiDoosriBarsi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NotebandiKiDoosriBarsi</a> <a href="https://t.co/hpKDlSAEFt">pic.twitter.com/hpKDlSAEFt</a>
— Congress (@INCIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia/status/1060361263295971329?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Resonating similar sentiments, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also took to the micro-blogging site and wrote, "#DarkDay Today is the second anniversary of #DeMonetisation disaster. From the moment it was announced I said so. Renowned economists, common people and all experts now all agree."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DarkDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DarkDay</a> Today is the second anniversary of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DeMonetisation?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DeMonetisation</a> disaster. From the moment it was announced I said so. Renowned economists, common people and all experts now all agree.
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/MamataOfficial/status/1060343918993190912?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"On November 8, 2016, @narendramodi announced demonetisation alias Notebandi. It was an epic failure. Over 100 people died standing in bank queues. On second Barsi of This TUGLAKI FIRMAN, please observe 2 minutes silence for martyrs of this folly," Congress leader Manish Tewari tweeted.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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On 8 Nov2016 <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> announced Demonetisation alias Notebandi. It was an epic failure.Over 100 people died standing in bank queues. On second Barsi of This TUGLAKI FIRMAN please observe 2 minutes silence for martyrs of this folly. <a href="https://t.co/7a9rqsbYNc">https://t.co/7a9rqsbYNc</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/2ndbarsinotebandi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#2ndbarsinotebandi</a> <a href="https://t.co/LSREZJdH5O">pic.twitter.com/LSREZJdH5O</a>
— Manish Tewari (@ManishTewari) <a href="https://twitter.com/ManishTewari/status/1060358904071311361?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"We of course are not going to do that! For we are civilised. However @narendramodi 730 days later don`t you think you should stand up at 8 PM today evening and just apologise to the nation. After all, it is but human to err- It is another matter that over 100 people died due to it," read another tweet.

The Congress party is expected to observe a `black day` to mark the second anniversary of demonetisation.&nbsp;

Last year, too, the Congress and other opposition parties protested at various places across India against the central government`s drive.

"Two years ago, a disaster struck India`s economy. So much so that the PM has now stopped speaking about demonetisation after ruining lives of ordinary citizens. History will remember this day as a black day. When you cast your vote for Lok Sabha-never forget notebandi," tweeted Congress leader Ahmed Patel.

On November 8, 2016, the Centre had declared Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes as non-legal and introduced new Rs 500 and Rs 2,000 notes. Since then, various opposition leaders have highly criticised the Centre`s move, while the members of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its allies have backed the decision.

On the second anniversary of demonetisation on Thursday, the Congress party poured scorn on Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Centre`s move, calling it a `black day` for Indian democracy and economy.

On the second anniversary of demonetisation on Thursday, the Congress party poured scorn on Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Centre`s move, calling it a `black day` for Indian democracy and economy." The cost and destruction of demonetisation was endured by every citizen of this country other than few crony capitalist friends of Prime Minister Modi. Demonetisation was a black day for our democracy and our economy," read a post on the official Twitter handle of the Congress party. The cost & #DestructionByDemonetisation was endured by every citizen of this country other than few crony capitalist friends of PM Modi. Demonetisation was a black day for our democracy & our economy. #NotebandiKiDoosriBarsi pic.twitter.com/hpKDlSAEFt — Congress (@INCIndia) November 8, 2018 × Resonating similar sentiments, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also took to the micro-blogging site and wrote, "#DarkDay Today is the second anniversary of #DeMonetisation disaster. From the moment it was announced I said so. Renowned economists, common people and all experts now all agree." #DarkDay Today is the second anniversary of #DeMonetisation disaster. From the moment it was announced I said so. Renowned economists, common people and all experts now all agree. — Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) November 8, 2018 × "On November 8, 2016, @narendramodi announced demonetisation alias Notebandi. It was an epic failure. Over 100 people died standing in bank queues. On second Barsi of This TUGLAKI FIRMAN, please observe 2 minutes silence for martyrs of this folly," Congress leader Manish Tewari tweeted. On 8 Nov2016 @narendramodi announced Demonetisation alias Notebandi. It was an epic failure.Over 100 people died standing in bank queues. On second Barsi of This TUGLAKI FIRMAN please observe 2 minutes silence for martyrs of this folly. https://t.co/7a9rqsbYNc #2ndbarsinotebandi pic.twitter.com/LSREZJdH5O — Manish Tewari (@ManishTewari) November 8, 2018 × "We of course are not going to do that! For we are civilised. However @narendramodi 730 days later don`t you think you should stand up at 8 PM today evening and just apologise to the nation. After all, it is but human to err- It is another matter that over 100 people died due to it," read another tweet. The Congress party is expected to observe a `black day` to mark the second anniversary of demonetisation. Last year, too, the Congress and other opposition parties protested at various places across India against the central government`s drive. "Two years ago, a disaster struck India`s economy. So much so that the PM has now stopped speaking about demonetisation after ruining lives of ordinary citizens. History will remember this day as a black day. When you cast your vote for Lok Sabha-never forget notebandi," tweeted Congress leader Ahmed Patel. On November 8, 2016, the Centre had declared Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes as non-legal and introduced new Rs 500 and Rs 2,000 notes. Since then, various opposition leaders have highly criticised the Centre`s move, while the members of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its allies have backed the decision.

On its second anniversary, Congress calls demonetisation a 'black day'

A criminal defamation complaint has been filed in Delhi's Patiala House Court against Congress leader Shashi Tharoor for his alleged remark 'Modi is like a scorpion on Shivling'.

The court has adjourned the hearing in the matter for November 16, reported ANI.

Tharoor, who made the remark during an event in Bengaluru, attributed it to an unnamed Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) source.&nbsp;

"There's an extraordinarily striking metaphor expressed by an unnamed RSS source to a journalist, that, "Modi is like a scorpion sitting on a Shivling, you can't remove him with your hand &amp; you cannot hit it with a chappal either," Tharoor reportedly said at the event.&nbsp;

Tharoor reportedly made the controversial comment while addressing the audience at the Bangalore Literature Festival (BLF). He also read a few pages from his new book, The Paradoxical Prime Minister, on the occasion.&nbsp;

The book is highly critical of Modi calling him a ''paradoxical man who says one thing and does another''. &nbsp;

A criminal defamation complaint has been filed in Delhi's Patiala House Court against Congress leader Shashi Tharoor for his alleged remark 'Modi is like a scorpion on Shivling'.

A criminal defamation complaint has been filed in Delhi's Patiala House Court against Congress leader Shashi Tharoor for his alleged remark 'Modi is like a scorpion on Shivling'. The court has adjourned the hearing in the matter for November 16, reported ANI. Tharoor, who made the remark during an event in Bengaluru, attributed it to an unnamed Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) source. "There's an extraordinarily striking metaphor expressed by an unnamed RSS source to a journalist, that, "Modi is like a scorpion sitting on a Shivling, you can't remove him with your hand & you cannot hit it with a chappal either," Tharoor reportedly said at the event. Tharoor reportedly made the controversial comment while addressing the audience at the Bangalore Literature Festival (BLF). He also read a few pages from his new book, The Paradoxical Prime Minister, on the occasion. The book is highly critical of Modi calling him a ''paradoxical man who says one thing and does another''.

Criminal defamation complaint filed against Tharoor for 'Modi is like a scorpion' taunt

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been invited to the swearing-in ceremony of the Maldives' President-elect Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in November, according to a Maldives media report Thursday.

Solih, 56, the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party's candidate, emerged victorious over incumbent President Abdulla Yameen in the election held on September 23. The formal results will be announced by the election commission on Sunday.

He will be sworn in on November 17.&nbsp;

The President-elect had extended the invitation during a phone call by Modi, after Solih's victory in the September 23 presidential elections, spokesperson for Solih, Mariya Ahmed Didi was quoted as saying in 'The Edition'.

Modi had also invited Solih to visit India, Mariya said, adding that the president-elect had accepted the invitation.

The two leaders agreed to work closely together to further strengthen the close, friendly and good neighbourly relations between the two countries.

Maldives is the only SAARC country that Modi has not visited. His visit to the archipelago was cancelled in March 2015 due to the volatile political situation.

India's ties with the Maldives came under strain after President Yameen declared Emergency in the country on February 5, following an order by the country's Supreme Court to release a group of Opposition leaders, including his estranged half-brother and former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, who had been convicted in widely criticised trials.&nbsp;

India had criticised the Yameen government for the imposition of the Emergency and urged it to restore the credibility of the electoral and political process by releasing political prisoners.&nbsp;

The Emergency was lifted 45 days later.

In July, India expressed concern over an announcement of the presidential election without allowing democratic institutions, including Parliament and the judiciary, to work in a free and transparent manner.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been invited to the swearing-in ceremony of the Maldives' President-elect Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in November, according to a Maldives media report Thursday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been invited to the swearing-in ceremony of the Maldives' President-elect Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in November, according to a Maldives media report Thursday. Solih, 56, the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party's candidate, emerged victorious over incumbent President Abdulla Yameen in the election held on September 23. The formal results will be announced by the election commission on Sunday. He will be sworn in on November 17. The President-elect had extended the invitation during a phone call by Modi, after Solih's victory in the September 23 presidential elections, spokesperson for Solih, Mariya Ahmed Didi was quoted as saying in 'The Edition'. Modi had also invited Solih to visit India, Mariya said, adding that the president-elect had accepted the invitation. The two leaders agreed to work closely together to further strengthen the close, friendly and good neighbourly relations between the two countries. Maldives is the only SAARC country that Modi has not visited. His visit to the archipelago was cancelled in March 2015 due to the volatile political situation. India's ties with the Maldives came under strain after President Yameen declared Emergency in the country on February 5, following an order by the country's Supreme Court to release a group of Opposition leaders, including his estranged half-brother and former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, who had been convicted in widely criticised trials. India had criticised the Yameen government for the imposition of the Emergency and urged it to restore the credibility of the electoral and political process by releasing political prisoners. The Emergency was lifted 45 days later. In July, India expressed concern over an announcement of the presidential election without allowing democratic institutions, including Parliament and the judiciary, to work in a free and transparent manner.

Maldives' president-elect Solih invites PM Modi in swearing-in ceremony

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been nominated for Noble Peace Prize 2019 by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Tamil Nadu president Dr&nbsp;Tamilisai Soundarajan.

Soundarajan has nominated Prime Minister Modi for launching the world's largest healthcare scheme Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana - ''Ayushman Bharat''&nbsp;and also appealed to people to join her in nominating the Prime Minister.

The BJP Tamil Nadu president's husband, Professor Dr&nbsp;P Soundarajan, Head of Department and Senior Consultant in Nephrology at a private university in the state, has also nominated the Prime Minister for the honour.

Soundarajan said in a release, "This path-breaking initiative of visionary Prime Minister Modi will transform the lives of millions of people especially the underprivileged and vulnerable."

She added that the leading cause of poverty in India is healthcare expenditure for tertiary and secondary care.

Soundarajan further urged the healthcare institutions and medical practitioners to fully utilize the scheme, which will eventually revolutionize the health care delivery system in India.

Soundarajan also appealed to all healthcare providers in India and abroad to join her in nominating Prime Minister Modi for Nobel Peace Prize 2019.

"The last date for nomination for Noble Peace Prize 2019 is January 31, 2019. The nomination processes start in September each year. University Professors and Members of Parliament among others can also nominate our Prime Minister Modi," release from the state BJP chief's office said.

On September 23, Prime Minister Modi launched the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) -Ayushman Bharat, and had termed it a "game-changer initiative to serve the poor".

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been nominated for Noble Peace Prize 2019 by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Tamil Nadu president Dr Tamilisai Soundarajan. Soundarajan has nominated Prime Minister Modi for launching the world's largest healthcare scheme Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana - ''Ayushman Bharat'' and also appealed to people to join her in nominating the Prime Minister.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been nominated for Noble Peace Prize 2019 by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Tamil Nadu president Dr Tamilisai Soundarajan. Soundarajan has nominated Prime Minister Modi for launching the world's largest healthcare scheme Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana - ''Ayushman Bharat'' and also appealed to people to join her in nominating the Prime Minister. The BJP Tamil Nadu president's husband, Professor Dr P Soundarajan, Head of Department and Senior Consultant in Nephrology at a private university in the state, has also nominated the Prime Minister for the honour. Soundarajan said in a release, "This path-breaking initiative of visionary Prime Minister Modi will transform the lives of millions of people especially the underprivileged and vulnerable." She added that the leading cause of poverty in India is healthcare expenditure for tertiary and secondary care. Soundarajan further urged the healthcare institutions and medical practitioners to fully utilize the scheme, which will eventually revolutionize the health care delivery system in India. Soundarajan also appealed to all healthcare providers in India and abroad to join her in nominating Prime Minister Modi for Nobel Peace Prize 2019. "The last date for nomination for Noble Peace Prize 2019 is January 31, 2019. The nomination processes start in September each year. University Professors and Members of Parliament among others can also nominate our Prime Minister Modi," release from the state BJP chief's office said. On September 23, Prime Minister Modi launched the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) -Ayushman Bharat, and had termed it a "game-changer initiative to serve the poor".

Tamil Nadu BJP chief nominates PM Modi for Noble Peace Prize

Prime Minister Narendra Modi rolled out the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana-Ayushman Bharat from here on Sunday, and termed it a "game-changer initiative to serve the poor".

He said the scheme would come into effect from Sunday.

"PMJAY-Ayushman Bharat is the biggest government-sponsored healthcare scheme in the world. The number of beneficiaries is almost equal to the population of Canada, Mexico and the US taken together," Modi said.

In an apparent reference to the Congress, he said without empowering the poor, previous governments had indulged in "vote bank politics".

"It is the BJP government that is focused on empowering them (poor people)," he said.

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Even if one person in a poor household falls ill, their entire budget is shaken. I believe that "Ayushman Bharat" Yojana will help ailing people get rid of their diseases &amp; will also develop a sense of confidence in them: Home Minister Rajnath Singh at launch of PMJAY in Lucknow <a href="https://t.co/wD65jeOxmW">pic.twitter.com/wD65jeOxmW</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1043791458401054726?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The magnitude of the scheme could be gauged from the fact that more than 1,300 ailments are covered under it, including heart diseases, kidney and liver disorders and diabetes, the PM said.

"People are calling the scheme Modicare and by other names, but for me it is an opportunity to serve the poor. Even the ones living in the lowest strata of the society will benefit from the scheme," he said.

Congratulating the team that was instrumental in the programme's implementation, he said the officials would receive the blessings of 50 crore beneficiaries.

"I hope and pray that the poor don't have to visit hospitals, but, if they do, the Ayushman cover will be at their service. The poor of my country must get all facilities that the rich enjoy," he said.

Reiterating the slogan "Sabka saath, sabka vikas" (together for all, development for all), Modi said the Ayushman scheme is not based on any communal or caste lines.

"The programme will not differentiate between people, based on religion, caste, location. Every eligible person will be able to avail of the benefits," he asserted.&nbsp;

The health scheme will set an example for countries across the world, Modi said.

"No one needs to register for the initiative. A health card would be provided to the beneficiaries for availing of the benefits. A toll-free number will be made available to the people for finding out more about the scheme," he said.

Modi also said that 2,500 modern hospitals would come up in tier-II and tier-III cities and would generate employment opportunities.

"A total of 13,000 hospitals have become a part of the Ayushman Bharat scheme. Our government has taken a holistic approach to lay stress on affordable and preventive healthcare," he added.

Earlier in the day, the PM doled out token health cards to some of the beneficiaries after his arrival at Prabhat Tara Maidan here.

He also laid foundations stones of two medical colleges at Chaibasa and Koderma in the state.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi rolled out the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana-Ayushman Bharat from here on Sunday, and termed it a "game-changer initiative to serve the poor".

Prime Minister Narendra Modi rolled out the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana-Ayushman Bharat from here on Sunday, and termed it a "game-changer initiative to serve the poor". He said the scheme would come into effect from Sunday. "PMJAY-Ayushman Bharat is the biggest government-sponsored healthcare scheme in the world. The number of beneficiaries is almost equal to the population of Canada, Mexico and the US taken together," Modi said. In an apparent reference to the Congress, he said without empowering the poor, previous governments had indulged in "vote bank politics". "It is the BJP government that is focused on empowering them (poor people)," he said. Even if one person in a poor household falls ill, their entire budget is shaken. I believe that "Ayushman Bharat" Yojana will help ailing people get rid of their diseases & will also develop a sense of confidence in them: Home Minister Rajnath Singh at launch of PMJAY in Lucknow pic.twitter.com/wD65jeOxmW — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) September 23, 2018 × The magnitude of the scheme could be gauged from the fact that more than 1,300 ailments are covered under it, including heart diseases, kidney and liver disorders and diabetes, the PM said. "People are calling the scheme Modicare and by other names, but for me it is an opportunity to serve the poor. Even the ones living in the lowest strata of the society will benefit from the scheme," he said. Congratulating the team that was instrumental in the programme's implementation, he said the officials would receive the blessings of 50 crore beneficiaries. "I hope and pray that the poor don't have to visit hospitals, but, if they do, the Ayushman cover will be at their service. The poor of my country must get all facilities that the rich enjoy," he said. Reiterating the slogan "Sabka saath, sabka vikas" (together for all, development for all), Modi said the Ayushman scheme is not based on any communal or caste lines. "The programme will not differentiate between people, based on religion, caste, location. Every eligible person will be able to avail of the benefits," he asserted. The health scheme will set an example for countries across the world, Modi said. "No one needs to register for the initiative. A health card would be provided to the beneficiaries for availing of the benefits. A toll-free number will be made available to the people for finding out more about the scheme," he said. Modi also said that 2,500 modern hospitals would come up in tier-II and tier-III cities and would generate employment opportunities. "A total of 13,000 hospitals have become a part of the Ayushman Bharat scheme. Our government has taken a holistic approach to lay stress on affordable and preventive healthcare," he added. Earlier in the day, the PM doled out token health cards to some of the beneficiaries after his arrival at Prabhat Tara Maidan here. He also laid foundations stones of two medical colleges at Chaibasa and Koderma in the state.

Jharkhand: Modi launches world's largest health insurance scheme

As part of the annual prime ministerial meeting, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe visited India to participate in the 12th Indo-Japan Annual Summit. This year the bilateral talk began with an inauguration of the much anticipated Mumbai-Ahmadabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR). The project cost of 1.1 Lakh crore is partially funded by the Japanese as part of its infrastructure assistance to India. Moreover, the project presents a huge opportunity for both India and Japan to expand the cooperation in other areas.

Prime Minister Abe visit came at the backdrop of two major regional events – the stand-off between India and the Chinese army over Dokhlam as well as continuing North Korea nuclear and missile threat. Both the events have drawn much attention in this year’s annual summit. The Joint Statement captured recent development in the bilateral cooperation.&nbsp;

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<h5>Though both the prime ministers declared their commitment to cooperate on defence equipment and technology, one is still in the dark on the level of commitment from both the sides.</h5>
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Importantly, the joint statement made a concrete effort to reassure each other by affirming their support to “value-based partnership in achieving a free, open and prosperous Indo-pacific region.” The joint statement also took a dig at Chinese (One Belt, One Road) initiative by underlining the importance of “ensuring the development and use of connectivity infrastructure in an open, transparent and fair process.” Both the sides also condemned strongly North Korea and Pakistan for disturbing regional peace and global order.

The defence cooperation is a cornerstone of the bilateral relationship. The MALABAR trilateral naval exercise provides great impetus to the Indian navy. India will be in strong cooperation with the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF) and the US Navy. The two sides agreed to continue the military-to-military engagement and discuss issues of common interest.

Though both the prime ministers declared their commitment to cooperate on defence equipment and technology, one is still in the dark on the level of commitment from both the sides. The US-2i amphibious aircraft is a classic example of failure in which both sides have not been able to finalise a deal despite several rounds of consultation. This clearly shows the problem in Indian defence acquisition policy and why many foreign countries are reluctant to invest in “Make in India” defence programme.

India believes Japanese defence industry can play an important role in “Make in India” programme. Though the US-2i procurement is getting delayed, in 2015, Indian Navy has issued Request for Information (RFI) to Japanese manufacturers. India wants Japan to participate in the project 75 (I), helping the country to build six advanced submarines with air-independent propulsion (AIP) system. Japanese Soryu-class submarine is one of its kind which can offer Indian navy great advantage in the submarine warfare. After losing Australian submarine bid to French shipbuilder Direction des Constructions Navales Services (DCNS), Japan sees an opportunity in India’s project 75 (I) programme.&nbsp;

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<h5>Japanese Soryu-class submarine is one of its kind which can offer Indian navy great advantage in the submarine warfare.</h5>
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This year, Indian Defence Minister Arun Jaitley paid two consequent visits to Japan. His primary goal was to focus on strengthening cooperation over defence equipment. During his visit to Japan in the month of May 2017, the Defence Minister made some interesting observation about challenges India is facing in acquiring defence equipment from Japan. He spoke about various reforms the present government has undertaken to attract foreign investment in the country. He has also laid out his plan of giving incentives to foreign companies that are interested in setting up defence manufacturing bases in India.&nbsp;

This is a significant statement as he himself is under huge pressure to decide on the strategic partnership with the private sector for defence equipment. Defence Minister Jaitely also indicated that India is looking at Japanese technology for local manufacturing of defence equipment. The cooperation would be “both for the purpose of buying (from Japan) and any possibility of India domestically manufacturing with their technologies.”&nbsp;

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<h5>Japan fear the transfer of technology to India will expose its technological capability to Russia.&nbsp;</h5>
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Before handing over the defence portfolio to his successor Mrs Nirmala Sitaraman, Mr Arun Jaitely revisited Japan this September to take part in the annual India-Japan defence ministerial dialogue. He intending to discuss bilateral cooperation in defence production, including dual-use technologies etc. But the cooperation in defence equipment and technology has not gained much prominence in the Joint Statement issued by two prime ministers. This clearly signifies that Japan is still reluctant on agreeing to some of the demands, such as transfer of technology (ToT) to India and co-production of equipment in India.

It also raises two major issues concerning the Japanese interest in pursuing its defence cooperation with India. Firstly, though India and Japan are steadfastly cooperating over several matters, the latter sees India’s close military ties with Russia as a major impediment in co-development of defence equipment. Japan fear the transfer of technology to India will expose its technological capability to Russia.&nbsp;

Secondly, given India’s complex defence acquisition policy, Tokyo feel that it will be difficult for it to compete with other Foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) who have already found a place in the Indian defence sector. Japan's failed bid to secure the Australian submarine programme is a classic example of how Japanese industry lack international experience when it comes to selling defence equipment. India, thus, needs to allay the fear of Japan while working hand-in-hand towards addressing the crucial gaps in the bilateral defence cooperation.

Japan sees India?s close military ties with Russia as a major impediment in co-development of defence equipment.

As part of the annual prime ministerial meeting, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe visited India to participate in the 12th Indo-Japan Annual Summit. This year the bilateral talk began with an inauguration of the much anticipated Mumbai-Ahmadabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR). The project cost of 1.1 Lakh crore is partially funded by the Japanese as part of its infrastructure assistance to India. Moreover, the project presents a huge opportunity for both India and Japan to expand the cooperation in other areas. Prime Minister Abe visit came at the backdrop of two major regional events – the stand-off between India and the Chinese army over Dokhlam as well as continuing North Korea nuclear and missile threat. Both the events have drawn much attention in this year’s annual summit. The Joint Statement captured recent development in the bilateral cooperation. Though both the prime ministers declared their commitment to cooperate on defence equipment and technology, one is still in the dark on the level of commitment from both the sides. × Importantly, the joint statement made a concrete effort to reassure each other by affirming their support to “value-based partnership in achieving a free, open and prosperous Indo-pacific region.” The joint statement also took a dig at Chinese (One Belt, One Road) initiative by underlining the importance of “ensuring the development and use of connectivity infrastructure in an open, transparent and fair process.” Both the sides also condemned strongly North Korea and Pakistan for disturbing regional peace and global order. The defence cooperation is a cornerstone of the bilateral relationship. The MALABAR trilateral naval exercise provides great impetus to the Indian navy. India will be in strong cooperation with the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF) and the US Navy. The two sides agreed to continue the military-to-military engagement and discuss issues of common interest. Though both the prime ministers declared their commitment to cooperate on defence equipment and technology, one is still in the dark on the level of commitment from both the sides. The US-2i amphibious aircraft is a classic example of failure in which both sides have not been able to finalise a deal despite several rounds of consultation. This clearly shows the problem in Indian defence acquisition policy and why many foreign countries are reluctant to invest in “Make in India” defence programme. India believes Japanese defence industry can play an important role in “Make in India” programme. Though the US-2i procurement is getting delayed, in 2015, Indian Navy has issued Request for Information (RFI) to Japanese manufacturers. India wants Japan to participate in the project 75 (I), helping the country to build six advanced submarines with air-independent propulsion (AIP) system. Japanese Soryu-class submarine is one of its kind which can offer Indian navy great advantage in the submarine warfare. After losing Australian submarine bid to French shipbuilder Direction des Constructions Navales Services (DCNS), Japan sees an opportunity in India’s project 75 (I) programme. Japanese Soryu-class submarine is one of its kind which can offer Indian navy great advantage in the submarine warfare. × This year, Indian Defence Minister Arun Jaitley paid two consequent visits to Japan. His primary goal was to focus on strengthening cooperation over defence equipment. During his visit to Japan in the month of May 2017, the Defence Minister made some interesting observation about challenges India is facing in acquiring defence equipment from Japan. He spoke about various reforms the present government has undertaken to attract foreign investment in the country. He has also laid out his plan of giving incentives to foreign companies that are interested in setting up defence manufacturing bases in India. This is a significant statement as he himself is under huge pressure to decide on the strategic partnership with the private sector for defence equipment. Defence Minister Jaitely also indicated that India is looking at Japanese technology for local manufacturing of defence equipment. The cooperation would be “both for the purpose of buying (from Japan) and any possibility of India domestically manufacturing with their technologies.” Japan fear the transfer of technology to India will expose its technological capability to Russia. × Before handing over the defence portfolio to his successor Mrs Nirmala Sitaraman, Mr Arun Jaitely revisited Japan this September to take part in the annual India-Japan defence ministerial dialogue. He intending to discuss bilateral cooperation in defence production, including dual-use technologies etc. But the cooperation in defence equipment and technology has not gained much prominence in the Joint Statement issued by two prime ministers. This clearly signifies that Japan is still reluctant on agreeing to some of the demands, such as transfer of technology (ToT) to India and co-production of equipment in India. It also raises two major issues concerning the Japanese interest in pursuing its defence cooperation with India. Firstly, though India and Japan are steadfastly cooperating over several matters, the latter sees India’s close military ties with Russia as a major impediment in co-development of defence equipment. Japan fear the transfer of technology to India will expose its technological capability to Russia. Secondly, given India’s complex defence acquisition policy, Tokyo feel that it will be difficult for it to compete with other Foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) who have already found a place in the Indian defence sector. Japan's failed bid to secure the Australian submarine programme is a classic example of how Japanese industry lack international experience when it comes to selling defence equipment. India, thus, needs to allay the fear of Japan while working hand-in-hand towards addressing the crucial gaps in the bilateral defence cooperation.

Opinion: Will Modi's 'Make in India' programme benefit from Japanese defence industry?

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi Thursday morning.&nbsp;

Kejriwal said in his letter that he was requesting the prime minister with "folded hands" to end the "strike" by Delhi's IAS officers.&nbsp;

Listing out the development projects stuck because of the strike, Kejriwal said "only you or the LG can end the strike". He added that "this is why people are saying the Centre and the LG are behind the strike".&nbsp;

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"Delhi facing unprecedented situation, Request you to get IAS officers to end strike"- CM <a href="https://twitter.com/ArvindKejriwal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ArvindKejriwal</a> to PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DelhiWithKejriwal?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DelhiWithKejriwal</a> <a href="https://t.co/RMzw9Cjmgt">pic.twitter.com/RMzw9Cjmgt</a>
— AAP (@AamAadmiParty) <a href="https://twitter.com/AamAadmiParty/status/1007140402359463936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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मेरा भाई पुणे से मुझसे मिलने आया। उसको मुझसे मिलने नहीं दिया गया। ये तो ग़लत है।
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArvindKejriwal/status/1007119053909946370?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Kejriwal and three of his cabinet colleagues have been sitting in protest outside Delhi LG Anil Baijal's office for four days now.&nbsp;

Two of them — Deputy CM Manish Sisodia and Delhi Health Minister Satyendra Jain — are on an indefinite <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/aap-sit-in-at-lgs-waiting-room-enters-day-3-delhi-deputy-cm-begins-hunger-strike-144018?first_load=no">hunger strike</a>.&nbsp;

Delhi AAP government contends that the city-state's bureaucrats have been on "strike" — they have not been attending meetings with minister or taking phone calls — ever since the alleged attack on Delhi Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash by AAP MLAs in February.&nbsp;

The attack allegedly took place in Kejriwal's home and in his presence.&nbsp;

Kejriwal and his colleagues had on Monday gone to meet the LG to ask him to help put an end the strike. They began their protest — in the LG's waiting room — when he refused to meet them.&nbsp;

The Aam Aadmi Party had on Wednesday marched on the LG's home.&nbsp;

They said today that they would march to Rajpath in protest and if need be, on the PM's home.&nbsp;

Kejriwal said in his letter that he was requesting the prime minister with 'folded hands' to end the 'strike' by Delhi's IAS officers

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi Thursday morning. Kejriwal said in his letter that he was requesting the prime minister with "folded hands" to end the "strike" by Delhi's IAS officers. Listing out the development projects stuck because of the strike, Kejriwal said "only you or the LG can end the strike". He added that "this is why people are saying the Centre and the LG are behind the strike". "Delhi facing unprecedented situation, Request you to get IAS officers to end strike"- CM @ArvindKejriwal to PM @narendramodi#DelhiWithKejriwal pic.twitter.com/RMzw9Cjmgt — AAP (@AamAadmiParty) June 14, 2018 × मेरा भाई पुणे से मुझसे मिलने आया। उसको मुझसे मिलने नहीं दिया गया। ये तो ग़लत है। — Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) June 14, 2018 × Kejriwal and three of his cabinet colleagues have been sitting in protest outside Delhi LG Anil Baijal's office for four days now. Two of them — Deputy CM Manish Sisodia and Delhi Health Minister Satyendra Jain — are on an indefinite hunger strike. Delhi AAP government contends that the city-state's bureaucrats have been on "strike" — they have not been attending meetings with minister or taking phone calls — ever since the alleged attack on Delhi Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash by AAP MLAs in February. The attack allegedly took place in Kejriwal's home and in his presence. Kejriwal and his colleagues had on Monday gone to meet the LG to ask him to help put an end the strike. They began their protest — in the LG's waiting room — when he refused to meet them. The Aam Aadmi Party had on Wednesday marched on the LG's home. They said today that they would march to Rajpath in protest and if need be, on the PM's home.

AAP-IAS officers' standoff: Delhi CM Kejriwal writes to PM Modi, asks for help

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